Binder1

NDIC to review insurance cover for mortgage banks’ depositors TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T Ibrahim

Vol. 41 N0. 950 115

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has unveiled plans to review upwards the insurance cover

for depositors of Primary Mortgage Banks, PMBs, as part of its commitment to ensure that risks associated with primary mortgage financing in the country are mitigated.

Currently the corpora-

tion reimburses depositors of PMBs up to a maximum limit of N200,000 per depositor in the event of failure of such institution and has also developed and deployed a framework for financial CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Bi-Courtney: Court upturns AMCON’s take-over bid P.4

Babalakin

Tuesday, Tuesday,June September 7, 201130, 2014

National flag designer P gets salary for life

N150

ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

...taxi driver, traffic warden, steward receive houses National Honours Award, a call for service –Govs

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that the designer of the national flag, Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, would receive for life a salary equivalent to that of a Special Assistant to the President.

Akinkunmi, a septuagenarian, also received the national honours award of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR. While speaking at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Synagogue: Fashola warns against inflating death toll P.8

Nigeria’s business environment improving –World Bank

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President Goodluck Jonathan (left) presenting the Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim with the National Award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), during the 2014 National Honours Award in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

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Ekiti: Police arrest 19 suspects over murder Normalcy returns to state

P.5 Abba

Five feared killed, shops burnt in Abuja riot

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NATIONAL HONOURS AWARDS

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (right) receiving National Award of CFR from President Goodluck Jonathan.

L-R: Group Managing Director of Energy Group/award recipient, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR); Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo; Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko (CON) and his wife, Olukemi, during the National Honours Award conferment ceremony in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adeshola Amosu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah and Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh after being decorated with CFR National Award.

L-R:Deputy Senate President, Sen.Ike Ekweremadu; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim; National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki; Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; Chairman, National Honours Award Committee, Justice Alfa Belgore and President Goodluck Jonathan, during the award ceremony.

Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, (left) being conferred with the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

L-R: Head Steward, State House, Mr. Onuh Micheal; Taxi Driver, Mr. Imeh Usuah, and Traffic Warden, CPL Solomon Dauda, after receiving their awards.

L-R: Managing Director, Global Fleet, Mrs. Bridget Henry Iyasere; Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR) and Managing Director, National Mirror Newspapers, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara.

L-R: Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, Mrs. Modupe Jimoh, Mrs. Josephine Ozekhome and Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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NATIONAL HONOURS AWARDS

L-R: Chairman Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Chief Kola Jamodu; Chairman, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Olatunde Ayeni; Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR) and Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole

President Goodluck Jonathan presenting Pa Micheal Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of National Flag with OFR National Award.

L-R: Awardees, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR) and Hon Bethel Amadi.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Energy Group Dr Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR), Sen. Iyiola Omisore (CON) and Chief Joe PHOTOS: ROTIMI OSASONA Kyari Gadzama

Former Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olushola Obada receiving the National Honours Award from President Goodluck Jonathan.

L-R: HRH Dr. Fredrick Obateru, Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR) and Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo

Group Managing Director, Energy Group Dr Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR) and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.

Chairman, Nestle Plc, Chief Segun Osunkeye being presented with MON by the President.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right) with the National President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, TPL. Steve Onu (left) during a courtesy visit with his team to the Governor, in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Country Director, World Bank, Nigeria, Ms. MARIE-FRANCOISE MARIE-NELLY; Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi; representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa, and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Hajiya Saratu Umar, at the launch of World Bank’s ‘Doing Business in Nigeria 2014’ in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R; Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. George Feyii; Deputy Governor Tele; Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Sir. Tony Okocha, and Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, during the presentation of security vehicles to the state government by the MTN Foundation under its Security Support Project (MTNF-SSP) at the Govt. House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

L-R: Director, Field Operation Group, FIRS, Mr Ajayi bamidele; representative of Executive Secretary, TETFund, Mr. Oladipo Salau, and Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic, at the 2014 Joint TETFUND/FIRS Interactive Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Bi-Courtney: Court upturns AMCON’s take-over bid WALE IGBINTADE OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday upturned an order empowering the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to take over the properties of companies belonging to the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin, including the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2.

Justice Ibrahim Buba vacated the order in the ongoing hearing of a debt recovery suit between Babalakin and AMCON. Ruling on an application brought by Babalakin, Justice Buba held that the action of AMCON was clearly an abuse and a nullity.

A sister court, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, had earlier empowered AMCON to take over the assets of Babalakin’s companies.

In the order, the court also appointed Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, as the re-

ceiver/manager over all the companies owned by Babalakin, including BiCourtney Limited, Chartered Investment Limited, Resort International Limited and Roygate Properties Limited.

The orders were based on a N50bn debt, which Babalakin allegedly admitted owing AMCON. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Ibrahim Auta had re-assigned the case to Justice Buba, who was handling the previous case between the parties.

When the case came up yesterday, lawyers to Babalakin and his companies, Mr. Wale Akoni, SAN, and Abiodun Layonu, SAN, urged the court to suspend the interim orders made by Justice Abang empowering Agbakoba to act as the receiver/manager for the companies.

Akoni contented that the integrity of the court had been badly affected with the conflicting order.

On his part, Layonu argued that the Federal

High Court, as an institution, had been scandalised with the orders of Justice Abang.

He noted that Justice Buba had made specific order restraining AMCON from appointing a receiver/manager and or taking over the companies.

“For AMCON to now secretly obtain another order at variance with a subsisting order from a different court is an attempt to scandalise this court and cause confusion.

“Already, banks and the police are already implementing Abang’s orders, and that is the more reason why this court should act fast,” Layonu said.

Responding, Agbakoba, who is the counsel to AMCON, maintained that there was no confusion with the order made by Justice Abang.

Agbakoba explained that the suit brought before Abang was filed pursuant to the new cause of action that arose out of the admission by Babalakin that he was indebted to AMCON to

the tune of N50bn.

He recalled that before now, the bundle of cases were basically to determine the actual debt owed

by Babalakin and debt swap arising from the argument that the Federal Government was indebted to the defendant to the tune of over N132bn pursuant to a judgment.

He added that after series of meetings, Babalakin agreed that he was indebted to AMCON, and that all cases would be compromised and withdrawn.

The lawyer lamented that trouble however started when Babalakin failed to abide by the term of the agreements, especially as regard transferring the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi to AMCON as agreed.

But Justice Buba held that the action of AMCON was clearly an abuse and a nullity, as the suit before Abang was filed and orders obtained in the face of previous cases and specific orders.

While reversing the order, Justice Buba said that

it was clear from the processes before the court that Justice Abang was misled

by AMCON to grant the interim orders having failed to notify the court of the existing orders.

The judge then vacated the order of Justice Abang, and held that it was clearly an abuse of court process.

However, Justice Buba admonished the parties to embrace settlement out of court.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to December 9 for mention.

Meanwhile, the management of Bi-Courtney Limited, BASL, yesterday said that contrary to the claim of AMCON, that it owed it several billions of naira, it is the Federal Government that is actually indebted to it.

The company declared that the Federal Government owed it N132bn as part of the agreement it had with the government before setting up the MMA2, in 2007 and other of its companies.

The Chief Operating Officer, COO, , Miss Bisi

Awolaja said that part of the agreement the management had with the government was the use and control of the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, at Lagos Airport, but regretted that since the establishment of the terminal, the government had rescinded on the agreement.

Also speaking, the Head, Litigation, Bi-Courtney Services Limited, Mr. Tola Oshobi said that parts of the agreements signed with government was the setting up of a coordinating committee, which was to review any of its ongoing projects.

According to him, the committee recently reviewed the projects and came to the conclusion that the government should pay the company to the tune of N132bn.

Oshobi insisted that AMCON was supposed to reconcile with the committee and pay up any perceived debts the company may owe while the balance should be returned to the coffers of Bi-Courtney.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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NDIC to review insurance cover for mortgage banks’ depositors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

bly, Hon Adewale Omirin, yesterday dismissed as spurious and baseless, the statement allegedly made by the PDP that he was interested in becoming the Acting Governor of the State.

Omirin told journalists in Ado Ekiti that the allegation was very unfortunate, saying he was never desperate to become the Acting Governor or planning to stall the swearing-in of Fayose as the governor of the state under any guise.

The PDP Director of Media and Information, Mr. Gboyega Aribisogan, was quoted to have alleged that Omirin was working with Fayemi to ensure that Fayose, was not sworn-in on October 16 so that the Speaker

assistance for the banks to promptly intervene and assists them to overcome temporary liquidity problems.

Speaking on the new plans to jack up the deposit insurance limit further at the second edition of the Corporation’s Sensitisation Workshop for Operators of PMBs held yesterday in Abuja, the Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said that the move had become imperative in view of the recent developments in the mortgage finance sub-sector of the financial industry, particularly the potential threats in the rapidly evolving sub-sector and their implications for housing provision in the country.

He described the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, NMRC, established by the Federal Government with $300m initial capital, as a major intervention institution that had the potential of boosting the mortgage industry’s performance in view of its serving as a window for long term funding and provision of housing at affordable cost if all its opportunities are explored.

Ibrahim, who admonished industry players on the need to focus on issues of legal constraints, lack of corporate governance and risk management which he described as major chal-

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Anyim, said the national honours award started with the enactment of the National Honours Act, 1963.

According to him, the Act empowered the President to confer national honours on deserving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have distinguished themselves by their various contribution to the peace, growth, development and well-being of the country Anyim explained that due to the activities marking the centenary celebrations, the award of 2013 had to be combined with that of this year.

The Chairman of the National Honours Award Committee, Justice Alfa Belgore,

noted that the recipients of the award were carefully selected for the recognition of their invaluable contribution towards the actualisation of the success story of the nation He maintained that the award scheme was designed as a catalyst for development of the spirit of nationalism, selfless service to humanity and as an instrument of reward for those identified to have made meaningful continuations towards the nation’s greatness and achievement.

Belgore further said the recipients emerged through a very rigorous and painstaking selection by a screen-

Participants at a North West Zone Sensitisation Workshop on Pension Management Under Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in Kaduna yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ekiti: Police arrest 19 suspects over murder ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ocial and commercial activities returned to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday after three days of violence and tension that followed the assassination on Thursday night of the former State Chairman of the National Union of road Transport Workers, NURTW, Chief Omolafe Aderiye.

Banks, shops, markets and offices opened for activities yesterday just as commuters were seen on the roads.

Signs of normalcy began to show as early as 7am after the lifting of the 7pm to 7am curfew imposed on the state by the Governor, Dr. Kayode

Fayemi, when vehicles and people trooped to the roads.

The curfew was part of measures to curb the violence just as soldiers were deployed and police intensified patrol and search to restore peace.

Aderiye, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain and staunch supporter of the governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, was murdered by some assassins on Thursday night.

The murder heightened the crisis generated by the invasion of the Ekiti State High Court premises by a mob and assault on a judge, Justice John Adeyeye, on Monday and Thursday.

This was as the state police command said that 19 suspects in its net were be-

ing interrogated to ascertain the culpability of each of them in the murder of the former NURTW boss.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said the identity of the suspects who were arrested between Saturday and yesterday would not be disclosed.

He said a female was among the suspects.

This was as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 8, Mr. Christopher Dega, and the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, on Monday met with traditional rulers in the state as well as other stakeholders in their bid to fully restore peace in the state following days of violence and tension.

The meeting with traditional rulers was targeted at fashioning ways of ensuring lasting peace in their domains and in the state.

It was gathered that eight traditional rulers, namely: Oba Idowu Adamo Babalola, the Onitaji of Itaji and Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebayo Adewole, the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti; Oba James Adedapo Popoola, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti; Oba M. G. Adedeji, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi; Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, the Alara of Aramoko; Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, the Oloye of Oye kingdom and Oba S. o.

Ajiboye, the Onisan of IsanEkiti attended the meeting.

However, the Speaker of the state House of Assem-

National flag designer gets salary for life CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

national honours award ceremony at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Jonathan also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, to give a flat each to a taxi driver, Mr. Umeh Usuah; the Head, Presidential Steward, Mr. Onuh Isaac Michael, and a traffic warden, Corporal Solomon Dauda.

While Michael and Dauda bagged the award of Member of Order of the Niger, MON, Usuah received the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR. Michael, the Head, Presidential Steward, has served

nine Presidents while Dauda was awarded the national honour for his dedication to his duty as a traffic warden.

Dauda, the taxi driver was given the national award for his honesty in returning a total of N18m cash left in his cab by a passenger.

Jonathan said: “No great nation will toy with honours that constitute her trans- generational character code. This was why I insisted last year that our national honours must never be seen as a piece of paper or garland around the neck which individuals not worthy of honours can pick up and continue to project wrong values.”

The President also said he directed the National Honours Committee to always cast their net wide to ensure that all strata of society where honourable Nigerians were excelling to be brought to the honours fold.

Jonathan noted that the list of those that were awarded national honours for this year reflected the fact that the nation was rich in men, women and youths, stressing that there are many individuals who stand out in accomplishments and dedication in their fields of endeavour.

He told those who received the national award to realise that the honour bestowed on them was an

additional responsibility to continue demonstrate the strength of character that brought them to the hall of fame.

“Your lifestyle must be exemplary and reflect that of a truly honourable man or woman who has also times the noblest of virtues,” Jonathan told the 313 Nigerians and friends of Nigerians that received award.

“To all our countrymen and women, my challenge to you is to strive to do the best in whatever endeavour you are in that will recommend you for recognition of your nation.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius

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National Honours Award, a call for service –Govs ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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tate governors have expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the award of the Order of the Niger (OON) which they received at the National Honours Award ceremony

held yesterday in Abuja.

While speaking with journalists on the award, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosu said the award is a call to duty, stressing that the honour was to encourage governors to work harder in their states.

“It means that we

should work more for the nation and work more for the states, that is what it means to me. When you are given award like this, you are honoured, it means that our efforts are being appreciated for what we are doing, it is a call for more service”, Amosu said

Speaking further, Amosu said the award also meant that the President appreciated the work that governors are doing in their states He, however, disagreed that the award has become an all comer’s affairs, saying that the award was a call to serve

more, render selfless service to the nation and to the states Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano also expressed appreciation for the award, saying that it shows that he had been able to make positive impact in the state For Ondo State Gov-

ernor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, he said the award would encourage him to continue to work for the development of the state and the nation.

He appealed to all Nigerians to support the President in his transformation agenda for a better Nigeria.

Boko Haram kills scores in Adamawa fresh attacks

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Screening of intending Christian Pilgrims for Ebola in Bauchi.

PHOTO: NAN

National flag designer gets salary for life CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

ing process, which was carried out by the National Honours Award committee set up by the President.

He pointed out that the process was carefully designed to ensure that only credible people of impeccable character and those who have contributed positively towards the continued efforts at attaining greatness as a nation were being considered for the award A total of 4,737 Nigerians have so far received the National Honours award since the inception of the scheme in 1963.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 15 people had been awarded Grand

Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR); 35 had been awarded Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); 283 for Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and 508 received Commander of the Order of the Niger ( CON).

The breakdown also showed that 889 were awarded Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 1,218 received Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), 871 were awarded Member of the Order of the Federal Republic; 708 received Member of the Order of the Niger (MON); 140 received Federal Republic Medal 1 (FRM1) while 70 got Federal

Republic Medal 2 (FRM 2) Group Managing Director of Global Fleet, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim received the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal. Republic, CFR. While speaking with journalists on the award, Ibrahim said the award was symbolic, stressing that it was a statutory obligation backed by law.

He said, “I think it is something symbolic of our nation and it is statute obligation proclaimed by the law, it has the instrument of the law, that is the National Honours Act of 1963, laws of Nigeria No. 4.

So what it means is that it is something that must be

done because it is statutorily required.”

On whether the award has been turned into an all comers affairs, he said, “I don’t think so because most of the people that are honoured here today are service chiefs, Justices of Supreme Court; the business community has a very low share this year but it is okay, nobody is complaining.

“I think everybody here is significant and must have done one contribution or the other to national development just like any other one.

It is just that at this time, you are recognised, at another time more people will be recognised”, he said.

Ekiti: Police arrest 19 suspects over murder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

would automatically become the Acting Governor as stipulated by the constitution in case of any vacancy at the executive level.

But the speaker said: “This must have been a figment of imagination of the PDP. I have never taken any step that could make anyone to accuse me of working with the executive to derail the transition.

“I am a politician who believes in the rule of law and the dictates of the constitution and nothing can be traced to me to suggest that I am eyeing the governorship in acting capacity.

“This allegation has confirmed that the PDP is jittery. It is afraid of its own shadow. Nothing stops any of the parties to any election to go to court to seek redress. It is part of the demo-

cratic process and we expect the PDP to be civil enough to subject itself to judicial scrutiny.

“I want to advise the PDP to rather concentrate on how to face the judiciary than resorting to self help under the guise of blackmailing the people that have nothing to do with the challenges confronting it,” Omirin said.

The Speaker also plead-

ed with the people of the State to eschew violence and embrace peace for Ekiti to remain united and strong for sustainable development.

Omirin also appealed to the Commissioner of Police to work assiduously to ensure that the curfew slammed on the state was strictly complied with by the residents to restore peace and curtail violence.

cores of people were alleged to have been killed yesterday in Adamawa State by the Boko Haram sect during a bloody raid on two communities.

Our correspondent learnt that the sect sacked Kubi and Watu villages in Michika local government area of the state razing about 500 houses in the process.

According to a source, the fresh attacks were launched in the early hours of the day while people were still sleeping.

Some of the villagers, who managed to escape, said several people were burnt along with their houses.

It was learnt that those who escaped have been hiding in the bush and caves The villagers lamented the absence of soldiers in the area, even as they said that the insurgents are still in control of Michika and Madagali local governments, killing and maiming people.

One of the villagers, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the situation is so bad that even the dead are not allowed to be buried by the insurgents.

According to him, the people have lost hope that the situation would be brought under control soon.

NDIC to review insurance cover for mortgage banks’ depositors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

lenges that might hamper the growth potential of the subsector if not properly addressed, assured them of the NDIC’s continued readiness to continue, in collaboration with the CBN, to engage the players and other segments of the banking system to create value at all times.

He said: “On our part I can assure you that together with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other interested parties we will continue to engage you and other segments of the banking system so that we help to create value. We are not here to talk the premium as you know even though we made sure that those of you that are invited are able to and willing to contribute to the premium. Going forward, we hope to review the insurance coverage that we provide.

“As you are aware, right now it is N200,000 in case of any failure. We are thinking that why not segregate, why not enhance it such that it is slightly different from what obtains with regards to the microfinance banks given

the huge portfolios, given the huge exposures, given the huge risks that you are carrying and also given the quantum of premium that you pay.

“We are also considering reviewing the basis of premium. Instead of the flat rate, we are thinking of introducing a risk-based premium assessment system which is the case now with regard to the deposit money banks. In that way we believe we will be able to promote safer and best practices, the better mortgage institutions and we will have less premium that is on debt”, Ibrahim added.

According to him, if the PMBs adhere to the prescribed corporate governance practices based on effective and sustainable risk management practices, the institutions can create significant impact on the economy.

He therefore urged the operators to prioritise enhanced risk management standards because some mortgage portfolios are on a predominantly variable rate.

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Nigeria is China’s biggest export market – Consul General EMMANUEL OGBONNAYA

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he Chinese government has disclosed that Nigeria is now their biggest export market and third biggest trade partner in Africa.

Chinese Consul General in Nigeria,Mr. Liu Kan, who made the revelation in Lagos at a ceremony to mark China’s National Day which both comes up on October 1st, noted that the good business climates in Nigeria keeps attracting more Chinese investors to the country adding that friendship between both countries will

continue to be sustained.

“China-Nigeria strategic partnership continues to develop in 2014, in the first half of the year, the trade volume between China and Nigeria reached $11.76bn, among which the imports from Nigeria to China increased by 117.9 per cent, which surpasses the total of last year. Nigeria is now China’s biggest export market and third trade partner in Africa,” he said.

He also revealed that by the end of 2013, non-financial direct investment from China to Nigeria amounted to $1.79bn.

“At present, there are

hundreds of Chinese enterprises in Nigeria. Not only do they work hard to develop themselves, they also voluntarily afford the social responsibility, generate a significant number of jobs and trained a lot of urgently needed talents for Nigeria,” he said.

He added that in the next five years, China is expected to import commodities worth more than $10trn and invest directly $500bn abroad.

“In recent years, China has become the main driver of world growth, contributing nearly thirty per cent of the world economic growth,” he said.

He noted that the development of Chinese economy has not only made great contribution to the world economy, but has also offered great opportunities to other countries, including Nigeria.

“As a developing country, China shares similar history and development path with all African countries. Similar destiny has bonded China and all African countries together, including Nigeria and we have become integral whole of common destiny,” Kan said.

The Consul General stated that 2014 was the first year of all round

deepening reform of China, as the Chinese government continues to firmly

adjust, transform and upgrade the country’s economic structure.

Synagogue: Fashola warns against inflating death toll FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday expressed disappointment at those inflating the death toll at the building collapse which occurred that the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, on September 12, saying many who are in shock are counted as dead.

Fashola said this while receiving the executive

Gov. Fashola

members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, led by its president Mr. steve Onu who paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Alausa Ikeja.

According to Governor Fashola: “This is about what we get out of the site.

When I heard this number of people, I asked questions: are they the ones in charge of the mortuaries?

How can you pronounce a person dead without a medical officer saying so?

“So, some of the people we took away from the accident scenes, who are in coma and who are in shock, people count them as dead people. This kind of behaviour must stop.

Unless there is anybody keeping dead bodies in his house and private hospital, we are the regulators and all those bodies come to our mortuaries.

“So, we must account for them as we will. I understand the public inter-

est in this, but we must act methodically. All the materials that are required for the investigation will be referred to the coroner.

That is what we talked about this morning really.” Governor Fashola who said the state government will surely investigate the incident noted however, that the state must follow the due process.

He said: “The collapsed building at Synagogue is rather unfortunate. But I think we must understand that our government has repeatedly said we will investigate it. We will definitely do so. Last week, the Attorney-General empanelled the Coroner’s Court because that is the appropriate machinery of the government to undertake this kind of investigation, especially when people die in such tragic or unnatural circumstances.

“I think we should just allow that process to go on.

I think the investigation

We‘ll take position on schools’ resumption after Sallah – NUT TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he leadership of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, has said that the body would soon take a position as regards when it would be appropriate for students in the public primary and secondary schools nationwide to resume for academic activities.

President of the union,

Mr. Michael Olukoga told National Mirror yesterday that the union was satisfied so far with the level of compliance of various state governments in providing items that would make their schools safe for resumption.

It will be recalled that the teachers’ union had been at loggerheads with the government over when it should be considered safe and appropriate for schools’ to resume

following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the country in July.

“So, our plan is to hold a National Executive Council,NEC, meeting of the union after the Sallah break next week where will review the current situation across the states and then come up with a position about the resumption. But as it were, I can say that the states have complied to make the schools safe,” he said.

will be held if we refrain from any comment about this incident. This is the way that every civilised society precedes and we must assume that all the necessary provisions of law will be complied with.

That is our track record here and nothing less will happen in this case.”

National Honours Award, a call for service- Govs

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Five feared killed, shops burnt in Abuja riot OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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ive people were feared killed yesterday in the Dei-

Dei part of Abuja, following an altercation between some commercial motorcyclists and residents of the area.

Dei-dei is an Abuja

suburb along the Kubwa expressway.

At least some shops and 10 vehicles were burnt as a result of the mayhem.

The incident, which was said to have occurred as a result of a motorcycle accident in the area, came even as President Goodluck Jon-

Lagos challenges dons on Ebola research

OLUSEGUN KOIKI AND FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has challenged scholars and researchers in the country to move beyond titleearning to contributing meaningfully to the development of the country through their researches.

He said the Lagos State Government was prepared to provide fund-

ing for any research endeavor that could lead to a finding cure for the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. Fashola, who threw the challenge yesterday during the disbursement of grants to 31 beneficiaries whose research proposals had been approved by the Lagos State Research and Development Council, specifically challenged Prof. Maurice Iwu, to come up with a lucid proposal on his Bitter Kola

theory, stressing that the state government would be willing to sponsor it.

According to the governor, professors, Ph.d holders and scholars are respected, not because of the finery of their titles, but because of their intelligence and what they have to offer the society.

He added that the state had taken a giant stride by disbursing research grants to scientists and researchers who have proposals on what can

move the society forward.

The governor said it was disappointing that when the country was faced with the problem of Ebola, none of the much talked about probable solutions came from Nigeria or Africa as a whole.

The governor noted that periods such as when there is Ebola scourge presents opportunities for researchers and scholars to write their names in the good books of history.

athan was busy conferring national honours on 306 Nigerians and foreigners at the citycentre.

However, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force, said only five vehicles were burnt in the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer, Altine Daniel, said while two people were injured, two shops were also burnt in the incident.

According to eye witnesses, the riot started after a motorcyclist knocked down a woman by the roadside, who sustained serious injury.

Again, Osun offers free sallah train services

F

Policemen on alert aftermath a riot at Deidei market, Abuja, yesterday.

Demolition: Ogun landlords bemoan non-compensation

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gain, landlords and other residents rendered homeless following the demolition of structures to pave way for a major road construction in the Ifo local council area of Ogun State have petitioned the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, lamenting their fate.

In a press statement issued under the aegis of Yakoyo-Odozi Landlords and Residents Association yesterday, the body expressed surprise that about seven months after the demolition of their homes, the state government had not deemed it fit to compensate them.

The statement, signed by the association’s vicechairman, Prof. Olukunle Macaulay, and secretary, Mr. Kola Ewejobi, noted: “Our concern is that the people affected who were comfortable before the demolition have been subjected to poverty, health hazards and psychological illnesses.

“We are very much worried because in our community, what concerns one affects all.”

The landlords added that, much as they appreciated the efforts of the governor to bring development to the area, and having accepted the demolition of their homes as

the needed sacrifice, they also expected government to play its part by compensating them as promised.

They said many former landlords in the area are now squatters or homeless as they keep waiting for government’s promise of compensation.

Besides, the landlords noted with dismay that “our efforts to reach you (the governor) had always been blocked by the bureaucracy in the Government Secretariat, Abeokuta.

“In as much as we cannot deny that you are the head of the government, we believe that our relationship with the govern-

ment as a community is essential to the smooth running of any government and the growth of the society,” the landlords stated.

Gov. Amosun

The ensuing argument between the motorcyclists and sympathisers around the corner shops by Tomatoes junction around the Timber Shed, had led to a violent altercation.

The unnamed motorcyclist was said to have brought out a dagger and stabbed five people.

One of the people that stabbed in the head died immediately, which fuelled more reactions leading to the death of four others.

Angry residents fought vehemently, smashing and destroying cars, as well as burning houses.

ew days to the 2014 Eid el Kabir festival, the Osun State government has once again concluded arrangements to provide free train services for its citizens.

This was stated by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Industry and Empowerment, Mr. Ismail Alagbada.

He said in a statement on Monday in Osogbo that the free train service would be offered between Thursday 2nd and Friday, October 3.

Alagbada said the train would by 11a.m convey people from Lagos to Osogbo on Thursday and Friday.

The return journey

to Lagos would start by 11a.m on October 6 and 7, the commissioner added.

According to him, the gesture was aimed at facilitating stress-free homecoming for the people during the Muslim festival.

The state government had since 2011 been making such similar arrangements for people of the state to travel home during festive seasons as part of efforts to promote tourism, boost economy by encouraging more people to visit the state.

The free train service has been noted to have enhanced Nigerians belief in the use train as an effective means of transportation.

Pastors seek second term for Ajimobi

C

hurch pastors in all the 33 local government areas of Oyo State have pledged their support for the continuity of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration beyond 2015.

The pastors, under the aegis of Oyo State Pastors’ Forum, expressed the support when they paid a solidarity visit to the governor in his office in Ibadan yesterday.

In his address, the President of the Forum, Rev. Michael Onifade, assured the governor of the readiness of the pas-

tors to pray for the success and continuity of his administration.

“The pastors are out to pray for the continuity of this government till 2019. We are out to evangelise, mobilise, enlighten, educate and tell the truth about unparalleled achievements so far.

“We want to assure you that you have been anointed to take Oyo State to greater heights.

What you have done in the last three years was never accomplished by any of your predecessors,” he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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South West

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N1.1bn subsidy fraud: Court summons EFCC witness MATTHEW IRINOYE

J

ustice Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, yesterday issued a witness summon against a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Engineer Kehinde

Akinmoloyan, who is a prosecution witness in the on-going trial of an oil marketer, Opeyemi Ajuyah, over the alleged subsidy fraud.

It would be recalled that, Ajuyah and her company, Majope Investment are standing trial alongside another oil marketer, Abdullahi Alao and his

Epidemic looms in Osun over closure of refuse dump BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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here is palpable fear of imminent outbreak of epidemic in some towns in Osun State, following the indefinite closure, yesterday of the main refuse dump serving Osogbo, the state capital and other adjoining towns.

National Mirror reliably gathered that the site was closed over inability of the operators to maintain it, thus making it impossible for private refuse collectors working in the state capital to evacuate refuse from Osogbo and other neighboring towns.

Sources further said that the poor state of the dump site, located at Onibu Eja area, a settlement along Osogbo/Iwo road,

Gov. Aregbesola

is having health effects on residents of the areas.

The closure of the dump site, the second time in the last 30 days, is said to have been occasioned by the lack of fund to properly run the site.

To avoid the closure, some private refuse collectors were said to have contributed some amount of money about three weeks ago to clear the site, but this was said to have made little impact as heaps of refuse at the site continue to constitute eyesore.

Following the closure, heaps of refuse has continued to mount on the streets of Osogbo and other adjourning towns.

Residents of Osogbo, who spoke to newsmen on the development, called for quick resolution of issues to avert the impending health dangers posed by the closure.

Efforts to get reactions of Osun Waste Management Agency, OWMA, on the matter proved futile as repeated calls to the mobile line of the General Manager of the agency, Alhaji Ganiyu Oyeladun, did not go through.

Glo lines up artistes for Prive launch

G

lobacom has disclosed that A-list artistes have been lined up to provide first class entertainment at the launch of its special recognition scheme, Glo Prive.

The company in a press statement said that Prive is a unique club designed to accord premium recognition and offer special privileges to high value subscribers on the Glo network.

Promising a stars-spangled evening, Globacom said world class perfor-

mances have been lined up to entertain guests at the event which will be held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

"We are set to redefine the top end segment of our market. Glo Prive is designed to celebrate our high value prepaid and postpaid subscribers and treat them like kings. It is bound to excite the market as it is refreshingly different from similar packages in the market,� the statement said.

company Axe Energy Nigeria Limited and a staff of Sterling Bank Plc, Olanrewaju Olalusi, over an alleged N1.1 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

During proceedings, EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that Engineer Akimolayan, has refused to honour invitations to give evidence in the matter.

Oyedepo said that the witness had alleged that some persons were after his life.

The lawyer said despite

several assurances, the witness remained adamant and has refused to show up before the court to give evidence in the case.

Oyedepo prayed the court to issue a witness summon against the witness before the next trial date.

The presiding judge, Justice Okunnu subsequently granted the request and directed the Court Register to issue a summon against the witness.

Earlier, an EFCC witness also an investigative officer Mr Effa Okim, was re-examined on his initial testimony before the court.

Okim, had on May 27 testified that the defendants had claimed that they imported 15,000 metric tonnes of PMS and thereafter collected subsidy payment.

The witness said it was later discovered that the ship, MT Brave, only discharged 4,264 metric tonnes at the Lister Jetty

in Apapa.

According to him, the remaining product was diverted to an unknown destination which eventually implicated the company in the subsidy fraud.

While cross-examining Okim, counsel to Ajuyah's, Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku, told the court that the EFCC has failed to do a thorough investigation of the transaction.

Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned till September 30 for further trial.

SITTING: L-R : Hon. Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo; MD, National Mirror Newspaper, Mrs Kafilat Ogbara; Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola; Southwest Women Leader, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Wunmi Osinroluke-Euba and Chief Temidayo Nike Oriola.

STANDING: L-R: Chief Shola Benson; Barr. Bimboya Salu and Barr. Bunmi Fashagba, during the PDP South-West Women Forum, at the weekend.

Oyo Assembly to pass bill on violence against women KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

A

bill that seeks to eradicate all forms of violence against the girl-child and women will soon be passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly.

The Majority Leader of the house, James Oyeniran Akande, made the disclosure yesterday during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Annual Week of the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, held at the NUJ Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.

Speaking on the theme of the event, "National Conference on Rape", Akande described rape as not only violence against the victim, but also against humanity.

The lawmaker who represents Oluyole State Constituency, said the bill which seeks to eradi-

cate, criminalised and proffer punishment for perpetrators of all violence against girl-child and women in general, including rape, assault, child abuse and child mal- treatment and negligence is on his table for proper deliberation by the various stakeholders including members of the public and security agents.

He said the house is ready to pass the law to put a stop to all forms of violence against women.

Akande lauded the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on his administration's feats in the areas of education, health, security and infrastructural development which he said has eluded the state for many years.

Also speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Gbade Lana, described

rape as a crime which should be treated with maximum punishment.

