Binder1

Cashless policy goes nationwide today JOHNSON OKANLAWON AND KUNLE A ZEEZ

Emefiele

Vol. 41 N0. 885 115

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he cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,

which was introduced with a pilot scheme in Lagos in January 2012, formally takes effect nationwide today.

The success of the policy CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

We’re penalty masters, says Costa Rica coach

Tuesday, Tuesday,June July 7, 1, 2014 2011

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Troops capture sponsors of Chibok girls’ abduction ...burst terrorists intelligence network

Again, medical doctors begin indefinite strike P.2

INUSA NDAHI, UBONG UKPONG AND PRISCILLA DENNIS

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roops in the ongoing offensive against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East have captured the masterminds of the abduction of over 200

Court frees suspected killers of Funso Williams P.8 ADVERT HOTLINES For advert bookings and information, please contact: LAGOS 01-8446073, 08113947415 08113947419 08113947420 08113947422 ABUJA 08113947421 PORT HARCOURT 08113947418 OGBESE 08113947424

Babuji Ya’ari, businessman and Civilian JTF member involved in the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls.

Keshi quits as Eagles bow out 0-2 P.51

students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

They have also arrested the killers of the Emir of Gwoza.

A statement yesterday, by the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Abuja, by the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj.-Gen. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

News

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Again, doctors begin indefinite strike MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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he Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has directed all doctors in public hospitals to down tools effective from today.

President of the association, Dr. Kayode Obembe, who gave the order at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, said the decision followed the resolution of the National Executive Council meeting of the association.

The decision implies that lives that would have been saved by the doctors could be lost to the strike as services would be virtually paralysed nationwide in public institutions, where most Nigerian get healthcare.

Obembe said government had failed to meet the doctors’ demands after several months of promises.

He added that the strike was a continuation of an earlier one suspended in January this year.

NMA had issued a twoweek ultimatum on the action a fortnight ago. It insisted that no significant compromise was reached during their meetings within the period.

Some of the group’s demands include the stoppage of appointment of directors in hospitals; skipping of

grade level 12 in the health sector for medical doctors; relativity for all cadres in the sector; setting up of National Health Trust Fund; and immediate release of circular on retirement age for medical doctors by the Federal Government.

Others are immediate release of the circular on rural posting, teaching and other allowances, which it said must include house officers; immediate withdrawal of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, circular authorising the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, MLSCN, to approve licences for the importation of In-Vitro Diagnostics, IVDs; and appointment of SurgeonGeneral of the Federation “with immediate effect in accordance with Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan’s pronouncement.”

According to Obembe, doctors “own the patients”, and the owners of the patients, he said, should own and head the hospitals where they are being treated.

He said, “The position of Chief Medical Director/ Medical Director must continue to be occupied by a medical doctor as contained in the Act establishing the tertiary hospitals. This position remains sacrosanct and untouchable.”

Similarly, he demanded that Federal Government increase hazard allowance for doctors in the public hospital “from its current N5,000 to N100,000”.

The NMA president added that government should expedite action on the passage of the National Health Bill and to extend Universal Health Coverage to all Nigerians “and not 30 per cent as currently prescribed by National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS.” He argued that many

doctors had been victims of diseases such as Dengue Fever and Ebola in Africa countries.

Meanwhile, Obembe hinted that medical professionals had met with the CBN over their call for withdrawal of the circular on IVDs. He expressed optimism that the apex bank would reverse its decision on the circular.

“We hereby appeal to all Nigerians for their understanding and to press on government to meet with

our demands to avoid the strike which is scheduled to start on July 1, 2014 from 00.10 hours GMT,” Obembe said.

However, Special Assistant to the Minister of Health on Media, Dan Nwomeh, said the Minister had not been served with notice of the strike.

“Therefore, we cannot comment on the strike. We have only heard of it in the media. Wait till tomorrow, when we expect to get the notice; and we shall reach out to you,” he said.

He declined to comment further but wondered whether the association was not aware of a court injunction barring the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, from participating in the strike.

Obembe had said NMA was not mentioned in the ruling given by the Industrial Court of Arbitration that stopped MDCAN from embarking on any strike over issues the doctors are demanding from the Federal Government.

L-R: Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Coordinator, Honorary International Investors’ Council, Lynda Baroness Chalker and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, during the 16th meeting of the council in Abuja, yesterday.

Troops capture sponsors of Chibok girls’ abduction CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Chris Olukolade, said that the troops had also busted the terrorists’ intelligence network and repelled attacks in Yobe State at the weekend.

The DHQ disclosed that the terrorists’ intelligence cell was headed by a businessman, who participated actively in the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.

“The man, Babuji Ya’ari, who is also a member of the Youth Vigilance Group, popularly known as Civilian JTF, which he uses as cover while remaining an active terrorist, also spearheaded the murder of the Emir of Gwoza,” he said.

Olukolade said that the suspect’s main role in the group was to spy and gather information for the terrorists group.

“Babuji has been coor-

dinating several deadly attacks in Maiduguri since 2011, including the daring attacks on Customs and military locations as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town.

“The arrest of the businessman, who is a dealer in tricycles, has also yielded some vital information and facilitated the arrest of other members of the terrorists’ intelligence cell who are women.

“One of them, Hafsat Bako, had earlier escaped to Gombe State to avoid suspicion but was tracked and arrested.

“Prior to her arrest, Hafsat coordinated the payment of other operatives on the payroll of the group.

“In her confession, she disclosed that a minimum of N10,000 is paid to each operative depending on

the enormity of his task.

“Another female suspect named Haj Kaka, who doubles as an armourer and a spy for the terrorists group, has also been arrested. Until their arrest, all the suspects actively operated a terrorists’ intelligence cell in collaboration with others still at large.

“In another development, troops deployed in Goniri, Yobe State, at the weekend had an encounter with terrorists, resulting in casualties on both sides after the attack was successfully repelled,” the DHQ stated.

In a related development, the Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has advised the Federal Government to rule out the possibility of negotiating with the dreaded Boko Haram

sect.

Rather, the Niger State governor said the sect should be fought to a standstill.

According to him, the terrorists group is not prepared for any compromise now and should be forced out of their hiding and be begging government for the negotiation.

Aliyu stated this during a visit by the International Ministers Global Conference led by its President, Bishop John Micah, in Minna.

He called on the people to support the government and join in fighting the sect, including those who were extreme in their views, noting that Christianity and Islam emphasised moderation in people’s actions, thinking and in whatever they do.

He said: “Extremism is not recognised in our

religions. So, whether it is political extremism or religious extremism or whatever it is being called, we must fight it. Whether it comes in the colour of Boko Haram or whatever colour it comes, we must be ready to fight it to a standstill.”

He disclosed that to prevent security breach in the state, he had directed that a registration of cooking gas dealers should commence, who would in turn register their customers’ names, their home addresses and what they intended to do with the gas being bought.

“I have just told the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, to issue a circular that we must register all those who are selling cooking gas in the state.

We must also make it mandatory that anybody who comes to buy cooking gas

is registered, including the quantity he or she has bought and the address of the house where he or she is using the gas in.”

He added that this became imperative as some of the things being taken for granted were being used by the terrorists to unleash mayhem on the people.

Meanwhile, gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram invaded Shani Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday and set ablaze the Divisional Police Station and nearby houses, shops and vehicles using improvised explosive devices, IEDs, and petrol bombs.

The sect members also went after the LG Caretaker Chairman, Alhaji Modu Walama.

Walama had escaped CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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PhotoNews

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

L-R: Former Borno State Governor, Sen. Maina Lawan; Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, during the Ramadhan lecture organised by Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society in Abuja, yesterday.

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi (left) being presented with the Exemplary Leadership Award by the President of Ohaneze, Chief G. Nnachi Enwo-Igariwey, in Lagos recently .

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Deputy Director, Information, Directorate of State Security, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar; Co-ordinator, National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri and Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Frank Mba, during a briefing in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Minister of State for Foreign of Affairs, Jamaica, Hon. Arnaldo Brown; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Adaku Onwuliri and Director-General, Technical Aids Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi, during the signing of a cooperation agreement on the Technical Aids Corps of Nigeria, at the Nigeria and Jamaica Inaugural Joint Commission Session in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sunday.

National News

North rejects Jonathan’s lobby on six-year single term A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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trong indications have emerged that northern delegates at the on-going National Conference, under the auspices of Northern Delegates Forum, NDF, have again rejected President Goodluck Jonathan’s fresh lobby over six-year single term tenure in office.

National Mirror gathered that the Presidency had planned to lobby delegates for the adoption of the controversial tenure advanced by the president, with stiff resistance from the northern participants, months before the commencement of the conference.

Apart from the lobby, intense pressure was said to have been mounted on delegates for the inclusion of the presidency’s proposal of single term.

However, NDF’s spokesman, Anthony Sani, in a statement, said Nigeria should devise a way of

…brands zoning, power shift ‘useless’ reducing abuse of incumbency, instead of using its fear to adopt single tenure of six years which might counter-productive.

The Forum appealed to voters to make judicious use of their democratic rights by ensuring that their votes count, so that the leaders at all levels would be accountable and strive to deliver on the promise of democratic dividends by making poverty, unemployment, ignorance and disease a history.

The statement denied the Forum being lobbied by the presidency to accept the idea of a new constitution from the deliberations of the conference, describing the report as baffling.

The statement read in part: “Let Nigeria devise a way of reducing the abuse of incumbency, instead of using its fear of incumbency to adopt single tenure of six year that will be counter-productive.

“We do not believe in the wisdom of fear of today’s challenges to redefine our national agenda, believing that if we work hard, we shall overcome and make Nigeria feel young again with promise of glory days ahead.

“We also believe that what can discourage politics of power shift; rotation and zoning is for our leaders at all levels not to encourage their concomitant motive that access to state and national resources should be turn by turn.

“We must also note that in many instances, the emergence of feckless leaders at all levels is helped by those who do not come out to vote.

“When one reads reports that the confab is being lobbied to accept the idea of a new constitution from deliberations of the confab, and that the bobby is at the instance of the presidency, it is baffling.

“Stunning in the sense that Mr. President, in his inaugural speech, accepted that the current constitution does not have the provision to replace itself with a new one.”

The statement added: “He then said the starting point would be to amend the current constitution to accommodate a referendum. But the amendment of the constitution is not within the purview of the confab, but that of the national and state assemblies.

“So, we do not see the wisdom of lobbying the northern delegates. The most appropriate place to go and do the lobby is the national and state assemblies.

“As to the import of the conference making a new constitution, we wish to say that the current constitution is being challenged, not on lack of its soundness, but because the military and the elected constituent assemblies which

brought it about are said not to represent the people of Nigeria.

“Where that has been the premise for the clamouring for a new one, it would be contradicting for selected delegates by the presidency to bring about the new constitution.

“In any case, this idea of a referendum is not appealing, because the level of education of most Nigerians has not reached where most Nigerians can make informed decisions on constitutional matters.

“Any constitution by the so-called referendum would still be by the elite for the elite, and that would be most unfair. But if the legislatures will amend the constitution to accommodate a referendum, we cannot prevent them in a democracy.

“Those who advocate for the scrapping of the 774 local governments ignore the important fact that the

local governments are the closest to majority of the people who see our democracy through what they see in the local governments.

“And that may explain the outcry against the manner state governors stymying their autonomy and effective administration, and that is why there is opposition to making the creation of local governments exclusive preserve of state governments, and that is why there is opposition to stopping federal allocations to local governments.”

The NFF stressed: “And if the clamor is to remove abuse of power of incumbency, it is to be noted that many countries devise their own means on how to reduce the tendency to abuse power of incumbency. For example, Chile allows a multiple tenure that is not consecutive by preventing a president to conduct an election in which he is a candidate.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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Cashless policy goes nationwide today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

in Lagos State and subsequent extension to five others, including Kano, Rivers, Ogun, Abia and Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, during the second phase of its implementation, encouraged the apex bank to plan extension nationwide.

Under the policy, the cumulative cash withdrawal and deposit limit for individual account holders was pegged at N500,000 per day and N3m per day for corporate accounts.

Withdrawals above the specified limit will attract penalty charges though the charges have been deferred till July 1, 2015 in the 30 additional states, where the policy takes effect as from today.

Banks have already sent notices to customers concerning the new regime and have offered alternative channels, including social media, mobile and internet banking options for transactions.

The cashless policy is geared at reducing the

amount of physical cash circulating in the economy and encouraging more electronic-based transactions.

“The policy will drive the development and modernisation of our payment system nationwide as all individuals and corporate will be encouraged to adopt electronic payment and banking options,” Guaranty Trust Bank said an emailed note to customers yesterday.

Head, Shared Services, CBN, Mr. Chidi Umeano, had explained that the decision by the Bankers’ Committee to extend the policy nationwide was as a result of the success recorded in states where the policy had been implemented.

He had said: “From the success we have recorded in those areas, we have now decided as an industry to move it to other states in the country.

“In other words, by July 1, we are going live in all the states of the federation. As you well know, this is a critical part of the payment system modernisation and the success registered so far has

been very impressive.”

He stated that statistics had shown that there been a significant improvement in electronic banking channels.

Some of the alterative channels being offered by banks and service providers include Internet banking, mobile money transfer, Point of Sale Terminals, PoS, and the use of Automated Teller Machines, ATMs. National Mirror had reported that statistics had shown that increasing numbers of countries had adopted polices to accelerate the use of electronic payment channels with varied motivations, including the need to reduce tax evasion, fight crime and deepen financial inclusions.

In Nigeria, the objectives of the scheme are to reduce (not eliminate) the amount of physical cash (coins and notes) circulating in the economy; encourage more electronic-based transactions; meet Vision 2020 requirement and modernise Nigeria’s payment system.

Others include the need to reduce the cost of banking services (cost of credit); drive financial inclusion; improve effectiveness of monetary policy and reduce high security and safety risks.

Currently, 78 per cent of daily bank transactions were being done electronically as against cash transactions.

According to CBN officials, 22 per cent of over N134bn being transacted daily is done by physical cash and by cheques, sressing that the rest is done by electronic funds transfer and through the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Systems, NIBSS, instant payment platform.

In spite of the traction which the policy is gaining and the attendant positive impact on the economy, an assessment of the scheme shows that there are still lingering challenges, which need to be addressed to ensure the success of a nationwide rollout of the scheme.

The current challenges to the total rollout of cash-

L-R: Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, FCT chapter, Dr. Fatima Maremi; NMA President, Dr. Kayode Obembe and VicePresident, Dr. Titus Ibekwe, during a press briefing on the doctors’ srike in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Troops capture sponsors of Chibok girls’ abduction CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

attacks by assassins and terrorists in recent past.

A few months ago, some gunmen attacked his family house in Walama and killed one of his sons when they discovered that the chairman was not in the house.

Our correspondent gathered from sources that the heavy armed ter-

rorists on motorcycles invaded Shani at 2:45pm and fled after razing the station and some houses.

They also snatched one of the patrol vehicles of the police and set it ablaze after they discovered that the engine was faulty.

They also shot sporadically before fleeing towards Gwaskara village.

A resident of the town,

Mallam Aliyu Usman, told our correspondent that news of the terrorists’ invasion was made public around 8am when they were sighted by some women on their farmlands around Walama.

It was gathered that the terrorists told the women to vacate their farms as they had deadly mission to execute in undisclosed

places in Shani.

Usman said although no life was lost, the terrorists succeeded in burning the police station, the police patrol vehicle and other properties.

Efforts to speak to the police public relations officer for confirmation of the attack were unsuccessful as his phone line was not reachable at press time.

less policy as identified by experts include connectivity and network challenges; inadequate enlightenment; low capacity of Payment Terminal Service Providers, PTSPs, and merchant apathy.

National Mirror investigations had showed that there had been significant growth in the number of Point of Sales, PoS, terminals deployed since the introduction of the cashless scheme. The PoS is one of the key channels through which true cashless economy can be achieved.

PTSPs are the entities licensed by the CBN to deploy PoS machines across the country while banks concentrate on their core financial service operations.

It was gathered that till date, the CBN had only licensed six PTSPs, including Unified Payment Services Limited, PayMaster, EasyFuel, ETOP, ITEX and CitiServce.

According to a document obtained from the NIBSS, from less than 5,000 in 2011, an estimated 148, 431 units of PoS terminals had been registered as at August 2013.

Of the total, it was gathered that 115, 475, representing 72 per cent of the total registered PoS machines, had been successfully deployed and connected.

However, only 31,222, representing 28 per cent of the total connected PoS devices, are inactive, leaving a whopping 127, 209, representing 72 per cent of the total deployed PoS machines.

Meanwhile, December 2013 data from NIBSS showed that the PoS terminals registered had further reached 158,000 of which 88,678 or 58 per cent were located in Lagos.

Also, the state accounts for 72 per cent of the one million of PoS transactions recorded per day.

But findings from Lagos metropolis indicated that most small and medium enterprises owners had either abandoned their acquired PoS machines while many of them were yet to even consider acquiring a PoS machine to accept payments.

Survey shows that PoS terminals are mostly used by big shops and supermarkets, including Shoprite, The Game, Mr. Price and other modern eateries

across Lagos.

For instance, a food canteen owner on Lagos Island, Mrs. Abayomi Olabisi, identified reasons why she stopped using a PoS terminal to accept payment from her customers.

She said: “We started using PoS terminal to accept payments from some of our customers, a majority of who are workers of banks as you will see there are many banks on the Broad Street and Marina axis here. But we realised that the bank charges on PoS usage was too much.

“We should be encouraged to use the device by even rewarding us for collecting money electronically.

I think it is because of the charges that we had to abandon it.”

According to the current CBN directive, merchants are to pay 1.25 per cent of their daily transactions to the bank, though the apex bank says it is still looking at the possibility of reviewing the PoS charges downwards.

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary, Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria, E-PPAN, Mrs. Onajite Regha, also confirmed the concerns being raised by merchants on the charged fee on PoS usage.

Capturing the concerns of business owners during the third face of cashless awareness campaign recently carried out by E-PPAN team in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states, Regha said that customers during the sensitisation exercise asked questions such as: “Will the 1.25 per cent be charged per transaction or per month?

How do we address the issues of network when payments are made through these channels and the customer didn’t receive alert? Why should there be deduction of 1.25 per cent on the POS machine and so on?”

Not only is PoS terminal linked with complaints, some of the alternative channels being offered by banks are also associated with complaints.

From network outage, to inability of some of the machines to dispense cash to customers or the failure of the banks to load the ATMs with cash are some of criticisms that have trailed the policy.

News

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Tuesday July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insecurity: Abuja hotels to submit daily guest-list OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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rked by the growing wave of bomb attacks on the Federal Capital

Territory and the influx of Nigerians into the city, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, has directed all hotels in the city to forward the list of

their guests to the FCT Directorate of State Security Services, SSS, and Police Command on daily basis.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja

yesterday evening and signed by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Nosike Ogbuenyi.

The hotels are equally required to install their in-

L-R: Representative of St. Kinetics Ltd, Mr. Wale Adebayo; Chief of Army Staffs; Brig.-Gen. Cheikh Gueye (Senegal); Maj.-Gen. Richard OpukuAdusei (Ghana); Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (Nigeria) and Rear Adm. Festus Porbeni (rtd), during the West African Summit on Armoured Vehicle in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Bureau de change: CBN policy unjust - Makarfi GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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ormer Kaduna State governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has described the recent Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy, raising the capital base for Bureaux de Change operations to N35 million, as unjust, unfair and inequitable.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the National Assembly yesterday, Makarfi said the policy should be made optional

by CBN. According to the lawmaker, operators of BDC would be running at a loss, if such a high capital base is set for them.

He argued that if capital base is set for operators in foreign exchange (forex) market, they must, therefore, be free to make their purchase wherever they choose to do it.

Drawing from experiences of other advanced democracies of the world, Makarfi stated that in foreign countries, whereas governments can sell forex to BDCs with a view to regulating the market, whatever they sell is however, dependent on what they buy.

In view of this, the law-

maker said capital base should be set for only those who want to buy from the government but the policy must not be binding on those who chose to make their purchase elsewhere.

In his words: “How much forex is the CBN prepared to sell to those who would be tying down their interest free? Look at the opportunity cost. Except if you will be selling forex that somebody ties down at N35 million and make a living.

“If the reason for raising the capital base is because of scarcity of forex, that means government does not have enough to sell. You should not be living for high capital because that would make the operators operate at a loss.

It is a plus, minus issue here - opportunity cost.

“If CBN wants to qualify or wants to bring out certain policies that will qualify operators of Bureau de Change to buy from it, there is no harm making such a policy.

“If it wants to raise capital base for those that are buying forex, it may do so but the bulk of operation of Bureau de Change should not be because they are going to buy from the government.

In other countries, government can sell forex to

Bureaux de Change in order to regulate exchange rate through various means. But the day-to-day activities of the Bureau de Change is not like that.

“They sell based on what they buy. With the minimum capital requirement for you to open bureau de change, you should be allowed to operate and buy your forex where you can get them and sell and make a living. But if CBN is saying you need a minimum capital base of N10 million or more before it can sell, then it must sell what is commensurate with what the capital outlined out.

“The CBN should make it an option, pay the minimum capital base if you want to buy forex from CBN or ignore the directive if you have alternative way of sourcing forex.

CBN should guarantee selling at minimum rate of exchange.

“For me, a policy like that could makes sense if they have much to sell but to clamp such a standard on everybody without an assurance of what they can sell, that will be commensurate with the capital you are asking the people to tie down. I think it is not just, it is not fair, it is not equitable,” he observed.

Makarfi revealed that in view of the fact that the House of Representatives have already adopted a motion in opposition to the move, the Senate would address the matter from another perspective.

According to Makarfi, “The issue of the statement made by the CBN governor talking about the reduction of the interest rate could be compared with when the late Bola Ige made a statement on the improvement of power supply before he assumed office as Minister of Power and met something different on resumption into the office.

“Of recent, the Chief of Defence Staff said something like that and had to quickly come out to say he was misquoted.

“What this means is that leaders should always think before they talk; they should know the fact before they make statements especially when they are occupying a sensitive position.

“It is not good that you say something today and change your position tomorrow. It is good to wait a while, gather the necessary facts you need so that when you speak, you speak once and people can make medium and long term decisions.

dividual security cameras within their vicinity and ensure thorough check of all vehicles entering the hotel and within their surroundings.

The minister has also directed all residents and residents’ associations in various parts of the territory to embark on ‘Operation know your neighbour’ campaign. The measure is to ensure that all criminally-minded elements are detected easily within the FCT. According to the statement, the security department of FCTA is to liaise with the various security agencies in the city on the modalities for implementing the ministerial directive.

“The minister directed all traditional rulers in the FCT to, as a matter of necessity, start conducting periodic meetings with various communities within their domains to take stock of strange faces living with them, as well as report all new comers within 48 hours to the local DPO and SSS office. This is in furtherance of ‘Operation know your neighbour’ campaign.

“He enjoined all FCT residents to be vigilant and cautious of strange objects

or movements of persons, vehicles around them, as well as stationary vehicles.

They should report same to the nearest security agencies,” said Ogbuenyi.

He said the minister further directed that all trailers/lorry operators bringing goods to the city shall no longer be allowed to offload their contents at night. He added that all offloading shall henceforth be done in the day time under supervision in designated places.

The directive requires owners of uncompleted and abandoned buildings and structures without security guards to provide same. Failure to do so, the FCT Administration would apply appropriate sanctions.

Similarly, the statement said, owners plots of land left fallow for a long period of time and not used for any economic or gainful purpose but taken over by criminals would now face appropriate sanctions.

The minister reminded residents that the ban on smoking of Indian hemp and other narcotic substances is still in force in the territory, adding that the Administration had resolved to clamp down on violators.

Church to remodel building at N1.5bn cost

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he Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji, on Monday said the parish would raise N1.5 billion to remodel the present church building.

Jooji, who announced the plan at a news conference in Abuja, said the present building had become inadequate for parishioners to worship with concentration.

“When completed, worshippers who are usually exposed to sun and rain and have to leave during liturgical celebrations, will no longer leave.

“We have decided to remodel the church in order to create conducive atmosphere for prayers,” he said.

He said to be able to raise enough fund for the

project, a fund-raising dinner had been put together for July 2.

Jooji said the redesigned building took cognisance of all the liturgical requirements that would stand the test of time.

He said that the new church building would have a seating capacity of 2,350 as against the 1,200 in the old church.

Jooji also said that the parish accommodated about 5,000 worshippers every Sunday as against 600 in 1980.

On the current security challenge in the country, Jooji urged Nigerians to be involved in the fight against insurgency as the military could not do it alone.

“Security challenge is everybody’s concern, security operatives rely on the information given to them,” the priest said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Tuesday July 1, 2014

7

We’ve improved Nigeria’s investment climate — Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said, despite security challenges, his administration has significantly improved the investment climate.

According to him, his administration would continue to reinforce defences against terrorism, saying that the administration remains committed to ensuring security of the lives and property of Nigerians and all those that reside in this country.

Jonathan spoke at the opening of the Honorary International Investors’ Council, HIIC, at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa.

According to him, the Federal Government

would continue to take all necessary steps to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s enterprises.

Jonathan, who spoke through Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the steps taken were steadily contributing to the attainment of the broad objective of our administration’s transformation agenda.

The President noted that though there are challenges, his government would not relent in the efforts to sustain a predictable and stable policy environment, stressing that the administration would continue to eliminate as much as possible, distortions and privileges to create a sustainable level playing ground for all investors.

While speaking on the positive result of the transformation agenda of his administration, Jonathan noted that Nigeria is one of the strongest economic performers in Africa, stressing that for the second year running, the United Nation’s Conference on Trade and Development, has declared Nigeria as the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Af-

rica.

Jonathan also noted the importance of the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Nigeria in May this year, which was attended by global leaders.

“Besides the record attendance, prospective and sizeable additional investment into Nigerian economy was pledged.

The Nigerian industrial revolution plan which

was launched recently is expected to increase the size of our manufacturing sector from 4 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product today to 10 per cent of the GDP by 2017,” Jonathan said.

He also stressed that Nigeria recorded a feat on its strategic industrial plan with focus on four main areas including light manufacturing, agro businesses, petro-chem-

icals and solid minerals and metals. These, according to him, would herald the development of the non-oil sector, fast-track our industrial development and create millions of jobs for Nigerians.

He also said that agriculture, education and other key sectors of the economy witnessed significant revolution and improvement for the benefit of the people.

Abuja court hands off Agumagu’s case ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, yesterday temporarily washed its hands off adjudicating in a suit by suspended Chief Judge of Rivers State, Peter Agumagu, to challenge his suspension from office.

The trial High Court judge, Adeniyi Ademola, in a ruling yesterday, held that the decision followed the agreement between opposing parties to allow the Court of Appeal rule on his plan to roll both the substantive suit and the objection filed to the hearing of the case.

The case was thereafter adjourned sine die to await the decision of the Court of Appeal.

National Mirror reports that Justice Agumagu was suspended on March 18, this year, by the National Judicial Council, NJC. He was accused of allowing himself to be sworn into office as Rivers’ CJ, when he knew he had not been nominated by the NJC as required by the Constitution.

But Agumagu had faulted his suspension by the NJC. He had also hired the

Chambers of Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN, to sue NJC, with a view to voiding the suspension.

Apart from the NJC, other defendants joined in the suit include Justices Babatunde Adejumo, Jubril Idris and Comwell Idahosa (Chairman and members of the panel set up by the NJC to investigate allegations of misconduct against him).

