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Dana air crash: Coroner blames lack of verdict on AIB ‘Investigation still ongoing’ OLUSEGUN KOIKI, WALE IGBINTADE AND MATTHEW IRINOYE Ortom

Vol. 4 N0. 866

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he failure to conclude investigations into the exact causes of the Dana Air plane crash exactly two years has preCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

countdown

Algeria set to cause upset

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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Kwankwaso may clinch APC presidential ticket

...as party finally dumps Buhari, Tinubu

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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here are indications that Kano State governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, could emerge as the presidential candidate of the opCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Stranded commuters at Oshodi in Lagos following a clash between police and students of Lagos State University protesting the hike of school fees in Lagos, yesterday.

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IGP reverses ban on peaceful rallies in Abuja

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...warns protesters to be mindful of security threats

No Army General under trial –DHQ

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New CBN gov, Emefiele, assumes office P.6

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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Dana air crash: Coroner blames lack of verdict on AIB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vented the delivery of a verdict in the Coroner’s Inquest into the 153 deaths as a result of the crash.

Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, the magistrate, who conducted the Coroner’s Inquest yesterday, ruled the court could not arrive at a specific verdict due to the non-conclusion of investigations by the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB. Owing to this, the presiding coroner only made recommendations on steps to be taken by authorities to avoid future recurrence as well as improving rescue operations whenever such incidents occur.

In his one hour judgment, Komolafe held that despite the circumstances leading to the inquest and the number of people as well as government agencies that testified before him, no verdict could be arrived at due to failure of the AIB, the body responsible for investigating air crashes to present a formal report of its investigations to it.

According to him, the composition of the coroner court by the Chief Coroner, Justice Lateefa Okunnu, was in line with the Coroner’s Law of Lagos State.

He listed the causes of death as severe burns, multiple injuries, blunt force trauma, heart disease, suspected carbon monoxide poison, asphyxia, multiskeletal and bone injury, bilateral massive asphyxia and severe cerebral injury.

The coroner held that the inability to identify the body of the pilot and the co-pilot was a ‘lost opportunity’ for the inquest.

He said that if their bodies had been identified, it would have afforded the coroner the opportunity to know if they were under the influence of alcohol before embarking on the trip that led to the death of the passengers who boarded the ill fated plane.

The Chambers of Falana and Falana had filed petition asking the State Chief Coroner to compose a coroner’s court to launch an inquest to find out the cause(s) of the air crash.

Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, a principal partner at the law firm, in the request made to the State Chief Coroner, alleged that the aircraft was granted permission to fly, in spite of being defective.

He stated that investigations into the incident re-

vealed that the events leading to the crash were poorly managed, hence the ghastly crash and subsequent loss of lives.

“The distress call made by the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft several minutes before the crash was ignored by the airport authorities.

The management of the disaster was crude, as members of the public had to use bare hands in the rescue operations,” he said.

Falana said the request was pursuant to Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law 2007, which stipulates that an inquest should be held whenever a coroner is informed that the death of a person within his district was “in a violent, unnatural or suspicious situation.”

According to Komolafe, 17 witnesses including security agencies, emergency agencies, state Chief Pathologist, Professor John Obafunwa, representatives of the airline and other governmental agencies gave evidence.

Komolafe, at the end of his findings made a ninepoint recommendations to the authorities to respond to such future emergency case which includes the “establishment of national body for logistics and supply for the body handlers and retrievals and that they should be meeting at intervals” and “urgent need for the forensic science laboratory in each geopolitical zones and any state that can have such”.

He also called for an “enactment of a national Coroner’s Act and the provision of fire services in each local government of the federation.

Other recommendations made by the Coroner include the provision of equipment for all emergency agencies; establishment of a radio unit service in all emergency units, establishment of national and state corps and inter-agency cooperation among all emergency agencies.

Meanwhile, the AIB yesterday released a second interim statement on the accident.

This is just as the bureau disclosed that investigative reviews of the engine teardown especially the fuel systems are still ongoing 730 days after the crash to know the true cause of the accident, which was tagged the worst air accident in 2013 by the International Air Transport Association, IATA, and the International Civil Avia-

tion Organisation, ICAO. AIB had in 2013, released the first interim statement on Dana Air and recommended several safety practices for operators in the sector and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. The aircraft, an MD83, flight O992 with the registration number 5N-RAM, crashed on Sunday June 3, 2012 after departing the Abuja Airport for Lagos.

A statement signed by the spokesman of the bureau, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, recalled that during the investigative process of the engine teardown by the agency, another similar incident occurred

on another MD 83 aircraft of Dana Airlines on the 6th October, 2013.

Oketunbi stated that AIB was currently investigating in-depth systematic and safety issues associated with this second incident vis-à-vis, the crashed sister ship, 5N-RAM, adding that the safety actions adopted by the operator to redress the findings were being monitored and analysed.

The agency said that the Draft Final Report was currently in progress in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, Annex 13 and would be released accord-

ingly in due course.

The statement added, “In accordance with Annex 13 to the convention on ICAO and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Aircraft Accident Investigation Regulations 2006, this is an updated interim statement being issued for the second anniversary of the accident.

“The purpose of this investigation is the prevention of aviation accidents and incidents; it is not to apportion blame or liability. Three interim safety recommendations were made to Dana Airlines and one to the regulatory authority respectively.

These recommendations

were accepted and have been implemented by the operator and the regulatory authority.

“Investigative reviews of the engine teardown especially the fuel systems are still ongoing. During this process a similar incident occurred on another MD 83 aircraft of Dana Airlines on the 6th of October, 2013.

AIB is currently investigating in-depth systematic and safety issues associated with this second incident vis-à-vis, the crashed sister ship, 5N-RAM. The safety actions adopted by the operator to redress the findings are being monitored and analysed.”

Members of #BringBackOurGirls group in front of the National Human Rights Commission shortly after challenging police ban on public protests at Abuja High Court, in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO:

Kwankwaso may clinch APC presidential ticket CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

position All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2015 general elections.

This follows the decision of the party to dump former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from the race to pick its presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2015 presidential election.

National Mirror learnt that the governor is widely accepted among the different strata of the party as a candidate that could boost its chances in the election.

Equally in his favour, according to findings, was the result of the recent local government elections in the state where the party garnered over two million votes, winning all the 44 local government chairmanship positions and all the councillorship seats.

Kwankwaso, it was learnt has what it takes to win the presidency for the opposition party, even as our source said that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was never in contention.

National Mirror investigations revealed that Buhari and Tinubu are not enjoying the support of the party’s local and international backers to run for election.

It would be recalled that there were rumours of the APC flying a Muslim-Muslim ticket of Buhari and Tinubu for the 2015 presidential election, a rumour yet to be refuted by the party leadership.

A competent source told National Mirror that although Tinubu would throw his hat into the ring and contest for the party’s ticket in its primaries, he is not among the favoured.

The source said that the

former governor would only want to use his aspiration as a negotiating instrument to secure a good bargain for the South-West geo-political zone.

The source said: “Buhari and Tinubu are already out of the calculations in APC’s presidential ticket for next year’s election. Local backers of the APC, which included former heads of state and prominent former military generals, traditional and religious leaders across the country have made it clear to the party leadership that both Buhari and Tinubu are out of reckoning for the party’s ticket.

“In the same vein, international backers of the party have also expressed preference for a fresh, young and vibrant individual to fly the party’s flag in 2015. But I can tell you categorically that Tinubu will want to contest for the party’s ticket, but he will only use it to bar-

gain for a good position for his South-West zone.”

He also told National Mirror that the party has zoned its National Chairmanship to the South-South, while it presidential ticket has been zoned to the North-West.

The South-West will produce the party’s vice presidential candidate while the President of the Senate has been zoned to the SouthEast.

On the insinuation that the party was positioning Tambuwal to clinch its presidential ticket, the source said: “That is not correct.

Although Tambuwal is a detribalised politician, he has not garnered enough experience to preside over the affairs of this nation at this time. It will be a boost for the APC if he is part of the wind of change blowing across the country.”

The party has constituted CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

Congratulations!

MR. GODWIN EMEFIELE CBN Governor Your appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria stands as a mark of your commitment to excellence and professionalism in your service in the banking industry over the years.

On behalf of my family, government and peace loving people of Plateau State, I join your well wishers in congratulating you on this well deserved appointment.

We wish you every success as you approach this assignment with courage, integrity and patriotism.

Congratulations!

SIGNED Jonah David Jang Governor

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Photo News

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Managing Director, Slot Ltd, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo; Director, Products, Airtel Nig., Mr. Nitin Anand; Director, Brand and Marketing, Mr. Obinna Aniche and Country Manager, iStore Africa, Mr. Sachin Verma, during the launch of Airtel/iPhone 5s partnership in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (left) presenting a special souvenir to the Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, during his courtesy call at Government House in Yenagoa.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio (left) and President/Chief Executive Officer, MilHouse, Mr. Wilbur C. Milhouse, during a meeting at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Co-Convener, Say No Campaign, Mr. Samson Itodo; Director, Centre for Democracy and Development, Idayat Hassan and widower of Mariam Nasiru, who died during the Nigerian Immigration Service Recruitment stampede, Paul, during a news conference by a coalition of non-governmental organisations in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National News

No Army General under trial –DHQ UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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he Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, insisted that no general or any of its officers were undergoing any form of trial, including court martial for allegedly conniving with the Boko Haram insurgents.

The DHQ was reacting to reports that 10 Army Generals and five other senior officers have been arrested and were being court martial for aiding and abetting insurgency.

In a statement through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuja, the DHQ described the reports as the handiwork of mischief makers who were bent on destroying the image of the Army and its personnel.

The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to state once again categorically that there is no truth whatsoever in the report making the rounds in a section of the media claiming that a Nigerian Army

court martial has tried and found 15 senior officers, including 10 Generals guilty for aiding terrorists.

“The story as published in some dailies and zealously propagated by many online media is very unfortunate and meant to do maximum damage to the image of the Nigerian Army and its personnel.

“This falsehood had previously been refuted when it first reared its head but those concocting it appear hell bent on misleading Nigerians and the international community to give credence to the negative impression they are so keen to propagate about the Nigerian military.

“It has become inevitable to reassure the general public that any ongoing disciplinary process or trial will be made public when necessary.

“After all, Court Martial issues in the Nigerian Army are not known to be secret undertakings as it is on record that previous proceedings and outcome have been made public in the past.

“Those who have decided to make a past time out of

sensationalising and fabricating sensitive security issues are again cautioned to desist from this practice especially in this period of the nation’s history.

“It is bad enough for any Army to try and convict a

single General for such a grievous offence as alleged in the reports talk less of 10 Generals.

“Nigerian Army remains a serious professional and responsible institution that cannot be associated with

such incredulous report.

“The general public is therefore implored to discountenance the report as the handiwork of those who do not mean well for the country and her Armed Forces.

“Disciplinary processes being undertaken in any formation of the Nigerian Army are at best routine and definitely not at the level that has been so willfully exaggerated for clearly sinister motives.

Akwa Ibom’s Pension Act to be reviewed –Akpabio

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overnor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State said that a bill requesting that the section of the Pension Act, which pegged the amount former governors and deputies could spend annually on medical bills to N100m and N50m respectively be expunged and revert to status quo has been sent to the state House of Assembly.

He said that the move became necessary following the ongoing controversy the new Act is generating.

The governor, while briefing journalists in Lagos said the Pension Act has been misunderstood by the public, even as he blamed the opposition for spreading falsehood on the issue.

“It is my hope that with the excision of these sec-

tions from the amendment, the agents of falsehood would lift their siege on truth and not distract the good people of this state from the task of the Uncommon Transformation of our dear state.

“Let them remember that I am not a governorship candidate. Instead of firing brickbats at me, let them tell the good people of Akwa Ibom State their plans for Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Akpabio said that the Pension Act was not new as it has been in existence since 1998 when it was first enacted.

He said: “The Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law was first enacted in 1998 as the Special Grant (Former Chief Executives) Edict.

“It was amended in 1999 by the Special Grant

(Former Chief Executives (Amendment) Edict of 1999) and was retained in Cap. 122 Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000. It was amended in 2002 by the Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law 2002, which was later repealed by the Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Law 2006 assented to by my predecessor in office on 26th April 2007.

“In the course of its implementation, We noticed a lacuna in the 2007 law, particularly on account of its open-endedness in the provisions relating to the medical expenses and provision of funds for the employment of domestic staff for the former Governors and Deputy Governors and working with the House of Assembly, we sought to protect the law

from abuse by putting a ceiling on the medical expenses for the treatment of these senior citizens of Akwa Ibom State. “The ceiling, which was pegged at N100 million per annum for former Governors and N50 million per annum for former Deputy Governors, was never meant to be given either in part or in whole to anybody at anytime for any reason.

“It was meant to be paid to health institutions involved in the treatment of the former Governors or former Deputy Governors and their spouses.

“It was, therefore, deliberate falsehood and organized misinformation to claim that the said money will be paid to former Governors or Deputy Governors every year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

5

IGP reverses ban on peaceful rallies in Abuja ISE-OLUWA IGE, OMEIZA AJAYI AND WALE IGBINTADE

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he Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday endorsed peaceful assemblies and protests anywhere in Nigeria.

The IGP, however, noted that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, “coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the police only issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens to apply caution in

the said rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.”

Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command, Mbu Joseph Mbu, had described the “Bring Back Our Girls” protests in Abuja as posing a serious security threat to those living around and citizens who drive through the scenes of such protests and ordered a stoppage.

“We are all aware of what happened yesterday 01/06/2014 in Mubi Adamawa State.

“As the FCT Police boss, I cannot fold my hands and watch this lawlessness. Information reaching us is that very soon dangerous elements will join the groups

under the guise of protest and detonate explosives aimed at embarrassing the government.

“Accordingly protests on the Chibok Girls are hereby banned with immediate effect”, Mbu said.

However, the IGP, who was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, at a chat with journalists in Abuja yesterday, reminded citizens of the earlier position of the force on peaceful rallies, which the Police High Command regards as the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians.

He said that peaceful protests were “in line with democratic norms and customs”, adding that the present po-

lice force, “has demonstrated a very strong sense of democratic policing.”

“The ultimate authority of the police flows from the Inspector General of Police”, he said and therefore warned protesters to apply caution against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents.

The IGP stressed the need for the organisers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant

L-R: Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Adelabo; Acting Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade; Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Mr. Suleiman Barau, during the resumption of the new governor in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Kwankwaso may clinch APC presidential ticket CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

a sub-committee out of its National Convention Committee to work out an arrangement to zone the party’s national offices ahead of its forthcoming national convention.

Sen. Joseph Waku, a member of the convention committee, disclosed this to newsmen yesterday shortly after the committee’s close-door meeting at the Sokoto State Government Lodge in Abuja.

Waku said the committee would continue to fine-tune modalities on how to zone the party’s national offices and ensure there is no rancour in the party.

Waku, however, declined to name the members of the sub-committee.

He said that the committee also constituted sub-committees to deal with different responsibilities toward ensuring a successful national convention of the party.

“We have just constituted some sub-committees for

our convention, especially those that will zone the national offices.

“We will converge today (Tuesday) to fine-tune on how these sub-committees will work, especially when to submit their reports to the National Convention Committee.

“Membership of some committees were not complete at the meeting; so we will continue with our meeting today to address some of the issues that are still pending,” he said.

It would be recalled that the APC had inaugurated a 15-member committee ahead of its national convention scheduled for June 13 and 14 in Abuja.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State is the chairman of the committee, while Sen. Chris Ngige is the secretary.

National Mirror also learnt that there are plots by the national leadership of the party to checkmate its

governors, who some leaders felt were becoming overbearing and meddlesome in running the affairs of the party.

This followed the alleged arm-twisting of the leadership by the governors to appoint Wamakko, as the secretary of the party’s national convention.

A source, who did not want his name mentioned disclosed to National Mirror that a senator from the SouthWest was pencilled down for the post initially, but the governors, under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, disagreed with the party leadership and insisted that one of them must be secretary, a condition they got away with.

It was gathered that the APC was trying to guard against a situation where, like in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the governors elected on the platform of the party will call the shots in running its affairs.

This was just as the party was said to have shortlisted three prominent members in the South-West as possible vice presidential candidates, among whom is a serving governor, a former governor and a serving senator (names withheld).

National Mirror findings revealed that the serving senator is more favoured to emerge as the party’s vice presidential candidate, as the party was said to be disposed to picking a young presidential candidate to be complimented by an elderly vice presidential candidate, in its avowed bid to wrestle power from the ruling PDP. Analysts however opined that unless the party was able to resolve all the crises emanating from its nationwide congresses and clashes of personality and battles for the control of the soul of the party in various states, making appreciable impact in the 2015 election may remain just a pipe dream.

circumstances.

“The IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility,” he said.

He consequently advised Nigerians to reconsider their position on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately neutralised and removed from our midst by relevant security agencies.

He however reassured citizens of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of democracy in Nigeria.

In a related development, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has described the alleged ban on the #bringbackourgirls protest as a “substantial blow to the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and assembly.

The group in a statement signed by its executive director, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, argued that right to peaceful protest and assembly are guaranteed by the constitution and international treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.

The group urged President Goodluck Jonathan “to urgently instruct Mr. Mbu to rescind the ban imposed on the #bringbackourgirls protest and to allow the organisers to exercise their constitutional and internationally recognised human rights to freedom of expression, and assembly.”

The statement reads “Any leader genuinely concerned with the well-being of democracy in Nigeria and its people should send a clear message that these authoritarian practices are unacceptable. The Nigerian authorities should honour that, and allow the #bringbackourgirls protest organisers to peacefully express concerns related to the missing Chibok schoolgirls.

“International law allows only narrow restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly and protest, which should be narrowly defined, and any restrictions need to be proportionate, only permissible to the extent they are strictly necessary.”

The group maintained that the excuse of a threat to security put forward by Mbu is totally untenable and not supported by law.

“Terms such as “national security” and “public safety”

refer to situations involving an immediate and violent threat to the nation or to its territorial integrity or political independence. A total and indefinite prohibition on peaceful assembly, especially in the capital city, is a violation of the country’s international human rights obligations and commitments,” the group also said.

“It is entirely unacceptable that the police will have to decide for Nigerians what ‘legitimate protest’ is. This ban won’t make us a safer society and it will only serve to undermine basic human rights, and make the country a laughing stock among civilized nations,” it added.

Citing the 2004 case of Ziliberberg vs. Moldova, the group stated that ‘’the European Court of Human Rights found that “an individual does not cease to enjoy the right to peaceful assembly as a result of sporadic violence or other punishable acts committed by others in the course of the demonstration, if the individual in question remains peaceful in his or her own intentions or behaviour,”.

According to the group, “Nigeria is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which declares in its Article 21: The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognised. Nigeria is also a state party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which states in Article 11: Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.”

The group also pointed out that, “the UN Human Rights Committee, which interprets the ICCPR, has ruled that states should always be guided by the principle that the restrictions they impose on the right to protest and assembly must not impair the essence of the right, and that the relation between right and restriction, between norm and exception, must not be reversed.”

“The focus of freedom of assembly is clearly on its democratic function in the process of forming, expressing and implementing political opinions. The democratic function of freedom of assembly means that states are under a stronger duty to ensure the right with positive measures than with civil rights, which are exclusively exercised for private interests,” the group also said.

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Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Striking resident doctors assure patients of treatment •Families evacuate patients at FMC Yenagoa JULIUS OSAHON

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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esident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba, yesterday assured patients already on admission that house officers and consultants would attend to them as the doctors’ strike lasted.

The branch president of National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Dr. Omojowolo Olubunmi, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.

Olubunmi said that the consultants and house officers would attend to the patients during the three-day nationwide warning strike and during LUTH resident doctors’ local strike.

“The emergency department is shut down; all departments in the hospital, all resident doctors are not working.

“The only thing is that for patients that are already on admission, we have to show a human face.

That’s why we said that the house officers can work in conjunction with the consultants.

“Those that their cases are not things that can be managed will have to be discharged to another facility.

“But there are some that the house officers and the consultants can still manage. But all resident doctors, we have down tools until we get to the bottom of this problem.”

Olubunmi said that after the national body’s threeday warning strike, LUTH resident doctors would continue with the strike to press for the implementation of all outstanding local demands.

He said that the LUTH branch of the association had in April held a threeday warning strike on the issues which the manage-

ment had yet to address.

Olubunmi said that the local demands included the increase in the hospital charges which had forced many patients to reject treatments.

He said that this had resulted in many avoidable deaths and also affected residency training.

According to him, LUTH members of staff were being denied of basic facilities, equipment, and water supply, and also faced with inadequate manpower and bad working conditions.

In his reaction, Prof.

Akin Oshibogun, LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, CMD, said that the hospital management met with the doctors on Monday.

According to him, we (management) are currently working towards resolving the issues they have raised.

NAN reports that resident doctors in all health institutions across the country on Monday embarked on a three-day warning strike over their unresolved demands from

the Federal Government.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), through its National President, Dr. Jibril Abdullahi, had on May 27, announced that the doctors would begin a three-day warning strike on Monday.

Abdullahi said at a news conference in Abuja that their grievances were based on residency training and re-integration of the doctors into the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS.

Other demands included payment of three months’ salary arrears owed doctors in the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri and the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, families of patients on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, yesterday rushed to hospitals to evacuate their wards, causing panic in the hospital as the strike by health workers entered day two across the federation.

CBN gov, Emefiele resumes, lauds Alade’s team TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

M

r. Godwin Emefiele yesterday formally assumed office as the tenth indigenous Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. A statement by Isaac Okorafor issued on behalf of the bank’s Director, Corporate Communications, said that the new governor was received by the top management of the apex bank led by the erstwhile acting governor, Dr. (Mrs) Sarah Alade, and other deputy governors during which she formally handed over the affairs of the bank to him.

At the formal handing over ceremony, Emefiele was quoted as expressing his thanks to Alade and her team, as well as the media for gracing the occasion.

He is expected to have a maiden World Media Conference tomorrow, during which he would unveil “his agenda for the Central Bank of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria” Emefiele, the immediate past Group Managing Director, GMD of Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc, is bringing to his new position over 20 years of cognate experience in the banking industry.

A 1984 graduate of Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) holder in the same discipline, the new CBN governor has acquired several professional and other capacity building certificates from globallyacclaimed institutions.

He is an alumnus of Executive Education at Stanford University, Harvard University (2004) and Wharton Graduate School of Business (2005).

Patients in Female Surgical Ward of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBU, Bauchi, as resident doctors commenced nationwide strike, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Senate votes on constitutional amendment today GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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he Senate will today vote on some of the new proposals up for amendment in the 1999 Constitution.

The Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, announced yesterday at plenary that the voting, which had been postponed twice in the past, will take place today.

The voting, which would be transmitted live on some national televisions, would be done elec-

tronically.

Highlights of the constitution amendment proposals that would be voted by the senators are the proposal seeking for the Alteration of Section 68 and 109 to mandate the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerks of States Houses of Assembly to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in writing, seven days of the existence of a vacancy arising from death, resignation or defection of a member of the National Assembly or a member of the State House of Assembly respectively.

The other is the Alteration of Section 134 and 179, which aims to extend the time for conducting presidential and governorship re-run election from seven to 21 days, as contained in Clause 4 and 5.

INEC, which proposed the amendment, is seeking for an extension of the seven 21 days after results had been announced.

The other proposal is the empowerment of INEC to de-register political parties which fail to win presidential, governorship, chairmanship of a local government area council, or a seat in the National or States Assembly elections.

Also included in the proposed amendments is the one seeking for the conferment of exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court for the trial of offences arising from, pertaining to or connected to, the violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act and any other election related act of the National Assembly.

There is also a proposal to alter the Third Schedule of the Constitution in Clause 8 to include former senate presidents and speakers of the House of Representatives as members of the Council of State.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

House calls for bomb-detection devices on roads TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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he House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to introduce explosive detection devices/portals on the highways in place of manual checkpoints.

The House also mandated the Committees on Defense, Army and Police Affairs to meet with the security chiefs to effect the installation of the devices.

The resolution followed a motion by Hon. Emmanuel Jime (APC-Benue), who argued that manual checks of vehicles on roads were themselves a security risk to citizens of the country.

The lawmaker said the use of detectors, including radiation detecting portals, would reduce the congestion caused by checkpoints and provide a better and safer way of

News

Wednesday June 4, 2014

detecting explosives and other dangerous devices.

“The checkpoints being erected at various points on the highways do not have metal devices that can detect explosives, rather, the security agents manually vet and search vehicles passing through the checkpoints,” Jime said.

According to him, “this archaic and cumbersome method leads to serious traffic congestion on the major highways into the Federal Capital Territory.”

His words: “This manual method of conducting checks constitutes a serious security threat on its own as it leads to a massive build-up of vehicles at one point thereby leaving several lives at the mercy of a suicide bomber who could easily drive a vehicle laden with explosive devices into the thick of the congestion, for his ungodly act.

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Rivers: NJC orders most senior judge to take over ISE-OLUWA IGE

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he National Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday said it is worried by the nonappointment of a chief judge for the Rivers State judiciary It also mandated the most senior state high court judge to take over.

The council is said its worry was predicated on the tendency has serious consequences on the general administration of justice in the state.

The NJC is headed by the Chief Justice of Nige-

ria, CJN, Justice Mariam Muhktar.

In a statement issued on the matter yesterday, the NJC said its decision was necessary because the law abhors vacuum.

The statement reads: “the National Judicial Council, at its 67th meeting, which was held on May 27, 2014, deliberated on the current state of affairs in the Rivers State Judiciary and noted with concern non-appointment of a substantive Chief Judge or Acting Chief Judge for Rivers State and its attendant consequences on the general adminis-

tration of justice, particularly vis-à-vis assignment of cases and other related administrative duties in both the High Court of Justice and Customary Court of Appeal of Rivers State.

“Consequently, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, Council decided as follows:“That the most senior judge in the High Court of Justice of Rivers State Judiciary should perform the functions of assigning cases to all the judges of the court and also carry out other related administrative duties.

“That the most senior judge in the Customary Court of Appeal of Rivers State Judiciary should perform the functions of assigning cases and also carry out other related administrative duties.

“This statement has become imperative to correct the seeming impression that has been created in both the electronic and print media on the decision of the Council.

“Suffice it to say that the law abhors vacuum.

Therefore, where there is a vacuum, the law must fill it up,” the statement added.

2015: Court adjourns suit against Jonathan, PDP ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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earing in a lawsuit seeking to compel the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for second term was stalled yesterday.

An Abuja division of the Federal High Court sitting on the matter, said it would not proceed with the case on the account that the principal defendants in the case were yet to be served court processes.

The ruling PDP and President Jonathan Goodluck, for instance, were not present in court as they were yet to be formally aware of the case.

The trial judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati, consequently ordered that service of processes should be effected on the defendants by the plaintiff.

The Plaintiff in the matter is Igboezue, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural association.

The judge also adjourned the matter till

June 30, to enable the plaintiff comply with his order.

In the suit, the association wants an order of the court compelling the PDP to endorse Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the forthcoming 2015 general election.

It is also seeking a declaration that the failure of PDP to endorse President Jonathan for a second term in office and the president’s reluctance to declare his interest for a second term in office is ‘unacceptable’ to well-meaning Nigerians.

Igboezue also wants an order directing the PDP to endorse Jonathan for a second term in office, having regards to his ‘good performance’ in office.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Thomas Ajia, stated that the association “strongly believes that it is in the interest of the nation for President Goodluck Jonathan to be encouraged and persuaded to continue rendering the good leadership to the people of Nigeria.”

L-R: Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II; President, Christian Association of Nigeria/Chancellor, Eagle Heights University, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; President Goodluck Jonathan; Oritsejafor’s wife, Helen and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the ground-breaking ceremony of the institution at Omidano in Warri, Delta State, yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Reps in rowdy session over minority leadership position TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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t was a rowdy session yesterday, as members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Labour Party, LP and Accord Party, AP, from Anambra, Ondo and Oyo states insisted on being part of the minority leadership hierarchy in the House of Representatives.

A motion to have the leadership of the minority dissolved was raised by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor.

Ogor, in his motion, argued that the leadership of the minority was populated by only

the All Progressives Congress,APC, members, in breach of the House rules.

According to him, the rules of the House provided that minority parties, and not a party of the House, would form the leadership.

He regretted that only one party (APC) was in the hold of all leadership slots available to the in the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly.

“It behooves on the minority parties, in line with item 31 of the House Rules, to nominate among themselves a new Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader and

Deputy Minority Whip.

“The LP, APGA and Accord Party, were not parties to the formation of the minority leadership,” Ogor said.

He called on the minority leadership, on the basis of his argument, to vacate their seats for what he claimed should be a proper nomination.

“The lawmakers sitting on the platform of the APC now were members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Accord Party and other parties, and therefore are unknown to the House, and since they were not a part of

the nomination process for the leadership of the minority, APC members must therefore vacate their seats,” he added.

But the Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos) countered, dismissing Ogor’s motion as unnecessary and unfounded.

According to the minority leader, the motion ought to have been raised by an opposition member, instead of a PDP lawmaker.

“Under our rules of privilege, you have to have locus before raising such a motion. If this matter of privilege was raised by a member of the opposition, then it will have locus.

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South West

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fani-Kayode’s revelation has vindicated us -PDP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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L-R: Suspected kidnappers, Emmanuel Adewale, Yomi Olanrewaju and Ibrahim Lawal, being paraded by the Lagos State Police Command, yesterday.

PHOTO: DARE AKOGUN

Babalola advocates curriculum review for Nigerian varsities ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, Chief Afe Babalola, has advocated the need for a review of the curriculum of subjects offered by Nigerian universities to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Babalola also called on the Federal Government to urgently convey an education summit to address the problems confronting quality education in the country.

Babalola, who spoke at the university campus in Ado-Ekiti yesterday at the

opening of the 29th conference of the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, AVCNU, called for curriculum autonomy which would make each university run courses according to its ability to fund them.

Speaking in a keynote address entitled: “Pathways to Sustainable Education in Nigeria,” the ABUAD founder said: “Curriculum development must move with the times. I therefore advocate a situation in which the universities would be given autonomy in the area of curriculum development. Where this is done, I am sure that most

universities will develop programmes that will aid sustainable education”.

He said: “The education system with particular reference to public universities needs urgent and drastic total overhauling and total insulation from political interference.

“There is urgent need to first tackle the issue of security to be followed by education summit to consider the pressing issue of overhauling our education system.”

He charged the National Universities Commission, NUC, to review laws that established it in order to be able to effectively control the nation’s ivory

towers and make them more responsive.

Babalola advised that the new NUC law must empower it to be able to confiscate the properties of mushroom universities for life in addition to closing them down.

The ABUAD founder said NUC should ensure new universities takes off at their landed property and not rented apartment.

NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Julius Okojie, said that the commission would deal decisively with any Nigerian university that failed to meet up with the required standard capable of improving quality of education in the country.

Why OAU is introducing new fees -VC BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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he Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole, has explained why the management of the institution is introducing new fee regime for students.

Addressing newsmen at the Conference Centre of the institution in Ile-Ife, yesterday, Omole said the fees being paid by the students of the university are not only the least in the entire Nigerian university system, but also the least in the entire tertiary educational system in Africa.

Omole said: “It was 10 years ago, precisely during 2004/2005 academic session that the university administration last reviewed the charges that were paid by all categories of students in the university. The charges paid then, which were in line with the economic realities of that time, are the charges still being paid to date. It is evident that the current economic realities have made those charges unrealistic and unsustainable.

“The university therefore considered it imperative to take further action at this point in time if our

university must continue to be reckoned with in the committee of great universities in the provision of quality and competitive academic curricula and up to date infrastructural facilities.

“Indeed, the university administration did a comparative analysis on the regime of charges in other federal universities in the country and it was discovered that the charges paid by students in OAU were not only very low, but have become very unsustainable if our university is to survive.”

Omole said the management has approved

for fresh students into 2013/2014 session, N43,700 for Faculties of Law, Arts, Social Sciences, Administration, Education Arts, N54, 700 for Science, Environmental Design and Management (EDM), Technology, Agric and N57, 700 for Medicine, Pharmacy, Health Sciences.

The new charges for the returning students according to the VC is N19,700 for Faculties of Law, Arts, Social Sciences, Admin, Education Arts, N30,700 for Science, Environmental Design and Management (EDM), Technology, Agric and N33, 700 for Medicine, Pharmacy, Health Sciences.

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the decision by the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, to dump the APC where he was founding member and return to the PDP as a clear vindication of its stand that the APC is averse to the unity of the country.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday, also said that a lot of reasonable and respectable Nigerians still in the APC will soon join the PDP as they have now discovered that the agenda

of the APC is to promote violence and the personal agenda of a few individuals.

Stating that it remains committed to the national interest, the PDP said its doors are wide open to all well-meaning Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribal, ethnic or regional affiliations.

It said: “The revelation by the former minister that the APC has sympathies for insurgents further confirms PDP’s earlier position linking APC’s utterances to the spate of insurgency and sectarian violence in the country.

“We have now been vindicated. The truth may be hidden for some time, but it has a way of expressing itself.

I’m committed to Osun’s growth, says Aregbesola BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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sun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said that his administration is committed to the growth and progress of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Addressing supporters at the campaign rally held at Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state yesterday, Aregbesola said that his desire to seek re-election was to uplift the state from the shackles of under development.

He noted that power to the progressives is responsibility, whereas the reactionaries see it as means of enriching themselves.

While stressing that the progressives and reactionaries are not equal in all ramifications, Aregbesola assured that his administration will not disappoint the people of the state in term of ensuring that dividends of democracy are brought to the door steps of the people especially those at the grassroots.

He said that the feat achieved by the administration will be a tip of the ice berg when compared with what would be achieved should the ad-

ministration get the second term in office.

Aregbesola hinted that his government has provided no fewer than 2,229 computer tablets for students in Senior Secondary Schools in the state, apart from ongoing massive roads construction in the Ayedaade/Irewole/ Isokan Federal Constituency of the state.

He further stated that about 88 boreholes have been sunk by the government to make life more meaningful to the people of the area, adding that the administration has also started work on the water dam in the area.

The Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Babalola thanked the people of the area for trooping out in support of the party and warned them against selling their voter cards.

Babalola who recently joined APC noted that Aregbesola has performed well and urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by voting massively for continuity of the good work he has started.

Ayo Omidiran representing the area assured the people of the state that there will be adequate security during and after the election.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Crisis looms in Ondo Assembly over reconstitution of committees OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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risis may erupt in the Ondo State House of Assembly over the expected reconstitution of the various House Committees next week, when members are expected to resume from a two-week recess.

The new speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele, dissolved all the standing committees shortly after her election penultimate Tuesday.

A source close to the House told National Mirror that members of the ‘G9’ lawmakers who voted for Oyebo Aladetan against the new speaker were the target of the dissolution.

According to the source, the ‘G9’ members, who were in the Cash Allocation, Finance and Appropriation,

Tender, Works, and Human Capital Committees, might not return to their previous panels to pave way for ‘loyal’ members, as ‘ordered from above’.

A member of the ‘G9’ told National Mirror that the attitude of the new speaker would determine whether there would be reconciliation or not.

He said: “We are awaiting the announcement of the new House committee members. It is then we will know whether there will be reconciliation among lawmakers in the parliament or not.

“We are no push-overs at all. No matter the involvement of the powersthat-be in the affairs of the new leadership of the Assembly, it will have no effect on our resolution at the hallowed chamber.”

It was gathered that the new speaker had not made

any effort to reconcile with members in the opposing camp, one week after her emergence.

Another member said:

“We wonder how the new leadership of the House can do it all alone. The late speaker, Samuel Adesina, used his wide experience

to move the House forward for good four years without hitches.

“It is advisable for the new speaker to learn from

9

Adesina’s administrative acumen which gave him a peaceful tenure devoid of impeachment for good four years.”

An official of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Olawuyi Oladeji (right) talking to students participating at the Road Friendly Users Games’ final organised for students in Lagos, yesterday.

New airline, DiscoveryAir, Again, LASU students protest fee hike begins operations next week ...want reversal within seven days OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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arely three weeks after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, ushered a new entrant into the airline sub-sector in Nigeria the regulatory agency yesterday issued a licence to another one, DiscoveryAir, to start flight operations.

The NCAA, at its annex at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, issued the new airline its with its Air Operators’ Certificate, AOC, to commence operations in the local market.

