Binder1

Fuel scarcity: We’ve 1.2bn litres in stock –NNPC Dawha

Vol. 5 N0. 1108

...as NUPENG appeals over gridlock P.5

Pensioners accuse President of diverting benefits to fund campaign P.4 P4

FG directs BPE on rail tracks concession P.4

Umar

Friday, May 8, 2015

Constitution Amendment:

Stay action, S’Court orders N’Assembly

...as legal battle over competence of suit begins June 18

N150 ISE-OLUWA IGE AND GEORGE OJI

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full panel of the Supreme Court yesterday warned the National Assembly, NASS, to shelve its plans to enact into law the Fourth Alteration Act which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution.

The high bench presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, held that since a suit had been filed on the issue, parties must CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

2015 Batch ‘A’ Corps Members taking oaths during swearing-in ceremony at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday.

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APC condemns FG’s last minute appointments

PHOTO: NAN

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Jonathan tasks Buhari on completion of ongoing projects

Oba of Lagos confirms Tinubu, Fashola rift

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Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC condemns FG’s last minute appointments OMEIZA AJAYI AND OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, has condemned last-minute appointments that, though may not have breached any known law, are patently in bad faith, morally repugnant and indecorous.”

The party also urged the President to stop his aides from overheating the polity with their incautious statements, especially relating to the transition of power.

APC, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may be deeply traumatised by its loss in the last general elections - and the party itself has said it is indeed suffering from ‘post-election (defeat) trauma’ - that should not be a reason for it to disrupt the nation’s peace by displaying crab mentality.

Describing as provocative and ill-intentioned a statement credited to the special adviser to the President on political affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali, that the APC should talk less and plan more for the nation, and that it is seeking to stampede the President out of office, Mohammed said:

“Prof. Alkali doesn’t know what he is saying. How does he expect us to plan when the PDP-led Federal Government has bluntly refused to cooperate with us in ensuring a successful transition?

“As we write, the Transition Committee of the Federal Government has yet to hold a single meeting with our own Transition Committee, neither has it given us a line of handover note.

“As a matter of fact, the Jonathan administration has said the handover notes

will not be ready until the third week of May, meaning just a week before the handover. What time then do we have to scrutinise the handover notes? How can we plan when we don’t even know which projects they have, which ones they have completed and which ones are outstanding? How can we plan when we don’t even know how many barrels of oil are sold per day?”

The APC said the fact that Prof. Alkali does not know the difference between In-

auguration Committee and Transition Committee is a reflection of mediocrity that permeates the Jonathan administration and led to its downfall.

It said: “While their Inauguration Committee has been meeting with ours, their Transitional Committee has yet to even meet with ours. How then can Prof.

Alkali justify his statement that the Jonathan administration has been in a ‘transition mode’?

“Is it part of their tran-

maintain the status quo on the matter.

But before the court issued the warning, the CJN had raised preliminary issues on the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter as constituted.

Specifically, the CJN sought clarifications on whether the suit was properly constituted, saying that the President should have filed the suit himself and not through the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF. According to him, since the dispute was not between the Federal Government and the federating units, the proper person to file should have been the President.

The apex court said there is need to know whether the right parties were before the court and whether the Federal Government was not being dressed in a garb be-

act to the incoming government, condescendingly warning it not to even consider reversing the power sector privatisation because its gains are ‘very obvious’?

“Do they understand the implication of their gratuitous and unsolicited advice? If their power sector reforms have been so successful, would Nigeria’s power situation have hit perhaps its lowest point in a long time as we have it now?”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

President Goodluck Jonathan inspecting the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Express Road Project Airport Raod in Abuja yesterday.

Stay action, S’Court orders N’Assembly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sition mode that President Jonathan has been engaged in feverish last-minute appointments? They say they are in office until May 29, but are appointments the only function of a government?

Are there no problems crying for attention, such as the intractable fuel scarcity, the worsening power situation, the grounded economy and the missing Chibok girls?

“Is it part of their transition mode that Jonathan’s Minister of Power has virtually been reading the riot

longing to President Goodluck Jonathan.

But the lead counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, maintained that the suit was properly constituted.

The justices of the court, again, tackled Chief Ojo over whether it was right not to make states’ Houses of Assembly parties since they participated in the process that resulted in the amendments.

National Mirror had reported that section 232 (1) of the 1999 Constitution does not allow individuals, including Mr. President, the national or state assemblies to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or be named respondents in such a suit.

The apex court refused to take an application by Chief Ojo seeking an injunction stopping the National Assembly from going ahead with the enactment of the

Fourth Alteration Act until the preliminary issues on competence of suit and jurisdiction of the court were cleared.

The court merely reminded parties of the principle of list pendens, warning parties not to do anything that could affect the subject-matter of the case in the event that it has merit.

The case was, however, adjourned to June 18 for Ojo to address the court on whether or not the suit was properly constituted.

The Supreme Court’s warning had effectively placed a moral burden on NASS to go ahead to pass the amendments into law as no restraining injunction was made by the court.

The Federal Government had invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to declare as illegal and unconstitutional moves by the NASS to override President Jonathan’s veto

on amendments to the Constitution.

The Federal Government claimed that the purported Fourth Alteration Act 2015 was not passed with the mandatory requirement of four-fifths majority of members of the defendant and the mandatory due processes provided for under the relevant sections of the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

In an originating summons, the Federal Government asked the apex court to make an order nullifying and setting aside of Sections 3, 4, 12, 14, 21, 23, 36, 39, 40, 43 and 44 of the Fourth Alteration Act, 2015 purportedly passed by the defendant.

But after the suit was filed, the NASS threatened to go ahead and pass the alteration act into law.

In order to stop the NASS from going ahead with its threat to go ahead with its

intention to pass into law the controversial amendments to the Constitution, the AGF had applied for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the lawmakers from taking any further step towards passing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration) Act, 2015 into law pending the final determination of the suit earlier filed before the court.

The application which was filed by the counsel to Chief Ojo was brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 14 of the Supreme Court Rules as amended.

The AGF premised the application on grounds, among others, that the NASS was determined to proceed with passing the constitution by overriding the veto of same despite the fundamental nature of the issues raised against it.

In the application for in-

junction the AGF said it was more in the interest of the whole Nigerian polity that the issues in the substantive suit be resolved one way or the other before the NASS proceeds with the proposed alterations to the constitution.

The AGF said: ”Hon. Samson Osagie, Minority Whip of the House of Representative said to the whole world at a press conference purposely called on the issue in this suit that despite any case filed against the said Act (which actually is a Bill); the NASS would go ahead to pass it into law.”

The AGF said the balance of convenience tilts in favour of resolution of the suit before any further step could be taken on the Bill.

Meanwhile, senators have reacted cautiously to the ruling of the Supreme Court.

Senate Majority Leader, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 8, 2015

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Photo News

Friday, May 8, 2015

L-R: CEO, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Christephe Pennick; Chairman, Dr. Wale Babalakin, and Minister of Aviation, Chief. Chidoka Osita, during inauguration of Common User Passenger Processing System at MMA2 Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Group Business Editor, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Tola Akinmutimi; Managing Director, Citibank Nigeria, Mr. Omar Hafeez; winner of the first runner-up in the 2015 Citi Journalistic Excellence Award/Maritime Editor of National Mirror, Mr. Francis Ezem, and Country Finance Officer of the Bank, Mr. Bayo Ajayi at the official presentation of the award in Lagos recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Executive Director, Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ikemuefuna Mbagwu; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Chairman, Board of Directors,, Chief Christopher Ezeh, MFR, and Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje at the Bank’s 27th AGM in Lagos yesterday.

L-R: Ibadan Tax Controller, Mr Samson Omotoso; Zonal Coordinator, South-West Tax Office, Mr Ajose Rasak and Director, Business Department, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Olufemi Faniyi, at a Sensitisation Workshop on Activities of Government Business Tax Department for Ministries, Departments and Agencies in South-West Zone, in Ibadan, yesterday.

National News FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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cores of pensioners who retired from the federal civil service yesterday trooped to the streets of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital protesting the non-payment of their pensions and gratuities by the National Pension Commission, NPC. The protesters, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Federal Contributory Pension Retirees Sector, stormed the Iwe Irohin House, headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Oke -Ilewo, Abeokuta with placards bearing various inscriptions.

They said that they have not been paid in the last ten months and accused President Goodluck Jonathan of diverting their pensions and gratuities to fund his failed re-electioneering campaign.

Some of their placards read: “Retirees are dying, FG come to our aid”, “PENCOM is suffering”, “FG owing 10 months of pension”, “Gratuities not paid”, “N4.

Pensioners accuse Jonathan of diverting benefits to fund campaign

6trn has been used for campaign, Abi na lie?”, “GMB save our souls from PENCOM & PFAs injustice.”

National Chairman of the pensioners, Elder Samuel Kojusola, who spoke on behalf of his members, said the retirees suspected that the fund meant for the settlement of their pension and gratuity by PENCOM had been used for the 2015

electioneering campaign.

He said: “It is very disheartening to confirm that workers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme since August 2014 till date all over the country are yet to have their lump sum or monthly payment settled by National Pension Commission, PENCOM. “What do they want the

retirees to be eating after serving Federal Government of Nigeria for 35 years meritoriously? We suspect that our money in the kitty of PENCOM has been used for 2015 electioneering campaign.”

The pensioners also complained that they were being paid meager amount as pension either as monthly withdrawal or annuity.

“Contributory pensioners receive only 20 to 25 per cent of their last pay as monthly pension, while a pensioner in the old pension scheme receives 80 per cent of his last pay as monthly pension.

“Pension Reform Act 2004, Section 4 (c) stipulates that retirees will have not less than 50 per cent of their last pay as monthly

FG directs BPE on NRC’s rail tracks concession TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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he National Council on Privatisation, NCP, has directed the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, to commence collaboration with the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, NIAF, for the development of the roadmap and framework for the concession of the tracks of the Nigeria Railways Corporation, NRC. The Council gave the directive, following the pre-

sentation by the Director General of BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki at its meeting on April 16 this year.

A statement issued by the Bureau’s Head, Public Communications, Alex Okoh, confirmed that the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act, 1999 scheduled NRC for privatisation and NCP, in 2002, approved that the enterprise be concessioned to private operators to provide freight and passenger services using the vertical integration model.

He stated further that

the decision to reform NRC was borne out of the government desire to avoid the collapse and eventual shut down of the railways, generally regarded as a loss making but socially and economically imperative to the nation.

The Bureau pointed out that in view of the funding challenges facing the future of rail, the country seems dependent on the efficiency and professionalism which the private sector can bring to improve railway operations.

The railway reform,

restructuring and privatisation programme is specifically aimed at providing the framework for private sector led growth through expanded domestic and foreign investment.

It also includes improving NRC’s ability to provide adequate, safe, reliable and efficient services and reducing the Corporation’s dependence on government by introducing private sector investment in the sector.

It would be recalled that a new Railway Bill, which is one of the eight reform bills recently approved by

pension as at the date of their retirement.

“None of the retirees enjoy this amount since the inception of the act till date. Unfortunately, the portion has been expunged from the New Pension Reform Act 2014. What have we done to deserve this ugly treatment? This is a leeway to PFAs to milk us perpetually,” he added.

NCP and Federal Executive Council, FEC, is currently before the National Assembly for passage into law.

The new Bill seeks to among others, repeal the NRC Act, 1955, provide the appropriate market design and legal framework for the implementation of government’s reform programme; separate the roles of policy making, regulation and operation; provide a platform for the introduction of private sector concessionaires and promote competition in the provision of railway services nationwide.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, May 8, 2015

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Fuel scarcity: We’ve 1.2bn litres in stock –NNPC CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, yesterday said 1.2 billion litres of premium motor spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol is in stock.

The disclosure came even as the scarcity of the product is biting harder across major cities in the country.

But, the NNPC, in a statement signed by its group general manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, said the 1.2 billion figure translates into 31 days sufficiency going by the 40 million litres daily

consumption of fuel in the country.

The statement quoted the managing director of the PPMC, Prince Haruna Momoh, to have made the disclosure in Abuja, adding that 21 additional vessels laden with petroleum products are offshore Lagos waiting to berth.

He said the NNPC had made adequate arrangements to ensure energy sufficiency in the country and reassured motorists that the noticeable queues at the filling stations would thin out in the days ahead.

Prince Momoh noted that the NNPC has 21 days sufficiency of automative gas oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel and 18 days sufficiency of dual purpose kerosene

(DPK) otherwise known as kerosene.

He announced that as part of efforts to ensure petroleum products sufficiency and distribution, the NNPC embarked on aggressive reception depots rehabilitation in 2011, adding that “as at today (yesterday), 18 depots out of the 23 depots have been fully recovered with the exception of Makurdi, Yola and Maiduguri due to the activities of pipeline vandals.”

The PPMC boss disclosed that the corporation suffered petroleum products losses worth N40.8bn through pipeline vandalism in 2014 stressing that no business could experience such a loss and still remain a going concern.

Prince Momoh noted that there was a marginal increase in pipeline vandalism, stressing that in 2013, the corporation recorded 3517 vandalised points but in 2014 the figure increased to 3,774.

He observed that as at today, 97 pipeline vandals are undergoing prosecution and regretted that since their cases started a few years ago none of the accused persons have been convicted for economic sabotage.

He called on Nigerians from all walks of life especially those living in communities through which the pipelines run, to protect the pipelines in the nation’s interest.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Petroleum and Nat-

ural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday appealed to Lagosians to bear with it over the gridlock situation caused by petrol tanker drivers in the Apapa area of Lagos.

Mr. Tokunbo Korodo, the South West chairman of the union, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the untold hardship was not the fault of his union.

“Most of the tankers responsible for the traffic jam came from the northern part of the country to load petroleum products in Lagos.

“It is unfortunate that the tankers came as planned but they brought traffic gridlock to the Apapa axis.

“They were programmed to get the products here (Lagos), but when they got here most of the depots owned by independent marketers refused to load them. ``The independent marketers are aggrieved that they were not carried along by the major oil marketers on the recent subsidy payment by the Federal Government.

“Now that the tanker drivers are here, it is difficult to return to the North without the product because it will not make economic sense. ``For them to go back to their stations (empty) is economic loss; so they will continue to wait till they get the products.

“This is coupled with an early morning accident along Ikorodu road.

“The union is working with officials of the Lagos State traffic unit to manage the situation,” he said.

He said the gridlock would ease immediately majority of the tankers load and leave Lagos.

Korodo reiterated that the NNPC should decentralise the loading of petroleum products to reduce traffic gridlocks on Lagos roads.

He said only three depots out of the over-50 available currently had petroleum products, adding that this is mainly responsible for the traffic jam.

Stay action, S’Court orders N’Assembly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: CEO Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Sarah Alade, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; CEO, Standard Bank Africa, Mr. Chris Newson; Head, Investor Services, Standard Bank, Mr. Mark Kerns, and Head, Investor Services, West Africa, Standard Bank, Mr. Segun Sanni, at a dinner organised by Standard Bank with international investors in London, yesterday.

APC condemns FG’s last minute appointments CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Mohammed averred that as much as the Jonathan administration is bent on provoking the incoming administration, creating confusion and even sabotaging the transition, the APC has decided not to fall for its antics in the interest of peace, reiterating its earlier advice to the PDP to shake off the trauma of defeat and gear up for the challenging task of being in opposition.

He said: “It must however realise that being in opposition is not a walk in the park but that it is like running a marathon in a desert where there are no oases or shades.

The sooner it realises that the better for it.”

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has urged the in-

coming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to ensure the completion of all projects which the present administration may not be able to complete before the May 29 handover date.

Jonathan spoke yesterday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory when he inspected three major ongoing projects in the city to ascertain their level of completion.

The projects are the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way, popularly called Airport Road, Kubwa Outer Northern Expressway (KONEX) and the Abuja light rail.

He recalled that contract for the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway was awarded in May 2009, add-

ing that there is a 30-kilometre telecommunication infrastructure on it.

While he revealed that the road is now at 98 per cent completion, the President urged the incoming administration to ensure its completion especially because it serves as a gateway to the city.

“It is the plan of this government to replicate this in all the state capitals.

I hope the new government will replicate it in other state capitals,” he said.

Jonathan also lauded the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed for the effective supervision of the projects.

Earlier, the minister in his remarks had said the roads have reduced traffic

gridlock in the territory.

He, however, pointed out that there is still an outstanding bill of between N5 billion and N15 billion to be settled.

While inspecting the light rail project at Idu, Director of Transport, FCT Transport Secretariat, Alex Usuma, revealed that the official date of its completion remains December, 2015. He added that the project is already 61 per cent completed.

According to him the administration is working on lot 1A and3 presently. He revealed that the starting point of the rail service is where the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation mega station is cited.

Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said they would wait to be served with the ruling of the court before making any pronouncement on it.

He said: “I am not officially aware of the ruling yet because court processes are not broadcast on networks.

We have to be served with the processes so that we know the exact terms of the order or orders made. And to the best of my knowledge, the NASS has not been served with any order.

“Until we are served, I cannot speculate, it will be academic to begin to speculate. Supposing we are not served at all? Supposing the information is wrong?

Supposing it is right? And we don’t know the terms of the order. We have to wait to be served with the order so that we look at the terms before making any pronouncement on it.”

Also reacting, the chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang (APC, Akwa Ibom North East), said one would not be precise on what to do if he is not served.

“As I’m speaking, I have not seen the court order to know the parties, and the

prayers before the court; the details of the order and on whom it was directed.

So, I will reserve all comments until we are served with the court order, and we know its content and the effect of it on legislative process.

“Therefore, we will not be able to be categorical on this. It is about the action of the court by which we are bound. So, we have to know whether we are the parties, and whether it relates to the matter that is being handled by us. Unless and until we are served, we will not be able to be precise on what to do,” he said.

Enang who declined to comment on the meeting of the Joint Committee on Constitution Review on Wednesday, however, hinted that there are no pending bills with President Jonathan.

“I will say no large number of bills is pending with Mr. President. Most of the bills said to be pending with him are bills passed by the previous Assembly. Most of the bills, which we have passed here are those which are either in the House of Representatives or the House bills that are with us.

They are not with Mr. President,” he said.

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Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sambisa: We lack capability to detect IGP sets up judges’ protection unit population in hideouts –Air Force UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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igerian Air Force, NAF, yesterday disclosed that the military lacked the capabilities to detect populations in hideouts, which was responsible for the unwarranted sustained operations against the Boko Haram insurgents and the inability to find and rescue their numerous abducted victims.

Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, made the disclosure at

a press briefing in Abuja, to mark the 51st anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force.

Amosu, said that they are astonished in the military over the number of persons that have so far been rescued from the Sambisa forest, expressing the military’s ignorance over the nature of population in the forest.

Lamenting that the military was technologically bankrupt, the Air Chief said necessary technologies would have saved the country the pains it is undergo-

ing in the hands of Boko Haram.

Since 2002, the country has suffered so many afflictions from Boko Haram which became worst in the past six years, but received some respite after committing so much resources, time and manpower into it, including losing many innocent citizens and soldiers.

As at today, over 600 people comprising women, girls and children, have been rescued from the Sambisa forest, with so much stress by the military.

He said that the Air Force had already established some forward operations bases to complement the maritime end we have one FOB in Baddary, and has one in Mubi, and was still going to construct additional in Monguno and Bama to take care of the Boko Haram.

Amosu however, said that the Air Force has been able to receive the twin air 350, which is essentially for tactical transportation to support the ongoing counter terrorism operations.

OMEIZA AJAYI

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cting InspectorGeneral of Police, Solomon Arase has directed Command Commissioners of Police, CPs, to immediately set up Judges Protection Units, JPU, for judges and courts within their areas of responsibilities.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu.

Arase had on assumption of office last month pledged to strengthen the security of judges especially as the country moves into another phase of postelection litigations.

According to him, the decision will ensure that the judiciary has adequate security to carry-out their duties.

The IGP further directed Command CPs to assign Assistant Commissioners of Police, ACPs, in charge of Training and Development to conduct proper training and orientation exercise for personnel constituting JPU. He emphasised that personnel designated for this assignment must exhibit high sense of professionalism, courage, integrity, discipline and respect for human rights.

Arase also directed the reduction in the number of Police aides attached to civil commissioners nationwide.

FG generates N51bn from passport sale in 4 years …$5bn from offshore operations OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

T L-R; Executive Secretary, Small and Medium Scale Industries, Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; Director, BOI, Chief Lawrence Osayemi; Managing Director, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, and Board Chairman, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, during the Annual General Meeting of the Bank in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Chidoka bemoans dearth of aviation infrastructure …says MM2 offers template in airports’ management OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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inister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka has decried the massive infrastructural and equipment challenges in the country’s aviation industry, saying that Nigeria cannot perform in isolation of the others.

Chidoka also emphasised that there is lack of adequate and accurate data in the industry between the airlines and agencies in the sector.

The minister stated this yesterday at the commissioning of the Common User Passenger Processing System, CUPPS, by the BiCourtney Aviation Services

Limited, BASL, operator of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos.

Chidoka specifically said that in 2015, Nigerian pilots still file their flight plans manually, rather than electronic flight plans that have been adopted in other aviation developed countries.

He described this as an embarrassment to the aviation industry in Nigeria, assuring that the ministry would change the system for the better.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has over the years told the public that pilots and airlines now file their flight plans electronically, but the revelation of Chidoka was a contradiction to the claim of the agency.

He insisted that there is an urgent need to listen to pilots that fly in Nigeria and ensured that the country’s aviation navigational aids were up to date.

He noted that by helping to replicate airport infrastructure abroad in the country, Nigeria would have helped in growing aviation sector thereby helping to grow the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Chidoka further disclosed that Nigerian airlines on-time performance had dropped by 17 per cent in April 2015, adding that last month was the worst for the sector in Nigeria since the government started ontime performance for the airlines.

He attributed the drop

in on-time departure of airlines to the recent fuel scarcity, which had engulfed most parts of the industry.

He also lamented that virtually all the airlines lacked quality service delivery to air travellers, which he said, must be changed for the comfort, safety and security of air passengers in the country.

He also said that there had been controversies between airlines and agencies on the numbers of passengers that pass through the airports annually, but noted that with the installation of electronic infrastructure at all the points just like BASL had done, it would be more accurate to get the real figures of travellers in the country.

he Federal Government has in the last four years, generated over N51 billion from the sale of international passports through the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. Also, within the period under review, government generated over $5 billion from the offshore operations of the NIS. All the monies were paid directly into the Federation Account.

Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, disclosed this yesterday at a media parley on the activities of the ministry under him.

He however, regretted that while the ministry spent its lean resources trying to scale up its revenue generation profile, the paramilitary services which generated these funds do not have any direct benefit from them.

According to him, the ministry has already proposed to the Ministry of Finance to work out a certain percentage for the services to assist them in carrying out their functions.

This came even as the minister said between January 8 and now, the United

Kingdom has transferred three prisoners to Nigeria in line with the terms of the Prisoner Transfer Agreement between both countries.

Speaking further on the issue of passport scandal at the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, the minister warned that all erring officers will be sanctioned.

He said some of the immigration officers extort members of the public to produce passports for them.

“An investigation is currently ongoing about some of the officers and if found guilty, serious actions will be taken on them,” he stated.

While calling on Nigerians to support the incoming administration, Moro said the ministry will continue to do its best to generate revenue for the government.

Speaking on the new Visa policy of the service, the minister said the policy has been reviewed to ensure issuance of passports at the point of entry.

“Such policy will favour business men who do business in the country to present a receipt of payment at the port of entry to collect their visas”, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 8, 2015

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Again, FG orders verification of workers’ records Omeiza Ajayi

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ederal Government has ordered the verification and revalidation of all credentials and records of all staff in the Federal Civil Service.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by the Assistant Director, Media Relations in the Office of

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Manga.

According to Manga, the directive which was given by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, to officials managing the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, was contained in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) in his office, Dr.

Senate passes AMCON, Gas Free Zone bills George Oji ABUJA

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enate yesterday passed the Oil and Gas Export Free Zones Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill, 2014 into law.

Senators Odion Ugbesia (PDP-Edo Central) and Bassey Otu (Cross River North) sponsored the Oil and Gas Export Free Zones bill and AMCON bill respectively.

The oil and gas export free zone provides for the designation and establishment of oil free zones and sub-zones, which will ensure economically viable laws to act as catalysts for economic growth.

On the other hand, the

AMCON bill sought for clarifications of the scope of AMCON’s powers to achieve intendments without unnecessary interference with its ability to do so.

Otu said the passage of the bill will enable the organisation to purchase non-performing loans from Deposit Money Banks, DMPs, recapitalise technically insolvent banks and equally enhance availability of credit to critical sectors of the economy.

Ekweremadu, after passage of the bill, said the commitment of the senate to the passage of the bill was to sustain a stable economic system.

He decried that the oil and gas industry in the country had over the years not operated in line with global best practices.

11m Nigerians risk death from asthma —NTS Franka Osakwe

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o fewer than 11 million of 15 million estimated people living with asthma in Nigeria, which represents 75 percent, are at risk of exacerbations, hospitalisation and death from inadequate control of their asthmatic attacks.

The Nigerian Thoracic Society, NTS, disclosed this during the World Asthma Day, WAD, event on Tuesday at the National Stadium Lagos.

In his address, the President, Nigerian Thoracic Society, Prof. Peters Etete, explained that 75 per cent of people living with asthma are not able to control their attack despite availability of asthma drugs. Etete expressed regret that many people still die from the disease whereas 90 per cent of

the deaths were avoidable.

The association’s secretary-general, Dr. Olufemi Adewole, said at the event that identifying and avoiding asthma triggers will help patients maintain an active and healthy lifestyle with asthma. Those triggers he said include tobacco smoke, air pollution, pollen, animal dander, viral infections, heavy exercise, stress, dry or cold air, dust mites, sulfites in dried food and wine, deodorants, perfumes, air fresheners, paint and cleaners.

He further warned asthma patients to avoid polluted environment which can exacerbate their asthma.

“Studies have shown that the environment can have a huge impact on asthma exacerbations, whether from cigarette smoke or pollution from the environment.

Amina Shamaki.

He said the exercise will encompass verification and revalidation of crucial documents of all federal staff in the core Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs of the Federal Government and their out-stations in the affected states in collaboration with other IPPIS stakeholders.

The Head of Service, HoS, further stated that the exercise which is the second

phase would commence at the Headquarters of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT on Monday, May 11 to 22, and between May 18 and 22 in the North-East and North Central Zones.

Kifasi stated that when the exercise is concluded, it will provide for a centralised data base system for the Nigerian Public Service with a single, accurate source of

employee information that will aid government’s manpower planning and decision making.

The federal government had in June last year ordered the conduct of the same exercise, saying there was need to continuously update personnel data on the IPPIS platform and ensure synergy between the payroll and personnel information of all federal civil servants.

The need to cut recurrent

expenditure had seen the government evolving different measures aimed at weeding out ghost workers from the service.

Since the introduction of the IPPIS, government said it has been able to stop the falsification of employee work-history or ages, a situation that has saved it over a hundred billion naira in the first few months of implementation of the scheme.

L-R: Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Deputy, Governor (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Governor Babatunde Fashola, and his wife, Dame Abimbola, during the 2,900 Days in office rendering of account of stewardship by Governor Fashola in Lagos, yesterday.

Southeast not divided over SGF —Ngige Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

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enator Chris Ngige has cleared the air over the controversies surrounding office of Secretary of the Government of the Federation, SGF believed to have been zoned to the South East, saying the incoming All Progressives Congress, APC government is yet to allot positions to any zone.

Addressing journalists after a closed door meeting with president-elect Muhammadu Buhari, Ngige who came with the leadership of Ohanaeze, the Igbo sociocultural group, also said that there was no controversy over who takes up the position.

According to the APC chieftain, who recently lost his senatorial seat, “I was in the first delegation that came the last time, but we cannot say for now that our party has zoned the position of SGF to the South-east. This is because we have a standing committee that is still working on distribution of party

offices, executive and that of also legislature which is where we have the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker of the House of the Representative as presiding officers, and of course other principal officers of both chambers will also be worked out under that committee including the SGF you are talking about.”

Denying that the SGF

position is already causing trouble among Ndigbo, Ngige said, “You can see we are a very disciplined people in the South-east, forget about what people are saying in the newspaper. We have a caucus, which has met on that matter; we are only waiting for the party to officially tell us this is your position and we will submit the name.”

Chairman, caretaker committee of Ohanaeze

Ndigbo, Ralph Obioha, while addressing the media said the committee came to show solidarity with the presidentelect and also to inform him that the outcome of the last election doesn’t actually reflect the true feeling of the Southeast people.

He said the President-elect gave them assurance that he would treat the entire nation as his constituency, and that they believe him.

Non-academic staff demand N62bn earned allowance Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

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on-teaching staff of Nigerian universities yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the relevant government agency to release the outstanding N62 billion Earned Allowance before May 29 handover date.

The workers, under the auspices of Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the

Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, also said the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration would have to contend with a lot of unresolved labour issues in the nation’s ivory tower.

The three unions, which spoke to journalists shortly after the close of joint meeting at the NASU Secretariat, Abuja, said they had resolved to put in the public domain government’s continued

breach of their 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The SSANU president, Samson Ugwoke, presented the position of the unions as contained in a jointly signed document by the NASU president, Ladi Iliya and the NAAT president, Sani Sulaiman.

He said from over N92 billion Earned Allowance, the government released N30 billion, leaving a balance of about N62 billion.

The unions therefore demanded that the renegotiation team be constituted urgently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, May 8, 2015

NDLEA official docked for importing cocaine WALE IGBINTADE

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ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday arraigned one of its officials, Mr. Adeogun Ogunyemi Olajide, and one Adams Isaac Michael (a.k.a. Chidi), before a Federal High Court, Lagos on a four count charge, bordering on importation of cocaine into the country.

The accused persons in charge number FHC/ L/174c/15, were said to have conspired together to import 2.692 kilograms of the banned substance

into the country between the month of January and March, 2015.

They were also alleged to have committed the offence on February 24, 2015, at the International Mail Processing Centre, NACHO, International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The offences according to the NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. Augustine Nwaga, are punishable under sections 14(b) and 11(a) of the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Count one of the charge reads; “that you Adams

Isaac Michael (a.k.a Chidi), and Adeogun Ogunyemi Olajide, between the months of January and March 2015, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired with one another to import 2.092 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 14(b) of the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency Act Cap. 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.”

Count four reads; “that you Adams Isaac Michael (a.k.a Chidi), and Adeogun Ogunyemi Olajide, on

or before March 8, 2015, at the International Mail Processing Centre, NACHO, International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without lawful authority imported 600 grams of cocaine, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 11(a) of the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N 30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.”

When the charges were read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Electricity consumers allege fraud in billing system

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ome electricity consumers in Lagos on Thursday condemned what they called irregularities in the receipts issued to owners of pre-paid meters by Ikeja Electric Distribution Company, IEDC. The consumers said the receipts issued to them after recharging their meter as fraudulent and theft of customers’ identity rights

and privileges.

Investigations conducted by a Correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, revealed that mostly affected consumers are from Gowon and Shagari Estates, Egbeda and Akowonjo areas of Lagos.

Some of the consumers told NAN that the prepaid meter receipts issued to them in unknown names

and addresses had cast aspersion on their integrity and personality.

They also said that current receipts which did not carry their identity and addresses had made it impossible for them to use such receipts in business and government transactions.

Mr Kunle Ishola, a resident of Gowon Estate, Egbeda, said he was

alarmed to notice after recharging at Ponle Business Unit of IEDC, near Gowon Estate, that the receipt contained another consumer’s name and address.

Ishola said that IEDC officials were adamant on providing convincing information concerning such a development, but only appealed to him to come back later.

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UI students protest colleague’s death KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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tudents of the University of Ibadan for several hours yesterday, paralysed economic, administrative and academic activities within the school and the city as they protest the death of an undergraduate from the institution.

The four gates into the institution were put under lock and key, as the students moved from one faculty to another stopping lecturers and students and calling for more mobilisation.

They later moved into the city of Ibadan, blocking major roads, like Sango -Mokola, UI -Ojoo, causing traffic gridlock with motorists diverting to other routes to get to their destination.

National Mirror learnt that Mayowa Alaran, a 200 level student in the Human Kinetics Education Department, died due to what the students

described as the negligence of the university health centre management.

It was gathered that Mayowa was among those watching European League match in his hall of residence (Independence Hall) on Wednesday night, but got suffocated and fainted.

It was learnt that a call was said to have been made for the university ambulance to come and pick the student, but all to no avail after which he was rushed down to the health centre (Jaja Clinic) located few metres to Kuti Hall where he later died.

The Student Union President of the institution, Odesola Olufemi while speaking with journalists, alleged that rather than commenced immediate treatment, staffs at the health centre were busy asking for the student’s identification card, a reason he attributed for the death of Mayowa.

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South West

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

US$242m scam: Appeal Court reserves judgement on Nwude’s assets WALE IGBINTADE

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Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole (third left), arriving the gate of the University to appeal to agitated students over the death of a 200-level student, Mayowa Alaran, in Ibadan, yesterday.

Oba Akiolu confirms rift between Tinubu, Fashola FRANCIS SUBERU

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hat there was a rift between Governor Babatunde Fashola and his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at a time was yesterday confirmed by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu.

The monarch who spoke at the Blue Roof venue of an event marking the 2,900 days in office of Governor Fashola stated that it took his intervention, and the grace of God to reconcile the two of them.

It will be recalled that there have been many unconfirmed reports that there were serious disagreements between Tinubu and Fashola towards the end of Fashola’s first term in office as governor of Lagos State.

According to Oba Akiolu, there are many sycophants within the All

Progressives Congress, APC, who instigated both Tinubu and Fashola against each other, adding that he was happy the rifts abated.

Oba Akiolu said: “I am not a partisan politician, but I am a politician of Iga Iduganran. I am not afraid of any person or anything. I can only fear God. I am also not afraid of death, but I am not going to die now. When there was a controversy between Tinubu and Fashola, all the elders and monarchs throughout the federation called me to intervene.

