Binder1

PenCom issues pension assets investment guidelines TOLA AKINMUTIMI

Okonjo-Iweala

Vol. 5 N0. 1096

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ational Pension Commission (PenCom), yesterday,

issued Draft Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets to guide Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and other investors on how to access pension

Gunmen kill el-Rufai’s campaign coordinator

savings for infrastructure projects financing.

A statement signed by the commission’s Head of Communication, Emeka

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Jonathan sacks IGP P Suleiman Abba

N150

ABIODUN NEJO AND ROTIMI FADEYI

...for alleged breach of protocol, Ekiti impeachment plot Appoints Solomon Arase with immediate effect

resident Goodluck Jonathan has relieved the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.

A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan has also appointed Deputy InCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

INEC begins prosecution of electoral offenders, says Jega P.4

Chukwumerije:

LEFT: Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights, Mr. Frank Tietie and his group during a protest at the South African High Commission in Abuja over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, yesterday. TOP RIGHT: South African Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Kenneth Pedro (3rd PHOTOS: NAN left), with other officials during the protest. BELOW RIGHT: National Association of Nigerian Students at the MTN office in Abuja, yesterday.

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Xenophobia: Nigerians seek recall of Envoy OPC gives South Africa 48 hours ultimatum

Egypt’s ex-president Morsi jailed 20 years

P.2 P.49

Senate adjourns sitting in his honour

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News

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan sacks IGP Suleiman Abba CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

spector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, as Acting Inspector-General of Police, also with immediate effect.

Until his appointment, Arase was Head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.

Arase holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Law, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees in Political Science and Strategic Studies.

He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College.

Although, the statement did not give reasons for the sack of Abba, there was an

allegation that the former IGP acted against security procedure, which is not expected of an officer of his standing.

It was also learnt that Abba took certain actions during and after the March 28 presidential election, which did not go down well with the Presidency and top

hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abba was also alleged to have attended the presentation of certificate of return to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), which some Presidency personnel considered wrong for one still holding office as IGP under

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) introducing ministers to the visiting President John Mahama of Ghana (2nd right) in Abuja, yesterday.

the present government.

The former police helmsman was also alleged not to have given the needed support to the present government during the elections.

National Mirror also learnt that the festering crisis between the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo-

PHOTO: NAN

Xenophobia: Nigerians seek recall of Envoy OBIORA IFOH, AYO ESAN, WALE IGBINTADE AND KEMI OLAITAN

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utrage has continued to trail the ongoing xenophobic attack against migrants in South Africa with Nigerians calling on the Federal Government to recall the country’s High Commissioner to the former Apartheid enclave.

This is even as Senators also yesterday expressed concern over the attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in spite of the collective fight against Apartheid.

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba in his reaction to the attack urged the Federal Government to take decisive action by recalling the Nigerian High Commissioner.

Agbakoba in a statement stated that the minister for foreign affairs should as a matter of urgency summon the South African Commis-

sioner in Nigeria to convey the nation’s disappointment at the behaviour of some South Africans.

The former NBA President also described the response of the Federal Government on the issue as being very weak.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa should be recalled. Our Foreign Minister should summon the South African Commissioner in Nigeria to convey our disappointment at the behaviour of some South Africans.

“The South African Government must know that xenophobic behaviour of its people is not acceptable to Nigerians and it will have the gravest consequences for Nigerian- South African relations, unless they stop their inexcusable behaviour.

“All Nigerians condemn in the strongest possible terms the completely unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Nigerians in South Africa.”

He stated that there can be no excuse for the outra-

geous behaviour especially in the context of good neighbourly relations between South Africa and Nigeria.

“Nigeria stood by their South African brothers and sisters at their greatest hour of need during the apartheid years. This is no way to repay us. It is shocking that President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has not made a clear statement. I feel the response of the Nigerian Government has been very weak,” he added.

Senators, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, recalled how Nigerians were made to contribute to a relief fund to assist South Africa in tackling Apartheid.

Sen. Olusola Adeyeye said Nigeria had contributed immensely to the liberation of South Africans from oppression and discrimination, and therefore, deserved a pat on the back, not attacks.

He also recalled that beside monetary contributions, some admission slots in Nigerian universities and polytechnics were reserved for South African stu-

dents during their struggle against apartheid regime.

Adeyeye said that Nigerians gave voice to the aspiration for freedom in South Africa and ought to be welcomed and not attacked.

Sen. Robert Boroffice said the xenophobic attack was a social problem in South Africa that needed to be brought under check to prevent any negative effect on South African economy.

Boroffice also called for creation of more jobs in Nigeria to reduce migration of Nigerians to other countries, including South Africa.

He, however, discouraged attacks on South African business in Nigeria, saying that the effect would not be felt as there were few South African businesses and South Africans in Nigeria.

He said that in view of the role Nigeria played in Africa, it would only be proper for it to channel its grievances to the appropriate authorities like the African Union.

On his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Sen. Andy Uba said it was unfortunate that foreigners had to be molested in South Africa.

Uba urged the South African government not to renege on its promise to bring the situation under control.

With the fear of reprisal in the country over the xenophobic attacks, it was all calm at the MTN Ibadan Office yesterday.

Fear was rife in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over the rumoured plan by some youths to attack the MTN office following the growing protests in the country against attacks on African immigrants in South Africa.

While staff were seen doing their normal official duty and attending to customers at the Ring Road, Ibadan MTN office, fear of insecurity was heightened .

However the presence of policemen and other security agents drafted to prevent breach of the peace while customers entering into the gates leading into the MTN Ibadan office complex were CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

dele Fayose, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the state House of Assembly was another reason Abba was sacked.

Reliable sources said yesterday that the former IGP allegedly allowed some politicians to drag him into the Ekiti Assembly crisis to the extent of allegedly being used to fester it.

According to the sources, “the former IGP had been working in tandem with some chieftains of the APC to fuel the crisis in Ekiti State against the wish of President Jonathan that peace must be maintained in all parts of the country after the elections.”

The crisis in the Ekiti State House of Assembly started afresh with sustained vigour after General Buhari had emerged winner of the March 28 presidential election.

The sources said that although President Jonathan insisted that the rule of law must prevail in the matter, the former police boss agreed with the politicians to provide cover for the APC lawmakers to return to Ekiti State to continue with their plot to impeach Governor Fayose.

They contended that since the President did not want crisis in the state, “he had to remove the former police boss to ensure law and order prevail and peace maintained in the state and indeed all parts of the country.”

According to the sources, “the removed Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, had gone to court to challenge his removal and the matter is still in court. When a matter is pending in court, the normal thing is for parties to get the matter sorted out there first before further actions are taken, but Omirin and his colleagues haven’t allowed that to happen in this case.”

The protracted Ekiti Assembly crisis is also believed to have caused the sudden transfer of a former Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, who was moved days to the gubernatorial election across the country.

Abba was appointed IGP on July 31 last year by the President following the retirement of Mohammed Abubakar after 35 years in service.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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Photo News

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Governor Babatunde Fashola; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello and Director of Research Department, International Politics, Aberystwyth University/author of Cosmopolitanism and International Relations Theory/Globalization expert, Prof. Richard Beardsworth, during the 7th Climate Change Summit in Lagos, yesterday.

Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza (left) and Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru, during the signing ceremony of Seplat’s $700m secured seven-year term loan and up to $700m accordion facility from UBA Plc and 4 other banks in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: CEO, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, during the unveiling of SON’s Internationally Accredited Food Technology Laboratory in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R: Commissioner for Civic Education, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dame Sylverline Nwachukwu; Chairman/Chief Electoral Officer, RSIEC, Prof. Augustine Ahiauzu and Commissioner for Media and Publicity, Ibiso Dakoru, at a news conference on the forthcoming Rivers State Local Governments Election in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.

National News

INEC begins prosecution of electoral offenders, says Jega

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ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday said it has commenced prosecution of electoral offenders, including electoral officers in the 2015 general elections.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, disclosed this during a dialogue with Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, a coalition of over 60 groups, in Abuja.

Jega said at the first meeting with the group after the elections that those being prosecuted included a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, as well as youth corps members.

He called on the public to furnish the commission with evidence of electoral breaches.

“Prior to conduct of the elections, the InspectorGeneral of Police was very proactive and established a committee.

“The committee is headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police to work with INEC for

so,” he said.

Jega admitted that door-die politics was evident in some states and report of under-aged voting, adding, however, that there was no substantial evidence to prove the allegations.

He said that the commission would correct the anomalies by stopping the production of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, of under-aged.

The INEC chairman also said that besides pros-

ecution, electoral officers who were not staff of the commission and ran away with result sheets would be reported to their parent institutions.

Jega cited an example of an individual in Adamawa who had bagged six months jail term for possessing multiple PVCs. He reaffirmed his decision not to seek second tenure as the INEC boss, in spite of calls by some Nigerians that he should stay on.

“Man proposes and God disposes, as I speak with you, I will rather do something else with my life,” he said.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, commended INEC for conducting free, fair and credible general elections.

Nwankwo called for improvement on some of the lapses recorded during the polls.

speedy prosecution of electoral offenders.

“We believe this will help us have more prosecution of electoral offenders than in previous elections.

“Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has requested INEC for a meeting to further explore the possibility of working together for them to provide some services to hasten the process of prosecuting electoral offenders.

“Altogether, we should

be able to prosecute as many electoral offenders as we have evidence to prosecute.

“There are already clear cut cases where the police apprehended people red-handed.

“This is one area we didn’t do much in 2011.

Not that we didn’t try, but we were overwhelmed by the number of offenders and we couldn’t handle it.

“Now, with partnership with other organisations, we should be able to do

Tola Akinmutimi

369,485 jobs created in Q4, 2014 –NBS

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ational Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has disclosed that 369,485 jobs were created between October and December last year.

The figure represented 20,142 jobs or 5.8 per cent higher than the 349,343 jobs created in the preceding quarter.

The Bureau in its Job Creation Report for the fourth quarter published yesterday stated that of

the 369,485 jobs, the informal sector, with a total of 227,072 jobs, accounted for 61.5 per cent.

The formal sector came second with 138,026 jobs, representing 37 per cent.

A further breakdown of the job creation structure showed that the private sector with a total 4,387 jobs, representing 1.2 per cent, created the lowest number of jobs during the period under review.

According to the report, operatives cadre recorded the highest number of jobs in the fourth quarter, rising from 49,246 in Q3 to 51,100 in Q4, indicating an increase by 1,854 new employees or 3.76 per cent.

The Managerial Professional and Technical Cadre followed with 32,974 or 23.89 per cent of the total jobs generated in the formal sector, showing decline of 5,707 or 14.75 per

cent from the preceding quarter.

The Clerical and Related Office Workers cadre, the report states, remained third, with 27,169 jobs or 19.68 per cent of the total.

The cadre that recorded the greatest increase in jobs created between Q3 and Q4 was the ‘other cadre’, which went from 3,041 in Q3 to 8,589 in Q4, increasing by 182.5 per cent

over both quarters.

On economic sector categorisation, the report showed that the Education sector generated the most number of new jobs in the fourth quarter of 2014, with 54,729 or 39,65 per cent of the total, compared to third quarter 2014, in which manufacturing sector had the greatest jobs created with 54,446 or 37.43 per cent of the total.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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PENCOM issues pension assets investment guidelines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Onuora, indicated that PenCom awaits inputs from stakeholders on how to ensure effective utilisation of the pension fund assets now in excess of N4.6 trillion. It had set the minimum value of individual projects that pension fund assets could be invested in at N5 billion.

Onuora stated that at least 15 per cent of the total value of pension fund assets under management could be invested in infrastructure through infrastructure bonds just as another five per cent could be invested on infrastructure through Infrastructure Funds, mak-

ing 20 per cent, the total value of accumulated pension assets.

The commission also clarified that though pension fund assets could be invested in infrastructure through either Infrastructure Bonds or Infrastructure Funds, both outlets must fulfill the conditions set for investment of pension fund in infrastructure before PFAs could channel pension funds into such investments.

Citing Section 5.2.3 of the draft ‘Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets’ to justify its position on investment options,

the commission stated that based on the provisions of the section, pension assets could be invested in infrastructure projects through eligible bonds, Sukuk, subject to two major conditions.

“The infrastructure project shall be not less than N5 billion in value and awarded to a concessionaire with good track record through an open and transparent bidding process in accordance with the due process requirements set out in the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission Act (ICRC Act) and any regulation made pursuant thereto and certified by

ICRC and approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” it stated.

Other conditions listed for fulfillment before PFAs could explore the window availed by pension savings for infrastructure financing, include: that such projects’ business plans and financial projections must be viable as well as economically and financially rewarding for investment by pension funds.

In addition, the regulatory commission stated that the bonds or Sukuks issued to finance the infrastructure project shall have robust credit enhancements, including guarantees by the

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (right) with senior Naval officers welcoming the Minister of State for Defence, retired Col. Augustine Akobundu (2nd right), during his visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Federal Government or eligible bank/development finance institution or MDFOs and a maturity date that precedes the expiration of the concession.

It must also have a feasible and enforceable redemption procedure in the event of project suspension, cancellation or, in the case of regulated sectors, when changes in regulatory or policy decisions make the project to differ significantly from its original financial projections.

According to PenCom, where infrastructure projects are financed through Infrastructure Funds, the value of the Infrastructure Fund shall not be less than N5 billion and the Infrastructure Fund must have a well-defined and publicised investment objectives and strategy as well as disclosures of pricing of underlying assets, including any other necessary information.

Expatiating on the requirements for accessing the pension assets by PFAs, it stated that all annual financial statements of the Fund shall be audited by reputable firms of chartered accountants and that the Infrastructure Fund shall have satisfactory predefined liquidity/exit routes such as IPO, sale to other PE

Funds, Trade sale, sale to a strategic investor etc. The funds shall be managed by experienced fund managers, versed in infrastructure financing and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as fund managers.

Other conditions for the investment of pension assets in infrastructure are that a minimum of 60 per cent of the Infrastructure Fund shall be invested in projects within Nigeria and where an Infrastructure Fund does not have development finance institutions or MDFOs as coinvestors, but the fund manager must have a minimum investment manager rating of BBB issued by a rating company registered or recognised by SEC and the fund manager shall retain a minimum investment of three per cent of the Infrastructure Fund.

Where the Infrastructure Fund has development finance institutions or multilateral development finance organisations as coinvestors, the fund manager shall retain a minimum of one per cent of the Infrastructure Fund and the fund shall have an advisory board with independent representatives of institutional investors being in the majority.

Xenophobia: Nigerians seek recall of Envoy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

subjected to security checks.

Former Minister of Petroleum, Prof. Tam DavidWest while speaking yesterday with journalists on the development in Ibadan, cautioned against reprisal attacks, stating that such action is unnecessary.

He blamed President Zuma for the crisis, maintaining that he lacked the political will to prevent the crisis.

Pan –Yoruba Socio-cultural Group, Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, gave South Africa 48 hours to stop the killing of non –indigenes in the country saying the ill advised attack is capable of bringing out the beast in the best of men.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the founder of the OPC, Dr Fredrick Fasehun said “while the Nigerian government and the rest of the world seek a diplomatic solution to this

season of madness, the OPC hereby warns that South Africa must end this rash of xenophobia within 48 hours.

“Enough is enough. Our South Africans must know that nobody has a monopoly of violence. They must halt the killings, the maiming and the looting of foreigners in their country.

“These incidents of xenophobia will provoke reprisal attacks against South Africans and their interests in other lands. Thus, beginning with the belligerent Zulu King, all South Africans involved in these attacks should be arrested immediately and prosecuted for crimes against humanity.”

“It is becoming a bad habit for South Africa to explode in an orgy of violence, with natives going on a killing spree of foreigners. Nigerians have been made victims in this unprovoked attack”.

National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has

also given the South African Government 72 hours to stop xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans.

NANS President Tijani Usman conveyed the ultimatum during a protest march by the association against such attacks in Abuja.

NANS had on April 18, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the South African Government to end the attacks.

The students who had placards with the inscriptions “Say no to Xenophobia”; “Xenophobia is Evil”; “South Africa, Enough is Enough”, marched to the MTN office and the South African High Commission both in Maitama.

“The purpose of this protest is to register our grievances and solidarise with our people in South Africa because of the xenophobic attacks; Africa is our own and we should not be racists in our own continent.

“We condemn such acts

and we call on President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to address this issue with immediate effect, otherwise South Africans in Nigeria will not find things easy here; we will make sure they are deported back and we will shut all their businesses.

“This is a signal; we are giving them 72 hours to stop all attacks; if they fail, they will face the wrath of Nigerian students,” Usman said.

He appealed to the United Nations to call the South African Government to order, adding that it seemed not to have taken any serious action to address the problem.

It took the timely intervention of a team of policemen led by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, to quell the brewing tension at the MTN office as some students were becoming unruly.

Inalegwu said the students had the right to protest but were expected to

conduct themselves properly.

He said he had to come down to the MTN office personally when we received a report that the students were trying to conduct themselves otherwise.

“I had to come here personally and I thank God that their president was able to lead the students out of the premises peacefully.

“We have deployments in other South African establishments and I have spoken with their president and I expect him to conduct himself properly,” the commissioner said.

The students also took their protest to the South African High Commission.

Ghana President and Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Mr. John Mahama said it was regrettable that present generation of South Africa people had forgotten the roles played by Nigeria

and the African country in general to liberate them from the clutches of apartheid regime.

Mahama who spoke in Abuja during his commendation visit to Nigeria on peaceful elections was reacting to the mayhem unleashed on foreign nationals by the youth of South African.

The ECOWAS leader recalled that Nigeria particularly provided for the economic well-being of the country despite not being an immediate neighbour to it during the dark ages.

He added that South Africa owed the continent a huge gratitude for liberating it.

According to him, the government must fish out and bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice even as he pledged ECOWAS cooperation to ensure that such ugly development does not occur again in the future.

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National News

Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, has alerted Nigerians to some ‘419’ text messages making the rounds and asking those seeking federal appointments under the incoming Buhari administration to contact certain consultants via telephone

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fake consultants screening candidates for federal appointments –APC and email, saying no consultants have been hired to screen anyone for federal posts.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its National Publicity

Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party urged Nigerians to ignore such text messages, as they were definitely originated and circulated by fraudulent persons.

‘’Even when it is obvious that those behind these messages are merely seeking to swindle innocent Nigerians, some desperate persons may still fall prey to the evil

machinations of the con artists. This is why we have decided to alert Nigerians to the fraudulent text messages,’’ it said.

APC reiterated its earlier statement that any

information concerning appointments into federal posts would be duly communicated to Nigerians at the appropriate time through the usual communication channels.

Jonathan has set example for African leaders –Mahama Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

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hanaian President, John Mahama, yesterday said the successful conduct of the 2015 elections in Nigeria has further enhanced the respect President Goodluck Jonathan has in the West African sub-region and international community.

Mahama spoke yesterday after meeting Jonathan at the Presidential Villa.

He said with the decision of Jonathan to accept defeat in the election, he had set example for other African leaders to follow.

According to him, issues affecting the ECOW-

AS sub-region came up for discussion at the meeting.

He said ECOWAS also commended Jonathan for his statesmanship and for conducting peaceful election.

Mahama said: “If you recall, before the elections, on behalf of ECOWAS, I gave a solidarity message to Nigerians to step up and consolidate your democracy by having a peaceful, free and transparent election.

“I have been conferring with President Jonathan on several issues in respect of ECOWAS. We are due to have a summit and we discussed issues about the summit and a few outstanding issues relating to ECOWAS.

Engage govt on industrial policy, Oshiomhole charges NLC

…urges showdown with govs owing workers

Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

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do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to encourage the incoming administration to revisit the nation’s industrial policy.

The former NLC president also urged the congress to engage governors owing workers to pay before their disengagement from office.

Oshiomhole spoke during a courtesy visit to the new NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, at the headquarters office, Abuja.

He said labour should not only be interested in the issue of wages, but also the policies of government, which have the potential to rob them of the salary gained.

In order to be able to confront some of the issues affecting the lives of Nige-

rian workers, the governor called on the union to remain united, adding that the best interest of workers could only be served in togetherness.

Referring to the election that brought Wabba to power, Oshiomhole urged those dissatisfied with the conduct of the election to sheathe their swords in the best interest of the people.

Responding, Comrade Ayuba Wabba admitted that the task before the new executive is daunting, stressing however, that he would do everything possible to bring everybody on board with a view to confronting them frontally.

He said a committee had been set up to come up with a blueprint which would help the union interrogate the policies of government with a view to encouraging government to evolve pro-worker agenda.

L-R: President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Aliyu Wabba; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and General Secretary, NLC, Comrade Peter Ozo-Esan, during the governor’s visit in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Senate adjourns in honour of Chukwumerije George Oji ABUJA

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enate yesterday adjourned plenary in honour of one of their colleagues, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who died of lung cancer in an Abuja hospital on Sunday.

The lawmakers also observed a one minute silence in honour of the late sena-

tor.

The adjournment was in line with the tradition of the Senate, Manichaeism was also observed when the red chamber of the parliament lost Senators Pius Ewerido (Delta State), Aweisu Kuta (Niger State) and Dantong Gyang (Plateau State).

Immediately the prayer was said and the approval of votes and proceedings

was taken, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, moved a motion for adjournment of proceedings till today, which was unanimously accepted.

Thereafter, senators filed out of the chambers and were led by Senate President, David Mark, to sign the condolence register.

After signing the register, leadership of the Senate im-

NIPC staff locks out executive secretary

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xecutive Secretary of Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, Mrs Saratu Umar, was on Tuesday denied entry into her office by staff of the organisation over alleged intimidation.

During the protest, the staff gathered outside the main entrance in groups, discussing while some carried placards with inscriptions like “Saratu must go”, “8 months no imprest for zonal offices”, “we need more action not queries”.

Police, however, arrived at the organisation

at 8:47am to maintain security, while the staff continued to chant solidarity songs.

The union also padlocked the gate, stopping people from gaining access into their offices.

Chairman of the staff union, Ahmad Isah Ghondi, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the workers were disappointed by her style of administration.

According to him, the NIPC boss, for a long period failed to attend to staff matters that needed her at-

tention.

“The CEO, since her assumption of duties in May 2014, has failed to treat files taken to her, until last week when she attended to more than 600 files because she heard of the planned protest.

“I am a zonal officer; when I came to the headquarters, the complaints were so many that I did not know where to start from,” he said, adding that Umar has not done well compared to previous managements of the organisation.

mediately proceeded to the residence of the late Chukwumerije to pay the family condolences.

While condoling with the family, Mark described the late Chukwumerije as a national hero who was a panNigerian in all ramifications, as well as a nationalist and an unrepentant crusader for the respect for human rights and rule of law.

He remarked that the late Chukwumerije was an astute, firm, fearless, and a voice for the voiceless, adding, “he was an advocate of the masses, who stood for justice, equity and fairness to all “.

Mark announced that the Senate has set up a burial committee to liaise with the family in order to give the erudite senator a befitting burial.

The Senate president stated that Senator Chukwumerije was an intellectual of very high standing and a parliamentarian per-excellence, who contributed immensely to the success of the 5th, 6th and 7th Senate.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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NCAA lifts suspension on Discovery Air Olusegun Koiki

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fter over three months of suspension of Discovery Airline’s Air Operator Certificate, AOC, by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the regulatory agency yesterday lifted suspension on the airline’s operation.

NCAA, however, said it would have to recertify the airline’s equipment before it can commence flight services.

Confirming the lift of suspension, Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, said all the materials that led to the suspension of

the airline had been met before its lifting.

Adurogboye explained that the recertification of the airline’s two aircraft was necessary because it had not operated for some time, adding that part of the regulations for recommencement of flight operations was for the regulatory agency to recertify their equipment.

The aviation authority had on January 8 announced the suspension of Discovery Air’s flight operations over its failure to comply with safety regulations.

The authority had stated that the suspension was in pursuit of its over-

sight responsibilities as stipulated by law.

It emphasised that before it took the decisive action against the airline, it carried out a review of the operations of some domestic airlines in the country after which letters of warning or suspension of AOC were served

on defaulters.

The regulatory agency stated that it advised the airline to carry out certain corrective actions within one week, January 1 – 8, 2015, but that Discovery failed to carry out the action plan as ordered by it despite an earlier letter to the management of the

airline.

The statement explained that the inability to address the issues raised by the regulatory body led to its suspension, adding that the suspension was in line with the Act that set it up.

Chairman, Discovery Air, Engr. Babatunde Babalola, could not be reached

for comment, but a fortnight ago he lamented that the airline had lost over N1 billion due to its closure by NCAA. He said the loss included charters, scheduled operations and other relationships that would have been on board if the airline’s AOC was still intact.

APC plots to rig re-run polls –PDP Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

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head of this weekend’s rescheduled governorship election in three states, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to use the election tribunals and other arrangements to truncate and subvert the freely given mandate of the people in Abia, Taraba and Imo states.

PDP National Working Committee, NWC, and Governors and Senators-elect on the party’s platform after its meeting yesterday in Abuja, also vehemently frowned at “the shameless undemocratic ways displayed by the outgoing APC lawmakers in Ekiti State towards effecting an unconstitutional change in government.”

The communiqué, which was read by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, also noted that the party frowned at the unprecedented level of intimidation, harassment and undue persecution of party members since INEC’s declaration of APC’s presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, as winner.

The communiqué reads, “The meeting calls on INEC to be forthright and impartial in handling of the various elections pending in Abia, Imo and Taraba

states.

“The meeting congratulates all winners on the platform of PDP in the elections and urges them to discharge their duties and form a formidable opposition that can redirect the fortunes of the country and sustain the gains of the present democratic era led by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The meeting stresses the importance of unity and harmony in the party for effectiveness in its new role and warns that it will not condone agents of APC working as fifth columnists to destabilise the leadership of the party.

“The meeting commends all members of the party for their unflinching support and belief in the party even in the face of intimidation, pernicious violence and untold harassment.

“The meeting assures all members of the party across the country of adequate protection in the exercise of their democratic franchise always.”

It also said that “the APC is planning to use the tribunals and Salamic arrangements to truncate and subvert the freely given mandate by the people in the states and constituencies Roll call of governors who attended the meeting included Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who is now a senator-elect, and Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

L-R: Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, during a congratulatory visit to the President-elect in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Lagos needs N1.5bn for cooking cylinders Francis Suberu

L

agos State government said it needs about N1.5 billion to enable it provide Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, cylinders to a million homes in the state over a period of five years; just as it said it would partner with the Federal Government in the generation of power supply.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Tofik Tijani, who disclosed this yesterday at the ongoing 2015 Ministerial Press Briefing, also noted that it had powered no fewer than 172 public schools and 11 primary health centres, PHCs, across the state‎ in its Solar Power Project.

Tijani reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure residents in the state embrace safer ways of cooking through free distribution of LPG cylinders.

Explaining that paucity of fund remained

the only challenge in eradicating cooking by firewood in the state, the commissioner said the government through the Eko Gas Scheme, would continue to carry out skid plant deployment, cylinder distribution and LPG reticulation of government-owned estates, if the funds were available.

He said: “Lagos solar is an energy initiative of Lagos State focused on implementing embedded solar power solutions for public facilities. This project aims at delivering 4.59mw of sustainable solar power to all rural, riverine and public boarding secondary schools (172) and 11 PHCs located within rural areas. The government has also collaborated with UK Department for International Development, DFID, to co-fund this groundbreaking project.”

Tijani‎ added that in the last one year, the ministry also executed geological mapping proj-

ect in Lagos East Senatorial District, adding that the report of the project showed that sand at Lekki, Ajah, parts of Ikorodu and Epe was 220 billion cubic metre while clay at Epe areas was estimated at 185 billion cubic metre.

On efforts to generate independent power supply in the state, the General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi, said the state has greatly reduced crime rate and fostered a conducive environment ‎for economic growth through constant supply of electricity.

Ogunbiyi said the state, through its five Independent Power Plants, commissioned in parts of the state, has been able to disconnect about 400 powerful generators.

Ogubiyi added that the state has the largest number of well maintained public lighting network in the entire country, saying that the state has since 2013 maintained

over 316km of public lighting in 227 locations and over 400km roads and streets across the state.

She listed some of the public buildings powered by the IPPs to include Lagos House Marina, General Hospitals on Lagos Island, High courts, public lighting, street lighting, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH among others.

On why the state was yet to distribute LPG cylinders to 1 million household, the Permanent ‎Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource, Mrs Iyabo Obasa, explained that the N150 million fund provided by the state government for the free distribution of the cylinders could only provide for 20,000 homes.

To encourage LPG use in the state, Obasa said the Ministry distributed 20,000 3kg and 6kg cylinders across the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.

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South West

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ondo Assembly moves to impeach Mimiko’s deputy OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

O

ndo State House of Assembly has commenced the process of removing the Ondo State deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.

The House yesterday resolved at a plenary sitting

to serve Olanusi notice of impeachment over alleged gross misconduct.

The impeachment notice was signed by 20 out of the 26 members of the Assembly and the motion to serve it on Olanusi was moved by the Majority Leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, from Ondo West con-

stituency II and seconded

by Banso Adeyinka from Akoko North West constituency.

Allegations levelled against the deputy governor included fraudulent activities, illegal self-enrichment, financial misappropriation, absenteeism from official duties

and causing disaffection in the cabinet of the state government.

Olanusi was alleged to have put the office of the deputy governor into disrepute by condoning fraudulent activities of his younger brother and Special Assistant, Alhaji Bola Idris, who was

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (7th right), Alake of Egbaland and Chairman, Egba Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (7nth left), Osile, Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso (6th right), Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laloko (6th left), Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosumu (5th right) and other traditional leaders, during the Egba Traditional Council congratulatory visit to Governor Amosun following his re-election at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, recently.

Human survival depends on climate change mitigation –Fashola FRANCIS SUBERU

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s the impact of climate change continues to affect every sphere of human lives, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola(SAN), and members of diplomatic corps yesterday hinged human survival in planet earth on ability to sustain climate change mitigations and continuous development of adaption strategies that will preserve nature and its gifts.

Fashola who was among others people that spoke at the seventh Lagos State Climate Change summit held in Lagos yesterday, noted that nature does not need human to survive whereas human beings need nature for his survival; adding that human beings will come and go, but nature will remain.

Fashola said this year’s theme provide government with opportunity to measure progress, assess what have not been over-

come and chart a course for the future.

Expressing satisfactions on the efforts of his administration in the area of environment, Fashola said: “Not even our critics can deny the success and the fact that we are leaving greener Lagos behind.

After planting over five million trees, creating 196 parks and over 90, 000 jobs that are not in existence when we started, I am proud to acknowledge the success of our greening initia-

tive.”

On his part, the British High Commission to Nigeria, Mr. Martins Uden, commended the state government for its initiative on environment; saying the issues raised at the summits are topical issues all over the world.

Representative of the German Consul General, Mr. Mitchel Deruz, said the relationship between Germany and Nigeria in the area of renewable energy has increased tremendously.

Abducted 3-year-old girl recued in Abeokuta FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

M

en of the Ogun State Police Command have rescued the three year-old girl who was kidnapped in a Lagos church during last Sunday’s service.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the rescue of the girl to journalists yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Adejobi explained that

neighbours around the church who sighted the three-year old girl last at a church in the Oke Sokori area of Abeokuta metropolis on Monday evening were attracted to the scene by the girl’s cry and consequently informed police detectives at the Adigbe Divisional Police Headquarters, Abeokuta who rescued her.

The PPRO further stated that the girl’s abductor hung a note bearing the Lagos pastor’s telephone number on the girl before

they eventually abandoned her in Abeokuta.

Adejobi however, said that the girl had since been handed over to the Juvenile and Women Centre for proper care.

The Ogun State police image maker further stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the kidnappers had demanded for N300, 000 ransom from the girl’s parents and also with a promise to drop her where the parents could find her.

He said the phone num-

ber was dropped ostensibly to assist in locating her after the criminals’ transaction with her family, but the rescue effort terminated the operation of the criminals as no ransom was paid.

He recalled that the command recently rescued three babies who were kidnapped in other states, adding that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Val Ntomchukwu, planned to liaise with his counterpart in Lagos State on how to prevent or tackle such crime in future.

said to have used forged documents to obtain two trucks of AGO from a company.

The deputy governor was also alleged of absenting himself from office, place of work and all other official engagements without lawful excuse or authorisation.

Another allegation against him was that he caused his security aides to shoot indiscriminately at peaceful protesters in Akure on Wednesday, April 15, causing panic, breakdown of law and order.

Besides alleging Olanusi of collecting various sums of money for purpose of travelling and medical bills between 2009 and 2014 without appropriately spending the money, the House also said he openly canvased for the impeachment of Governor Olusegun Mimiko after the presidential election.

The House, presided over by the speaker, Jumoke Akindele, said all the allegations constituted gross misconduct and

that its action was in line with the 1999 constitution as amended.

Olanusi had defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, few days to the presidential and National Assembly polls, a development that deepened the crisis between him and Mimiko.

Since his defection, several protests have been organised, calling for his removal as deputy governor of the state.

Reacting to the development, Olanusi said he was yet to be informed of the move to sack him, adding that the Assembly was fond of making resolutions without proper documentation.

He said: “The Ondo State House of Assembly is noted and familiar with making laws and passing resolutions without sitting and recording.

There are many repetitive events in this regard.

“A case in hand was the passage of the OSOPADEC budget last year.

You will get my full reaction if and whenever I am officially informed.”

Lagos APC passes vote of confidence in Tinubu, Ajomale

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agos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday said it has implicit and unwavering confidence in party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It also described as unnecessary the call by one of its members for the removal of the party’s chairman in the state, Chief Henry Ajomale.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the APC State Executive Committee in Lagos.

The communiqué was signed by Chief Funso Ologunde and Mr. Femi Saheed in their respective capacities as Vice Chairman (West) and Acting Secretary.

According to the communiqué, members of the committee met on Monday to do what they called a due diligent appraisal of the performance of the party in the general elections, after which they rated the APC above average.

“Lagos State APC performed very well in the 2015 general elections in the circumstances in which the party operated, which overall performance excited us and the whole world immensely, to the glory of God!”, the communiqué said.

They also viewed the call by a member of the party for the resignation of Ajomale as misguided, divisive and unappreciative of good efforts.

The party resolved that it has an unwavering confidence in Tinubu and others members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee, GAC. The party also congratulated Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, and others who were either elected or re-elected on its platform in the March 28 and April 11 general elections.

Attributing the victories recorded by the party to the dedication of members and Nigerians’ desire for change, the party urged members not to rest on their oars.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

9

Drug trafficking drops on US, UK routes –NDLEA OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi (with mic) addressing the people of Okeho during his `thank you’ tour of Oke-Ogun zone of the state after his re-election as governor of Oyo State, yesterday.

Ajudua, court registrar defrauded me of $330,000 –Bamaiyi

MATTHEW IRINOYE

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ormer Chief of Army Staff, retired General Ishaya Bamaiyi, yesterday narrated before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, how a court registrar, Mrs. Idowu Oluronke Rosulu, allegedly assisted Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, to defraud him of $330,000, which was supposed to be part of payment for professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case.

The witness, testifying before presiding judge, Lateef Lawal-Akapo, explained that he met Ajudua and Alumile Adedeji a.k.a. Ade Bendel at Kirikiri Maximum Prison during his remand over alleged attempted murder of publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru, and two others.

It would be recalled that Justice Joseph Oyewole, in a judgment held that Bamaiyi, who had been standing trial since 1999 on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and attempted murder of Ibru, ex-Director of Sports in Delta State, Isaac Porbeni, and erstwhile presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, should be freed since the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that he was liable to the offence.

While being led in evidence by the prosecutor,

Mr. Seidu Alteh, Bamaiyi further informed the court that Rosulu (defendant), who was Justice Oyewole’s registrar, visited him three times at Kirikiri prison in respect of payment for Babalola’s professional fees.

“On November 23, 1999, I was in cell 5 (first floor) at Kirikiri Maximum Prison. Later, Ajudua and Ade Bendel were brought in at the block. Ajudua and I were together in my cell, so we became friends.

“Ajudua told me he was a lawyer and has studied my case, and found it was purely a political one.

Ajudua told me he was interested in the case and had sent his wife to see the Lagos Chief Judge, Ade Alabi (retired) and the state Attorney General, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, over the matter. I was told the CJ was the one in contact with Chief Babalola,” Bamaiyi stated.

According to the retired army general, Ajudua later told him that based on the advice of the CJ and AG, (Justice Alabi and Prof. Osinbajo), there was need for the case to be handled by Babalola, who would facilitate his release from prison custody.