With the issuance of the AOC, the airline is set to begin flights on Monday.

The Acting DirectorGeneral of NCAA, Mr. Benedict Adeyileka, said the airline was issued the certificate after it met all the minimum safety requirements.

He added that the aviation firm’s aircraft were considered safe enough to fly within the Nigerian airspace by the agency.

Presenting the certificate to the Chairman, DiscoveryAir, Mr. Babatunde

Babalola, Adeyileka commended the airline for the professional manner it conducted itself while the certification period lasted.

He urged the management to continue to uphold professionalism in its operations.

The NCAA boss said that operators were critical in ensuring air safety in the industry and called for a harmonious working relationship with the airlines in order to engender a safer sky for the flying public.

He reiterated the support of the regulatory agency to all new and existing airlines in the industry and charged them to always remit the five per cent tax collected on behalf of NCAA promptly to avoid sanctions.

In his address, the Chairman of DiscoveryAir, Babalola, lauded the NCAA for its support and ‘share’ in the ‘success story’ of the airline.

He promised that the airline would adhere strictly to safety procedures, stressing that the airline went through the certification period with total adherence to safety procedures.

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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or the third time in a month, and less than 24 hours after they were ordered to vacate campus, students of Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, yesterday went round Lagos to protest the increment in their school fees.

They said the action was to compel the authorities of the institution and its proprietor – the Lagos State Government -to reverse their school

fees, which they considered exorbitant to the old regime, which, according to them, was a bit affordable.

The students, in their thousands, and led by their President, Nurudeen Yusuf, took the protest to Ikeja, Agege Motor Way, Oshodi and other parts of the city, chanting solidarity songs.

Their action, however, compounded the vehicular traffic in those areas as commuters and motorists trapped in the process spent several hours to get

to their destinations.

The students told National Mirror that they took the decision to draw the attention of Lagos residents to their plight regarding their school fees.

They accused Governor Babatunde Fashola of playing politics with the issue, adding that indications so far, were that the governor didn’t want to reduce the fees as they claimed he had promised.

They explained that a committee that was set up by the state government and headed by the

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, to look into the issue had also denied them the opportunity of getting the fees reduced to N50,000 maximum, irrespective of course of study.

The students vowed to continue with the protest, until their demand is met.

When contacted, the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Kayode Sutton, said he could not say much, since the students had been asked since Monday to vacate the campus, which he said, they did.

Fraud: Court grants Chinese woman bail KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan yesterday granted bail to a female Chinese national, Zhou Jun, remanded at the Agodi Prisons, Ibadan, since the past two weeks for allegedly defrauding the duo of Abdulrahaman Mohammed and Abdullahi Sani Maiyanchi, with six others, to the tune of N35.6m.

The court granted her bail in the sum of N2m, with two sureties in the same amount.

The trial judge, Justice Emmanuel Ayo, while giving ruling in a bail application filed on behalf of the Chinese national by her defence counsel, Adekunle Salami, ordered that the sureties must have reputable companies with current accounts in Nigeria, while the accused must deposit her international pass-

port with the court registry.

The judge adjourned the case till July 3, for definite hearing.

The judge, in upholding the bail application, had earlier considered both the written addresses and submissions made by both the prosecution and defence counsel, concluding that the charges against the accused person were bailable offences, while records showed that 99 per cent of the

offences were allegedly committed in 2011, during which period the accused never attempted to elope.

It would be recalled that Jun was remanded at Agodi Prisons on May 20, when she was first arraigned at the court on a 16-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to all the charges which were read to her in English language.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Church confirms four deaths in Onitsha building collapse CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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he Parish Mission Committee, PMC, of the Saint Christopher’s Anglican Church, Odoakpu, Onitsha, the alleged owner of the building that collapsed in Onitsha on Monday, yesterday said that only four persons were killed during the incident.

The church said it is not true that 15 people were killed during the incident as reported in the media.

Chairman of PMC, Evangelist Kingsley Agbadike, gave the figure at the scene of the incident in Onitsha yesterday.

He said three of the victims were workers plastering the building, while the other was a church yardman who was just sweeping a corner of the rooms when the incident occurred.

Agbadike who was visibly furious about the high number of death reported in the media, said construction work on the building which was designed as Parish office, commenced in 2012, while the roofing was done in February, this year, adding that it was at this plastering stage that it collapsed.

He said the caterpillars were still evacuating the debris of the collapsed building, after which inves-

tigations would commence on the actual cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano had since visited the site of the collapsed building and announced government’s intention to commission a laboratory that would test and verify the quality of all the materials used for the building.

The governor who was received at the site by the Anglican Bishop of the Niger, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, said the laboratory which would be commissioned by next week, would also be used for testing all the materials to be used for future building construction in the Anambra State.

Obiano also directed the state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Callistus Ilozumba to carry out a technical test on other buildings within the premises of the collapsed building owned by the Anglican Church in order to ensure that it met the required standard.

Obiano

Commissioner laments dearth of medical workers AFOLABI GAMBARI

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bia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah, has expressed concern over inadequate personnel, which he said has militated against wholesome health delivery in the state.

Ogah made this remark in a paper he delivered at the recently held Abia international health summit, titled “Towards Optimal Grassroots Healthcare Delivery”.

“Human resources for health, otherwise known as health work force, is critical for optimal healthcare delivery, especially at the grassroots,” the commissioner said.

“The size of the work force, the density as well as the skill mix is also

critical for adequate healthcare delivery,” he added.

According to Ogah, the Medical Council of Nigeria, MDCN, registered a total of 65, 759 medical doctors, translating to 38.9 per cent doctors per 100, 000 population or one doctor to 2, 572 patients.

“Worse still, these doctors are not evenly distributed within Nigeria. The situation ranges from six doctors to 100, 000 in Zamfara State, 50 to 100,000 in Abuja and six to 100,000 in Abia State.

“This is in addition to the fact that most medical specialists are concentrated in cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Benin and Port Harcourt.”

Ogah stressed the need to increase the quality and quantity of healthcare work force.

L-R: National Conference delegates Dr. A. B. C. Nwosu; Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) and Musa Elayo, at the conference, yesterday.

Police parade suspected killers of former Anambra deputy gov DAVE AKOGUN

(WITH AGENCY REPORT)

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he Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, yesterday paraded three suspects, who were alleged to have kidnapped and killed former Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Chudi Nwike.

Manko told newsmen after the parade that the suspects were arrested, following the tracking down of one Monday Odieto in Benin, Edo State, by Mr Aisah Haruna, a Superintendent of Police, who is the Divisional Police Officer, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said Odieto was also involved in the kidnapping of the wife of Justice Rhodes Vivour of the Supreme Court.

Manko said that Odieto

allegedly confessed to being a member of a 30- man gang of deadly kidnappers operating in the South-South and South-East axis of the country during interrogation.

The commissioner of police said that based on the suspect’s confession, he directed Abba Kyari, another Superintendent of Police in charge of the State AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, to investigate the matter.

“After a long manhunt, one Godspower Ovwigho, 27, was tracked and arrested at Ikorodu, Lagos State on April 23, and was identified

by Monday Odieto to be a top-ranking member of the gang.

“On April 24, one Stanley Efetobor, who is also a gang member, was equally arrested by SARS. “Efetobor confessed to be

one of the gang members that rescued one of their former gang leaders, one Rufus, at Okere raid in Warri, Delta State.

“He confessed that the raid was carried out when some prisons officials were taking him to court from prison yard in early March, last year.

“The suspect further confessed that several prisons officers lost their lives in that operation. He also confessed that their gang kidnapped the wife and daughter of Justice Rhodes Vivour.

“The gang members also kidnapped late Dr Chudi Nwike, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State on March 29, 2013,’’ Manko said.

The commissioner said the suspects’ confessional statements also revealed

that one Kelvin emerged the group’s leader after they had rescued their former leader, Rufus, from the officials of the Nigeria Prison Service.

“The suspect further confessed that the gang agreed to collect N30 million as ransom from Dr Chudi Nwike’s family before he would be released.

“But Nwike’s family only brought N5 million to the gang,” he said.

One of the suspects, Godspower Ovwigho, speaking to newsmen after the parade, alleged that Nwike was murdered because of his wife’s `` hardiness’’.

He said that the gang became angry because of the refusal of the deputy governor’s wife to pay up the balance of N25 million, after the payment of the initial five million naira.

Imo govt decries attempt to personalise Oputa’s burial CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Government has frowned at attempts by the family of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa to politicise the late jurist’s burial, accusing his son, Charles Emeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, of trying to diminish the stature of his late father by making the burial an entirely family affair.

In a statement signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Media Assistant, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, and made available to National

Mirror, the government said it had shown enough interest right from when the late Justice Oputa was sick and up to the time he died, adding that the burial programme did not go down well with Governor Okorocha, who had told the world that his government would stop at nothing to give the late Supreme Court Justice a state burial, befitting of his stature.

The government said it expected that the family would liaise with her to come up with a burial arrangement that would suit what the late justice represented in Nigeria and

Imo State in particular, saying reducing the burial arrangement of the late statesman to Oputa family affair was unacceptable to the state government.

“Late Justice Oputa represented something remarkable and exemplary in Nigeria as a nation and in the judiciary as an important arm of government, and the Imo State Government had had at the back of its mind that a man of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa standard would be accorded a heroic burial because he conquered his world in all spheres. But it is regrettable that the Opu-

ta family does not seem to appreciate what their son or father represented in the Nigeria context,” the statement added.

The state government said it had already given N20million to the family for preliminary arrangements, waiting to meet with the them to come up with a comprehensive burial programme that would demonstrate what the hero of the bench had stood for, but surprisingly “the family drew a programme of events for the burial and to us, that was not what Nigerians expected from us.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Suspected kidnapper rescued from mob attack in Yenagoa JULIUS OSAHON YENAGOA

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ut for the quick intervention of armed policemen attached to the State Special Security outfit, a suspected kidnapper would have been lynched by an angry mob along the Azikoro Village area of Yenagoa local council of Bayelsa State yesterday.

The suspect was alleged to have abducted a six years old boy at about 2.30pm on Saturday.

Eyewitness account said the suspect, popularly called “Aboki” in the area, had asked the boy to get him a sachet of water and when the boy came back with the water; the suspect picked

South South

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

him and drop him inside a sack.

“He blocked the boy’s nose with cotton wool and tied the sack. The sack was then dropped into the truck he was pushing,” the witness said.

Luck however, ran out on the suspect when a 10 years old boy, who was on errand to buy biscuit, saw him putting the boy into the sack, “the 10- year old boy ran to an uncompleted building where some mason were working and raised alarm. The quick action of the workers at the site led to the arrest of the suspect.”

However, attempts by angry residents to set the suspect on fire were averted by the quick arrival of the security men.

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Rivers CP blames bank chief for policemen killings

• says robbers carted away $.4m DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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ivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, has decried the inability of banks in the state to provide quality equipment that will protect policemen on escort duties.

Ogunsakin was reacting to the recent killings of two policemen during a bank robbery at Igwuruta, near Port Harcourt.

Ogunsakin who spoke during a bankers’ forum in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the killing of the policemen was avoidable if they were not pulled out.

He said: “It is not the amount of policemen escorting cash that matters, but the quality of equipments available to them.

“The policemen were pulled out by a high ranking bank official from their bank guard duty and

made to escort him with some cash, about $400,000.

“The men were ambushed and killed by robbers who also carted away the cash,” he said He added that the command will no longer tolerate indiscriminate killing of policemen who are posted on normal guard duty.

Ogunsakin also informed the bank executives that information as regard the movement

of large sums of money should be restricted to top bank executives who are involved in the transaction.

“We (police) are still investigating the case, but from previous experiences, we have seen that this kind of issues have to do with poor management of information mostly from low ranking staff who have no business having knowledge of cash movement,” he added.

Crisis brews over missing Benin antiquities SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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risis is brewing between the palace of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa Uku Akpolokpolo and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments over the proposed June 22, 2014 reception being planned for the British-born Mark Walker, who is expected to return two Benin Bronze works that were among the Benin antiquities taken away from the Oba of Benin palace by the British during a historic invasion.

Our correspondent reli-

ably gathered that after several months of communication between the palace of the monarch represented by his younger brother, the Enogie of Obazuwa, Prince Edun Akenzua, it was agreed that Walker whose great grandfather, Captain Philip Walker, took part in the carting away of the antiquities during the invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897, will arrive Benin City on June 21, to present the two bronze antiquities as gifts to the Oba, after which he will then be hosted to a reception by the palace on the next day.

NANS criticises Imoke’s alleged anti- students’ posture FRANCIS EKPONE ONITSHA

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he National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, Zone B, has said that all students activities in Cross River State will remain suspended till the state Governor, Liyel Imoke, vacates office in 2015.

The students, who described Imoke as anti-students, said the governor refused to give them audience during their zonal convention held at Cross River College of Education, Akamkpa, Cross River State recently.

In a chat with journalists yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, the South East li-

aison officer of NANS, Sheriff Zadok said that NANS Zone-B and Cross River State Governor has drawn battle lines.

“We saw hell in Cross River State which has never happened in the history of NANS. We stayed in Akamkpa for four good days without governor or his representative coming to welcome us after giving them one month notice of our coming.

“The state governor is very hostile to youths and students. This is second times we are going to Cross River for zonal and National Convention without the governor giving us audience,” the student said.

Landslide on the road linking Illah and Ebu in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

UN resumes demarcation of Nigeria, Cameroun boundary RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

A

team of United Nations and Cameroon officials, aided by Nigerian troops on Tuesday, resumed the demarcation exercise of the Nigerian border with Cameroon in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, even as protesting youths in the community were over powered by soldiers.

According to a source who spoke to National Mirror, but preferred anonymity, the officials arrived the communities of Danare and Bijua at 9a.m yes-

terday and continued the border demarcation exercise, which was suspended in March this year following protests by youths and monarchs from the communities because, to them, if the demarcation is carried out their communities would likely become parts of Cameroon.

A member of the Cross River State House of Assembly CRHA, who is now one of the community leaders in the area, Mr. Cletus Obon said that the UN and Cameroon officials are using the wrong map and voided Anglo–German Treaty in the demarcation exercise which will lead to

loss of more parts of Cross River State.

“Why the rush to demarcate the border when they have not been able to trace beacon 113A which is missing,” he said.

Obon however stated that if the officials are allowed to trace the border without locating the missing beacon, four local governments council in Cross River State will be ceded to Cameroon. “Tension is mounting in the communities because we cannot understand why the demarcation of our border whiles the state still grieving the loss of Bakassi to Cameroon”.

However, the Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Attah Ochinke, said that the demarcation exercise “does not pose any potent threat to the land and people of the two communities but the youths are protesting based on anxiety which the Cross River State Government is appropriately handling to avoid any crisis”.

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North

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hoodlums invade school, defile female students in Makurdi HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

S

uspected hoodlums yesterday invaded the College of Advanced and Professional Studies

(CAPS) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, raided female hostels and defiled several students.

National Mirror gathered that the hoodlums entered the hostels during

yesterday’s early morning downpour and bound the two security men on duty before going ahead to unleash terror on the unsuspecting girls.

They also carted away

valuable personal effects and electronic gadgets.

A source said that the hoodlums, numbering over 20, came to the school at about 5a.m. and headed straight to the female hos-

tels.

It was also gathered that while they were operating, some students put phone calls to their male mates, who came to their rescue and chased the intruders into the bush.

The rector of the institution, Dr. Tyotom Keghku, confirmed the incident, saying that the matter had since been reported to law enforcement agents, and that investigation was already in progress.

He, however, denied that some of the female students were raped. According to him, some of

the students were in a state of shock, while others sustained minor injuries while struggling to ward off the intruders.

The rector stated that a 24-hour surveillance had been imposed at the premises to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment at the institution.

Meanwhile, the state police command has said that it has apprehended over 800 people of questionable characters within the last six months, while raiding suspected hideouts of criminals in the state.

Aliyu advises APC to stop ‘guerrilla propaganda’ PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

L-R: A representative of International Islamic Fiqh Academy, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmad Abdul’Alim Mohammed; Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima and Secretary General, OIC, Iyad Bin Amin Madani, during a visit by the OIC scribe over the insurgency issue in the state, yesterday.

Residents allege existence of terrorist camps in Plateau villages JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

S

ome communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State have cried out to security agencies for help over alleged plans by Fulani militants to launch fresh attacks on them.

One of the communities, Shonong, in a petition sent to the state commissioner of police, said that several of its men were killed while

working on their farms last month.

A petition signed by Shonong youth leader, Yohanna Ciroma described the situation in the area as ‘silent terrorism’, saying “our communities has been under siege by armed Fulani men.”

The concern villagers said they had discovered a training camp of some unknown gunmen behind a rocky hill in Rim, near Riyom.

According to the villag-

ers, “The alarm has became necessary so as to attract security agencies to come to our aid in protection; the whole of Bachit district is under serious risk of gunmen attack, if nothing is done to improve security surveillance in the areas.”

A member of a vigilance group in Riyom, Dangyang Bulus, also said: “We discovered their plans, because one of the Fulani living with us was invited to join them in their training camp.

“He deceived them by saying that he would go home and prepare to join, later but refused to go back to the camp.

“So, it is our Fulani neighbour who revealed the secret to us. We have communicated the information to the police and the security agencies in charge of these areas, but from all indications, they are afraid of going there. Some of them even said we are raising false alarm.

El-Rufai to contest in Kaduna guber poll A ZA MSUE KADUNA

F

ormer Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir el-Rufai, will formally declare his intention to contest in the Kaduna State governorship election in 2015.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Kaduna, one of el-Rufai’s associates and a frontline politician, Alhaji Suleiman Othman

Hunkuyi, said his team was working and promoting the former minister who would soon make his intention known to Kaduna people.

Hunkuyi, who denied nursing governorship ambition, vowed that whosoever emerges as the candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would defeat Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero with a landslide victory.

His words: “We are working and prompting Malam Nasir Ahmad ElRufai to contest for the office of Kaduna State governor. It is not his decision, but that of good and concerned people to take Kaduna State back to where it belongs.

“We are presently in a rut, garbage and a smelling dustbin that our people have suffocated enough.

“Defeating those running the government of

Kaduna State now is as easy as ABC. Because the state is decaying, what remains is just picking the state from the mess.

“Majority of the people are not happy with this inept government, and they will push them out.”

Hunkunyi added: “Nothing is left of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, but packages of lies. Some people are just discovering and waiting for the right time.

G

overnor Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC), over an allegation describing the Democracy Day interaction programme held in collaboration with Association of Civil Societies held in Abuja as senseless propaganda.

He said the action of the APC showed how ‘rudderless’ the opposition party in the state had become.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Israel Ebije, stated

that the state government only took an opportunity to present itself for public scrutiny through the civil society leaders.

The governor added that it could not have ignored an ‘opportunity’ to showcase stewardship for its actions in the past seven years.

“As a responsible government, we embraced the public debate, which was indeed a litmus test on the dividends of democratic provided in the last seven years.

“We as a government are not afraid of critical appraisal, and we have gone beyond petty talks from the opposition, who are only trying to propagate selfbased agenda,” Aliyu said.

Ahmed commissions N600m hospitals

K

wara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has commissioned two general hospitals in Offa and Omu-Aran, in Offa and Irepodun local government areas of the state.

The hospitals were rehabilitated at a cost of N600m, he said, as part of activities to mark his three years in office.

The governor, who assured the people of the state that the implementation of projects in all sectors would not be influenced by political partisanship but equity and fairness, said the rehabilitation was part of his

administration’s effort to provide a health system that is modern, affordable and accessible.

“My administration’s strides in the health sector testifies to our recognition of quality healthcare, as a precondition for sustained human capital development.

“We have demonstrated this commitment through the remodeling of Offa, Ilorin, Omu-Aran, Share and Kaiama General Hospitals, as well as the distribution of drugs and equipment to 13 general hospitals and 43 primary healthcare centres,” he said.

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

2015: Federal lawmakers who may not return The countdown to 2015 continues as BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA writes on federal lawmakers who may not return to the National Assembly. The reasons for the non-return of the lawmakers range from aspiration to higher political elective offices, zoning arrangement entrenched in the various senatorial districts and federal constituencies, as well as lack-lustre performances and political intrigues.

Adeyeye

N

early all the federal lawmakers from Osun State may not return to the National Assembly in 2015. The reason is not far-fetched: there is growing discontent among supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, concerning the performances of the lawmakers.

The situation is still being managed because of the resolve of all members of the party to rally support for the re-election bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is the main rallying point of the party at the moment. Irrespective of the outcome of the governorship poll, key power blocks in the APC appear unassuaged by the last minute move by some of the affected lawmakers to reposition themselves for re-election.

Senator Emmanuel Olusola Adeyeye He represents Osun Central in the Senate. The former university teacher hails from Ora, a town in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State.

Adeyeye has been quite visible in the political scene of Osun and last year, he organised empowerment programme for the people of his senatorial district.

The threat to his return to the red chamber is being linked to the rumoured ceding of APC senatorial ticket to the former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as part of the conditions for his formal defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the APC.

Hussein

Ajayi

Senator Mudashiru Hussein

KEY POWER BLOCKS IN THE APC APPEAR UNASSUAGED BY THE LAST MINUTE MOVE BY SOME OF THE AFFECTED LAWMAKERS TO REPOSITION

THEMSELVES FOR REELECTION

While Adeyeye, according to competent sources, has launched counter moves, prevailing on Oyinlola not to negotiate his movement to APC with the senatorial ticket, another threat to Adeyeye’s return to the Senate is coming from one Dr. Dare Olatunji, who was said to have already began subtle moves to stop Adeyeye from having another shot in 2015 and he seems to be enjoying the support of many leaders from the senatorial district.

Senator Hussein was elected as a representative for Oshodi-Isolo in Lagos State in 1999 on the platform of Alliance for Democracy, AD, and was re-elected in 2003.

He hails from Ejigbo, the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government Area of the state and was elected into the Senate in 2011, representing Osun West senatorial district. Among the three senators from the state, Hussein is the least visible and may not get his party’s ticket for another term.

There were insinuations that the former executive governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, whom Hussein replaced in the Senate and who has now pitched his tent with the ruling party will get the party’s senatorial ticket.

And if Adeleke rejects the ticket, Chief of Staff to former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Dr Peter Babalola, is being tipped to replace Hussein in the Senate.

Yinka Ajayi Representing Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo Otin federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Ajayi hails from Ada in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.

Often being accused by his constituents of not doing enough in giving back to them dividends of democracy, it appears, the

Yusuf

campaign against Ajayi’s return to the National Assembly is being spearheaded by people from his local government.

Expected to slug it out with Ajayi for the APC ticket are present Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Afolabi and Senior Special Adviser to the governor on Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Mr. Abdullahi Binuyo.

Mr Abiodun Oladejo, whom Ajayi defeated to get then defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN ticket in 2011 is also said to rearing for another shot at the seat in 2015.

Lasun Yusuf He is representing Osogbo/Olorunda/ Orolu/Irepodun federal constituency in the House of Representatives and is always under attack from his constituents for not meeting their demands.

He has began subtle moves to return to the green chamber but may face re-election hurdles right from his backyard, as one of his kinsmen from Ilobu, Dr Oluwole Alabi, who presently leads Oranmiyan Group in Republic of Ireland has also signified intention to replace him in the lower chamber.

Also in the race are United States of America-based Professor Lawal Adekunle Oloki and Osun State Commissioner for CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015: Federal lawmakers who may not return

Omidiran

Makinwa

Fakeye

Ajibola

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Special Duties and Regional Integration, Barrister Jibola Basiru.

of democracy in 1999, having replaced another female parliamentarian, the former Speaker, Mrs Patricia Etteh in the green chamber after spending three terms.

Despite a perceived strained relationship between her and some party leaders in her constituency, Omidiran still has more noticeable presence and enjoys relatively large followership within the constituency.

While no clear challenger has shown interest in replacing Omidiran, should a senatorial ticket of the ruling APC be given to Dr. Peter Babalola, another indigene of Ikire town, it may be impossible to still have ticket for House of Representatives retained in the same town.

job is Pharmacist Musliudeen Adekilekun, who also wields high influence in APC fold both at the state level and his constituency.

Famurewa Ajibola

Julius Fakeye Representing Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Fakeye remains largely anonymous in the state’s politics.

Apart from growing discontent among the people of his constituency, emergence of perceived stronger political forces has given people of his constituency other options to explore in 2015.

The main challenger Fakeye is facing in his attempt to return to the National Assembly in 2015 is the present Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere.

It is believed that Akere is being groomed for bigger political office in 2015, having marshalled well his present portfolio, drawing applause, even from worse critics of Aregbesola’s administration.

Apart from Akere, some leaders of the party in the constituency are also said to be shopping for a replacement for Fakeye in 2015.

Ayo Omidiran The only woman among the 12 federal lawmakers from Osun in the National Assembly, Omidiran, who hails from Ikire continued the tradition in Irewole /Ayedaade/ Isokan federal constituency of producing female federal lawmakers since the return

Tajudeen Ajagbe He is representing Ede North/South/ Egbedore/Ejigbo federal constituency in the House of Representatives. Ajagbe is facing re-election battle from at least for now, three political heavyweights from the APC extraction all from his hometown.

The lawmaker is battling increasingly displeased constituents, who believed Ajagbe has not done enough for them since he got to the National Assembly.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Bukola Oyawoye is leading other contenders for Ajagbe’s job. Oyawoye, apart from being considered as good enough to give the constituency better representation in the lower chamber, also has issue of gender balancing working in her favour. Another stalwart eyeing Ajagbe’s

Rotimi Makinde.

He represents Ife Central/East/South/ North in the House of Representatives.

Though Makinde is relatively young in Osun politics, he has done well by constantly organising empowerment programmes for his constituents.

Makinde’s return to the National Assembly in 2015 is being threatened by the emergence of some new politicians from his constituency, who have stronger presence in some major towns in the constituency.

Osun State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Sikiru Ayedun is eyeing Makinde’s seat. Ayedun, an indigene of Ile-Ife is believed to have secured the backing of key power brokers within the APC n the constituency to replace Makinde.

The fact that Makinde, before being elected into the National Assembly, had lived in Lagos, is not helping his re-election bid, as people of his constituency are said to be considering a politician with stronger grassroots appeal to replace him.

Apart from Ayedun, another politician eyeing Makinde’s job is Mr Kunle Oyatomi, the APC Diretor of Publicity, Research and Strategy, who is being favoured because of his closeness to the leadership of the party at state level.

He is representing Atakumosa West/ East/Ilesa West/East federal constituency in the green chamber and like his other colleagues in the House, Famurewa is often attacked by people of his constituency for not giving back to the people, especially members of APC. Sources said Famurawa intends to return to the lower chamber and has already begun moves to ensure he secures another term. But forces that want him out are already shopping for a capable replacement.

But the federal lawmaker has also been involved in counter moves to neutralise plot to oust him.

At the moment, Famuerewa’s job is being threatened by the ambition of Hon Lawrence Ayeni, who is presently a member of Lagos State House of Assembly.

Gafaru Amere Akintayo Akintayo represents Iwo/Ola-Oluwa/ Ayedire federal constituency in the House of Representatives and has left no one in doubt about his ambition to have another shot at the National Assembly in 2015.

Dr. Salawu Gbenga from Iwo is aready meeting power brokers in the constituency, presenting self as a better candidate for the job in 2015.

The usual complaint of neglect and the seriousness of other party members that are showing interest in the job are posing big threat to the re-election bid of Akintayo come 2015.

CNPP to Maku: Watch your utterances T he Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has accused the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, of encouraging divisions along ethnic, religious and political lines in the country, warning him to be ready to accept responsibility for any crisis resulting from his campaign of divisive comments.

In a statement signed

by the Secretary General of CNPP, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the conference said that the minister has ignored the fact that the situation in Nigeria has gone beyond apportioning blame, adding that political parties must not be dragged into the present crises bedevilling the country.

The statement reads: “What political parties are talking about is the cred-

ibility or otherwise of voter’s registration and it is thus confusing that such a crucial issue was reduced to ‘ruling versus opposition political parties’. Nigerians, irrespective of background are emphatically asking for the release of the school girls abducted by insurgents in addition to judiciously deploying budgeted resources to end the on-going reign of terror in the country.

“It is worrisome that the minister seems oblivious of the fact that foreign intelligence agencies would attach credence to comments coming from him being the nation’s image maker. These unguarded utterances would thus go on to affect how foreign countries make policies about Nigeria, including economic and investment decisions.

“He should have been

mindful of this and not label justified demands as having ethnic, religious or political schemes behind them.”

CNPP added that political parties would not watch Maku tarnish the good names of the people who run these institutions, saying that it expects the Minister of Information would tender apology to all those slighted by his unguarded comments.

Maku

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror National News www.nationalmirroronline.net

15 15

From The Civil Service NAFDAC destroys fake products worth N120m

16

Minister of State Power, Hon. Mohammed Wakili (r) watched with the DG Bureau for Public Procurement, Engr. Emeka Eze (2l) as the Justice Minister, Mohammed Adoke (l) exchanged pleasantries with the Minister for Power, Prof. Chiunedu Nebo before the opening of the Federal Executive Council chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.

Govt prosecutes 156 contractors for violating procurement law

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he Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Emeka Ezeh, has said that 156 contractors are being prosecuted for violating the procurement law.

Ezeh, who made this known in an interview with

newsmen in Abuja, said the infractions ranged from forgery to tendering of fake documents.

The director-general said such contractors must have been cleared illegally by government officials in the Ministries, Departments

and Agencies (MDAs) to carry out jobs.

He warned that government officials who accepted incompetent contractors would be prosecuted.

“Naturally, the contractors go to various government MDAs because they

are the ones that process their documents.

“All the government officers involved have been invited for questioning and possible prosecution.

“Already established rules for administrative and criminal breaches will be

Adamawa registers 240 pupils for Almajiri school programme

T

he Adamawa Universal Basic Education Commission said it had registered 240 Almajirai for the National Almajiri Education Programme due to take off in the state.

Dr Halilu Hamman, the Executive Secretary of the board, told the News of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola recently that the state government was fully prepared for the take-off of

the programme by putting in place all necessary facilities.

“Under the programme, Federal Government had awarded contract for the construction of six Almajiri schools in the state.

Three have been completed while others will soon be completed,” Hamman said.

According to him, the completed three schools have the capacity to accommodate all the registered

240 pupils.

Hamman, who was also a member of the National Committee on Implementation of Almajiri Education Programme, said the state government was prepared to provide free uniforms and other learning materials for the pupils.

He said the commission recently conducted job interviews for some teachers, saying that letters of appointment would soon be

sent to successful ones.

On the girl-child education, he said that the state government had established additional 19 and 15 girls’ primary and junior secondary schools respectively across the state.

He said that the issue of non-payment of April salary of teachers was being sorted out with local government chairmen, who had agreed to pay it together with May salary.

Jonathan appoints three new permanent secretaries

CPC seals paint company over adulteration

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followed in their sanctions.

“The EFCC, ICPC will do the investigation to establish the culpability or otherwise of the officers involved.

“So depending on findings, they will be prosecuted accordingly,” he said.

Ezeh said breaches of the procurement act were often caused by ignorance and as such BPP had set up a training school to educate key officers of MDAs on the right procurement processes.

He said ``5,000 procurement officers and stakeholders have received training so far.

“We do this because we believe that the understanding of the rules makes it easier for people to get the job done.

“So after understanding the rules and if they

still find a way to sidetrack them, they are on their own.

“But we will continue to encourage people to do the right thing.”

Ezeh said that the training was at no cost to the MDAs/ He said the procurement training school is for different sectors from oil and gas to agriculture.

He added that as part of efforts to ensure good procurement practices, MDAs were encouraged to establish a department of procurement headed by a director.

“Since MDAs began to set up departments of procurement, there has been improvement in procurement procedures.

“There has been so much improvement in terms of not just the saving of money but in terms of compliance,” he said.

NERC explains increased electricity tariff P.41

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Civil Service

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NAFDAC destroys fake products worth N120m T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) last week in Abuja destroyed fake, expired medicines and other products worth more than N120 million..

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the destruction took place at the dump site of the Bwari Area Council, in FCT. Dr Paul Orhii, the Director-General of the agency, said some of the expired products were surrendered by their owners while the rest were mopped up by the agency.

Orhii, represented by Mrs Yetunde Oni, Director, Administration and Human Resource Management, said the exercise was

conducted to intimate the public that the fight against fake and counterfeit products was ongoing. ``Today, we are witnessing the destruction of various categories of products which include expired, substandard, falsely labelled medicines and other regulated products. ``The exercise would not have been possible without deploying numerous strategies which include sustained public enlightenment and improved capacity building of members of staff. ``The use of cutting-edge technologies particularly truscan device, minilab test kits and the mobile authentication service were effective in the exercise’’, he said.

Orhii said the agency

was in the process of reviewing its existing laws to ensure stiffer penalties for counterfeiters and violators of NAFDAC laws.

He solicited support from the public to join force with the agency to safeguard the health of citizens

and to curb sale of fake and unwholesome products.

Earlier, Mrs Brigdet Otote, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, commended the agency in the fight against counterfeiters.

She pledged the association’s support for the activities of NAFDAC. Otote said that collaboration was necessary to achieve success.

The Secretary of the Bwari Area Council, Mr Luka Zamishi, expressed

appreciation over the efforts of the agency in reducing the sale of fake products.

He urged NAFDAC to intensify efforts to ensure that Nigeria was free of fake and counterfeit products.

Jonathan appoints three new permanent secretaries OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of three new Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Manga.

He quoted the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, as saying that the new appointments

have been made to fill vacant slots following the retirement from Service of Permanent Secretaries representing Ekiti, Katsina, and Plateau States.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are former Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Tope Ajakaiye from Ekiti state; Mrs Binta Lami Adamu-Bello from Katsina state and, Mr Nanpon Sheni Danjuma from Plateau state.

The new appointees are yet to be assigned their portfolios.

Kano plans hydroelectric power plant at Challawa Dam

K

ano State Government has said it would lay the foundation of hydroelectric power plant at Challawa Dam before the end of the year.

Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso announced this while receiving United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s (UNIDO) delegation at the Government House, Kano recently..

He said poor electricity supply was one of the major factors hindering opera-

tions of industries in the state Kwankwaso said his government would partner with UNIDO to revive ailing industries in the state.

The governor said part of the industry revamping programme was the ongoing efforts to establish cottage garment industries in each of the 44 local government areas in the state.

He added that construction of the industries was nearing completion and that they would be inaugurated immediately after completion.

L-R: Representative of FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Adei Abu; Deputy Corps, Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem; Commandant FRSC Academy, Udi, Enugu State, Mr Charles Aborchi and Representative of Enugu State Government, Prof.

Christopher Okoro during an inspection tour of FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State, yesterday.

Civil Service, democracy and poverty challenge W ith the celebration of 15 years of uninterrupted democracy on May 29, analysts insist that the civil service has been contributing to the stability of the system despite the fact that poverty is one of the major problems bedevilling the country .Most people would say that the civil service still has more to do to contribute more significantly to the processes of poverty alleviation .They note that the poverty level still elicits a lot of concern in spite of the appreciable growth of Nigeria’s economy, following the recent rebasing of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to the recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the size of the Nigerian economy has grown by 89 per cent to N80.3 trillion (about 509.9 billion U.S. dollars).This ranks Nigeria as the 26th largest economy in the world and the largest economy in Africa.Percep-

tive observers, nonetheless, insist that the growth of the nation’s economy is not having any positive impact on the living standards of the majority of the citizens.

Their cynicism is quite understandable, as a recent World Bank’s global poverty rating placed Nigeria among the five poorest countries in the world The report revealed that most Nigerians lived on less than one U.S. dollar (about N157.6) per day.Jim Yong Kim, the World Bank President, while releasing the report at the April 4 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in New York, emphasised that Nigeria had one of the largest concentration of poor people.

He said that Nigeria ranked third among the poorest countries in the world, while India ranked number one with 33 per cent of the world’s poor. According to him, China is ranked second with 13 per cent of the world’s poor, followed

by Nigeria where seven per

cent of the world’s poor live and the economy is growing at a rate close to 7 per cent,” in.

Corroborating the sta- he added.

Besides, Jonathan cited tistics, the United Nations (UN) also claimed that the the recent classification of poverty rate in Nigeria had Alhaji Aliko Dangote as one gone up from 46 per cent to of the 25 richest people in 76 per cent over the last 13 the world as another pointer years.However, President to Nigeria’s affluence.