“They said I served in the Nigeria Police for 32 years and could not settle a conflict between my two sons. In the APC, there are people who are agents of conflicts. Such agents would go to my elder son and advise him against making peace with my younger son. The same people would go to my

younger son and instigate him against my older son.

“But God can never be put to shame. So, I called the two of them separately. I told them they have to listen to me and that if they refused, I would hand off. To God be the glory, they listened to me.

“One of the elders in the party called me aside and advised me to leave Tinubu alone. That I should let them snatch the party away from him, since that was exactly what he did to Ganiyu Daudu and Alhaji Lateef Jakande. I told him that was not good. I told him God does not like that kind of approach.”

Oba Akiolu urged Lagosians to pray fervently for the Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, even as he advised Ambode against vengeance.

Said he: “Ambode will soon take over from Fashola. We should earnestly pray for him. I have told him not to revenge. I

told him not to resume office with a vengeful heart.

He should forget the past and move on. Among the people here, there are those who never wanted Ambode to emerge as governor of the state.

“Most of you are sycophants. Some of you are blood relations. But I told them Ambode was my candidate. All Lagos residents should pray that the labour of Tinubu should not be in vain.

“A lot of things have been happening. Some people have been telling General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) all sorts of things. The Awujale of Ijebuland and I have decided to meet Buhari because Lagos and the South West states must benefit from the Buhari administration.

“People who are now telling Buhari all sorts of things are sycophants.

They did not want Buhari to emerge winner in the

No going back on enforcement of speed limit device by June –FRSC BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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sun State sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Muhammad Husaini, yesterday stated that the commission would not shift the June 1 deadline for the enforcement of installation of speed limit device on vehicles.

Addressing participants at a workshop organised for drivers on the benefits inherent in the usage of the device at the state office of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Osogbo, Husaini said motorists are expected to have the maximum speed limiter device on their vehicles to reduce crashes on roads.

He said the spate of avoidable carnage on the roads must be addressed; hence the sensitisation campaign for commercial drivers and motorcycle riders on the use and benefits of the speed limit device.

He also urged motorists to take advantage of the device as it would help guarantee their safety on the highways.

He explained that the commission has arranged with a company to handle the supply of the device to motorists in the state.

According to him, the commission has also concluded arrangements to organise more rallies and workshops to sensitise motorists on how to install the device on their vehicles.

he Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, yesterday reserved judgement in an appeal filed by Chief Emmanuel Nwude, challenging his conviction and forfeiture of assets by an Ikeja High Court.

Justice Joseph Oyewole had in his judgement convicted Nwude and his two cohorts, Mrs. Amaka Anajemba and Mr. Nzeribe Okoli and sentenced them to varying terms of imprisonment for defrauding a Brazilian banker, Mr. Nelson Sakaguchi, and his bank, Banquo Noreste, Sau Paulo, Brazil, to the tune of approximately US$242 million.

The scam was said to be the biggest single fraud case in the world; it led to the collapse of the bank.

Sequel to a plea bargaining with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the court ordered him and his two companies, Emrus Nigeria Ltd and African Shelter Nigeria Ltd to make a restitution of US $110 million to the victim of the

crime “as restitution.”

Furthermore, a number of landed properties, scattered in Lagos and Abuja, some vehicles and corporate stocks belonging to Nwude and his two companies were ordered forfeited to the victim.

Dissatisfied, Nwude, in his Notice of Appeal filed by his lawyer, Dr. Dapo Olanipekun (SAN), prayed the appellate court to set aside his conviction and sentence respectively.

At the resumed hearing of the appeal, Nwude through his lawyer argued that the sentence given to him was unknown to law and not contained in the Act establishing the offence.

He submitted that Nwude was made to forfeit assets that he acquired before the offence was committed.

He urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgement of the lower court.

In his response, counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) told the court that the appellant decided to change his plea to “’guilty’’ after the prosecution had called six witnesses.

APC accuses Ekiti gov of short-changing MDG beneficiaries ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of short-changing beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the tune of N70,000 each.

The party’s state publicity secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, alleged that the governor released N30,000 to each of the beneficiaries instead of N100,000, urging him to stop cheating indigent people.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Olatunbosun said: “We wonder why Fayose will always deny Ekiti people their entitlements. The CCT programme started during the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration and the present beneficiaries were selected over

a year ago during which they benefited to the tune of N5,000 per month in addition to providing a mobile telephone for each of them.

“The last stage of the programme is for them to be paid N100,000 each as exit fund to start their businesses, but Mr. Fayose has decided to pay them only N30,000 while helping himself with the remaining N70, 000,” Olatubosun stated.

But the Chief of Staff to the governor, who oversees the MDGs in the state, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, described the allegations as untrue and part of APC’s propaganda against the present administration.

Anisulowo said the state government hs not paid any money to any participant under the MDG CCT scheme, stressing that he would not know where the APC got its information.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Friday, May 8, 2015

11

Ebonyi threatens to sanction banks over LG

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bonyi State government yesterday threatened to sanction any bank that continues to withhold local government funds in the state.

Supervising Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Dr Ifeanyi Ike, made the threat in Abakaliki while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the State Ex-

ecutive Council meeting.

He said government had directed such banks currently withholding such funds to immediately “defreeze the accounts and allow the council caretaker chairmen access to the accounts.

“This will enable the chairmen to offset salaries of council workers and meet with other demands

needed for effective running of the third tier of government.

“It is only courts of competent jurisdiction that have the right to order freezing of such accounts and not the state House of Assembly or any other body.

“Any local government staff (member), no matter his level in the service that

Customs impounds N250m fake drugs …seizes 182 vehicles, clothing Chris Njoku OWERRI

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igeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri has impounded 1,777 cartons of fake and substandard drugs (Super Mebendazole and Levamisole Hydrochloride) without NAFDAC registration, manufacturing batch numbers and expiration dates, and other items worth Duty Paid Value, DPV, of N250,676,300.

Briefing newsmen at Customs Government Warehouses in Owerri and Benin on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone C, Comptroller Victor David Dimka, said the truck conveying the Mebendazole tablets was impounded on the Benin/Edo expressway following a tip-off.

He said the drug barons on sighting his men quickly abandoned the exhibits and fled into a nearby bush, although the truck

driver was later arrested and is helping in the investigation.

Dimka, who promptly handed over the seized items to the Director of NAFDAC in-charge of Imo, Mr. Mammael Victor and that of Edo State, David West for further investigation on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, expressed concern at the spate of smuggling illicit, unregistered, controlled drugs and contraband goods in the country despite severe consequences for offenders.

Displaying other seized items including 193 bales of fairly used Jumbo school bags and 780 bales of second-hand clothing impounded on the Eleme/ Aba Road, Dimka disclosed that used and expired tyres also smuggled into the country were similarly seized because of their obvious implications to human lives.

Other items seized include assorted types of

furniture, 599 bags of 50kg long grain parboiled rice and 182 flashy vehicles.

Dimka regretted that while many Nigerians preoccupy themselves with ideas to move the nation forward, and to acquire decent means of livelihood, others shamelessly engage themselves in acts capable of bringing the nation to ruin.

He therefore warned smugglers, their agents and collaborators to turn a new leaf before the long arm of the law catches up with them, adding that the Customs Service is better equipped, informed, trained and mobilised to dislodge smugglers wherever they hibernate and operate.

He also appealed to members of the public with useful information about smugglers to always make them available to the nearest Customs Command for necessary action, pledging that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Chamber faults excessive electricity tariff

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resident, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, Dr Tim Anosike, yesterday said the fixed charges imposed on electricity consumers by distribution companies amounted to “economic injustice.”

The chamber’s president said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Anosike was speaking against the backdrop of continued epileptic power supply to industrial zones as well as outright blackout in some communities in the

state.

He said it was a gross act of injustice for people to pay for services they did not use.

“The chamber is seeking an immediate intervention by the Federal Government, especially on the issue of monthly fixed charges imposed on power consumers, whether they consume electricity or not.

“Thus, government should make the power providers remove fixed charges imposed on Nigerian citizens, no matter how reasonable their excuses would seem,’’ he said.

Anosike, however, lauded government’s 50 per cent re-

duction of electricity tariff, saying the action had saved the manufacturing sub-sector from total collapse.

“It was hard for our chamber to be convinced of why the power companies increased the tariff to 100 per cent, even with perpetual outage that has remained over the years,’’ he said.

The chamber’s boss said it was regrettable that electricity supply had not improved even with special interventions.

Unstable power supply has continued to hinder the setting-up of small and medium scale enterprises and businesses in the area.

disobeys this state government’s directive shall face stiff reprimand, including risk of sack,” he said.

Ike decried the banks’ action and described it as detrimental to the smooth running of government affairs.

He said the state government was determined to allot completed stalls at the market to interested per-

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ome residents of Nsukka, Enugu State have urged aggrieved legislators in the House of Assembly to consider the interest of the state and resolve, through dialogue, any misunderstanding with Governor Sullivan Chime.

The residents yesterday told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Nsukka that they were sad over the development.

They wondered why the executive and legislature in the state which have enjoyed cordial working relationship before now, would start fighting just three weeks to the end of Chime’s tenure.

sons, as work would continue on the facility.

He said the governor extended the period for purchase of forms following the erasure of fear of revocation by the in-coming government, from the people’s minds.

He noted that the government had rescinded the automatic allotment of stalls at the market to trad-

ers at the Abakpa Main Market, in Abakaliki, adding, “But we reserved a lot of shops for them.”

Ike decried the non-utilisation of the constituency allowances meant for the development of various constituencies in the state by the house members.

He urged the in-coming government to revisit the issues.

Embrace peace, residents tell Enugu gov, lawmakers One of the residents, Mr Victor Urama, a lecturer in University of Nigeria Nsukka, urged the legislators and Chime to consider the interest of the state and sheathe their swords.

Urama said the dispute would overheat the polity and stagnate progress in the state.

“They should consider the interest of the state and reconcile their differences, so that this crisis will not spillover to the incoming administration of Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Enugu State governor-elect.

“The 14 aggrieved members led by the Speaker, Eugene Odo, should, in the interest of peace and unity of the state, stop the impeachment process and maintain status quo before the crises.

“I plead with notable personalities in the state to intervene in order to restore peace in the state House of Assembly,’’ he said.

An Evangelist, Mrs Uche Ugwioke, described the dispute as the hand work of the devil, who she said, is unhappy over cordial relationship between the executive and legislature.

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fight Ghana’s government Peter P-Square misleads Emmanuel Adebayor

Ogbono soup lands Dr SID in hot soup

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South South

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Delta police kill 2 cultists A mour Udemude ASABA

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Governor Godswill Akpabio receiving a portrait from Akwa Ibom State NYSC Coordinator, Lady Ngozi Chukwuka during the official swearing-in of Batch A Corps Members in Akwa Ibom State. The State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Monday Uko (middle) watches.

Amaechi’s transition team uncooperative —Wike • We’re ready to hand over — Govt Dennis Naku

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ransition committee set up by the Rivers State governor-elect, Nyesom Wike, yesterday accused Governor Chibuike Amaechi of failing to cooperate with it, following his refusal to set up the conventional transition committee for power switch.

This is as the committee expressed worry that Amaechi had turned down all entreaties to ensure seamless transition in the state on May 29.

Secretary of the committee, Frank Owhor, disclosed this at a news briefing in Port Harcourt.

Owhor said if the governor could be appointed as a prominent member of the transition committee set up by the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, his refusal to do same in Rivers only confirms the contradiction in his character.

“Letters dispatched to the Rivers State governor by personal delivery and DHL courier service were rejected and returned.

“In another instance, a top ranking officer informed the transition committee that workers were under instruction not to receive any correspondence from the transition committee.

“Mails dispatched to the governor by electronic

mail and also delivered to Secretary to the State Government were not even acknowledged,” he added.

On the controversy that may arise over the swearing-in of the governor-elect, in view of the absence of a Chief Judge of the state, President of the Customary Court of Appeal and Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court following the closure of the judiciary in the state for more than a year now, Owhor assured that Wike would be sworn-in after all.

Meanwhile, the Rivers government has declared its readiness to hand over power to the in-coming administration.

Commissioner for Infor-

mation and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who stated this in her reaction to the position of Wike’s transition committee said, “We are ready for handover unlike PDP at the centre that is busy appointing and sacking people.

“They (PDP national) have refused to brief the Buhari transition team and the APC is not screaming blue murder. Rather APC at the centre is meeting, planning and preparing for government.

“Unfortunately in Rivers State, the PDP is busy doctoring election results to cover their stolen mandate and crying wolf to cover their mischief.”

Female politician alleges torture, petitions police Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

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talwart of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mrs Faith Ederi, has petitioned the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Usman Alkali, over alleged physical torture from suspected members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the just concluded Delta Central Senatorial rerun.

In a petition also ad-

dressed to the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari, and Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, Ederi claimed she was beaten up by PDP stalwarts following her refusal to accept bribe during the election.

Counsel to the APC chieftain, Victor Annie, in the petition said Ederi was now living in fear, and named Chief Isaac Itebu, Peter Ikweki and the Okpe local council chairman, Godswill Ejiyere, among those who attempted to

bribe her.

The petition alleged that Itebu approached her to cooperate with his party (PDP), promising to gratify her financially after the accreditation and voting, for his party to win.

She claimed that upon her refusal to accept bribe, Itebu descended on her in the presence of police men and other voters and beat her mercilessly.

The petitioner urged the police commissioner to ensure that justice prevails in the matter.

While reacting to the petition, one of the accused and Executive Secretary, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Itebu, however denied attacking the APC member.

He stressed that he has nothing to gain by beating a woman, saying: “Mrs Ederi whose husband is related to my wife, is just seeking political relevance. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have said anything but for clarity, there is need to clear myself of any accusation.”

elta State police command made a major breakthrough yesterday in its war against cultism in high institutions and communities when a team of crack policemen on a tip-off, gunned down two suspected secret cult members during initiation of new members at Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South local council of the state.

The killing of the suspects followed a coordinated security crackdown on cultists who have unleashed mayhem

on the community and its environs over the past one week.

It would be recalled that last weekend, suspected cultists killed no fewer than four persons in the community in what was described as renewed war between two rival cult groups.

On Monday, two persons were allegedly killed by suspected cultists in daylight, prompting the latest onslaught against cultists in the community by security agents.

Police sources gave the names of the deceased suspects as Odita Opiah and Chidi Onah.

LG poll: Rivers APC counsels aggrieved aspirants Dennis Naku

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head of the May 23 Local Government elections, All Progressives Congress, APC leadership in Rivers State has appealed to aggrieved aspirants to follow the right procedure in channeling their complaints.

This came barely 42 hours after the party conducted it’s primaries amidst protest.

It would be recalled that the State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC had fixed May 23 for the council election in the state, though the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP said it would boycott the exercise since the 90day notice required by law was not given.

Former caretaker committee chairman of Obio/Akpor local government area, Dr. Lawrence Chukwu, had faulted the selection process used in the area, saying one Mr. Chimenen Weli was adopted.

Chukwu in a chat with newsmen said, “We are APC, let us practice what we preach. My supporters and I will not accept any form of imposition,” he said, insisting that he would contest the chairmanship position in Obio/Akpor.

But the state APC chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, in a statement by his media aide, Eze Chukwuemeka, yesterday solicited the understanding of all chair-

manship and councillorship aspirants.

The statement reads: “We wish to remind all aggrieved aspirants that APC is a party founded on justice and to assure them that we will never deviate from that path.

“However, we realise that this is an imperfect human system and that mistakes are bound to occur sometimes, but we wish to assure that necessary steps would be taken to correct every proven case of injustice.”

While calling on members to exercise restraint as they seek justice, it however advised them to avoid embarking on actions that portray the party in bad light.

Meanwhile, the statement lambasted the opposition PDP for threatening to boycott the council poll, saying, “The (PDP) is taking the action because it is afraid of suffering woeful defeat in the election.

“It is instructive that of the 28 active parties in the state, only PDP is threatening to boycott the council poll on flimsy excuses.

“Contrary to the claims of the party, Governor Chibuike Amaechi did not fix the date of the election; it was fixed by the independent electoral body saddled with that responsibility. Besides, there is no court order stopping the poll as claimed by Rivers PDP,” the statement said.

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Politics

Jega has transformed INEC –Wadada

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Ebere Ndukwu

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kiti State All Progressives Congress, APC, has asked Governor Ayodele Fayose to stop his cheating of the state indigent people, saying the short changing of beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer, CCT, scheme of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, to the tune of N70, 000 is callousness taken too far.

APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement said the payment of N30,000 to beneficiaries was a far

APC to Ekiti gov: Short-changing MDGs project beneficiaries wicked

cry from the N100,000 approved for each of them

by MDGs’ office, regretting that a governor who pretends to be friend of the poor, could cheat them with a whopping N70,000.

He said: “The beneficiaries were paid N30,000

by Fayose instead of the statutory N100,000 approved for them and already paid into the bank by the MDGs’ Office at the federal level.

“We wonder why Fay-

ose will always deny Ekiti people their entitlements.

The CCT programme started during the Kayode Fayemi administration and the present beneficiaries were selected over a year ago during which they benefitted to the tune of N5,000 per month in addition to provision of a mobile telephone to each of them.

“The last stage of the programme is for them

to be paid N100,000 each as exit fund to start their businesses, but Fayose has decided to pay them only N30,000 while helping himself to the remaining N70,000.”

Olatubosun described the governor’s action as “callous, scandalous and heartless,” adding that the money was meant to alleviate the sufferings of vulnerable women by the MDGs which had already

paid the money in full as confirmed by impeccable sources at the domiciled bank.

He said APC had long suspected that Fayose would end up messing the programme which he inherited from his predecessor because of his unconscionable appetite for wealth acquisition.

He lamented: “We have been proven right. What will Mr. Fayose do with

the remaining N70,000 that he has withheld?

Why can’t he pay the hapless women their entitlements in full? Must he short-change almost everybody when it comes to money matters? This is how Mr. Fayose reduced the feeding allowance of the children in the School for the Handicapped by a whopping 60 per cent, yet he will call himself friend of the poor.”

Plateau ADC suspends 9 members, set up new exco James Abraham JOS

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lateau State African Democratic Congress, ADC, has suspended nine of its members for what it “called acts of gross misconducts and anti-party activities.”

The party has also set up an eight-member Steering Committee to oversee its affairs pending when a new executive council will be constituted, with Alhaji Muazu Sani and Rabiu Kabiru as chairman and Secretary respectively.

According to a statement jointly signed by Sani and Kabir, and made available to National Mirror in Jos yesterday, the decision was taken after the party’s meeting in Jos on Wednesday.

The statement disclosed that those suspended were the 9 members of an ad-hoc committee ear-

lier set up by the party to review the conduct of the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state which include the party’s deputy governorship candidate in 2015 election, Umar Dauda Isa; party’s state organising secretary, Mubarak Yusuf Garko; Jos North Local Government Area chairman of the party and Women Leader, Ibrahim U Mamman and Aisha Musa respectively.

Meanwhile, those suspended have described their suspension as a nullity, insisting that they remain bona-fide members of the party.

Other members of the committee who were also suspended according to the statement were four party excos including Muhammed Bashır, Yusuf Abubakar, Maımunat Abubakar Sa’ad, Muhammad Abdullahi and Sani Abdul.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (middle); the National Chairman, United Progressive Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie (left) and other officials of the party during their visit to the President-elect in Abuja recently.

Umeh under pressure to conduct APGA national convention Nwanyiba Anaeze ONITSHA

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arely few weeks after the 2015 general election, which All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, almost lost all the seats in Anambra State to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a group of APGA members in the

state are pressuring the party’s National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh to convene and conduct the party’s national convention which will usher in a new leadership in line with his promise at last year’s convention at Woman Development Centre Awka.

The group under the ae-

Present your evidence to public, Mu’azu dares critics Adeleke Adesanya

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ational Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has described as hopeless, the allegation by Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, that he sold out the PDP to the

All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last general election.

Mu’azu who spoke through his twitter handle yesterday afternoon said he is not in any way moved by the controversial governor’s statement, mocking him that his death claim on the President-elect, Mu-

hammadu Buhari before the election, is a good parameter to judge him as a prophet of lies.

Mu’azu said: “Fayose said he has evidence that I sold PDP out to APC during the last election, we hope it’s not the kind of evidence he once said he had that Buhari was dying when he

travelled abroad before the election.”

Mu’azu said the blame being heaped on him over PDP’s woeful performance is misplaced, adding that he warned the presidential campaign team over the hate campaign it launched against the opposition before the election.

gis of APGA Mandate for Good Governance, AMGG, Anambra State chapter, said it has been watching the body language of APGA national chairman, Chief Umeh, which depicts that he was planning to play a fast one on the leadership of the party.

Saying the December 2014 APGA convention was merely to ratify Umeh’s request for 120 days to carry on as National Chairman and the appointment of Governor Willie Obiano as APGA board of Trustees, BoT, chairman and leader of the party, contrary to APGA constitution that no serving president, governor, members of the National and state Assemblies shall be appointed the leader of APGA or the

Bot Chairman unless such person has stayed up to one year as an active and card carry member of the party, AMGG said that the 120 days extension granted Umeh has since expired in April.

It said: “Now that his tenure has expired, APGA members would not take anything less than national convention and election of new leadership of the party.

“Umeh and Austin Ndigwe (Uzu-Awka) confused us into believing that those Hausa that attended the convention came from different states of the North, not knowing that they were recruited from Eke Awka, and paid N1,000 each to pose as APGA members from different states of the North.”

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Politics

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jega has transformed INEC –Wadada

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hat is your assessment of the last election conducted by the Independent National INEC? What do you think INEC can do to make the process better?

Very good question, INEC is far from one of its fundamental responsibilities. One of such responsibilities is that INEC is not only confined to conducting elections but the voters political education. INEC under Attahiru Jega has transformed the commission from where it is coming from, but it is lacking in the aspect of voters political education. You know education is all encompassing. INEC has to do more in that aspect so that the knowledge of an average electorate will be deepened and broadened so that compliance will become much easier and myopic, parochial detrimental, unprogressive politicians will be cleared from the terrain. That is our objective. I am not desperate about winning an election, as it is not the only thing that gives victory, what message have you been able to convey to the electorate between the commencement of campaign and the end of it is what I consider as victory. The Martin Luther Kings of this world, Malcom X, the Saudauna and Awolowos are no longer here but we still talk about them, that is the legacy I want to leave behind.

With the poor performance of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the last election, are you planning to defect?

God forbid. Why should I defect? Do you see the APC controlling the Nasarawa House of Assembly? Let us see what the APC would do, after all they would soon be the ruling party. Whether the PDP controls the House or not, I remain where I am. It is dynamic world and vicious circle. We all started with PDP, it is a circle that will go round and round and will come back to us.

Those of us in PDP would try to adjust and address the problem that made us to fail in the last election. Defecting from one party to another would not help our democracy to grow. Therefore, I rather stay where I am than jumping from one party to another.

You seem very popular in the state based on our assessment of the election monitored by our team in the state; but you were alleged to be involved in anti party activities during election. How true is this?

With due respect and humility, I am a very educated, enlightened and broad-minded politician. I have never been identified with any trace or history of betrayal in my life. I am today not only a member of the PDP but a symbol of the party and President Goodluck Jonathan has been somebody I have known before he became Vice President of the country. As far as I am concerned, he has not done anything wrong to me to warrant me to vote for somebody else. I’m not a sentimental Nigerian; I know that if God had wanted all Nigerians to be Hausa/Fulani or only Muslims, it would have been. How-

Hon Aliyu Wadada is former chairman of House of Representatives’ Committee on the Capital Market and former Special Assistant, SA, to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. He contested the March 28 senatorial poll under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the incumbent senator representing the district in the Senate, former Governor Abdullahi Adamu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and lost. He tells WOLE OLADIMEJI his plans to retrieve his mandate. Excerpts:

Wadada

ever, in His infinite mercy, He created the geographical enclave called Nigeria and membered it with various ethnic groups and religions. What reason have I got to vote for an opposition candidate? Whoever said I displayed my ballot paper on Election Day is a liar. The social media should re-check whatever it has and holding onto. I never displayed my ballot paper and never voted any other party other than the PDP. Concerning the elections, you all know that I won my election but for the orchestrations, machinations and malpractices that took place, the declaration was done unlawfully and wrongly. The staff of INEC, members of

Since they have unlawfully gone ahead to declare my

opponent the winner, the only option left to us is to go to the tribunal.

APC, PDP and my humble self-including my opponents in that election all knew that I won that election. I say this and will continue to insist that in a ward within the senatorial district, election did not hold and for INEC’s fault, due process was followed as to why election did not hold there, the presiding officer communicated in writing to the electoral officer in Nasarawa and also communicated to the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, thus making the election inconclusive.

The law states that if the difference between the genuine winner and the loser is not more than the registered voters in the unit or ward where election was not conducted, that makes that exercise inconclusive. On that ground, the election in Nasarawa West senatorial district was inconclusive. Aside that, 8,000 of my votes from Karu ward in Karu Local Government Area was unlawfully taken away. Baji/Agada electoral ward was completely nullified. My votes in Magaji in Nasarawa were also not entered. If the votes of Karu are restored to me, which are over 8,000, it would nullify this boogie false and unaccepted differential that is between me and my opponent.

We hear you have written to INEC over the matter, what is the outcome?

I am not actually waiting for INEC because I know what the law says. Since they have unlawfully gone ahead to declare my opponent the winner, the only option left to us is to go to the tribunal. INEC cannot do anything but it is for record purposes that we first went to INEC. Remember however, that I did not contest this election under the auspices of Aliyu Wadada and Sons but under the auspices of the PDP, and so the party takes precedence. Whatever I have at the back of my mind, it is what the party wants that I will do. We should not allow what has taken place to continue to bedevil our political environment where people will take laws into their hands, cook results because they do not want to be defeated, but they have been defeated. The fact that the man contested against me and it took one and a half days for the so-called controversial result to be heard makes me the winner and I can assure you that I remain the true winner. That is why I am not saying anything. Your monitors saw for yourselves, I am a home boy here in Keffi. If we are not as old as they are in the game, they should not forget that we are educated and enlightened, we have our facts.

Ebonyi tribunal receives 13 petitions Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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lection Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, for the 2015 general election has received a total of 13 petitions challenging the victory of winners of the various elections.

One of the petitions

was filed by Labour Party, LP, gubernatorial candidate, Chief Edward Nkwegu, challenging the victory of the governor-elect, Engr Dave Umahi, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Nkwegu, National Mirror gathered, filed his petitions barely two days after the declaration of the governor-elect to probe all

political office holders, including reviewing of contract awarded to contractors by the state government for the past few years which he (Nkwegu) may be part of.

The LP candidate had last month conceded defeat and expressed wholesome willingness to support the incoming government to achieve an un-

common development of the state.

Meanwhile, other petitions came from the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Izzi/Abakaliki federal constituency, Mr Uchenna Mbam Nshii, challenging the victory of Chief Sylvester Ogbaga of the PDP, who is now in his third term in the National Assembly.

Also, APC House of Assembly candidate for Ishielu-South constituency, Mr. Ndubuisi Nwokporo, is challenging the victory of PDP’s Mr. Julius Ifeanyichukwu Nwokpo.

The tribunal also received petitions from the Peoples Progressives Alliance, PPA, candidate for Ohaozara-Onicha/Ivo federal constituency, chal-

lenging the victory of Chief Linus Okorie of the PDP. Another petition was received from Mr Godwin Nwamkpuma of the LP, challenging the victory of PDP candidate for IzziWest state constituency, Mr. Ogbonna Francis Nwifuru as well APC candidate for Izzi-East state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, May 8, 2015

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Osun guber: Supreme Court rules on Omisore’s petition May 27 Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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he Supreme Court yesterday reserved judgment till May 27 in the appeal filed by Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, candidate in the August 9, 2014 Osun gubernatorial election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, against the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of All Progressives Congress, APC. Leading other six justices of the court, Justice Fabiyi, called on appellants’ counsel led by Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN, to identify the processes filed.

Chief Charles Akinlolu Olujinmi, the lead counsel to the 1st Respondent, Aregbesola, while adopting the processes, drew attention of the court to fundamental observation regarding the processes filed by the appellants.

He argued that in the case, the appellants prepared two Notices of Appeal, as well as two briefs of arguments and wished to rely on the two, adding that such approach was alien to the established rules of court regarding the number of pages of brief that must be filed by the appellant, more so when the appeal emanates from a single judgment.

In support of Olujinmi’s observation, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, also argued that the fact that the lower court gave a judgment on a substantive appeal and crossappeal was not a license for the appellants to file two notices of appeal and two briefs in support.

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, counsel to the 3rd Respondent, countered that the second notices of appeal filed are mere repetition of what was contained in the first notice of appeal.

But Dr. Iziyon while responding argued that the Notices of Appeal are in respect of two judgments.

One is the main appeal and the other is the judgment in the cross-appeal.

It was at this stage that one of the justices asked him whether the date of delivery of both judgments was not the same or

not delivered by the same justices.

The seven-man panel thereafter rose for five minutes and directed that he should adopt all the briefs and their position will be reflected on the judgment.

As Iziyon was trying to adopt his briefs of arguments, Olujinmi raised preliminary objection to the competence of the appeal, saying the appeal as constituted is incompetent because a stranger has been introduced as the 2nd Respondent. He stated that on the two Notices of Appeal, the appellants included as the 2nd Respondent All Peoples Progressives Congress instead of All Progressives Congress.

Chief Olujinmi argued that the law is settled that an appellant must maintain the same party at lower court on appeal and can only change the parties with the leave of court.

He argued that what the appellants did ran counter to the decision of the Supreme Court in APP v INEC 2012 where the Supreme Court unequivocally dismissed an appeal for failure of the appellant to bring proper party before the court.

Responding to the objection, Iziyon submitted that the fact that there was a typographical error in the process does not render it incompetent; adding that what happened was an error which can still be accommodated by the court so that substantial justice is not defeated.

Adopting the brief of arguments, Iziyon argued that the lower court clearly admitted there were irregularities but that such irregularities were not substantial enough to warrant the cancellation of the results of such election, pointing out that the lower court failed to clearly reason with the appellants that the tribunal lumped the issue of irregularities and substantial compliance and failed to make specific findings on both.

He finally submitted that failure of the 3rd re-

spondent, INEC, to call witnesses was clearly fatal to their case and such should have been counted as substantial proof of allegations contained in their petition. He therefore urged the panel to allow the appeal.

But Olujinmi, while adopting the respondent’s briefs of argument, submitted that the appeal was unmeritorious and should be dismissed without much ado, saying that the appellants challenged 930 polling units spanning 17 local governments and called 43 witnesses.

Out of the 43 witnesses,

only seven were polling agents, the other witnesses are supervisors who admitted on record that the evidence they came to give are given to them by the agents on the field.

He stated that their evidence was clearly hearsay and that the seven witnesses who testified to what they saw were badly discredited.

He added: “As for the supposed ‘expert witnesses’ PW15 and PW 38 their evidence was badly discredited to the extent that on record they admitted that their reports were false.”

At this stage, the justices of the Supreme Court directed Olujinmi to read the portion of the record where it was so admitted and it was read to their hearing.

He therefore submitted that with all these facts, there is no reasonable tribunal that can give judgment to the appellants in the circumstance and therefore urged the Court to dismiss the petition.

Akeredolu, while adopting his briefs on behalf of the 2nd respondent submit that the findings of the lower court are supported by the re-

cord and cannot be faulted by any stretch of imagination, maintaining that there was nowhere in the record where the tribunal admitted there were irregularities and challenge the appellants to show the court the portion of that judgment.

Chief Awomolo for the 3rd respondent argued that the contention of the appellants that failure of the 3rd respondent to call witnesses was fatal to their case has no basis in law, especially when the appellant has failed to lead cogent and reliable evidence.

Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bauchi State, Prof. Hamman Tukur (left), presenting Certificate-of-Return to a member of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Fanta, in Bauchi, recently.

Ekiti APC files six petitions at tribunal Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

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he Elections Petitions Tribuna in Ekiti State will handle only six petitions file by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to challenge the results of the March 28 and April 11 National and state Assemblies elections in some affected areas.

Three major parties the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, APC and Labour Party, LP - participated in the elections in the state.

While LP state chair-

man, Hon Akin Omole, said his party would not challenge the results of the elections as a policy, the lawyer of APC, Mr Ibrahim Olanrewaju, told newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday that his party filed six petitions to challenge six seats in the elections.

It would be recalled that PDP candidates won all the three senatorial seats, six House of Representatives seats and 26 House of Assembly seats in the election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Olanrewaju said that APC filed two petitions for the senatorial election while four were filed for the state House of Assembly election to challenge the victory of the PDP candidates in the affected areas.

He said the petitions for the senatorial election were filed by the APC candidates in Ekiti Central senatorial district, Mr Gbenga Olofin, and the senator representing Ekiti South senatorial district, Senator Anthony Adeniyi.

According to him, the duo is contesting the dec-

laration of Hon Fatimat Raji-Rasaki and Chief Biodun Olujimi by INEC as winners for Ekiti Central and South senatorial districts respectively.

Olanrewaju added that the APC in conjunction with its candidates were also challenging the victories recorded by the PDP candidates in Ado I, Ise Orun, Ekiti South West I and Oye I state constituencies in the election.

He said the petitions had been submitted to the tribunal secretariat located within the premises of Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti.

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Editorial

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Atiku on reversal of PHCN privatisation

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he recipe canvassed recently by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), should reverse the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), did not come as a surprise to many. Atiku, in his capacity as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 – 2007), was also the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP). We recall that his boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at a point made deft moves to strip him of the position. Indeed, the former president, in a bill he forwarded to the Senate seeking a repeal of the subsisting privatization and commercialization decree, stripped Atiku of the headship of the NCP. Section 8(3) of the bill said, for instance: “The chairman shall be a person from either the public service or private sector; and who, by reason of his ability, experience or specialized knowledge of fiscal, corporate industrial, commercial, financial or economic matter or business or professional attainments, would in the President’s opinion be capable of achieving the objectives of the council”.