He said: “I was told that Chief Babalola charges $18 million as professional fee. I was then told the money was to be paid through Justice Oyewole.

Ajudua told me that Oyewole was going to send his registrar (Rosulu).

“On October 23, 2004

(1st visit) the defendant, Rosulu, came with Ajudua and confirmed to me that she was sent by Justice Oyewole. She came with Ajudua to the visiting room, alongside a prison officer, ACP Abdullahi Garuba.

“On November 6, 2004, at 10am (2nd visit), the defendant, Rosulu, came with Ajudua to the prison, alongside ACP Garuba.

This time she came with her daughter whom she said was at the university.

The defendant assured me that any money released through Justice Oyewole would get to Chief Babalola.

“Before the defendant’s 3rd visit on November 20, 2004, a friend of mine had arranged $330,000 for me.

The money was brought in a ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag to the prison. I showed Ajudua the money and he said he would send one Jonathan (Ajudua’s boy) to accompany us in counting the money. The money was counted in the presence of the defendant (Rosulu), and the prison officer (ACP Garuba).”

Bamaiyi maintained that after counting the money, Rosulu carried the bag and Ajudua saw them off to the gate.

“That evening, Ajudua told me that the defendant (Rosulu) called and confirmed delivering the said money to Justice Oyewole and same had been taken to Chief Babalola. I never met her again until De-

cember 19, 2013, at the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. “Not hearing from Chief Babalola after a while, and Ajudua had travelled to India, I suspected something was wrong.

“I called Ajudua’s line in India to tell him that Justice Oyewole said he never received any money and Chief Babalola did not handle my case.

Ajudua asked me how I got Justice Oyewole’s number and since then he stopped receiving call on that line,” Bamaiyi said.

ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has recorded significant success in reducing drug trafficking on United States and United Kingdom routes in recent time.

The drug agency stated there had been drastic reduction in the arrest of drug traffickers smuggling narcotics through the two countries.

NDLEA in a statement by its spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described the development as reward for hard work.

Ofoyeju, however, said its personnel have arrested an Ondo-based timber merchant and a Lagos-based electronic dealer at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, in connection with drug ingestion.

The timber merchant, Ojo Sunday Akanmu Olusegun, 59, NDLEA said, was caught during outward screening of passengers on a Delta Airline flight to New York, United States, while the electronic dealer, Igwebuike Obinna, 47, was nabbed on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London’s Heathrow airport.

According to its MMIA commander, Hamza Umar, NDLEA’s preliminary investigation shows that

Olusegun, who hails from Ilesha, Osun State, ingested 25 wraps of substances (weighing 1.090kg) that tested positive for heroin.

Obinna, a native of Anambra State, inserted six wraps in his anus and ingested 11 wraps, making a total of 17 wraps of cocaine.

The last arrest of a suspect leaving Nigeria for the United States at the Lagos airport was in May 2012, when one Orji Emeka Christian was apprehended with 1.250kg of heroin.

Similarly, the last arrest made on Nigeria-United Kingdom route was in October 2014 when one Onyechesi Chidi Christ was found with 25 grammes of cocaine on an Air France flight to Scotland.

In 2013, there was also an arrest of one Uzobude Vitus Uju with 1.815kg of cocaine on a British Airways flight to London.

Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, stated that this drastic reduction in arrests was due to extra vigilance and mutual cooperation between Nigeria, U.S. and UK. Giade stated that it had a feedback mechanism where arrests made on flights from Nigeria to the U.S. and UK was communicated to the agency.

Ojo, the timber merchant, allegedly confessed that his involvement in drug trafficking was due to financial hardship.

Ajimobi hails Oke-Ogun for support, pledges more devt

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday led his deputy, Moses Adeyemo, members of the state executive council and stalwarts of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on a visit to Oke Ogun area of the state to express appreciation to the people for voting en masse for APC during the just concluded general election.

The governor and his team arrived there through Iseyin and were received by a large crowd of APC supporters and residents of the ancient town.

The elated governor and his deputy, who mounted the open roof of

their campaign bus, gave souvenirs to the people amid singing and dancing before proceeding to Okeho through the rehabilitated Iseyin-Okeho road where they were received by a tumultuous crowd.

The team also visited Ayetoro, Iwere Ile and Ilero, all in Kajola Local Government Area and Iganna in Iwajowa Local Government Area.

Ajimobi assured residents of the zone that his administration would make huge impact on the socio-economic and physical development of the zone during the next dispensation.

He gave the assurance while addressing community leaders in Saki at the

OYSADEP premises in Saki-West local government area of the state.

The governor, while in Oke Ogun thanked the people for their massive votes for APC during the last general elections.

He said for the first time in the political history of the state, one party swept nine out of the 10 local government areas that make up Oke-Ogun zone.

The governor, therefore, assured the people that APC would not disappoint the electorate who put their trust in him, pledging that Oke Ogun would witness serious transformation during his second term in office.

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South East

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ministerial appointment tears Enugu APC apart Dennis Agbo ENUGU

S

truggle for who picks the ministerial slot that may be zoned to Enugu State by the incoming Federal Government has torn apart the state’s chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC. The party is pointing accusing finger at some members, who it described as moles of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as being responsible for the crisis brewing in the state’s chapter of the party.

State chairman, Dr Ben Nwoye, made the clarification while reacting to allegation that the state chapter of the party was in crisis over disbursement of campaign funds released to it.

The APC chairman alleged that PDP moles commenced their plot to remove him after they suspected he might be asked to nominate some political office holders from the state.

Nwoye insisted the four officers in the state; Deputy Chairman, Mr Adolphus Ude; Secretary, Chris Ezeh; Youth Leader, Ikechukwu Oloto, and Women Leader, Queen Nwankwo, who petitioned the party’s national chairman, were being used

by some people to destabilise the party to pave way for some people who worked against the party during the elections to hijack the party’s machinery in the state.

He explained that their motive was to force him to resign so that they would install their loyalist as chairman of the party to enable them actualise their intention to nominate political office holders from the state.

Nwoye insisted that the state’s chapter of the party was not given N400 million for campaign, saying he refused to honour an invitation for a meeting convened by a member of Board of Trustees of the party, General Joseph Okoloagu, because he had no authority to convene such meeting.

He therefore, insisted that it was laughable for anybody to ask him to step down for one A.C. Udeh, saying he (Nwoye) has continued to enjoy the support of the party’s executive in the state.

He accused one of the alleged sponsors of the movement against him, Chief Onyemuch Nnamani, of working for the PDP and the PDC during the last elections, saying their fear was that he would not nominate their favourite as political office holders.

Why Enugu Water Corporation was concessioned, by commissioner

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nugu State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Michael Nwachukwu, said on Tuesday that the concession of the state Water Corporation was to address the intractable water shortage in the state.

Briefing newsmen in Enugu, Nwachukwu said that the involvement of a private company in the provision of water in the state was the best way to tackle the challenges and ensure adequate service delivery.

He said government had rolled out several plans to ensure that residents of the state were provided with potable water, noting that most of the plans had yet to materialise due to obvious constraints.

The commissioner said that the signing of the contract between A.G. Gold Trust Limited and the government, which according to him took effect from Feb-

ruary 27, 2014, was the latest. ``Provision of potable water to residents of the state has been one of the major challenges of this administration, because the water we pump is not enough for the people.”

Nwachukwu noted that the expansion and development of satellite towns had increased the population of the state, making it imperative for the government to have long-term water supply plan.

He said that of the 150, 000 cubic litres of water needed in the state, only 100,000 cubic litres was realiseable under the current arrangement. ‘’It is envisaged that when the company takes over the provision of water, the supply level will increase to 250, 000 cubic litres per day,” he said.

The commissioner debunked insinuations that the commodity would be costly under the private company.

L-R: Senate President David Mark; Sen. Ben Obi and President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Igariwey, during Mark’s condolence visit to the family of the late Sen. Uche Chukwumerije in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Imo rerun: APC asks Ndigbo to re-elect Okorocha Dennis Agbo ENUGU

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head of next Saturday’s re-run election in Imo State, All Progressives Congress, APC, South-East zone, has appealed to Imo State people to vote for Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The party said Okorocha’s re-election would retain the only golden egg of Ndigbo in the basket of the New Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari was planning.

Rising from a strategic

committee meeting in Enugu on Monday, South East spokesman of APC, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, on behalf of the zone, appealed to the people of Imo State to vote overwhelming for Okorocha in the governorship re-run election of Saturday.

“We urge the good people of Imo State to complete the good work they have started, for a vote for Owelle Rochas Okorocha is a golden vote to retain the only egg Ndigbo has in the basket of the new Nigeria General Muhammadu Buhari was going to construct. Every

other geopolitical zone has a governor from the APC, even South South, where President Goodluck Jonathan comes from. We cannot be the only exception,” Okechukwu said.

The APC chieftain regretted that Ndigbo lost the coveted prize of Senate President for putting all our eggs in one Peoples Democratic Party’s basket for no rational reasons and may lose the speakership for not voting a ranking federal legislator.

He wondered how Ndigbo would explain marginalisa-

tion this time around, when they have the opportunity to join the victory party.

Okechukwu recalled how APC South East zone severally made passionate appeal to Ndigbo before the March 28 and April 11 general elections not to put all our eggs in one basket and the appeal fell on deaf ears.

Okechukwu recalled that he personally reminded Ndigbo of Senator Chuba Okadigbo’s premonition that General Muhammadu Buhari will form the bedrock upon which PDP would be shoved aside one day.

PDP raises alarm over falsification of election results Chris Njoku OWERRI

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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday raised the alarm that result sheets of its National Assembly memberselect were being falsified by some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Speaking with newsmen in Owerri, Imo State capital, state Chairman of the party, Nnamdi Anyaehie, alleged that some staff of INEC were being paid huge amount of money to tamper with results already declared by the commission in favour of PDP with a view to using the doctored copy in court against the party.

“I received information from a member-elect of our great party that results of the just concluded National Assembly elections were being altered at the INEC headquarters. Since the information appeared to be credible, the Secretary, Organising Secretary and myself went to the REC to ascertain the veracity of the information given to us.

And to our consternation and disbelief, the REC confirmed that some members of staff are truly involved in falsifying results, stating that the action was being taken in-house against the staff involved.

“We have decided to inform you all this afternoon about this astonishing dimension the general elec-

tion in Imo State has taken.

“We have also been unrelenting in issuing press releases and reports about the absurdities and irregularities that characterised the April 11 and March 28 elections in Imo State. But this latest development is the combination of the whole rape on the electoral process in the state.

According to him, “already, they have tampered with the results of Senator Hope Uzodinma (Orlu), Goodluck Opia (Ohaji Egbema) and Obinna Onwuvuariri (Fed House, Okigwe) and a large sum of money paid to them. All we are demanding is that they should be prosecuted.

He called for immediate prosecution of those in-

volved in the criminal act, “so that others who may wish to be part of this heinous crime against our nation and state would be deterred. We therefore, solicit for your support to ensure that justice is done in this matter.”

The chairman disclosed that the PDP had formally written to the REC asking that the culprits be prosecuted. “We also asked that names of the members of staff be made public as a deterrent for those who may wish to go into this crime.”

When contacted, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Gabriel Ada, acknowledged that he had received a petition from the PDP on the issue.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South south

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

11

Dickson to clamp down on anti-party members

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Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio (middle) with members of Akwa Ibom State University Governing Board after their inauguration in Uyo.

Group kicks as Amaechi fixes council poll Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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rassroots Development Initiative, GDI, yesterday threatened court action over the May 23 date set for local gov-

ernment election in Rivers State.

GDI is the campaign body for the governorelect in the state, Nyesom Wike.

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RISIEC, had on Monday announced

Rivers election tribunal receives 17 petitions

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ivers State Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, yesterday said it had so far received 17 petitions over the 2015 general elections.

Tribunal secretary, Mrs Deborah Musa, who did not give the breakdown, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the tribunal relocated to Abuja following security threats.

Musa had in a statement stated that President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, approved relocation of the tribunal to Abuja.

She, however, said the tribunal would be sitting at Court 20 and Court 23 of the Apo High Court complex in Abuja.

it would conduct local government elections on May 23, this year.

Chairman of RISIEC, Prof. Augustine Ahiazu, who made the announcement in Port Harcourt, said the election would take place in all the councils, except Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

Ahiazu had maintained that the commission was relying on the State Independent Electoral Law No.2 of 2001 as amended and State Local Government Law No.3 of 1999 as amended, to conduct the poll.

Ahiazu said political parties were eligible to sponsor candidates for the election if they were able to complete and submit their expression of interest forms before April 24.

But President-General

of GDI, Bright Amaewhule, described the position of RISIEC as illegal, adding that the electoral body was expected to give a 90-day notice to political parties before the council election.

Explaining that fixing election date by RISIEC without following due process was the handiwork of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Amaewhule vowed that GDI would challenge the development in court.

He said it was wrong for an election to be fixed without considering the 90 days notice given by law to allow political parties prepare for the exercise, adding that with the position of RISIEC, political parties would not have time for screening and primaries for aspirants.

UNESCO to educate 60,000 girls, women in Rivers, FCT

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nited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, said it would educate 60,000 out-of-school girls and women in Rivers State and the FCT in three years.

Coordinator, Procter and Gamble Project, UNESCO, Dr Safiya Muhammad, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while signing a partnership agreement with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. Muhammad explained

that the partnership was targeted at providing girls and women literacy in the two pilot areas.

She said 20,000 girls and women would be educated annually within the threeyear-old period.

According to Muhammad, the professional competence of the agency would complement UNESCO’s efforts to achieve the goals of the project.

“This partnership would encourage girls and women to be literate, including

those outside the target group.

“We are looking for adults and girls, who dropped out of school; girls who are in formal schools but are lagging behind, and adult women who have not been to school,” she said.

The coordinator added that they would have the privilege of having knowledge in the use of ICT devices on their mobile phone, I-pad, laptops or televisions.

“Since the emphasis is on use of ICT, if there are

educational programmes on television, radio or even mobile devices, even those not inside the class room will learn.

“We believe it would help the girl-child and women immensely; both those within and outside the education system,” she said.

According to Muhammad, indicators show that women constitute the highest number of Nigeria’s illiterate population and that is why the organisation is focusing on the group.

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday inaugurated a special committee to examine the performance and conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders during the just concluded Presidential, National and House of Assembly elections.

The committee, which is chaired by deputy governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, was inaugurated in Government House, Yenagoa, and has two weeks to submit an interim report to the government.

According to the governor, the committee is also expected to determine and recommend steps to be taken against those that worked contrary to the party’s interests during the elections.

Dickson, who warned that dire consequences await any PDP member that engaged in antiparty activities, stressed the importance of party

discipline and loyalty towards achieving success in any political contest.

He noted that reports at his disposal indicated that some members sabotaged the interest of the party rather than demonstrate commitment and galvanise support for the party’s flag bearers.

His words: “We won the election no doubt, but this party must continue to be a party of discipline and commitment. Two main problems we have in PDP, that made us to lose at the federal level, is indiscipline and disloyalty to party. Party interest supersedes individual interest and agenda.

“Regrettably, we have received reports that some leaders of our party in some cases did not only work against the interest of our candidates, but actually sponsored and worked to undermine the success of our party and candidates at the just concluded elections.

Transporters warn Akpabio over failed 2012 promises Eno-Obong Michael UYO

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ransport unions in Akwa Ibom State have accused Governor Godswill Akpabio of failing to keep the promises he made to them in 2012.

It was learnt that Akpabio had summoned the various transport unions in the state on January 11, 2012, and set up a 15-man committee to see how taxi cabs; buses – mini and luxury, trucks, among others, would be procured and distributed to them.

Chairman, Long Distance Commercial Transport Operators Association, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Obongemem Edet, in Uyo yesterday said the measure was aimed at alleviating the 2012 effect of oil subsidy removal.

He said to show the seriousness of the matter, government set up a committee, which involved both transporters and government officials.

Edet revealed that many of the transporters became depositors in First Bank of Nigeria, FBN,

as the governor had told them the money would not be given to them for free, but they would be engaged in a Public Private Partnership. He noted that they constituted themselves into different cooperatives even though First Bank never operated a cooperative account.

He therefore, appealed to Akpabio not to use and dump them, saying they have been supporting the governor since 2011 to date. He added that they gave up their financial gains by signing up their buses for use during the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Udom Emmanuel’s campaigns.

He noted that his members would resist any attempt by the governor to pass the problems or unfulfilled promises made to transporters onto the new administration.

Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers in the state, Uwem James, warned the governor against giving the 70 acquired buses to an individual, Udo Okpong.

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North

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kill el-Rufai’s campaign coordinator in Kaduna M

Akobundu hails military’s success against Boko Haram

A za Msue KADUNA

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unmen yesterday killed Markus Ishaya, a campaign coordinator for Kaduna State governor-elect, Nasir el-Rufai.

El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement in Kaduna said the gunmen trailed Ishaya to his village, Atuku Kasa, Atuku Ward in Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, adding that they shot him several times.

The statement said

Ishaya was the governorelect’s coordinator in Atuku Ward and “did very well in mobilising support for him”.

According to Aruwan, “his family informed us that gunmen stormed his residence and shot him several times.

“The men, two in number, were well armed and did not remove any property from his residence except to carry out the ungodly act.

“The police have confirmed the incident and have also visited the scene of the crime and com-

menced investigation.

“While we appreciate their prompt action, our expectation is that the security agencies will fully investigate this killing and prosecute the perpetrators.

“Security agencies must adequately protect all Nigerians irrespective of their status and standing.”

Condoling with the family, el-Rufai, who prayed for the repose of soul of the deceased, said: “Our empathy and prayers go to the family of Mr. Markus Ishaya and the entire com-

munity over this callous murder and desecration of human life.

“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear this painful loss.”

The statement claimed that the killing of Ishaya completes 10 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that have been killed in the state during the election campaign and afterwards.

Several attempts to confirm the incident from Kaduna State police command failed.

inister of State for Defence, retired Col. Augustine Akobundu, has commended the Nigerian Army for the successes so far recorded in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

Akobundu, who gave the commendation yesterday when he visited the Army headquarters, however, noted that the successes came with a lot of challenges.

“In the face of daunting and very grave challenges with deficient armament holding, you upturned the balance against the insurgents.

“It is heart-warming to note that you brought resourcefulness, innovation to match the political will the president exhibited in making sure that you turn the tide against the insurgents.

“As we speak today, I am aware that you have one major objective to deal with and that is, that this country will be cleared of all forms of insurgency.

“I know it has not been easy; in the process you have lost so many officers and men; families have been rendered fatherless. It is painful they paid the supreme price,’’ he said.

He called for a minute’s silence in honour of officers who died in the course of fighting Boko Haram terrorists, and charged the Army to continue to subject itself to constituted authorities.

Responding, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, said except for the Sambisa Forest, troops had liberated all territories earlier seized by the terrorists in the NorthEast.

Minimah also noted that the victory “did not come cheap as it came with loss of lives.”

He hailed activities on social media that boosted its support and enabled the army defeat the insurgents, adding that the situation was well-known across the world.

Shettima visits family of late police commissioner Inusa Ndahi MAIDUGURI

Internally displaced persons waiting to be moved to their residences in Abadam and Mobbar local government areas of Borno State from their camp in Maiduguri following liberation of the communities by Nigerian troops, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Insurgency: Kwankwaso commissions boarding school for 100 orphans Abdulgafar Oladimeji KANO

K

ano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has commissioned a boarding school built to host 100 orphans selected from insurgency ravaged North East states.

Kwankwaso said during the commissioning at the Government House, that the boarding school was part of government’s special intervention programme in collaboration with its Borno counterpart.

He disclosed that the boarding facility would cater for the academic,

health, and social wellbeing of the children, who are aged between five and eight years.

According to him, the children were selected from various Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps in Borno.

Kwankwaso said the relocation of the children to Kano was prompted by the need to provide them with quality education, good health and shelter.

Commenting on how the initiative would be sustained, Kwankwaso said the state government has entered into a memorandum of understanding with its Borno counter-

part to ensure the children acquire quality education from primary to tertiary level.

According to him, medical, academic and social personnel have been recruited to provide services to the students.

“These children were rescued from a horrible condition, I have ordered medical experts to attend to them immediately,” Kwankwaso said.

The governor tasked the incoming federal government under Muhammadu Buhari to roll out a master plan to address the security challenge in the North East.

He said the region was in dire need of a strategic plan that would revive economic activities, adding that Buhari’s incoming administration must also address the educational challenge created by insurgency in the region.

He urged the federal and other state governments to copy the gesture.

National Mirror reports that the occasion was laden with emotions as the women folk, led by Borno State commissioner for women affairs, Hajiya Fanta Baba, a traditional ruler and top dignitaries wept openly during the ceremony.

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orno State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday met with the family of late Clement Adoda, the police commissioner in Lafiya, capital of Nassarawa State.

Adoda died a week ago at a hospital in Abuja after a protracted illness.

He was transferred to Borno State in September 2014, which was his first point of call as a police commissioner.

Shettima led Speaker of Borno House of Assembly, some National and state Assembly members, his chief of staff, commissioners and security chief to pay condolence visit on the late Adoda’s family in Lafiya.

He was received by Prof Mohammed Ada, brother to the late police commissioner and paramount ruler of Ikobi community in Apa local council of Benue

State.

Ada thanked Shettima for what he described as “the governor’s frantic efforts, deploying everything humanly possible to save the life of the late CP while he was ill.”

Ada didn’t specify the kind of help received but indicated that he was aware of support provided

by Shettima to ensure Adoda survived the illness.

He said the bereaved family was full of gratitude to the governor not just for the support but also traveling all the way from Maiduguri to visit the family and support them at their trying moment.

Speaking to the family, the governor described the late CP as a thorough professional who was very competent and disciplined.

He also said he respected the CP for being apolitical throughout the electioneering period.

Shettima said Adoda left a good legacy in Borno.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday April 22, 2015

How Ganduje subdued opponents, captured Kano

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13

Politics

Buhari railroaded APC to power in the North –Bukar

44

House Speaker: Why odds may favour Doghara

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s various aspirants for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives continue to canvass for support from members-elect ahead of the inauguration of the 8th Assembly in June, pundits say one aspirant is likely to get the plum job, due to some factors that are working in his favour.

Although, the struggle for the coveted seat has been so intense in recent times, as more than eight members have come out to contest for the position even when the All Progressives Congress, APC, is yet to announce any zoning formula for principal offices of the National Assembly.

The ranking members, irrespective of where the party zoned the speakership position to, are ready to do away with any zoning arrangement just like the same way, Hons Aminu Tambuwal and Emeka Iheadioha did to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, zoning formula in 2011.

Although, there are several other lawmakers gunning for the coveted seat from all the zones, the candidature of Hon Yakubu Dogara seemed to be having upper hand as the two zones from the North may have concluded arrangement to give him their support.

Members-elect are not bothered about the zoning arrangement that might emanate from the incoming APC. This is based on the fact that the outgoing Speaker Tambuwal’s emergence in 2011 has taught members of the House that they can jettison the zoning arrangement of the party, so long the candidate is accepted by majority of members.

The scenario that brought Tambuwal and Iheadioha as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, may come out to play in the coming 8th Assembly, if care is not taken, because memberselect are hell bent on picking their own leadership irrespective of the party decision on the matter.

In that wise, APC needs to be careful so that it will not incur the wrath of the House of Representatives’ members like the PDP did in the 7th Assembly and paid dearly for it.

This is evidenced in the party’s dwindling fortune day by day.

Since 1999, all the six geo-political zones of the country are considered in the power sharing arrangement by all political parties and especially the PDP. From 2007 to 2011, the North East produced the Deputy Speaker in Usman Bayero Nafada, and that was the highest position the North East occupied in the National Assembly since 1999.

However, in 2011, PDP zoned Deputy Speaker to the region but Ihedioha was instead elected despite the fact Ike Ekweremadu was also elected Deputy Senate President.

The North East was left with nothing in both Senate and House of Representatives. The region is the third most populous zone in Nigeria after North West and South West.

The region has the highest number of minority tribes, who have always been schemed out and marginalised. The Boko Haram insurgency is still raging and has devastated the region.

In the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections, the North East produced the second highest number of votes for the APC and second highest number of federal lawmakers for the party.

There is therefore the need to compensate the region adequately in the incoming government for the sacrifices it continued to make for the unity, stability and indivisibility of Nigeria.

Hon. Dogara is one of the eight lawmakers that have so far come to signify interest to contest for the position in June. He is representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency of Bauchi State and also a third term

WOLE OLADIMEJI examines the odds which favour Hon Yakubu Doghara to emerge Speaker of the House of Representatives in the next 8th session of the National Assembly.

Doghara

BAUCHI, HIS STATE GAVE THE PRESIDENT-ELECT AND THE APC ALMOST 100 PER CENT VOTES IN THE ELECTION member.

Doghara, who came to the House in 2007, is a lawyer of 22 years standing. A graduate of the University of Jos, he had Masters in International Commercial Law from Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

He chaired the House Committee on Customs and Excise from 2007 to 2010; House Committee on House Services and Welfare from 2010 to 2011, a post he retained till date.

He has also served as chairman, Nigerian Customs Service probe panel; chairman Adhoc Committee on Composition and Pigmentation of Cement in Nigeria and chairman, House Adhoc Committee on Disbursement of Public Funds by the Bank of Industry.

One factor in his stead and which may make him emerge Speaker in June is the fact that he is the most experience amongst all contenders for the plum job; and apart from the fact that he is the most senior, he came from the North East region, heavily marginalised in the present dispensation.

Dogara is highly adored and respected by his colleagues and that the 7th Assembly enjoyed relative peace under Tambuwal, his chairmanship of the House Committee on House Service played a vital role. He is seen as a stabilising factor in the House.

A very intelligent intellectual and brilliant lawmaker, Doghara is always on top of the situation. These qualities

made him to be loved by his colleagues; hence they are rooting for him.

He used his position not to create banana peels for the outgoing House leadership by ensuring that the House did not take any loan during Tambuwal’s tenure to run the House.

He stopped frivolous award of contracts and has provided adequate guidance to the House in difficult moments.

Hon. Dogara is an embodiment of knowledge; he is widely read, widely travelled, highly experienced in law and he is one of the most adored and respected lawmakers in the House, as his colleagues always look up to him for guidance.

His contributions to debates on motions and Bills are apt, superb and insightful.

Although a PDP member then, Dogara led the debate on January 8, 2012, during the first Special Session of the House of Representatives on fuel subsidy removal, which resulted into nationwide protest. During that debate, Dogara told President Jonathan to listen to the voices of the Nigerian people who were on the street protesting, saying: “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” Even though his Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa-Balewa federal constituency was a stronghold of the PDP, he, at the risk of losing his seat, was among the first set of 37 members who defected to the APC in December, 2013 and led his people to join the party.

Bauchi, his state gave the President-elect and the APC almost 100 per cent votes in the election. Humble, calm and charismatic, he earned from his colleagues, the sobriquet “kind hearted man” because of his generosity.

What may work against one of his strong contenders like Femi Gbajbiamila is that he hails from the same zone and state with the vice president-elect and thus the zoning arrangement may not favour him.

He also does not have the clout Dogara has got among the members and with alleged moves by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to push for his wife becoming Deputy Senate President, Gbajabiamila may not get his support and endorsement Although he is the Minority Leader, the outgoing leadership is not favourably disposed to his aspiration Another contender, Abdulmumin Jibrin, lacks the much needed experience and ranking as he came to the House in 2011. He is also from the same zone with President-elect Buhari, which edged him out of the equation Also Kano APC caucus is not in support of his ambition as it will pitch them against other zones of the country which will portray them as ‘ingrates.’ The caucus last week held a meeting where it resolved to abide by the party’s zoning formula, thus nailing the coffin on Jibrin’s ambition.

Pally Eriase also lacks the much needed legislative experience required for the speakership, as he came to the House in 2011 like Jibrin. He is not known even among serving members His zone produced only two APC lawmakers, which is inadequate to produce the Speaker just like what happened to Mulikat Adeola-Akande in 2011, when the South West produced only four PDP members, which was why members rejected her candidature and voted for Tambuwal.

A forum of lawmakers from the North West zone has equally come out to endorse Dogara as Speaker of the House CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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Politics

AYO ESAN

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nity Party of Nigeria, UPN, said the events of the recent past in the political landscape of Nigeria have shown in no unmistakable terms that Nigerian politics is bereft of ideology and integrity.

It therefore said that as a way out of this, time has come for it to rise above the pack and define its ideological bent.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos yesterday, UPN National Chairman Dr Fredrick Fasehun, said aside UPN’s four cardinal programmes of free and qualitative education at all levels; gainful employment for all; free medical services and integrated rural development, the party and its teeming members will begin to subscribe to a definite ideology by operating on the ideology of social-welfarism.

He said: “By socialwelfarism, UPN stands for egalitarianism; it exists to bring the greatest good to the greatest major-

Wednesday April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UPN rebrands, says Nigerian politics lack ideology ity; stands against corruption; stands for honesty, discipline and integrity.

By this philosophy, UPN will entrench and uphold party supremacy and formulate programmes having the citizen as focus and centerpiece.

“This is the good news UPN brings to the disillusioned people of Nigeria.

Henceforth, UPN offers political service based on principles and ideology, as the roadmap to a glorious Nigeria.”

He said there is the need to define and proclaim the party’s ideological bend, adding that if nothing else, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who founded UPN, taught his disciples respect for party supremacy, personal discipline and integrity, opining that however these virtues are today missing from Nigeria’s political landscape.

His words: “This informs why we find it germane today to restore UPN to the glorious paths originally laid by its founding fathers.

The party established its foundation on the ideological pillars of foresight, vision, selflessness, integrity, ser-

vice and honesty. These were the attributes upon which the foundation of the First and Second Republics were laid. It became a template for performance. For this reason, East, West, North or South, that generation of politicians recorded astounding achievements

in the fields of medicine, transportation, education, sports and so on.

“Who can deny that Nigeria became the first country in Africa to acquire television technology, even ahead of Western and civilized nations like France and Japan?

Those great minds, those

ideological disciples of the Action Group and later UPN built the first skyscraper in Nigeria and so many other trailblazing infrastructures and programmes, including free education. More than ever before, today this country needs such a socio-political revolution.”

PDP youth group pass vote of confidence on Mu’azu OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, Stakeholders’ Youth Group, SYG, has passed vote of confidence on PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, saying he remains a trustworthy, reliable and committed leader in view of his achievements since his appointment as PDP National Chairman PDPSYG, comprising of youth elites who are members of the PDP across the 36 states of the country, in a statement yesterday after an emergency meeting in Abuja said: “Castigating PDP National Chairman over the outcome of the presidential election is unfair and condemnable, as Alhaji Mu’azu should not been held responsible for the failure of the party at the poll.”

The statement signed PDPYSG National Coordinator and Secretary, Johnson Omanchi and Mary Onyeachi respectively, called on the entire PDP youths groups in the country to rise up against the plan by

some few elements in the party hell bent on pulling down Mu’azu in spite of his efforts at uniting the party towards making it stronger.

It said: “Mu’azu’s detractors are only being unnecessarily jealous of achievements recorded by him since he became PDP National Chairman and the pull him down syndrome adopted by these few elements would not do the party any good but would only destroy it and draw it backward.”

PDPSYG therefore warned Mu’azu’s detractors to desist from their pull him down attitude and “join forces with him to build a stronger party that would ensure more development or face the wrath of PDP youth groups across the country, adding that “it is disheartening to note that despite all these attributes and records of achievements, some callous people can still stay somewhere and cast aspersion on the National chairman of our party who has been working with zeal and commitment to ensure a better and greater PDP in the country.”

L-R: INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega; President of Ghana and Chairman of ECOWAS, Mr. John Mahama and Minister of State Foreign Affairs 1, Prof. Nicholas Ada, during the visit of President Mahama to INEC in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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here are strong indications that the position of Deputy Senate President ceded to the North-East zone may be between Bauchi and Gombe states.

Already, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, launched into series of crucial meetings beginning from today to the weekend to take final decision on power sharing, but there are indications that the race for the position of Deputy Senate President ceded to the North-East, has begun There are six states in the zone, which in 2011 lost its chance to produce the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives due to rebellion within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that controlled the majority seats in the House.

PDP Working Committee had ceded the speak-

Deputy Senate President: Bauchi, Gombe favoured by APC ership to the South-West zone while the deputy speakership was ceded to the North-East zone, but through subterfuge, members countermanded the zoning arrangement and voted for Aminu Tambuwal from Sokoto (North-West zone) and Emeka Ihedioha from Imo (South-East zone) as speaker and deputy speaker respectively The APC has already ceded three positions, namely chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, to Adamawa/ Taraba axis, Deputy Senate President to Bauchi/Gombe axis and House Leader to Borno/Yobe axis of the North-East zone.

Sources close to APC leadership hinted yesterday in Abuja that with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar primed to emerge as BoT chairman, his state of Adamawa is out

of contention for the position of Deputy Senate President and House Leader.

Taraba State is also not in contention at all because all senators from the state were elected on PDP platform.

It was learnt that the same thing is applicable to Yobe State which currently has APC National Secretary, but Borno is being favoured to produce the House Leader.

The position sharing leaves Bauchi/Gombe axis in the race for the position of Deputy Senate President.

A source said that APC leadership is very impressed with the party’s performance in Bauchi State, which has a PDP governor, PDP National Chairman and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in place and yet

all these gladiators suffered crushing defeat at the polls in the hands of APC candidates.

The source told National Mirror: “I believe that the APC leadership will consider the fact that Bauchi, which produced the likes of former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and was a veritable capital of the North-East region, has for long been treated as an orphan and has not been accorded frontline positions in government.”

It was learnt that APC leadership, in ceding the various positions to the different zones, especially the National Assembly positions, is also considering the caliber, pedigree and credibility of elected members to be chosen in order for the choices to be acceptable to all.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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15 15

From The Civil Service Army to support FRSC on manpower development

Nigeria can provide 50% of seafarers in Africa by 2020, says NIMASA CHIDI UGWU

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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igeria will be able to provide about 50 per cent of seafarers needed in Africa by 2020, Director of Administration and Personnel, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Felix Bobnabena, has said.

According to the global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), seafarers are in high demand across the globe. This is due to widening gap in the current age of seafarers and upcoming ones, worldwide.

According to the United Nations (UN) specialised agency, the shipping world is in dire need of seafarers.

This has prompted many member nations of IMO to

step up efforts in the training of more seafarers to fill the gap. The Philippines, Egypt, India, and Nigeria are currently in the forefront in training of more seafarers.

Thousands of Nigerians are currently undergoing training in maritime courses in selected maritime training institutions in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, India and Egypt.

The courses include Naval architecture, Marine engineering, Maritime Transportation and Nautical science.

Bobabena said Nigeria could provide 50 per cent of Africa’s requirement of seafarers by 2020.According to him, the maritime industry has immense potential that Nigerian youths can take advantage of, citing the nation’s 853 kilometres coastline.

He said: “We are looking at a population of about 170 (million), which comprises teeming youths who have a lot of potential within the context of the maritime industry. So, we believe that if we put these two things together – maritime potential, our teeming youths and of course the hospitable nature of Nigerians as a people, they would be able to excel very much in the maritime profession.

“In fact, one of the major things which I have seen in the Philippines is that they have done in such a way that they have been able to blend these two. So you have the hospitality industry also growing alongside with the maritime industry.

When you have this character value in terms of hospitality and the technical aspect of it in terms of maritime skills and you blend

U.S. to sanction ex-minister Orubebe, others over election incitement P.41

Minister tasks NAFDAC over Ondo mysterious disease

these within the industry itself, you would find a situation whereby Nigerian maritime personnel would be in demand worldwide”.

He explained that it was not a mistake that the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) being implemented by NIMASA had chosen three universities in the Philippines to engage some Nigerian youths on seafarers’ training programme.

“We shall continue to do what is expected of us as an agency to ensure that we achieve our set goals and objectives in the implementation of NSDP. Not many people will see the gains of what we are doing now by the training of Nigerian youth as seafarers but I can assure that the multiplier effect in the long run will be too numerous to enumerate,” he said.

L-R: Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Benjamin Dikki; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Sada; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Godsknows Ighali and Vice Chairman, Technical Committee, National Council on Privatisation, Haruna Sambo, during a press conference after a meeting of National Council on Privatisation, in Abuja, recently.