He also recalled that Goodluck Jonathan swiftly rejected the rating, insisting the number of private jets that Nigeria was not a poor owned by Nigerians, which landed in Nairobi during country. ``The challenge of the his recent state visit to Kecountry is not poverty, but nya, was a subject of discusredistribution of wealth,” sion in the Kenyan media Jonathan said, while ad- for over a week. ``If you talk about ownerdressing labour leaders at the 2014 May Day rally in ship of private jets, Nigeria Abuja.For him, the realities will be among the first 10 on ground did not portray countries in the world. Yet, Nigeria as a poor nation but they are saying that Nigeria as a country with abundant is among the five poorest wealth that needed to be countries. ``The World Bank staevenly redistributed among tistics show that Nigeria its populace. ``Nigeria is not a poor is among the five poorest country. Nigerians are the countries but our problem most travelled people in the is not poverty; our probworld; there is no country lem is redistribution of in the world you go to that wealth.``Probably, wealth is you will not see Nigerians concentrated in very few there.``The GDP of Nigeria hands and a number of peois over half a trillion dollars CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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The tantrums of a failed Marxist MARK ONOME

C

hidi Amuta’s Tantrums of a failed empress, posted May 21, 2014 on Saharareporters.com was supposed to be a rejoinder to Chidi Amuta’s rot, actually my rejoinder to his The girls and the rot, which was published on May 14, 2014 in ThisDay. In the piece, he failed to provide any answers to the numerous questions I posed to him, preferring instead to inflict a further 2500 empty words of flowery sentences on his longsuffering readership.

This current piece, therefore, is to expose the ridiculous extent to which Dr. Amuta is prepared to excel himself in the futile attempt to discredit a Nigerian public official adulated both at home and abroad as a scrupulous achiever of sterling qualities.

In his The girls and the rot, Amuta made a number of assertions that he did not bother to substantiate. These were some of his claims: a. That it was a pitiable Ngozi OkonjoIweala that was literally groveling and begging for international help to free the missing Chibok girls. b. That we need help to retrieve our institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, from the depths of rot and the vice grip of phenomenal incompetence. c. That Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration is the most inept government in

Nigerian history.

On the wild assertions above, I made the following points: Chidi Amuta, as a patriotic Nigerian who yearns for the best for our country, never in his years as a columnist wrote an introductory sentence on the “rot” and “phenomenal incompetence” in the Federal Ministry of Finance! I asked him to explain what was pitiable in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala joining President Jonathan and his security chiefs to ask for international help to rescue the kidnapped girls.

I also tasked Amuta to explain his “superlative” experience of Jonathan’s government being the most inept in Nigerian history. Ineptitude is certainly demonstrable, just as groveling and piteousness are. I expected him to situate in reality his claim that Jonathan was at the head of the most inept government in Nigerian history. But, surprise, surprise, he turned round to celebrate a man he is wont to demonize, using adjectives such as ‘genteel’, ‘tolerant’ and ‘commendable’ to describe President Jonathan! He even went a further ludicrous step to offer unsolicited counsel to the President on how to retain power in 2015!

Why should Amuta’s example of unprecedented presidential ineptitude be entitled to a second term of office?

All these point to lamentable confusion.

For instance, I accused Amuta of not using his years as a columnist to pursue ends fit for a patriot. He responded by claiming that he has been in journalism, not for five

THE WORLD ABOUNDS WITH ERSTWHILE ASSORTED COMMUNISTS,

SOCIALISTS AND SUNDRY LEFTISTS WHO BACKSLIDE AND ENDED UP AS UNREPENTANT EXPONENTS OF

PSEUDO-CAPITALIST PRETENSIONS years but for three decades. But those represent 30 wasted years as there is not a single spellbinding journalistic exercise tied to his name all those years. However, a more serious issue has to do with this man’s sense of history. I had not come across Amuta’s name through his 30 years of flaunted journalistic pedigree until October 7, 2010 when I read his ThisDay article entitled Running out of Luck. What I found peculiar in that piece was Amuta’s prescription that Jonathan should learn presidential ropes by watching films on Barack Obama, Paul Kigame and David Cameron!

The world abounds with erstwhile assorted communists, socialists and sundry leftists who backslide and ended up as un-

repentant exponents of pseudo-capitalist pretensions. But that does not necessarily prevent them from grounding their discourses on variables that are verifiable.

That is why it is so pathetic that, in trying to justify his tag of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as a “discredited empress” he delved into the realm of speculation, hyping on waivers by her ministry and the resultant loss of a frightening N1.4 trillion by the country in the last three years! He also called for explanation of the whereabouts of the billions of dollars of oil earnings that former CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi alleged was not accounted for.

Elementary knowledge of the workings of government should have informed Amuta that waivers are assigned on sectoral basis, not on individual basis. He merely dragged Princess Oduah’s name into it because the lady neatly falls into the category of those that must be destroyed in order to get at President Jonathan. Who arrived at the computation that “Nigeria lost a frightening N1.4 trillion on import waivers in the last three years”? Is there a single nation on earth in which the granting of waivers is not a factor of economic policy? How does a rational human being expect credible explanations to the incredible figures of $49 billion, $12 billion and $10 billion thrown around like tennis balls by a sacked Central Bank boss?

Onome is a commentator on national affairs.

Lagos and the challenge of noise pollution SOLA OGUNMOSUNLE

H

ave you heard it? Experts have declared Nigeria the noisiest country on earth! It is that bad that we do not need to wait for experts to observe that the level of noise pollution, most especially in our cities and particularly Lagos, is a scary development.

Even though noise pollution is not limited to Nigeria, it is a phenomenon usually common to many developing nations and even some developed countries. As a matter of fact, Madrid, the capital of Spain, and New York City in the United States remain one of the noisiest cities in the world. It is, however, worrisome that despite experts’ caution on the dangers of uncontrolled noise pollution on the well-being of the people and environment, we have continued to carry on unperturbed on the side-effects of a noisy environment.

Noise pollution is displeasing; high noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in blood pressure, and an increase in stress and vasoconstriction, and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons for the high incidence of hypertension in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Hearing and Speech Association (NIHSA) has raised the alarm on the increasing hearing challenges being faced by many Nigerians as a result of noise pollution. According to the national president of the association, Professor Julius Ademokoya, the number of

HEARING LOSS AND

GRADUAL HEARING LOSS ARE HIGH IN

NIGERIA

DUE TO ITS POSITION AS THE LOUDEST NOISE PRODUCER IN THE WORLD patients with ear and hearing-related problems seen in some health facilities is about 10 weekly. According to him, people are not expected to expose their hearing to the sound level of 80 decibels as the part of the ear that picks up sound is called Coplair, and it is a combination of cells and very sensitive to noise. So, the more the Coplair is exposed to a high degree of noise, the more the danger of having hear impairment.

Hearing loss and gradual hearing loss are high in Nigeria due to its position as the loudest noise producer in the world. It is worrisome to observe that noisemaking has become a sociocultural problem among our people.

It has become a way of life in many of our societies. We party at the least cause. For a naming ceremony, streets are closed while music is at its loudest and may extend late into the night.

Lagos naturally faces the greatest challenge of possible environmental abuse and degradation (particularly that of noise pollution), whose major sources include, motor parks, worship centres and road side music cen-

tres. Indeed, it is common knowledge that most worship centres in the state are located in residential areas and the noise generated from these places often become a major source of pain to most residents who find it hard to sleep at night because of the noise emanating from most of these centres.

Our comatose power sector also plays a big role in the high level of noise pollution in Lagos. Because of constant failure of power supply in the country, almost every household has its own power generating set, especially the ‘I better pass my neighbour’ type. Every barber, hairdresser, welder, tailor, grinder operators et cetera now rely on generators to do their business. It is unimaginable the level of noise these generators produce.

Similarly, the state experiences disturbing noises from road side music vendors whom, in a bid to attract prospective buyers’ attention, often blare the sound of the music they advertise to a very ridiculous level. Also, the high vehicular activities in Lagos coupled with bad driving habits of many drivers encourage a high level of honking from motorists.

The commercial bus drivers are particularly notorious for unnecessary honking that is displeasing to the ears.

The position of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on the permissible level of noise pollution is clear: It is 55 decibel during the day and at night between 42 and 45 decibel.

In order to ensure compliance with this position, the agency has been organizing stakeholders’ meetings in which it com-

municated the position of the state government to them as well as rub minds on how to guarantee strict conformity to the noise level requirement in the state.

Despite the fact that there has been a clampdown on erring bodies particularly the worship centers by LASEPA in recent times, there is yet to be an appreciative abatement level in noisemaking in the state. There is an elevated level of ignorance amongst the populace on the danger of constant exposure to high level noise. Many people are unaware of the health risk posed by noise pollution and so they do not find any reason to report noisemakers. Even those that are aware of the dangers are very lackadaisical when it comes to reporting noise pollution. Everybody just seems to be too busy ‘minding his/her business.’

In order to attain a desirable environment that is devoid of noise pollution, the government must, therefore, begin an aggressive public enlightenment campaign to sensitize the populace on the dangers of noise pollution. Our people must put religious sentiments aside and embrace a noiseless environment that sustains their well-being.

Ogunmosunle is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos.

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

Pseudonyms may be used but must be

18

Editorial

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

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DEPUTY MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY

AYO OLESIN

GENERAL EDITOR

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GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

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REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Jega’s waffling on voters’ card reader

S

ince 2010 when Professor Attahiru Jega replaced Processor Maurice Iwu as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he has tried to prove that he is, indeed, the man for the job.

If he has been short on performance, it is due mainly to the systemic and institutional problems he inherited. When recently he announced at a workshop in Abuja that INEC would deploy voters’ card readers in future elections to ensure free, fair and credible polls, Jega was widely applauded. Many saw the idea as one of the most revolutionary measures in the country’s electoral process management. Represented by Dr. Ishmael Igbani, an INEC National Commissioner at the said workshop, Jega was quoted as saying: “In line with its legal mandate, the commission is currently in the process of printing permanent voters’ cards for voters. The PVCs have embedded electronic chips containing the personal information and fingerprint details of voters and will be used to identify and authenticate the voters at the polling unit on election day through the planned deployment of hand-held card readers.”

Jega revealed that the card readers would be used as a pilot scheme in the two upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states slated for June 21 and August 9, 2014, respectively,

and later during the 2015 general elections. The voters’ card reader ‘innovation’, without doubt, boosted INEC’s credibility. It was, however, a big shock to the public when Jega reversed himself on the same subject lately with the excuse that the two aforementioned elections were too close to accommodate the experimentation of voters’ card readers.

The INEC boss said he would, instead, prefer the testing of pilot card readers in by-elections before the 2015 general election.

It is at the pleasure of the electoral body to decide on how best to manage the nation’s electoral processes. But because it is about Nigeria, all stakeholders ought to be carried along. It is, however, disappointing when the hopes of stakeholders are raised and dashed at will and without qualms, the way INEC is now trying to do. It means the voters’ card reader ruse was more or less a mere dream precipitately made public by Jega and his commissioners. We wish to reiterate at this point the fact that the nation’s sordid past in competitive politics largely contributed to Jega’s appointment as the head of INEC, based on his perceivable credible records. Not a few Nigerians believe he could turn around the electoral fortunes of the country. Therefore, it is unacceptable that such a figure should be making flippant and unreliable policy statements.

ELECTORAL FRAUDS CAN STILL BE PERPETRATED IN BOTH THE

EKITI AND OSUN

GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS WITH THE

PVCS IF THERE ARE NO CARD READERS

We are not faulting Jega’s zeal to deploy modern technology in the nation’s electoral process, since doing so would lead to free, fair and more credible polls.

Equally gratifying is the fact that INEC has been enjoying special support from the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

On November 27, 2013, for example, the Federal Government gave approval for the procurement of 70, 000 smart card readers for INEC at a cost of N459 million.

The commission has also taken delivery of some of the items.

If successfully deployed and the right results extracted in the end, Nigeria would join the league of the about 14 serious democracies in the world using electronic voting devices. India, with a population of 1.2 billion people, out of which 814 million are eligible voters, offers a good example of how a country can technologically drive its electoral process. The Election Commission of India

ON THIS DAY June 4, 1981 The Prime Minister of Italy Arnaldo Forlani and his coalition cabinet resign following a scandal over membership of the pseudo-masonic lodge P2. Forlani is an Italian politician who served as the 44th Prime Minister of Italy from 18 October 1980 to 28 June 1981. During his tenure, the list of who belonged to the secret lodge P2 was published. However, the lateness with which they were published gained Forlani heavy criticism and he was forced to resign.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

June 4, 2004 United States’ Army veteran, Terry Nichols, was found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the Oklahoma City bombing. Terry Lynn Nichols (born April 1, 1955) is a convicted accomplice in the Oklahoma City bombing. Prior to his incarceration, he held a variety of short-term jobs, working as a farmer, grain elevator manager, etc. He met his future conspirator, Timothy McVeigh, during a brief stint in the US Army.

(ECI) deploys about 1.4 million non-hackable electronic voting machines to service the 930,000 polling stations spread across the country; and some of them could be powered by batteries to take care of parts of the country suffering irregular electricity supply, for instance. In addition, digital cameras, videotaping of speeches and wireless networks all help in the conduct of elections in that country.

For Nigeria, however, we think PVCs and card readers are where to begin from; and the best opportunity to experiment them has been offered by the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The innovation can change the game. It may turn out to be the panacea for Nigeria’s electoral woes. The PVCs recently distributed to the electorate will be useless without card readers. Electoral frauds can still be perpetrated in both the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections with the PVCs if there are no card readers to identify fraudulent voters. Except INEC is facing ‘special challenges’ it is hiding from the public, we see no reason it cannot match PVCs with card readers during the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. We, therefore, implore the commission to do whatever it can to limit election frauds during the said polls by applying the innovation.

x June 4, 2010 Severe flooding began in eastern and southern China that ultimately causeed 148 deaths and force the evacuation of 1.3 million. Four rounds of torrential rains with landslides and flooding lasted for 20 days and affected fifteen provinces in Eastern and Southern China. The first round of floods affected twelve provinces in South China and killed 93 people as of 30 May. A new round of floods began on 6 June and swept through nine provinces.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Health & Wellbeing ‘Our PHCs now operate 24-hour service’ 22

Japan grants N13bn loan to Nigeria for polio eradication 21

Danger! Animal-borne viruses ravage West Africa A FRANKA OSAKWE

s Nigeria grapples with the looming Ebola virus now raging in the West African region, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the alarm over the increase of new evolving animal-borne diseases; the Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERSCoV) and avian influenza A (H7N9), warning that the diseases are spreading rapidly.

The WHO warning comes against the backdrop of updates by the organisation showing that some West African countries have continued to record fresh cases of the dreaded Ebola virus disease.

For instance in Guinea, as of 28 May 2014, a cumulative total of 291 clinical cases of EVD, including 193 deaths have been reported. Also in Sierra Leone, 34 new cases (7 confirmed, 3 probable, and 24 suspected) and one suspected death were reported from five districts.

Ebola is said to transmit through handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines.

Now, WHO reports that a new animalborne virus, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has emerged and is fast making its way from Middle East to the rest of the world.

America’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) describes the new disease as a viral respiratory illness caused by a form of coronaviruses called MERS-CoV. Coronaviruses, the viruses which cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

WHO had reported the first clinical case in Saudi Arabia in 2012 with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The report indicates that most people who have been confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection developed severe acute respiratory illness with about 30 percent of them confirmed dead.

Previous reports have linked all the cases to countries in the Arabian Peninsula but recently, WHO reported two cases of MERS illness in travellers from Saudi Arabia to US. The report says this virus has spread from ill people to others through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person.

Globally, WHO had recorded 632 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV including 193 deaths. The record of new cases in America also indicates the possibility of international spread.

The fact that Nigerians frequent Middle East for business and other reasons means

...as WHO alerts on Ebola, Coronaviruses, avian influenza

Spotty rashes of Ebola virus disease

SOME WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES HAVE CONTINUED TO RECORD FRESH CASES OF THE DREADED

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE

Health Minister, Chukwu

that they are also likely to contract this virus and bring it back with them to Nigeria.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to identify patients with MERS-CoV early because some have mild or unusual symptoms. For this reason, WHO warned that “it is important that health-care workers apply standard precautions consistently with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis – in all work practices all the time” WHO advises all visitors to Middle East to avoid close contact with animals when

visiting farms or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating.

It tells the general public, when visiting a farm or a barn, to observe general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals, and following food hygiene practices, should be adhered to.

Based on the current situation, WHO also encouraged member states to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.

Again, the report says Infection prevention and control measures are critical to prevent the possible spread of MERS-CoV in health care facilities.

“Health-care facilities that provide for patients suspected or confirmed to be in-

WHO DG, Margaret Chan

fected with MERS-CoV infection should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus from an infected patient to other patients, healthcare workers and visitors. Health-care workers should be educated, trained and refreshed with skills on infection prevention and control” It encouraged health workers to apply contact precautions and eye protection when caring for probable or confirmed CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

20

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

A

lot of people consume vitamin and mineral supplements as substitute for a wholesome diet or consume it in very large amounts, thinking that it is meant to diagnose, treat or cure diseases.

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that act as co-enzymes or co-factors in metabolic activities that occur in the body. They are substances the body require in small amounts for normal growth, function and health. The body cannot make micronutrients, so we must get them from the foods we eat or, in some cases, from supplements.

Regular consumption of dietary supplements, are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure diseases but they are meant to add up to our dietary intake and to help reduce disease risks especially when the body is lacking certain vital vitamins and

minerals or when certain health conditions cause an individual to develop a nutrient deficiency.

However, a lot of foods, such as breakfast cereals, beverages and some oils have added vitamins and minerals which indicate that it is vital to be watchful if you still need these supplements.

Supplements can also interact with prescription medications in ways that might cause problems.

For example, vitamin K can reduce the ability of the blood thinness to prevent blood from clotting, vitamins C and E, might reduce the effectiveness of some types of cancer chemotherapy, etc.

Also, consumption of large doses of certain supplements has active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. There are times when consuming large doses of these supplements may be dangerous to health. In addition, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and D (which strengthen bones) can build up to toxic levels

in the body when taken in large doses over long periods of time.

When excess vitamin A is stored in the liver, it can accumulate to reach toxic levels causing headaches, liver damage and may reduce bone strength. Consequently, too much iron can cause nausea and vomiting, and may damage the liver and other organs; etc.

Water soluble vitamins such as vitamin B-6 (essential for energy) when taken in large amounts may cause nerve damage; vitamin C (helps build up of immunity and connective tissue) when excessively taken may cause diarrhea; while mineral supplements such as selenium and iron supplements can be toxic when taken in large amounts.

It is vital to note that lifestyle habits have been contributory factors on nutrient loss in foods. The use of chemicals to enhance fastgrowth crops; no proper knowledge about the right way to prepare foods; high-speed lifestyles leave many people gulping down pre-made meals; some teas such as black tea and coffee can lessen

Sexually transmitted diseases and oral health (1)

S

exually transmitted diseases are on the increase despite the efforts of health professionals in educating the public and creating awareness. Venereal disease, like almost all disease in the human diseases, have an oral manifestation, that is, symptoms are present in the mouth. A dentist, during a routine examination of the mouth could easily pick signs of these and make diagnosis of a more sinister occult disease.

There are certain individuals, due to their sexual practice, who may be at greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted disease.

They include promiscuous heterosexuals, drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics, armed forces members, for obvious reasons, merchant seamen, aircrew, frequent business travellers and the sexual partners of people in this group. The List is by no means exhaustive. These diseases are contagious and mainly contactable by intimate and not ordinary contact. This is normally through blood and body fluids and not by airborne route.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Risks, benefits of vitamins and mineral supplements

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

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

A couple of venereal diseases will be examined in this series: Syphilis This disease has a long history.

Referred to as the gentleman’s disease in the past; it has been off the radar in the past until recently.

The organism that causes it is referred to as treponema pallidum.

The damage resulting from the infection with syphilis can be extensive, affecting a wide range of organs from the heart to the nervous systems. It has varying presentations, depending on the progress of the disease and specified in stages – primary, secondary, tertiary and congenital syphilis

neck, and cervical lymphadenopathy.

If the condition diagnosed at the primary stage is not treated, it progresses within six weeks and eight weeks.

The symptoms are mostly a rash, headache, malaise, fever, papules and oral symptoms including ulcers called snail track ulcers. A descriptive term used is the snail track ulcers. Blood tests are positive at this stage, if this is also left untreated at this stage it progresses to the tertiary stage. This happens in at least thirty percent of the affected people.

The disease remains latent in the remainder of the people.

Tertiary syphilis The lesions in the mouth are called gummas. The sizes are varied and they can break down to form ulcers. they are seen in the mucous membranes and skin too. The gummas may perforate the underlying bone like the roof of the mouth or palate. The gummas could also destroy tongue tissue. Other bones in the body such as the tibia of the leg, skull bones are affected.

The lesion is called leukoplakia. It may occur in the tongue and could be pre- cancerous.

Syphilis can affect the heart vessels which become inflamed.

A late complication is the invasion of the nervous system which is called neuro syphilis resulting in deafness.

Congenital syphilis Pregnant women may transmit syphilis to their foetus leading to mental retardation, deafness, saddle nose and oral symptoms

your health care providers. Check the label and read labels carefully.

Product labels can tell you what the active ingredient or ingredients are, which nutrients are included and the serving size. Look for expiration dates as supplements can lose potency over time, especially in hot and humid climates. So, do not purchase a supplement if it does not have an expiration date.

ORAL HEALTH CARE Dr. Samuel Awosolu

Secondary stage

Primary syphilis The period between infection and symptoms appear between ten and ninety days with an average of three weeks. The first visible symptom is a painless sore, swelling, firm pink, called chancre.

The chancre is seen on the glans of the penis and the mucous membrane like the lips and tongue, this swelling quickly ulcerates but the ulcer is painless and is associated with swellings of the glands of the

the mineral absorption in the body while consuming soft drinks have no nutrients at all, etc.

It is a good idea to talk with your doctor if you’re considering supplements. Your doctor can help you determine which supplements, if any, might be valuable for you and improve your diet. And be sure to keep a list of the supplements you take and share the list with all of

Samawosolu@yahoo.co.

08108155239 such as notched front teeth, called Hutchinson’s incisors teeth, screw driver-shaped posterior teeth called mulberry molars.

The incidence of congenital syphilis is quite low because pregnant women are routinely screened for syphilis amongst many other diseases with a non-specific tests such as the VDRL (venereal disease

research laboratory) which is positive for all disease with treponema infections such as yaws ,bejel, pinta.

Venereal diseases can be avoided by avoiding high risk activity such as orogenital sex and unsafe sexual practices.

See you next week

SYPHILIS AT A GLANCE •Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that are passed sexually. It can infect the vagina, anus, urethra or penis, as well as the lips and mouth.

•Often, syphilis has no symptoms or has such mild symptoms that a person doesn’t notice them. Symptoms vary with each stage. But the syphilis symptoms do not always occur in the same order.

•Syphilis is spread by contact with syphilis sores. Direct contact can occur during *vaginal and anal intercourse *oral sex *kissing (much less commonly) •The early stages of syphilis are easy to treat. If you have syphilis, you will need to take an antibiotic. Your partner(s) may also be treated at the same time.

•Keep in mind that any damage caused by syphilis in the later stages cannot be undone. How Can I Prevent Getting Syphilis?

•To prevent syphilis, abstain from unprotected sex.

•If you have syphilis, there are several ways to prevent spreading it to other people.

You can: *Inform your sex partner(s) of the infection. *Have no sex until treatment is complete. *Be sure your sex partner(s) is/are tested and treated before having sex again. *Once you are cured and start having sex again, use condoms every time you have sex.

Source: American Planned Parenthood

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

21

Japan grants N13bn loan to Nigeria for polio eradication STORIES BY MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

T

he government of Japan has granted Nigeria a loan of $85 million (13.6billion at N160 per dollar) to strengthen her campaign against poliomyelitis, popularly known as polio.

Nigeria is currently among the remaining three countries that have not interrupted the transmission of the scourge globally; the other two countries being Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The loan which targets mainly the states that currently face security challenge, including hard-to-reach communities for health workers, is expected to ensure availability of vaccines for vaccination; payment and motivation of vaccinators and monitoring of progress made on the campaign.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the loan in Abuja recently, Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ryuichi Shoji, said the loan was offered to boost Nigeria’s polio campaign. He informed that

assistance from his country on the scourge began in year 2000, stressing that “until now, remarkable progress has been made, and Nigeria stands at a final stage in the fight. This project is aimed to fill in the financial gap by means of loan aid for Nigeria to be able to win the upcoming last fight.”

He added that effort on polio eradication must not stop globally until there is an end to the transmission of the

virus.

“As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of polio,” Shoji argued.

Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has conditionally accepted to pay back the loan, which attracts 0.2 percent for a repayment period of 15 years.

Speaking at the event, Country Representative of the Foundation, Dr Mairo Mandara said: “Nigeria has

made remarkable progress in its long fight against polio.

As others have commented, there have only been three cases reported from two states – Kano and Yobe; compared with 22 cases in 9 states at this time last year.

“The foundation, the government of Japan, and many donors have been here and steadfast as the country made this journey.

The Gates Foundation will be with you until the disease

is gone forever and no child in this country – ever – will suffer from polio again,” Mandara added.

She advised that Nigeria should not celebrate yet; as according to her, there is a lot more to be done, “particularly in Borno, which is dealing with a devastating security situation. Despite all that the polio program is doing, we are still unable to reach all children consistently.

Community pledges support for family planning

R

esidents of Gishiri community in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have pledged to support family planning initiative, aimed at helping birth spacing and control.

Speaking yesterday at a campaign by the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative, NURHI, Grace Gani, a resident of the community and a mother of five, expressed satisfaction with the awareness. She noted that she got ‘practical’ knowledge of family planning for the first time through the campaign.

“This is the first time I have seen this programme demonstrated to me.

I believe what I saw and I am convinced everything said about the programme is true. Even though I have five children already, I will be campaigning to younger women who may still want to have children that are not spaced,” she added.

Another resident in the community, Amina Ibrahim, told our reporter that though

she had been informed of the programme at various forums, it had been difficult for her to choose the best suitable family planning method for her.

“This campaign has really helped me. I have listened to programmes on family planning over the radio and television; I haven’t been opportune to get the details of the types as demonstrated here today. Now, I can choose any of the types given to us today. I am very happy about the programme.”

The campaign featured various activities including a dance drama depicting a married couple who got to know about family planning and then went ahead to embrace it.

Speaking with National Mirror, FCT Team Coordinator of the group, Mrs Adebusola Salako, , informed there was need to reach out to the people in the grassroots, especially those in the urban slum areas, as according to her, they do not have the adequate knowledge on family planning.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 cases of MERS-CoV infection, while also applying airborne precautions when performing aerosol generating procedures.

Also, that Patients should be managed as potentially infected when the clinical and epidemiological clues strongly suggest MERS-CoV, even if an initial test on a nasopharyngeal swab is negative “Repeat testing should be done when the initial testing is negative, preferably on specimens from the lower respiratory tract.

Health-care providers are

advised to maintain vigilance”.

WHOs surveillance recommendations are that recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV. It advises all Member States to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with MERS-CoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course. Investigation into the source of exposure should promptly be initi-

L-R: Initiator, Project Smile, Dr. Amy Traore-Shumbusho; Dr. Sid, Dentistry-trained Music Artiste presenting the award certificate of a complementary smile make-over sponsored by Oral-B to Tosin Adekoya, Winner of the Severe Category while a UK-based Periodontist Dr. Bola Soyombo, looks on during the Oral-B sponsored Project Smile Award Ceremony which took place recently at Smile360 Dental Specialist Clinic, Ikoyi Lagos.

NAFDAC destroys over N120m fake drugs, foods

T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its determination to rid Nigeria of unwholesome consumable products comprising foods and drugs. DirectorGeneral of the agency, Dr Paul Orhii stated this recently when officials of the agency destroyed fake and substandard drugs, foods and other unwhole-

some regulated products worth over N120 million in Abuja.

Speaking at the scene of the exercise carried out at Bwari Area Council of the nation’s capital, Orhii said the agency had doubled efforts to ensure “stiffer penalties are meted on violators of NAFDAC laws.”

Represented by Director of Administration and Human Resource Management, Mrs Yetunde Oni,

Orhii said “the destruction of the drugs is in line with the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan on zero tolerance for fake, counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products in Nigeria.

“We are witnessing the destruction of various categories of products which include expired or spurious, substandard, falselylabelled, falsified, and counterfeit medicines (SSFFC) and other regulated

ated to identify the mode of exposure, so that further transmission of the virus can be prevented.

Meanwhile, another new disease outbreak has been reported in China.

The influenza A (H7N9) virus is a kind of viruses, which has been found among birds. The first human infection was in 2013 in China, after this, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 132 human H7N9 infections, with 44 deaths.

In the beginning of October last year, the frequency of reports of hu-

man infection with H7N9 began to increase. WHO and China reported more new H7N9 cases in China per month relative to the summer months, including three cases reported by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China in early December.

Most of the cases that were reported had poultry exposure and lived in areas where H7N9 had been found previously.

Recently, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China had notified

WHO of 4 additional laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in China. Three of the patients are currently in critical condition while one is mild.

WHO advises that travellers to countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza should avoid poultry farms, or contact with animals in live bird markets, or entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered, or contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with faeces from poultry

Danger! Animal-borne viruses ravage West Africa

products worth over One hundred and twenty million naira,” he added. According to him, the agency would not have succeeded in carrying out the exercise but for the utilization of its cutting-edge technologies comprising Truscan device, Minilab test kits and the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS), including public enlightenment and competence of the agency’s staff.

or other animals. Travellers should also wash their hands often with soap and water. Travellers should follow good food safety and good food hygiene practices.

WHO encourages countries to continue strengthening influenza surveillance, including surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns, in order to ensure reporting of human infections under the IHR (2005), and continue national health preparedness actions.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A nurse counsels patients at a Lagos PHC

Dr. Sagoe

‘Our PHCs now operate 24-hour service’

environments of our PHCs are not conducive to working. Sometimes the health worker is battling to put on the generator and it’s not working, or finds out that the basic things like the consumables are out of stock and there is no money, when patients come, they take it out on them unknowingly. So usually, we take this into account and this is part of the trainings we give the staff, having one on one communication with patients.

What about the issue of we hope to address. ress. lack of basic facilities at Now our goal, some PHCs? HROUGH THE INTEGRATION W WE CAN through the he We are making sure stakeholders ACHIEVE IEVE EFFECTIVE REFERRALS FROM THE that all the primary health meeting, is centres have basic faciliPRIMARY ARY TO THE SECONDARY LEVEL to facilitate ties such as treated water, efforts that electricity, backup power and el will effectively ly necessary equipment. others n integrate ambulance ulance tem. tem One off the O h policies of this government is services between the Lagos So we hope that this will to have one flagship PHC in each local govstate ambulance services be achieved as time goes on or at least when ernment that will operate at 24 hours, which (LASAMBUS) and the La- we obtain some level of competency at the will be 57 PHCs, each having 3 doctors, an opgos State Primary Health PHC and our workers are able to evacuate erational laboratory services and pharmacy.

Care Board (LSPHCB). needy people and needy pregnant women to Right now we have recruited the doctors

Amidst reports that majority of the Lagos Primary Health Centres cannot handle emergency obstetric services due to lack of basic necessities for obstetric care, Dr Babs Sagoe, the Medical Director of Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, in this interview with FRANKA OSAKWE says the state government has taken steps to integrate an effective 24-hour health service at the PHC level. He tells more about the improvement of the PHC centres in recent One What is the aim of the integration? major time. Excerpts.

There is a need for effective cocomplaint about the PHCs are their inability to handle emergency obstetric care. What is the board doing about this?

Well, right now, stakeholders meetings are ongoing on how to strengthen the ambulance system running in the state. The aim is to bring together all the stakeholders such as the local government chairmen, health personnel, community leaders, state government, LASAMBUS, with help from plan/ CEDPA, in a bid to further strengthen the ambulance system.

We have been able to review all the loopholes we have at the primary level such as unskilled ambulance staff, inability to handle referral cases effectively, lack of ambulances at some PHCs and maintenance of the ones on ground. Now, we are currently working with 6 pilot PHCs in Alimosho LCA. So far, the ambulance drivers and nurses have received adequate training on emergency handling by CEDPA. We have done some appraisals and part of the things discovered are that these ambulances are not operating as effectively and independent as they should, mainly because they are bought by the local government chairmen who see them as their property. Other challenges are maintenance cost of the ambulances and staff impress, which are some of the issues

ordination of the ambulance system at the primary level. Now, this can be achieved through integration with LASAMBUS which is already an established body. Through the integration we can achieve effective referrals from the primary to the secondary level.

But then, this decision is not ours to make, it is a political decision, what we can do is to bring the stakeholders together as we have done, make suggestions and hope that it will be implemented.

Also, part of the plan is to establish a call centre at Alimosho which will be linked to LASAMBUS call centre in LASUTH. I believe that it will be the beginning of the integration, but we have to go slowly because, ambulance is being supplied by the local government at the primary level and LASAMBUS by the state so until we get a policy direction that will change this, we just have to work with what we have right now.

So what are the plans towards allocation of funds for this ambulance project?

Right now, the local government chairmen are the ones responsible for buying, equipping and maintaining the ambulances. The board has nothing to do with it. What we are doing now is to try and make them buy into our own vision and convince them to see the necessity of having an efficient ambulance sys-

T

the next level.

Do you think LASAMBUS is capable of handling the situation on ground even without government intervention?

Well I have not really gone through the composition of the working of LASAMBUS, but from what I heard, they are not really as efficient as the state will like it to be, so they too need to equip themselves and be ready before they start training more. Right now, not all LASAMBUS bus are operating optimally, but one thing is sure, it is an agency that has been created, so they have their mandate s and terms of reference. All they have to do is go back to those things and make sure things are in place.

Poor staff attitude is still one reason why many people do not access the primary health centers. What is being done about this?

Up till last year, the WHO still reported that when they went round to interview ordinary people who use the primary health centers, unfortunately, a large number of them still complain about attitude of health workers and this is still number one reason why people do not access the PHCs. We have taken cognisance of this at the board level and presently, there is a lot of training going on now to let our health workers realize that they are supposed to be friendly with the people. And there are efforts to improve where the workers work because some of the

who will be on rotation, other cadres have not been recruited fully but we are already at the process of recruiting more nurses, lab technicians and others. By the time we fully equip the 57 PHCs, it is then we can say that in Lagos state we have a health system that works and we can tell people to go to the PHC flagship anytime and get treated. And when they cannot be handled at the primary level, there will be a fully functional ambulance that will take them to the secondary level.

Right now the governor has flagged off about six of these flagship PHCs. We hope to flag off about four more this month making it ten, after that it will be much easier. This has already started, in all the PHCs. You have 3 doctors, one will be on ground 24 hours, If you go to Mosau-Okunola, you have the Aregbesola health centre, it’s working 24 hours, in Lagos Island you have the Zenith health centre very near the Oba’s palace, it works 24 hours, you have the Onigbongbo health centre as well.

How is the Board addressing the issue of facilities for disabled patients?

We have what is called service charter that is going on now. If you go to the secretariat you will see a facelift in most of the building, now at the ministry of health right now, there is a ramp were disabled patients on wheel chair can easily get in without anyone helping them. Most of our clinics now are wheel chair accessible to disabled people.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Arts Lounge Songs in Nigeria merely celebrating rhythm –Man of Peace 25

Anambra: Actors seek film village

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Assessing Nigerian Creative and Entertainment Industry Loan Scheme The present administration remains committed to boosting employment in the country by encouraging the creative sector. But how impactful have these financial intervention been so far?

Ngozi Emedolibe

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he creative industry responded with hope, following the announcement of the intervention fund by the President, Goodluck Jonathan in 2010. Despite it came at the peak of his campaign for the presidential polls, the $200m stimulus was seen by the stakeholders in the creative industry as the panacea for the required growth in the industry. Artistes cutting across all the genres of arts-music, movies, visual arts, were not left alone in planning how the intervention fund would positively affect their business on one hand and the creative industry at large. While the disbursement is taking too long to come to fruition due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, Arts Lounge revelations show that growing concerns have been trailing the disbursements of the funds since the responsibility of making it available was saddled on the Bank of Industry and NEXIM Bank.