The public hearing the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Privatisation conducted also exposed

how politicians connived with commanders of the nation’s economic heights to corner Nigeria’s commonwealth through the privatisation process. It was alleged that bribes undermined the process; and that most of the establishments privatised were under-valued. Also alleged were missing proceeds from the privatization process. In its wisdom, however, the Senate rejected Obasanjo’s move to remove Atiku as chairman of the NCP. Therefore, when the former Vice President said the privatisation of PHCN was flawed, he most probably relied on his indepth knowledge of the plethora of problems generally besetting the entire privatisation process he once supervised. But perhaps warranting the recent strident calls for a revisit of the privatisation of PHCN is the failure of the exercise to tackle the age-long problem of epileptic power supply in the country, close to 18 months after private investors took control of power generation and distribution in the country. For a fact, electric power supply appears as frustrating as it has always been, despite the roughly $40 billion the nation reportedly spent on the sector between 1999 to date.

A recent report indicated, for example, that as at April 3, 2015, the country was generating

INAUGURATION OF POWER PLANTS THAT TRANSLATES AT THE END OF THE DAY TO THE WORSENING OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IS CERTAINLY NOT THE WAY FORWARD about 4,000 megawatts of electricity. But the wattage slumped to 2,921 by the beginning of this month, a development the authorities blamed on attack on gas pipelines by vandals. Such and other excuses have been a recurring decimal before and after private investors were admitted into the sector.

Experts blame the non-existence of a gas master plan, a situation that makes it impossible for both old and new power stations to access gas supplies, as responsible for the failure of the privatisation. Likewise, the Nigerian public perceives electric power sector regulators as an insensitive lot that placed the cart before the horse in the entire process, having failed to record any tangible improvement in power supply, provision of pre-paid meters to electricity consumers and control of outrageous (crazy) bills dished out

ON THIS DAY May 8, 1945 Surrender of Nazi Germany and all its forces: The German Instrument of Surrender (GIS) ended World War II in Europe. It was signed by representatives of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW) and the Allied Expeditionary Force, with the Soviet High Command, France’s and United States’ representatives signing as witness on May 7, and signed again by representatives of the three armed services of the OKW.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

May 8, 1980 The eradication of smallpox was endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Smallpox is an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, derived from varius (spotted) or varus (pimple). The disease was originally known in English as the ‘pox’ or ‘red plague’.

monthly to both commercial and private users of electricity in the name of Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO), before the consummation of PHCN privatisation. All these and more would need to be revisited should the Buhari administration buy into the de-privatisation idea.

However, the government may have to grapple with the problem of unstringing all that were done during the privatisation of the PHCN, such as the repayment of monies paid by private investors for the purchase of the facilities and the update of equipment, due process and due diligence-related matters; and how to handle PHCN staff, most of whom have been eased out of employment and settled, among others. The process could be very stressful, no doubt. Nevertheless, the incoming government needs to tinker with some of the policies drawing back the power sector, even if it involves undoing some of the things done in the name of PHCN privatisation.

What Nigerians are interested in is that the problem of electricity supply should be resolved within the shortest possible time. The inauguration of power plants that translates at the end of the day to worsening electricity supply is certainly not the way forward.

x May 8, 1988 A fire at Illinois Bell’s Hinsdale Central Office triggered an extended 1ESS network outage once considered the “worst telecommunications disaster in United States’ telephone industry history”. The Number One Electronic Switching System was the first large-scale telephone exchange or electronic switching system in the Bell System. It was placed into service in Succasunna, New Jersey, in May 1965.

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Friday, May 8, 2015

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Assessing Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategies Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only)

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nowledge is a critical organisational resource and foundation of sustainable competitive advantage. Without knowledge, no organisation could render effective services to the public. Over the years, our law enforcement agencies have endeavoured to implement the concepts of proactive and reactive methods of solving criminal activities. Thus, a learning organisation must be characterised by the commitment of its agencies to share information, do critical review and systemic thinking in order to unravel complex crimes. For instance; if crime analysts are presented with an ongoing pattern of crime committed by the same offender{s}, pre-emptive measures should be applied to prevent the next crime or get the suspect (s) apprehended before further damage is carried out. This same mechanism or scenarios apply to all organised crimes, including insurgency.

It is accepted that within the crime management portfolios of policing, the term intelligence and intelligence-led has become an accepted term within the modern policing environments. While the term may be used frequently, its application has nothing to write home about. The exact reason for this misunderstanding of the term cannot be easily explained, but the following assertion may pro-

vide some explanation.

Our standards have not been able to clearly articulate which policing style is more effective for us since independence, which explains why we adopted what many other agencies are espousing from our colonial masters without first traditionally assessing our cultural and ethnic background differences. The term intelligence-led policing are a misnomer that has not been understood so far, with majority having a different opinion about what it really means.

If the term knowledge had been adopted it may have reduced some of the confusion we have today. Some law enforcement agencies still believe there are three types of policing reactive, proactive and intelligence-led. What these officers fail to realise is that there is only one type of policing with a fluid mix of reactive and proactive, each fuelled by intelligence. Reactive policing is not negotiable and will never cease to exist. Proactive measures relate to the reduction of crime through various crime-reduction strategies before they occur through mechanisms such as surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Currently, the bulk of our policing is reactive although we lack modern equipment and the technical knowhow to carry out some complex investigations. Due to the level of corruption in our entire system, reactive-approach investigation does not yield much results because the investigated, once capable of throwing few cash around, the investigation might end prematurely. The need to shift the weight from the reactive to a more proactive approach should be the aim of our contempo-

DUE TO THE LEVEL OF CORRUPTION IN

OUR ENTIRE SYSTEM, REACTIVE-APPROACH

INVESTIGATION DOES NOT YIELD MUCH RESULT rary law enforcement agencies.

Without prejudice, if our policing is supported by weak Intelligence, the style of policing will definitely be one of uncontrolled public demands and uncoordinated response, which may ultimately lead to a greater emphasis towards reactive style policing. On the other hand, when the policing is supported by strong Intelligence and knowledge capabilities, the style of policing becomes one of a more controlled demand, coordinated and timely response.

To move from the cycle of uncontrolled demand and uncoordinated response requires a strong knowledge base to guide the shift.

The provision of such a knowledge base can only be achieved through the development of an equally strong support infrastructure and constant relevant training like those offered by our organisation. Intelligence and knowledge can be used interchangeably. This suggestion is not without foundation when the two meanings are conceptualised. Knowledge should be one of the most important assets of policing without which it could not meet its

mission nor perform any of its core functions.

The war on Boko Haram is intelligencebased, not physical as in any counterterrorism situation. Intelligence work is primarily about anticipating risks and improving public safety by specialised agencies. The role of intelligence, at least within the law enforcement domain, is thus a dual role of anticipating future risks to public safety and influencing decision makers so that crime prevention action can be initiated. The dual role of anticipating risks and influencing action integrates analysis with decision making and at the same time creates additional challenges for intelligence professionals. Taking on the mantle of a more direct responsibility for public safety may make some analysts uncomfortable; however, it expands the role of analysis beyond policing alone rather to a core function of central planning of public safety.

In reality, aiming to predict an individual crime would be better replaced by the objective of predicting future criminal patterns in order to be preventative rather than reactive.

For prevention activity to occur, it requires that the crime prevention practitioners are proactive in their actions. Reactivity requires the criminality in question to have a component of predictability about it. If a crime is extremely rare it will be unlikely to be able to identify future events because it requires historical patterns to establish a trend and the conditions that make the event likely. Therefore, predictability requires the identification of patterns of criminality, which also applies to Boko Haram-induced insurgency and counterterrorism strategies in general.

Tragedy of the Petroleum Industry Bill IYKE OZEMENA

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t may be globally acknowledged that lawmaking is a serious business; it is, however, also a fact that the majority of members of a country’s legislature are from the intelligentsia class. The main reason for this phenomenon is the high cost of attaining such privileged political positions.

The assignment of lawmaking through the initiation of bills, sponsorship of motions and drawing attention to various national, regional or sectoral issues of importance, is the most crucial function of the lawmakers.

Another important function has something to do with legislators’ oversight, comment and report on numerous projects, institutions, processes and issues.

Initiating a bill such as Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that has spent close to a decade in the National Assembly is one of the challenges of lawmaking. Apart from the demand of extensive research on the legislators, it is also capital intensive. It is on the realization of these facts that the delay suffered by the bill in the successive sessions of the National Assembly can be assessed.

The delay in passing the bill can be assessed through the ‘mischief of the bill’ as summed up in the terms of reference of Dr Rilwani Lukman’s led committee that was empaneled in 2007 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to implement the nation’s new National Oil and Gas Policy (NOGP), which among others included to

SUCH A SENSITIVE BILL LIKE THE PIB OUGHT TO UNITE ALL LEGISLATORS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR POLITICAL LEANINGS OR SECTIONAL INTERESTS “transform the broad provisions in the (NOGP) into functional institutional structures that are legal and practical for the effective management of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.” Such a sensitive bill like the PIB ought to unite all legislators irrespective of their political leanings or sectional interests, in ensuring a speedy passage, bearing in mind Nigeria’s monolithic economy. Anything short of a speedy passage is a drain on the scarce resources of the country as each successive session of NASS considers the bill de novo. What a tragedy!

One is not unmindful of the blockade mounted by International Oil Companies (IOCs) through conditionality that favours their investments, but to the detriment of indigenous oil and gas enterprises. The challenge posed by the IOCs should not have deterred the federal legislators from passing the bill since it is coming on the mantra of strengthening free-market enterprise.

It is now doubtful if the passage of the bill would sail through the current 7th National Assembly after the 2015 polls’ disruptions of the legislative process.

If the 7th National Assembly fails to pass the PIB it may be a big blow to Nigeria. Both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives confirmed their commitment to the passage of bill until the ‘change’ that swept the political and legislative landscapes. The assurance was important and valuable considering the number of years the bill had sojourned in the NASS. Through the activation of her auto policy, very soon Nigeria will begin the production of electric cars. With this in place some of the provisions of PIB would be obsolete. It would have been better for strategic reason for the PIB to be in force before electric cars that would have little or nothing to do with petroleum come on stream.

On the global scale, the demand for petroleum products is predicted to considerably shrink with USA achieving self-dependence status on energy supply in a couple of decades. This reasoning can be gleaned from the anticipated commercial activities to be engendered by the ‘Act’ when passed.

It is also expected to promote indigenous oil and gas companies.

The ‘Act’ also proposes good corporate governance through responsible and responsive management of our oil and gas resources. One of the contentious issues in the bill is the powers conferred on a national oil company to be created. Not only is it a producer, the petroleum company would also regulate stakeholders to ensure environment-friendly policies, safe human right practices as well as consumer friendly.

The cost burden would not be left for the company alone. There would be a common contributory fund to care for the environment and economic development of the surrounding exploration areas, called Petroleum Host Community Fund (PHCF) to prevent restiveness and sabotage by locals.

However, the host community stands a risk of forfeiting the contribution to PHCF if it allows vandalism, sabotage or damage of any sort to affect operators’ networks of fixtures and investments. It is also public notice for them to mitigate circumstances that may lead to damages or destruction.

Since the President-elect has a deep knowledge of the dynamics of the petroleum industry, he now has the opportunity to take a holistic view of the PIB, especially the thorny issue of the power of granting petroleum licences, which hitherto has been exercised by the Petroleum Minister or the President where the latter keeps the ministry in the presidency. There were cases where these licences were issued and traded off without anything to show for why the licences were issued in the first place.

Ozemena, a corporate attorney/consultant, wrote from Lagos.

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

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18

Mail Mirror

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Condition precedent for assuming office

B Ekiti APC and its hypocritical justice

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have read some of our friends in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State hammering on justice as the panacea to the House of Assembly crisis. I just wish to ask if they are not talking about circumscribed justice gotten

by Dr. Kayode Fayemi against Engineer Segun Oni. When you lose an election so openly and went behind to use the court to prevent the winner from assuming office, that too is justice?

No. When as Speaker of the House of Assembly, you refused to attend the swearing in ceremony of your state governor, it must be justice too.

Most importantly, when as a Speaker, you adjourned the House indefinitely just one week after a new governor assumed office knowing full well that the new governor would need the House to approve commissioners etc, that too is called justice. It appears too that some of our friends who moved from PDP to APC have forgotten December 31, 2007 when AC lawmakers made common presentation of budget by Governor Segun Oni appeared like war!

My friends in the APC, this una talks about justice dey make me wan sleep jare. When we all wake up tomorrow, let’s talk about REALITY, which is the father of JUSTICE. Lere Olayinka, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The 8th National Assembly and Buhari

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t is heartwarming to note the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has laid a solid foundation for a rewarding symbiotic relationship between him and the National Assembly.

Recently, he addressed the federal lawmakers during their retreat and forcefully canvassed a cordial relationship between the federal executive and legislature.

I appeal to the federal lawmakers for a robust relationship with the executive to fasttrack the needed development of the country, after all Nigeria belongs to all of us and the two institutions exist to further the interest of all Nigerians. If Nigeria gets the desired change and becomes better, it is for the good of all of us.

Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State (07084644222)

Letters to the Editor

eyond gathering the highest number of valid votes cast in an election, winning also includes compliance with the laws, in this particular instance the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act 2010 as amended etc. Election is essentially a political enterprise by politicians through their brand names of political parties. Needless stating that it costs a fortune to win an election. There is no doubt, therefore, that the thought of failure means tangible and intangible losses that all kinds of

sinister things are practised in order to succeed. No wonder there are jubilation with gun shots, fireworks and street parties, if the enterprise pays off.

Besides the euphoria of victory at the polls, there are other hurdles to scale through before the elected politician can consider him/herself home and dry. The Returning Officer is obligated by the Electoral Act to issue a ‘Certificate of Return’, the legal significance of which is evidential to acknowledge the candidacy, party platform and authenticity from the authority

No condition is permanent.

that conducted the election.

INEC’s Certificate of Return to elected members of various political offices is the last assignment in the electoral process before the electoral body becomes ‘functus officio’. Certificate of return is neither sacrosanct nor irrevocable since it is for electoral records and results.

The issue may be contested. In some cases, elected members could not receive the certificates if there is any doubt or uncertainty. In 2011, two senators from Anambra State received certificate of return from INEC over

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Deciding who should be a minister

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ir, Nigerians are tired of poverty, unemployment, bad roads, poor educational system, corruption, bad leadership, lack of healthcare facilities, lack of potable water, lack of good houses, kidnapping, terrorism and so on. Therefore, the time to put a stop to our problems is now.

There are ongoing consultations among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on who should be or not be a minister in the in-coming administration that would be piloted by the president elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Therefore, it is no more news that majority of the leaders in the country are always after themselves instead of working for the interest of the masses.

Now that the new government is going to take over from the outgoing administration, the discussions are ongoing on how to form the Federal Executive Council (Cabinet) that would help to give Nigeri-

ans the change they have been promised and waiting for, I would like to advise that the system of ‘my brother’ or ‘my friend’ should not be used as a criterion for appointing ministers. Somebody should be given a ministerial position on the ground that he or she would deliver.

I would also like to advise that ministerial appointments should go beyond party members. If there is somebody that is not corrupt and can render a selfless service for the progress of this nation, even if he or she is not in the APC such a person should be appointed.

Therefore, I warn that ministerial positions should not be trivialised. Minister of agriculture should not be given to somebody who read law in the university; the minister of art and culture should not be given to someone who has lived most of his life in America such that he/she has become westernized in thought and actions.

The Ministry of Justice should not be given to someone who read chemistry in the university. Ministerial positions should be given to people based on their areas of specialization.

However, political prostitutes should not be given anything under the incoming administration, not even the position of a special assistant. To our humbled and action president-elect, General Buhari, Nigerians are watching with all eyes open to see and talk where and when the need arises. We can never keep quiet when things begin and end with how to pamper the privileged political elite. This time around the poor masses of Nigeria must matter.

We want to see changes that are positive; we want to touch these changes, we want to feel them and we want to even eat them. Please, give us the change that we have been waiting for.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Benue State University, Makurdi.

a senatorial zone. That is just one instance out of many. Even those whose certificates were forthright may have one form of challenge or the other at the Election Petition Tribunal.

The elected members now have the opportunity to attend the National Legislative Institute to undertake legislative induction course on the practices of the Green and Red Chambers, which matures them for effective performance at their various Houses. Apart from legislative processes, rules, decorum and responsibilities they must have been thoroughly guided on the rudiments of effective commencement of their all important national service.

One of such rudiments is the condition precedent to their taking office as prescribed by various statutes like Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Act (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Criminal Code and 1999 Constitution. For example, declaration of assets provided by the 1999 Constitution and ICPC Act. They basically provide for completion of certain forms and swearing of oath.

The compliance with these laws is obviously going to be stricter if the zero tolerance stance of the President-elect is anything to go by.

Elected legislators, governors and their deputies could be impeached, if within three months of taking or relinquishing offices they fail to declare assets. Apart from S. 52, 94 and 185 of 1999 Constitution that have to be complied with, the ICPC Act makes similar provisions.

There are two school s of thought on this issue. One says completion of the form privately or through your Attorney is just enough, which President Jonathan reportedly subscribes to; while the other camp has it that the completion must be publicly done. However, the crux of the matter is that compliance is condition precedent to assuming elected office.

As the President-elect perfects plans to the consolidate anti-corruption template to fight corruption regarded as his number one enemy, nothing but a thorough execution of the crusade is good enough for Nigeria . He has already armed himself with a university don and legal technocrat, Vice president-elect and with the vehement application of the Freedom of Information Act, the cankerworm will abate.

Iyke Ozemena, Lagos.

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Saturday Nightlife

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oin DJ Tony on Saturday 9th, May 2015 for fun and entertainment session. Saturday Night Lounge is usually a place where artists gather to meet and relax during the weekend.DJ Tony will be there on the music side to provide the best tunes from across the following genres of music: Old School, Disco, Funk, Hip-hop, Soul, R&B. This event will take place at MVP Lagos.

Okoroji

WE ARE CONSTANTLY EXPANDING BUT WE ARE CURRENTLY IN 2 CONTINENTS, AFRICA AND NORTH AMERICA, MONITORING OVER 5,000 RADIO AND TV STATIONS. WE WILL KEEP WORKING ON IT UNTIL EVERYONE GETS TO KNOW OF IT How does it work? You just upload your audio files, we encode the files and we monitor broadcasters, and provide you with reports. With this report, you can view the number of people that have listened to your song and make easy calculations of how much you have made. Each time one of your files is played on radio or television, you will be notified via your personal dashboard with details of the broadcaster as well as location, date and time. That is our promise.

The website provides advertisers an innovative, transparent, and easyto-use auditing tool for their advertising campaigns. We help marketers and advertisers accurately measure the number of impressions their adverts get simultaneously, across multiple broadcasters.

Friday Flavour gathered that the website can help content owners, content users, and collecting societies a transparent royalty collection.

“On royalties, we provide content owners, content users, and collecting societies a verifiable royalty collection and sharing solution. We help collecting societies gather accurate broadcast logs and data for all radio stations in any region. This is what I have been

Eldee

working on and I really know that it will be praised by all if taken advantage of ” “We are constantly expanding but we are currently in 2 continents, Africa and North America, monitoring over 5,000 Radio and TV Stations. We will keep working on it until everyone gets to know of it.

“On broadcast intelligence, the website provides location, broadcaster, date, and time information for each time your audio file is broadcast on any of the 5,000 radio or TV stations that we currently monitor globally” Not only do we do all this, he also disclosed that another benefit of the website is to help artists accurately understand broadcast promotion strength or weakness of their musical works.

“Upcoming artists can accurately understand broadcast promotion strength or weakness of their musical works.

By this, they can judge accurately how their works are received by the public.

Its one thing for an artist to produce the content and it’s another for the artist to know if the songs are well received.

This will curb the monopolistic trend of upcoming musicians depending on Disc Jockeys, otherwise known as DJ’s before their music can be aired. Many musicians have been discouraged because of they cannot afford to pay their way into the hearts of DJ’s but with this, they can have a sigh of relief ” “Labels and managers are not left out. We also help managers develop, manage, and improve broadcast promotion efficiency. Also, with the website, broadcasters can gather their broadcast logs and data which are required by law in most regions. We provide comparative data analysis for various regions to help with brand promotion and marketing campaigns”, he added.

Inside FCT P. 24-25

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t will be an array of smiles soon as Nigerian artistes should expect to earn their rewards as more attention is paid to revolutionize the digital distribution of their contents very soon.

Friday Flavour learnt that the Director-general of Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, recently reiterated the commitment of the society to ensure that the rightful owners of music and sound recordings aired on several broadcast mediums are adequately compensated with what is their due.

He stated this at the 2015 edition of the Nigeria Entertainment conference held at Eko Hotel and Suites on the 22th of April, 2014, as one of the guest speakers of the event. He said they have been involved in ensuring that the royalties due to musicians are gotten promptly including upcoming musicians. He also mentioned that the Issue of Piracy, the will soon be a practise of the past as they are working seriously on improving the digitization and distribution of the musical content.

“Alaba is our past. The digital space is the future. We must be ahead in the digital age because our intellectual properties such as music, movies and literature are the power-house of the future of Nigeria.”

In the same vein, talented musician and the head honcho of Trybe records, Lanre Dabiri, better known as Eldee, disclosed that he has launched a website where musicians are provided with real time intelligence on the broadcast use of their musical works, thus, increasing promotion and efficiency.

“My new website, myplaydata.com, ensures that all the stakeholders in the music industry; musicians, broadcast stations, promoters and managers are given full financial and intellectual support in a bid to protect our rights.

This is the practice everywhere in most developed nations and ours shouldn’t be an exception.

“Our amazing solution provides data that significantly improves your efficiency, resolves disputes, and saves you lots of money.

P. 22-23

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t’s happening live on Saturday 9th May at MVP Lounge. The Veentage Live Band will be performing for your listening pleasure, so skip the traffic and hurry to MVP Lounge on Saturday.

The event starts by 7pm at MVP Lagos, Admiralty, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

Critics

Comedy Club at MVP Lounge

As COSON’s boss, Tony Okoroji and talented musician cum rapper, El Dee assert commitment to digital solutions

P. 20,21

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he Lagos Carnival will set Lagos agog on Saturday, 9th May 2015. The event will hold at Awolowo Road, Campus Road, all the way to Tafawa Balewa Square. Participants are expected to be decked in many colours, displaying artistic costumes and decorations.

Hope rises for music content producers

Artman

WEEKEND STARTERS Lagos Carnival holds

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

P. 32-33

Friday, May 8, 2015

Flavour

Arty News

Your

FRIDAY

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Artman In The House

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Great tips for ne actresses in Nol -Grace Ama She is a versatile thespian who has graced our screens in several soap operas and blockbuster movies, especially the movie, ‘Atlanta’ which gave her wide acclaim. The Ebonyi State-born actress, and mother of one, Grace Ama shares her life and career in this exclusive interview with OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI. Excerpts: We haven’t seen you in a movie in a long while.

What have you been busy with?

I think that the fact that you have not seen me in movies recently does not mean that I am not acting. I have stated it severally in recent interviews that I have been in movie locations lately. It was not long ago I returned from Enugu. I have also been in other movie locations in Lagos. It is movie producers that determine when their movies will be in the market and on screen. I believe you will soon be seeing those movies. Yes, it may not have been regular, but I have been involved in movies since late last year.

WE MUST DEVELOP CODE OF ETHICS TO SEPARATE DESPERATE MONEY MONGERS FROM ACTORS AND ACTRESSES SO THAT THE NEGATIVE PERCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE

Could you narrate how and why you left Law for creative arts?

I had wanted to read Law at the University of Ibadan. But the studies were conflicting with my passion to act. I started acting before I got admission to read Law and while I lived in Lagos and acting in Lagos, I had to travel every other day to Ibadan to attend Law classes. It was very challenging. Acting is a passion, a very strong passion in me. I could not at that time sacrifice it for anything else. I had to quit the law studies. In fact, it was an attempt to satisfy my parents who had envisaged that I should have been either a medical doctor or a lawyer. But at the long run, today looking back, I think my parents are happy but as a

person, I still love the legal profession and would in due course, return to the classes to complete the programme by God’s grace.

How was your first day on set?

It was a fulfillment of a long time passion and dream, being on a set with veterans: Uncle Kanayo .O. Kanayo and Aunty Onyeka Onwenu and I felt very great. Acting is a passion and natural in me. I am happy God brought me to this level in life. I believe the best is yet to come.

Which movie do you think made you more sought-after?

Television series actually... Super Story…

(One Bad Apple) Since you can speak the Yoruba language very well, have you ever thought of featuring in a Yoruba movie?

I was born and brought up in a Yoruba land and I speak the language very well. Yes, I have featured in some Yoruba movies in the past.

If not acting, what do you think you would have become and why?

Acting is a natural endowment in my life and it was discovered early in my life and I grew up with it. I have not thought of any other profession I would have enjoyed doing the way I am doing in the Nollywood but, I believe that what acting taught me is service to the people, making people happy and attending to the needs of the people. The legal profession is also one of the professions in the world which addresses the needs of the people. Originally the concept of law came from service to humanity, to save people in need. I would become a lawyer if i were not acting. That is why i stated earlier that I would one day love to return to the classroom to complete my law studies. For now, I am still active in the acting profession and God is very faithful.

Some years ago, you said you are getting married to the father of your son. Are you still getting married to him?

If you had read my recent interview I ad-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, May 8, 2015

21

ew llywood dressed this matter. I have stated it clearly and there is no need to contradict myself. I am living with my son and happily too. I am not married and I am not getting married to anybody. When it is time for me to marry and when God provides me the right person, I would get married and the world will know. Yes, I may have said what you stated, but of course, man proposes, God has the final say. The most important thing for me is the fact that my son is living with me and God is providing the means to take care of him.

You actively campaigned for Jimi Agbaje during the gubernatorial elections. Do you hope to go into politics someday?

I think there is a difference between sharing a vision of service and politicking. Aristotle stated that every man is a political animal. Yes, we are politicians at different levels whether in our families or offices. What makes the difference is partisan politics where one has to identify with a political platform to share its visions and objectives. If Jimi Agbaje were to have run the election as an independent candidate, I would have still supported him because he had a vision that touched on the lives of people and especially the downtrodden.

Lagos needed a breakaway from the normal and only a man with strong passion for the needs of the people that could achieve that.

To that extent, Jimi Agbaje despite what happened at the election still remained that best Governor Lagos State didn’t have. It has not crossed my mind to be a politician but I would support anyone who holds people of Nigeria, Lagos or my home state Ebonyi at heart. Leadership is all about service and whoever uses his position to provide service to the people who cannot say thank you at anytime and anywhere is my idol.

As a thespian, how will you rate Nollywood now compared to when you began?

Nollywwod has come of age. In the past, we didn’t have the level of digitisation we have today which has brought the industry to the world. Secondly, it has opened doors to

Julius Agwu, Grace Ama, Ejike Asiegbu

many people and so many who would have been idle now find jobs and can recreate and harness their potentials. Nollywood today have provided people with opportunity to showcase their talents and the world is recognising Nigeria. The industry is doing better in terms of international recognition. We only hope that the quality of what we produce as movies will match what developed world do in similar industry.

That is not to say that we do not have our challenges. Like stated elsewhere, they are many opportunists and gold diggers in the industry. We must develop code of ethics to separate desperate money mongers from actors and actresses so that the negative perception people have about the industry will change. I have been advocating for this change and code of ethics since 2014 and I hope the leadership will listen. We ought to be role models; we must not disappoint the young people looking upon us.

You recently said that your project of 2015 is attending to the needy in society; promote issues that will help keep away our society from the domination of the privileged at the expense of the poor. Can you shed more light on the project?

Yes during my last birthday which I shared with motherless babies at The Home of God’s Grace Orphanage Agbowa, Ikorodu, I stated that henceforth I would be doing my birthdays with those class of children who cannot say thank you Who are your role models in Nollywood and why?

My role models are Aunty Liz Benson Ameye, Aunty Joke Silver Jacobs, my Papa and mentor RMD, Genevieve among others... Role models are good examples. The persons I mentioned have exhibited exemplary and exceptional quality of life in the Nollywood such that anybody in the profession would look upon them as role models.

They have had fewer scandals. Some of them have lived exemplary family life and

MY DREAM WAS TO BE A STAR. TODAY, I AM A STAR. THE DREAM IS FULFILLED

In London

brought their children in a family and Godfearing way. Those are good qualities for anybody to emulate.

Which literary works have fascinated you and by which author?

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie and Americana by the same author Why do you find the book fascinating?

Her books are creative and touch on facts of reality. She gives readers hope and proposes ways of making life meaningful.

How often do you visit bookshops and how much do you spend on books per month?

I visit bookshops once in a month Do you hope to write any book? If yes, what are you going to write about?

Yes I have written a book on my life in the Nollywood and I hope to present it soonest Are we going to see you going into movie production soon?

Not everybody that will be in movie production, wherever my calling is, there I will be.

With your years of experience in acting, which role has been the most challenging?

Playing a role where you are perceived as wicked. I told a story where I was given a slap in the public by a fan because of a role I played in a movie Tell us about your childhood My childhood was great. I had wonderful

With her son

upbringing How did you meet your husband?

I have no husband. I am not married yet.

I had a boyfriend who had wanted us to settle down together. During courtship we had a baby along the line story changed. I am happy with my son and I thank God for giving the boy to me. When it is God’s time I will get the right person and settle down with him. For now, Grace Ama is not married.

How do you juggle parenting with career?

It is good to be a parent. We work to feed family and the family is there for us. Both parenting and working complement each other.

What is your childhood dream and are you living your dream?

My dream was to be a star. Today I am a star. The dream is fulfilled.

How about your parents? What lessons did you pick from them that is useful to you now?

I have very wonderful parents who brought me up in the way of the Lord. I thank God for my parents Chief & Lolo Ogbonnaya Ama and thank them greatly for allowing God use them to impact in my life positively What is your advice to young actresses?

Young actresses should focus on their career. There is no cheap way to fame. Every success has a price and sacrifice. We must learn to be patient and be prayerful.

How do you relax?

It is by staying home and attending to matters and school issues for my son

With Ali Baba

Your best food?

Vegetable and fruits Hobbies?

Reading Bible

22

Critics

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MUSIC

Another side of Asa

Asa may have started as that naïve-looking girl, but things are bound to change, albeit assertively.

ISIGUZO DESTINY

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cline o f values as it reME OSTU gards C S SA modesN TED A A E ty in the R C FA personION O S S E R ality of IMP IN MAN O Asa. They W D NAKE are saying VIDEO C I S U that she THE M YO is trying OF losto emulate ing it enterother artistss tainment purposes has atthat have beetracted to her very ideologically deep fans come popular that see her as one of the sanities in the Nithrough the exposure of the gerian music industry. sensitive parts of their value.

Asa’s near naked costume which she wore If Asa’s audience are majorly Nigerians, to the street though is seldom occurrence in her video then failed in the pragmatic functhe modern time in Lagos defies the contion of his calibre of music which is recept of verisimilitude because no sane girl nowned to be ideologically engaging often would wear such thing in broad day light in addressing social maladies and issues. The a Lagos street without attracting negative poetic nature of her songs and the seriousattention. This may have attempted to make ness of the subject of her songs without

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FILM

he video of Eyo came out revealing another aspect of Asa as not just a captivating ideological lyricist and soul singer but as also an actress who has embraced the impression of nudity, which is becoming an integral part of arts especially, in the music and movie industry.

The song Eyo is not to be doubted as a beautiful piece that captured the rhythms and pulses of everyday activities in Lagos.

The video story line fitted cohesively to the lyrics of the song as we saw the song capture at the beginning of the video, electric poles and an Okada rider, a dominant feature of THE Lagos environment. We saw the typical urban lower middle class environment, their kind of housing pattern and communal life style. The story would have been incomplete without the capturing of the market place, the climax of all everyday activity.

Her video performance did well in terms of the quality of picture, cinematography, sound, costume and other variants and constituents of a good video. But it may have bothered so many Asa’s fan of her emerging personality which she revealed

in this video that gives the impression that Asa may be touting a nudity impression. It brings us to the polemics of the how to critic a work of art. Whether to look at a work of art as it is without attaching any value to it be it moral, Christian, ideological or material value. Immanuel Kant in “Critique of Judgement” makes it difficult to assess the role some of the impression some artists create in the artistic creation.

Asa’s costume created an impression of a naked woman in the music video of Eyo. This impression is juxtaposed with an active participation of children in the video which symbolically, children depicts innocence and chastity. There is therefore, a contrasting message of vices as represented by her near nude costume and impression and the children who were very dominant in the video. Aesthetically, Asa’s music video of Eyo is outstanding and according to Immanuel Kant, the work of art should be treated as it is, as it appeals to one’s sensibilities without attaching any moral religious or any other sought of value. Considering this point of view, an objective critique may see no harm in the costume of the Dread-Locke singer in the video of Eyo, but other are saying no; that she is one of the artists Nigerians have taken very seriously and thus should strive to represent the ideal.

This ongoing polemics on multiple awards winner’s new personality is such that is likely to attract new set of admirers and also cost her fans or would be fans. Thus, the pragmatic art critics are attaching functionality to her creativity, pointing out the de-

Branding Nollywood WHEN EFFECTIVELY UTILISED, THESE ENDORSEMENT DEALS CAN BENEFIT BOTH THE ARTISTE AND THE INDUSTRY AT LARGE

Like the beautiful bride, corporate suitors, have turned for the hands of some of Nollywood’s brightest stars.

ISAAC ANYAOGU

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ow much is Monalisa Chinda’s smile worth? According to industry sources, Vita500, a new energy drink from South Korea shelled out N30 million for her face on the energy drink.

She was also the face of the Rivers state cul-

tural fiesta and Glo sweated millions it has been reported, to have her as their ambassador. Monalisa’s face is every photographer’s dream and her smile conjures the memory of spring. Monalisa should insure her face.