‘Nigeria Football Federation stinks to high heavens’ P.42

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MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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he Minister of State for Health, Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo, has tasked the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to strengthen its efforts in checkmating the production, sale and consumption of sub-standard products in the country.

The Minister stated this in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists at a briefing on the recent outbreak of a mysterious disease in Ondo State.

Nwankwo informed that epidemiological findings indicated strong linkage of the outbreak with the consumption of a local gin, which according to him, might have been contaminated with methanol, a poisonous material.

While stating that the result of the investigations conducted into the outbreak was being awaited, the Minister confirmed the death of 18 persons out of 23 cases from the ailment.

He informed that though it might be difficult for NAFDAC to know what happens in the closets of every individual in the country, the agency must do more to regulate consumables in the country, he said.

NAFDAC has made giant strides in checking the menace of production, sale and consumption of unapproved products in the country, but the acts notoriously persist.

As a Federal Government agency, NAFDAC has the responsibility of

regulating and controlling the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale and use of regulated products.

It conducts appropriate tests and ensures compliance with standard specifications; undertake appropriate investigation of the production premises and raw materials of regulated products.

The agency also compiles standard specifications, regulations, and guidelines for the production, importation, exportation, sale and distribution of regulated products in the country.

Nwankwo however explained why only men died from the Ondo incident.

“It was as a result of consumption. It appears that it is only the males that consumed the liquid in question. When this thing broke out, the initial suspicion strongly was that it was a case of Ebola virus.

“What the Ministry had to do is to eliminate the first two likely causes. It is neither bacteria nor viral infection. So, probably further laboratory test will prove the kind of chemical that is involved…

“Practically speaking, it is near impossible for NAFDAC to control what individuals consume in their privacy. Be that as it may, in this case where the situation has attracted a whole lot of attention, it means that NAFDAC has to intensify efforts in monitoring the use of consumption of what is referred to as concoction, especially when they are sold to members of the public,” he added.

Missing $20b: NNPC delays payment of recovered $1.48bn P.16

Jonas Otunla, AGF

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Civil Service

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Missing $20b: NNPC delays payment of recovered $1.48bn …states begin probe

M

embers of the Federation Account Allocation Committee rose from a late meeting Monday night with a resolution to probe the circumstances surrounding the delay by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to remit to government the $1.48 billion (N294.5 billion) uncovered by a recent forensic audit.

The forensic audit conducted by the audit firm of PriceWaterHouseCoopers on behalf of the Federal Government on the operations of the NNPC had indicted the management of the national oil company for various questionable transactions. The audit followed an allegation that the NNPC had failed to account for $20 billion oil money.

The audit only found $1.48 billion was missing, the Nigerian government said, after releasing some details of the report. The government has refused to make the full report public.

Part of the recommendations in the report said the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, the upstream subsidiary of the NNPC, should refund the $1.48 billion to the Federation Account. But, months after the Auditor General of the Federation, Samuel Ukura, who presented extracts of the report, asked the NNPC to

remit the funds, FAAC said no money has been paid.

Consequently, during the meeting for the month of March, FAAC constituted a ministerial committee to investigate the circumstances behind the delay.

The Chairman, Forum of Finance Commissioners of FAAC, Timothy Odaah, told reporters after the meeting on Monday that the committee was worried that the delay was negatively impacting the revenue available for distribution among the tiers of government.

Mr. Odaah said in spite of the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan for the funds to be released to the Federation Account, the NNPC was yet to comply about a month to the end of the current administration.

The Commissioner said the remittance of the funds has become compelling in view of the consistent drop in revenue allocations to the three tiers of government as a result of dwindling oil revenue from declining global oil prices.

“We (states) need the money to meet their obligations,” Mr. Odaah said.

“Majority of the states is yet to pay salaries of workers and contractors for projects executed. We are making a clarion call for the release of the $1.48 billion from the forensic audit of the NNPC so that we can

clear our debts.”

Since the next FAAC meeting in April would be the last for the present administration, Mr. Odaah said the expectation of the states was that the money should come during that period.

The committee, the Chairman said, has been mandated to meet with the NNPC management to resolve all issues delaying the remittance, particularly as both the President and the Petroleum Resources minister have already directed that payment be made.

“We need that money.

The Federal Government needs it. The states and local governments also need it, and if it is not released with this type of abysmal funding we have seen, it will be very terrible,” he said.

During the meeting, the Accountant General of the Federation, Jonas Otunla, said in his report that the revenue that accrued to the federal government during the month under review dropped by about the N86.4 billion. Mr. Otunla attributed the drop to the continued shutdown of trunks and pipelines at various oil ter-

minals, which negatively impacted the country’s revenue.

Consequently, gross revenue to the Federation Account dropped to N315.04 billion in March from the N401.46 billion in February.

The Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, who presided over the meeting, said mineral revenue declined by N78.36 billion from N306.94 billion in February to N228.58 billion in March. Non-mineral revenue, he said, also dropped

by N86.42 billion, from the February figure of N94.52 billion to N86.46billion.

The communique disclosed that there was an increase in the average crude oil price per barrel from $48.65 to $55.34 during the period, resulting in an increase in revenue by $43.73 million during the period.

The Minister said nonoil revenue dipped further in the month of March due partially to the point that the timeframe for companies to file their returns had not fallen due. Most companies operating with accounting year end of December 31 have up till March 31 to file in their returns.

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (left) and Minister of State for Defence, Col. Austine Akobundu (rtd), during the maiden official visit of the minister to Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

NCWD seeks more women representation in political offices ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

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irector General of the National Center for Women Development (NCWD), Lady Onyeka Onwenu, has decried that women are ill represented to vie for political offices, adding that there’s more to be done.

Speaking at the launch of the Poverty is Sexist campaign organized by ONE Campaign group in Abuja, Onyeka, said although, progress is being made in women empowerment, there’s more to be done. According to her, political parties have not given women the opportunities to vie for offices.

Laws are made in the Senate and House of Representatives – but women

are not properly represented there. She said: “We must ensure that all political parties take into consideration that women are marginalized. Our constitution must ensure this by prescribing a minimum number of seats for women.

The Executive Director

of ONE Africa, Dr. Sipho Moyo, stressed the need for Nigeria and other African nations to refocus the development agenda on gender equity.

She said efforts should be directed where the need is greatest, in both the poorest countries, to boost the prospects of

girls and women, who are disproportionately affected. This she said will serve as a means of unleashing the potential for human, social, political and economic development. She opined that the benefits of investing in girls and women will be felt across all of society saying; “the

evidence shows that the social return of investing in girls and women accrues universally to boys and men too.

“This being the African Union Year of Women Empowerment, it is our opportunity to seize and promote the advancement of humankind by insisting

on policy interventions by our African governments that promote and ensure equal opportunities for women and girls”.

Also adding their voice to the campaign are Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, Omawunmi and D’banj among other artists.

Women groups ‘ready to go nude’ for Alhassan

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wo non-governmental organisations, Ladies of Grace and Agape Sisters, have threatened to protest nude on April 25 if Aisha Alhassan, female gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, is intimidated. Jean Onuh, coordinator of Agape Sisters, issued the

threat in Abuja when she briefed newsmen ahead of the supplementary Taraba state election scheduled for April 25.

According to Onuh, Alhassan represents the interest of Nigerian women in the election. She alleged that Alhassan was being intimidated by her opponents and officials of the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We would have remained quiet and very neutral but for our disadvantaged background and the clamour to sustain the goals set for Nigerian women in the post Beijing Conference,” she said. “We dare warn of adverse consequences should the establishment known as

the Taraba cabal insist on intimidating a female contestant in the race. We will mobilise hundreds of thousands of Nigerian women to protest nude on April 25, if any official behaves funny.’

She called on all involved in the Taraba poll to remain neutral, urging registered voters, especially women, to

ignore all kinds of intimidation to come out and vote for Alhassan. After declaring the election inconclusive on April 13, INEC announced plans to organise a supplementary election. Clearly unimpressed, Alhassan has called for outright cancellation of the April 11 exercise and the conduct of an entirely new election.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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Imperative of an inclusive central government CHIEDU UCHE OKOYE

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overnment’s core functions in any nation include protection of our lives and property, provision of social amenities, formulation and implementation of policies, etc. Universally, democracy is the most acceptable type of government. The British colonizers implanted democracy in Africa. It is now appropriate to say democratic governance is blooming and blossoming in Africa. Nigeria, in the last 16 years, has successfully conducted transitional elections without the country descending into chaos.

Surprisingly, in 2015, an incumbent president lost his reelection bid. This development is unprecedented. Equally surprising is that the incumbent president called and congratulated his traducer even before the final result was announced. Our country averted a much prophesied political cataclysm because of that particular action of his.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s election loss is general perceived to be an indictment of his unimpressive leadership underlined by general disillusionment of Nigerians. His lacklustre performance is too evident not to be noticed. There is infrastructural rot in the country, and insecurity is threatening the nation’s corporate existence. More so, millions of university graduates are still searching for white and blue collar jobs many years after leaving school. So, disillusionment exists among Nigerians. Only top politicians with klep-

tomaniac propensities are not dissatisfied with the uninspiring status quo ante bellum existing in Nigeria now.

However, can APC, whose mantra and slogan is change, bring the much-needed and trumpeted change to Nigeria? General Muhammadu Buhari has won Nigeria’s hotly and keenly contested 2015 presidential election on the platform of APC. But some topnotch members of APC migrated to that party from the much-maligned and corruption-infested PDP. Will these corrupt and unscrupulous politicians in APC thwart the efforts of the incoming president to fight systemic corruption in Nigeria and take the country to unprecedented great height in technological and economic advancement?

So far, the President–elect has given well-researched, decorous, courteous and soul-lifting speeches, which have inspired hope in us that our country will resurrect again. But he should be magnanimous in victory, and should not gloat over the electoral misfortune of President Jonathan.

The defeated president displayed a rare act of exemplary deed and patriotism by conceding defeat to his main political rival before the final result was announced. That commendable action of his brought Nigeria back from the precipice. So, I am advising General Buhari not to embark on vindictive mission against some members of the PDP, who traduced him uncivilly during the electioneering period. If he carried out vendetta against his political foes, it would deepen our ethno-religious fissures and threaten the corporate existence of

I WILL LIKE THE GENERAL BUHARI TO HEAL OUR FRACTURED COUNTRY BY FORMING AN ALL INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT Nigeria as one indivisible and united country. Are we not aware that political instability is a disincentive to national growth?

But I will like the General Buhari to heal our fractured country by forming an all inclusive government. If he includes members of the opposition party (PDP) in his new cabinet, it will be an exemplary preceden that will become part of our democratic culture. Aren’t there distinguished, hardworking, and performing ministers in the cabinet of President Jonathan? Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the minister of agriculture; Chief Osita Chidoka, the aviation minister, and a handful of other ministers in this out-going government have performed creditably well in the discharge of their ministerial duties, and have lived up to our expectations. Dr. Adesina revived our waning interest in agriculture by adopting and implementing measures that revolutionized agricultural practices in the country. Now, Nigeria exports some agricultural produce to other countries.

Agriculture has become one of our major sources of foreign exchange again.

And, who doesn’t know Chief Osita Chidoka, the current aviation minister? The

Disunity of Urhobo and Okowa’s victory BOBSON GBINIJE Politics are almost as exciting as war, And quite as dangerous. In war you Can only be killed once, but in Politics many times – Sir Winston Churchill

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t is a mathematical certainty that the tidal surge of apodictic euphony that greets success and the lugubrious gloom that characterizes failure are always brought to an oxymoronic focus when they are at play in politics. Hence, failure is an orphan but success has a thousand and one friends. The empirical testability of this philosophical dictum was profoundly played out when the Urhobos - Great Ogboru, using the Labour Party platform and Emerho O’tega, flying the All Progressives Congress banner lost woefully to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Delta State gubernatorial election conducted on April 11. Chief Ogboru scored 130,028 votes, while Senator Ifeanyi Okowa polled 724,680.

It is axiomatic that there are multidimensional strategies and tactics for winning elections in Nigeria. They include but not limited to tribal sentiments, numerical superiority, thuggery, rigging, ballot box snatching, and manipulation of results. Others are assassinations, extra judicial killings, kidnappings, institutionalization of intimidation, blackmail, propaganda, media hype and social rascality. Hence, the American abolitionist,

…URHOBO ETHNIC NATIONALITY OF DELTA STATE…FAILED MUST SORDIDLY IN THE

2015 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION IN DELTA STATE, BECAUSE OF CRASS DISUNITY Wendell Philips, in his 1864 address to Congress posited that “politicians are like the bones of a horse’s foreshoulder – not a straight one in it.”

But the Urhobo ethnic nationality of Delta State has all these political weaponry at their beck and call. They failed must sordidly in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Delta State, because of crass disunity. Three months to the 2015 general elections, the arrow head of Urhobo political socio-cultural fulcrum, the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), was in total schmaltzy of political and leadership contretemps, having fissured into Joe Omene group and Onoge group. The ‘bandwagon effect’ of this state of gross political salmagundi led to the failure of Urhobo candidates during the PDP primaries in Asaba, capital of Delta State.

That was what sounded the political death-knell of the Urhobo gubernatorial ambition. This commenced the fire brigade action of gravitating and junketing from the Labour Party (LP)

to the All Progressives Congress (APC) etc. When push came to shove there was the compound and sagacious need for the Urhobos to unite under one party and to feature one credible Urhobo gubernatorial candidate.

Chief Great Ogboru of the LP took the politically algebraic position that if he wins under the LP he will start hobnobbing and work with the APC because of Buhari presidency. But Emerho O’tega of the central party APC had perspicuous cerebral fluidity that with the APC at the center he and his APC deserve to carry the gubernatorial banner for the Urhobos in Delta State. They both refused to step down for each other so that the Urhobos could have one gubernatorial candidate standing against the formidable wiles and Machiavellian craftiness of the PDP. The Urhobo Elders, Urhobo Leaders of Thought and Concern Urhobos etc, advised on the need for unity in the pursuit and defence of Urhobo interest in the gubernatorial political struggle, but Chief Great Ogboru and Emerho O’tega thought otherwise. The consequences of their political rascality, heedlessness and mulish obduracy led to the landslide victory for the Governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, apart from his serious campaigns to all nooks and crannies of Delta State. The PDP used every advantage and clandestinely furtive descartian manipulation to win the gubernatorial and other elections in Delta State.

The disunity of the Urhobo people and the stubbornness of their two gubernato-

youthful, Obosi-born politician endeared himself to Nigerians with his stellar performance as the chief executive of FRSC. It was he who reduced the rate of accidents in Nigeria by implementing far-reaching measures regarding how to prevent the occurrence of accidents on our roads. And he brought about the digitalization of the processes and procedures that lead to people’s easy acquisition of driver’s licences. During his headship of FRSC, thousands of university graduates were recruited into the organization. His good performance as the country’s corps marshal recommended him for his current preferment. Isn’t he doing a splendid and laudable work in the aviation ministry? He has formulated and enunciated pragmatic policies, the implementation of which would transform our aviation industry and take it to an enviable height. Based on any benchmark for assessing political leaders, Chief Osita Chidoka has done well.

Chief Osita Chidoka, the current aviation minister, should not be booted out of office on the grounds that his party, PDP, has lost grip of political power at the centre. I urge the President-elect to place Nigeria’s interests above other narrow partisan interests when forming his executive cabinet. Running an inclusive government at this period of our political evolution and experience will deepen our unity, allay the fears of the minority ethnic groups and pave way for the accelerated development of Nigeria.

Okoye, a poet and civil servant, wrote from Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra state.

rial candidates remind us of the metaphor of ‘the two self-opinionated antelopes’. The story runs thus: two stubborn antelopes full of the metastatic malady of egocentrism, edacity and Luciferous arrogance met on a single lane bridge. They both refused to go back so that one could cross before the other. Driven by pride and the clamorous plaudit of their hypocritical supporters they both fell into the river and got drowned.

We hope these excess luggage of disunity, treachery, lily-livered monetization of political conscience, skullduggery, prestidigitation, abracadabra and ventriloquisms by Urhobo politicians, voters and totality of the Urhobo nation will undergo radical political surgery and morphological transmogrification after the 2015 elections and before, during and after the 2019 elections. We say congratulations to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor-elect, PDP and all Deltans in general. In genuine rotation of power lies the pulchritude and majesty of democracy. Delta State must set forth at dawn.

Chief Gbinije, founder of Mandate against Poverty, wrote from Warri, Delta State and can be reached through 08023250378 (SMS only) Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

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

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Editorial

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Jonathan/NASS face-off over constitution amendment

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mendment to the 1999 Constitution, the 4th in the series, which the 7th National Assembly embarked on since 2012, is at the risk of being jettisoned or kept in the cooler, if the disagreement between President Goodluck Jonathan and NASS is anything to go by. According to the original schedule, the draft of the amendment bill was to be concluded in February 2013 meeting with state legislatures; introduction of the bill to the Senate (March 2013) and passage of the bill (June 2013). Deputy Speaker/Chairman, House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Emeka Ihedioha, indicated, however, that the transmission of the bill to the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly took place on October 28, 2014.

Some of the items that scaled the amendment hurdle at the House of Representatives included the creation of constitutional role for traditional rulers; electoral reforms; separating the offices of the Accountant-General of the Federation and Accountant-General of the Federal Government; separation of the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and making aspects of the Constitution relating to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter II, which

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT IS A POINTER TO THE HURDLES AHEAD OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2014 NATIONAL

CONFERENCE REPORT

deal with political, economic, social, educational and cultural objectives, enforceable. Others were granting state legislatures financial autonomy; and so forth.

The Senate, last February, adopted the final draft of the amendment and urged President Jonathan to give his assent to the bill for the purpose of its application. But Jonathan declined his assent to the bill, part of his grouse being that NASS arrogated to itself the power to pass any constitution amendment without the assent of the President.

He complained of the erosion of presidential powers which, if he assents to the bill, will allow the National Judicial Council (NJC) to be appointing the Attorney-General of the Federation. He also berated the drive for separation of the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation from that of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government; and those of the Attorney-General of the Federation

and Minister of Justice; limiting the period when expenditure can be authorized in default of appropriation from six months to three months; and provisions for fleeting right to basic education, primary and maternal care services without proper clarifications.

President Jonathan stated, in addition, that the alteration to the constitution could only be valid if the proposal was supported by votes of not less than four-fifths majority of all the members of each chambers of the NASS and approved by a resolution of the House of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the states in the federation as provided by Section 9 (3) of the 1999 Constitution; and adding that there existed no credible evidence that the constitutional requirement was met in the votes and proceedings of the National Assembly.

Indeed, reports indicate that the NASS failed to attach the evidence of votes and proceedings on the sitting that approved the clause to change the mode for constitution alteration. So far, the matter is far from being resolved, while arguments for and against the president’s action are raging. It is not unlikely that the NASS glossed over certain details, like marshalling out the limitations of the right to basic education, primary and maternal care; and providing concrete proof

ON THIS DAY April 22, 1997

April 22, 2005

The Haouch Khemisti massacre took place before dawn in the Algerian village of Haouch Mokhfi Khemisti (also spelled Boughelef Khemisti, Haouch Boughlef-Khemisti, Haouch Boukhelef-Khemisti, or Haouch Khmisti Bougara, among others), some 25 km south of Algiers. About 93 villagers were killed in three hours; and their bodies decapitated. It was followed the next day by the Omaria massacre.

Japan’s Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi apologized for Japan’s war record. It was a list of war apology statements issued by the state of Japan with regard to the war crimes and atrocities committed by the Empire of Japan during World War II. The statements were made on and after the end of World War II in Asia, from the 1950s to the 2010s. There is, however, an ongoing controversy on the way the statements were categorized.

that it met the requisite requirement for constitution amendment.

It is also possible that the Presidency feels some of the recommended amendments were meant to clip the wings of an over-bearing occupant of the position of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

We do not believe, however, that minor oversight and perceivable misgivings are enough reasons to shred the constitution amendment efforts of NASS since 2012. It is obvious many of the recommended amendments are in public interest. The 7th NASS should hastily rectify its mistakes, if possible, and represent the document to the president for his assent before the May 29 handover date to avoid further rigmarole on the same subject by the incoming 8th NASS to justify the huge resources spent on the project. Perhaps more importantly, what is happening to the constitution amendment is a pointer to the hurdles ahead of the implementation of the 2014 National Conference Report. It further buttresses the need for a Sovereign National Conference, where the country’s federating units can freely dialogue and come up with a people’s constitution, which can then be ratified through a plebiscite, as against the military-foisted document now being amended.

April 22, 2008 The United States Air Force retired the remaining F-117 Nighthawk aircraft in its service. The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth ground-attack aircraft formerly operated by the US Air Force (USAF). A product of Lockheed Skunk Works, its first flight was in 1981, while it achieved initial operating capability status in October 1983. The F-117 was revealed to the world in November 1988.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Health & Wellbeing Health Minister need not be a doctor

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Insurgency: Foundation warns against worsening maternal health 21

For Nigeria, eradication remains elusive FRANKA OSAKWE

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s Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s world malaria day on Friday, there are indications that the nation may not be able to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG 6c) on malaria eradication which seeks to halt by 2015, the incidence of malaria and other major disease.

Globally, The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that 55 countries are already on track to achieving the MDG6c goal but this is not the case for Nigeria where the disease remains a risk for 97 per cent of the population, sparing only 3 per cent who live in malaria-free highlands.

With less than 7 months to the end of MDGs, the malaria situation in Nigeria still remain endemic, with estimated 100 million cases and over 300,000 deaths per annum, according to the WHO. Similar report from the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) estimates that 60 per cent of out-patient visits to Nigerian hospitals are as a result of malaria. In financial terms, malaria costs the economy about N132 billion annually as regards prevention programmes, loss of man-hours and treatment. Many of the victims are said to be suffering because they have developed resistance to the standard malaria drugs.

Confirming this situation, the Medical Director Adefemi Hospital, Dr. Taiwo Adesola, told National Mirror that malaria ranks number one in majority of cases seen at his hospital. He said; “of all the cases we see every day, many of them are malaria. Compared to the other countries, the progress we are making in malaria eradication here is minimal.”

According to Dr. Adesola, for us to keep malaria low, there is a need to improve on the environment. “In Nigeria, stagnant water is everywhere, and this is one major issue that has to be addressed.

If all of our gutters are clean and covered, then there will be no breeding place for the mosquito. the water should be moving not stagnant.”

On why there are many cases of malaria, Dr. Adesola explained that malaria parasites have grown resistance to some of the drugs. According to him, the

drugs are been abused. “The drugs are used without prescription. In most cases when a patient feels he or she has malaria, without going for test to be sure it is malaria, they just go to the pharmacists and buy an anti malaria. The quality of the drug can also cause resistance. Some of the manufacturers go to India and manufacture low quality drugs,” he said.

However, The ‘Malaria No More Initiative,’ championing the end to malaria campaign, had advocated the use of long lasting insecticidal treated net for the prevention of malaria bites. The group also recommends early diagnosis and prompt treatment with an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) within 24 hours of the onset of malaria symptoms.

Also, The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria PSN has advised on vector control as the major way to reducing the spread of malaria. In a communiqué signed by the association’s president, Pharm Olumide Akintayo, the associa-

COMPARED TO THE OTHER

COUNTRIES, THE PROGRESS WE ARE MAKING IN MALARIA ERADICATION HERE IS MINIMAL tion maintained that malaria prevention is the most effective strategy to fight the scourge of malaria. While calling on Nigerians to ensure protection of family and self from mosquito bites, it says that prevention is the only intervention method that can reduce malaria trans-

mission from very high levels to zero and this could be carried out through the use of Insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides.

Again, the association advised on always performing a malaria test before treatment, and to desist from self treatment. It says; “If you suspect malaria, get help fast, do a quick malaria test and if positive, get the right anti-malarial drug (talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider). If you do not have access to a test, start malaria treatment (especially in vulnerable group) and seek medical help from your healthcare provider. Also take your malaria drug as directed and make sure you complete your dose”.

For this year’s World Malaria Day, WHO’s is calling on all nation to address major gaps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria, saying that more than half a million lives are still lost to the disease every year.

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Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08120807588 (sms only)

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ood (healthy) digestion is a ‘silent’ process. Thus, maintaining a healthy digestive system is extremely important for our general health and well-being.

Digestion is the process of breaking down food so that it is small enough to be absorbed and used by the body for energy or in other bodily functions.

The process of digestion starts in our mouth. These nutrient molecules after being chewed is passed through the gullet and absorbed through the wall of the small intestine and transferred around the body via blood, to nourish cells and organs (from the brain to the immune system and even the cells in our feet), and to provide a source of energy.

The digestive system can withstand a lot of stress but can only do so for a limited period. Over time, the negative effects will accumulate and create health problems in the long-term.

We should however, take some positive steps to maintain the health of our digestive system.

Many digestive problems can be prevented through lifestyle changes and consumption of adequate

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Digestive system and diet

amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

Foods rich in fibre (vegetables, fruit and wholegrain/cereals) should be eaten. Fiber encourages passage of material through the digestive system and gives the correct consistency and bulk to stools.

Ideally one should consume at least 30g of fiber per day. A balanced diet that is rich in fiber may reduce the risk of developing diverticular disease, heart disease, or colorectal cancer.

It is important to reduce the intake of processed foods like baked foods, processed meat, etc- these generally have little nutrition or no fiber and often contain large amounts of saturated fats, salt and preservatives that can be harmful to the body. Consumption of a moderate amount of ‘good’ fats (omega-3 and omega-6) should be eaten and the intake of saturated fats (e.g., animal fat) should be reduced. A diet high in fat can make the digestive system sluggish and may cause or aggravate diseases of the digestive system (and also heart disease).

Alcohol can inflame the lining of the stomach or oesophagus or cause symptoms of heartburn. Excessive intake of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

Plenty of fluids should be con-

Chizoba Benson

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

sumed- especially water. Water helps to dissolve some nutrients, encourages passage of waste through the digestive system and helps soften stools.

It is also vital to consume moderate portions of food, slowly and regularly because this can help maintain a healthy digestive system. One should take time and eat slowly, chewing each mouthful well. Always form the habit of relaxing while eating. This would also help the nerves of the digestive system and much easier to digest than larger pieces.

One should eat regularly and avoid skipping meals - this will prevent overeating due to hunger and this prepares the digestive system for regular meals.

Engage in regular exercises.

Regular cardiovascular exercise helps to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and reduce sluggishness by stimulating the intestinal muscles to push digestive contents through our system.

It is essential to quit smoking because smoking lowers the pressure at the junction between the stomach and oesophagus, promoting backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus (reflux) which results to heartburn and other complications. Smoking also aggravates peptic ulcers and inflammatory

conditions of the bowel which is linked with an increased risk of many cancers.

Manage stress levels as much as possible because stress affects the nerves of the digestive system and can upset the intricate balance of digestion. In some people stress

slows the process of digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation while others may need to frequently empty their bowels and the stools may be more loose and watery. Stress can worsen some conditions such as peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults Good day Mr Edochie. Please I have a problem. I have noticed that sometimes, when I get an erection, my testicles start paining me. I have done tests and I have no sexually transmitted disease – Kunle Kunle there are many things that can be responsible for testicular pain. But testicular pain that only comes with a prolonged erection is often due to fluid congestion in the testicles also known as vasocongestion. Simply put, when you get an erection, your body expects sexual relief. When it doesn’t get that sexual relief, it expresses disappointment through the pain you feel. It happens to some males and is commonly referred to as Blue Balls or more appropriately, Epididymal Hypertension. Anyway when it happens again and you don’t get sex, masturbate. This will give the body the relief it expects and make the pain go away. There is no medical cure for this – Uche Can you help me? For a long time now, whenever I ejaculate, the semen that comes out is small. I will get married soon and I am worried about how this will affect my ability to father a child – Seun Dear Seun, there is really no need to worry.

At the moment, it is not as if you have tried to father a child and failed. So don’t let this bother you. Infact you don’t even need a copious amount of semen to get a woman pregnant.

What matters most is your sperm count. However, just for your own peace of mind, I can recommend a supplement for you that will increase the volume of your ejaculate when you climax. It is called Max Load and it is a natural supplement this is taken daily. Max Load also makes your climax long lasting and more intense, therefor leading to more enjoyable intercourse – Uche Do you have Encounter Orgasm Gel for women? I bought it from you last year and

it remains my favourite Orgasm Gel. Also, can I get a good rabbit vibrator from you?

Thanks – Ifeyinwa You can call the numbers here for both products. For the rabbit vibrators, ask for My First Jack Rabbit Vibrator or the Dual Rotation Rabbit. They are both very good – Uche Do you have movies on sex positions; I mean serious stuff and not the ones showing missionary position? Solomon Yes we do. Call and ask for Kamasutra Sex Positions or Adam & Eve’s Legendary Sex Positions DVD – Uche Uche please advice me. I have a growth in my testicles and it is making the balls look like they are three instead of two – Friday Dear Friday, go to the hospital immediately.

The only solution for this kind of problem is medical. Only a doctor can assess you and determine the cause and solution to what you are experiencing. Go immediately – Uche I heard that there is a perfume that can make a man fall in love with you. Please I am interested but how does it work? Thank you – Yetunde You must be talking about pheromones.

Pheromones are sexual scents that are partly responsible for sexual attraction. Every human being and even animals have pheromones in their bodies and they give off this sexual scent to help attract a mate. The bottled pheromones you are talking about have been scientifically manufactured and enhanced to be even more effective than our natural pheromones. It does not work like a magic charm. It only makes people notice you and be attracted to you. These people may or may not act on their feelings for you but at least, it will increase your chances of them chatting you up and asking you out. So that is how it works. A good example of a pheromone for women is the Crazy Girl Body Mist . for men, you have the Beaux

Geste Pheromone Cologne - Uche I experience vaginal dryness and because of this I don’t enjoy sex. It is usually painful. I hear you can help. Please what do I do? Thanks – Modupe Vaginal dryness has many causes, some of which are inadequate sexual stimulation before intercourse, certain medications that contain antihistamines and menopause in older women.

In any case, a common cure for it is the use of Lubricants like the Colt Slick Lubricant. Apply it on the vagina before intercourse and it will get rid of the dryness and pain – Uche That’s all for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for this privacy.

Adults in need of the above novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to

order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

21

Insurgency: Foundation warns against worsening maternal health MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

N

igeria may face worsening maternal health challenges if terrorism persists, especially in North-Eastern region of the country, a nongovernmental organization, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, has warned.

The organization stated

this in a statement signed by its Founder/President, Mr Toyin Saraki, a copy of which was made available to National Mirror recently.

The institution also sympathized with parents and families of the over 200 missing “Chibok girls,” and called on government to hasten efforts on their rescue.

It specifically highlighted

the toll which abduction of the girls by the Boko Haram group has taken on their families. One year of abduction and persistent disappearance of the school girls were commemorated globally last week.

According to the foundation, insurgency launched by the Boko Haram group has led to withdrawal of thousands of children from

schools in the North-East, while many girls who are supposed to be in school are with pregnancies.

Wellbeing Foundation Africa maintained that education is an inalienable right for Nigerian children but that following Boko Haram’s attacks, many parents have stopped sending their children to school, with at least 5000 children in Borno

L-R: Gen. Secretary, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prof. Fola Tayo; President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo; Vice President, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Ifeanyi Atueyi and the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Amaka Okafor, during a briefing on pharmacy education summit of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, in Lagos, on Monday.

Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy holds education summit FRANKA OSAKWE

I

n a bit to proffer solution toward better pharmacy practice in Nigeria, The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), will hold a maiden edition of its Pharmacy Education Summit from today, 22 to 24 April, at the University of Lagos conference centre, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.

Speaking to journalist in Lagos on Monday, The President of the Academy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said the aim of the summit is to carry out situation analysis, identify gaps and proffer solution towards a better pharmacy education and practice in Nigeria. He said

the responsibility of the pharmacist have changed from mere drug dispensing to collaborative medication management with physicians and other health care professionals.

“Approximately one-half of patients visiting a community pharmacy have complained of inappropriate drug therapy thus necessitating the need for the changes in the role of the pharmacist. The goal of this summit is to maximize the pharmacist’s role in direct patient care, thereby empowering the pharmacy team to take responsibility for medication use outcomes by improving health care team integration and promoting pharmacist training,” he said.

Explaining further about the summit, the Vice President of the Academy, Ifeanyi Atueyi, said the education summit is the first outing of the academy hence all arrangement has been put in place to ensure its success.

Several institution and organisations expected to grace the occasion include, The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) AND THE West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), among others.

According to Mr. Atueyi, the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is aimed at promoting harmony and team spirit among members of the health sector and other relevant professionals.

“The academy champion’s transformation change and innovation through encouraging industry, research and development, as well as utilizing the several technological advancement opportunity open to pharma-care”, he added.

Special guests expected at the event are; The Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof.

Rahamon Bello, Prof. Cecilia Igwilo who will deliver the key note address, among others.

JOHESU to resume strike FRANKA OSAKWE

T

he strike action that was suspended by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on March 2, may likely resume again soon.

According to the communiqué signed by the National President of NUAHP, Felix Faniran and the association’s General Secretary, Obinna

Ogbonna, the association had agreed to meet with the president in order to have their demands met immediately after the general elections.

Confirming this, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Lagos Chapter, told National Mirror that the association may indeed go on strike if the president refuses to accent to their demand.

He said the strike would depend on the outcome of the association’s meeting with the president today.

“Already, members of the association are meeting with the president and the outcome will determine whether we will go on strike or not”, he said.

The association also commended Dr. Khaliru Alhassan as the new Minister of Health,

while lamenting the appointment of an engineer as the new minister of state for Health.

“While the Union disagrees with President Goodluck Jonathan’s action in ignoring the incessant call to balance the appointment of members of the Nigherian Medical Association (NMA) with members of the Allied Health professional”, the communiqué said.

State unable to attend as a result of the destruction of their schools.

It added that Boko Haram “is afraid of the power of education, and they show their fear by inflicting schools with their terror…

“Education is vitally important for all children, but especially so for girls. As an institutional signatory to the Girl Declaration, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) believes that the empowerment of adolescent girls through education could be transformative. In Nigeria, 1 in 5 girls are forced into early marriages that take them out of education and into the adult responsibilities of motherhood.

“Girls who give birth before the age of 15 are five times more likely to die during childbirth than women in their 20’s, and children of

child brides are 60% more likely to die before their first birthday than children of mothers who are over 19. Education is a key protective factor against child marriage as with secondary schooling, girls up to six times less likely to marry as children when compared to girls who have little or no education.

“Protecting the rights of girls to education protects their health as they grow into women, and the health of their children.

“Adolescent girls and women have been most affected by the conflict and fragility caused by Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria. In many conflict settings, there is a rapid deterioration of health services, leaving pregnant women vulnerable to increased risks of maternal mortality,” the group added.

ABU sickbay now full-fledged hospital

T

he sickbay of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has been upgraded to a full-fledged-secondary hospital with 50 beds.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said this on Tuesday in his speech at the inauguration of the facility at the institution’s main campus at Samaru.

Mustapha who said that he met the project on his table on assumption of office, added that providing such a facility was a task uppermost to his administration.

The V-C gave thanks to God for the opportunity to undertake the project during his tenure.

He said that his administration was also working to ensure that it establishes a similar facility at the Kongo campus of the university.

Mustapha said that the university also intended to provide modern hospital facilities at the new ABUphase-two project to prevent people from embarking on overseas trip for medical check-ups.

The V-C advised the staff and students of the institution who had not registered with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to do so, because of its importance.

Also, Prof. Mohammed Lawal-Khalid, the Chief Medical Director, Ahmadu

Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), said that the services being rendered by the sickbay would improve based on current facilities.

Lawal-Khalid promised to mobilise manpower from ABUTH to effectively take care of personnel needs of the hospital.

Similarly, the Director, University Health Services, Dr Nana Hauwa’u-Madugu, said that the sickbay was established in 1962 to take care of the health needs of the university community.

“This facility was established in 1962 as a sickbay, literally, this means a place or room a patient is kept awaiting referral to a clinic or hospital.

“At that time, limited services could only be rendered and the population of both the staff and students was not significant enough to warrant expanded services,” she said.

The director listed the facilities inaugurated to include: a 10-bed capacity in-patient female ward, a six-bed capacity male ward, an amenity ward for senior staff and a fully equipped operating theatre.

Others according to her are, a modern-labour ward with beds that would give a single solution for labour delivery as well as an administrative block.