He appealed to the NAWOJ not to relent in its efforts in taking the campaign to the market women, villages so as to reduce the menace.

Lana also pledged the support of the ministry for the association in its efforts at disseminating information to the people of the state.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. A. K. Sodipo, who was represented by Mrs. Janet Agbede, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said three set of people are involved in rape cases, these are, members of the public, security agents and the judiciary and that they must at all times be ready to play their parts to ensure that justice is done.

Sodipo who described rape as incident that last forever in the memory of

the victim, said it is when the three set of people play their roles as expected, that the perpetrators can be brought to book.

The police boss, who said rape happens on daily bases, said it is unfortunate that only few cases are reported due to the fear by the victims and their relations, stigmatisation as well as ignorance.

He also pledged the support of the police to reduce the menace, saying the command is on daily basis embarking on trainings and re-training of its officers to meet the challenges of the contemporary society.

Chairperson of the union, Mrs. Adekitan Adeagbo, said the rationale behind the theme of the event is to ensure that the association gives back to the society by contributing her own roles in reducing social problems such as rape in Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

SUPER TUESDAY

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Politics

APC not mourning, but celebrating exit of selfish members –Lai Mohammed

14, 43

$9.3m seizure: How opposition Reps scored moral point against PDP

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ike a whirlwind, the news of the seizure of $9.3 million ferried in an airplane allegedly belonging to the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ayo Oritsejafor, broke penultimate week, putting the nation on another scale of embarrassment on the global scene.

Denials, explanations and justifications have continued to trail this international embarrassment, with Pastor Oritsejafor acknowledging ownership of the plane but, with a caveat, that he had since leased it to another aviation service company.

It was, therefore, not surprising that this formed part of the major deliberations in the House of Representatives last week, characteristically causing some brouhaha in the green chamber.

A motion to investigate allegations of money laundering and corruption levelled against the Presidency over alleged illegal arms deal worth N1.2 billion in South Africa, caused a storm at the House last week Tuesday. The Green Chamber had just returned to work from a fifty-nine-day uninterrupted recess.

The motion, sponsored by Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Abdulrahman Kawu, was to investigate the scandalous cash haul that was seized by South African authorities, because it flouted sundry international rules for business.

Kawu presented his motion after several objections from Hon. Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) and other PDP members.

The motion was put to vote without debate and summarily defeated by a voice vote.

Members of the opposition All progressives Congress, APC, in the House of Representatives, led by Kawu, after the defeat of the motion on the floor of the House, angrily walked out of the chambers into a briefing room, where they kicked against the way the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, handled proceedings on the floor, leading to the defeat of the motion.

The Minority Whip, Hon. Samson Osagie (APC-Edo) at the briefing, described the proceedings on the motion as shameful. The opposition lawmakers insisted that besides infrastructure motions or bills, other bills must not be ruled on, the way Ihedioha did, without debate.

He also regretted the attitude of the government to the scandal involving the CAN President , Pastor Oritsejafor, who was also said to have interest in Eagle Air, an aviation company that served as

The messy million-dollar cash seizure at a South African airport recently has worsened the relationship between of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the opposition in the House of Representatives, TORDUE SALEM reports.

TOP STORY Jonathan

THE APC LAWMAKERS FOLLOWED UP WITH SEVERAL POSERS TO THE ISSUE,

CONCLUDING THAT INDEED THERE WAS FOUL PLAY IN THE WAY THE MATTER WAS HANDLED

the lessor of the said aircraft, to the culprit Nigerian twosome who remain unnamed as at press time.

The opposition Minority Whip, Osagie, lashed at the government for the ignoble transaction smacking of corruption, saying: ”We are here this afternoon to bare our minds on a very scandalous, very disgraceful and very appalling event that took place a week ago that borders on the image of our country, Nigeria. Let

Tambuwal

Ihedioha

me state clearly that we are not just here as the members of the APC caucus of the House.

“We are also here as concerned Nigerians, who hold the mandate of the Nigerian people to defend their interest, to ensure that corruption is reduced to the barest minimum if not totally eliminated, to ensure that our country’s integrity remains intact in the eyes of the international community.”

The opposition also punctured claims by government that the money was meant for the purchase of arms to contain terror in the country. They insisted that the clandestine and crude way the government went about the deal, put a lie to its argument.

It said: “We are all aware that a week ago or so, the South African government impounded an aircraft purportedly belonging to a top religious leader in this country that was used to carry $9.3 million. They were said to be in mints and have never been used.

“As if that was not enough, the Federal Government has come up to own up that such money was carried and that it was made for the purchase of arms and ammunitions for the purpose of fighting insurgency. The questions that we have for the Federal Government are as follows: “Is it faster or safer to do an international transaction of such magnitude by fer-

rying cash across the continent or simply wire transfer that can go through in matter of seconds or matter of few hours?

“If indeed, the matter involves security issues like the purchase of arms by foreign government like Nigeria, why was the South African government not brought into the picture before hand and how could South African government be sure that the arms were purchased legitimately by the Nigerian government and not by the insurgents when there were no officials of the National Security Adviser, NSA office or the Director of Department of State Security that accompany such money?

“If indeed the manufacturers of such equipment were expecting large sums of money by cash, why did they not make adequate arrangement with the authorities in South Africa to declare the cash on arrival since it was the law in South Africa that you must declare any amount in excess of $2,500?

“Why was the money belonging to the Federal Government and meant for the purchase of equipment for the Federal Government moved by a private jet, when we have over five to six airplanes in the presidential air fleet?”

The APC lawmakers followed up with several posers to the issue, concluding that indeed there was foul play in the way CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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Politics

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC not mourning, but celebrating exit Alhaji Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, speaks with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU on why some people are leaving the party; the Boko Haram insurgency and his party’s preparedness for the 2015 general elections, among other salient national issues. Excerpts: You recently issued a release criticising the on-going rallies by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, describing it as insensitive. Why would you say that?

We did not comment on the TAN rallies in abstract, our first public intervention on TAN rallies was when they went ahead despite the mood of the nation in the wake of the outbreak of Ebola in Rivers State to conduct their rally in Port Harcourt. We advised them that in view of the fact that Ebola victims had just been uncovered in Port Harcourt and as of the time of their rally hundreds of people may have come in contact with the victim, it will be fool hardy to go ahead with that rally, especially given the fact that even the President himself had advised that public rallies and gatherings should be discouraged, especially against the fact that even schools re-opening was postponed, that they do not break their own regulations and should listen to voice of reason.

That was our first comment and we were doing it purely on humanitarian basis and based on common sense, yet they went ahead and we now said if there is any escalation in Ebola cases the government should be held responsible, because they failed to stop the TAN rallies.

The second time we intervened publicly in their rally was when the harsh tag #Bring Back Jonathan# broke and the President said he was not aware and he now asked that they remove it, we now said well, as belated as that maybe, it was good, but that the President also ought to stop the TAN rallies, especially given the level of insecurity in the country today, that going ahead with these TAN rallies is offending the sensibility of Nigerians. Now we still have our 250 girls missing, Boko Haram has notched its attack on Nigerians, soldiers are deserting, that is a wrong time for any president to say people should be mobilising for him.

When we issued that release, Udenta Udenta now replied saying that what they were doing was perfectly legal and normal and that they are an NGO and that we were just afraid, so I replied and said you are just being insensitive, if your daughter was among those girls or you had a family member among them, would you have opted to continue campaigning despite that?

It is unfortunate; it is only in Nigeria that a President that cannot account for about 250 missing girls will offer himself for re-election or some morons and sycophants like Wole Soyinka called them, will be drumming support for him; it is only in Nigeria that a President that is facing the worst insurgency in Nigeria since the civil war will still be preoccupied with re-election. That was the purpose, that was the essence of that release, for us we are not worried; of course, we all know that TAN is another name for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They said they are working for the re-election of the President, so it is clear who they are working for, but Nigerians are not fooled, but it is a ready source of money, let them go and take their own money also.

Should the insurgency not controlled and Ebola not fully checked before the 2015 election, will All Progressives Congress, APC, call for the postponement of the election?

We may not call for postponement, but you see, the late Sani Abacha said if any insurrection lasts for more than two months, then the government is behind it. I have just come back from the House of Commons where I gave a paper on ‘The Challenges of Insecurity in Nigeria: The Boko Haram Insurgency’, and the sum total of what I said is that this government is benefitting politically from Boko Haram; that it is clear from recent revelations, what we have been saying all along that the PDP and Jonathan stand to gain more if the insurgency continues, than the opposition parties. Why? For three reasons, one, the insurgency is hottest in APC-controlled states of Yobe and Borno states. The APC stronghold is in the North East: Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states; with the escalation of Boko

Haram, more people are being displaced, so even if there is going to be election tomorrow, we would have lost a lot of our supporters who will not be able to cast their votes, so to that extent they are benefitting and we are losing.

Two, if for any reason elections will be cancelled in areas where Boko Haram is most active, those areas also happen to be our own areas, so we will be the net losers. Finally, and we suspect this could happen, I have always said that that the government is doing very little to tackle Boko Haram because it wants to exploit section 174 of the Constitution that says that in the event that a country is at war a president can go to the National Assembly and ask for tenure extension, now again who will benefit, the PDP. Another reason why the insurgency will benefit the PDP is because in the last couple of years, we have spent about $33 billion on security, who awards the contracts? Who benefits? And unfortunately, as the defence spending increases, so does our casualty, so you begin to wonder who is playing poker game with Boko Haram? It is the PDP and the Presidency, that is my explanation, they stand to benefit, so everything points to the fact that this government is trying to factor 2015 in the manner they handle the Boko Haram insurgency.

Do you agree with the suggestions in some quarters that some Nigerians are politicising Boko Haram insurgency, which explains why the government has found it difficult to curtail it?

Yes, if anybody is politicising it, it is the PDP and I will tell you why. You see President Jonathan is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and one of the things, when he was being sworn into office, is that he swore to uphold the constitution and the first duty of a president is to ensure that lives and properties are secured. The opposition has little or no role to play in providing security, this is because every apparatus of security is completely in the hands of the Federal Government. The Police, the Military, SSS, Director of Military Intelligence, DIA, Civil Defence, name it, so if anybody is to be held responsible for the proliferation of Boko Haram, it is the President because it is the PDP that keeps saying that it is the APC that is behind Boko Haram until we found out recently that actually it is their own people. And in any event, why can’t the President order the arrest, investigation and prosecution of anybody no matter how highly placed who is suspected to have links with Boko Haram? Why not? If I were Mr. President and the chairman of PDP today is linked with Boko Haram I will ask for his investigation, why can’t the President do so? So if anybody is playing politics with Boko Haram, it is Mr. President, because we don’t have the capacity to do so.

Recently, former Aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, alleged that Boko Haram is the military wing of the APC, many people have also said there seem to be credence to it because, if the President is to visit a place it was discovered, at a time, that a day to that day there will be a bomb blast there

THE OPPOSITION HAS LITTLE OR NO ROLE TO PLAY IN

PROVIDING SECURITY, THIS IS BECAUSE EVERY APPARATUS OF SECURITY IS COMPLETELY IN THE HANDS OF THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Mohammed

and again, Ali Modu Sherrif was accused long ago of being behind Boko Haram, but all along that he was in APC, the party never said anything about it. But now that he is in the PDP, your are now saying the party is harbouring sponsors of Boko Haram, why are you raising the alarm now?

Very simple, we have always dared the President that if you are sure of anybody in our party with links to Boko Haram, go and arrest him. I have issued statements personally to that effect that, look, Mr. President and the PDP, if there is anybody in APC who have links with Boko Haram please arrest him. But they dared not.

Why? Because they know they planted him as a mole within the party. You see, I think we need to educate ourselves. Boko Haram has been existing since 2002, its activities peaked in 2009, when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua ordered a crackdown on them and it led to the extra judicial killing of Yusuf and co, where was Sheriff then? Was he in the APC? Sheriff was the governor of Borno State. When was APC formed? July 31, 2013, more than 10 years after the birth of Boko Haram insurgency. So can any reasonable person really link APC with Boko Haram? Two, Ali Modu Sheriff was never invited to join APC. It is either people keep forgetting or people are being mischievous. What happened was that the leadership of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, decided to merge. Under section 84 of the Electoral Act, a party cannot be part of a merger, unless it has a convention and at that convention, it resolves that it is going to merge. Therefore there is no way you could have a merger of ANPP with CPC and ACN and you now say that the chairman of the Board of Trustees of one of the parties in the merger will not be involved.

He was confronted several times at the merger committee that he was a mole in the party and he denied it. It was on record that we said: ‘you are a mole and we know you are a mole’. But for us, it is not about Modu Shefiff, it is about the merger, when the merger came to be and we succeeded and the PDP now said you are a sponsor of Boko Haram, we said no problem, pick him up, but the President dare not because he was planted there. I will give you two examples.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

2015: Zoning splits Rivers PDP DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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s the political scene gathers momentum ahead of 2015, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, has been enmeshed in a crisis of sort, especially against the backdrop of who becomes the party’s standard bearer. The Chief Obuah led leadership had, in a communiqué issued at the end of its state executive meeting recently, rejected zoning in the selection of the party’s 2015 governorship candidate. This decision of the Chief Felix Obuah led state exco of the party, rejecting the zoning formula enshrined in the party’s constitution, in choosing who will be the standard bearer of the party has created ripples within the party ranks, with an attendant backlash from groups and chieftains of the party.

Even political pressure groups without established affiliations to the PDP and some ethnic nationalities in the state, have also reacted angrily to the decision of the Obuah led-executive to throw open the selection process of its next governorship candidate to all three Senatorial Districts, all local governments and all ethnic nationalities across the state. The latest condemnation of the willingness of the Obuah-led execu-

tive is coming from environmental rights activist and delegate to the just-concluded national conference, Ms. Ann Kio-Briggs.

Ms. Kio-Briggs in a recent media briefing faulted comments attributed to the state chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, by his media aide, Jerry Needam, that “it was wrong for Briggs a none member of the party to speak on issues she knew little about”.Briggs had said she would not only mobilize against the party, but that she will ensure that another Ikwerre son does not succeed the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in 2015.

The activist who is also shopping for a governor from the Ijaw/riverine area also warned that the PDP may loose the governorship position to the APC if the right thing was not done. Obuah was reacting to a statement earlier made by Briggs in which she criticized the communiqué released by Obuah at the end of its state executive meeting which summarily threw out zoning in the selection of the party’s 2015 governorship candidate.

Briggs who maintained that she is motivated by her unrelenting disposition to fight for justice, fairness and equity which according to her are being compromised by the decision of the Obuah-led state executive, advised that “they

should not take undue advantage of their positions to cause commotion, confusion and disaffection” within the party and the state.

According to her, “May I restate the unchanging and non-negotiable position of the true Rivers people that no Ikwerre man shall succeed another Ikwerre man in 2015 for the Rivers governorship seat and the PDP as a party in Rivers State must enforce the provision of their constitution on zoning and rotation which is absolutely binding on Rivers State without any fear or favour.”

Speculations are rife that the communiqué read by Obuah at the end of its state executive meeting attended by the chairmen of the PDP in the 23 local govern-

ment areas, including the six antiAmaechi lawmakers in the State House of Assembly is to pave the way for the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, to emerge as the PDP governorship candidate in Rivers State in 2015.

Governor Amaechi, who is currently in the twilight of his second term of eight years, is an Ikwerre man from Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Wike who is from Rumuepirikom, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area is also from the Ikwerre ethnic stock, like Amaechi. Incidentally, both Amaechi and Wike are from the Rivers South East Senatorial District.

Briggs said further, “On the issue of zoning which is the main trust of Obuahs vituperation, I

have been at the forefront of fighting for zoning not just in Rivers State but also at the national level.

This is certainly in line with my calling as an activist agitating for justice, equity and fairness. “That is the trait that has endeared me to national and international discourse.

It is therefore not correct that there has been no zoning in the state. Even the PDP at the national level provided for zoning as enshrined in Section 7 (2) (e) of the party’s constitution as amended.

It therefore smacks of either ignorance, wickedness and mischief on the part of Obuah and his drum beaters to say that there was no zoning,” she said.

Miffed by the no-zoning process CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Lawmaker boosts grassroots development in Isoko THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

T

he Deputy Majority leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Leo Ogor, is known for his exploits in lawmaking and debate on the floor of the house, but many are unaware of his efforts towards ameliorating the infrastructural decay back home in Isoko federal constituency of Delta State, where he has attracted the attention of the federal and state governments, including government agencies, to the plight of his people.

Ordinarily, members of the National and state houses of assemblies are elected to make laws, but for being closer to the people at the grassroots, many at times they go out of their ways by carrying the burden of their constituents to the

appropriate government quarters for attention.

Recently, Ogor, who represents Isoko federal constituency inspected some projects he has fast-tracked to his people in Isoko. Topmost on the list was the popular failed Enwhe Bridge connecting tens of Isoko communities. Others were the renovation of eight classroom block at Eru primary school Igbide, completed 24 block of classrooms at Alaka secondary school Ozoro among others.

At the site of the failed Enwhe bridge which is now under construction, the Deputy Majority Leader tasked the contractor handling the project to ensure timely completion of the project. According to the lawmaker, it was the only access for local farmers to transport their farm produce to nearby markets.

President Goodluck Jonathan right, the Oba of Benin, Omo’nOba Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediewa, during a visit to the Oba, in Benin, on Saturday

10 DCC kids reunite with families RICHARD NDOMA, CALABAR

T

en children from the Destiny’s Child Centre, DCC, a rehabilitation, reintegration and resettlement home for erstwhile street kids, have been reunited with their biological families.

Out of the 10 children, 5 were presented with work tools to enable them start up their businesses, having completed training in various vocational skills like elec-

trical installation and repairs, aircondition repairs, auto-mechanics and aluminium fabrication.

DCC is a home run by Mothers Against Child Abandonment (MACA), a non-governmental organisation which facilitates collective action for the protection of the rights of all children in Nigeria.In the last two years, MACA, has facilitated the reunification of several housemates with their families.

The Founder/Board Chair of Mothers Against Child Aban-

donment (MACA), Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke represented by the Executive Director, Mrs. Ndodeye Bassey-Obongha described the occasion of the reunification as one that called for sober reflection on the actions and inactions which had forced the children into the streets.Calling for collective action from all stakeholders to put an end to street children phenomenon in the state, she urged the reunified parents and children to endeavor to correct their past mistakes.

16

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sack our rep or forget our vo AMOUR UDEMUDE

ASABA

T

he lingering battle between the Arewa community in Delta and its representative in the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led government has taken a new dimension since the community called on Governor Uduaghan to immediately sack their representative in his government, or forget their votes for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the October 15 local government election and the February 14 2015 general elections.

Addressing the press over the weekend, the Arewa community, spoke through three of its members, said that Governor Uduaghan has continued to turn deaf ears to their call for the sack of his Special Assistant on non-indigenes, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur, for allegedly hijacking political appointments for his wife, relatives and cronies, as well as cornering all that is due them from Delta state government.

The Arewa community also accused Alhaji Tukur of corrupt practices, greediness and self centeredness, saying that failure to adhere to their call, they shall have no option than to embark on a mass protest vote during the council and 2015 general elections as well as shunning all government activities in the State.

Alhaji Ibrahim.B. Gero 111, the Sariki of Arewa community in Delta state and chairman of Northern traditional council of Delta state and Vice Chairman of South-South, South-East Northern traditional council, who spoke through, one of his subjects, Habib Mohammed Faruk, stated that they are only repeating what they have told the media few months ago as regards their earlier call for the immediate sack of their representative Alhaji Tukur.

According to the Sariki, “We have said it all the time you people came and everything said that time still stands, so nothing has changed. Right now our people are feeling very restive and agitated because the man representing us in Delta state government is not representing us but his family and cronies.

Delta State government did a very wonderful thing by taking one of us as a member of its cabinet but unfortunately the person they say is representing us, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur is not representing us but his pocket

and family.

While lamenting what he called the absence of social amenities in the Arewa community, the community leader noted that, the only MDG’s water project in the community has broken down, no drainage system, no good roads, stating that all the promises, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan made during his visits to the Sariki, none has been fulfilled till date as they talk.

“In all of this, we still have a representative but nobody goes there to remind him. So, we are not been represented by anybody in the government.

Most of the time when we have celebrations top government functionaries and the Delta state government do send materials to us and we are very much aware but the unfortunate thing is that these things don’t get down to us. I will give you few examples, for instance during the last sallah, we are aware that the House of Representatives member, Hon. Ndidi Elumelu sent two cows to the Arewa community, the same Alhaji Auwalu Tukur diverted these two cows to his house and gave to few people he wanted.“The Speaker sent about 15 bags of rice and other materials to the Arewa community, instead of bringing it to the palace of the Sariki of the Arewa community; he diverted these things to his house.”

Faruk also alleged that, four pilgrimage slots given to the Arewa community by the state government were hijacked by the Special Assistant and gave to his daughter, wife, his brother and the sister to his mother.Also adding his voice, the deputy to the Sariki of Arewa community, Alhaji Madaki Amin stated that there are many things that may have been given to the Arewa community through its representative in Delta state government, but none gets to the people.

According to Alhaji Amin, they know that government partners with the Arewa community through gifts and other materials but alleged that they are always hijacked by the SA and his wife. “I have said this time without number that this same SA hijacked all the Arewa community appointments and give to his wife and today his wife is a member of the Muslim Pilgrim Board, his boy is the councillor representing the Arewa community in the Oshimili South local government,

L-R: Governors Sariake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, and Liy in Government House, Asaba, on Saturday.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole (right) receives HRM Edmond Daukoru, Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State and Alhaji Kelvin Danesi, the Aidonogie of South Ibie Kingdom, Edo State, during a visit of South South Traditional, rulers to the Governor in Benin City, at the weekend..

the Hajj slots from government to the Arewa community, the SA hijacked and gave them to his people, the daughter, his wife and those that are close to him are those that are benefitting from the government.

Alhaji Amin also lamented what he described as the neglect of Arewa community by the state government in the areas of social amenities stressing that they lack electricity, drainage system, transformer even as he noted that though they are aware that the state government was trying its best. He stated that till date, all promises made by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa

and other politicians, have not been s been fulfilled.

According to him, the Sariki needs a car because the only one he had was bad following an accident the Sariki had and so many of their graduates have no work. “We want the government to change our representative before the election. Since 1999 till date the SA has been in government and we have not felt impact of government in the Arewa community. He was a former council member, twice board member and twice SA now and the wife is also a board member.”

Alhaji Amin however reiter-

ated his call for the firing of the SA as well as the scrapping of the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, saying that for the past years, none of the core Arewa community members have visited the holy ground of Saudi Arabia for prayers which he described as the most important thing any Muslim needed in his life.A former councillor in Oshimili South local government council who represented the Arewa community, Alhaji Hareal Imam Rabiu called on Governor Uduaghan to immediately replace the Arewa community representative in his cabinet.

Alhaji Rabiu who is also the

Ogor m

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

17

NAFDAC DG and success of cutting-edge technologies ABDULLAHI HAMZA

T

he second weekend of this month, Nigerians in the United Kingdom converged in the Lemeridian Picaddilly Hotel, London to join the African Leadership magazine to bestow on the very highachieving Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii its 2013 Regulator of the Year Award. This will mark the third time Orhii would be receiving an award from this body, thus infusing the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom with a sense of pride and hope that Nigeria is not all together short of men and women of vision who are working tirelessly to ensure that the Transformation Agenda of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration becomes a success.

Also honoured that day is the Director-General of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs. Dupe Atoke.

The NAFDAC boss Orhii got resounding applause for his feat in successfully deploying cutting edge technologies to fight drug counterfeit in the country so much that the incidence of fake drug dropped from 16.7 percent in 2005 to 6.4 percent in 2012. Orhii used the occasion to restate his resolve to achieve a zerotolerance for counterfeit drugs in the country.

It is not just grandstanding because the structures exist in NAFDAC to make it a reality.

Apart from introducing cutting-edge technologies, Orhii is also working to ensure that Nigeria finally achieves self-sufficiency in the

production of essential medicines. Indeed, three Nigerian pharmaceutical companies have very high prospects of being granted the WHO pre-qualification for some essential medicines. These three companies will be joining two others, Swipha and Drugfield that have made giant strides in this regard.

The WHO pre-qualification means Nigerian drugs are not only safe for local consumption but will also be available for export, thus helping to conserve needed foreign exchange, creating jobs for the jobless, and most importantly, reducing the country’s dependence on drugs import, a proven source of counterfeits in Nigeria.

The African Leadership magazine award is coming behind a long trail of awards bestowed on Orhii since he became NAFDAC’s DG in 2009. The first was the National Productivity Award from the Federal Government for successfully accomplishing its mandate. Followed were several other foreign awards recognizing Orhii’s trail blazing leadership role in the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to fight the menace of drug counterfeit and fakery.

After the National Productivity Award in 2009, the African Leadership Magazine conferred on him the African Public Health & Safety Award. This was followed by the Blue Ribbon Award by UNICEF in 2009. The year ended with the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award as Best Regulatory Administrator in Nigeria by All African Students Union (AASU).

ORHII HAS PROVED THAT A PROPHET COULD BE RECOGNIZED IN HIS OWN COUNTRY In 2010, The Nigerian Tribune and Sun newspapers bestowed on him the Exemplary Leadership Award and Award for Excellence respectively. That same year, he got the Prestigious Merit Award from West African Students Union Parliament; Nigeria Arise Merit Award from Ben Television, UK; and the 2010 PharmaVOICE 100 Most Inspiring Personalities in the Life Sciences Industry. In 2011, Orhii got the Merit Leadership Award by Youths for Human Rights International, New York USA. As news of the successes of Orhii’s innovative leadership in NAFDAC spread globally, other awards such as the Nigerian Medical Students Association Achiever’s Award, Mode Man of the Year Award, and the Nigerian Medical Association Merit Award, followed in 2012. In 2013, he bagged the US Special Congressional Recognition Award followed by that of honourary citizen of the State of Maryland, the ceremony which saw the award of the Key to the City of District Heights to him. A mark of his international high profile stature is seen in several invitations, including one from the US Council for Foreign Relations, to speak on NAFDAC’s success in the use of cutting-

edge technologies.

Orhii has proved that a prophet could be recognized in his own country. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan conferred on him the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour. The award followed closely on the heels of the USA Special Congressional Recognition Award by the National Association for Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP).

In acknowledgement of his global leadership in the fight against drug counterfeiting, Orhii was appointed the pioneer Chair of the 193 Member State Mechanism (MSM) on Spurious, Substandard, Falsified, FalselyLabelled and Counterfeit (SSFFC) medical products established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to fight drug counterfeiting and widen access of citizens to safe, good quality and efficacious medicines. He successfully served his tenure and handed over to his Argentine counterpart last May. Last January President Jonathan underscored his implicit confidence in the ability of the NAFDAC boss when he endorsed his second term mandate as the Director General of the agency. This has given an added impetus for Orhii’s drive to consolidate the gains of Transformation Agenda of Mr. President.

Let me state that good work will always be recognized. Orhii’s successes have made him a global citizen, and his honours and awards should serve as an encouragement to Nigerian public office holders to keep on doing their best.

Hamza wrote from Abuja.

On new polling units and printing of voter cards ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

A

s the nation moves closer to 2015, two contending issues have suddenly assumed prominence for their volatility and controversy. We recall that at the formal launch of the National Electronic Identity Card recently, President Goodluck Jonathan had directed that the printing of ballot papers for 2015 general elections be handled by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the expertise of the company be tapped to develop an internal capacity in the production of the sensitive electoral materials. This presidential order later propelled the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to visit the INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega.

The NSPMC, which is responsible for the printing of most of the nation’s currency denominations, bank drafts, cheques, stamps, treasury bills and other security documents, is a subsidiary of the CBN whose governor is also its chairman.

In order words, the Federal Government owns majority shares in the company.

There are strong arguments why NSPMC should not get INEC’s printing job; the need for transparency and accountability, for example.

For instance, while it may be argued that giving the company the N9 billion printing job for elections materials would help to enhance its production capac-

ity, create employment opportunities, prevent capital flight etc, it is certainly dangerous on the other hand to use a sensitive national assignment for policy experimentation and trial. The directive is nothing but a clear detraction from the constitutional powers of INEC. The process of electoral reform that produced the 2010 Electoral Act had suggested an independent electoral umpire for optimal performance.

On credibility, Nigerians may not forget so easily that in 2012, about N2 billion was reported to have been stolen from NSPMC as a result of operational deficiencies.

What, therefore, is the basis for the canvassed patronage? INEC should be made to realise that giving Mint the printing job could erode its credibility. Therefore, it would be wrong to dictate or influence where the ballot papers should be printed.

INEC should be given the discretion to carry out its statutory functions. President Jonathan, as a likely interested in the 2015 presidential election has no moral right to dictate to INEC. Many people are already about the motive. Could this be responsible for the CBN boss’s suddenly dissolution of the NSPMC management and appointment of a new managing director and two executive directors?

Again, INEC recently announced that in its compliance with the 2010 Electoral Act, it had created additional 30,027 polling units across the country to ensure that no polling unit has more than 500 potential voters. A breakdown of the figures shows that the North got 70 percent of the new units, while the South got the rest.

THERE ARE STRONG ARGUMENTS WHY

NSPMC SHOULD NOT GET INEC’S PRINTING JOB; THE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY AND

ACCOUNTABILITY, FOR EXAMPLE Of the 8, 000 units allocated to the South, Lagos State has 2,870 units, thus bringing to 11,565 the number of polling units that would serve its 5,426,391 registered voters; Kano State with 4,751,818 registered voters has additional 2,053 polling units, bringing its voting centres to 9,809, while Bayelsa State, which has the lowest number of registered voters in the country of 590,679, has additional 121 polling units, bringing the number of its voting centres to 1,925.

Before now, many polling units in the country had over 500 registered voters, especially in the highly congested cities; but with the additional units, the problem of having too many voters at a polling centre has been reportedly addressed. If honesty underlines the exercise, I dare say that it could encourage more people to come out to vote during elections in the sense that a reduction in the number of voters allocated to polling centres would control overcrowding and make it easier for electoral officials to conduct and supervise polling with more precision.

However, as laudable as the initiative may be, there are allegations of lopsidedness from many people and socio-political groups against the allocation of the polling units in favour of the North as the zone has clearly got over 70 per cent out of the new polling units. That is where the INEC chairman should ensure that genuine observations and complaints raised are addressed without further delay. If truly there are structural, administrative and institutional arrangements that appear to have favoured candidates from a particular section of the country, the commission should look inward and rectify them before the polls.

For the sensitive nature of its duties, INEC should guide against partisanship and must be seen as such in the allocation of the polling units. It should not hesitate to do the right thing with out of fear or intimidation. This should be done as quickly as possible. Beyond the printing of electoral materials and the creation of new polling units, there is need for continuous enlightenment, voters education and honesty of purpose in order to have free, fair and credible elections in the country in 2015.

Kupoluyi wrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta via adewalekupoluyi@yahoo.co.uk Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

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

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Editorial

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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FG, states and schools’ resumption T FG I

f the Federal Government has a self-appraisal mechanism, it would have by now realised the confusion its policy somersault has inflicted on the resumption schedules of primary and secondary schools in both the public and private sectors in the country for the 2014/2015 academic session.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, had on August 26 this year, directed that all public and private primary and secondary schools should remain closed till October 13, 2014, thus extending schools resumption date by three weeks beyond the original September 22 date. The outbreak of Ebola disease virus (EVD), no doubt, induced the extension.

However, the success of the EVD containment measures put in place by the FG forced a rethink of the prolonged extension, and so the resumption date was shifted forward after again widespread consultation to its original date of September 22. The federal authorities had reasoned that the Ebola scourge had been sufficiently contained, though the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) thought otherwise, and publicly voiced its apprehension. It was, however, overruled by the authorities. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) also kicked against the September 22 date, directing its members to ignore the directive until its members were well

trained on how to guard against EVD, and their schools provided with the necessary preventive and protective equipment to handle the disease.

Before the FG unilaterally announced October 13 as schools’ resumption date, it probably never occurred to it that the meeting between it and state commissioners of education could lead to a policy change; nor did it occur to it that Nigeria operates a federal system of government that gives states the latitude to tinker with some policies, especially those in the concurrent legislative list like education.

September 22 has come and gone, but what it begot was a harvest of confusion, as both primary and secondary schools in most states in the country failed to comply with the FG directed date.

Were the country not a federalist hypocrite, what the meeting between the FG and state commissioners of education ought to have yielded is an arrangement that would allow schools in the nation’s 36 states and Abuja, the nation’s capital, to choose dates for their resumption, based on their objective assessment of the situation on ground.

According to reports, the only states that honoured the September 22 resumption date were Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Imo, Benue, Kaduna and Kano; while others like Lagos,

September 30, 1983 Japan witnessed its second worst nuclear accident at a uranium reprocessing facility in Tokai-mura, northeast of Tokyo. The accident occurred when seven times the allowable limit of 18.8% enriched uranium dioxide was mixed with nitric acid in order to form uranylnitrate;andwasputinatanktohomogenize.Intheprocess,a blue flash of radiation occurred and the three technicians felt severe pain, nauseaandhadtrouble breathing.Twolaterdied.