Perhaps, no corporate entity has demonstrated proven commitment to Nollywood in terms of endorsement than Globacom Nigeria Limited. The telecommunication giant at the last count has appointed close to a dozen Nollywood A-list thespians as ambassadors according to information on their website. In an industry long abandoned by corporate Nigeria, Globacom serves as a refreshing alternative.

The rave seemed to have caught on. MTN

Nigeria, the company with some of the most creative advertisements in Nigeria, in the past treated Nollywood with courteous indifference. But recently, Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor have featured in the company’s advertisements. Perhaps the days of the cold shoulder are over.

The use of film stars in the marketing of products is not the exclusive preserve of Nigeria. If anything, we seemed to have taken a page out Hollywood’s playbook. Gwyneth Paltrow has been tapped to be the latest ambassador for Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier. Natalia Portman will also be the new face of the Miss Dior Cherie. Sylvester Stallone has been chosen as the brand ambassador for luxury pen manufacturer

Montegrappa and popular martial arts film star Jet Li has been announced by Swiss Hublot timepieces as their newest brand ambassador.

The use of famous faces as brand ambassadors is not just limited to the use of actors and actresses. Corporations have been known to appoint as brand ambassadors sports men and women who have proven their mettle in the field. Rafal Nadal is a brand ambassador for Georgio Armani.

The use of artistes as brand ambassadors by corporations is with the objective of linking their product to a winning athlete or personality to enhance their image and boost sales revenue. Corporations use these popular artistes as validation for their products and hope to transfer their goodwill and star power so as to influence the fortune of their offerings.

Most endorsement deals are designed to offer mutual benefits to both the star and the corporation. Nevertheless, there have been some endorsement deals that went south. At the height of his fame, Tiger Woods was the world’s highest earning golfer and corporations were falling over themselves to have his face on their products until some recent misdemeanors came to light.

Ambassadors of countries usually repre-

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Critics

Friday, May 8, 2015

23

BOOK

World of Area Boys

Written by Dolapo Osinbajo, the book, ‘They Call Me Mama’, explains the efforts to salvage the needy.

OGAH OCHECHE

T the video’s story line unbelievable.

Again, though the video showed realness when one of the little boys walking behind Asa was cautioned towards the end of the video by a bigger girl for not knowing when to stop moving to enable them create a little space between them and Asa, it nevertheless can also be interpreted as failure on the part of the directing.

The video is not bad if we take the position of the objective critics considering the suspense that was successfully created at the beginning of the video when she was shown with a lot of dramatic inaction that suggests a promise of powerful action.

sent the values of such nations. Hence their personalities are expected to be demure, their actions reasoned and their lifestyles lofty. Similar standards are also expected of brand ambassadors. So beyond the hype and the effect on the bank balance, brand ambassadors must live the values represented by the products they endorse. O.J. Simpson was fired as brand ambassador of Hertz when he was charged with double murder.

It is also pertinent that celebrities who sign the dotted lines in endorsement deals study the content of the contractual agreements and look out for clauses in small print. Most of the deals are worded in such a way that the contract forbids them from other deals or restrict their use of close substitutes to the product they are endorsing. Release terms and other conditionality should be negotiated properly to avoid a conflict of interest. It also makes good sense to seek legal opinion When effectively utilised, these endorsement deals can benefit both the artiste and the industry at large. On a personal level, it provides a source of income and boosts the popularity of such artistes especially when the terms include billboards and advertisement in the broadcast media.

he 175 page hard cover book, written in a first person (writer’s) view makes an interesting read. It is full of intrigues. From the colourful painting on the cover page, which is a graphic illustration of a mother and her child, which was painted by one of the ‘boys,’ to those on the inside pages, and that at the inside back page of the book, you are tempted to know the content in detail.

The book has different topics but no clear cut chapters. Some of the topics are; ‘Bentley’, Mr. Cool’, ‘Walkman’, ‘Play’, Fertile ground’, ‘Speakerphone’, ‘S’ayo’, ‘On Holy ground’ among others.

The author includes Bible passages at the end of some of the topics.

The title of the book came about as a result of the boys showing their appreciation of the care given them by the writer and her group. They usually hail her, ‘Mama!’ each time they catch a glimpse of nicely-packed food and drinks brought for them by their regular visitors. In turn, the boys always love to do her favour ; like stopping the traffic for her to drive home after their meetings and would not mind fighting other motorists to do this.

The book reveals various experiences of the writer during her interactions with the ‘boys’ under the Muri Okunola Bridge, on Lagos Island. It is a documentation and it is the origin of the Step Up programme which aims to give those on the street with no help, a way out through vocational training and assistance to set up their own businesses as opposed to seeking employment. The stories in the book are true life stories.

According to Osinbajo: “Most of the stories were penned down within a week, in May 2003, I had the irresistible compul-

sion to document at least some of the experiences, in a bid to share the reality of the street boys and men in Lagos State, giving them a human face to the surprise of those to whom they are presented as demonised.”

Life under the bridge could be likened to buying a brand new car, park it and cover it up and no one is allowed to drive it. The life of the boy under the bridge is covered up and his talents and opportunities would not be realised as long as he chooses to remain there.

There was a particular boy that drew the attention of the writer with his wellspoken English language, though dressed in dirty cloth; he looked so familiar to her.

‘I cannot shake the feeling, that I know this boy’s parents. They must be looking for him as we speak. If only I knew who they were, where they were, I would have told them where he is, speaking of Bentley, under the bridge!”

The boys are like family to one another.

When one of the boys, simply referred to as ‘F’ got into trouble and landed in prison, others, with the help of ‘Mama’ would speak with him on phone and also visit him from time to time.

The boys were provided with spiritual food i.e. preaching, teaching of God’s word and physical food also. They are encouraged to come out from ‘under’ to worship in the church and the group would offer cloth to those who wish to go to church either for mid week services or Sunday morning services.

It got to a time the author was discouraged by the attitude of some of the boys as majority of them were stuck in the dreadful cycle of life under the bridge while some of them were able to come out of the horrid life.

This leaves the writer wondering, “Do they not listen to what we had to say to them week after week? Do they not desire to live like those who they see daily, driving or riding to work purposefully, clean, dignified and accomplished?”

On one of the visits of the author and her group to the boys on a particular Sunday, the air was thick with smoke and smell of marijuana. The visitors were upset with what they saw and they let the boys know they were not happy about this. By the following week, there was an improvement.

The age range of the boys hovers between 13 and 35years, but sometimes it is difficult to ascertain their ages due to malnutrition which often makes them emaciated.

The writer noted: “Over the years, we learnt that most of the boys were like coconuts, hard and tough on the outside, but soft on the inside.” Sometimes when ‘Mama’ and her Step up group speak to them, they cry.

Some of the boys were ready to learn, hear God’s word and change while others like ‘Mono’ is described as ‘cold’ and ‘unfeeling’. He is not touched, not caring and he is full of mischief. “He never spoke his mind and always looked as though he was wiser and cleverer than we were and that he was not on to what we were trying to do.”

‘Mono’ never showed up at meetings again after few attendance.

One of the boys even confessed to selling Indian hemp at Kuramo. He had realised it was wrong and was sorry for it.

The group showed him love, they did not condemn him. He was encouraged to learn a trade and was given money to start selling recharge cards.

MANY OF THE BOYS ARE FROM POOR FAMILIES, SOME ARE FROM BROKEN HOMES WHERE THE PARENTS ARE NO LONGER TOGETHER AND MANY OF THEM GREW UP IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FRUSTRATION AND VIOLENCE

24

Inside FCT

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kwalita: Community desirous of civilisation REGINA OTOKPA

T

he stench hanging in the air was terrible; naked children running around looked like they needed urgent medical attention; flies buzzing on adults and children alike could make anyone want to turn back from the sour sight at Kwalita, a community thousands of miles away from civilisation.

Kwalita community in Gwagwalada Local Government Area council is just like every other rural community scattered in the various parts of the country however, the odd thing about this community and environs is that, they are in the Federal Capital Territory yet, totally cut off from all forms of civilisation.

With about 56 minutes’ drive to Gwagwalada, the nearest point of access to all forms of social amenities, healthcare and education by these villagers is a town called Dobi, 38 minutes’ drive away.

On a bumpy ride from Dobi to kwalita, Inside FCT had discovered that aside the rough terrain; villages in that environment all suffer the same fate including gully erosion during the rainy seasons.

With a small population of no fewer than 400 adults and children, these villagers do not have access to portable water, electricity, healthcare facilities, telecommunication or quality education.

About six villages to and after Kwalita survive on stream water which could easily pass as urine with lots of particles unlike portable water which is usually clean and colourless.

Visiting the stream, Inside FCT discovered not only was it a source of water for domestic usage including cooking and drinking, but it was also home to cattle, fish, frogs and a host of other impurity agents.

One may wonder how the spokesman in the village, Peter Ikyobo and his family, natives of Guma Local Government Area of Benue state, found himself here as the only person who understands English language.

Narrating the ordeals of the villagers to Inside FCT, he lamented that the federal government through the FCT administra-

DURING RAINY SEASON OUR CHILDREN DIE FROM AILMENT

BECAUSE WE DON’T EVEN HAVE ACCESS TO ANY FORM OF HEALTH FACILITY tion has abandoned them by not making available provisions to social amenities to ease their suffering.

According to him, the villagers suffer most during the rainy season especially after a heavy downpour which makes it impossible to go out or come into the village adding that loves are lost during this period due to infections resulting from contaminated water.

Ikyobo said: “I have lived here for long, the water we take here is not the kind of water we should take. We are here but the area council does not know us, they know us only during elections and the water that we drink is not safe.

“During rainy season our children die from ailment because we don’t even have access to any form of health facility. There is nothing here we are just here if government

Kwalita

can help us we will thank God. I had to go out to gain quality education before coming back to meet my family because we don’t have schools here. You can’t find up to four people here who have attended secondary school. We only have a primary school not very close by but during the rainy season when the road is rough, the teachers do not come regularly to teach our children but hence they keep the primary school they manage and come here sometimes. Our market is at Dobi, also if we want to go to

Kwalita

the hospital, buy drugs from pharmacy or do any other thing, we have to go there” he lamented.

When asked about access to transport facilities, Ikyobo explained that in the absence of vehicles which run once a week on market days, they spend so much. “It is just as if we do not exist, buses do not come here at all except on market days which happens once a week and we pay N400 just to Gwagwalada. Other days we have to pick bike to Gwagwalada for N700. It is too expensive so we hardly go out” The primary occupation of the people is farming of yams and production of firewood logs which are sold to firewood wholesalers and retailers.

One of the clients, Hamza Abdulmalik, speaking to Inside FCT noted that “I come here, other people also come this far to buy logs of firewood in bulk at a very cheap rate, we break some when we get back to Gwagwalada and sell to big restaurants and people who want to cook for an occasion.

“The people here are suffering too much, there was a time they were urinating and passing out blood in their faeces .

If I am FCT Minister, I won’t put my money here instead, I will get a settlement for

Xenophobia: Residents protest attacks on Nigerians REGINA OTOKPA

R

esidents of the Federal Capital Territory would give anything not to miss popular radio programme, Brekete Family, a voice for the voiceless and trumpeter of wrongs against humanity.

With the recent maiming and looting in South Africa, it was no surprise when members of the Brekete Family took to the streets alongside huge numbers of FCT residents to protest the xenophobic attacks meted on Nigerians and other foreigners

living and eking a living in South Africa.

The peaceful protest initiated by One Africa Initiative had key members of the renowned Brekete family, Ahmed Isah, Fred Edeh and also peace coroners Phil Roberts and Koboko master in attendance, displayed placards reading: ‘We say NO to xenophobic attacks’, xenophobic attack is a crime’ among others Disregarding the scorching sun, they marched from the Unity Fountain to South African owned firms and relevant embassies to give a clear cut warning while registering their displeasure over the sad event going on for days.

According to the protesters, there was no justification for the attacks which they alleged was encouraged by the South African authorities who had refused to instill law and order even when the attacks were being perpetrated right under their nose The group had threatened to retaliate by destroying all South African investments if the government refuses to address the situation speedily to save lives and properties.

Speaking to Inside FCT, Paul Edeh a barrister said there was no rationale behind the attack given the strategic role of Nigeria in liberating South Africa from apart-

heid. He therefore called on the American government to look into the matter and advise South Africans to desist from these heinous crime acts for peace to reign.

“These acts are crimes against humanity, we are calling on America to investigate this act that is being perpetrated with South African authority even present and supporting the actions of their people “They keep shouting foreigners go, Nigerians go but they forget they also have investments in Nigeria. We have gone to MTN, we have gone to DSTV but we didn’t destroy anything. We are one Africa and together we will fight xenophobic attacks

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Inside FCT

Friday, May 8, 2015

25

Petrol:

Hawkers hit jackpot as scarcity persists CHIDI UGWU

A

them close to civilisation but they can have just their farms here” Abdulmalik advised.

Recently, a Non Governmental Organisation, Green Matters, donated 200 water filters to the villagers to ensure they have portable water to reduce cases of infection resulting from contaminated water; however, this is not enough.

Inside FCT checks revealed that the purification process was too slow and could take hours to filter one bucket of water for usage. This is far from the solution the people of Kwalita need to forestall further occurrence of infections, especially now that the rains are upon us.

However, Mr. Ishak Kara, Supervising Councillor for Education Gwagwalada Area Council, has stressed that the community had benefited from water infrastructures such as borehole, put in place by the area council.

He maintained that any water related programme initiated at this point would be to ensure the people have safe drinking water.

Kara said: “It serves as a wakeup call and reminder to our responsibility as a government at the grass roots to step up our presence in the areas of provision of social amenities in our communities”.

because we are concerned about the welfare of our people”.

The president of the Brekete Family, Ahmed Isah, stressed that Nigerians would not sit back and watch the continuance of inhumane actions for long but would also take up action if the situation was not arrested by the appropriate authorities.

Also condemning the actions of the South African security operatives, he said “we have seen how the police in South Africa have been laughing, standing by and watching South Africans kill Nigerians and other Africans. If they do not stop this, all their investments will go for it”.

s residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) continue to grown under acute scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, black market dealers appear to have jerked up sales of the product.

Inside FCT investigations reveal a thriving business which has engaged hundreds of young men mostly from the northern parts of the country.

Investigations reveal rapid increase in number of petrol hawkers, who are catching on the development to make brisk business, by servicing motorists lacking the patience to wait for long hours on the long queues at the few petrol stations having the scarce commodity.

Inside FCT observed that since the scarcity started few months ago, a lot of hawkers have flooded virtually all the streets of the nation’s capital, selling product to desperate motorists, in search of the commodity.

It was also found that in the black market there is steady supply of the scarce product as these hustlers are seen in every nook and crannies of the city with gallons filled with petrol.

From Wuse to Maitama, Asokoro to Area 1 and Jabi areas, the story was the same as good numbers of the black market dealers were seen clutching gallon of varying shapes and sizes.

One of the dealers, who simply identified himself as Abbas, confided in Inside FCT that most of them are actually working for filling stations managers and their attendants, adding that products are usually supplied to them mostly at night.

He added that in the event where they run out supply mid day they would get supply by parking several jerry cans in vehicle which the attendants briskly fill will little protests from queuing motorists.

“We get fuel from the stations mostly at nights. Some of are selling for the managers” he said.

Ironically, while residents suffer the scarcity few of these black market dealers smile to the bank.

Another dealer, Hassan Sanni disclosed that they make as much as N20, 000 per day

Fuel scaricty in FCT

ABBAS, CONFIDED IN INSIDE FCT THAT MOST OF THEM ARE ACTUALLY WORKING FOR FILLING STATION MANAGERS

with a gallon of 10 litres going for between N1, 800 to N2000.

“We make gains but you must prepare to contend with the scorching sun. Some days we make as much as N20,000 but you know you have to settle the suppliers” said Sanni.

Despite warning from the Department of Petroleum Resources and other relevant authorities this illegal business is often done in the full glare of the public.

Inside FCT observed that even security agencies patronise these dealers in their desperation to fuel their vehicles amidst the continuing scarcity.

ACCORDING TO

THE PROTESTERS, THERE WAS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THE ATTACKS WHICH THEY ALLEGED WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE

SOUTH AFRICAN AUTHORITIES

Protest in Abuja

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reiterated that it has enough stock of petrol to service the country for 27 days at a national consumption rate of 40 million litres per day even as it has stepped up efforts to end the distribution challenges in the fuel supply system.

The Corporation which stated this in a press statement made available to journalists said it has sufficient stock of petrol at its coastal depots in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Calabar besides the stock it holds in the national strategic reserves.

It explained that the distribution hitch was due to the strike action by the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) who have refused to lift petroleum products from the coastal depots in protest of the huge amounts they are being owed by the major marketers.

“We are, however, working towards a speedy resolution of the issues to ensure a hitch-free distribution of products across the country”, the Corporation stated.

It appealed to NARTO and PTD to call off the strike in the interest of the country and not unleash unnecessary hardship on Nigerians.

Mirror Mongers

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Friday, May 8, 2015

Burna Boy copies Iyanya?

Trekking galore

Trekking to Abuja for Jonathan

Trekking from Lagos to Abuja for Buhari

N

igeria has her peculiarities. Ever since the All Progressives Congress, APC won the presidential elections, so much has been happening in the polity. The one that is really getting on everyone is, of course, the habit of trekking. It started with Suleiman Hassimu, who ‘claimed’ to have trekked from Lagos to Abuja to express his joy

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over the victory of Muhammadu Buhari.

Consumed by ‘bandwagon effect’, many have been trekking since then to express their respect for both President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari.

One Paul Jamasuru Tankwa, a 35 year old man from Taraba, has also set off for Abuja on foot to President Jonathan to congratulate him for conceding defeat and to present him with the Peace Maker and African Hero of the year award.

Meanwhile, the trekking habit has also become a source of comedy skit for comedians.

Basketmouth was sighted trekking to his car, claiming that those trekking are doing so because they did not have transport fares. Charly Boy however boasted he would trek from Nigeria to Asia the day one naira becomes equivalent to one dollar.

Crusade campaigns

Burna Boy

T

ruth is that only a thin line exits between fact and fiction in entertainment journalism, especially with the fad that bad press is better than ‘no press’ at all. So in the spirit of hype, fans get to read some ‘great’ stories about billions of dollars being spent to insure boobs to corporations begging an artiste with millions of dollars for endorsement

deals. Singer Iyanya did it a couple of years back when he (abi his publicists?) claimed to have inked a deal running into millions of naira. Now Burna Boy, is in the searchlight for the same issue. Here is how music artiste (or critic?) Etcetera captured this after Burna Boy boasted about a deal with Universal Group. According to him, “In Nigeria today, every artist needs a “lying” platform – or three, to reach their target audience. Years back, radio used to be the dominant “platform” for breaking new artistes, you may say it is still important, but the radio is certainly no longer the only game in town. It is becoming simply too limited, too expensive and too difficult to control to be the sole platform. A better and surer way to expose the artiste to the public has been discovered. Now the artist with the biggest LIE has the bigger and better head start. The Nigerian music “industry” has now brought a vast array of gifted liars.

We have seen managers lying blatantly about the activities of their artistes just to be noticed. So far, it is working for them here in Nigeria. Our gullibility has made it too easy to become an artiste here in Nigeria. What was your reaction when Burna Boy tweeted about his new songwriting deal with Universal Music Group?

Did you notice how the blogs went gaga congratulating him? If truly Burna Boy got a deal, why didn’t Universal Music Group issue a statement to that effect?

Well, strange stuff has happened.”

Time will tell indeed.

‘Do as I do’ in Nollywood

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ompetition always brings out ingenuity, or how do we describe the place of handbills and billboards in today’s attempt to woo worshippers.

Like the ewe learning to chew cud from,

Qa

ONE-SECOND &

With

TANKO YAKASAI

it appears that the younger generation of pastors, are doing well in creating themes for their church services. For starters, a church Good House International, headed by a pastor in his early 20s did well with his service directed at spinsters when he organised his crusade under the theme, ‘Give Me a Spouse or I die’. While the record of those who may have found spouses and failed to die is not available another group of three pastors, held what they termed, ‘Prison Break, Season 1’, maintaining that their mission is to ‘Break Curses and Demonic covenants’.

At some other locations, themes like ‘First Fruit’, were also being used to depict the fact that the first quarter of the year has berthed.

MM observed that things are already getting on the digital way with some of these worship centres dealing with identification codes like BB Pins.

The Peoples Democratic Party chieftains have been exchanging blames since the party lost the March 28 presidential poll. Chairman of the Northern Elders Council, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai adds his voice to the issue, especially as regards the role of the north:

S

ome things happen that makes one wonder where the growth really lies in the Nigerian movie industry. This is because we are still hearing details we ought to have forgotten, especially as regards portrayal of characters in movies. Those who are conversant with the movie landscape will definitely remember the actress called Alex Lopex and how she earned N150,000 in 2000 for shaving her head bald in the movie, Echoes. She got that (fantastic?) fee then for the role of a widow in the movie.

However many years later, while the industry should have outgrown such practices, actresses are still walking crude pathways to play their roles in an era when resin masks cost less than N3000.

In the past, Nollywood acts like Nuela Njubigbo and Halima Abubakar have gone clean-shaven, just to prove that they can play their parts well. Of course, the ‘smooth-head syndrome’ became an issue that when fans

athan’s re-elecWhile the NEF was opposed to Jon ? him tion, the NEC supported

J

southerner; onathan was not contesting as a y (NEF) The n. eria he was contesting as a Nig e northwer they use beca him were opposed to They est. cont to him t wan not did erners and they est cont to him t did not say why they did not wan ld wou they and ers except that they were northern ed stat they ws, rvie inte r thei not vote for him. In vote for Jonathan clearly that the North would not for Jonathan. It and clearly the North did not vote action, it was ated edit was clear that it was a prem een various betw tion bora not natural. It was colla pendent Inde the of ials offic e som g actors, includin itional trad e som National Electoral Commission, ns ticia poli e som and rulers, some religious leaders that incited the people.

Actresses shave their heads for a role

and foes ran into Halima, they just sighed, wondering if there was no other way to portray a cancer patient. One day someone will cut off a limb to play the role of an amputee…

Friday, May 8, 2015 19 Rajab, 1436

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Call to Worship On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

Fuengirola Mosque

HADITH Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Umar: Allah’s Apostle said, “The prayer in congregation is twenty seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone.”

Fuengirola Mosque (Spanish: Mezquita de Fuengirola) is an Islamic place of worship in Fuengirola, Spain.

Its building was funded from 1993. The mosque’s leader, Dr.Mohamed Kamal Mostafa.

Leadership as Moral Responsibility

T

he Leader should order his people to observe justice, goodness and avoid doing injustice to each other, and to love good deeds and hate evil deeds. In short the moral value and the conduct of the leader is a reflection of the moral value and the conduct of his people. Therefore, if they behave well

Returnee girls and failed leadership 28

in the sight of their Beneficent Master, the Glorious and the High, He will inject mercy in the hearts of their leaders to do good to them. If, on the other hand, they disobey their Lord and seek to corrupt the world, He will cause their leaders to subdue and consequently ill-treat them. The Most High said: “Thus we

Scholars call for better treatment for journalists

29

let some of the wrong-doers have power over others (because of what they want to earn).” And in the Hadith it is reported, that you will be governed “as you are.”

Quoted from: Principles of Leadership

According to the Founding Fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate Collated and edited by Hamid Bobboyi with the Compliments of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar mni, CFR, LLD, Sultan of Sokoto

Religion, morality and material success 30

28

Call to Worship

19 Rajab, 1436 Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Returnee girls and failed leadership S

ometimes last year, I wrote in some of my columns on the many plights of the abducted Chibok girls in the Sambisa Forest with men who lack the fear of God around them, their hygiene needs as well as the possibilities of their being pregnant.

Though anticipated, it is so sad that this fear was confirmed by UNFPA that the 214 rescued girls are pregnant, and the next question is; impregnated by who?

These are innocent teenagers, who should be pursuing their education for better tomorrow.

More worrisome is the report by the Nigeria Army that the Chibok girls, are not even among these ones.

With this fact now, what is the probability that more than a year after their disappearance now, the Chibok girls are not also carrying babies whose fathers may not be known for obvious reasons?

Maybe President Goodluck Jonathan could have saved

these girls if he had believed their abduction immediately and acted promptly. What a big shame to our clueless leaders!

And we should not even be looking at pregnancy alone now, many if not all of them would have being infected with many other sexually-transmitted diseases.

These girls require complete medical check, therapy and good rehabilitation. And government should do these without further delay. As a mother, mere imagination of one’s daughter in such a horrible situation sends shiver down one’s spine.

Government must and should be ready to shoulder all expenses needed to correct their abuse and psychological torture in order to ensure proper reintegration of the girls into the society and move on with their lives. And now that the Senate has passed all the 46 clauses contained in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, bill

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994

GOVERNMENT MUST AND SHOULD BE READY TO SHOULDER ALL EXPENSES NEEDED TO CORRECT THEIR ABUSE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TORTURE which has been in the National Assembly for close to 13 years, it must be noted that it is the primary responsibility of the executive to protect the lives and property of its citizens, especially against violence, while legislators should continue to enact laws to support such.

Babalakin delivers UNIFEMGA 2015 lecture

D

r. Wale Babalakin (SAN), will speak on “Doing Business in Nigeria: Challenges of a Muslim Practitioner’’, at Obafemi Awolowo University Oduduwa Hall, as part of the three-day annual national reunion of Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association, UNIFEMGA, tomorrow.

In a statement by its National President, Prof.

Wahab Egbewole, Babalakin, who doubles as the Chairman of Bi-Courtney

Construction Company, would be assisted by an Economist, Mr Ahmed Tunde Popoola, Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau Limited while Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, would chair the occasion.

Other events were scholarship for the students; keep fit exercise, novelty match, visitation to UNIFEMGA student hostel projects among others.

AIC examination is close by

A

l-Azhar International College, AIC, located at Zango Daji, Lokoja-Kabba Junction Road, Kogi State, will be holding its entrance examination on Saturday, May 30th, 2015 at Lokoja, Lagos and Abuja.

According to the College’s Administrator, Mr. AbdulHakeem Akinola, for parents who want balanced education for their children, AlC is the place to be.

Akinola assured all intending parents and guardians that the school’s management is out to ensure that Al-Azhar’s core values of sincerity, humility, morality, truthfulness, honesty, hard work, strategic thinking, respect and righteousness are strictly adhered to.

“We prepare students in a way to achieve happier and more successful lives than their parents and peers by going the extra mile to ensure that our students con-

sistently excel, not just once but always; Not only in one front but in all fronts.”

For further details, the school can be reached via email: alazharinternlcollege@gmail.com or +2347030284779, +234-7060846621.

Al-Azhar International College is a full boarding coeducational institution. The College combines worldclass secular and Islamic education with high moral training (based on Islamic teachings and ethics) to build outstanding and disciplined future leaders for all aspects of human existence.

According to the school’s Proprietor, Dr. Yekeen Habeeb, AIC is now set to begin Cambridge A-Levels examination and the College’s management is determined to ensure total education for the students and offer the best aid to prepare them for both internal and external examinations in addition to high moral upbringing.

L-R: (standing): Sis. Noimot Akinreti, Sis.Wasilat Shoboyede, Sis.Rofiat AbdulSalam, Sis. Maryam Ademoye and Sis. Jamilat Adeoye; (sitting): sis Taofikat Fagbolade, Sis. Wakilat Sanusi and Sis Salamot Matepo during the annual women’s workshop held at Ojokoro, recently.

Watch out for special Ramadan package OH Allah! Lengthen our lives, increase us in Iman, Taqwa, Rizq and good health to be among those that will witness another set of 30days full of Rahma, with a night equivalent to 83 years of worship.

As usual, your darling National Mirror Newspaper will be on ground to dish out the daily spiritual diets to our teeming darling readers. May we be among the partakers of the glorious month, Aamin.

Let the information keep flowing to all daddies, mummies, brothers and sisters in Islam. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly as you create this needed awareness, Amin!

For further enquiries, please contact: Assistant Editor, – SEKINAH LAWAL: call or text: 08055102994, email: sakinah207@yahoo.com.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AISHA TITILAYO

T

he Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, an affiliate of The Muslim Congress, TMC, Imam Shuaib Abdullahi, has appealed to Nigerians to always remember journalists who suffered and are still facing injustice in the course of their duties.

He and other scholars made the call in Lagos recently at the launch of a book titled: “Muslims and The Threat of The Media’’, written by a journalist, AbdurRasheedAbubakar, to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day. Abubakar is a reporter with the Encomium Magazine.

He remarked that there is a conspiracy against Islam and the Muslims.

“There is a blanket condemnation of Muslims for an offence committed by individual Muslims and this should not be so.”

Reviewing the book, the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, described the book as being compact and beautifully-packaged in nine chapters. He said that the author wrote in a readable style by defining that media drew insights from scholars and experts,

BAUCHI

T

he Federal Government has officially handed over the Tsangayar Malam Mato Gumau Model Qur’anic School in Toro local government area to its proprietor.

Speaking at the official handing over of the school, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Abuja, Alhaji Dikko Sulaiman said it is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to support Tsangaya education at the grass root.

Represented by the Program Coordinator, Almajiri Education Program in UBEC, Malam Ibrahim Yusuf, the executive secretary said the construction of the school followed a request made by the proprietor of the school, Malam Mato Gumau and approved by

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Scholars call for better treatment for journalists tracing the hostility of the media and its anti-Islamic passion.

“Muslims and the Threats of the Media, is a compelling book and draws from far reaching experiences of a researcher and practitioner who wishes to draw attention to the media infractions against Islam and Muslims. The beauty of the book lies in the fact that the writer identified the problems of smearing the image of Islam and Muslims.

“Abubakar has evidently done Muslims a world of good in his timely book.

At a time that there is an unprecedented upsurge in the number of media houses springing up in Nigeria and the rest of the world, his message that Muslims cannot afford to be indifferent is right on target,” Adedimeji said.

Malam Yusuf Zango, the Managing Editor, Lagos Editorial Operation of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, commended the author for taking the initiative and noted that establishment of a media outfit is capital intensive

FG hand over Qur’anic school to proprietor EZEKIEL TITUS

Call to Worship

Friday, May 8, 2015 19 Rajab, 1436

the Federal Government.

Dr. Dikko therefore enjoined the proprietor to work hand-in hand with the State Universal Basic Education and the local government Education Authority to ensure the smooth conduct of the school activities.

Dr. Dikko warned that although UBEC has handed over the school, it will continue to monitor its performance to ensure the provision of qualitative education. Also speaking, the State Coordinator, Almajiri Education, Malam Abdul `Aziz Baba Seibo said the school is the third of its kind in Bauchi State.

While urging the proprietor to ensure sustenance of the school structure, he pledged the commitment of the state government to work with the local government education authority toward supervising the activities of the school.

and that it takes a long time to get returns on such investment.

Zango urged wealthy Muslims not to shy away from investing in media industry because “we need it to balance reportage of Islam and Muslim affairs in the media”.

Also speaking, the Grand Mufti of the Council of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria,

Sheikh DhikrullahSha’afi stressed the power and ability of media to project or mar the image of any individual, society or corporate entity.

He extolled the early Muslim scholars who strived to inculcate the ideals of Islam in youths, many of who are now in the forefront of Islamic propagation and writing about Islam in the Nige-

rian society today. “Writing or documenting events about Islam and how they affect Muslims, is one of the rewarding acts in the sight of Allah call “sadaqatun Jaariyah”.

“Every Muslim scholar, with knowledge in various field of human endeavour, should strive to write so that generations of Muslims will be able to drink from their fountain

of knowledge,” the Mufti said.

“Media is a double edge sword which can be used positively and negatively.” Sha’afi said. While lamenting the dearth of Muslims in the Nigerian media, he counsel the few ones to hold fast to the rope of Allah and use their respective medium positively to project the image of Islam positively.

The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria, Sheikh Dhikrullah Sha’afi; Executive Director of the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Imam Shuaib Abdullah, Director, Vanguards Academy, Dr. Zafaran Adeniyi; the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji; Project Director, Digital Horizon Ltd. Port-Harcourt, Alhaji AbdulKareem Adebayo AbdusSalam and other dignitaries at the launching of a book written by AbdurRasheed Abubakar.

SEKINAH L AWAL

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he Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has rejected the pronouncement by Justice J. Liman of the Federal High Court, Benin, that recently fined Michael Igbinedion the sum of N3million for stealing N25billion from the Edo State treasury during the period his elder brother, Lucky Igbinedion, served as governor, on the basis that it reflects gross travesty of justice.

In a release signed by MURIC’s Director, Prof.

Ishaq Akintola, he said the ruling is scandalous, laughable and anti-people.

“We see this as a mockery of the judicial system. This pronouncement must be reversed by an appellate court and a proportionate punishment meted out to the culprit.”

“We are heavily disappointed by this decision.

Where is common law lead-

N3m fine for N25b scam, mockery of judicial system –MURIC ing us in this country? This is the type of judgment which encourages corrupt politicians to siphon public funds without batting an eyelid. It is also used as excuse by armed robbers and kidnappers. They ask, “What has been done to politicians who steal billions with a stroke of the pen?”

The group stated that a judicial system which sentences the poor man to six months imprisonment for stealing one tuber of yam but leaves the rich man who steals billions of naira to go scot free cannot be called fair in any sense of the word. “ “What proportion of N25 billion is N3 million?

The Nigerian judiciary has failed the jamaaheer (masses). Where is the money he stole anyway? Has it been refunded? Is he just going to refund N3 million out

of it as fine and keep the remaining whopping N24 billion nine hundred and ninety seven million naira (N24, 997,000,000.00)? It is preposterous!”

“This man should have been made to rot in jail for years at least to serve as deterrent to other thieves like him in public office. Why can’t we learn from China?

America has been forced to surrender the first position in the economic field to China. The communist state reached its present lofty height today because of its total war on corruption.”

He said that corruption will become a thing of the past in Nigeria the day we stop glorifying political kleptomaniacs while calling for a change of the present situation in Nigeria in which the proletariat is overworked, underpaid

and overtaxed describing it as indeed worrisome.