In assuming full disbursements of the funds, NEXIM Bank, says it specifically intends to use the loans that would be made available to among other things, create credible structures, attract investment in the development of content and infrastructure in the media and entertainment sector as well as improve upon production standards, distribution, marketing and exhibition standards. While the full impact is still being awaited, certain misgivings are also coming up.

One of the issues at stake is the confusion over which agency is actually doing the disbursement. According to Alex Eyengho, of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP, the idea of seeking such funds from both the NEXIM and BOI makes it more confusing for a lot of producers. He told Arts Lounge that this development has left many producers in his guild confused. “The whole thing is confusing. We do not know which fund is which; the one promised by Goodluck Jonathan was supposed to come through the Bank of Industry. While the Bank of Industry was busy asking people to apply for the loan, and directing people to their website for guidelines, the NEXIM Bank

Nollywood video shop

Kelani on the set of Arugba

surprisingly came out to announce that the bank is now with the funds. It is confusing for us in the industry because we do not know who to believe or trust. As I am talking with you, some of us are still processing our forms at the Bank of Industry. Along the line Project Act also came on board. That one is managed by the Ministry of Finance. ” As a producer in the industry, he however believes that whatever intervention the NEXIM Bank would offer the industry ought to be geared towards providing structures, trainings, distribution and production. The absence of structures has also been seen as a militating factor. The former managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Afolabi Adesanya once identified it as one of the greatest hiccups in harnessing the potentials of the motion picture industry. According to him, ‘’Funding in the industry is usually difficult because investors will require data they can interpret. Often times, when we ask for data from the stakeholders they are not willing to make them available because they think, it would be used for taxation”.

Another issue noticed by Arts Lounge checks is the fact that there seems to be more concentration on people in the film industry at the expense of the others.

While some companies, especially in the

Exhibition at Quintessence

film industry have been able to access the funds after two years of application on the average, nothing seems to be happening in other genres of the creative industry. This has left visual artists feeling like orphans indeed.

According to Sam Ovraiti who spoke with Arts Lounge for this article, while the visual artists are quite willing to obtain the loan, nothing seems to be happening in this regards. “We have discussed this in our meeting and it seems the visual art is being relegated because we are quiet and they believe we may not have need for such loans.”

An international visual artist, Victoria Udondian, said the approach to disbursing the funds is a reflection of how poorly the nation values culture and visual arts.

“It is a pity that they are looking at entertainment alone. It goes to prove that there are lots of problems in the culture sector. I

It is a pity that they are looking at entertainment alone. It goes to prove that there are lots of problems in the culture sector.

I come from a country

where nothing is being done to help the visual art

come from a country where nothing is being done to help the visual art. Abroad, I have enjoyed a lot of grants for my works, but right here nothing is happening. There is no platform to encourage a person, which is not proper”.

Oliver Enwonwu, the national president of the Society of Nigerian Artists, SNA, however told Arts Lounge, that contrary to the insinuation that visual artists have remained reluctant about the funds, because they do not need it, he was verifying some facts before him, before he would make a categorical statement about the disbursement going on. “There is something I am still verifying before I will open my mouth and talk. But it is wrong to assume that people in the visual arts do not need the loan.

There are issues that the documents available show that the fund is less beneficial for anyone collecting the money because of the conditions”.

Despite the issues outlined on the NEXIM Bank’s website for qualification, checks

by Arts Lounge show that while they are charging about 8% interest for duration of eight years, other measures set for the beneficiaries range from providing items like company’s incorporation documents – (Certificate, Memorandum and Article of Association, Forms CAC2 and CAC7), audited statement(s) of account / statement of affairs /cash flows, budget(s), bills of quantity, and pro-forma invoice(s). Gab Onyi, one on the first entertainment stakeholders to access the funds, sees it as a normal bank loan rather than an intervention fund as was announced by President Goodluck Jonathan, since one would have to be subjected to the normal measures a standard bank takes to advance loans. “An intervention fund for the entertainment industry, must be able ask you to provide intellectual property as a collateral, but this is not what is happening. You are required to offer collateral like you are doing normal banking”.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

A peek inside Nigeria’s film industry (2) Sandra Oyewole

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he embryonic nature of Nigeria’s cinema infrastructure and the informal nature of film distribution have opened the door to rampant film piracy.

Within hours of a film’s release pirates are selling bootleg copies for a fraction of its retail price. Huge demand for Nollywood films among the ‘African diaspora’ has also fuelled a surge in the export and sale of Nigerian films without the permission of right owners. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has stepped up its drive to shut down illegal printing presses and prosecute infringers, but much still remains to be done.

The advent of the internet gave rise to another form of piracy, namely, the unauthorised, illegal streaming of films. However, iROKOtv’s video streaming platform for licensed films has gone some way in addressing this problem. Well-crafted and targeted public awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public about the damage piracy causes and to encourage them to stop buying pirated films.

Recognising its huge economic potential, in recent years, Nigeria’s government has worked to improve IP awareness within the film industry. Through a range of training courses, seminars, and practical workshops, filmmakers are becoming more IP-aware. A new IP savvy generation of filmmakers is emerging; one that ensures that IP rights are recognised and protected and that appropriate contracts are in place. Access to such formal training is fostering a more business-oriented approach among filmmakers, and enhancing the quality of scripts, acting and other technical aspects of Nigerian film, making it an increasingly attractive investment proposition.

Copyright law (and contract law) underpins the relationships arising from the filmmaking process. Last amended in 1999, Nigeria’s Copyright Act is of particular relevance to Nigerian filmmakers. For example, it states that: • A film is a work that is eligible for copyright protection; • The owner of the copyright in a film is the producer unless otherwise stated in an agreement; • A film is a bundle of copyrighted works, including for example, the

Oyewole

story, the acting, the music, etc. For copyright in these works to pass to the producer, a written assignment must made; • Infringement occurs when any of the following acts is done without the permission of the producer: • Making a copy of the film; • Causing the film to be seen and heard in public; • Making and using a recording of the sound track of the film; • Distributing copies of the film for commercial purposes by way of rental, lease, hire, loan or similar arrangement.

• Penalties for infringement include damages, injunctions, and account of profits, fines or imprisonment.

Effective implementation of the law, however, is impeded by very limited penalties, a slow judicial process, high legal costs and a lack of funds on the part of filmmakers.

As the arm of government responsible for strengthening the policy and legislative framework for more effective copyright protection, the NCC is driving the current review of Nigeria’s copyright law. The objective is to ensure that the law keeps pace with technological advances, is effective in

clamping down on copyright infringement and is responsive to present-day operating realities of, among others, Nigerian filmmakers. Reform of the Nigerian Copyright Act will go a long way in creating an enabling regulatory environment to support the continued development of Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative sector as a whole.

With respect to contract law - the mechanism for recording the transfer of copyright from one party to another - in the absence of a codified law of contract, Nigeria relies on common law principles and case law.

The industry received a welcome boost in 2011 with the establishment by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan of a US$200 million fund for the film industry. The fund is available in the form of loans and statutory corporate documentation is required to qualify. The fund has made it possible for two film distributors to establish new distribution channels; a move that is expected to help combat piracy and increase revenues from cinema and DVD releases. These are set to commence business this year In March 2013, President Jonathan announced a 3 billion Naira (approx. US$17 million dollars) grant scheme, Project ACTNollywood, to support training and skills acquisition for film production, production and distribution. In addition to Federal initiatives, various State governments are supporting the industry. For example, the Kano State Sponsorship Board has to date backed 3 Kannywood films; the Bayelsa State Government is a major financial contributor to the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), an annual ceremony established in 2005 to reward the industry excellence; the government of Cross River State has built a state-of-theart movie studio in Tinapa; plans are also afoot for the much anticipated Lagos Film Village.

Nollywood is a major employer of labour, reportedly second only to agriculture and generates millions of dollars every year. Its importance to the Nigerian economy cannot be over-emphasised. However,

HOWEVER, WHILE IT IS THE SECOND LARGEST FILM INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF VOLUME, WHEN IT COMES TO REVENUE IT FALLS FAR BEHIND BOLLYWOOD AND HOLLYWOOD

while it is the second largest film industry in the world in terms of volume, when it comes to revenue it falls far behind Bollywood and Hollywood. In order to create a more enabling environment, the Government of Nigeria, therefore, still has much to do. For example by: • Introducing tax breaks for filmmakers; • Devising incentives for co-productions with both Nigerian and international partners; • Fast tracking the revision of the copyright law; • Executing co-production treaties; • Supporting the Nigeria Film Corporation, established in 1979, to fulfil its mission and purpose, that is, the creation of an enabling environment for Nigeria’s film industry; • Setting-up robust and vibrant units to fight piracy and infringement; and • Focusing on improving security.

The passion for Nollywood films and the indigenous stories they recount, is widespread. Nigeria’s entertainment pages are full of news about the latest star-studded film premiere, and with iROKOtv reporting a global audience of 6 million in 178 countries – the hunger for Nigerian movies is evident. Recognising its huge growth potential, public and private sector investors are now investing heavily in the industry helping it to shed many of its informal characteristics. This has helped to improve quality and increase the production of films with international appeal.

In just 20 years, against all the odds, Nigeria’s low-budget film industry has become an increasingly influential multimillion dollar business. A growing number of quality productions are making their way to international film festivals and enjoying premieres screenings in major film markets and leading Nigerian actors are gaining international prominence. Despite the industry’s many on-going challenges, the resilience, creative ingenuity and entrepreneurialism of Nigerian filmmakers coupled with the industry’s unique style and broad popular appeal mean that it is no longer a question of whether a Nollywood film will become an international box office hit, it is simply a matter of when.

Sandra Oyewole, an intellectual property lawyer, is Partner, Olajide Oyewole LLP.

Memorable Reads What is your favourite book?

Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama, has been a very inspiring book and since I got hold of it I have read it several times and it has been very instructive. It’s been one of those books that I see that majority of young people in Nigeria can pick it and see how they can transform themselves from a low level to a very high one. You can then achieve the same thing that President Obama has achieved. If you look at Nigeria, Obama is like Goodluck Jonathan because he had nothing but he has done so much, and look at where he is. I certainly would recommend that book to almost anyone who can read.

more you read the more you become interested in reading and the more you read the more you want to put all those ideas on paper. Unfortunately, the average Nigeria does not read, that is one of the biggest problems. Parents need to sit down with their children and read to them but they don’t do that because they don’t have time.

How did you get introduced to reading?

I got introduced to reading because I write and I believe that for you to be a good writer you must be an avid reader. Read everything that you can get hold of not necessarily a textbook. The

What about Nigerian writers?

Chinua Achebe is one of the writers that I find very interesting, also Wole Soyinka. Unfortunately because I have been in the United States for a long time I have been reading a lot

Lateef Olopoenia Professor of Medicine

How much do you spend on books annually?

I don’t mind spending close to about $10,000 on all kinds of books including medical ones. I like books more than even clothing because the information that I get from books transform me and make me to become a better person.

of these western and American books. I hope to read more of the local writers.

Is there any character in the books you have read that you relate to?

Not a particular person but the books generally inspire me a lot and mould me into a much better person life. In life we have to get experiences from other people I don’t have to make mistakes to learn I can learn from other peoples’ mistakes and sometimes you get this in these fictional books.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

25

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Songs in Nigeria merely celebrating rhythm

–Man of Peace

The situation of the country has made many talented Nigerian youths to create messages surrounding unity, peace and security through music, drama, paintings and other platforms. Fast-rising Nigerian gospel artiste, Michael Ola’ Phemmy, christened ‘Man Of Peace’ (MOP) has just released a single titled ‘National Tears’, in this regard.

professionally like a joke in

e is one of the few upcoming Nigerian music artistes who believe that words are more powerful than sounds. He is Michael Ola’ Phemmy popularly called Man of Peace (MOP). This creative young man who hails from Ondo State of Nigeria and studied Statistics at the Abia State Polytechnic is multi-talented in the creative industry with skills in genres like singing, creative writing, acting, cinematography and directing. He is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

MOP with his vast potential has decided to leave the secular and focus on touching lives through gospel music.

On his sojourn so far in exploring his potential in music, he emphasised that his inspiration has always been from God, reality and nature. According to him, “I started from the choir as an instrumentalist, but I started music professionally like a joke in 2008. I was editing a music video in a studio in Port Harcourt and I overheard a nice tune sounding from the audio studio, so I walked in, ‘freestyled’ on the beat that the producer was making, everyone became excited, and got grooving. That was how I ended up using the beat for my first single titled Big Things’. ‘Big Things’ became a hit which took me to several gospel events, where I performed as guest artiste.

After a while, I decided not to attend any

was editing a music video in a studio

Port Harcourt and I overheard

in

a nice tune from

the audio studio,

I walked in, and ‘freestyled’ on the beat and everyone got grooving programme with the song again because I wanted to trend like the secular artistes.

Then I did a song in 2011 (unreleased). During the recording, the producer looked at me and said ‘no matter how you try to mingle, you are still a prophet’. I smiled and waved it off. It was that period that I did a remix of the P’Square song, ‘Chop my Money’ ,which became a hit song.”

Unlike the conventional styles of music, MOP has created a special genre which he called ‘Centmigos’. He coined it from the words, ‘Centralised Motivational and Inspirational Gospel’. The genre comprises motivational, inspirational and songs that are meant to effect a positive change in the society. “Before now, people believed that for a song to be gospel, you have to mention Jesus or God. But you can actually preach the gospel of Christ without mentioning Jesus or God, because “Gospel” means Good News” he emphasised.

When asked why he decided to leave the secular genre for gospel, he said, “I obeyed a divine instruction. It is almost a year after I did ‘Chop my money’ that God told me to go into ministry and evangelise through music”.

MIDWEEK JUMP

MEGA 2014 extends submission

All gospel musicians, producers, movie-makers, label owners and marketers wishing to submit their works for the MEGA 2014 still have the chance to do so, as the deadline for submission of entries initially slated for Friday, May 30, 2014 has now been extended by two weeks.

The organisers have resolved to extend the deadline to accommodate more entries in the nation’s most prestigious gospel award. Works done between May 1, 2013 and April 30, 2014 are eligible for the contest Additional information on the event can be

2008. I

so

Olayiwola Awakan

H

I started music

Femi Akintunde Johnson

found at www.megaawards. org or send ‘Request’ to: megawards2013@gmail.com.

Man of peace

In assessing the Nigeria music industry, he concluded that the industry has been celebrating rhythm ahead of real message. “The music industry in Nigeria is a mere celebration of rhythms and sounds, corrupting and misleading young minds.

They need Christ” he lamented.

‘National Tears’, is his new single which has been released online and it is receiving great attention and downloads. The song addresses issues pertaining to national unity and peace. It is done in a reggae style with mature rendition. According to him, “’National Tears’ was like a prophecy. I wrote the song in 2011. It was as if I saw the future. The Idea behind it is the present rigour which Nigeria is battling with now.

The message in it is based on the fact that we can only excel as a nation if and only if in unity we face our problems; over-looking our individual, tribal, ethnic, political, personal interests and differences. One of

Plein Air holds to commemorate World Environment Day

A 3-day Plein air tour of the Lagos Island in commemoration of the 2014 World Environment Day (WED) will hold from Thursday June 5th to Saturday June 7th, 2014 by 9am. Participants will assemble at Tinubu Square every day. The theme of this year’s edition is ‘Think. Eat. Save’ to emphasise the effects of man’s culture of waste on the environment.

An exhibition of selected works from the 3-day exercise will show at the Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos by 6pm on Saturday June 7th.

my lines in the song says ‘Shun tribalism, political games and face reality’. If we trace it down the history lane, you will discover that we all are brothers and sisters” The song was produced by Moneezy. It appealed to a DJ in UK and the song is now on Channel Radio in UK. In clear terms, he outlined his role models ranging from Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, My Mother, Pst. Donnie Mcclurkin, Don moen and Pst E.A Adeboye.

On releasing an album, Man of Peace is planning a launch later this year. “Album is a capital-intensive project, I’m working towards releasing my debut album this year. Without sponsorship, it is really not easy as I foot the whole bills myself. But seriously, I’m working on it” If MOP is not seen in the studio singing, he is either acting, shooting or editing music videos, blogging, or doing caller tunes for artistes and corporate organisations.

Taruwa Festival of Performing Arts comes to Terra Taruwa introduces a festival, Taruwa Festival of Performing Arts in Nigeria. The festival which is designed to be a 3-day cocktail of rich events, is an annual event kicking off on Thursday, June 6 and ending on Saturday, June 8, 2013, to paint Lagos all shades of art through music, poetry, theatre, dance, fashion and screening of short films, all holding at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The adaptation of Bobo Omotayo’s bestselling book, ‘London Life Lagos Living’ will be featured live on stage. There will also be a musical performance and the onewoman play, ‘Chronicles of a Heroine’ on the first day. A Children’s

Terra

show, screening of short films and Open Mic Theatre will hold on the second day.

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Arts Lounge

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

FAR AND NEAR

Anambra: Actors seek film village Charles Okeke and Chris Njoku

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he Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra State chapter has cried out to Governor Willie Obiano’s administration to expedite action toward the construction of a film village in Awka.

The AGN said that building a film village in Awka will serve as a tourist attraction and rallying point for entertainers, as well boost the revenue generation of the state.

The State Chairman of AGN, Samson Obidinma made the appeal during the 2014 ‘AGN Democracy Charity Carnival’ with theme’Sustaining Democracy Through Entertainment’, held in Awka.

He stated that the Guild chose the theme taking into cognizance the unquantifiable role of Nollywood in producing movies that will positively affect attitu-

dinal changes for an egalitarian society.

Obidinma, noted that AGN as a democratic entity has no doubt contributed immensely to the growth and sustainability of the nation’s democracy.

Also speaking during the event the State Secretary, Eddiking Ifeanyi Mbachu, implored the state government, donor agencies, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to assist AGN Anambra by donating funds for movie production and partnering the Guild in her activities so as to meaningfully engage the youths.

In their separate speeches, the Director of Guild Services and Chairman, Planning Committee, Chidozie Obi and the Public Relations Officer, Roy Ekwunife explained that AGN was born as a platform upon which the acting industry in Nigeria would be regulated. They also enjoined all Nigerians to pray for the quick release of over 200 abducted

Duke at Nigeria @ 100 event

Nigerian community celebrates Nigeria@100 in UK Tayo Adelaja

1

00 years of Nigerian art, literature and design was celebrated in London recently, as Bonhams, British Council and the UK culture community hosted the Honourable Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Chief Edem Duke and the Chairman of the Heritage Council and Endowment for the Arts of Nigeria, Igho Sanomi.

The celebration which held between 20 and 22 May, 2014 featured a series of high

profile events at which the Nigerian and British communities came together to explore the past and consider the future of Nigerian culture.

Nigeria’s Minister for Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Edem Duke, representatives of the UK government, the British Council and the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida attended the events, along with many other government officials, cultural and business personalities.

Edem Duke spoke on the power and impact of a nation’s culture and its place

Chibok school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram over a month ago in their dormitories.

Meanwhile in neighbouring Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria Imo State Chapter to resolve their differences. Okorocha who made the call when the association paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri, said that the association needs credible leaders to move forward.

The governor urged the members to embrace peace because when there is peace and harmony the association will be able to compete with the national standard as well as to showcase their God-given potentials. He expressed the determination of his administration to partner with the association as well as provide the necessary logistics they need to showcase their talents. He stressed the need for them to take the advantage of

in the world: “Nigerian art and culture has proven to be our commonwealth. It defines the endurance of our harmony as a people. It strengthens the resilience of our creativity and provides the bedrock of the definition of whom and what we are. It is the greatest collateral upon which we must build the future of our great nation and rekindle the faith of our people” The three day programme began with a tour of the Tate Modern gallery on London’s South Bank, with particular focus on the Meschac Gaba Museum of Contemporary African Art exhibition.

London auction house Bonhams, in association with Afren, hosted a dinner in anticipation of the following day’s ‘Africa Now’ auction. The auction was a celebration of art from across the African continent and dinner guests were treated to private viewings of works including Ben Enwonwu’s 1976 masterpiece ‘Princes of Mali’ and Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo’s 1972 painting ‘The Flight’. The painting was inspired by the artist witnessing a family escaping Nigeria’s Civil War, and observing the similarities with the account of the flight of Jesus’ family into Egypt.

The ‘Africa Now’ auction resulted in sales of the work of Nigerian and Ghanaian artists totalling in excess of £1million and saw new world record prices for ten different African artists.

Amongst the record breakers were Grillo’s ‘The Flight’, fetching £62,500, and the iconic ‘Woman with Gele’ which immediately broke ‘The Flight’s record, fetching £80,500 against a presale estimate of £30,000 to £50,000. Both were described by

Obiano

the Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPS) to acquire more skills that will help them in their profession.

Giles Pepiatt, director of contemporary African Art at Bonhams, as “undoubtedly the finest examples of the artist’s work to appear in the open market in the past decade.”

Ben Enwonwu’s, ‘Princes of Mali’ achieved the day’s highest price at £92,500.

Other artist auction records included a graceful sculpture by Bunmi Babatunde (£31,250), a 3D triptych by Peju Alatise (£17,500), a market scene by Ablade Glover (£15,000), a chair made of decommissioned weapons by Goncalo Mabunda (£10,000), a coffin in the form of a Porsche by Paa Joe (£6,500) and paintings by Amon Kotei (£9,375), Aboudia (£9,375) and Uzo Egonu (£9,375).

Commenting on the event, Hannah O’Leary, head of contemporary African Art said, “Since our inaugural Africa Now auction just five years ago, this market has gone from strength to strength. While artists from at least fifteen African countries were represented, the top prices were reserved for the best pieces by the Nigerian Masters, which seems appropriate for a country celebrating their centenary and that recently became Africa’s largest economy”.

Nigeria Now: Innovation and Imagination, brought some of Nigeria’s greatest contemporary writers to London’s October Gallery for an exploration of the country’s creative future. Notable attendees included Helon Habila, Nkem Ifejika, Chibundu Onuzo, Ike Anya, Ike Echeruo, Abidemi Sanusi, Feye Fawehinmi and Zainab Usman.

Getting set for Fuji t’o Bam grand finale

A

s preparations heighten for Fuji T’o Bam, fuji masters, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1) and Saheed Osupa (Saridon P) are billed to perform at the grand finale taking place in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State on June 30, 2014.

The two fuji stars will be performing alongside Ibadan-based fuji musician, Taye Adebisi (Taiye Currency) and other up and coming fuji artistes would thrill fans at the Trans Amusement Park, which is the venue of the event.

Meanwhile, Osupa alongside the winner of last year’s Fuji T’o Bam contest,

Nurudeen Atanda ‘Antenna’, were on ground to delight thousands of guests who thronged the Solton Hotel, Akure, venue of the Goldberg Fuji To’ Bam semi-finals which produced the six finalists.

The finalists are; Akeem Okiki, Temitope Ajani, Twinzobia, Ejire Performer, Olajide Akanni aka Banana and Muhideen Adisa. The winners stand the chance of going home with up to N1.5m cash and other exciting prizes at the grand finale.

Gift items ranging from Blackberry smartphones, home theatres, television sets were also given out in a raffle draw

during the semi-finals held at Solton Hotel in Akure, Ondo State.

Marketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth had during the course of the auditions, expressed great satisfaction over the huge turn-out of fuji lovers and artistes. While explaining the rationale behind Goldberg’s Fuji T’o Bam initiative, he said, “Fuji music enjoys huge followership across Nigeria which has led the brand to provide the Fuji T’o Bam competition as one of the platforms to further engage and connect with our consumers.”

K1

Osupa

Business Wednesday, June 4, 2014

‘Robust data infrastructure critical to socio-economic growth’ 28

Stakeholders identify construction cost, as impediment to real estate devt

31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

$49.8bn unremited oil proceeds saga: Stakeholders await forensic audit report

FG wasted N1.6trn on privatised entities –BPE boss TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises ,BPE, Mr Benjamin Dikki, has disclosed that the Federal Government had invested N1.6trn over the years to create 600 public enterprises in all sectors of the economy before the privatization programme commenced.

Regrettably, Dikki said there were no corresponding returns on the investments to the Nigerian economy as the enterprises remained drain pipes.

Giving the hint during the presentation of his paper titled ‘The Nigerian Reforms & Privatisation Policy, Processes, Gains, Challenges and Prospects” at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, International Golf and Country Club, in Abuja, the BPE’s helmsman said only 500,000 jobs were created in the enterprises which had over 5,000 board seats.

He explained that a substantial part of the then non-performing debts owed to the London and Paris Clubs were mostly loans to the enterprises which also owed salaries and left huge pension liabilities amounting to over N2 trillion which was inherited as liability by the Federal Government.

He added that the public enterprises consumed over $3bn, about N480bn, annually in subventions and subsidies just as tax deduc-

tions at source were not remitted to the tax authorities and no dividends were received or reasonable service provided by them despite their monopoly status.

The BPE boss noted that the twin policies of government direct investment in the Nigerian economy and an attempt to indigenize the economy did not produce the desired economic results as these enterprises could hardly break-even and became a huge burden on the government budget.

“Nigeria’s economy experienced declining growth, increasing unemployment, galloping in-

flation, high incidence of poverty, worsening balance of payments, debilitating debt burden and increasing unsustainable fiscal deficits”, Dikki said.

He pointed out that it was due to the disenchantment with the poor performance of the PEs from 1969 to 1984, that necessitated the commissioning of several studies by the government whose findings revealed that the PEs were inefficient, corrupt, misuse monopoly powers, depend heavily on treasury, have defective capital structure and suffer incessant political interference.

He said the setting up of the

Technical Committee on Commercialization and Privatisation, TCPC, in 1988 which later metamorphosed into the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, was to free government from businesses and to bring in private hands.

The Director General of the Bureau listed the gains of privatization as the utilization of proceeds for other socio-economic objectives, non-allocation from the treasury to privatized enterprises, payment of corporate tax and heavy investments by the new owners that grew the Companies and the economy.

T

he global airline alliance SkyTeam, has projected an increase of 18 per cent in membership cooperation for the year 2014.

SkyTeam said the increase is the result of more codeshares and bilateral agreements among its member airlines, benefiting global customers by offering more destinations and travel options.

An online statement signed by its Managing Director, Mi-

33

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (MonFri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (MonFri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) BeninAbj:09.55,13.30

Aero Contractors 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

L-R: Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Mrs.Arunma Oteh; President, South-East/South-South Professionals of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc. Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo at the just concluded African Development Bank (AfDB) meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, recently.

Aviation: Skyteam projects 18% growth in 2014 OLUSEGUN KOIKI

27

chael Wisbrun stated that in 2014, the alliance that more than 26 million customers would be interlining passengers between member airlines thanks to increased collaboration.

Wisbrun stated that this increase in network extension within SkyTeam demonstrated that its strategy was working, stressing that it would continue to focus on making greater use of its global network by encouraging further cooperation within the alliance, while developing network-wide customer initiatives to deliver seamless travel.

Sky Team’s role as an alliance is to add value to members’ businesses while improving the travel experience for its 580 million annual passengers. Current SkyTeam customer-focused initiatives include, which include SkyTransfer.

In 2014, he said the SkyTransfer would connect an approximately 26 million passengers across member airlines with 6.5 million transferring at SkyTeam hubs.

This initiative he said creates efficiency and seamlessness during the transfer process for

passengers and their baggage.

In SkyPriority, a global standard offered by all members, he added are now available at over 850 locations. SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers now benefit from branded SkyPriority services throughout 92 per cent of the alliance’s global network.

This year SkyTeam would add further benefits for customers, including: more priority immigration and security lanes, dedicated call centres and SkyPriority baggage desks.

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. AbujaYola: 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, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Robust data infrastructure critic Dr. Anthony Uwa is the Managing Director of Dermo Impex Nig. Ltd., the solution providers to the Federal Government on the Basic Registry and Information System (BRISIN) project. In this interview with Asst Editor, TOLA AKINMUTIMI, the integrated data and information infrastructure development expert says the project is crucial to tackling Nigeria’s multifaceted development challenges.

Nigerians know next to nothing about the Basic Registry and Information System (BRISIN) project. Could you say a little about it for the benefit of the public?

The Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria is the first national integrated data and information infrastructure, intended to provide a solid foundation for planning and socio-economic growth in Nigeria. It is an innovative and all encompassing approach to developing the nation. The system provides, in a holistic way, the answer to fight corruption and insecurity; it is the surest path to promote good governance and nurture true democratic process. In short, BRISIN is the cure Nigeria needs for all its ailments.

Can you be more specific on the areas where BRISIN could make impact in Nigeria’s quest for development?

The mistakes and failures of the past with regard to misunderstanding, under-estimation, mis-application and under-utilization of data and information as a tool for national development has reduced the government power of handling issues such as correct and adequate economic planning, effective fiscal and revenue management policies, vital instrument for fighting all insurgencies, productive and industrial development.

They have also weakened successive governments’ capacity to create jobs at local level and the provision of social welfare services. BRISIN is the base foundation for the activation of major PPP projects that create large employments and job opportunities. A pilot scheme for the project will begin at the FCT, Abuja. The reason for the pilot is to enable the government understand and appreciate its potentials and socio-economic values, especially in the following sectors: security and terrorism fighting, revenue collection and management, economic activity monitoring and management, health and

education management, social services and welfare management, rural development and information management, ICT development, labour and employment creation, agricultural development and management. BRISIN provides the clues to efficiency in environment management, trade and industry development, immigration, population and election management. Because it is all-embracing, it is a catalyst for job-creation by promoting economic activities and investments in all sectors. It provides accurate data and information required by foreign and local investors. Because BRISIN is an infrastructure for information generation, it will immediately provide demographic data required for issuance of personal identity card, travel passport, elections and voting certificates, among others. It will generate reliable economic data useful for economic planning, fiscal and revenue development and management, job creation and employments. It will also assist in producing social data necessary for social justices, welfare, pensions, etc. When BRISIN becomes activated country-wide, government will effectively monitor internal criminal acts, document and identify all acts of terrorism. The benefits of this project are not limited. It will enhance the capacity of all tiers of government to control, monitor and transmit immigration/emigration and security information from the grass root, control and monitor demographic data and information of local population, monitor, control and transmit the economy of the rural area, give clear picture of investment opportunities and local raw materials, permit inventive youths to express themselves directly from their rural areas, protect the rights of the citizen without any distinction, promote social equality and economic development of women and create the solidarity to overcome economic imbalances with special caution for situations of marginalization, inconvenience and disability.

What would you say informed your venturing into this kind of innovative integrated data and information infrastructure management project?

Yes, you know over the years the Nigerian government has been scrambling, battling to have a correct data and information system, mostly to have a harmonised system. You find out now that we have scattered data agencies with each haggling it from the other and it became difficult for us to use the data to solve national problems because they are not individual things. They are meant for the citizens and they are meant for this country’s development. If you must gather this data and hide it from the others, you are making it difficult and it means you are only using it for a personal purpose, collecting money just for your own interest.

Are you saying that in this situation where we have the Police, the FRSC, the NIMC capturing data of Nigerians separately could have been better harmon-

Uwa

ised and managed through the BRISIN project?

You see, you dare not build a house in the air or in an empty foundation. All these data are gathered without foundation because they don’t have roots. You need to build a platform for all of them to operate better. You find that many of them cannot achieve their aims because they are working on just speculation and this is the issue. Until they have a foundation where all of them can lay their data at a fixed point, it is then they will start operating better and each action they take is traceable to the foundation and since it is a foundation, it will not create any difficulty in getting what they want right. So, this is the issue.

A few months ago, the Federal Government empowered the NIMC to issue national identity cards for all Nigerians, and the commission is doing that right now. How do you react to this in view of what may be described as still the ‘missing link’ in the national data infrastructure

BRISIN provides the

environment manageme

development, immigra

election management.

Be It is a catalyst for job-

economic activities and in bedrock?

We have discussed it severally but you see there is nowhere in the world where a national identity card becomes an integrated national information system. The identity card the NIMC and other are doing only talks about one little part of the integrated system. Are they talking about the economy? No. Are they talking about fiscal revenue? No. Are they talking of social services to citizens? No. Are they talking of health, or of education?

No. You dare not work that way. For everybody to work and get it right, including

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

29

ical to socio-economic growth’ Now, the objective of BRISIN is not to flood this country with

foreigners, and that is why we decided to build

BRISIN phase -by-phase so that as we go, we train Nigerians, orientate them, give them capacity to run the system

BRISIN, in actual fact, is a because

national objective

the Statistician General that headed that delegation. And it was after that the Nigerian government decided to implement BRISIN.

clues to efficiency in

ent, trade and industry

ation, population and

ecause it is all-embracing.

-creation by promoting

nvestments in all sectors the NIMC, there must be a strong information management foundation. If you ask the NIMC who are you giving your ID cards they will not be able to tell you because they just meet people, they get declaration and give them ID cards. How many Nigerians or non-Nigerians have gotten this document? Many and when they go out there, commit offence and do anything they like, they trace them to Nigeria because they have Nigerian document that you cannot verify. So, the issue of verification becomes imperative that for NIMC to work better, they must have

BRISIN as their base and this applies to other agencies and since we are going to do a harmonisation, so everyone of them will understand that we have this data and we can trace whosoever we give it to.

Given the strategic importance of this project to national development, what is your company doing to collaborate with the statutory data agencies like the NBS to actualise its objectives?

Well, National Bureau of Statistics is the executor of the BRISIN nationally.

They are the one given the mandate as the executing agency. In fact, BRISIN started with the NBS being part of us in collaboration with them and then have the mandate to run or host data and they realised that they are not getting it right.

That is why they insisted on BRISIN. If you look at the history of the BRISIN, records of BRISIN, you will always see NBS. In fact, the Federal Government sent a delegation to go and look at BRISIN in Italy, to see what it has been doing to other developed countries, it was

What would you say is delaying the take-off of this project, which the contract had been awarded to your company since 2007, and whose pilot is expected to have been flagged off in the FCT ever since? Or can we say that the project is ‘Dead on Arrival’ as has been the case of several other innovative projects that Nigeria failed to implement?

We at Dermo Impex as a company don’t have a direct deal with the FCT. We have deal with the Federal Government represented by the National Planning Commission. They are the coordinators of the project. So, if there is question about delayed project, it should be referred to National Planning because FCT has been playing their part. They have budgeted from the first day the contract was signed and on that day all the development partners, the World Bank, were there, FCT was there and it was agreed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) that FCT should host the pilot and FCT has been budgeting, doing their part.

Now, let me respond to the second part of your question which is whether the project has failed in Nigeria. Really, we have not failed but we have prevaricated and wasted much time. It is never too late. I recall that the FEC sometime in 2007, ratified and gave a final approval choosing FCT for the pilot project. A contract was signed between Federal Republic of Nigeria represented by National Planning Commission and Dermo Impex of Italy together with Dermo Impex Nig. Ltd. In 2010, President Jonathan approved the extension of the pilot phase to one state in each geo-political zone. The delay in

executing the project can be explained by officials at the National Planning Commission. But today, as I am talking to you, the Commission has come back to say listen, we are ready to move this project forward and we are ready. So, both National Planning, NBS, FCT are ready to move this project forward and the Federal Government has always believed in this project because without this project, we don’t have alternative economy and we can’t move this country forward.

Hopefully, we are now ready to move with the revival of the Steering Committee.

We now have assurances that the project will move fast.

You speak so passionately about this project but, if I may ask you, given the enormity of the work involved, do you think your company has the technical capacity to deliver on this assignment in terms of personnel?

You know, BRISIN was not proposed by Dermo Impex as a single company. It was proposed as a joint activity of about six or seven organisations with large capacity. Now, the objective of BRISIN is not to flood this country with foreigners and that is why we decided to build BRISIN phase by phase so that as we go, we train Nigerians, orientate them, give them capacity to run the system because BRISIN, in actual fact, is a national objective. It has broad social impact. So, you must carry the citizens along. Our objective in spite of number of staff, foreign professionals and others is not to carry the whole foreign professionals into Nigeria but empower Nigerians to run the project. What we believe we are going to do is to support them technically, show them how to run it and they will run it. That is why I said all these agencies, NIMC and others are still going to play their roles, do their works and do it better. They are going to involve more staff because they are going to run from the ward level, local governments and states to the federal level.