HE

SHOULD NOT ACT

ARBITRARILY WHEN

HANDLING MATTERS THAT ARE NOT EXCLUSIVELY UNDER ITS PURVIEW Osun, Ogun, Niger, etc., directed their schools to resume on various dates in October. In Lagos State, for example, Governor Babatunde Fashola ordered that all teaching and learning activities for the next academic session be suspended until Wednesday, October 8. In an interactive session he had with principals, vice-principals, head-teachers and assistant head-teachers of public primary and secondary schools in the state, Fashola said the additional two-week extension from the September 22 date would allow for more time for all necessary precautionary measures against EVD to be taken in Lagos schools.

Interestingly, the October 8 resumption date fixed by Lagos State is only being observed by public schools and just a handful of private schools. As we write, countless private primary and secondary schools in Lagos have resumed studies, amid unpredictable measures to contain Ebola.

ON THIS DAY September 30, 2005 The controversial drawings of Muhammad were printed in the Danish newspaper ‘Jyllands-Posten’. The controversy began after 12 editorial cartoons, most of which depicted the Islamic prophet Muhammad, were published in the paper on September 30, 2005. Muslim groups in Denmark complained; and the issue eventually led to protests around the world, including violent demonstrations and riots in some Muslim countries.

Indeed, private schools in the state were said to have frowned at the deferred resumption and had frantically lobbied for quick resumption, even possibly before the agreed September 22 date. It is also doubtful if Lagos education authorities have been diligent enough in monitoring the level of training and hygiene to check Ebola put in place in the private schools.

What all these imply is that there is likely to be discrepancies in the coverage of primary and secondary school curricular for the session if conscious efforts are not invested in making sure that the lapses engendered by the confusion in resumption nationwide are made up for through special arrangements. In the future, however, it would be in the interest of the nation if the FG strictly sticks to its policy statements, especially in grave matters like the control of a national epidemic. That is how to show leadership.

That most states chose to shift their resumption dates may be the result of FG’s inconsistency in keeping its own resumption date sacred. Some states might have also settled for the option to prove the point that it is not FG’s business to choose resumption dates for them. To avoid confusion, therefore, the FG should not act arbitrarily when handling matters that are not exclusively under its purview.

September 30, 2009 The 2009 Sumatra earthquakes killed over 1,115 people, severely injured 1,214 and slightly injured 1,688 others. The September 2009 Sumatra earthquake occurred just off the southern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The epicenter was 45 kilometres (28 mi) west-northwest of Padang, Sumatra, and 220 kilometres (140 mi) southwest of Pekanbaru, Sumatra. Early death-toll estimates were beyond 1,300 but the government confirmed 1,115 dead.

Business Tuesday, September 30, 2014

CBN confirms another 59 BDCs from pending applications 21

$9.3m scandal: Private jet operators illegally engage in charters –Stakeholders31

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Stakeholders want NAICOM to enforce new regulations on commissions, rebates

NCAA, airlines disagree over recertification exercise

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

The recertification of the country’s airlines by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has received both kudos and condemnation in different quarters. While some claim the exercise is political and an indication of mounting pressure on the regulator, the agency insists it is for safety purposes. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

T

he Nigerian airline subsector is one of the most regulated in the entire world with continuous recertification of their operations by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. While NCAA argues that the essence of recertification of the operations of the airlines is to ensure strict adherence to safety, requirements boost flying public confidence and check the entire operations of the airlines for any safety gaps.

Although, NCAA as a regulator will always and has regularly had its way, the airline operators are murmuring. The operators in their private conversations say that recertification exercise by the agency is a waste of time, political, money consuming, frustrating as equipment would be grounded, a strategy to shift focus and a big indictment on NCAA which in the first place regularly carries out surveillance on the operations of the airlines.

Also, some stakeholders and professionals in the sector say

Med-View Airline

I ALSO WANT TO SAY IT HERE THAT SOME OF THE ENGINEERS, PILOTS AND EVEN SAFETY INSPECTORS IN NCAA SHOULD BE TRAINED, INSPECTED AND NOT QUALIFIED TO INSPECT OTHER TECHNICAL PERSONNEL OF THE AIRLINES. SOME OF

THEM ARE NOT EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO INSPECT AN AIRCRAFT NOT TO TALK OF GROUNDING SUCH Aligbe

that once an airline has been issued an Air Operators’ Certificate, AOC, by the regulatory body, the issue of recertification should not come up again, but the reverse is the case with Nigerian airlines, which are periodically recertified by the agency.

It is a norm in the industry that the operations of any airline that is involved in an accident or major incident is usually shutdown

by NCAA, a step heavily criticised by industry players both in

the country and abroad.

For instance, after the ill-fated June 3, 2012 crash of Dana Air aircraft at the Iju Ishaga area of Lagos with the entire 153 souls on board perish, the airline’s operation had been shut down thrice by NCAA and for several months.

First, immediately after the crash, the entire fleet of the airline was closed for seven months for recertification exercise and reissuance of the Airline Operators’ Certificate, AOC, by NCAA

and only resumed for flight operations on January 4, 2013.

Barely two months later, March 2013 to be precise, the Ministry of Aviation again suspended the operating license of the airline for an unknown reasons.

The essence of the suspension according to a source close to NCAA was for the ministry to ‘satisfy the powers that be.”

However, rather than NCAA to suspend and convey the government’s position to the airline, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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

20

Business

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NCAA, airlines disagree over recertification exercise CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 its job was given to the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh to do.

It took the airline over one month to return to flight service after the suspension.

Again, in October 2013, the entire fleet of the airline was grounded by NCAA in order to conduct operational and mechanical audits on the airline, following an air return it had on its Port Harcourt-Lagos route.

This time around too, the airline was shutdown for another three months only for it to resume flight operations with its Lagos-Abuja route in January 2014.

At present, the entire fleet of Associated Airline, which crashed on Thursday3, 2013 with about 20 souls onboard barely 31 seconds after take off from the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos runway is still grounded despite the fact that the crashed plane, 120 Embraer was adequately insured.

The aircraft was flying to Akure Airport with the corpse of the former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu before it crashed.

Unlike the seizure of AOC or recertification of airline’s operations whenever an airline is involved in a major disaster in Nigeria, the reverse is always the case in other advanced aviation countries.

For instance, in 2008 when an Air France aircraft crashed few hours after take off from Brazil, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, CAA, did not ground the operations of the airline, it scheduled were sustained.

Also, about two weeks ago, the Malaysian Airways got missing from the radar after an hour of take off, till date, the airline still operates its flight without any obstruction to its schedules.

One of the airline operators in the country who doesn’t want to be named confided in our correspondent about the requirements for recertification by NCAA. According to the source, NCAA checks the records of the aircraft in the airline’s fleet, physical audit, manuals, insurance, maintenance manual, engineering and spare parts pools, certificate of release, certificate of airworthiness, cockpit and cabin crew license and economic audit among others.

The source however emphasised that recertification is less cumbersome than issuance of AOC by the agency, but insisted that NCAA engages in recertification of airline’s operations out of pressure from some quarters especially when an entire fleet of an airline is closed for the exercise.

The source argued that the exercise could be carried out without the total shutdown of entire operations as it happened in the case of Dana Air, Associated Airlines and a few others, adding that NCAA lacked capacity for total safety surveillance of the airlines in the country.

He also accused the Ministry of Aviation of interfering with the autonomy of NCAA, which he said does not allow the agency to work professionally in most times. He specifically mentioned the closing down of Dana Air by the ministry as one of the interference in the running of

STEPS OF RECERTIFICATION EXERCISE OF ENTIRE FLEET OF AN AIRLINE *Records of aircraft *Physical audit *Operations Manual *Insurance papers *Maintenance manual *Engineering and Spare Parts Pools *Flight Crew *Certificate of Release *Certificate of Airworthiness *Economic Audit *Others (Ramp and Surveillance Inspections)

the agency.

The source also alleged that some of the safety inspectors and engineers in NCAA are not adequately trained on the job and lacked the required experience to inspect some of the aircraft in the country.

He said that some of the engineers, pilots and even safety inspectors are not typerated on some of the aircraft models in the country and wondered how they could conveniently carry out inspection on such aircraft brands they are not experienced on.

The source said, “Unlike most parts of the world where we have technical personnel in large quantity, the reverse is the case in Nigeria as the regulatory body lacks capable personnel to carry out their duties.

For instance, before Dana could return to operations after the latest suspension, it took a third party from United States and United Kingdom to collaborate with NCAA for the airline to be recertified after several months of closure.

“This is a huge slap on the face of the regulatory body. It simply means that without the involvement of a third party, NCAA could not do its work as expected. It also means that their safety inspectors and engineers are inadequate and airlines are unnecessarily made to suffer for their own inadequacy. Or how can NCAA shutdown the entire operations of an airline for over two months because of recertification.

Business is not run in such a manner. That is why any serious businessman will not invest in the country’s aviation sector.

“I also want to say it here that some of the engineers, pilots and even safety inspectors in NCAA should be trained, inspected and not qualified to inspect other technical personnel of the airlines. Some of them are not experienced enough to inspect an aircraft not to talk of grounding such. They are too young for some of the works they are given to do. In such situation, how do you hope to get the best result or be confidence of safety in the industry?

The agency requires some experienced personnel who are type-rated on the aircraft brands that we use in the country.”

But the Managing Director, Belujane Konsult, Mr. Chris Aligbe disagreed that the recertification exercise by NCAA is political and unnecessary.

Speaking with our correspondent on phone Aligbe said that whenever there is a major incident or accident in the sector, most flying public tend to have phobia for flying, which he said NCAA had tor restore.

THIS IS A HUGE SLAP ON THE FACE OF THE REGULATORY BODY.

IT SIMPLY MEANS

THAT WITHOUT THE INVOLVEMENT OF A THIRD PARTY,

NCAA COULD NOT DO ITS WORK AS EXPECTED He insisted that what NCAA was doing was professional and was in tandem with the airline sub-sector, adding that as a signatory to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, could domestic its law to suit its environment.

He however explained the way United Kingdom, United States and even Malaysian air travellers would react to a crash would be different from the way Nigerians would react to such, stressing that this would have prompted NCAA to recheck its existing safety measures.

He said, “Our milieu is such that when you have an accident, the confidence of passengers drops immediately and passengers run away from the sector. What NCAA is doing is to boost confidence of the flying public. What they are doing is professional and is in tandem with the airline industry in Nigeria.

“This might not be the same in the UK, USA or even Malaysia, which just recorded a missing plane. For the fact that they have crashes, their passengers don’t feel that the industry is not safe, but it’s not the same with Nigeria. Every environment will domesticate its operations to make sure that they key into the psychology of your environment.”

Also, the General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke disagreed with the above assertions.

Ndubuoke, in an interview with our correspondent in his office in Lagos explained that recertification exercise is done by the agency to further boost the confidence of the flying public; re-check the lapses in the system, adding that the exercise is divided into several categories.

He dismissed the claims in some quar-

ters that the exercise is a waste of human resources, political and performed to punish an airline with an incident, but emphasised that with recurrent recertification, safety is further improved in the sector.

Ndubuoke informed that whenever a major accident occurs in the sector, there is a tendency for the flying public to want to desert the sector, but NCAA as a regulator carries out such exercise to rebuild confidence of the flying public and re-assure them of total safety in the system.

He said, “Recertification entails several things. For instance, if an aircraft had an air return, incident or accident, a recertification will take place before the operator could return such to service. Recertification can also entails all the airlines in the sector, which the erstwhile Director-General of the agency, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu started before he was removed and we’ve done this in the time past too. This one is like a system check to ascertain the operations of the airlines.

“Also, recertification can be done for an airline, which has had its entire operations suspended for some period. For instance, Associated is currently suspended and Dana Air went through the same path too to the extent that we had to involve a third party, which was to be sure of what we’ve done. Recertification is not a one way thing.

“On the recertification of an entire airline operation, basically, you want to look at their operational manuals, aircraft and some others. When you are doing recertification, majorly, you are looking at documents and not necessarily the aircraft. You know the health of an aircraft by looking at its documents and not the aircraft itself.”

Other documents looked at by the agency according to him included the insurance papers of the entire aircraft in the fleet, maintenance record, health status of the flight crew, certification of release, which he said is renewed at interval.

Others are certificate of airworthiness, economic audit, which he said is particular about the regular welfares of the staff, ramp inspection and surveillance, which he said is periodical.

On the allegation of inadequate technical personnel in NCAA, Ndubuoke agreed that there is still a need to beef up the personnel in the agency, but quickly noted that the number of inspectors, pilots and engineers in the agency had improved from what it used to be several years back.

“Nobody can have enough and if you can recall, it is because we were short of personnel that we engaged contract staff.

In aviation industry generally, you must have sufficient personnel in high numbers.

That was why government gave us waiver to employ and give attractive salaries above the civil service structure.

“As we speak, we are still recruiting engineers and inspectors. You can never have enough. All those who are coming to inspect us from the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, are retirees from their system. there is no system that can have it all.

“But whatever we have today is better than what we had yesteryears. At the moment, we have people who are on training and we still recruit more personnel to beef up whatever we already have in the system,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

21

CBN confirms another 59 BDCs from pending applications UDO ONYEKA

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n updated list by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has shown that another 59 Bureau De Change ,BDC,companies met the new recapitalization guidelines. In addition to 2,442 BDCs already registered, the central bank said it has applications from 1,417 prospective bureau de changes awaiting its approval from which the new BDCs were drawn.

A new list available in the bank’s website titled: “updated list of Bureau De Change in Nigeria and their addresses as at September 25, 2014,” had Number one as 1HR BDC Limited, number seven as A&C BDC Limited while number 2,500 was

Zulu BDC Limited and the last in the list Zumunci BDC Limited appeared at number 2,501in alphabetical order.

The Central Bank had at the expiration of July 31recapitalization deadline, revoked the operating licenses of 766 Bureaux De Change operators who had since ceased to participate in its twice-weekly sale of dollars.

The bank in a circular posted on its website early August announced the names of 2,442 BDCs that met the new recapitalization guidelines.

It had, in a bid to reposition the foreign exchange market, in June released new capitalization guidelines for the BDCs in the country.

In the guidelines, the central bank increased the capital base for the BDCs from N10m to

N35m, and asked them to make a caution deposit of N35m, among other requirements.

The 766 BDCs failed to meet the July 31, 2014 recapitaization deadline set by the CBN. Meanwhile, in a circular dated July 7, 2014, the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, CBN, Mr. Kelvin Amugo, had said the BDCs that failed to meet the new guidelines by July 31 would cease to be recognized and funded by the central bank.

As a result of the new circular, 766 out of the total 3,208

BDCs registered by the CBN ceased to be recognized as such by the apex regulatory institution.

Amugo also said that all the BDCs that met the requirement would be engaged as agents by licensed international money transfer operators for inbound and outbound money transfer business in Nigeria.

The CBN Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele,on August 15th launched the Outbound Money Transfer Services in partnership with the Western Union

Money Transfer, WUMT, as part of the key initiative of the regulatory financial institution.

CBN officials had said that if the central bank had granted them the licences, the Nigeria would have had 4,625 licensed BDCs operating in the country to which the central bank must sell $50,000 on a weekly basis.

This, they said, would increase the CBN’s funding of the BDCs to $12bnper annum, a situation that could provide an avenue for the depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves.

Increase allocation to address demands in states, fed agencies, Aliyu urges FG PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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iger State Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has reteirated the need for the Federal Government to increase allocations to states and Local Governments to help adequately address the myraids of challeges confronting them as well as demands from federal institutions in the various states.

Aliyu stated this during visits by the new Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugbona and the UNICEF Chief of Field, Mr. Uptal Moitra in Minna.

He lamented that, inspite of the large funds available to the federal government at the center, its agencies located in the 36 states of the federation still make requests for financial help from the states.

Aliyu argued that most federal agencies cannot operate effectively without assistance or other form of support from the state governments of where they

are situated, hence the need for the revenue formula to be ‘better situated’.

However, the governor explained that the state would not relent in ensuring that federal agencies live up to their expectation, particularly, considering the fact that it is the state that gain from their presence in the state.

Aliyu urged the FRSC to partner with the state Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, to remove from the roads all un-roadworthy vehicles that have been creating problems to other motorists and with the task force on ban on motorcycle to ensure the full implementation of the law.

He then commended the UNICEF for its intervention in the area of education that has led to an noticeable increase in the girlchild enrolment in both primary and secondary schools.

Earlier, the state new sector commander of the FRSC, Mr Uogochukwu Ugbona had requested for a vehicle from the governor to help the command in the effective discharge of its duties to the state.

L-R: Head, Customer Experience and Retention, Etisalat Nigeria, Biola Edun; Etisalat Customer, Ali Jonah Edoh; Anya Inya and Director, Customer Care, Etisalat Nigeria, Plato Syrimis at the Etisalat Customer Forum in Abuja, at the weekend.

Foreign trade: Wema Bank attracts $150m credit lines

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roup Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, has disclosed that in recent times, the bank has attracted over $100m in lines of credit for foreign trade and another $50m in structured finance lines from various institutions.

This he said reaffirms the bank’s commitment to supporting international trade.

He said this at a forum in Lagos organised by the Bank on Trade and Structured Finance for stakeholders tagged, ‘Supporting Businesses through renewed Trade Focus’.

The forum brought together

regulators, various stakeholders and regulators in the international trade business in Nigeria.

During the event, Oloketuyi said the trade forum was part of efforts at sensitizing stakeholders to developments within the sector as well as bring various parties – stakeholders and regulators together to discuss issues, challenges and chart a way forward for future development and policy formulation.

Oloketuyi also said that as part of the ongoing positive transformation at Wema Bank, the bank was well poised to support businesses in the areas of trade and

Oil palm plantations can create 100,000 jobs MESHACK IDEHEN

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Former Executive Director of the National Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, Benin, Edo State, Dr Umoru Omodi, has said the palm oil industry can provide jobs in rural areas and contribute to economic development.

According to him, many experts and households can be involved in palm oil production and this would have major repercussions for the livelihoods and food security of many people.

He said as demand for palm oil increases that companies should be cleared to make room for large plantations, saying to avoid contributing to deforestation and so-

cial problems, that buyer of palm oil should subscribe to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil ,RSPO, which requires producers to apply strict environmental and social standards to their operations.

He said the RSPO has set strict standards for responsible oil palm plantations, coupled with an independent system for auditing

plantations, mills and the supply chain right up to the end users.

Globally, he said many large corporations have already made commitments to use only certified sustainable palm oil by next year causing ,adding it was critical for local companies across the entire palm oil supply chain to set globally agreed upon standards for best practice in palm oil production.

structured finance.

The Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Services, Aber T. Benjamin said the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, scheme, which was introduced by the Nigerian Customs Service in 2013 to fast-track the clearance of cargo and reduce costs at the nation’s ports.

He went ahead to introduce the new web-based trade portal of the Nigeria Customs Services to handle a customer’s end-to-end trade needs.

Deputy Director, Trade & Exchange Dept, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Onyinye Ahuchogu lauded Wema Bank for the efforts it has made in the past 4 years.

She said the CBN’s partnership with other relevant institutions in making the international trade process simple and effective in Nigeria is commendable. One of the initiatives that came into being as a result of this partnership is the electronic form M. In recent times, Wema Bank has invested significantly in IT infrastructure to boost service delivery to its customers and provide excellent, value-adding services.

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Business News

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Climate change: Minister canvasses support, protection for farmers MESHACK IDEHEN

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he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called on global leaders in agricultural research to ensure that the vulnerabilities of poor farmers are considered and protected from the vagaries of climate change.

Speaking during the First Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Development Dialogues organised by the at Columbia University in New York, Adesina, observed that while climate change is global, its effects are local.

According to him, “We must not abandon farmers to climate change. The poor farmers in developing countries cannot on their own be expected to adapt to

climate change. Unless serious actions are taken, they will suffer disproportionately from climate change. It is therefore imperative that specific actions be taken to address the challenges of farmers, especially smallholder and women farmers, to enable them to build more resilient livelihoods.”

He stressed the need for countries to develop national climate change adaptation funds to allow them to support farmers and communities to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, adding that stakeholders must take their destinies in our own hands.

“We must focus on building economic buffers for farmers.

Foremost among these measures must be the scaling up of weather index insurance to farmers.

Priority must now be put into support for farmers to afford the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Access Bank set to beat sustainability report deadline

mat for reporting their implementation efforts.

By the circular, reporting inpremiums to improve access and stitutions were informed that n recognition of the imporaffordability,” the minister said. sustainability reporting will comtance of investing in areas that Expressing concern for the mence in June 2014 with the subhave significant economic, enhome turf, Adesina warned that mission of the one-off report, first nowhere is the urgency for action vironmental and social impacts quarter, not later than July 7, 2014. on climate change more impor- on the society, Access Bank Plc The circular also required that tant than in Africa. In his view, said it is set to submit the Nigethe second quarter one-off report “for good reason: over 65% of ria Sustainability Banking Prinall the arable land left to feed the ciples, NSBP, report to the Central should be submitted to the CBN nine billion people in the world by Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before not later than October 7, 2014 while the third quarter report 2050 is in Africa. If we get climate deadline.

In line with global trends on should reach the CBN not later change adaptation and mitigation right in Africa we will get future sustainability, the CBN, on March than January 7, 2015.

A sustainability consultant 6, 2014, issued the NSBPs reportglobal food supply right.”

Kaidi Eddie-Obiakor of DiiGEM He suggested more than ever ing template to banks, discount consulting noted that banks in Nibefore, that rapid increase in ag- houses and development finance geria which started sustainability ricultural productivity in Africa institutions for compliance. reporting years back, have discovDeputy Director, Central Bank and means to unlock the potenered that there is nothing to fear tial of agriculture to generate of Nigeria,Mr. Ahonkhai Frankabout openness in business. wealth is needed, noting this will lin at a pre-reporting workshop According to her, in reporting, require a fundamental shift in organised by the Bank in Lagos, banks should understand that approach to agriculture, and that said the purpose of the reporting what is important to stakeholders stakeholders must cease treating template is to provide reporting agriculture as a development pro- institutions with a uniform for- should also be important to it. gramme or a social sector.

UDO ONYEKA

I

Heritage Bank holds maiden SME business exhibition

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L-R: Product Marketing Manager LG Home Entertainment, Sreenath Babu; Product Marketing Manager LG Home Appliances, Paul Mba, Winner of the LG Smart TV, Ifeanyi Orakwue and Assistant Marketing Manager LG Home Entertainment, Samuel Ajulo, at the 2014 Inspiration FM Summer Jam Concert in Lagos Saturday.

Oshiomhole tasks royal fathers on crude oil theft

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overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appealed to royal fathers in the South-South to help check the menace of crude oil theft in the region.

The governor made the appeal on Friday when he received the South-South Monarchs at the Government House, Benin City.

He said, “I think your royal majesties have a role to play to lend your voice against oil theft because that is destabilising the country and creating huge environmental challenges, which we will confront when we may not have the resources to do so. When the oil dries up when it will dry up, the damage already done to the environment will persist and the resources that will be required to regenerate the environment to

deal with the consequences of the pollution may not be available.

“Across the South-South, too many of our people who want quick money are involved in crude oil theft. In Edo State, around Agbede, it’s not an oil producing area but for some strange reasons, there are all kinds of illegal refineries there polluting and destroying a place that is ordinarily very suitable for agriculture.

“Being in government, there are things I no longer can say, but that does not mean that those things are not in my heart. I am worried about what appears to be a free hand for criminals to help themselves with our common patrimony called oil and gas.

“One of the long term consequences of this kind of situation is that you have small-small boys

of very little exposure, having access to huge resources that is not the result of hard work and because they are criminal in nature, and the volume and sum involved is huge, they have enough money to raise alternative army, to procure the deadliest weapons in order to defend their territory, which is basically an area they have carved out for the purpose of that heinous crime”.

Oshiomhole continued, “I am very worried about the future of our country if few people take so much and the rest of us in the country have so little to share and these people are not invisible. If the volume of oil smuggling is so much and you know the amount, it means you should know the smugglers’’.

eritage Bank Limited has announced plans to host its maiden Business Fair to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. The two-day Business exhibition is one of the key activities marking the Bank’s 2014 Customer Service Week scheduled for October.

Explaining the rationale behind the maiden Business Fair, Group Head, SME, Heritage Banking Company Limited, Bayo Ogunnusi said, “In line with Heritage Bank’s cherished vision of promoting economic development through supports for SME’s, we will be hosting our esteemed customers to a two-day Business Fair aimed at showcasing their businesses to new customers and members of the public”.

The two-day Business Exhibition is scheduled to take place on October 9 & 10, 2014 at the Heritage

Bank Training Centre, ‘The Refinery’, located at 72B Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island.

Ogunnusi added that the business exhibition will be value driven, as the Bank has concluded plans with Google, Microsoft and different departments with innovative products at Heritage Bank stable to offer on-the-spot advisory services.

These will be based on strategies of optimizing businesses using modern business tools and plugging into unexploited business opportunities arising from the nation’s rebased economic profile.

“There will be a lot of valueadded offerings by Heritage Bank to the participating organizations.

There will be business clinic, funfair, networking, MasterCard utilization and opportunity for non-card holders to open their accounts.’’

Multichoice amplifies care services with road show

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rovider of premium pay-TV content on DStv and GOtv platforms, Multichoice, has stepped up its consumer engagement drive in Nigeria with its DStv open house initiative.

In furtherance of the company’s commitment to enriching lives, the DStv open house will provide consumers with instant access to a range of services, including customer care, subscription payment, self-help channels, technical support and much more.

The activation is scheduled to hold in residential estates

across selected areas in Lagos State between September 27 and November 1, 2014.

Speaking at the first leg of the initiative at Victoria Garden City in Ajah, Public Relations Manager, DStv, Caroline Oghuma reiterated the company’s commitment to deepening its engagement with its subscribers and providing them with platforms to access sound and convenient sales and service infrastructure.

“Given the overwhelming support that we have received from our customers, we have decided to bring our services to their doorsteps.’’

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Job creation tied to knowledge of HSE –Omolade

prevent disaster. Every time something goes wrong, say fire, flood, explosions, it is obvious there is a loss that has been incurred. Indirect loss by organisations is due to lack of HSE knowledge. The knowledge is gradually gaining ground. All civilized nations of the have gone through this stage of growth and development of Nigeria. Vision 20 20 20 achievements are tied directly down to HSE. Safety im­ proves the GDP of any economy.

Health, Safety and Environment, HSE, Expert and Managing Director, Hybrid Consulting Limited, Mr. Dapo Omolade, in this interview with MESHACK IDEHEN, says indirect losses incurred by organisations are due to lack of HSE knowledge.

How would you describe the present state of HSE in Nige­ ria?

Health, safety and environment form the bedrock of de­ velopments that we see and witness in the developed coun­ tries around the world. It is very important profession. It is a profession that has existed for hundreds of years.

Sadly though, the profession having existed for hundreds of years is just gradually emerging in Nigeria and in the continent due to the near lack of regards by organisations and the authorities for HSE policies and practices that has existed over the years.

As things are presently, and through the efforts that have been expended by committed professionals like myself and others within the industry, the profession is gradually coming back up to take its rightful place, even though Nigeria and other countries in the sub region still have a long way to go in getting HSE to its desired place.

Having said that, it is important to point out that the overall aim of HSE is to reduce losses. These losses could be in the form of human capital. It could also be in the forms of assets losses due to the inability of organisations concerned to have sound and working HSE policies and practice in place. Vast as the discipline is, the prevention of loss through direct and indirect means is the key word of the HSE profession.

As I said before, the knowledge and practice of HSE is very little in Nigeria. This also is due to the orientation, mindset and belief of the people, most particularly, the attitude of leaving everything in the hands of God. The quality and type of education that has been received is also another factor responsible for the lamentable state of HSE in the country and in the sub region. The chances of HSE as a career and professional option could have been more popular if these factors were not militating against it.

What do you think can be done to make HSE more popular and acceptable in Nigeria and on the continent?

Clearly, the issues of adequate legislation and enforce­ ment are at the heart of HSE popularity and acceptance in Nigeria. Commitment from stakeholders, particularly the government is critically needed to make HSE more accept­ able in the country.

In the same vein, the full enforcement of legislation passed on HSE is important. Professional inspectors that have been certified must be empowered and given author­ ity to act as and when due, in order for them to detect and apply solutions to potential health, safety and environment on time.

These factors when put together and applied in a real development sense will make HSE work and become more acceptable as a critical part of economic and industrial de­ velopment in Nigeria and on the continent. To develop in a sustainable way that will guarantee long lasting stability, Nigeria must do what other nations have done. Political will from those in government is needed to institute the backbone of HSE structure, because society will respond to laws.

With little or no structure in place to make HSE profes­ sionals stand firm stand, companies become proud to break the law. There are too numerous incidents to recount where honest, hardworking Nigerians have lost life and limbs due to industrial related accidents that could have well be avoided with a simple HSE measure and enforcement procedure in place.

Omolade

The imporTance of hSe cannoT be ignored if

nigeria iS To SuSTain induSTrial growTh,

creaTe more economic op­ porTuniTieS and addreSS The challenge of job creaTion in a SuSTainable manner

Legal structure firmly written and acceptable are the only means through which HSE experts can operate, because you simple cannot just walk into any factory or organisation and demand to inspect their safety procedures if not given full support by the law.

The legal and globally acceptable way to work is where health, safety and environment are guaranteed. Values that can develop can only be built when there are laws to back it up. Government must stand up and demand that bad way of working which has persisted for ages cannot continue.

What is that fate of workers and the economy in this situa­ tion that you have described?

Virtually no one is watching over the workers, or watch­ ing other in terms of application of HSE in the country.

Almost everything goes. This type of situation is also bad and not sustainable for the nation’s economy. As things are being done presently with regards to HSE, it is only a matter of time for economy to collapse. If HSE is not adhered to, sustainable economic growth becomes impossible. Developing without sustainability as Nigeria currently is experiencing is due to HSE lacking.

HSE must not be treated reactively, that is, waiting for something to happen, or a disaster to occur before taking action. it should be proactive. There must be modalities in place in all and every organization that should be able to

Oil and gas tank farms and other industrial set up still forms part of the landscape in Lagos, a development that many say constitute a public danger. What do you think can be done to address the situation?

HSE works when it is incorporated by all concerned is part of life. Put in other words, it is risk accesement. The risk in Apapa in Lagos and other areas where safety, health and environment are high can be avoided if risk assess­ ment was properly done before such installations were sited. In any case, that situation can be effective addressed without having to relocate those facilities if experts are brought together to proffer solution to those challenges.

Hazard developed by many years of neglect, poor approach towards safety and bad management that breeds an almost impossible situation are not so easily managed to manage.

It is almost no to stop what is going on in Apapa and en­ virons. Attitude towards safety in that area and its environs is lamentable. Nevertheless, the situation must be brought to knowledge of owners of these facilities. Owners must have and agree with knowledge of safety. Experts in HSE must do wholistic risk profile of that area of tank farms because a lot of people working in risk areas don’t even understand what’s going on. Tank farm owners and the government must do a risk profile. Government must set up new enforceable laws to address lapses in HSE in tanks farms areas. Relocation of tank farms is totally out of the question. Residents must be relocated, not tank farms after a post business risk assessment have been done.

The issue of job creation is a factor some say knowledge of HSE can address. How do you think HSE can assist in combating unemployment?

The importance of HSE cannot be ignored if Nigeria is to sustain industrial growth, create more economic op­ portunities and address the challenge of job creation in a sustainable manner.

As part of the gradual acceptance of HSE in Nigeria, many multinational companies and local industries now require well trained professionals and operatives in their organisations. A relevant competence to manage the elements of safety and loss prevention in the country is now on the increase in order not to deviate from the Nigerian content development policy.

In the areas of insurance, knowledge of HSE is creating and can create more jobs as it will help insurers to do put an accurate figure down, such that if risk portfolio is high or low, they know what premium to charge.

Health, safety and environment aside, jobs can be cre­ ated in their thousand in the areas of safety and project and risk management professionals dedicated to prevention of losses and promotion of occupational health, safety, secu­ rity, environment and project management methodologies.

The minimum of 5000 jobs can be created from safety alone in one year.

However, to achieve and more, laws for safety profession­ als must be put in place. Training can also be done for young graduates with the objectives of making them experts and professionals that can work in multinational companies where many expatriates like Indians, Philipinos and South African hold sway.

To make this happen, the body for HSE regulation which is long overdue in Nigeria must be made to see the light of day. Employing more trained HSE professionals as most multinational and local firms understand will not reduce profit. Safety will increase the bottom line. Safety improves performance and productivity and produces more or reduces cost, ways to make money.

24

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Understanding common interview questions and answers

TUC condemns Senate over convicted soldiers Meshack Idehen

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ere are most common interview questions that are asked by hiring managers. Make sure you are ready to pass your job interview.

What makes you think you are the best person for this job?-In this question the hiring manager is essentially asking ‘why should we hire you?’. There is no way of knowing what the other candidates are like, so you can’t compare yourself to them, and you shouldn’t. Here’s what you need to do: Give several examples of your skills and achievements which are most relevant to the job you are interviewing for.