MURIC urged EFCC to appeal against this misjudgement and ask for a heavier punishment and appealed to the Nigerian Judicial Council to show keen interest in this case which is capable of making a laughing stock of the judiciary.

Also, MURIC charged the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the incoming ruling party and the newly elected lawmakers, to study the modus operandi of the Chinese Communist Party in its fight against corruption. “We believe that Nigeria needs revolutionary change, a change in which anyone who steals public money, no matter how highly placed, will be made accountable, and very heavily too.

Call to Worship

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19 Rajab, 1436 Friday, May 8, 2015

Religion, morality and material success

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question which is raised these days perhaps more than ever before by the young, those who have not had proper guidance and those who do not follow religion is that since worldly education leads to good morals what is the point of abiding by religion? It is said that morals can be instilled without any religious education, in fact it is maintained that people who do not follow religion have better morals than religious people. In particular this allegation is levelled at followers of Islam. Adherents of other faith have distanced themselves from their beliefs but even nonpracticing Muslims associate themselves to the faith they were born in, therefore in reality this allegation is aimed at Muslims.

Efforts are made to influence our youth against religion. A good aspect of Western education is that it emphasises research and exploration but this needs to be done methodically.

Parents are not able to answer adolescents when they question them on these issues, either due to lack of time owing to societal or economic pressures or because they simply do not have the knowledge. Many a time rather than answer the adolescents, parents suppress them.

This leads the adolescents to assume that although Islam claims to be the true faith with all the resolutions to problems, it does not have the answers in practical terms and in keeping with the times.

Youngsters take all this in quietly but they have the freedom to do so, they distance themselves from religion. As a result in spite of Islam being a living faith we find people among Muslims who reject religion and existence of God. In light of this we all need to reflect as to how we should practice our faith and also inspire our youngsters to practice.

Most certainly Islam is a perfect religion and the Holy Qur’an is a complete Book and the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (SAW), an embodiment of the Qur’an, is before us. It was his blessed model that generated a revolutionary change in his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), they understood faith, they understood morality and they also progressed in the material sense.

They kept all three aspects within their context.

Youngsters should try, in fact so should adults, to understand correct morals, material success and spirituality and then put them all in practice. When youngsters will understand this point it will open up avenues of success for them and they will realise how beautiful the teaching of Islam is and they will recognise the lies of Islam’s detractors. Questions that are raised today are not something new; this had been going on in the past because people do not try to understand religion in its correct form. So-called religious scholars present fictitious, erroneous solutions to people and plunge the educated people in further confusion about religion. At times people themselves make incorrect inferences about religion.

It is difficult to separate religion, morality and man’s material needs. A religious person cannot separate morality from religion and he also does not abandon the thought of having material needs. Indeed, this would stop the cycle of material progress. However, although correlated these matters are also distinguishable. People who do not follow religion maintain that man needs good morals and material success. However, a true Muslim will maintain that man is also in need of religion because it takes man to God. Islam alone makes the correlation between spirituality,

morality and material success.

However, a vast majority of Muslims do not understand the reality of religion and connect morality and material gain to religion rather excessively, so much so that they drive people away from religion. Aside the essentials of Islam like Salat and fasting, some religious scholars insist that matters like conventions and rallies etc. are also part of Islam and those who do not participate in them are disbelievers or apostates. Even this stance is exceeded and each sect passes its fatwas against the others and conflicts carry on. All this leads to extremist groups

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya formulating so-called religious laws and carrying our murder and mayhem. The situation in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan is borne of fictitious laws made in the name of religion! A French journalist who was released from ISIL captivity saw some practices there which seemed contrary to the knowledge of Islam he had. Upon his asking, individuals from ISIL told him they did not know what Qur’an and Hadith said, what they followed was their own law.

The current situation in Ye-

men is also a manifestation of implementation of favoured fatwas in the guise of religion to kill innocent people through air strikes. It is correct that both the parties are in the wrong but this does not mean that one can kill the other! Every religious scholar and every Maulana seems to have made up their own religion and there is no semblance between true Islam and the Islam that they practice.

This is the reason a vast majority of people have turned away from religion.

Alhaji Taofeek Akinbami with Fadilat Sheikh Al-Khalifa Muh.Raji Sulaimon of Dowomu Al-Thariqat Al-Quadiriyah and Oba Tapa of Dopemuland, Fadilat Sheikh Yusuff Issa while Alhaji Akinbami is being turbaned as the Seriki Adinni of Dowomu Mosque in Lagos recently.

Place your adverts here for optimal reach ZAKAT IS 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH KNOWN AS NISAB AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT

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Alhaji Taofeek Akinbami with family members after his turbaning.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday May 8, 2015

L-R: Head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos/BMAI Spokes Person, Prof.

Ralph Akinfeleye; Chairman, Troyka Holdings/ Keynote Speaker, Mr Biodun Shobanjo; from Faculty of Corporate Governance, Lagos Business School, Dr Chris Ogbechie, and Group Director, Human Capital Development, Troyka Holdings Mr Olakanmi Amoo-Onidundu at Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Launch in Lagos recently.

L-R: MTV Base Talent Manager Lanre Onipede; Digital Specialist, Adetola Adekoya; Head, Marketing and Communications Viacom International Media Networks, Colette Otusheso, and MTV Base Marketing and Digital Specialist, Akinyemi Solanke at MTV Base Masterclass in Lagos recently.

L-R: Etisalat Nigeria’s Manager, Events and Sponsorship, Ora Egwu, Top 12 Contestant, Oyinkepreye Toun, Executive Director, OMG, Ugochi Pedro, Etisalat Nigeria’s Head, Events and Sponsorship, Modupe Thanni and Top 12 Contestant, Ogunrombi Olakunle during the unveiling of Nigeria Idol Top 12 contestants at OMG’s Dream Studios in Lagos.

L-R: President, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, Mr. Umaru Aliyu; Representative of the Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde; Country President, Schneider Electric, Mr. Walid Sheta and President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Waheed Brimmo, during products launch by Schneider Electric during the 2015 Lagos Architects Forum.

People In The Mirror

31

Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria Maurice Newa (right) receiving the CEO’s Brand Personality of the Year Award on behalf of the Airtel CEO, Segun Ogunsanya, from former President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mrs. Bunmi Oke, during the Marketing Edge Awards, in Lagos.

L-R: POP duo Tunde and Wunmi Obe with Manager, Anthony Anifite at Two Plus Album Launch Lagos.

L-R: Head, Special Projects and Corporate Communications, Honeywell Group, Ebun Bolodeoku; Economic Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria, Ibi Ikpoki; Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ambassador, Michel Arrion; Chairman, Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko and Head of Trade and Economics Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS,Filippo Amato, during a business visit to Honeywell Group’s corporate office in Lagos.

District Governor, Rotary International Distract-9110 Rotr. Dr. Dele Balogun,, (fourthright); Past District Governor Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, (fifth right), Past Assistant Governor, Rotr.

Onikepo Oshodi, (fifth left), Past President Rotary Club of Egbeda Rotr. Kunle Oyatomi, (second left) and others Delegate cutting the cake, during the Send off Cocktail of the 10 Man Team of the International District 9110 to 2015 Rotary International Friendship Exchange Programme In USA and Canada, held at Rotary District 9110, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Arty News

Friday, May 8, 2015

RMD, Olu Jacobs thrill in ‘Oloibiri’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kelly Hansome, Icerom star in ‘The Estate’

xxx xxxx

Olu Jacobs Kelly Handsome

REGINA OTOKPA

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loibiri; Revenge Has Come, an action thriller with a powerful statement from Nollywood, will soon hit cinemas across the world.

Produced by Rogers Ofime and directed by Curtis Graham, the action-packed film brings to semblance, a cross fertilisation of creativity between local and international minds and would parade American actor William Moses, famous Nolywood stars including veteran actors and actress in the likes of Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Taiwo Ajayi Lycett and a host of others.

Shot in the old town of Oloibiri, the first point of crude oil discovery in the country and Canada, the movie tells a story of the sufferings of the Niger deltans after the discovery of oil, the greed of the chiefs who fell short of their responsibilities to protect the values, cultures and interest of its people.

The movie also reveals the exploitation of the people and their resources by the international community and the restiveness of a set of youths who angry with the state of exploitation, would go any length to bring justice to the land of Oloibiri.

During a media screening of Oloibiri in a 30 minutes cut at the Silverbird Galleria in Abuja, RMD noted that issues crippling the Niger Delta arose from the failed leadership at all levels.

According to him, the movie meets all necessary requirements without violating any form of sensitivity in terms of violence, and was a welcome

RMD

development in getting international and local crews to work together and create a transnational movie.

“Sometimes when you are constrained or you are push to the wall, if you want to be heard, you take the most available tool that you make you get heard, I’m not advocating violence in anyway but you and I also know that if the people in the Niger/Delta didn’t get to the point where they did, we wouldn’t be talking about. We shot in Oloibiri, the real town, I looked at the town, and for the most part I was very sad, because it was like somebody took that town and froze it in time”, RMD lamented.

He added that “it paints a graphic picture of the aristocratic Nigerian oil tycoon who is the enabler of this resource abuse as well as the extremist revolutionaries who would not mind bloodshed in the course of agitations”.

Oloibiri would premiere across Nigerian and international cinemas this month and would be screened at the Cannes Film Festival on the 19th through 21st of this month.

opular hip-hop musicians, Kelly Hansome and Isaac Chinagorom otherwise known as Icerom are set to debut in a blockbuster television series, The Estate.

The yet to be shot movie according to the producer and director, Dan Iyke will have a list of other top actors and actresses on set, even as the crew camps for a long stay of shoot from this weekend.

Interestingly, this movie boasts of the presence of professional crew, crossing from hi-tech equipments, which will be supervised and handled by Dan Iyke Films in

an association with St. IJ Productions and Rushwoq Philms, according to the Executive Producer, Barr. Chinwendu Vivian Igwe.

The Estate is an extensive modern African romantic film series, aimed at projecting glamour, sense of beauty and mastery of the human temperaments, namely; love, hatred, deceit, betrayal, and greed. The story ties together families within an estate and a plethora of occupied residences consisting in intelligent youth.

The differences in perceptions

of such phenomena are love, hatred, hobby of an indulgence in delinquencies or creative activity, whereby presenting the contrasts in which the actors deposit themselves.

The holistic story evolves a fortune discovered in an estate, which brings the wealthy residents at loggerheads, until they began to apply the “Laws of Power” for the survival of the fittest.

And yet, we cannot see the story’s vanishing point, as it expands toward the horizon of no end.

Wale Thompson returns to Nigeria

Wale Thompson

V

eteran Juju artiste, Wale Thompson has finally returned to Nigeria and it seems he’s planning on residing permanently. The link between the old and the new generation as he is fondly referred to by

friends, fans and admirers is well known for his hit single, ‘Lalale Friday’, which was a massive hit several years ago. He was on top of his game until he had an accident that almost claimed his life. He had to travel abroad to

receive treatment, ever since he recovered, Wale has been a regular face on the international scene traveling and performing with his band abroad from London to Germany and Dubai to South Africa but now he is set to dominate the music scene like he did before. Wale Thompson has now become hot cake ever since his return.

It would seem his fans have missed him as the crowd is always massive at every one of his band performances. With the kind of reception and love he is being shown by his fans at his recent live performances in Nigeria, most recently at LASCOFIS at Acme, Agidingbi, Lagos.

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Arty News

Friday, May 8, 2015

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Christy Ijele’s bricklaying role trends

At AFRIMA event

Getting set for AFRIMA 2015

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Christy Ijele

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he issue of wannabe attitude known to be attached with mere mention of Nollywood will be heading the rock if the latest lifestyle showcased

by On Air Personality and burgeoning actress, Christy Ozioma Ijele will be adopted.

When photos of dark-skinned actress, Ijele trended early this week on the social media, she received accolades from her most fans, even as few described it as set photos from a location where she is shooting.

The photos which had the actress assisting bricklayers at a building site as a labourer generated a lot of controversy, on if

the hippy and curvy OAP would stoop so low to engage in such services.

While the controversy lasted, she refuted such doubt when she continued to write, “Most of us in the make-believe industry would not indulge into such work, as they all rely on faking jobs. When things have not advanced, we all went our ways to work, not minding the kind of job it was, at least to get ends meet.”

“I didn’t see it as anything, because I needed the money. When I tried it, it worked for me and I continued. In fact, I didn’t see it as anything, as many would make out issues from it,” she said.

ll Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in partnership with the Africa Union Commission, AUC, will open submission of entries for this year’s edition of the continental awards on Monday, May 18, 2015.

Music professionals of African origin including artistes, songwriters, video directors, music/entertainment journalists and music producers resident on the continent or abroad are eligible to enter in any of the 33 award categories and entry submission closes on Monday, July 20, 2015. Works to be submitted must be produced in the year under review –May 31, 2014 to July 20, 2015.

Entries should be done by completing the registration form on AFRIMA website while a URL link of the music work on YouTube, SoundCloud, MySpace and other compatible platforms must be included in the space provided on the entry registration form.

For hard copy entries, download the registration form and the completed copy alongside two copies of the entry must be sent to the nearest physical address provided on the AFRIMA website.

The dates for entry submission and closing were recently announced by the AFRIMA President/Executive Producer, Mr. Mike Dada during the AUCAFRIMA Joint Conference held on April 29, 2015 at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The conference witnessed by internation-

al media, select African music super stars, members of the international committee of AFRIMA and senior AUC officials, also served as a forum for unveiling the AFRIMA 2015 event calendar by the AUC Commissioner of Social Affairs, His Excellency, Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko who formally declared the 2015 activities of AFRIMA open.

While explaining the series of activities and programmes lined up on the AFRIMA 2015 calendar for African music followers and lovers, Mr. Dada urged talented and eligible music professionals to optimise their chances of earning a nomination for AFRIMA in 2015.

“Last year, many artistes contacted AFRIMA Regional Directors and Country Directors complaining that they were not nominated. The reality is if an artiste does not submit his or her work during the entry submission window, then he or she misses the opportunity to have the music work considered or even nominated for its merit by the AFRIMA jury”, Dada said.

Earlier during his address at the cultural conference, Dr. Mustapha Kaloko who represented the AUC Chairperson, Her Excellency, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, reiterated the pivotal role of people in the African music industry in moving forward the Africa Union’s social development agenda.

“The AUC has an agenda, not for the governments of Africa

alone but also for the young people. Our agenda is to move the continent forward in any way we can and people from the music industry are one of the best vehicles to move agendas forward. So, we are proud of you and your achievements in bringing the music of Africa to greater repute around the world”.

Dr. Kaloko added that: “The AU calendar for Social Affairs wants to use every opportunity available to us for social development and we have particular emphasis on youth because we believe they are the ones who will continue to push the agenda for Africa’s development in the future”.

It will be recalled that the 2014 AFRIMA held in Lagos, Nigeria on December 27 in partnership with the Africa Union Commission. The starstudded event was televised live and produced along cultural themes. Hosted by multi award winning Nigerian music star, Innocent ‘2Face’ Idibia and bilingual Togolese radio personality, Maryse Acotie, some of the winners of the night included Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Cindy Munyavi (Zimbabwe), Radio & Weasel (Uganda), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Davido (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC) 2face Idibia (Nigeria) and Laurette Le Perle (DRC) among others.

It was sponsored and partnered

by Diamond Bank, Peugeot, Procter and Gamble, MNet, ONE.Org, Beat FM, City FM and Metro FM among others.

Miss Heritage streamlines projects in Calabar REGINA OTOKPA

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iss Heritage Nigeria, Benedicta Akpana, has disclosed that the emergence of the Governorelect of Cross River state, Senator Benedict Ayade, would help to further empower the youths and promote the cultural heritage of the citizenry.

Commending Senator Ayade

for his victory at the polls, the heritage queen noted that the victory was a step forward for her crown to be better equipped to promote cultural heritage of the people through activities of her pet project, Akpana Foundation..

She explained that Senator Ayade didn’t win the last election because he was a political tactician, but because of his humanitarian gestures and contri-

butions towards the livelihood of the people adding that she had known him when her sister had benefited from a scholarship scheme he championed.

“I am proud of him, I thank God he won the last election.

God will use him to reform Cross Rivers state. He has been a grass root person even before he became a governor.

“I will work on the cultural heritage of my people in Cross

Rivers state through the help of the incoming government. My foundation, Queen Akpana’s foundation will work with him to promote youth development and cultural heritage.’ she added.

Miss Akpana also believes that Nigerians in the diaspora would come to know the benefit of its cultural heritage while celebrating working with the Cross Rivers state government.

Miss Heritage

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Escape

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

receives less precipitation than summer, yet the weather patterns in Switzerland are not in a stable climate system and can be variable from year to year with no strict and predictable periods.

Environment

: d n a l r e z t i w S ion of the Nat u a e t a l P , s p Al

Château de Chillon–Montreux

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI WITH AGENCY REPORTS

S

witzerland officially the Swiss Confederation (Latin: Confoederatio Helvetica, hence its abbreviation CH), is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities, the so-called Bundesstadt (“federal city”). The country is situated in Western and Central Europe, where it is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west,Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is a landlocked country geographically divided between the Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura, spanning an area of 41,285 km2 (15,940 sq mi).

While the Alps occupy the greater part of the territory, the Swiss population of approximately 8 million people is concentrated mostly on the Plateau, where the largest cities are to be found. Among them are the two global cities and economic centres of Zürich and Geneva.

Language Switzerland comprises four main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian and theRomansh-speaking valleys.

Therefore, the Swiss, although predominantly German-speaking, do not form a nation in the sense of a common ethnic or linguistic

identity; rather, the strong sense of identity and community is founded on a common historical background, shared values such asfederalism and direct democracy, and Alpine symbolism.

Geography About a hundred of Switzerland’s mountain peaks are close to or higher than 4,000 metres (13,000 ft). At 4,634 m (15,203 ft), Monte Rosa is the highest, although the Matterhorn (4,478 m or 14,692 ft) is probably the most famous. Both are located within the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais. The section of the Bernese Alps above the deep glacial Lauterbrunnen valley, containing 72 waterfalls, is well known for the Jungfrau (4,158 m or 13,642 ft) and Eiger, and the many picturesque valleys in the region.

In the southeast the long Engadin Valley, encompassing the St. Moritz area in canton Graubünden, is also well known; the highest peak in the neighbouring Bernina Alps is Piz Bernina (4,049 m or 13,284 ft).

The more populous northern part of the country, comprising about 30% of the country’s total area, is called the Middle Land. It has greater open and hilly landscapes, partly forested, partly open pastures, usually with grazing herds, or vegetables and fruit fields, but it is still hilly. There are large lakes found here and the biggest Swiss cities are in this area of the country. The largest lake is Lake

Geneva

Geneva (also called Lac Léman in French), in western Switzerland.

The Rhône River is both the main input and output of Lake Geneva.

Climate The Swiss climate is generally temperate, but can vary greatly between the localities, from glacial conditions on the mountaintops to the often pleasant near Mediterranean climate at Switzerland’s southern tip. There are some valley areas in the southern part of Switzerland where some coldhardy palm trees are found. Summers tend to be warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall so they are ideal for pastures and grazing. The less humid winters in the mountains may see long intervals of stable conditions for weeks, while the lower lands tend to suffer from inversion, during these periods, thus seeing no sun for weeks.

A weather phenomenon known as the föhn (with an identical effect to the chinook wind) can occur at all times of the year and is charac-

terised by an unexpectedly warm wind, bringing air of very low relative humidity to the north of the Alps during rainfall periods on the southern face of the Alps. This works both ways across the alps but is more efficient if blowing from the south due to the steeper step for oncoming wind from the south. Valleys running south to north trigger the best effect. The driest conditions persist in all inner alpine valleys that receive less rain because arriving clouds lose a lot of their content while crossing the mountains before reaching these areas. Large alpine areas such as Graubünden remain drier than pre-alpine areas and as in the main valley of the Valais wine grapes are grown there.

The wettest conditions persist in the high Alps and in the Ticino canton which has much sun yet heavy bursts of rain from time to time. Precipitation tends to be spread moderately throughout the year with a peak in summer. Autumn is the driest season, winter

Switzerland’s ecosystems can be particularly fragile, because the many delicate valleys separated by high mountains often form unique ecologies. The mountainous regions themselves are also vulnerable, with a rich range of plants not found at other altitudes, and experience some pressure from visitors and grazing. The climatic, geological and topographical conditions of the alpine region make for a very fragile ecosystem that is particularly sensitive to climate change. Nevertheless, according to the 2012 Environmental Performance Index, Switzerland is the first among 132 nations in safeguarding the environment, due to its high scores on environmental public health, its heavy reliance on renewable sources of energy (hydropower and geothermal energy), and its control ofgreenhouse gas emissions.

Economy Switzerland has a stable, prosperous and high-tech economy and enjoys great wealth, being ranked as the wealthiest country in the world in per capita in multiple rankings. In 2011 it was ranked as the wealthiest country in the world in per capita terms (with “wealth” being defined to include both financial and nonfinancial assets), while the 2013 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report showed that Switzerland was the country with the highest average wealth per adult in 2013. It has the world’snineteenth largest economy by nominal GDP and the thirty-sixth largest by purchasing power parity. It is the twentieth largest exporter, despite its size.

Switzerland has the highest European rating in the Index of Economic Freedom 2010, while also providing large coverage through public services. The nominal per capita GDP is higher than those of the larger Western and Central European economies and Japan Switzerland has the highest nominal wealth per adult (financial and non-financial assets) in the world according to Credit Suisse and eighth-highest per capita gross domestic product on the IMFlist. However, Switzerland is also the most expensive country in the world to live in, as measured by the price level index.

Swiss citizens have the secondhighest life expectancy in the world on the UN DESA list. Switzerland is tied with the Netherlands for the top rank on the Bribe Payers Index indicating very low levels of business corruption.

Moreover, for the last five years

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the country has been ranked first in economic and tourist competitiveness according to the Global Competitiveness Report and theTravel and Tourism Competitiveness Report respectively, both developed by the World Economic Forum. Zürich and Geneva have each been ranked among the top cities with the highest quality of life in the world, with the former coming second globally according to Mercer. However, Mercer also rates those two cities as the fifthand sixth- most expensive cities in the world to live in

Cuisine The cuisine of Switzerland is multifaceted. While some dishes such as fondue, raclette or rösti are omnipresent through the country, each region developed its own gastronomy according to the differences of climate and languages.

Traditional Swiss cuisine uses ingredients similar to those in other European countries, as well as unique dairy products and cheeses such as Gruyère orEmmental, produced in the valleys of Gruyères and Emmental. The number of fine-dining establishments is high, particularly in western Switzerland.

Chocolate had been made in Switzerland since the 18th century but it gained its reputation at the end of the 19th century with the invention of modern techniques such as conching and temperingwhich enabled its production on a high quality level. Also a breakthrough was the invention of solid milk chocolate in 1875 by Daniel Peter. The Swiss are the world’s largest consumers of chocolate.

The most popular alcoholic drink in Switzerland is wine.

Literature Jean-Jacques Rousseau was not only a writer but also an influential philosopher of the eighteenth century As the Confederation, from its foundation in 1291, was almost exclusively composed of Germanspeaking regions, the earliest forms of literature are in German.

In the 18th century, French became the fashionable language in Bern and elsewhere, while the influence

St Moritz

Escape

Friday, May 8, 2015

of the French-speaking allies and subject lands was more marked than before.

Among the classics of Swiss German literature are Jeremias Gotthelf (1797–1854) and Gottfried Keller (1819–1890). The undisputed giants of 20th century Swiss literature are Max Frisch (1911–91) and Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921–90), whose repertoire includes Die Physiker (The Physicists) and Das Versprechen (The Pledge), released in 2001 as a Hollywood film.

Prominent French-speaking writers were Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) and Germaine de Staël (1766–1817). More recent authors include Charles Ferdinand Ramuz (1878–1947), whose novels describe the lives of peasants and mountain dwellers, set in a harsh environment and Blaise Cendrars (born Frédéric Sauser, 1887–1961).

Also, Italian and Romansh-speaking authors contributed but in more modest way given their small number.

Culture Three of Europe’s major languages are official in Switzerland.

Swiss culture is characterised by diversity, which is reflected in a wide range of traditional customs.

A region may be in some ways strongly culturally connected to the neighbouring country that shares its language, the country itself being rooted in western European culture. The linguistically isolated Romansh culture inGraubünden in eastern Switzerland constitutes an exception, it survives only in the upper valleys of the Rhine and the Inn and strives to maintain its rare linguistic tradition. Switzerland is home to many notable contributors to literature, art, architecture, music and sciences. In addition the country attracted a number of creative persons during time of unrest or war in Europe.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

St. Gallen An Irish monk founded St. Gallen in 612 AD. What was once a medieval centre has now grown into the seventh largest city in Switzerland, and this old town has a lot of picturesque buildings, with carved balconies, colourful murals, and relief statues. The large twin-towered

cathedral has remarkable ceiling frescoes and stucco designs.

The Rhine Falls Situated near the town of Schaffhausen, Europe’s largest waterfall is a magnificent natural wonder.

Near the falls is the medieval castle, Schoss Laufen, which houses a restaurant, a youth hostel, and shops.

On Swiss National Day, 1 August, the Rhine Falls is host to fantastic display of fireworks which attracts thousands of tourists.

Mt. Pilatus Near the lakeside city of Lucerne stands Mt. Pilatus, a 2,120-metre-tall mountain. Tourists can take a cable car to reach its top and enjoy the thrilling view. It is also a great venue for walking with numerous trails, and visitors here can witness the spectacular scenery of the Swiss Alps.

St. Moritz A famous playground of the wealthy, St. Moritz is a winter resort which offers skiing and a variety of summer and winter sports, as well as mud and mineral baths and mud therapies. Savour caviar and truffles in some of the resorts’ fine restaurants, or take a spa treatment at the Health Spa Centre. This town is also known for its active and expensive nightlife.

riety of wildlife such as large red deer, chamois, ibexes, and marmots. Walk around its trails and admire its breathtaking views.

Fasnacht Spring Carnival, Basel Be sure to visit Basel, Switzerland’s second largest city for the Fasnacht Spring carnival. Its world-famous three-day carnival features participants in colourful costumes and masks parading in the streets. The carnival starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, and cafes and bars are open all night as confetti, sweets, and flowers are thrown to the crowd.

Chateau de Chillon, Montreux The town of Montreux is located in the heart of the Swiss Riviera on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Walk by the lakeside and explore the Chillon Castle, or take a tour of the tower, courtyards, dungeons, and rooms of this 11th-century castle. It’s the most frequently visited historical building in Switzerland, where its numerous rooms house weaponry, frescoes, and furniture.

The castle can be reached by walk-

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ing along the lakefront or taking the train or trolley bus.

The Jungfrau Region The Jungfrau Region offers spectacular scenery to bewitch the eye. The white peaks of three towering mountains – the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger – contrast with the green valleys and meadows in this Alpine wonderland. Enjoy the fresh mountain air while visiting this place.

Prealpine & Alpine Resorts Over 200 first class resorts with more than 1700 cogwheel railways, cableways and ski lifts offer a wide range of scenic ski runs for downhill skiers and snowboarders as well as loops for cross-country skiers and ice-fields and make Switzerland a world class destination for winter sports. Snow conditions are best from January to end of March, while not all resorts can guarantee snow in December. February tends to be a little crowded due to sports holidays of Swiss schools. There are even trails for winter hikers.

The Matterhorn, Zermatt The most famous peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt, stands 4,478 meters high. Mountaineers flock to this town to conquer this technically difficult peak, and Zermatt also offers skiing and beautiful views. There are also nonskiing activities, good restaurants and lots of energetic nightlife for visitors to enjoy.

Library of St. Gallen

Geneva Hugging the shores of lovely Lake Geneva, this city is the third biggest in the country. You can find the world’s tallest fountain, enchanting museums, and fine restaurants here. For those with a turn towards alternative arts, Geneva is a place not to be missed.

Swiss National Park, Zernez The Swiss Natural Park is 169 square kilometres of mountains and woodland. It is home to a va-

Jungfraujoch

Mount Pilatus

UNESCO World Heritage sites in Switzerland Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle Watchmaking Town Planning Convent of St Gall Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces Monte San Giorgio Old City of Berne Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona Three Castles of Bellinzon

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Friday, May 8, 2015

Kia unveils Nigeria-assembled 2015 KIA Sorento The move by the Federal Government to restrict importation of fairly-used vehicles (Tokunbo) through a higher tariff regime into the country with a new automotive policy as well as resuscitating the local automobile industry appears to be yielding results.

ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI reports how Kia Motors at the just concluded 10th Lagos Motor Fair and 4th Autoparts Expo Nigeria unveiled its made in Nigeria all-new 2015 KIA Sorento

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that will encourage local manufacturing of these parts, thereby creating more jobs and wealth for our economy.

About a year after announcing its plan to go into local vehicle production, Kia Motors Nigeria has made good its promise with the unveiling of iconic all new 2015 made-in-Nigeria Kia Sorento at the just concluded 10th Lagos Motor Fair and 4th Autoparts Expo Nigeria held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The event, which has become a ritual for local and foreign firms in the auto business, brought together over 100 companies from Nigeria and abroad.

The Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Sandeep Malhotra, stated, “The unprecedented stride of Kia brand in the automobile industry in Nigeria has continued to outpace competitions in offering best in class automotive technology to its customers.

“Premised on our increased acceptability among our valued customers in the last decade, we are now looking at further strengthening our foothold and expanding our reach in the Nigerian market with the new assembly plant.”

According to the firm, Kia had launched other made in Nigeria vehicles such as Kia Rio, Cerato, Optima, and Soul.

“It has continuously embarked on promising growth trajectory with a positive growth for over a decade, making it one of the fastest growing automo-

‘

IT HAS A WIDER STANCE AND LONGER

WHEELBASE FOR EVEN MORE VERSATILE

CABIN SPACE WITH AVAILABLE SEATING FOR

UP TO SEVEN.

THE SORENTO IS ONE HIGHLY

STYLIZED, MODERN UTILITY VEHICLE WITH IMPROVED HANDLING AND DYNAMIC POWER

biles in Nigeria,” the firm said, adding that this was in a bid to strengthen its leadership role in the industry.

The all-new Sorento, revealed overseas for the first time at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October, has continued to reel in different awards globally for its outstanding and iconic automotive technology, which include

Olusegun-Aganga, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

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hen the Federal Government came up with the auto policy with the aim of encouraging local production of cars, one of the car manufacturers, which made the promise of going into local vehicle production, is Kia Motors Nigeria.

Shortly after making the promise, it established its assembly plant last year, in Lagos.

Today, the firm has not relented on its promise of producing locally assembled Kia cars in the country.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, while giving the run-down on the framework of the policy, tagged, ‘New Automotive Industry Policy Development’, said the initiative is to promote massive investments in affordable madein-Nigeria cars to limit excessive imports.

He explained that his visit to South Africa resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to secure more inputs into the new policy as well as technical-know-how, even as he discussed with global car manufacturers on the need for them to set up plants in Nigeria.

Aganga said: “The policy will not result in banning of the importation of vehicles in Nigeria but to focus on promoting investments in affordable madein-Nigeria vehicles. What government will do is to raise the tariff on importation of such vehicles to discourage influx of used cars into the country and encourage local manufacturers to enhance capacity utilisation in the local industry. Importation of Tokunbo vehicles will not pose a threat to the new plan.”

Also speaking in the same vein, the Director General, National Automotive Council (NAC) Aminu Jalal, had noted that to assemble a car locally, Nigeria needs about 2,500 different parts. If many cars are made locally and sold in the country,

the prestigious iF product design award and reddot award 2015 honourable mention.

The Kia Sorento combines the features of an SUV with a premium look and feel that is particularly tangible in the cabin.

It offers the very highest design quality and excellent value for money.

According to the firm, the all new KIA Sorento is redesigned with a sleeker, more sculpted exterior; the Sorento exudes sophistication with an edge.

“It has a wider stance and longer wheelbase for even more versatile cabin space with available seating for up to seven. The Sorento is one highly stylized, modern utility vehicle with improved handling and dynamic power.”

With the available Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, the Sorento delivers a smooth, refined drive even on rough roads. It presents two engine trims to fully customize your experience. Engines range from the fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 4-cyl-

inder with its impressive performance to the 3.3-liter V6 AWD which offers 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2015 Sorento guarantees comfort at its peak. It’s a spacious cabin with clean, modern styling. It’s driver-focused, featuring a 14-Way Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat.

From Nappa Leather seat trim to the quality soft-touch materials, the Sorento is premium comfort everywhere you go.

The third-generation Sorento SUV received the ‘Top Safety Pick’ award by achieving a ‘Good’ rating in every one of the IIHS’s demanding tests, thanks to an even stronger bodyshell and a wide array of passive and active safety equipment.

This is the latest accolade from a globally-respected crash safety organization – the all-new Sorento has already been awarded the maximum five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP. The car’s passenger compartment came in for particular praise for remaining stable in the event of a collision, and offering good protection for passengers of different physiques, no matter where they were seated in the car.

The all-new Kia Sorento is among the safest models in its class and received accolade from IIHS – a highly respected vehicle safety institution. We’ve gone to great lengths to enhance every aspect of Sorento, with active and passive safety systems a top priority, amongst other features.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 8, 2015

37

Toyota tops leading global automaker STORIES BY ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI

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oyota remains the top automaker in global vehicle sales after the first quarter in 2015 with 2.52 million vehicles sold despite weakening demand for the brand at the domestic market back home. The race among the three automakers is intense, playing out worldwide, including relatively new markets like India and China.

The automaker has been the world’ top-selling automaker for the past three years. Figures released penultimate week and made available last Monday shows the Volkswagen group retaining its number two spot with 2.49 million vehicles sold from January to March period this year.

The brand has reported firstquarter sales of 2.52 million vehicles globally, outpacing Volkswagen AG and General Motors of America, Toyota’s numbers, down 2.5 percent from a year ago; come after Volkswagen earlier said it had moved 2.49 million vehicles in the quarter, while GM shifted 2.4 million units, both up from a year earlier.