During proceedings yesterday, his lawyer, Akin Olujinmi, SAN, reminded the court that the case was fixed for hearing of all pending applications.

He said his client had also filed an application on June 12 seeking an order to join three new parties in the suit.

He informed the court that shortly after its last ruling, in which the court elected to hear the respondents’ objections with the substantive suit, the respondents appealed.

He added that two of the respondents had also applied for stay of proceedings pending appeal.

CHANGE OF NAME

FAGBOHUN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Fagbohun Adijat Omokunbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olayanju Adijat Omokunbi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

L-R: Members of the Communiqué Committee, Mrs. Altine Inuwa; Dr. Umar Ardo; Mr. Tahir Shehu and Chief John Elias, briefing newsmen on the position of Adamawa State Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders on the impeachment move against the Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy in Yola, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Expired products: CPC to prosecute offenders OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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n order to check the health hazards usually associated with the sale of expired products, the Federal Government, yesterday, expressed its readiness to empower the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, to enforce all the laws relating to consumers’ abuse.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, gave the directive in Abuja during the formal launch of the CPC’s ‘Check the BB (Best Before) Date’ Campaign.

The campaign, which is being spearheaded by the council, is aimed at CHANGE OF NAME

NZEDUBA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nzeduba Nwamaka Nnenna Andrea, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Ike Nwamaka Nnenna Andrea.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

sensitising the consumers on the need to always ascertain the date products are manufactured, with the view to significantly reduce the hazards associated with expired products.

Aganga, who was represented at the event by the director in his office, Mr. Jonathan Juma, stressed the need to get industries to adhere to best practices as well as provide additional protection for vulnerable consumers in the country.

In order to achieve this, the minister added that his ministry was ready to give the council, which is statutorily empowered to protect the interest of consumers, the needed support to take on manufacturers of expired products.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKORIE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorie Chinyere Chinedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyema Chinyere Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. ALVAN, NYSC and the public take note.

He said: “It was observed that some industries engage in the sale of expired products or products with improper date markings. Others have been implicated in the alteration of Best Before dates in order to maximise profit.

“In view of the hazards posed to consumers by this situation and other forms of consumer abuse, my ministry will give every support to CPC in its on-going efforts to step up its inspection and enforcement activities, with a view to detecting, exposing and prosecuting dubious businesses that profiteer at the expense of consumers.

“In a country like NigeCHANGE OF NAME

AKOBUNDU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Uchechi Chinemerem Akobundu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchechi .C. Justice Chukwubueze.

All former documents remain valid.

The Nigeria Embassy and the general public take note.

ria where many consumers live in rural areas and are illiterate, they are susceptible to exploitation by unscrupulous businessmen,” he observed.

While underscoring the imperative of the campaign, CPC Director General, Mrs Dupe Atoki, said it was necessary owing to the grave risks and economic losses usually suffered by the Nigerian consumers who purchase products without paying attention to their expiry dates.

She lamented that simple issue of checking BB dates had led to the death of many Nigerians, especially the purchase of expired tyres.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adesokan Ademuyiwa Oladayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Dayo James.

All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

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South West

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cynthia: Court admits video evidence WALE IGBINTADE

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ustice Olabisi Akinlade of a High Court of Lagos State, yesterday admitted as evidence, a video containing confessional statements of the alleged killers of Facebook lover, Cynthia Osokogu.

The defendants, Okwumo Nwabufo, 34; Olisaeloka Ezike, 24; Orji Osita, 33, and Ezike Nonso, 25, were charged to court for conspiracy and murder by the state government.

Justice Akinlade, in her ruling, held that the video recording is relevant to the trial and admitted it alongside a certification document as exhibit P16a and P16b, respectively.

A prosecution witness, Mr. Emmanuel Peters, a film editor and cinematographer, led in evidence by Ade Ipaye, Lagos State Attorney General and commissioner of Justice, had told the court how he made the video recording and certification.

He told the court that he connected his Sony digital camera to a Panasonic DVD player with a DELL laptop computer, which he used in producing the DVD

containing the video after which he destroyed the copy on his camera.

Peters then identified the DVD and the certification document, which was then tendered as evidence

by Mr. Ade Ipaye.

The second defendant's counsel, Mr. Michael Ajayi, however, opposed, arguing that the document does not fulfill the provisions of Section 104 of the Evidence Act. He argued that the certification was done after the trial had commenced and that there was noth- L-R: Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Oyo State Deputy Governor, Hon. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN ing to show that legal fees Moses Adeyemo, during the Freedom House Democracy Lecture Series in Lagos, yesterday. had been paid to obtain the document citing legal authorities to back-up his argument.

In his reply, Mr. Ipaye quoted Section 141 of the Evidence Act stressing that the proof of payment is required where "there are legal fees prescribed in that respect."

He submitted: "The and unreliable and could fer conspiracy,” Adebajo to tie the cause of death of DVD was produced at the WALE IGBINTADE Williams to the action of declared. not sustain the charge of instruction of the police The court added that the any individual or the defenconspiracy or murder. in the course of investigaThe court held that ingredients of murder that dants. fter eight years tion; the whole purpose is Besides, the court stated “there was nothing, abso- the prosecution needed to in Kirikiri Maxito put it in evidence in a that the pathologist who prove are: that the deceased lutely nothing to suggest mum Prisons, six prosecution initiated by suspected killers of Fun- that the death of the de- died; that the death was said the deceased died of the state as between the sho Williams, the Peoples ceased was as a result of caused by the accused, and strangulation did not alpolice and the prosecution Democratic Party, PDP, the act of any of the defen- that the accused persons in- lude to any of the defenauthority. tended to kill the deceased dants as having carried gubernatorial candidate in dants.” or cause him grievous bodi- out the act, stressing that Justice Adebajo said: “I Lagos State, were yesterday he (pathologist) was never ly harm. agree with the defendants’ discharged and acquitted asked.

Adebajo added that these counsel that the evidence by a Lagos High Court.

It is noteworthy to state ingredients being mutually given in respect of the ofRuling on a no-case that the Chief Medical Painclusive must co-exist in fence of conspiracy to comgwe died in 1992 while Koto submission, filed by the thologist of Lagos State order for the prosecution to mit murder is weak and died in 1970, adding that defence counsel, the trial in his evidence stated that be successful. unreliable because they are the defendants presented judge, Ebenezer Adebajo, the deceased was killed by The court held that superficial, they amount themselves as the late men held that the prosecution strangulation and that the where there are two or more to speculation when given and gave instruction to has failed to establish a pridagger and the rope found persons alleged to have parconsideration. various companies to re- ma facie case against any at the scene of the incident ticipated in the killing of “There is nothing cogent lease the monetary value of the accused persons. of their shares to them.

The accused are Bulama and compelling to show the deceased, there must be were distractions.

“I am satisfied that the The anti-graft agency Kolo, Musa Maina, David that the defendants acted evidence of common intendeceased has been shown sion by the parties to carry in furtherance of a crime. held that on May 16, 2013, Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, to have died but it remains out the crime.

In the circumstance of the the trio fraudulently ob- Mustapha Kayode and at large after the conclusion The court held that the present case where the evitained about N22 million Okponwasa Imariabe, all of the prosecution’s case, evidence of the pathologist dence is so superficial that from the shares invest- male. the person or persons who established the cause of they at best present mere ment of the late DzunThe court held that the caused his death,” Adebajo death but the prosecution speculation, it can neither gwe with Royal Crest Ltd evidence presented by the through Fidelity Bank Plc. prosecution was so weak be safe or reasonable to in- refused to make any effort held.

The commission alleged that the defendants opened an account with the name of the deceased in Fidelity groups of Eiye confra- gathered that the cultists dead in the early hours of Bank Plc and instructed FEMI OYEWESO ternity that is popularly started shooting sporadiyesterday at Jogbo Street, the investment compa- ABEOKUTA called the ‘Airlord’, and cally around the Ibadan off Ibadan garage in Ijebu nies to pay the monetary he renewed clash, Aiye confraternity, also garage in Ijebu-Ode when Ode. value of the share to the late Sunday night, known as ‘Black Axe’, had, the Muslim community Our correspondent reliaccount. It added that the between rival cult for the past two weeks, was already observing Raably gathered that the redefendants have fraudugroups of Eiye and Aiye been locked in rivalry in madan prayers. newed fight, which startlently instructed the Nigeconfraternities in IjebuThe development was which over 20 people have ed late Sunday evening, rian Stock Exchange BroOde area of Ogun State, said to have sent jitters been feared killed, with lasted till the wee hours kers Ltd to sell 8,332 units has left one person dead. down the spines of the resabout 10 others sustaining of Monday when the rival of Mobil Oil Plc shares at The deceased, identified idents who hurriedly went varying degrees of injugroup succeeded in hitting N981,921 belonging to the as one Segun Adepona and indoors to prevent being ries. their target in Adepona. deceased and to transfer a member of the Eiye cult caught out in the midst of During yesterday's reNational Mirror rethe proceed to the fictigroup, was allegedly shot the shootings. newed fight however, it was called that the two cult tious account.

Finally, court frees suspected killers of Funsho Williams ...says evidence unreliable

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Three docked for claiming dead men’s shares MATTHEW IRINOYE

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hree men were yesterday charged to a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly stealing over N74 million asset, belonging to two dead men, Shande Ako Dzungwe and Alhaji Isa Koto.

The defendants, including Mohammed Rabiu Lawan, 65; Raphael Olorunfemi Okomoda, 50; Adegbesan Theophilus, 45, and others still at large, were alleged to have fraudulently posed as the late Shande Ako Dzungwe and Alhaji Isa Koto and obtained over N74 million from their separate share investments with various companies.

The defendants were slammed 18-count charges bordering on impersonation and obtaining money by false pretense.

The EFCC informed the court that the late Dzun-

One killed in fresh Ogun cult clash

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Lady in police net over death of fiancé FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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L-R: Managing Director/CEO Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Group Head, Retail Products, Sterling Bank, Mr. Gbenga Adegoke and Group Head, Strategy and Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola, at the presentation of the 'Most Innovative Bank Product of the Year' award to Sterling Bank, at the 2014 BusinessDay Annual Banking Awards in Lagos, recently

Council creation should be left to Fayose –PDP chieftain ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ormer acting governor of Ekiti State, Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, has advised the present administration in Ekiti State against hurriedly treating the issue of creation of local government councils in the state.

Odeyemi, a Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to consider the end result of whatever action he would take before leaving office, to ensure enduring peace among the various communities.

The former acting governor, in a chat with journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday, queried the rationale behind the creation of 18 additional local council development areas, LCDAs, by the Fayemi administration, saying such action could best be taken by the incoming government.

Odeyemi expressed concern that the matter had begun to generate bad blood among members of some communities in Ekiti State, even before government made an official pronouncement on the matter.

According to him, the most honourable option left

for Fayemi was to pass over the process to the incoming administration of Fayose, which would be faced with new challenges.

He said: "For anyone who is conversant with governance, nobody would allow anybody to take critical decision for his or her governance, more so that this is not only finances, but has to do with the various components of the state.

“We are talking about local government creation and we must attach all seriousness to this," Odeyemi said.

The ex-lawmaker advised Fayemi to put on hold

all actions or decisions that could generate heat, or plunge the state into chaos.

His words: "God has been kind to us in Ekiti. The justconcluded governorship election was a blessing to us, because many people have predicted that it could lead to war.

“But thank God, here we are today. Ekiti is one big family, and we shall continue to be united, regardless of party or religious affiliation," he observed.

He, however, added that all stakeholders in the present government must be wary of their actions before the transition in October.

Confab delegate seeks state for Oke-Ogun WOLE OLADIMEJI OMEZA AJAYI

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delegate, representing the forum of former House of Representatives members at the on-going National Conference, Hon. Sheik Sekoni, yesterday called for the creation of Oke-Ogun State out of the present Oyo State.

According to him, the area which has long been marginalised and without government presence, deserves a state.

Sekoni, who hails from Oke-Ogun, said Oyo State, as presently constituted, is too large, with Ibadan and Oyo indigenes dominating the affairs of the state, as against his kinsmen, in

terms of development projects.

He said until a state was created for them, democracy would continue to elude the people of Oke-Ogun.

Sekoni, speaking in Abuja yesterday, said: "There is no Federal Government presence; there is nothing in Oke-Ogun, which has 10 local governments with diverse population…and that is so sad.

His words: "I made that comment in my response to Mr. President’s speech, that at least we need a state.

“If we get this state, we will know how to develop ourselves, because the indigenes have taken over everything. Oyo State, as it is presently constituted, is so large.

“In Ibadan, we have 11 local governments there.

Oyo North Senatorial District has 13 local governments, and they are the people always in power.

“Most of our sons and daughters from Oke-Ogun have never had opportunity of getting to the governorship seat of the state," he said.

He added: “If this continues, the marginalisation will continue, and we cannot get there until a new state is given to us by this conference, or ensure that positions are rotated among ethnic groups and/ or senatorial districts of the state."

While acknowledging the ‘fact’ that Ibadan and Oyo indigenes were

agitating for state as well, the delegate said he had highlighted the plight of Oke- Ogun indigenes at the conference, which he believed his colleagues would address.

Sekoni said: "Unfortunately, I am the only one from Oke-Ogun (at the conference), but I know that my colleagues understand our plight; but you see, nobody gives it just easily like that.

“As we are demanding, the other people too are demanding; but we are insisting on getting it, because we deserve it.

“However, if any state is later created out of Oyo State, whether for Ibadan of Oyo State, it will be acceptable,” he assured.

30-year-old lady, Olaogun Oluwatoyin, is answering questions at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta, over the controversial death of her fiancé, identified as Oluwatosin Otaiku.

The 33-year-old Otaiku was said to have stabbed himself to death over the weekend at the Onikolobo area of Abeokuta metropolis, following the insistence by his fiancée, Toyin, that she was no longer interested in their relationship.

National Mirror gathered that Toyin's insistence on discontinuing the relationship had greatly unsettled Otaiku for many weeks before ‘good Samaritans, among who was a niece of the deceased, intervened in the matter.

It was further gathered that late Otaiku, who was devastated by the decision of his fiancé, stabbed himself to death when all efforts by neighbours to reconcile him and Toyin failed.

An eyewitness account had it that the duo were excused to discuss in privacy inside the Toyin’s shop at Safari junction, Onikolobo, unsuspecting that the deceased had hidden a knife in his pocket, with the intention to commit suicide, should the outcome of the resolution effort failed him.

When Toyin had stood her ground that she couldn't continue with the relationship, the deceased allegedly brought out the knife from his pocket, which forced the fiancée to rush out of the shop in anxiety, thinking that she was the target.

Before neighbours could rush to the scene, however, Otaiku was said to have severally stabbed himself and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

He, however, lost his life while being rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.

Policemen drafted to the scene, however, would not believe Toyin's story. They whisked her and three others away, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the State Hospital, Ijaye.

N1bn fraud: Absence of Ajudua’s counsel stalls trial MATTHEW IRINOYE

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he absence of defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, yesterday stalled the trial of Fred Ajudua, who allegedly defrauded a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd), to the tune of $5.9m (about N1bn).

It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had arraigned Ajudua on March 11 on a 14-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

At the resumption of proceedings, Ajudua told the trial judge, Oluwatoyin Ipaye, that he had some unresolved issues with his counsel, which might have led to his absence in court.

However, counsel to EFCC, Mr. Seidu Atteh, informed the court that the initial charge against Ajudua had been amended.

Atteh said the complainant (Bamaiyi) and some other prosecution witness-

es were in court to testify against Ajudua.

The amended charge could not be read to the accused because he had no legal representation in court.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter to July 4 for his re-arraignment.

In the initial charge, the EFCC alleged that Ajudua conspired with others now at large to perpetrate the fraud between November 2004 and June 2005.

According to the EFCC, the defendant defrauded Bamaiyi while they were both on remand at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos, over separate alleged criminal charges.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Ajudua obtained the money from Bamaiyi by claiming that it represented the professional fees charged by legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case.

He was also alleged to have claimed that the money would help to facilitate Bamaiyi's release from prison.

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South East

South-East govs doing well — Peter Obi

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he immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed satisfaction on the improving level of governance in the SouthEast.

He spoke in Lagos over the weekend, when a scoiocultural organisation, ‘Ndigboamamka’, honoured him at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Victoria Island, for the exemplary leadership he had continued to provide for the Igbo and Nigeria in general.

Obi, who was given an award, said the governors of the Igbo states had continued to improve the standard of lives in the geo-political zone through responsible governance hinged on the provision of

infrastructure to the people.

He called on Onitsha Head Bridge traders to continue to show gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, for fighting to see that the drug market was not closed.

Obi also thanked Orji for his continued provision of quality leadership to the South-East Governors’ Forum.

Presenting the award to him, the President-General of Ohaneze, Chief G. Nnachi Enwo-Igariweya, said the award was in recognition of the ex-governor’s penchant for striving to achieve excellence in all he did, especially on the way he piloted the affairs of the government of Anambra State for eight years.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Medical team worried over increasing terminal ailments CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he medical NonGovernmental Organisation, NGO, currently screening patients in Umuokpo Autonomous Community in Owerri West local government area of Imo State, has raised alarm over cases of unnoticed terminal ailments found in 70 per cent of the patients so far screened in its free medical exercise in the area.

According to the leader of the team, Dr. (Mrs.) Christine Oby Egbo-Adinuba, “it is very worrisome that such multitude of patients could be suf-

2015: Imo PDP screens governorship aspirants CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday commenced a process to fish out a sellable candidate for the 2015 governorship election in Imo State.

As a result, National Mirror learnt, the party convened a meeting of all political aspirants and other stakeholders in the state to pick an acceptable and consensus candidate for the election.

It was gathered from the PDP secretariat at Owerri that the national headquarters of the party in Abuja had directed that such a meeting should be held with some high level

of transparency, for the purpose of conducting a free and fair primary election when the time comes.

It was further learnt that the national headquarters of the party had resolved that the party would do everything within its reach to regain in power in the state in 2015.

Lending credence to the directive, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, who presided over the meeting, urged the executive of the state chapter of the party to carry out the Abuja directive without sentiment.

According to her, that regaining Imo State was very crucial and a top priority in the agenda of the party, come 2015.

Navy nabs two suspected fraudsters in Onitsha CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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he Nigerian Navy yesterday said it had arrested two notorious members of the fraud syndicate operating at Atani Road area of Onitsha.

It described the arrest of the suspects as part of moves to return nightlife to Riverine areas in Onitsha and its environs through clampdown on criminal elements and groups.

The Commanding Officer of the naval out-post in Onitsha, Capt. Mike Oamen, disclosed this while

parading two members of the syndicate, who were recently arrested for their alleged involvement in sundry criminal acts in the area.

According to Oamen, the navy had decided to restore the people’s confidence to move at any time in the commercial city.

He stated that no form of crime and criminality would now be tolerated, while advising criminals to leave the Onitsha area in their own personal interest, since they would surely be tracked-down and arrested.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

fering from these terminal ailments without knowing that they have such diseases in their systems.”

She noted that rural dwellers had no access to medical facilities, adding that where there were such health facilities, it was costly for them to afford.

Dr. Egbo-Adinuba, therefore, called on both the state and federal governments to fashion out more acceptable health policies that would provide the people, particularly rural dwellers, opportunity of having accessible health programmes at their doorsteps.

She further explained

that her team, a US-based organisation, ‘Available for Health International Initiative (A4HII)’, came to Nigeria to render a free medical service to the rural populace, The team leader pointed out that the medical services were being sponsored by the NGO with some of the drugs donated by a New York-based Catholic Church in the United States.

She added that the services rendered by the team were paid for by “out-ofpocket charitable gifts from the organisation to the people being treated.

“We are giving from our pockets to buy these

drugs,” she stated.

Dr. Egbo-Adiuba said that her organisation had specialised experience working with patients with cardiac problems, including those that had undergone open heart surgery, in addition to maternal and child healthcare.

“We also counsel and educate people on health promotion and how they can naturally prevent diseases, because our main aim is not how to cure ailments, but how to prevent it,” she said.

More than 2,000 patients with various cases of ailments, including eye problems were treated free.

L-R: Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri; board member and Omu of Anioma, Delta State, Obi Martha Dunkwu and Enrolment Officer, NOA, Mrs. Mariam Mohammed, during the registration of National Identity Card by the board members of the agency in Abuja, yesterday.

APC warns Ndigbo on 'stomach infrastructure' DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, has alerted the people of South-East of an alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to feed them with what it called ‘stomach infrastructure’.

That is interpreted as plan to heavily bribe the people to vote for the ruling party in the 2015 general elections.

APC alleged that the plot to bribe the Igbo arose after the Ekiti State governorship election, which the party woefully lost to the PDP. It added that the former governor of Imo State, Ike-

di Ohakim, had been drafted as the arrowhead of the ‘project’.

APC spokesman in the South-East Zone, Osita Okechukwu, who raised the alarm yesterday, said that it had come to the notice of the APC that the PDP had perfected a grand plan to flood the country with cash, aimed at inducing voters, starting from the zone.

Okechukwu said: “This is the aftermath of the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, where PDP's candidate, in spite of his lessthan-transparent record, triumphed over a performing governor via splash of cash, in what is dubbed ‘stomach infrastructure’.

“Our information has

it that to lead the InduceVoter-Squad for the SouthEast is ex-governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who has already relocated to Imo from self-exile in Abuja.

“Ohakim has started by apologising for mismanaging Imo State, without accounting for the missing funds. His next move is to tour the South-East to lure the good people with handouts, so that they will not judge President Jonathan for his poor performance, but for immediate benefits.

“We must remind our people that Ndigbo are yet to recover from similar President Jonathan's Stomach Infrastructure handout, which caused an em-

barrassing rift between the former president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the late Ambassador Ralph Uwechue and South-East governors.

“APC South-East, therefore wishes, for the umpteenth time, to appeal to the hardworking and enterprising Ndigbo not to fall into the ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ trap simulated by a government that failed woefully to include the 2nd Niger Bridge in the federal budget, failed to revamp the Enugu coal industry, failed to reconstruct federal roads, failed to fix electricity and that in controversial circumstances handed over Enugu Distribution Company to Interstate Ltd,” he warned.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tax forgery: Court grants Edo lawmaker bail SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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n Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, yesterday granted a lawmaker at the Edo State House of Assembly bail in a case of alleged forgery of tax papers filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. Contrary to the expectations of some political commentators and rivals that he would be denied bail and remanded in prison custody, Justice Esther Edigin granted Hon. Philip Shaibu, the All Progressives Congress, APC-elected Majority Leader of the House bail after ruling that the offences were bailable offences.

In her ruling, the judge stated that her court had the jurisdiction to grant the applicant bail, since he did not commit a capital offence.

She added that even if an accused person was convicted under the six-count charges, counts 1-5 carried just about three years jail term.

The sixth count, accord-

ing to her, carried a further three years, for which reason the applicant was entitled to bail.

Justice Edigin, therefore, granted the applicant’s bail application on a bond of N3m, with a surety in like sum, who must have a landed property in the jurisdiction and who must deposit his international passport with the court.

She adjoined the case to 6th, 7th and 10th of November for trial.

The ICPC instituted the case against Shaibu in February, after accusing the lawmaker who represents Etsako West Constituency, of forging his tax clearance papers to contest his election.

In the charge sheet with reference number 8/ ICPC/1/13, dated October 8, 2013, the agency argued that the lawmaker’s action constituted an offence under Sections 25 and 42 of the ICPC Act. But Shaibu has denied in entirety all the allegations as falsehood by political adversaries intended to tarnish his political career and reduce his influence in Edo Assembly.

Urhobo youths want Ewherido immortalised THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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undreds of Urhobo youths yesterday gathered and held a memorial candle light procession in honour of the late Senator Pius Ewherido, who died last year at the National Hospital, Abuja.

They called on the Urhobo people of Delta State and the Federal Government to imortalise him.

The youths unanimously agreed in their various tributes to the late senator that, henceforth, June 30 would be set aside to celebrate the virtues and legacies of the late senator.

In the procession held at Ughelli, Delta State, under the aegis of ‘Coalition of Urhobo Nation Youth Leaders and Stakeholders’, they offered prayers for the family of the deceased former acting speaker of the state house of assembly and the Urhobo nation.

They also charged Urho-

bo leaders to put the interest of the people above their individual interests as, according to them, the late senator exemplified selflessness during while alive.

They likened Ewherido legacies to the late American civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther-King and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who spent their time fighting for the interest of their people.

In his tribute, the Deputy Director-General, Senator Ewherido Campaign Organisation, Dr. Adelabu Bodjor, described the late senator as a gift to the Urhobo nation, saying his achievements in 50 years were outstanding and unbelievable, and so should be celebrated.

Bodjor said that the former lawmaker was a patriot who spent his lifetime pursuing what the Urhobo cause and that of Nigeria in general.

“Senator Ewherido’s short life was eventful, and his achievements in 50 years were splendid and worth emulating by every Urhobo and Deltan.

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on the Niger Delta, Warman Ogoriba; President/CEO, Schneider Electric, English West Africa, Marcel Hochet; Chairman, Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, James Manager and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty programme, Kingsley Kuku, during a visit by the joint committees of the National Assembly on the Niger Delta to Isaac Boro Energy Training College at Grenoble, France, recently.

Three feared killed as militants 're-group' in N'Delta OSAHON JULIUS

T

he pervading peace in the Niger Delta, since the signing of the amnesty treaty might soon snowball, once again, into another round of war in the creeks.

This is because there are strong indications that some unrepentant militants and those who felt cheated in the lucrative amnesty deal have started regrouping, particularly in the rich mangrove forests of Bayelsa State.

National Mirror gathered that supremacy battles and scrambling for operational camps among leaders of the regrouping militants have begun, with a recent bloody clash said to have

been triggered by infighting by two militant groups intending to operate from the Gbarain area of Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.

Sources told National Mirror that three militants were feared dead in the bloody clash, while many others allegedly sustained severe injuries.

A security source who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent that members of the two militant groups had engaged themselves for hours, using sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles in the creek war that threw the communities in the area into pandemonium.

The sporadic gunshots fired by the contending militants were said to have

created panic as some of the residents chose to flee the area for the time being.

A resident in one of the surrounding communities said after the battle, three militants belonging to one of the camps were reportedly gunned down by the rival group.

The resident, who wished to be anonymous for safety reasons, said: "The leader of one of the camps is very notorious. He is known in the creeks, but we are keeping his name under wraps. It was a fierce battle caused by sharing of territories.

“The notorious leader accused his counterpart of trespassing into his territory. The development led to the bloody clash. Three militants were killed and

many were severely injured," he said.

Contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, said he was yet to be briefed on the development by the divisional police officers in the area.

He, however, said the police in the state had been mopping up arms in various parts of the state.

“We are sanitising the state by mopping up arms.

We do it on a daily basis, and the arms we have recovered are with us," Opara said.

The Media Coordinator of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, ‘Operation Pulo Shield’, Lt.-Col. Mustapha Anka, also said he had not been briefed on the clash.

Ogoni report forced me out of PDP - Senator Abe DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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he Senator representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, has attributed the refusal of President Goodluck Jonathan to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, report on Ogoniland, to his dumping of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He said his decision to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC, was

based on the belief that, unlike the PDP, the APC, if elected in 2015, would implement the recommendations of the report to the letter.

Abe, who spoke in Port Harcourt at a dinner in honour of young Ogoni professionals, organised by the Ogoni Generation Next Project, OGNP, said the delay in the implementation of the report was not the fault of oil giant, Shell, but that of the Federal Government.