How would you describe yourself ?The way to answer this question is to consider the culture of the company and what type of person the job advert indicated they were looking for. You want to show that your personality is a match for the job.

So for example if you were applying to be an Events Manager you could say, ‘I am a real people person. I thoroughly enjoy meeting different people and getting to know them’.

If you were going to work as an IT Technician then you could say, ‘I like to be challenged so I’m the type of guy that enjoys solving puzzles and problems and coming up with solutions in a swift manner’.

What are your greatest weaknesses?-This is not the time for a confessional of all your failures in life!

The best way to answer this question is to turn a negative into a positive. Admit a minor weakness, then tell the hiring manager how you effectively learnt to overcome this problem.

An example: ‘I have always been a much organised person, but sometimes I used to get a little carried away and spend a bit too much time on one task. However, with self discipline and practise I have become much more efficient at managing my time and I really feel I am close to getting the perfect balance.’

How do you handle pressure?-This is another question where you want to turn the negative (the pressure) into a positive and show that you work well in stressful situations.

Example: ‘Some of my most creative work has been while I have been under immense amounts of pressure. While I feel I don’t need pressure, it does ensure my mind stays focused and I can thrive on it. Ultimately, I get the job done.’

What do you know about this company?-This is a stock question for most hiring managers. The hiring manager is looking to see that you have prepared for the job interview and are taking this role seriously. Before your interview you should have at least covered the following: Visit the company website. Know who the CEO is and if possible your future head of department. How many employees do they have? How many offices/ stores do they have? What countries are they working in? How and when was the company founded and by whom? If you

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Workers at a meeting

know the name of the hiring manager then see what you can find out about him or her through social networking.

What are your strengths?-This interview question is relatively easy to answer, but since it is so common, it is worth going over it. What you need to do here is to give an answer that plays exactly to the position that you are interviewing for.

How do you know exactly what they are looking for? It will have been written in the job advert/description.

For example, if you are applying for a sales job, then give an answer like this: ‘For the last two months I have exceeded my sales targets by at least 15% and subsequently I was awarded a bonus at the end of last month by my boss for my performance. I look forward to having the opportunity to bring the same success to your organisation.’

Do you like to work alone or as part of a team?-This is a bit of a trick interview question because it implies you can only choose one answer or the other.

What you need to do here is show that you are fine working in a team or on your own

O

n available job vacancies this week is the position of a Programme Manager Operations from www.findjobafrica.com. The position is based in Lagos.

This position coordinates programme activities particularly sales and enrolment, new business development and back office processes. This position also provides advisory services and leadership to other units within the organization.

Job duties and responsibilities are to oversees data management, claims management, being responsible for community relations management, development and imple-

– you will need to be able to do both in any job.

Here’s how to answer this one: ‘I am equally comfortable working in a team environment or on my own depending on the situation. I look at the requirements of each task or project and then determine which the most efficient course of action is.’

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?-What the hiring manager is looking for here is to see that you are committed to your employer, and have a plan. You want to sound ambitious, but not so much that you sound like you will get bored easily.

Example: ‘If I get offered this job then I will be looking forward to the new challenges that this role will offer me. I will be focussed on the job at hand in the near future, but in the long term I hope to exceed the company’s expectations of me and am sure that this is a company where there will be opportunities to grow and for me to take on new responsibilities’.

Source: passthejobinterview.com

Job Vacancies

mentation of annual working plan and coordination of all marketing related activities – people, promotion, packaging, pricing, packaging (branding) Qualifications needed are a masters degree in public health, operations management, business administration (MBA), Project management or Development related course. Minimum of 7 years post graduation amongst other skills are required.

Also from www.findjobafrica.com is the position of a Corporate Finance Manager that will be based in Lagos.

Some of the duties and responsibilities are to assist in the execution of corporate

he Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has said it disagrees with the Senate over its position, on the case of the 12 soldiers who were recently convicted for mutiny and sentenced to death by a military tribunal.

The congress said it is bad enough that the military tribunal issued such a sentence against ill-equipped gallant soldiers who battled the sect with unequalled bravery, but worse and totally bewildering that Senator Thompson Sekibo, a senator in a civilian cum democratic government, and Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Defence, would declare that the Senate would not intervene because the penalty is as prescribed in the Military Act and must be carried out to maintain discipline.

Congress President, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, and General Secretary, Mr. Musa Lawal, said in a statement it ordinarily might have agreed with the Senator if the soldiers’ mutinous acts and refusal to fight had been informed by cowardice. “ the undisputed evidence adduced and reported show that they are all brave, willing combatants who only requested that they be sufficiently equipped for the task at hand and protested the avoidable death of their buddies because of the negligence, recalcitrance and misjudgement of their commanding officer. “ Surely these circumstances that prompted the soldiers’ alleged offences need to be considered and are weighty enough to serve as mitigating factors in the consideration of any punishment to be meted out to them. Any contrary view would amount to nothing but sheer wickedness and a clear example of man’s insensitivity and inhumanity to man.

“To the best of our knowledge the soldiers’ grievances stemmed from the fact that the military top brass failed to adequately equip them with the right quality and quantity of weapons, ammunitions and other equipment for the war against the Boko Haram insurgents that they were ordered to fight.

finance engagements; both Transaction Support and Lead Advisory and support the team in new business generation.

The successful candidates must have Corporate Finance experience of the Middle East and Africa market.

Qualifications required are a first degree, an MBA an added advantage and Qualified Chartered Accountant, (ACA, ACCA, CPA). Likely to have qualified within leading (top 7) accountancy firm and have 7 years and above hands on experience. Likely to have audit or corporate recovery background. In addition, some transaction services or corporate finance experience would

be helpful.

The position of Business Development Managers who will work in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and in Africa is also on offer from www.findjobafrica. com this week.

The job summary for the positions will entail the BDMs being responsible for maximising sales and profitability of the company’s business through the development and implementation of strategic partnerships and relationships with corporate such as retail chains, fashion and apparel stores, financial institutions, and other strategic industries.

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Real Estate & Environment

Stakeholders urge FG to replicate ERABs in states Nigerians have urged the National Emergency Management Agency,(NEMA), to replicate the establishment of Emergency Response and Ambulance Bays (ERABs) in all the states of the federation to engender prompt and timely response to disaster victims. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN and GOODNESS ADAOYICHE, report.

M

r. Ayoola Ajala was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver along Kubwa-Zuba expressway.

He was reeling in pain as some good Samaritans struggled to pull him out of the ditch in which he was trapped. For several minutes, the battled to get him out, but when they eventually did, there was no immediate help for him in terms of first aid.

With blood oozing out of his eyes, nose

and head, it all cleared to everyone at the scene of the accident this was another good and promising Nigerian at the verge of losing his life. And it did happen, as he succumbed to the cold hands of death on the way to the hospital which is several kilometers ahead.

However, disaster management experts say that the unfortunate story of Ajala was a sad commentary on the nation’s disaster response mechanism,

stressing that the young man’s life could have been saved if there was an ambulance bay around the scene of the accident where he could receive prompt first aid treatment.

The experts also attributed the high number of casualties recorded in the recent building collapse at the premises of Synagogue Church of All Nations to lack of prompt response from the relevant disaster management agencies. While mil-

lions of naira was lost to the unfortunate incident, over 115 lives, mostly foreign nationals, were lost.

Little wonder the recent commissioning of Emergency Response and Ambulance Bays (ERABs) in some strategic locations in Abuja by the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA), received commendations from the stakeholders and analysts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Onolememen assures on massive road development

Tips to choose modern doors for your home

FG’s response to climate change, weak –Environmentalist

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Onolememen assures on massive road development

T Sani-Sidi

Minister of Health, Chukwu Onyebuchi

Abodurin

Stakeholders urge FG to replicate ERABs in states CONTINUED FROM 25 Speaking during the commissioning of one of the facilities in Abuja last week, NEMA Director General, Mr. Mohammed Sani-Sidi said the ERABs were put in place to achieve quick and prompt response to disaster victims, stressing that time was of essence if lives were to be save during disaster occurrence.

He stated,”It is a universal fact that time is of the essence when responding to emergencies. Timely response to emergencies and disasters can drastically reduce losses to lives and properties. As a responsive Agency, NEMA has continued to evolve strategies and programmes to ensure the survivability of victims of emergencies and disasters. One of such strategies aimed at reducing response time is the emplacement of emergency response facilities at strategic locations.

According to him, the ERAB which was designed to be self sustaining in terms of amenities, would cater for Abuja residents in terms of provision of first aid to any disaster victims. He said while there were already five of such facilities in Abuja, efforts were in the offing to replicate them in all the states of the federation.

The NEMA DG added that the success story and the feedbacks from Lugbe residents where the facility was first experimented gave the agency the impetus to replicate it in some strategic locations at the city centre.

“The construction of the ERAB at Lugbe has greatly enhanced NEMA’s response to emergencies within the environs. The positive feedbacks from the populace lend credence to the wisdom of establishing the ERABs and gave impetus for the speedy replication of the bays at the identified places within the FCT. “Our ultimate aim is to promote the ERAB as a national standard and to replicate same across the federation as soon as fund is available. We believe this will go a long way in helping to bring succor to distressed persons, especially in cases of emergencies and disasters.

“We have put in place adequate amenities to sustain these ambulance bays. We have an inverter, borehole and other lightening facilities to boast the energy provision to ensure that we do not have any light out in this place,”he died.

FROM ALL INDICATIONS, THIS IS THE MOST ORGANISED AND WELL COORDINATED AGENCY OF

GOVERNMENT IN THE COUNTRY. THEIR RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES IN THE COUNTRY SUCH AS THE LAST BUILDING COLLAPSE BELONGING TO

SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS

IS A CLEAR

MANIFESTATION OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO DUTY Also speaking, the Commandant General, Nigeria Securities and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abodurin, urged the people to ensure adequate protection of the facilities against vandalisation, insisting that as one the critical stakeholders in disaster management and prevention in the country, his agency would continue to work in collaboration with NEMA to achieve prompt response to disaster victims wherever and whenever it occurred.

He stressed,”Because we are stakeholders in disaster prevention and control in the country, we need to work together as a family. This is wonderful and remarkable. It should be accepted and supported by all and sundry. We should not leave it for NEMA alone. NEMA is out to ensure that lives, properties and infrastructure of government are also saved by making this provision.

“Part of what we need to do as stakeholders in the community is to ensure that there is no vandalization of what NEMA has put in place. We also need to jointly protect it. If there are casualties, report to us timely and not to seat akimbo and be blaming NEMA. So let us key into it and ensure that we also provide timely interventions and information.

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who was represented by the Director FCT Emergency Management Agency, FEMA; Alhaji Abba Idris, noted that the ambulance bays would help various disaster managers in the city improve on their response strategies. According to him, this would not only improve the health and reduce the risks and hazards associated with emergencies, it would help to prevent avoidable deaths.

Also, Mr. Makonjuola Ibrahim, an Abuja based civil servant, commended the ef-

forts of NEMA and FCT administration for deeming fit to establish the ambulance bay, stressing that although it was belated, it would help to save the lives of the people through prompt provision of first aid facilities.

He said,”When I saw this facility, I thought it was only for emergencies such as building collapse and bomb blast. I didn’t know that I could reach them for help even in time of accident, fire outbreak and other emergency situations.

These are the kind of things we want to be seeing in this country.

“From all indications, this is the most organised and well coordinated agency of government in the country. Their response to emergencies in the country such as the last building collapse belonging to Synagogue Church of All Nations is a clear manifestation of their commitment to duty. From the first day of the building collapse to the last, they were there rescuing people that were trapped.

To Mr Livinus Obiechina, a taxi driver, government must, apart from ensuring that the gesture is replicated in other parts of the country, especially Lagos and restive northeast states, increase the number of the ambulance bays in Abuja, adding that five of them would not adequately cater for the interest of all the people in the city.

He added,”It is a good thing. I can call their number (112) and they will quickly come. The only thing I have to say is that they should put more of these things in the city that they can quickly attend to emergencies, because that is their work.

Again, in such places like Lagos and the Northern states where Boko haram is killing people, they should put more of these things there to help save lives.”

he Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen has assured Nigerians of greater improvement in road infrastructure development in the country.

Onolememen who spoke recently in Abuja while presenting his scorecard in the road sector in the last three years, maintained that the present administration was aware of the nexus between good road network and rapid economy development, and would, as such continued to open more roads for economic activities across the six geo-political zones of the country.

While boosting of a marked improvement in road infrastructure in the last three years, the minister said that prior to the advent of the President Jonathan’s administration, the federal road network was in deplorable state The minister added that the federal government’s on-going rehabilitation, construction, expansion and maintenance of major arterial highways across the country had brought a new lease of life to citizens and road users.

Citing example, he noted that from about 4,500km of fair roads in 2011, more than 25,000km of the 35,000km of federal roads were now in good and motorable condition, with some of the road alignments favourably compared with roads in the developed parts of the world.

He said,”I am glad to inform stakeholders in the road sector and indeed all Nigerians of the progress made so far and some key dividends arising fom our various efforts at improving the federal road network in the country these past three years.

“I make bold to say, from the North to the South and from the East to the West, the story is the same: Travel times between origins and destinations have been reduced, cost of vehicle maintenance have been drastically reduced due to better pavement design, construction, modern road markings and signages, and economic goods are now better distributed through our arterial roads with better turn-around times that lead to more production activities , thereby totally sing growth in our Gross Domestic Product.

He attributed the various successes recorded within the period under review to additional funding from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme , SURE-P, which made it possible for government to work on other select projects in the road sector.

Some of the projects embarked upon through the SURE-P fund, according to him, include dualisation of Abuja-AbajiLokoja Highway, Kano-Maiduguri Highway, the reconstruction of Onitsha-Enugu-Port Harcourt, Benin-Ore-Shagamu and Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan Expressways.

He said the proceeds from SURE-P were also being applied in the construction of the new Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue linking Nasarawa and Benue States and Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha/Asaba linking Anambra and Delta States.

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FG’s response to climate change, weak –Environmentalist Mr. Ewah Eleri is the Executive Director, International Centre for Energy, Environment, and Development. In this interview with OLUFEMI ADEOSUN and REGINA OTOKPA, he berates the government’s weak and uncoordinated response to the issue of climate change and its impact on the environment, security and national economy. Excerpts

Nigeria is part of the global community that is currently under the threat of climatic change. How would you rate the efforts of government toward containing the menace?

Climate change represents a clear and present danger to the economy and livelihood of Nigerians. Although, it is a global phenomenon, the implications to Nigerians are very direct and severe. We have an economy that is very much dependent on the extraction and exports of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the main culprit in the build up of those harmful Greenhouse gases that change the global climate. Even though we as a country are not very big emitters of those harmful gases that cause climate change, we are so much at the receiving end of the awful impact of climate change in very many ways.

First and foremost, the large segment of our GDP is made up of agriculture. Agriculture employs the largest employers of labour in our country. Our agriculture is very climate dependent and because we operate rain fed agriculture and our farmers depend on rainfall patterns for their productivity, changing climate is a direct threat to production for agricultural systems.

If you also look at the oil market which also constitutes another great segment of our GDP, you will see a lot of countries moving away from fossil fuels and investing in lower carbon energy especially renewable energy, including solar and hydro, globally. In the long term, this might pose a threat to the oil market and we might not be able to sustain the price levels that we have today. Whichever way you look at it, climate change represents a clear and present danger to our national economy and we need to take it seriously.

Today, I don’t think that we have addressed climate change with the seriousness that it deserves in the country.

Our government is pretty much in denial of the challenges that climate change poses to us and therefore the government’s response to climate change has not been as robust as it possibly could have been.

As an environmentalist with a strong bias in climate governance, what do you think government can do in the areas of mitigation and adaptation?

There are actions we need to take in our national interest to address key economic development challenges that Nigeria has and at the same time, contribute to international efforts to reduce the emission of these greenhouse gases. One of such crucial issues, are the emissions that come from the transportation sector. For instance, the Nigerian government has funded a wasteful use of our oil resources through subsidies and has lowered the price of petroleum significantly, therefore leading to the inefficient use of PMS for transportation. The same wasteful use of very scarce financial resources is also contributing significantly to high level of emissions because road transport users do not have incentives to save energy and to use more efficient vehicles or to drop their cars when they do not have to use them.

For instance, you have a family controlling many cars at a time essentially because fuels are so cheap. This is one area where the national finance imperative meets sound environmental management. The withdrawal of subsidy is critical also to Nigeria’s contribution to the reduction of emissions from the transport sector. This is one area I think the managers of our public finances need to look into and see where Nigeria can make a meaningful contribution to global efforts and at the same time, save money for our national treasury.

Secondly, we can do better in diversifying the sources of our electricity. Today, gas produces about 80% of electricity generation; the rest comes from large hydro. This is fair enough; however, we need to expand more of gas generation and hydro generation and diversifying into renewable because today power generated through the national grid

cludes improved seedlings, improved technologies, access to finance especially access to agricultural insurance.

Climate change is already here with us and it will take generations to begin to see real changes in climatic patterns, therefore we need to take those steps to protect, especially our farmers from the ravaging effect of climate change. There are steps that need to be put in place to ensure that large segment of the productive population are protected from the ravaging effects of climate change. We need a climate swot agricultural systems combining technologies, combining financial incentives and also stronger coordination between agencies of the government, especially between Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources and agencies charged with disaster reduction. Today we have a fire brigade approach to disaster reduction especially those coming from natural events.

Ewah

OUR GOVERNMENT IS PRETTY MUCH IN DENIAL OF THE CHALLENGES THAT CLIMATE CHANGE POSES TO US AND THEREFORE THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE HAS NOT BEEN AS ROBUST AS IT POSSIBLY COULD HAVE BEEN only represents a small proportion of power used in the country. The rest of the energy that is supplied to the Nigerian industries and homes comes from very dirty fuel, mostly diesel and PMS. This does not only come at a high cost to families and industries, it also contributes greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

We can deal with these issues by fast-tracking the reforms in the power sector and by diversifying our sources of electricity to enable more utility scale solar projects to come on stream. We need to create stronger incentives for renewable into our grid system, but also for off grid applications especially in rural areas. This is another example of where we can do public finance and development Swot initiatives that will also help us to meet our international obligations to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming.

How can government deliver on its poverty reduction initiatives when the agricultural sector which remains the mainstay of our economy is the worse hit by the harmful effect of climate change?

We need to protect our people against the harmful effect of climate change. Today, farmers all around the country can no longer predict rainfall season.

These are information which generations of farmers before relied on to predict rainfall season, but because of climate change, all these have been altered and this is causing serious destruction in agriculture production and in the livelihood of the rural people. Governments at all levels need to rise up to the challenge by ensuring that we have a climate swot agricultural system, a strategy which in-

While climate change poses many challenges to the global economy, there seems to be some positive sides to it.

Some inward looking countries across the world have begun to tap into these positive opportunities to develop their economies. What do you think Nigerian government can also do to partake in this?

We can turn around the challenge of climate change to become one of the main engines of growth for our economy. The low carbon economy is the growth economy in the world today. For instance, almost half of all the solar panels are now produced in China. The fastest growing wind market is in India. There are a number of countries who have also discovered dynamism in the low carbon economy.

Today we are well positioned to tap into it especially in the energy area. Nigeria is located around the sunshine belt of the tropics so we have excellent solar radiation. We are positioned to tap into those energy resources free of charge.

Good enough, the cost of solar technologies is declining in very dramatic rates, so the cost of solar installations is gradually reaching the parity with other energy forms such as gas and others. As a country this would afford us the opportunity to meet our energy needs, transform our economy, and also be a major contributor to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

The challenge today is that those who are charged with the issue with managing Nigeria’s response to climate change are at the fringes of our national economy. They are not decision makers of our national economy. They are not the Ministry of Finance and Petroleum Ministry, neither Power nor Agriculture, so we make the management of climate change and the environment a footnote, but the cost is very high.

In 2012 alone, we lost 12 billion dollars from our GDP to flooding and that is a significant proportion of our GDP and that reduced our growth rate in that year significantly.

Until those who manage our economy can look up and see all the traits and opportunities of having a hand on management of both climate and economy in Nigeria, we will be left adrift in addressing these issues.

Apart from its negative effects on the environment and world economy, it has also been discovered that there is a correlation between climate change and security. Can we now draw a nexus between the current security challenges in some parts of the country and climate change?

It is not a coincidence that the poorest part of the country is also the most climate ravaged part of the country. The northeast part of the country has the lowest GDP capital of all the six regions in the country. It is also that part of the country that is mostly ravaged by draught and has high incidence of flooding. A stark example is the condition around the Lake Chad. The lake has shrunk to about 5% of its size today. In-fact, 40 years ago, Nigeria had no territorial borders with the Republic of Chad, we only had a marine border.

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Tips to

FG may stop funding road projects by 2019 –Maku ...Says trillions spent on insurgency could have fixed Nigerian roads

StorieS: olufemi AdeoSun ABUJA

T

he Minister of Information, Labaran Maku has hinted of the possibility of the Federal Government stopping funding road projects by the 2019.

Maku, who spoke while moderating the 2014 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja last week, noted that by the projected time the construction and maintenance of roads would be done entirely private sector driven.

He also lamented how much the insurgency in the North East had negatively impacted on the development of the nation’s road infrastructure, adding that the hug funds being expended in fighting the Boko Haram insurgence would have been used to fix some of the bad roads.

Maku said, “Imagine what would have happened if all of the money (said to be trillions of naira) spent in prosecuting the war on Boko Haram had been spent in providing roads

throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

The minister also suggested that the appropriate authorities should be more proactive in tackling the high incidence of encroachment on the right of way by Nigerians.

Making a case for private driven road sector, Maku stated that no budgetary provision would be enough to deliver on road infrastructure development.

“There is no amount that can be allocated from the federation account that can sufficiently address the nation’s road infrastructure challenge.But everywhere around the world now, or major countries that are strong economic powers people are not looking for federal money or government money for road construction. People are returning to the private sector. India, Malaysia - several of those countries - attracts billions of dollars for road construction from the private sector.

“And that is what Arc. Mike

Onolememen and his team are saying now. Moving forward, after the reform that will create the Federal Highway Authority, the PPP, beginning with the (second Niger bridge) and Lagos(Ibadan expressway), in the next three, four, five years, I believe that the money that will go into the provision of roads will not come from the government. It will be coming from the private sector.”

According to him, nipping the encroachment on the right of way in the bud is necessary because once someone had built on the right of way and government wanted to clear the illegal structures and restore order, there would be an outcry from civil society groups, the media and other Nigerians who would drum up sentiments against the action.

For that reason, he urged

Ongoing rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

those vested with the authority to always be alert and stop structures from springing up on any given right of way.

He noted that this was imperative because when a structure had been allowed to be completed or developed to a reasonable level, people would whip up the sentiment of the huge money spent by the developer, which would be lost if the structure was pulled down at that stage.

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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choose modern doors for your home A

s knowledgeable persons have rightly said “Doors are your shadow and your expression”. This simply means, by seeing your doors one can easily predict what kind of person you are and how you live in your home. This shows how important it is to choose the right doors for your home.

It is also an important thing because entry doors give your first impression because it is the first thing, visitors notice when they visit your home. And entry doors are not the only important doors, if you are building a contemporary style modern home, you can show your modern nature while installing some extraordinary interior doors in your home.

Here are some tips to choose right modern doors for your home.

Go beyond boundaries Be creative when you are choosing doors for your home. For modern doors, there are no rules.

Take Inspiration For modern doors, you can take inspiration from old sculptures, historic places or even modern architecture. Modern doors can speak your personality if you choose them carefully.

Durability is an important factor We don’t build homes so frequently. For most of us, it is a lifetime event. While choosing modern doors, keep this thing in mind and choose durable doors.

Play with colours For contemporary modern home, you can certainly play with colors. Instead of usual white, black and brown doors, try something new. Opt for bright colors for your modern home.

Be versatile while choosing door material – There is no thumb rule to follow for home doors. Be versatile and go for something unique. Try some unique door materials and patterns.

Research well Before you get your modern doors for home, do research. Ask experts for their opinion ask your friends and do research online. You can get plenty of ideas online for modern doors ideas and availability.

Have budgets in advance When it comes to modern doors, there are thousands of door ideas and designs available in the market. I will go without deciding a budget, you may choose over expensive modern doors which you will regret later. So for modern doors, decide your budget first.

Follow above tips to get your dream modern doors for your home and that too in your budget.

Collapsed Synagogue buiding

NLC calls for probe of Synagogue building collapse

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has urged relevant the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive investigation of the recent Synagogue building collapse.

In the latest building collapse, which occurred at the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Ikotun Egebe, Lagos, over 115 people, most of who

were South Africa nationals were confirmed dead.

Apart from the call by the NLC for enquiries into the incidence, Lagos State had last week instituted a Coroner’s Inquest under the Lagos State Coroner’s System Law No.7 of 2007 with a view to establishing the cause and manner of the building collapse.

However, in a statement by the Head of Information and Public

Affairs of NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, the union stated that the occurrence of the building collapse was an incidence the country could ill-afford.

Upah explained conducting a thorough and transparent professional investigation into the matter would not only reveal the circumstances behind the building collapse, it would help to forestall future occurrence.

According to him, a shoddy investigation into the matter, giving that citizens of other countries were also involved, is capable of denting the image of the country before the committee of nations.

Apart from that, the union also urged the federal government to empower the relevant agencies in disaster management for a timely response to disaster re-

lated occurrences.

It would be recalled that Nigeria got a lot of criticisms, mainly from foreign media for what they regarded as lack of prompt rescue response from relevant agencies in the country, which they also alleged, was responsible for the huge number of casualties.

The statement reads in part, “It is an occurrence Nigeria can ill-afford. Accordingly, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress call for a professional and transparent probe capable of laying bare all the facts.

“By so doing, we will not only be putting to rest all the speculations, we will be preventing similar tragedies waiting to happen.

Similarly, a shoddy investigation is capable of compromising the image of Nigeria.

Last but not the least, the relatives of the victims deserve to know the truth.

“We at the Nigeria Labour Congress also wish to urge the government to empower the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in order to improve their response capacity.

“We commiserate with the families of the victims, majority of whom are our South African brothers and sisters.”

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Real Estate & Environment

New home lending remains steady in Australia

N

ew home lending activity in Australia remained healthy at the start of the new financial year, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Although the number of loans to owner occupiers purchasing or constructing new homes slipped by 0.8 per cent in July, over the three months to July the number of these loans continued their upward momentum with an increase of 1.9 per cent. Also, compared with a year earlier, the number of loans in the latest three months is 8.8 per cent higher.

‘In an encouraging sign for new home building, lending activity for much needed new housing appears to be consolidating the recovery of the previous financial year, said Diwa Hopkins, Housing Industry Association economist.

‘Lending to investors con-

structing new homes made a strong recovery throughout the 2013/2014 financial year and this data reinforces the strength of that improvement. The value of this investment lending component in the three months to July 2014 is 10.5 per cent higher than in the same period in 2013,’ she explained.

‘The figures show that current credit conditions are having the desired impact on residential construction, with both investors and owner occupiers taking advantage of the favourable conditions to add to Australia’s stock of housing, which will aid housing affordability across the spectrum of the housing market,’ she added.

She pointed out that policy makers at all levels of government must be acting and coordinating to address existing barri-

ers to further growth in the new housing stock. Examples include excessive taxation, zoning and approvals delays.

‘These impediments need be addressed in order for new home building to gather a further leg of recovery in 2015,’ she said.

A breakdown of the figures show a 9 per cent rise in the number of owner occupier loans for new housing in New South Wales.

But the number of new home loans fell by 2.8 per cent in Victoria, by 2.9 per cent in Queensland, by 4.2 per cent in South Australia, by 7.6 per cent in Western Australia, by 7.7 per cent in Tasmania, by 14 per cent in the Northern and by 8.4 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory.

Over the three months to July 2014, however, lending increased in six out of the eight jurisdictions

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Waterfront homes in the US command massive premiums, says report

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typical oceanfront or lakefront family home in the United States is worth more than double the median value of all homes, and in some locations 10 or more times, new research shows.

Currently the median price for a family home is about $171,600, while the median waterfront house was valued at $370,900, a premium of 116.1 per cent, according to the analysis by real estate firm Zillow.

Among large cities the biggest difference between median nonwaterfront family home values and median waterfront house values are in Tampa, Florida with a premium of 733 per cent, followed by Honolulu, Hawaii, with a premium of 334.5 per cent and Long Beach, California with a premium of 321.6 per cent.

‘The allure of ocean and lakefront living is powerful and undeniable, and millions of home owners nationwide dream of one day owning a home on the water. But those dreams come at a price,’ said Zillow chief economist Stan Humphries.

‘Waterfront properties are both relatively scarce and highly coveted, and that high demand and limited supply leads to high-

er home prices. Additionally, added insurance, floods, environmental mitigation and infrastructure costs are often part of the tab when buying a waterfront home,’ he pointed out.

‘Still, as long as buyers understand the added costs and potential headaches, waterfront living is likely to remain one of life’s simple pleasures for many, many years to come,’ he added.

The median waterfront home value is calculated in the same way as the Zillow Home Value Index and represents the median value of all single family waterfront homes in a given community.

The index includes family homes located 150 feet or closer to the waterline of an ocean or lakes with a total combined size of 10 square kilometers or greater. Properties separated from direct waterfront by a road with a speed limit of 25mph or less are also considered waterfront.

Riverfront properties were not included in this analysis, nor were condominium or co-op housing units. Zillow’s initial analysis covers 250 cities and towns nationwide with at least 100 waterfront homes meeting the criteria.

Aviation growth in Dubai set to boost real estate sector, say experts

T A newly built home in Banner Ashgrove, Australia

Annual UK residential valuation activity fell last month, latest research shows

U

K housing market valuation activity increased 13 per cent on a monthly basis in August but down 4 per cent compared with a year ago, according to the latest analysis.

One reason it is still quieter than a year ago could partly be due to August 2013 being a particularly strong month. John Bagshaw, corporate services director of Connells Survey & Valuation said it was the first time where it was clear the property market was moving into sustained positive territory.

‘Since last summer progress for the housing market is on a new, steadier, and more sustainable track. It’s worth remembering, activity is now up 5% compared to August 2007, so hardly a poor base for future progress,’ he explained.

‘Moreover, initial signs are

positive for September and barring unforeseen financial wobbles the housing market is set for solid and sustainable progress through the autumn and into the New Year,’ he added.

The firm’s report also shows that first time buyers still represent the largest sub-section of activity, with new buyers representing a 30% proportion of all valuations in August.

Compared to July, first time buyer activity increased by 8%.

However, a year-on-year fall of 4% in the number of valuations for first time buyers is in line with the drop in total valuations activity compared to August 2013.

Home movers already on the property ladder fared better than first time home-buyers in August, in contrast to previous trends. Valuations on behalf of home movers numbered 18%

more in August than in July. On an annual basis home mover activity is also in line with an overall fall of 4% since August 2013.

‘Since the recession, those further up the ladder have been more content to stay put in their homes, to stick with the asset they have. Such a strong showing from home movers looking to up-size is a positive sign for sentiment in the rest of the housing market. Meanwhile, first time buyer activity has bounced back well from a particularly strong summer slowdown,’ Bagshaw pointed out.

By contrast, remortgaging activity has fallen most sharply on an annual basis, down 5% compared to August 2013. This is despite an 8% increase in the number of remortgaging valuations on a monthly basis, compared to July 2014.

he real estate sector in Dubai is expected to emerge as one of the principal beneficiaries of the development of Al Maktoum International Airport, according to property firm Cluttons.

Plans for the two phased project, which will cover an area of 65 square kilometres in Jebel Ali have been unveiled with the city’s entire economy set to benefit significantly.

Dubai International Airport, is already the world’s busiest hub for international traffic, and continues to play a vital role in the development of the emirate’s economy as aviation remains a core pillar for growth.

With the aviation sector’s contribution to GDP set to rise to 32% by 2020 from 28% at present, there will be a significant ripple effect on the number of jobs created.

‘Aviation has historically been a significant contributor to the city’s growth. Once again, the sector looks set to deliver the next wave of growth for Dubai, well beyond the current horizon of the 2020 Expo, which is already translating into a flurry of construction activity across the city,’ said Faisal Durrani, Cluttons’ international research and business development manager.

‘The residential sector will no doubt be an obvious long term benefactor of the significant rise in the number of jobs being created, with both lettings and buyer demand set to rise significantly as the number of households in the city increases. However, it is the commercial sector that stands to benefit the most in the short to medium term,’ he added.

According to Cluttons, the office market continues to recover following the downturn, with occupier activity still ticking upwards across the city as occupancy levels recover in many pockets of the city, although there still remain some issues surrounding strata ownership, which has left vacancy rates abnormally high in some select locations.

‘The development of Al Maktoum Airport will no doubt help to drive further activity as aviation related industries begin to mobilise and take up position in the city set to house the world’s largest airport,’ explained Durrani.

‘For some time now we have experienced a steady rise in the number of enquiries from industrial occupiers, with sites around Al Maktoum Airport being sought by logistics, freight forwarding and distribution companies,’ he pointed out.