22

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health Minister need not be a doctor The incoming Federal Government could appoint seasoned manager from any discipline to head the Federal Ministry of Health, while all professionals in the sector are allowed to reach the peak of their career to help bolster present efforts to restore harmony and enhance health service delivery in the nation, says President, Guild of Medical Directors, Dr Tony Philips, during an interaction with select journalists at the weekend in Abuja. Health Reporter, MARCUS FATUNMOLE, was there. Excerpts: Experiences in the country have always shown that private health facilities do better than the public hospitals. Would you support privatization of public hospitals to make them more functional?

Comparing the private and private sectors in terms of function, I can speak because I was in the public before I crossed to the private. In private, there is no protocol. I want to buy a cotton wool; I pick my money and buy cotton wool. In the public, you write letter, it goes from table to table. Before the cotton wool comes out, the patient is dead.

We want result in the private sector; public sector, no result. They don’t care about that.

Again, in the public sector, there are times they refer to private sector as running after profit; it is wrong. We work in a very unfriendly terrain in the sense that we are talking about creating enabling environment for the private facilities in terms of getting loan from the bank; you go to borrow money from the bank to make your facility work. The government has the money, but it is lost down the line by many ways.

That is why money that should have gone into health for years has never got there. They divert the money meant for health into other sectors.

That is why you have this out-of-stock syndrome, a lot of problems. That trickles down to affect the numeration of workers, which makes them fail to keep the terms of their employment, which now leads to strike.

The employment terms that was given to you, you won’t adhere to it. No one wants to work without getting his or her remuneration for working. For the private, we pay salaries, we buy our things; we want result. That is why we are appealing that government should make the environment conducive for us…

I think privatization will help, because it will make things function better. That is why the government wanted to establish the World Health Hospital and Diagnostics in six geo-political zones of the country. The whole idea is to sell that off and invite private people to go in. All these protocol

things will be cut down, and the standards will improve.

Apart from privatizing the public hospitals, are there other ways your association thinks rivalries in the public health sector can be resolved?

Let people know what they are trained to do and just face that. We, as doctors, are never envious of those working under us because we all start the first journey in the medical school.

It is down the line that we start branching off. After two years, everyone goes his or her way.

Lab goes, pharmacy goes. But the dogged ones continue. It is those two years that you decide where you branch. If you know this, you will stick to your job and be proud of it. There will be no problem. It is when you want to encroach that there is problem. Let’s take for example, when you go to a pharmacy to buy drugs; in the pharmacist’s office, there is a stethoscope, they use it. We are never envious of them. But, now, they want the doctors to come down, which is not proper. That is what is causing these fracas and frictions.

Apart from the above, what else can government do to stop the mess?

JOHESU put up 53 demands to the government and the government in its wisdom set up the Yayale-led committee. The committee has submitted its report.

It is now the duty of the incoming government to implement that report. Part of the problem earlier faced by government is that it used to deal with health care practitioners in the public sector individually. So, if government wanted to negotiate salary with the doctors, it dealt with the doctors separately. So was it with other professionals. There was confusion. What the committee has recommended now is that if government wants to do such a thing, it should invite everybody together so that there will be harmony, because it will be unfair to increase the money of the doctors while others do not get increment.

Does it mean that it is only doc-

Philips

tors that are working? That is one of the things. Another area that other health professionals are justifiably fighting for is that all of us went to university. Some of these professionals are restricted from getting to the top of their profession. Some of them cannot become director and reach level 17. So, you can imagine that somebody who read history can get to director of administration.

But, somebody who read pharmacy cannot become director of pharmacy. That pharmacist will feel very bad about it. That is discrimination, and it is against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Such thing should not really happen. Every professional should be allowed to reach their peak. Nobody should stop the other person from reaching their peak.

How relevant would you say the private health institutions are to the nation today?

I am sure we all aware of the private sector to which the guild is known to render about 70 percent of health care practice in the nation. The incoming government should not overlook the roles of the private sector in its appointments. It is very important that the private sector be taken into consideration when they are considering people who should sit on key medical positions in the country, because it will help the government to achieve what it wants to achieve better. For the private sector to operate efficiently, there are certain things that must be done.

First is the enabling environment for our doctors to operate. What happens in India today and other places is not because something is happening in the sky, it is because government created an enabling environment for them to operate.

The situation of multiple taxation in this country, and in most of the states, is making practice very difficult for our colleagues. And, the inter-sectoral fracas is also a problem. It is time we knew that in the medical practice, there are strata.

There are different disciplines and there are different functions.

The whole idea is to work as a team to achieve the goal and the central figure is our patient. So, I think it is time for government to look into this aspect of multiple taxation; creating enabling environment in terms of creating facilities for private sector to access loans in banks, and things to work with to enable them carry out their functions. The other disciplines should also know that if we concentrate on our specialties and work as a team, because it is a matter of team work, our patients will be better off because it is this crises among various professionals that lead to incessant strikes.

It is time we got ourselves together and solve this once and for all.

Do you have any word of advice for Nigerians on their health?

We are here is to advise the populace on many things, to tell them what to do and what not to do as far as health care is concerned.

This includes lifestyle, which we now know is leading to a lot of

problems. Among our populace, there is a lot of cancer problem, a lot of diabetes, a lot of premature deaths. In fact, life expectancy has been known to be affected by our lifestyle. So, we are trying to use this medium to advise that people should make sure that they make comprehensive annual medical check-up as part of their routine.

What specific agenda would you set for the incoming federal government?

The first on the list is that incoming government should implement what is in the National Health Act; it is very important. Two, the government must carry the private sector along in whatever they are doing. Three, in any important medical decision to be taken, that affects the people of this country, medical doctors in the private sector should be carried along. In most cases, government sets up committee to deal with medical issues, you see no medical person from private practice there.

Once the government can do this, we will make our contributions. I know one thing that normally brings problem is the appointment of the Minister of Health,. It is usually a controversial one. We are not after getting a doctor; but it must be somebody that can run the ministry and has some sense of business to run the ministry. The person must be a broad-based trained person to handle that post.

Mirror Wednesday, April 22, 2015 National www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Arts Lounge

Celebrities campaign against poverty in Nigeria

I’m successfully mixing medicine and art –Ugwuoke

26 Piracy has sure eaten deep into the Nigerian creative industry, the good news however, is that more than ever, the filmmakers are bracing for a combat. Will it be fruitful?

Olawale Oluwadahunsi

T

he epic movie, Half of a Yellow Sun, is the most expensive Nigerian film since the emergence of the phenomenal Nollywood. For the producer of the multi-million dollar movie, Biyi Bandele, its sweet tale turned sour as it was pirated on the street and on the internet. No thanks to the ‘almighty’ pirates whose technological acumen could do no good but hack into a well scripted internationally acclaimed movie that was largely financed with loan from the US$200 million Entertainment Intervention Fund of the Nigerian Creative and Entertainment Industry Stimulation Loan Scheme (NCEILS).

About eight months ago, celebrated filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan was in Lagos traffic on when he came across a hawker selling pirated copies of the movie’. Unhappy with what he saw, he made this comment on twitter.

“I seized these pirated copies of Half of the Yellow sun from the guy selling in traffic N broke them in his presence.”

With this activist move, pirates might simply have had him in their black-book waiting patiently to feast on any of his works any time they are released. And so we have it- His multi million naira award-winning movie, October 1, couldn’t have had a worse treatment in the shackles of this villains. They hacked it and now he is on the streets protesting against them.

Who knows, this could further intensify the ex-banker’s quest to relocate from Nigeria.

Just last week, actor and television presenter, Yemi Sodimu, seized copies of the pirated movies from road sellers, and posted the photos on Facebook.

In swift response, ace filmmaker, Tunde Kelani who had also been a victim of the scourge condemned act in all terms.

“I hereby totally condemn unequivocally, the malicious piracy attack on October 1, a film by Kunle Afolayan. The pirated copies of the film appeared on Lagos streets on Monday, April 13, 2015,” he said.

“Only last week, Kunle Afolayan had alerted the nation that he received threats of the attack and openly expressed his feelings when he discovered pirated copies of his previous films on DVD with some Igbo hawkers. Unfortunately, some people felt uncomfortable at his utterances, whipped up ethnic sentiments and hurled abuses at him. Pirates have caused filmmakers and investors huge losses as a result of their unchecked criminal activities.

In the same vein, about nine weeks ago, comedian and producer, Ayo Makun also known as AY, wrote an open letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Suleiman Abba on the pirating of his movie, 30 Days in Atlanta which cost him over 50 million naira to produce. AY had urged the IGP in the letter to use the machinery at his disposal to identify and arrest those involved in the nefarious act.

25

Piracy: Nollywood’s renewed fight against scourge Sympathetically, he said he had already put some measures in place to curtail the activities of the interlopers to no avail.

“I have always heard of the risk faced by honest producers and loss of revenue due to the activities of the incessant piracy cabals operating freely, without fear of the law in Nigeria.

“And within the past few weeks, this has been my experience as I heard of the leak of my movie to various nefarious elements.

“No more should movie producers and other intellectual property owners’ scramble to make the little they can, before the ‘Alaba boys’ get their hands on the content.

“Alaba is part of Nigeria and as such the activities therein ought to be governed by the laws of Nigeria,’’ he said. AY said that if the IGP did not curtail the continued dominance of piracy, producers would refuse to make more movies for fear of losing out.

But this plea seems to have fallen only on deaf ears. The main issue is how do these intellectual rapists take possession of the master CD of these movies? Cant anything be done by the law to stop this menace?

Mr Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, the editor of Nollywod Mirror, reveals that all the stakeholders are to blame with the exception of those who have been reporting the inadequacies and shortcomings in Nollywood, Kannywood and other integral components of the Nigerian film industry “All the stakeholders are to blame. The title chasers are more desperate for setting up their self-appointed committees to represent Nigeria at coveted international annual award events in America and joining international associations instead of addressing the economic sabotage caused by piracy, the most common enemy of progress of all producers of movies and other forms of entertainment.

“And the news reporters in Nigeria who are employed to report and expose the rampant crimes of piracy are more interested in collecting brown envelopes and as the proverbial saying goes, “He who pays the piper dictates the tune”. So, it is not surprising that when intellectual works are being pirated openly in public, the news reporters prefer to only gossip about it in their newsrooms and rendezvous pubs in town.

30 Days in Atlanta

Half of a Yellow Sun

Kunle afalayan in October 1

Biyi Bandele “What causes piracy of intellectual works is poor content management by the producers and distributors who fail to implement the available anti-piracy strategies and tools and the incompetent administrators in government.

“But filmmakers and distributors in Nigeria have no defined plans for the control and prevention of the piracy of movies and in fact willingly offer their movies to those who undervalue the financial worth by repeatedly broadcasting and recycling them on cable TV networks and public TV channels. They don’t even care how many times and locations their movies are broadcast once they have been paid as little as US$2,000 (two thousand dollars) only and then their movies are pirated in other locations outside Nigeria. Is the US$2,000 for one broadcast on TV or for life broadcast?

While the stars are enjoying the stardom of their global celebrity status, the producers are left at the mercy of dishonest distributors

Yemi Sodimuu “While the stars are enjoying the stardom of their continental and global celebrity status as famous household names, collecting millions as appearance fees and more millions from endorsements as brand ambassadors, the producers are left at the mercy of dishonest distributors and pirates. And to worsen their predicament, the Nigerian government has failed to sign bilateral co-production treaties with other countries to promote and protect Nigerian movies in international markets as many other countries have done”, he asserts.

In concert, Mr Tunde Kelani agrees that a new law should be promulgated to rank piracy among serious crimes like armed robbery, economic or narcotics crimes while also adding that stakeholders in the film industry need to push for a law for heavy jail term for any convicted pirate. He calls on the government to help tackle the issue.

24

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Talking xenophobia Charles Oputa

I

am not feeling good today. Perhaps I got up on the wrong side of the bed.

But the bad news from my telephone conversation with my granddaughter who is an undergraduate in Mauritius last week could be a factor. She expressed her deep concerns regarding safety in her country of study, highlighting strings of attacks on foreigners.

I have been most worried about the too much bickering and guarding of territory stories making the rounds. It appears Xenophobia is becoming the mass ideology of the century.

The events of the past two weeks in South Africa and indeed other parts of the world have got me really thinking.

Nigerians who live in Western/European countries complain about racism and being second-class citizens in their host countries.

Britain is making anti-immigration laws and tightening its borders everyday because they believe they are being overwhelmed by the increasing demand to create opportunities for its teeming immigrants, neglecting its own.

Japanese government, having become extremely worried by this hostile antiforeigner development, is keen to attract millions of new tourists and business visitors to Japan over the next decade; but with “Don’t come to Japan if you’re a foreigner” clause.

This is the message from many Japanese hotels in a recent survey conducted by the Japanese Ministry for Tourism.

Even in our own Nigeria, we see pockets of tribal and religious Xenophobia here and there. Isn’t that really insane?

For instance, just before the recently-concluded presidential elections, there was a mad exodus, people leaving the cities for their villages due to fear of the unknown.

This fatal inhibition cannot be divorced from the spreading of unguarded comments and positions which evoked fear in the hearts of most Nigerians; pitching us against one another.

charly

Is it therefore any wonder at the extremity of our own African brothers in the South meting out the worst treatments on their fellow Africans? Hmmmnnn!

South Africa is experiencing one of its worse case of xenophobic syndrome simply because they believe that foreigners are taking away their luck and their jobs.

Let this not be a piece you read and do nothing about, let it inspire you to begin the change from your individual space

Memorable Reads school girl. I read lots of Shakespeare, Hadley Chase and the African books, but right now, I am paying more attention to books that can develop me as a person.

Does it mean you do not like African authors?

I like them; but I do not have any as my favourite. I read them as a student; I must say they are good. Aside books, I indulge a lot in newspapers and magazines. I read them to get enlightened and know what is going on in the society.

Who is your favourite author?

I cannot point at anyone as my best author. I read lots of books as a

How much is your annual budget

Nkiru Sylvanus Actress

on books?

I do not have a budget, but with e-books now available, books are cheaper. You just download what you need and pay a little. That’s going to revolutionise the reading industry, much as it has done to music.

If you decide to write a book, what would it be on?

It would be about my life in movies. I would like to put some things down for posterity to learn.

I do strongly believe this is a wake-up call to everyone that, if we believe, our land can still be green. To begin to look homeward and think of ways to make this our home (Nigeria) better and truly standout like the giant it’s meant to be.

I think it is high time our leaders began to look inward, create a life for our teeming population and make Nigeria a proud home where citizens are not looking to run away (even when running away means being a third class or no class citizen at destination).

What is it that we lack that we cannot begin to focus on our diversity which is the core strength that we have and use it to create a world where our children will be happy and proud to live in? Truth be told, so long as we continue to ignore our youths who I still believe are the life wire of this nation; so long as we continue to encourage brain drain and capital flight by running to and developing other countries instead of ours, the story will continue to be that of raising another man’s child. No matter how long you keep that child and nurture it, the DNA can never confirm the child as yours.

As we all anticipate a positively impacting change, I look forward to a Nigeria where her honourable youths, leaders and indeed every citizen will rise up and build the nation of our dream. A nation where we will sincerely fight corruption, tribal and religious sentiments as well as all other things that create the divide and focus on the one thing we have in common, Nigeria/Poverty.

Let the ties that bind us be national patriotism or nothing.

Collective fear stimulates herd instinct and tends to produce beef/hate towards those who are not regarded as members of the herd.

Let this not be a piece you read and do nothing about, let it inspire you to begin the change from your individual space.

To think that your being poor or less privileged is because someone else (foreign to you) is rich and doing well is the actual meaning of Xenophobia.

Think, and then let me know what you think....

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

25

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

I’m successfully mixing medicine with art –Ugwuoke He is an unusual artist who has two juxtaposing talents: medicine and painting. Welcome to the artistic world of Ejike Ugwoke.

Isiguzo Destiny

H

e can be described with what the black US surgeon, Ben Carson called ‘gifted hands’. Ejike Ugwoke is a trained medical doctor; who graduated from medical school and currently practices as a doctor. Beyond using his hands for healing, he employs it in painting various concepts including what he called ‘the surreal’, a kind of painting that depicts the fantastic and unreal representation of reality in imagination. Describing himself, the doctor-painter said, “I’ve heard people in my world say that guy that smiles always, he is down to earth, he is usually quiet and calculated, he’s weird, he’s talented, but I am Ugwoke Ejike, a freelance artist, a medical doctor, and a Nigerian from Enugu state. I am passionate about art and creativity in every aspect including music, photography, graphics, city development and tourism, and humanitarian service including medical care”.

One may begin to wonder how and when this artist discovered his talent in the arts or whether it was a talent he discovered very late. Moreso whether it was an inborn talent or acquired skill.

Ejike told National Mirror that, “I discovered myself as a painter quite early, as early as a pupil in primary school. Comments and appreciation from friends made me discovered I have something unique. That little motivation encouraged me to paint more cartoons, characters in WWF, movie characters. Subsequently, in secondary school, I discovered a new dimension to my skill...I can make money with it. In university, as a medical student, I was making money from event posters, logo designs, hand-made cards, gift boxes, portraits, and other art works”. He revealed that he is a born artist, one that has artistic sagacity running in the family gene. “I would say it’s both natural and acquired. Natural, because my late dad, popularly known as J.J.C Ugwoke, was an artist, and all of us in my family paint, except one person. If I should explain it in medical terms, I would say it has genetic and environmental factors. Environmental in the sense

that we may have subconsciously picked some skills while watching my dad do art works. He never, for once, taught us painting, and none of us got any formal art education in school.

We just discovered something; that we get better as we draw, paint or do other forms of art works. The more I paint the more I improve my skills. So I kept pushing, making mistakes but gradually improving my skill, even during my tedious days in medical college. However, as I admire works of professional artists, I say to myself, Ejike you need to push further, and I kept evolving into something better”.

How can an artist combine two tasking unrelated professions? This question has bothered anyone that came across this talented painter but Ejike always solves this puzzle. “The truth is that I keep discovering myself and improving. I say discovery because during my days in medical college, when sometimes, I leave art work for long, I discovered that I find it difficult to paint when I decide to. It still happens to me as I practice as a doctor. Same way I find it difficult to get back to providing medical care after long period of art work. It’s as if different parts of brain control science and art. The two fields are demanding, so even in my college days it limited my school activities. Not like I was passive in school, nope, I avoided activities that were also demanding or not related to my plans for future. I avoided school politics, wild parties, and so on. However, I have to a large extent, improved my ability to combine the two fields. I might be painting, a call comes in from hospital, I clean up myself and head to the hospital to suture a wound, and then switch back to my painting, afterwards. Due to time factor as a practising doctor, I limited myself mostly to paintings; I didn’t pursue graphics and photography again. This will help me improve more on painting and further my post graduate studies in medicine. I also read books on both art and medicine”.

With such commitments and passions for two things, Ejike was asked which of them he finds more interesting and he said he feels incomplete without both. “Let me give you a scenario, a new friend picks my phone, goes to my gallery and starts watching art paintings, then the usually question comes. Why then

Picasso’s works don’t impress me at all, may be because I am not a fan of cubism

MIDWEEK JUMP

Open Mic Night with Lolo

L

olo is the host of the Open Mic Night where lyricists, poets, rappers, and those well versed in spoken word perform to a live audience. Come experience and listen to great minds interpret the society, lay path to a better way for Nigeria or just talk about love in a heart wrenching way.

The event begins by 7pm on Thursday, 23rd April, 2015 at Bogobiri, Lagos State. Admission is free.

did you study medicine? I find both interesting and I feel incomplete without both. What keep me going in medicine is the amazing things that happen daily, the smile of relief you find on a patients’ face after curing their illness while Art is part of me and I also discovered it before Medicine. I would have gone fully into Art course but I was doing well in science, in secondary school. Secondly, I only had an Art teacher in JSS1. I attended a government /catholic secondary school, and we lacked art teachers in the school then, so I ended up in science class. When it came to choosing a course in University, I decided I want diversity, so I went for Medicine. Nigeria government really needs to revamp our primary and secondary schools, that’s where foundation of future interests are laid, a lot of young talents are either lost or poorly tapped because of the poor educational system in this country. There’re young children, out there, good in music, dance, football, engineering/ technology, oration, leadership, but these qualities are not enhanced, and most time they are lost or under used”.

When asked what his major challenge is in painting and what he intends to do with painting, he said his challenge is learning some technicalities in painting and that “most artists, who really love what they do, will tell you how much they crave for appreciation of their works, even more than the money they generates. So I want to see my works appreciated nationally and internationally. Secondly, I usually ask this question; what is the place of Art in Medicine? I have only been able to find few answers. Someone who has artistic skill is refined in the hand, so they usually make good surgeons. I am, currently, researching on how art can be seamlessly fused with medicine in a way that will be interesting, healing and at the same time generate fund. Art informed my decision to pursue Radiology in Medical post graduate studies, it’s an area of medicine that deals with images, and while I continue in informal education in Art, I hope to develop a concept that will fuse the two”.

Unlike so many other artists, Ejike does not follow or tries to emulate other painters whom he considers their works as great. He revealed that his role model is his dad and then no other person. “Except for my late dad, I don’t have a role model. I will, in future.

Though I observe closely the works of Bruce Onobrakpeya, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso.

Picasso’s works don’t impress me at all, may be because I am not a fan of cubism. I’m only interested in aspects of his life and work that made him so widely celebrated”.

The Jaja Band at Bogobiri

J

oin Jaja and his band today, at the beautiful Bogobiri. A good way to relax after work or indulge in a weekly event during the week. They have a choice range of drinks and small chops to enjoy while listening to the live band.

The event begins by 7pm on today, 22nd April, 2015 at Bogobiri, 9, Maitama Sule Street off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State. Admission is Free.

26

Arts Lounge

FAR AND NEAR Chidi Ugwu

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orried by the dwindling economic fortunes in the country which has plunged a greater percentage of citizens into abject poverty, some notable Nigerian celebrities, activists and artists have recently staged a campaign to propagate urgent need to curb the menace.

Gathered in Abuja during the weekend under the auspices of One Campaign Organisation, a campaign and advocacy organisation of more than 6 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, the likes of Onyeka Onwenu, Omotola, Genevieve Nnaji, and Omawumi were some of the celebrities that have joined the ONE Campaign and Nigerian civil society organisations in a call for world leaders to take urgent action for women’s empowerment ahead of the establishment of the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals.

The campaign according to Mr. Edwin Daniel-Ikhuoria, Nigeria Country Representative ONE Campaign, is part of the African Union Year of Women Empowerment and the ONE Campaign in Abuja.

The programme also witnessed the launch of Nigeria Poverty is Sexist, a campaign and online petition calling on world leaders to put girls and women centre-stage in 2015, a year when new development goals will be set.

High profile Nigerians, including Executive Director of the National Centre for Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu, actresses Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Genevieve Nnaji, musicians Omawumi and D’banj, have

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Celebrities campaign against poverty in Nigeria

Omotola

Onyeka

added their names to ONE’s call for action.

The campaign was launched at a policy forum that was attended by representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Equity Advocates and Save the Children Nigeria among others.

According to Daniel-Ikhuoria, recently released report by ONE titled, “Poverty is Sexist: Why girls and women must be at the heart of the fight to end extreme poverty” shows how unlocking women’s economic potential could improve the lives of everyone in society.

He said, the report shows that poverty and gender inequality go hand in hand, whether you look at health, education or work. Not only are girls and women worse off than those in wealthier countries, but the gender gap in these areas between males and females is greatest in the poorest countries.

In a presentation, Dr Sipho S. Moyo, ONE Africa’s Executive Director said, “Nigeria, and other African nations, has to refocus the development agenda on gender equity as a smart means of unleashing the potential for human, social, political and economic development everywhere.

“This being the African Union Year of Women Empowerment, it is our opportunity to seize and promote the advancement of humankind by insisting on policy interventions by our African governments that promote and ensure equal opportunities for women and girls.

“The benefits of investing in girls and women will be felt across all of society because the evidence shows that the social return of investing in girls and women accrue universally to boys and men too.”

According to Mrs. Ene Ede from Equity Advocates, “The informal sec-

tor, which is 85% led by the women, is consistent and vital to the sustenance of Nigeria’s economy. If we have a concerted effort to offset the huge historic economic and socio-cultural deficits that women suffer, Nigeria will rise to the top on the global map.”

During the event, Lady Onyeka Onwenu joined Arunma Oteh to sign the online petition.

Onwenu recognised that progress is being made in women empowerment, but there is a lot left to be done.

She said: “Political parties have not given women the opportunities to vie for offices. Laws are made in the Senate and House of Representatives – but women are not properly represented there. We must ensure that all political parties take into consideration that women are marginalised. Our constitution must ensure this by prescribing a minimum number of seats for women.”

Yvonne Jegede thrills in new film

Art galleries hunt for technological relics

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he digital world is increasingly meshing with the art world. More and more art is being marketed and sold online. At the same time, relics from the early days of computing are drawing eye-catching prices, and more and more commercial galleries are showing works by innovative, Internet-savvy artists.

Last Monday, a manuscript written by Alan Turing, the British mathematician who was instrumental in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II, sold for $1 million at Bonhams in New York. The price, which included auction house fees, highlighted the growing demand for relics associated with the pioneers of the technology that today dominates our lives.

Turing’s fame had recently been enhanced by “The Imitation Game,” the 2014 movie that garnered an Oscar nomination for the actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who played the indefatigable code-breaker. But even before the movie, Turing was recognized among the technologically inclined as the father of modern computing. His 1936 paper, “On Computable Numbers,” is regarded as a landmark in the history of theoretical computer science.

The “bombe” computing device Turing constructed at Bletchley Park, Britain’s wartime code-breaking center, was the

World’s first Apple computer

forerunner of Colossus, the world’s first true computer, with which colleagues de-encrypted the Germans’ even more intractable Lorenz cypher. But his life ended tragically.

Turing died in 1954 at age 41 after eating a cyanide-infused apple, having been subjected to years of persecution for his homosexuality and then hormone injections to “cure” it.

Bonhams’s 56-page manuscript, the first

by Turing that has appeared on the open market, comprised notes on mathematical logic and was thought to date from about 1944. Once owned by the British mathematician Robin Gandy, the notebook was bought by an unidentified bidder. The auction house had not published an estimate, but said by telephone that it had expected it to sell for more than $1 million.

Bonhams is gaining a reputation as the

leader in this auction sector. Its Fine Books and Manuscripts sale in New York on April 13 included a German wartime Enigma machine. It sold for $269,000.

At Bonhams’s History of Science auction in October, the Henry Ford Museum paid $905,000 for one of the 50 Apple-1 computers that Steve Wozniak built at Steve Jobs’s California home in 1976. It is still in operational condition, and the price was the highest paid at auction for a vintage computer. The Apple-1 originally cost $666.66, about $2,600 in today’s money.

“Science is a universal language. It belongs to everyone,” said Cassandra Hatton, the director at Bonhams in New York of the history of science and technology. “Artists go out of fashion, but you can’t take away the historical value of something like a Galileo telescope.”

Or an Apple-1, given that just about everywhere you are in the world, someone will be using a device bearing that distinctive logo.

The Apple logo was designed in 1977 by Rob Janoff, who said in a 2009 interview with the design website creativebits.org that he had not been thinking of Turing’s sad demise at the time. He said that it was a coincidence that he used an apple and that he added the bite to distinguish it in scale from a cherry.

Yvonne Jegede on set

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erhaps this would go down in her resume as one of her most-talked about roles as it involves her character in a yet-to-be released movie, The Sassy One. Produced under the stables of Dabz Movie Production, the film features a list of professionals like the actress, Yvonne Jegede alongside Shirley Igwe, Kenneth Okolie and Gift Okeke among other acts.

According to the producer, Dabby Chimere, the movie is an emotional, but socially relevant one that would expose the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse in the society.

“It’s about a mother who loves her drugs more than her only girl child because she is far too addicted. Due to the fact that drug addiction has taken over her entire life, her child went on to suffer neglect and abuse in her hands. It became an appalling situation that one could not manage seeing, but to pity the child,” she said. Promising to be different, Dabby stressed that the movie would be entertaining, though it needs one to watch it for purpose of understanding.

She said it’s necessary for people of all ages to see it and get acquainted with the ills of drug abuse.

Business

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

‘Ad agencies’ constraints reflective of nation’s macroeconomic situation’ 28

Cooperatives reject proposed supervision by Labour Ministry 31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oil prices hike rekindles hope on oil, gas investments

NACCIMA rallies operators’ support for business-supporting Bills ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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he need for business operators to be more relevant to formulation of businesssupporting legislations and participate actively in national development has prompted the compilation of reports on the various business-related bills by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture, NACCIMA, for the recent deliberation upon the bills by stakeholders.

In its recent publication titled “Legislative Alert”, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, said the report of the parley, which took the account of bills before the National Assembly, was circulated to the business community for operators to be aware of the legislations as they affect their business activities.

According to him, there were various bills on the business activities in the Federal House of Assembly, which were still awaiting the ratification of the House.

Those bills, he said, if approved, would enhance the performance of businesses in the country.

Under consideration at the National Assembly, as contained in the publication, is a Bill for an Act seeking to define the limits to

M

oves by clearing agents to secure a refund of monies mistakenly paid as import duty, levies and other charges on imported goods made a brick wall, as the Nigeria Customs Service says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for such refunds to be effected.

The new Destination Inspection scheme, which introduced the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, requires importers or their accredited agents to com-

33

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES

….endorses Tobacco Control Bill which obligation, ethical, complimentary actions of business concerns, community organisations and public bodies may be carried out for the purpose of enabling the organisations thereof to address key social, economic and environmental problems confronting any part or parts of the federation in which their operations and activities are prevalent.

Such obligatory, ethical and complimentary actions are defined as Corporate Social Respon-

sibility.

The report stated that the provisions of the Act were in addition to, and not in derogation of any other existing law, regulation, rule or direction relating to the obligation of employers, business concerns or other bodies corporate to the Government of the Federation and its people.

Another Bill contained in the report is the Act seeking to reform the land transport system in Nigeria through the establishment of

National Land Transport Agency.

The Bill, which is currently being discussed in the House of Representatives, seeks to amend the railway act and suggests the linking of railway lines across the federation for efficient delivery.

The Bill, according to NACCIMA, is important to private sector because it would help reduce the time of delivery of goods and services and also set up a regulatory authority for the sector.

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

Aero Contractors

L-R: Board member, Nigerian Tennis Federation, Mr. Duro Ikhazuagbe; Head, External Division, Corporate Communication Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Isaac Okoroafor and President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Mr. Sam Egbuchunam, during a news conference on CBN Junior Tennis Championship in Lagos at the Weekend.

PHOTO: NAN

Customs forecloses wrongly paid duty, charges’ refund FRANCIS EZEM

27

plete their cargo clearing documentation processes including preparing the Single Goods Declaration SGD, which determines the amount to pay as duty before the arrival of the consignment.

This is part of measures by the service to eliminate or drastically reduce the high dwell time of cargo at the port, caused by the fact that most clearing agents begin the process of clearing their consignments after they must have arrived the ports.

Controller in charge of the Apapa Area 1 command of the service, Comptroller Charles Edike, who reacted to recent clamour by clearing agents, said the power

to refund import duty, levies and other charges paid into the Federation Account did not lie with the service, as erroneously believed by most agents and importers.

According to him, it will take very cumbersome and lengthy processes beyond the control of the service for such money to be refunded, a development that calls for caution on the part of the agents before Single Goods Declarations SGDs, which determines the amount of money paid as duty, levy or charges as the case might be, are prepared.

It was gathered that the process of such refunds begins with an application by the agent to the Cus-

toms Area Controller CAC, where the transaction was done, stating the details such as the amount involved, type of consignment imported and possible reason or cause of the over-payment, which would be forwarded to the Comptroller General of the service.

The Comptroller General, if satisfied with the reasons for the over-payment and other issues would forward the application to the Minister of Finance, which directly supervises the service, who forwards to the Auditor General and now to the accountant General of the Federation, who would order the Central Bank of Nigeria to make the refund.

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

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

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

28

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ad agencies’ constraints reflective of nation’s When National Mirror’s Brands and Marketing Correspondent, DAVID AUDU, met the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, a bouquet of issues within the industry formed the fulcrum of the interactive discussion. Excerpts:

Could you give an overview the advertising industry in Nigeria, in terms of growth and opportunities in the past year?

Advertising is an important and interesting industry as everybody now knows.

It is important because we use creativity to support brands, to support ideas, and to support concepts about things and people. Importantly, advertising supports the growth of the economy. However, the challenges we have is when the economy is not experiencing real growth, then advertising, which is the support part begins to suffer. That is one of the challenges. The growth of advertising and communication is usually commensurate with the growth that we have in the economy, I mean real growth in the economy. Therefore, as a people, as an industry and as a nation, we are all looking for real growth in the economy, which allows advertising to flourish. The other thing we are looking for is the facts that there is a lot of value trapped in the government work, which has not come to impact on the advertising, and we wish to unlock that value. This is what we are looking forward to so that we can have a thriving and vibrant agency to drive the economy.

When you say some values are trapped in government work, what exactly do you mean?

Nwosu

What I mean by values trapped in government should be understood in terms of policies and in terms of execution.

The duty of government at all levels is the welfare and improvement of lives of

the people. Therefore, government should follow the laws that have been made for the growth of advertising by making sure that all the people who work for them, especially, in their communications and in their advertising jobs are people who are professionals; that they are people who are licensed to work for them. This is in the area of policy. We also want a situation where if the ministry of communications or whatever ministry should do any communication, they should work with professionals. That is what the APCON law says, which is the laws of the country.

What happens if these people employed in government establishments are professionals and registered APCON members?

Have they still contravened any rule?

The reality is that they can have the professionals in their fold to do the work for them, but the professional in their fold

are not that well rounded. It is difficult for any ministry to bring together the kinds of talent that you have in any standard advertising agency. You know how an agency operates. You have the media planner, you have an account manager, you have a copy writer, you have an art director; you have a production person, and some others. I will be surprised if there is any ministry that will have all these skills imbedded in the ministry. Skills that is active.

Are you saying that government is also violating their own law and if you have to enforce, how do you go about it?

Absolutely! Enforcement is up do Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, to do. That is what we are pushing APCON to do, to enforce its policies. You see, enforcement is a strong word, what we are encouraging APCON

FOR US GROWTH IS IMPORTANT. THIS COUNTRY NEEDS GROWTH, THE COMPANIES NEED GROWTH, AND INDIVIDUALS NEED GROWTH. WE NEED TO GROW THE SPACE AND THE ECONOMY IS THE Nwosu

ENGINE ROOM FOR GROWTH

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

29

s macroeconomic situation –AAAN President to do is persuasion. A lot of people do not even know that what they are doing is wrong. We need to tell them that what they are doing is wrong. That is the first part. We are now pushing the cause to appeal to them “please work with professionals”. It is not right for political parties to work without advertising agencies.

It is not right legally, and it is not right from the employment point of view. Very few countries in this tough economic weather will go out of their country to employ people from outside. If you look at us as a country, we like imported things too much to the detriment of the welfare, improvement and development of the various segments of our economy and profession.

Some analysts feel that APCON needed to do more to ensure improved compliance with ads vetting rules. What is the scope of ads that should be submitted for vetting?

APCON should be in a better position to answer those questions, but our views is that there should be vetting, and vetting has been going on in terms of people bringing works to be vetted, and we believe all ads should be submitted for vetting. But the new APCON reform says that before you work in advertising you have to get a corporate license. Companies, firms which have in-house advertising facilities need to register them as a full-fledged advertising company with APCON, and issued with a license.

curate data on the volume of the industry.

What is the volume now?

For now I have been reluctant to give a particular figure, because there have been two figures in circulation. There is the number that came from MediaReach research published in Mediafacts book, and we as a player came up with another figure. So, we are now at a cross when we try to give figures. So, I have been reluctant to give out a figure. Please forgive me for that. Then, the question, why do you not have figures? We do not have figures because there are substantial amounts of advertising that do not pass through the professional industry. One way to get the figures, and this is something we have outlined to do, is by working with consultants to aggregate the total revenue from the industry, not just from the professional AAAN agencies, but from the non-professional working with the media. This requires a study, and is one of the things we are going to do.

My investigation shows that most of these agencies have no account and are in financial distress. What do you say about this?

GOVERNMENT SHOULD FOLLOW THE LAWS BY MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR THEM, ESPECIALLY, IN THEIR

COMMUNICATIONS AND IN THEIR ADVERTISING JOBS ARE PROFESSIONALS

When compared with agencies in Europe and America, there is much secrecy in the domestic industry’s operations here. Why is it different here?