Finally, do you think, with the rate of competing demands for funds at all levels of governance, the government can provide enough funds for this project?

This project should be seen as the heart of the alternative economy, as it gives clear picture on what is really on ground and solution for improvement. Nigerians will know their actual value through appropriate measurement of the Gross Domestic Product. Considering the importance of BRISIN, its funding cannot be left to the Federal Government alone.

In other words, all sources of funding at Federal, State and Local Governments through direct funding from the Excess Crude Account should be explored. It is also desirable to consider funding from SURE-P, PTDF and MDG accounts. I say so because BRISIN is the foundation for them to function well. I am also confident that the development partners and donor agencies and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) will be willing to support the realization of the project.

30

Business News

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, yesterday said the administration of Value Added Tax, VAT, in financial services remained technically difficult, hence most countries are not optimising their revenue potential from the revenue source.

Disclosing this at a seminar on VAT in Financial Service Sector, organised by the African Tax Administration Forum, ATAF, in Abuja, the FIRS’ boss however said global efforts were being made to ensure that the technicalities are streamlined in order to ensure that VAT losses in the financial services sector are

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VAT administration difficult in financial services sector –FIRS boss avoided.

Mashi, who was represented

by Mr Osy Chuke, Coordinating Director, Modernisation Group, FIRS, said that tax treatment of financial services was the most debated both in economic theory and in applied tax policy, adding that the reason for the debate was occasioned by the characteristics of financial services which tend to allow the object of a financial transaction to undergo rapid changes over time.

In addition, the seasoned Tax Administrator said the debate

was also informed by the strategic role that financial instruments play in facilitating the process of value delivery by counter parties in daily transactions.

He however noted that the financial sector in most African countries was expanding rapidly and undergoing significant reforms with attendant positive implications for service delivery and bringing on new financial products, services and intermediation architecture.

Mashi also expressed the hope that the seminar would discuss

and share country experiences as well as making mutually helpful recommendations on the application of VAT in financial services in Africa, while also identifying lending, deposit-taking, electronic banking, agency services, advisory and consultancy services, trading in shares, bonds and foreign exchange as areas of concern of ATAF.

WAFMAX berthing took us 18 months, says Sifax Group FRANCIS EZEM

P

L-R: Airtel Nigeria’s Head of CDS, West, Titilope Olusanya; Zonal Business Manager, West , Ekundayo Fatoki; Regional Operations Director, West, Segun Macaulay; Head of Retail Franchise, Tolulope Tope-Awofeko; wife of the Kwara State Governor, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed and Chairman, Committee on Works and Energy, Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Moshood Bakare, at the commissioning of the new Airtel Showroom in Ilorin recently.

Expert calls for minimum of seven aircraft for airline operators OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he National Assembly through its Senate Committee on Aviation has been advised to initiate a regulatory consolidation process for Nigerian airlines, which will see minimum aircraft in their fleet raised from two to seven.

This is as the Federal Government has been blamed for the weak regulations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in recent time.

The Director, Research, Zenith Travels Limited, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos on Monday said that raising the bar for local airlines would further increase safe operations in the system while airlines without capable financial muscle would close shop.

Ohunayo described as appalling, the issuance of Air Operators’ Certificate, AOC, to three airlines recently by the NCAA with just two aircraft in their fleet.

He noted that without in-

creased fleet for indigenous airlines, foreign carriers would continue to dominate the sub-sector in Nigeria through flights to several airports.

Ohunayo further emphasised that NCAA’ helmsmen ought to be selected through advertisements in the media, which would enable capable and able professionals in the sector to vye for the position, rather than the current appointment by the Government.

He stated that consistent selection of the position of the Director-General by the Government has contributed in no small measure to the weaken regulatory power of the agency while its autonomous power has consistently been on papers.

“The recent excitement over the granting of AOCs to three airlines, which practically limped to make the minimum regulation of two aircraft is simply appalling. Foreign airlines are all over our airspace enjoying our political cabotage, while bypassing our weak carriers due to their size, financial prowess and processes.

“Since the executive and legis-

lature have foisted the leadership of NCAA on us over the years despite our advice to allow our best legs compete through advertisement, rather than through nomination, which has weakened the regulatory and autonomous prowess of the NCAA. We implore the Committee to immediately initiate a regulatory consolidation process for our airlines, by raising the bar to a minimum of seven aircraft.”

He also urged the committee headed by Senator Hope Uzodinma to advise the Government against the planned merger of three aviation agencies, adding that the Federal Airports Authority, FAAN, too needed to be protected from government interference.

The agencies pencilled down for merger are the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, and NCAA. He added it was pertinent for the committee to look into manpower distribution, which he alleged was improperly skewed and bleeding the agencies dry.

In his opening remarks at the Forum which had delegates from over 30 African countries in attendance, the Director, Institutional Development, ATAF, Contributing, Mr. Kennedy Onyonyi, said that VAT was a very important aspect of tax and assured that the Forum would give it due attention owing to its revenue generating potentials for countries globally.

orts and Cargo Terminal Handling Services Limited, concessionaire in charge of the Terminal C of the Tin Can Island Ports Complex and subsidiary the Sifax Group, says it took the company over 18 months to prepare for the berthing of West African Maximum WAFMAX, a large container carrier at its terminal.

The company had made history at the weekend, when it berthed another WAFMAX category, a jumbo container carrier of 4,500 Twenty Equivalent Units TEUs capacity and 260-metre long, owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company MSC, also known to be the longest and the biggest to have berthed at the nation’s seaports.

The vessel had berthed in Port Harcourt Port, more than one year after APM Terminals Apapa Limited, berthed the first of this large container carrier Maersk Calabar, owned by Maersk in La-

gos.

General Manager in charge of operations of the company, Mr. Mustapha Mohammed, who led other top management officials of the group to receive the vessel, also christened Hansa Mare Reederel, told news men that it took the company over one year and six months to convince the Nigerian ports Authority NPA, and MSC, the owners of the vessel that it could handle the vessel, given her size and technicalities involved..

“It took the company the as much as 18 months to realise the dream of berthing the vessel, which include negotiations with NPA, the technical regulators and MSC, the owners of the vessel, to get the approval to berth her”, he said He also said: ‘’Today is a great day, a dream come true. Everybody doubted that this could happen, that a 260-metre vessel cannot come here and so what people expected was a maximum of 250 metre- long but here we are, the vessel is here berthed”.

Insurance expert advises Nigerians on importance of wills

A

n insurance expert, Mr Yomi Aderibigbe, on Monday urged Nigerians to drop superstition and negative thoughts usually associated with preparing a will.

Aderibigbe told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Osogbo that ‘‘rather, the will is one of the ways to enhance living and to prepare for eventuality’’.

He also described as illogical and false the notion that Will is for people about to die.

The insurance expert said operational business data showed that Nigerians had yet to fully appreciate and understand the importance of preparing for the future.

According to him, the moment you introduce life assurance

policy and the need to prepare a will, many think you are wishing them early death.

“Life assurance policies and the preparation of wills are world best practice for those who wish to live qualitatively and prepare for their immediate family.

“You can write a will anytime as soon as you have family. Age is no barrier or how rich you are.

“It is about preparing adequately for your loved ones. It is only minors and mentally unstable people that cannot write a will.

“Every member of the family should respect what is written in a will as same with the last wish of the owner, which of course is backed by the law,” Aderibigbe said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S

takeholders in the built environment have identified high construction cost, risk management as some of the problems facing the growth of the sector.

Speaking at Africonomie Forum 2014 tagged, “New Direction and Strategies in Real Estate Investing Trends and Market outlook”, the stakeholders led by the CEO of 3Invest Ltd, Ms Ruth Obih, highlighted the trends and issues in the housing, finance and retail and commercial space in real estate.

The panelist that includes Senior Associate, Detail Com-

Business News

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Stakeholders identify construction cost, as impediment to real estate devt mercial Solicitors, Tosin Ajose, Real Estate Finance (West Africa) Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Tola Akinyomi, Portfolio Executive, Broll Property Service, Mr. Yinka Omotosho and Mr. Femi Oyinson also believed that real estate has continued to create sustainable growth and applauds the increasing interest in the retail and commercial office from local and in-

ternational investors.

Also highlighting the challenge of finance in the built sector, they urged for the REITs to be made more effective and viable, considering its low engagement in the past years.

An overview from the panel discourse sees the need of pension funds being invested in long term viable projects and initiatives that

SON prescribes cement types for builders

T

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has called on stakeholders in the building industry to use type 32.5 cement for plastering only while type 42.5 be applied for concrete making.

Director-General of SON, Mr Joseph Odumodu, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Monday in Abuja.

Odumodu further said that those involved in bridges and road construction should be restricted to applying only stronger types from 52.5 and above.

“That is the regulation now and nothing would change it.

“Everything in the press as to whether there are substandard cement or not is all about people wanting to make more money.

“As far as I am concerned, that is not my business, my business is safety and performance,’’ he said.

31

Odumodu said SON would not relent in its function of monitoring and educating the public on the danger of misapplying cement.

“The truth is that there are no substandard cement in the country, what we sure have are nonprofessionals in the building and construction industry.

“Nigeria has over 90 per cent of its construction handled by non-professionals, people who did not go to school to learn the art.

“But if you even insist that engineers build every house in Nigeria, we would not build more than 10 per cent of the houses because we do not have the capacity.

“So what happens to the remaining 90 per cent of the houses? SON feels obliged now to use prescriptive approach by promoting the above types of cement,’’ he said.

On the need to strengthen the organisation for effective monitoring, Odumodu said the ongoing amendment of the law that established SON was made to take care of the current limitations.

He said: “SON today has its own limitations, if you violate any portions of the Act as at now, the highest punishment is N50,000.

“So imagine a businessman who is prepared to import substandard goods worth two billion naira, he could just set aside N50,000 for his punishment.

“To me, that looks like an incentive than a punishment required to serve as deterrent.’’

However, Odumodu said that the amendment of the Act had bestowed the Organisation ``with sharp edged sword’’ to deal with the rampaging promotion of substandard products in the country.

L-R: Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher; Customer, Mr. Soni Irabor; Mr. Obi Somto; Mr. Mai Atafo, and Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Oluwole Rawa, at the unveiling of Etisalat Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Testimonial Campaign, in Lagos recently.

will transform the infrastructure and business landscape of the nation. They believe that the pension and sovereign markets needs vibrant products that will make it competitive and innovative.

In the need to revitalize the mortgage industry through the newly incorporated Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC), Mr. Sonnie Ayere, the interim Managing Director of NMRC and Director, Dunn Loren and Merrifield was also on hand to engage members of the forum in a questions and answers.

He described NMRC as a liquidity facility to the mortgage bank focused on wealth creation

and providing security to guarantors through the imminent projects the company is set to embark on.

Addressing the issue of land ownership and titling, Ayere disclosed that NMRC is engaging the services of reputable law firms to modify regulations for the foreclosure and restructuring of the process, pointing out that the NMRC will not finance any property that does not have titling.

However, Ayere noted that NMRC will not take the credit risk of any individual. “NMRC will not take the credit risk of any individual as we deal with the banks.”

Farmers react to FG’s decision to stop tractor importation

S

ome farmers have reacted to Federal Government’s decision to stop the importation of tractors into the country following the discovery that the imports were substandard.

Mr. Bada Wade, a maize farmer in Ikorodu, Lagos State, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that the action would help sanitise the system and ensure that farmers got their money’s worth in their quest to support food security in the country.

“Although it would not be easy on the part of farmers but the gains are numerous in the long run. This is another way of government ensuring that farmers are not shortchanged in their dealings.

“It is a process to encourage commercialisation because we are looking at the commercialization of agriculture,” he said.

Also commenting Mrs. Igharo Edoba, the Manager at Paragon Farms Ltd, a palm fruit farm in Edo,noted that the lack of access to good tractors was hindering production.

Edoba told NAN that because of bad farm access roads in the area, transportation posed a threat to the commercialisation.

“I want to call on government to look into the area of providing

tractors because that way, it will be easy to work on the farm.

“We know that it is a good thing for them to stop importation because of the issue of standard, but we should also consider the production of food.

“If farmers become handicapped, then there will be problems in agricultural development since we are looking at strengthening the sector to take over from oil,” he said.

NAN reports that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, had at a recent forum in Abuja said that the stoppage of tractor importation was because the equipment currently being imported were substandard.

“Before now, people were bringing refurbished tractors and selling it as new tractors. At that time, farmers could only get tractors which cables were already eaten by rats.

“And they still have to pay for them. Such tractors can only be used for just a season or only three months and then they break down.

“So, it was part of the problems and we decided that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture will no longer import tractors for anybody,” the Minister said.

IFMA celebrates world facility management day with students BABALOLA YUSUF

T

he international facility Management Association, IFMA, Nigerian chapter said part of his activities outlined to mark the World Facility Management Day today

include the clean up, beautification and donations to designated schools.

The international association in a press release made available to National Mirror by its executive secretary, Folasade Airiohuodion, she said the desire of the organisers is to be-

gin to inculcate the FM culture in Nigerian youths so that it becomes part of their lifestyle, thus, awareness programmes are being planned for designated technical schools in Lagos state.

The day, which would be done in collaboration with Lagos

State Government, Office of Facility Management and Maintenance would involve a roundtable for technical school students in Lagos state.

“Ten students from five technical schools across the state will be in attendance World FM Day.”

The roundtable, which is coming up today with the theme: “Connected FM – Connected World: A Focus on Global Knowledge Sharing” is to raise awareness of the aims, objectives and progress of Facility Management in Nigeria and across the globe.

32

Business News

Enactus, Syngenta launch youth agribusiness competition ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

E

nactus Kenya and Syngenta has announced the launch of an Africa Agribusiness Competition that will see youth in Africa generate creative business ideas to improve the agricultural productivity of certain crop value chains.

Through the online platform www.agribiz4africa.com, youth between 18-30 years from Sub Saharan Africa are invited to submit 500 word business ideas essay that will be judged by leading agribusiness academia from East and West Africa. The best 25 contestants will each receive a USD $1,000 grant to test the viability of their idea. The best three among them will then be competitively selected by a recognised panel of agribusiness leaders and invited to attend the

important AGRF Forum on African agriculture to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in early September, where they will have a chance to mingle with some of Africa’s most influential thought leaders and receive due recognition reward for their effort and ideas.

In recognition of the need to position agriculture as an attractive occupation for young people, youth with talent in the creative arts have a special category in which to compete dubbed the “Agriculture Video Messaging Competition.” Through online submission on the same website, entrants are invited to create messages that depict agricultural activities from farm-to-fork as “COOL.” The entries will be judged by leading academia in the communication field from which the top 20 entries will be selected.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brazilian minister urges FG to reduce poverty among women

F

ormer Brazilian Minister of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger, Mr. Patrus Ananias, has urged the Federal Government to focus on programmes that would reduce poverty and hunger among women.

Ananias gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, at the just-concluded African Rising Conference in Maputo, Mozambique.

According to him, the Federal Government can focus on women and Social Safety net programmes for the country.

“Women have all it takes to judiciously manage finances given to them without much monitor-

ing.

“In Brazil, women are the major beneficiary of the cash transfers and 97 to 98 per cent of the money goes to the women.

“I think Nigerian government can copy that in effort to reduce poverty and hunger; the women are most affected and when you give them money they will utilise it effectively,’’ he said.

According to him, the Brazilian experience of conditional cash transfer has been very positive and could be used as a case study in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a large country like Brazil and a lot of people, especially women are very poor.

“Government must focus on

things that will help to reduce poverty and one of them is this Conditional Cash Transfer Programme,’’ he said He said that conditions should be attached to the cash programme to help to fast track results.

“In Brazil, each woman is given money according to various conditions, some are given money to support their children in school, some on health programme that covers vaccination of children and so on,’’ he said.

He added that government needed to draw out plans and also work out what it intended to achieve with the programme before going into it.

Akwa-Ibom constructs over 140 boreholes in 3 years

T

he Akwa Ibom Government on Monday said it had constructed more than 140 bore holes from 2011 till date.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Mr. Steve Akpan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Abuja.

He said that the state had substantial target on goal seven of the MDGs on environmental sustainability.

He said that the construction of the bore holes was part of efforts to ensure that the state attained the MDGs. According to him, ‘‘we have invested so much in water project; it has been one of our major focus in the last 4 years.

“In 2011, we constructed 40 solar bole holes. In 2012, we did over

50 and currently we are working to attain the level of another 50.

“In 2011, we noticed gaps in some places; we had to construct more pipe-borne water to provide for about 11 to 12 villages at a time.

“Today, those villages have water to drink because it is constructed by solar energy. In terms of water, we have done a lot to ensure that our people have portable water.

“The 50 solar power bole holes are currently serving more than 100 communities and the water is one of the best in terms of quality.

“We make sure it circulates to areas where it will allow people leaving around the community to have access to it.

“It was dug deep in order to have good water for the people, so we are providing the best water for our people,’’ he said.

LG disburses loan to 100 women in Kebbi

N

o fewer than 100 women in Arewa Local Government Area in Kebbi have benefited from a soft loan offered by the local council to enhance their businesses.

The council Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Tanko, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Monday in Birnin Kebbi that a total of N1m was disbursed to the women.

“The 100 women received a soft loan of N10, 000 each to enable them boost their trades and achieve economic independence.

“The beneficiaries are ex-

pected to improve their trades especially those who specialise in skills like the operation of local restaurant, beans cake making and groundnut oil extraction,’’ he said.

He said the beneficiaries were from 10 villages, and were expected to repay the loan within a year.

Tanko said the scheme would be extended to more women in due course.

NAN reports that the local council recently trained 120 unemployed youth on various skills like sewing, weaving, leather work, soap making and welding.

Executive Director Personal Banking, Access Bank Plc, Mr Victor Etuokwu and Group Head, Product Development & Business Analytics, Mrs Chinwe Uzoho with children of the bank’s staff during the Children’s Day celebration held at the Access Recreational Centre in Lagos recently.

Maritime expert blames FG’s new import policy for high cost of goods

M

aritime expert, Mr. Chukwuemeka Egwuonu, on Monday blamed the Federal Government’s new import policy for being the major cause of the rising cost of goods in the country.

Egwuonu, made the blame in Calabar while fielding questions with journalists on the current economic situation in the country as part of the celebration of 15 years of unbroken democracy.

He said that in addition to the increase in import charges, the new policy was also creating delays in clearing of goods at the ports.

“The current import policy in the country affects our business in terms of prices. Before, we used about N1.3m to clear a container.

“But now, there is an addition

of over N600,000 which raises it to between N1.8m and N1.9m to clear a container.

“So, what we do is to split the increased charges on the goods and the masses bear the burden,’’ the importer told NAN. “Also, in terms of easy clearing of goods, it is worse now than before because the Nigeria Customs Service has taken over the duties of the agencies that were operating in the ports.

“But may be because there was no smooth transition, the agencies that were handling the process well did not want the customs to know the process.

“So these lapses are causing a lot of delays in the clearing processes.

“We are suffering these lapses because before you know it, your

goods have entered demurrage and in that case there is no bargaining, you must pay it.’’

Egwuonu said that there was the need for government to explore all channels before coming out with policies that would affect the masses.

“My advice to the government is that whenever they want to embark on any major policy decision that affects the masses, there should be a kind of gradual process,’’ he said.

He disclosed that importers were making more money now than before but regretted that this was at the expense of the masses.

“As importers we make more money now because of the process but this boils down to the masses, they are the ones suffering it’’, Egwuonu said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, June 4, 2014

OPEC basket price hits $106.45 per 35 barrel

Indigenous petroleum firms have come of age 36 – Okwuosa

33

FG tasks states, LGs on protection of power infrastructure 37

$49.8bn unremmited oil proceeds saga: Stakeholders await forensic audit report Although the report of the senate joint committees on finance and appropriation, which investigated the alleged $49.8 billion unremitted oil revenue by NNPC has exculpated the corporation of wrong doings, Nigerians may have to await the outcome of the forensic audit before the matter will be laid to a final rest, GEORGE OJI writes.

Oil vessel

W

hen the news of the alleged unremitted $49.9 billion oil revenue first broke out last year, it naturally elicited national and global condemnation and rage. This was not only because of the staggering amount involved, but because of the status of the erst while governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who originated the claim in the first instance.

Reactions to the allegation expectedly, assumed different proportions. While for instance, some Nigerians, including the opposition All Peoples Congress, APC, called for the immediate resignation of President Goodluck Jonathan (Even before there was a probe of the allegation), others called for the head of the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Dezieani Alison-Madueke.

Amongst several other reactions, in the senate, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) rushed a motion to the senate under matters of urgent public importance, condemning the allegation, amongst others as impugning in integrity as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The senate subsequently passed a resolution to investigate the allegations.

The committees did not just stop at investigating the said allegations, but went ahead to proffer some solutions

which, in the committees’ wisdom, would

not just curb such future abuses, but will also engender proper accountability in the running of the nation’s petroleum

business in line with global best practices The senate joint committees on finance and appropriation, which was at that time already investigating the causes of the fallen revenues in the country and the level of the implementation of the 2013 Appropriation Act was given the additional responsibility of probing the Sanusi’s allegations.

The task of the committee was to be expanded later again onFebruary 20, this year, when the senate referred to the probe committee, a motion sponsored by Senator Babajide Omowurare (Osun East) on the urgent need to stop the sum of N700 million, allegedly and illegally spent by the Federal

Government on kerosene subsidy.

Six months after the assignment, the joint committee, which was chaired by the former governor of Kaduna State and a chartered accountant, Senator Ahmed Makarfi last week laid the outcome of its findings before the entire senate. Expectedly, the committees did not just stop at investigating the said allegations, but it went ahead to proffer some solutions, which in the committees’ wisdom, would not just curb such future abuses, but will also; engender proper accountability in the running of the nation’s petroleum business in line with global

best practices.

Some of the recommendations in this regard include the need for the country’s subsidy regime to be totally discontinued with; NNPC should not pay their operational expenditures direct from the federation fund without appropriation by the National Assembly; NNPC should strictly adhere to international best practices in keeping records and that NNPC should not control the revenue account of NPDC in order not to undermine its separate legal status and make accountability more difficult.

The rest are that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) should henceforth not certify subsidy payment/deductions where there is no appropriation for such; NNPC should always ensure due process and diligence in their operations; the National Assembly should expeditiously pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and that the National Assembly should always treat requests from the executive to logical conclusion either to approve or not.

Finally, the committee urged that interagencies reconciliation meetings between CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Energy Week

Jonathan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 sensitive economic institutions, such as the ministry of finance, NNPC, CBN and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) should be done on regular basis in order to avoid similar episodes, but most importantly ensure that all revenues are properly and legally accounted for.

However, the recommendations of the committee arising from the inquest it undertook on the allegation of unremitted revenue oil and the illegal kerosene subsidy are that, NNPC should refund to the federation account, the total sum of $218,069,354.32, being the balance of the gross lifting under the third party financing. This is in addition to the sum of $262 million, being expenses it could not satisfactorily defend in respect of Holding Strategic Stock Reserve (pipeline maintenance and management cost and capital expenditure).

Furthermore, the lawmakers recommended that the NPDC should remit to the federation account, the sum of $447,817,884, being the balance of royalty and petroleum profit tax (PPT). It also asked senate to accept the subsidy deductions by the NNPC from January 2012-July 2013, amounting to N813, 803 billion since it was certified by the PPPRA and appropriated for by the National Assembly. The committee in addition asked the senate to accept the subsidy deducted by NNPC in the sum of N180 billion for the fourth quarter of 2011 since it was also certified by the PPPRA and appropriated by the National Assembly.

On the over expenditure of N90.693 billion for the PMS subsidy in 2012 and the sum of N685.910 billion spent on kerosene (DPK) subsidy, which was expended without appropriation, the committee asked President Goodluck Jonathan to prepare a supplementary budget to cover the said over expenditure and send same to the National Assembly for approval.

The committee noted that no proposal was made in the 2014 appropriation bill for subsidy on kerosene; this was as it observed that the subsidy on PMS appeared inadequate. It cautioned that only what is appropriated should be spent by the executive.

The summary of the 73-page report, which has expectedly generated divergent interpretations by even some of the probe committee members, is that, “There was

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Mark

Alison-Madueke

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yakubu

$49.8bn unremmited oil proceeds saga: stakeholders await forensic audit report The 11-member committee explained that its findings were the outcome of painstaking analysis of the documents and presentations made by several government agencies and stakeholders who were involved in the deal in one way or another never any unremitted US$49.8 billion.” The committee was however quick to add that this conclusion can only be finally reached if the report of the forensic audit/checks reports from the Auditor-General for the federation authenticates the committees’ findings.

In arriving at the decision that there was never any unremitted US$49.8 billion, the lawmakers stated that they were guided by, amongst other considerations that, “The committee could not see how the figure of US$49.8 billion was arrived at by the CBN governor in the first instance.

The committee said it was also guided by the fact that, “The CBN governor at the first hearing had put forward the figure of US$12 billion as monies to be reconciled and changed his position to US$20 billion at subsequent hearing,” and that, “At the conclusion of his written submission, he posited that it could beUS$20 billion, US$12 billion, US$10.8 billion or anything in between.”

In addition, the committee noted that,

“The CBN governor orally or in writing never out rightly submitted that monies were missing, but that monies were not remitted to the federation account by the NNPC.” Furthermore, the probe committee stated that, “The CBN governor only posited that part of US$6 billion, representing the value of liftings by NNPC on behalf of NPDC should belong to the federation account and that he was not in a position to say how much was the amount. Therefore, the assumption that the entire sum of US$6 billion was to be accounted for is incorrect and misleading.

The actual value of the liftings was however found to be US$6,815,188,626.25.”

This was as the committee in addition found out that, “The CBN governor sought for evidence relating to US$2 billion, representing value of liftings under Third Party Financing. The actual value of the liftings was however found to be US$2,430,750,973.”

The eleven-member committee explained that its findings were the outcome of painstaking analysis of the documents and presentations made by several government agencies and stakeholders who were involved in the deal in one way or another.

The committee said it also relied on the proceeds of the five days of public hearing it held on December 18, 2013, February 4 and 13, 2014 as well as that of March 6, 2014 respectively. It also explained that the committee drew several inputs from the work of Messers Sada Idris & Co and Ayorinde Osomo, the consultants engaged by the committee to assist it in its investigations.

Some of the Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies that the committee received memorandum from and made public presentations during the public hearings included the federal ministry of finance, the CBN, NNPC, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), PPPRA, federal ministry of petroleum resources, federal inland revenue service (FIRS), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Auditor General of the Federation and the

Accountant General of the federation. This was as Total E&P and Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited was a few of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) that submitted memorandum and made presentations before the probe committee.

Although mixed reactions immediately greeted the outcome of the investigations, particularly the clearing of NNPC of any wrong doings in the unremitted oil revenue, not a few Nigerian were surprised at the position of the probe committee on the matter. No doubt, NNPC like any other government outfit cannot be singled out for award for applying the global best practices in the management of the country’s oil resources, but the point must not be made that Sanusi’s objective in raising the alarm against the corporation must be exposed for what it is.

During the public hearing of the allegation and subsequent events that unfolded about the same period, it became quite clear that Sanusi was on a mission that was anything but altruistic and patriotic. This no doubt accounted for what the committee observed as Sanusi’s incoherence in the figures he bandied.

NNPC cannot by reason of the conclusions of some parts of the report begin to claim victory. As already been explained by the Chairman of the probe committee, Senator Makarfi, it would be too hasty to conclude that the committee’s report would be the final one on the matter since certain recommendations in the report are interim.

This, according to him, is more so, since there is an on-going forensic audit on the issue. His advice is for Nigerians to await the outcome of the pending audit.

Also speaking along the same line, another member of the committee and former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki in a statement stated, “The committee has not yet received the report of the forensic audit and independent analysis on the subject clearly indicate we have a lot of grounds to cover in order to determine the level of culpability or otherwise of the agency on the alleged non-committal.”

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Energy Week

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

35

OPEC basket price hits $106.45 per barrel Udeme Akpan

T

he price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC basket of 12 crudes, has risen from $106.35 to $106.45 per barrel, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The latest price, recorded last Thursday, showed that OPEC member nations, including Nigeria, were still able to generate adequate funds for the implementation of their 2014 budgets.

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).

Many observers, especially global oil market analysts said prices would likely remain stable throughout this year.

For instance, the OPEC Secretary General, Dr. Abdalla S. El-Badri, said the future will increasingly be one of interdependence.

He stated: “We do not live in a world of independent energy nations,” he reminded participants, which is why we need “to continually enhance dialogue and cooperation.” The IEF Ministerial

El-Badri

symbolizes such efforts.

El-Badri stated at the inauguration of the 2014 Ministerial Meeting, this year organised under the theme “Global Energy Security through Dialogue” that the expected stability would depend on the cooperation of many stakeholders.

He stated, “The dialogue that takes place under the auspices of the IEF is important, Dvorkovich, said, especial-

ly with geopolitical events affecting “business processes” and the energy sector.

El-Badri stated, “By participating in the IEF Ministerial Meeting, Dr. Flores-Quiroga noted, delegates demonstrate a firm commitment to supporting stability and security despite the many challenges in the global environment.

He stated that many officials from OPEC Member Countries were present at the Ministerial Meeting.

The Secretary General stated, “Statements about the current energy situation and the global energy dialogue were made by Ministers, Governors and Heads of Delegation from Saudi Arabia, IR Iran, Kuwait, Algeria, Angola, Iraq and United Arab Emirates.

He said the two-day Ministerial Meeting, which is held every two years, aims at fostering dialogue and enhancing communications among and between the world’s energy producers and consumers.

El-Badri stated, “It is an important event because, as Dr. Flores-Quiroga reminded participants, it provides a “neutral and inclusive platform” for discussing emerging issues facing all energy stakeholders.

He also stated, “The IEF was founded in 1991 with the aim of promoting dialogue among and between oil producers and consumers around the world. It is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”

Divcon /Milora Group Synergy to promote technology transfer in refinery

Oil refinery

T

he creativity and ingenuity of some refinery experts have led to the emergence of a product of breakthrough in refining capacity and yields in the face of declining margins across the globe.

This innovative propriety patents on refinery and petrochemical processes has the invaluable potentials of increasing the reliability of the operations by optimizing the operational conditions to increase the yield and improve the

product quality, as well as reduce the energy consumption in the plants.

Speaking on the technology driven propriety patents from America which are products of research by members of the Milora Group, Engr. Johan Vanderborght said his group which is currently in Nigeria through a strategic alliance with Divcon Engineering Group, is willing to transfer this technology to refinery and petrochemical plants in Africa interested in optimizing their yields in a cost effective manner.

Giving an example on refinery process in terms of the quality and color of the HVGO (heavy vacuum gas oil) before and after optimization on the vacuum distillation column, Vanderborght explained that with this proprietary technology, you will increase the throughput, improve the HVGO yield and improve the HVGO quality.

Engr. Mieke Dams, Co-founder of the Milora group, said, “We have set-up an

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

102.48

-0.23

-0.22%

10:29:54

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

109.03

-0.38

-0.35%

10:29:55

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

66,120.00

-180.00

-0.27%

10:17:47

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

4.58

+0.04

+0.92%

10:30:57

Source: Bloomberg

Source: Oilprice.com

integrated global network, with cross cooperation between Nigeria, Europe and the US. This team is composed of highly experienced global specialists, with a proven track record of several decennia in refinery and petrochemical industry.”

According the founders of the Milora Group, this team is supported by a network of major European suppliers, such as CMI, CG Global, Geldof – for industrial boilers, transformers, high pressure vessels with the aim of transferring technology and business know how to Nigerians in a practical and efficient manner driven by competent and experience operators in this strategic industry.

Other areas of strategic technical cooperation with Divcon Engineering Group include proprietary patents to improve refinery and petrochemical processes, best practical and technology practices used by major industry leaders and business & operational knowledge transfer.

They also include best US & EU business and operational practices – ISO standards, lean management and six sigmas as used by major industry leaders, improvement of effectiveness and efficiency, practical and hands-on approach as well as raining & certification of Nigerian nationals.

36

Energy Week

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indigenous petroleum firms have come of age –Okwuosa

Many indigenous firms made strong footholds in the oil and gas industry, previously under firm control of the multinationals. The Managing Director of Oilserv, Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, who spoke with UDEME AKPAN the sidelines of the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, lists the opportunities and challenges in the upstream sector.

How prepared were you before investing in the oil and gas industry?

No investor can venture into business without adequate knowledge of the industry. For me, I put in about 11 years in Schlumberger overseas. I came back to Nigeria in 1993 ready to contribute to making positive changes in the nation. For instance, I and my colleagues started the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN with the sole purpose of developing local capacity in oil and gas extraction from service provision to exploration and production. The good story is that after more than 20 years, we can beat our chests to say, “We have actually been able to achieve a lot.”

But we have not gotten there because the target is still far away. If we hear about local content as a law today, some may not know that it took us 20 years fighting for its enactment.

After the first fifteen years, then the NNPC did a very good job by first setting up Local Content unit as a Sub-division within the group. The General Manager of that Unit is now the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content development Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa. When you see Ernest Nwapa at NCDMB, it gives us joy because he is an individual; who understands what the issues were and who was involved from the beginning before getting to where we are today. That gives him a good background and opportunities to be able to drive the process. This is because it is not about him or about us but it is about how we can continuously create opportunities in Nigeria for the future of the nation.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the industry?

When we talk of the future of the country, it is not a political statement. We are talking of individuals. We are talking about the ways and means of retaining most of the values within Nigeria. For instance, Oilserv is purely an Engineering Procurement and Construction Company with land, swamp and offshore capabilities. We do pipelines, we do flow lines and we do facilities associated with these pipelines, from manifold stations, kicking stations, metering stations, work back stations among others. We used to have a monopoly of a company called Willbros in Nigeria. And they did all the intricate activities like river crossing, laying pipelines in difficult places and making repairs and quick intervention and rehabilitation of major trunk lines. I can tell you that the scope of activities of Oilserv does far surpass what Willbros used to do. You can give a credit, not to us, but to the drive by the Nigerians.

When you talk about Oilserv, what we have managed to do is building capacities to training people and I can tell you that all the people working in Oilserv today they are all Nigerians.

These individuals, some left universities in the 90s and early 2000s and came in as fresh graduates. Today, some of them are general managers, heads of departments and managers. So, you can see that Nigerians can do it if given the opportunity.

But you need to be trained. Nobody should be asking to be spoon fed. What we are talking about is building a credible capacity that can stand the test of time. We should also be able to develop the economic activities around it in such a way that we can actually take our expertise to other nations.

What kind of services do you provide?

We are offering services outside Nigeria. We are moving into other countries as expert or expatriate companies. Nobody would have thought about these 20 years ago. Frazimex, one of our companies is specifically into engineering design, including, front end engineering design and detail engineering. Frazimex is also involved in gas development. Gas is the main resource that drives capacities in terms of economic development. I believe the government is committed to executing its gas master plan. You can see that with the energy available, it is possible to boost power generation.

Can you provide more facts on efforts of stakeholders to

Okwuosa

WE SELL OUR GAS AS LNG. NATIONS THAT BUY THAT FROM US USE IT TO PRODUCE FERTILIZERS AND SELL TO US boost gas availability?

What people failed to realise that gas is related to our ability to feed ourselves. Gas is the main source of producing urea. When you talk of urea you are talking of fertilizer. So, the fertilizer you applied to be able to have a good yield in agriculture comes from gas. Unfortunately, the only fertilizer plant we have is the one built 30years ago by NAFCON which is now owned by NOTORE. How can a nation with so much gas has only one fertilizer plant? This is not good enough, especially as some quantity of fertilizers is still imported from overseas. Meanwhile, we sell our gas as LNG. Nations that buy that from us used it to produce fertilizers and sell to us.

The same thing happens in refining. Some nations buy our crude oil and processed it into petroleum products. We then go to the global market to import the products into the nation. Does it make a sense to have the crude and you cannot refine it? We just produce crude oil and sell to those who will build refineries, process and sell back to us. Obviously, these are issues we have to address and we are addressing it in our own little way. We will continue to build our capacities in such a way as to be able to make a difference in solving the problems of the country.

Can you comment on the synergy between Oilserv and Frazimex Engineering Limited?