Aviation

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

$9.3m scandal: Private jet operators illegally engage in charter services –Stakeholders The recent seizure of a private jet belonging to the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor in South Africa with undeclared $9.3m cash has once again brought to the fore the allegation in some quarters that the owners of such jets illegally use their aircraft for charter operations. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

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o doubt, private jets acquisition has received a boost in Nigeria. From the measly 40 aircraft nationwide some seven years ago, Nigeria now tops the continent with most private jets with about 200 aircraft parked in various airports across the country.

The acquisition of private jets by wealthy Nigerians has received knocks and kudos from several quarters especially at a time commercial aviation is nose-diving.

Over the years, there have been allegations that most of the private jet owners illegally involve in hire and reward and use their jets for smuggling out of the country a number of wanted persons, accusations, which they have consistently debunked.

But, the recent seizure of $9.3m in South Africa involving the Bombardier Challenger 600 with the registration No N808HG belonging to the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has further confirmed the allegation.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati had in May 2013 told journalists that findings by security agencies proved that private carriers, which receive minimal checks compared to the commercial airlines, have been repeatedly abused, and have been used to illegally convey persons, cash and other effects.

Dati also said the government intends to monitor operations of unscheduled flights and their manifests following the country’s security situation.

Dati further lamented the loss of revenue from operations by charter flights and its safety challenges due to the usage of private jets for charter operations. He said most jets with private licenses operate commercially without paying the regulatory tax because 80 per cent of 150 jets mostly owned by Nigerians and operating in the country are registered overseas and therefore exempted from paying taxes and five per cent charges to Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. He had said, “Charter services by private jets have become a lucrative business in the country because 80 per cent of these private jets have private licenses, but carry out commercial operation, they constitute safety challenges because aircraft with private license are not subjected to compulsory maintenance checks as those with commercial license are made to do by the regulatory body, NCAA.” He stated that the country loses over N25bn yearly from these illegal operations as businessmen bring in aircraft as private jets, while they operate as commercial aircrafts taking business away from charter operators who abide by the laid down process of chartered operations.

“This explains why our airlines are not

Bombardier-Challenger jet

Kyari

Charter serviCes by private jets have beCome a luCrative business in the

80 per Cent of these private jets have private liCenses, but Carry out CommerCial operation; they Country beCause

Constitute safety Challenges beCause airCraft with private liCense are not

subjeCted to Compulsory maintenanCe… growing. Instead of marked growth of our airlines it is the number of private jets that are growing. This is an aberration so government cannot fold its hands and watch this unfavourable situation, which has already started affecting the nation’s economy, knowing the crucial role scheduled airline operation play in any country,” he said.

Just recently, the Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s jet was seized in South African with a stack of $9.3m in cash, allegedly meant for arms purchase in the Southern African country.

Oritsejafor in a statement confirmed the ownership of the jet, but said that he had a “residual interest” in Eagle Air, a company that manages the aircraft, but noted that the aircraft in question was already leased to, and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli were caught inside the aircraft with the money purportedly meant for buying and supplying weapons to the Nigeria intelligence services.

A director in Green Coast Produce Company Limited, Mr. Shima Adun confirmed the aircraft had been leased to it, saying such transactions were normal in the aviation industry.

The company explained that the aircraft was in turn hired from it by one John Ishyaku and therefore would not be liable for any

alleged infractions either in Nigeria or South Africa after the hire.

But, aviation stakeholders and professionals insisted that the seizure of the private jet in South Africa has further confirmed that most owners of private jets engage in charter operations in the country, arguing that for leasing the jet out, Oritsejafor had contravened aviation rule.

Speaking on the issue, the Director, Research, Zenith Travels, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo said that leasing out a private jet to another company was a clear breach of Civil Aviation Act, which the authorities had been selective in implementing.

He recalled that when the aircraft was acquired some two years ago, Ortisejafor had announced it to the entire world that he received the jet as a gift from his church members to celebrate his 40 years of being a pastor and wondered why he now claimed that it was a shared ownership.

Ohunayo added that the erstwhile Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah in the National Civil Aviation Policy 2013 tried to change the operations of the General Aviation, but insisted that her efforts did not yield the fruitful result as it was targeted at some groups of private jet operators in the country.

He said, “It is not proper to use a private jet as a charter operation. What he’s claiming now

is that the jet is a shared ownership, which they are trying to hide under. If it is a shared ownership, you can do that, but I’m sure, this jet was not a shared ownership because when the jet arrived, he rejoiced and claimed that it was a birthday gift from the members of his church, which is what everyone knows.

“This simply shows us that the private jet operation in Nigeria is still very porous and insecure despite the efforts of Oduah recently.

This indicates that whatever she was trying to do then was pure partisan and nothing else and it has not been able to work.”

On its implication, Ohunayo said, “The Civil Aviation Act simply says that when an aircraft owner converts his equipment to what it was not registered for, such a person should be sanctioned according to the law governing the industry. The law has always been there, but people implement it based on the side of the divide that you belong.

“Now, this issue has come to embarrass us before the international community and it is a huge setback for us as a country.”

Also commenting, an executive member of Aviation Round Table, ART, and an engineer with the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, Mr. Sheri Kyari, recalled that private jet operations was one of the major topics in the sector in 2013, but expressed surprised that NCAA, as the regulator of the industry had not been able to implement most of the laws affecting the sub-sector.

Kyari advised the Department of General Aviation Safety in NCAA should come in, create a platform for those willing to convert their private jets into charter operations, adding that through this, the agency and the government could earn more revenues.

He added, “With this, they (private operators) will be able to subject the jet to immigration and customs checks. This would be safe for the country and its image. Oritsejafor might not truly know what the aircraft was being used for.”

Kyari insisted that the implication of converting a private jet to charter operations was grave for the country, alleging that several of such operators regularly use their jets to for illegal operations within and outside the country.

He said, “It’s because this one came out.

There are several people who are using their jets to carry illegal foreign currencies out of the country. Even those they genuinely bought from the Central Bank are ferried out through numerous illegal means.

“This attitude is soiling the image of this country before the international community.

This is not good for the nation. If it is found out that such jets are used for hire and reward, such an aircraft should be impounded, but I think NCAA has a lot to do in implementing the Civil Aviation laws of this country.”

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Aviation

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

UAS to provide travel support in Nigeria, eight others StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

L-R: Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ambassador, Michel Arrion, Director-General, Bank of Industry; Rasheed Olaoluwa, Counselor - Head of Trade and Economics Section EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca in a group photograph at a business forum organised by EU in Lagos recently.

the essence was to add significant value to the experience of the clients, which include flight operators, VIPs and government officials.

He explained that the managers would be responsible for ensuring all flights operate on-time and deliver seamless operations into Africa.

He emphasized that with this, clients could rely on their country managers for reliable and up-to-date Notice to Air Men, NOTAM, air traffic news and updates, regulatory requirements in addition to any local operational guidance that could affect the success of their mission.

He stated further that the country managers would also work with local ground handlers to enhance

the safety of operations, minimise language barriers, and coordinate credit for aviation fuel and services.

He said that with access to all ramp activities they could also ensure quality and timely ground handling services and fuel delivery.

Wynand added that having already opened a continental headquarters in Johannesburg and regional offices in Lagos and in Nairobi in the first quarter of 2014, UAS had set itself an ambitious goal; a UAS country manager on the ground in every country in Africa, stressing that the new placements brought it one step closer to achieving this.

attended by more than 400 travel and hospitality executives.

The statement added that a rigorous process of public voting and an expert panel of judges selected the UAE flag carrier as winner of the Best Emerging Airline on Social Media Award, in recognition of its sophisticated strategy, engaging content, targeted promotions and campaigns, and focused community management over the past 12 months.

Etihad Airways undertook various initiatives on its social networking pages to engage fans and build a stronger bond with them, alongside generating revenue for the airline. The pages provide re-

al-time news updates about the brand, sponsorships, route additions, products and services, special offers and brand-engaging games.

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner said that social media channels had become a vital part of the airline’s broader digital and communications activity.

He noted that this award further inspired the management to be pioneers in the global travel industry in terms of recognising and harnessing the power of social media, and telling the Etihad Airways story in innovative ways.

The Simpliflying Chief Executive Officer, Shashank Nigam stated, “Etihad Airways has adopted a methodological approach to social media marketing, resulting in a dramatic increase in engagement over the last year, particularly around the launch of their new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 products, which will be taking to the skies in December.

The airline came from behind and has taken the competition by storm.”

Etihad Airways emerges best social media airline

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tihad Airways is celebrating social media success after being named winner of the Best Emerging Airline on Social Media Award at the SimpliFlying Awards 2014, and for having reached one million Facebook fans globally.

The SimpliFlying Awards recognise the best social media campaigns and practices in the aviation industry.

An online media statement by the consultant of the airline in Nigeria state that he winners were announced at an impressive ceremony during the Travel Distribution Summit North America in New York recently. The event was

Etihad aircraft

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

When aviation CEOs stay away from industry events

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A

s part of its continue expansion in Africa, a leading international trip support provider, United Aviation Services, UAS, has indicated readiness to provide flight and ground supports in nine countries in the continent including Nigeria.

The other eight countries are South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya and Mali.

The Global Sales Director, UAS, Mr. Abdul Charafeddin told journalists that the selected countries were the first to be chosen by the company in Africa, saying that plans were underway to cover the whole of the continent in the next few years.

He said, “The reason we chose those nine countries in the first phase is primarily due to the heavy traffic and demands from operators to better services on ground. Other airports not chosen for now like Egypt have good airports and aviation infrastructure where the level of service are good and do not require immediate attention like many other countries.”

Also commenting, the Regional Director of Africa, UAS, Wynand Meyer said the company had already recruited country managers in the nine countries, maintaining that

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

t is gradually becoming the norm for chief executive officers, and other major decision makers in the Nigerian aviation industry to show nonchalant attitude to seminars, workshops or events held in the country where topical and policy issues in the sector are discussed unless the honourable minister of aviation is attending such programmes.

Less than two weeks ago, one of the major recognised aviation training schools in Nigeria, Aeroconsult organised a safety seminar where several safety and security issues were discussed by participants, but unfortunately, those mostly affected by the discussion, aviation agencies and airlines CEOs were visibly absent.

Rather than physically present, most of the CEOs sent representatives who could not competently

deliver the papers of their bosses, but chose their words and avoided stepping on toes.

Airside insists this is unfortunate and has further shown that most of the policy formulators and those affected by government’s policies care-less about the sector.

The question is; How do you grow and improve your knowledge about the sector when you stay away from industry’s seminars, workshops and events? Unlike in Nigeria, those at the helm of affairs in most developed aviation countries take such events seriously as it provide an avenue for them to air their views on the sector’s policies and also help formulate policies for their countries.

Airside says there is a need for a change of character as no man is a citadel of knowledge.

Now that Nigeria has retained US FAA Category One Status

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he Nigerian aviation environment was agog with joy last week when it was announced to the public that the country had eventually retained the United States Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, category One Status.

Before the announcement, aviation stakeholders and professionals in the country had feared that the nation may eventually lose the status it attained in September 2010 due to several obvious security and safety lapses. FAA had carried out recertification assessment of the country’s civil aviation industry in the first week of April this year.

Although, some stakeholders and professionals in the sector still feel Nigeria does not deserve to retain the status and several of them even said that it is the US that ac-

tually wanted to ‘give’ the country the status as a form of gift because of commercial purpose. At the moment, two US carriers operate daily commercial flights into and out of Lagos, Nigeria with full capacity.

However, Airside says now that the much cherished status has been retained, it is not the time for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to go back to sleep, but rather, this is the time for it to keep up the tempo, ensure that all the closed items remain close while it also intensifies training and retraining of its technical personnel.

Airside congratulates the country’s civil aviation environment for this feat as we await another audit in the next four to five years. Time to improve on the lapses is now and not the period to relent.

NTSB statistics reveal general aviation accidents decreased in 2013

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he National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, released preliminary aviation accident statistics last week, which show an overall decline in the number of United States, US, registered civil aviation acidents.

The number of civil aviation accidents fell from 1,539 in 2012 to 1,297 in 2013.airplane Although there has been a decrease in accidents involving scheduled Part 121 operations (commercial air transport), the first fatal accident in three years occurred.

On August 14, 2013, UPS Airlines flight 1354, an Airbus A300600, crashed on approach to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth In-

ternational Airport in Birmingham, Alabama, resulting in two fatalities of the flight crew.

It should be noted that although the crash of Asiana Airlines flight 214 occurred in the United States, it is not reported in the NTSB statistics because it is a foreign registered carrier operating under Part 129 operations.

The number of accidents involving scheduled Part 135 operations (commuter) increased from four in 2012 to eight in 2013 with three fatal accidents.

On-demand Part 135 operations, which include charter, air taxi, air tour, and air medical flights, showed increases in all categories in 2013.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Insurance

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

33

Stakeholders want NAICOM to enforce new regulations on commissions, rebates The National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, not too long ago gave all insurance firms operating in the country new guidelines on handling their commission and rebates. MESHACK IDEHEN captures stakeholders’ views on the development.

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nsurance and broking firms over the years have been complaining about huge expenses they said are incurred in their bid to get underwriting contracts commissions, rebates and other costs paid to brokers.

Industry experts in the same vein, said also that underwriters have now imbibed the culture and tradition of parting with large funds year in year out, a trend the industry regulator has noted as out of place and statutorily illegal.

According to the insurance and broking experts, the regulator not only sees these payments as unnecessary expenses, but also as eating deep into the operations of the underwriters with the resultant effect of reducing their profit levels and viability.

Hence, it was on account of this situation that the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, decided to roll out a new set of orders and read the Riot Act to the concerned firms on the need for mandatory compliance with the new regime concerning commission, rebates and return of premiums.

NAICOM also clearly spelt out the penalties for defaulters in its latest circular with the commission noting that the two major stakeholders affected by this new regulation are the insurance companies and insurance broking firms, which are the largest bodies controlling the industry.

“For the avoidance of doubt, overriding commission, business acquisition fees and other similar fees not provided for by the Nigerian insurance laws shall not be solicited, deducted, offered or paid in respect of any insurance transaction in Nigeria,” the regulator had said.

Insurance expert, Mr. Philemon Ideda, told National Mirror that the new regime may be a deliberate effort by the commission to help the underwriters to increase profitability, and that the circular is aimed at halting all forms of unnecessary expenses incurred by the insurance companies with the hope that this would also increase their profit level.

Ideda explained major areas of attention in the circular are centered on the rebates and brokerage commission and return or refund premium.

To effectively execute this new regulation, according to him, underwriters and brokers are now compelled to give regular disclosure of their activities under the re gime

Daniel

Shoderu

For the avoidance oF doubt, over-riding commission, business acquisition Fees and other similar Fees not provided For by

nigerian insurance laws shall not be solicited, deducted, oFFered or paid in the

respect oF any insurance transaction in

nigeria

guiding rebates and brokerage commissions, because it is now illegal for any insurance institution to solicit, offer or allow commissions and/or rebates in the transaction of insurance businesses except as provided by the extant insurance laws and guidelines.

He said that under the commission’s new regime on return or refund of premium, as stated, in line with Article 3(9) of the Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Regulation 2013, no insurer, broker or its agents shall charge or receive premiums in excess of the actual premium on an insurance policy that may result in refunding the excess amount paid or with the intent of returning the excess in any form, by cash or otherwise to the insured, its agents or any party thereafter.

Throwing light on this latest development, the Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association, Mr. Sunday Thomas, told our correspondent the new circular aims to address some of those things that were unnecessarily increasing costs within the

industry.

Describing it as a positive initiative by the sector’s regulator, the NIA director-general observed that the underwriters had been revealing a lot of expenses in their financial books.

Thomas explained that this was a problem which the underwriters had not been able to address for a long time, adding it would have been difficult for the underwriters and brokers to agree that some kind of expenses will not be incurred because somebody is benefiting from it somewhere.

According to him, if somebody is benefiting from that old system it will be dif ficult for the brokers and the underwriters to do an agreement to deprive him of such a benefit, noting also that the success of this new regulation is largely due to the enforcement by the commission.

He added it was clear that the commission was serious about its directive and must have put in place the machinery for its enforcement, saying it is a matter of ensuring that people comply.

“I must also tell you that with my interaction with members of the association, they are ready and willing to comply with the new regulations,” the NIA DG said.

The President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu, on his part, expressed belief and optimism that NAICOM was working for the general interest of the industry with the introduction of the new regime.

He said however that where the brokers found that certain areas conflicted with the interest of their clients that the council would not hesitate to dialogue with the commission in this regard because it has a harmonious relationship with NAICOM. The NCRIB president, who is considered leader of insurance brokers in the country said some areas would have to be clarified under the issue of return premium, because where a broker paid a premium to an underwriter, the cheque for the return premium should be made in the name of the broker, in order for the broker to turn the principal amount to the client.

“I say principal amount because uninsured premium includes brokerage commission and if the entire sum was to be issued in the name of the client, it may cause some difficulty between the broker and the insured in explaining to the insured that they included broker’s commission. This is an aspect that should be made clear. I don’t see any problem with that; it is just a matter of understanding, “he said.

He also expressed worry about the order that the brokers would very often have to review the number of declarations and submissions under the new regulation, saying while brokers are being asked to make monthly, quarterly and annual returns, What time do the brokers now have to do our work?

We want to look at that too, he added.

According to the NCRIB president, “It is a bit burdensome going to the bank every month to collect statement.

If they come for inspection and want to see the statement of our members’ account, it is something that can be made available to them.

“But we are not comfortable to be sending our statement of account on a monthly basis. We will discuss with our regulator and we don’t envisage any problem in that regard.”

34

Insurance

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

NIA moves to standardise motor insurance rates T StorieS: MeShack idehen

he Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, said is working to standardise the premium rates being charged on motor insurance business in order to curb rate cutting and boost profitability, considering that motor insurance contributes only about 26 per cent of the insurance industry’s gross premium Director General of the NIA, Mr Sunday Thomas, told journalists some insurance companies still engage in the unethical practice of rate cutting due to the cut throat competition in the industry as these insurance companies strive to gain undue advantage over other competitors.

He noted that that the standardisation of motor insurance rates was not intended to compel all insurers to charge the same rate, but to ensure that the insurance firms do not charge rates that are below the market approved rates.

According to him, “NIA is trying to standardise the rating of motor insurance. We believe the business of motor insurance should not be

rated below certain level. This will improve the balance sheets of underwriting firms.”

Thomas added that the initiative would also be extended to group life insurance business in due course to ensure that the business is profitable, stating that rate cutting in insurance sector was worrisome, pointing out that most of the insurance firms that engage in rate cutting are unable to meet their obligations when the need to pay claim arises, thereby worsening the already battered image of the industry.

After realising that the market agreement voluntarily signed by all insurance companies in 2009 was not yielding expected results as some insurers were not adhering strictly to the provisions of the agreement, he said the NIA commenced moves to sanction insurers who charge premium rates that are below the market approved rates.

To this end, the association, he explained, set up a rating committee to determine minimum rates in respect of motor, group life, industrial all risk, money and fidelity guarantee for banks.

He pointed out that the rating committee under the chairmanship of the Managing Director, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc; Mr Wale Onaolapo was also mandated to recommend sanctions for non-compliance with the minimum rates. The market agreement was developed as a code of practice on effective service delivery including adequate rating and prompt settlement of claims by the insurance firms.

The agreement suffered setback as some insurers engaged in the unethical practice of rate cutting due to cut throat competition.

Thomas

Cornerstone Insurance records N5.3bn gross premium

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ornerstone Insurance Plc said its gross premium rose by 15 per cent from N4.6bn in 2012 to N5.3bn in the 2013 financial period.

Group Chairman of the company, Mr Adedotun Sulaiman, disclosed this during the firm’s annual general meeting in Lagos.

He said Cornerstone recorded an impressive performance in its 2013 financial year improving profit before tax by 60 per cent over the 2012 financial year, while gross premium rose by 15 per cent from N4.6bn in 2012 to N5.3bn in 2013. underwriting result, according to him, dipped by 30 per cent from N1.2bn in 2012 to N866m in 2013, explaining that this was due to a 15 per cent increase in reinsurance expenses which grew from N1.6bn in 2012 to N1.9bn in 2013 and net claim expenses that went up by 18 per cent from N985m in 2012 to N1.1bn in 2013.

He said the company had a com-

Sulaiman

bination of robust investment performance and disciplined control of operating expenses which resulted in an increase in profit after tax from N544m to N870m.

He said it recorded 16 per cent growth in the total asset from N12bn to N14bn.

The group chairman observed that the nation’s insurance was fragmented and there was a need

for a consolidation of the industry to fast track building scale and capacity.

“Our efforts in this direction have continued through 2013 and we have identified a company with complimentary attributes and values and at this meeting therefore ask for your approval to proceed with the business combination,” he said.

INSCAN to begin consumer protection campaign

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nsurance Consumers Association of Nigeria has said it is expressing its commitment towards building trust and confidence in the insurance industry.

A statement from the association said it would soon inaugurate its public enlightenment and consumer protection programmes on insurance in Lagos, and that it would be a public led initiative established to protect the interest of insurance consumers in Nigeria and to expose the immense benefits of insurance protection to the Nigerian society.

The association explained the group is an incorporated trustee registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission with four major objectives which are to protect the general interest of the insurance consumers in Nigeria and to create awareness to the public on the importance of insurance and the implication of not having it.

Others are to stand in the middle between the insurance companies and the insured whenever there is dispute for amicable resolution through compensation, as well as to foster unity and progress between the insurance industry and the general public.

INSCAN said that at the inauguration of its enlightenment campaign, that the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, would be the special guest of honour while the President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Temowo, would be the chief launcher. It said the Director-General, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, would be the chairperson of the day.

The National Secretary General of INSCAN, Mr. Julius Bruce, on his part, said the association serves as a trusted and respected avenue for aggrieved insurance consumers in the country to secure redress.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Travel: Protecting yourself against danger

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lan for the unplanne– Nobody wants to imagine themselves in the centre of a international terrorist attack. Being helpless. Far from your home. But in this day and age, anything is possible. So just in case this nightmare does become a reality you should be prepared. What if the power is out? You have no way to access money at an ATM? No way to access your electronic devices?

The solution is to be a little less reliant on these e-conveniences. Carry extra cash with you. Make a hard copy of emergency contact phone. If you are in a hotel or public place be a little more mindful of the emergency exits. Plus, if you are vacationing with your family in a certain area for a while you might want to establish an emergency meeting place. Just in case you get split up during the sudden chaos and confusion. A little travel preparation goes a long way in an emergency.

Travel with others– Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don’t meet strangers at unknown or remote locations.

-Refuse unexpected packages.

-Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby. -Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your car. -Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition in case you need to resort to high-speed or evasive driving. Drive with car windows closed in crowded streets.

Bombs can be thrown through open windows. -If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible. Don’t move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon.

If possible, shield yourself behind or under a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach Travel to high-risk areas–If you must travel in an area where there has been a history of terrorist attacks or kidnapping, make it a habit to: -Discuss with your family what they would do in the event of an emergency. Make sure your affairs are in order before leaving home. -Register with the U.S. embassy or consulate upon arrival. -Remain friendly but be cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary or program. -Leave no personal or business papers in your hotel room. -Watch for people follow-

ing you or “loiterers” observing your comings and goings. -Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations, hotels, hospitals.

Let someone else know what your travel plans are.

Keep them informed if you change your plans.– Avoid predictable times and routes of travel and report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. -Select your own taxi cabs at random. Don’t take a vehicle that is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one posted on his or her license.

Demonstrate silence at demonstrations– Other than terrorism another more peaceful way to get a message across is through protesting. These acts of civil disobedience occur throughout the world. In most cases these demonstrations are peaceful. However, there are times when they can turn violent. If you are on vacation with your family and see a protest rally going on keep away. Try not to get involved. And don’t get roped into an argument about the US. The purpose of a demonstration like this is to gain attention. If a fight breaks out and there is confusion a terrorist could see this as the perfect moment to strike.

Terrorism and travel– Make a concerted effort to relax. Prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility of a long ordeal.

Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the appearance of observing your captors actions. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume little food and drink. Consciously put yourself in a mode of passive cooperation. Talk normally. Do not complain, avoid belligerency, and comply with all orders and instructions.

Don’t try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others– Maintain your sense of personal dignity and gradually increase your requests for personal comforts. Make these requests in a reasonable lowkey manner. If you are involved in a lengthier, drawn-out situation, try to establish a rapport with your captors, avoiding political discussions or other confrontational subjects. Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity. Don’t be afraid to ask for anything.

Source: www.travelandleisure.com

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

Eurobond: Nigerian banks to continue leveraging on cheap financing Amidst a tight regulatory environment Nigerian banks may continue to raise funds from Eurobond issues and multilateral entities to support credit expansion to the real sector. UDO ONYEKA reports.

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he US Fed’s monthly monetary stimulus was trimmed to $ 25bn in July 2014 signaling the upcoming end of the global liquidity glut. This implies tougher days ahead for cheap funds globally including Eurobond window.

But Nigerian banks which had stepped up efforts to raise debt in the international bonds market before monetary accommodation winds down seem to have the appetite to continue due to challenging banking environment in the country.

On the average it costs a Nigeria bank between 6 per cent to 9 per cent to issue debt the Eurobond market, compared to 14.5 per cent average yield on local currency corporate bonds and 12.1 per cent on sovereign bonds.

However the desire for some Nigeria financial institutions to continue to eye Eurobond may not be far from the fact that the U;S Federal Reserve has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the current low interest rate environment 0.25 per cent official rate much into 2015.

Nigerian banks in 2013 and much early this year taped into Eurobond.

Other African countries have also started taking advantage of cheap pricing in recent years.

For instance in 2013 African countries raised raised $8.1bn in international debt.

In country banks are faced with compelling opportunities and challenges to finance big ticket projects and even the Small Medium Enterprises, SMEs with its high risks.

Amore robust balance sheet size is required for lenders to support credit expansion to the newly liberialsed power and Oil and Gas sector assets especially as private investors seek capital to boost capacity and manage operations.

For instance, the estimated cost of delivering a megawatt of electricity in Nigeria is $1.3m, while the difference between installed capacity and current generation levels for the erstwhile PHCN assets is slightly in excess of 3000 megawatts. This translates to an estimated $40bn required investment to bring current power generation levels in Nigeria to meet up with the name plate or aggregate installed capacity.

Therefore the desire to actively finance the activities of investors in the power sector has driven a lot of banks to the debt market.

The search for long-term capital by the banks is to support the long-term financing needs of most firms that acquired the generating and distribution companies in Nigeria.

CBN Gov. Godwin Emefiele

GTBank MD, Segun Agbaje

The issuance Trend had gained momenTum in recenT monThs as banks soughT To lock in favorable raTes ahead of The scheduled

us fed’s quanTiTaTive easing program laTer This year, which signaled a end of The

prospecTive increase in raTes in developed economies Investigations reveal that while some banks have already raised the amount of capital they need to support their clients from the Eurobond market, the rest are still weighing other available capital raising options.

For instance, Zenith Bank Plc in April 14, sold its debut $500 m dollar-denominated bond. The bank had explained that the proceeds would, among other things, enable it finance the power sector.

Similarly, Diamond Bank Plc, May 14, issued its debut $200m five-year Eurobond. The bank also to tapped the equities market to raise about $300m.

Diamond Bank is seeking to raise $500m additional capital.

On the other hand, while Union Bank is seeking approval to raise $750 million, Access Bank at its recently held Annual General Meeting got the approval of its shareholders to raise $1bn.

But the bank has explained that the $1bn would be raised through Rights Issue.

Also, Sterling Bank recently disclosed plans to issue a $200m Eurobond early next year, while Skye Bank which raised N50bn last year is also eyeing the Eurobond market.

Other banks that had also tapped from

the Eurobond market include Fidelity Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

Despite the fact that the federal government last year sold 15 power generation and distribution companies, power supply in the country has remained epileptic.

Many analysts have attributed this to lack of funding power sector infrastructure projects.

London-based Emerging Markets Strategist at Standard Bank, Mr. Samir Gadio has said that Nigerian banks would become regular players in the Eurobond market in coming years.

“They will need to raise more funding for the financing of power, oil and gas and infrastructure projects,” he added.

According to Afrinvest in its 2014 banking sector report amid falling fees and commission income, there have been an increase in the banks’ lending momentum as lending grew from N8.2 trillion in 2012 to N10 trillion in 2013.

This represented a significant 22.8 per cent growth in 2013, over the 11.2 per cent recorded in 2012.

Furthermore, it pointed out that in light of the wide spread (seven per cent

as at May, 5, 2014) between the maximum lending rate and the prime lending rate, banks are expected to channel more funds towards SMEs to further boost their NIMs. Nigerian banks have raised $3.9 billion from the Eurobond market as tier2 capital since 2011. So far in 2014, over $1.9 billion has also been raised.

“This has been spurred by wider dollar lending opportunities in the power and oil and gas sectors.

The issuance trend had gained momentum in recent months as banks sought to lock in favorable rates ahead of the scheduled end of the US Fed’s quantitative easing program later this year, which signaled a prospective increase in rates in developed economies,” the report said.

According to analysts the recently released half year 2014 results of banks showed the effects of both regulatory and monetary policy measures on the industry.

Experts, say banks were mostly affected by the increase in the cash reserve requirement, CRR, for public sector funds.

The CBN further raised the CRR on public sector funds to 75 per cent in the first quarter of this year, from the 50 per cent it was last year. Also, CRR on private sector CRR is currently at 15 per cent.

Public sector funds comprise deposits of all tiers of government as well as ministries, departments and agencies MDAs, with the central bank.

The CBN’s gradual phasing out of cost of transaction ,CoT, by 2016 and the simultaneous introduction of interest on savings account also impacted on banks’ gross earnings significantly. This was evidenced by the moderating growth of industry gross earnings from 40.9 per cent in 2012 to 15.8 per cent in 2013.

Also the increased contribution of financial institutions to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s, AMCON’s, sinking fund from 0.3 per cent of total assets to 0.5 per cent which was payable in 2013.

This was estimated to have increased most banks’ operating expenses by about four per cent in their 2013 full year results.

Again the CBN’s new tariff structure, which took effect from April 2013 specified the payment of a minimum of 30 per cent of the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, per annum on savings deposits. This is also expected to impact negatively on banks’ full-year 2013 funding costs.

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Taxation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FIRS to commence enforcement against tax defaulters …urges taxpayers to report fraudulent officials

StorieS: tola akinmutimi ABUJA

T

he Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, is set to commence enforcement activities against corporate bodies and individuals who failed to file their tax returns and failed to voluntarily fulfil their tax obligations as at due dates.

The Companies Income Tax Act, CITA, requires companies, with December 31 as their end of year accounting date, to file their tax returns on or before the end of June of every year.

The revenue agency however gave an extension of time of up till 31st August 2014 to enable some companies meet up with the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS. Speaking at the FIRS’ South-West Regional Enlarged Management Meeting, REMM, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Acting Executive Chairman, of the Service, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, said the Service would be compelled to invoke relevant laws against recalcitrant taxpayers.

Mashi also charged taxpayers to report unwholesome practices by any FIRS official, especially in processing Tax Clearance Certificates, TCC, and Taxpayer Identification Number, TIN. He explained that the issuance of TCC was expected to take two weeks after a taxpayer had fulfilled all tax obligations, adding that “to obtain TIN is free of charge and taxpayers must be ready to speak up when there is a demand from tax officials to facilitate the issuance of TIN and TCC”

Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Adelabu

Okonjo-Iweala

Mashi

The seasoned tax expert said that efficiency and effective service delivery to taxpayers must be the bedrock for voluntarily tax compliance and that FIRS Management would not condone any unethical practice from members of staff.

He said: “Closely linked to this is the issue of high moral and ethical conduct across our offices in the country.

I appeal to you to shun unwholesome practices such as touting, forgery, connivance, tax negotiation, leakage of official documents and insubordination.

We have reconstituted the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU), FIRS chapter in line with the directive of His Excellency, Mr. President to check such activities within the Service.

“Let us be careful and live above board as there will be no sacred cows in this campaign against sharp practices

in the organisation, “Mashi said.

The Coordinating Director, Field Operations Group (FOG), Mr. Ajayi Bamidele, had earlier urged field officers of the Service to ensure continuous update of the compliance programme once the necessary steps required by self-assessment regulations had been complied with.

Bamidele noted that a review of the compliance reports indicated that a lot needed to be done, considering the low level of compliance and that there was the need for massive enforcement exercise and audit activities.

He explained: “What is left for us to do now is enforcement action on companies who have not filed returns in accordance with the provisions of the tax laws. Management has therefore directed that all offices are to commence massive enforcement exercise with a minimum of three companies enforced

weekly starting from the first week of September 2014.

“We are not unmindful of the fact that some few companies applied for extension of time to meet up with the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). This should however not be an excuse to refuse to carry out an exercise by any office”, the Director added.

Bamidele said FIRS had requested for the report on enforcement on some companies and that management had promised to sanction any Tax Controller who refuses to carry out an enforcement exercise.