It is not true for all agencies. I do not think that we have a code of secrecy. I think, once you win a business you want to announce it, you want to celebrate it.

We are not that secret about it. We might be secretive about certain things, but not about winning business. I will not subscribe to that, honestly.

During the political campaigns, the jingles were all over on air, but none of your members ever admitted handling the briefs. Are they not your members?

They are our members, but I am not sure that a lot of the works done on the political advertising have been done by our members. Most instances, they have been given to our members as third parties. So, somebody brings it out, he/she is managing it, he then sublet it to the agency. Sometimes the agency is reluctant to own it because it is not a direct contract with the client, this is one. Another thing is it is also a cultural affair. People are afraid of political stigmatization. For instance, if you are working for candidate A and candidate A does not win, and candidate B wins. There is a fear of the backlash, I think that fear is also unfounded.

We should grow up and be more matured about it, and say am a professional, am working for this candidate, and that is what we are preaching to our members.

The advertising industry growth is not being measured to enable investors get ac-

Is your economy doing well? Let us be honest. Is our economy doing well? When we started, I said advertising support the growth of the economy. I said that we could even do a lot better if we could get advertising account from government.

Advertising agencies suffer from the same vagaries that we have in the entire economy. Our economy is still shallow.

The greatest earner which is oil is unlikely to give any business to advertising. The other contributor to the GDP, agriculture is unlikely to give any business to advertising, until we have been able to unlock some advocacy for agriculture or something like that. It therefore leaves us with the smaller parts, the services and the manufacturing and telecoms. So, there are very limited areas for us as advertising people to operate and grow in. I think that as the economy continues to grow the agency will grow long also. There are signs that it is an attractive economy, otherwise you will not have foreign investors who are looking in to come and invest, and are asking for a stake. You will not have agencies partners abroad asking for a stake in the industry. They see opportunities that there will be more growth in

Nwosu

the economy.

But then, is it true that some agencies are actually going through tough times?

It would be a fair assessment to say yes.

A number of agencies, like most of us in the economy are going through tough times. The agencies business and the entire marketing communications are all part of the economy. Are banks not retrenching now, and is the manufacturing sector not only contributing about eight per cent to the GDP. I hear one of the egg heads in the manufacturing sector saying for you to have real growth and development the manufacturing sector ought to contribute about 40 per cent to GDP. The manufacturing sector is the major advertisers that we used to have before you add the telcos and banks. So, agencies got its challenges, and those challenges have to be situated within the macro economy.

As president of AAAN, what are you doing to enhance the growth of advertising in Nigeria and to make advertising more relevant to the growth of the economy?

We are doing a couple of things. One, we figured that the APCON reforms were critical to the rejuvenation of the industry. Critical to getting the APCON reforms to work is getting an APCON council. Again, with the support of everybody, including the heads of agencies and sectoral groups, HASG, we have been able to get the government to do some things.

The HASG did spear head a number of press conferences, persuasions and appeals to get government to redress some anomaly in the sector. At the end of the day everybody has seen reason and APCON reforms are now back. The second thing we are looking at doing is the public advocacy campaign that we started. We think that should give us a better standing with the general public and also with the government.

What is it TBWA Concepts that stands it out among other agencies?

At TBWA, we are a creative agency, we pride ourselves for creativity. We have been working with top brands in the country. Stanbic IBTC is one of our clients, and we been working with them for a couple of years now. The Spirit of Lagos campaign for Lagos State is spear headed by us. We have been working for UAC for over six years now; we worked for Globacom till early January this year; the Glo overload campaign was done by us. We have the society for family health every now and then. We also have other top clients in our roaster.

We have other businesses that we do.

For instance, we work with Promasidor on a project basis. We are doing relatively well in what are really tough circumstances. At TBWA we want to use creativity to fuel growth. For us growth is important. This country needs growth, the companies need growth, and individuals need growth. We need to grow the space and the economy is the engine room for growth. Last word for me is that we should urge all of us as a people to think a little bit deeper about the future of our country.

30

Business News

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos Ports vessel berths decline 8% in first quarter FRANCIS EZEM

S

trong indications emerged that the declining import volumes occasioned by the political and economic uncertainties in the country is currently taking its toll on most Key Performance Indicators KPI, of the seaports, as vessel calls at the Lagos Ports Complex LPC, Apapa record a 7.5 decline in the number of vessels that called at the ports.

The LPC covers the APM Terminals Apapa Limited, ENL Consortium, Apapa Bulk Terminals Limited, Green View Development Limited, Eko Support Services Limited and Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base LADOL, among several other off-dock terminals and Inland Container Depots.

The complex also recorded a total of 16.3 per cent decline in the volume of container discharged while gated out cargo volumes also declined by 4.6 per cent between January and March 2015.

For instance, details of the statistics at the LPC show that a total of 41 laden ships called at the port in January, 2015 as against 43 vessels in the comparative period of 2014.

The vessels call at the ports for February 2015, also stood at 41 as against the 45 recorded in the previous year, which further

declined to 17 vessels in March 2015 compared to the 19 recorded in the comparative period of 2014, which brings to a total of 7.5 per cent decline in the first quarter of the year.

The Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Charles Edike, who confirmed this development in an interview at the weekend, however said that despite the sharp decline in most KPIs, the command recorded a 33.3 per cent growth in its revenue generation for the period under review.

According to him, the command had collected a total of N20.7billion in January, 2015, which rose to N21.6 billion and N32.4billion for the months of February and March, 2015, respectively, bringing to a total of N73.7 billion.

This is against the N19.1billion collected in January 2014, N17.1billion and N19.2 billion collected in the months of February and March, 2014 respectively, bringing to a total of N55.3 billion, which represents a 33.3 percent growth rate.

According to him, the com-

mand was able to block most revenue leakages in the system, which boosted its revenue generation, in addition to the introduction of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR, which apart from simplifying and making cargo clearance easy, also made the entire process efficient.

“We were also able to achieve increased revenue profile in the face of dwindling import volumes because officers and men of the command adhered strictly to the import rules and regulations laid down by the service”, he also said.

L-R: Customer Marketing Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Mr. Fiyinfolu Adewakun; VJ Adams of SoundCity; Brand Manager, Ribena, Mr. Essien Ekemini; Communications and Engagement Manager, Ms. Bolaji Sanyaolu and Group Product Manager, Ms. Aigbeme Momoh, during the final draws of the Lucozade Ribena Big Cash Giveaway Promo in Lagos, recently.

PenCom, Edinburgh University partner on capacity building MESHACK IDEHEN

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he National Pension Commission (PenCom) has disclosed its collaboration with the Business School of the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, on staff training with a view to improving their leadership and managerial competences.

The training, which held in Abuja between March 16 and 20, 2015;the commission said, featured presentations and a case study workshop facilitated by leading international experts on leadership strategy and sustainable

development.

PenCom said in a statement that participants were drawn from the managerial cadre in the commission and were equipped with the necessary skills to translate things learnt during the programme into actions in the workplace while facilitators took turns to answer questions on issues raised by participants.

The theme of the training, “Executive Education Programme: Sustainability Strategy, Leadership and Management for the Public Sector,” said PenCom, was delivered by the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI) of Edinburgh

University, United Kingdom, wit participants granted access to the institution’s virtual learning environment.

According to PenCom, participants were taken through some topics including orchestrating winning strategies, strategic leadership, role of pension funds in corporate governance, governance of pension funds, regulations of pension funds, sustainability: overview and global trends; aviation infrastructure and Africa’s development and environmental, social and governmental (ESG) integration across asset classes.

Speaking on the development,

the Director of the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI), University of Edinburgh; Dr. Kenneth Amaeshi, said participants were also given insights from researches on sustainable development, pension funds management, and leveraging pension funds for infrastructure development, strategy and sustainable leadership.

“We have developed tools and training capabilities to equip managers and decision-makers with the requisite skills to create and implement sustainable strategies, in this way, linking academia with practice,” Amaeshi stated.

African Ministers seek more funds to unlock economy SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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frican Ministers have renewed calls for increased flow of funds to fulfil Africa’s development aspirations.

The Ministers also stressed the region’s readiness for accelerated private and public financing of low-carbon development.

With its vulnerable populations and vast potential, Africa

has more to lose from climate change and much to gain from effective climate change agreement.

While confirming that twothird of the 620 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa have no secure access to electricity.

They also noted that out of 730 million people in the region, only four-fifth still rely on cooking with wood, which affects health while destroying vital forest cover.

They therefore noted the great opportunity for the private sector to invest in low carbon, using market forces to bring innovative technologies so that the continent could develop substantially.

President and Chief Executive Officer, International Emissions Trading Association, Dirk Forrister reiterated the need for adequate, predictable, sustainable and climate finance resources to address Africa’s challenges in transitioning to low carbon de-

velopment.

Also, the Manager of Environment and Climate Change, African Development Bank, AfDB, Kurt Lonsway, said the current climate financial flows are currently insufficient to meet Africa’s climate change challenges, stressing that it is critical for African countries to demonstrate the ability to effectively deploy those resources to contribute to the global climate change goals.

Over 90% firms susceptible to cyber attack risks ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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espite huge investment by organisations to secure their data from cyber crooks and other forms of breaches, latest report from the world leader in digital security, Gemalto has revealed that 90 percent of organisations that experienced data breaches suffered negative commercial consequences.

However, 33 percent think unauthorised users are still able to access their networks and 34 percent are not confident in the security of their organisation’s data should a breach occur The findings, which were contained in the 2015 Data Security Confidence Index, DSCI, further showed that while 87 percent of IT decision-makers feel their organisation’s perimeter security is effective at keeping out security threats, 30 percent of IT decision-makers admit their company has fallen victim to a data breach.

The negative commercial consequences include delays in product or service development, 31 percent, decreased employee productivity, 30 percent, decreased customer confidence, 28 percent, and negative press, 24 percent.

According to Gemalto there is a widening gap emerging between the perception and the reality of perimeter security effectiveness amongst global IT decision makers adding that the research showed increasing levels of investment in this area of data protection, despite an exponential growth in the number of data breaches.

The number of global data breaches continues to increase, according to the Gemalto’s Breach Level Index, BLI, noting that more than 1,500 data breaches led to one billion data records compromised in 2014 alone, a 49 percent increase in data breaches and a 78 percent increase in data records stolen or lost compared to 2013.

Despite this the DSCI research showed that almost nine out of ten IT decision makers feel their organisation’s perimeter security systems are effective at keeping out unauthorized users saying that IT decision makers are looking to further increase their investment in perimeter security with 64 percent looking to do so in the next 12 months.

The study also indicated that the average amount of breached data protected by encryption was below eight percent, highlighting the need for a more robust data protection strategy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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Cooperatives reject proposed supervision by Labour Ministry TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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he National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN) and the National Cooperative Insurance Society of Nigeria (NCIS) have kicked against the recent plan by the Federal Government to move cooperative functions to the Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Alternatively, the alliance advocated for the “upgrading of the Federal Department of Coopera-

...seeks independent ministry tives to either a full-fledged Ministry as it is in Kenya, or a Commission like the Corporate Affairs Commission with good budgetary allocation to enable it deliver on its mandate, especially in relation to government’s developmental efforts targeted towards the use of the co-operative enterprise for service delivery at the grassroots.

The two apex cooperative organisations made canvassed these positions during their visit to the new Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,

Architect Sunny Echono, in Abuja.

According to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN), Emmanuel Atama, as apex cooperative organizations with deep knowledge in cooperative structure and management, the organisations are better placed to give direction to issues that concern global best practices in cooperative development.

“After due consultation with relevant stakeholders within the

cooperative movement, we wish to state categorically without any fear of contradiction, that the entire co-operative movement in Nigeria is not in support of the recent development as announced by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity”.

Atama, whose views were corroborated by those of the General Manager of National Cooperative Insurance Society of Nigeria, Howel Ubani, said it would not be helpful to the current transformation agenda to disorganise the entire movement by the proposed plan to affiliate them with Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

“It is pertinent to state at this juncture, that the cooperative movement is watching developments with keen interest and that any attempt to cause a shift as announced by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity shall not receive the support and blessing of the co-operative movement.

We therefore, seize this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of necessity, upgrade the Federal Department of Cooperatives to a full-fledged Ministry or a Commission so that she can be better positioned to deliver on its cooperative mandate”.

OPEC predicts higher oil prices GBENGA ODOGUN

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Nigerian Idol 5 Top 12 Finalist, Modele, Show Presenter, Illrhymz, Top 12 Finalists Sther and P.Scholes during the Wild Card Show at OMG’s Dream Studios, Omole-Ojodu, Lagos at the weekend.

Dell’s next generation Vostro notebooks targets SMEs ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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ell has said that the next generation of its Vostro line of productivity notebooks, is offered to meet the unique needs of small businesses, home offices, and mobile professionals.

The Vostro 15 3000 Series business notebook offers essential features in a refined design, ideal for small business owners and entrepreneurs who need an affordable device for work.

The company in statement said that it is launching new products in Vostro line in response to feedback from customers who are seeking this business solution from Dell, and in conjunction with its valued channel partners.

Client Product Marketing Manager at Dell South Africa, said Boitumelo Kgonare, the Vostro line has long been synonymous with productivity for the working professional and small businesses, saying that the next-generation Vostro 3000 Series notebook will pack the optimal processors, graphics options, connectivity

ports and design details to help customers or business users get more done during their workday.

The new 15-inch Vostro notebook delivers the right balance of features and performance for working professionals who demand fast processing power and performance and no-nonsense business features to get their work done.

Whether managing operations at a restaurant or freelancing from a home office, workers will manoeuvre through spreadsheets and presentations with ease, powered by the latest Intel processors,

available up to core i5,fifth generation processor.

The statement said that the Vostro 15 delivers up to eight hours and 42 minutes for everyday mobile productivity adding that for more demanding graphicsrich applications or uninterrupted multi-tasking, users can opt for discrete graphics from NVIDIA, with up to 2GB memory and up to 4GB of high-speed RAM. The new Vostro 3000 Series notebook is less than one inch thin, slimmer than the previous generation for improved portability.

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, has projected modest rise in prices of crude oil later this year.

The organization in its monthly Report stated that its prediction was based on the cartels wining of its war against US shale producers by driving them out of business “Higher global refinery runs, driven by increased [summer] seasonal demand, along with the improvement in refinery margins, are likely to increase demand for crude oil over the coming months,” the report stated.

OPEC forecasts demand at an average of 29.27 million barrels per day in the first quarter 2015, a rise of 80,000 bpd from its previous prediction made in its March report. At the same time, it predicted the cartel’s own total output will increase by only 680,000 barrels per day, less than the previous expectation of 850,000 barrels per day, due to lower US and other non-OPEC production.

The United States appears to have been OPEC’s chief target when, at its November meeting in Vienna, its members, under Saudi leadership, agreed to maintain production at 30 million barrels per day despite falling prices caused by an oversupply of oil.

Average global oil prices began plunging in late June 2014 from more than $110 per barrel to a low of around $50 in January. They’ve now settled to around $60, and Laurence Fink, the CEO of Black Rock, the world’s largest asset manager, on CNBC that the price of a barrel of oil probably would go no lower than $60 this year, but also rise no higher than $80.

The initial oversupply came mostly from a boom in US shale production, which was turning Americans from OPEC’s biggest customer into a competitor. But shale oil extraction requires hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which is more expensive than conventional drilling and isn’t profitable if the price of oil falls below a threshold of about $60 per barrel.

The US producers are beginning to feel that price pinch, the OPEC report said, quoting data gathered by Baker Hughes, the large US oilfield services company, that the oil rig count in the United States fell by 238 in March, leaving a total of only 1,110 rigs operating in the country as of March 15. It also pointed to a declining number of drilling permits.

As a result, OPEC said, it expects that US supplies of oil will increase to around 13.65 million barrels a day in this year’s second quarter, but then flatten and begin to turn down for the rest of the 2015.

Airlines accused of shrinking seats

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federal advisory committee investigating the issue found flight attendants and travelers’ raising the alarm that airlines are packing ever more seats into economy class to protect profit margins from falling ticket prices, prompting concerns over health and safety from travellers and crew Slim-line designs, extra emergency exits and creative placing

of galleys and toilets are all playing their part in the great seat squeeze, say industry watchers.

“If you’re a dog, you have very specific rules, but if you’re a human being there are no specific rules as to what is humane,” Charlie Leocha, the head of consumer group Travelers United, told a U.S. government advisory committee examining the issue in Washington D.C. this week.

Seat pitch – the distance from one seat to the same spot on the one in front or behind – has shrunk to as little as 28 inches on some flights, against the more common 31 or 32 inches for economy, according to seat makers.

Aircraft manufacturers Boeing BA and Airbus are increasing the number of places that can be squeezed in per row.

Making things even tighter for

passengers, airlines have got better at managing ticket sales and filling planes, meaning the middle seat is rarely left free.

The economic factors are clear.

Average ticket prices are expected to fall by 5 percent this year, according to industry body IATA, while airlines are expected to make a their best net profit margin in five years, albeit at just 3.2 percent.

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Business News

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Routine gas flaring to end 2030 –World Bank SYLVA OKEREKE

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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orld Bank President, Jim Yong Kim has said the practice of routine gas flaring at oil production sites would end by 2030.

Kim also noted that the flaring would not take place in new oil fields, urging governments across the globe to ensure environment conducive for investments as well as development of energy markets.

According to his statement, “Gas flaring is a visual reminder that we are wastefully sending CO2 into the atmosphere. We can do something about this. Together we can take concrete action to end flaring and to use this valuable natural resource to light the darkness for those without electricity’’.

Corroborating, the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nation,

Ban Ki-moon said reducing gas flaring could make significant contributions to mitigate climate change, urging oil-producing countries to join such global initiatives.

“As we head towards the adoption of a meaningful new international climate agreement in Paris in December, countries and companies must demonstrate real climate action,” The World Bank has been very active on gas flaring reduction in the last 15 years, as it was a founding member of Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership, GGFR. It partnered the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative, SE4All, to increase the use of associated gas by removing technical and regulatory barriers to the flaring reduction.

The “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative has been endorsed by nine countries, ten oil

companies and six development institutions.

The bank said, every year, about 140 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced together with oil is wastefully burned or flared at thousands of oil fields around the world. ‘’This results in more than 300 million tons of CO2 being emitted to the atmosphere, equivalent to emissions from approximately 77 million cars and if this amount of associated gas were used for power generation; it could provide more electricity than the entire African continent is consuming today. But currently, the gas is flared for a variety of technical, regulatory, and economic reasons’’, the bank said.

Oil companies and governments that have yet to endorse the initiative are currently undertaking comprehensive reviews of their gas flaring.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Guinness new MD, O’Keeffe becomes Diageo African President

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anaging Director Guinness Nigeria, Mr. John O’Keeffe, has been promoted President, Diageo Africa.

Guinness Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc, announced the change in the leadership recently. He will be reporting to the President Africa and Asia Dr. Nick Blazquez. Mr. O’Keeffe’s appointment will take effect from July this year.

Similarly, Guinness Nigeria has also announced the appointment of Mr. Soren Lauridsen as Mr. O’Keeffe’s successor. Mr. Lauridsen joins Diageo from Carlsberg and brings with him considerable experience in the beer category and knowledge of emerging markets.

O’Keeffe, will bring his wealth of marketing and general management experience to the Executive team, having, in addition to his Nigeria role, led Diageo’s Global Innovation, Beer and Baileys categories, served as Managing Director for the Russia and Eastern Europe business and undertaken senior marketing roles across multiple European markets and Jamaica.

A statement from the company noted that with this appointment, all other Managing Directors of Diageo’s four African markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, East Africa and African Regional Markets, as well the Regional Finance Director, Africa, will report to John.

Since his resumption in role as Guinness Nigeria’s Managing Director/CEO in November 2014, Mr. O’Keeffe’s has been engaged primarily with sustaining the recovery of the business, building a fit for purpose commercial organisation and improving employee morale and engagement.

Growing and broadening our innovation portfolio has also been a key area of focus for Mr. O’Keeffe.

Under his leadership, the improvement in the performance of the business has accelerated.

Mr. O’Keeffe will continue as a Non-Executive Director of Guinness Nigeria and as the Diageo executive responsible for Diageo’s African business, will continue to stay involved with the Nigerian business.

The new MD for Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Lauridsen has held senior leadership roles including Regional CEO of South Asia, based in Bangkok and Managing Director for Carlsberg India. He also has leadership experience of working for Carlsberg in Laos and Poland. Prior to working at Carlsberg, he worked as Category Director for Orkla Foods covering Nordics and Eastern Europe for 3 years and held several leadership positions in Unilever Foods for 13 years.

Lauridsen is said to be thrilled at the opportunity to work in Nigeria and lead this exciting business.

Telecoms reform to address WhatsApp, Skype issues

L-R: Jamiu Lawal, winner LED Television set, Adekunle Gafar, winner, brand new refrigerator, Adeyanju Babatunde, Key Account Executive, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Abeokuta, and Iyanudunu Ogunrinde, winner, brand new generator at the Legend Extra Stout Taste and Tell Activation in Abeokuta recently.

Anti-investment stance: Stakeholder accuses concessionaires of deceit

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stakeholder in the maritime industry, Mr. Dayo Akinkotu has said that recent allegation by the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria STOAN that comments attributed to the management of the Nigerian Shippers Council are capable of scaring investors from the maritime industry was false and an attempt to deceive the Federal Government and the Nigerian people.

The council was February last year appointed Economic Regulator for the nation’s seaport industry, nearly 10 years after the completion of the port concession programme and subsequent coming on stream of the terminal op-

erators.

The stakeholder in a statement entitled: False Campaign Against the Nigerian Shippers Council and copies made available to National Mirror said that there is no iota of truth in the claims by the terminal operators, which have already been published in some news media.

“My attention has been drawn to a news item in some newspapers, as a concerned stakeholder, I wish to state that the statement, attributed to the STOAN accusing the Management of the Nigerian Shippers Council of scaring away investors from Nigeria, creating division and tension in the maritime industry, among others, is

not only false but also an attempt to mislead the Government in a cover up”, the statement said.

According to him, rather such claims by the seaport concessionaires are part of the efforts of the concessionaires to cover their nefarious activities since the port terminals were handed over to them in January, 2006 after a successful completion of the port concession programme.

“One of the main goals of the Government’s Port Reforms is to reduce cost, but the cost to shippers has remained very high. So it is the port terminal operators that are actually scaring investors and not Nigerian Shippers Council”, he also alleged.

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he European Commission will take into account increased competition from cable operators and alternative services such as WhatsApp when it overhauls Europe’s telecoms rules next year, a move that will be cheered by the telecoms industry.

A draft seen by Reuters of the commission’s strategy for creating a digital single market said telecom operators compete with “over-the-top” services “without being subject to the same regulatory regime”.

“It is necessary to design a fair and future-proof regulatory environment for all services,” the document said.

The bloc’s telecom firms such as Orange and Deutsche Telekom have long called for lighter-touch regulation, after years of declining revenues and competition from new entrants, to enable them to invest in network upgrades.

Telecom companies point to increased competition from services such as Skype (owned by Microsoft) and online messaging as a reason for easing the regula-

tory burden.

Considering Skype, or any other voice over IP application, as a substitute for traditional phone services could lead to those companies being subject to the same obligations as traditional operators, such as offering emergency calls.

The new European executive, which took office in November, has made investment in superfast broadband a priority. But incumbent telecom operators say the current set of rules does not provide incentives to invest in their networks.

They argue they would be forced to give competitors access to those networks, an argument rejected by smaller alternative operators. Yet an evidence document backing up the strategy, also seen by Reuters, states incumbents “appear to lack incentives to overbuild their own largely depreciated copper network assets”.

The commission will unveil its proposals for an overhaul of the telecoms framework in 2016, the document states.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

33

EnergyWeek Oil demand rises to 93.6m bpd

ECAN lauds NERC’s threat to sanction Abuja Disco

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36

Buhari’ll take oil, gas industry to greater heights –Fawibe

37

Oil prices hike rekindles hope on oil, gas investments Activities in the oil and gas industry have remained relatively low throughout the first quarter of 2015. UDEME AKPAN and CHIDI UGWU report that the situation may change for good as oil prices have started to rise, thus encouraging investors to stake their resources in the industry.

Oil vessel

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perators in the nation’s oil and gas industry expected to witness relatively high prices and stable oil market this year for a number of reasons.

First, the market situation was anticipated to enable them generate adequate funds from oil and gas exports. Second, it was also expected to justify investments in new projects and programmes.

Contrary to such a great expectation, crude oil prices hovered at about $50 per barrel throughout the first quarter of this year. The reasons were not shrouded in secrecy. First, the low prices became apparent as a result of over supplies from the United State of America, Canada and other countries. Second, it was also a

function of low demand because of slow economic growth in many developed nations. Consequently, this affected the capacity of stakeholders, especially the International Oil Companies, IOCs to execute many projects in the nation’s petroleum industry.

This impacted negatively on some par-

ties, particularly indigenous companies that provide specialised services to the IOCs. Consequently, many of the companies had no option than to reduce their operations in order to survive. A chief executive who preferred not to be named said his company has already sent home many of its engineers because of lean

CONTRARY TO SUCH A GREAT EXPECTATION, CRUDE OIL PRICES HOVERED AT ABOUT $50 PER BARREL THROUGHOUT THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR

operations. “We don’t have much to do at the moment, thus it makes sense to keep them away as we do not have huge resources to sustain them,” he said.

The Secretary of PETAN and the MD/ CEO of Mansfield Energy, Dr. Dapo Oshinusi indicated that the crash of crude oil prices constitutes a serious issue for PETAN members. He said, “We have also been given letters by different operators to come and meet with them to discuss price cutting. So, it is a big factor, a big issue for us but we have to find a way to deal with it as an organisation and company. So, each company will look inwards CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Energy Week

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oil prices hike rekindles hope on oil, gas investments CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 to reducing cost and where to maintain operations and get ready for more works that will take off which could be in the next three to six months.”

Oshinusi added, “The important thing is that the PETAN companies and the various companies that are set up are already here and they will be here when the oil price goes up and more works are available. We are doing that every day because there are a lot of Nigerian companies that are PETAN members forming partnership with various multinational companies. GE for instance formed partnership with PETAN companies.”

Oshinusi added, “So every company will take caution in ensuring that they do the work safely. So, it is a question of time and am sure that if we continue the growth rate in the way we are going today, in another few years, hoping that the oil price will go up to encourage all these development that we are talking about, that more and more Nigerian companies will participate very much in those sector.”

It is not only the indigenous companies that are haunted by low oil prices. Operators have been affected in other parts of the world. Globally, exploration dropped as oil prices continued to crash in the market. Investigations showed that they have been discouraged from investing in exploration because of the continued fall of drop crude oil prices. Baker Hughes Incorporated indicated that the international rig count for March 2015 was 1,251, down 24 from the 1,275 counted in February 2015, and down 94 from the 1,345 counted in March 2014. The international offshore rig count for March 2015 was 316, down eight from the 324 counted in February 2015, and down 18 from the 334 counted in March 2014.

The average U.S. rig count for March 2015 was 1,110, down 238 from the 1,348 counted in February 2015, and down 693 from the 1,803 counted in March 2014. The average Canadian rig count for March 2015 was 196, down 167 from the 363 counted in February 2015, and down 253 from the 449 counted in March 2014. The worldwide rig count for March 2015 was 2,557, down 429 from the 2,986 counted in February 2015, and down 1,040 from the 3,597 counted in March 2014. The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets.

But the situation may not remain the same forever as OPEC has predicted that prices would leap following a gross reduction in US output from the second quarter of this year. The report indicated that Nigeria and other members of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC may start to earn more from oil as the long period of United States over-supply has come to an end. It hinted that the reduced supply from the US and other nations would likely culminate in relatively higher prices. OPEC which confirmed this in its authoritative report maintained that non-OPEC supply has reduced drastically.

“In 2015, non-OPEC oil supply is now projected to grow by 0.68 mb/d, following a downward revision of 165 tb/d compared to the previous assessment. The US tight

Alison-Madueke

Dahwa

FAWIBE NOTED THAT THE INCREASED INVESTMENT WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO INCREASING

THE NATION’S OIL RESERVES FROM

THE PRESENT 36 BILLION BARRELS TO

40 BILLION BARRELS IN 2020

Emeka Ene

oil and Canadian oil sands output are expected to see lower growth following the recent strong declines in rig counts.

The report disclosed that the Asian market exhibited a positive performance supported by the increasing light and middle distillates demand in several countries in the region. The organization maintained that OPEC Reference Basket retreated in March by $1.60 to $52.46/b as the market refocused on the oversupply situation as demand remained subdued.

It maintained that ICE Brent and Nymex WTI futures contracts also fell $1.86 and $2.87 to average $56.94 /b and $47.85/b, re-

Oil tanker

spectively, for the month. The cartel indicated that world economic growth for 2015 is forecast at 3.4per cent, unchanged from the previous report. It maintained that US growth in 2015 remains unchanged at 2.9per cent, while better- than – expected growth in the Euro – zone has resulted in an upwardly revised forecast of 1.3per cent.

The Organisation disclosed that in contrast, Japan’s growth has been revised lower to 0.8per cent. China’s growth forecast remains unchanged at 7.0per cent in 2015. It disclosed that India is forecast to

see growth of 7.5per cent for the year. The most recent softening trend in the US and some major emerging markets will need to be carefully monitored.

This report may be accurate as crude oil prices have started to leap in the international market. For instance, the price of Brent which is usually used to benchmark other prices rose from over $50 to $63.45 per barrel in the market over the weekend. The prices of WTI and OPEC basket also rose from about $50 to $55.74 and $58.88 per barrel respectively. The price of OPEC basket of 12 crudes stood at $58.88 per barrel, compared with $57.01 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes, ORB is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

The rise in oil prices rekindles hope for improved foreign exchange generation and increased investment in the oil and gas industry. Investigations showed that OPEC member States, including Nigeria are excited about the leap in prices.

The Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Babs Omotowa said the government and others should invest more in many sectors, especially gas. He said the company looks forward to expanding its capacity to produce more LNG to the global market.

The Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr, Diran Fawibe said the nation should not rest in its oasis.

Fawibe said there is a great need to pass the nation’s Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law. He also called on the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari to work towards the diversification of the nation’s economy to a point where the government would not need to depend on only crude oil to generate its foreign exchange. Fawibe noted that the increased investment would go a long way to increasing the nation’s oil reserves from the present 36 billion barrels to 40 billion barrels in 2020.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Oil demand rises to 93.6m bpd

Energy Week

35

UDEME AKPAN

T

he days of prolonged oil market lull may be over as global oil demand is said to have risen by 90 000 barrels per day, bpd to 93.6 million barrels per day, showing a gain of 1.1m bpd.

The International Energy Agency, IEA which confirmed the development attributed the long era of market to lull to over-supply and low demand.

“The IEA oil market report for April raised its forecast of 2015 global oil demand by 90 000 barrels per day (90 kb/d) to 93.6 million barrels per day (mb/d), a gain of 1.1 mb/d on the year, informing subscribers that the notable acceleration from 2014’s 0.7 mb/d growth builds on cold first-quarter temperatures and a steadily improving global economic backdrop,” it indicated.

It maintained that global supply rose by an estimated 1 mb/d during March, to 95.2 mb/d, as OPEC production recorded its highest monthly increase in nearly four years.

The agency maintained that yearon-year gains totaling a whopping 3.5 mb/d were split between OPEC and non-OPEC production.

It pointed out that OPEC crude oil output soared by 890 kb/d in March, to 31.02 mb/d, on sharply higher Saudi Arabian, Iraqi and Libyan supplies.

The OMR “call on OPEC crude and stock change” was revised marginally higher for the current quarter, to 30.35 mb/d, above the group’s official production ceiling, but left unchanged for

Storage tank

full 2015 from the March Report, at 29.5 mb/d.

It has it that OECD industry stocks slipped by 1.7 mb in February, despite a massive 36.4 mb build in crude oil stocks.

“Preliminary data show OECD inventories up a counter-seasonal 29.2 mb in March, as US crude holdings extended recent builds and refined products defied seasonal trends. Global refinery crude demand is expected to fall seasonally to 77.3 mb/d in the current quarter, from 78 mb/d in the first quarter of the year,” it maintained.

It maintained that while Atlantic Basin refiners mostly completed

turnarounds in the last quarter, Asian refinery maintenance is set to ramp up sharply this quarter, with up to 2.5 mb/d of distillation capacity offline at its peak in May. “As well as other data, news and analysis, the April OMR also features two special articles for subscribers on the short-term impacts of the recent developments involving Yemen and Iran. The Oil Market Report (OMR) is a monthly International Energy Agency publication which provides a view of the state of the international oil market and projections for oil supply and demand 12-18 months ahead,” it added.

The Commission added that the NERC CEO could not at this point in a way suggest any form of reversal of a privatization he spearheaded.

The NERC CEO granted an interview to some reporters on the outcome of NERC’s meeting with the CEOs of distribution and generation companies on the state of supply of electricity.

The NERC CEO pointed out that ‘although privatization is not the problem of the sector’, that the new government has a responsibility “for making policies.

In which case it can change existing policy, review existing policy or vigorously pursue existing policy”.

The NERC CEO further pointed out clearly, “from my understanding of the two political parties, their policies

are in line with the framework of the national electric policy issued in 2000 by the PDP-led government which is clearly premised on privatization and securing the financial viability of the sector as a way of improving power supply by sustaining investment”.

Responding to a follow-up question at the interview session, Dr. Amadi said“For me, it is not about privatisation because it is not the problem. We are in a new modern economic world where we think about the straight-jacket and one of the new straight-jackets is privatisation or public-private-partnership depending on how you choose to call it and which explains that government may not be the sole producers of public goods and services and in many cases should not produce goods and services directly.”

“But there are still residues of social-

We believe in power privatisation process – NERC

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has expressed its commitment to the privatisation of the nation’s electricity sector.

The Commission which believes in the sanctity of the privatization as well as the spirit and intent of establishing the Commission remains the implementation of the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005.

“NERC has in the last four and half years recorded telling landmarks in the implementation of the power sector reform, especially with regards to the privatization exercise,” it maintained.

It indicated that because of its principled implementation of the reform programme, NERC has received both national and international accolades as one of the major drivers of the power sector reform.

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

56.60

+0.86

+1.54%

12:15:43

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

63.80

+0.35

+0.55%

12:15:23

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

47,600.00

0.00

0.00%

12:13:41

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.55

-0.08

-3.08%

12:15:56

Source: Bloomberg as at April 20, 2015

ist and welfarist economic thinking where some people think that no matter how, government should still be in charge of producing public goods and services but every government is at liberty to go through the literature and once that philosophy is accepted it has a ripple effect on other policy areas especially in something as significant as power.”

The underlined statements clearly show that the NERC CEO does not at all entertain any fear that the Buhari government would reverse privatization or that privatization could be reversed.

This reading flies in the face of the NERC CEO’s well known views about the success of the privatization and the need to maintain continuity of policy.

For the avoidance of doubt, the NERC CEO has an unwavering commitment to the on-going privatisation of the power sector.

36

Energy Week

Total shows interest in oil, gas

T

he 15th edition of the Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference (NOG) presented another opportunity for Total to demonstrate its commitment to the future of the country Held from 16 to 19 March, 2015 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Total used the forum to demonstrate the company’s long term commitments in Nigeria through investments in big projects such as Ofon Phase 2, Egina, and OML 58 Upgrade onshore Niger Delta. The theme of this year’s conference was: “The Journey towards Transformation.”

Ofon phase 2 and Egina are key projects for Total and Nigeria. The Ofon project recently achieved flare-out in its operations. This milestone achievement illustrates our commitment to developing oil and gas resources around our existing hubs in Nigeria.

It was achieved in a context of high levels of local content. The flare-out on Ofon is also significant for Total’s environmental targets; representing a 10% reduction in the Group’s E&P flaring and a clear demonstration of Total’s commitment to the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership promoted by the World Bank. The Ofon field is located 65 kilometers from Nigerian shores in water depths of 40 meters.

Egina, currently under development is Total’s second deepwater project after Akpo. Located in Block 130, deep offshore, Nigeria Egina is expected to add 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to Nigeria’s production at the peak, when completed in 2017.

Total mounted an impressive exhibition booth at the conference in which valuable information on these projects was made public.