Like I mentioned earlier, we have symbiotic relationship between Oilserv and Frazimex. One part of Frazimex handles front end engineering designs and detailed engineering design, FEED from feasibility. We have another aspect that deals with gas. We also have the aspect that manages mostly issues around E&P development. As an EPC company, Oilserv retains the main value of the EPC. So, when we get EPC projects, Frazimex comes in to manage the engineering aspect as part of the group. They can equally work for any other company to provide engineering services as part of a total package. In a typical project where Frazimex may be involved in its development from feasibility to the engineering design, Oilserv is at vintage position to be able to go in and look at it. That is one good aspect of the lin. But, like I stated earlier, Frazimex is a stand alone company which can provide such services to other companies, including our competitors.

Are you planning to go into petrochemicals?

We do not have a strategy to go into petrochemicals or fertilizer at this stage because that is not within our immediate strategy or focus. But we also can get involved with other groups to realise it. We cannot do it alone because it is not part of our strategic plans. So, when I talked about gas development, it goes from extracting associated or non-associated gas. By the time you take the high seas, you have propane; you have butane, even the liquids. Take them out, you create value LPG. Then the second one which is the low seas is the methane and that is the one you take and put in the pipeline to be used to power generator. The process of doing the extraction of the high seas is a major issue on its own. It is actually the methane that you can now take and use for petrochemical.

So, there is a value created even before you talk of what you do at the petrochemical level.

Another involvement that we have is in the development of capacity in ‘gas to power’. When we talk about gas to power plants, the most common strategy is to lay a pipeline and then you have gas supply there. But you may not be able to do this for all power plants because we have remote power plants where availability of gas is an issue. For instance, because you have 20 MW power plants you start running a 200 kilometres of pipelines, it is not going to work. The cost is not worth it. So, what you do is to look for other alternative sources of getting the gas either as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). In the world of today, we have micro and mini LNG instead of having the huge LNG as we have in Bonny, Nigeria. You would have LNG plants that can give you smaller supplies. The technology is there. This is an area we are working with others to be able to meet the challenges of gas power requirement in Nigeria because there is a huge gap.

How far has Oilserv gone in executing the pipeline construction of the East-West Gas pipeline project?

The very first one which is based on gas utilization and modular LNG plants; all these are based on commercial issues. If it is commercially ok and can be funded, it can be done. But, if it is not commercially ok and cannot be funded then it cannot fly. It is not on technical issues but purely on commercial basis. It is more like setting up a re-gasification plant by regasifying LNG into butane to fire the power plant.

This is not feasible in Nigeria where we have gas in abundance. All you need to do is to build a pipeline to the power plant to supply the gas instead of building a re-gasification plant. What you are saying is that you sell your gas as LNG and someone would buy the LNG for re- gasification for the use of power plant. That is not a serious issue. What is important is for the country to have a master plan and execute it in a way that it will guarantee the security of investment.

What challenges have been encountered in the process of executing projects?

Some constraints were there. But they have been solved by NNPC. The major constraint was that of the Right of Way. And it was only last month that the NNPC got the entire RoW. Even as we speak, there are still some gaps. You have to understand that the most difficult aspect of the kind of work we do is dealing with communities. Ordinarily, we have a law in the country that enables you to acquire, OPL. It is called Oil Pipeline Licence. Ordinarily, you go to the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR and apply for license. Operators have many conditions to meet, including the carrying out of Environmental Impact Assessment before getting the license which enables you to go into communities to lay pipes. But you cannot lay such pipes without establishing and maintaining good relationship with the communities.

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Energy Week

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

FG tasks states, LGs on protection W of power infrastructure

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Bayelsa hosts forum to boost local content

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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he Federal Government has tasked states and local governments to wage a relentless war against vandalism of electricity infrastructure in the nation.

The Minister of State for Power, Hon Mohammed Wakil who made the call said the involvement of these levels of government would assist to reduce vandalism which has reached an alarming proportion in the country.

The Special Adviser, Media to the minister of state, Olawale Rasheed, stated in a statement

that the menace of vandalism has caused interrupted supply of electricity to some areas, communities and industrial concerns.

Wakil who made the call at Kumbotso, Kano state after commissioning three transmission sub-stations completed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN stated it would go a long way to stablise power generation, transmission and distribution in the nation.

The Minister stated, “States, local governments and good people of Kano State to join hands with the Federal Government in protecting all power installation and equipment located in the state from

Transformer

unscrupulous activities of vandals.

“It is our collective responsibility as good citizens of Nigeria to protect all key power equipment and installation located within our areas”. He said He stated, “The government should be encouraged to spend scarce resources on improving and expanding the nation’s power infrastructure rather than replacing the vandalized ones, it makes more economic sense to do so.

Wakil stated, Also, my appeal goes to the state government to urge the good people of Kano State to desist from encroaching on the TCN’s Right of Way in order to prevent unnecessary deaths resulting from electrocution or other accidents arising from such encroachment.

He stated, “This is more so, as such encroachments hamper access to transmission infrastructure when there is need to work on them, with a view to rectifying the faults.

He described the commissioning of the sub stations as “a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts at improving power supply in Kano State and its environs. This is in realization of the cosmopolitan nature of the state as the hub for commerce and

economic activities, which dates back to centuries.

Wakil explained that, “the upgrade, the Kumbotso substation is now capable of delivering more reliable and qualitative power up to 450MW to Kano metropolis, Kankia in Katsina State, and other towns in Jigawa State. The Tamburawa station will also improve power supply in Challawa, Madobi, Kwankwaso and Panshekara.

“Additionally, the construction of Kwanar Dan Gora will facilitate more improvement in power supply to Kano Law School, Karaye and Tudun-wada, all in Kano State”, the Minister noted.

He stated, “To take care of future needs of Kano, Hon. Wakil also told the jubilant audience that the Federal Government is exploring options of generating power from mini-hydro dams and other renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and bio-mass The Managing Director of TCN, Mr. Mack Kast at the event said the Challawa industrial area and the Tamburawa water works stands to benefit while the Kwanar Dangora community and its environs have enjoyed uninterrupted power supply since the completion of the project.

MW. This is well below the 9061 MW that NERC had, on the basis of all information available to it, projected when MYTO2 was set in June 2012. This is a 52 per cent reduction on projected capacity.

The reasons for this huge loss have been extensively reported and explained.

Amadi stated, “Suffice to say that the consequence of this loss of available capacity completely outweighs the benefits that were gained from the positive macroeconomic indices earlier discussed.

He stated that the direct consequence for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is that the significant fixed costs incurred by all three sectors of the NESI have to be spread over a much lower quantity of energy projected to be sold to consumers.

Amadi stated, “For this reason, the Commission regrets that the distribution element i.e. the end user or customer tariff will have to increase. This is in fulfillment of the statutory obligation in section 5.76(2)(a) of the EPSR Act of 2005 which mandates that the Commission sets a tariff methodology that allows “a licensee that generates efficiently to recover the full costs of its business activities, including a reasonable return on the capital

invested in the business”.

He stated that it is also noted that the cost of this increase would have been much higher but for the good macroeconomic management that produced a real reduction in wholesale (generation sector tariffs.

Amadi stated, “As part of its commitment to regulatory due process and strict compliance with the Electric Power Sector Reform Act and its Business Rules, the commission commenced its recent minor review with a public notice and ended it with a presentation to all the licensees before the review was approved by the Commission.

New electricity tariff takes effect nationwide

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he collection of nation’s new electricity tariff, approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has started nationwide.

Investigations showed that the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs have concluded plans to collect the tariff from their numerous customers in the nation.

While announcing the new tariff, the Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi stated, “The MYTO provides for bi-annual reviews that take effect on 1st June and 1st December to ensure that some critical and financial variables underlying electricity tariff in Nigeria are still realistic and current.

He stated that these variables are the rate of inflation, the exchange rate, gas price and available generation capacity.

Amadi stated, “To ensure that the Nigerian electricity market remains financially viable and able to attract investment to improve capacity and reliability, electricity prices are indexed to changes in these variables.

He stated that the MYTO provides that where the review shows that the aggregate of these variables have changed by plus or minus five per cent of the MYTO figures, the changes are significant

and would result in a review of the tariff.

Amadi stated, “The present review shows certain significant changes. For instance, whilst MYTO had projected an inflation rate of 13 per cent, the inflation as at March 30, 2014, the cut-off date for the reviews, is 7.8 per cent which is 5.2 per cent less than projected. Similarly, MYTO projected an exchange rate of $1 to N178. But the March 30, 2014 data from the Central Bank of Nigeria shows a rate of N157.30 to $1, which is 11.6 per cent less than projected.

He stated that the result of the review indicates a reduction of the wholesale tariff that would be paid to GENCOS as from June 1, 2014.

Amadi stated that the general public is however to note that the wholesale tariff paid to GENCOS is only one of the three components that make up the total tariff paid by consumers.

He stated, “The other two parts are the transmission and distribution components. Recalling that one of the indices for the Minor Review is “available generation capacity”, unfortunately the well known fact today is that gross available capacity from the grid as of 31st March review date is 4306

Nebo

eeks after the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, entered into partnership with the Bank of Industry, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, Galaxy Backbone and other participatory agencies, to deepen Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry and extend its implementation to other critical sectors of the economy, the Government of Bayelsa State has played host to the 20th International Conference on SMEs, ICSME, in Yenagoa.

The conference attracted policy makers, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Before the plenary, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson had breakfast meeting with the resources persons at the Governor’s Lodge and subsequently inspected the SME exhibitions.

Speaking at the plenary on the topic, “Opportunities for SMEs in the Global Oil and Gas Sector - the Nigerian Experience”, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Ernest Nwapa represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Akwa Ibom/Cross River, Mr. Uduak Obot enumerated the key thrust of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD, Act particularly job creation, training, domiciliation of capacity, technology transfer, in-country manufacture of oil and gas equipment and activities.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the benefits of local content implementation which includes in-country value addition, skills acquisition and investments in the oil and gas value chain, underscoring the strategy of NCDMB to facilitate the establishment of industrial parks in the oil producing states to foster joint venture partnerships between local SMEs and Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs. He also emphasized the need to stimulate and encourage the culture of manufacturing oil and gas equipment locally to ensure the use of made-in-Nigeria goods in the oil industry.

Nwapa stated that the criticality of involving local SMEs in the value chain as the recipe for job creation, a sure way to reduce the scourge of acute unemployment in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Content Chieftain intimated participants of the opportunities the proposed Industrial Park Scheme will afford, urging the SMEs to key into the scheme.

He noted that the Industrial Park Scheme will attract foreign direct investment to oil producing states, develop and integrate the local supply chain to support oil and gas operation and foster mentoring of SMEs by international OEMs for mutual benefits.

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Energy Week

CSR: Chevron commissions school block in Lagos

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hevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, the operators of CNL/Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Joint Venture has handed over a block of six-classrooms, reconstructed by the company, to the Ilasan Secondary School, Lekki in Lagos State.

The project which was initiated by some employees of the company in its Employees Voluntary Program, EVP who went to the school to engage in voluntary teaching of the students, espoused the company’s commitment to education and manpower development of the country.

The Managing Director of CNL, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop stated at the commissioning of the project, which attracted the officials of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government, Ilasan Community leaders, Ilasan Secondary School PTA Chairman, Ilasan Area Council members and staff of the school, that the project was a demonstration of firm’s commitment to communities in its area of operations.

The Managing Director who was represented by Mr. Samuel Otuonye, stated, “The project, which we are commissioning today, is a product of the efforts of some employees in our Employees Voluntary Program, EVP, the Management of CNL and Lagos State Ministry of Education.

He stated, “Under the EVP, employees identify a worthy project and raise funds for executing the project, while the company provides 100 per cent of the funds raised as a matching grant for the project execution. This is one of the ways we encourage our employees to give back to the society.

Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, Engr. Jonathan Kwame, Okehs, stated, “A fruit of partnership, good neighbourliness and a spirit of caring for others, which Chevron’s employees demonstrated through the Employee Volunteering Programme.

Kwame stated, “One of the challenges facing the development of the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria, and indeed globally, is the dearth of skilled manpower which we call the big crew change. I believe investments such as this in the education sector would help close the gap.

He stated that the project is a fruit of partnership, good neighborliness and a spirit of caring for others demonstrated by the employees of Chevron Nigeria Limited through the Employee Volunteering Programme.

The GGM stated, “This is a development best practice that should be emulated by employees of other organisations in Lagos State and indeed Nigeria, because government cannot solve all the nation’s problems alone. I applaud this achievement and encourage even more of such collaborations in the future.

He called on students to make the best use of the facility in a sustainable manner so that it can serve generations of students to come after you.

The Director, CNL/NNPC, Mr. Supo Shadiya said CNL was happy to return to Ilasan Secondary School to participate in this ceremony a few years after it took part in a similar ceremony for the handover of a fully equipped science laboratory donated to the school by the Company and some employees.

He said, “As was the case then, the project we are commissioning today is a product of the efforts of some employees in our Employees Voluntary Program (EVP), the Management of CNL and Lagos State Ministry of Education.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Seadrill in $1.1bn pact with Total UDEME AKPAN

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ffshore driller Seadrill has signed a fiveyear, $1.1 billion contract, with Total for work offshore Nigeria.

The contract, for Seadrill’s newly built ultra-deepwater West Jupiter drillship, is worth around $600,000 per day, including mobilisation, according to Reuters calculations.

Reuters stated, “The vessel will be delivered from Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Geoje, South Korea in August.

Meanwhile, Total has signed an agreement to sell its 10per cent interest in the Shah Deniz field and the South Caucasus Pipeline to TPAO, the Turkish state-owned E&P Company.

The firm stated in a statement that the transaction is valued at $1.5bn and is subject to customary approvals.

“The sale of our interest in Shah Deniz is in line with Total’s active portfolio management and the focus of its investment capability on more strategic assets,” said Michael Borrell, Senior Vice-President Continental Europe and Central Asia at Total’s Exploration and Production.

He stated, “This sale is another step forward in achieving our asset sale program. Following this operation, the Group will have sold nearly $16 billion worth of asset since 2012, in line with its $15-20bn asset sale target.

In Azerbaidjan, Total remains operator of the Absheron offshore field with a 40per cent share. A significant gas and condensate discovery was made in 2011 on Absheron and Total is now conducting studies to prepare the field development plan.

Oil rig

The offshore Shah Deniz field is located approximately 100 km southeast of Baku in the Caspian Sea and covers approximately 860 square kilometres, with water depths ranging from 50 to 550 m.

The first phase of the field started up in 2006 and is currently producing 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. A second development phase was sanctioned at the end of 2013.

The Shah Deniz field is operated by BP (28.83 per cent) with partners SOCAR (16.67 per cent), Statoil (15.5 per cent), Total (10 per cent), Lukoil (10 per cent), Nico (10 per cent) and TPAO (nine per cent).

Total has been present in Azerbaijan since 1995 and entered the Shah Deniz PSA in 1996.

It is the operator of the Absheron offshore field

in the Caspian Sea with a 40per cent interest.

Also, Total signed another agreement with Lukoil creating a joint venture (JV) to explore and develop the tight oil potential of the Bazhenov play in Western Siberia.

Total will hold 49 per cent of the JV and Lukoil 51per cent. This agreement finalizes the memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies in December 2013.

The JV will assess the technical feasibility of developing the tight oil potential of the Bazhenov formation initially on 4 licenses covering an area of 2,700 km² in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District. Seismic acquisition will start in 2014 and exploration drilling will follow in 2015.

statement quoted the Chairman of the committee, Senator Olugbenga Obadara as stating that the Senate was aware of the enormity of the job before the Commission.

The Chairman of the Commission Dr. Sam Amadi reassured the members of the committee that NERC is doing everything in its power to find solutions, stressing that the commission holds on monthly basis open and transparent discussions with the Chief Executive Officers of the Generation and Distribution companies.

He stated that the sessions aimed at proactively dealing with any issues that arise that could detrimentally affect the electricity sector reform.

Arabi said since the power sector was privatized and handed over the private investors the Federal Government said about 30 million Nigerians, particularly residents of rural communities, have yet to be connected to the national electricity grid and are living in blackout.

Also, while addressing the business community under the aegis of the NigerianDanish Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Amadi, had admitted that things were not going as envisaged but that radical steps were being taken to address the situation.

Amadi clarified why industries and homes in the country are still having acute power shortage more than six months after government handed over to new investors in the power sector.

In “November 1st last year to April 30th is just about six months and it is a very little time for an industry that is so finance

– sapping and structurally- chained to have achieved much,” he said.

He blamed the slow turn-around on vandalism of power infrastructure across the country, specifically those targeted at disrupting gas flow to various power stations.

The NERC boss who was represented by Dr. Uche Okoro, Special Assistant Research and Strategy at the occasion said that poor choice of location of some National Integrated Power Projects, NIPPs, and the fact that the new investors were not able to do the required six months’ shadow trading prior to taking over from the government contributed to the problems.

He added that the investors were not well acquainted with baseline losses, baseline demand and baseline gas supplies in their various jurisdictions due to labour stand-offs with government. “One thing that is sure is that Nigeria needs electricity to power its industrialisation and when we get it right, economies of scale tell us that all the smaller countries around us are going to source electricity from us because they cannot produce,” he said.

Nigerian and Danish investors at the event were of the notion that the recent reform in the power sector has not made any significant progress in rectifying the acute shortage of power to industries and service providers in Nigeria prior to the sector’s recent reform.

Ben Koya Adako, President Nigerian-Danish Chamber of Commerce, noted that the theme of the meeting, ‘Power sector reform: Overcoming institutional and regulatory challenges in an era of liberalisation, was apt, more so now that electricity was undergoing a major reform in the country.

Lawmakers task NERC on strict compliance with rules CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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he Senate Committee on Privatisation has urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to always wield the big stick on operators in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, to ensure that rules are strictly adhered to.

During its working visit to NERC, the Senate Committee on Privatisation, called on the regulatory agency to wield the big stick on investors who take advantage of the situation in the sector to rip off Nigerians and to always “think out of the box” for solutions to some of the problems facing the sector.

The Head, Public Affairs Department of NERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi stated in a

Amadi

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Industry & SMEs

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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Nigeria’s GDP rebasing spurs interest of foreign investors Despite the security situation foreign investors are still interested in Nigeria. However, experts say that real improvements need to be seen in the economic environment for investors to take a long term view of Nigeria. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO writes.

F

ollowing the GDP rebasing, which has ranked Nigeria as the economic giant of Africa and placed her among the top 30 economies globally, more foreign investors especially from the West have been showing interest in Nigeria.

Prior to the rebasing exercise, Western entities have generally been cautious about investing in the country due to their perception of the country as a high risk zone.

However, recently, investors from these parts of the globe have been visiting and sending trade and business delegations to Nigeria to seek opportunities and sign partnerships with government and private sector companies.

According to Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, only investors from the Asian countries, who he referred to as great risk takers have been investing in the country. He said further that even those who invest in the country do not invest in the aspects of economy that can develop the country; they only expend their capital on the aspects that would fetch them huge returns.

However, investors have started trooping in, promising to either establish their businesses in the country or increase their investments.

During the Nigeria-France Business Forum, on the sidelines of the Centenary celebrations in Abuja, Nigeria and France launched the Nigeria-France Trade and Investment Council, setting a target to double trade flows between both countries from the current N1.049tn to about N2.098tn in four years.

Apart from doubling trade, the Council also has the mandate to increase investment flows between both countries by 50 per cent in the next four years and will be co-chaired by the ViceChairman of the Nigeria-France Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer of Leadway Assurance, Mr. Hassan Odukale and the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of PAI, Mr. Lionel Zinsou.

Jonathan

Aganga

The Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and François Hollande of France also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on a $170m power financing deal between the Ministry of Finance and the Agence Francaise Developpement, AFD, and a 13MW Solar Power Construction MoU between the Osun State Government and Vergnet Groupe.

Jonathan, who encouraged French companies to invest in Nigeria in order to cement the ongoing favourable trade and investment relationship between both countries, noted that the people of France, under the leadership of President Hollande, had shown an unprecedented level of commitment to Africa.

The French President, who pledged increased investment by French companies in Nigeria, said his country was committed to boosting the strategic partnership between both countries.

“We have set a goal of increasing our market share in Nigeria. Three of our companies contribute to about 15,000 jobs in Nigeria but we have to invest more in the country. We must step up our efforts in the area of training by our companies for Nigerian employees and increase investment because Nigeria is a great country,” he had said.

Prior to this agreement between Nigeria and France, the Director, UK Trade and Investment, Mike Purves had, during the 7th Lagos Economic Summit, tagged “Ehingbeti 2014”, promised to woo 75 companies in the United Kingdom to bring their investments down to Lagos, Nigeria.

Purves stated that he would strategise how he could convince the companies to see the market opportunities in Nigeria, especially Lagos and bring down their companies to the state.

Emphasizing the value of partnership between the state and the United Kingdom, Purves said, “UK companies can develop Lagos city and Nigeria as a whole. We have to expand the relationship

between the UK companies and Nigeria, and I will try to do that when I get back to my office in UK.” Just last month, the United States Secretary of Commerce, Ms. Penny Pritzker, had noted that Nigeria is currently a destination of choice for American investors.

She said this during a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, in Lagos. She explained that that Nigeria currently has enormous investment opportunities which American investors were willing to explore.

Pritzker, who led a delegate of about 25 US investors (mainly in the power sector) to Nigeria, said, “About 100 American businessmen indicated interest in

coming with me on this delegation to Nigeria but we couldn’t accommodate all of them. We’re aware that there is an Industrial Revolution going on, which is a very good development. We would like to know more about it so we can be part of it.”

In the same vein, investors from Switzerland have also increased their confidence in the Nigerian economy more than ever before despite reports of security challenges.

The State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Switzerland, Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, who led a delegation of Swiss investors on an official visit to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said more Swiss companies were willing to invest in Nigeria on the back of stronger macroeconomic indices.

She said, “When we asked our business community and investors where we should go this year, the answer was very quick that we should go to Nigeria.

Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa with an impressive growth rate also driven by internal demand.

The Vice-President, State Grid Corporation of China, Mr. Cheng Wei, who also led a business delegation to the Ministry last Tuesday, said China was not disturbed by the current security challenge in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s investment potential far out-weighs its minor security challenge,” he said.

However, experts have exclaimed that the economic environment has not been improved to attract the foreign investors. They claimed that those who promised to bring their investments may not to do so if necessary infrastructures are not put in place.

The Director-General of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Mr. John Isemede, said until the environment is made conducive for economic activities, Nigeria may not win any of those investments.

He said, “Those who are promising are only enticed by the rebased GDP value, which is quite different from the real economic development. I am sure they just came to inspect which infrastructure we have on ground for them. Let them come first before we know they really have interest in our country.”

The President of LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, also said the prevailing security situation occasioned by long drawn insurgency has negatively impacted investors’ confidence and limits the realisation of the tremendous potential that the economy presents, especially post GDP rebasing.

According to him, it would be difficult to attract investors at this time just as the risk of long term investments in the economy has been heightened by prevailing conditions.

Divergent views trail roll out of Nigerian made cars Abolaji Adebayo

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ollowing the roll out of the first indigenous cars presented to President Goodluck Jonathan on democracy day 2014 last week, different reactions have continued trailing the production of the automobiles.

A survey by Nation Mirror revealed how anxious Nigerians were to have their own locally manufactured cars on their roads but expressed concerns over the quality, availability and the cost of the cars.

While some people were in doubt of the quality of the Nigerian cars claiming that Nigeria is not known for hightech products, others were of the view that the vehicles may not be produced in large quantity to meet the needs of the citizens.

They said the country may not cease from depending on importation of fairly used ones (Tokunbo) car from other countries.

President Goodluck Jonathan

had, on receiving the cars rolled out from its Lagos plant by Nissan Corporation, assured people that the country would soon be an exporter of vehicles. He said the vision of his administration to revamp the capacity of Nigeria’s automobile sector to export locally manufactured cars is being realised.

A car dealer in Lagos, Mr. Omonigho Sunday, said Nigerian is not yet a car producing country as those vehicles were only assembled here in Nigeria.

He said all the parts of the cars were still imported.

“Until we source the materials locally, we cannot be referred to as vehicle producer country yet.

We can only assemble the cars here. We have to move to the level of producing the materials needed for the manufacturing of the cars,” Sunday said.

One of the respondents wanted the government officials to be using the cars before other citizens in other to assure citizens of the quality of the vehicles.

The Area Manager of CFAO Motors Nigeria Ltd., Mr.

Kehinde Amao, was optimistic when he said that with time, the country will get to the stage of producing World Standard quality vehicles. He said other advanced countries even started from producing sub-standard vehicles, citing Japan as example.

However potential buyers said they would prefer Tokunbo if the cost of the locally made ones is higher than that of Tokunbo. They appealed to the Federal Government to either subsidise the vehicles to encourage the patronage by the average citizens.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Coscharis Group, Mr. Cosmas Maduka, commended the move by the Federal Government and Nissan Group towards making the country a vehicle producer rather than continue depending on imported ones. He said this is a right step towards industrialisation. He noted that with this step, the country is moving towards development and will soon become exporter of vehicles.

40

Cocktail

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Plane forced to return to Indian airport due to clogged toilets

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n Air India flight that took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi was forced to turn around and head back because all four of its toilets were clogged.

Frankfurt-bound AI 121 was carrying 214 passengers and the flight was supposed to take about eight hours.

The plane returned to Delhi about three hours after it had departed. Passengers aboard the plane were supposed to be offered two full meals, a snack and unlimited beverage service.

“The flushes were unserviceable so the plane had to return to Delhi,” an Air India official told the Times of India. “The passengers could not board another aircraft

since night curfew in Frankfurt would have kicked in by the time the alternate plane would have reached there.”

Another Air India plane experienced a similar problem when “everything made available to passengers for free was found flushed down the toilet.”

Apparently passengers flushed complimentary blankets, pillows, socks, slippers and towels down the toilets, causing them to clog.

“AI is the oldest airline of the country,” an airline official said. “It should know the behavior of Indian passengers and should maintain toilets accordingly. The failure to do so has cost the airline dearly, both monetarily and in terms of losing flyers’ faith.”

Obama dummy hanging from bridge causes traffic problems

M

issouri motorists were rerouted after a dummy wearing a President Obama mask was found hanging from a bridge early on Monday morning.

The dummy was spotted hanging off the Lesholz Bridge over I-70 near Grain Valley.

Traffic across the Lesholz was initially stopped, but the bridge has since been reopened.

According to FOX 4 News, a robot was used to bring the dummy into a nearby field so that crews could x-ray it for possible explosives.

So far no photos of the dummy have been released.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Excited puppy drives owner’s car into pond

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peppy pup pushed the gas pedal in her owner’s car and propelled his vehicle into a picturesque pond in Massachusetts.

Rosie, a 12-week-old German shepherd puppy, had just gone for a walk around Bolivar Pond in Canton when the incident occurred.

After her owner started up the car, Rosie somehow got tangled up in the pedals and unknowingly floored it into the pond.

“She’s a handful,” Rosie’s owner, John Costello told MyFoxBoston. “The dog jumped in and hit the gear shift and the car jerked and she fell on top of the gas pedal. It was just scary.”

The car made it about 30 feet out into the pond and the water came rushing in quickly.

Costello, witness Eric Hermann and another

man all helped to rescue Rosie from the water. “[The] puppy was scared and ran to the back seat. The front door was open, [we were] trying to get him out the front door,

A German shepherd puppy

coax him,” Hermann said.

“By the time we got the puppy out, the car had slid and we had to do a little swimming.”

The car was ruined, but Rosie, Costello and every-

one else who was involved are fine.

“I’ve never heard of a puppy driving a car into a pond,” said Officer Robert Quirk of the Canton police.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Goni Aji (3rd left) and other delegates at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Civil Service Commission in Sokoto, yesterday.

41

PHOTO: NAN

NERC explains increased electricity tariff CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA

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espite the gap in projected and actual available generation capacity in the power industry, the 2014 bi-annual review of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) that was conducted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) took effect from June 1, 2014.

The Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi explained that the result of protracted loses in generation capacity was that the benefits from the macro-economic variables are outweighed by the generation loss, the gap in projected and actual available generation capacity in the industry, hence, the increase in end user tariff.

According to him, one of the indices for the minor review is available generation capacity, sadly the gross available capacity from the grid as of 31st March review date is 4,306MW; this is well below the 9,061MW that NERC had on the basis of information available to it when MYTO-2 was set in June 2012.

The new tariff which kicked off June 1, revealed that there will be a marginal increase in the monthly tariff paid by certain classes of electricity customers that fall within the affected tariff classifications.

According to NERC, some will have to pay more for energy services supplied to them by their various distribution companies.

The increase which will mostly affect customers within the tariff classes of Residential-2 (R2) and Commercial-1 (R1), will however not affect the total amount that these classes of consumers will pay for the fixed charge component of their bills; the fixed charge are usually embedded in the monthly electricity bills and has been justified

by NERC and industry operators as a universal practice for maintenance of operational hardware like transformers, office building, wire and cables amongst others.

But even with the recent tariff increase, electricity customers are not guaranteed adequate supply of electricity by operators in the industry because of the lingering shortage in overall generation capacity of generating plants in the country.

The MYTO framework had during the review process projected a 2014 overall power generation capacity of 9,061 megawatts (MW), but figures from the National Control Center (NCC) Oshogbo shows that the market only has about 4,306MW gross capacity to share, meaning a huge 4,755MW will be missed as a result of several reasons

ranging from low gas supply, vandalism of power assets and possible energy loss from poor infrastructure.

For instance, the management of Egbin Electric Power Plc, which is Nigeria’s largest power generating station with an installed capacity of 1,320MW consisting of six units of 220MW each said that the plant had undergone intensive repairs of its units such that it could do almost 1,100 megawatts but the fact that adequate gas supply was not guaranteed to it, it’s output had been pegged at a maximum of 600MW, meaning that it cannot take advantage of the existing economy of scale to operate the way it would want to.

According to the design of the MYTO framework, NERC stated at its announcement of the new tariff order that certain electricity distribution networks within the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) will rather witness some level of reduction in the various components of their monthly electricity tariff to consumers.

It explained that various variables had come into play in the determination of the Discospecific tariff. What this means as stated by the Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, in his announcement in Abuja is that for instance, the to-

tal monthly fixed charge in the bill of customers that are within the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company in Lagos which was hitherto N894.56k will now drop to N750 within the new tariff structure while that of customers in the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will remain at N702 for R2 customers.

On retail price of energy, the new tariff shows that there will be a slight increase in the retail price of electricity supplied to R2 customers in the Abuja distribution network by N1.45k from the previous N13.25k to N14.70k while the same customer class in Ikeja distribution network will have no increase in their retail price for electricity. Accordingly, the differentials in each of the Disco’s approved tariff are occasioned by the total costs incurred in distributing power allocated to each of them. Ikeja for instance will spend less in distributing power to its customer base due to its almost close-knit landscape as compared to Abuja which covers Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa states.

While indicating in his presentation that the tariff is specific to each distribution network, Amadi however said that the aggregate review indicates a reduction in the wholesale tariff that

would be paid to Gener- ity tariff in Nigeria are ation Companies (Gen- still realistic and curCos) as from June 1; this rent. These variables is also due to the reduc- are the rate of inflation, tion in generation costs exchange rate, gas price and available generation to Gencos.

He explained that cer- capacity,” Amadi said.

He further stated: “To tain significant changes in the country’s macro- ensure that the Nigeeconomic indices like rian electricity market the inflation and ex- remains financially vichange rates as well able and able to attract as price of gas that the investment to improve commission usually col- capacity and reliabillects from the Central ity, electricity prices Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are indexed to changes in these variables. The and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the review shows that the review had impacted aggregate of these variwell on the tariff out- ables have changed by plus or minus 5 per cent put, hence, his claims of of the MYTO figure. a moderate increase.

For instance, whilst The chairman explained that save for the the MYTO had projected favourable macroeco- an inflation rate of 13 nomic variables, R2 cus- per cent, as at March 30, tomers in Abuja distri- 2014, the rate for review bution network would is 7.8 per cent which is have for instance paid 5.2 per cent less than proN985.92k as monthly jected. Similarly, MYTO fixed charge based on projected an exchange its projections for these rate of $1 to N178 but macro-economic vari- the March 30 data from the CBN shows a rate ables.

“The NERC on Friday of N157.30k to $1, which May 21, 2014 approved is 11.6 per cent less than the review of the MYTO. projected.”

This is a 52 per cent This review takes effect on June 1, 2014 and it reduction on projected has reduced fixed charge capacity, the reasons for this huge loss have been component of the tariff that would also have tak- extensively reported and explained but suffice to en effect on June 1.

The MYTO provides say that the consequence for bi-annual reviews of this completely outthat takes effect on June weighs the benefits that 1 and December 1 to en- were gained from the sure that some critical positive macro-economand financial variables underlying electric- CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

42

Civil Service

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CPC seals paint company over adulteration T

he Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has said that it had shut down a paint manufacturing company

in Kano State over alleged adulteration and illegal operation .

The Executive Secretary of the council, Alhaji

NERC explains increased electricity tariff CONTINUED FROM 41 ic indices,” Amadi said.

He further added that: “The direct consequence for the NESI is that the significant fixed costs incurred by all three sectors of the NESI have to be spread over a much lower quantity of energy projected to be sold to consumers. For this reason, the commission regrets that the distribution element, i.e. the end user or customer tariff will have to increase.

This is in fulfilment of the statutory obligation in section 5.76(2) (a) of the EPSR Act 2005 which mandates that the commission sets a tariff methodology that allows a licensee that generates efficiently to recover the full costs of its business activities, including a reasonable return on the

capital invested in the business.”

As it stands, a meagre 3,424MW which the NCC reportedly receives will be shared by 50 per cent of Nigeria’s 160 million population that are connected to the national grid; the regulator however stated that its commitment to regulatory due processes has helped grow investors’ confidence in the sector and that the MYTO framework remains a critical assurance mechanism of the financial viability and regulatory certainty of Nigeria’s emerging power sector, adding that the ultimate goal of expanding generation capacity and strengthening reliability in the electricity market will be achieved through it.

Nuhu Bello, who led a CPC team to the company’s site at Dausayi, Gezawa Local Government Area of the state, announced this to newsmen in Kano.

He said that a consumer, who purchased a large quantity of the company’s product and discovered

that it was adulterated, reported the matter to the state’s “Hisbah” board.

Hisbah is the law enforcement arm of the shariah law.

He said the board referred the case to the council, which investigated and discovered that

the company was not only adulterating paint, but was operating illegally.

According to Bello, the company is a local factory which has no licence of operation from any authority and has no definite name.

He advised consumers

to endeavour to have full knowledge of any product they wished to buy, to avoid being cheated.

He also urged consumers, who were victims of adulterated or sub-standard products, to report the cases to relevant authorities.

People engaged under the Kwara State Government’s Quickwin Empowerment and Employment Scheme waiting to collect their employment letters at Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Omu-Aran, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Civil Service, democracy and poverty challenge CONTINUED FROM 16 ple do not have access to it. ``That is why my administration is committed to ensuring the creation of wealth, in terms of financial inclusiveness, and we are working very hard to achieve this,’’ he added.

As part of efforts to address the poverty challenge, Jonathan said that the Federal Government introduced the Electronic Wallet System for farmers in rural areas to enable them to have access to funds via affordable bank facilities.

Equally, he said that the government was also transforming agriculture from just a rural development programme into a major wealth-creation and business programme.

The president said that his administration had initiated proactive measures and policies to improve and stabilise power supply in the country in order to enable small and mediumscale enterprises to thrive.

He said that the key component of the government’s

commitment was aimed at ensuring that many Nigerians had access to finance so that they would be able to create wealth for themselves.

Jonathan noted that in spite of the Federal Government’s explanations regarding Nigeria’s economic standing, the World Bank did not find the clarification convincing, adding that this resulted in its decision to downgrade the country’s economy to ``BB-minus’’.

He said that the justification given for the ``BBminus’’ rating of the Nigerian economy was based on the forthcoming elections, which brought about infighting among politicians and its attendant effect on the economy. In all there can be no doubt that the the democratic era has enhanced the operations of the civil service.

Democratic Governance has also impacted positively on job creation.According to the National Bureau of

Statistics (NBS) 732,745 jobs were created in the formal and informal sectors of the economy in the last three quarters of 2013.

Dr Yemi Kale, the Statistician-General of the Federation, relayed the information at a recent news conference in Abuja.He said that the survey indicated that the economy generated 221,054 jobs in the second quarter of last year, while 245,989 jobs and 265,702 jobs were created in the third quarter and fourth quarter respectively. 2013.