The monthly REMM of the FIRS is designed to encourage dialogue between staff at the field offices and bring the Management closer to field operations staff.

Presentations at the meeting include review of technical and operational matters, departmental presentations by the six directors supervising field offices as well as questions and answer sessions.

TAX LAWS AND ISSUES

South Africa issues draft guide on special trust taxation

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he South African Revenue Service, SARS, has issued a draft guide, for consultation, on the taxation of “special trusts,” which has been prepared to assist users in gaining a more in-depth understanding of their taxation, with particular reference to income and capital gains taxes.

In the guide, IRAS confirms that, while a single rate of tax of 40 per cent for trusts was introduced with effect from the 2003 year of assessment to combat the practice of income splitting through the use of multiple trust structures, this higher rate

of tax does not, however, apply to special trusts which are taxed under the same rate structure as natural persons.

The definition of special trust, which was initially introduced with effect from the 2002 year of assessment (YA), only refers to trusts created solely for the benefit of individuals who suffer from a defined mental illness or a serious physical disability. In addition, to qualify as a special trust, the beneficiary’s illness or disability must incapacitate that beneficiary from earning sufficient income for his or her maintenance, or from managing their own financial affairs.

These trusts are referred to in

the guide as “type-A trusts.”

The definition of special trust was extended, with effect from the YA 2003, to include certain trusts established by or under the will of a deceased person for the benefit of, amongst others, relatives of the deceased person when the youngest beneficiary is under the age of 21 years.

These trusts are referred to in the guide as “type-B trusts.”

IRAS confirms that the main importance of the distinction between a type-A trust and a type-B trust is because a type-A trust qualifies for certain relief from capital gains tax, while a type-B trust does not qualify for such relief.

UK announces launch of VAT mini one stop shop

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he UK Government has confirmed that it will begin to register digital firms under its Mini One Stop Shop, MOSS, special scheme from October 20, 2014, ahead of changes to European Union value-added tax, VAT, place of supply rules concerning broadcasting, telecommunications, and electronic, BTE, services from January 1, 2015.

The MOSS is intended to simplify compliance for suppliers of BTE services to EU consumers from 2015, by allowing these suppliers to register in a single member state to account for VAT on their suppliers to consumers.

Those businesses that are not registered for VAT in the UK because their supplies currently fall below the VAT threshold but

supply BTE services will have to register for VAT to use the MOSS online service. If they do not register for VAT in the UK, they will not be able to use the UK’s VAT MOSS and will have to register for VAT in each member state in which they have non-business customers.

From January 1, 2015, the place of supply in respect of supplies of BTE services to consumers is to be the place where the consumer is established, has a permanent address, or usually resides. Until January 1, 2015, the place of supply of these services to consumers is the place where the supplier is established. The UK Government expects to receive extra VAT revenues worth GBP300m each year as a result of the change.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Transcorp’s IPO to deliver good returns –Analysts Transcorp Hotels becomes the second company to raise fund on the Nigerian Stock Exchange through an Initial Public Offer, IPO, after Seplat Petroleum Development Company. JOHNSON OKANLAWON looks at investors prospects.

S

ince the Nigerian capital market witnessed a downturn in 2008, companies have not been making IPOs for fear that such issues might fai,l due to low investor confidence in the market. But now companies have started testing the waters, as IPOs are considered cheaper capital than bank loans.

Last week, Transcorp Hotels, part of the Transcorp conglomerate, commenced IPO for 800,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N10 per share.

The offer is expected to close on October 17, 2014.

The offer, has become toast of investors, due to its financial performance in the year ended December 2013. The hotels posted a profit after tax of N4.41bn, an increase of 51.5 per cent, when compared to N2.91bn recorded in the same period of 2012, while its turnover rose to N15.3bn from N13.3bn in the corresponding period of 2012.

The hotels net assets appreciated 0.48 per cent to N43.5bn, compared with the corresponding period of 2012, while earning per share rose to 882 kobo from 582 kobo in the preceding year.

Analysis of the offer prospectus indicates that the company aims to be the premier hospitality firm in Africa, creating maximum and sustainable value for stakeholders, as well as build Africa’s choice hospitality assets underpinned by excellence, entrepreneurship and execution.

According to the company, it will focus on Nigeria in the first instance and thereafter develop strong Africa footprints in high population and competitive cities. “For this purpose, over the next five years, the company will take a phased approach in developing highend hotels and apartments in prime locations, including: Ikoyi, Port Harcourt, Ikeja, Warri and Abuja,” it added.

In addition to the new developments, the company has also commenced the renovation of the Transcorp Hilton Hotels Abuja with a view to consolidating its position as the premier hotel destination in the country.

Speaking on the hotels, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, noted that the Nigerian hospitality industry is fast becoming more competitive with the presence of international brands in recent years.

“We have a strong brand and success story in Nigeria as well as good long term relationships with established suppliers in the country.

“These, coupled with our partnership

NSE CEO, Oscar Onyema

Transcorp Hotel MD, Valentine Ozigbo

As A pArt of the compAny’s growth strAtegy, trAnscorp hotels is undergoing An initiAl public offering to rAise fresh funds from the cApitAl mArket to support the development of two hotels in ikoyi,

lAgos, And port hArcourt , rivers stAte. the offering will be followed by A listing of the entire shAres of the compAny on the

nigeriAn stock exchAnge

with the Hilton Worldwide for management of our facilities, opens up a large opportunity for our proposed developments in the high density areas of Nigeria to attract a considerable portion of business travel and tourist traffic which should translate to adequate guest patronage,” he said.

The President of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Mr Emmanuel Nnorom, said, “We are very proud of this achievement, the first initial public offering of one of our subsidiary businesses in Nigeria.

“The offering illustrates our continued drive to create value to our shareholders, by unlocking the value of the existing assets in our subsidiary and growing exponentially.”

According to him, Transcorp Hotels will focus on expansion in the short to the mid-term and thereafter develop a strong African footprint in high population and competitive cities.

Over the next five years, he said the company will take a phased approach in developing high-end hotels and apartments in prime locations, including Ikoyi, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

According to him, in addition to the new developments, the Transcorp Hotels has also commenced the facelift of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja with a view to consolidating its position as the premier hotel destination in Nigeria .

“This will involve the modernisation of the hotels core facilities for which the company plans to spend approximately $57.5m (N9.2bn) over the next three years. The funding for this will be sourced from the company’s internal operating cash flows.

“As a part of the company’s growth strategy, Transcorp Hotels is undergoing an Initial Public Offering to raise fresh funds from the capital market to support the development of two hotels in ikoyi, Lagos and Port Harcourt , Rivers state. The offering will be followed by a listing of the entire shares of the company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange,” he said.

The parent company – Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc was incorporated on November 16, 2004, and quoted on the NSE. With a shareholder base of about 300,000 investors, the

largest of which is Heirs Holdings Limited, a pan-African proprietary investment company.

Transcorp is a leading diversified conglomerate that focuses on acquiring and managing strategic businesses that create long-term shareholder returns and socio-economic impact. Its business interests are in four strategic sectors: Power, Oil and Gas, Hospitality and Agriculture.

This further justifies market’s view of Transcorp being one of the most experienced operating asset buyout by investors in Nigeria, and has built unrivalled in-house expertise in the transformation of these companies.

For a long time, Transcorp was on the low end of the rating scale of investors for a mix of factors, which led to more investors betting against the company’s shares. However, with the acquisition of a majority stake in the company by Tony Elumelu-owned Heirs Holdings, the perception of the company among investors has changed for the better.

The boardroom master’s strategy played up recently when Transnational Corporation of Nigeria plc enticed investors by paying dividend for the first time in its history as indicated in the group’s audited and consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The company paid a dividend of N1.93bn to shareholders on the basis of five kobo per share.

Research analysts at CardinalStone said the Transcorp Hotels is a leading franchise.

“Transcorp Hotels Plc is a hotel developer, owner and asset manager with a clear roll-out strategy, primarily in the under-supplied Nigerian market. Based on number of rooms, Transcorp Hotels plc is Nigeria’s largest luxury hotel operator with a total of 816 rooms in two hotels, ahead of Capital Hotel plc, owner of Sheraton Hotel Abuja, which has 540 rooms and Ikeja Hotel plc – the owner of Sheraton Hotel Lagos, which has 332 rooms.

“Transcorp Hotels plc has a strong pipeline, and plans to grow its room stock by 67 percent by 2017. Since its acquisition of the hotels (Calabar Metro and Hilton Abuja), THP has been consistent in maintaining a good balance between offering world-class service to customers and delivering good financial performance to shareholders.”

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Features

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ondo: Facing uphill task of

r

Most rural and urban roads in Ondo State have become deplorable, owing to years of neglect.

OJO OYEWAMIDE writes on how they are negatively affecting the health and socio-economic activities of the people.

T

he former minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, had not visited his hometown, Erusu-Akoko in Ondo State, for a long time. So, in December 2013, he decided to come home and spend the yuletide with members of his community and also savour the lure of rural life. But the journey to Erusu was an unpleasant one for the former boss of the Federal Road Safety Commission, owing to the deplorable condition of the IkareAjowa Road.

“I could not fully appreciate the situation until l reached Erusu in December 2013, to have a personal experience,” Agunloye disclosed in a public statement he issued earlier this year, lamenting the parlous state of roads in Akoko. The former minister, who described the condition of the roads as embarrassing, said: “It makes one start wondering why or how the neglect got to this state and what the government expects the people of Akoko to do.”

The Ikare-Ajowa Road has been under construction for more than 10 years. The road, whose reconstruction began during the administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, links several towns and villages in Akoko. The current state of the road is not only dangerous, it remains in a very deplorable and scary condition. During the dry season, it combines incessant dangers from road traffic crashes with serious health hazards, arising from inhalation of heavy dust that could lead to lung cancer in the long run.

The state of the road is also hazardous for non-users, especially children and the elderly, who are subjected to inhaling heavy doses of dusts daily even from their bedrooms. The road, especially from Imo-Arigidi to Ikaram, is not motor able by public safety standards. The road has not only deposited heavy brown dust on buildings, and bedrooms, it has sent several people to hospitals and some to early graves.

This sad experience is true for all households in the Imo-Arigidi-Ikaram axis. The situation has become significantly tragic for the Imo-Arigidi, Erusu, Ibaram, Iyani and Ikaram communities, as many people there have reportedly died of asthma and bronchitis related ailments, due to inhalation of heavy dusts. These dusts have enveloped everywhere as the the road construction company scrapped off the old tar and replace them with laterite layers without completing the

A dilapidated road in Oke-Agbe

Oba Oloruntola Bello

process of placing asphalt it or using glazing materials on the laterite.

Plying most roads in Ondo State has become a hellish and nightmarish exercise. Rural areas of the state are dotted with muddy and impassable roads that are riddled with potholes, craters and gullies.

The most important priority of the people in most of these communities is good motor able roads, the lack of which has brought economic in activities and despair. Residents from the northern senatorial district of the state, who spoke with our correspondent, said if there is any heavy downpour for two or three consecutive times, it would be impossible for those plying the road from Ikare Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government Area to other towns and villages such as AfinAkoko, Ikaram Akoko, Omuo in Ekiti State and Lokoja in Kogi State to get to their destinations.

A traditional ruler, the Ewi of Aje, Oke-Agbe, Oba Oloruntoba Bello, told

National Mirror that the major need of his community is an all season motor able roads. He decried the absence of social infrastructure in the town. According to Oba Bello, “all roads leading to this town are nothing to write home about, especially that from Ikare

THEY CLAIM THE TOWNSHIP ROADS BELONG TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND AS SUCH NOT MUCH IS BEING DONE TO REHABILITATE THEM

to this place, and from here to Afin,and to Ikaram, even from here to Oyin. The roads are notoriously riddled with potholes.

For a journey that is meant to take less than 10 minutes, you spend more than 45 minutes. Our priority should be road.” The monarch disclosed that the traditional leaders of the four towns in Oke-Agbe had collectively and individually called the attention of both the federal and state governments to the deplorable situation of the road but all to no avail.

Another traditional ruler, the Olukoju of Afa, Oke-Agbe, High Chief OlumideDaramola, said the road from Ikare to Oyin is the worst in the entire country.

“We have been making efforts and written many petitions to call the attention of the state government the state of affairs but it always says the road belongs to the Federal government and that there is nothing it can do about it,”Daramola said.

He added: “It is commuters in Ondo State that ere plying the road and not people from other parts of the country.

We have been making efforts to let the state and federal governments to know our plight and come to our rescue but up till now nothing has been done.

They claim the township roads, belong to the local government and as such not much is being done to rehabilitate them. The little asphalt you see on the road was laid during the past Agagu’s government.”

The chairman of the National Union of Road Transports Workers (NURTW) Akoko North West, Sunday Iyun, a native of Oyin Akoko, said most roads from Akokoto Ekiti State are no more motor able. He said: “We have been neglected by successive governments, even though the only motor able Okeagba Road was built by the late Chief Rufus Giwa Aro. Iyun told our correspon-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

39

rehabilitating rural and urban roads dent that there is no motor able road leading to Oke-Agbe, especially from Arigidi to Ikaram, Igasi,Erigi, from Oyin to Oke-Agbe, Oke-Agbe to Afin to Ese to Irun to Ogbagi and Oke Agbe to Ikare.”

A source said efforts by the road contractors engaged by the Ekiti State government to lay asphalt from Afin/Ekiti State boundary to Oke-Agbe was frustrated by the people who speculated that Ekiti State might use subterfuge to claim Afin.

The branch Chairman of the Okada riders association in Afin Akoko, Moritala Aladejana said: “We are not happy with the condition of the road. We are silently imploring God to come to our aid because we are not expecting the present administration to do anything tangible on it. The condition is negatively affecting the economy of the different communities. We are forced to change tyres and service our motorcycles every week.”

In the southern senatorial district, the people of Agbabu in Odigbo Local Government Area are not spared of the disillusionment. The story of the town is that of neglect in spite of its abundant mineral wealth. The community boasts the largest bitumen deposits in Nigeria, yet the only road to this rustic town is begging for rehabilitation.

Said to have been constructed in 1989, the 10-kilometre road is in a deplorable condition. It is riddled with massive pot holes and craters, wide enough to discourage visitors let alone investors.

Owing to the state of the road, a trip to Agbabu from Ore-Okitipupa Road junction takes up to 50 minutes. Usually, it does not take up to 10 minutes.

A teacher and youth leader, Keko Folorunso, said the state of the road has negatively affected the socio-economic activities of the people.

The Igbokoda-Ugbonla Road was the first to link Ilaje communities. It was conceived during the administration of the late Adebayo Adefarati, and implemented by the Olusegun Agagu government. The more than 30-kilometre road has enabled the people to drive their vehicles to their door steps.

But presently many portions on the road have failed, making a journey from Igbokoda which should not take more than 20 minutes to be a long hour journey. After much agitation by indigenes and groups from the area, the state government awarded a contract for the rehabilitation and asphalting of the road for N4.3billion on the eve of the stalemated Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency bye-election.

Many people still wonder if road construction and rehabilitation was part of the state government approach to rural development. The focus of the 3i’s initiative designed by the government is on rural and community development, using the participatory, community-driven, “bottom-up with top down support” approach.

Explaining the initiative, the state Commissioner for Information, Kayo-

Deplorable state of Arigidi-Oke-Agbe Road

de Akinmade said: “The 3i’s is an acronym for Infrastructure, Institution and Industry. The first “I” which stands for “Infrastructure” is aimed at building confidence and trust; the second “I” for “Institution” aimed at empowering communities for sustainable development, while the third “I” stands for “Industry” aimed at enriching the people of Ondo State.”

Akinmade said the initiative was designed to rebuild the confidence of the people in government through the provision of basic infrastructure, implementation of community projects within rural communities. But most of the government projects in the rural communities are markets, town halls and health centres,even as roads are given the least priority.

The bad condition of roads in the rural areas of the state has been attributed to several factors. A public affairs commentator, Bosun Akindele, blamed the development on what he described as the over-concentration of the state government on a few major towns in the state. Akindele argued that most of the road dualization projects of the government were unnecessary, given the volume of traffic on those roads. According to him, the funds expended on them should have been used to rehabilitate some of the rural roads.

A chattered accountant, Rotimi Williams Ogunleye, ascribed the development to the failure of the local government system in the state. He said: “If the local governments have been doing their bit, some of the roads in the rural areas would not have been dilapidated. Since the inception of the present administration more than five years ago, the local governments have not been able to justify their existence.

But during the Agagu administration, they were effectively useful. All they do now is pay workers’ salaries. The

A road in Afin township

road drainages all over the state are blocked by rubbish heaps,even as the local governments are not making any efforts to remove them.”

But the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Eni Akinsola, said the government has been doing its best in terms of road construction and rehabilitation since inception. He dismissed the view that governance has gone to sleep in the state since the start of Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s second term.

Akinsola said: “Government said it at the onset that we want to finish the existing projects. And that is why; the Oba-Ile/Airportdualisation road project is still going on. Even when we thought the rain was going to stop the project, the contractor assured that it would still work throughout the period, so that once the dry season sets in it would put finishing touches to the project. In Ondo town, the construction work is still going on. The Igbokoda dualisation road project is ongo-

ing. The reconstruction of the road from Igbokoda to Mahin is also ongoing, as the surface patching has been completed”.

He added: “Since we cameinto office, we have completed the road from Ikare to Iboropa,while the27 kilometre Iyansan/Ayangba road has also been completed”.

Akinsola disclosed that a total of 267.48 kilometre roads in the northern senatorial district of the state has been completed, while 287.5 kilometres in the central senatorial zone are also completed. In the south, the governor’s aide said 199.3kilometers of roads have been constructed, adding that to build a road in the south senatorial district is more expensive.

The cost of constructing a kilometre of road in the south cost twice of what obtains in other parts of the state. I know of a state where a kilometre of road costs as high as N500million in this country.”

40

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Global Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sachs to prohibit bankers China industrial profits drop Goldman from buying stocks as slowdown deepens G P rofits at industrial companies in China declined last month for the first time in two years as a slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy deepens.

Total profits of China’s industrial enterprises fell 0.6 per cent from a year earlier in August, the National Bureau of Statistics said Saturday in Beijing. That compares with July’s 13.5 per cent increase and is the first drop since August 2012, based on previously reported data.

The decrease highlights another sign of stress in the industrial sector after output growth slowed to a five-year low. Policymakers have eschewed broad stimulus measures to revive growth, opting for targeted easing and expedited spending.

Industrial profits in the first eight months of the year slowed to a 10 per cent increase from 11.7 per cent in the first seven months. The lower growth last month was exacerbated by a high base last year, when August saw a 24.2 percent profit jump, according to previous

reports.

Profits were dragged by the slowdown in industrial production, weak demand and falling factory prices, NBS said in a statement. Profit growth in the eight months slowed in industries including steel, chemicals and electronics, it said.

Sinosteel Corp., a Chinese stateowned mining company and steel trader, said this week that it’s facing financial difficulties as the economy slows and some customers are not paying on time. Steel traders are having trouble repaying loans as steel prices in China have tumbled 27 per cent this year amid industry overcapacity and slowing demand from home builders.

China’s economy remained stuck in “low gear” this quarter, with struggling retail and residential real-estate industries countering improvements in manufacturing and transportation, a private survey showed this month. Growth in investment slowed further, borrowing costs rose and the share of firms applying for and getting

Li Keqiang

bank loans remained at “rock bottom levels,” according to the China Beige Book.

Banks including Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc and Barclays Plc reduced their economic growth forecasts after data for August showed the weakest industrial-output expansion since the global financial crisis and a 40 per cent drop in the broadest measure of new credit. Premier Li Keqiang reiterated this month that the government will stick to targeted easing and can’t rely on monetary stimulus to spur growth.

Pound climbs to two-year high versus euro

T

he pound gained for a second week versus the euro to its strongest level in two years as the Bank of England moves toward raising interest rates, amid slower growth in the euro area where stimulus is being expanded.

Sterling advanced against most of its 16 major peers after BOE Governor Mark Carney said the point where interest rates “begin to normalise is getting closer.”

It weakened versus the dollar as bets the Federal Reserve will raise rates next year boosted demand for the U.S. currency. U.K. 10-year government bonds posted their first weekly gain this month.

“Euro-sterling has been the

Mark Carney

real driver this week,” said Steven Saywell, the global head of foreignexchange strategy at BNP Paribas SA in London. “You’ve had euro weakness and also relatively hawkish comments from Carney.

That’s made the market re-think about the timing of the first U.K. rate hike. If you are bullish sterling, you want to play it short eurosterling.”

The pound will appreciate to 76 pence per euro by year-end, BNP’s Saywell said.

The U.K. currency appreciated 0.9 percent this week to 78.08 pence per euro Friday. It reached 77.85 pence on September 25, the strongest level since July 2012. Sterling fell 0.2 per cent to $1.6260.

“With many of the conditions for the economy to normalise now met, the point at which interest rates also begin to normalise is getting closer,” Carney said on September 25. “While there is always uncertainty about the future, you can expect interest rates to begin to increase.”

In the U.S., projections released this month show that most Fed officials foresee an interest-rate increase some time next year. In contrast, the European Central Bank

has stepped up efforts to boost its balance sheet in recent months by lowering interest rates, announcing a program of cheap loans to banks and by saying it would buy asset-backed securities and covered bonds.

Gilts advanced this week as escalating geopolitical tension in the Middle East also boosted investor appetite for fixed-income assets, while funds sought to align holdings with indexes they track for the end of the month.

The 10-year gilt yield dropped eight basis points, or 0.08 percentage point, to 2.47 per cent. The 2.75 per cent bond due September 2024 rose 0.665, or 6.65 pounds per 1,000-pound face amount, to 102.47.

Data next week will confirm the U.K. economy grew 0.8 per cent in the second quarter, while the number of mortgage approvals dropped for a second month in August, according to the median forecast of economists in Bloomberg New surveys.

Gilts returned 7.4 per cent this year through September 25, Bloomberg World Bond Indexes show. Treasuries gained 3.8 per cent and German securities earned 7.1 per cent.

oldman Sachs Group Inc., the top adviser on corporate takeovers, is changing a policy addressing conflicts of interest to bar investment bankers from trading individual stocks and bonds, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Employees at the New Yorkbased firm were notified Friday of the change, which takes effect immediately, said the person, who requested anonymity because the matter isn’t public.

They also aren’t allowed to invest in activist or event-driven hedge funds, the person said.

Previously, bankers needed approval before they could invest in individual stocks.

The change came on the same day that a former Federal Reserve Bank of New York examiner’s recordings of her ex-colleagues’ dealings with Goldman Sachs were featured

in reports by public radio and ProPublica. The former examiner, Carmen Segarra, sued the New York Fed last year, alleging that she was fired in 2012 because she refused to change her finding that Goldman Sachs didn’t have a conflict-of-interest policy. Her case was dismissed in April and she’s appealing.

The radio programme; “This American Life” released a transcript of a broadcast that includes excerpts of conversations it said were secretly recorded by Segarra. In the transcript, Segarra described how she felt that her Fed colleagues handled Goldman Sachs with kid gloves.

“What I was sort of seeing and experiencing was this level of deference to the banks, this level of fear,” she said.

The New York Fed said it “categorically rejects” Segarra’s allegations.

BHP backs floating LNG plan off Australia with Exxon

B

HP Billiton Ltd., Australia’s biggest oil and gas producer, backed plans to develop what may be the world’s largest floating liquefied natural gas project, saying it’s “fully aligned” with partner Exxon Mobil Corp.

“We’ve progressed it far enough now that we’re confident in the technology and the commerciality, so we know it will go forward,” Tim Cutt, president of BHP’s petroleum and potash division, told reporters Friday on a conference call.

BHP, the world’s largest mining company, will weigh the proposed Scarborough floating LNG development off the west coast of Australia against other investments, Cutt said. While Exxon has made significant progress, it needs to find ways to make the venture more profitable and overcome challenges

Pipeline

including the location and water depths, its Australian unit wrote Friday in an e-mail response to questions.

Turning natural gas into liquid at sea is potentially cheaper than processing it onshore as it eliminates the need for pipelines to the coast. Royal Dutch Shell Plc in Australia is developing the Prelude floating LNG vessel, expected to weigh six times as much as the biggest aircraft carrier.

BHP has studied floating LNG for years and spent a “huge amount of money” evaluating the technology, Cutt said.

The company is looking for large liquids-rich basins in Western Australia, and sees prospects in the Great Australian Bight off the south coast as less attractive than other regions with technical challenges and higher costs, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

41

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

otes’ Arewa

yel Imoke of Cross River State during a meeting of the NDDC Advisory Council

2015: Zoning splits Rivers PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 being canvassed by the Obuah-led executive, governorship aspirants from the Kalabari ethnic stock have also called on the National Working committee, NWC, National Executive Committee, NEC, the party’s Board of Trustees, BOT, to call the Obuah-led state executive to order.

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Engr. Benebo Dagogo-Jack; Barrister Nimi Walson-Jack; Chief Dumo LuluBriggs and Prince Tonye Princewill, who are all governorship aspirants on the platform of the PDP and from the Kalabari Ijawethnic -nationality have also criticized the position of the Obuahled executive to jettison zoning.

Groups, stakeholders and governorship aspirants in the PDP in Rivers State have sent 24 petitions to the PDP South South Zonal office, along Circular Road, in Port Harcourt, protesting against what they referred to as the “high-handedness of the Obuahled executive and the decision of the state executive to jettison the principle of zoning and rotation enshrined in the PDP constitution”.

Dagogo-Jack, who has written a petition against the non-zoning selection process being canvassed by the Obuah-led executive was disappointed that the meeting of the National Integration Committee of the PDP that was scheduled to hold on Wednesday 24 september to entertain petitions from aggrieved party members was hurriedly postponed without any prior notice from the committee, essentially after interested parties had arrived Port Harcourt for the meeting.

Similarly, On Tuesday, September 23, a stakeholders meeting of the PDP, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the aegis of Concerned Rivers State PDP Stakeholders, convened to rally support against the no zoning stance of the Obuah-led executive was violently interrupted by some youths alleged to be members of the Grassroots Development Initiative, GDI, Wike’s political pressure group.

The pandemonium that ensued following the pelting of chairs and other objects left 10 people seriously injured, even as intervention from the police prevented the situation from degenerating into a major crisis. Worried about the hostile situation which the no zoning proclamation has provoked, a group, the Coalition To Save Rivers State Project, CTSRSP, has called on the national leadership of the Party at the federal level to intervene and call the Chairman of the Party Felix Obuah to order.

At the end of an emergency meeting of the CTSRSP, held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the Secretary General of the Coalition, Barrister Emmanuel Ojoba, said “the fracas was an avoidable incidence which is capable of destroying the chances of the party in the forthcoming elections”.

The group said “it has become very imperative for President Goodluck Jonathan to address the issue and resolve it on time in order to bring all stakeholders together and forge a formidable front ahead of 2015” Reacting to the communiqué read by Obuah that there will not be any zoning arrangement by the party in its governorship primaries, the

group said it is regrettable that the party chairman will make such comments at this point in time.

The coalition stated that Obuah’s statement to jettison zoning was not only insensitive on the part of the chairman on the riverine populace in the state but “will be suicidal for the party in the long run.

“We condemn the kind of politics that is been played by the state chairman of the party and his so-called executives who see every party faithful as outsiders in the party apart from members of the Grassroots Democratic Initiative GDI. Obuah and his EXCO will tear the party apart if left unchecked by the national leadership. We will do all we can to ensure that the unity of the party is restored in order to recapture the state from the All Progressive Congress APC,” he said.

Groups that attended the meeting include the Orashi Ethnic Council, Ijaw Justice Forum, Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation, Goodluck Good Governance Group, Ikwerre Patriots, Wakrike Peace Initiative, amongst others.

Responding to calls by groups and stakeholders on the national leadership of the PDP to appoint a caretaker state executive chairman to superintend the party primaries because of his stance to jettison zoning in selecting a candidate to represent the party at the 2015 gubernatorial election, Obuah said the clamour for primaries was a ploy by agents of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to deceive the PDP into fielding a weak candidate that can be easily defeated by the APC.

middle during the inspection of Ewhen bridge

chairman, South-South Grassroots PDP members of Arewa Community; disclosed that before now he had led a delegation to the state government on how to tackle the problems facing the Arewa Community in the state but till date nothing has been done.Reacting to all the allegations levelled against him by the leadership of the Arewa community which he represented in Delta state government, the Special Assistant to Governor Uduaghan on none indigenes, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur, debunked all the allegations saying describing them tissue of lies without any iota of truth.

However, the SA, who had some time ago owned up that his wife is actually a board member of the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, disclosed that when the compilation of names were been carried out, her name was the only eligible woman hence she was appointed there. Alhaji Tukur further stressed that all those complaining and calling for his immediate sack have benefited immensely from the Governor Uduaghan’s led government, especially the from the Delta State Micro Credit Scheme.

L-R: Chairman,Bureau of Local Government Pensions,Delta State, Mrs. Patience Ikomi; Head of Service, Delta State, Sir Paul Evuarherhe, and Director of Administration and Finance, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mr. Samuel Oyiborhoro, at the Inauguration of Delta State Pensions Fund Management Committee, in Asaba.

42

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Naira, equities gain on CBN dollar intervention, earnings JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

he naira rose 0.12 per cent to close at N163.70 against the dollar yesterday, after the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, sold dollars directly to banks on the interbank market to prop up the ailing currency.

The currency eased to around N164.15 by midday trade, prompting the CBN to intervene with an undisclosed amount of dollars sold directly on the interbank market, dealers said.

The naira closed at N163.90 on Friday.

The currency has been falling for the past three weeks, weakened by the impact of the decline in global oil prices and low offshore inflows into the country’s debt and equity

markets.

“We expect the central bank to continue to support ... and reduce pressure on the naira,” one dealer said.

At a foreign exchange auction, the central bank hiked the amount of dollars it offered to sell to $500m, up from $350m it has offered in the past quarter.

Dealers attributed the increase in amount sold by the CBN at the twice-weekly auction on Monday to the public holiday declared this Wednesday to mark independence day celebrations.

Meanwhile, the equities market opened the week on a positive note, as the benchmark index moved northwards.

The All Share Index ap-

preciated 0.70 per cent to close at 41,105.38 points, compared to the increase of 0.10 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 40,819.72 points.

Market capitalisation gained N94bn to close at N13.5trn, compared to the appreciation of N13bn recorded on Friday to close at N13.4trn.

Guinness Nigeria Plc led the gainers’ table with N9.50 or five per cent to close at N199.50 per share, followed by Champion Breweries Plc with 48 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N10.18 per share.

Anino Plc appreciated one kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N22 kobo per share, while Nestle Nigeria Plc rose N45.00 or 4.27 per cent to close at N1,100.00 per share.

International Energy Insurance Plc was up two kobo or 3.92 per cent to close at 53 kobo per share.

On the flip side, Eterna Oil Plc dropped 19 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.61 per share, while Premier Breweries Plc dipped 23 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N4.40 per share.

UPDCREIT Plc shed 45 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N8.68 per share, while Unilever Plc fell N2.30 or 4.67 per cent to close at N46.90 per share.

RT Briscoe Plc declined four kobo or 4.12 per cent to close at 93 kobo per share.

A total of 274 million shares valued at N4.74bn were exchanged in 4,567 deals.

Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 to raise N1bn in IPO JOHNSON OKANLAWON

S

tanbic IBTC Exchange Traded Fund 30, ETF 30, has commenced initial public offering with 10,000,000 units of the fund available at N100 each at par.

A statement from the firm said it offers a minimum subscription of 10,000 units and multiples of 5,000 units thereafter.

The statement quoted the Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr. Olumide Oyetan, as saying that a deep financial sector as well as vibrant capital market is pivotal in enhancing economic efficiency, attracting

investment and driving faster growth.

By launching the fund, he said the firm seeks to expand participation of domestic investors in the capital market, which will help in the capital formation process and in turn generate significant returns to investors while fueling wealth creation as well as economic growth.

“The opening of the Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 is a direct response to increased investor demand for passive investment strategies that will deliver the market return for the index being tracked, which in this case is the NSE 30 of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“The Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 provides a transparent and

flexible structure that allows investors efficiently gain exposure to the securities of these companies that have over time out-performed the broad equity market,” said Oyetan.

According to him, the fund is designed to track the performance of the NSE 30 Index, which comprises of the top 30 companies listed on the NSE in terms of market capitalization and liquidity.

He said, “The index serves as the flagship benchmark for the stock market as it represents 92 per cent of the NSE’s market capitalisation and the Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 will replicate the price and yield performance of the index.

“The Fund, will invest 100

per cent of its assets in the same portfolio of securities that comprise the NSE 30 Index in proportion to their weightings in the Underlying Index.”

It explained that the fund represents a convenient and efficient way for investors to have access to the top 30 most capitalized and liquid stocks on the NSE, in a cost-effective manner.

“We believe that it will appeal to sophisticated and institutional investors that believe in the growth story of companies listed on the NSE and by extension, in the abundant growth opportunities that exist in Nigeria,” Oyetan added.