In addition to projects, the exhibition also illustrated the company’s contributions in the areas of capacity development and critical skills transfer through the Institute of Petroleum Studies and other initiatives, improvement in educational and medical infrastructure in several communities of the country, economic empowerment, adherence to the Nigerian Content law and Health, Safety & Environmental protection.

The Group Managing Director of the national oil corporation, the NNPC Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha who represented Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum, was among very important visitors to the Total pavilion.

“The NOG, from its humble beginning in 2004 has become a rallying point for industry regulators, operators and other stakeholders, offering them platforms to x-ray issues in the oil and gas industry”, said Dr. Dawha at the opening ceremony”.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ECAN lauds NERC’s threat to sanction Abuja Disco STORIES: CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

T

he Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has expressed optimism over the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s move to sanction the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for overbilling its customers.

The National President of ECAN, Barrister Chijioke James, who made the feeling of consumers known to National Mirror, described the move as a step in the right direction, stressing that without being checked properly the tendencies for Discos the resort over-billing would be very high.

According to James, the Distribution companies have invested much money into strengthening the distribution system and may be tempted to resort to arbitrary billing to recoup their investment in a short while.

The ECAN National President also urged NERC to extend their investigations to other states of the federation, to ensure that consumers are not exploited.

“I must say that the move is a step in the right direc-

tion. You know the Discos have made huge investments since they took over these assets in 2013 so there tendency for them to want recoup their money by every means available to them is very high if not properly checked. I want to commend NERC for its boldness and wish to urged them to extend their investigations to other states of the federation to ensure that no consumer is shortchanged” NERC at the weekend issued the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) notice of enforcement action over what it described as ‘manifest and flagrant breaches’ of approved methodology for estimated billing of electricity consumers.

The regulatory body directed AEDC to explain within seven days why “enforcement action should not be taken against you and sanctions meted accordingly for noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the licence granted you, the Methodology for Estimated Billing 2012 and directives to submit a comprehensive data used for the billing of unmetered customers” for the period under review.

The notice is a follow up action to previous investigations

and forensic observations of electricity distribution companies’ operations through which an unusual increases in estimated billings of electricity consumers were observed within the last quarter of 2014

by NERC. The AEDC and some others were subsequently invited for explanation for the unusual increase in estimated billings.

According to the notice, AEDC “imposed arbitrary and random figures on clusters of their customers ranging from 18 to 28 per cent between October and December 2014 and in some cases 1,100 per cent increase”.

This resulted in an unusual increase in customers’ bills as against the provisions of the Methodology for Estimated Billing Regulations 2012.

Besides, AEDC “tripled its customers bills issued in September 2014 and issued it as bills for October 2014, without evidence of a commensurate increase in electricity supply within the same period,” the notice said.

The company, according to the notice, also failed to forward report of estimated billings it issued in every billing circle as provided under section 9 of the Methodology for

vest due to absence of affordable energy for food processing.

Geothermal energy, the report said is the flow of heat energy radiating from the earth’s core, providing unique opportunities for cost efficient power generation.

It noted that ‘while oil and gas can be costly and scarcely available in parts of the world, the estimated 42million megawatts (mw) of power that radiates from the earth’s 5000-degrees-celsius core won’t run out for billions of years.’

In a reaction, an exploration expert, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu said geothermal energy should be explored in Nigeria. Prof.

Ofoegbu who is the Chairman, Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Nigeria said the country should start thinking of geothermal energy in

the energy mix.

He said: “What about geothermal energy? All these hills that we have around here, we should explore them. We cannot even say today to what extent is our thermal energy reserve but many countries like Kenya have that and are generating energy geothermally.

“In Kenya, the geothermal energy is fed into their national grid alongside wind energy; they even have an agency for that around their border with Ethiopia,” Ofoegbu disclosed.

Confirming this, the report listed Ethiopia and Kenya within Africa’s Rift Valley as countries with the greatest potentials for generating geothermal energy, noting that some 24 countries including Kenya derive over 10 percent of their electricity needs from natural heat sources (geothermal).

Amadi

Estimated Billing Regulation 2012, in the format prescribed by the regulation.

Following AEDC’s failure to comply with NERC regulation over its continued issuance of “outrageous and unusually very high bills” to its customers and for not complying with stipulated format in its presentation to the Commission, the company has the next seven days to explain itself if it will escape sanctions.

Sanctions imposable for violation of licensing condition ranges from financial imposition, energy refund to customers or discipline of responsible senior management staff of erring Electricity Company as may be decided by the Commission.

Over 42m m/watts geothermal energy poorly explored – FAO

T

he Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said over 42million megawatts (mw) geothermal energy deposited on the earth’s core is poorly explored.

FAO in its April Geothermal Energy Report said in some developing economies, over half of food produce are lost after har-

Nebo

In his comment, FAO’s Senior Agribusiness Economist, Carlos da Silva said “It is an energy source that’s renewable, clean and low-cost once you’ve made the initial investment to harness it.

“By using a clean energy source, you’re not only addressing cost but also the environmental impacts of food production and processing,” he added.

The report said using geothermal energy can cut fuel costs by 80 percent, providing significant savings to operating budgets for small scale agribusinesses.

“Geothermal energy for agriculture can be done even at small-scales and can significantly contribute to income generation, providing employment and improving food and nutrition security in developing countries,” said Divine Njie, a Co-editor of the report.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Energy Week

37

Buhari ‘ill take oil, gas industry to greater heights – Fawibe

The oil and gas industry is yet to adjust remarkably after the just concluded elections. In this interview with UDEME AKPAN, the Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe, who expressed optimism that the Buhari-led government would stimulate investors’ interest in the sector. tity of petroleum products, especially petrol are still imported from the international market. Consequently, the Federal Government pays so much funds as subsidy to petroleum marketers involved in importing products into the nation.

How do you assess the performance of President Jonathan’s administration?

There are some areas that he has done well. Take agriculture as an example. There are strong indications that significant impact has been made in the area of agriculture. With increased production of various crops in some parts of the nation, it is obvious that the country recorded much progress in agriculture. But the same cannot be said of some sectors, especially manufacturing. Many manufacturers, especially small scale industries suffered mostly because of lack of constant electricity. They generated their power which added to total cost of their operations. The Federal Government claims that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa.

The government has many data to illustrate its position.

But these data does not show the reality on ground. The reality is that such data does not reflect on the standard of living of Nigerians. In other words, many citizens remain unemployed, poor as well as lack the basic comforts of life. These might have shown in the result of the just concluded elections when many people decided to vote out the President Jonathan-led administration.

Can you comment on his strides in the oil and gas industry?

There are indications that much progress was made in the area of local content development. In fact, significant boost has been made in the past five years. Many indigenous companies have gone in to invest in exploration, production and export of petroleum. Many of them have also invested in the area of providing specialised services. But the government failed to succeed in many areas. For instance, it failed to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law despite several attempts and promises. The important Bill may not be passed in the few remaining days of the government because the consciousness of many legislators is in politics or elections. In fact, there are indications that the lawmakers may have to start all over on the PIB which had already gone through some stages because about 60 per cent of the old legislators would not return to the National Assembly after May 29, 2015. The new members may wish to start fresh work on the PIB. This would amount to waste of time. My candid opinion is that the PIB can be passed in phases to avoid delay. The legislators should conclude work on less contentious areas and pass them immediately while they should continue to deliberate on contentious areas that require more work.

How has the delay in PIB affected the oil and gas industry?

The delay in the passage of PIB has affected the petroleum industry in many ways. For instance, investment has reduced considerably. The low investment has impacted negatively on exploration. Consequently, the nation’s reserves have reduced in the past few years.

The General Buhari-led administration should work as fast as possible to complete work on the PIB in order to step up exploration and production of petroleum.

Indeed, the passage of the PIB would attract new local and foreign inventors into the industry. Their activities would assist the nation to realize the projected 40 billion barrels reserves by 2020.

Specifically, has the nation made any significant achievements in the gas sector?

The nation has a gas master plan to guide the development of the sector. The master plan aims at har-

What can be done to improve the situation?

The government needs to support efforts targeted at establishing new refineries in the nation. Already, the Dangote Group has started work on its plant. Others should be encouraged to do so in different parts of the nation. Specifically, the government should remove all constraints that discourage investors to establish new refineries. For instance, it would be imperative to deregulate the sector. If the sector is deregulated, many investors and other stakeholders who need to invest and recover their investments would be attracted to invest in the sector. At present, they have not been encouraged because the government still peg the prices of many products.

Fawibe

GEN BUHARI DID A LOT DURING HIS TENURE AS MINISTER. FOR INSTANCE, HE SUPERVISED THE CONSTRUCTION OF KADUNA AND WARRI REFINERIES. HE ALSO LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR THE NATION’S PIPELINE NETWORK nessing the nation’s huge gas reserves for the development of power and other sectors of the economy. The example of Nigeria’s LNG shows that the LNG can be used to generate substantial foreign exchange for the nation. But we have not been able to go beyond train six. If train seven and others such as Oak and Brass LNG projects are completed, they would go a long way to adding much value to the nation. Even, in the domestic economy, gas can be used to establish petrochemical plants in many parts of the nation.

Can you comment on oil theft and pipeline vandalism which still happen in the nation?

It is sad that these still happen in the country. Already, the nation has lost a lot of resources as a result of oil theft and vandalism. For instance, whenever a pipeline is vandalized, we lost not only crude oil or petroleum products; the operators also incur huge cost in maintaining their facilities. This partly explains why cost of operations remains very high in Nigeria compared to other countries. While it cost much to produce a barrel of crude oil in Nigeria because of some factors, it cost only about $20 to produce a barrel of oil in Saudi Arabia.

What is the state of downstream sector?

The downstream is very important especially as it is expected to assist the nation in meeting domestic demand. The truth is that domestic refineries that have the capacity to refine 450, 000 barrels per day have not been able to meet domestic demand. Commercial quan-

Are you worried about the lull in the oil market?

Like other watchers of the market, I am worried because the prices are still below the $62 per barrel reference price of the 2015 budget. From all indications, the situation may persist for a long time. In fact, prices can drop further as Iran is expected to pump more oil to the market. Members of OPEC have not yet decided to cut supplies because they know that other suppliers also have capacities to influence the market. The development should compel us to diversify the nation’s economy as soon as possible. We have gotten to a point where we cannot afford to depend on mainly crude oil exports.

We need to develop other resources, including natural gas, solid minerals and agricultural potentials.

How optimistic are you that the Buhari-led administration would be in a position to tackle issues in the industry?

I have much confidence in General Buhari because I worked with him between 1978- 1979 when he was Commissioner (Minister) of Petroleum Resources. He is a man that remains very focused whenever he is committed to a particular issue. He has much experience in the petroleum industry because he was also the Alternate President of OPEC. During that period, we travelled extensively to many OPEC member states for many engagements. We should not forget that he was Minister when NNOC which later became NNPC was newly created, meaning that he initiated many early projects and programmes for the Corporation and industry. For instance, the merger of NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum which had Chief Sunday Awoniyi and Permanent Secretary was aimed at reducing cost of operations. It should be noted that there was not enough funds because of oil recession which culminated in the introduction of austerity measures in the economy. However, prices started to leap between 1978 and 1979 because of measures adopted by OPEC and other stakeholders.

Indeed, Gen Buhari did a lot during his tenure as Minister. For instance, he supervised the construction of Kaduna and Warri refineries. He also laid the foundation for the nation’s pipeline network. With these and other records, I am optimistic that Gen Buhari would make positive impact. But he should guide against being derailed by sycophants who may seek to destabilise him.

Energy Week Baker Hughes suspends well count 38

B

aker Hughes Incorporated announced that effective immediately it has suspended the quarterly publication of the U.S. onshore well count.

In response to the recent market downturn and internal initiatives to reduce costs, the company has prioritized its resources to support the ongoing publication of the weekly North America and monthly International rig counts, which continue to provide a timely and relevant snapshot of evolving market conditions.

The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets.

Baker Hughes has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of US and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes initiated the monthly international rig count in 1975.

North American rig count data is scheduled to be released at noon central time on the last working day of each week.

The international rig count is scheduled to be released on the 5th working day of the month at 6:00 a.m. ET. Additional detailed information on the Baker Hughes rig counts is available from our website.

Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry.

The company’s 62,000-plus employees today work in more than 80 countries helping customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources.

Baker Hughes delivers solutions that help oil and gas operators make the most of their reservoirs.

“We listen to our clients to understand their unique challenges and then develop solutions designed to help manage operating expenses, maximize reserve recovery, and boost overall return on investment throughout the life of an oil or gas asset,” it maintained.

It stated that with 60,000 employees in more than 80 countries, our local geomarket teams work side by side with customers to engineer reliable application-specific products and services that create more value from the reservoir whether the application is deepwater, unconventional hydrocarbons or production and water management.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

30% consumers bypass prepaid meters – Studies CHIDI UGWU

ABUJA

O

perators of the 11 privatized electricity Distribution companies (Discos) have said a recent study which they conducted show that over 30 percent customers bypass the prepaid meters which means they would consider using other meters in such areas.

The electricity distribution companies say they are set to roll our electricity meters before the end of next May. Speaking for the Discos shortly after the April meeting with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently, Managing Director of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje said “The Discos have been doing a study for long on the type of meters that is suitable for a particular area and the distribution system, and then come out with a robust metering plan.

“Most of us have concluded this and probably before the end of May, most of us will start rolling out these meters in large numbers and when they are completed, estimated billing will not be an issue again,” he said.

While emphasizing on their

efforts to curb estimated billing the Discos said their studies had shown that over 30 percent customers bypass the prepaid meters which means they would consider using other meters in such areas.

Ajifowobaje said: “I am warning our consumers who are clamouring for prepaid meters that our studies show that not everybody will get prepaid meters. Where we have them today, over 30 percent have been bypassed by customers. So we are going to use smart meters for such

places.”

Vice Chairman of Shiroro Power, Mr. Peters Olubunmi who represented the Generation companies (Gencos) address complaints about poor power supply saying, “Gas-fired Gencos are struggling hard with gas delivery to their plants. For the hydro plants, this is a season that the water is low and generation is low compared to what obtains in August, September and October.”

He sought for patience from the huge electricity consumers as the situation gradually

Pre-paid meter

Oando reaps big in oil downturn O ando Energy Resources (OER), a leading E&P player in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry has reaped significant returns despite the lull in the global oil market.

Company officials said the feat would not have been accomplished without the deployment of superior strategy in the management of its operations.

The company’s recent announcement of an 82per cent

Wale Tinubu

improves. “While the customers will be pressing, they need to temper some of these things with understanding, that there is need for a little more time and I can assure you that we will all be better for it,” he noted.

NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi expressed hopes in the sector while acknowledging that expectations have not been fully met “because of low supply of power which had created sheer reactions in terms of lack of financing to upgrade facilities and of course low supply hours.”

increase in reserves is especially reassuring for its shareholders as it is likely to have a positive impact on future revenue for the business.

As a result of the slump in oil prices, 2014 ended on a sour note for the sector, this downward trend has continued in 2015 with speculations indicating that as much as $1.6 trillion will be wiped out in earnings for producing companies and countries.

With such a pessimistic view Oando has kept above the fray by proactively acting on a number of initiatives to sustain its viability as an investment grade stock.

Most recently OER significantly increased its Proved and Probable net reserves (2P) reserves from 230.6 MMboe to 420.3 MMboe.

The new reserves figures are based on an annual evaluation report of OER’s reserve and resources conducted by worldwide petroleum independent company DeGolyer and MacNaugh-

ton (D&M), and it also indicated the economic value of the company’s Proven and Probable Reserves (2P) has increased from $545 million to $1.8 billion.

This reserves increase is further validation that Oando’s $1.5 billion landmark acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria assets in July 2014 was indeed a strategically important and timely move.

Commenting on this most recent milestone, Chief Executive Officer OER, PadeDurotoye, said “We are very pleased with the new 2014 Reserves numbers which confirms our thesis at the time we embarked on our transformative COP acquisition.”

This large Reserves base gives us a substantial value driver, with the opportunity to further enhance production over the coming years, and pursue infield exploration prospects that will complement our Resource Base and ensure we are well positioned within the sector.”

“In the last 10 months, Oando has evolved from an indigenous

player producing circa 4,500 boepd from three producing assets to being ranked alongside the international majors with a production of 53,000 boepd from seven producing assets,” he said.

More recently, the company reset its hedge from $95 to $65 per barrel, restructured its debt obligations by $238 million thereby making savings of $65 million in interest payments over the remaining term of the loan facilities. These actions have seen a considerable reduction in its debt, an eradication of significant interest payments and an improvement in its balance sheet.

Given its reserves, exploration drive and vision the company looks set to meet its medium term objective of producing 100,000 bpd and reserves of 500MMboe by 2017.

With the global downturn and energy firms declaring write downs Oando is still uniquely well-positioned and is clearly a sure bet investment.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Industry & SMEs

39

FIIRO urges FG on consumer goods production centres ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

F

ederal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, has tasked the Federal Government on the need for the creation of modern industrial centres across the six geo-political zones of the country The project, in the Institute’s view, would help to enhance the nation’s entrepreneurial capacity for production of standardized consumer goods and their proper packaging for global markets.

This is just as it also advised the government to strengthen capacity building in entrepreneurship by fashioning allinclusive training curriculum through the instrumentality of the Federal Ministry of Education.

FIIRO canvassed these measures in a communiqué issued after its Investment and Technology Week, with the theme “Sustainable Job Creation through FI-

IRO Technologies“, which drew over 2,000 participants from public and key sectors of the economy nationwide.

Stakeholders at the forum agreed that all research institutions should strengthen their relationship with manufacturing industries and improve on Public Private Partnership, PPP. The communiqué stated: “The country’s legal framework on Intellectual Property Rights, IPR, is weak and should be strengthened with enabling Acts from the National Assembly, while the Federal Government should facilitate training programmes in skill acquisition and capacity building in IPR. “The National Research Innovation Council, NIRC, should ensure that revised Science and Technology Innovation, STI, policies are fully implemented.

This should also guarantee proper and adequate funding of Research and Development”, it added

The Investment and Technology Week was originally conceived in partial fulfillment of the institute’s mandate, which was to find utilisation for the nation’s raw materials and to upgrade indigenous production techniques.

Specifically, the event was intended to showcase the institute’s over 250 developed technologies and how they can be deployed massively in the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria in order to create jobs and reduce unemployment rate to the barest minimum.

To bring together stakeholders in commercialisation of research and development (R&D) results, captains of industry, investment promotion agencies, technology developers, micro, small and medium enterprises, MSMEs, support institutions, financial and development institutions, Nigerians in Diaspora, policy makers, potential investors, international organisations, unemployed

Garri processing machine

FIIRO DG, Gloria Elemo

youths and so on to take advantage of the technologies for investment purposes.

While showcasing its achievements, it was revealed that FIIRO has instituted a 3-month certificate course in techno-entrepreneurship in order to enhance the entrepreneurial skills among MSMEs and individuals adopting FIIRO R & D results for commercialisation.

The event afforded the institute the opportunity to provide dedicated fund for the national implementation of cassava-wheat composite flour project; approval for the 120 youths from across the nation’s six geo-political zones, trained on techno-entrepreneurship and beneficiaries of FIIRO’s developed technologies to benefit from the N220 billion intervention fund in support of MSMEs, the youths and fresh graduates granted by the President; presentation of list of trainees; and expansion of FIIRO laboratories and improvement on facilities.

It was also used for the launch of Soybased Ready to Use Therapeutic Food, RUTF; Peanut-based Ready to Use Therapeutic Food, RUTF; Soya butter High Nutrient Density Biscuit for the School Feeding Programme and instant Nigerian Traditional Soup mixes (Ogbono, Banga, Egusi, Okra and Onugbu).

INSME forum to promote entrepreneurial devt

T

he International Network for Small and Medium Enterprises, INSME, Annual Meeting and Forum, which is taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre between 26th and 28th of May, is set to advance local enterprise development.

This is the first time that this event will be held on the African continent.Local Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, will have the opportunity to access a wealth of international knowledge and expertise

and engage with industry leaders from around the world at the event to be managed by MCI South Africa, event and conference management specialists.

According to the Managing Director, MCI South Africa, Rashid Toefy, the INSME Annual Meeting and Forum brings together leading global experts in the field of SME innovation and technology commercialisation for mutual learning and networking.

He said the event would focus on the role and im-

portance of technologydriven entrepreneurship and innovation in fostering small business efficiency, competitiveness and growth.

“This will be a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from some of the leading practices globally and for international practitioners to gain exposure to and learn from African practices,” Toefy said.

“This unique event which will boast a small business exhibition component will showcase the

latest trends and developments in enterprise development and provide a platform for local enterprises to connect and engage with their international counterparts and to forge new business relationships across borders.

“We are excited to be the event partner for both these prestigious events, which speaks directly to our core mandate of bringing people together through innovative meetings, events, and conferences.”

He said one of MCI’s ar-

eas of expertise was having the ability to facilitate and organise an event that encouraged active engagement and participation across all event audiences, adding that the success of an event or conference should not be gauged on how many people attended the event but rather on how many people actively engaged with the content.

He said through hosting events his organisation had the ability to shape the business conversations that were taking place on the African continent and

to make a meaningful impact on effecting change and advancing economic growth in key sectors.

He added that concurrent to the international event, MCI would also be hosting a local 2015 Forging Enterprise Conference in collaboration with various partners in the government and corporate sector such as Osiba Management, Economic Development Partnership, Department of Small Business Development, Silicon Cape Initiative and Africa.com and others.

40

Cocktail

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Earthworms rain down on Norway, scientists puzzled

T

housands of earthworms rained down on parts of Norway, leaving scientist baffled by the appearance of the slimy invertebrates on snow-covered grounds.

Biology teacher Karstein Erstad made the discovery as he was skiing in the mountains outside the coastal city of Bergen.

At first he thought they crawled atop the snow from the ground beneath, but then realized the snow was too deep.

“When I found them on the snow they seemed to be dead, but when I put them in my hand I found that they were alive,” he said. “In many places, the snow thickness was between half a meter and a meter (1 1/2 feet to 3 feet) and I think they would have problems crawling through the cold snow.”

Erstad took a sample to Trond Haraldsen, an environmental expert at the Bioforsk research institute in Norway.

Oddities

Cubs fan catches ball in beer cup

A

Chicago Cubs fan attending a game at Wrigley Field was caught on camera catching a foul ball in her beer cup and then chugging the remaining liquid.

Krista Dotzenrod, 24, said she was surprised when the ball fell into her cup during Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres.

“I was told they were amazing seats because you can catch a lot of foul balls,” Dotzenrod, who has lived in

Chicago for seven years, told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I was sitting there, and all of a sudden there is a ball in my cup. It fell straight in there. I didn’t know what to do.”

Cameras at the ballpark recorded what happened next.

“Everyone behind me told me to chug my beer,” she said. “So I did. It was a Green Line beer from Goose Island.”

Dotzenrod said the action “all happened in five seconds.”

“I chugged the beer

Facebook plea attracts 400 guests to 10-year-old’s birthday

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Minnesota mom’s Facebook post led to hundreds of strangers showing up to her 10-year-old daughter’s birthday party after classmates declined invitations.

Jenny Moretter of Shakopee said her daughter, Mackenzie, thought no one was coming to her birthday party after classmates failed to respond to invitations.

Moretter said Macken-

zie has Sotos Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that left her with some brain damage.

“I have a hard time making friends at school,” Mackenzie told WCCO-TV. Moretter put out a Facebook plea Friday for people to come to the Saturday party and bring their kids.

The post read: “Hello moms. I’m writing because I have a beau-

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tiful daughter named Mackenzie who is turning 10. I recently invited several girls to her birthday party this Saturday. I got cancellations or no calls at all saying whether they’re coming or not. My daughter has Sotos Syndrome, which means she has development delays such as speech and learning. At school she struggles and is often alone on the playground.

The ball inside the spectator’s beer cup

and wished the Cubs a great year. The ball is now sitting in my apartment,” she said.

Dotzenrod’s wish for the Cubs was off to a good start Saturday -- they beat the Padres 7-6.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 41

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

U.S. to sanction ex-minister Orubebe, others over election incitement

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here are strong indications that former Niger Delta minister, Godsday Orubebe, may top the sanction list of the United States of America and other Nigerians accused of either disrupting the just concluded elections, or instigating violence. The governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, is also touted to be one. The

U.S. said that it will impose visa restrictions on any Nigerian found to have incited violence or interfered with the electoral process.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda ThomasGreenfield, said in a statement that the U.S. will shut its doors on people involved in any form of violence during the polls.

“Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with electoral processes will be unwelcome in the United States and subject to visa sanctions,” Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said.

Although Ms. ThomasGreenfield did not give names of those considered for sanctions, Mr. Orubebe, appears one of the most

likely targets. The former minister openly disrupted the process of collation of the presidential election results in Abuja on March 31, as the event was broadcast live by the international media. Accusing the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Attahiru Jega, of bias, Mr. Orubebe for several minutes asked Prof. Jega to

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Yakubu Bashorun; Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal and Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, during a news conference on activities of the ministry in the last one year, in Lagos, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

Labour Ministry now houses Federal Cooperative Department OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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n accordance with the provisions of the Cooperatives Development Act CAP. 23 and Nigerian Cooperative Society Act CAP.N98, the Federal Government has approved the movement of the Federal Department of Cooperatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in granting the approval in a letter Reference No. OHCSF/MSO/78/ II/43 dated 22nd February 2013, also directed the Fed-

eral Ministry of Labour and Productivity “to take necessary steps to relocate the Department in accordance with its enabling Laws.”

It also stated that the current location of the Federal Department of Cooperatives in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been found to be irregular and should therefore be re-located accordingly.

A statement from the ministry added that in line with the approval, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity Dr. Clement Illoh, has re-established the Cooperative Department in the Ministry, charged with the broad mandate of

ensuring effective coverage, coordination and improved performance of Cooperative Departments of all sectors of the national economy.

He assured of the Labour Ministry’s commitment to best practices, delivery of quality services and restoration of people’s confidence in Cooperative Administration in Nigeria.

Dr. Illoh announced the appointment of Mrs. Mojisola Sonubi a Director in the ministry to oversee the activities of the Department of Federal Cooperative in the Ministry.

In line with the approval, all Cooperative Officers in the Department of Federal Cooperative in the Federal Ministry of Agri-

culture and Rural Development are expected return all the documents, records and registers relevant to Cooperative Development in the country, back to the Department of Cooperatives in the Labour Ministry not later than 15th April 2015.

Responding, Mrs. Sonubi, called on the States Departments of Cooperatives, Federation of Cooperative Colleges, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), other relevant national cooperative organisations and special agencies to cooperate with the Ministry’s federal department of Cooperative as the coordination centre for cooperative activities in the country.

stand down before the process could continue.

The former minister received worldwide condemnation for his actions, and later apologised. Mrs. Jonathan had said at the ruling Peoples Democratic Party Women Campaign in Calabar, Cross River State, early March, that anyone chanting change should be stoned.

The sanctions may also target Mr. Shema of Katsina state, who was caught on tape prodding his supporters to attack and kill opposition members and their supporters. He described members of the opposition as “cockroaches”.

The deputy governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru, had also during a campaign rally in the state, called on the people to fight and redeem the state from the All Progressives Congress, APC, even if it means shedding their blood.

“It is necessary for the sake of your fathers, for the sake of your mothers, for the sake of your brothers and sisters and for the sake of your children. Every Rivers man must stand up to fight this evil among us,” Mr. Ikuru said. “If it de-

mands your blood, so be it.”

Also, in January, the Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Yero, was caught on tape threatening violence against the APC. Mr. Yero vowed swift “revenge” if ever attacked by any one “born of woman”.

The U.S. may also target the former militant leaders in the Niger Delta who threatened war if President Goodluck Jonathan lost the elections. The ex-militant leaders, among them, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, leader, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force; Victor Ben Ebikabowei, aka, Boy Loaf; and Government Ekpudomenowei, aka, Tompolo, made the threat in January.

Several other politicians may also be sanctioned after investigations into dozens of election-related violence are completed.

Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said, while the elections were generally without a significant scale of violence, and irregularities in some parts of Nigeria, some people were resolved to undermine the will of Nigerians and interfere with electoral processes, resorting to violence and voter intimidation.

National Peace Policy underway –NOA JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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ollowing the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general election, a draft strategy framework for managing conflicts and building peace will soon be submitted to the Federal Executive Council for consideration.

The National Peace Policy is being spearheaded by stakeholder agencies including the National Institute for Conflict Resolution (NICR), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Stabilization Reconstruction Programme of the British Council and partner NGOs. He made this known in a statement issued on Monday, in Abuja by NOA Assistant Director of Press, Paul Odenyi revealing that the new policy will include design for handling insur-

gency and terror related situation that has developed in the north east.

According to the statement, Director General of National Orientation Agency NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri noted the successful handling of the anxieties of the general election and the structures put in place during the period require to be institutionalized to serve as template for peace building in Nigeria.

“The draft peace policy which is expected to be ratified by the FEC before the handover date is part of the document which the incoming government will inherit from the Jonathan government.

“Details of the draft will be harmonized at a stakeholders forum with the Civil Society Legislative Action Committee, (CISLAC) leading the third sector input into the final document.

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Civil Service

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Meet Nigeria’s new Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase

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Applicants writing computer-based test for recruitment into the Nigerian Immigration Service in Abuja, on Monday.

PHOTO: NAN

olomon Arase, the new Acting Inspector General of Police, was, until his appointment, Head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, The apex intelligence gathering arm of the Nigeria Police, the Force CID is the only arm of the police that provides Intelligence on Crime and National Security.

Mr. Arase enlisted into the Nigeria Police in 1981 after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980, with a degree in Political Science.

A lawyer, Mr. Arase also has a Bachelor of Law degree and Masters of Law from the University of

Benin and University of Lagos respectively.

He attended the Nigerian Law school and was called to the bar in 2000.

He also has a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.

Mr. Arase has served in various commands and formations of the Nigerian police, including being the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State.

He was also an Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Bureau.

He served at the United Nations Mission in Namibia and is a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College.

‘Nigeria Football Federation stinks Elechi cries out over Assembly’s attempt to freeze LGA account to high heavens’ ALIUNA GODWIN

…staff resort to HOS to resolve issues

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

T

he Nigeria Football Federation, NFF is in the news again.

As usual, it is also for the wrong reason as impunity remains the order of the day in the Glass House.

There are series of foultasting events heralded the NFF for the past seven years which did not project the image of the federation well.

Precisely, March 2009, about N37 million had vanished into thin air overnight at the federation’s office on the eve of its usage for the pursuit of a national assignment of the Super Eagles; a World Cup qualifier, Till date, the money is nowhere to be found and culprits are yet

to be brought to book.

“An act of God fire” according to the then NFF president Alhaji Aminu Maigari when in the day light razed a wing of the NFF secretariat which was enough proof of the level of corruption in the NFF. However, issues of imprudent management of the Federation’s financial resources, reckless spending of funds without following due process by the then NFF general secretary Musa Amadu as well as spending of US$9m FIFA largesse eventually cost NFF General Secretary Barr. Musa Amadu his job.

Corruption, administrative ineptitude take the centre stage, while impeachment is immeasurable.

Not only that the federation has soiled its name in

ABAKALIKI

the eyes of international communities as FIFA suspended Nigeria from international football citing government interference in the running of its national federation, which means no Nigerian teams, including club sides, could play in regional, continental or international competitions.

Impunity continuing as minority member rubbished Barrister Okey Ajunwa led-NFF tribunal verdict of election conducted on September 30, 2014, in Warri Delta State.

The rule of engagement were dropped into dust bin as the federal character quota system has no meaning to the federation as Kano and Abia State produced two members each in the Executive Board of the federation at the ex-

pense of other states without candidate from their geo-political zones.

As usual, NFF has done it again, the sudden promotion of Dr. Mohammed Sanusi over his senior; Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme was the beginning of yet another drama in the place.

Ironically, a repeat of the same impunity is to be imposed on the waning psychology of the staffs of the NFF. also gathered that former Personal Assistant to former NFF president Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Nasir Jubril will become the Acting Head of Competitions ahead of his seniors; the decision which did not go well and since has been generating rancor among the staffs in the federation.

T

he out going governor of Ebonyi State Chief Martin Elechi yesterday cried out following the resolution of the state’s House of Assembly to ensure that the state and local government joint account be frozen as a result of alleged financial frauds going on in the local government system.

Chief Elechi insisted that the lawmakers have no powers to freeze the accounts of Local Governments, Development Centres or any other agencies of government because such powers reside with the Executive arm of government. The governor in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Onyekachi Eni, noted that

it is only a court of law with competent jurisdiction that can order the freezing of any accounts of government or persons.

Elechi noted that though the government is yet to be formally communicated of such resolutions in line with intragover nmental procedures, the house should be reminded that the resolutions are only advisory and persuasive and have no force of law.

The statement also stated that the house of assembly can not stop the ongoing sale of forms for allocation of stalls at Ochoudo International market as it was noteworthy that the Elechi’s administration initiated the construction of the market in 2009 and has so far invested the sum of N18.3 billion in the development of the market.

Army to support FRSC on manpower development CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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he Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah has pledged to support the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in manpower development.

He gave the assurance while receiving the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi who was on cour-

tesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters.

According to General Minimah, both the Nigerian Army and the FRSC have always maintained symbiotic relationships that stretch many years back, pointing out that the two organisations would continue to share the vision of national security and safety in the interest of the country.

He also said that “It has been a wonderful relationship between the Nigerian Army and the FRSC, and that relationship covers areas of training, operations, public enlightenment and civilmilitary relations”.

“That is why the Army has always been active in the FRSC’s monthly walking/jogging exercise, while the Army continues to rely on the Corps

in traffic management whenever we have a programme,” he stated.

“Let me assure you that the Nigerian Army will continue to support the FRSC in its manpower development programmes and in order to sustain the synergy, I hope to personally pay a courtesy visit on you for further collaboration in areas of Information and Communication Technology,” he

added.

In his remarks, the FRSC Corps Marshal Oyeyemi expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for its consistent support to the FRSC, especially in the areas of capacity building and provision of security in times of crisis.

While assuring the Chief of Army Staff of the willingness of the Corps to continue to part-

ner with the Army for intelligence sharing, manpower development and involvement in road traffic matters for the attainment of national safety and security, the Corps Marshal thanked the Chief of Army for always supporting the Corps.

The Corps Marshal was accompanied on the visit by some principal Officers of the National Headquarters.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday April 22, 2015

43

How Ganduje subdued opponents, captured Kano

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ano State governor-elect on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, flagged off his march to Kano Government House at an election campaign flag-off ceremony held at his local council of origin, Dawakin Tofa Local Government, Kano North senatorial district.

The campaign train travelled to all the 44 local governments in the state attracting large number of party supporters and sympathisers, who filed out to cheer the then APC gubernatorial candidate.

Addressing gatherings prior to the April 11 gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections, the former don kept reiterating the need for APC supporters to conduct themselves in orderly manner, urging them to shun any attitude that could fuel violence during the electioneering campaign period.

Ganduje was a strong advocate for issue-based campaign, devoid of blackmail, intimidation and violence and had implored Kano electorate to shun those who hide under the guise of certain sentiments to canvass for their votes.

The closest obstacle to Ganduje’s ambition was the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, standard bearer, Mallam Salihu Sagir Takai, who equally launched a fierce battle towards capturing the Kano State Government House.

Takai, political godson to former governor of Kano and incumbent Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, enjoyed a cult like loyalty from the camp of the former governor.

Shekarau doggedly ensured the choice of Takai as Kano PDP candidate to the vexation of PDP stalwarts like of Muhammad Abacha and Dr Akilu Indabawa.

Takai, who pledged to embark on human development projects, also preached to PDP supporters to conduct themselves in law abiding manner.

The duo of APC’s Ganduje and PDP’s Takai applied all political logic, and strategy, going on to propagate their plans to Kano electorate if given the mandate.

They both traversed all the 44 local governments, where they met with groups, men and women, singled out as political heavy weights, curried groups in rows, held open and close door meeting with the two contenders, offering their loyalty and perfecting strategies.

The media played pivotal role in the battle over who takes over Kano Government House, as party militants known in local parlance as Sojoji Baka (tongue soldiers), invaded private and government electronic media houses to sell their candidates, air their displeasure against their own party candidate or to neutralise statements made by opposing camps.

Kano State APC gubernatorial candidate and now governor-elect, Ganduje, at a point pleaded with the opposition PDP to drop its intimidating and diversionary tactics for issue based campaigns.