He said that a breakdown of jobs created in the second quarter indicated that 80,412 jobs were created in the formal sector, 112,567 jobs were created in the informal sector, while 28,075 jobs were created in the public sector. ``The formal sector contributed 76,385 jobs to the total jobs generated in the third quarter of 2013, while the informal and public sectors generated 140,673 and 28,931 jobs respectively. ``In fourth quarter of

2013, of the total of 265,702 jobs, the formal sector contributed 101,597 jobs, while the informal and public sectors created 143,278 and 20,827 jobs respectively,’’ he said.Kale emphasised that the informal sector continued to lead in the creation of new employment in the economy.``In the three quarters covered, the informal sector contributed over 54 per cent of total employment, making it the highest employer of labour in the economy. ``Under the formal sector, it was observed that of the 80,412 new jobs, 45,409 jobs, representing 56.47 per cent, were taken up by males, while 35,003 jobs, representing 43.53 per cent, were taken up by females in the second quarter of 2013,’’ he said.

The statistician-general said that the education sector recorded 37,578 new employees -- the highest number of new employees -- followed by the manufacturing sector with 9,000 new

employees.He said that the lowest number of 85 new employees was recorded in the administrative and support services sector.

Kale stressed that the education and manufacturing sectors had the highest number of jobs that were created in the formal sector in the third quarter of 2013. ``Education sector generated 29,777 new jobs, while g sector generated 13,946 new jobs``The manufacturing sector that reported the lowest number of jobs created in the third quarter of 2013 was administrative and support services with 30 jobs. ``A similar trend was also recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013, with education and manufacturing sectors contributing 76,874 and 12,337 new jobs respectively,’’ he said.

Kale said that the primary purpose of the survey was to gauge employment growth, unemployment and under-employment so as to enable the country’s policymak-

ers and other stakeholders to proffer solutions to the problems.

However, within the past three years, the Jonathanadministration has been able to launch a special youth empowerment programme which was christened ``Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria’’.

The programme, codenamed YouWin, is part of the Federal Government’s strategies aimed at addressing the grave unemployment situation in the country.

YouWin programme, which is financed by a N50-billion job-creation fund, is an innovative business-plan which harnesses the creative potential of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

Under the programme, more than 3,600 youths would be financially empowered to enable them to actualise their entrepreneurial ideas and plans.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday June 4, 2014

APC convention: Borno inaugurates council executives INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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orno State All Progressive Congress, APC, Chairman, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, yesterday inaugurated newly elected executive members of the party in all the 27 local government areas, with a strong warning that anti-party activities will not be condoned.

Dalori said the ruling APC in the state is determined to take Borno to its promised land by winning all elective positions come 2015, and carry everybody

along. He warned anyone with retrogressive agenda or motive to leave the party, adding that appropriate sanction will be meted out to any erring member in line with the laid down rules and regulations as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

Congratulating the newly inaugurated party executives, Governor Kashim Shettima, represented by his deputy, Zanna Umar Mustapha, assured all members of the party that the state government will do everything possible

with the scarce resources at its disposal to transform all sectors in the state.

Zanna said already, the education, health care services, agriculture, housing, among other sectors have received a boost, particularly the establishment of the state-owned university which will take off any moment from now.

On the security challenges facing the state and the country in general, the deputy governor appealed to all and sundry, irrespective of political or religious affiliation to contin-

ue to pray and seek God’s intervention towards restoration of peace and tranquillity.

Responding on behalf of the party executives, APC chairman, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Alhaji Waziri Bukar Lamisula, thanked the state government and all members of the APC in the state for giving them mandate to uplift the party at the grassroots level, promising to carry everybody along in the discharge of their duties, devoid of selfish interest.

L-R: Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulrazak Atunwa; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Chairman, Irepodun LGA. Alhaji Luqman Owolewa and Secretary to Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold during the Commissioning of Omu-Aran General Hospital at Omu-Aran Kwara State, yesterday.

Ondo senator empowers constituents OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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he senator representing the Northern senatorial district of Ondo State in the National Assembly, Prof.

Ajayi Boroffice, has admonished elected public office holders to always remember the people who voted them into power.

He said concerted efforts were needed to arrest the scourge of poverty ravaging the greatest percentage of the country’s population.

Boroffice made the appeal while speaking with reporters at Oka-Akoko, Akoko South West local government area of Ondo State, during an empowerment programme for the peoples of the senatorial district.

Over 300 peoples were empowered with 50 tricycles, 45 petrol generators, 45 grinding machines, 15 sewing machines, 12 wheel chairs, 20 cars/buses among others.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment items cut across all the six local government areas of the senatorial district.

Earlier, Boroffice had empowered a considerable number of constituents through his micro credit scheme and skill acquisition programme; even as various communities have benefitted from different projects ranging from blocks of classrooms, solar-powered street lights, solar-powered boreholes, hand-pump boreholes, power transformers, ICT centres among others.

Others are skill ac-

quisition centres, garri processing industry, ITC building, construction of ethanol plant and emergency obstetric care unit.

He had also distributed relief materials worth millions of naira sourced from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to those whose houses were affected by rainstorms.

The event was attended by members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, State Executive Committee led by its chairman, Isaac Kekemeke.

Boroffice said the essence of the empowerment was to empower members of his constituency who worked hard to get him elected as a senator so that they would have economic capability to sustain themselves.

He added that the programme was also to reward APC members in the senatorial district with a view to motivating them to work harder for the party as election year draws nearer.

He said: “We are doing all this in fulfilment of our campaign promises.

It has always been my desire to impact positively on the lives of the good people of my senatorial district.

“More still needs to be done and I will not relent in my efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy to my people, despite scarce resources and competing demands.”

Hinting on his interest to return to the Senate in 2015, Boroffice urged the people to continue to give him support.

43

Reps to INEC: Extend voter registration by 7 days TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to extend its on-going voters’ registration exercise in some states by seven days so as to ensure all eligible voters are captured.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Hassan Saleh, PDP, Benue, titled: “Urgent Need to Direct the Independent National Electoral Commission to Extend the Duration for Registration of Voters Whose Names Were Omitted From its Register.”

In his submission, Saleh recalled that recently INEC recently announced that “all registered voters should go to their various units to collect their permanent voters card, with which they would vote in the forthcoming elections in 2015 and other subsequent elections. Surprisingly, a lot of persons who registered during the exercise could not find their names in the new registers and therefore do not have any voter’s card be it temporary or permanent

“A total of 654 polling units in Benue State recorded zero voters’ registration, thereby disenfranchising close to 700,000 potential voters by this act of omission by the INEC, despite the huge fund appropriated for the exercise.”

Recalling that he was disturbed that over half of the polling units in his constituency were affected, as the constituents could not find their names, and were asked to come for re-registration from May 28 to June 1, he said that the “period that is grossly insufficient for such an important exercise.”

He said he was “further disturbed that aside from the time for the exercise being insufficient, the machine that were deployed for the exercise are far from being perfect as they are not functioning as expected, while INEC’s staff mandated to operate the machines appeared to be at a loss as to how to operate the machines properly.”

The House thereby resolved without debate that INEC, should as a matter of utmost national importance extend the time for the exercise from seven days to 14 days to enable all eligible all eligible voters to register properly.

Anambra APC lauds Ekiti, Osun over Oni, Adeleke’s defection

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nambra State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has congratulated the Ekiti State government and her Osun counterpart for the defection of the political stalwarts, former governors, Segun Oni and Isiaka Adeleke, with their multitude of supporters to APC. APC state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Okelo Madukaife, said yesterday in a press statement made available to journalists that: “We congratulate the governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the state chapter, on the monumental victory of expanding the frontiers of our party in the state with the reception of Adeleke, with his multitude of supporters into our great party.

“This singular act has not only parcelled victory

on the ground ahead of the August 9 gubernatorial elections, but consolidated the ranks of the progressives in Osun, leaving only renegades with historical records for destruction of lives and legacies on the other side.

“We equally seize this opportunity to congratulate the governor and gubernatorial candidate of our party in Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the state chapter of APC for pulling through the same feat through the victory scored in the support and membership of our great and rising party by the former governor of the state, Oni, with a tumultuous support base.”

Madukaife said that the epoch-making events sign-post victory for the electorate in the two states and hold out the sign of greater things to come.

44

Politics

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’m committed to Osun’s growth -Aregbesola STORIES: BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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sun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated that his administration is committed to the growth and progress of the people, the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Addressing supporters at the campaign rally held

at Ikire, Irewole local government area of the state, Aregbesola said that his desire to seek re-election was to uplift the state from the shackles of under development.

He noted that power to the progressives is responsibility whereas to the reactionaries, it is a means of enriching themselves.

Stressing that the progressives and reaction-

aries are not equal in all ramifications, Aregbesola assured that his administration will not disappoint the people of the state in term of ensuring that dividends of democracy are brought to the door steps of the people, especially those at the grassroots.

He said that the feat achieved by the administration will be a tip of the iceberg when com-

pared with what would be achieved should the administration get a second term in office.

Governor Aregbesola hinted that under his government no fewer than 2,229 computer tablets have been given to students in senior secondary schools in the state apart from massive roads construction in Ayedaade/ Irewole/Isokan federal

constituency of the state.

He stated further that about 88 boreholes have been sunk by the government to make life more meaningful to the people of the area, adding that the administration has also commenced work on the water dam in the for potable water for the people.

Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Babalola, thanked the people for trooping out in support of the party and appealed to them against selling their voters’ cards.

First executive governor of the state, who recently joined APC, Isiaka Adeleke, noted that Aregbesola has performed well and tried his best, urging the people to reciprocate

66 DAYS TO GO the gesture by voting for enmasse for the continuity of the good work he has started.

Hon. Ayo Omidiran representing the area assured the people of the state that there will be adequate security during and after the election.

Why I dumped PDP -Adeleke ...You left two years ago -PDP

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Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (on top of the car) acknowledging cheers from the crowd during the All Progressives Congress, APC, 2014 Governorship Campaign in Ikire, Osun State yesterday.

How PDP can win Osun guber poll -Oke

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ormer chairman of House of Representatives’ Committee on Defence, Hon. Wole Oke, has called for collaborative efforts to ensure good outing for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the August 9 governorship poll.

Speaking to newsmen in Esa Oke yesterday, the former governorship aspirant on the platform of the party, said PDP has bright chance of emerging victorious at the poll, but called on the national leadership of PDP to ensure that genuine reconciliation of all aggrieved parties is achieved.

Describing the incumbent governor of the state, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola as a formidable opposition to PDP, he posited that the

calibre of politicians in the fold of the party can dislodge the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, if they all put in their best to ensure victory for PDP. Responding to questions concerning the fear about loyalty of some PDP members who have neither decamped from the party, nor participate in its activities, Oke said the situation is been remedied by the state executives and leaders of the party, but called on the national secretariat of PDP to lend helping hand in order to achieve better results.

Commenting on the defection of Senator Isiaka Adeleke into the APC, Oke said: “Some people have decamped into the APC but that does not mean I should

join the train. APC cannot contain all of us, but in PDP we should work as a team to achieve result.”

On the claims by the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, that he facilitated many projects into the senatorial district while in the Senate, including those Oke had long before now claimed to have brought to the area, Oke said though all the projects in question are defence related projects put in the budget when he was serving as Chairman of House Committee on Defence, it could not have been possible to get funds for the projects without Omisore’s support.

His words: “Senator Omisore can rightfully lay claims to the projects. To

get projects as massive as the ones we now have in our senatorial district down to the state, a lot of combined efforts were required. I chose the projects by the virtue of my position in the House, but if Omisore had not made efforts to ensure money was appropriated for them, nothing would have been done.

“The fact remains that PDP facilitated the projects, APC cannot lay claim to it. One of the projects, the armed forces games village is a South-West project sitting on a million hectares. The size of the project is bigger than the entire campus of Obafemi Awolowo University. It is under construction and the Federal Government will need over $50 million to complete it.”

irst executive governor Of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, said he rebuffed last minute efforts by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop his defection because the concerned party acted late.

Adeleke, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress, APC, last Saturday, said some chieftains of his former party that visited his house to stop him from leaving PDP were locked outside his gates by his supporters to protest bad treatment meted on him by some influential PDP members.

Reacting, the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, said Adeleke refused to open his gate because of “his desperation to justify huge amount he collected from Aregbesola to fight against the PDP in the state.”

Speaking through his Director of Publicity and Strategies, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the former deputy governor of Osun State said Adeleke had defected to APC since two years ago.

But while addressing newsmen at a press conference held yesterday in his country home, Ede, Adeleke said since he left PDP, leaders of the

party from within and outside Osun State are still mounting pressure on him to have a re-think, but “I told them it was too late, because they came at a wrong time.

“I wonder if they tried to reach me when they heard that I wanted to defect. If they had taken the action at the initial stage to pacify me, may be this would not have happened.

“What stops them from acting when I was molested?

The vice president, the ministers and the leadership of the party had made calls to me telling me to reconsider my step. But they ignored my complaints and the petition I wrote to protest against my molestation.

“They know my worth in politics of the state and I assure them that APC will get 95 percent votes in Ede where I hail from and if they want to prove me wrong, let us wait and see.”

On the choice of the former speaker of the state, Hon. Adejare Bello, who hails from same town with him, as the running mate for the PDP candidate, Adeleke said the move was to weaken his political camp, adding that the former lawmaker would not get the support of Ede people.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES: ABIODUN \ EJO N ADO EKITI

W

omen’s wing of Ekiti State All Pro g ressives Congress, APC, has vowed that the presence of soldiers or political thugs will not intimidate them from exercising their franchise during the June 21 governorship election.

Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, wife of the APC governorship candidate, Governor Kayode Fayemi, who led

A

the APC Women, told them: “If they bring soldiers on the day of the election, please don’t allow that to intimidate you.

“Arrive at the polling unit early and don’t wear any cloth having the symbol of APC or the picture of Governor Kayode Fayemi, because it violates the electoral law,” she said.

of violence, counterviolence, intimidation and sheer thuggery is not conducive to meaningful and respectful engagement of the population who needs to ask hard questions of the aspiring and incumbent stewards of the Government House.”

According to them, EFG also discussed the absence of concrete plans to meaningfully engage the numerous scientists, engineers, computer programmers, technicians and other able bodied and skilled youths in the state, a very high percentage of who remain unemployed, hopeless and frustrated.

Urging all noble Ekiti citizens to rise above the base appeals of political parties who seem not to have realised the urgent needs for sustainable infrastructure for meaningful employment and robust public health programs and policies in the land, EFG said: “The needs in the land are far too great for us to tolerate this reckless disregard for our rights as humans when the political class was obsessed with attaining or retaining power at ridiculous costs.”

Fayemi’s wife, spoke yesterday during campaign rallies for the re-election of Governor Fayemi at Efon, Ijero and Ekiti West council areas.

Advising the women, she said: “Don’t foment trouble.

After casting your votes for Governor Fayemi, please wait behind and ensure that the votes are counted in your presence. Follow the result to the collation centre.

“We are all stakeholders here. Nobody can in-

T

political atmosphere in Ekiti State by killing an innocent citizen and dumping the corpse at any part of the state” with the intention to indict the PDP candidate.

AFCO Director General, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, alleged at a press conference in Ado Ekiti yesterday that “they (APC leaders) deliberately want to kill the innocent person and clean the blood with the customised vests or t-shirts of Fayose and

timidate you. If anybody imports thugs to the state to frighten us, they will meet their waterloo by the grace of God, because in God we trust. The governor has performed very well and his achievements are enough to guarantee his victory at this election convincingly.”

Setting the tone for the rally, the governor’s wife urged the women to be steadfast in their campaign for the governor through to the Election Day, no matter

the obstacles set before them by the opposition parties.

This was just as the Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Chief Ronke Okusanya, told the rally that the masterminds of the attack on her, last Monday, thought it would stop her from further mobilising the women of Efon-Alaye for Fayemi’s re-election.

Addressing the rally at Efon-Alaye, Okusanya said she did nothing to warrant last Monday’s physical

17

DAYS TO GO assault on her, vowing not to be cowed by the antics of the opposition, she urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery.

Wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (left), with traders during the All Progressives Congress women campaign for the reelection of Governor Kayode Fayemi and market outreach, at Oja Oba, Oke-Imesi on Monday.

INEC, security agencies assure on fair, hitch-free poll

C

ritical stakeholders in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, and traditional rulers met yesterday on how to ensure a hitch-free poll.

INEC and the security agencies, including the

Murder: Fayose raises alarm over plot to implicate him he Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation, AFCO, yesterday raised alarm over alleged plan by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to indict Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose, in a murder scandal.

It alleged that APC leaders at a meeting in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, last week had “concluded arrangements to poison the

45

You can’t intimidate us with soldiers, thugs –APC women

Group seeks end to violence, intolerance

non-partisan patriotic group, the Ekiti Focus Group USA, EFG, has rejected the on-going culture of violence and political intolerance characterising the campaign season in Ekiti State.

It said: “Violence is an indictment of the electoral political leadership and reflects the dearth of a compelling vision.”

EFG, in a statement by its president, secretary and moderator, Samuel Ayodele, Adebanji Dada and Chief Akin Babatola respectively said: “We urge citizens to demand that leaders of political parties respect the right to free speech, free assembly and right to life of every citizen.

“This is our minimum demand of every aspirant and incumbent of the highest elective office in Ekiti.”

EFG said that after a review of the numerous reports across the political spectrum at its extraordinary meeting of Friday May 23, arrived at some resolutions targeted at moving the state forward, among which is “that the climate

Politics

Wednesday June 4, 2014

dump the vests or t-shirts and the weapon used in a conspicuous area, few kilometres away from the scene of the crime to justify their nefarious plans.”

But the Director of Media, Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, KFCO,Mr Dimeji Daniels, refuted the allegation, describing the accusation as a foul cry to divert attention and shift the blame for his planned chaos and other heinous crimes.

police and State Security Services, SSS, assured that all would be in place to ensure free, fair and credible election.

They made the promise at a meeting summoned by the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers to know the level of their preparedness ahead of the election.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Ekiti State, Alhaji Halilu Pai, who ruled out late commencement of polls and other logistic problems, said that INEC had started distribution of non sensitive materials to all the 16 council areas while sensitive materials would arrive two days to the election.

Saying that INEC had registered additional 76,000 prospective voters through the continuous voter registration, Pai debunked rumour that some

politicians were planning to clone the PVCs with the aim of committing electoral fraud, saying it would be difficult to clone the cards considering the security features embedded on the PVCs and the ballot papers.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Uyanna, said security operatives had mapped out strategies to ensure that all the 2,195 polling booths were secured, adding that no fewer than 12,000 policemen would be deployed in the state to provide security during the election.

He said: “Each polling booth will be manned by three policemen headed by an officer not below a superintendent of police alongside other officers from sister security agencies.

“Besides, there will be 200 counter terrorist officers, two DIGs, AIGs, there will also be sniffer dogs, horses and two

aircraft that will be hovering in the sky to monitor.”

Assuring that it is the job security agencies to ensure a level playing ground, Uyanna explained that the expected high presence of law enforcement agents, including the military was not to create fear or intimidate the voters but to ensure security.

SSS state director, Mr Samuel Tamuno, said his agency had been providing intelligence reports to both INEC and the police to ensure credible election.

Earlier, chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adamo Babalola on behalf of other monarchs praised INEC and the security agencies for their level of commitment towards credible election, urging them to ensure that the Anambra State situation did not repeat itself in Ekiti State.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

he benchmark index of equities closed on a bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took profit from the previous gains.

The All Share Index shed 0.24 per cent to close at 41,397.68 points, as against the increase of 0.07 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 41,501.40 points.

Market capitalisation lost N34 billion to close at N13.669trn, in contrast to the gain of N9bn recorded the preceding day to close at N13.703trn.

On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index declined 0.41 per cent to close at 1,893.51 points, while the

Capital Market

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Index drops 0.2% as investors take profit

Banking Index dipped 1.01 per cent to close at 436.50 points.

The Insurance Index fell 0.19 per cent to close at 143.40 points, while the Consumer Goods Index gained 0.15 per cent to close 1,045.74 points.

The Oil and Gas Index appreciated 6.76 per cent to close at 442.64 points but the Lotus Islamic Index shed 0.26 per cent to close at 2,749.48 points.

The Industrial Index rose 0.29 per cent to close at 2,587.06 points. The Alternative Securities Market

closed flat at 950.94 points.

Oando Plc led the gainers’ table with N2.03 or 10.18 per cent to close at N21.98 per share, followed

by Ashaka Cement Plc with N2.40 or 10.17 per cent to close at N25.99 per share.

Airservices Plc was up 21 kobo or 9.72 per cent to close at N2.37 per share, while Neimeth International Plc appreciated 10 kobo or 9.01 per cent to close at N1.21 per share.

Forte Oil Plc gained N21.22 or nine per cent to close at N257.01 per share.

Conversely, MRS Plc lost

N4.76 or 9.73 per cent to close at N44.16 per share, while Vitafoam Plc shed 22 kobo or 4.98 per cent to close at N4.20 per share.

Evans Medicals Plc dropped 12 kobo or 4.90 per cent to close at N2.33 per share, while UACN Plc fell N3,17 or 4.88 per cent to close at N61.83 per share.

Jos Breweries Plc dipped 15 kobo or 4.87 per cent to close at N2.93 per share.

A total of 334.4 million shares valued at N5.63bn were traded in 6,091 deals.

New cement-grade rules threaten Lafarge’s margins JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

I

ndication emerged that new rules for the production and use of cement to lower the risk of building collapses is threatening local profit margins of Lafarge cement.

The Standards Organisation recently told manufacturers that only 52.5 grade cement may be used to build bridges and 42.5 grades for columns, slabs and molding of blocks.

“Lafarge produces more of the 32.5 grade and will need to incur additional cost for the higher grades, resulting in lower margin,” Pabina Yinkere, head of research at Vetiva Capital Management Limited, told Bloomberg yesterday.

Lafarge, the world’s second-largest cement producer with operations in 64

nations, is adding capacity in countries such as Nigeria that need new infrastructure to support a fast-growing economy.

“The 32.5 grade of cement has never been proven by any empirical evidence to be the cause of building collapse in Nigeria,” Parisbased Lafarge said in an emailed statement.

There are several impending court actions challenging SON’s claim, the company said.

Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc had announced a profit before tax of N27.7bn for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The amount represents a 30 per cent rise on the N21.3bn the cement manufacturer reported for the preceding year.

Similarly, the profit after tax was N28.2bn for the year

ended December 31, 2013 compared to N14.7bn for the corresponding period in 2012, indicating a growth of 92 per cent in the period under review.

The firm also announced a 12 per cent rise in its profit, which rose from N87.9bn on December 31, 2012 to N98.8bn in the period under review.

It added, “Operating Income also increased to N31.6bn for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to N26.7bn for the year ended December 31, 2012. An 18 per cent increase in the year under review.”

According to the company, the reduction of its net finance cost from N5.5bn to N3.8bn was as a result of the reduction in interest charges due to the full repayment of the naira syndicated bank loans.

Consequently, it said the

basic earnings per share grew from 490 kobo to 942 kobo; a growth of 92 per cent in the year under review.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Lafarge Cement, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, was quoted as saying, “The result shows a steady growth and demonstrates the strength of the company in delivering value to shareholders and to other stakeholders.”

The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joe Hudson, explained that the result was the outcome of a strong focus on performance culture.

He added, “The effective implementation of innovative and value adding solutions for customers had continued to differentiate Lafarge Cement WAPCO from competition”.

Global shares slip, euro gains as ECB seen poised to act

G

lobal equity markets slipped yesterday from record or multiyear highs, while euro zone inflation data gave the euro some respite on relief that price growth in the single currency zone had not slowed even further.

Stocks on Wall Street were lower, following declines across Europe, but emerging market stocks rose, lifted in part by rising Brazilian and Mexican shares. Bond yields moved higher.

MSCI’s all-country world index of equity performance in 45 countries fell 0.1 per cent, while the pan-European FTSE Eurofirst 300

46

index of regional shares fell 0.41 per cent to a provisional close of 1,374.78.

“Valuations are elevated, and therefore anything that looks soft gives the market pause,” said Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 25.62 points, or 0.15 per cent, at 16,718.01, while the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index was down 2.29 points, or 0.12 per cent, at 1,922.68. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 9.10 points, or 0.21 per cent, at 4,228.10.

Both the S&P 500 and Dow industrials closed at re-

cord highs on Monday, while MSCI’s gauge of global equities closed at more than a sixyear high, about 1.4 per cent away from all-time highs set in late 2007.

The euro EUR= rose 0.21 per cent to 1.3623 against the dollar as traders believe its recent weakness fully prices in an aggressive European Central Bank interest rate cut on Thursday.

The rate of euro zone inflation fell in May, increasing the risks of deflation, as core inflation, excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, fell to 0.7 per cent from 1.0 per cent in April.

However, with most speculators already running big

bets against the euro, traders said, even the weak figure was not enough to take the euro lower.

US Treasuries yields rose to their highest in three weeks as investors reset bets that yields are likely to rise, after they fell to 11-month lows last week.

German bund yields spiked after euro zone inflation was in-line with revised expectations, prompting some in the market who had expected an even weaker number to book profits after a recent rally.

Benchmark 10-year notes were last down 8/32 in price to yield 2.5626 per cent.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 41,397.68 points Market capitalisation 14.11trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

OANDO

19.95

21.98

2.03

10.18

ASHAKACEM

23.59

25.99

2.40

10.17

AIRSERVICE

2.16

2.37

0.21

9.72

NEIMETH

1.11

1.21

0.10

9.01

FO

235.79

257.01

21.22

9.00

TRANSEXPR

2.20

2.31

0.11

5.00

7UP

85.80

90.00

4.20

4.90

CUTIX

1.85

1.94

0.09

4.86

CAP

37.51

39.00

1.49

3.97

TOTAL

168.01

173.00

4.99

2.97

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

MRS

48.92

44.16

-4.76

-9.73

VITAFOAM

4.42

4.20

-0.22

-4.98

EVANSMED

2.45

2.33

-0.12

-4.90

UACN

65.00

61.83

-3.17

-4.88

JOSBREW

3.08

2.93

-0.15

-4.87

CAVERTON

5.14

4.89

-0.25

-4.86

FBNH

15.98

15.21

-0.77

-4.82

ETRANZACT

2.21

1.09

-0.11

-4.74

RTBRISCOE

1.09

1.04

-0.05

-4.59

ROYALEX

0.55

0.53

-0.02

-3.64

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

2.20

102.45

11.73

102.60

11.66

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.90

107.75

11.85

107.90

11.79

16.00 29-JUN-2019

5.07

114.60

12.06

114.90

11.99

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.65

118.20

12.60

118.50

12.55

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.78

108.40

12.67

108.70

12.62

10.00 23-JUL-2030

16.14 80.00

12.98

80.30

12.93

Closing Market Prices of June 3, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

4-Sep-14

10.20

9.95

4-Dec-14

10.40

10.15

7-May-15

10.50

10.25

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

10.8750

1M

12.2538

3M

13.3543

6M

14.1937 The Fixings - NIBOR, NITTY and NIFEX of June 3, 2014

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror The abduction of Chibok school girls by the Boko Haram does not only affect parents here present in this chamber, but all of us, including my humble self and other stakeholders of Borno State.

BORNO STATE GOVERNOR - KASHIM SHETTIMA

Niger mourns victims of boat mishap PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA.

T

he Niger State Governor, Dr Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, has

condoled with the emirate and people of Borgu Local government council of the state over yesterday’s tragic death of 11 persons in a boat mishap in Garafini

Kodo, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

While 11 died, 7 were however, rescued in the accident. The governor pointed out the the need for com-

munity leaders to enlighten their people on the dangers associated with none adherences to safety rules and regulations, while travelling by boat.

L-R: Pupils Performing during Children’s Day Celebration tagged High Impact 2014 organized by Solution Media at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, recently.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Town union election tears community apart CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

T

he Ugbene Community in Awka North Local Government area has been thrown into deep crisis as the ensuing dispute trailing the town union election conducted recently has escalated.

It was gathered that a key interest group in the community have petitioned the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, over

the alleged contentious manner the town union election was conducted even as the two contenders for the post of PresidentGeneral have swung into action to outwit the other.

The group which petitioned the Governor is calling for the outright cancellation of the election under reference which they alleged was marred by some irregularities.

The restive group led by one Tagbo, who reportedly

described the Ugbene Town Union election as a rape on justice contended that only its cancellation will restore peace to the community.

They had alleged that strangers were allowed to take part in the election contrary to the standing practice.

So far, the two contenders for the President-General of the Ugbene Town Union Government were listed as Barrister Emeka

Ezu and Chief Albert Ibe, both of who allegedly belongs to different political camps of PDP and APGA. Meanwhile, the protesting camp which disowned the outcome of the said election is reportedly urging Obiano to use his good office to investigate the matter and cancel the election with a view to ensuring that there is an enduring peace in Ugbene Town.

Mortuary staff nabbed for stealing from the dead

T

he Nigerian police in Benin City have arraigned two mortuary workers for allegedly stealing jewelries placed in the casket of a deceased woman.

The accused, Osaro Benjamin and Idowu Eriemator both employees of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, in Benin, allegedly conspired and

committed the offence on May 12, 2014 at the morgue of the hospital, located along Country Home Road, off Sapele Road, Benin.

According to the police prosecutor, ASP Emmanuel Obakpolor, who listed the stolen jewelries stolen from the casket the deceased, Mrs. Esther Akora, to include

gold ear-rings, gold necklace and a gold wedding ring, all valued at N4 million.

He said the offences of conspiracy and stealing contravened the provisions of sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. If convicted,

they could be liable to jail terms of two to three years.

The Chief Magistrate of the Court, Mr. Frank Idiake, who granted bail to the two accused persons in the sum of N500, 000 each with a surety each in like sum, ordered that the sureties must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel A. Ebije, the governor described the incident, as unfortunate, pledging that government would investigate the remote cause of the disaster and continue to work towards checking rising cases of boat mishaps within communities in riverine areas across the state especially as the rainy season intensifies.

“This is no doubt a dark moment for us here in Niger state. These were people who were hale and hearty and in good health condition pursuing different legitimate courses until they met their untimely deaths. I see this as a personal loss not just in my capacity as governor, but first as a human being who

attaches much premium to human life and dignity.”

The statement further urged inhabitants of communities in riverine settlements to avoid travelling in overcrowded boats and ensure they adhere strictly to laid down safety measures.

The governor while pledging government continuous policy in ensuring strict adherence to wearing life jackets and other safety measure said the safety of lives and property of all Nigerlites, irrespective of tribe, religious or political persuasion remains top priority of his administration.

The boat was gathered to be travelling from Garafini Kodo to Garafini when the unfortunate incident happened around 6 pm Tuesday evening.

Iddo terminus under lock two days after train accident

T

wo days after a passenger train from Ilorin was involved in an accident at the Lagos terminus of the Mass Transit Train Services of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, killing an assistant driver, the terminus is yet to be opened.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the terminus at Iddo is still under lock and key with armed security men who prevent entry and exit of people.

An official source told NAN that the incident which occurred on June 1 at about 10.00pm, killed an assistant train driver of the corporation and left the locomotive driver seriously injured.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said that most of the passengers had disembarked before the derailment.

He added that the derailment affected mostly the locomotive and the coach directly behind it.

“Due to the incident,

our Mass Train Transit Services will not be able to reach Iddo Terminus, as we are yet to clear the derailed train from the track.

“Until the track is cleared, our passengers will join the train at Ebute Meta Junction,” he said.

An eyewitness had told NAN that the locomotive driver was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, but was rejected before he was taken to an undisclosed hospital.

“The train was close to the last terminus when suddenly it derailed and hit the wall.

“We discovered that the train missed the track,” the source said.

Efforts by NAN to get to the scene of the incident proved abortive as security men did not permit entry.

In a statement signed by the NRC Assistant Director (Public Relations), Mr David Ndakotsu, the NRC confirmed that a life was lost to the derailment.

48

Community Mirror

Cross River to train artisans on maintenance RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

I

n a bid to achieve sustainability of its rural and urban water schemes across the state, the Cross River State government has said that it would continue to partner relevant agencies in the training of artisans, mechanics and relevant persons for the maintenance and rehabilitation of various water points in the state.

The government said it is partnering Tulsi Changrai Foundation to ensure that there was adequate training of personnel who would mostly be drawn from rural communities of the state to further this course.

Commissioner for Water Resources in the State Engr. Elemi Etowa, revealed this while speaking to our reporter in a forum in Calabar, stressing that Tulsi Changrai is set out to construct 600 boreholes and other necessary projects that would impact on the lives Cross Riverians.

Elemi pointed out that 139 bore holes had so far been constructed at the first phase adding that 410 of such boreholes are currently said to be under construction at the Local Government level stressing that though some communities in

the state have started rehabilitation of the boreholes on their own.

“We want to add that there are so many agencies, NGO,s doing such projects until we take inventories before we can come up with the actual number of water point”.

Etowa maintained that water Resources had done several projects that had made it possible for about 60 percent of the state population to have access to treated and portable drinking water adding that RUWALSA had two hand pumps that can service a population of 50 people.

The Commissioner said that RUWALSA had taken care of sanitation and hygiene condition in Yakurr and Odukpani area of the state, he urged the people in the said communities to stop defecating in open places so as to reduce incidences of poor hygiene related ailments.

Gov. Imoke

Communities demand compensation over burnt houses A ZA MSUE KADUNA

T

he ethnic communities in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, yesterday called on the government to fully compensate those who lost properties in the crisis that engulfed the area recently.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, the leader of the communities, Peter Gulbee, said government must intensify efforts in providing gainful employment that will reduce the rate of idleness amongst the youths in the society.

They also condemned

the call by the Muslim community for the creation of chiefdom out of Adara chiefdom saying it has no precedential basis.

They said: “While we appreciate the effort of the State Government in ensuring that peace reign supreme in all nooks and crannies of Kachia and Kaduna State in general.

That we commend the actions of the Security Agencies in arresting the culprits and pray they will be made to face the wrath of the law. That we want adequate compensations to be paid to those who lost their properties at the crisis by the Government”.

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police arrest housewife for maltreating maids FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

T

he Ogun State police command has arrested a 29-year -old woman identified as Omowunmi Okanlawon, for beating and chaining down her two house helps over every wrongdoing.

Omowunmi , was arrested in Arepo village, along Lagos-Ibadan express way in Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun state by men of the Ogun State Police command in conjunction with a NonGovernmental Organisation, Women Arise For

Change Initiative, WACI, led by Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin.

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi who spoke with National Mirror on the matter yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital explained that information at the disposal of the police revealed that Omowunmi, a mother of one, “was fond of beating, chaining and subjecting her two house helps to hard labour and psychological trauma which is criminal and even barbaric in nature”.

PPRO further stated that Omowunmi’s neighbours

A man taking a nap by a wall in Lagos Island, yesterday.

in Arepo had intimated Joe Odumakin’s WACI, of her wickedness, who in turn, informed the Police detectives attached to Ibafo Divisional Headquarters before she was arrested and the two young girls rescued.

Adejobi further stated that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye has ordered that Omowunmi be charged to court “on two count charge of Child Labour and Child Abuse”.

“The commissioner of police Ogun state appreciated those who informed the NGO and the Police of the antecedents of Omowunmi, in order to liberate the vic-

tims who had been chained for days and he has promised to work hard with all relevant groups, individuals and non-governmental agencies to stop child abuse, child labour, domestic cum gender violence as well as human trafficking in the state”.

“CP Okoye specially appreciated Dr Joe Okei Odumakin for her efforts towards putting a stop to all these criminal acts and supports for the command so far; and promised the command’s commitment to ensure that justice is done in all cases being handed by the command”.

PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

Group hails Jonathan’s stance on terrorism EMMANUEL EGHAGHE

T

he United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy, UNDEDSS, has declared its support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s total war declaration on terrorism in Nigeria in his Democracy Day broadcast on Thursday.

UNDEDSS, a coalition of civil society and ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta also urged the Boko Haram sect and its sponsors to avail itself of the opportunity for a dialogue being offered by the Federal Government and end the unwanton killings in

the country.

In a statement issued in Lagos recently, UNDEDSS Secretary General, Mr. Tony Uranta, stated that Nigeria’s continued existence, union and progress should be the paramount interest of all Nigerians. saying, “We cannot achieve this without bringing in our support for the war on terrorism.