“About two years ago, Shell told us during its Annual General Meeting in

London, that the $1bn for the clean-up of Ogoni environment was ready, and that it was now left for the government to move into action.

“I have met with the minister several times over the issue and Governor Amaechi, who carried same to President Jonathan, but nothing happened,” the senator lamented.

According to him: “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose initiative brought about the remediation move was not from the Niger Delta; the late Yar’adua, who signed

a Federal Government’s resolve to implement whatever be the outcome of the investigation, was not from the Niger Delta, but someone who is from the Niger Delta region has refused to implement the UNEP report.

“I cannot continue to belong to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, when those who are in-charge of the party have refused to attend to the needs of my people. I decided to leave because of their refusal to implement the UNEP report on Ogoniland,” Abe explained.

12

North

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Katsina owes N3bn in gratuities, says union JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

A

bout N3 billion in accumulated gratuities is being owed some categories of retired civil servants in Katsina State.

Speaking on the issue, state secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, Ahmadu Danmalam, yesterday said the amount is meant to be paid civil servants that retired in 2013 and early 2014.

Danmalam said from last year to early 2014, four

different batches of civil servants had retired from service but that none had received his or her gratuity to date.

He said: “Based on figures we observed from Pension and Establishment Office, a total amount of N3 billion is needed to settle gratuities to civil servants that retired within the period of 2013 to 2014.”

He, however, said the union made all efforts to ensure release of the amount but that such efforts were in vain, even as he lamented government’s

insensitivity to the welfare of pensioners in the state.

He said: “The state government has so far refused to listen to complaints forwarded to it,” adding that the union is “planning to stage a protest, if government fails to commence payment of the said gratuities.”

He confirmed that the

union is awaiting directives from its headquarters in Abuja on the issue, before embarking on the protest.

When contacted, the state Head of Service, Aliyu Daura, declined to speak on the issue, but referred our correspondent to the state governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Press Affairs, Lawal

Matazu.

Matazu was yet to respond on the issue at press time.

However, a source at the state Pension and Establishment Office told our correspondent that the state government was aware of the accumulated gratuity being owed some pensioners.

He said: “The total

amount was N6.2 billion, but the state government released only N3 billion leaving a balance of N3.2 billion.”

He said a memo was written to “the government through the Ministry of Finance to settle all accumulated gratuities, but government was yet to respond on the matter.”

CAN alerts on plan to ridicule Christian marriage A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday said fake pastors were being contracted to drag Christian communities into planned inter-religious mass wedding in Kaduna State.

Briefing journalists in Kaduna, the state CAN chapter secretary, Dr. Sunday Ibrahim, said the act was to ridicule marriage institution as outlined for Christians in the Holy Bible.

He described the move as mischievous and insensitive, considering the pressing need for peace and unity in the state.

The association said: “It has come to our notice that

some fake pastors are being contracted to stand in as Christian pastors, endorsing inter-religious mass wedding in Kaduna State.

To the best of our knowledge, it is a deceit and imposition of Christian clergy by some elements championing their own cause.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no interreligious wedding in Christianity; it is unbiblical and politicised charade aimed to smear Christians and their faith. There are scriptural basis of marriage in Christianity, from adhering to strict principles to marriage counseling and cross checking to ensure that all parties involved are free from complicity and ensure absolute sincerity and honesty.

Lepers beg for empowerment DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

P

eople affected by leprosy have advised the Federal Government to create programmes aimed at empowering them, if the rampant cases of street begging are to be reduced in the country.

National President of the association, Alhaji Bello Jibrin, who made the plea over the weekend in Gombe during its annual prayer meeting at the Blind and Cripple Workshop, Kasuwan Mata Gombe, said the empowerment programme would go

a long way to reduce the hardship members face.

The national president appealed to state governments to look into their matter and assist them with monthly allowances.

He urged governments and corporate bodies to put in more effort and ensure mass education that will cover their members in the country.

He regretted the denial of his members’ participation in government programmes, arguing that they are citizens of Nigeria and need to be treated as such.

Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar (left) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, during the emir’s visit to Sokoto, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Zonal arrangement, bane of north’s development’ DAMJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

A

former minister in the defunct Shagari administration, Alhaji Magaji Mu’azu, has attributed the disunity in the North and its poor economic power to the creation of geo-political zoning in the country.

According to him, this has created enormous distrust among the ethnic groups in the North, hitherto brothers and sisters with least consid-

eration for tribal differences.

He told journalists in Gombe State that the creation failed to recognise that the North is multi-ethnic, unlike the South-West, SouthEast and South-South, where, according to him, there are less than three ethnic groups or, in some cases, just one tribe.

He argued that the north would not find this trend easy with regards to its political stability and economic growth.

This situation would impact on the economy of the North negatively and pull back or destroy political and economic power of the area, he lamented.

The Ubandoma of Gombe stated that worse of all is the absence of unity among the northern political leaders unlike what existed in the First Republic, adding that this was affecting the progress of the zone.

He lamented that leaders of the area were more

concerned about personal benefits, rather than welfare of their citizens.

This attitude, he submitted, is guided by insincerity, dishonesty and lack of transparency as most elective positions were not achieved by merit unlike the case in southern part of the country.

He stressed the urgent need for the north to retrieve its lost traditional values and focus which accorded every one equal recognition and opportunity.

Israel to partner Kogi on solid minerals development PAUL ARHEWE

T

he Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Uriel Palti, has indicated Israel’s willingness to collaborate with Kogi State government in order to harness the vast solid mineral deposits, as well as the tourism potentials

of the North Central state.

Kogi is said to harbour 29 out of the 34 mineral deposits in the country.

Palti, who was on an official visit to the state, gave the assurance during a reception by the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, accompanied by the deputy governor, Yomi Awoniyi, and other top officials of the state at Gov-

ernment House, Lokoja, recently.

He said having lived in Nigeria for the past 15 months as ambassador, he fell in love with the country, and was inclined to learn more about its rich cultural, economic, tourism opportunities, which abound outside the Federal Capital Territory.

He said he was delight-

ed to accept the invitation of the governor to visit the state.

The ambassador then formally invited the governor to visit Israel with a view to meeting and discussing possible areas of investment with potential investors at the African Israeli Chamber of Commerce and Israeli Export Institute.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

SUPER TUESDAY

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

There’s more to Presidency, Borno govt crossfire –Gusau 14

Ekiti, a litmus test for INEC

TOP STORY Jonathan

Jega

Fayemi

OMEIZA AJAYI situates the credibility of the 2015 general elections within the context of the June 21 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, and posits that INEC may have learnt from its experience in Anambra State and now set for the 2015 polls.

T

h IIndependent he d d t National N ti l Electoral El t l Commission, C i i INEC, is, by virtue of its originating Act, an impartial electoral umpire, but the election management body is many things to different people. While winners always hail INEC for doing a great job, losers are most likely to castigate the commission, citing irregularities on its part.

The truth, however, is that in most elections in Nigeria, all the parties in the contest are likely to cheat. They are most likely to adopt measures to manipulate the process, and, most often, one gets cheated and the other wins. Elections cannot really be rigged by a party that is not on the ground. An individual can only rig and go scot-free within his sphere of political influence.

In the Ekiti election, conducted on June 21, Mr Ayodele Fayose, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, scored a record 203,090 votes representing 56.34 per cent of the total votes cast, while Dr Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, polled 120,433 votes, representing 33.41 per cent of the total votes cast.

Dr. Fayemi had since conceded defeat and congratulated Mr Fayose but not without accusing INEC of any malfeasance. This, on its part is a good omen for subsequent elections.

Just days before the election, the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, had told stakeholders at a meeting in Ado-Ekiti that the commission was prepared to make the Ekiti governorship election the best thus far. He said that the only thing the commission needed was the support of the people of Ekiti State.

He said: “We are looking forward to the best election.

We however need the support of all stakeholders to ensure success.”

After the election results were announced, Resident

vote in the election. The total number of votes cast was v 360,455 while the total number of valid votes was 350,366. A 3 total number of 10,089 votes were rejected. The percentage t turn out for the election was 50.32 per cent. t

EEkiti, good omen for us -Jega Electoral for El t l Commissioner C i i f Ekiti State, St t Alhaji Alh ji Hussain H i Halilu Pai, expressed delight at the outcome of the election.

Alhaji Pai said: “I feel happy and elated that we had a peaceful election and we provided a level playing field to all contestants.”

He attributed the success of the Ekiti gubernatorial election to the many lessons learnt from previous ones which were factored into the Ekiti governorship election and the fact that he carried all critical stakeholders along.

A total number of 733,766 eligible voters were registered in the state. A total number of 369,257 were accredited to

THE SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF FREE, FAIR AND PEACEFUL ELECTION IN

EKITI STATE IS A GOOD OMEN FOR THE SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS TO COME

AND, INDEED, FOR THE SATISFACTION OF THE ASPIRATION OF

NIGERIANS

FOR A CONSOLIDATED DEMOCRACY

To Jega, the Ekiti election was a good omen for subsequent elections to be conducted by INEC and which would satisfy the aspiration of Nigerians for a consolidated democracy.

At the commission’s Second Quarterly meeting with political parties shortly after the election, Jega said each stakeholder in the electoral process put in its best in the Ekiti governorship election.

He vowed that the commission would not rest on its oars, but continues to do its best with its stakeholders to sustain and keep on improving on its recent electoral feat in Ekiti State.

The INEC chairman said the forthcoming August 9 Osun State governorship election should, on all counts, be better and the 2015 General Elections, be the best of all.

Prof. Jega said: “From INEC staff, to the young men and women of the NYSC and other tertiary institutions, to security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, the candidates and a host of other stakeholders, everyone put in their best, and our collective best turned out to be good enough in Ekiti State. That is how it should be, and it is a very good lesson for our future elections.

“The successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful election in Ekiti State is a good omen for the subsequent elections to come and, indeed, for the satisfaction of the aspiration of Nigerians for a consolidated democracy. We must therefore not rest on our oars; but continue to do our best collectively, to sustain and keep on improving on this achievement. The coming election in Osun State, God willing, should on all counts be better, and the 2015 general elections must be the best! It is a challenge for all of us to join hands and continue to work together to ensure this necessary outcome.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

14

Politics

It appears all is not well between Governor Kashim Shettima and the military in Borno State and even the Presidency, what exactly is the position of the relationship among these stakeholders in the fight against insurgency?

Let me start by saying that Governor Kashim Shettima has a perfect relationship with the military, that is both the Army and Air Force, police and DSS commands as well as all the para-military structures working in Borno State and each of these establishments can testify to the overwhelming support they have received from the governor both in terms of material logistics for their operations, sharing of intelligence, personal relations and support for families of troops and policemen who are caught in battle fields. It therefore really baffles me when some people in Abuja create that very satanic impression that the governor doesn’t cooperate with the military. As at last year, when the Director of Operations in the Defence Headquarters, Major General Lawrence Ndugbane visited Borno, he said no governor gives the military the kind of support that Governor Shettima offers both in terms of material logistics and what he called “credible intelligence,” if I should use his words.

The then Commander of the 21 Armoured Brigade in Maiduguri even said that the governor treats the military as the 28th local government area in the state. There were times the governor personally released cheques of N1 million to each family of soldiers killed in combat.

Only two weeks ago, families of 16 policemen killed by insurgents were given N1 million each. When the governor was sworn-in in 2011, his first special guest was the then Inspector General of Police, IGP, Hafza Ringim, who was invited by the governor to receive 20 ultra modern armoured personnel carriers, APC, donated to the police. The Governor has absolutely nothing against security agencies or the Presidency.

So, where did the relationship go sour, especially if one looks at the closure of the airport last Friday despite the governor’s plea?

I do not want to believe that any relationship has gone sour. The closure of that airport in the manner in which it was done was quite strange in governance, especially if one considers the fact that the two aircrafts were made to abandon the people they were to pick. If for instance there was a fear that flying straight to Saudi Arabia from Maiduguri, as it was the plan of the airliners, could cause some risks, may be in a situation where the pilots fly over the airspace towards the North, Chad or Central African Republic, one would expect a directive that for instance, the plane should fly the pilgrims to Kano since it safely came through that route, before taking off to Saudi Arabia from Kano. The aircraft that came from Abuja also returned to Abuja empty without carrying anyone, even when the state government had paid for the services. However, the Defence spokesman, General Olukolade has issued a statement saying the decisions were for security reasons and Governor Shettima always gives people the benefit of doubt, such is his kind of person, he doesn’t hold what happened on Friday

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

There’s more to Presidency, Borno govt crossfire –Gusau Isa Umar Gusau is Special Adviser on Communications and spokesman to Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima. In this Interview with OBIORA IFOH, Gusau bares his mind on recent happenings in Borno State, as they concern the Boko Haram insurgency, relationship between his principal and other stakeholders in the counter insurgency operations as well as the 2015 elections. Excerpts:

Gov. Shettima

IF THE PRESIDENCY AND THE MILITARY HAVE THREE GENUINE

NIGERIA, GOVERNOR SHETTIMA FRIENDS IN

SHOULD BE ONE OF THEM

against the military or the Presidency, I know him very well.

It appears there is something you don’t want to tell concerning what look like a sour relationship between the Presidency, the military and the governor, for instance…

(Cuts in) Something cannot stand on nothing, I cannot hide something where there is nothing to hide. My suspicion is that there are some very desperate middlemen, evil men who are hell bent of causing cross-fire between the Presidency, the military and the Borno State government and I think all the three parties need to carefully identify and markout these is agents of doom. In any crisis, however small or big, there are those who stand to benefit materially for it, either by design or by coincidence. There are people that can only be relevant where there is crisis that they have to pretend

to be addressing by defending a party to that crisis. If the relative peace enjoyed in the major towns of Maiduguri, Biu, Monguno, Bama, Damasak and a host of others, is truncated today, the President, the Governor and the military have more to lose, they will next to the victims and their relations. I think if the Presidency and the military have three genuine friends in Nigeria, Governor Shettima should be one of them. The youth volunteers called the civilian JTF work very closely with the military, their combined efforts with the military brought about the peace in Maiduguri, Biu, Bama and other places today. The civilian JTF even went to Giwa Barracks to support the military when insurgents attacked the Barracks in March this yea,r but people seem to ignore that Governor Shettima inspired these youths, he approved the funding of their monthly salaries, he approved the funding of their training by the military and other experts at the NYSC camp and gave logistics for their three weeks’ camping, he approved the funding for their kitting, the procurement and allocation of patrol vehicles to them, fuelling and other logistics. When crisis erupted on two occasions, first between the civilian JTF and the police when a policeman shot their member, the governor walked for almost five kilometres from the airport to the police headquarters, calming the youths not to wage war against the police, he attended the funeral of the youth volunteer, released N3.5 million and an apartment to his parents and held peace meetings with leadership of the volunteers, that was how the governor addressed what would have been a catastrophe.

Again, when soldiers had fracas with the civilian JTF, it was the same governor that addressed it when he quickly deployed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to the scene and invited the leadership of the youth volunteers. All of these efforts point to one thing, that the governor is genuinely working to ensure peace and I think the military has acknowledged that, but like I said, there are middlemen who want to benefit either materially, politically or may be functionally where disagreements exist between the Presidency, the military and the Borno State governor. I do not know whether there are those who do not want the Presidency and the Borno government to compare notes on the funds they separately inject to counter insurgency or whether there are those who need the Presidency and the military to support a certain political bid in connection with either the governor’s seat or the National Assembly and what have you. There is underlying interest being pursued by an interest group and I think the Presidency, the military and the state government need to realise that some people want to use some of them.

Talking about interest, there are some observers who suspect that the military may be under instruction to work against the governor, perhaps to even ensure he is not re-elected in 2015. With the happenings in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, there is the likelihood that a different date could be set for elections in those states and there could be massive deployment of soldiers whether or not the elections hold in separate days, what is your take on these?

Like Governor Shettima has repeatedly said from the spiritual point of view, it is Allah that gives power to anyone and it is He that keeps one on it or otherwise.

No amount of intrigues or lack of it can guarantee the take-over of power or otherwise. Ekiti State is not the same thing as Borno. Like you know, the All progressives Congress, APC, is a combination of three political parties, the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and Congress for Positive Change, CPC. The ACN was the biggest brother in the merger since it turned more controlled state governments but I tell you today from my little analysis as a political reporter, that the APC’s popularity in the North today by far supersedes its popularity and chances even in the South-West where the ACN that is the biggest brother controls more states.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

15

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Kidnappers threaten to cut off my mother’s head –Bayelsa commissioner OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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he Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Furuebi Akene, has disclosed how the kidnappers of his 78 years old mother, Madam Patimi Akene, threaten to cut off the head of his mother and deliver it to him on a plate.

The Commissioner described as “disconcerting” the continued search for his 78 years old Mother, who was abducted last week by armed gunmen at the Fonibiri Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State.

He said though the abductors have reduced the ransom demand from N30million to N10million in the last few days, it is worrisome that the kidnappers threatened to cut off the

head of his mother over his refusal to accede to the ransom demand.

The Commissioner, who was speaking during a call on him by the members of a group under the aegis of the Parliament, said though the threat was made over the telephone, he is not going to be intimidated and be apprehensive over their threat.

According to Akene, “One of the kidnappers, who claimed to be the leader of the gang threatened to kill my mother. He said he will cut off her head and deliver it to my house at INEC road and the body at the Village.

Because of the difficulty at getting me to agree with their demand, they have stopped calling me to discuss ransom.”

Akene noted that though the gang of kidnappers has started calling his younger sister with the ransom de-

mand and his sister pleaded that they collect a millions naira but the kidnappers declined claiming that such sum is not enough for fuel and feeding of the kidnapped octogenarian.

Akene recalled that when the news of the abduction got to him, he abandoned the proposed attendance of the World Surveyors Conference in Malaysia, “when they demanded that I resigned from the present administration as condition for my mother’s release, I told them that I am not a man out to sacrifice his mother for position.”

Commissioner Furuebi Akene also confirmed speaking with his mother as a proof of life, “they allowed me speak with her twice. The first time she told me she was okay and I asked her if the kidnappers are Ijaw and she confirmed that they were.

On the second occasion, they made my mother cry as a means to convince me of their seriousness. She was crying and begged me to secure her release and give them the money.”

“They asked me to pay them their money. I told him I will not pay as I am not owing them.

The last text I received was “You have lost your mother”.

The kidnap of the Mother of the Bayelsa Commissioner is coming on the heels of the abduction of the 90 years old Mother-In-Law of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei Benson a forth night ago. Her whereabouts has since remained unknown.

The abducted mother of the Commissioner, identified as Madam Patimi Akeme, was whisked away by armed men numbering about six at her

home close to the waterside of the Community at about 12 am on Saturday.

According to the son of the victim, who confirmed the abduction, said the Octonegerian was abducted by the gunmen without firing a gun shot

Madam Patimi Akene

Journalists hold valedictory for late National Mirror correspondent O SAHON J ULIUS YENAGOA

M

embers of the Federated Correspondent Chapel of the Bayelsa state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) were on Wednesday joined by friends, family members and government officials for a valedictory session to bid farewell to its departed colleague, Mr Emma Gbemudu who was the Bayelsa Corrrespondent of National Mirror newspaper until his demise in April this year. The personalities who spoke at the service include the State Commissioner of Information, Mr Markson Fefegha, the representative of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Daniel Markson and the Chairman of the state chapter of the NUJ, Comrade Parinyo Akono.

All the speakers poured en-

comiums on the late Emma for his exemplary life.

While the Bayelsa Commissioner for Information noted that death was inevitable, he described the late Emma as a dedicated and refined breed among his peers.

He said Emma Gbemudu was a star among journalists and prays his gentle soul rest in peace, saying that Gbemudu was a resourceful person who did his job with utmost commitment.

According to him, “The battle of life starts from birth, death is no respecter of age, death is inevitable and a necessary end to life.

“The late Gbemudu was a gentleman who did his job well and contributed his quota to the development of Bayelsa,” he said.

Also speaking, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka the media coordinator of the Joint Military Task Force, prayed for the repose of the soul of

Car snatching suspects being paraded in Warri, Delta State, recently.

Gbemudu and prayed that God would grant his colleagues and family members the fortitude to bear the loss.

The officiating priest, Evangelist Walter Orji, reminded members of the chapel on the need to have Christ in their lives and live a righteous life

for noboby knows when death will come knocking.

He said death was inevitable and so there was the need for everyone to live right so that people will speak well of you when the inevitable happens.

In a vote of thanks, Mr Samuel Ese, Chairman, Federated

Correspondents Chapel, expressed gratitude to dignitaries and members for standing with the family of the deceased.

His family has fixed the final burial ceremony at his home town, Ila, Oshimili North local government area of Delta state on the 3rd and 4th of July, 2014.

16

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No compensation for demolished illegal stuctures, says commissioner Chief Frank Omare is one of the longest serving commissioners in Delta State. Omare, is the Commissioner for Environment and Chairman, Special Task Force on Sanitation. He recently spoke on the state of activities of his ministry and also responded to allegations leveled against members of the task force and other sundry issues. Our Delta State Correspondent, THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN brings you excerpt of the interview.

What are the challenges and achievements recorded so far by the special task force on sanitation and in the environment ministry since you assumed office?

I started as a Personal Assistant on youths’ development to the Former Governor James Ibori, from there I moved to become Senior Special Assistant before going to heard ministry of Special Duties in 2005/2006. 2007 I became chairman of the task force on Asaba beautification exercise.

Later I became commissioner for Housing before this current ministry as commissioner for Environment.

I am going this way for us to know that I have travelled round some areas in government and the assignment I am handling today is not a difficult one. I believe that in government people should take a decision, wrongly or rightly, people shouldn’t be on the fence. You are aware that we visited Warri some weeks or months ago, we intend to come back. The structures that we intend to put in place, we are almost packaging all of that in government.

Because we cannot be going on as task force or another committee to do something that should be enduring. In my ministry we are putting a lot together, the ministry of transport same.

What we have done in Warri, a lot of people were affected. Of course, times are very hard but the point is that if there are difficulties, if there is poverty, must you break the law?Then if the law is broken then, none of us will be here anymore, because there will be chaotic atmosphere were parents will abandon their children and where children will abandon their parents. So the present assignment of removal of illegal structures, caravans, opening of major drains and internal drains, and making sure that people as much as possible are restricted form street trading under the high-tension, those are key things we cannot compromise.

In Delta state, everybody is a lawyer, including my very self.

Clearly when your house is demolished or your structures are being removed, provided it is illegal there will be no compensation to anybody because for you to have an approval from the ministry of lands and survey

Frank Omare, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State recently

to build that house. Anybody can get a building approval but do you have a C of O? And that bothers me, to the agitation, the threats, and the blackmail on government on the issue of Ifiekporo in Warri South LGA. If you are aware, I led the team as chairman of the task force, and I take full responsibility of every action on behalf of government.

We went there, wonderful houses built, properties that I saw. I had to ask and get the authorities, who gave you this land, where is your C of O, how did you begin to build? From the ministry of lands and survey, and the people.

Of course, I have evidence from the ministry of lands and survey.

Some of the demolished buildings, from the day they started foundation the ministry gave them stop work notices that it is a government land, building on government land without government approval, you are building on nothing. This land was acquired not during the Bendel State, but from mid-west state, legitimately. We have the gazette as state, evidences; pictures of when they were digging foundation are all there. Of course they were deceived by the people, whom I do not know that government cannot come. Government

EVERYBODY

IS A LAWYER, INCLUDING MY VERY SELF.

CLEARLY WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS DEMOLISHED OR YOUR STRUCTURES ARE BEING REMOVED,

PROVIDED IT IS ILLEGAL may be slow in its action, but it will come oneday. That is why we have to protect the law, and we had to bring down all the structures along royal refinery. The issue is not Frank Omare. I am just an individual among the over 4million Deltans that has been appointed as commissioner for environment. If nobody has that ability, political will to have given me that directive or to effect the directive of the state government, if you couldn’t do it yester-

day, and I am unable to do it today, who will do it tomorrow. This is not about attacking an ethnic group or a group of people or selective. You know how I operate.

I have passion of executing any assignment given to me, whether to sweep this your secretariat, provided is an assignment, it is legitimate.

Why is everybody crying in Warri, Uvwie, the state, it is because of the recklessness of some of our people. I read on today’s Vanguard, it was a pictorial news on Uvwie market, ‘Where is the Delta state task Force?

The task force is available, if government had stopped them yesterday, they wouldn’t be there today. Today, we are under the problem of a group of people just block government road and nobody can pass for hours. Some sections of the road have failed.

I am not interested in compromising government policy, if that one will make me not to come back to government I am still a young man, I don’t have a problem. But history will say that I didn’t compromise while I was there, and I will never ever compromise. You will build caravans, a government official your cousin will come to you that uncl,

I need a shop to open a petty trade, you give them but they go approach those who sell plates, take them to a welder to construct, thereafter they will paint, and area boys and the rest of them will come for one payment or the other. At the end of the day, that poor woman that needed to have hired a shop has spent over six hundred thousand to get a caravan. Pessu market built several years ago has the capacity of about two thousand shops, but if you go there, you cannot find up to a hundred persons. Everybody is on the road. They have gone to illegal places, or to Odion road, cemetery road… gentlemen of the press, let’s be honest, we promote them by way of sentiments, they are poor people, they are widows! This has been overtime, the accumulation of this problem. Overtime, in the course of my activity I may have offended persons, big or small, but the point is that is fundamental to me is that there is no big man’s house that has fallen that we have cried about.

When the Governor’s fence was brought down, I was in a meeting with him. When the security was running around he came down and saw it was Frank Omare, he left. If he had come to challenge me, I would have harassed him as my Governor, because his fence was on the road, and that is part of my mandate.

When the team visited Chief Omare’s private office at Ekpan, a complete fence was brought down because it was under the high tension. Nobody talked about it. When a former commissioner for finance, Love Ojakovo, even though he claimed to have a court judgment, restraining anybody, the fence was under high tension, everybody was watching, what is the capacity of the government, whether its selective justice? I led it, I confronted my colleague, we are from this same place, I made sure that his property was brought down, it is not malicious. Go to Sapele, the majority leader of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, his own property was brought down. Charles Obule was onetime Governorship aspirant in the state, go see what has happened to his hospital.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

17

Caveat emptor and land sale in Nigeria FRED LATIMORE OGHENESIVBE Continued from last Tuesday

O

nce a contract of sale is signed by the parties, the risk is transferred to the purchaser who now holds equitable interest in the property while the vendor becomes a trustee of the land for the purchaser pending when legal interest will be transferred or assigned through a signed, sealed and delivered Deed with Governor’s consent upon payment of certain fees, stamp duties, appropriate taxes, etc.

It is a legal truism that contract of sale of land is in five stages namely; the pre-contract stage (negotiation and precontract inquiries); contract stage (preparation of agreement and signing of contract of sale agreement); post-contract stage (legal drafting of Deed); completion stage (execution of conveyance), and governor’s consent. Due to the technicality involved in searches, investigation and legal drafting it is strongly recommended that a purchaser should engage the services of a solicitor from the very beginning in the transaction.

Involving a solicitor at the middle or final stages of the contract of sale of land can be very costly. Avoid the use of quack estate agents who merely dub agreements that may not necessarily fit into the legal technicalities needed to protect

your transaction because every property transaction has its own exclusive merits and demerits. Once there is dispute in the property purchased, the weak agreement executed by the quack agent may mess up your case in court.