Global stocks fall, bonds rise on Hong Kong unrest

G

lobal equity markets fell yesterday, as civil unrest in Hong Kong weighed on investor sentiment, while Treasury debt prices rose over uncertainty sparked by the protests.

Stocks on Wall Street opened sharply lower following declines in Europe and Asia as Hong Kong democracy protesters defied volleys of tear gas and police baton charges in one of the biggest political challenges for China since the Tiananmen Square crackdown 25 years ago.

Shares of companies exposed to Hong Kong fell,

including HSBC and luxury goods group Richemont HSBC closed down 2.3 per cent and Richemont fell 1.7 per cent.

Losses on Wall Street were initially broad, with all 10 of the S&P 500’s sectors lower as equity investors shrugged off the latest data showing strong US economic growth.

Stocks subsequently came off their lows, and utilities, seen as a defensive play, rebounded.

The sell-off was overdone and was exacerbated in the absence of any news of consequence to the market, said

Donald Selkin, chief market strategist at National Securities in New York.

“The problem is we’re not going to get any upside motivations here until the start of third-quarter earnings seasons next week,” said Selkin, adding Friday’s jobs report will be the next major event investors are watching for.

When the CBOE Volatility Index rose above 17, or close to resistance points in April and early August, the market’s decline receded, Selkin said.

The VIX was last up 7.1 per cent at 15.90, and Wall Street pared losses of almost one per

cent soon after the open.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 68.39 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 17,044.76 points, while the S&P 500 slid 7.3 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 1,975.55 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 9.35 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 4,502.85 points.

MSCI’s all-country world index was down 0.5 per cent, while the FTSEurofirst 300 index of leading European shares closed down 0.43 per cent at 1,371.11 points.

Benchmark 10-year US Treasury notes US10YT=RR gained 15/32 in price to yield 2.4807 per cent.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 41,105.38 points Market capitalisation 13.6trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

GUINNESS

190.00

199.50

9.50

5.00

CHAMPION

9.70

10.18

0.48

4.95

ANINO

0.21

0.22

0.01

4.76

NESTLE

1,055.00

1,100.00

45.00

4.27

INTENEGINS

0.51

0.53

0.02

3.92

CCNN

14.15

14.70

0.55

3.89

ROYALEX

0.55

0.57

0.02

3.64

PORTPAINT

5.32

5.50

0.18

3.38

STERLNBANK

2.15

2.20

0.05

2.33

PZ

32.25

32.99

0.74

2.29

LOSERS COMPANY ETERNA

OPENING 3.80

CLOSING 3.61

CHANGE

% CHANGE

-0.19

-5.00

PREMBREW

4.63

4.40

-0.23

-4.97

UPDCREIT

9.13

8.68

-0.45

-4.93

UNILEVER

49.20

46.90

-2.30

-4.67

RTBRISCOE

0.97

0.93

-0.04

-4.12

NPFMCRFBK

0.98

0.94

-0.04

-4.08

LEARNAFRCA

1.40

1.35

-0.05

-3.57

FCMB

4.45

4.30

-0.15

-3.37

LIVESTOCK

2.94

2.85

-0.09

-3.06

ASHAKACEM

33.00

32.00

-1.00

-3.03

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.88

101.80

11.93

101.95

11.84

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.58

106.85

11.92

107.00

11.85

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.75

114.45

11.91

114.75

11.83

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.33

119.25

12.31

119.55

12.26

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.46

109.75

12.42

110.05

12.37

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.81 83.70

12.37

84.00

12.32

Closing Market Prices of September 29, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

1-Jan-15

10.90

11.21

9-Apr-15

10.30

10.89

3-Sep-15

10.30

11.39

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

10.6917

1M

12.2857

3M

13.0989

6M

14.1347 The Fixings of September 29, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

43

t of selfish members –Lai Mohammed IF TODAY WE INJECT $1 BILLION INTO THE ECONOMY OF THE

NORTH-EAST,

YOU DO NOT NEED TO

BUY ANY AMMUNITION, YOU WOULD HAVE BROKEN THE BACKBONE OF THE INSURGENTS

everything will be sorted out and it will become a thing of the past. Crises are natural in any political party and indeed any organisation, it is the resolution of such crisis that is very important and you don’t expect a party like the APC not to have its own share of the crisis, but we are tackling them, so it is not correct to say that the national leadership is not doing anything, the national leadership is very concerned, very worried and that is why it set up those committees.

How come that the Maiduguri Airport, which was closed to everybody opened for Ali Modu Sheriff on the day he was going to declare for PDP, why? Two; let Mr. President deny that there was a report from the Nigeria Defence Adviser in Chad in August 2011 iimplicating Ali Modu Sheriff. So, don’t let anybody pull wool over your eyes, Ali Modu Sheriff did not become a member of APC until after the merger in 2013, but he had been accused of sponsoring Boko Haram since 2011, so if anybody now come to tell you that Boko Haram is the armed wing of APC, you know that is absolute rubbish.

But we thank God that when Dr. Davies was asked to name sponsors of Boko Haram, he could not name anybody remotely linked to APC except Ali Modu Sheriff, who we all know was a mole. If Ali Modu Sheriff was not a mole, what was he doing on the entourage of the President? Or do you just get together to be on the entourage of the President in a foreign country?

They should stop insulting our intelligence. Let me tell you, if the President is passing and you are the father or brother of the President, you can’t stop the entourage. If the President is having a meeting, even in Nigeria here, even if you are the father you cannot barge into that meeting, the best he can do is to excuse himself and attend to you. He was sitting there with the President, was the picture manufactured? Was it not Reuben Abati that sent out that picture? And how can you people start believing that nonsense? Now will you want to associate with Ali Modu Sheriff, even the President today is now distancing himself from him.

You see, the true picture is coming out gradually, that this government did not start Boko Haram, but they did little or nothing to bring it to an end because they are profiting from it.

There are crises in some state chapters of the APC and, when I spoke with some of their members, they alleged that the national executive has not taken any step to reconcile aggrieved members. What are the implications of these crises, especially now that election is a few months away?

It is not true that that the national leadership of the party is not doing anything to resolve the crises in the state chapters, that is not correct, there are various committees that has been set up to do precisely this, like in the South-West, I can tell you that both Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Segun Osoba, Chief Bisi Akande and Niyi Adebayo who are supposed to meet have started meeting and I think that in a short while

Some of those who left the party alleged lack of internal democracy, citing the national convention that produced Odigie-Oyegun as national chairman. they alleged that decisions had been taken even before the convention on who gets what, and they were not carried along. How will you react to that?

Who are they? Look let me tell you, Ikimi, did not only take the form for the chairman, he went and campaigned and he got endorsed by his own Edo State chapter as the candidate of the South-South. But you see in politics, you lobby, you network, you don’t stand there and say I am the most qualified person to be chairman and you expect people to come to you, you go out.

Odigie-Oyegun went out, let the story be told today, Ikimi was not the only aspirant, there was Odigie-Oyegun, there was Timipre Sylva, there was Sam Jaja, when you negotiate, you say you take this I take this, didn’t he go to campaign to governors, what did they tell him? He went to market himself to stakeholders, who stopped him? If two people are interested in one position, definitely there will be negotiation, instead of horse trading, suppose you come and say if you want this I will ask this one to step down for you, but if you are constituting the Board of Trustees, BoT, you will make him the chairman of the BoT for instance, that is a bargain, so, how can anybody now say he left the party because of lack of internal democracy?Their candidate lost, that is the essence of democracy, because you didn’t win, he didn’t even come to the convention. Asiwaju Tinubu must be very powerful, that he is the one that picked the national vice chairman South-South, national vice chairman North-East, national vice chairman North-West, national vice chairman North-Central.

This man is a democratic, people will come to say support Lai Mohammed for national publicity secretary, I will support your candidate for national vice chairman North-East, that kind of thing can happen in politics, or you say we are going to have a common list, all my people vote Odigie-Oyegun for chairman, vote this man secretary, we have all done student unionism now, you now take that list you go from state to state and campaign. When you get to some states, they will say no we can’t accept this, we also have a candidate, you say ok, let me go back and consult, that should happen, but he sat in one place.

People are looking at recent defection of some of your members as possibly reducing the vibrancy of the party and that such may affect your fortune in 2015, what do you say to that?

When APC was formed and registered, there was a lot of euphoria, when the party was formed, we had in our fold the good, the bad and the ugly, now if the bad and the ugly are leaving our party should we not celebrate? Tell me who

has left our party, whose absence would materially affect our fortune. Let me explain to you, why did Ibrahim Shekarau leave, because he couldn’t accept that Kwankwaso should lead the interim executive in Kano. Why did Attahiru Bafarawa leave? Because he couldn’t accept that Aliyu Wammako should drive the process in Sokoto State. Now, as a politician, if you have to make a choice, who will you support? It is not a matter of choice, we cannot have two sets of rules, one for those who are APC governors and another for PDP governors, we said no, we cannot do that.

2015 general elections is just about five months away, and across parties, there is no visible activity, in the president election, people don’t have clear idea of the people they going to vote for in the next five months.

I know that in our party, four people are warming up to be president, I know that Atiku Abubakar is warming up, General Buhari is warming up, so also is Kano State governor, Kwakwanso and Leadership publisher, Isaiah-Nda. There is the feeling that APC may encounter more crisis when it comes to nomination of its presidential candidate, any arrangement in place to manage this crisis?

You just have to manage it but, the most important thing is that, let it be clear to everybody that the process would be free, fair and credible, everybody is going to primaries, whoever wins is our candidate. Free and fair is important, and I can assure that whatever is the outcome of the primaries, we will manage it well.

The Federal government is seeking approval for $1 billion loan to buy military hardware to fight the insurgents, do you really think that military solution is the best option in fighting the insurgents?

I don’t know how much you followed our intervention, we have said nowhere in the world has any insurgency been defeated using the military approach alone, there will be political, economic and the social, not even by the political negotiation, not even by the economy, part of the problem of this insurgency is hardship hinged on unemployment, bad governance, corruption. If today we inject $1 billion into the economy of the North-East, you do not need to buy any ammunition, you would have broken the backbone of the insurgents, because the young people are neglected, they are in the streets without a career, that is why they embrace Boko Haram. We have to look at the lead factor that led to Boko Haram, which is poverty, ignorance. Military option alone is not the solution.

Many people always wonder what informed APC, decisions on critical issues, especially when it criticises the Federal Government. How true is some insinuations that your party criticises government to pull it down?

Is there any issue which we have raised which is not of public interest? I want you to just mention one, when we mentioned the issue of shady oil deal, the issue of crude oil being stolen, when we raised the issue of insecurity or we talk about electoral malpractices, which area have we raised that is not of benefit to Nigerians? They should not make issue out of none issue. Let them tell me one issue we have raised that has not been discussed by other Nigerians.

We have usually talked about corruption, incompetence and insecurity, lack of infrastructure, power generation, what is the issue that we have to keep quite when we know we can do it better? If President Jonathan want people to praise him, he should employ his own praise singers, they are not in short supply, but definitely there is nothing to praise. Let me tell you, if a government is doing very well the public will see it. Talk about infrastructure, talk about power generation, 170 million Nigerians are battling with less than 5,000 megawatts power generation, talk about unemployment, talk about corruption.

There is no day you pick up the newspaper that you don’t have an issue to complain about, either an act of omission or commission of government. Is it that the President cannot be criticised, or taking it personally, we are not respecting the president?

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‘Don’t impose candidates on people’ AYO ESAN

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odua Renaissance Movement, ORM, has urged the All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership in Lagos State to curb the lingering penchant of a section of the party to impose candidates on the people.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Gboyega Adeoye, ORM accused the Henry Ajomale-led state APC exco of favouritism

and gross bent towards the dictates of Hon. James Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikeja federal constituency.

Adeoye said the congresses held in recent time to present candidates for the forthcoming elections have been marred with crisis, “the recent being the one held in Badagry which was thwarted by aggrieved members who saw manipulations by the Faleke group to flaw primary elections

and impose their faithful.”

He said: “The recent development is a cankerworm that could lead to the depletion of the hard earned democracy in the country and Lagos State in particular.

“We are unbiased, but absolutely uncomfortable with the recent trend where the only perceived opposition party is depleting into the abyss of irrelevance and democratic recklessness.”

“The democracy we have

in Nigeria today is at variance with what we shed our bloods to attain. People who are alien to the struggle are holding sway while the genuinely concerned are now mere underdogs.”

Describing ORM as genuinely concerned about the political situation in the country, Adeoye said it would be culpable and guilty if this trend should be allowed to sail unperturbed, adding: “Faleke is a Nigerian just like all of us, our agitation is that

Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi (left) addressing pastors from across the state under the aegis of Oyo State Pastors’ Forum who were on a solidarity rally to the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, yesterday.

2015: Group drums support for Jonathan HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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head of the 2015 general elections, a group, New Dawn Nigeria, NDN, has promised to deliver the highest number of votes for President Goodluck Jonathan in the South-West region to ensure his victory in the election.

Founder of the group, Ateke Tom, stated this in Akure, the Ondo State capital during the inauguration of the South-West chapter of the group, adding that the group decided to work for the emergence of Jonathan after considering his transformation agenda for

the country.

Represented by his spokesperson, Hon Belief Tamunokun, while delivering a lecture titled “Good Governance for Equity and Justice in Nigeria,” Tom said Jonathan has shown commitment to the development of the country.

He described President Jonathan as humane, trusted, God fearing, reliable and detribalised leader saying: “His transformation agenda has restored hope to the common man; the railway lines has been restored, our airports which are the mirrors of this country are wearing new looks as we have in developed countries, fuel scarcity is now a thing

of the past with roads been constructed in different parts of the country.”

Disclosing that NDN will soon hold South-West mega rally in Akure, Tom said the rally will be used to sensitise the public about the concept behind NDN, saying the group supports good governance and policies that touch the lives of the grassroots.

NDN South-West coordinator, Hon. Ola Oni said Nigerians deserve the best from government, noting that the President has been able to convince the group that he can transform the country with all his policies and agenda for the country.

Henoted that Ondo State

gave one of the highest votes in support of Jonathan’s Presidency in 2011 in South West, assuring that the state will repeat the feat in 2015 He said: “Ondo State is solidly behind Mr. President, we gave him one of the highest numbers of voters in 2011. This time we are going to do better as there is no opposition in the state. Ondo State is a one party state and we will deliver it to Mr. President.”

Oni said NDN is supporting President Jonathan based on the fulfilment of his electoral promises in his first term, adding that more developmental projects will be witnessed in the country in the next few years.

he should be nominated by popular vote and not through the backdoor as the Ajomale-led exco is bent to do.”

Reckless brigandage and use of dangerous weapon

has characterised the congress meetings of the APC in Lagos State, even as the party leadership has been coming up with lists of candidates that are not supported by grassroots members.

Conference 57 empowers indigent people SEKINAH L AWAL

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onference 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State, recently empowered thousands of Lagosians in order to alleviate poverty.

Speaking at the event, chairman, Conference 57, Lagos State, Hon. Sulaimon Akeem, revealed that it was a follow-up to a similar programme held on August 1, where materials worth several millions of naira were freely distributed to improve the economic status of indigent people in Lagos communities.

Akeem said Conference 57 noticed the success of the last programme and decided to organise this one, but this time doubling the number of materials given out.

He said: “We monitored the material given and those that benefited from it actually used it for the purpose it was meant for as seen in the development

of their business that have brought about economic improvement.

“Given the right support to our people will help to develop human capital base on access to skills, resources and materials that helps to kick start small and medium scale business for the overall development of our society.

The persistence of poverty in the world and indeed in Nigeria has made it imperative for us to embark on some developmental programmes so as to ensure improved standard of living for the less-privilege in our society.”

Materials such as fridges, deep freezers, boat engines, generators, food stuffs such as rice and garri, pop-corn machine, mobile phones, spray painting machine, mechanic tools, sewing machines, and hair dryers among others, were distributed.

Over 5,000 residents across 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas benefitted from the gesture.

ANNID felicitates with Amadi on OFR award outh African chapter of Association of Nigerians in the Diaspora, ANNID, has felicitated with Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi, on his award of the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR, by the Federal Government.

ANNID in a statement made available to National

Mirror and signed by its president, Hon Emeka Johnson Alloy, said Amadi deserves the recognition as his contributions to the growth and sustenance of democratic values in Nigeria is enormous.

Emeka said: “Your tremendous contribution to the growth and sustenance of democratic values in our polity is well appreciated, more power to your elbows.”

representative at the upper chamber. Contesting for Senate will be a genuine opportunity to offer service to the people and make them feel the impact of governance.”

He described as “mere rumour and speculations by rumour mongers” the

insinuations that Governor Liyel Imoke has anointed him for the senatorial seat in 2015saying: “I have not been anointed by anybody; it is going to be a free and fair contest that would be determined by the people of the district.”

EBERE NDUKWU

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Rep set to declare for Senate RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

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member of the House of Representatives, representing Obubra/Etung federal constituency, John Owan Enoh, has indicated interest to vie for

the Cross River Central senatorial district seat in 2015.

The House Committee on Appropriation chairman made his intention known to journalists in Calabar on Sunday night, saying that the people of the Central senatorial dis-

trict of the state deserves a worthy representative at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, which according to him, informed his decision to offer himself for the selfless service.

He said: “I can do better in the Senate because I be-

lieve I have enough experience to function at that level, having served my people for close to 12 years in the House of Representatives.

“I decided to aspire for the Senate because I believe the people need a strong voice and a worthy

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 the matter was handled.

“Why was the money not accompanied by the officials of NSA and DSS? Why would the government that is at the peak of promoting cashless policy in our country be the chief breaker of that policy by moving such amount of cash if indeed, it was a legitimate transaction of Federal Government.

“Why were the officials of our embassy in South Africa not on hand to make the entry easier and smoother? Since the South African government has said the amount is above the limit of cash allowed into the country, why would a whole government like Nigeria not know the simple immigration law of a sister country and why would it have to take it out of the Oliver Tambo international airport and went to land in a village where you have a local airport?

“Why would government of Nigeria seek to smuggle $9.3 million ? A country that is regarded as a giant of Africa smuggling amount worth N1.5 billion, in a country where citizens are wallowing in poverty for unexplained reasons?

“Is it just a wicked coincidence that the aircraft belonging to a personal friend and an unapologetic ally of the President in the person of the chairman of the CAN that was used to smuggle the cash? If contrary to the above posers, the transactions were contracted out to a private company in Nigeria.

“Does it amount to an offence of money laundering under our laws for the Federal Government to have allowed that company to attempt to pay for the equipment by cash to the tune of that amount without passing through financial institutions.

“For us as a people and for us lawmakers, we find this unacceptable, unethical, illegitimate and in our view, it is an illegal transaction. Nigerian government owes the Nigerian people an explanation as to what that source of money comes from and the purpose for which it was made”, they concluded.

The opposition lawmakers suspected foul play and a case of money laundering in the matter, adding: ”There is no dyeing the fact that given the circumstances of this transaction, there were ill motives and it cannot be unassociated with money laundering or an attempt to steal the Nigerian money belonging to the people of Nigerian up to the tune of N1.5 billion or US$9.3 million.

“We call on the Federal Government to tell Nigerians why it has to do what it has done and there is no amount of official intimidation, official harassment of good people of this country and those who intend to speak on this matter that should cover this transaction that is clout in illegality and illegitimacy.”

Why we left chambers--APC The opposition lawmakers said they left the chambers because they were displeased with the way the presiding officer handled the matter, saying: “We have sought to have this motion this morning and the deputy minority leader, after moving the motion was disallowed from debating his motion, not to even talk of asking other people to for or against.

“That was clearly against the rules of parliament. By the special grace of God,

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$9.3m seizure: How opposition Reps scored moral point against PDP

Kawu

Osagie

Ogor

some of us are as old as this democracy in the Nigerian parliament. And so, there is no rule of the House which permits a presiding officer to disallow a debate on a matter for which a motion has been moved.

“The rule of the House says that when a matter has been moved by way of a motion, the presiding officer shall allow time for those who want to speak for and time for those who want to speak against.

“There is no provision in the rules or in the constitution of Nigeria that disallows any motion that has already being moved from being debated on the floor of the house. What we find today is strange to parliamentary procedure and we will not accept it.”

According to them: “Well, I think that is rumour making the rounds. I am not in a position to answer for the PDP members. May be, the way you are hearing, that is the way some of us are still hearing it. So, I cannot confirm and I cannot deny.

“I have told you gentlemen, the fight to redeem our country is a collective

one. What we have done is to wear the garment of courage to leave the realm of harassment you have found us in this afternoon, to bring the matter to the public domain. You and I, and of course, the great Nigerian people have a duty to continue to fight this battle. We intend to represent this motion as soon as possible in-spite of the shenanigans of our colleagues in the other party.

“To be very explicit, because of the plethora of issues that come before the House ranging from matters of urgent national importance, we as a House agreed that matters that border on infrastructure development precisely should not be subjected to debate so as to allow time for other issues.

“I must confess to you that under our rules, issues of security are not part of it. The rules of the House are clear. What are we even talking about! This matter is already in the public domain.

“So, what is sacrosanct in members of the parliament who hold the mandate of the Nigerian people discussing such an issue? So, I do think that those matters that have not been debated are within the purview of the specific rules which allow them not to be debated. This is not even a security matter.

“This is a matter of stealing, a matter of corruption, a matter of money laundering and there is nothing sacrosanct from it being debated. I want to assure you that the reason they do not allow for debate on this matter is because they have no defence for what has happened.”

A member of the opposition APC from Kano State, Ali Madaki, has also insisted that members of the PDP were given $20,000 each to use their superior number in the House to bury any mention of the matter on the floor.

Although, the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor, has come out to deny the allegations, the alleged bribery deal sticks on and has already given the impression that the PDP lawmakers under the leadership of the Deputy Speaker, Ihedioha are not interested in standing on the side of the people.

The APC on the other hand, for standing for probity in this matter, has scored a big morality point against the PDP. Meanwhile, the Federal Government

is expected to put to rest the allegations that the money is a product of sleaze which was meant for other things rather than for purchase of arms. Allegations are rife that the cash may have been for purchase of properties by top government officials.

Earlier, the government said it has submitted relevant data and documents on the transaction to South Africa and insisted that the transaction was legitimate.

A government source told National Mirror: “It also clarified that the funds were neither laundered nor smuggled for any covert manoeuvres. No launderer will be audacious to fly into a country in a chartered jet with such huge cash. “The technical details on security matters, which necessitated the deal had been availed South Africa for screening.

“Based on initial scrutiny of the documents, the Challenger Jet has been released pending conclusion of a full-scale investigation by South Africa.”

Asked why South Africa impounded the cash, the source added: “There was procedural error at the airport, the team did not declare the $9.3 million contrary to the aviation and Customs laws of South Africa. So, there was an oversight on the part of the delegation that went to complete the transaction.

“Nigeria is trying to complete the formality and we are confident that the cash will be released for the purpose it was meant for.”

The source added that “movement of cash for strategic purchase of security equipment by intelligence services is not new; it is a global trend. The United States of America, USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigations, FBI, Soviet KGB and Israeli MOSSAD and others do it.”

So far, explanations provided by the Federal Government have not convinced the South African authorities, who claimed that the Nigerian government explanations were inconsistent. It is yet to be seen how the government will wriggle its way out of the present imbroglio it has landed over the $9.3 million scandal. It is also not clear how the Nigerian parliament will handle this issue, which has been begging for explanation since it became public knowledge.

THE REASON THEY DO NOT ALLOW FOR DEBATE ON THIS MATTER IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO DEFENCE FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED...

THE APC ON THE OTHER HAND, FOR STANDING FOR PROBITY IN THIS

MATTER, HAS SCORED A BIG MORALITY POINT AGAINST THE

PDP

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Community Mirror God knows that we have challenges and, even before these challenges, we believe God knows the beginning and the end.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

NYSC member unveils medical facility in Abuja ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

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2013 batch C, National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, member, Anthony Uchenna Emeribe, has unveiled a primary health care medical laboratory facility at the NYSC orientation camp clinic in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Emeribe, during the commissioning in Abuja said the emergence of the Primary Healthcare Medi-

cal Laboratory Facility is to enhance healthcare service delivery through proper medical laboratory investigations as laboratory data account for 60-70 percent of empirical evidence required for disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

He said the laboratory will provide Medical Laboratory services for free during camping period and will also reduce pressure on surrounding Medical facilities as only critical cases

may need to be referred.

The corps member explained that the services to be rendered at the facility are Chemical, Pathology inventions which include blood sugar tests, and urinalysis, Microbiology investigations which include microscopy for stool and urine parasites and malaria parasite.

He said, “Others are Heamatology investigations which include haemoglobin genotype assay, whole blood and serum

grouping and serology investigations which include screening for HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitus B surface antigen, Hepatitis C virus, Syphilis, Widal and pregnancy assays”.

Also the Chairman of the Abuja Medical Laboratory Scientist (AMLS), Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, called on the management of the NYSC to partner with them to work out modalities to put the laboratory in full service, adding that it can also generate an Internal

Immigration Officers Wives Association (IMMOWA) during a visit to the state Controller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Justina Ahmadu. With them is the National Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Farida Yerima, and the Acting Chairperson, Lagos Chapter, Hajiya Amina Haruna, in Lagos, recently.

Osun to prohibit roaming of animals BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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sun State House of Assembly is set to pass into law a bill that will prohibit roaming of animals in streets across the state.

Introducing the bill titled “State of Osun Livestock Roaming Bill, 2014” at the plenary, its sponsor, Mr. Afolabi Atolagbe, member representing Ifedayo state constituency, said it was necessary to outlaw roaming of animals on streets in the state to curb environmental problem and diseases that may arise from the faeces of such animals.

He further argued that the bill was not seeking to prohibit rearing of animals, but to ensure that they are properly reared and kept to ensure that they do not constitute nuisance to environment.

He added that there were instances, when roaming animals have caused accidents on roads in the state, saying that if the animals are reared in confined places, such occurrences would be reduced.

Speaking in similar vein, Hon. Ipoola Binuyo, representing Ife North and Kamardeen Akanbi, representing Ede South, ex-

pressed opposition to the passage of the bill on the ground that it would block the means of livelihood for those engaging business of such animals, with no means to confine them, especially the old ones.

Other lawmakers, including Mohammed Ibrahim representing Oriade, Dejo Osuolale representing Boripe/Boluwaduro and Razak Adeyemi representing Odo-Otin state constituncies supported the passage of the bill, saying it would prevent public health hazard that might be caused by animals.

Also, during the pro-

ceedings, the bill tagged “Hotel and Other Tourism Industries Enterprise Licensing Authority Establishment bill” scaled through first reading.

Reading the bill’s policy trust, its sponsor, Hon Adetilewa Sijuwade, said it was aimed at controlling the activities of hoteliers and other related businesses, adding that, if passed into law, it would add to sources of Internally Generated Revenue for the state.

Supporting the passage of the bill, other lawmakers in their submissions, said it would boost the economy of the state.

Revenue for the NYSC. The Chairman also called on corps members and others to follow this part, saying that this is the

only way to salvage our country from the challenges been faced in terms of dearth in Health infrastructure.

Ogun urges investigation into market fires

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he Ogun State Government has called on security agencies to commence investigations into the repeated cases of fire outbreaks at the Oluwanisola Cattle Market, popularly called Kara market, in the Ifo local government area of the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa made the call when he led a team of government functionaries, including the Commissioner for Environment, Engr.

Ayo Olubori, his Urban and Physical Planning counterpart, Mr. Gbenga Otenuga and other top Government officials to the scene of the fire incident that ravaged a section of the market Sunday night.

Adeoluwa noted that it was too early to speculate on the causes of the incidents as only a thorough investigation into it was required at this time.

“We urge the Police and other security agencies to take steps to unravel the mystery surrounding the recurring fire outbreak in this market. Let us allow

them do their investigation”, the SSG said.

He advised the traders to be more safety conscious and promised that government would offer assistance to mitigate their losses after the assessment of the damage had been concluded by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The state scribe expressed optimism that the market would soon be moved to a better location as government is intensifying efforts to ensure that the new location is ready before the end of next year.

Gov. Amosun

TREM to commence prayer for Nigeria

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he Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, world-wide will commence a 31-day prayer and fasting for Nigeria, beginning from Wednesday, October 1 2014. Theme of the prayer, ‘Enough is Enough’,will kick-off at the Cathedral of His Glory headquarters at Anthony Oke, Gbagada, Lagos.

The combined service of TREM churches will

be flagged off by the Presiding Bishop, Dr. Mike Okonkwo and other servants of God. According to the General Manager Operations of TREM, Rev. Oluwayomi Uteh, at the prayer and fasting sessions, the church will specifically pray for a peaceful and united Nigeria, including violence free elections in 2015,as well as an end to present Boko Haram insurgency.

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Nigeria has no accurate records of pensioners -Pension boss A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Director-General of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak, yesterday said that Nigeria has no accurate records of pensioners, just as she added that they would soon embark on verification exercise to

ascertain the actual numbers.

Speaking at the North West one-day zonal sensitisation workshop for pensioners, Mayshak said those affected with no accuracy of records includes, retired federal civil servants, police, immigrations, prisons and other para-military agencies.

She said those to be

verified by the directorate includes retired federal civil servants, police, immigrations, prisons and other para-military personnel, while retired members of the Armed Forces and the Department of State Security Services, DSS, would not be verified as they have

their own pension management scheme.

She lamented that lack of accurate and verifiable database remained one of the major obstacles militating against the smooth management of pension in Nigeria; and that to address the problem, there is need for verification

of pensioners who had served the country.

The Director General said that the absence of proper record of pensioners in Nigeria has been largely responsible for the plights of retirees who often find it difficult to access their funds after retirement, adding that

the exercise will ascertain the accurate number of pensioners and their liabilities across the country.

She added that the Federal Government owes pensioners’ huge sum of arrears which could only be settled at the end of the verification exercise.

Jonathan, NSGF mourn Galadiman Kano ROTIMI FADEYI, PRISCILLA DEMMIS

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the Emir of Kano and former Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as well as the people of Kano, on the death of the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijani Hashim.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan joined them in mourning Tijani who served his people for many years as a regional minister in the First Republic and very senior member of the Kano Emirate Council.

The President said the eminent Kano prince and highly revered community leader would always be remembered and honoured for his laudable contributions to peace, stability and progress in his community and country.

In another development, the Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, has described the late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim who died at the

age of 79 as a true patriot that helped to shape the North positively and also mentored many successful leaders of the region.

Chairman of the forum and Niger S t a t e Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu in a condolence massage signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije said with his death, the North and the country have lost another prominent son.

According to the statement, the Galadiman Kano will be missed not only as a royalty, but as bridge builder and a man of peace who had the interest of the country at heart.

Expressing sadness over his death, the forum stated that late Hashim maintained a patriotic disposition to national issues regardless of religious or ethnic dimension.

Gov. Mu’azu

L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel uduaghan and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, during the inauguration of Holy Mother and Child Clinic in Sokoto, yesterday.

Guber aspirant kicks against Yero’s endorsement A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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aduna State governorship aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Air Commodore John Bako Ajeye (rtd) has called on Senator Nenadi Esther Usman to forget Kaduna South Senatorial ticket, saying her antics would not save her in the 2015 elections.

Ajeye, who hails from Southern Kaduna, also faulted the recent endorsement of incumbent Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, by political

appointees and elected officials led by Nenadi.

The gubernatorial aspirant said those that endorsed Yero as the sole candidate of the party for the coming 2015 elections are already regretting their action.

Speaking during his declaration at Zangon Kataf, Ajeye said the purported endorsement did not follow laid down procedures, which according to him violated the PDP constitution. Ajeye added that the action will not gag some of them not to contest the governorship.

His words: “I don’t

know which stakeholders they are. We know them as elected members of the governor’s cabinet.

And as it is said, the person that pays the piper dictates the tune. Because they get their breakfast lunch and dinner from him, they depend on him so they have to do whatever he says.

“I don’t know if you have the copy of the PDP constitution which states the procedure to follow for election into elective offices. If he knows what he is doing, he should follow the procedure. “And also if he is sure of himself he

should go to his own zone for them to endorse him the way it was done in Southern Kaduna.

“In zone two he did not go there, it is only Southern Kaduna he feels he could trample upon and it is unfortunate, for those who came out to do that declaration, I believe they are regretting their action. No member of PDP and no local government chairman was there.

“The only person elected that was there is the senator and you know her antecedents. Her time is running out,” Ajeye added.

to go through 11 processes over 78 days, and pay 15.8 percent of the value of the property to transfer a property on the average, pointing out that the time to conclude this process is largely dependent on a single requirement, the Governor’s consent, which accounts for 65 percent of the total time.

Similarly, the World

Bank noted that Nigerian entrepreneurs faced different regulatory hurdles, depending on where they establish their businesses as varied state regulations and practices along with uneven implementation of federal legislation account for the differences and impact local entrepreneurs differently.

Nigeria’s business environment improving -World Bank TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he World Bank yesterday rated Nigeria’s investment environment as improving, despite business registration and other challenges confronting investors.

The bank, stated this during the launch of its

Doing Business in Nigeria 2014 Report which benchmarks 35 Nigerian states in addition to the FCT and covers four indicators: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property, and enforcing contracts in Abuja.