It expects sales this year to slip to 10.15 million from a record 10.23 million vehicles in 2014, owing to a shaky outlook for Japan, concerns about a China slowdown and as it beefs up its focus on quality after a string

of safety scandals. That means Volkswagen could shift into pole position this year as the German automaker rides momentum in emerging economies that could see it take the lead in global vehicle sales for the first time ever.

Recall that in 2008, Toyota broke GM’s decades-long reign as the world’s top carmaker but lost the crown three years later as Japan’s 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster hammered production and disrupted the supply chains of the country’s car companies.

Toyota began operating a new Thai plant in 2013, but since then, it has halted investment as the global car market struggled with oversupply and weak demand. Despite the expansion, Toyota chief Akio Toyoda said his family firm would not embark on unrestrained expansion, as it overhauls its produc-

tion methods to slash development costs.

While the car giant is set to log a record $18 billion fiscal year profit next month, largely due to a weak yen and strong North American sales, Toyoda said the company must do more to protect its bottom line in a fastchanging market. “An increase in production does not mean an undisciplined pursuit of more,” he said.

Toyota, among other major carmakers, has been struggling to recover a reputation for safety after the recall of millions of cars around the world for various problems, including an exploding air bag crisis at supplier Takata. There are also growing fears about the entire industry’s prospects in China owing to concerns about the health of the world’s number-two economy.

RT Briscoe decries technical college graduates’

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he Managing Director, RT Briscoe, Mr. Seyi Onajide, has described technical colleges in the country as a disappointment.

Onajide made this known during the graduation ceremony of 18 technicians from the RT Briscoe Academy.

According to him, the company had decided to start an academy to train its own technicians when it was discovered that their technicians were unable to keep up with the technological advancements in the automobile industry.

Onajide said, “During my time as the Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, I observed that we had a problem of incompetent workers and handling of modern equipment in our workshop. To solve this problem, we had to train our technicians.

Most of the available technical colleges are a disappointment, staffed with roadside mechanics that have a bad foundation.

“Then a friend recommended Highbury Technical College in the UK and that was how we formed a partnership for the

training of our apprentices.”

Onajide added that even with the right tools, if there were no competent people to operate the equipment, they would go to waste.

He congratulated the graduates for their perseverance in the training, which he described as an investment in their future and announced plans to open five new Briscoe service centres in Lagos.

He said, “All the successful graduates will be absorbed into the company service cen-

Seyi onajide, MD Briscoe

tres. We intend to open five new service centres in Lagos. One of them which is at the University of Lagos will begin operations on Monday.”

Onajide also announced that the best three graduating technicians would enjoy further training at Highbury College.

The Past Chairman of the academy, Mr. Oigiagbe Oseme, who was represented by the General Manager Briscoeford, Mr. Femi Eguwakhide, said the board was pleased to see the first set of technicians graduating from the academy.

Oseme said, “We have been fully involved in putting together this programme. When we decided to that we had to start the academy, we went to Highbury College for technical support. The principal of the college was skeptical about our plans because two people from Briscoe had visited the college in the past. They had the same plans but nothing had happened after their visit. However, we were determined to start off the academy and today, we have our first set of technicians.”

2015-mercedes-benz-g-class

Mercedes G-Wagen gets facelift

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tuttgart’s long-running G-Class ‘Gelandewagen’ has been given an interim upgrade ahead of a radical re-invention that’s reportedly due for release in 2017.

But this is far more than just a nip-and-tuck; the 2016 range includes the G500, with a new AMG four-litre, directinjection biturbo V8, mapped in this application for 310kW from 5250-5500 revs and 610Nm from 2250-4750rpm as well as an exclusive AMG edition.

Sadly, the G550 is not slated for release in South Africa.

The existing engine range has also been tweaked; the V6 turbo diesel G350d has been boosted from 155kW and 540Nm to 180kW and 600Nm, the V8 petrol G63 AMG is now rated at 420kW (up from 400) and 760Nm, and the ‘big kahuna’ V12 G65 AMG is now good for a quoted 463kW and 1000Nm. Available only in left-hand drive and therefore not slated for SA release, it’s also the only G-Class variant that doesn’t have an idle-stop function.

The Gelandewagen’s signature permanent all-wheel drive, low-range transfer box and three differential locks all switchable ‘on the fly’ - are still there, on a revised suspension set-up with damping optimised for reduced body roll and improved on-road ride comfort.

The standard-issue electronic stability programme has been re-calibrated for enhanced accuracy, while revised ABS and traction control reduce stopping distances under heavy braking.

The G500 is also optionally

available with a new adaptive damping system offering Sport and Comfort modes - the idea being that Sport mode provides more agile on-road performance (and lot less body roll in fast cornering) while Comfort mode gives you maximum suspension travel for serious off-roading.

The 2015 G350d and G500 also sport restyled bumpers front and rear, while AMGstyle body-colour wheel-arch flares are now standard on both, as are 18-inch fivespoke alloy rims, while the AMGs run 20-inch hoops.

Inside, there’s a new ‘twotube’ instrument cluster with a 115mm multifunction display.

A new colour package for the AMG variants offers a choice of five special metallic colours - green, orange, yellow and two very different shades of red. In each case the roof, mirrors, both bumpers, wheel arch extensions and the ring around the spare wheel cover are finished in gloss black, while the interior topstitching matches the paint.

There’s also an exclusive Edition 463 model, based on either the G63 or G65 (your choice) with a two-tone instrument panel, two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching and carbon-look leather on the side bolsters.

Special trim includes a stainless-steel bash-plate, go-fast side stripes, a black aluminium-look insert in the protective strips and special 21-inch forged-alloy rims.

The 2016 G-Class will be available to order in Europe from the middle of this year, and is expected to reach South Africa early in 2016.

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Cocktail

Friday, May 8, 2015

Casket containing bones found outside New York cemetery

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uthorities in New York said workers at a Brooklyn cemetery discovered a casket containing bones and trash dumped on the street.

Police said employees at the Evergreens Cemetery arrived for work about 6 a.m.

Tuesday and discovered the battered and mud-covered casket abandoned at the end of Central Ave., which is a

popular dumping spot for trash and unwanted furniture.

Investigators discovered bones and trash inside the casket. The Office of the Medical Examiner was contacted to determine whether the bones belonged to a human.

Evergreens workers said there do not appear to be any disturbed graves on the grounds.

Austrian baker causes stir with tasteless 9/11 cake

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Vienna baker has stirred up anger by making a cake depicting Austria’s main political parties as New York’s twin towers coming under attack from opposition party aircraft.

“It’s ironic that a baker has no taste,” wrote one critic on the website of the mass-circulation Heute tabloid that highlighted the unusual creation. “I would call this incitement to terrorism,” wrote another.

But baker Thomas Kienbauer defended his work on Tuesday, saying it represented legitimate po-

litical commentary.

“The cake is supposed to represent the collapse of the ‘grand coalition’,” he told Reuters, referring to the centre-left Social Democrats (SPO) and the conservative People’s Party (OVP) who share power and have dominated postwar politics here.

He said he was inspired by the fact that the attacks on the World Trade Center towers by Islamist militants using hijacked aircraft took place on September 11, 2001 (9/11), while Vienna local elections will take place this year on Oct. 11 (10/11).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Woman sues homosexuals on behalf of God

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ylvia Diskell’s lawsuit against all homosexuals -- “alis [alias], gay” -- describes her as an “ambassador for God and his son, Jesus Christ.”

A Nebraska woman filed a seven-page handwritten court brief detailing her lawsuit against all homosexuals on behalf of “God” and “his son, Jesus Christ.”

Sylvia Driskell, 66, of Auburn, filed a federal lawsuit Friday in Omaha asking for a federal judge to rule on whether or not homosexuality is a sin.

Driskell’s seven-page court brief, which is entirely handwritten, describes the woman as an “ambassador for plaintiffs God, and his son, Jesus Christ.”

The defendants listed in the lawsuit are “homosexuals,” noting the group uses the “alis [alias], gay.”

The brief cites several

Bible verses and argues “that homosexuality is a sin and that they the homosexuals know it is a sin to live a life of homosexuality. Why else would they have been hiding in the closet.”

Driskell cited the Biblical destruction of Sodom

and Gomorrah as evidence of God’s distaste for “immoral behaviour.”

“I never thought that I would see a day in which our great nation or our own great state of Nebraska would become so compliant to the complicity of some peoples lewd be-

People protesting against homosexuality act

haviour,” Diskell wrote.

“Why are judges passing laws, so sinners can break religious and moral laws. Will all the judges of this nation, judge God to be a lier [liar].”

Driskell is representing herself in the lawsuit.

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

39

Anxiety mounts over FG’s silence on CISS levy collection

The seeming reluctance of the Federal Government to stop the collection of the mandatory one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), imposed on all containerised imports into the country, has become a major source of concern to importers and agents. This is given that the levy, which represents one per cent Free On Board (FOB) value of all imports, was imposed to finance the Destination Inspection regime under which some service providers were engaged to inspect imports. The responsibility has been fully taken over by the Nigeria Customs Service. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

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ost importer, their customs brokerage agents and freight forwarders heaved a sigh of relief when the Federal Government in December 2013 decided not to renew the sevenyear Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) contract awarded to four service providers, which was extended twice.

The contract was awarded to Cotecna Destination Inspection, SGS and Global Scan System Limited under which they provided the Computerised Risk Management (CRMS) and scanning services for all containerised imports into Nigeria Part of the reasons for the excitement of these importers and the agents apart from expected improved efficiency in cargo delivery was the belief that the government would cancel the collection of one per cent CISS Levy, which is believed to have contributed significantly to the high cost of doing business at the ports.

Their argument then was that since the Nigeria Customs Service, which is statutorily funded from the seven per cent import duty collection, had taken over the operations of the DI scheme, there could be no justification for the continued collection of the levy.

More than one year after, the government has maintained silence on the levy even in the face of growing massive cargo diversion to neighbouring West African countries by Nigerian importers in search of lower tariffs for consignments that always invariably find their way into the domestic market.

It may have been this worrisome silence that compelled the management of Customs to embark on clandestine moves towards cornering the levy, which is believed to yield in excess of N100 billion annually.

But most customs agents and freight forwarders seem not favourably disposed to such moves.

For instance, President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, who spoke recently on the issue, insisted that the only condition for which the association will allow the government to transfer the fund to the service was that corporate members of the association are also paid five per cent commission on the import duty collected by the service.

The position is premised on the argument is that the agents facilitate the collection of the CISS levy and other revenue titles from ports and therefore deserve a form of incentive to enable them do more.

Mobile scanner acquired by one of the service providers under the DI scheme

But founder of the National Association of Government Approves Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in a statement, dissociated his association from ANLCA’s submission on the matter.

According to him, though a sister association is canvassing that the one per cent CISS be paid to the agents as a commission because they facilitate the collection of import duty from the importers, he noted that he is fully aware that licensed customs agents are neither the agents of Customs nor the Federal Government of Nigeria and so does not deserve the payment of such commission.

He also cited the memorandum and article of association of corporate bodies licensed by the Nigeria Customs Service, which he said is very clear on the fact that licensed customs agents are not agents of the Customs but the importers.

He therefore insisted that service charge or professional fees are to be paid by the

importers or exporters to the licensed customs agents/freight agents, who are their principals.

On the moves by Customs to inherit the f und, though he admitted that the service indeed needed additional funds to meet its increasing operational cost, staff welfare, salaries and other requirements occasioned by the transfer of the DI scheme to it, he insisted that the one per cent CISS levy was not the kind of money the service needed.

“As regards the alleged claim by the Customs to inherit one per cent CISS as earned commission to enable it meet its new expenses in view of additional responsibilities, I am of the view that the service indeed needs additional money to meet its operational cost, staff welfare, salaries and other requirements. However it is most unfortunate that one per cent CISS levy that only represents commission paid to private service providers in the past”, Aniebonam

MORE THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE TAKEOVER OF THE DI SCHEME BY CUSTOMS, ONE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A PRONOUNCEMENT ON THE FATE OF THE CISS LEVY BECAUSE IT CANNOT BE COLLECTED IN PERPETUITY

also said.

Another major stakeholder and president of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, noted that government’s silence on what becomes the fate of the levy is worrisome because these charges contribute in no small measures in making the seaports expensive to operate in.

“More than one year after the takeover of the DI scheme by Customs, one would have expected the government to make a pronouncement on the fate of the CISS Levy because it cannot be collected in perpetuity”, Amiwero said.

According to him, more than eight years after the concession of the seaports, the government collects the seven per cent Port Development Levy just like the CISS Levy even when the task of developing the ports for which the levy was imposed has been transferred to the terminal operators as enshrined in the concession agreement.

“It is therefore high time government made a definite pronouncement on these levies, and in fact stop their collection because this constitutes arbitrariness and thus makes Nigeria’s seaports expensive and uncompetitive with their peers in the sub-region.”, Amiwero said emphatically.

Other stakeholders, who have argued that the main reasons for the imposition of the CISS Levy have been over taken by event, the honourable thing for the government to do is to announce the cancellation o its collection.

The earlier this is done the better.

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Business Maritime

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria ‘ll save $6bn yearly from auto policy implementation –Aganga

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he Federal Government has said that the introduction of the new auto policy, which is designed to encourage local assembly of vehicles to check capital flight remained the best for the country in the long run.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, disclosed that the country spent in excess of $6 billion on vehicles imports annually, which he said cannot be sustained if Nigeria’s auto industry must grow.

The Minister, who spoke at the launch of the National Repository Portal (NARP), also insisted that that the nation’s automobile industry had what it takes to provide the much needed catalyst to grow the national economy.

According to him, at the rate of $6billion on vehicle import, Nigeria will not only continue to heap pressure on the external reserve but also the desire to reduce unemployment to the barest minimum would continue to be unrealizable.

Aganag said: “In many countries, the automobile industry provides a great tool for industrial growth and development, especially in developing economies such as Nigeria’s.

It is therefore a large employer of labour with extensive forward and backward integration within the national economy” He warned that continuous importation of Fully Built Unit (FBU) vehicles when the country can assembly locally to create jobs and checkmate capital flight would continue to be a disservice to the national economy.

The government had introduced a new policy, which is expected to take effect July 1, which seeks to discourage g im-

From left: Head, Protocol Unit, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Ms. Kehinde Bolaji, Director, Shipping Development, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Angela Tierney, Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba and Assistant Director, Maritime Labour Services, Mr. Chiroma Ibrahim when the Australian Deputy High Commissioner paid a courtesy visit to the Agency recently.

portation of FBUs of vehicles.

Under the new policy, government imposed a 35 per cent levy of FBUs including used

vehicles from the former 20 per cent as well as another 35 per cent duty, bringing to a total of 70 per cent tariff, which is

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as many feared that its implementation would bring hardship on the people, especially the low income earners.

Ado Bayero assumes office, promises maritime sector’s growth FRANCIS EZEM

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he newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero, took over the reins of the authority yesterday with an assurance that he would do his best to further develop the nation’s port system.

The new helmsman, who gave the assurance during a brief handover ceremony at the headquarters of the authority in Lagos, said his resolve to work towards further growth of the seaports was informed by the critical nature of the port infrastructure to the nation’s economy.

He noted that as a petroleum exporting and import-dependent

nation, the seaports remained a critical asset that would ensure that the national economy is put on the path of sustainable growth.

“If anything goes wrong in NPA, it will affect every other segment of the economy and indeed every Nigerian and that is why the port infrastructure should be handled with the care and seriousness that it deserves in the interest of the national economy”, the new NPA-boss asserted.

He also assured that it was in the light of this fact that the management during his tenure would do everything possible to run policies and programmes that would continuously ensure that authority continues to add value to the nation’s economy Ado-Bayero, who is also from

Tug seizure marks UK’s largest drug bust ver £500 million ($756 million) worth of cocaine have been recovered from an ocean-going tug seized

by United Kingdom authorities, making the discovery the largest in British history.

The MV Hamil, registered in the Marshall Islands, was seized by the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and Border cutter Valiant April 23, off the coast of Scotland following reports from French authorities. Initial National Crime Agency (NCA) numbers put the onboard drug

expected to commence July 1, 2015.

This policy has however been generated controversies

cargo at two tons, but subsequent searching by Border Force officers specializing in deep rummage elevated the total to three tons.

The nine Turkish nationals operating the tug appeared in court on Monday, and were later remanded back into custody after making no plea or declaration.

The drug traffickers face charges of possession a controlled substance under Criminal Justice Act of 1990, which can carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison per count. They had ap-

peared in court on May 5.

The previous drug bust record was held by a 65 ft pleasure boat, the Louise, which was intercepted in 2011 carrying 1.2 tons of cocaine – almost a third of the amount recovered from the MV Hamil.

Britain has one of the most lucrative drug markets in Europe, with large quantities of narcotics being supplied from South American countries such as Colombia and Venezuela. Every year an estimated 25 to 30 tons of drugs are smuggled into Britain.

Kano State just like his predecessor, disclosed that both of them had been friends and would remain friends.

The immediate past Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, advised the new managing director to brace up for the challenges of his new office by doing his best at all times since they far outweigh the pleasures.

He urged the staff and the executive management of the au-

thority to support the new Managing Director to ensure that he succeeds adding that they should therefore ensure that he succeeds because if he fails, that means that all of them have failed.

Born on April, 1956, Ado Bayero attended Ecole International De La Langue Francoise, Paris where he obtained a diploma in French, and a diploma in Law from the Institute of Administration, Kongo, Zaria.

Seized ship: Maersk Line, Iranian courts approach solution

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anish liner company Maersk Line continues talks with Iranian authorities as it pushes for the release of the seized containerr ship Maersk Tigris.

“Today, we have had a constructive dialogue with the Iranian courts and Ports & Maritime Organisation. Earlier today , we provided a letter of unt dertaking in relation to the underlying cargo case.

We are continuing to do everything we can to assist in the safe release of the crew and vessel,” the company said in an v emailed statement.

Maersk Line informed yesterday that it was in dialogue with Iranian courts, but did not want to t disclose any details regarding the outcome of the ongoing talks. t

Iran said on Wednesday a legal settlement could be reached soon over the seizure of Maersk Tigris, according to IRNA news agency.

“The negotiations between the private complainant and the other party are going on and possibly the issue will be resolved in a day or two,” IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham as saying.

The seizure of Maersk Tigris on April 28th by Iranian patrol boats is said to be related to a cargo dispute between a private company named Pars Talaee Oil Production Company and Maersk Line, which dates back to 2005.

The Iranian Embassy said on Thursday that the ship would be released once the debt case was settled, Reuters reports.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, May 8, 2015

41

Banks’ credit to OPS hits N12.6trn in Q2, 2014 SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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urrent data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has shown that credit to the Organised Private Sector, OPS, in the second quarter of 2014, soared by 16.6 per cent to hit N12.6 trillion from N10.830 trillion as at June 2014.

According to the banks Financial Stability report, the upward trend in the amount of credit extended to the private sector continued during the second half of the year under review.

Total credit to various sectors of the nation’s economy grew significantly by 16.62 per cent to N12.62999 trillion, compared with 7.86 and 13.88 per cent growth recorded in the preceding half year as well as the corresponding period of 2013, respectively.

The. CBN said that the oil and gas sector continued to attract the highest share of total credit as it accounted for 25.70 per cent, compared with 24.33 per cent in the first half of 2014..

The Oil and Gas attracted a total credit facility of N2.635 trillion in the first half of 2014 and this rose to N3.246trillion as at December 2014.

The manufacturing sector accounted for 13.15 per cent of

the total credit, the same level as in the preceding half year.

In the first half of the year under review, the sector was advanced a total sum of N1.424 trillion which rose to N1.661 trillion as at December 2014.

The CBN data further indicated that Agriculture, forestry and fishing category accounted for 3.96 per cent of the total credit to the private sector with a total credit facility of N415.88 billion in the first half of 2014 and close the year

with a total credit from the banking system amounting to N500.26 billion, indicating a 0.12 percentage point increase over the 3.84 per cent recorded in the preceding half year.

Loans and advances to General household consumer goods/hospital amounted to N1.232 trillion as at December 2014 a 9.75 percentage of the total loans and advances granted to the private sector by banks.

According to the data, In-

formation and Communication attracted a total credit of N894.7 billion while General Commerce had credit facilities of N1.093 trillion from the financial system.

The public sector on the hand had credit facilities of N795.4 billion and Real Estate had credit facilities of N588.06 billion. Credit to the other sectors showed that Construction had N593.65 billion, Finance and Insurance N494.66 billion, Transportation and Storage

N363.17 billion, Capital Market N228.46 billion while the Power sector secured N493.52 billion credit facility. Others are Professional, Scientific and Technical activities N154.52 billion; Education N88.46 billion; Administrative and Support Services activities N72.36 billion and Human Health and Social Work Activities N44.59 billion; Mining and Quarrying N17.27 billion and Arts and Entertainment Recreation 12..6 billion.

Group Managing Director/ CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe (2nd left); Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode (3rd left) and Directors, Mrs. Mosun BelloOlusoga (left); Mr. Emmanuel Chiejina and Mrs. Ojini Olaghere during the 26th Annual General Meeting of Access Bank Plc held in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Crisis looms in oil sector, NCDMB workers threaten strike MESHACK IDEHEN

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orkers of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has hinted of their plans to embark on immediate industrial strike action effective today, if their management refused to address issues relating to staff promotion, pension remittance and unionisation in the organisation.

The workers, under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), alleged that the inability of the management of NCDMB to respond to the issues raised above necessitated the handling down of a 14 working- day ultimatum, which will expire today.

The workers stated that the management had continually violated extant labour laws and practices concerning promotion, payment of non-regular allowances, allowing willing employees to join union and pension remittance.

In a statement on Wednesday, the union demanded that the

management should constitute a promotion committee made up of all general managers from various directorates and divisions in the Board, adding that the demand becomes necessary as a result of avoidable communication gaps that exist during promotion exercise.

According to the workers, some staff were not promoted during the last exercise due to communication gaps between the board management and the management staff of the directorates and divisions that made up of the NCDMB. The workers demanded that staff affected due to such lapses should be promoted without further delay.

They also advised the management not to encourage selective promotion as such may cause disaffection among the staff.

The workers called on the NCDMB management to cancel a promotion examination conducted for staff on level SS4 as obtainable in other government agencies and parastatals in the oil and gas sector of the economy, such as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Petroleum Equalisation Fund Monitoring Board (PEFMB) and Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), among others.

This is just as they urged the management to promote all those affected by the examination result, while urging that all promotion should be backdated based

on the normal three years promotion basis as was used in previous promotion and in other government agencies and parastatals, amongst other demands/ On pension remittance, the workers pointed out that in the last nine months, the management had stopped remitting pension deducted from staff salary into Retirement Savings Ac-

counts (RSA) of individual staff Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

They condemned the practice as a violation of the 2004 Pension Reform Act and demanded that the management should without delay commence remittance and payment of the arrears from June 2014 till date.

Fuel scarcity, ploy to remove subsidy –NLC MESHACK IDEHEN

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he President of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Mr Ayuba Wabba, has said the disagreement between the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and oil marketers over the actual subsidy amount was a conspiracy that the ongoing fuel scarcity may be caused by those pushing for removal of subsidy.

Wabba pointed out in a statement that the disagreement had worsened the painful experience of Nigerians who continue to struggle to get petroleum prod-

ucts..

“Our position on this has not changed as we remain opposed to the removal of petroleum subsidy. If government is truly owing marketers, they should pay them immediately as the long queues at fuel stations have led to loss of lots of productive hours since workers are either unable to get to work or spend long hours searching for fuel,” the NLC president stated.

According to him, the scarcity has also led to sharp practices with workers paying between N120 to N130 per litre at some filling stations, adding those commuting by public transport now pay more to get to work even when

there are no increases in salaries.

He insisted that the government owes Nigerians the responsibility of arresting the situation immediately as it is fully responsible for the management of the petroleum industry.

“We do not expect to experience any scarcity in any part of Nigeria because one of the reasons government gave for the increase in the price of petroleum products in 2012 was that it will ensure regular supply of the products. We will not be blackmailed into accepting the current scarcity as reason for another increase,” the statement added.

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Business News

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Women farmers seek single digit interest rate on credit …clamour for involvement in agric sector policy decisions TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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mall Scale Women Farmer’s Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), yesterday canvassed the direct participation of its members in policy making processes as well as reduction in interest rate on bank loans to enable its members access funds for their faming activities. SWO-

FON, is one of the outcomes of ActionAid Nigeria’s, AAN’s, Public Financing of Agriculture (PFA) project interventions and engagements with the women smallholder farmers across the country, in a communique issued at the end of its 2nd Forum in Abuja, lamented the high interest rate on bank credit to farmers as well as exclusion of women farmers in policy making pro-

cesses in the agricultural sector.

They linked the non-involvement of women farmers in the decision making processes to the absence of spaces and processes through which they can engage policy makers.

President of SWOFON, Sarah Yapwa also called on the incoming administration to review Nigeria’s land policy so that women can easily own lands

L-R: Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim; Special Adviser to the Governor of CrossRiver State on International Development Co-operation, Mr. Roy Ndoma-Egba; Programme Coordinator, United Nations Population Fund, Dr. Aline Mukundwa and Programme Officer Science, UNESCO, Dr. Osuji Otu during the commissioning of Samsung Digital Village, Oban Community, Akamkpa, Cross-River State, yesterday.

for their farming and also to facilitate easy access to adequate and cheap credit to smallholder women farmers. “We are calling on government to make the credit cheaper so that the interest rate could be less and the process of getting the loan should be made easy because small scale women farmers have not really been able to assess it”, she pointed out.

The group also observed that there had been a significant number of agricultural policies and programmes developed at the national, state, and local levels in Nigeria but that despite this, most policy and programmes targets, especially those involving smallholder women farmers, were not always achieved due to poor implementation.

For example, the women farmers noted that 10 years after signing the Maputo Declaration Commitment on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa which required that governments commit a minimum 10 per cent of their yearly budgets to agriculture, Nigeria continued to fall short of committing the minimum requirement, with annual allocations having reduced from 1.7 per cent in 2013 to 1.44 per cent in 2014 and 0.9% in 2015. In order to further strengthen the capacity of smallholder women farmers, SWOFON called on various development partners to contin-

ue to support them through the financing of their programmes so that they can sustain the momentum and scale up their activities.

In her address at the forum, Head Programme Quality, ActionAid Nigeria, Tasallah Chibok, said that the forum was organized as part of its Country Strategy Paper objective 1 on strengthening people’s action to hold governments and corporates accountable and enhance people’s access to quality services. According to her, support for smallholder women farmers is critical to the realisation of Nigeria’s food security as the predominant actors in Nigerian agriculture are women. “Around 55 per cent of female-headed households are landless and a further 29 per cent own less than one hectare.

Women are among the voiceless, especially with respect to influencing agricultural policies and there are no involvement of smallholder farmers in local, states and national decision making and policy issues”, Chibok said.

Mary Akpan, a small scale farmer from Nassarawa State, noted that the major challenge facing women smallholder farmers had to do with lack of access to land for farming activities as well as high interest rates on loans which made it difficult for them to access credit.

National Mirror, others bag Citibank Journalistic Excellence awards

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itibank Nigeria on Wednesday announced National Mirror’s Francis Ezem as one of the winners of the 7th edition of its Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards at a ceremony during which the winners were feted by the management of the bank at its corporate headquarters in Lagos.

The competition was opened to business journalists in all forms of media including the internet, print, radio, television and wire services.

Peter Dele Olowa of Business Day was named the winner of the 2015 competition in Nigeria.

He was selected as a winner for his article titled “The òmò-onile phenomenon” which was published in Business Day on December 12th 2014.

Similarly, Mr. Francis Ezem of the National Mirror and Mrs. Omobola Tolu-Kusimo of the Nation emerged as the first and second runner ups of the competition respectively.

This year, Citibank Nigeria received 28 entries from business reporters across various

media outlets, including Business Day, Daily Independent, Global Media Mirror, Guardian, Leadership, Nation, New Telegraph, Punch, This Day, TVC and Vanguard.

Giving an insight into the processes that culminated in the selection of the awards winners, the bank stated that in Nigeria, the three finalists were selected by a distinguished panel of judges which included Mrs. Betty Irabor, Chief Executive Officer of Genevieve Magazine, Mr. James Plasman, Economic Officer of the US Consulate General in Lagos and Mr. Richard Ikiebe, Director and Senior Fellow of the PanAtlantic University’s School of Media and Communications.

The Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards competition sends winning journalists to an elite seminar at Columbia University in New York. The international journalist’s conference is a special programme sponsored

by Citi and administered by Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism.

According to the bank’s management, for over 30 years, the programme has served to improve the quality of business journalism in the developing world by exposing leading local journalists to the issues and people that drive the global economy.

It stated further: “This year, nearly two dozen journalists from eighteen countries will get to meet with leaders of the international business community, government, media and academia in New York.

In previous years, former Senior Vice President of the NY Federal Reserve Bank, Peter Bakstansky, former NY Federal President- Timothy Geithner and Ambassador Felix Rohatyn have spoken to the group as have Columbia Professors Bruce Shapiro, Edward Schumacher-Matos, Ricardo Reis and Irene Finel Honigman.

“Winners of the Citi Journalistic Excellence Awards are expected to play significant roles in

shaping their countries’ perceptions of the international business environment. Meeting with the eminent and thought-pro-

voking speakers on the agenda should enhance their ability to interpret the global economy for their readers and viewers” the bank added.

Aganga to perform Meterology Institute’s groundbreaking ceremony SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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utgoing Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga will next week perform the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigeria Metrology Institute, NMI, Enugu.

A statement issued by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, hinted that the ceremony was part of the Federal Government’s commitment towards ensuring national quality infrastructure for economic growth while positioning local products for global competitiveness.

Expected at the event include, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enu-

gu state, captains of industry, the Organised Private Sector, OPS, as well as representatives of relevant government agencies.

International Bureau of Weights and Measures said, Metrology is the science of measurement, embracing both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in the field of science and technology.

The national measurement standards of a country provide the basis for its conformity assessment activities like calibration, trade metrology services and conformance testing with respect to technical regulations, testing, and accreditation in both regulatory and voluntary sectors.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, May 8, 2015

FG faults states over unpaid workers’ salaries JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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he Federal Government on Tuesday faulted the position of some state governors who linked their inability to pay workers salaries to the dwindling revenues in the Federation Account, saying it is their failure to prioritise the salaries that put them into fiscal predicament.

It claimed that all federal

workers had been paid up to April this year.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Paul C Nwabuikwu, refuted the alleged misinformation by certain governors to the effect that federal workers are being owed salaries, adding that the 50 per cent drop in revenues simply means that salaries should be prioritized.

It reads: “This is incorrect.

Staff salaries at the Federal level are up to date; workers have received their April salaries.”

Nwabuikwu pointed out that certain governors were trying to blame the Federal Government for their predicament, saying that this is wrong as the governors had been told through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to prioritize salaries but chose not to do so.

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Nigeria spends below 1% GDP on ICT, says Huawei ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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hinese vendor ICT company, Huwei, has revealed that Nigeria spends less than one percent of its Gross Domestic product, GDP, on ICT making it one of the least country in the West Africa regional that in investing in ICT. The company in its Global Connectivity Index, GCI, 2015 report on West Africa, which was released in Lagos yesterday at the first Huawei Cloud Congress, HCC, West Africa 2015 however ranked Nigeria as among top 3 emerging broadband markets in the region.

The report, which placed Nigeria on the 47th in GCI, said that Nigeria has a small fixed base but huge potential in the uptake of

mobile products as it is one of the world’s largest mobile subscriber markets.

President of Huawei Western Africa Region Mr. Peng Song who released the report said that Nigeria offers impressive opportunities primarily in the mobile broadband space saying that rapid m-Commerce uptake is driving market growth. He disclosed that Nigerians are the highest number of internet users in Africa, all of which accumulates to an improved potential within the country.

He stated that the 2015 GCI showed that 20 percent growth in ICT investment will increase a country’s GDP by one percent.

He said further that it identifies five enablers of digital transformation namely: data centers, cloud services, Big Data, broadband, and the Internet of Things.

First Bank partners Unified Payments to implement PayAttitude TOLA AKINMUTIMI

F L-R: Director VDT Communications Ltd., Tunji Gaafar; Chairman/CEO Zinox Group, Leo-Stan Eke; Editor-in-Chief/CEO Communications Week Media Ltd Ken Nwogbo; MD/CEO VDT Communications Ltd, Biodun Omoniyi, and GM Sales and Marketing, VDT Communications Ltd., Bimbo Ikumariegbe, at the presentation of awards to VDT Communications Ltd during the BoICT Awards in Lagos, recently.

NCC blames infrastructure for poor telecoms services ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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or telecoms subscribers in Nigeria to enjoy quality of service either in the voice or data, operators must be able to deploy adequate infrastructure across the country.

Executive Vice -Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah told journalist in a media chat in Abuja that the problem of quality of service currently being experienced by subscribers was the result of lack of infrastructure.

He disclosed that the infrastructures on ground today are inadequate to cope with the kind of growth that the sector has experienced since 2001 saying that the sector was at zero level before the revolution in the sector began.

Juwah who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo said that

“the only way to address the challenge of quality of service is to make sure that pervasive infrastructure is available so that where ever you are covered.”

He noted that the effect of infrastructure on the quality of service has been in the sector before now stressing that even when operators want to put infrastructure on the ground they are also faced with some challenges.

Juwah explained that one critical challenge facing operators was the acquisition of sites for putting base stations saying that “in the FCT for four years running there has been no approval for any new base station.”

He added that in some states where operators want to cite additional base stations, no permission has been given for the erecting of these stations for the past five years.

According to him, that the states seems to have similar issues, which include unreason-

able community demands, payment to local governments and then also to the state government.

He however noted that the Commission has began to engage state governors in form of advocacy, suggesting to the states that they allow investments come in first before taxing the operators, because unfriendly tax system is a disincentive to investment while an additional deployment of infrastructure is investment.