Ganduje accused PDP of being deeply engaged in launching attacks on personality rather than raise issues of relevance that are connected to the political, economic and social development of the state.

Ganduje boasted that he is confident of his candidacy sailing through at the polls, explaining that the support garnered during his electoral campaign was borne out of his ability to sell popular programmes to Kano electorate.

The governor elect, after casting his vote at Ganduje Special Primary school on April 11, reiterated his belief that the popularity he enjoys among the Kano electorate will hand him the keys to the Kano Government House Expectedly, Ganduje was on Monday April 13, duly returned by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the governor elect.

The state returning officer, Prof Hamisu Mohammed, at about 9:15pm on Monday, April 13, commenced the final collations of results submitted by the collations officers assigned to collate the gubernatorial results from

ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI narrates how Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje emerged governor of the state in the just concluded election. the 44 local governments.

According to results released at the state INEC headquarters on Hajj Camp road, the ruling APC secured, 1,546,434 out of of 2,109,811 total votes cast at the poll, with 36,646 votes voided. His supposed closest rival Alhaji Takai of the PDP polled 509,720 votes to emerge runner up in the race to Kano State Government House.

The governor-elect, who coast to victory from an early lead, sealed victory in all the 44 local governments in the state. Ganduje triumph over his arch rival even in his home town of Takai, in Takai Local Government.

Ganduje, reacting to his victory at the poll said that his incoming administration would equip the judiciary with gadgets that would aid it to usher in speedy, fair and judicious justice system.

He said “We will introduce e-justice system, by providing the judiciary with equipments that will help our courts to deliver judgments easily, we will deliver these equipments to help the whole processes involve in the justice system in the state.”

The governor-elect said his administration will cultivate and maintain a working relationship with the judiciary, adding that such relationship would be piloted by understanding.

He added that the state government under his leadership will address seriously the welfare of judiciary workers, provide adequate security for judicial officers and construct new court rooms and refurbish existing ones.

Ganduje expressed his profound appreciation to the people of the state for their support, stating that his government would not abandoned various projects embarked upon by the outgoing governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso He said: “From top to down, it’s homogeneous APC that won all the positions. We have 40 state Assembly members, three senators and all House of Representatives members.

“I assure you that all the major projects like hydro electricity will be completed. Other sectors will be given much needed attention.”

He further said his major concern on assumption of office would be to ensure quality education for all and make available teaching material, and provide welfare for practitioners in sector.

He said: “The issue of transport system will also be looked into by my administration to ensure that all the areas enjoy free flow of traffic and security issue will also be given priority and collaborate with security agencies towards ensuring security of lives and properties.”

The governor-elect also promised to elevate life in the rural areas through coordinated rural integrated programs that would discourage rural urban drift.

He vowed to run a government of continuity by embarking on the completion of projects left uncompleted by his predecessor. He pointed out that it has become a trend for newly elected office holders to jettison uncompleted projects.

He said: “I do not belong to that school of thoughts, if elected, all major useful projects that are yet to be completed will be completed.”

Ganduje said an APC government under his leadership would resuscitate the now defunct Kano government-owned Triumph newspaper.

His words: “Since I am part and parcel of the present leadership in my capacity as the state Deputy Governor, I will strive to lend credence to the issue of continuity and consolidation in the running of the affairs of the

Ganduje

state. I will also ensure strict and judicious management of the financial resources of the state.

“My administration will strictly act on the master plan designed by the Kwankwaso administration to develop all spheres of human endeavour where the rural folks will be carried along in the delivery of dividends of democracy.”

Commenting on the Kwankwassiya Movement adjudged a formidable grassroot political group led Governor Kwankwaso, Ganduje said: “The Movement is a domestic political ideology which we embraced in order to feel a sense of belonging. We are the initiators and executors of the Kwankwassiyya Movement of Nigeria.

“So, the red-cap has come to stay - it is an ideology that will go beyond Kwankwaso and Ganduje. It is an ideology built on transparency, endurance, desire to move forward and the commitment to serve. Governor Kwankwaso is the Grand Commander of the Kwankwasiyya Movement; I am the Deputy Grand Commander of the Kwankwassiyya Movement—and these are life positions.”

On how to better improve on the provision of infrastructure to the people of Kano, the former don said: “I am looking at where we are today…to see how we can move forward. This is so because I am part of the Kwankwaso government and our cornerstone is consolidation and continuity. We will consolidate on what we have achieved and continue with the development.

“The projects that we started that could not be completed, I will ensure that such projects are completed.

Even the old ones that were abandoned by former administrations, we will look at them and if they are good for Kano people, we will complete them. Evaluation will give us consolidation and continuity.”

Described by many as tolerant, being the only deputy governor who did not fall apart with his governor, working together for eight years without recording any known disagreement, Ganduje clinching the APC ticket came to many as a surprise.

Many political analysts believed that the body language of Governor Kwankwaso was widely adjudged not to be in favor of Ganduje getting the party’s ticket to contest the gubernatorial elections.

Ganduje draws unrepentant support from his Garkuwa political family, Kwankwassiyya political movement, Kano civil service, business communities, who worked tirelessly for his success at the poll.

However, how he will be able to manage his post-election era and continue to maintain cordial relationship with Kwankwaso remains major concern to many stakeholders in Kano politics.

44

Politics

Engr. Mustapha Bukar is a senator-elect from Katsina State. In this interview with OBIORA IFOH, he says that most of the victors in the general election are followers of General Muhammadu Buhari. Excerpts:

Wednesday April 22, 2015

Buhari railroaded APC to power in the North –Bukar do you intend to cope?

I think that being his senator, we have to accept the fact that I have been with him for a long time and he is not likely to change. We are certainly going to have his ears and we will tell him what others may not be in a position to tell him even when they have had the chance to tell him. We are ready for that and we accept it wholeheartedly and we hope that we will get the right criticism that is needed for democracy to work and for General to perform.

People believe that many of you won this election because of the imposing figure of General Buhari. Does that make sense to you?

To some extent, that is true. But in my own case, whatever we do has always been part of General Buhari because we also stand for what he stands for. Therefore, it is not surprising that in many locations especially in the North, when somebody wins a seat, you can see clearly that he has some of General Buhari’s followership.

I know certainly that we have worked very hard by visiting all the 128 wards in my zone, visited all the villages and delivered the message of General Buhari. We were all amazed that in any village you go, even the smallest child will tell you “sai Buhari”. That shows that Buhari has been a phenomenon from 2003 to 2015. I think this is somebody that has built democracy for Nigerians. Without Gen. Buhari coming into politics, I think that Nigeria would have been a one party state a long time ago.

But with the gale of defections to APC presently since he won the presidential election, isn’t that taking the nation to one party state status?

It is a very interesting phenomenon. We don’t know yet, but we have seen that he has been to the court three times and stayed for several months there trying to defend democracy. People don’t understand why Buhari will go to court during those years. He went to court so that history will judge what his contributions are to Nigeria’s developing democracy.

Buhari is disciplined and this is known to everybody. I don’t think that he will be so hard on the opposition. There is the fear by those coming into APC that since they have been there making sure that Buhari does not come to power, since he is now coming to power, they had better join the train so that they don’t get sanctioned. But eventually, I think they will come to realise that if they are not part of the change train, if they are not part of the progressive people they are supposed to be, if they are not part of the ideals and value of General Buhari, they may eventually have to leave the party again. Unless they decide to change and if they change and things go on well, I don’t think others will just abandon the ship. I don’t think that under his leadership, Nigeria will turn into a one party state.

People feel that Buhari’s corruption stance has distinguished him from others. Do you share in this?

The issue of corruption is real and everybody knows that in Nigeria, most of the institutions are not working.

They are not working because the system that is supposed to be in place to make them work is not being respected.

So, it is like a moving train that is slowing down. I am sure that he will find the strength with the support of all Nigerians to get that train moving once again.

Many also believe that the President-elect is rigid and not friendly and that he does not listen to people. How true can that be?

He is a very friendly person and if you don’t come close to him, you will think that he is not friendly. But people think that you can be friends with people by giving them money or asking them to do something that is wrong. When he declines, somebody will think that he is not friendly. General Buhari is a very friendly person. One thing I like about him is that each time we talk, there is always a lot of jokes that will make you laugh and relax and make you understand that he is listening and taking your advice. You may say that he does not give you the answer immediately, but that is because he digests whatever you give him. He does not just take things the way you think because anybody coming to a senior person like him would have thought through what he wants and if the outcome is not what he is looking for, then he thinks the man

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Bukar

is not friendly. I think he is a very friendly person.

As the next president of Nigeria, what areas of development would you want Buhari to concentrate on?

I know that there have been a lot of expectations from across the country because of the situation we found ourselves over the years. That, to me, has been because of lack of consistent policies. We have learnt how the executive is supposed to perform in the last 16 years, how the legislature is supposed to perform, and how the judiciary should perform. Once these three institutions are able to take on their responsibilities, the performance of government will improve because the institutional setting will definitely improve, delivering mechanism for whatever programmes the government has.

We expect to bring these challenges to the table so that they could be discussed. The General has been hammering on three issues. The first is security. Nigeria needs to be secured first because without security, you cannot have development. Once the security issue is addressed and I believe that being a retired General and former Head of State, he has the discipline and knowledge to get over this problem of insecurity which has been coursed by several reasons. The second is employment. Nigeria has qualified young men and women, but no jobs. We now have an economy that is based on importing almost everything that we use in this country. To me, that is not development, but allowing other countries to develop at our expense.

The third is tackling corruption. If we can address that issue in Nigeria, we will stop all the leakages which have not allowed money to come in.

As the senator representing the would-be president, there would be pressure on you both at home and outside. How

WHATEVER YOU HAVE, THERE HAS TO BE THE POLITICAL WILL TO GET THINGS MOVING AND THAT WILL,

I BELIEVE WE WILL GET FROM GENERAL BUHARI

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole once alleged that civil servants are even more corrupt than politicians. As a retired director, how would you react to this?

It is always easy to accuse the civil servants. But we must remember that as a civil servant or even as director, if you point out what needs to be done, you will be over ruled by the political class because you are not the chief executive. So, tell me who is corrupt. Before you can steal, I know that you must have a willing civil servant to work with. But the point is that whether that guy is willing or not willing, it is the master that determines what happened at the end of the day. So, I think we have to tell ourselves the truth. If we want this thing to work, there are financial rules and regulations that we should follow.

Those people you mentioned established the ICPC, EFCC and the rest of them. Why are these things not working?

Whatever you have, there has to be the political will to get things moving and that will, I believe we will get from General Buhari.

Would you support cutting allowances of government officials, especially legislators, to provide funds for developmental projects?

It is not the issue of allowances. I know that for several years, the government has been trying to find a way to devolve power. If you concentrate power to much in one location, then you end up with corruption. Due process was brought in to checkmate some of the things you are talking about. So, the waste that happens is not necessarily because of the allowances. It is because the government has been allowed to grow too much.

House Speaker: Why odds may favour Doghara CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 of Representatives. Spokesperson of the forum, Hon Nasiru Baballe Ila (APC, Kano), who made this known in a statement in Abuja weekend said Dogara is the choice of majority of House members.

He maintained that Dogara is the most qualified and fitted for the position of speaker for his humility, intelligence and calmness, describing these as qualities of good leadership.

He said: “We in the House believe in consolidation. The current leadership of Tambuwal has stabilised the House and given it a name. We cannot afford to go back on this and that is why we must ensure that only people of like minds such as Dogara are elected into leadership positions in the 8th Assembly.”

He added that electing Dogara as speaker will go long way in uniting the people of Northern Nigeria who are of different ethnic groups and religions adding that there was the need to go back to the good old days when the North coexisted as one people in the days of their forefathers.

He added: “Now, history beckons, and a golden opportunity is in our hands to correct the many wrongs of the past by electing someone with impeccable character and proven integrity as our Speaker.

“Electing a Northern Christian as Speaker will give a sense of belonging to our Christian brethren that we are one people and they too can become anything in a united Nigeria. More than ever before our people have been divided along ethnic and religious lines, we must correct this.”

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Capital Market

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

45

Equities shed 0.6% on bearish trading STORIES: JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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rading in equities continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors sold their holdings.

Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 0.62 per cent to close at 34,507.85 points, compared to the decrease of 0.81 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34,721.61 points.

Market capitalization shed N73 billion to close at N11.8 trillion, compared to the decline of N97 billion recorded the pre-

ceding day to close at 34, 721.61 points.

All sectorial indices dropped value as the NSE 30-Index lost 0.74 per cent to close at 1,588.48 points, while the Banking Index dipped 0.65 per cent to close at 402.60 points.

The Insurance Index was down 0.19 per cent to close at 146.74 points, while the Consumer Goods Index depreciated 1.19 per cent to close at N878.40 points.

The Oil and Gas Index fell 0.76 per cent to close at 408.24 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index declined 0.05 per cent to close at 2,224.81 points.

The Industrial Index depreciated 0.03 per cent to close at 2,082.18 points. The Alternative Securities Market remained flat at 1,214.94 points.

PZ Plc led the gainers’ table with N1.35 or five per cent to close at N28.35 per share, followed by UBA Plc with 25 kobo or five per cent to close at N5.25 per share.

May and Baker Plc gained nine kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N1.95 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc was up four kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at 89 kobo per share.

Cutix Plc appreciated eight kobo or 4.57 per cent to close at N1.83 per share.

Q1: Chams posts N225m loss

C

hams, an information and communication technology company, has declared a loss after tax of N225.6 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, from a loss of N109.7 million in the same period of 2014.

The company’s revenue for the quarter stood at N341.5 million, from N486 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2014.

According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, cost of sales rose 2.45 per cent to N246 million from N240 million in the three months of 2014, while administrative

expenses stood at N383 million from N323 million in the same period of 2014.

Analysis of the company’s balance sheet showed that total assets rose to N10.6 billion, from N9.11 billion in the three months of 2014, while total liabilities stood at N4.36 billion from N3.69 billion in the same period of 2014.

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2014, the company turnover rose 83 per cent, while the company further deepened its bottom-line with 227.6 per cent growth in gross profit.

Against the loss in the previous year, the group sustained

its positive net earnings position.

Group turnover stood at N1.94 billion by September 2014, from N1.06 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Gross profit tripled from N3348.5 million in third quarters 2013 to N1.14 billion in third quarters 2014.

Against the pre and posttax loss of N614.63 million in third quarters 2013, the group recorded pre and posttax profit of N86.84 million.

Speaking recently, the Group Managing Director, Mr. Demola Aladekomo, said the performance of the company confirmed that the various initiatives that had been

Conversely, Stanbic IBTC Plc shed N1.45 or five per cent to close at N27.55 per share, while NAHCO Plc lost 32 kobo or 4.91 per cent to close at N6.20 per share.

Livestock Plc declined 12 kobo or 4.74 per cent to close at N2.41 per share, while Transnational Express Plc depreciated six kobo or 4.65 per cent to close at N1.23 per share.

Cadbury Plc fell N1.81 or 4.41 per cent to close at N39.20 per share.

A total of 354.5 million shares valued at N3.29 billion were exchanged in 5,668 deals.

G

ing program drawing investment into equities.

In the United States, Dow components Verizon, DuPont and United Technologies beat expectations even as the strong dollar weighed on DuPont and IBM shares were up 0.6 per cent after it beat low expectations.

“It’s still early in the week, and things could change with some major tech stock reporting later in the week, but there has been the absence of a real negative factor,” said Brian Fenske, head of sales and trading at ITG in New York.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 12.81 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 18,047.74, the S&P 500 gained 4.83 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 2,105.23 and the Nasdaq Composite added 28.16 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 5,022.76.

The euro was down 0.45 per cent at $1.0688

EUR= as Greece remained on investors’ radar amid media reports that the ECB was considering upping the haircuts it applies to Greek assets used as collateral for its cheap funding.

Even after several rounds of negotiations, hopes are slim that Athens will be able to convince euro zone finance ministers to continue their financial support at meetings on Friday.

This could mean it runs out of cash by the end of the month.

On Monday, Greece ordered state entities to park spare cash at the central bank in a bid to pay civil service salaries and IMF loan repayments due in early May. An unprecedented debt default in the currency bloc could open the way for Greece to exit the euro, though ECB Vice President Vitor Constan-

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 34,507.85 points Market capitalisation 11.76trn

put in place have started bearing fruit.

“To consolidate on our performance in the last financial year and maintain our profitability is quite commendable and we are confident that things can only become better for us.

“More gratifying is the fact that we have sustained our topline growth trajectory, an indication that we have continued to increase our market share and remain competitive. We have entered into some partnership agreements that will have positive impact on our performance in the coming years,” Aladekomo said.

Earnings lift stocks, Greek anxiety hits euro lobal stock markets rose yesterday, helped by upbeat European earnings and US earnings that were not as bad as feared, but the euro fell on worries about possible Greek loan defaults.

Wall Street opened higher and European trading was strong, with the pan-regional FTSEurofirst 300 index up 0.93 per cent after a 1.4 per cent jump by the Nikkei and 2 to 2.5 per cent increases in China’s main markets. The MSCI gauge of stocks in major markets was up 0.35 per cent.

In Europe, Publicis and ARM Holdings all rose more than four per cent after reporting results, with the overall picture of a weaker euro and improving economic conditions driven by the European Central Bank’s (ECB) bond-buy-

Source: NSE

cio said on Monday that a country that defaults would not have to ditch the currency.

“The full extent of a Greek exit (from the euro) is not being priced in,” said Grant Peterkin, manager of absolute return bond fund at Lombard Odier.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

PZ

27.00

28.35

1.35

5.00

UBA

5.00

5.25

0.25

5.00

MAYBAKER

1.86

1.95

0.09

4.84

RTBRISCOE

0.85

0.89

0.04

4.71

CUTIX

1.75

1.83

0.08

4.57

GOLDBREW

0.89

0.93

0.04

4.49

CAVERTON

3.14

3.28

0.14

4.46

NPFMCRFBK

1.17

1.22

0.05

4.27

7UP

163.10

170.00

6.90

4.23

NEIMETH

0.99

1.03

0.04

4.04

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

STANBIC

29.00

27.55

-1.45

-5.00

NAHCO

6.52

6.20

-0.32

-4.91

LIVESTOCK

2.53

2.41

-0.12

-4.74

TRANSEXPR

1.29

1.23

-0.06

-4.65

CADBURY

41.01

39.20

-1.81

-4.41

COSTAIN

0.95

0.91

-0.04

-4.21

DANGSUGAR

7.30

7.00

-0.30

-4.11

WEMABANK

0.99

0.95

-0.04

-4.04

UNILEVER

41.65

40.01

-1.64

-3.94

ETI

20.90

20.10

-0.80

-3.83

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.32

99.36

13.55

99.51

13.43

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.02

102.40

13.69

102.55

13.60

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.19

106.46

13.89

106.76

13.80

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.77

110.52

13.92

110.82

13.86

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.90

101.27

13.94

101.57

13.88

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.26 68.06

15.51

68.36

15.44

Closing Market Prices of April 21, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

23-Jul-15

10.07

10.33

WAUA

270

15-Oct-15

12.17

12.93

USD

197

07-Apr-16

12.60

14.34

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

20.2917

1M

15.5697

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

16.7105

SDR

273

6M

17.7728

NIBOR

The Fixings of April 21, 2015

46

Capital Market

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 21, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror Without proper funding, no head of court can perform magic. It is on this note that I call upon all the state chief executives, including those that will be coming on board on May 29, 2015, that they should please respect and obey the constitution they have sworn to uphold Chief Justice of Nigeria – Justice Mahmoud Mohammed

NOPRIN hails appointment of Arase as acting IGP DARE AKOGUN

N

etwork on Police Reforms in Nigeria, NOPRIN, a civil society group on police reforms has hailed President Jonathan for the appointment of DIG Solomon Arase as the new acting IGP. National Coordinator of the group Mr.

Okechukwu Nwanguma stated this while reacting to the sack of former IG Suleiman Abba in Lagos.

He described Arase as a thoroughbred police officer and a sticker for discipline and professionalism. According to him, “Considering the regular interface and critical engagement with the NPF and its officers over the years, we can say with-

out equivocation that Arase is a rare breed and the type of officer the Nigeria Police Force needs to reposition it as chief of police.

“We believe Arase has what it takes to address the problems of the police within the space available for any IGP. We wish him luck and hope that he will be given enough time to bring his

intellect and professional disposition to bear,” he added.

It would be recalled the group two weeks ago urged the President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari to retire all service chiefs that were politically exposed immediately he takes over government.

Singling out Abba the group opines that “The

Inspector-General of police and all heads of similar compromised security services as well as all senior officers who had been politically exposed should be retired compulsorily to restore integrity in the service.

“The current IG lacks the will, professionalism, the leadership qualification and competence to lead a police in a modern

democracy.

“He has allowed corruption, torture, brutality and killings to remain the order of the day in the Force by failing to punish and deter misconduct and abuses when they occur,’’ he said.

On the long term reform, Nwanguma said Buhari should visit the police reform committee reports submitted to President Jonathan by the civil society panel on September 2012, stressing that the report would help for a better security in Nigeria.

He urged the incoming president to fund the police adequately and pay attention to the welfare of the officers and men not forgetting their family members.

LG boss tasks lawmakers to support Al-Makura IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

C

Scene of an accident at Iganmu-Apapa-Wharf Link Bridge in Lagos, yesterday.

BEDC promises pole, transformers for Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

C

hief Executive Officer of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, has said that no fewer than 600 pole transformers would soon be provided for Ekiti state to boost electricity supply in the state.

Osibodu said that the pole transformers were easy to maintain and would service small communities.

The BEDC boss spoke dur-

ing a meeting with a delegation of Ekiti State Government led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, at the company headquarters in Benin City, Edo State.

She promised to ensure that all the challenges enumerated by the state government and the requests were attended to without any delay, adding that the company had been relentless in its efforts to ensure regular electricity supply to all the states within its jurisdiction.

Earlier, the deputy governor had expressed concern on the

erratic electricity supply to the state and appealed for improvement so that the people could enjoy worthwhile power supply for their hard earn money.

Olusola had listed some of the challenges confronting power supply in the state to include the need to energize some of the transformers provided by the state government to some communities as well as making necessary repairs on some faulty transformers.

He tasked BEDC to ensure that enough electricity pre-paid

metres were made available to consumers so they could pay for the exact power consumed instead of the estimated billing.

The deputy governor urged the company to provide new meters to all the water dams in the state so that Ekiti people could also pay for the exact volume of water used.

Olusola also called for the input of the electricity distribution company into the Law of the state that would provide legal platform to punish electricity cable theft and other related vandalism in the state.

hairman of Akwanga Local Government area in Nasarawa State, Hon Abashiya Koto, yesterday tasked all elected Nasarawa State House of Assembly members on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, to give a maximum support to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of when they assume duty.

The council boss gave the calling consideration of the numerical strength of the recently elected APC legislators into the forthcoming state assembly which outweighs PDP members unlike the present assembly where the PDP took advantage of their strength in the assembly to frustrate Governor Al-Makura’s developmental efforts.

Koto stated this to Community Mirror in Akwanga, headquarters of the council area, shortly after inaugurating a committee to ascertain the distribution of drugs accrued to the local council from the state drugs store.

His words, “I want to call on all elected APC lawmakers in Nasarawa state to emulate Governor Al-Makura by thinking of the masses plight.

48

Community Mirror

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Land dispute: Family seeks Ogun CP’s intervention WALE IGBINTADE

M

embers of Sofidiya family of Agbodi village near Mowe in Ogun State have petitioned the Ogun State Commissioner of Police over alleged misuse of Police officers and Military men by the Deeper Life Christian Ministry.

The family also alleged that the Church used Police to forcefully takeover about 44 hectares of their land.

The petition dated April 7, 2015 and signed by the head the family, Prince Muraino Banjoko informed the Police that one a member of the commu-

nity was allegedly shot by a security man stationed on the disputed land.

The family called on the Inspector General of police and the Ogun State governor to come to their assistance else the whole community would be wiped-out.

According to the petitioner, neither the family nor their forefathers had sold the disputed land to the Church.

Banjoko stated that he is the head of the family and not a land grabber as alleged by the Deeper Life adding that he was offered N30 million and a luxurious bus so that he will abandoned the matter and turned his back against his family but he refused.

The family maintained that if Deeper Life truthfully bought the land as claimed it should produce the receipt issued to them by the family and not use armed Naval Policemen, Military men on the land to protect their own interest.

“The family further alleged that the construction workers working for the church were carrying out their duties despite the fact that the matter was still pending before an Ogun State High Court. ‘’We are not fighting the church of God but the church of God should come out with the truth about the entire community. People have run away from the community be-

cause of the military presence. The deeper life know that the case is pending in the court which their lawyers know, so why are they working on a land that its case is still pending in the court’’, the family added.

But, in its reaction, the head of the church building committee, Pastor Alfred Ogene said Deeper Life Bible Church is the rightful owner of this land adding that the Church over the years taken possession of the land.

According to him, in 2009 when the church first attempted to built a perimeter fence it was pulled down by the people we bought the land from and had to embark on another 1,500 meter fence

UN agency empowers 3,500 youths, women in Akwa Ibom

I

nternational Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, a United Nations’ agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries, has empowered over 3,500 youths and women in Akwa Ibom.

IFAD’s Project Officer in the state, Mrs Essien UweBassey, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Sunday.

She said that the agency, under its community-based resource management programme in the Niger Delta, empowered the beneficiaCHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Laleru Julianah Olaronke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olawole Julianah Olaronke. All former document remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, Ijebu ode Local government Education Authority and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olakunle Oluwaseun Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adetayo Oluwaseun Yetunde. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

ries to embark on various agricultural businesses.

She said that IFAD trained the youths and women on entrepreneurship on livestock, fishery, crop production as well as vegetable and pineapple production, to enhance their living standard.

She said that the agency disbursed about N26.7 million grants to the beneficiaries on April 2 to enable them to improve on their farming business.

Uwe-Bassey said that the programme which started in the state about five years ago was meant to cover 27 CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sokoya Adedamola Olamide Ameenah now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibrahim Adedamola Olamide Ameenah. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Ayeni Oluwatoyin Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mobolaji Oluwatoyin Abiola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PANKSHIN CATHOLIC DIOCESAN JUSTICE DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE CARITAS

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 part ‘c’

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Most Rev. Gokum Gobal Michael Very Rev. Fr. Watpe Paul Damlim Mrs. Zumyil Christiana Fwenji Mrs. Pali Victoria Nakom Very Rev. Fr. Rotgak John

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

a. Promote peaceful coexistence in communities and justice for the marginalized b. Highlight human, economic and social rights of the people c. Provide relief and rehabilitation in times of natural disaster, social and religious upheavals.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General CorporateAffairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication

SIGNED: R.K NGYOU (SOLICITOR)

communities selected from nine local government areas in the state.

She, however, said that because the state government failed to fully pay its counterpart funds, the programme was restricted to only nine communities in three local government areas.

The state’s project officer named the benefiting local government areas as Okobo, Uruk Anam and Ibesikpo Asutan.

“IFAD wants each of the farmers to be on his/her own and encourage others to embrace farming as a CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I formrely known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Nonyelum Maryann same person as Miss Ochiagha Maryann Nonye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwankwo Maryann Nonye, all former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Ganiyat Akanbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adenike Omotayo Adejokun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

business to be self-reliant.

“The gains of embracing agriculture as a business are long-lasting; farming will discourage women and youths from running after politicians for assistance.

“The programme has helped to reduce poverty and violence among the youths in the Niger Delta communities,’’ she said.

She said that the agency’s community-based natural resource management programme had taken many rural dwellers out of poverty and turned them into employers of labour.

CHANGE OF NAME

EKWUEME: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekwueme Happiness Njideka,now Wish To be Known and addressed as Mrs. Osimiri Happiness Njideka. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odulana Felicia Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olajide Felicia Adenike. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

12 UNITED FRIENDS CLUB. This is to notify the general public that the above named Club has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apalos Chidi Fidelix -Chairman.

2.Godwin Chidozie Johnpaul 3.Okonkwo Fidelix Ikechukwu 4.Nnadozie Paul Afamefule 5.Ibiam Azubuike Dominic.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To bring peace and harmony among members.

Any objection (s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

a month ago costing the church a whopping sum of over N25 million but overnight they came and destroyed it.

“We have all the documents to this land and with due respect, Deeper Life does not just get to somebody’s land and acquire it. But some peo-

ple, who claimed to be children of the owners, pulled down our fence in 2009, which was worth N10 million. We decided to rebuild the fence and demarcate what we had left after they had resold a large portion of the land.

But they came back and demolished that one too.

Trader charged with assault on policeman

A

33-year-old trader, Femi Oyekunle, who allegedly beat up a police officer, was on Monday arraigned in an Apapa Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Oyekunle, a resident of Ajegunle area of Apapa, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful assault.

The Prosecutor, ASP Soji Ojaokomo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 16 at Awodi-Ora Estate, Ajegunle.

Ojaokomo said Oyekunle with others still at large conspired to assault a police officer, Owoeye Dada, and also beat him to pulp while performing his lawful duty. ``The complainant said CHANGE OF NAME

BOLUWAJI: I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Funmilayo Boluwaji, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Funmilayo Fasoto. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KOSIN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ruth Kosin, now wish to be known address as Mrs Ese Oguamhenlu Apere. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNADO: Formerly known and addressed as Nnado Udoka Constance, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Onuoha Udoka Constance. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGWUEGBU: Formerly known and addressed as Ogwuegbu Emeka Henry, now wish to be known and addressed as Anyanwu Emmanuel Chukwuemeka. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegbite Funke Seun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adejumo Funke Seun.

All former documents remain valid.

University College Hospital and General Public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

BADOU: Formerly known, called and addressed as Mrs. Nicholas Sylvia Badou, now wish to be known called and addressed as Mrs. Ataneh Sylvia Nicholas. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

he was trying to settle an argument between the accused and one Alhaja when Oyekunle with another still at large assaulted him,” he said.

The offences, Ojaokomo noted, contravened the provisions of Sections 171 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused may be sentenced to a two- year jail term if found guilty.

Senior Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya granted the accused bail in the sum of N 20,000 with one surety in like sum.

Further hearing in the case was fixed for May 13.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODOZI: Formerly known and addressed as Odozi Fentonfa, now wish to be known address as Dirikebamor Odozi. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Kalu Kaku Onuma, now wish to be known and addressed as Onuma David Ben. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AMADI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Amadi Philomina Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egbeagu Philomina Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Civil Defence and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Kadiri Omolola now wish to be known and addressed as George Omolola Eniola. All former documents remain valid.

General Public Take Note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Ikechukwu David Udeh is one and the same person as Ikechukwu David Udeogwu that I have some documents bearing my names as Ikechukwu David Udeogwu, while some bear Ikechukwu David Udeh, now wish to be addressed as Mr. Ikechukwu David Udeh All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Oriegu Ndubuisi Emeka is one and the same person as Oriegu Ndubuisi Nnaemeka that I have some documents bearing my names as Oriegu Ndubuisi Nnaemeka and Oriegu Ndubuisi Emeka, now wish to be known addressed as Mr. Oriegu Ndubuisi Emeka. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

The only way you can stop the deaths is to stop the people

Prosecutors blame captain smuggling trade. The only way you can stop the deaths is, in for causing deaths in fact, to stop the boats. migrant shipwreck –Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott 50 PAUL ARHEWE,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

M

uslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Morsi was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole on Tuesday on charges arising from the killing of protesters, nearly three years after he became Egypt’s first freely elected president.

Morsi stood in a cage in court as judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef read out the ruling against him and 12 other Brotherhood members, including senior figures Mohamed el-Beltagy and Essam el-Erian. The sentencing was broadcast live on state television.

The men were convicted on charges of violence, kidnapping and torture stemming from the killing of protesters during demonstrations in 2012. They were acquitted of murder charges, which carry the death sentence.

A lawyer for some of the defendants said they would appeal.

Amnesty International described the ruling as “a travesty of justice” that “shatters any remaining illusion of independence and impartiality in Egypt’s criminal justice system”.

The rights group called for Morsi to be retried in a civilian court “in line with international standards” or released.

Egypt’s ex-president Morsi jailed 20 years

Morsi gesturing after his trial behind bars at a court, yesterday

Leading Egyptian cleric Sheikh Youssef al-Qaradawi, who lives in pro-Brotherhood Qatar, criticized the ruling.

“The judiciary in Egypt is no longer one of the three (branches of) power. Instead, all the powers and the country itself are now run by the military,” he said in a statement.

Egypt’s U.S.-backed government says the judiciary is inde-

pendent and it never intervenes in its work.

Displaying a four-finger salute symbolizing resistance to the state’s crackdown on Islamists, defendants in a makeshift courtroom on the outskirts of Cairo chanted “God is Greatest” after the verdict was read.

The ruling is the first against Morsi, who says he is determined to reverse what he calls a military

South Africa sends soldiers to anti-immigrant hotspots

S

outh Africa sent soldiers yesterday to help stop anti-immigrant violence in areas of Durban and Johannesburg where at least seven people have been killed in the past three weeks.

South Africa has been criticized by governments, including China, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, for failing to protect foreigners

as armed mobs were shown on TV looting immigrant-owned shops and front-page photographs in a Sunday newspaper showed a Mozambican man being beaten and stabbed to death in broad daylight.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said a Zimbabwean couple were shot in the Johannesburg shanty town of

Demonstrators hold placards outside a court in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township as four men appeared in court for the killing of a Mozambican man, yesterday.

Alexandra on Monday night but survived.

Briefing reporters on the deployment of troops to Alexandra and to the coastal town of Durban, where the violence started, she said: “There will be those who will be critical of this decision but the vulnerable will appreciate it.”

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini defended himself on Monday against claims that previous comments he made about foreigners sparked the anti-immigrant attacks.

On Tuesday, four men, aged between 18 and 22 years old, were charged in Alexandra’s Magistrates Court with the murder and robbery of the Mozambican man, Emmanuel Sithole, a street vendor in the low-income area.

The men covered their heads with hoodies when they were brought into the court. They are set to appear again on May 4.

Outside the court, protesters picketed and locals gathered.

coup against him in 2013 staged by then army chief, now president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Amr Darrag, a Morsi-era minister, said the Brotherhood would remain a powerful force, with younger members taking up leadership roles made vacant by the state’s crackdown.

“The overall attitude of the Brotherhood (is) more revolutionary because the generation taking it over is young and more revolutionary and they saw what kind of an Egypt we’d have if they don’t do what they have to do,” he told Reuters in an interview in Istanbul.

Morsi’s son, Osama, said his father plans a comeback despite the jail sentence State news agency MENA quoted a security source saying Morsi was taken by helicopter back to Borg al-Arab prison near Alexandria, where he has been held for more than a year.

Morsi faces charges in four other cases including leaking secrets to Qatar, conspiring with the Palestinian militant group Hamas to destabilize Egypt, and organizing a jailbreak during the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak.

After toppling Morsi following mass protests against his rule, Sisi proceeded to crush the Brotherhood, which he says is part of a terrorist network that poses an existential threat to the Arab and Western worlds.

The Brotherhood says it is a peaceful movement that will return to office through people power, even though demonstrations have fallen to a trickle.

The verdict did not appear to trigger significant protests, another sign of the Brotherhood’s waning influence.

Egypt’s deep state apparatus -the Interior Ministry, intelligence services and army -- now appears to have a tighter grip than ever on the most populous Arab nation.

While Morsi has become far less relevant, even within the Brotherhood, Sisi was elected president last year, winning over many Egyptians who overlooked widespread allegations of human rights abuses for the sake of stability.

WORLD BULLETIN Libya chaos spurs human smuggling –Govt spokesman Libya’s chaos has spurred human trafficking, a spokesman for the country’s internationally recognized government said yesterday, urging the world community to help his administration gain control of the rest of the country.

The appeal comes as violence in Libya surges and more and more crowded refugee rafts head to Europe, many of which have capsized, leaving hundreds feared dead. Libya has two rival governments, each claiming legitimacy as their allied militias fight across the country.

The smuggling of migrants to Europe via Libya generates massive amounts of illicit money, some of which ends up in the hands of militant groups, Hatem al-Aribi said in an interview in the eastern city of Bayda.

“There are those who are using Libya as a safe passage in the current situation, especially given the inability to secure the entire Libyan territory,” al-Aribi told The Associated Press. “The amount of money involved in this trade is huge, and we have intelligence that some of this money goes to terrorist organizations.”