The World Bank noted that about 22 states in

the country have improved their business environment since the last benchmarking exercise was conducted in January 2010, despite security challenges.

However, the report, which is the third in a series analysing business regulations at the sub- national level of the country, noted that pro-

cedures for transferring property remained too cumbersome as prospective buyer would have to wait for an average of 78 days and pay about 16 per cent of the value of property before the transfer could be formalised.

Specifically, the report discovered that in 35 Nigerian states and Abuja, an entrepreneur will need

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NGO earmarks N2.6bn for empowerment in Enugu DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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L-R: Eze-Ndigbo of Lagos State, HRH Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Prof. Pat Utomi, during the Igbo Day celebration in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Investments: Ohanaeze urges Ndigbo to ‘think home’ CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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pex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday initiated a drive to boost the economy of the affiliate states, with a call on the people to embrace a ‘think-home’ philosophy by investing in Igboland.

The group said it had become imperative for the Igbo people to repatriate their wealth and invest same at home ‘in the interest of everybody’.

President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Nnachi Enwo Igariwe, yesterday made the call on Ndigbo to invest at home during the 2014 Igbo

Day celebration held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Enwo-Igariwey stated that the group’s call for the people to jettison the practice of citing their businesses outside Igboland did not stem from parochialism or informed by hatred of one united Nigeria.

He said, rather, the call, if heeded, would go a long way in sustaining the fragile fabric of a united Nigeria.

The Ohanaeze leader said the tendency of Ndigbo being landlords in Lagos, Abuja or Kano, but reside in hotels in Enugu, Awka or Owerri, was “unacceptable, shocking, ludicrous and against all logi-

cal considerations.”

Enwo-Igariwey, who contended that the reality of having trillions of Naira invested in other parts of the country to the neglect of Igboland called for sober reflection, said the security situation in some parts of the country had exposed Ndigbo to clear dangers, both to their lives and investments.

He urged Igbo businessmen to take the Ohanaeze's recommendation serious.

Igariwey said: “With the escalating body counts from the violence and incendiary rhetoric from discredited politicians who continue to fuel the fire of anti-Igbo and hatred, the time to think home is now.”

He stated that Ndigbo who are endowed with enormous human resources must collectively pursue projects in Igboland for greater impact on the people.

President of Igbo World Assembly, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, who attended the event with members of his group, echoed the same call, saying that Ndigbo should now invest in Igboland.

The event which attracted key chieftains and members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo drawn from the 36 states and Abuja, witnessed goodwill messages from the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF and Ijaw National Congress, IYC, among others.

Resist disunity, Okorocha urges Nigerians CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, yesterday in Owerri urged Nigerians to continue to believe in the unity of the country and resist any attempt to use religion and other ethnic considerations to divide them, for personal goals.

On the independence anniversary, Okorocha said, at 54, the emphasis should have been on the things that would unite the people as a nation, and not things that would po-

Gov. Okorocha

larize the country along religious and ethnic lines.

He regretted that, at 54, “the issue of religion is still eating deep into the fabric of the nation’s oneness, while the area one

comes from has continued to take a toll on the country’s politics.”

The governor reminded the political class that posterity would judge them if they continued to fan the embers of religious and ethnic differences for their selfish gains.

According to him, the Boko Haram insurgence that has claimed many lives of innocent Nigerians would have been halted if the leaders of the country had detached the insurgence from politics and confront it as a national challenge or prob-

lem when it arose.

He pleaded with the political class to be patriotic enough by acting and talking in manners that would promote or encourage unity, peace and love among the citizenry, adding that by so doing, it would encourage the growth and development of the country.

Okorocha added that, by now, Nigerians should be expected to elect their leaders, not on the basis of religion or tribe, but capacity to offer the nation strong and visionary leadership for progress.

non-gover nmentorganisation, Civil Awareness and Economic Empowerment Initiative, CAEI, has started the disbursement of N2.6bn for empowerment in Enugu State.

CAEI, in a statement, said the amount would be disbursed by way of packages, to empower the people the state.

It said soft loans would be given for items like wheelbarrows, bags of rice, grinding and sewing machines, tricycles, cars, buses, tippers, laptops, motorcycles, among others.

State Coordinator of CAEI, Mr. Vincent Okoye, said the repayment of the loans would take effect 30 days from the date of disbursement, to a maximum of three years.

The organisation disclosed this during its sensitisation tour of 17 local government areas in Enugu State.

Okoye, who represented the Executive Director of CAEI, Dr. Gambo Iggi, said that Enugu State was set to witness projects and programmes designed to bring

out the talents in rural communities towards the utilisation of available local materials in their socio-business environment, to equip them to become self-reliant and patriotic citizens.

Okoye said one does not need to know anybody, be connected, educated or rich, to participate and benefit from CAEI programmes, but only by registering with the organisation.

He stressed that the programmes were designed to start from the poorest and the most illiterate people in the society, and trickle down to the middle class.

Okoye said: “The organisation is set to give small scale and medium business loans to rural women, youths and retirees; which will empower their positions as care-givers to their dependents, especially those who lack capital to establish them.

"We will register all businesses selected by loan beneficiaries with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, for further business relationships with the government, banks and non-governmental organisations, until idleness and vagrancy become a shameful disposal among us.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obuh, new face of Delta politics —Nwaoboshi

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he Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, has debunked insinuations that Sir Tony Obuh, an aspirant on the platform of the party, is not qualified to contest for the primary ticket.

He said such insinuations should be discarded and disregarded as Obuh was eminently qualified to contest.

Nwaoboshi, who was speaking when Obuh paid the PDP executive a consultation visit at the party’s secretariat, said Obuh was a card-carrying member of the PDP, and had been since 2011,.

He, however, said the aspirant (Obuh) had only been non-partisan, until he retired from the Delta State Civil Service in August 2014.

According to Nwaobashi, Obuh had been operating in the background, giving the PDP all the needed support to ensure that the party moved in the right direction.

Obuh’s contributions, he added, had in no small way impacted on the party’s performances since 2005 as

News

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Amaechi attributes salaries' delay to dwindling federal allocation DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

R Nwaoboshi

he founded several support groups that propagated the PDP manifesto, as well as its determination to take Nigeria to a higher pedestal.

Nwaoboshi, therefore, called on those ‘peddling rumours’ to desist as it would not deter the party from going ahead from holding its primaries or prepare for the general elections.

He said the PDP remained the only vibrant and dynamic party in Nigeria, with solid structures to win elections in a free and fair atmosphere.

The PDP chairman opined that the party was interested in those who can build it and make it stronger, and not those who would derail it through gossips and ‘rumour mongering’.

51

ivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has said that his administration has started owing workers salaries, due to the continued drop in federal allocation to the state.

He also said work on some projects being embarked upon by his administration had stopped, while some were moving at a slow pace because of the same scenario.

Amaechi spoke at an inter-denominational church service to mark the 54th independence anniversary at the St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The governor lamented that the state now receives N12bn monthly, as against the previous N25bn, saying

the development had affected salaries and on-going projects.

He, therefore, called on Rivers people to choose a credible person to take over from him on May 29, 2015.

“The situation we find ourselves now is really critical. We have started owing salaries of workers and nobody knows when this will end.

"Rivers people should know that the Rivers State Government now receives 12bn, instead of the usual N25b as monthly allocation.

This has grossly affected our projects and work has stopped on some on-going projects in the state.”

Amaechi added: “I am still looking for funds to pay some of the contractors and salaries. Things are no longer the same. Things are getting worse. I am not the

problem; it is from the Federal Government."

According to the governor, the era of imposition of candidates on the people was over.

He advised Rivers people to choose wisely by embracing democratic values and actively participating in the electoral process.

“Rivers people have a right to choose who will lead them in a free and fair election in 2015. They have the mandate to do so," the governor said.

Amaechi also used the opportunity to thank God for creating the enabling environment for him to keep his vow, which he said, was a commitment to serving God and the poor.

In his speech, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Rivers State, Apostle Zilly

Aggrey, charged the people of the state and residents to play active roles in ensuring peaceful co-existence.

Represented by the vice-chairman, Rev. Ibim Anabraba, Aggrey enjoined Rivers people to use the period of the 54th Independence Anniversary celebration to pray for the unity of the nation, and the state in particular.

He also thanked the governor for dedicating the state to God during his administration, and for playing a major role in its rapid development since he assumed office in 2007.

In his sermon, ‘God is With Nigeria’, the Lord Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ralph Ebirien, urged Christian faithful to emulate the sacrifices of ‘brave nationalists’.

Ogoni leaders insist on guber slot DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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head of next year's gover norship election in Rivers State, Ogoni leaders have called on political parties to present candidates from the area as their standard bearers.

The Ogoni Leadership Forum, OLF, comprising some governorship aspirants from the area, as well as academics, made the call shortly after a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Spokesman of the group, Prof. Walter Ollor, said political parties must take such a step in the interest of justice and fair play.

Ollor, who read a communique signed by over 37 members of the forum, stated that the people of Ogoni were not interested in the position of deputy governor.

He said the people would support only the political party that presents a candidate from Ogoniland for next year's governorship election.

"The primary role of Ogoni people is the struggle for the recognition of the rights of the minorities of the Niger Delta in Nigeria's political development.

"All political parties seeking to field candidates for the forthcoming governorship election in Rivers State should consider the aspiration of their members from Ogoniland.

"The people of Ogoniland will support only that political party which fields a candidate for the governorship election from Ogoniland as political parties.

“Any party that fields Ogoni candidates as second fiddle office holders will not enjoy the support of Ogoni people," Ollor said.

He, however, appealed to other ethnic groups in the state to support the Ogoni cause.

Ollor said the forum was no longer calling for the support of Rivers South East to produce the next governor, arguing that the Andoni and Opobo had occupied the position of the deputy governor for 16 years.

An accident scene at King's Square, Benin City, yesterday.

Bayelsa: Senators, Reps may lose out to zoning OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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head next year’s election, fresh facts have emerged that the three senators and five members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State may have lost their chances of returning to the National Assembly in 2015, due to the decision by stakeholders to apply zoning formula for elective positions in the state.

The decision of the stakeholders, it was reliably gathered, has the backing of the President Good-

luck Jonathan, Governor Seriake Dickson and his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah.

The affected senators are Emmanuel Paulker (Bayelsa Central), Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa West) and Clever Ikhisipo (Bayelsa East), while the representatives who might likely join them are Foingha Jephthah (Nembe/Brass), Henry Ofongo (Southern Ijaw), Wallman Ogoriba (Yen/ Kolga), Dr.Stella Dorgu (Sagbama) and Nadu Karibo (Ogbia).

The meeting, which was attended by political lead-

ers from the zone and convened by King A.J Turner, said the zone would implement the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of peace and equity.

Our correspondent gathered that by the resolutions reached at the meeting held at the Ogbi Brotherhood Hall in Ogbia local council area of the state, Senator Clever Ikhisikpo, Hon. Foighan Jephthah and Hon. Nadu Karibo, are not to be returned in 2015.

The political leaders argued that the position held

by Foighan was zoned to rotate between Brass and

Nembe people.

Foighan is from Nembe, and the position will be occupied by an indigene of Brass in 2015, they said.

While the position Karibo is to be rotated among Ogbia groups of Kolo, Oloibiri and Ayama, the representative is from Oloibiri and the position is to be occupied by an Ayama indigene in 2015.

The Senate position of Bayelsa East being held by Ikhisikpo, according to the leaders from the zone, is to be occupied by a Brass indigene in 2015. Ikhisikpo is from Ogbia.

52

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hong Kong: Protesters defiant amid stand-off

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ens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters are blocking Hong Kong’s streets, shutting down its business hub and ignoring appeals to leave.

The demonstrations have spread to other areas including a shopping district and a residential area.

Riot police withdrew on Monday after overnight clashes in which they used batons and fired volleys of tear gas to try to disperse the crowds.

China has warned other countries not to support the “illegal rallies”.

Its foreign ministry said it opposed any interference in China’s internal affairs.

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Meanwhile the British government called for the right to protest to be protected.

“It is important for Hong Kong to preserve these rights and for Hong Kong people to exercise them within the law,” the UK foreign office said in a statement.

Protesters - a mix of students and supporters of the Occupy Central prodemocracy movement - are angry at Beijing’s plans to vet candidates for Hong Kong’s 2017 leadership elections.

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thing Beijing says is out of the question.

“Tired yet defiant”: The BBC’s Laura Westbrook reports on the protesters refusing to leave Sunday saw angry scenes and dozens of arrests on Hong Kong’s streets as tens of thousands of protesters faced riot police in the heart of the city.

In a news conference on Monday, Cheung Takkeung, assistant commissioner of police for operations, said police had used the “bare minimum force”.

He said 41 people had been injured in the past three days, in cluding 12 police officers.

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CITY OF SALVATION AND PRAISE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS.

The general public is hereby notified that the above mention church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Pastor Chir Mathias Orkuma 2.Adov Sunday Alfred 3.Kper Timothy Nomsu 4.Ngusha Gabriel Terfa 5.Torwaka Samuel Kwaghza 6.Prophatess Chir Ruth 7.Alexander Kwaghemba 8.Batholomew Kwaghgba 9.Victor Torwaka 10.Sunday Tor Yough

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ment urged protesters to stay calm and leave peacefully but crowds remained camped out around the government complex on Monday night.

About 3,000 people have also blocked a major road across the bay in Mongkok, on the Kowloon peninsula, while a crowd of about 1,000 faced police in the busy shopping district of Causeway Bay, east of central Hong Kong.

Schools in the Wan Chai, Central and Western districts were closed on Monday and will remain shut on Tuesday, according to the Hong Kong Education Bureau.

The city remains heavily disrupted, with sev-

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the word of god.

2.To restore the hope to the hopeless.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: ADOV SUNDAY ALFRED.

army might intervene were untrue.

“I hope the public will keep calm. Don’t be misled by the rumours,” CY Leung said.

China, which stations a garrison of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong, said it was confident the city’s administration could handle the protests.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: - President - Secretary - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member

eral major thoroughfares blocked.

One man said protesters were growing more confident. “Police don’t have enough officers to close down the districts where there are protests,” Ivan Yeung, 27, told AFP news agency.

Hong Kong’s chief executive reassured the public that rumours the Chinese

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Protesters remained on the streets yesterday evening, with many camped outside government buildings

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I, Xiao Liang Yuan ‘M’ of C.G.C Nig. Ltd. Camp.

Nnamdi Azikiwe Way, Kudenda Industrial Area, Kaduna, Nigeria hereby informed the general public that the Original Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) with File No. 101215 in respect of Plot No. 525 of about 3.77Ha located in Cadastral Zone BOO, Kukwaba District belonging to C.G.C Nigeria Limited got missing and all efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest Police Station.

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This is to inform the general public of the Loss of the Original Letter of Intent for Grant of Plot No SP 189 at the Apo Mechanic Village, issued to Barnabas Amarakuo of Block B Facility Area, Finance Quarters, Wuye dated 19|12|2005 by Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency. All effort to trace the said document failed. The general public and AMMA should please take note.

Tuesday September 30, 2014

Let me just say getting a ticket to AFCON 2015 is a collective effort.

It’s not only about me –Burkina Faso striker, Alain Traore

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

Championss league: No Ibra to face Messi, ssi, Neymar 54

Lawal spurns Eagles’ call-up list PAUL EREWUBA

A

fter a list of 24 players was announced by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, for the two AFCON

matches against Sudan, former national team midfielder and Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, technical committee member, Garba Lawal, says the list falls below expectation.

Lawal, still on the Super

Eagles poor runs so far, chided those who hinge Eagles’ low performance on the lingering crisis in the NFF, admonishing them that crises don’t play football.

“I don’t know what the Coach thinks, but from what I have seen

from his 24-man list against Sudan, we will keep experimenting.

“I don’t know when we will stop experimenting with players. Because I believe that if your team isn’t working, you

change your style. But it seems like Keshi wants to hold the country to ransom,” Lawal said.

Lawal added, “The selection process shouldn’t be restricted to a group of players, but should be made open. Nigeria is not just for some individuals, but for everybody, but I just don’t understand.

“Yes we have ‘fresh faces’ for the games: Aaron Samuel, Ugonna Anyaora, and Sunday Emmanuel, but we don’t know these guys. We’ve not been seeing them play. Everybody sees the likes of Ike Uche and what they are doing week in, week out in their various clubs and he’s inviting some players we don’t even know. What sort of selection policy is this? The national team selection should be based on merit. We have to go back and do the right thing if we want success.”

Keshi’s List: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (HapoelBe’erSheva, Israel); ChigozieAgbim (Gombe United)

Nigeria’s Gbolahan Salami (left) shielding the ball from South African opponent during their earlier match

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); AzubuikeEgwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England)

AFCON qualifier:

NFF delaying Sudan plans –Keshi PAUL EREWUBA

S

uper Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, says the lack of leadership at the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Glass House is affecting his team’s performance, even as he expressed concern that there isn’t enough preparation ahead of the crucial two-legged Morocco 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers against Sudan in 10 days

time.

KeshiI released a list of invited players for the double header matches on October 11 in Khartoum and October 15 in Abuja last Friday, saying that he had already submitted his programme for the games, but added that he wasn’t sure what would happen with his proposal.

“I have submitted my programme to the Super Eagles secretary for onward submis-

sion to the General Secretary of the NFF to see if they will accept it so that we can start building towards the game against Sudan.

“It will be very good for us if we can start preparing immediately because I like working with the home-based players at least two weeks before the games,” Keshi said.

“But I don’t know what they want to do. It is just that there isn’t enough preparation,” he

added.

Keshi had already inspected the pitch of the mainbowl of Abuja National Stadium with the Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and approved the grass to host subsequent home matches of the senior national team as it struggles to qualify for the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where Nigeria is expected to defend her title won in South Africa last year.

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi FC, Israel); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England); Hope Akpan (Reading FC, England); Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor FC, Turkey); Anyora Ugonna (Haugesund FC, Norway) Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Victor Moses (Stoke City, England); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine)

54

Sports

Tuesday September 30, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hotel fire won’t stop us againt CSKA –Guardiola

A

hotel evacuation caused by a fire alarm is not going to knock ck Bayern Munich off their stride ide when they face CSKA Moscow w in the Champions League tonight, ight, according to their coach, Pep p Guardiola.

The team was forced to leave

its hotel in the centre of the Russian capital for several hours last Sunday night, but Guardiola has taken the incident lightly.

“It was nothing m a j o r, ”

Guardiola told Sky sports. “We were in the restaurant and some people were having a massage.

We had to stay out for two hours, but everything was under control.”

Bayern can ensure they take control of Group E at the Arena

Khimki if they can follow up their last-gasp win over Manchester City in their opening fixture with another three points.

CSKA is regarded as the weakest side in the group, a theory underlined by their 5-1 defeat at Roma a fortnight ago, and

Today’s Tod day’s fixtures Man n City

vs

Roma

PSG G

vs

Barcelona

CSKA CSK KA

vs

Bayern

Apoel Apo oel Nic

vs

Ajax

Schalke Sch halke

vs

NK Maribor

Sporting Spo orting

vs

Chelsea

BATE BAT TE Bor

vs

Ath Bilbao

Shaktar Sha aktar

vs

FC Porto

No Ibra to face

P

Messi, Neymar

aris St-Germain, PSG, striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is unfit to play against former club, Barcelona, in the UEFA Champions League today.

The Sweden captain, 32, has missed the French champions’ last two Ligue 1 matches with a heel injury.

“Several tests conducted on the injured left heel of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is negative,” said a PSG statement.

PSG drew their Champions League Group F opener against Ajax, while Barcelona edged to a 1-0 win against Apoel Nicosia.

The French team is unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions this season, but six of those results have been draws.

In contrast, Barcelona has been in clinical form as they lead the early Spanish league table.

The Catalan club, who thrashed Granada 6-0 last Saturday, has dropped just one point in its six La Liga games, scoring 17

Bayern know they cannot afford to drop points in this fixture.

“It’s a very dangerous and very strong group with Manchester City and Roma,” added Guardiola at a press conference.

“We’ve got a big chance to win.

“If we win, then we can take a small step forwards, but nothing is going to be decided until the return game against CSKA.” There will be no fans inside the Arena Khimki due to sanctions imposed for crowd misbehaviour last season.

Given the trouble CSKA followers caused in Rome during their opening game, the chances are the Moscow club will not play a single game in front of their own fans this campaign, which will further complicate matters for the side coached by Leonid Slutski.

“It is a difficult situation for us,” said Slutski in Moscow. “It’s not nice when you have to acknowledge that there are teams who are far more talented and on a different level to you.

“We’ve just got to try to play to our very best and only when the game gets under way will we see if that’s enough.”

Apart from the long-term injury absentees, Bayern have a fully-fit squad, according to Guardiola.

That does not include Franck Ribery, Javier Martinez, Holger Badstuber, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara.

Alan Dzagoev and Pontus Wernblooom are both suspended for the hosts, who were beaten 3-1 at home by Bayern last season.

...Iniesta targets 100 UCL caps goals and conceding none.

Brazil striker, Neymar and Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, scored five goals between them against Granada as the pair illustrated their growing understanding on the pitch.

Neymar scored a hat-trick, while Messi’s double saw him pass

I

nter Milan head coach, Walter Mazzarri, apologised to the club’s fans, following an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at home to Cagliari last Sunday.

The Nerazzurri went into the clash unbeaten but were thoroughly humbled by a side that had taken just one point from their opening four Serie A matches.

In an explosive first half, Dani Osvaldo cancelled out Marco Sau’s opener, before Inter completely imploded when captain

400 career goals for club and country.

Barca boss, Luis Enrique, who took over from Tata Martino in the summer, sits in the opposite dugout to ex-Nou Camp teammate, Laurent Blanc.

The pair played 33 games together in Barca colours during

the 1996-97 season, helping ping the club win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, Copa Del Rey y and the Spanish Super Cup. Meanwhile, Barca midfielddfielder, Andres Iniesta, could uld make his 100th Champions ns League appearance forr the Catalans in Paris.

Guardiola

Inter coach begs fans Yuto Nagatomo was sent off for two bookable offences as Albin Ekdal scored a 15-minute hattrick.

The result left the Italian giants stunned and former Napoli and Sampdoria coach Mazzarri hopes lessons can be learned from the episode.

“We’re sorry for the fans, who are suffering as we are,” he said

on the club’s official website.

“I got a few decisions wrong regarding squad rotation and didn’t look at how much energy we would expend, which is crucial in the modern game.

“When things go badly like that it all contributes to everything else going worse.

“A more experienced team that goes down to 10 men becomes

compact and waits for the things to blow over. We’ll all learn from this lesson. We don’t need to discuss it too much.”

Cagliari could even afford to miss a penalty while 3-1 ahead, with midfielder Andrea Cossu’s spot-kick saved by Samir Handanovic following Nemanja Vidic clumsy challenge on Sau in the area.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Tuesday September 30, 2014

NFF elections hold amid court threat EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

T

he presidential debates were held last night as delegates got ready to elect new Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Executive Committee members today in Warri, Delta State.

When National Mirror called into the venue of the FIFA-ordered Elective Congress last night, the seven presidential aspirants – Chief Mike Umeh, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Chief Amanze Uchegbulam, Mr. Dominic Iorfa, Alhaji Abba Yola, Alhaji Shehu Dik-

ko and Mr. Pinnick Amaju – were taking turns to address the delegates and answered their questions on their agenda and manifestoes for Nigerian football going forward.

Last weekend, the Appeals Committee for the elections headed by Mr. Okey Ajunwa, announced that it did not receive any complaints arising from the screening of candidates after the 10-man Electoral Committee chaired by Barrister Samson Ebomhe completed its assignment.

In all, the

electoral panel said that it cleared 37 candidates to jostle for the various vacant offices.

But the elections are holding amid threat that the gathering is an illegal assembly, as some candidates have reportedly secured a court injunction to stop the congress.

Mr. Chris Giwa, who claims that he was earlier elected NFF president in a congress that held in Abuja on August 26, but which FIFA said it did not approve, is said to be still kicking to have today’s congress and the results of the elections nullified.

55

CLEARED CANDIDATES President 1.

Ogunjobi Taiwo Joseph (Osun State) 2.

Yola Abba Abdullahi (Kano State) 3.

Chief Mike Umeh (Anambra State) 4.

Pinnick Amaju Melvin (Delta State) 5.

Iorfa Mtem Dominic (Benue State) 6.

Dikko Shehu (Kaduna State) 7.

Amanze U. Uchegbulam (Imo State) 1ST Vice President 1.

Inyama Emeka (Abia State) 2.

Adamu Shehu (Kaduna State) 3.

Seyi Akinwunmi (Lagos State) 4.

Suleyman Muazu (Sokoto State) Chairman of Chairmen 1.

Musa Gusau Ibrahim (Zamfara State) ORDINARY MEMBERS North Central Zone 1.

Agara Silas (Nasarawa State) 2.

Suleiman Yahaya Kwande (Plateau State) 3.

Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh) (Niger State) 4.

Bewarang Bitrus Yigol (Plateau State) North East Zone 1.

Yahuza Adamu Haruna (Bauchi State) 2.

Abiso Alhaji Bashir (Bornu State) 3.

Modibbo Hussaini A. (Taraba State) 4.

Kachalla Baba Gana Kalli (Bornu State) 5.

Zira Emmanuel Stephen (Adamawa State) North West Zone 1.

2.

3.

Oshoala

Sharu Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State) Balele Aminu (Katsina State) Babangida M. Tukur - (Kano State)

South East Zone 1.

Agwu Felix Anyasi (Abia State) 2.

Obikwelu Jude Benjamin Chukwudi (Anambra State) 3.

Okenwa Chidi Ofo (Enugu State) 4.

Igbokwe Leonard Ikechukwu (Anambra State) South-South Zone 1.

Tenebe Jarrett Celestine (Edo State) 2.

Green Christopher Tam-Abinye (Rivers State) 3.

Oswald Atuake (Cross River State) 4.

Chief Abel Ehigie (Edo State) 5.

Gospel Ewa (Bayelsa State) South West Zone 1.

Adepoju Emmanuel Olaleye (Oyo State) 2.

Tinubu B. Ayodeji (Lagos State) 3.

Otunba Sunday Dele Ajayi (Ondo State) 4.

Majekodunmi G.A. Adesina (Ogun State)

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

S

uper Falcons Coach, Edwin Okon, has named six foreign and 15 homebased players for the African Women Championship, AWC, slated for October 11-25 in Namibia.

France-based Desire Oparanozie top the list of six foreign-based stars that also include Perpetua Nkwocha, Onome Ebi, Ohale Osinachi, Esther Sunday and Francesca Ordega.

Okon dropped nine players from the Namibia bound team.

They are Sarah Nnodim, Uchechi Sunday, Ihezuo Chiwendu, Loveth Ayila, Rosemary

AWC: Oshoala in, Ihezuo out of Namibia train Okezie, Blessing Edoho, Mariam Ibrahim, Charity John and Juliet Obi. The home girls who made the cut for Namibia are regular suspects like skipper Evelyn Nwabuoku, Asisat Oshoala, Precious Dede, Ibubeleye White, Stella Mbachu, Ngozi Okobi and Gloria Iroka.

Others who scaled the hurdle are Ngozi Ebere, Ugo Njoku, Josephine Chukwunonye, Gloria Ofoegbu, Nku

Cecilia, Halimat Ayinde, Onyinyechi Ohadugha and Christy Ohiariaku.

The Super Falcons, six-time winners of the AWC title, will play against hosts Namibia, Zambia and Cote d’ Ivoire in the Group A of this year’s tournament, billed to take place from October 11th-25th.

Full List: Goalkeepers: Precious Dede (Ibom Queens), Ibubeleye

White (Rivers Angels) Christy Ohieriaku ( Oshogbo Queens) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Houston Dash,United States), Josephine Chukwunonye (Rivers Angels) Gloria Ofoegbu (Rivers Angels), Onome Ebi ( FK Minsk,Belarus), Ngozi Ebere (Rivers Angels), Ugochi Njoku ( Rivers Angels) Midfielders: Evelyn Nwabuokn (Rivers Angels), Onyinyechi Ohadugha (Rivers Angels), Gloria Iroka (Rivers

Angels), Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels), Ayinde Halimat (Delta Queens), Ngozi Okobi (Delta Queens) Forwards: Desire Oparanozie (En Avent Guingamp,France), Perpetua Nkwocha (Sunana SK,Sweden), Esther Sunday (FK Minsk,Belarus), Asisat Oshoala (Rivers Angels), Stella Mbachu (Rivers Angels), Francisca Ordega (Pitea IFF,Sweden)

WORLD RECORD

Fastest completion of LostWinds The fastest single-segment completion of Square Enix’s LostWinds (2008) is 22 minutes, registered by Justin Salamon of Midland, Michigan, USA, on 17 March 2009.

N150

Vol. 04 No. 950 Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Ebola: Legal effects of the use of trial drugs Legal effects

Continued from last Thursday

C

linical trial phase 2: During this stage, the drug is applied on between 100 to 200 patients in hospitals and clinics with a view to assessing its efficacy.

This is followed by the third phase, where 500 to 1000 patients are administered the drugs and closely monitored to determine likely adverse effects or reactions.

When the Ethical Review Committee that has been monitoring the progress on the investigated new drug is of the opinion that the drug is safe and efficacious, then the pharmaceutical company can file a New Drug Application to the National

Guest Columnist

Olusoga Olapade

Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The application must contain all the scientific information which has been gathered by researchers from pre-clinical stage to clinical trial phases, including all the reports of the Ethical Committee on various stages. The NAFDAC shall take a maximum of six months to consider and approve or disapprove (as the case may be) the new drug.

Any drug that shows sufficient promise in severe epidemics or life threatening disease may have its phases 1 and 2 combined.

Finally, once NAFDAC gives approval to the new drug, it now becomes available for prescription by physicians. The pharmaceutical company must continue to submit periodically to NAFDAC reports in relation to adverse reactions and appropriate quality control methods.

Liability of manufacturers of experimental drugs

Manufacturers of experimental drugs owe consumers a duty of care by not releasing them to the public for sale or use until approval is given by drug regulatory body that the drugs are fit for human consumption. Incapacitation in relation to the use of an experimental drug may not even manifest until many years after the drug is in use. This is even the case with approved drugs. An example is thalidomide, which was given to pregnant wom-

CONSENT IS BASED ON THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THE FREEDOM AND DIGNITY OF A PERSON en before the 1960s and discovered many years after to have prevented some babies from developing normal legs and arms.

Manufacturers of ZMapp and other experimental or trial drugs at this period of Ebola emergency will do themselves a lot of good by stating clearly on the leaflet of the drug this caveat: ”This drug is an experimental one that is released only for the management of medical emergency in relation to Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.

It has neither passed pre-clinical testing and clinical trials nor got the approval of drug regulatory body. Thus, its efficacy and adverse effects on human beings now or in the future are largely unknown. Users of the drug should beware “.

This is so because in the future users and unborn child of the drug user can claim damages from both the manufacturer and the country that allowed an unapproved drug to be used on human beings. Defence of consent and informed consent may not totally free them from liability for the damage suffered.

Consent to medical treatment Consent to any medical treatment can either be given expressly or impliedly by a patient. Express consent arises where a patient gives his consent orally or in writing. Implied consent, on the other hand, is a consent that arises from surrounding circumstances of a case. For example, a patient who lies on the couch for medical examination, when he is asked to do so by a medical practitioner for the purpose of examination, can be said to have consented impliedly or via conduct.

However, for consent to be real, it must be given voluntarily and must not have been obtained by force, fraud, deceit, threat, intimidation, duress, hypnotism or by means of stupefying, anaesthetic or overpowering drugs. Consent is based on the fundamental principle of the freedom and dignity of a person. It rests on the principle that no one shall touch or invade the body of another without his consent. This is even a constitutional requirement as stated in section 34 of 1999 constitution (as amended). Consent must relate to the act complained of .Where a female patient , for example, complains of headache, it will be trespass to the person to touch any part of her body that has no bearing whatsoever with her complaint.

An adult of sound mind is capable of giving a valid consent. In the case of minors, whose consent will be regarded as invalid, their consent must be given by their parents, guardians or those who stand in loco parentis to them. But a child`s consent can be validly given in serious cases or in time of emergency where any delay may lead to fatality. In order to play safe and avoid payment of damages in relation to litigation. Concluded Professor Olopade, an Ibadan based private legal practitioner, is Professor of Medical Law/Legal Consultant, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

Sport Extra

B

ayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has bemoaned the fact his team will play CSKA Moscow behind closed doors in the Champions League today.

The Russian side have been punished by govern-

Guardiola bemoans CSKA fan ban ing body UEFA after fan unrest during their group stage match against Czech club Viktoria Plzen last season. Therefore only a sparse number of people will be inside the Khim-

ki Arena for the second match of this season in European club football’s showpiece event.

“I’ve never experienced it and I really hope it’s the last time,” Guardiola said

of playing before an empty stadium.

“We will have to adapt to the situation, but it’s a little strange all the same.”

Guardiola added that

five-time former European champions Bayern had a “big, big chance to take a further step forward” after their opening 1-0 victory over Manchester City in Group E.

Guardiola

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