There are several cases of land disputes in the courts across the country owing to the fact that some buyers fail to involve solicitors, thus allowing the vendor to dominate the transaction. It is also recommended that the purchaser should engage the services of a separate lawyer from that of the seller. But where one solicitor act for both parties he or she must ensure that the title is sound, the terms are unambiguous and agreed upon and solicitor should not have personal interest in the property. The court held in Smith v. Mansi (1962) that were the same solicitor acts for both parties (the vendor and the vendee), he has to first obtain all the facts about the property from the vendor and to give all information at his disposal concerning the property to the vendee (the purchaser) and obtain a written confirmation of the acceptance of the terms of offer from the purchaser before drafting the contract of sale agreement.

The solicitor when acting for both parties is to ensure that money paid in the transaction goes to the right person such that if the contract is successful he pays money to the seller and if transaction hit the rocks money is given back to the purchaser. In this case, the solicitor

AVOID THE USE OF QUACK ESTATE AGENTS WHO MERELY DUB AGREEMENTS THAT MAY NOT NECESSARILY FIT INTO THE LEGAL TECHNICALITIES NEEDED TO PROTECT YOUR TRANSACTION owes fiduciary relationship to both parties ensuring that no one looses in the transaction. The existence and validity of a contract for sale of land depend upon ordinary rules of contract.

The contract for the sale of land is regulated by common law, the general principles of equity and customary law, as well as applicable statute and laws of various states of the federation. It is recommended that parties to a contract of sale of land should adopt the formal contract principle which sets out the rights and duties of the parties. It generally limits the application of implied terms and clearly introduces some assurance to conveyancing matter, and it crystallizes the positions of the parties.

The contract can be used to circumvent implied covenants or even create restrictions in the use of the land; it complies with the requirements of section 4 of the Statute of Fraud, which requires that for an agreement for sale of land to be en-

forceable by an action in court, it must be evidenced by a sufficient note or memorandum in writing signed by the parties to be bound or his agent lawfully authorized which is why pre-contract searches and investigation is necessary to determine whether or not the purchaser is prepared to execute a contract of sale.

In a formal contract for the sale of land duly executed, the death of either party would no longer affect the contract because the vendor’s estate, his executors, heirs and legal representatives are lawfully bound by the terms and conditions of the contract. Also, the purchaser acquires an immediate equitable interest in the property upon possession pending transfer of legal interest by the vendor through a deed of transfer or assignment with Governor’s consent. Therefore, it is safe to assert that for the purchaser to get a good title, he or she should engage the services of a solicitor.

Of course, in family land, if a purchaser deals with other principal members of the family without the consent of the family head, is ab initio, void. Therefore, your solicitor is to use his professional expertise to do the searches and draft a legal document that will protect your interest in the entire transaction. Ignoring the pre-contract stage in sale of land contract can be very costly. Avoid it.

Concluded Dr Oghenesivbe, is a public affairs analyst.

Babalakin @ 54: A discourse in forbearance KABIR BELLO

H

e clocks 54 today, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin (SAN), and the need to celebrate this Nigerian legal and business frontliner becomes necessary. It is not very often that such people with pedigree, sound education and exceptional achievements in business and philanthropy bestride the Nigerian landscape. This is even more so when such an exceptional Nigerian has been the target of vilification and orchestrated witchhunt over projects that ordinarily ought to be a thing of pride to our country.

But what I’d call the vilification of an oasis of genius in a desert of mediocrity, largely over the issues surrounding the Murtala Muhammed International Airport 2 and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project should not deter a fair-minded person from applauding a thorough-bred intellectual on his special day. Never for once did his fortitude waver during that twin-faced ordeal that got to a head late in 2012.

What comes to mind each time the story of this enigma is being told is his surprising act of forbearance despite the clear injustice meted against him and his proven track record of always staying on the right side of the law. And so I salute the tenacity and courage of this Gbongan, Osun-state-born Cambridge-trained lawyer. He had identified the path of honour and success early in life and his story is

always refreshing to tell.

After his youth service, Dr. Babalakin started his own firm in July 1988. The firm has blossomed and participated in all activities of the legal profession and now prides itself as one of the largest law firms in Nigeria with over 60 lawyers practising in Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. It has also produced three senior advocates between year 2002 and now.

When I heard from the rumor mill at a time that Dr. Babalakin started business just recently and that his success was because he was largely favoured by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, I decided to research into this issue. The result I came up with was particularly alarming and totally contrary to this stated position. By his 30th birthday in 1990, Dr. Babalakin had built three houses in Victoria Island, living in one and renting the two others out.

Before 1991, he had built an eleven storey building on Campbell Street popularly known as ‘The Rooftop’ (named after his roof flat in Selwyn Gardens, Cambridge).

The three houses in Victoria Island were named ‘RUMBLINGS’ because of the furor and the cacophony of noise that accompanied this magnificent feat in 1990.

By 1992, he had commenced building of a block of 38 flats at Ikoyi, which he later sold to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) formerly Nigerian Provident Fund (NPF). This is the famous Bunu Sheriff Gardens on Probyn Road Ikoyi. He also commenced the development of the Hyatt Regency, Lagos. This

I SALUTE THE TENACITY AND COURAGE OF THIS

GBONGAN, OSUN-STATEBORN CAMBRIDGETRAINED LAWYE project was conceived by Babalakin to ease the strain on hospitality in Lagos in 1993.

In 1993, Eko Hotels was probably the only hotel that was functioning between Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The design of the project received very high awards internationally. When construction commenced in February 1993, it was stopped abruptly and for no reason by the Government of General Sani Abacha. It later transpired that Abacha and his cohorts saw the emergence of such a hotel as a direct threat to their own interest in the hospitality business. Babalakin was harassed and chased out of the land and was eventually detained on trumped up allegations over the failed bank saga.

The failed bank saga opened with fanfare from the Abacha Government. Babalakin was alleged to have taken hundreds of millions of depositors’ money for his own personal benefit. Prosecution by the press was the order of the day. There were few discerning Nigerians who queried the action. Why was Babalakin being vilified so soon after his land was confiscated

by Abacha? Was this not strong arm tac-

tics to cow him and make him unable to fight for his rights? On advice of his counsel, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) an outstanding accountant and banker, Otunba Olutola Senbore was appointed to look into the books of Babalakin in Commercial Trust Bank. The result was alarming.

Babalakin was not indebted to his bank.

He was actually N11million in credit. The debtor was a state government which acknowledged the debt and was willing to pay, but it was convenient for the persecutors of Babalakin to ignore this position. Babalakin challenged this position in court and obtained the necessary orders. He was subsequently released from detention when it became clear that the mischief of his persecutors was unsustainable.

On his return from detention and undaunted by the excessive persecution, which lasted 23 months, Babalakin returned to his world of legal practice and property development in 1998 and gradually regained his position as a leader in the two fields. He completed his 13-storey building on Afribank Street which now houses his chambers.

To be continued Dr. Bello 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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Editorial

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

Felicitating with the Muslims at Ramadan A bu Hurayrah, a messenger of Allah, was quoted by one Muslim scholar as saying: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month.

Allah has made it obligatory on you to fast (this month). During it, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are locked, and the devils are chained up. In it, there is a night that is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is deprived indeed.”

Muslims across the world welcomed the Holy Month of Ramadan at the weekend, Saturday to be precise. For the next one month or thereabout, the Muslim community will be fasting and praying for Allah’s special blessings and intervention in their lives. The Ramadan period is, indeed, the greatest time that offers the faithful opportunity to seek Allah’s blessings through prayer and fasting. It is trailed by an unrivalled felicitation galore -’Ramadan Mubarak’ and ‘Ramadan Kareem’- being the commonest phrases to convey the excitement the commencement of the fasting period ushers in.

President Goodluck Jonathan, the country’s embattled leader that is currently holding court under the worst insurgency, perhaps sabotage, any head of state in the country has

ever witnessed, in his Ramadan message, said through his spokesman, Reuben Abati, that as they (Muslims) join fellow adherents of the faith in other parts of the world in undergoing the strictures and spiritual purification of the annual Ramadan fast, against the background of security challenges in the country, all Nigerian Muslims should offer special prayers during the period for greater peace and security in the nation.

“The President seizes the opportunity of the commencement of the Ramadan fast to reassure the entire nation that the Federal Government continues to work tirelessly to curb insurgency, terrorism and other criminal acts which have caused insecurity in parts of the country. He urges Nigerians not to succumb to despair, but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus, decisiveness and collective support for the Armed Forces and security agencies, the country will ultimately overcome the evil agents of sectionalism, sectarianism and international terrorism who seek to disunite the nation.

As they observe the Ramadan, President Jonathan also calls on Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves in fuller measure to the virtues of piety, self-disci-

July 1, 2002 The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The court is a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. However, jurisdiction for the crime of aggression will not be awakened until 2017 at the earliest.

THE COUNTRY IS IN DISTRESS. NEITHER MUSLIMS NOR CHRISTIANS HAVE PEACE OF MIND

pline, tolerance, equity, honesty, fairness and sympathy for the less privileged which the Holy month promotes…”, Abati said.

Other leaders had spoken likewise as well.

As stated earlier, however, in Islam, the month of Ramadan is revered as very holy. True Muslims (as against fundamentalists) seek to become closer to their creator, the Almighty Allah, during the period. But as the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, sited the Ramadan moon at the weekend to herald the commencement of this year’s Ramadan Fast nationwide, not a few Nigerians, either Christians or Muslims, must have pondered on why despite the fact that Muslims and Christians (the two dominant religions in the land) always sermonize on peace, peace has been an illusion in Nigeria.

Indeed, one report buttressed the essence of peace in the Muslim community with the

ON THIS DAY July 1, 2008 Rioting erupted in Mongolia in response to allegations of fraud surrounding the 2008 legislative elections. The riot occurred in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator. The riot which claimed five lives resulted in Mongolia’s first state of emergency which lasted four days. The headquarters of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party which won the election was set on fire; while military presence (lasting two of those days) was used to quell the riot.

conduct of Prophet Muhammed during the period of Jihad in Saudi Arabia. The holy Prophet was said to have instructed his followers in the battle field to suspend hostilities and the killing of enemies during the month of Ramadan.

But with the Boko Haram violent Islamist sect bent on disgracing the Nigerian government and the populace, is there any guarantee that bombings, kidnapping (of women especially) and blood-letting through general terror attacks would not be witnessed even as the Ramadan Fast, 2014, is being observed? Can the nation have some respite from the recurring indigene/settler crises that have ruined several communities in the Middle Belt region while the fasting lasted? Perhaps, this year’s Ramadan period may yield fruitful results if both the government and the insurgents can cease hostilities during this period. But more importantly, the Holy Month, which offers opportunity for sober reflections and utter submission to the wishes of Allah, can be used to dialogue on how best to make peace reign in Nigeria. The country is in distress. Neither Muslims nor Christians have peace of mind. And without religious and ethnic tolerance, the situation will keep deteriorating.

July 1, 2013 Neptune’s moon S/2004 N 1, a small moon of Neptune, about 18 km (11 mi) in diameter, which orbits the planet in just under one Earth day was. It increased Neptune’s retinue of known satellites to fourteen. The moon is so dim that it was not observed when ‘Voyager 2’ flew by in 1989. Mark Showalter of the SETI Institute, California, United States found it by analyzing archived Neptune photographs the captured between 2004 and 2009.

Business Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Oteh urges investors to explore CIS opportunities 21

There won’t be any abandoned projects in aviation –Ortom

31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Nigeria Re positioning to tap growth opportunities –MD 33

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (MonFri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (MonFri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) BeninAbj:09.55,13.30

Aero Contractors

Apapa port

Nigeria’s port reforms programme:

Still work in progress

About eight years after the completion of the reform of Nigeria’s seaports, many of the core goals and objectives are yet to be achieved. This is especially given the hurried manner in which the exercise was conducted by the Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, FRANCIS EZEM reports.

T

he decision of the Federal Government sometime in 2003 to reform Nigeria’s sea ports was no doubt was a lofty one.

Prior to the reform, the nation’s seaport operations were characterised by delays and gross inefficiency in the handling of cargo by the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, then.

The reason for this was not farfetched, as the authority was bugged down by the bureaucracy and corruption that characterised most government activities, especially in Nigeria.

For instance, then, it took several months and sometimes years for the authority to secure approval for the purchase vital cargo handling equipment urgently needed to handle some consignments . More often than not, when such approvals come, the value of the contracted would have been inflated by some corrupt government officials, who later come back to the authority to collect the

top-up.

Coupled with this was the fact that the government could not acquire the much needed modern and state-of-the –art cargo handling equipment and other basic tools because of the huge financial outlay required.

This led to constant breakdown of the few obsolete ones available with the attendant negative effect on port efficiency and prompt release of imported cargo.

For instance, then it took an average of 25-30 days to discharge a ship and so most foreign liners imposed additional freight cost of Nigeria-bound consignments.

For these same reasons, dwell time of cargo was in excess of 45 days and so perennial congestion became the order of the day, making the nation’s seaports both expensive and uncompetitive with the attendant diversion of cargo to neighboring African countries such as the Republic of Benin and Togo, among others.

It was therefore faced with these challenges that the Federal Government conceived the idea of the port reform after initial unsuccessful efforts at making NPA operate as a going concern under the Nigerian Ports Plc era.

In adopting the Land Lord Port Model fashioned after that of Port of Antwerp, Belgium, the government through the privatisation sought to increase efficiency in port operations by bringing in private terminal operators both indigenous and foreign ones, who have a lot of expertise in cargo handling, which will bring about efficiency and by so doing reduce the high dwell time of cargo, with the attendant increased cost.

It was also the desire of the government to drastically reduce the high cost of port services even in the face of high level of efficiency, which fuelled the diversion of Nigeria-bound cargo.

In addition, the objective was to facilitate the acquisition mod-

ern equipment both for the quay site and cargo operations that will reduce the high turnaround time of vessels that call at the nation’s seaports and the attendant imposition of arbitrary freight charges by the foreign liners.

Also added to these objectives was the desire to decrease government funding of the ports, which seem to slow down the viability of the port sector in Nigeria. Government’s strategy towards achieving this objective was to attract private investment in the ports as much as possible.

It was also believed that apart from freeing funds that would have been spent on the ports for the development of other critical sectors, the programme will bring about huge private sector investment to develop and maintain the ports.

Government was optimistic that if the cost of port services CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. AbujaYola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00.

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

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Business

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s port reforms programme: Still work in progress CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 was reduced, cargo handling efficiency restored, Nigeria will effortlessly become a port of destination for the West and Central African sub region.

Thus, in order to achieve these objectives, government adopted the public ownership of ports and port land, which is also called the Land Lord model. One of the main features of this model is the separation of operations from ownership and regulations.

This system also guaranteed the autonomy of the individual ports, which is a clear departure from what was obtained in the pre-concession era when NPA combined the functions of terminal operator, owner and self regulator of the ports.

To this effect, NPA was stripped of its cargo handling operation functions and transferred to private terminal operators while it concentrates on providing marine-based services such as towage, pilotage, channel management, which it also concessioned to private firms under a Joint Venture Partnership arrangement, among several other marine services.

Chairman of Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria STOAN, umbrella body for all the private concessionaires, Princess Vick Hastruup, who spoke in a recent interview, disclosed that even two years after the takeover of the ports, the concessionaires were still grappling with the menace of hoodlums who would come to attack ships at berth and some time try to pilfer discharged consignments.

However, with enhanced access control at the ports through the installation of perimeter fencing, the terminal operators have eliminated the rampant loss of cargo also called ‘‘container flying’’ at the ports.

There has been an improvement in efficiency both in ship and cargo handling as ship turnaround time has reduced to about five days even though cargo dwell time still hovers around 21 days, which is an improvement.

Current statistics show that the number of vessels completed at the ports rose from 3, 500 in 2006 before the completion of the reform to 5, 000 in 2010, four years after the exercise while cargo throughput grew from 40, 000 tonnes in 2006 to 80, 000 tonnes in 2010.

Government has also achieved the expected growth in revenue yield over the period. There has also been improvements in channel management as the average depth of most channels have all increased with the acquisition of additional dredging craft and establishment of salvage/wreck recovery team, which has improved safety of navigation.

Regrettably, the core objectives of the reform are yet to be realised as the exercise seems to have created additional problems.

President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, says it is regrettable that an exercise for which Nigerians sacrificed over 9,000 jobs, as most staff of NPA were sacked with over N15 billion to finance their severance payments has not yielded the expected results. He insists that the ports are the most expensive in the subregion.

Former managing director of NPA, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, who also presided

Abdulahi

Dikko

THERE HAS BEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN EFFICIENCY BOTH IN SHIP AND CARGO HANDLING AS SHIP TURNAROUND TIME HAS REDUCED TO ABOUT FIVE DAYS EVEN THOUGH CARGO DWELL

TIME STILL HOVERS AROUND 21 DAYS, WHICH IS AN IMPROVEMENT over the agency at the time of the reform, admitted that there are several inadequacies associated by the exercise.

According to him, in addition to the loss of jobs, the ports have been unable to accomplish structural and Institutional reforms, which are the core ingredients of the exercise.He listed the total absence of relevant the legal and regulatory framework that would have driven a port system under private participation.

The absence of strong commercial regulator, occasioned by the non-passage of the Port and Harbors Bill, which is to give a legal backing more than eight years has given rise to the lack of strong and robust capacity to monitor the private operators.

In the light of this, imposition of arbitrary charges and fees by these terminal operators and shipping companies, who are largely un-regulated, has become the order of the day.

President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Chief Eugene Nweke, noted that the non-creation of a commercial regulator for the industry before the reforms will continue to hunt the industry.

According to him, importers, freight forwarders and other port service users continue to pay for services not rendered to the detriment of the final consumers which will continue to fuel inflationary trends in the country, being an import- dependent one.

Director of commercial shipping of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma, could not agree less with the NAGAFF-boss, when she insisted that the lack of the legal, institutional and regulatory framework before the port privatisation will continue to be an albatross to the industry until the issues were properly addressed and laid to rest.

According to her, most of the problems and challenges facing the Nigerian port industry today are due to the hurried nature in which the reform was carried out without any form of preparation.

While observing the myriad problems

facing the industry such as excessive and multiple charges, slow cargo clearance process, high cargo dwell time, congestion, which informed the diversion Nigeriabound cargoes to neighbouring seaports in search of efficiency, conducive business environment and lower charges, insisted that that there were no adequate preparations, especially in terms of legal, regulatory and institutional framework before the exercise.

It was probably in line with this feeling that the government appointed the NSC the interim commercial regulator for one year, which is renewable pending the passage of the harmonised Ports and Harbours Bill still at the National Assembly more than eight years after.

Investigations also show that port operations are still dogged by the existence of multiple government agencies, challenges of intermodalism and port access, lack of infrastructural support for modernisation and expansion The President of Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations, Mr. Jimoh Umar has also admitted that the exercise was done in a hurry.

According to him, most of the challenges faced at the ports today was because government decided to sell off the seaports to private operators without making adequate preparations for the programme.

“If you look around, you will discover that seaports such as those of Singapore, Ghana, South Africa and Egypt are performing very well today because the governments in these countries took out time to adopt the model that suits their individual purposes and situations”, Umar said.

He regretted that the port reform in Nigeria was characterised by loss of jobs, favouritism, a development that makes the concessionaires, some of who were not qualified to win the bid have refused to respect the concession agreement entered into with the government.

It was gathered that BPE ignored recommendations by the World Bank Consultant; Haskonings, hired by the Federal Government to work with the BPE to en-

Amiwero

sure a smooth exercise. The consultant a staggered programme over a period of five –ten years, under which it canvassed a pilot scheme, which will be monitored closely.

Former Director General of BPE, Mallam Nasir’el Rufai, who supervised the exercise, had while testifying before a Senate Ad-hoc committee probing the privatisation programme from 1999 to date admitted that the exercise was marred by undue Federal Government interference.

Of all these challenges faced by the industry, the worsening gridlocks on the port access roads, which tend to cripple economic activities in the area seems most worrisome, as it has made a mess of the entire reform exercise.

President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi says these problems and challenges bedeviling the industry especially after the completion of the port reform programme partly on the alteration of the Port Master Plan by the BPE. For instance, access roads such as Oshodi-Apapa Express Way, Creek Road, Burma, Warehouse, Wharf and of late Liver Pool Road are always blocked all through the year as a result of glut of container-bearing trucks either waiting to drop or pick up containers from the ports.

The AMATO-boss who spoke in an interview, noted that the BPE and NPA, which midwifed the exercise, tampered with the Port Master Plan.

According to him, before the port concession programme, there were places designated for trucks that would pickup containers from the ports but the BPE altered everything in a bid to create more terminals and more concessionaires and in the process make more money for the government.

“It appears that BPE failed to consider the fact that trucks not motor bikes will have to lift containers from the ports by creating a holding bay for the trucks no matter how small so that the trucks will stay somewhere while waiting to drop empty containers or pick loaded ones”, he argued.

He also said: It is a failure of government to provide truck terminals for the ports at a time when even fast food operators create parking spaces for their would-be customers because that is at the core of the business”.

Government had in the past adopted some cosmetic approaches in solving the problem, which did not yield sustainable results. This is therefore an indication that now is the time to face the real issues.

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Business News

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Oteh urges investors to explore CIS opportunities TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, has urged Nigerians to invest more in Collective Investment Schemes, CIS, given its investment returns attractiveness.

Giving the advice at the Capital Market Committee, CMC, meeting ended last week in Lagos, Oteh said there were several benefits inherent in investing in CIS, one of which is that the investor gets the benefit of experts’ advice.

She said in addition to the benefits of sound investment decisions which professionals offer on CIS, the scheme also allowed investors to diversify their risks and learn more about the market dynamics and how to respond proactively to them from time to time to guarantee the security of their investme nts.

She said: “First and foremost you get the benefits of people who are experts. If you are doing your day job, you can take advantage of the knowledge of somebody else.

“If I have N10,000 and I invest in a

mutual fund that invests in banks, I have the opportunity of investing in several banks rather than just expose to what happens to one bank. It allows you to diversify your risks.

“One thing that I am very excited about is that the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria have put together a strategic plan which we believe with the Capital Market Literacy Committee is doing too to have people better understand what it means to take advantage of the capital market, then we will see more Nigerians participate in mutual funds”, the SEC boss added.

On the integrity awards that the Commission gives, she explained that one of the things that it offers was an investment in CIS or mutual funds, adding that there is no reason why the country should not introduce more in view of the experiences in countries such as India; and the US where about 40 percent of Americans invest in mutual funds even after the global financial crisis.

According to her, what is required to improve investors’ interest in mutual funds is knowledge

about the schemes even as she lauded what some sub committees were doing with a view to using mobile phones as distribution channels for mutual funds.

While admitting that retail investors lost substantial funds during the 2008 market crash, Oteh was however optimistic that given the rebound already witnessed in the market, the Nigerian capital market now avails good opportunity for investors to explore in view of the real and potential benefits.

She however pointed out that in order to do well and ensure security of their investments, people needed to understand that the market has inherent risks and that higher the risks, the higher are the rewards in terms of returns on investments and other benefits.

Oteh said: “For retail investors that do not have the capacity in terms of technical understanding of how the market works, we would advise them to seek the advice of professionals or use collective investment schemes because you can’t put money on the table and look away,’’ she added.

CAFAN endorses Vital Fish Feed for farmers ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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he Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, CAFAN, has approved for use by its members and other fish farmers the fish feed produced by Grand Cereals Ltd., a subsidiary UAC of Nigeria Plc. The feed, which is branded Vital Fish Feed, was certified by the association during the weekend in Lagos for its quality and large scale production.

The endorsement, according to the President of the association, Chief Tayo Akingbolagun, came as a need to reduce the country’s dependence on importation of fish and fish feed, and promote the locally produced ones.

He said the endorsement was as a culmination of rigorous technical and laboratory analyses carried out by CAFAN on the fish feed as well as experimental testimonies of fish farmers across the country.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of UACN, Mr. Larry Ettah, who was delighted at the endorsement, said the feed produced at international standard was a step towards promotion of local products.

He was also happy that the feed has been tested to its quality by the fish farmers themselves.

“What is most interesting about this event is that the endorsement

is not coming from a ‘fishy’ source but from the direct users of Vital Fish Feed.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who was represented at the endorsement ceremony by the Regional Director, South West, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Quadri Olalekan, appreciated the Grand Cereals Ltd. for its commendable role in strengthening the agribusiness space of Nigeria through the production of poultry feed, vegetable oil, fish feed and maize flour from locally sourced maize.

“I am very proud to be associated with your company in several ways having declared yourself as the largest industrial user of maize in Nigeria, the pioneer producer of floating fish feed in Nigeria and the biggest producer of fish feed in Nigeria,” he said.

He also commended the company’s investment of N1.2billion in two ultra modern plants with a combined annual capacity of 30,000 Metric tons of feed.

He added, “You have played commendable roles in promoting the utilisation of local agricultural raw materials, reducing the huge import bill on fish feeds and by this, projecting the Fishery and Aquaculture Agenda within the context of Agricultural Transformation Agenda, ATA, of Mr. President.”

Fidelity Bank partners PayPal to advance e-commerce UDO ONYEKA

L-R: MD Charkin Maritime & Offshore Training Centre Mr. Charles Wame; Coordinator Eastern Zone of NIMASA Mr. Anthony Ogadi; Representative of the DG/CEO, NIMASA, Mr. Peter Mgbemena and Deputy Director Maritime Labour Department NIMASA, Mrs. C.N. Nwokocha, at the celebration of the Day of the Seafarer organised by NIMASA in Calabar recently.

UDO ONYEKA

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eactions at the money market over announcement of increase in the minimum capital base for Bureau De Change operators from N10million to N35million, took a toll on the naira which weakened N2 ,1.2%, in that segment to close at N169.00/$1 on Friday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, last week published a set of policies designed to tighten regulation of BDC segment of the Foreign Exchange, FX, market.

Consequently, the House of Representatives have summoned the CBN governor requesting a reversal in the N35million new capital base.

Pending the outcome of the

F

idelity Bank plc has announced a business partnership with Paypal to the effect that its payment Cards are now acceptable on the Pay-

Naira weakens on BDCs new capital base summon, naira is expected to be firmer this week, as dollar sales by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, complement further supply by the Oil majors. The apex bank trimmed the volume of dollar sales during last week’s primary market aucti ons.

Thus, the bank offered a total of $650million in the week, opening with a $300million offer on Monday, which was subsequently increased to US$350m on Wednesday. Based on available bids, an aggregate of $642.8million was eventually sold, thus reflecting supply-demand balance in the FX market.

The marginal rate during

both auctions remained sticky at N155.73/$1.00. Analysts at an investment research company, Afrinvest (West) Africa said enough dollar sales has not been recorded at the end of June.

“Defying our expectation, end of month dollar sales by the Oil majors was not very strong yet.

Thus, the local currency unit depreciated by a mild 10 kobo ,6bps, to close at N163.0/$1.0 from 162.9/ $1.0 from the previous week,” the company said in its weekly update.

The Interbank money market experienced mixed fortunes last week as liquidity eased and tightened intermittently. This high level of liquidity at the start of the

21

week was driven by the first batch of federal allocation. This hit the system on Friday, despite the system debit for Retail Dutch Auction System, RDAS, funding and Open Market Operation, OMO, auction of N165.8billion.

“As such, rates commenced the week lower by an average 25bps as the Open Buy Back OBB and overnight rates closed at 10.25 per cent and 10.50 per cent on the first trading day.