“UNDEDSS is hopeful that all Nigerians will, in the challenging months ahead, be more patriotic in deeds, more circumspective in language, and less involved in cheap blame-games, even as we all work together to build a futuristically-focused,

better united, faster developing and just Nigeria premised on equity, rule-of-law and peace” he stated.

Uranta, a member of the Presidential Committee on National Dialogue, lauded the efforts of Nigeria’s security forces that he said were sacrificing so much to keep millions of Nigerians safe; He however urged the government and security bigwigs to do much less of talking/Public Relations-g randstanding, and let their positive and successful actions speak for them.

The UNDEDSS secre-

tary-general expressed concerns over attempts by some Nigerian citizens, governments and security agencies to turn into a propaganda circus, the lamentable unresolved dilemma of the young Nigerian girls ostensibly abducted by Boko Haram from Chibok over a month ago.

“UNDEDSS reiterates the region’s empathy for and solidarity with, the abducted teenage girls’ families and appreciates the world for recognising that Boko Haram is a part of the ongoing madness of international terrorism” he added.

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

Syrians vote in wartime election set to extend Assad’s rule 50

-

“We don’t leave our men or women in uniform behind and that dates back to the earliest days” -UNITED STATES PRESIDENT, BARACK OBAMA

Sisi won 96.91 % of votes in Egypt’s presidential election - Commission PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

F

ormer Egyptian army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi secured a landslide victory in the country’s presidential vote last week, the election commission confirmed yesterday, with 96.91 percent of the vote.

Turnout was about 47 percent of Egypt’s 54 million voters, the commission said - less than the 40 million votes, or 80 percent of the electorate, that Sisi had called for.

Sisi gained wide support from Egyptians after toppling President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood last year, prompted by mass protests against his rule.

He now faces a wide array of challenges in a country where street demonstrations have helped to topple two leaders in three years.

The lower-than-expected turnout raises questions about Sisi’s

Presidential candidate and former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) gesturing to his supporters as he arrives with his bodyguards at a polling station.

ability to maintain his popularity while attempting to fix a battered economy, ease poverty and prevent further political crises

from paralyzing Egypt.

For now, Sisi’s supporters seemed content to celebrate the moment, gathering by the thou-

sands in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of the uprising that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

Worst maths, science ranking, shock South Africa S outh Africa’s ranking as worst in the world for its maths and science education is “a state of emergency”, the opposition has said.

The Democratic Alliance called for a full skills audit of all maths, science and technology teachers.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) report on information technology assessed the economies of 148 countries.

But the government has rejected it, saying the findings were based on perceptions and not hard data.

The World Economic Forum’s The Global Information Technology Report assesses how ready countries are to exploit the opportunities offered by information and communications technology and how they can use it to improve conditions.

For the overall quality of

WORLD BULLETIN

Sierra Leone Ebola outbreak death toll now five

Foreign mining company personnel have left the country while others are undergoing body temperature screening at work sites, company officials said yesterday as the death toll from an Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone rose to at least five victims.

The new cases come after the deadly virus that causes severe bleeding was blamed for about 200 deaths in neighbouring Guinea and Liberia. The Ebola disease has had a 70 percent fatality rate during the first crisis of its kind in West Africa.

Deputy Information Minister Theo Nicol said the government was doing all it could to contain the “scourge” of Ebola. None of the 15 confirmed cases in Sierra Leone has been in the capital of Freetown.

London Mining Company spokesman Osman Lahai said Tuesday that eight of their nonessential staff had left Sierra Leone over the weekend as a result of the deadly viral outbreak.

Rwanda, HR Watch in row over bias allegations

Human Rights Watch has reacted angrily to Rwandan allegations of bias in its reporting on the central African nation, saying it has been “misrepresented” and its staff “disparaged”.

The statement from the group, released overnight on Monday, came after Rwanda’s justice ministry accused the rights organisation of colluding with terrorists and signalled it may no longer be allowed to work in the country.

“Human Rights Watch is deeply concerned that the Rwandan Ministry of Justice has grossly misrepresented the work of Human Rights Watch and disparaged its staff,” the group said in a statement.

Arab Spring has boosted terror groups -Algeria

Opposition parties have accused the basic education minister of not doing enough to turn things around.

education, South Africa came 146th in the WEF ranking.

While not all countries were surveyed, South Africa was ranked below Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Annette Lovemore, shadow minister for basic education, said her government counter-

part, Angie Motshekga, should answer questions in parliament about the “worsening” state of education.

“It is deeply disturbing. Not only are we failing hundreds of thousands of learners in our schools but we are certainly failing our economy that needs

the skills that maths and science produce,” South Africa’s Eyewitness News quotes Ms Lovemore as saying.

Ms Motshekga’s Department of Basic Education dismissed the report as “based on interviews conducted with business sector executives”.

The Arab Spring has increased the influence and power of terrorist groups, Algeria’s foreign minister said Tuesday, calling for more international support for vulnerable states in sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at a strategic forum on regional threats, Ramtane Lamamra said Algerian authorities had long warned about instability in neighbouring Libya that has created a zone of insecurity across Africa’s north and west.

“What is commonly called the Arab Spring allowed local terrorist groups to increase their ideological influence and power,” Lamamra said at the conference, sponsored in part by a U.S. Department of Defence think tank.

50

World News

Briefs Pakistani party leader arrested in London Police in London have arrested the leader of Pakistan’s powerful MQM party, Altaf Hussain, on suspicion of money-laundering.

Officers are searching a residential address in northwest London where they say a 60-year-old man was detained.

Hussain has lived in the UK since 1991, saying his life would be at risk if he returned to Pakistan.

His party, which controls Karachi, has urged supporters to stay calm amid outbreaks of violence there.

The British and Pakistani authorities have in the past expressed concerns that any arrest of Altaf Hussain could lead to violent protests in Karachi.

Shootings have been reported from some parts of Pakistan’s largest city, which BBC correspondents said is tense.

Traffic jams were reported in Karachi and other cities in Sindh province as businesses closed and people headed home fearing violence.

One man in the city, who gave his name as Tahir, told the BBC that MQM supporters were firing guns in the streets and setting fire to any shops which remained open.

Another, Nabil, said there had been “turmoil” and “massive confusion” about whether Altaf Hussain had been arrested or not.

Wednesday June 4, 2014

Netanyahu troubled by US decision on Palestine

Syrians vote in wartime election I set to extend Assad’s rule

S

yrians voted yesterday in an election expected to deliver an overwhelming victory for President Bashar alAssad but which his opponents have dismissed as a charade in the midst of Syria’s devastating civil war.

Rebel fighters, the political opposition in exile, Western powers and Gulf Arabs say no credible vote can be held in a country where swathes of territory are outside state control and millions have been displaced by conflict.

State television showed long queues of people waiting to vote at polling stations in areas under state control, as well as crowds waving flags and portraits of the president. Assad, looking relaxed and wearing a dark blue suit and light blue tie, voted at a central Damascus polling station with his wife Asma.

For many Syrians politics took second place to the overriding yearning for stability after three years of war which have killed more than 160,000 people.

“We hope for security and stability,” said Hussam al-Din al Aws, an Arabic teacher who was the first person to vote at a polling station at a Damascus secondary school. Asked who would win, he responded: “God willing, President Bashar alAssad.”

Islamist insurgents battling to overthrow the 48-year-old president, who has ruled Syria since succeeding his father 14 years ago, dismissed the vote as “illegitimate”.

But the Islamic Front and allied groups pledged not to target polling stations and urged other rebels to do the same.

Damascus residents said mortar shells struck residential areas in the capital yesterday, most likely fired from rebel suburbs. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Assad is running against two relatively unknown challengers who were approved by a parliament packed with his supporters, the first time in half a century that Syrians have been offered a choice of candidates.

But neither of Assad’s ri-

vals, former minister Hassan al-Nouri or parliamentarian Maher Hajjar, enjoys much support.

“It’s a tragic farce,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said. “The Syrians in a zone controlled by the Syrian government have a choice of Bashar or Bashar. This man has been described by the U.N. Secretary General as a criminal,” he told France 2 television.

But for many Syrians exhausted by war, particularly the minority Alawite, Christian and Druze communities, the Alawite president offers a bulwark against radical Sunni Muslim insurgents and the promise - however remote - of some form of stability.

At the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, thousands of people stood in the sun in a tightly packed queue to vote at a polling station set up for Syrians inside Lebanon - despite warnings from the government in Beirut that any refugees who crossed back into Syria would lose their refugee status.

Turkey lifts block on access to YouTube Turkey’s telecoms regulator removed an official order blocking access to YouTube from its website yesterday after the country’s top court ruled last week that the ban was a breach of human rights.

The video-sharing website will be accessible in Turkey later on Tuesday, an official at Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s office told Reuters.

“As the Constitutional Court verdict was received today, YouTube will be open to access later today.”

Blocks on access to YouTube and Twitter were imposed after illicit audio recordings, purportedly revealing corruption in Erdogan’s inner circle, were leaked on the sites. The block on access to Twitter was lifted in April.

The ban on YouTube was imposed on March 27 in the build-up to local elections after a tape of top security officials discussing possible military intervention in Syria was leaked.

Erdogan condemned the tape recording, which followed a series of other leaked wiretaps, as an act of treason. He subsequently emerged from local elections on March 30 with his popularity largely intact.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma (R) cast their votes in the country’s presidential elections at a polling station in Damascus, yesterday.

PHOTO: REUTERS

srael’s prime minister said yesterday he is “deeply troubled” by the United States’ decision to maintain relations with the new Palestinian unity government, urging Washington to tell the Palestinian president that his alliance with the Hamas militant group is unacceptable.

The blunt language used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflected his dismay over the international community’s embrace of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ new unity government, and marked the latest in a string of disagreements between Netanyahu and the White House.

Netanyahu has urged the world to shun the government because it is backed by Hamas, an Islamic group that has killed hundreds of Israelis in attacks over the past two decades. But late Monday, both the U.S. and European Union said they would give Abbas a chance.

“I’m deeply troubled by the announcement that the United States will work with the Palestinian government backed

by Hamas,” Netanyahu told The Associated Press, saying the group has murdered “countless innocent civilians.”

“All those who genuinely seek peace must reject President Abbas’ embrace of Hamas, and most especially, I think the United States must make it absolutely clear to the Palestinian president that his pact with Hamas, a terrorist organization that seeks Israel’s liquidation, is simply unacceptable,” he said.

Asked whether Israel is lobbying its allies to change their position toward the unity government, an Israeli official said the government is “definitely in a conversation with the U.S. and other world powers, sharing our views on how to deal with the Palestinian government.”

Obama offers military aid to Eastern Europe allies

U

.S. President Barack Obama promised yesterday to beef up military support for eastern European members of the NATO alliance who fear they could be next in the firing line after the Kremlin’s intervention in Ukraine.

Under attack from critics at home who say his leadership on the world stage has not been muscular enough, Obama unveiled plans to spend up to $1 billion in supporting and training the

armed forces of NATO states on Russia’s borders.

The White House also said it would review permanent troop deployments in Europe in the light of the Ukraine crisis -- though that fell short of a firm commitment to put troops on the ground that Poland and some of its neighbours had sought.

Stationing troops permanently in eastern Europe would be tricky: many NATO members in

Western Europe would baulk at the cost, and a big increase in U.S. forces could prompt reciprocal steps by Moscow and spiral into an arms race.

Moments after landing at Warsaw’s Okecie airport at the start of a four-day visit to Europe, Obama set the tone by striding into an aircraft hangar to inspect U.S. fighter jets in Poland for a joint program with the Polish air force.

U.S. President Barack Obama (second right) taking part in a group photo following a meeting with Central and Eastern European Leaders at the Presiden-

Wednesday June 4, 2014

Canada 2014: Falconets set for Ghana friendlies 52

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51

Sport

I have overcome my omission from the World Cup squad and will support my team mates totally USA striker, Landon Donovan

Kunle Odunlami

W/Cup list:

Why Mba, Joel Obi were axed –Keshi ADEOLU JOHNSON

S

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has explained his decision to drop Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2013 hero, Sunday Mba, and Joel Obi from his final 23-man squad for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Obi, who played on loan at Parma from Inter Milan last season, was again the victim of injury, according to Keshi.

“Joel (had) a little bit of ankle problem, but he was still trying. I just didn’t want to risk it. But I am happy I spent a little time with him,” Keshi told AfricanFootball.com.

Mba was another major omission from Brazil 2014 particularly after his exploits at

last year’s AFCON in South Africa, where he scored the championship winner against Burkina Faso and also sank tournament favourites, Cote d’Ivoire.

However, Keshi explained that the former Enugu Rangers star did not show enough desire even after he joined the squad late in London as a result of visa hitch.

“For Sunday Mba, his lateness to camp contributed, but aside that he did not show the hunger, the fight, we expected from him,” explained Keshi.

“We have only two and half weeks to prepare for the World Cup and he was not giving us what we wanted. He was very relaxed and it was unlike him.”

Keshi further confirmed that Obinna Nsofor was dropped due to a knee injury.

“Nsofor has a little bit knee problem, but he was pushing,” he revealed.

Brazil bound: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel Strikers: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

Rangers console Uzoenyi, Sunshine hail Odunlami

E

nugu Rangers have consoled their playmaker, Ejike Uzoenyi, who was sensationally dropped by Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi.

Speaking yesterday on the Nigeria 23-man list, Rangers Technical Adviser, John Obuh, said it was only Keshi that could explain the final selection.

“Keshi has the final say in the Eagles selection as the coach, but I would have appreciated the list more had Uzoenyi made it.

“Uzoenyi has been a good fellow and works hard even in Rangers trainings. I know he is equal to the task but the coach knows why he is excluded,” Obuh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

But also speaking with NAN, the Director, Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Mike Idoko, said he was proud of the inclusion of Sunshine Stars FC defender, Kunle Odunlami, in Nigeria’s World Cup squad.

Idoko said Sunshine was proud to have produced the trio of Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona and Odunlami for the national team.

“It is a thing of pride for us here that our players are in the national team without sentiments The investment of the Ondo State Governor in developing football has started yielding results and I am grateful to be associated with this kind of achievements,” Idoko added.

52

Sports

Wednesday June 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thunder Balogun tourney ends June 21

Canada 2014:

Falconets

T

he stage is set for the final of this year’s Teslim Akanni Thunder Balogun U-15 soccer competition.

The competition in its second edition, which kicked-off on April 18, is expected to end on June 21 at Campos Square Sports Centre, Lagos.

The participating teams are from Lagos Island, Surulere, Apapa, Fadeyi, Somolu, Oshodi, Agege, Ikeja, Ipaja, Egbeda, Ketu and Mile-12.

Speaking on his future plans for the tournament, the sponsor and founder of Teslim Balogun Foundation, Engr. Rasheed Olamide Balogun, said his expectation is to see one or two players in the Golden Eaglets (Nigeria’s U-17 National Team) in the nearest future.

Two teams that have qualified and will slug it out in the final are Rozie FA and Media Sport FA, while third place match will be played by Godswill FA and Flying Cat FA at the same venue.

Semifinal results were decided by spot kicks between the four teams: Godswill FA 3 vs Rozie FA 5 and Mediasport FA 5 vs Flaying Cat 2.

All the teams that qualified for semi-finals received four balls each for their efforts.

set for Ghana friendlies

T

he Falconets will depart Abuja today for Accra, Ghana where they will engage in a two-legged international friendly against the Black Princess scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

National Mirror learnt from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja yesterday that the matches are planned to prepare the Falconets for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup slated for August in Canada.

The NFF also listed 22 players for the games, in addition to Coach Peter Dedevbo and his two assistants.

Meanwhile, Peter Dedevbo has expressed desire to use the matches to fine-tune his strategy ahead of the World Cup. “I need to give all players the opportunity to show their skills and seek a place in the final list for Canada, especially the new players,” the coach said.

“I take the matches not just as a friendly, but as an opportunity to proof the superiority of the Falconets on the continent,” he added.

Team captain, Patience Okaeme, also says they are going to fight hard to win both matches.

“We will not come back empty handed,” Okaeme assured.

Ghana and Nigeria are both representing Africa at the Canada event.

Officials said the Falconets are due back in Abuja on Monday.

Federation Cup Round of 64

Mourinho tips Nigeria, CIV

C

helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has tipped Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire as the African countries to reach the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

African champions, Nigeria, are in Group F with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Portuguese coach expects the Super Eagles to finish in second position behind the South Americans.

Bakare dumps NBBF job PAUL EREWUBA

T

echnical Director of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Ayo Bakare, yesterday announced his resignation from the federation, citing personal commitment as reason for quitting his job.

Bakare, who led D’ Tigers to their first Olympics Games Championship, said his was reached after due consideration

of his personal commitments.

“This is not a sudden decision,” Bakare insisted.

“My decision was mutually and amicably made. I have the highest and personal regard for the NBBF President and his administration and fully endorse and support their programmes,” he added.

“I remain irrevocably committed to the progress of Nigerian basketball as sincerely as I have done these past 25 years.”

He opted to pick Nigeria to qualify behind Argentina and ahead of Bosnia and Iran based on the fact that they have a Chelsea player in John Obi Mikel.

“I’ll do the same I did in Group A. I’ll have to say Argentina has to be the group winner. What makes me decide in favour of Nigeria is the fact that I have one player there (John Obi Mikel). I’ll pick Nigeria as the runnerup,” Mourinho said on Yahoo’s Dirty Tackle.

In Group C which has Cote d’Ivoire, Greece, Japan and Colombia, Mourinho went for Greece and Ivory Coast to reach the knockout stage.

He explained his choice of the Ivorians, ahead of Japan and Colombia, is based on his friendship with their players especially Didier Drogba, who played for him between 2004 and 2007 at Chelsea.

“Again I go with my friends and I’ll like Greece and Ivory Coast to do it but I have to say that Colombia is a good team,” the former FC Porto manager predicted.

Enyimba

vs

Sokoto North FC

Zara Studio, Kebbi

vs

Niger Tornadoes

CBN Jigawa

vs

Nembe City

Ibom Youths

vs

Katsina Spotlight

Heartland FC

vs

Ebonyi United

Kwara United

vs

Sharks FC

Dalhatu Zamfara

vs

Shooting Stars

Dynamite Benin

vs

Ranchers Bees

Kaduna United

vs

Leopard FC CRS

Bright Stars Ebonyi

vs

Crwon FC

Apa United

vs

Ekiti United

Nasarawa United

vs

Young Elephant, Bauchi

Bendel Insurance

vs

Sunshine Stars

Bobbies FC Delta

vs

Ajiroba

Rangers International vs

Ikpeazu FC Anambra

ABS FC

vs

Giwa FC

Yerima Light Gombe

vs

Jigawa Stars

Lobi Stars

vs

Tornadoes Feeders

AS Racine, Lagos

vs

FC Taraba

Sky Academy, Kano

vs

Plateau United

Abia Warriors

vs

mafara United

Wikki Tourists

vs

El-Kanemi Warriors

Yobe Desert Stars

vs

Kogi United

Dolphins FC

vs

Ingas FC Enugu

Remo Stars

vs

Bayelsa United

Binami FC Adamawa

vs

FRSC Abuja

Akwa United

vs

FC Abuja

Gateway FC

vs

Kano Pillars

FC Lokoja

vs

First Bank, Lagos

Gombe United

vs

Patin FC, Imo

Prime FC

vs

El-Kanemi Babes

Dan Duran Katsina

vs

Warri Wolves

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday June 4, 2014

Osagona unhappy in Rangers victory

Week 15 results Giwa

STORIES: ADEOLU JOHNSON

3

N

Nembe City

Dolphins

3

1

Lobi Stars

Bayelsa Utd

3

4

Heartland

Taraba

1

0

Sharks

Sunshine Stars

3

2

El Kanemi Warriors

Kano Pillars

1

0

Enyimba

Akwa United

2

1

Crown

Enugu Rangers

1

0

Kaduna United

Abia Warriors

2

1

Gombe United

Warri Wolves

2

1

Nasarawa United

Team

P

Pts

1

Sharks

17

30

2

Nasarawa Utd

17

27

3

Kano Pillars

16

25

4

Enyimba

17

25

5

Sunshine Stars

17

25

6

Akwa Utd

17

25

7

Warri Wolves

17

25

8

Lobi Stars

17

25

9

FC Taraba

17

25

10

Dolphin FC

17

24

11

Abia Warriors

16

24

12

Giwa FC

16

24

13

Heartland FC

17

23

14

Crown FC

17

23

15

Enugu Rangers

17

21

16

El Kanemi Warriors 17

20

17

Bayelsa United

15

20

18

Kaduna United

17

18

19

Gombe United

17

17

20

Nembe City

16

14

Today’s fixtures

Pitch invasion: Enyimba may be fined N5m

K

0

NPL Table

igeria league leading scorer Ighodalor Osagona refused to celebrate his ninth goal of the season at the weekend, saying there was nothing to cheer as “things are not alright with the team”.

Rangers did not train for Sunday’s match against Kaduna United as they embarked on a strike to press for outstanding payments.

However, Osagona delivered a looping header over onrushing goalkeeper Rabiu Hussaini on the hour to separate both sides in a Week 17 clash in Enugu.

“It is good that we won to show that we still have what it takes to challenge for laurels at the end of the season if the right things are done. But how will I celebrate when things are not alright in our team?” the big striker told reporters.

“All the same, I give God all the glory for my goals so far in the league.”

Rangers are groaning under a cash crunch as they are yet to be paid their sign-on fees for last season and are still on the old salary even after sign-on fees were abolished this term

ano Pillars football club recorded a 1-0 hard victory over Enyimba in the week 17 game of the Glo Ni- geria Professional Football League played on Sunday in Aba. The 2013 champions have now extended their unbeaten run in the ongoing season to eight games after their slim victory over arch-rivals Enyimba. The goal was however met with riotous celebrations from the home

53

fans who encroached on the pitch to celebrate the goal.

CHAN Eagles forward Gambo Mohammed scored the only goal of the match in the dying moments of the encounter to give Kano Pillars the maximum points.

After a goalless first half, experience Gambo scored in 93rd minute, after turning and converting a nice flick from Haruna Musa past Enyimba’s Femi Thomas to score the match winner.

Article 13.18 of the rules

governing the Nigeria Premier League stated: No club, supporter, player or official shall encroach on the field of play during a match.

Article 13.19: Where any supporter or player or official encroaches on the field of play and causes the discontinuation of a match, the club shall be fined the sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira only) payable to the LMC within 14 days. With punishment ranging banishment to sanctions spelt out in rules.

El-Kanemi vs

Kaduna United

Warri Wolves

vs

Bayelsa United

Giwa FC

vs

Crown FC

Enugu Rangers

vs

Lobi Stars

Dolphins FC

vs

Taraba FC

Nembe City

vs

Nasarawa United

Abia Warriors

vs

Akwa United

Sunshine Stars

vs

Heartland FC

Kano Pillars

vs

Sharks

Heartland players to get instant bonus payment

N

ew General Manager of Heartland Football Club, Prince Okechukwu Ibe has instituted a regime of instant payment of match bonuses to players and officials as an important way of encouraging performance.

To this effect, the club has cleared the three match bonuses representing the victories over Rangers International FC of Enugu, Akwa Utd FC of Uyo and Bayelsa Utd of Yenegoa all

of which were won by Heartland FC after Ibeh had assumed office.

The former central defender while speaking to journalists after the away victory in Benin, Edo State against Bayelsa Utd on Sunday said,“I want to encourage my players so that they can go ahead and win every game in sight. My job here is to get them to win and my target is to return Heartland FC to the continent where it would be

second to none. If I don’t motivate them, there’s no way they can feel happy to give me their best and the little we can do at the moment is by way of match bonuses so I have to give it to them immediately after they had won.

“At least I was once a player myself and I know what it takes to motivate young players. By the time I begin to unveil my package for the team people will marvel at what success we’ll

achieve.”

Ibe was excited at the 4-3 victory which his boys earned over hard-fighting Bayelsa Utd in Benin but cautions that jubilations over one won match must not becloud the task that lies ahead.

“Of course I’m happy for the way my boys played and won this game. It was a game that stretched two days and still they won convincingly despite all the antics of the home side.

54

Sports

Wednesday June 4, 2014

w

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

orld cup countdown

Algeria set to cause upset

PAUL EREWUBA

A

lgeria has promised to improve on its embarrassing World Cup record when the Desert Warriors compete at the imminent 2014 finals in Brazil.

The North Africans are in Group H with World Cup stalwarts, Belgium, Russia and South Korea. They have been to three finals – 1982, 1986 and 2010 – and never advanced from the group.

The Desert Foxes last won a match at the tournament 32 years ago and have scored only once in six games during two subsequent appearances.

In South Africa four years ago, the Desert Warriors suffered two defeats and drew with England to finish bottom of their group. And

the hurt from that campaign still remains.

But Algeria has a pedigree for upsets, having famously beat West Germany in their opening game of the 1982 World Cup. And football pundits now wonder if they can cause a similar stir in Brazil.

The thinking is that they could probably not, and an early exit might be beckoning if they are not careful. It is believed in different quarters that this present Algerian team is still work- in-progress and has little in terms of big game experience within their ranks.

All the same, they seem to hope for victory, however tense, in Brazil.

After just an appearance in South Africa 2010 and a poor 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria

missed very few beats on their way to Brazil 2014. They won five of their six group matches to easily top what might have been a tricky section over Mali, Benin and Rwanda.

Once in the final play-off round, they were unlucky to draw one of the continents form teams in Burkina Faso, who shocked Africa by finishing second at the 2013 AFCON. In that tie, they lost the first leg 3-2 to a late penalty, but just claimed the place in Brazil with a professional 1-0 win at home that gave them the advantage on away goals.

Algeria coach, Vahid Halilhodzic believes his team carries its own particular talent and cannot be intimidated.

Among the Desert Warriors are Bougherra, Getafe’s Medhi Lacen, Olympiakos striker,

place in the squad, and looks set to start in central midfield after a breakthrough season at Tottenham.

Hilihodzic has struggled to introduce similar quality in the defensive positions though, and this is arguably the biggest challenge facing this team ahead of their fourth World Cup bow. But he will be hoping the team can maintain similar solidarity and togetherness like the 2010 side that was difficult to break down.

FACT-FILE Capital: Algiers Population: 38.7 million Association: Algerian Football Federation Appearances: 4 (First in 1982) FIFA Ranking: 25th Nicknames: Fennec Foxes, The Greens, The Desert Warriors Record Scorer: Abdelhafid Tasfaout (35) Most Capped Player: Lakhdar Belloumi (101) Captain: Madjid Bougherra Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic

Group Matches Tuesday, June 17 vs Belgium (Belo Horizonte) Sunday, June 22 vs South Korea (Porto Alegre) Thursday, June 26 vs Russia (Curitiba)

Player to watch … Madjid Bougherra

A

Bougherra

Rafik Djebbour and Hassan Yebda, the midfielder on loan at Udinese, all with good experience.

Valencia’s attacking midfielder, Sofiane Feghouli, heads an exciting new generation of French-born Algerians, part of Halilhodzic’s remit when he took over as coach in 2011.

“In the last World Cup, we were not afraid, but we didn’t know this competition,” Bougherra was quoted to have said.

“We were thinking the World Cup is very, very hard; too hard.

But this is normal when you’ve never been there.

“But when you have been, and played in these games, you say, ‘Wow, OK, this is the biggest competition in the world, but they’re still the same players. We all have two legs and two hands. Of course, some players are more talented, but we can show something,” he stated.

Brazil 2014 World Cup could probably mark another good outing in their history. And while most will remember their dreary and abrasive efforts in South Africa, this could be a team much improved from the one that played four years ago.

This is because coach Hilihodzic has reportedly done his best to integrate some promising young players, especially in attacking areas. Players like Yacine Brahimi, Islam Slimani and Sofiane Feghouli who have talent, and can complement well by the physical influences of Bougherra and Adlene Guediora.

Nabil Bentaleb also takes his

s a top player, Madjid Bougherra has proven to be a rising star in international football. He is known for his diversity as he is able to be a midfielder as well as a defender, and while playing for the national team, he also plays for the Rangers.

On July 21, 2008, he signed a four year deal with the Rang-

ers for £2.5 million and still remains with the Scottish club.

His parents, both Algerian, made the decision to move to France, as many other Algerians were doing at the time, with Bougherra’s mother giving birth to him in Longvic on October 7, 1982. Learning how to play football in the streets, with his father, the combination of

football talent and being able to attend college changed his life.

Baugherra played for AS Quetigny in1999 and moved over to Guengnon in 2002. In 2006 he found himself on the Crewe Alexandra club team, which is an English First Division team, and Charles Collymore, his agent, was instrumental in getting him on the team.

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I, Mr. Phillip Shegun Odior hereby notify the public that the following original receipts issued to me by Federal Housing Authority: i.Receipt No. 088535 dated 27/01/1997 ii. Receipt No. 096484 dated 02/12/1998 and Letter of provisional allocation of a house at Abesan 5 Estate, Lagos with reference number FHA/LEM/ NHP dated 15/07/1997 C/O of Mrs. C.Y Alabi, B.C.L. 16 Ajao Road Surulere, Lagos received on this date 13/9/1998 got lost in transit and all efforts made to trace it proved abortive. Federal Housing Authority Abuja and general public should please take note.

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ERIC EDOJA FOUNDATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

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THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create health/financial support for the disadvantaged/Sickle Cell Patients.

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Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja. Within 28 days of this publication.

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This is to inform the general public that I Chief Mrs Princess Florence Anekwe O. of Aku Igbo-Etiti L.G.A of Enugu State lost my Deed of Assignment registered as 21/21/1130 at land registry Enugu of plot 17 BLK 8, 44 Peter Okoye Street in Umani Enugu. If found contact the Ministry of lands and Urban Development Enugu.

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is inform the general public that the original letter of offer/allocation in respect of the property located at No 38, Drive 6, Prince & Princess Estate, Abuja, measuring about 1000m2 in favour of Batholomew B. Ebong of Flat 4 Block B, 402, 1004 Estate, Victoria Island Lagos issued by Prince & Princess Properties Ltd is missing. All efforts to trace the missing documents have proved abortive. If found please contact any nearest police Station.

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CORPORATE CAB OPERATORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Alo Sola Babs 2. Iwe Simon.

3. Yusuf Kasim 4. Nse David Akpan 5. Olaosebikan Olusesan Festus

-Chairman -Secretary -Treasurer

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To promote the interest of member, 2. To provide transportation services to Nigerian Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

CHANGE OF NAME

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PUBLIC NOTICE

TRICYCLE OWNERS AND DEALERS ASSOCIATION ENUGU

The above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Company and Allied Matters Act No 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Chukwunta Aloysius -Chairman 2. Kalu Kenneth Ugochukwu -Secretary 3. H.R.M. Igwe Dr. Simon Osisi Itodo 4. H.R.M. Igwe Sir/Dr Chris E. Ogakwu JP, MON 5. Chief Bension Chinedu Igwe 6. Irem Chukwuka 7. Obidinnu Uzochukwu 8. Austin Kelechi Ezenwa 9. Usulor Mmaduabuchi 10. Mathew Orji Udeh

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To bring together under a free and fair atmosphere to all Owners and Dealers of Tricycle in Enugu State under a single association.

2.To explore the unity of members in promoting safety, good services and security of the investment of our members.

3.To employ the instrumentality of unity to enhance quality of social and economic well-being of members.

4. To promote the spirit of friendship among our members.

5. To product the right of every member.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: KALU UGOCHUKWU ESQ, SECRETARY

WORLD RECORD

Richest British Prime Minister Vol. 04 No. 866

N150

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The richest person to become British Prime Minister was Edward Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby (1799-1869), who had a personal fortune in excess of £7 million (about £444 million in today’s terms).

For the state of emergency to succeed

W

hen the Boko Haram insurgency escalated in Borno and Yobe states, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in some local government areas in the former; six months later, the emergency rule was extended to the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. While the situation was genuinely getting out of hand in Borno State, it was just festering in Yobe State.

As for Adamawa State, what was happening were essentially increased criminal activities rather than actual insurgency. Yet the federal authorities used unjustified fiat in imposing a state of emergency in the state.

One year after, the situation became worst in Borno and Yobe. The abduction of over 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State has, being the worst. The world rose in condemning not just the abduction but the response of the federal authorities to

R

ussian heroine, Maria Sharapova, yesterday produced a resilient performance as she beat Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 1-6 7-5 6-1 to reach the French Open semifinals.

Guest Columnist the activities of the insurgents.

Nothing in the Nigerian Constitution stops the Commander-in-Chief from deploying troops to any part of the country for the protection of citizens. Recently in Paris during the security summit convened by the French president, Francois Hollande, President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed that 20,000 troops had been deployed in the states under emergency rule. The Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states have a land mass of over 140 square kilometers. Will the 20,000 troops effectively cover this land mass? Going by the troop strength, it will be impossible to secure over 10 million people with just 20,000 troops.

Whichever way we look at this insurgency and the effort to combat it, we are definitely in a war situation. If we then accept this as a war, and we also accept that this is not a cross border war but an ‘internal security operation’, then our strategy must include four basic elements: political, diplomatic, economic, and military. In the past one year, the military response has been emphasized with near negligible attention to the other three.

Essentially, the end state of the counterinsurgency strategy is to achieve peace. The mission is to degrade the insurgents in order to achieve peace. To achieve this we need the political will on the part of the leadership to address lingering political concerns and to take decisions that may have negative political consequences but are absolutely necessary. We have heard the leadership of the country claim the existence of Boko Haram

Ahmad Sajoh

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGIES TO BE ADOPTED IN WINNING THE WAR AGAINST INSURGENCY IN

NIGERIA AND

PARTICULARLY THE

NORTH-EAST IS THE USE OF LOCAL MILITIA elements within the government without any exposure or arrests. We have heard political party leaders and side-kicks accuse people of sponsoring attacks without any shred of evidence. We have heard people openly lie and later apologize without any sanction. These are clear evidences of lack of a political will and capacity to take the right decisions on matters that require decisive actions.

At the diplomatic level, all the international support and international cooperation being sought at the moment would have been part of the process at the very beginning. In addition, internal social mobilization to win the hearts and minds of the people should have been a cardinal principle of the operation from the start of the counter insurgency strategy.

A psychological operation to address doctrinal issues is also absolutely necessary. Most

importantly is the issue of effective information management. Someone needs to advise the operators of the counter insurgency strategy on good information management. The recent debacle involving the Chief of Defence Staff in relation to his remark on the location of the abducted girls is unfortunate and should be avoided because it is avoidable. It should equally be noted that the insurgency and the counter insurgency operations of the military have resulted in a lot of economic hardship for the people and the sub-region.

Since the commencement of emergency rule, over 800 schools have been destroyed, but none repaired, not even the FG owned school in Buni-Yadi. Above all, a number of internally displaced persons have found themselves without homes or property with very little help from the authorities. The curfew hours have reduced business hours resulting in shocks in the economies of several families. The military check-points have equally hampered mobility of goods and people, while farmlands have been devastated by both the insurgency and military operations.

One of the most important strategies to be adopted in winning the war against insurgency in Nigeria and particularly the North-East is the use of local militia. In order to expand on the use of the “Civilian JTF” project, governments at all levels should take up the issue of citizen participation in defeating the insurgents seriously. The Kala-Badge experience where the local people ambushed the insurgents should serve as an example. Their roles in intelligence gathering should be encouraged.

Another area the authorities should address seriously is in hastening the turning of the wheel of justice with regards to offences related to terrorism and insurgency. Open and speedy trials have served as major deterrents. Keeping suspects in cells for too long without trial serves little purpose in exposing the evil in the criminal acts perpetrated by these social miscreants. This is not just a case of justice delayed but indeed that of justice playing into the hands of criminals.

Ahmad Sajoh writes from Dougirei Jimeta-Yola.

Sport Extra French Open: Sharapova struggles into semis

The 2012 champion and last year’s runner-up, who will meet Eugenie Bouchard in the last four, lost the first four games as she conceded the first set before regaining her

composure.

An early break in the second set was all that Sharapova needed to gather momentum and Muguruza, who knocked out holder Serena Wil-

liams in the second round, never recovered from the blitz.

Sharapova, who wrapped it up on the second match point when Muguruza net-

ted a forehand, will now face Bouchard in tomorrow’s semi-final after the Canadian overcame Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro in three sets.

Sharapova

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