Kenya suspends top security officials over al Shabaab university attack Kenya has suspended nine senior security officials pending an investigation into their handling of this month’s attack on a university by al Shabaab militants in which 148 people were killed, the interior minister said yesterday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government has been under pressure to act over security failures that allowed gunmen from the Somali militant Islamist group to storm Garissa University College on April 2.

“I am convinced of the need for a thorough investigation into the terrorist attack ... to establish possible criminal culpability of individual officers or relevant security committees,” Joseph Nkaissery said in a statement.

Those suspended include all police chiefs in Garissa county, its regional administrator and its criminal investigations officer, he said.

The investigative team has been given 14 days to conduct its probe into the attack, Nkaissery added.

“I warn all officers responsible for maintaining security across the country ... (that they) will be held personally accountable for any acts of omission or commission that endanger the lives and property of Kenyans,” he said.

50

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Poland to buy US Patriot missiles, French helicopters Poland said yesterday it would buy Raytheon’s Patriot missiles from the United States and provisionally selected French Airbus helicopters as it speeds up the modernization of its military amid tensions with Russia.

The choice of suppliers, in deals potentially worth $8 billion, strikes a transatlantic balance as eastern Europe’s largest economy re-arms itself on NATO’s front line while edging towards a bigger role in Europe’s defence industry.

“For the armed forces’ technical modernization, and the Polish armed forces’ resilience, to be effective, the so-called anti-missile shield ... had to become the priority of priorities,” President Bronislaw Komorowski said.

Poland will enter exclusive talks with the U.S. government on the Patriot anti-missile system. It plans to buy eight batteries by 2025, including two within three years of signing.

A consortium of France’s Thales and European group MBDA was also competing for the $5 billion missile defence contract -- the largest in Poland’s military history.

Poland, a NATO member since 1999, had accelerated the process to select a supplier for the missile system after Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region last year prompted great concern among NATO members in eastern Europe.

Since the end of the Cold War, Poland has usually kept closer defense and security ties with the United States.

Kazakh leader to extend long rule, promises stability President Nursultan Nazarbayev will extend his nearly 26-year rule of Kazakhstan in an election on Sunday which investors hope will maintain stability in the Central Asian state despite criticism of his rights record.

The 74-year-old former steelworker has held power since 1989 when the oil-producing nation of 17 million stretching from the border with China to the Caspian Sea was part of the Soviet Union, and has never faced a genuine challenge at the polls.

Usually met by huge crowds, he has toured his vast steppe nation, opening shopping malls, recreation centres and even two underground metro stations in the financial capital Almaty last weekend. He looks down from huge billboards. “To new victories together with the Leader of the Nation!” read one.

An ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he called the vote a year before his current term is due to end, removing the danger of growing economic pains developing into a full-blown crisis that might dent his chances of victory.

The two other candidates, a communist and a former regional governor, pose no threat and Nazarbayev can stretch his rule to beyond 30 years if he completes a full new five-year term.

Wednesday April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prosecutors blame captain for causing deaths in migrant shipwreck P

rosecutors blamed the Tunisian captain of a fishing boat for causing the deaths of hundreds of migrants locked below decks when his vessel capsized in the Mediterranean, in the weekend shipwreck that has shocked Europe.

Prosecutors said on Tuesday that Mohammed Ali Malek, 27, arrested under suspicion of multiple homicide, had steered his severely overloaded boat into a collision with a merchant ship that was coming to its rescue.

Only 28 survivors have been brought to Italy from the hundreds of mainly African and Bangladeshi migrants on board.

Police have quoted the survivors giving death tolls that range from 400 to 950 in what appears to have been the worst disaster ever among migrants fleeing across the Mediterranean to Europe.

So few survived because most of the migrants on board, including women and children, had been locked in the hold and lower decks of the three-deck fishing boat, said Catania chief prosecutor Giovanni Salvi.

That also made it impossible so far to reach the bodies and

H

ungary has joined Poland in denouncing remarks by FBI director James Comey which seemed to equate Poland’s and Hungary’s roles in the Holocaust with that of Germany.

Hungary’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Comey’s remarks delivered last week at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and then published in The Washington Post were defamatory of Hungarians. The ministry said it has sent a written complaint to the U.S. Embassy in Budapest.

“The words of the FBI director bear witness to astounding insensitivity and impermissible superficiality,” the ministry

FBI director James Comey

Mohammed Ali Malek (C, rear), one of two survivors of Saturday’s migrant boat disaster, later arrested on suspicion of people trafficking, is seen watching bodies of dead migrants being disembarked from the Italian coastguard ship

verify the toll.

The captain has been arrested on suspicion of multiple homicide and people-smuggling, and he and his 25-year-old Syrian first mate, Mahmud Bikhit, are also suspected of causing a

shipwreck. It was not immediately possible to reach lawyers representing them for comment.

Under Italian law, prosecutors outline the charges they believe a defendant should face before the defendant is formally

FBI chief insensitive, superficial on Holocaust –Hungary said in a statement. “We do not accept from anyone the formulation of such a generalization and defamation.”

Comey, arguing for the importance of Holocaust education, said: “In their minds, the murderers and accomplices of Germany, and Poland, and Hungary ... didn’t do something evil.”

“They convinced themselves it was the right thing to do,” Comey said in the speech which was also posted without any clarification on the FBI’s website. “That should truly frighten us.”

Comey’s comments were particularly offensive to Poles, who pointed out that Poland was under brutal German occupation during the entire war and actively opposed it. Hungary first sided with Hitler against Russia but later tried to negotiate a peace deal with the Allies and was then invaded by Germany.

Many officials there willingly carried out Nazi orders to deport Jews.

Poland’s Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz said Sunday that Comey’s words were “unacceptable,” and that “Poland was not a perpetrator but a victim of World War II.” In all, 6 million Polish citizens were killed during the war, about half of them Jewish and the other half Christians.

On Tuesday, the directors of several Polish war-time museums wrote to Comey to say they were “deeply concerned” by his words and to invite him to Poland for a “study visit” that could help him understand the complex history of Europe under Nazi German occupation from 1939-45.

charged by a judge.

Both men are in police custody, while investigations continue, the prosecutors’ office said.

The disaster comes after weeks of a dramatic rise in deaths among migrants packed into rickety vessels to cross the Mediterranean. Nearly 1,800 have drowned so far this year, compared to fewer than 100 deaths by the end of April last year, a period when a similar number attempted the crossing.

40 killed in Yemen’s air strikes

T

wo air strikes in Yemen on Tuesday killed at least 40 people, most of them civilians and wounded dozens of others, medical sources said.

One strike hit a bridge in central Ibb province as cars carrying militia members were driving on it, residents said, killing at least 20 people, mostly civilians. Another, on a security building in the city of Haradh near Yemen’s border with Saudi Arabia, killed 13 civilians and seven soldiers.

Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Arab allies have been bombing Yemen for almost a month in a bid to weaken the country’s dominant force, the Shi’ite Houthi militia movement allied to Iran.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INEC ready for Kogi supplementary elections Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

I

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said arrangements have been concluded for the conduct of election in 175 polling units in Kogi State on Saturday, April 25, 2015.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Kogi State, Professor Jacob Jatau, disclosed this while speaking at a stakeholders meeting at INEC headquarters in Lokoja yesterday.

He warned that the commission will not tolerate any act of violence before, during and after the supplementary election.

Jatau said the supplementary election would take place in 34 polling units of Dekina/Bassa

North

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

federal constituency, adding that election will take place at Ajaokuta, Dekina I, Dekina II, Igalamela/ Odolu, Ofu and Lokoja II constituencies.

The REC pointed out that all ad-hoc staff will undergo training on Friday, stressing that the commission had already received both sensitive and non-sensitive materials.

He therefore, called on politicians in the affected areas to play the game by the rule so as to ensure a hitch-free supplementary election in the state.

Meanwhile, the police in Kogi State has warned political gladiators and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, as anyone found fomenting trouble will not be spared.

51

8 robbery suspects, rapist, homosexuals nabbed in Gombe Williams Attah GOMBE

G

ombe State Police Command said it has arrested a notorious gang of eight armed robbery suspects, who have been terrorising residents of Gombe, the state capital, for some time now.

The group was said to be responsible for a lot of havocs and the killing and maiming of their victims.

Gombe Police Com-

mand spokesman, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, while parading a suspected rapist and four homosexuals, stated that the armed robbery suspects have already been charged to court.

According to him, the suspects whose names were not mentioned were arrested at various spots within the state, while weapons recovered from them included one AK-47 rifle with seven rounds of live ammunition, two locally manufactured pis-

tols, four cutlasses, 23 arrows and two bows.

The PPRO, who said the command was investigating 20 politically-motivated violence cases, also paraded a 45-year-old rapist, as well as four young homosexuals.

The command gave the name of the 45-year-old rapist as Haruna Adamu, who was arrested while allegedly raping a 13-yearold girl near Police Barracks, Tudun Wada, Gombe.

The suspect allegedly confessed having committed the crime, but argued that he had had sex with

the girl twice and paid her N270.

The four homosexuals’ names were given as Sadiq Umaru, Rufai Mohammed, Ibrahim Abubakar and Sadiq Adamu, who told journalists that he was owner of the room and was not among the three arrested by the police. He said he was lying on the floor when the police stormed the room.

The PPRO added that the rapists and suspected homosexuals were arrested at the same area on April 19, 2015, at midnight, adding that the arrest followed a tip-off.

INEC ad-hoc staff protest delayed allowances Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

H

undreds of ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday besieged Bauchi South Local Government Area office of the commission to protest delay in payment of their allowances.

The protesters, marching from Wunti area were on the verge of barricading the ever-busy Ahmadu Bello Way before a detachment of policemen arrived the scene to restore normalcy.

The ad-hoc staff, consisting of mainly presiding officers during the presidential and governorship elections, shouted slogans such as “Pay us our money, it is long overdue”, “No payment for presidential, governorship and House of Assembly elections in Bauchi State”, “We have been used and dumped”, “Our colleagues in other states have been paid.”

Spokesperson for the protesters, Abubakar Mohammed, told newsmen that the commission had done nothing to address the situation.

He wondered why other ad-hoc staff of the commission in other states

were paid N15,000-N20,000 each for logistics, camping, feeding and transportation, while the commission was yet to pay in Bauchi State.

He said: “The process is fraudulent because some of our colleagues in other states were paid, but presiding officers of the election have not been paid.

The sad thing is that nobody is talking of how we would be paid.”

In a swift reaction to the development, state INEC Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Abubakar, said the commission had concluded arrangements to pay the ad-hoc staff, adding that most presiding officers during the election replaced corps members, who declined to do the job.

Priscilla Dennis MINNA

N

iger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has set up a 27-member transition committee to usher in the new administration on May 29.

The committee is to be chaired by Secretary to the State Government, Saidu Ndako Idris Kpaki, while Head of Service, Alhaji Hamidu A. Khadi, and Commissioner for Finance, Abubakar Tukur, will serve as vice chairmen I and II, respectively, according to a

Head of Training and Resource Mobilisation, Malam Auwal Mohammed (left) presenting relief materials to Malam Alkali Azir, one of internally displaced persons, during distribution of relief materials donated by Red Cross Society of Nigeria and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Gombe, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

oalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSO, and Gender Advocates in Nigeria has demanded a level playing ground for women in the ongoing electoral process.

The group lamented that the only female gubernatorial candidate was threatened by the irregularities that marred elections in Taraba State.

Leader of the coalition and Executive Secretary, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Al-

press statement signed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Israel Ebije.

Members of the committee include Commissioner for Land and Housing, Dr. Peter S. Sarki; Commissioner for Local Government, Yusuf Garba Tagwai; Commissioner for Justice, Abdullahi Bawa; Commissioner for Health, Hadiza Abdullahi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya; and Commissioner for Planning, Yahaya DanSallau.

Others are Commissioner for Works, Mu’azu Moham-

med Bawa; Commissioner for Transport, Mahamud Bello Kpako; Commissioner for Investment, Hassam Abdullahi; Commissioner for Education, Danladi Abdulhamid; Chairman SUBEB, Uba Hassan; Director General, MDGs, Dattijo Aliyu; Director General, SURE-P, Hassan Nuhu; Commissioner, National Population Commission, Aliyu Datti; Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, Ambassador Zubairu Dada; Managing Director, Niger State Development Corporation, Mohmammed Aliyu.

Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

C

ternative, WRAPA, Hajiya Sa’adatu Shehu Mahdi, while briefing the press in Abuja, said investigations show that the election and result of 11 of 16 local governments in the state does not reflect the wish of the people.

Mahdi charged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to probe the April 11 election in Taraba State to ensure the rights of Taraba people to vote candidates of their choice were protected.

She called for a change of all electoral officials in Taraba, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for the April 25 supplementary election, as they were implicated in the alleged irregularities of April 11.

She stressed the need for election to hold in all the 16 local governments and all polling units on the new

election date.

She also charged the presidency to treat the allegations against security agents severely as required by law, by ensuring a complete redeployment of security agents in Taraba before the supplementary election.

Earlier, President of Women in Politics Forum, WiP, Mr. Ebere Ifendu, said the coalition was not requesting for results to be manipulated in favour of women, but that a level playing ground be provided.

It would be recalled that INEC had acknowledged irregularities in one local government during the April 11 election in Taraba State, the female candidate affirmed this, but alleged that 11 other local governments were also affected and demanded that INEC heed her complaints.

52

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adebowale Enitan Babington-Ashaye, now wish to be known and addressed as Adebowale Enitan. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

BOBOYE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Boboye Olajumoke Modupe, now wish to be known address as Mrs AyodejiNun Roseline Modupe. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

We Formerly known and addressed as Mr Henry Chike Okonkwo, Mrs Ebere Dorothy okonkwo, Master Ugochukwu Daniel Ezemeozoh and Master Uchechukwu David Ezumeozoh now wish to be known address as Mr Henry Uzoma Chike, Mrs Ebere Dorothy Chike, Master Ugochukwu Daniel Chike and Master Uchechukwu David Chike. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

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Formerly called and addressed as Miss Giwa Risikat Ibironke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jimoh Risikat Ibironke.

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Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibrahim Sekinah Olabisi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OladimejiIbrahim Sekinah.

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Formerly known and addressed as Olanrewaju Queen, now wish to be known and addressed as Macaulay Aniefiok Queen. All former documents remain valid.

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All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I, Mr. Arokoyo Peter Dada of Plot 14, Block 31, Isheri Olofin Fed. Site & Services Scheme, Ikeja, now known as 12 Nwagbo Eze close, Baruwa Candos, Ipaja Lagos, here by announce the Loss of my Counterpart of the Deed of Assignment with Reg. No. 40/40/154. This is declaration is required for record purposes and should be accepted by the public.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to confirm that Owolabi Abimbola is the same person as Owolabi Abimbola Muideen. Henceforth, he wishes to be known and addressed as Owolabi Abimbola Muideen. All former documents remain valid, OSPOLY Management, NECO and the general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

This is to confirm that Aremu Kasimu Sunday is the same one person as Aremu Kazeem, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Aremu Kazeem. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Kiki Thomas Gbetonji, now wish to be known and addressed as Okikiola Thomas Oluwasegun.

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OTUBELU: Formerly known and addressed as Otubelu Harriet Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Odusoga Harriet Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is inform the general public that the offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy in the name of KANITEX GLOBAL SERVICES LTD In respect of Plot No . 1541, Cadastral Zone B11, Kaura District Abuja with file number MISC 116847 is lost. All effort to recover it has proved abortive, if found please return to the nearest Police Station. ‎The Allottee is applying to Land Department / AGIS, FCDA for the CTC Signed: CHIEF E. HYGINUS

PUBLIC NOTICE PRESTIGIOUS DIVINE UNITY FRIENDS CLUB

The general public is hereby notified that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Nwanna Okeke 3). Ifeanyi Onwuka 5). Chika Obdurate 7). Peter Anasiudo

2). Stanley Ojukwu 4). Chekwube Anagbaoso 6). Nonso Ejide 8). Okwuchukwu Obidum

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1) To promote and support programmes that will enhance the economic, social and spiritual wellbeing of the members.

2) To inspire, motivate and encourage members to be productive, disciplined, creative and engage in programmes that will promote the core values of our culture.

Any objective to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama.

SIGNED: CHINWEOKE DONATUS MADUKA ESQ. ZONE C, BLOCK4, SUITE 65, ASPAMDA TRADE FAIR COMPLEX LAGOS. 08033461512.

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Formerly Miss Elem Roseline Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okechukwu Roseline Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Services and general public take note.

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General Public Take Note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Agoi-Ishola Shegun and Agoi Sola is the same one person as Agoi Sola Oluwasegun. that henceforth wish to be known ana addressed as Agoi Sola Oluwasegun.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME. This is to confirm that I, Babayemi Funke Oreoluwa that sat for WAEC, 2014 is also Babayemi Funke that sat for NECO 2014. Henceforth, I now wish to be known and addressed as Babayemi Funke Oreoluwa. OSPOLY Management and the general public should take note.

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This is to confirm that Adegbenro Abiola is the same one person as Adegbenro Abiola Ibrahim, that henceforth wish to be addressed and called as Adegbenro Abiola Ibrahim.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PATH OF GRACE AND RESURRECTION PRAYER MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above name Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matter Act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pastor Prophetess (Mrs.) Faith Ehimen - General Overseer Evang. John Ehimen Elder Williams Udjoro Deaconess Niemogha Binta Adumere Success - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ 2. To preach love, fellowship, respect and peaceful co-existence among members 3. To deliver the oppressed, heal the sick and set the captive free.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, District Abuja, within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: PASTOR PROPHETESS [MRS.] FAITH EHIMEN [G.O.]

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

OKAFOR: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Okafor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Patricia Anyanwu. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Awofisibe Bolawaye Akin and Awofisibe Bolawaye A, is the same one person as Awofisibe Bolawaye Akinbusola. that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Awofisisbe Bolawaye Akinbusola. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajite Oluwaseun Grace,now which to be know and addressed as Miss Adesayo Oluwaseun Grace. All former document remain valid and general public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Edith Ogbonnaya,now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Edith Uzunma Wagbara.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OYELADE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyelade Abiola Modupeola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Oladele Abiola Modupeola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OYENIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeniran Mary Oluwafemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Olukanmi Mary Oluwafemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Adebayo Oyindamola is the same one person as Adebayo Oyindamola Mercy, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Adebayo Oyindamola Mercy, All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Soge Adeola is the same one person as Soge Adeola Olusanjo, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Soge Adeola Olusanjo, All Former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public shouls please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINDUTIRE:I formerly Miss Akindutire Abisola Mercy now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs Oladele-Ojo Abisola Mercy. All former document remain valid,Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti. NYSC and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

The family of Mr. Bathram Chukwuemeka Njoku formerly known and addressed as 1.Tochukwu Daniel Njoku, 2.Chibuike Ernest Njoku 3,Chinonso Charles Njoku , 4. Comfort Amarachi Njoku now wish to be known and addressed as 1.Tochukwu Daniel Chukwuemeka 2.Chibuike Ernest Chukwuemeka 3.Chinonso Charles Chukwuemeka, 4.Comfort Amarachi Chukwuemeka. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EGUJI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Eguji Elizabeth Nkem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onuoha Elizabeth Nkem. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SAIUCHEAGU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluoma Cynthia Saiucheagu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwoye Oluoma Cynthia. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, FPI and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBUMNEME: Formerly known as Mrs. Obumneme Gloria Chinenye now wish to be known as Mrs. Ugochukwun Gloria Chinenye.

All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AJAYI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajayi Olabisi Iretiayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbabiaka Olabisi Deborah. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAMBA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwamba Nkechinyere Maureen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mbadugha Nkechinyere Maureen.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Regina Ame Isuekpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Regina Ame Roberts. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOD’S HELP FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public that the above named Foundation has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Okechukwu Egbuatu 2.Folarin Arowojolu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To carry out the activities of a Charity organisation geared towards helping the less privileged and orphans.

2. To source for funding to assist in the actualization of the aims and objectives of the charity organisation.

3. To equip members to share their faith and to do good works.

4. To provide an environment that encourages communal growth and development.

5. To host events that brings awareness of the activities of the Charity organisation to Nigeria and the world.

6. To provide empowerment to those who need it but cannot afford it.

7. To do all that is necessary in order to achieve its goals.

Any objection (s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

My decision to make Neymar captain has paid off. The lad has matured faster than I first thought of –Brazil Coach, Carlos Dunga

Bale blow for Madrid

54

Keshi signs new contract, makes Eagles’ pledge

Coach Stephen Keshi signing his new Super Eagles’ two-year contract. Below: NFF Vice President, Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi (right) congratulating Keshi on his fresh appointment

...as NFF expresses confidence in him JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

J

ust-reappointed Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has promised to do all he can toward taking Nigerian football to a new height.

Keshi, who began his second missionary journey as the Eagles manager yesterday, spoke moments after signing his new two-year contract inside the Media Centre, National Stadium Abuja, saying that the signing marked the beginning of a new page for Nigerian football.

“I want to thank God for choosing me among 170 million Nigerians, by giving me opportunity again to do my fatherland job,” Keshi said.

He added, “I want to assure Nigerians that I still have something to offer this country, but I want Nigerians to know that Keshi alone cannot do this job. It is big, huge and if anyone wants to succeed it cannot be one man show; it should be collective efforts.

“And if we all team up, stay together as one, the sky is the limit for Nigeria. I just want Nigerians to know that this is a new page in Nigeria football and we are going to do all things possible to be up there.

“Let us forget the past; all we need is to team up together and concentrate on how to fight for one nation. This is our own nation; we don’t have other nation, we are too important to let ourselves lose.

“With support from NFF and backing from these great Nigerian media, we would succeed.”

Thus, after about nine months of mudslinging, fierce media and indeed stakeholders’ exchange of words, the NFF yesterday handed Keshi a fresh two-year Super Eagles

job.

NFF Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, who presided over the contract signing event, did not disclose Keshi’s wages, explaining that the contract is between employer and employee, but National Mirror learnt that Keshi is on N5million monthly pay.

But Akinwumi said, “We have agreed to adopt international best practices in the appointment of the new coach. This will be adopted in inviting players to camp among other things.”

Speaking before Keshi signed the papers, NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, made it clear that the federation was never under any pressure to renew the deal.

“Today is an epoch making day; history is being made again. First I want to thank the Executive Committee of the NFF for accepting the recommendation of the technical committee by re-appointing Mr. Stephen Keshi.

“The NFF under the leadership of the President Amaju Pininck has absolute, undiluted confidence in the capacity of Keshi to take the Super Eagles to a new height,” Anyansi said.

He added, “We know how worried our fans all over the world are. The issues in past remain of the past: this is a new beginning and NFF will certainly wish Mr. Keshi takes Nigeria to where nobody has ever taken it to.”

54

Sports

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UEFA Champions League…

Old Lady faces

Bale

Monaco

Bale blow for Madrid

hurdle

J

uventus must prove today that Italian football is not on a steady decline as the Old Lady battles host Monaco for a place in the Champions League semi finals.

The Turin side had scraped a 1-0 win the first leg last week with a huge assistance from inspirational midfielder Andrea Pirlo from whom much will still be expected to wrap up the semis ticket tonight with a watertight defence on parade.

Since Inter won in 2010, no Italian team has made the semifinals, even as the Italian league has slipped from third to fourth in European rankings, swapping places with Germany’s far betterattended Bundesliga.

Lone scorer of the first leg win, Arturo Vidal, is however in doubt of playing in this encounter to play after missing training on Monday with tonsillitis. That could leave Juventus short in midfield, as Paul Pogba is still nursing a right-thigh muscle tear. But striker Carlos Tevez is fully fit after scoring again at the weekend to take his Serie A-leading tally to 18 goals, 26 in all competitions.

“We have a great chance and we can’t let it escape,” Tevez, a Champions League winner with Manchester United in 2008, said.

“As I said as soon as we reached the quarterfinals, now anything can happen,” the Argentine added.

With Juventus 15 points clear, it is only a question of when, not if, it will win its fourth successive Serie A title and this could serve as inspiration today.

It is not the same story for Monaco after wear and tear from a season that has gone far better than many expected is eating in.

Monaco’s squad is short of energy to upset Juventus and should the quarterfinals prove to be a bridge too far, the players can look back with satisfaction on earlier victories against Zenit St. Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen and, mostly notably, at Arsenal in the last 16.

AFOLABI GAMBARI

M

ore winners have emerged in Heineken’s raffle draws, giving away trips to watch the UEFA Champions League finals in Ibiza, Spain on June 6.

Heineken fans gathered at the Heineken House, Lagos last week to enjoy the clashes between Europe’s best clubs as the ticket winners emerged.

“I was motivated by reports in the media that some consumers have won from in-bar activations,” one of the lucky

…Benzema, Modric too

Pirlo

R

Today’s T d ’ fixtures fi t

Monaco vs Juventus Madrid vs Atletico

eal Madrid will be without resurgent striker Gareth Bale for today’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu.

The Wales international joins Luka Modric and Karim Benzema on the sidelines for the decisive second leg clash with a knee problem.

As well as the injury absences, attacking full-back Marcelo is suspended for the decider with the tie standing at 0-0 from the first game.

“After the tests carried out on Karim Benzema by the Real Madrid medical team, they have diagnosed a sprain in the medial collateral ligament in his right knee,” Madrid said in a statement yesterday.

Benzema suffered the injury during last week’s goalless draw in the first leg between the sides and subsequently sat out Saturday’s 3-1 win over Malaga.

Modric also suffered a knee ligament sprain against Malaga, but Benzema’s injury is not expected to be as serious as the Croatian’s, who will miss the rest of the season unless Madrid makes it to the Champions League final on June 6.

Bale pulled up after less than five minutes against Malaga with a calf injury that is expected to keep him out for up to three weeks.

UCL final: Heineken unveils ticket winners winners, Daniel Philips, said.

“It was a nice time out here and wining an all expense paid trip to Ibiza, Spain is awesome,” he added.

Heineken has rewarded five of its regular consumers since 2007 with all-expenses paid trips from Nigeria to Europe to watch the finals of the UEFA Champions League. But in this ninth season, Heineken has raised the bar the ‘Champion the Match’ promotion, giving away 20 European trips. Thirteen fans had already won in nationwide in-

bar raffle draws, and two others had won by participating in radio show phone-ins and are now joined by the five winners from last week’s raffle draws.

Bayern Munich fan, Valentine Aganbi, had taken part in several lotteries in the past without success before hitting his luck this season after he was motivated by a friend.

“I am glad to be on the winning side,” he said, even as he lamented Bayern’s first leg loss to Porto.

The final set of winners of the Ibiza trips pose at the Heineken House, Lagos

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

55

Onigbinde to Keshi: Prepare for challenges MERCY JACOB

F

ormer CAF instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde, has told the re-contracted Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, to be ready to face the challenges should such arise as he resumes the job he left in controversial circumstances in November last year.

Keshi was re-signed as the Eagles’ gaffer at a brief ceremony in Abuja yesterday, even as the contractual terms were not made public.

Onigbinde told National Mirror he had warned Keshi to politely turn down the job after it was alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan had advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ask Keshi to return to

Kechi

his job after he failed to qualify Nigeria for the AFCON 2015 finals.

“I believe Keshi has read through the content of the contract and he felt it is okay for him,” Onigbinde said.

“I volunteered the advice to Keshi back then because I understood that he won’t work with the Presidency but a different set of people as well as an entirely different environment.

“Now that others have picked up the calls I had the privilege to make before, I won’t like to repeat myself so that I won’t be accused of having interest in the whole matter.

“I’m not used to pressing people to act in certain way, I’ve passed my view directly to him and I don’t need to press him further on the same thing.”

NTF mourns Chukwumerije

N

igeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has described the death of its patron, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, as a big loss to the sports in Nigeria.

A statement by the NTF President, George Ashiru, highlighted the immense contribution of the late lawmaker, which he said had lifted taekwondo in the country.

“Late Senator Chukwumerije was a former President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College, and was part of the team of leaders who agitated for the official recognition of Taekwondo

by the National Sports Commission in 1987,” Ashiru said.

“He singlehandedly sponsored the 2007 Nigerian Team to the 2007 Olympic Qualification Tournament, amongst many others,” the NTF boss added.

“He also singlehandedly hosted and rewarded the 2011 African Games team at a gala event in Abuja.

“He is famous for his political leadership as part of the National Assembly’s “Integrity Group”, while serving as a 4th term senator and was also a former minister of information in the 1990s.

L-R: National Secretary, Nigeria School Sports Federation, Mrs. Olabisi Joseph; Managing Director/Chief Executive Nestle Nigeria PLC Chief Dharnesh Gordhon; Category Manager Beverages, Nestle Nigeria PLC, Mr. Olufemi Akintola and Executive Secretary National Collegiate Sports Foundation, Mr. Lanre Balogun, during the 17th Nestle MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship press conference in Lagos, Monday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Glo League: LMC fines Eguma, Sunshine players

T

Late Chukwumerijie

wo players of Sunshine Stars who stripped themselves to celebrate their winning goal against Dolphins FC on Match Day 4 in Akure have been suspended for one match each and also fined N50, 000 for indecent exposure and conduct capable of bringing the league to disrepute.

However, in line with the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) framework and regulations, the two players, Prince Aggrey and Ebenezer Odunlami, have 48 hours to either submit to the League Management Company (LMC) decision and or elect to be dealt with by a special LMC

commission.

Furthermore, the Coach of Dolphins FC, Mr. Stanley Eguma, has also been fined N100, 000 by the LMC for his comments to the media after the match in Akure against Sunshine Stars.

The LMC said the comments could bring the league to disrepute and disparage the brand and advised Eguma and indeed all stakeholders to utilise proper channels to ventilate their complaints and grievances and avoid making public comments capable of bringing down the league.

Meanwhile, Centre Referee Patrick Ishaya from Kaduna State Referees Council and S.K Akinwale

from Oyo State ouncil became the first match officials to receive commendation from the LMC for their excellent performances in a move that is aimed at motivating the match arbiters to stay unbiased in their officiating.

Today’s fixtures Giwa

vs

Akwa United

Sharks

vs

Bayelsa United

Gabros

vs

Lobi Stars

Dolphins

vs

Enugu Rangers

El-Kanemi

vs

Sunshine Stars

Taraba Utd

vs

Enyimba

Wikki Tourists

vs

Wolves

Heartland

Vs

Abia Warriors

Shooting Stars

Vs

Kwara Utd

Nasarawa Utd

Vs

Kano Pillars

Gbenle wins Greensprings scholarship AFOLABI GAMBARI

F

or emerging as the best player at the 4th Greensprings Kanu Football Camp, 12-year-old Similoluwa Gbenle has been awarded scholarship by the management

of the Greensprings School to enable him complete his secondary school education.

The camp which concluded its 2015 edition at the Lekki Campus of Greensprings in Lagos had over 100 participants drawn from Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states in addition

to the Federal Capital Territory.

The participants were handled by British coaches from English Premier League side, West Bromwich Albion.

According to one of the British coaches at the camp, Richard Holmes, the talents displayed by the students

are exceptional.

“The footballers were great and very keen to learn. Even when we finished coaching them, they still carry on playing all day,” Holmes said.

“The most unique thing for me definitely were the players,” another trainer, Adrian Dove, said.

WORLD RECORD

Most consecutive days running an ultra marathon Vol. 05 No. 1096

N150

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The most consecutive days running an ultra marathon is 21 and was achieved

by JC Santa Teresa (USA) from 10-31 December 2014.

Buhari, Nigeria’s own Abraham Lincoln

T

he image of Gen Muhammadu Buhari as he broke down in tears in 2011 while delivering the speech that brought his campaign to a close, was the lowest point of that campaign season. It was indeed an emotional moment at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue of the international press conference. A lot of people laughed him off and scoffed this great patriot and lover of Nigeria who had since 2003 been seeking to help liberate Nigeria from the grip of political buccaneers. Unfortunately, the clip of Buhari sobbing and wiping his tears became a propaganda tool in the hands of NTA and AIT. Like Abraham Lincoln’s story of many trials after epic falls, Buhari’s story is one of never giving up; being principled and holding on to one’s dream;

Guest Columnist

Aliyu Bala Aliyu

staying focused and being true to the cause. There are countless lessons to be learnt from his political journey. In him, the saying “he who laughs last, laughs best” couldn’t be truer. For the first time since the return to civilian rule, the opposition has defeated an incumbent, and has broken PDP’s 16 years’ reign. Buhari is the face and soul of this historic feat.

But much more significant than Abraham Lincoln’s unrelenting pursuits of his dream and eventual victory as the 16th president of the United States is the fact that he left many legacies that have made him one of the greatest, if not the greatest, presidents in America’s 239 years of independence. The Miller Centre’s website said of Abraham Lincoln: “His great achievements historians tell us was his ability to energize and mobilize the nation by appealing to its best ideals while acting ‘with malice towards none’ in the pursuit of a more perfect, more just and more enduring Union.

No President in American history ever faced a greater crisis and no President ever accomplished as much.” In Buhari’s hand is the golden pen; and upon his laps is the book of legends with a blank page for him. His name is already penciled therein. I am positive that he will ink it in. ...Shall we make a Madiba of him?

When Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela walked free from a 27 year prison term to become the first black president of South Africa at age 75, he made history in more than one way. But most significantly was

CHANGE IS FINALLY HERE AND HOPEFULLY, WE WILL SING THAT SONG OF

FREEDOM: “FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, THANK

GOD ALMIGHTY...”

that while Mandela was constitutionally entitled to seek another four years in office, and perhaps morally entitled to run for life, he quit the stage despite immense pressure to seek one more term.

With that singular act, Madiba as he was fondly called, secured his place in the pantheon of legends and his immortality in the consciousness of the world assured. And in a continent bedeviled by the sit tight syndrome, Madiba did the unusual - something quite ‘strange’ and ‘unthinkable’.

However, whether Buhari will/should quit the stage in 2019 after a single term and give Africa another Madiba is a debate that will be properly x-rayed, hopefully in 2018. Four years, no doubt, is a long time in politics and Buhari can help Nigeria achieve significant things.

That is the frame of mind with which he should enter Aso Rock Villa on May 29, 2015 after being formally sworn in. What is certain is that he will not have the longevity of tenure, which the likes of Deng Xiaoping of China, Muhammad Mahattir of Malaysia and Lee Kuan Yew of

Singapore had to transform their countries remarkably. But there is no doubt that May 29, 2015 – May 29, 2019 will be eventful.

Post-apartheid South Africa and postgenocide Rwanda may not have gotten to the Promised Land just yet, but their journeys have been remarkable, thanks to the leaderships of Madiba and Paul Kagame respectively. In post-civil war Nigeria, the blight of terrorism, ethnoreligious clashes and other savage acts that should ordinarily have no place among civilized human beings have significantly widened the schisms of our nationhood and darkened the country’s map. President-Elect Buhari has a task to help blot out the stains, close the gaps, or significantly bridge them with far reaching gestures of reconciliation, reintegration, rehabilitation, redemption and where necessary, retribution and recompense.

There will be no quick fixes and no miracles to be performed. But the near hypnotic cum messianic bond that have bound Buhari’s followers to him since he stepped foot on the path of partisan politics in 2003, culminating in the wave of change that has swept him to victory in the elections of March 28, will need to be fed a steady diet of achievements to make the wait worth the while. Personally, I have no doubt that Buhari will be a success story. The only question we may need to bother about is how soon the diets will be served.

Change is finally here and hopefully, we will sing that song of freedom: “free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at last.” From the mountain tops and through the valleys; hand locked in hand; shoulder cemented to shoulder; we shall sing as brothers and sisters; and the echoes shall reverberate through the north, south, east and west. #NigeriaShallBeGreatAgain!

Aliyu wrote via aliyubala.aliyu@ gmail.com

Sport Extra

Toure laments undue criticism, vows to fight on

M

anchester City’s midfield powerhouse, Yaya Toure, admits to having been hurt by the heavy criticism he has received, but vows to continue to fight for his club.

After helping City to its second Premier League title in three years last season with an outstanding performance, the Cote d’Ivoire international has had a disappointing 2014-15 campaign, attracting fero-

cious attacks from mainly fans and pundits and leading his agent, Dimitri Seluk, attacking the club for making the 31-year-old scapegoat for the team’s sloppiness in recent times.

“People want you to prog-

ress more, and in the media sometimes it’s difficult,” Yaya said yesterday.

“We will continue to fight as the fans are great with us and especially to me.

“I hope to show my commitment and show my re-

spect to those fans who support me a lot in my years here. I will continue to fight to the end.

“In football, people will always have their opinion.

But it’s my duty to give my best always.”

Toure

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