“Subsequently, liquidity was moderated by the OMO auction, N165.8bn, and RDAS funding reversing previous decline in the OBB and Overnight rates higher to 10.5 per cent and 10.75 per cent.’’

Pal platform. The Bank said with this laudable development, Fidelity Bank’s cardholders can now shop from the world’s major international Retailers with more flexibility and convenience.

Coming on the heels of the proposed nationwide adoption of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s cashless initiative from July 1, this move is seen as part of the Bank’s efforts at boosting electronic payments, ecommerce and fostering ease of transactions.

PayPal, a global player in the e-commerce industry, offers a faster and effective means of conducting transactions over the internet and is being used by millions of customers across the world.

Divisional Head, Electronic Banking, Adédèjì Olówè who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the introduction of PayPal is a deliberate attempt by the bank to make financial services easy and accessible to its customers.

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Business News

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shoprite expands, opens biggest retail store in Ibadan

Agusto upgrades Access Bank credit rating to ‘A+’

KUNLE A ZEEZ

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he leading retail shop in Nigeria, Shoprite has further expanded its operations in the country with the opening of the lragesy retail outlet in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State.

As a result, the retail company kept the busy town of Ibadan more active for three days with several events to mark the opening of its 10th and largest store in the country.

Unlike its previous store openings, the management of Shoprite had put together a series of activities to educate and entertain the people of Ibadan.

A fun race, which had over 300 registered participants running a 4km distance within the metropolis ended with so much excitement as the winners were rewarded with shopping vouchers worth N120, 000.

There was also the free breast cancer screening, which saw about 50 women go through the CT scanner as well as complimentary products being handed out by Shoprite and a number of its suppliers.

As expected, the event played host to a number of dignitaries from the state who were guided round the store which is situated at the newly constructed Palms Shopping Mall on ring road, Ibadan.

The doors were finally opened to the general public on Thursday 19th of June 2014 and would offer customers an extensive range of quality products.

According to the Store Manager, Mr. Fatai Oshungboye, the new 4,754 square meter aspirational store has a clean, modern feel and offers the excitement of buying everyday household items at cheap prices in a convenient environment.”

He said, “Over 60 per cent

of the products to be sold in the store are from local suppliers; therefore indicating that the presence of Shoprite in the city has added positively to the socio-economic growth of the state.”

He described Shoprite as the leading retailer across Africa and the brand of choice for many consumers across the African continent.

“Shoprite’s large following of loyal customers can be attributed to its ability to offer the widest range of products and the highest standards of freshness and quality whilst always maintaining the lowest prices.

“Shoprite first entered Nigeria in December 2005, when they opened a store in The Palms shopping centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Shoprite has since opened stores in Surulere and Ikeja in Lagos; and other stores in Enugu, Ilorin, Ibadan and Abuja,” he added.

UDO ONYEKA ccess Bank Plc has been upgraded from “A” to “A+” with a stable outlook by an indigenous rating agency, Agusto & Co. The rating according to a statement from the agency, cements Access Bank’s position as a Systemically Important Banking Institution in Nigeria and reflects the full synergy of the merger with Intercontinental Bank Plc. Agusto & Co’s ‘A’ signifies a financial institution of good financial condition and strong capacity to meet its obligations.

According to the report as issued by Agusto & Co, Access Bank achieved this by actualizing a good liquidity position, satisfactory capitalisation as well as improved

Landover aviation school student emerges best in IATA /UFTAA exams OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Publisher/CEO, Businessday, Mr. Frank Aigbogun and Executive Director, Lagos and South West Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. IK. Mbagwu at the Businessday Annual Banking Award 2014 where Fidelity Bank won the award for the Best Bank in support of SMEs in Nigeria.

Sterling Bank bags Most Innovative Bank award

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terling Bank Plc, at the weekend in Lagos, was awarded the Most Innovative Bank courtesy of its Kia–Kia Account, at the BusinessDay Annual Banking Awards.

Receiving the Award on behalf of the Bank, Sterling Bank’s Head of Retail Products, Mr. Gbenga Adegoke described the Award as a reward for hard work and painstaking research by the Bank to come up with products that will be acceptable to the unbanked/ under-banked Nigerians and in support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion initiative.

Adegoke also expressed the

appreciation of the Bank to the Management of BusinessDay, other institutions and individuals involved in the process of selecting the Award winners for considering Sterling Bank worthy of the Award.

He assured the over 1000 guests at the event that “Sterling Bank will continue to engage in research and come up with new products and services to meet the changing needs of our “One Customer”.

Later in an interview with reporters, Adegoke who described the introduction of the product as a success story said that the acceptability of Kia-Kia has been unprecedented as artisan and

many others who were previously excluded from the formal banking system now operate the account as it provides easy and instant access to top class banking services offered by Sterling Bank.

“Kia Kia Account is distinguished by the immense ease and convenience associated with its opening process. It can be opened on the spot even without the customer being physically present at the branch with limited documentation requirement. This has been responsible for the increased volume of customers this product has attracted during the slightly over 16 months of its introduction”, he said.

risk management framework which had a positive impact on asset quality.

The rating agency stated in their report that the Bank’s extensive network of 310 branches and cash centres has created improved visibility among the banking population and has translated to a significant market share across the key market indicators.

It stated that Non Performing Loans, NPLs, to gross loans ratio stood at 2.4 per cent - the lowest recorded in the last five years and compares favorably with the industry average of 3.6 per cent.

The report further states that ‘Access Bank’s improved rating further corroborates the Bank’s enhanced capacity to execute larger transactions as well as access long-term funding from local and foreign multilateral agencies and institutions’.

ne of the leading aviation training organisations in Nigeria, Landover Aviation Business School, LABS, said that one of its students, Miss.

Maureen Ozurumba, has topped the class of students that wrote the International Air Transport Association/ United Federation of Travel Agents Association, IATA/UFTAA, Travel and Tourism Foundation examination in Nigeria.

The training school said that during the March examination, Ozurumba was ranked as the overall Best Performer in the country.

According to the Business Manager, Landover Aviation Business School, Oluwatoyin

Sanni, who presented the certificate to Ozurumba on behalf of LABS, the school was delighted and proud of the achievement of the student.

She added that the school’s commitment to offering quality aviation training and not compromising on standards resulted in the pass rate of students at the IATA exams, with many receiving the highest possible grade of distinction at each successive exam.

At the presentation ceremony held in honour of Ozurumba, the Executive Director, Landover Company, Mrs. Aduke Atiba, was of the view that LABS would continue to set the pace for other aviation training schools by improving upon its contribution to the development of human capital within the air transport industry.

Demuren bags African aviation award 2014 OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he former DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and the currently Chief Executive Officer of Harold Demuren Consulting, Dr. Harold Demuren has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his Outstanding Services to African Aviation Development.

The Award was presented during the African Aviation Summit 2014 and 23rd Annual ‘Air Finance for Africa ’Conference & Exhibition held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recently.

Announcing the Award, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, African Aviation, Mr. Nick Fa-

dugba, congratulated him for his outstanding achievements in particular as Director-General of the NCAA and for his role in championing the Nigerian airline industry at the global level.

He commended the African Aviation for recognising his contribution to the continent’s aviation industry after he had left the office as Director-General of the regulatory body in Nigeria, stressing that former officials in Africa are often not recognised for their earlier contributions.

Fadugba reiterated his continued commitment to promoting aviation safety and security both in Nigeria and in Africa as a whole.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Child labour can be eliminated using social protection Amongst the objective of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010 is to provide for an open and fair system of guaranteed and adequate compensation for all employees or their dependants for any death, injury, diseases or disability arising out of or in the course of employment as well as provide rehabilitation to employees with work-related disabilities as provided in the Act. The Act also gives the opportunity to establish and maintain a solvent compensation fund managed in the interest of employees and employers, provide for fair and adequate assessments for employers, provide an appeal procedure that is simple, fair and accessible, with minimal delays as well as combine efforts and resources of relevant stakeholders for the prevention of workplace disabilities, including the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards.

Managing Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Alhaji Munir Abubakar, in this interview with MESHACK IDEHEN, says that issues affecting workers must be dealt with using international standards and that child labour is a challenge that must be eradicated.

You are always advocating social protection floor initiative.

What do you mean when you talk about that initiative?

Social Protection Floor is a global social policy approach put in place to promote integrated strategies for providing access to essential social services and income security for all.

The initiative recognises the importance of ensuring social protection for all. The United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, UNCEB, adopted in April 2009, the Social Protection Floor initiative, as one of the nine UN joint initiatives to cope with the effects of the economic crisis.

This initiative was co-led by the International Labour Office and the World Health Organisation and involves a group of 17 collaborating agencies, including United Nations agencies and international financial institutions.

And within the framework of the Social Protection Floor Initiative, the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group has been created to enhance global advocacy activities and to further elaborate the conceptual policy aspects of the approach.

The advisory group provides general guidance in several areas related to the feasibility, applicability and adaptability of the social protection floor concept and its implementation process in different socioeconomic and institutional contexts at the local, national, regional and global levels.

How do you think social protection can help to eradicate child labour?

Well designed social protection policies are sensitive to children’s needs and can make a real difference in the fight to eradicate child labour.

And in order to accelerate the decline in child labour the global community must address its root causes more effectively, Social protection, along with universal compulsory, formal, quality education at least up to the minimum age for work, decent work for adults and youth of working age, effective law and strong social dialogue together provide the right response to child labour.”

Do not forget that the ILO recently released its World Social Protection Report 2014/15, which shows that many children do not receive the child and family benefits they need to realize their potential.

And from the facts and figures, over 168 million children worldwide are in child labour; 85 million of them are in hazardous work, while the Report also shows that since 2000, child labour has declined by one third and progress is accelerating. Between 2008 and 2012, the global number fell from 215 to 168 million, while the number of children in hazardous work fell from 115 to 85 million.

I am of the view that underinvestment in children jeopardises their rights and their future, including their right to be protected from child labour because the ILO report builds on evidence presented last year on how cash and inkind child and family benefits, especially when combined with access to education and health services, can be decidedly effective in addressing child labour.

We are all aware that these cash transfer programmes for children and families have been implemented widely in Latin America, and also exist in Brazil’s Bolsa Família programme, the universal child benefit programme in Mongolia and the South African Child Support Grant.

Abubakar

Are you saying that social protection floor underscores the need for social security?

Yes. The need for social security has more to do with the unexpected life circumstances, the loss or reduction of productive capacity, and discrimination can hinder a person’s or a family’s well-being.

This is because everyone needs protection from social risks and resulting insecurities as social security benefits - or social transfers - are powerful tools to combat poverty and inequality, and to invest in social and economic development. As such, they are key to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets In other words, social protection, through social security policies that are aligned with economic and labour policies, is an economic, social and political necessity that has been recognized by several international declarations and agreements as a human right.

Can you throw some light on the importance of Employees’ Compensation Act to employers and workers of Nigeria?

The enactment of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), 2010 which repealed the obsolete Workmen’s Compensation Act (WCA) of 1942 is of immense importance to the workers of Nigeria as the scheme has achieved tremendous success as over 12,043 employers have registered from the Organised Private Sector (OPS) as at the end of February this year while about 4.2million estimated employees are covered from that sector.

In the scheme, the Federal Government has so far paid for treasury funded MDAs from 2011 up to December, 2013 and the number of employees covered still being reconciled and the computerization project to provide e-operations for the Fund has reached advance stage.

Building up social protection systems play a significant role in ending child labour,

Pensions,

as well as unemployment, maternity, employment injury and disability benefits also help prevent situations where children have to work

What is your position on the building up social protection system?

Building up social protection systems play a significant role in ending child labour, Pensions, as well as unemployment, maternity, employment injury and disability benefits also help prevent situations where children have to work to supplement inadequate or insecure family incomes or enter child labour due to death, injury, sickness or other sudden income shocks.

In the latest 2013 ILO report, only 12 per cent of unemployed workers receive unemployment benefits; only 28 per cent of women in employment are protected through maternity benefits, and only 52 per cent of those over retirement age receive a pension.

Health coverage that ensures access to health care does not only improve people’s health, it also protects households from the risk of falling into poverty due to health costs. Currently, about 40 per cent of total health expenditure is directly shouldered by the sick.

The building up social protection is a pointer to the ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) that reflects on how the global consensus on nationally-defined basic social protection guarantees as a basic right for all.

What roles do international labour standards play in economic development?

International labour standards are sometimes perceived as entailing significant costs and thus hindering economic development.

A growing body of research indicates, however, that compliance with international labour standards often accompanies improvements in productivity and economic performance. This is because higher wage and working time standards and respect for equality can translate into better and more satisfied workers and lower turnover of staff.

And so, social protection such as unemployment schemes and active labour market policies can facilitate labour market flexibility; they make economic liberalization and privatization sustainable and more acceptable to the public.

Freedom of association and collective bargaining can lead to better labour-management consultation and cooperation, thereby reducing the number of costly labour conflicts and enhancing social stability.

The beneficial effects of labour standards do not go unnoticed by foreign investors because studies have shown that in their criteria for choosing countries in which to invest, foreign investors rank workforce quality and political and social stability above low labour costs. At the same time, there is little evidence that countries which do not respect labour standards are more competitive in the global economy.

What message do you have for the nation’s employees?

I call on the employees to complete the necessary compensation claims form and submit as appropriate for processing and payment as well as submit, if he/she is fit to do so, the particulars of the injury or occupational disease on the prescribed ECS Form (duly completed by the hospital/ clinic where the employee received treatment.

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Jobs & Career

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Tips for excelling at work

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ost people want to be good employees -- and most want to excel at their jobs. To be a successful employee and excel at work, though, is not simply a matter of being good at what you do. Being a successful employee also involves issues such as professionalism, attitude, and teamwork -- all of which is the thrust of this article. Here are tips for how to excel in your job at work.

Learn how to perform your job well- There’s a big difference between just doing your job and doing your job well -- and with pride. Making the extra effort, ratcheting up your game a notch or two, and taking steps to fill any voids in your work will all help you shine in your job.

Work hard- It used to be that just showing up for work was enough to get by in some companies, but those days are long gone. Today, you not only have to show up and be at your job the full day (arriving on time and not leaving early), but also put in a full day of work. Keep personal calls, emails, texts, and the like to a minimum.

Act professionally- No matter what your job, it’s important to be serious and focused on what you do -- and act professionally in all situations. There’s a time and place for fooling around, and it is not the workplace. Professionals follow the rules and are courteous, friendly, and tactful. Acting professionally also means dressing appropriately for your job.

Express positive attitude-You don’t have to be “Cheerful Sally” -- in fact, don’t be or you might not be taken seriously -but having a positive and go-get’em disposition is important. People like working with -- and helping -- co-workers with a positive attitude. People with negative attitudes -- “Debbie Downer” -- drag everyone around them down.

Take initiative-You may be very good at your job -- and that is important -- but do you ever try to push the limits of your work? In other words, do you ever consider better ways you could do your job -- or better ways your department could work -- and make suggestions to your boss?

Just do not confuse taking initiative with knowing it all.

Be a good team player-To be successful in most jobs today, workers must also be good team players. Review how well you work in teams, examining key issues such as communications, working relationships, team successes (and failures).

For a reality check, you might consider asking a few teammates for some honest feedback.

Know your boss-You don’t have to be best friends with your boss; in fact, you don’t even need to like your boss. You should, however, know your boss. In other words, the better you understand how your boss thinks, acts, and manages, the better you perform your job to his/her expectations and demands.

Understand your employer-Some people work at their jobs for years without really knowing or understanding their employer. Taking the time to understand the organization’s mission, goals, strategies, and products/services will help you better understand your role within it -and the value of the job you provide.

Take (constructive) criticism graceful-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GTBank appoints Hezekiah Oyinlola as non– executive director Meshack Idehen

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Workers on duty

ly-One of the hardest things for all of us to learn is how to handle constructive criticism -- and how to use these critiques to improve our performance on the job. Yes, some bosses are truly nit-pickers, wanting everything done their way or not at all, but most bosses are simply providing feedback so you can perform your job better... so you can excel at your work.

Cultivate relationships. Having workplace friendships with some of the folks who work with or near you is usually a positive element in job satisfaction -which should result in greater motivation to perform your job to the best of your abilities. Just be sure you make friends with positive people who, like you, are focused on excelling at their work.

Take opportunities to learn new skills, jobs- The longer we work at one job, the more likely we’ll get bored with it -- perhaps just going through the motions -- until we are no longer excelling in our jobs. One way around this problem is taking opportunities for additional educational and training when your employer offers them.

Be part of the solution. Don’t be the worker everyone hates - the one who is

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eading available job vacancies for this week is the position for an Architect/Project Manager of a property management, investment and development company offering end-to-end services along the real estate value chain from www.jobberman.com To report to the head of projects design and expected to be based in Lagos, the general description of the job duties are to be responsible for the overall coordination, design, preparation and delivery of architectural drawings Other duties are preparation of architectural drawings for all projects, creating building designs and highly detailed drawings both by hand and by using specialist computer-aided design (CAD) applications, assess and advise on property procurement and plan, design and supervise implementation for branch upgrades Interested and qualified candidates are urged to visit www.jobberman.com for application details.

Still from www.jobberman.com is the position of a Marketing Communica-

always quick to point out the problems... while offering no solutions. Instead, when possible, strive to be a problem-solver.

Problem-solvers are a valuable commodity in every workplace.

Avoid gossip-It should go without saying -- but we’re saying it anyway -- that it’s always best to turn a deaf ear to gossip and rumours. No matter how good a worker you may be, getting caught in the web of gossip will quickly downgrade your standing with your boss and employer.

Volunteer for new projects-Whether to seek a little variety with your job or to try to score some points with the boss, volunteering to take on additional work and responsibilities can lead to greater job satisfaction, better work performance, and perhaps even a new direction for your career.

Mentor new employees and younger workers- One of the greatest goods in the workplace is when an experienced worker mentors a younger, inexperienced worker. Helping the new worker learn the ropes will provide you great personal satisfaction -- and will also put you in good standing with the boss.

Source: www.quintcareers.com

uaranty Trust Bank said it has appointed a non executive Director, Mr. Hezekiah Sola Oyinlola to replace Mrs. Stella Okoli on the bank’s Board of Directors following Okoli’s retirement in compliance with the bank’s code of corporate governance which stipulates a retirement age of 70 years for directors of the bank.

A statement by the bank said Oyinlola is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and have worked at Schlumberger Group since 1984 where held multiple senior roles on the management team, including being the first Nigerian Managing Director of Schlumberger Group in Nigeria.

Oyinlola in 2011 was appointed to his current position as chairman of Africa Schlumberger Group.

Speaking on the appointment, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Segun Agbaje, said the appointment in demonstration of the bank’s commitment to the sustenance of good corporate governance and succession planning.

Oyinlola’s appointment, according to the bank, has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria in compliance with the highest level of corporate governance standards.

Agbaje

Job vacancies tions Representative that will have responsibilities to develop marketing plans, work as the marketing communications officer for the foundation and represent the physically challenged and act as a spokes person for the foundation Other responsibilities are to create awareness for the foundation, source donations from foundations and dignitaries, working with media and camera men, create programs that drive brand loyalty, manage marketing budgets and attend trade shows and events to market product Qualifications and requirements needed are a minimum of HND/BSc in a relevant field, plus 2 years experience in relevant field.

From www.findjobafrica.com is the opening for a General Manager for a firm based in Calabar, Cross-River state.

Functions of the GM may include to completes store operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results and to maintain store staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.

Other responsibilities are to maintain store staff job results by coaching, counselling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results. Achieves financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analysing variances; initiating corrective actions. Identify current and future customer requirements by establishing rapport with potential and actual customers and other persons in a position to understand service requirements.

Qualifications needed for the position are a bachelor degree, (Masters Holder also desired), and a minimum of 12 years experience.

Interested candidates must have thorough knowledge about marketing strategies. Be able to manoeuvre and develop business procedures. Have proficient leadership, organisational and supervisory skills. Be dependable and professional.

Have computer and software skills. Have superior training and presentation skills.

Be able to communicate successfully in both written and verbal format.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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Real Estate & Environment

Stakeholders canvass integrated approach to housing delivery At the nation’s capital last week, the 4th Building and Construction Economic Roundtable of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria rallied both the policy makers and professionals in the housing sector to brainstorm on how to address the looming housing crisis in the country.

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, who witnessed the two-day event, reports.

D

espite the fact that it is clearly stated in the Nigerian Constitution that public policy of government must, at all times, be channelled towards the provision of adequate shelter, a large section of the Nigerian populace have continued to be homeless. This lack of quality housing, according to experts, does not only hamper the building of productive lives, it also limits their contributions to national development.

For instance, in over a decade of democratic governance and over five years that the UN habitat released damning statistics, which puts the housing deficit in the country at 17 million units, there has not been any deliberate policy geared towards adding to the nation’s housing stock.

The pockets of interventions by the

‘Neglect of surveyors, bane of Nigeria development’ 26

present administration in the area of social housing has not made any appreciable impact either because the same houses which are built for the poor are often bought over by the rich.

Thus, rather than closing the housing deficit gap, the gulf expands, even in geometrical proportion, while a large number of the people who constitute the lowest rung of societal ladder continue to live a debased life, denied of essential needs, prominent of which is decent housing.

However, a foundation towards exploring the right strategies to addressing the various issues militating against the housing sector in the country was laid last week during a forum organised by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria.

Housing Estate in Abuja

At the event, which rallied the people both on the policy making side and those in the private sector, it was agreed that there was an urgent need to have a paradigm shift in the nation’s quest to address the looming housing crisis.

Tagged,”4th Building and Construction Economic Roundtable,” with the theme, “Developing a Master Plan on new Homes for Nigerians-the Critical Success factors,” the forum is designed to focus on housing as not only a basic and social need of man, but also a vehicle for socioeconomic transformation of Nigeria.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who declared the forum open, admitted that the country would not be able to bridge the housing deficit gap without addressing the underlying factors militating against the housing and urban development sector over the years.

In order to address some of these challenges, the President, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Akon Eyakenyi, stated that the present administration had articulated enabling poli-

Cement: Dangote explains reasons for public enlightenment

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cies, plans and strategies to invigorate the sector.

He noted that his government had identified key major areas to work on in its drive to remove all the impediments to housing and urban development sector.

Some of these areas, according to him, include Land Administration and Management, Affordable Housing, Housing Finance and Urban and Regional Development.

On the significance of the efforts, the President said, “Our aim is to significantly reduce the national housing deficit while ensuring the transformation of our towns and cities into live-able, productive, inclusive and environmentallyfriendly human settlements, as well as effective drivers of socio-economic growth and sustainable national development.”

In his paper, QSRBN President, Mallam Husaini Dikko, urged governments at all levels to come up with various intervention programmes to address the housing need of the people, stressing that leaving the sector to market forces would CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

OPIC showcases Makun, Orange Valley estates 28

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Real Estate & Environment

‘Neglect of surveyors, bane of Nigeria development’

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders canvass integrated approach to housing delivery

BABABLOLA YUSUF

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he Nigerian institution of surveyors has attributed Nigeria underdevelopment to non usage of the services of surveyors by the government.

Speaking recently, the national president of the institution, Bode Adeaga said the institution is doing everything possible to ensure that the government of Nigeria see the importance of surveyors to the economy.

He said, “Our institution is trying as much as possible to liaise with the Office of the Surveyor-General to bring up certain matters so the he can go through them and talk with the minister and present some of our proposals to the government for implementation.

“We have been organising programmes to be able to highlight our programme so that the government will know. It is unfortunate that we don’t have any surveyor in the government either at the executive or national assembly level to push some of our proposals. People still look the works of surveyors as that of the olden day where they stay in the bush to measure,” he said.

Reeling out the importance of surveyors to the economy, the NIS boss said government abroad do not joke with surveyors because of their importance to the economy, saying “Why some countries are thinking of electronic train, we are still embracing locomotive trains.”

Giving an instance, Adeaga said, “In overseas, once you get to the airport, you can get to the counter and pick the street guides. Who do you think will provide the street guides? It is done by surveyors.

If I look at it, either you are taking blue line or red line to where you are going, it would be there. You move without asking anybody and you can get to your destination.

“What of navigator that you fix on your car that will show you the way, who provide it? It is the surveyor. When conducting census, you need the services of surveyors. During the last census, many villages are extinct but in our own map, they are there.

Also talking about how surveyors can help achieve a successful census, he said, “In fact, we can do the census of this country in one day if you make use of the services of surveyors. The only thing is that everybody will come out on a field and to scatter during certain time through satellite.

Adeaga

Jonathan

Akon

Husein

CONTINUED FROM 25 not yield the expected result.

Dikko said, “Housing has always been a major challenge in Nigeria. Generally it is a costly asset and its ownership is often beyond the income of a good number of citizens who live below what is usually called the poverty line. Affordability is therefore a major issue in house ownership and thus of major concern to government and the citizens.

“This being the case, reliance on interplay of market forces will not be helpful in resolving the problem of access to home ownership in Nigeria. Therefore, an intervention must come somewhere and somehow. This intervention can come in the form of subsidies and the safety nets ‘to the segment of the citizenry that is most vulnerable to deprivation of access to home ownership.

“A master plan that will consider the multi-faceted ramifications and the various perspectives to home ownership is required. These perspectives may impel a public-public partnership (PuPuP), Public- Private Partnership (PPP), Private Sector Initiative, Government Policy intervention, Direct government production, a fiscal policy driven initiative, a monetary policy-driven initiative and a combination of fiscal and; monetary policies and initiatives.”

Apart from that, the QSRBN boss also advocated a fiscal regime that would crash the prices of cement and other major building materials to not more than 40 per cent of their current market prices, re-examination of the nation’s mortgage system with a view to finding out why the system which works very seamlessly in the United Kingdom, for example, does not work in Nigeria, simplification of land acquisition process to make it less expensive and affordable.

He added, “It makes little sense in the face of a national effort to bridge the current housing deficit for government or its agencies to impose all manner of levies and fee regimes on developers before they can obtain land for housing development.

When developers pay so much for land, they definitely pass on the costs to buyers with built in profits and interests and this contributes to’ the high cost of new

THIS DISTINCTION SHOULD BE NOTED SO THAT LAND FOR HOUSING SHOULD BE TREATED SEPARATELY FROM LAND FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE USED FOR PRODUCTIVE AND INCOME YIELDING ACTIVITIES homes in Nigeria.

“State governments should not appropriate undue surplus from land because land has no marginal productivity, land which is meant for housing should not be a target for increased internally generated revenue (IGR) by State governments because it is counter-productive and slows down development of the housing sector. Housing belongs to the social sector of the economy while commercial developments belong to the economic sector.

“This distinction should be noted so that land for housing should be treated separately from land for commercial and industrial development which are used for productive and income yielding activities.”

In her address, which was read by Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Aethelbirth Muoka, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi stated that the only way the housing deficit in the country could be addressed was for governments at all levels to embark on aggressive production of houses.

She said, “I am delighted to note that the focus of attention of this year’s Roundtable is the provision of affordable new homes for our people through the development of a master plan, which takes into cognisance the critical factors for sustainable- housing delivery.

“As you are all aware, bridging the national housing deficit, estimated at 17 million units, will entail the delivery of housing units on a massive scale through an integrated approach involving all stakeholders. It is also anchored on the development of a well-designed Master Plan.

The minister urged employers of labour in the organised private sector to make adequate provision for access to affordable homes to their employees as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

Eyakenyi added that through cooperative societies, members of the Workers Unions could also be assisted to own their homes.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, in his own address established a nexus between lack of decent homes and low productivity, insisting that the former was capable of derailing the nation’s national development.