Juwah called for the removal of bottlenecks that infrastructure can be put in place in order for quality of service to be improved saying that as more infrastructures is put on ground the quality will continue to improve.

He also said that there are no guidelines for putting telecommunication infrastructure on ground in the country because the critical infrastructure bill, which is key to that has not even been cited in the National Assembly.

irst Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with Unified Payments to implement PayAttitude, a unique transaction innovation in the Nigerian payments terrain as part of the bank’s business objectives to drive innovation in service delivery and convenient mobile payment system.

A statement on the deployment of the solution by the bank signed by Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake Ani-Mumuney, quoted the Managing Director, Bisi Onasanya, as saying that the Bank is working to constantly provide dynamic and relevant solutions that

will improve the lifestyle of its customers whilst ensuring the safety and security of their funds.

“The PayAttitude tag card is ready to be issued in selected branches and would be deployed in all FirstBank locations in due course”, Onasanya added.

The PayAttitude is a Chip and Pin enabled tag-type contactless solution that is linked to customers’ prepaid mobile wallet, enabling access to their account(s) for different payment transactions simply in a ‘tap and go’ fashion, is being deployed by Unified Payments, in partnership with leading banks in Nigeria, with First Bank being the first to bring the innovation to the market.

Vodacom laments dearth of ICT skills among Nigerian women ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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ore than 100 Nigerian girls from private and public senior secondary schools in Lagos have come together to celebrate the International Girls in ICT Day. Vodacom Business Nigeria has expressed regret over the lack of ICT skills among Nigerian women pledging that it will strive in its commitment to empowering youth through ICT. The company said that that the number of females currently employed in ICT in Nigeria is extremely low compared to males attributing it not only to the relative lack of females studying science and technology at

secondary and tertiary institutions, but also the number of females given access to formal education.

Senior Manager Product Portfolio, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Obafunke Atanda, , Atanda at the Girls-In-ICT Day organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited and sponsored said that Vodacom partnered with the organiser to support female senior secondary school students interested in studying Information and communication technology at tertiary education level.

According to her, the partnership, was as part of Vodacom’s project aimed at encouraging youths especially females to include science and technology amongst their career choices.

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Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria needs pro-poor agric policies to boost food production –Stakeholders STORIES BY ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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ased on the high level of malnutrition among the Nigerians, which has been identified to be caused majorly by low food production level in the country, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC and other experts committed to improved nutrition for the citizery, have said that propoor agricultural policies with adequate support and incentives for farmers through proper review and reformation of land policies would enhance food production capacity and reduce the level of malnutrition in the country.

The stakeholders at the oneday Civil Society Legislative Workshop on Legislative and Policy Advocacy on Agriculture, Nutrition and Health in Nigeria explained that proper coordination to ensure organised agricultural programmes and laws; and upgrading agricultural practices to international standards would boost profitable exportation.

In a communique signed by Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), representative of Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Balogun Justina, and SERAP representative, Ugochi Okpe, the experts linked the barriers hindering agricultural sector development to over-concentration of agricultural development on policies rather than laws has resulted in poor coordination and lack of sustainability in agricultural interventions, adding that lack of pro-poor agricultural policies to address market failure, infrastructural decay,

Adesina

competitive disadvantage, and rural-to-urban disconnection remained a major constraint.

They maintained that despite Nigeria’s vast landscape with over 90 million estimated hectares of land, 70 per cent of which is arable; only 40 per cent of the arable land was used for merely semi-production and other unproductive agricultural activities.

They said: “Agricultural remains one of the most difficult, but most rewarding occupations yet to be effectively harnessed to enhance development at all levels. “Inconsistency and lack of continuity in policy formulation, top-down planning, lack of coordination, weak agricultural policy, corruption, and delayed in policy implementation have threatened success in agricul-

Musa (Rafsanjani)

tural interventions.” According to them, there was inadequate multi-sectoral approach from agriculture to health by civil society groups working on health and agriculture to synergise health and food security.

They, however, urged the incoming government to ensure appreciable political will for agricultural policy transformation into legislation to ensure sustainability in agricultural intervention and create global macro-agronomic environment.

The experts also prompted review and re-consideration for inclusion of South East and South Western parts of the country in the ongoing Civil Society Workshop on Legislative and Policy Advocacy on Agriculture, Nutrition and Health in Nigeria.

They suggested creation of net-

Adesina seeks continuity of ATA programme …speaks on his AfDB’s candidacy

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n view of the progressive developments attributed to the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has recommended continuity of the ATA by the incoming government as a means to ensure sustainability of the progress made within the sector over the past four years.

This recommendation was made recently in his office while receiving key delegate members of the Triton Group – a conglomerate comprising of companies with various business interests in seafood distribution, aqua farm-

ing, poultry and processing.

“I have no doubt that the incoming government will continue on the path of transformation because this has been a smooth transition process. As investor’s confidence in Nigerian agriculture is at an all time high, motivated by the bold policy reforms we have undertaken in the past four years.

Our strategy, though initially unpopular, has remained unchanged throughout the period, with emphasis on local production, value addition and import substitution. To my mind, the right policies are those that are

primed to move us away from importation dependence,” he said in emphasis on the need for the development and implementation of the right policy direction for Nigeria and invariably Africa.

Meanwhile, the minister explained that his passion for poverty reduction and possibly elimination with issues such as power generation, provision of equity funds, nominal interest rates amongst others ranking high on his priority list of challenges to be addressed if elected as the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) President.

work among civil society groups to collectively intensify advocacy to relevant stakeholders at all levels to support pro-poor farmers, with persistent sensitization across grassroots, while advocat-

ing for equity and inclusiveness in agricultural policies and laws through bottom-up and participatory approach, consensusorientation, accountability, and responsiveness.

Borderless Alliance embarks on regional integration on trade, food security

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takeholders are set for the integration of West African countries on the facilitation of regional trade and food security during the forthcoming Borderless 2015 Conference. Various companies and leading professional organizations in the private sector involved in the areas of transport, agribusiness, trade and logistics, and representatives of regional economic communities, governments and partners in the region have converged on Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the 4th edition of Annual Conference of Borderless Alliance. The Conference, being the main platform for publicprivate dialogue and a highlevel advocacy platform is instituted by Borderless Alliance to bring together the different stakeholders around themes related to trade facilitation and transport for better economic integration of West Africa. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, Handicraft and Small Scale Enterprises Promotion of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, the Borderless 2015 Confer-

ence has been scheduled to take place from 19th to 21st of May 2015 at the Palm Club Hotel with the theme: “Regional Trade and Food Security “. Agricultural sector has been identified as the key to achieving food security and broad-based economic growth across the region.

It is believed that agricultural productivity has been constrained by poor linkages between farmers and markets, the vulnerability of the agricultural businesses, limited access to affordable and reliable high quality seeds and fertilizer, and lack of information on new agricultural technologies and best practices.

In addition, the commercialisation of agricultural products was said to be fraught with many difficulties including the persistence of non-tariff barriers related to free movement of agricultural products despite the existence of various ECOWAS protocols relative to the free movement of goods and services including agricultural products, lack of access to markets due to poor state of road infrastructure and lack of market information

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, May 8, 2015

45

Unilever to up stake in Nigeria’s subsidiary to75% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

U

nilever yesterday opened an offer to increase its equity stake in Unilever Nigeria from 50.10 per cent to a maximum of 75 per cent.

Reuters reported that the offer provides shareholders who wish to sell some or all of their shares in Unilever Nigeria opportunity to do so.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Chapel Hill Advisory Partners Limited are acting as financial advisers to Unilever Overseas Holdings.

The offer price represents a premium of 33.8 per cent to company’s closing share price on March 23, 2015.

Unilever would acquire up to 942,215,930 shares in company at N45.50 per share in cash and the offer will re-

main open for acceptance until June 10, 2015.

The offer has been approved by Securities and Exchange Commission and Nigerian Stock Exchange has been notified of offer.

Total value of transaction at intended offer price is approximately N42.871 billion.

The Unilever Nigeria has reported a drop in profit by nearly one-half in its 2014 financial year.

The consumer goods company’s after tax profit went down for the second year to the lowest figure in six years. The loss of over N4.2 billion in sales revenue accounted for much of the profit drop.

A major increase in interest expenses is the second main factor in the fall in profit. The company main-

tained profit growth every year since 2007 to a peak of N5.60 billion in 2011.

A decline of N15.6 per cent in 2012 lowered the company’s after tax profit to N4.72 billion, which accelerated to a drop of 49 per cent to N2.41 billion at the end of 2014.

Sales revenue declined seven per cent to N55.75 billion for Unilever Nigeria in 2014 from the peak of over N60 billion in the preceding year.

A drop of N4.25 billion in turnover was the main development that shaped the company’s income statement in the year. Inability to grow sales volume is a general development that cut across sectors and industries in 2014.

The summary of the company’s operations in 2014 is that management applied increased proportions of revenue to meet the main cost

elements and this thinned down profit margin.

Cost of sales failed to decline at equal pace with sales revenue and therefore claimed an increased share of turnover during the year.

Cost of sales accounted for 63.8% of sales revenue in 2014, increasing from 62.6 per cent in 2013.

Gross profit therefore declined ahead of sales at 10.2 per cent, while distribution/administrative expenses grew by six per cent and therefore claimed an increased proportion of sales revenue as well.

The company paid N1.91 billion in finance charges in the year, a rise of 65 per cent from the 2013 figure. Management was compelled by cash flow pressure to increase its borrowing considerably in the year.

Equities sustain downward trend, dips 0.1%

T

rading in equities continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, despite good corporate actions being declared by banks.

The All Share Index lost 0.08 per cent to close at 34,400.57 points, compared to the depreciation of 0.50 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34,721.61 points.

Market capitalization shed N73 billion to close at N11.75 trillion, compared to the depreciation of N79 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N11.83 trillion.

Analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, an investment firm, noted that the absence of positive news flows remains a major drag to the market’s return performance, as investors continue to take profit on stocks which have appreciated recently.

“We anticipate that the negative sentiment might be sustained in the last trading day of the week, as many stocks are currently fully valued in our opinion, in spite of the accumulated trading days of losses,” the firm said.

PZ Cussons Plc led the

gainers’ table with N1.35 or five per cent to close at N28.35 per share, followed by United Bank for Africa Plc with 25 kobo or five per cent to close at N5.25 per share.

May and Baker Plc appreciated nine kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N1.95 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc rose four kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at 89 kobo per share.

Cutix Plc gained eight kobo or 4.57 per cent to close at N1.83 per share.

Conversely, Stanbic IBTC

Plc lost N1.45 or five per cent to close at N27.55 per share, while NAHCO Plc shed 32 kobo or 4.91 per cent to close at N6.20 per share.

Livestock Plc was dwon 12 kobo or 4.74 per cent to close at N2.41 per share, while Transnational Express Plc depreciated six kobo or 4.65 per cent to close at N1.23 per share.

Cadbury Plc fell N1.81 or 4.41 per cent to close at N39.20 per share.

A total of 354.5 million shares valued at N3.29 billion were traded in 5,668 deals.

non-performing ratio has reduced to 2.2 per cent, urging the management to improve its risk management to forestall increase of non-performing loans of the bank.

He lauded some of the bank’s remarkable achievements and initiatives launched during the 2014 financial year.

He said the bank has done very well compared to its peers in the industry.

“You have done very well compared to your peers in the banking industry. The result showed that all indices of the Bank had gone up and this is commendable in view of the difficulties that we had last year,” he noted.

The General Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke said the

bank’s 2014 performance was commendable in view of the challenging economic environment in which the bank operated during the financial year.

“These are not the best of times for the Nigerian economy but despite all the challenges, Access Bank has performed commendably.

The board and management of the bank should be commended for this wonderful result,” he stated.

Speaking in the same vein, President, Progressive shareholders Association of Nigeria Mr. Boniface Okezie applauded the bank’s dividend policy noting that the 60 kobo per share dividend for 2014 was commendable.

Analysis of the bank’s results for the review year showed an increase in the

numbers as the bank’s group earnings, which was up 18.52 per cent from N206.89billion in 2013 to N245.22billion in 2014.

Shareholders laud Access Bank’s 60k dividend JOHNSON OKANLAWON

S

hareholders of Access Bank yesterday approved a dividend of 60 kobo per share for the financial year ended December 31, 2014.

Speaking at the bank’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, the President, of Nigeria’s Shareholders Solidarity Association, Mr. Timothy Adesiyan, commended the bank for its consistent dividend policy.

He said that despite the 2014 regulatory headwinds that reduced most of the banks net profits, Access Bank was able to pay dividends.

Also, the President of the Association for Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr.Faruk Umar, noted that the bank’s

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira Market indicators All-Share Index 34,400.57 points Market capitalisation 11.68trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

ETI

22.28

24.55

2.27

10.19

CILEASING

0.56

0.60

0.04

7.14

FIDSON

3.00

3.15

0.15

5.00

HONYFLOUR

3.61

3.79

0.18

4.99

CAP

37.44

39.31

1.87

4.99

ASHAKACEM

19.50

20.47

0.97

4.97

MAYBAKER

1.63

1.71

0.08

4.91

COSTAIN

0.79

0.82

0.03

3.80

INTENEGINS

0.53

0.55

0.02

3.77

AFRIPRUD

2.89

2.99

0.10

3.46

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

CLOSING

UNITYBNK

3.04

2.75

-0.29

-9.54

ABCTRANS

0.60

0.57

-0.03

-5.00

GUINNESS

169.00

160.56

-8.44

-4.99

CCNN

11.00

10.50

-0.50

-4.55

MCNICHOLS

1.55

1.48

-0.07

-4.52

NASCON

8.94

8.55

-0.39

-4.36

CUSTODYINS

4.38

4.20

-0.18

-4.11

NESTLE

935.75

900.00

-35.75

-3.82

WAPIC

0.55

0.53

-0.02

-3.64

CONTINSURE

1.02

0.99

-0.03

-2.94

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Rate (%)

US Dollar

$1

N197.00

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.28

99.34

13.58

99.49

13.45

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.98

102.34

13.70

102.49

13.62

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.15

106.97

13.72

107.27

13.63

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.73

111.56

13.69

111.86

13.63

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.86

103.30

13.54

103.60

13.48

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.21 68.07

15.51

68.37

15.44

Closing Market Prices of April 30, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

06-Aug-15

9.62

9.86

WAUA

270

15-Oct-15

11.57

12.19

USD

197

21-Apr-16

13.26

15.20

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

9.5417

1M

13.0188

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

14.2552

SDR

273

6M

15.7501

NIBOR

The Fixings of April 30, 2015

46

Capital Market

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at May 7, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror We will never betray the people because they have risked everything.

Some even lost their lives in the cause to ensure APC succeeds and that we have a leadership in place they trust.

President-Elect –Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

Police rescue kidnapped victim, nab three suspects DARE AKOGUN

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ontrary to the views expressed by a kidnapped victim that she refused the meals provided her by her captors for the period of the six days that she was held in captivity, one of the gang members Ifeanyi Chukwuleta has said she is economical with the truth.

The Mass Communication graduate however said that though she refused to accept the banana given her, she however savored the apple fruits provided her and equally gulped down the table water after the meals.

Parading suspects at the Command headquarters, Lagos State Police Commissioner Kayode Aderanti revealed that on the 16th of April 2015 at about 21 40 hrs a complaint was received by the Divisional Police Officer Akodo Division that one Mrs. Kudirat Adeboye has been kidnapped along Eleko -Epe expressway by six unknown armed men.

Aderanti further disclosed that when it became glaring the men attached to the local police where the complaint was initially launched seem not to be having headway,

he directed the officer-in-charge of the Command’s Anti- Robbery Squad Abba Kyari to commence through investigation that could possibly led to the rescue of the victim and subsequently arrest the culprits While all these was going on he said ,the kidnappers had established contact with the family and had demanded a ransom of fifty million naira and that when the family kept haggling with them, that they decided to reduce it to three million naira.

However nemesis caught up with them, when two SARS decoy operative trailed them to Epe where they had directed the son of the victim to bring the ransom and that for some inexplicable reasons, they redirected the victim’s son to another location along Ijebu-Ode road.

The leader of the gang simply called Niyi was said to have come out of their hiding to pick up the ransom, and on noticing the SARS operative ran back into the bush and was given a hot chase. A gun duel between the fleeing Niyi and the operatives ensued and in the exchange of gunshot, he was fatally injured.

Niyi it was who later led the op-

eratives to the spot at Epe where they kept the victim and she was rescued.

Aderanti noted that one double barrel pistol with two expended bullets and six live cartridges were

recovered from the scene noting further that though Niyi later died from the wounds sustained from the gun duel, the police through diligent follow up and deployment of advanced technology by

forensic analysis of information obtained from the cell phone recovered from late Niyi, three more gang members namely Ifeanyi Chukwleta, Kolawole Alani and Rasheed Adetunji were arrested.

NOPRIN petitions IG over unlawful detention of businessman DARE AKOGUN

N

etwork on Police Reforms in Nigeria, NOPRIN, a civil society group on police reforms has petitioned the Acting Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase over the unlawful detention and the disappearance of a business man Chinagorom Ihejiagwa, by the police for almost a year.

The petition signed by its National Coordinator Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated that Ihejiagwa was arrested by the Awkuzu SARS operatives Anambra State on May 2014 and have been detained and held incommunicado in flagrant disregard of two court orders for his production before

the Court.

According to him “Chinagorom till date remained in the custody of SARS without being charged to Court or granted bail.

Repeated requests by his family members and legal representatives to see him have been refused by the O/C SARS CSP James Nwafor.

“His younger brother, Callistus Ihejiagwa, allegedly was told by the O/C SARS that ‘we will kill him because he is a confessed kidnapper’. His family believes that he had been tortured to make ‘confessions’, as is the common practice in SARS. “NOPRIN was informed that prior to Chinagorom’s arrest, one of the police officers that arrested him popularly known as Pele,

have accused him of buying a stolen vehicle and demanding that he should bring his ‘own share’.

“Chinagorom denied the allegation of having bought a stolen vehicle and said he had nothing to give to ‘Pele’. It was after several futile efforts by ‘Pele’ to extract from Chinagorom his ‘share’ of what he believed to be the proceeds of crime that he masterminded his arrest and detention, labelling him ‘kidnapper’, he alleged.

Nwaguma further alleged that the O/C SARS has continued to contemptuously disregard court orders that the police should either release him on bail or produce him before a court for trial to determine his guilt or innocence in accordance with due process.

Man petitions IGP over missing son KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

A

Oba (Dr) Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (CFR) Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland presenting an award to DIG Adeola Adeniji, at a reception held in his honour in Abeokuta.

cleric, Alhaji Basiru Adesina, has petitioned the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, over the disappearance of his son, Waidi.

In the letter a copy which was made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Osun State-based Islamic leader, said his son disappeared from home 10 years ago after his relationship with a lady who he gave her name as Funmilayo, which the family did not agree with.

According to him, the two of them were last seen somewhere in Onitsha, Anambra State but family learnt that they may have travelled out of the country, stating that all efforts to locate his son since then have proved abortive.

He disclosed further that the family of the lady has refused to cooperate with the family in locating the two of them, insisting that as the first born of the family his son meant a lot to them.

He said, “The boy is my first son who before his relationship with the lady in question has been of good character and one who holds the family in high esteem. Since his disappearance I have never been myself and it is my wish to see him again before I go into my grave.

“The family of the lady who has continued to see us as their enemies has refused to let us know where my son is as I know in my mind that they know where their daughter is. Also, the series of appeal made to them have not yielded any positive result and I believe that they can serve as a source to unravel where my son is.”

48

Photo News

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENERGY GROUP’s MANAGEMENT RETREAT IN GHANA

Chairman and GMD, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR (right) and Acting Head IT, Energy Bank Ghana, Mr. Donald Ayayee, at the opening of the Management Retreat on Strategic Innovation for Sustainable Profitability held at the Energy Bank, Accra, Ghana.

Head of E-Banking & Collections/ Acting Head of Retail & Commercial Banking, Mr. Kenneth Okine; GM Energy investment, Mr. Olatunji Kehinde; Head, Foreign Operations, Mr. Mark FuachieSobreh; Executive Director, Energy Bank, Mr. Isaac Monehin and Relationship Manager (Corporate Banking) Energy Bank, Nana Kusi Yeboah.

GM, Energy Investment, Ghana, Mr. Olatunji; Consultant on brand, Mr. Sesan Ayeni; ED Energy Bank, Mr. Isaac Monehin and Vice President Energy Group, Mr. Michael Jegede.

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, delivering his paper on the first day of the conference. With him are Relationship Officer (GNAT Heights) Energy Bank, Miss Cynthia Boateng; Branch Manager (North Industrial area) Energy bank, Elsie Mark-Hanson.

L-R: MD/CEO Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mr. Fidelis Lemchi Owoamanam; MD/CEO, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Sunday Olajide and MD/CEO, Energy Bank Ghana, Queenette Okehie.

GM, NICON Hotels Lagos, Amina Baruwa; Vice Chancellor, Premier University, Sao Tome, Prof.

Taiwo Ajayi and ED, Nigeria Reinsurance, Dr. Yele Akinrolabu.

Vice President, Energy Group, Mr. Michael Jegede delivering his paper at the conference.

L-R: MD, NICON Luxury Abuja, Mrs. Bimbo Ogunlusi; GMD’s Secretary, Mrs. Funke Taiwo-Aminu; MD Newswatch Times, Mr. Moses Jolayemi; resource person, Energy Group, Kola Awotundun and GM, Energy New Press, Bisayo Modupe Busari.

PHOTOS: SEYI FASUGBA

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

It was legitimate for the new Greek government to seek changes in line with the will of its voters but also that Greece must respect its commitments –French Finance Minister, Michel Sapin

Man burned alive in Burundi’s anti-president protest PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

S

oldiers stand near a barricade during demonstrations by protesters against the ruling CNDD-FDD party’s decision to allow Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a third five-year term in office, in Bujumbura, May 7, 2015.

Protesters burned a man alive in Burundi’s capital yesterday, saying he was a member of the ruling party’s youth wing which had attacked them during their demonstrations against the president’s bid for a third term, a witness said.

Protesters have been on Bujumbura’s streets for almost two weeks, often hurling stones at police who they say have fired live rounds, which police deny.

Opponents of the government say the June 26 presidential election should be delayed by a few weeks because of un-

rest. President Pierre Nkurunziza’s spokesman said that was unnecessary as most of the country was calm.

The violence has plunged the African nation into its worst crisis since the end of a civil war in 2005 that pitted the ethnic Hutu majority against the Tutsi minority.

“They put tires around his neck and then burned him,” a witness told Reuters after seeing the man killed in the Nyakabiga district of Bujumbura.

Local media also reported the incident, while the Red Cross said a man was killed in Nyakabiga but, in line with its usual practice, did not say how he died. It said a woman was killed in another area yesterday.

Protesters said the victim of the burning was a member of the Imbonerakure youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, which they say has at-

Soldiers stand near a barricade during demonstrations by protesters against the ruling CNDD-FDD party’s decision to allow Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a third five-year term in office, in Bujumbura, yesterday

tacked them. The government has repeatedly dismissed charges that Imbonerakure is fomenting violence.

Condemning the killing, presidential spokesman Gervais Abayeho said: “We don’t want the situation to degenerate and take us back to those years when people were killed on the streets in broad daylight.”

Britons vote in tight election, brace for gridlock

B

ritons voted yesterday in the tightest election for decades; one that could cause government gridlock, push the world’s fifth-largest economy closer to leaving the European Union and stoke a second attempt by Scotland to break away.

Final opinion polls showed Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives and Ed Miliband’s opposition Labour Party almost in a dead heat, indicating neither will win enough seats for an outright majority in the 650-seat parliament.

However, the surveys suggested there had been some late movement toward Labour.

“This race is going to be the closest we have ever seen,” Miliband told supporters in Pendle, northern England, on the eve of the vote. “It is going to go down to the wire.”

Cameron said only his Conservatives could deliver strong, stable government: “All other options will end in chaos,” he insisted.

The Conservatives portray

themselves as the party of jobs and economic recovery, promising to reduce income tax for 30 million people while forcing through further spending cuts to eliminate a budget deficit still running at 5 percent of GDP. Labour says it would cut the deficit each year, raise income tax for the highest 1 percent of earners and defend the interests of hard-pressed working families and Britain’s treasured but financially stretched National Health Service.

“I think Labour is best for the good of the whole country. The

Conservatives have cut spending too much,” said student Abi Samuel at a polling station in Edinburgh’s well-heeled New Town.

Retiree Robert McCairley said it had been a messy campaign.

“What disappoints me is that there was too much on the National Health Service, hospitals and schools but not enough on the deficit - no one showed us the figures,” he said.

If neither party wins an overall majority, talks will begin on Friday with smaller parties in a race to strike deals.

Conservative leader David Cameron and his wife Samantha voted in the village of Spelsbury in Oxfordshire

Egyptian army frees Ethiopians held in Libya –Sisi

A

group of Ethiopians who had been kidnapped in Libya arrived at Cairo airport yesterday after Egyptian army forces rescued them, state media quoted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as saying.

But one Ethiopian in the group, and a Libyan source, appeared to cast doubt on that version of events, saying the men had only been held up by Libyan immigration.

State TV broadcast live footage of Sisi greeting about 30 Ethiopians who had arrived on an Egyptian government plane.

“Sisi announced during a seminar the success of the armed forces in returning the Ethiopian brothers who had been kidnapped in Libya,” state news agency MENA reported.

The state broadcast gave no details of their identity, the manner of their release or circumstances of detention.

Security sources told Reuters that Egyptian intelligence services had provided Libyan authorities with information that helped them free the Ethiopians who had been held by armed groups in the cities of Derna and Misrata.

One of the Ethiopians said they had been held by Libyan immigration authorities.

WORLD BULLETIN

Somali Islamists driven into north, south pockets –UN envoy A military offensive has driven Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist group out of major strongholds and deprived it of revenue sources, but its retreat to a southern valley and northern hills still poses a threat, the U.N. envoy to Somalia said.

The African Union’s AMISOM peacekeeping force and Somali soldiers have pushed the group, which wants to topple the Western-backed government, into smaller pockets of territory since launching an offensive last year.

But the group has continued to strike Mogadishu and other government-held areas with bomb and gun attacks from bases in the southern Juba Valley and in northern Puntland’s Galgala hills, a region outside the African Union’s area of operation.

“The AU-U.N. have just done a benchmarking review of AMISOM and the Somali national army, as well, and certainly they have recognized that Puntland is an area of concern,” U.N. envoy to Somalia, Nick Kay, told Reuters on Wednesday.

Guinea protesters clash with security forces ahead of talks Youths in Guinea’s capital blocked roads with burning tires and clashed with security forces yesterday, raising pressure on President Alpha Conde ahead of talks with the opposition aimed at resolving a dispute over the timing of elections.

Witnesses said police fired tear gas in the Bambeto and Cosa neighbourhoods to disperse demonstrators staging the latest in a string of protests in the capital and other towns that began in April and have left at least five dead.

There was no word on casualties or arrests yesterday.

The talks on Friday are between Conde and opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo, who says an announcement in March that Guinea’s presidential election will be held on Oct. 11 broke a 2013 agreement to stage long-delayed local elections first.

“We have continued our demonstrations today but if something concrete comes out of the meeting on Friday, we will reconsider our position,” Diallo told reporters. There was no immediate comment from the government.

50

North

Friday, May 8, 2015

FRSC takes driving license, number plate education to motor parks Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

I

n a bid to end the proliferation of fake driving license and number plates, Cleen Foundation, in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, has embarked on the enlightenment of stakeholders at motor parks, emphasising the processes and procedures for obtaining genuine vehicle documents.

Speaking during the kick off of the programme at Jabi Park, Utako Area of Abuja yesterday, Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that the programme is part of efforts to intensify public enlightenment with a view to making Nigeria one of the safest countries for driving by 2020.

According to him, for such a feat is to be achieved, greater commitment and rededication to public enlightenment programmes are required; hence the corps in collaboration with Cleen Foundation decided to take the message to motorists in motor parks.

Oyeyemi said the FRSC has renewed its commitment to reforms in the licensing system by investing more in staff capacity development, building synergy among relevant stakeholders and investing more in

technology.

He explained that the processes of obtaining the driving license are tripartite with each component part playing a particular role that complements the others.

He noted that some of challenges affecting the efficiency of the system include low uploading of data, racketeering and slow collection of printed original driving license cards.

He, however, stated that the organisation has tackled some of the challenges, especially in the area of a large number of people waiting to be captured, by creating 71 fresh centres across the country in addition to the existing 129 centres nationwide.

He disclosed that the FRSC aims to activate about 200 centres across the country before the end of the year, stressing that a more efficient distribution system is being put in place to ensure that printed permanent licenses do not remain at the motor licensing offices without the owners promptly claiming them.

Also speaking, the programme officer of Cleen Foundation, Chisom Ugwu, stated that the essence of the partnership is to dissuade drivers from patronising touts who provide them with fake vehicle documents.

Taraba Ag. gov not committed to peace, says Miyetti Allah Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

C

hairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Mafindi Umar Danburam, has accused the Taraba State acting governor, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, of not being committed to the promotion of peace in the state.

Mafindi who stated this while fielding questions from journalists in Jalingo said since Sani took over from the former acting governor, Garba Umar, he has been impervious about bringing the warring parties together to negotiate peace.

He said the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, but that instead of bringing lead-

ers of the warring parties to the negotiation table, the government has become adamant to the situation, leaving people to their fate.

The chairman suggested the implementation of the White Paper on the recommendation of the 19 Northern Governors’ Forum which he said is key to ending cattle rustling which is the main reason for the crisis in the central southern parts of the state.

Mafindi called on the incoming government of Darius Ishaku to change strategy in ending the crisis, adding that a situation where security men stand on the road, extorting money from motorists without going into the bush where people are being killed and cattle rustled on a daily basis would not solve the problem.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jang laments fresh plot to link him with Plateau killings James Abraham JOS

G

overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has described as uncharitable, disheartening and unfair fresh attempts by some people to link him with the series of fresh violence in parts of the state which have claimed many lives and properties.

The Ngwang Ishi O’ Tarok (NIO), a socio-cultural group of the Tarok ethnic

nationality ın the state, had during a press conference addressed by its chairman, Lohbut Jangle, and secretary, Zingfa Danbaki, ın Jos, accused the governor of being responsible for the recent attack in four Taroh villages, including Kadarko, Mutum Biyu, Wadatan Arewa and Wadatan Kasuwa - all in Wase Local Government Area by people suspected to be members of the Nigerian Army during which over 50 people were

killed while over 150 others sustained various degrees of injury.

Also, several houses and farm harvests and livestock worth millions of Naira belonging to the natives were destroyed in the raid.

But Governor Jang, in a statement ın Jos yesterday expressed surprise at the allegation made against him by the group, describing it as “a deliberate contraption to rubbish the government and paint it in bad light before

the court of public opinion.”

The statement, signed by the governor’s executive assistant, Mr Garuba Clinton, wondered why anyone would accuse him of sending troops to kill innocent villagers ın Wase when it is widely known that neither the men of the Special Task Force nor the police take orders from the state governor as they are both controlled from Abuja by the Defence Headquarters and the Force Headquarters.

L-R: Minister of State (2) for Foreign Affairs, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Mr Tha’anda Rubainu and Amb. Sale Pisaghi of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a Sensitisation Workshop on the Role of the Media in Deepening Democracy and De-Escalating Violent Conflicts in West Africa Sub-Region, in Gombe, yesterday.

STF at war with militia group in Plateau, says spokesman

T

he Special Task Force, STF, keeping the peace on the Plateau, yesterday, said it is at war with militia group and not civilians.

“We are at war with a militia group that killed six of our men a week ago; we have no quarrel with any civilian populace,’’ STF spokesman, Capt. Iweha Ikedichi, said in Wase.

Ikedichi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a telephone interview that the militia group had allegedly killed six soldiers at Kurmi, a border town between Taraba and Plateau states.

He said three soldiers were missing.

According to him, men of the STF and fighters from the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, are engaged in the fight with the armed group.

“It is not true that we are fighting civilians or had gone

to Wase to sack any community; the fight is between our men and the militia group.

“Wadata and Kadarko communities in Wase were only asked to vacate their abode for security purposes and that does not translate into sacking the communities as being insinuated,’’ he said.

The STF spokesman added: ``For some time now, there have been series of

attacks at the Kurmi settlement where innocent civilians, particularly women and children, were killed.”

He said it was last Tuesday’s attack, which affected nine soldiers that forced the STF to engage the militia group in a fierce fight.

“As we speak, our men are in a serious fight with the militia group at Kurmi and that is being handled professionally and in accordance with

military ethics.

“Some of our men have been stationed to watch over the civilians within these communities so that they are not hurt in any way,’’ he said.

He called on the general public to remain calm because the task force is on top of the situation.

He gave assurance that it would uproot the militia group and restore peace to the affected communities.

Windstorm destroys 100 houses in Zamfara

N

o fewer than 100 houses have been destroyed by windstorm in Daki-Takwas village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Sole Administrator of the council, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, confirmed the incident to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

Muhammad, who said this was not the first time the people have experienced wind disaster, added that windstorm has been a threat to lives and property in some places across the state.

He said the state government had through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) provided assistance to vic-

tims of such incidents at different times.

He urged the victims to take the incident as an act of God, saying that the damages done would be assessed for possible assistance.

“I will make sure the area is assessed very well and assistance will be given to the victims to reduce tension,’’ he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aliyu obtains court order stopping impeachment PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

N

iger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu has obtained a court order restraining the Niger State House of Assembly from commencing impeachment process against him.

The order obtained from a Minna High Court stop the House from initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor.

The development is coming on the heels of the recent impeachment of the Speaker of the House, Barrister Adamu Usman, and the election of new leadership that is

North

Friday, May 8, 2015

perceived to be against the governor.

Aliyu in an ex-parte application moved by his counsel, Rotimi Ojo, asked for an order of the court for interim injunction restraining the defendants from setting in motion, the process of impeachment against him, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The court presided over

by Justice Idris Evuti in case no NSHC/MN/ 54/20125 filed on Wednesday also stopped the defendants from appointing Acting Governor in the state pending the determination of the motion on notice.