While painting a graphic picture of the state of homelessness in the country, the minister stated that, “Nigeria with an estimated population of 167 million people, requires at least an additional 720,000 housing units per annum (based on an estimate of 9 dwelling units year per 1,000 of population) not only to replenish decaying housing stock, but also to meet rising demand for houses, and in order to avert the imminent housing crisis by 2020.

Successive efforts to meet this target have been unsuccessful as housing-deficit now stands at over 17 million units in Nigeria.

According to him, it was in a bid to address this housing deficit that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday 20th June, 2012 approved the National Housing Policy -and the National Urban Development Policy. He added that the Housing Policy thrust of Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was anchored on ensuring access to decent and safe housing in healthy environment with infrastructural services at affordable cost.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Real Estate & Environment

Cement: Dangote explains reasons for public enlightenment Stories: Babalola Yusuf

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he Dangote Cement Plc has disclosed that its various enlightenment programme across the country is to educate and inform the public on the benefits of using quality cement especially the new Dangote 42.5 3X Cement in their construction works.

According to Director, Sales & Marketing, South South of the company, Mr. Chux Mogbolu, the public awareness became necessary as research has shown that most cement users in Nigeria cannot differentiate between the

various grades of cement and their uses hence leading to application of lower cement grade where higher grade cement is should have been used.

Mogbolu, while speaking in Asaba said that because of the abysmal level of knowledge among artisans, block makers, masons and other craftsmen in the building industry, they use 32.5 grade cement in blocking making and house building has resulted in several cases of building collapse.

Describing the qualities of the new 42.5 cement grade, he said that the grinding is better, smoother which makes it to expel pockets of air therefore prevent-

ing cracks in pillars, beams and other areas where it is used.

He said Dangote is concerned with the spate of building collapse and the resulting loss of lives and properties.

He however advised the public to always buy Dangote Cement, as that amount to buying peace of mind and building peace of mind adding that the quality of products from the cement company ensures that customers always come back why the goods do not come back.

It will be recalled that, as part of efforts towards eliminating the menace of building collapse, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) embarked on the stan-

On-going road construction of Ijegun-Isheri Oshun Bridge at Ejigbo in Lagos State

NESREA seeks military assistance on illicit trade in wildlife Olufemi Adeosun

T

he Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Dr. Ngeri S. Benebo, has sought the assistance of the Nigerian military in tracking the menace of illicit trading in wildlife.

Besides, the agency is also seeking the security body on the use of controlled chemicals so that they will not become a subject of abuses by insurgents.

NESREA DG who made the appeal recently at a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, raised the that environmental components could be used for terrorist activities.

According to Benebo, the envisaged areas of collaboration include environmental education and awareness in military

barracks, sanitation and waste control, capacity building and human resource development.

She stated, “Environmental crime is a serious problem which can directly or indirectly impact on the economy, security of the nation and our existence. It has a strong transnational and sophisticated component and can only be effectively tackled through the unified efforts of the international community, national law enforcement and regulatory agencies and other key stakeholders.”

She noted that the required trainings would be carried out through lectures, technical presentations at various military training institutions, such as the National Defence College Abuja, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji and NigerianDefence Academy, Kaduna.

Also speaking, the Chairman Governing Board of NESREA, Bar. Huzi Mshelia, linked the

various humanitarian crises the nation had witnessed in recent times to extreme environmental challenges.

According to him, because of the implications on national development, governments all over the world have identified these challenges as security issues detrimental to national security.

He stressed that partnership with the military would ensure a more effective response to environmental crimes and problems, thereby helping to safeguard the health of the nation.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, in his response, assured NESREA the willingness of the military to assist the agency.

Badeh, however, called for inter-Agency collaboration to ensure effective control of controlled substances, which he alleged “are being used by terrorists in the fabrication of improvised explosive device (IED)”.

dardisation of the basic inputs in building and construction like Iron and steel, roofing materials.

Having completed standardisation in other areas, the agency set out to review cement standard. It adopted a holistic approach as to ensure that standards are maintained in all spheres of the building process.

Following widespread protests over rampant building collapse, the regulatory agency took the

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commendable step of immediate response to review cement standards in the country.

The technical committee of SON consulted widely with stakeholders from all sectors including the Nigeria Society of Engineers, COREN, universities, researchers, builders, block makers towards fashioning a suitable cement standard regime.

The stakeholders agreed to streamline cement types, with 42.5 cement for general purposes while 32.5 will now be restricted to plastering work. SON’s effort at reviewing cement type standard is commendable as it will restore sanity to the system.

Group demands end of pollution in Ogoniland

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rights group, Africa and Middle East Laureates of the Right Livelihood Foundation, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent action to ending the large scale environmental pollution in Ogoniland.

The group which met in Cairo, Egypt, voiced its concern about the ongoing land and sea degradation in Ogoniland and urged the Nigerian President to take action on the Ogoni UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) report, three years after it was submitted.

The group said the 2011 report had shown that “in at least 10 Ogoni communities where drinking water is contaminated with high levels of hydrocarbons, public health is seriously threatened.”

The Laureates urged Jonathan to take action on the “full implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP report” taking into consideration “effective participation of the Ogoni people in all stages relating to the restoration of their environment.”

Similarly, the Laureates called on the Congolese government to stop permitting oil exploration in the Virunga National Park, a World Heritage Site and home to around a quarter of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas.

Though they endorsed the recent decision by British oil company, Soco International, to end its exploration work in the Park, they however feared that Soco’s withdrawal is not a total victory, describing the withdrawal as ambiguous, in the light of the fact that the company said it would complete its seismic survey in Lake Edward.

According to the Laureates, exploration licenses cover 80 per cent of the park and other companies may seek to develop resources in the Virunga. They called on the Congolese government to cancel Soco’s permit, to respect national laws and regulations outlawing oil exploration and ex-

traction in protected areas, and to remove armed groups inside the park.

They also called on Soco to unambiguously give up its permit to explore within the park boundaries and to honour its commitment to respect all areas designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. While demanding a paradigm shift in agriculture and management of natural resources, the 11 Laureates at the four-day conference, declared: “In our diverse struggles toward improving access to health care, ending impunity, and achieving food security and sustainable development, we recognise an overarching crisis afflicting the region. Corporate capture of governance in Africa is becoming increasingly prevalent in the areas of agriculture and the extractive industries, namely mining, oil, and gas.”

They also called upon African governments to “make investments into infrastructure, health and education, especially in rural communities.”

“The Laureates appealed to the heads of states and governments of the African Union to “develop and implement the roadmap for the needed transition towards Ecological Organic Agriculture as promised by the African Heads of States and Governments in the Decision on Organic Farming”.

Additionally, they requested that “national governments implement the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security that was declared in 2000, and redirect ten percent of national budget allocation to Ecological Organic Agriculture”.

The forum brought the Laureates together to share their experiences and struggles in their different areas of work: from human rights to environmental protection, women’s health, ecologically and socially sound agriculture, as well as justice and community healing after violent conflict. The event was the second in a series of regional meetings of Right Livelihood Laureates.

Real Estate & Environment

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Choosing window security that suits your style Window security is an essential component of keeping ourselves safe at home from break-ins by thieves. We’re often put off, though, by the ugly designs of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s which not only make our homes look old fashioned but also probably don’t provide the sort of protection we need nowadays. Fortunately there are a host of new options available on what to choose for different areas of your home.

See through security for a stylish outlook Security screens are a great option for windows that look out onto lovely views, pretty gardens or a dramatic landscape. The Clear Guard screens consist of an aluminium frame with a high tensile stainless steel mesh insert, which makes up the bulk of the security barrier. You can see right through the mesh, allowing you to appreciate the vista while feeling safe at the same time.

Elsewhere in the world they’re used to keep out insects such as mosquitoes and other nuisances like snakes and monkeys. The screens developed for our market are much stronger, having been designed for our local crime conditions, and have been strength tested according to international standards.

Say ‘keep out’ with trellis-style barriers A good way to help keep criminals off your property is to make sure they can see you have

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

tage pane windows look extremely cluttered. An alternative here is burglar guards that match the size of the openings in your windows, and Cottage Guard burglar bars can do this for you. The opening sizes, however, have to remain within acceptable limits imposed by insurance companies to avoid claims being rejected.

Try roller shutters for a modern alternative to burglar guards

security measures in place. If it looks like it’ll take too much time and a high risk of discovery, they may not even try to enter the property. The streetfacing windows of your home, therefore, should be secured with visible barriers such as traditional double-trellis barriers.

There is still a choice to make here. The advantages are that the barriers can be opened to clean the windows or to enjoy an unobstructed view when you’re in the room (but don’t leave the barrier open if you leave).

Burglar guards like these that can be opened also offer an escape route if you’re trapped in the room by fire or burglars inside your home. An added benefit is that if your children accidently lock themselves in the room, you can open the window security barrier from the outside to get in and rescue them.

Pretty cottage panes for protection Ordinary burglar guards can make pretty cot-

At first glance, roller shutters may seem a bit over the top if used in place of burglar bars. But once you’ve seen lightweight aluminium ones installed, you’ll want them on all your doors and windows. They’re sleek and sophisticated, updating an older home and fitting right in with a modern one.

These shutters are very economical in terms of the space they need for fitting, and they roll up into a neat, compact shutter box, out of sight when not needed. If you’re building a new home or doing an alteration, the shutter box can be fitted into a recess prepared by your builder. It’s then completely unobtrusive when rolled away but still accessible for maintenance.

There’s a choice of slat for the shutter curtain, from solid to perforated to punched and you can also select a combination of slats to suit your needs.

The curtain can then be opened to allow in varying degrees of light, air and sound as required. Roller shutters can be fully automated and linked to a central control system for ultimate convenience.

To create a safe haven in your bedroom wing, fit Rollerstyle shutters to all bedroom and bathroom windows, and in your passageway. You’ll then be able to seal off this area for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Source: http://www.trellidor.co.za

OPIC showcases Makun, Orange Valley estates Stories: Babalola Yusuf

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he Managing Director of Ogun State Property & Investment Corporation, OPIC, Mr. Babajide Odusolu, has said that the completion of the new Makun City and Orange Valley estates will offer recreational centres, warehouses for industries along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

He also said that the completion of the estate would lead to high recreational value to people with considerable proximity to Ogun State, travellers, tourists, investors, indigenes and residents.

He also unveiled the strategic policy of the organisation to break grounds in estate commercialisation, advisory / consultancy services; industrial ware housing / residential recreational facilities and gymnasiums.

“The Corporation is no doubt making giant strides, identifying what the people want but not in place; and providing just that which the society lacks to make living a worthy experience,” he said.

Odusolu stated further that

the New Makun City and Orange Valley estates are OPIC flagship in tune with Ogun State mission to rebuild and the efforts to create a conducive and business friendly environment that will motivate private investments and support industrial growth.

Considering the industrial and recreational factors as OPIC unique policy thrust, the New Makun City was designed to be a catalytic hub with standard recreational facilities like nature and amusement park.

His words, “In the heart of Sagamu interchange, the estate on completion is delivering four residential districts, one educational district with zones for day and boarding facilities and three commercial districts which include a regional / shopping district / bazaar, a multi – purpose convention centre and light industrial district.

While intensifying the take off moves of New Makun City, OPIC is fast delivering the Orange Valley estate, strategically located in government business zone of Oke – Mosan, Abeokuta.”

Odusolu also said that the Orange valley estate in Obasanjo hilltop would provide central facilities such as commercial club house, swimming pool, 24 hour power

supply, potable water, gymnasium and broad band data services to owners.

“The estate will have 5 bedroom villa with home, office and BQ, and already completed 4 bed room semi detached duplexes and BQ. The OPIC boss in his address to news men confirmed that the first phase of Orange Valley is nearing completion while the second phase is expected to take off by August

2014.”

The OPIC Public Relations Department had released that the Orange Valley estate and New Makun City are designed to be a scenic and serene green living environment for its residents. , “These estates are to serve as suitable accommodation for increasing number of senior executives, residents and investors who with projected intense economic

activities, maximize personal and companies’ income, improve general economic activities and pay taxes voluntarily without being coerced”, it said in a statement.

The department revealed that the scenic, serene green estate with gutsy industrial and recreational value was created to attract people and curb the escalating rate of top executives and investors of Ogun State to mega cities in search of excellent housing units.

Academy wants engineers in leadership positions

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he Nigerian Academy of Engineering, has said that no country in the world can develop without the input of engineers in the running of the nation’s economy.

This was the position of the President of the NAE, Prof.

Raifu Salawu while speaking during the induction of 13 new fellows and the investiture of the 8th president in Lagos recently.

Salawu said, “The government must be made to understand that no economy could develop without the contribution of engineers at different levels.”

The president however said he would continue the fight for the recognition and involvement of engineers in the administra-

tion of the economy.

Salawu added that the government must be made to understand that no economy could develop without the contribution of engineers at different levels.

Also speaking, the immediate past President, NAE, Prof. Ayo Ogunye, said the country had only one engineer in the 25-member Advisory Committee of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan set up by the President and headed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga.

Ogunye said countries such as China would have appointed more engineers into the committee than other professionals.

“China has five learned acad-

emies comprising the China Academy of Sciences, China Academy of Social Sciences, China Academy of Agricultural Science, China Academy of Medical Sciences and China Academy of Engineering. These Academies serve as the thinktank for China and they are funded by the government,” he said.

Ogunye added that Nigeria equally had five academies — the Nigerian Academy of Science, Academy of Letters, Academy of Education, Academy of Social Sciences and NAE — they were never consulted by the Federal Government on issues of national interest.

One of

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Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

f OPIC Housing Estates in Ogun State

Property company woos Nigerian investors to US market

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property company, Houston EB5 has offerred potential investors opportunity of investing in one of USA’s most desirable real estate market in Houston Texas.

According to the CEO, 3Invest Real Estate Company, Ms Ruth Obih, in a statement made available to National Mirror, investing in the project would qualify investors for permanent residency in the United States through

the EB-5 programme.

She said, “There is a prospect of a handsome return on investment on the project, a luxury apartment complex in Downtown Houston called Block 384, investing in this project will qualify investors for permanent residency in the United States through the EB-5 programme.

She continued, “Following the success of Houston EB5’s newest real estate project, a $70m resi-

dential tower near the Houston Galleria called Astoria, which tapped a federal programme targeting wealthy foreigners whose investment amounted to $30m of the total cost of the project and the inherent 100 per centsuccess rate so far on I526 Green Card approvals, the company has started raising funds for this new project.

Obih, the CEO of 3Invest real estate company that happened to

be the project’s industry partner in Nigeria said the new project, which would be at an investment level of $500,000 had Randall Davis, a Houston Luxury Condominium Developer and partner in Houston EB5, Mexico City native and Houston entrepreneur Roberto Contreras, excited about the development of the 240 unit, 8 story Blocks, 384 luxury apartment after starting the construction on the Astoria Building, a 30-story condo tower on Post Oak Boulevard.

She also disclosed that 30 investors from countries in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia had invested $1m apiece to the EB-5 Regional Center, a company set up to raise money from foreign investors for a jobcreating commercial enterprise which would in return make the investors become lawful permanent residents of the United States.

“Astoria was really made possible thanks to these foreign investors, because one of the reasons there are not more condominium projects is because it’s very hard to finance them,” Contreras said. “Banks love to finance apartments, but don’t love to finance condominiums. The EB5 program has allowed us to complete more projects in the Houston area and we look forward to expanding our investor

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reach in countries like Nigeria and Vietnam.”

Managing Director of Houston EB5 Regional Centre, Acho Azuike, said the majority of the investors in Houston EB5 has subscribed for previous projects are from Mexico and other Latin American countries with Nigeria close behind.

“For future projects we plan to attract more investors from Nigeria because Nigerians are already familiar with the Houston area and we now have a track record of success because of our Astoria project.”

The EB5 investment program is administered by the U.S. Citizens Immigration Services under the Department of Homeland Security. It allows investors who make a qualified investment to fast track permanent legal residency in the United States for themselves and their immediate family without the usual roadblocks or red tape associated with the immigration process.

Given that real estate investments remain much safer in nature than typical business investments, compounded with Houston’s strong economic environment participants in Houston EB5’s Block 384 project can expect a more reliable and timely return on their investment.

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Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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Madrid, Dublin lead luxury property recovery

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eal estate markets in Ireland and Spain both suffered considerably during the euro crisis but now their capital cities have been described as experiencing the stand out luxury property market recoveries last year.

The performance of luxury residential markets across Europe’s key cities has been disparate and patchy since the financial crisis took hold in 2008 but Knight Frank’s inaugural European Cities Review shows that in Madrid and Dublin the recovery has been marked.

The report says that Madrid and Dublin recorded price growth of 5% and 24.6% respectively in the year to March 2014.

The report also says that Paris is increasingly good value compared with other Tier 1 cities in Europe and foreign buyers account for the largest component of demand in top wealthy locations Monaco and Venice.

‘However, even amongst Europe’s first tier cities there is considerable disparity. With luxury prices in Paris oscillating around €12,000 to €15,000 per square meter,

property here is looking good value, especially when compared to London or Monaco where prime prices are closer to €30,000 or €55,000 per square meter respectively,’ said Kate Everett-Allen, head of international research at Knight Frank.

Much has been made of wealthy overseas buyers putting their money into property in London but the report suggests that as economic indicators improve, the safe haven effect may not be uppermost in luxury buyers’ minds.

Instead, lifestyle, proximity to schools or universities and security considerations may be increasingly influential.

It points out that geopolitical tensions around the world will continue to push wealth buyers across borders. Similarly, changes to immigration laws in Switzerland, the fluctuation of tax rates in France and the introduction of Golden Investor Visas in Spain and Portugal can lead to short term changes in buyer sentiment.

‘The performance of prime property is still influenced by the pattern of capital flows and the priorities of the world’s wealthy.

In most cases, prime prices in Europe’s cities proved better insulated than the continent’s rural and coastal second homes in the period since 2008,’ explained Everett-Allen.

‘Prime city markets rely on a broader platform of demand; a mix of domestic owner occupiers, institutional investors, private wealth and foreign second home buyers. This mix of buyers meant that when foreign buyers retreated from the market in 2008/2009 there was a still a level of sales activity, albeit limited, taking place in Europe’s cities,’ she added.

But she pointed out that’s not to say prime city markets did not see significant price falls. For example, Dublin and Madrid saw falls of 45 to 55% peak to trough and even London saw prices decline by 24% in the year to March 2009. Vienna is the only exception and prices remained static in the aftermath of Lehman’s collapse and have seen growth of 5% per annum since 2012.

Paris experienced a brief growth spurt, with prices rising 22% in the year to September 2011 as wealth from the Middle East

A luxury house in Madrid, Spain

Brazil offers property investment for overseas buyers

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ll eyes may be on the football in Brazil but the country’s real estate market is also proving to be of interest to overseas buyers looking for a real estate investment According to a new analysis from real estate firm Savills, Brazil’s property market, compared to some of the other fast growing emerging economies, does not yet look overheated.

According to Paul Tostevin, associate director for world research at international real estate firm Savills, commercial yields currently stand at 8.5% and residential yields are at 5.1%.

He pointed out that the high profile sporting events are helping to raise Rio’s international profile. ‘It is no surprise that Brazilians are returning to Rio in large numbers.

The city is now growing at a faster rate than São Paulo. The rate of

annual house price growth in Rio de Janeiro peaked at 40% in 2010, slowing to 15% in 2013,’ he said.

‘This is much more in line with underlying occupier demand, matching rates of growth in rents.

However, mortgaged indebtedness is low and credit control is strong, so the prospects for a substantial downward price correction seem relatively remote in the current climate of growing wealth creation,’ he explained.

He added that while São Paulo is now Brazil’s financial capital, Rio de Janeiro still boasts a major financial district. Several multinational corporations are based there, a legacy of the city’s days as the country’s capital.

Rio is also home to a significant number of oil and gas companies, as well as telecommunications, entertainment and media organisations. Office rents appreciated

rapidly between 2010 and 2011, growing? By 37% in a single year, although they have since fallen by 14%.

But there are signs that the property market growth is slowing in some locations. According to the latest edition of the Global Property Guide house prices in Sao Paulo increased by 6.71% year on year in the first quarter of 2014, the slowest growth in the past six years. On a quarterly basis, house prices in Sao Paulo dropped by 0.12%.

One firm, Luxury Estate, says that Rio de Janeiro is the most popular place for overseas buyers followed by Sao Paulo. Those seeking an investment are betting on the considerable infrastructure that has been put in for the World Cup and for the Olympic Games in 2016 will make real estate capital growth promising.

sheltered in the French capital as the tensions surrounding the Arab Spring heightened.

The report also says that six years of slow sales activity means the choice and availability of prime homes is at its best for several years. However, while London’s prime development pipeline is relatively strong there is little planned or under construction in many of Europe’s historic and high density cities such as Paris, Monaco and Vienna.

‘If market activity strengthens and only limited new supply is added, the luxury stock that is on the market may take two to three years to be absorbed, with the potential for further price growth

thereafter,’ said Everett-Allen. ‘It is likely that Rome, Barcelona and possibly Paris will join Dublin and Madrid as growth markets in 2014,’ she added.

She also explained that the profile of luxury buyers is expected to change. ‘Private wealthy individuals will still comprise a significant component of demand in Europe’s cities but family offices, sovereign wealth funds and private investors will increasingly compete for the best properties. Growing interest from institutional investors, such as pension funds, hedge funds and insurance companies, is already evident in Barcelona, Madrid and Dublin,’ Everett-Allen also explained.

UK has most transparent commercial property market in the world

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ommercial property markets around the world are becoming more transparent with the latest index covering 102 key markets showing over 80% have improved since 2012.

According to the eighth global real estate transparency index from JLL, the top improvers generally correlate with a surge in foreign direct investment and corporate occupier activity, as investors help to accelerate transparency reforms and governments realise that poor transparency will affect continued inward investment, long term growth prospects and the quality of life of citizens.

Top is the UK followed by the United States, Australia, New Zealand and France. The rest of the top group recorded as being highly transparent is Canada in sixth place, then the Netherlands, Ireland and Finland.

In the transparent group is Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Singapore and Hong Kong while the top improvers are Kenya, Qatar, Ghana, Nigeria, Romania, Zambia, Mauritius, Algeria, Colombia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Peru and Hungary.

The report points out that the key drivers of enhanced transparency include a rising trend among governments and business to encourage a culture of ‘open data’, supported by technological advancement.

There is also an increasing acknowledgement by governments that poor transparency not only hampers investment flows, but it also affects the quality of life of its citizens and their relationship with local authorities responsible for taxing and regulating real estate.

The media spotlight on transparency is also boosting awareness and the report says that

the occurrence of several highprofile corruption scandals and building accidents have put the intern ational spotlight firmly on real estate transparency and led to a series of reforms in a diverse group of countries.

The further rise in cross border investment, with MNCs and international real estate advisors both extending their global footprints is accelerating the pace of change and the return of stronger economic growth and improving market fundamentals are enabling governments and the real estate industry to refocus on transparency issues that were put on the back burner during the global financial crisis.

It also highlights rising expectations from the millennial generation for more transparency and accountability of governments and commercial organisations, strengthened by the power of social media as well as a wider adoption of sustainability tools, such as minimum energy standards, green building rating systems and financial performance measurement of sustainable buildings, makes for more transparent markets.

While the world’s most transparent markets are still dominated by Anglophone markets, the top improvers in 2014 are dominated by Sub-Saharan African countries as transparency pushes into the frontiers of global real estate. But the report adds that while progress is being made across the continent, much still needs to be achieved.

Central and Eastern Europe continues to feature among the top improvers, notably Romania, Serbia and Hungary. However, Ukraine has regressed, highlighting how political uncertainty and geo-political strife can quickly compromise transparency levels.

Aviation Last week, the Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom toured the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos to gain firsthand information on the numbers of projects ongoing at the complex. After the tour, Ortom granted media interview where he spoke about his impression on the ongoing projects, the N174bn debt hanging on the ministry and future plans for the industry.

OLUSEGUN KOIKI was there.

Excerpts: What is your impression about what you’ve seen on ground?

I have to embark on this tour to get firsthand information on the ongoing projects. Before now, I put in place a committee, which went round and it is still going round to assess these projects and come out with a comprehensive report on what we have in the remodeling programme of the Ministry of Aviation. You are aware that we have a master plan to revitalise the aviation industry.

I’m happy with what I have seen and this further confirms why we have total commitment of over N174bn. As you can see for yourself, you can see there is massive work going on just at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos alone. This is just one airport out of the 22 that we have in Nigeria and simultaneously, work is going on in almost all the airports.

Some of the airports, the remodelling exercise has been completed while we have phases one, two and three in some, just as we have in Lagos Airport. We agreed that most of the works were suspended due to lack of funding, but you will also agree with me that for this year 2014, the budget was delayed and it has just been signed into law. Very soon, funds would be made available and we will immediately release the funds to the contractors.

What I want to assure Nigerians is that we are going to complete all the projects that we started. I’m not interested in embarking on new projects again, we want to ensure that we complete these ones that are ongoing. Even that, we want to priotise to ensure that we complete them.

Those that are near completion may be 70 to 80 per cent, we are going to fund them properly to ensure that we complete them and those that are half way, we will programme them in that manner and make sure that we complete them.

I know the funds can never be enough because of the paucity of funds coming from the federation account, but the truth is that through the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, we can still make a lot.

What we intend doing is to close the gap and ensure that we maximise what we are

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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There won’t be any abandoned projects in aviation –Ortom parties reached before the commencement of work.

Ortom

THIS JUSTIFIES WHY WE HAVE N174BN COMMITMENTS. IN SOME OF THESE COMMITMENTS, THE PROJECTS HAVE NOT EVEN STARTED AND WE INTEND NOT TO EMBARK ON ANY NEW PROJECTS EXCEPT WHERE IT CONCERNS SECURITY AND SAFETY getting through the IGR so that we put it back into these projects.

I will also make some passionate appeal to Mr. President to source funds for us somewhere to ensure that we complete these projects and I’m sure Mr. President would oblige us because he is the initiator of the transformational agenda in the aviation industry and he is so committed to revamp the entire 22 airports in Nigeria.

He has even gone further to build new terminals and introduces cargo terminals that would further enhance the economy of our state by ensuring that we export our agricultural and perishable products. So, I think that he means very well and you can see that this is one area you can see, feel and touch the transformational agenda that an appreciable progress has been met.

I know that we are not where we want to be, but a journey of a thousand miles begin with just one step and Rome was not built in a day. At least, we are better off today.

What I’ve seen here with the Chief Executives of the industry is that in the course of our inspection, we have been able to identify some areas that are needed to be fixed and they are handy and some of them we have already taken proactive steps to ensure that they are resolved.

This justifies why we have N174bn commitments. In some of these commitments,

the projects have not even started and we intend not to embark on any new projects except where it concerns security and safety. That we will definitely go into that, but for now, we are comfortable with what we are doing and by the grace of God, I can assure you that we are going to complete all the projects in the sector.

What is your assessment of the ongoing construction of second terminal at the Lagos Airport with the loan sourced from China?

I’m very impressed with what has been done on the new terminal under construction here in Lagos, but as you may be aware, we are not just constructing this in Lagos alone, we are doing the same in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano Airports. These new terminal constructions are being financed from the loan obtained from China, which was secured by the Federal Government and it is $500m and additional $100m counterpart funding that the Federal Government provided.

Work is going on very well from the reports I have received from those on ground.

I’m impressed with the quality and standard of work, which is not compromised by both the contractor and the Federal Government. Whatever they are constructing is what was agreed in the agreement both

During the tour, the Assistant General Manager at the fire station, Mr. Rindap Domtur, disclosed that the department is grossly understaffed and that they have not gone on training in the last two years, what is the ministry doing about this?

We are already taking steps to ensure we address this human capital development in the system and it’s ongoing. I think that it is very important because of new technologies that are coming up, we need to upgrade our staff to be able to come and live up to the expectation of the problem.

Since I came in, we’ve taken this as a priority and now that the budget has been approved, we can go ahead and do this training. This is not just in the fire department of FAAN, but it cuts across board.

The CEOs have sent in their proposals and they are going through the due process and I want to assure you that we are committed to ensure that we train our staff to live up to their expectations because in aviation industry, we take as priority, issues of safety, security and this is a part of it. When you don’t have a well-trained staff, there is no way you can man that office.

So, we are committed to ensuring that we adequately train our staff. As an interim measure, I have directed the Managing Director of FAAN, in particular about the fore service to contact those who have retired from the system and return them in interim basis as contract staff because even if you employ new staff, they would still need to go for training. It is important that we take note of this now that I’m here to assess the situation firsthand.

The major complaints of the users of this airport including the passengers is the epileptic condition of the air conditioners, what is the government doing about this to improve the sordid situation?

We are all affecting even me, I went in and I was sweating. I appreciate the fact that work is ongoing. Right now, they are installing new air conditions around the terminal and for the central air conditions, we have contacted the manufacturer who fixed it and they have assured us that they are going to work on it as soon as they are able to do the assessment, do due diligence and send in their proposals, we are going to work on that.

From all indications, the calibration aircraft is unserviceable, what is the Government doing about this?

I have directed both NCAA and NAMA to work together on the aircraft, but they must ensure due process in all thy are doing before the establishment of both agencies, each of them had an Act guiding them and so, they are going to meet and make a recommendation to me on the aircraft.

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Aviation

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

When politics and aviation mix

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n April last year, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh told aviation journalists that politics and aviation don’t mix. Udoh stated this following the grounding of a private jet belonging to Rivers State Government by both the agency and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA at Akure Airport and the allegation in some quarters that the grounding had a political undertone.

The erstwhile boss of the air space manager insisted that the grounding was purely on safety procedure.

But, Airside has a different view from Udoh with recent happenings in the sector. A few days ago, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was prevented from using his chartered helicopter at the Benin Airport. Ditto to Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi

Amaechi and another Northern Governor.

The three governors were on their way to Ekiti State to felicitate with their counterpart who was going for a second term in office. The NAMA and NCAA officials on duty said that the grounding of the jet and the helicopter was “order from above.”

Who is this mighty person that is always referred to as the “order from above?”

When Airside contacted one of the senior managers in the sector on the issue, the manager simply said, “This is pathetic and worrisome. They have brought politics into aviation and may not augur well for us in the future. It is unfortunate.”

Airside thinks inasmuch as the authorities in the sector would want to convince or is it confuse the public that aviation and politics don’t mix, it is obvious that politics has crept into aviation and may eventually spell doom for us in the future.

Tanker drivers return to Airport road

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n the first quarter of 2013, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, held several meetings with the leadership of tanker drivers that supply aviation fuel to airlines in the sector, which culminated in the movement of their tankers to a permanent site within the environment.

The relocation of the tanker drivers was necessary as most of them stayed on the airport road, constitute nuisance and caused avoidable heavy traffic, which may eventually lead to an accident in the future.

Although, the drivers were expectedly very reluctant to move, but after much persua-

sions and threats, they eventually moved their tankers from the road.

However, it is sad to note that barely a year after their reluctant relocation; the drivers are back to the road, causing heavy traffic during the peak period.

The unfortunate thing about all this is that most of the tanker drivers within the airport don’t actually operate there. They use the airport road as their park and later crawl to Apapa to load fuel to filling stations.

Airside wants the management of FAAN to take a decisive action on these tanker drivers even though they behave as if they are above the law. A stitch in time saves nine.

Queen Elizabeth II formally opens Heathrow Terminal 2

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er Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has formally opened the new home of Star Alliance at London’s Heathrow Airport, unveiling a plaque that names the facility “Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal”, in recognition of her long association with the airport.

Britain’s Queen, who last year celebrated the 60th anniversary of her coronation, also opened the former Terminal 2 building that once occupied the same site as the new purpose-built facility back in 1955. The new Terminal 2 started its operations smoothly earlier this month.

This latest addition to Heathrow airport will house all 23 Star Alliance member airlines that serve the UK’s only hub airport.

So far, United, Air Canada, Air

China and ANA have successfully commenced operations there and the remaining airlines will move in gradually by November. This schedule ensures each move is as smooth as possible for passengers.

The Chief Executive of Star Alliance, Mark Schwab said; “It is terrific to see this new terminal coming to life as our Heathrow home after so many years of careful planning and construction. We are honoured that Her Majesty the Queen has lent her name to this fantastic new facility which will deliver an excellent service to Star Alliance customers at this major hub.”

Also, the Heathrow Development Director and CEO, John Holland-Kaye, stated Heathrow was delighted to welcome Her Majesty to open her new airport terminal, describing the opening as a

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN to recruit more fire service personnel soon –MD Stories: Olusegun Koiki

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he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Dunoma Saleh has confirmed that the fire service department of the agency is grossly understaffed.

Saleh however said that in order to address the present challenge and make the country’s airports in compliant with the recommended practices and operating standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, the management in a couple of months would commence the recruitment of qualified personnel into the department.

Saleh who disclosed this to aviation correspondents at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos said that the agency required at least 1,500 workforce in the department, but present has about 600 nationwide.

He attributed the gap in the number of staff to recent retirement in the department, but noted that in the interim, the management would reengage some retired staff to beef up

Saleh

the department and ensure efficiency.

According to him, the MMA, which is rated Category 9 by ICAO required a minimum of 160 staff, but decried that the present number of workforce in the airport was far below the expected number of staff.

He added, “The situation is true, but we are trying to recruit more people into the department. We are trying to bring back some of the retirees to improve the department be-

cause even it we recruit today, they will still have to be trained to meet up the expected standards.”

Besides, on the ongoing construction of a hotel on the MMA terminal and security implication to the airport environment, Saleh insisted that there was nothing wrong with the construction and its location.

He told journalists that most developed airport environments or cities had hotels within their terminals and wondered why the same thing could not be replicated in Nigeria.

On the old conveyor belts at the D- Wing arrival of the MMIA, Saleh declared that the two old conveyor belts would be removed very soon and replaced with more modern and faster belts to accelerate baggage discharge while additional two would be installed to increase passengers’ facilitation at the airport.

He further stated that very soon, the cooling system at the terminal would improve as the management was at present discussing with the manufacturers of the air conditioners on how they could be adequately maintained.

Six NCAT students emerge winners of B.A’s Leaders of Tomorrow programme

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ix students of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria, have been emerged winners in the British Airways,’ B.A, Leaders of Tomorrow programme.

The airline stated that the winners would embark on a two-week internship programme to be held in Nigeria and London in July 2014.

Media statement by the airline’s consultant in Nigeria stated that the initiative is aimed at deepening competencies in the aviation sector.

The winners according to the

celebration of the great work by many people and many organisations from across the country to create a new front door for the UK. He added, “The completion of the new Queen’s Terminal is the culmination of an £11bn private investment programme that delivers a world-class hub airport that the UK can be proud of.”

Heathrow Airport welcomed The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to an opening ceremony attended by over 1,000 people who were either involved in the construction of the building or are part of the team now working in the new terminal.

statement are Abimbola Caulcrick, a student of Abridged Airframe and Powerplant (AAP-8); Fajemisin Peter Adebola; Adachie Eneojo, both PGD students of Aviation Management; Banigo Michael; Ubong George Itok, both studying Standard Airframe and Powerplant (AP-27); and Ogunranti Olaluwa, a student of Abridged Avionics (AAVO-13).

The internship includes a twoweek theoretical and practical training in aviation management in Nigeria and London; visiting BA Training centre in Crane bank as well as the Engineering base in Cardiff.

The programme will be concluded with an opportunity to understudy Keith Williams, Chief Executive Officer of British Airways in London, as well as visiting other departments within the company to get firsthand experience of the workings of a global airline.

Commenting on the programme, the Regional Commercial Manager, B.A, West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka said that as the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria needed a strong aviation sector, which would propel the sector for-

Abiola

ward in the future.

Olayinka stated that the Leaders of Tomorrow was the airline’s contribution to this and expected big things from the winners in the coming years.

He added, “The value of the programme is that it bridges the gap between the classroom and the work environment, providing hands-on experience with one of the world’s most admired airline.”

The statement added that the winners were selected by an independent panel of three judges; aviation writer Wole Shadare, aviation consultant Simon Tumba and petroleum & energy services professional, Tunde Arogunmati.

Insurance

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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33

Nigeria Re positioning to tap growth opportunities –MD The Managing Director or Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation Plc, Lady Isioma Chukwuma is also the Vice President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN. She tells MESHACK IDEHEN in this interview how her company intends to remain the pacesetter in the insurance industry in Africa, and what can be done to deepen insurance business in the country. sary documentations are completed in good time by the cedant or broker.

Nigeria Re once was the undisputed leader in the reinsurance sector of the industry. How would you describe the performance of the company in recent times?

It is true that Nigeria Re was once the undisputed leader in the Nigerian insurance Industry at large and the reinsurance sector, in particular. The corporation was even among the top five in the African insurance market.

However, following the removal of legal cession in 2003 Nigeria Re lost its enviable position resulting in loss of market share and drastic drop in revenue. Inspite of the significant drop in gross written premium Income, the corporation has continued to record underwriting profit because of its expertise in sound underwriting.

A number of reforms have been carried out by the regulatory body, the National Insurance Commission in the last couple of years. What is your view on these reforms, and how well in your opinion has those reforms affected the reinsurance market in Nigeria?

Yes, NAICOM has in recent times issued a number of directives and come up with several policies and reforms all aimed at repositioning the insurance Industry to contribute meaningfully to the development of the economy.

I will say that the reforms are systematically achieving their set objectives and the insurance industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, is also improving, although we are still far from achieving the N1 trillion target. Specifically, NAICOM introduced the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative, MDRI, framework for measuring the industry’s growth.

The recapitalisation policy was aimed at strengthening the capital base of the operators and has increased the retention capacity of the reinsurance market. Similarly, the local content policy has also helped in developing and building local capacity for the oil and gas sector.

Reinsurance is a specialised industry with companies operating in the sector having their own particular clients. How would you describe the response and performance of clients towards reinsurance in the light of current industry situation?

Reinsurance is a specialised and international business.

The buyers of reinsurance are professionals who are knowledgeable in the business. The market is very competitive and buyers are at liberty to purchase covers from underwriters who offer the best terms and services.

Globalisation has made the entry of foreign reinsurers into the Nigerian insurance market a lot easier. These entrants put pressure on insurance prices thereby softening the reinsurance market.

Your company recently set a strategic roadmap that is intended to take it to it back to a leading position in the industry. What else is that strategic roadmap meant to achieve?

Besides repositioning the corporation in the insurance industry, the strategic road map also set out a new charge for the management which is to make the company a profitable global player in the reinsurance market. The Road map is also designed to create more market for the company, improve customer’s relationship and increase the company’s premium level.

What plans do you have in place to see to the realisation of those strategic objective set out in the roadmap?

With your company’s currently running an advert on the CNN, and with part of your new focus being on the external market, how do you plan on retaining existing local clients while signing on new ones?

The CNN advert was on for one month with the aim of improving the company’s visibility with our external clients in line with the new charge of being a profitable global player in the reinsurance market. Our focus on the external market is targeted at expanding our geographical spread and market share.

Regarding our plans on retaining existing local clients and signing on new ones, our strategy is to use the loyalty principles of, that is, rewarding the right results i.e. our loyal customers from time to time, including having listening ears to our customers’ complaints and dealing with them appropriately; We also aim to retain and sign on new customers by practicing what we preach, that is honouring our commitments and ensuring that the business relationship is a win/win one. Being picky by carefully choosing whom to have long term business relationship with and keeping it simple and ensuring that our administrative and accounting procedures are such that can attract and retain new customers.

Chukwuma

The recapitalisation policy was aimed at strengthening the capital base of the operators and has increased the retention capacity of the reinsurance market A number of plans have been put in place towards the realisation of the strategic objectives that have been set; some of these include continuous staff training and development aimed at enabling the staff take responsibility for the implementation of the new charge.

Others are effective alignment of the organisation with customers using loyalty principles, and programs geared towards improving the company’s visibility. Such programs include image projection through media adverts, production of Nigeria Re’s newsletter, organisation of customer’s fora where loyal customers will be appreciated, road Shows, participation in corporate social responsibility and improved corporate website.

Timely payments of claims by the insured have always been a challenge conventional and reinsuring insurance companies grapple with. How do you intend to correct that situation particularly with regards to Nigeria Re? Because we appreciate the importance of timely settlement of claims as a way of winning and retaining customers’ confidence and loyalty, the corporation has reviewed its claims payment policy. Settlement of genuine and admitted claims is now treated as top priority in the organisation as long as all neces-

Experts are of the opinion that large untapped possibilities still abound in Nigeria’s reinsurance market. What plans are you making to explore and take advantage of these opportunities?

Growth opportunities definitely abound in the Nigerian insurance market and the corporation is taking steps to develop its competitive advantage to be able to tap these opportunities.

Nigeria Re’s competitive efforts will focus on the following areas such as innovation: In addition to the traditional reinsurance products, Nigeria Re will be in collaboration with her external partners develop other innovative reinsurance products not only for our existing clients but will aim at attracting new ones.

We are also focused on service quality: Improved claims administration will help improve the image of the corporation thus attracting more clients. Customer loyalty programs are also on our radar. The corporation will effectively apply the loyalty principles to attract new clients and sustain existing ones.

As the new Vice President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. How do you intend to leverage of that position to drive reinsurance in the country?

One of the primary objectives of the CIIN is to promote educational development in the Nigerian insurance market.

As the new deputy president, I will provide back-up support for the president in executing developmental programs of the Institute. I will specifically encourage reinsurers to collaborate among themselves to provide quality service for the insurance companies and to charge adequate rates for their coverage.

In what specific areas would you want the government through NAICOM to act in order to deepen the business of reinsurance in the country?

I will want the Government to continue to support the drive for micro-insurance in Nigeria and to also encourage the consolidation of insurance and reinsurance companies in the country.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

New CIIN President sets agenda for industry Stories: Meshack Idehen

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he President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr. Bola Temowo, has said that the intention of his administration is to pursue programmes and policies, which will engender greater strength for the institute and the insurance industry.

In his acceptance speech after his investiture as the 46th president of the institute, he said his presidency will be anchored on promoting the legacy of continuity.

According to him, his decision to serve the institute is with every sense of responsibility and commitment that far exceeds any selfinterest.

He said it’s about time the growth and development of the institute is realised, rather than the satisfaction of a desire to actualise any ambition to lead or to be visible.

The new CIIN president said his candidacy represents a genuine intention to place the collective desires for the Institute above the fulfilment of any self-glorifying agenda. He noted it is about service to the professional body and the rallying point for all of its members, “Promoting the legacy of continuity as the theme this presiden-

Temowo

cy is borne out of the belief that there is a sense of responsibility in identifying with and reinforcing the programmes and policies which engender greater strength for our institute.

“The choice of the theme is also borne out of the need to establish a rolling-plan which will guarantee that on-going positive projects and policies are not truncated by successive leadership eager to trump up fresh agendas.

“Let me acknowledge the fact that the doctrine of continuity has been snowballing in the last few years, culminating in our decision to begin a campaign to Institutionalise it today,” Temowo said.

He said that in promoting the strong benefits of continuity and

its significance as the most expedient course to chart in order to reposition CIIN for greater relevance that his presidency will focus on resuscitating the development of the institute’s building in Victoria Island; Lagos, adding commencement of academic activities at the College of Insurance and Financial Management is underway.

The establishment of an E-Library; strengthening the study and teaching of insurance in secondary schools and tertiary Institutions in Nigeria; and provision of adequately trained manpower at the institute secretariat for improved service delivery, will form part of his agenda.

“The Victoria Island building project became an albatross over the years because of a series of failed attempts to bring it back on track. These failures had nothing to do with less commitment by the building committee, nor with the absence of ideas on the way forward.

“Previous presidency strived so much to resuscitate the project through a build operate and transfer, BOT, option which was truncated by the economic meltdown as well as unresolved issues relating to the old approved building plans which became land-locked in murky circumstances traceable to the architects and consultants”.

Retirees get N210.7bn through programmed withdrawal

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bout N210.78.63bn has been paid as lump sums to retirees under the Programmed Withdrawal of the Contributory Pension scheme, CPS. A total of N24.63bn has also been paid as monthly pensions to retirees as at the end of the first quarter of 2014, while N19.52bn and N425.53 million have been paid as lump sums and monthly annuities respectively to 8,479 retirees in return for premium payment of N41.63 billion within the same time frame.

Head of Benefits and Pension at the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Mr. Olulano Loyinmi, speaking during at a pre-retirement workshop for prospective retirees in Lagos, said actual retirement began in 2007.

According to him, pre-retirement products’ specified by the Pension Reform Act 2004 is a product offered

by Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs for periodic payments, monthly/quarterly, to a retiree, saying the scheme is structured periodic withdrawal based on the peculiarities of the retiree.

The Retirement Saving Account,

RSA, according to him, is a balance is spread over expected life span of retiree. He said money still remains in the account, managed or invested by PFA, while monthly pension of at least 50 per cent of terminal monthly emolument is paid to the retiree and inheritance is bequeathed to beneficiaries if death occurs at any time.

“Amount paid is determined by the balance on RSA at retirement, length of time over which payment would be made, employee’s expected life span, and expected life span determined by actuarial table is based on minimum and maxi-

PenCom Chairman, Anohu Amazu

mum monthly pension and/or corresponding minimum or minimum lump sum.”

Wiggle is new NIA chairman

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he Managing Director of Linkage Assurance Plc, Mr Godwin Wiggle, is to be sworn in as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA. The Director-General of the association, Mr. Sunday Thomas, said Wiggle takes over from the out – going chairman, Chief Remi Olowude, saying the representatives of member companies of the

association will also be electing a new deputy chairman and other principal officers of the governing council.

Thomas added this year’s Annual General Meeting will provide the needed opportunity for the association to present a scorecard of its activities in the last one year as well as release vital statistics on the performance of the insurance industry.

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Tips for purchasing life insurance

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nsurance is an important part of financial planning — but understanding insurance and buying the right product can be tricky. From whole to term life, riders to convertibility clauses, how do you make sense of all the choices? Here are some steps you can take to ensure you get the right product for the right price.

Understand your needs. No one understands your financial situation better than you. That means you should avoid letting someone else tell you how much protection you need. You can get a rough estimate of your insurance needs by adding together your debt, estimated funeral costs, and six months to a year of income replacement.

One common rule of thumb is to multiply your yearly income by between five and 10, using the lower level if you don’t have many dependents and few debts, and the higher level if you have larger debts and multiple dependents.

Understand term insurance versus permanent insurance. Understanding the difference between term and permanent life insurance, such as whole life, can help you make an informed decision about your insurance needs. Today, a term insurance policy should be able to cover most of your debt and financial needs. In turn, you may not need to purchase a whole life policy. Try not to be sold by the what if scenario you might hear from an insurance sales rep. Insurance companies traditionally make more profit from whole life policies than term policies, so be prepared to hear a sales representative promote whole life as the best possible choice, even though it might not be the best fit for your needs. Remember, buy what you need and make adjustments as changes become necessary.

Term insurance is typically renewable and should have a convertibility clause which allows you to make changes in the future. There are certain situations where a whole life policy maybe more advantageous than term; however, do not purchase it simply because your sales representative told you should.

Speak with an independent broker. These brokers will have access to many more products than just one firm can provide.

Avoid one-meeting recommendations. If your bro-

ker makes a recommendation in the first meeting, you know that they have not really analysed your situation and looked for best options. So just say, no, thank you and keep researching.

Understand how the advisor gets paid. Find out if they are compensated through commission, fee-plus-commission, or fee only. If there is any commission involved with the sale, make sure to look at all alternative products available. With commissions, the advisor may have a conflict of interest. Just because your advisor is commission-based doesn’t mean they are bad — just ask more questions with them.

Recognise that insurance is for protection — not investing- Term insurance provides protection only, without a savings component. Whole life and universal life policies have a savings component and are much more expensive. You are almost always better off just paying for term insurance, and using the cost savings to invest elsewhere.

Ask the tough questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask the advisor questions. You should know the product inside out before buying it. Is the policy renewable and non-cancellable? How long are premiums guaranteed for? Is there an accidental death rider? What are the exclusions?

Watch out for know-it-all advisor. If the advisor answers all your questions without referring to anything, or pretends she “knows it all”, chances are that she does not. Insurance policies are complicated, and even the best advisors do not know every product 100 per cent and may have to look things up. There is nothing wrong with that.

Compare similar products.

When you price shop, make sure you compare similar products.

Don’t replace old wholelife policies. If you have had a whole-life policy for several years, try not to replace it. You may lose all the premiums you have paid. You may also have to pay new administration fees, if applicable, and reset some clauses, such as the suicide clause. If your situation has changed and you need more insurance, just buy more. (This warning does not apply to term life.)

Source: www.getrichslowly. org

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

As AMCON prepares to sell nationalised banks Enterprise Bank, Mainstreet Bank and Keystone Bank, the three banks that were taken over by AMCON have been in the shelve for some time now, even as timeline for the sale of the bridged banks has been shifted many times raising questions over why the banks have not been sold. UDO ONYEKA reports.

H

aving shifted the timeline for the sell of the three bridge Enterprise Bank, Mainstreet Bank and Keystone Bank several times, there are indications that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, is now set to sell these banks.

Findings by National Mirror revealed that advisers to AMCON, Citigroup and Vetiva Capital, have received final bids from five shortlisted prospective investors in Enterprise Bank.

But while stakeholders await the announcement of the final acquirer of Enterprise Bank, AMCON in a media advertorial, announced the commencement of the sale process of Mainstreet Bank, calling for Expression of Interest, EOI, from interested investors for the bank’s acquisition.

According to the notice, interested investors were given nine days which ended May 16, 2014 to summit the EOI. This call however generated wide range criticism.

Some interested investors and shareholder groups with stakes in the defunct Afribank now Mainstreet Bank, frowned at the short time frame given for the exercise.

According to them, it is s grossly inadequate for any meaningful evaluation and due diligence to be done on the bank put for sale.

They submitted that such short notice could jeopardise fairness and transparency in the eventual bid process.

They questioned the sincerity of AMCON to divest from the lenders even as they insinuated that ossession of “hidden agenda” .

They advised that such sale process should be streamlined, publicised and enough time allowed for interested parties to By so doing they reasoned conscious effort would have been to thoroughly examine the bank. By so doing, they reasoned, cautious efforts would have been made to avoid the mistakes of the old which worked against the bank’s first attempt to be sold.

Stakeholders are worried with the sudden turn of events why has Enterprise Bank not been sold as AMCON had earlier promised.

It is gathered that AMCON’s financial and legal advisers, Barclays/Afrinvest Consortium and Banwo & Ighodalo, as respectively, are currently going through 25 Expressions of Interests, EOIs, submitted by prospective investors for the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank.

Also AMCON had, on September 22, 2013, formally invited interested buyers to express interests in acquiring its 100 per cent stake in Enterprise Bank

AMCON DG, Chike Obi

CBN Gov. Emefiele

There has never been a deadline for divesting from the banks. There has always been a guideline. So, the 2014 guideline remains, but it is beginning to look increasingly unrealistic Limited.

Some of the banks at the fore-front of acquiring Enterprise Bank, out of which five have been selected, are Diamond Bank Plc, Heritage Bank Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, Skye Bank and other investment groups.

Others include Fidelity Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and investors like Taunus Holdings, Sahara Energy, Obat Oil and about 12 private equity firms backed by experienced bankers as well as financial and investment analysts.

According to AMCON’s Chief Communication Officer, Kayode Lambo,“The consultants are going through the profile of 25 investors who have submitted expressions of interest and by the middle of September, AMCON will sell both Enterprise and Mainstreet.”

Enterprise Bank was the first which AMCON commenced the process of divestment from its shares.

“AMCON had made it clear that the sale of a bank is a standardised practice all over the world; and, at a later stage, qualified bidders will have the opportunity to submit offers under a Request For Proposal, RFP, and thereafter conduct a due diligence exercise on the Mainstreet Bank.

It further explained that the due dili-

gence exercise for Mainstreet is expected to take a longer time.

“When AMCON took over the banks, it made it clear that the process of divestment will start with the smallest which is Enterprise and then Mainstreet Bank, after which Keystone will follow”, Lambo said.

However, commenting on the criticisms of former shareholders of the bridged Lambo said Nigeria is running a democratic government where anyone is free to go to court and seek redress on any matter which he or she feels aggrieved.

“But the truth of the matter is that the shareholding which they think they are defending even in the bridged banks would not exist if AMCON was not established.

“All those people who are saying that the sale of the banks should not go on, should not forget that AMCON is the only shareholder in the bridged banks.

Those banks have been bridged. The banks they have shareholding in, no longer exist. They were fully gone and their shareholding reduced to zero per cent before Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, suspended their licenses, bridged, took them over and sold them to AMCON. “Technically, they have no shareholding in Mainstreet, Keystone and Enter-

prise Banks,” the AMCON spokesman said.

The Managing Director, AMCON, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, had recently said that the agency will sell two of the three nationalised banks this year.

Specifically, he said Enterprise Bank Limited would be sold in June and it would be the turn of Mainstreet in October.

“We believe that at least two of the bridge banks will be sold this year. We have to make sure it is done properly.

Enterprise should be sold in June; and Mainstreet by October,” he said.

But in a chat with some journalists in Lagos recently Chike-Obi pointed that it was not realistic to conclude all the deals in 2014.

Chike-Obi said, “When we complete with Enterprise Bank, we will sit back and see what we have learnt from the process. We will then begin the process of divesting from Mainstreet Bank; and Keystone Bank will be the last.

“There has never been a deadline for divesting from the banks. There has always been a guideline. So, the 2014 guideline remains, but it is beginning to look increasingly unrealistic.”

The AMCON boss explained that the delay in selling the banks was occasioned by the need to ensure that the process was thorough and transparent enough.

He said, “It is important to emphasise again that we are much more interested in making sure the process is proper, transparent and everybody has a chance than in speed. The same people that are complaining now will complain if we had done it very quickly; it would have then become somebody handed the banks to their friends or families or their relatives.

“We are going to go through every step properly to make sure that this is a very transparent and fair process. And we are quite prepared to sacrifice time to ensure that, than to hurry up and create issues that will linger for years.”

The CBN had in 2011 revoked the operating licences of Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB for not showing enough capacity and ability for recapitalisation.

In their place, the CBN through the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation established the bridged banks and transferred the assets and liabilities of the three affected banks to AMCON. A bridged bank is a temporary institution organised by the regulators to administer the deposits and liabilities of a failed bank.