TRANSITION Magnimo Edwin

E

ngineer Magnimo Binalayefa Edwin was born in Sagbama town in Sagbama Local Government area of Bayelsa state on May 7, 1980. He is a Christian and a contract Engineer to oil companies before his death on March 15, 2015 while on contract assignment in Ekiti State.

51

Reps wade into latest Plateau killings

H

ouse of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja mandated its Committee on Defence, Army and Human Rights to investigate the recent killings at Wase Local Government in Plateau State.

The House also mandated the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to urgently mobilise its personnel and resources to the affected areas to conduct damage

assessment and provide necessary relief materials.

The directive to the committee and NEMA was sequel to House’s resolution after a debate of the killings.

A member, Ahmed Idris (Plateau-APC) had moved a motion calling for a probe of the incident.

He said that it was reported that soldiers in about 40 trucks arrived Kadarko, Kurmi and Wa-

data communities in Wase council area and opened fire on innocent people. ‘’It was alleged that they were burning houses in retaliation for six soldiers killed by some unknown persons at Angwan Kanmi in Karin Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State bordering Plateau State,” Idris said.

He said that if such incident was not investigated and action taken, it could

create a vicious killing cycle, which could bring untold destruction to a region that was already volatile.

In his ruling after the motion was unanimously adopted by members, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided, referred the matter to Committee on Defence for investigation.

“The committee is to report to the House within one week,’’ he directed.

Four Chinese nabbed for smuggling textile materials ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

N

igeria Custom Service Task Force responsible for anti smuggling, has impounded contraband textile materials hidden in over 20 warehouses spread across Kano metropolis, the prohibited goods with estimated value put at billions of naira, were allegedly smuggled into the country by four Chinese.

The deputy controller in charge of anti-smuggling Task Force, Hassan Shanangwa, told newsmen at one of the warehouses that the suspected Chinese were en-

gaged in smuggling of textile materials into the country illegally by concealing the goods from security operatives and the useage of illegitimate travelling routes.

According to him, the intelligence unit of the service was tipped off on the existence of these warehouses in Kano, and that intelligence officers were dispatched to investigate and report back, the feedback from intelligence gathered confirmed the housing of illegal goods in those warehouses.

Shanangwa further said the anti- smuggling squad under his command swoop on the warehouse where the

contraband textile material were kept and confiscated the materials which street value is estimated to run into billions of naira.

National Mirror reports that the warehouses were situated around Gandun Albasa quarters within Kano metropolis.

Meanwhile, the customs yesterday paraded the four Chinese, namely Gao Guoxu, Li Yang, Zhao Shaimin and Zhousin Xue, alleging that they form part of a syndicate that specialises in the smuggling and storage of contraband textile,in Kano.

The customs described

the act by the Chinese as a disrespect to Nigerian laws, ‘These acts of illegalities being committed by other nationals who have chosen to disrespect the laws of our land is making rubbish of ongoing efforts of government to industrialise Nigeria. The quantity and value of the seizure is being compiled by our valuation officers.”

One of the Chinese paraded, Gao Guoxu, disclosed that they import the materials into Nigeria through an agent who is resident in neighboring country, stating that the biological father of the agent resides in Kano.

Anambra entertainment industry will be reinvigorated –Udokwu

S

enior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media (Movie/Entertainment), Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has said that entertainment will soon be reinvigorated in Anambra State.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Awka, Udokwu said with the govCONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to comfirm that Ibraheem Taofiq Abidemi is one and the same person as Bidemi Ibrahim Akinwumi. All documents and certificates bearing my both names remain valid. General public should please take note.

ernor’s love for the industry the state would soon be a tourist destination.

“The industry is alive and well and a lot is on the way to make the state

tourist destination, which the governor is doing all he can to support.

“It is the governor’s love for the entertainment industry that is keeping

me here so as to join him in contributing to the success of his administration,” he said.

The veteran film actor expressed delight with

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Ibrahim Oluwayemi Rashidat Abiola is one and the same person as Yemi Ibrahim Akinwunmi. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

UHAMA: formerly known n addressed as Miss Uhama Queendaline Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekwedigwe Queendaline Nneka.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known n addressed as Miss Elizabeth Omodele Agosu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Omodele Hunye.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIEKWE : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aniekwe Gladys Nkiru, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Muoghalu Nkiru Patrick. All former documents remains valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NHIS and public note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 682 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 the above body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for approval of the under-mentioned changes in the composition of its registered trustees.

OLD TRUSTEES

NEW TRUSTEES

Sr. Hussian O. P Margaret Sr. Spinelli O.P Alessia Sr. Ruggia O.P Marilena

Sr. Hussain O.P Margaret Sr. Spinelli O.P Alessia Sr.Adesanya O.P MaryPia

The aim of the Trustees is to exercise works of religion and religious cult along with non-profit-making works of instruction, education and nursing and to promote other works of charity that answer the particular needs, time and place in which the Congregation works Any person or persons having any objection(s) to this application should within 28 (twentyeight) days from the date of this publication forward such objection to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja.

SIGNED: SONNIE EKWOWUSI & CO SOLICITORS, ADVOCATES AND NOTARIES PUBLIC 24, BISHOP CROWTHER STREET, SURULERE, LAGOS

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluokun Adejoke Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyi Adejoke Oluwarantimi.

Bowen University Teaching Hospital Both Iwo and Ogbomoso and General public to note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mary Akpan Ikoiwak, now wish to be known and addressed as Marylaura Aghahowa. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

PA-MUSA ADEOGUN BASHORUN FAMILY WELFARISM FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Abdulsalam Olayinka Sulaimon 2. Falana Babatunde Tajudeen 3. Alao Muriziq Abiodun

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

the infrastructure development of sites, festivals and emerging hotels in the state which would in the near future host tourists.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Felicia Oluwabunmi Jayeola now wish to be known, called and addressed as Felicia Oluwabunmi Oladoja. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

“With the development of Ogbunike Cave, Agulu Lake, including emerging hotels all of international standard, Anambra will be better for it,’’ he said.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Jimoh Ibrahim Obatuyi is one and the same person as Jimoh Ibrahim.

All documents and certificates bearing both names remain valid.

General public should please take note

AUCTION AUCTION AUCTION

This is to inform the general public that approval have been given by Enugu State Government to dispose by public Auction One unserviceable TOYOTA HILUX VAN belonging to Ministry of Government matters, Government House Enugu.

Intrested buyers are by this notice authorise to inspect the allotted Hilux Van during working hours from this day of publication as the Auction sales will come up on Friday 15 May 2015 by 10:00am prompt.

Signed: Williams Okeke, Government Licensed Auctioneer For-Mak-Williams Ventures Ltd. 08033767788.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that my Testimonial and Certificate of Emotan College (SSCE) Senior School Certificate Examination May/June 1994 as been stolen, issue in the name of Vivian Idedia with Exam Number 14268/072. General public please note.

Any body with useful information should please contact 08050377198.

52

Friday, May 8, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

ILOKA : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nchedo Codelia Iloka, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Nchedo codelia Obi. All former documents remains valid. Fed Poly Oko and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BAMIDELE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamidele Idowu Olakitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ilesanmi Idowu Olakitan. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Prison Service and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IBOK: I, formerly known and addressed as Monica Ukpong Ibok, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Monica Ukpong Olu-Ayeni due to my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EJIKERE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejikere Prisca Chinasa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Esinkonye Prisca Chinasa.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi Esther Yemisi , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adedipe Esther Yemisi.

All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Ebierimunu Embiowei , now wish to be known and addressed as Miss. Ebierimunu George. All former documents remain valid. Bayelsa State Senior Secondary Schools Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwangwu Pascaline, now to be known and addressed as Mrs Isaac Pascaline. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinelo Gloria Mbonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chinelo Gloria Umeh. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as David Ibukunolu Christiana now wish to be known and addressed as Semowo Ibukunolu Christiana. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UCHENDU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Uchendu Chinenye Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwigwe Chinenye Joy. All former documents remain valid. SEDI-Enugu and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNOPU : Formerly known as Miss Nnopu Amaka Lucy, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Asiegbu Lucy Amaka. All former documents remains valid.

Anambra state University and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Oduyemi Funmilola Funke now wish to be known, called and addressed as Duze Funke Funmilola. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Charity Oghor Isheke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Charity Oghor Eboseluimen. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONUAKU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onuaku Ifeyinwa Vivian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okafor Ifeyinwa Vivian. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank and general public please take

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoye Onyebuchi Lynda.

Nwabachili Onyebuchi Lynda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmachika Onyebuchi Lynda. All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinsorotan Kehinde Mercy , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adegunoye Kehinde Mercy.

All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Akure and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Europ Serah Sawari is the same person as Sarah Sawari which appears in my Permanent Voters Card. That henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Europ Serah Sawari. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ochulor Celestina Chinonso, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibeh Favour Celestina Chinonso.

All former documents remain valid First Bank Nig. Plc, Samko Health Centre and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ehirim Chibuzor Caring, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwaeze Chibuzor Eunice. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ARIJE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Arije Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Imogoh Mercy. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Udu Uzoma Titilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chukwugbobe Uzoma Titilayo.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UKAH : Formerly known as Miss Ukah Nnezi now wish to be known and address as Mrs Ebimaro Nnezi. All former documents remains valid. NPF, UBA, ECO bank and public note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

OLUWATIMILEHIN FISH SELLER’S ASSOCIATION Notice is hereby given to the general public that the Board of Trustees of the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration in accordance with the provision of part ‘C’ of companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Adeleke Taiwo Cecilia.

2. Mrs. Olubuse Elizabeth 3. Mrs. Alade Rachael Oyewumi 4. Mrs. Ogunleye Comfort 5. Mrs. Adeyeye Bukola 6. Mrs. Daramola Eunice Fibijola

- President - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To encourage thrift, mutual help and self help among members 2. To promote cooperative spirit among members work for the improvement of their living standard.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BODUNDE FOLUSO MICHAELS

CHANGE OF NAME

AMOO: Formerly known and addressed as Amoo Oluwabusayo Esther, now wish to be addressed as Mrs Shopitan Oluwabusayo Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Oluwafemi Patrick David is the same one person as Patrick David Oluwafemi, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Patrick David Oluwafemi. All former documents remain valid. NECO, Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to notify the general public that the Original Letter of Allocation with Ref. No LU/2005/AGB/RES /BLK.PLT.dated on 3rd Nov.,2009 at Land Use and Allocation Committee,Lands Bureau Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State belonging to Onuorah Adaiba Dorothy is missing. The general public and Lands Bureau, Alausa, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinleye Atinuke Janet now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ilori Atinuke Janet. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Alagoa Moses is the same person as Alagoa Ebiegberi which appears in most of my documents.

That henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Alagoa Ebiegberi Moses.

All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta Development Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOLOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundeko Omolola Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolola Abiodun Ojo. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbakeji Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akporubare Anthonia. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewale Shakirat Yemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Raheem Shakirat Yemisi. All former documents remain valid NSCDC and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIBUZOR: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anibuzor Chidimma Faustina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okugo Chidimma Fustina. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Akinsuroju Aramide Ayorinde now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shittu Aramide Ayorinde. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UKPE : Formerly known as Miss Ukpe Stella Chinedu, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Osadolor Stella Chinedu. All former documents remains valid.

NPF, FCMB, ECO bank and public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Okeke Augustine Ogochukwu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Austin Obioha. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Sulaiman Ismail is the same one person as Sulaiman Ismail Idowu, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Sulaiman Ismail Idowu. All former documents remain valid. WAEC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ASUNOMHE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Precious Emesomiake Asunomhe, now want to be known and addressed as Mrs Precious Emesomiake Ekuerhare.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nasiru Ganiyat Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebanjo Ganiyat Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. NSCDC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Tijani Sulyman now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Tijani Sulaiman. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Helen John, now wish to be known and addressed as Helen Adegwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Asogwa Ngozi Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onyebibile Ngozi Linda.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Muhammed Monsurat Olaitan now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Monsurat Olaitan. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOKONNA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwokonna Comfort Ogechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekwuribe Comfort Ogechi. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Akinwunmi Oluwatobi Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lawal Oluwatobi Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYE : Formerly known as Miss Okoye Chinenye Anastasia, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Igwe Chinenye Anastasia. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and public note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

REPAIRERS OF BROKEN WALLS MINISTRIES INT’L (AKA HIS POWER)

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Co-operate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1) Ev. (Dr.) Onyeike, Christian C. Ph.D 2) Pastor Grace I. Chris Onyeike 3) Evang. Ini Kingsley Okon 4) Elder Uche Arua

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1) Preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through various ways of gospel ministration.

2) Promote peaceful coexistence in communities and justice through the ministry of the word.

3) Highlight human resource management through seminars and conferences/ Christians education management.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: REV. (DR.) ONYEIKE CHRISTIAN C. - CHAIRMAN

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

LUKUMAN: I, formerly known and addressed as Lukuman Edu Tunji, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Lukuman Alayah Tunji. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known, and addressed as Miss Erisola Opeyemi Okanlawon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Erisola Opeyemi Olaegbe.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Isheni Grace Jummai now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lar Grace Jummai. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Alhaja Fausat Bisola Sanusi, now wish to be known and addressed as Alhaja Fausat Bisola Alawode. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss.Obianuju Nchedo Anabuike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obianuju Nchedo Onwunanzo.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MUSA; Formerly known and addressed as Miss Musa Rebecca,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fidel Silas Rebecca. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Popoola Bunmi Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Bunmi Esther. All former documents remain valid. NYSC general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Hunponu Senami Ayinke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odukoya Bunmi Oluwafunmilayo.

All former documents remain valid Ijebu East Local Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABDULSALAM: I, formerly known and addressed as Abdulsalam Rukayat Olawunmi, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Abudulsalam Rukayat Olawunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEKOYE: I, formerly known, and addressed as Miss Adekoye Susan Adewunmi Oluwadamilola, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Oluwadamilola Susan Ajayi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ehimen Augustina Idebaneria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onuoha-Israel Augustina Evelyn. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Idoma Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adejo Blessing.All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olalude Omodolapo Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olanrewaju Omodolapo Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid.NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

MICHAEL: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Funmilayo Michael, now wish to be known and Addressed as Mrs Funmilayo Awosika. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Arinze Chinelo Charity, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okonkwo Chinelo Charity.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Rabi Yahaya Isa, now wish to be known and addressed as Rabi Ibrahim Dahiru. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PURE HEART ISLAMIC FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC,Abuja, for registration under Part C, of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Dr. Saheed Olawale Ismail 2. Dr. (Engr.) Wasiu Olabamiji Ajagbe 3. Dr. Abdul Razak Adegoke Zubair 4. Alhaji Tahir Muyideen Babatunde 5. Alhaji Mikail Taiwo Tijani

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To bring about a peaceful world by advocating for peaceful co-existence especially amongst youth in Nigeria 2. Building a pristine Islamic personality in Muslim Youth across Nigeria.

3. Catering for the wellbeing of people and Muslims especially the Youth amongst them.

4. Building a virile community where virtues and fear of God are embraced.

Any objection (s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: THE TRUSTEES

Friday, May 8, 2015

I believe it’s a matter of time before the Fennecs return to the form we were at Brazil 2014 World Cupp

54

Glo Le

Kwara United team ready for Abia Warriors

‘No deal yet on Eagles, England game’ …NFF wants MoU G “It is understandable that any news of a proposed friendly between Nigeria and England would generate global interest, as it has done. Both teams last played any match at senior level about 13 years ago,” Sanusi said.

He added, “However, we must say at this stage that the proposal is still at the level of discussions and nothing concrete has been agreed as to when the match will hold. We are awaiting feedback from the FA and will report on the outcome accordingly.”

Meanwhile, following the fruitful meeting between Pinnick and his counterpart in England, Dyke, it has been revealed that a formal document cementing and formalising the relation-

ship between the two Federations could be in the offing.

Shedding more light on the meeting which took place at The FA offices inside Wembley Stadium, London on Tuesday, Pinnick revealed that the FA is keen to work with loyal friends, and will do what they can to help.

“Greg Dyke was visibly interested in the goings-on in Nigeria. He was asking lots of questions and seemed satisfied with our answers, especially regarding the direction we are taking Nigerian football,” Pinnick said.

“I made it very clear to him that we look up to England, not with envy but with awe at their organisational ability and we want to learn from them.”

ague:

Afonja warrior s plan to storm Abia

dulrahman, coach, Tunde Ab ad he d ite Un ra wa irits to take s are in high sp rd wa s hi id sa s ha Warriors in ree points at Abia th um im ax m e th Umuahia. of Abia Warwill be the guests rs rio ar W ja on Af The ch day 8 clash emier League Mat Pr o Gl ’s ay nd Su riors in wnship Stadium. at the Umuahia To better shape his wards are in id sa an hm lra Abdu the season and re at the start of we ey th an th w right no ctory in Umuarfect form into vi pe e th e lat ns tra hope to hia on Sunday. ty of my boys t about the abili en id nf co e or m “I’m me. I hope we better game by ga ng tti ge e ar ey now, th nning of the tter than the begi be w no e ar we e can prov in Umuahia on at Abia Warriors e m ga e th in season persport.com.

Sunday,” he told su because we have age on the road nt va ad ve ha e “W an against 3SC. lost once in Ibad ly on d an e re th played league season,” ll in the ongoing we ry ve do to nt We wa ach.

Wikki Tourists co added the former ck victories at corded back to ba re d ite Un a ar Kw Kano Pillars in wa United and ra sa Na t ns ai ag home ectively. and 7 clashes resp smatch day week 6 11 points from po side has raked in d se -ba rin llo e Th n top flight. n-week old Nigeria sible 21 in the seve

K

53

Sport

UCL: Messi wary of wounded Bayern

– Algeria midfielder, Yacine Brahimii

eneral Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, yesterday made clarification on the already widely-publicised international friendly match between the Super Eagles and the Three Lions of England, stating clearly that no agreement has been reached on a date for the proposed game.

“The aspect of a proposed friendly between Nigeria and England as discussed by the NFF President (Mr. Amaju Pinnick) and Chairman of The FA, Mr. Greg Dyke, at their meeting in London on Tuesday has been somewhat overblown in the social media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

54

Sports

Friday, May 8, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UCL:

Transfer:

Messi

Toure

wary of wounded Bayern

nears City exit

Yaya Toure

A

gent Dimitri Seluk yesterday said he is “90 per cent sure” that Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure, will leave the Etihad side this summer.

Seluk, who has represented Toure throughout his career, said three top European clubs are currently jostling for the signature of the Cote d’Ivoire captain, although he was short of the big player had pitched tent with any of the clubs.

Reports suggest Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are two clubs keen on the 31-year-old, who has struggled to capture his best form as City conceded the title to Chelsea this season.

Seluk has confirmed he is in London and is hoping to meet Manchester City to discuss Toure’s future in the near-future, although he says no date has been set for a meeting.

“It’s certain Yaya will leave but we are waiting until the end of the season,” Seluk said.

Toure, who has two years left on his contract, having signed a new four-year deal in 2013, moved to City from Barcelona for £24million in 2010 and has made over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 62 goals in all competitions.

Speculations had trailed Toure’s future since last season but both he and his agent have taken turns to deny any move.

N

Glo to Falcons:

Keep the

flag

flying Oshoala

ational Telecommunications Carrier and Nigeria’s biggest supporter of football, Globacom has advised the Super Falcons to work diligently towards winning a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympics Women Soccer event as they host Mali tomorrow in Abuja for the first leg of the second round of the qualifiers.

In a statement in Lagos yesterday, Globacom enjoined the Falcons to go for outright victory to boost their chances of qualification.

“The ticket is a must-have for Nigeria. It’s a crucial encounter which the Falcons must win to make the second leg in Mali a mere formality,” the statement said.

The Telecoms Company commended the team for its outstanding performances which saw it qualifying for the 7th FIFA Women World Cup holding in Canada in June and the 2015 All African Games scheduled for Congo Brazzaville in September.

“The team should remain focused ahead of the match and avoid underrating the Malians whom they defeated recently to qualify for the All African Games,” it added.

The foremost corporate supporter of football in Nigeria advised the Falcons to ensure convincing victory over the Malians in both legs of the encounter, adding that the company would support the national team to make Nigeria proud.

Globacom is the major partner of Nigeria Football Federation and official sponsor of Nigerian national teams.

Kaka can’t wait for Gerrard

O Kaka

rlando City midfielder, Kaka, says he is excited for Steven Gerrard to join him in Americamn Major League Soccer.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid star, who has scored four goals in 13 appearances since

joining Orlando City this year, says he was always fond of watching the current Liverpool captain, and looks forward to coming up against him when he joins club opponents LA Galaxy in July.

“I have good memories of Gerrard,” the Brazil international

and 2007 Ballon d’Or winner said.

“He was one of the players I loved to watch. I like the way that he plays and the way that he moves on the field. I’m so happy he’s coming to play here. It’s going to help the league a lot.

“I’m not sure I’m in a position

T

wo-goal hero Lionel Messi says he expects a tough battle when his side clashes with Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League semi final at the Allianz Arena on May 12.

Barcelona beat Bayern 3-0 in the first leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday, with Messi as inspiration behind the big win.

The 27-year-old Argentine forward, playing in his 10tth European match, felt Barca was fortunate after finally opening scores 77 minutes into the game.

“We were lucky to score the first goal,” Messi said yesterday.

“Then the others came after that in quick succession and we have come away with a great result for the second-leg game, which is just what we wanted.

“Germany will be a tough venue and we must now go there and don’t drop our guard.”

The petit forward, who has now scored 53 goals in all competitions this season, also explained his jubilant celebrations for the opening strike.

“It was just my happiness about what the goal meant,” he said, adding, “We hadn’t been able to score and it was an important goal in the tie.”

Messi

to give him some advice for the league, but it’s very competitive, so he will need to be ready to be competitive with his new team.”

Orlando City currently sits seventh out of 10 teams in the MLS’ Eastern Conference, while LA Galaxy is fourth in the Western Conference, three points behind leaders Dallas.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AFCON 2017: Kanu tips Eagles for ticket

F

ormer Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has declared that Nigeria will bounce back to top reckoning soon.

The three-time African champion failed to qualify for AFCON 2015 after the Eagles won the tournament in South Africa in 2013.

But the former Arsenal, Ajax and Inter Milan star said all the country had learned from past mistakes.

“In life there are ups and downs. The last few months we have faced serious trying times in our football. But right now that is

in the past,” he said yesterday.

“There has been no time I have lost confidence in the Eagles. I think they will bounce back better than ever.

“We have the talent that can do it, but we must support them to succeed because they cannot do it alone.”

Nigeria will start the 2017 AFCON qualifying campaign in June at home to Chad before squaring Tanzania and multiple AFCON winners Pharaohs of Egypt in a group where only the top team goes through to the Gabon finals.

Ogenyi Onazi (17) failed to click in Super Eagles recent friendly against Uganda

Okpekpe 2015: Itemuagbor gets plaudit

F

ormer Nigeria track and field stars, Henry Amike, Tony Osheku and Yusuf Alli have hailed Mike Itemuagbor and his company, Pamodzi Sports Marketing, for putting Nigeria among the list of countries the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has granted leave to host a world class event as the Okpekpe Road Race.

“Mike has made us proud as Nigerians and I believe the government should leverage on his effort to push the race further,” Amike said.

Osheku, arguably Nigeria’s most successful coach of alltime, also said: “Itemuagbor deserves to be recognised by the Federal Government for developing the youth while the Edo State gov-

ernment should appreciate him for taking Okpekpe to the world platform.”

Alli, who is Coordinator of the race, also added: “Pamodzi Sports Marketing is a leader in sports marketing, sponsorship, hospitality and rights acquisition business in Nigeria with a combined experience that spans several years in sports sponsorship.”

Itemuagbor

Lagos set for Rams Charge AFOLABI GAMBARI

A

bout 200 rams from host Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire will participate in the maiden International Ram Charging Competition billed for the Jalisco Sports Complex, Oshodi on May 31.

The competition is organised by Ram Owners Association of Nigeria (ROAN) as an arm of traditional sports.

ROAN President, Kayode Adumadehin, said the event would create avenue for mutual relationship among participating countries

Sports

Friday, May 8, 2015

while providing medium to fortify ram charging in Africa.

“Plans are in top gear to encourage other West African countries to imbibe the ram charging sport,” Adumadehin said.

According to him, rams would be certified fit by veterinary doctors before competing while the organisers would adhere to international standard rules and regulations.

Each of the participating countries will be entitled to compete with 16 rams in the event that organisers said would aim to attract corporate sponsorship ahead of participating at a competition in Jakarta, Indonesia in August.

MANDATE

THE

SYLVESTER IKUEJAMOYE

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 94 4 (SMS (S SMS S only) onlly))

The concurring lamentation of Okagbare L ast week’s title of this column was “Pleading profusely for sports” where l had talked about the need by the incoming Buhari administration to closely monitor the happenings in thesector. I had expatiated further that sport has consumed sizable but substantial amount of money from the national treasury without much feeling because of the joy derivable from our participation in sporting activities.

It must be noted that mere participation should not be the major target in view of the enormous resources that do go with participation. Concerted efforts must be made to ensure quality participation with commensurate result. There is no doubt that sport is an all-round-profitable venture if well and effectively managed. Aside from its mileage for image laundry, it has capacity for crime control or crime reduction as well as for employment generation. This is why sport should be taken seriously by the incoming government because it is definitely a serious business. It has multipurpose value practically in all areas of human endeavour and indeed for a nation.

It is possible to argue that the likes of Stephen Keshi, Kanu Nwankwo, J.J. Okocha, Sunday Oliseh and Samson Siasia, among many others may never have attained their current height if not for football. In the same way, it is also possible that the likes of Falilat OgunkoyaOmotayo, Henry Amike, Yusuf Alli and many others in other various sporting events may never have been known if not for track and field. Let me not forget the only African from Liberia crowned as World Footballer of the Year in 1995, George Opong Weah, who later contested the presidential election in his country but lost to the current President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Today, Weah is an elected Senator in Liberia. The likes of

Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo and Ghana’s Abedi Ayew Pele of Ghana virtually emerged from the rubble but are global figures through sport. There are so many more people that sport has rescued from the poverty circle to positions of prominence and envy globally.

The lamentation of Blessing Okagbare, an athlete of note who has done Nigeria proud and still fly- ing the flag through her exploits

Okagbare

globally, should not be ignored. Part of her lamentation, as published in the media within the week, was a confirmation of the aspect I talked about in this column last week Friday. She has accused or berated sports administrators of not doing enough to help athletes.

She also tongue lashed them or should l say tongue lashed all of us for abandoning the grassroots where we have the raw talent ready to be tapped. She was dead on target when she confirmed the laziness of some of our sport administrators who only go after ready-made athletes. Needless to say that they are self made without any form of support from the relevant agencies.

Nigeria as a country certainly needs to make adequate use of its population advantage. We should be seen to be serious about our tomorrow. The problem of replacement for our aging athletes should be addressed since Nigeria is not in short supply of budding and talented athletes. We need commitment and dedication to effectively comb the villages and slums where most of our to-

55

morrow stars are hidden. The efforts must be vigorous and must be done without any iota of discrimination or favouritism or tribal sentiment.

Some of the problems militating against our growth in almost every segment can be traced to the deceit and bare faced incompetence. It is absurd to be seen to be celebrating mediocrity with fanfare. We have a society where climbing the ladder is a function of who you know and not your capacity or competence. It is also unfortunate that we are practically becoming a country where misplacement of priority is the norm. That you cannot build something over nothing is a statement of fact. It is nonsensical to pretend to be building edifice without solid foundation. That the journey to adulthood starts from fertilization of eggs in the womb and that one must crawl before walking are undisputed facts.

Okagbare’s lamentation is a wake-up call to everybody who has a stake in the sports industry. He who wears the shoes, they say, knows where it hurts.

I hope and pray that she will not be tagged a rebel for her very constructive comment. It will surely be counter-productive to imagine that a world star athlete like Okagbare should not be allowed to make constructive observation. She has certainly gone beyond an athlete that can only be seen but not to be heard.

She has a responsibility to the up and coming athletes as she is their role model.

The incoming government should diligently look for a literal qualified and competent nurse who will have no problem with syringe application or administration. The government should do away with doctors who have no prescription capacity. Sports administrators like in any other sectors of the economy that are incompetent and do not have the ability to impact positively on our collective desired march for growth and development in the sports sector should be excused.

Okagbare should be commended for her bold but constructive observation. That is precisely what Mandate Column has done here.

Hard but the bitter truth When the source of your joy, happiness and wealth can only be achieved by sowing bitterness and destruction in the lives of other people, then you need to sit back and rethink. Repentance is the only escape route for you. Otherwise, you will also have an overdose of that bitterness and destruction you are good at serving others. Hard But The Bitter Truth.

Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

First human to be killed by a robot

Vol. 05 No. 1108

N150

Friday, May 8, 2015

On 25 January 1979, Robert Williams (USA) was struck in the head and killed by the arm of a 1-ton production-line robot in a Ford Motor Company casting plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.

Before NLC is forgotten

I

t was with intense curiosity that one waited for media reports on the May 1, 2015 Workers’ Day celebration conducted by two rival factions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), one led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba in Abuja; and the other by Comrade Joe Ajaero in Lagos. Wabba was pronounced President of the NLC by his faction on March 14, 2015 in Abuja; while Ajaero’s splinter group crowned him President of the same body on March 20, 2015 in Lagos. One immediate fallout of the power tussle was that President Goodluck Jonathan, for the first time since his ascension to power, not only failed to show up for the event marked by the Wabba faction at the Eagle Square in Abuja, he also did not assign any identifiable official to hold brief for him. One unconfirmed reason suggested as responsible for the President’s absence was that he did not want to be seen as siding any of the warring factions.

In Lagos, however, the police chastised the

B

ayern Munich will never sign Chelsea star Eden Hazard, according to a scout for the German Bundesliga side, Daniel van Buyten.

Interestingly, Bayern is in the market for an offensive midfielder but the scout insists Hazard is not

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) Ajaero faction and barred it from holding a parallel rally at the National Stadium in Surulere. Reports said in the alternative, Ajaero’s followers regrouped on the access road leading to the stadium, where they marked their own May Day, causing serious traffic gridlock in the process. Elsewhere, workers in the power sector said they prepared a blueprint that will guarantee 24-hour power supply in the country for presentation to the President- Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) before his swearing-in on May 29, 2015. Deputy General Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), Comrade Robert Adedotun Ajayi, to whom the remark was credited, said the privatisation of the electricity sector was yet to achieve the expected results “because the country was not ripe for the privatisation of the sector as at the time it was executed”.

Flying in the face of organised labour, however, is the fact that its refusal to remain as one united entity is beginning to take its toll on the NLC. This best explains President Jonathan’s shunning of the Workers’ Day events. Who says Buhari, like Jonathan, will also not avoid the NLC when he takes his seat as President on May 29? And SSAEAC! The electricity workers union has decided to go it all alone, warming itself to Buhari with a ‘special’ blueprint that would guarantee non-stop power supply, without minding the umbrella status of the NLC; and the weight

NO ORGANISED LABOUR MOVEMENT DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CAN PULL THROUGH ITS STRUGGLES WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE the in-coming government would most probably attach to the blueprint were it to be channelled through a united NLC. And lest we forget, shopping for support by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 general elections cannot be totally divorced from the crisis that split the NLC. Immediate past President of the hitherto united NLC, Comrade Omar Abdulwahed, had after the oil subsidy/fuel price hike protests of January 2012, accused the three tiers of government in the country of undermining the collective struggles of organised labour in the land. In Nigeria, successive governments, whether military or civilian, have always seen organised labour as a threat.

So they always fight back with obnoxious policies to undermine the labour movement without success, says Omar. If that was the case, it was because organised labour fought as one united body; and remained focused, resolute and principled in tackling problems related to workers’ welfare. The same cannot

be said of the strife-torn NLC of today, unfortunately. The NLC is currently bugged down by political and personality disputes. Dancing naked in the market place is a divided NLC that has jettisoned its primary responsibility of championing workers’ welfare; a labour movement that has cheapened itself with personality clashes which are politically motivated, more or less.

It is convenient to portray an in-coming administration as saintly and benevolent, especially if democratically elected; and with a listening ear. Fleeting problem-solving and magical powers can also be ascribed to such a government. No less is expected of the much awaited Buhari government. However, Felicia J. Deyrup, a renowned industrial relations expert, says: “In spite of the fact that governments of many underdeveloped countries are sympathetic to organised labour and depend upon it for political support, relations between labour and government in these countries are often strained to the breaking point. Compulsory arbitration is widespread; strikes are sometimes forcibly broken; and union demands are denounced by government leaders. Labour and government in underdeveloped countries will continue to clash until the overriding goal of economic development has been achieved. Until that time, strikes and economic demands, no matter how justified, must be viewed even by sympathetic governments, as potential threats to development”.

This being the bitter truth, no organised labour movement divided against itself can pull through its struggles when push comes to shove.

A lot is at stake for Nigerian workers and the general public, whether under a Jonathan or Buhari government. The fuel subsidy protest was a very good example.

Like Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has said, a divided labour is a fragile labour. Indeed, it is a castrated and vulnerable labour that has no business fighting for the welfare of workers and the good of the people. Therefore, the earlier the two NLC factions re-unite, the better.

Sport Extra Transfer: Bavarians can’t sign Hazard –Scout in the frame.

“Bayern would never sign a player like Eden who would cost between 70million and 80million and that is a lot of money even for us,” Van Buyten said yesterday.

“I sincerely think we would rather sign a 17-year-old or an 18-yearold who would cost just 5m.”

The scout, however, disclosed that the Bavarians are eyeing Ander-

lecht teenager Youri Tielemans, whose contract expires in June 2016.

“Tielemans is one of the players Bayern are keeping a close eye on. He still has a lot to learn, but he is one of the biggest

talents of his generation.

“I like to compare him to our assistant captain Bastian Schweinsteiger who is getting older and Tielemans could be his long-term replacement.”

Hazard

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