Taxation

FCTA targets outdoor advertising to boost revenues B arely two months after losing the initial battle to sustain its ‘Park and Pay’ policy, one of its revenue spinning sources, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified the Territory’s revenue generation drive through a new policy on Outdoor Advertising and Signage System.

The policy is backed up by the 2005 Bye Law of the FCT. The new FCT Advertising and Signage System, designed in the mould of the Lagos model which was introduced by the Lagos State Government a few years ago, is expected to fill some of the revenue gap created by the now suspended Park and Pay policy, from which the Administration had generated billions of Naira yearly from vehicle owners in the Territory until it was declared by Justice Peter Affen of the FCT High Court as illegal tax a few months ago.

Already, one of the leading Outdoor Advertising agencies in Nigeria, Afromedia Limited, had been saddled with the responsibility by the Senator Balaled administration of turning around the outdoor advertisement and signage operations in the FCT under a Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement.

To demonstrate the commitment the Administration is giving to the potentially big tax revenue source, the FCTA has in the last three weeks intensified radio jingles and other awareness campaigns on the Advertising and Signage System with a view to ensuring that advertisers and sign writers comply with its guidelines.

The approved policy for a new system of outdoor advertising and signage by the FCT Administration is in collaboration with the six Area Councils of the FCT.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services, Alhaji Kabir Mashi

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed

According to the FCTA authorities, the primary purpose of the policy is to regulate all matters regarding Outdoor Advertisement and Signage, revamp and clean the environment; and to ostensibly improve the internally generated revenue of the FCT Administration for the transformation of other sectors of the FCT. Investigations by National Mirror indicated that the FCTA may with effect from July begin a major clampdown on non-compliant advertisers and signage companies by pulling down all billboards, including electronic types, in a move to compel them to pay appropriate charges and if need be, make deviant operators to face the full weight of the law.

An official of the regulatory agency confirmed to our correspondent that “government is determined to ensure that the implementation of the policy takes immediate effect. That suggests clearly that within the next few weeks, the necessary machinery would be set in motion to ensure compliance. I can tell you that this will happen before the end of the third quarter” However, some advertisers

and business owners are already discussing with a view to arranging a meeting with the FCTA for the purposes of canvassing for a postponement of sanctions until January 2015 when they would have been fully prepared for the additional cost of doing business.

A trader in Area 1 Shopping Complex, Emeka Ndiulo, told our correspondent that the new policy was introducing another tax burden which most traders and business owners are ill-prepared to bear now.

“How do you justify this type of policy just because government wants to be generating revenue. We pay more than six charges or fees on daily basis to the FCTA and local governments even when trading is becoming difficult as a result of the poverty hitting the people.

“If we are being forced to pay the outdoor tax then some of us may close shop. The FCTA should be sensitive to the plight of business owners in the FCT who are just managing to stay in business due to poor sales.

If government is not creating jobs and is making doing business difficult, then how can they achieve the growth in the economy?”, Ndiulo queried.

36

Taxpayers’ Corner

Facts about Nigeria’s double taxation agreements (contd from last edition)

H

aving discussed the key elements of the various taxes covered by Nigeria’s DTAs over the past weeks, another aspect of the DTAs worthy of consideration this week has to do with the introduction of DTA avoidance, which dated back to the colonial days.

Prior to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the various income tax ordinances of the colonial administrations always contained provisions which enabled any named colonial administration’s official “to make such regulations as were necessary to give effect to double taxation agreements entered into between Nigeria and other countries”.

Some of the countries Brit-

ain entered into DTAs on behalf of Nigeria between 1950 and 1956 include, Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia all in 1950, New Zealand, 1951; Sweden, 1954; Denmark, 1955; and Norway in 1956.

In view of the changing fiscal and macroeconomic dynamics of the Nigerian economy, the above agreements were repealed by the Military Government on 25 April, 1978.

Nine years after, the Nigerian Government re-introduced international treaties with other countries.

For instance, from 1987 to 2000 Nigeria signed avoidance of double taxation agreements with eight countries namely, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, France, Belgium, Romania, Canada, The Netherlands and South Africa (To be contd.)

ICAN laments exclusion from talks over missing oil money Meshack Idehen

T

he new President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, said it is lamentable that the institute was excluded from talks by government on how to recover “missing” oil money.

According to him, the thrust of his presidency would be focused on protecting public interest and enhancing professionalism. He said the institute would focus on advocacy that enhances public interest, saying making aggressive input into policy making processes of the government, challenging them if necessary and making independent opinion is going to drive this ICAN year.

The ICAN president said the institute, because of its conservatism over the years, have been running away from getting involved in conversations in the society, adding

what the institute want to do in the next one year is to come up with well researched positions on topical national issues, come out to talk about them, send representatives to government and if needed, use the media to achieve those objectives.

According to him, all through the issue of the missing money at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, ICAN was not involved in the debate, noting the institute, as a protector of public interest, ought to have gotten involved in the discussion and probably set a template, process to ascertain what the position is.

He explained that there is this misconception the institute is not doing anything about allegations of members of the institute being mentioned in cases of corruption and mismanagement, pointing out ICAN has disciplinary processes for such occurrences.

TAX LAWS AND ISSUES

EU set for tariff liberalising agreements with eastern partners

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he European Union, EU, is set to ink new Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine that will eventually eliminate tariff barriers to trade.

The EU will sign the deals in their entirety with Georgia and Moldova on June 27, and is shortly due to complete the signature process with Ukraine.

Each agreement will provide for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and will ensure the progressive removal of customs tariffs and quotas, and harmonize laws, norms and regulations in various trade-related sectors.

The European Commission expects Georgian agricultural products to become more attractive on the EU mar-

ket, thanks to the removal of EU import duties worth EUR5.7m ($7.8m) on basic products, and EUR0.5m on processed products. Moldovan agriculture will also benefit, with the elimination of import duties worth EUR43m on basic products and EUR3m on processed products.

The agreements foresee provisional

application, prior to ratification by the European Parliament and EU member states, a process that may take some time to complete. They provide for provisional application to start on the first day of the second month after both the EU and respective partner countries have fulfilled the required procedures.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Private placements: We won’t force companies to list –Oteh The second quarter capital market committee meeting held last week in Lagos. After the meeting, Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh took questions from journalists on several capital market issues. JOHNSON OKANLAWON was there. Excerpts: What is your expectations from the new Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor?

We welcome the agenda that he had articulated, we also agreed that it is very important as a capital market community, just as we had enjoyed in the past, that it is important that we continue to work closely with the CBN to ensure that we tackle issues that are of mutual importance.

There are some things which we think the CBN can do to better support the capital market, better support investors who we work for. One of them was clearly the issue of dividends particularly for retail investors be tackled so that retail investors are allowed to have dividends go into their savings accounts as well as their current accounts. We know that some banks already do this, but we hope that the CBN will get to a point where it can direct all banks to allow this to happen.

We know it is very critical even as we tackle the unclaimed dividend issue. We welcome the fact that the CBN has done a great job with monetary policy and welcome the fact that there is a plan to move towards being more supportive of the real sector through a more accommodative policy when they time is right.

What is your assessment of the capital market year-to-date?

We are very pleased with the way that the markets are revolving, I think between the capital market operators, the exchanges and the regulator we have certainly had a much better quarter than we had in the first quarter and a lot of that is because of the hard work of the people that are in this room. One notable one is the return of the Initial Public Offering market particularly with the dual listing of Seplat on the London Stock Exchange and on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. We feel that there is momentum and we expect that there would be other listings. We must continue the advocacy to different stake holders particularly the government that there are huge funding requirements and that there is no way those funding requirements can be met without a capital market that has realised its potential. A lot of what the sub committees presented where things that would strengthen the Nigerian Capital Market and as well therefore enable Nigeria to continue to be the economic giant that is for Africa.

Do you think the recent rebasing of Nigeria can have positive impact in the capital market?

The rebasing will bring back retail investors to the market as many of them are reluctant to come back due to past infractions and outstanding issues that has not been addressed.

What is the update on the committee set up to deal with complaints?

The SEC completed the work, two trade groups and one sub committee of the capital market committee wanted to take a look. They looked at it, made comments, which we found very useful. Now the work is complete, we have circulated the report of the framework to all stakeholders, what we would like is that after a limited period of time, if we have not received any additional comments from them, we would them formally announce the new complaints management framework. It is very important and think it is a key lesson from the crisis to set up an escalation process where you know what to do if your broker or registrar or fund manager. If there is an issue, you first of all have an initial process where you try to resolve it and if you are not satisfied you take it to the next level and if at that level it does not happen, you take it further to the

Oteh

For those companies that are being delisted, it means the shareholders as individuals can elect to trade their shares on an open market and that is what

NASD provides

final level. And that whole process goes from your relationship to your vendor to the Investment and Securities Tribunal in terms of outlining the process so that the investors can know upfront what can be done at every stage.

Around 2008, several companies come to raise money through private placements. One just got listed how many are still trapped in that situation and how much did they raise that because investors are complaining that some of the money they raised through such methods has not come to the market and it is one of the reasons why they are unwilling to come?

You will remember that we had talked about it in the past, we said we had basically hosted a programme where we discussed the whole of those companies and basically asked them to put together a plan as to when they would come to the market. And you may remember that in one particular case, the shareholders actually said to that company that they should wait because they don’t like where the price is, which is a rational decision. We would not promulgate a law which says they have to list at a particular time because it is a decision that people make at a time they feel they will get sufficient value. It is something we are working on. The market is really a public one and available to every company, not only those that has done private placements. They have to understand that they have to meet the listing standard of the NSE if they want to list, as the NSE really has no business with private placement. But we are open to any company that meets our standards to come and list. You do not have to be listed on the

Exchange before you as an individual shareholder can trade.

With an OTC platform, it provides an open platform where you can actually seek and get liquidity for your shares if you have an investment in the securities on an unlisted company.

For those companies that are being delisted, it does not mean that the shareholders are now at a lurch. What it means is that the shareholders as individuals can elect to trade their shares on an open market and that is what NASD provides.

The subcommittee is looking at the possibility of looking back at the financial crisis and sharing the lessons so that the average person can learn from it. I think it is very important.

The NASD is doing a good work. From our own perspective at SEC, we noticed that the public companies have responded very well to the fact that there is this new platform. In fact since April when we announced publicly that from a regulatory point of view that if you are a public company you must register your securities. We have seen a number of the companies come to register their securities, 12 companies have already registered and we are now processing six. So if those six meet the requirements, in a very short time, we will have 18 companies that have registered their securities. We think it is something that people are very excited about and are welcoming. We have to make sure people are not misspelling and misrepresenting the issues.

In December 2012, the Federal Government announced the removal of VAT and Stamp duties on capital market transactions and up till now we have not heard anything about the commencement. Can you give us an update on that?

The government is still going through the process of gazetting the Value Added Tax, we had a meeting with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and she mentioned that the work is ongoing to complete that process and we hope that it will be soon.

What are the attractions of Collective Investment Scheme, CIS? First and foremost you get the benefits of people who are experts. If you are doing your day job, you can take advantage of the knowledge of somebody else. If I have N10,000 and I invest in a mutual fund that invests in banks, I have the opportunity of investing in several banks rather than just expose to what happens to one bank. It allows you to diversify your risks. One thing that am very excited about is that the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria have put together a strategic plan which we believe with the Capital Market Literacy Committee is doing too to have people better understand what it means to take advantage of the capital market, then we will see more Nigerians participate in mutual funds.

In the integrity awards that we give, one of the things that we offer is an investment in CIS or mutual funds. There is no reason why we should not have more. When I see what is happening in India or what is happening in the US where 40 per cent of Americans even after the crisis invest in mutual funds either for their children’s education, for health challenges in the future, there is no reason why it should not happen here. So I think what is standing between us in Nigeria is just knowledge and that is why I am excited about what some of these sub committees are doing which is to look at the tools like mobile phones so that we can better distribute these mutual funds. We don’t want situations where people will misrepresent the market. It is good that as stakeholders we are thinking about these issues together.

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Features

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos: Battling the monster of floods For more than two months now, Lagos State has been experiencing daily rainfalls, which have adversely affected both pedestrian and vehicular movements.

DARE AKOGUN has been investigating the cause of this reoccurring problem and the hardships posed to residents.

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he last few weeks have been tormenting to Lagos residents as they have been stuck in interminable traffic gridlocks on major highways and roads, thereby losing valuable man -hours.

In Lagos, rainy days have unleashed harrowing experiences on motorists. It is as if the rains and potholes have conspired against them. Every year, especially before the rains set in, remedial works are carried out on major roads by the state and federal governments. But such efforts have not in any way addressed the situation, as the problem resurfaces as soon as the construction works are over. Unfortunately, before long the pot holes resurface with more deadly consequences.

Benjamin Ilyas, a driver in Lagos, decried the increasing number of potholes on the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, lamenting that the tyres of his vehicles have been damaged on several occasions. He noted that it is not possible to avoid deep potholes at the end of the Isheri Bridge near the Berger Bus stop, “I don’t understand what is happening to our roads and the lackadaisical attitude of officials towards fixing them, he regretted. Everywhere you go, you are assaulted by the presence of potholes. I have stopped driving at night to avoid accidents”, he lamented.

The other day it rained, our bus ran into a ditch and could not move again. We were forced to disembark and assist the driver and conductor to pull it out,’ a commuter said. The way potholes appear on these roads is alarming. The absence of drainages is responsible for flood waters that block both sides of the road, thereby causing large pools of water to stay on the road and with time cause more potholes to emerge.

Such unpleasant experiences have become daily affair in Lagos. Yet when Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, assumed office in May 2007, he assured the residents that in his drive to transform the metropolis into a megacity, the problem of bad roads would be tackled to the utmost. Even when considerable efforts have been made in this regard, the state is still burdened under the yoke of perennial bad roads.

Though significant improvement in the remodeling and reconstruction of roads have been achieved in many parts of the state, the constant closing and reopening of these hitherto reconstructed roads says a lot on shoddiness of work that went into them in the first place.

According to many residents, most of

Bad portion on Lagos Badagry Expressway

Residents battling flood in their homes

the major roads in the state, either newly constructed or refurbished, have continued to fail at many points.

Unfortunately, many communities are at the brink of being completely cut off from the rest of the state. The situation has also become distressing for motorists as they do not get optimal use from their vehicles.

In the opinion of many, the constant flooding of roads and widening of potholes in the state have exposed the technical incompetence of the contractors and even the capability of the ministry and officials that supervised them. The poor drainage system does not only engender flooding on the roads it also encourages erosion, according to residents.

“In the past weeks, I have had cause to replace my tyres, shock absorber and shaft due to the bad roads. How much do I earn as income to be able to foot these bills every time?” asked an exasperated motorist.

A road like the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway

IF IT HAS PLEASED THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE OTHER

ROADS IN THE STATE,

I DO NOT SEE WHY

THIS ONE SHOULD BE ABANDONED AND THE RESIDENTS SUBJECTED TO SUFFERINGS that connects the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with two of the nation’s busiest seaports has also collapsed at several points. This has made commuting on the road, especially after a downpour a nightmare. Spots such as Berger, Coconut,

and Iyana Itire Bus-stops are littered with potholes while the road stretch is usually dangerous to navigate especially at night.

As it is on this major road, so it is on others within the metropolis. Indeed, the large number of potholes that spring up everyday has defied the expertise of those who believe they have mastered driving on the roads. A constant visit to the mechanic is the price they are forced to pay for the dangerous ditches that are usually disguised by flood.

It has practically become impossible to avoid them all, as quite often one preventive manoeuvre often leads one yet into another pothole. There have been cases of accidents and sometimes loss of lives and properties resulting from vehicles running into potholes and ditches on the roads.

“We hear of all these road projects elsewhere while we are ignored. Obviously, Governor Fashola is trying to make Lagos a mega-city. But some areas like ours seem not to be taken into account in the scheme of things”, Gloria Aduwo, who lives in Ayobo in Ipaja Ayobo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) lamented.

Similar complaints have also come from residents of Ikorodu, Ladipo area of Mushin, as well as those on the Ikotun-Egbeda-Iyana Ipaja axis.

Their complaint is that they have so far been denied the much-needed government road projects or the ones they hoped to benefit from have all but been abandoned.

Aduwo, said the present state of the Ipaja-Ayobo Road beginning from Gate Bus Stop cannot be said to be anything but appalling.

“The impression anyone, especially those living here get, is that the government has deliberately abandoned us. Some days, particularly when it rains, vehicles coming from Ipaja, Ayobo and Command are stuck in the traffic at Gate Bus Stop because of the deplorable state of the road.

“If it has pleased the government to improve other roads in the state, I do not

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Features

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

39

and potholes in the rainy season

Road reconstruction at Agbara

Failed road portion due to blocked drainages

Vehicles wading through water logged road

see why this one should be abandoned and the residents subjected to sufferings”, she stressed.

She, therefore, pleaded with the administration to look into their plight and do something urgently on the road.

Lateef, a resident of Ejigbo noted, said the rains have shown the lapses in infrastructural development in Lagos State.

He stressed, that Ejigbo, has had its own share of bad roads, potholes and flood in recent times.

“The rainy season has cast serious doubts on how rehabilitation of infrastructure in the state has been. It shows that the state government has either not got it right or that it still has a long way to go,” he said.

According to a public analyst, Segun Adelodun, many of the roads in state of total disrepair fall under the jurisdiction of the local and federal governments. He noted that they have abandoned their primary responsibility of maintaining them and rather use them as a way of enriching themselves through the award of dubious rehabilitation contracts. “What you discover is that the state government is saddled with so much work. If an investigation is properly carried out, one would discover that many of the bad roads fall under the purview of local governments.

The third tier of government is no longer playing the complimentary role it was set

up for. The federal government has also failed the people woefully,” he stated.

Some experts posit that, aside the repair of potholes and construction of new roads that would further help to de-congest the major ones, the culture of prompt response to maintenance and use of solid materials should become the focus of all tiers of government.

Good roads, widely seen as a basic component of good governance, has deluded the state for long, many residents allege.

At this stage of the megacity dream, we had hoped that Lagos would be experiencing a new lease of life. Saying the Fashola led administration has not tried in the aspect of providing good and motor able road is like deliberately turning a blind eye to any positive work done by the administration.

Political observers are of the view that Governor Fashola has raised the bar of governance and that his administration has become a role model for other states.

They believe he has excelled in service delivery, transparency, accountability, and policy execution. They argue that his government has impacted positively on Lagos residents through massive road rehabilitation, clean environment, construction of new infrastructures in public schools, security of lives and property and traffic law enforcement.

Commendable as this performance is

in the last seven years, the residents of Lagos are expecting more, even now that he is in at the last lap of his second tenure.

Fashola has performed exceedingly well and needs to be commended, for the simple reason that if all other state governors follow in his example, the state of roads in the country would have considerably improved. But the only problem is that, it is either the state monitoring team has not been efficiently supervising the on-going and completed projects or it has conspired to give Lagosians shoddy infrastructure.

The Lagos State government has in the meantime continued to link flooding after downpours to blocked drainages, which it has also attributed to people dumping refuse in drainages, as well as the habit of building unapproved structures on waterways.

The government, through the Ministry of the Environment, has not ceased from calling on the residents, especially those engaging in such act to put a stop so as to reduce incidence of flooding in the state.

When restating its readiness to reduce rain-induced floods, the Ministry, in a recent statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, said it had put in place measures to ensure the safety of

THE RAINY SEASON HAS CAST SERIOUS DOUBTS ON HOW REHABILITATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN

THE STATE HAS BEEN.

IT SHOWS THAT THE

STATE GOVERNMENT HAS EITHER NOT GOTTEN IT RIGHT OR THAT IT STILL HAS A LONG WAY TO GO

lives and property of residents throughout the duration of the rainy season.

The statement also said that the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, had started monitoring the midrain cleaning exercise embarked upon by the Drainage Maintenance Office and Emergency Flood Abatement Unit of the ministry.

The ministry also assured the residents that the government would sustain its all-year maintenance and cleaning programmes, as well as ensuring that major canals and channels were kept clean to allow free flow and discharge of water whenever it rains.

“Lagos is a coastal state that is susceptible to flash flood anytime it rains,” Mr. Adeyemi said in the statement.

An official of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure explained to National Mirror that it might not be easy for government to work on every road within the state at the same time.

He however said the government has definite plans for all the roads.

He however pleaded with Lagosians to exercise patience and give their support to the administration, saying: “The challenges on ground are not limited to road construction and rehabilitation.

Of course, if I were in their shoes and comparing some areas being improved with others that appear neglected, I might react the same way.

But I can assure you that no area or road that deserves attention would be neglected.”

Reacting recently to comments from those who alleged that their areas were being neglected, Governor Fashola, at a recent press briefing, explained that his administration has been so methodical in the execution of projects to the utmost benefit of all the citizens of the state.

He said the apperception that the government has delayed some projects might not be correct.

The delay he said may be tied to the technicalities involved in the completion of some of the projects.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Global Business

GM adds to record recalls with software fix for pickups

G

eneral Motors Co. (GM), which has recalled about 20 million cars and trucks in North America this year, added 428,111 more U.S. vehicles to that tally, including its redesigned fullsized pickups and large sport-utility vehicles.

GM said it needs to recalibrate software that controls the gears to fix the four-wheel drive on 392,459 pickups and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups from 2014 and 2015 model years and the 2015 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. The effected models can switch into neutral on their own, the automaker said on Friday in an e-mailed statement.

“If this occurs while a vehicle is in motion, no power will go to the wheels,” the Detroit-based company said in the statement.

“If the vehicle is stopped or parked, it may roll away if the parking brake is not set.”

GM, which said it isn’t aware of any crashes or injuries, has been recalling vehicles more frequently as it faces multiple investigations for its slowness in calling back 2.59 million small cars with ignition issues linked to at least 13 deaths. Since that action began in February, the company

Pickup van

has recalled other cars for similar ignition issues, accounting for about 9 million of the fixes.

GM on Friday also said it’s recalling 29,019 Chevrolet Cruzes from model years 2013 and 2014 to replace the driver’s-side air bag inflator. The company said earlier this week that it was submitting paperwork to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to do the recall to fix modules supplied by Japan’s Takata Corp.

Two other recalls were announced. They include 1,939 Chevrolet Corvettes from model year 2014 to replace rear shock absorb-

ers; and 4,794 Chevrolet Caprice police cars from model year 2013 and 2014, as well as the 2014 Chevy SS, to replace the windshield wiper modules if necessary.

GM said it wasn’t aware of any crashes or injuries to related to these issues.

So far this year, GM has recalled more than twice the number of cars and trucks in North America that it sold worldwide last year. By comparison, automakers are projected to sell 16.1 million new cars and trucks industrywide this year, according to the average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Treasuries gain most in 6 weeks as U.S. economic growth falters

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reasuries gained the most in six weeks, sending yields on 10-year notes to a more than three-week low, as reports showed the United States economy contracted more than forecast in the first quarter and inflation remains subdued.

The gains put U.S. government debt on pace for a second consecutive quarterly advance even after economists forecast higher yields in the first half of the year. A report next week is projected to show the U.S. added more than 200,000 jobs for a fifth straight month in June

Obama

for the first time in 14 years. The gap between yields on two-year notes and 30-year bonds, known as the yield curve, narrowed to the least in more than a year as investors bet slower growth will keep the Federal Reserve from accelerating interest-rate increases forecast for next year.

“Things seemed to have stalled,” said William Larkin, a money manager who oversees $520 million in assets at Cabot Money Management in Salem, Massachusetts. “It’s going to be about jobs.

Globally yields are falling. That’s putting pressure on U.S. interest rates.”

The yield on the benchmark 10year note fell seven basis points, or 0.07 percentage point, to 2.53 per cent this week, according to Bloomberg Bond Trader data.

The 2.5 per cent note due May 2024 gained 20/32, or $6.25 per $1,000 face amount, to 99 22/32. The yield touched 2.51 per cent yesterday, the lowest level since June 2.

The drop was the most since the week ending May 16. The yield has

dropped 50 basis points over the past two quarters, the most since the six months ending September 2012.

Treasuries returned 3.2 per cent this year through June 26, according to Bloomberg World Bond Indexes. German securities gained 4.8 per cent, while Japan’s earned 1.5 per cent.

The extra yield that benchmark U.S. 10-year notes offer over their Group of Seven counterparts was at 66 basis points yesterday.

It touched 71 basis points on June 17, the most since April 2010.

Citing slow growth, Citigroup Inc., one of the 22 primary dealers that trade with the central bank, yesterday cut its year-end forecast for the 10-year note yield by 40 basis points, to 2.95 per cent, from 3.35 per cent.

“The data have been very disappointing -- 2014 should have been a breakout year for growth with consensus estimates close to three per cent for the year,” strategists Amitabh Arora and Kevin Shapiro wrote in a report.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

40

Asian currencies gain on growth outlook; rupiah drops

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sian currencies advanced last week as economic data from China to South Korea sparked optimism regional growth is picking up. The rupiah fell as Indonesia said it will allow declines to spur exports.

Manufacturing in China rose at the fastest pace in seven months, South Korea’s currentaccount surplus widened and Taiwan’s factory output grew more than estimated, reports showed this week. Global investors pumped more than $5 billion this month into six Asian emerging stock markets tracked by Bloomberg.

The Bloomberg-JPMorgan Asia Dollar Index, which tracks the region’s 10 most-active currencies excluding the yen, rose 0.15 per cent in the past five days and 0.6 per cent this quarter. The won strengthened 0.7 per cent since June 20 to 1,013.60 per dollar in Seoul, while Taiwan’s dollar and the Malaysian ringgit gained 0.3 per cent to NT$29.962 and 3.2135, respectively, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“The Korean won has done well and that’s a continuing story of current-account surplus,” said Mirza Baig, BNP Paribas SA’s Singapore-based head of Asia currency and rates strategy.

“There have been massive in-

flows into Taiwan’s stock market.

There’s some fundamental support for these North Asian currencies.”

The won recorded its biggest five-day advance in eight weeks and reached 1,013.25 on Friday, the strongest level since August 2008.

South Korea’s current-account surplus widened to $9.3 billion in May from $7.1 billion in April, central bank data showed yesterday.

The nation attracted $10.07 billion of foreign direct investment in the first half, up from $8 billion a year earlier, according to a government report.

Taiwan’s industrial output rose 5.19 per cent from a year earlier in May, exceeding the median estimate of economists for a 2.75 per cent gain, a June 23 report showed.

The island’s central bank held its key interest rate at 1.875 per cent at a meeting June 26 while expanding mortgage restrictions.

The rupiah retreated 0.2 per cent in the past five days to 11,995 per dollar and reached a fourmonth low of 12,110 last Friday, according to prices from local banks.

Bank Indonesia has allowed the currency to become temporarily undervalued to increase competitiveness of exports while reducing imports, Senior Deputy Governor Mirza Adityaswara told reporters in Jakarta June 24.

Canadian stocks climb most in two weeks as Valeant gains

C

anadian stocks rallied the most in two weeks as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. settled a lawsuit and financial shares advanced.

Valeant gained 2.1 per cent.

Mag Silver Corp. fell 11 per cent after saying it would sell C$75 million in shares. Empire Co., which operates grocery stores, gained 4.6 per cent after Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce raised its rating to sector outperform, the equivalent of buy, from sector perform.

The Standard & Poor’s/TSX Composite Index rose 63.51 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 15,094.25 Friday in Toronto, paring a weekly decliine to 0.1 per cent.

It is up 11 per cent this year and trading near an all-time high.

Royal Bank of Canada and CIBC gained at least 0.9 per cent to pace gains among financial firms, which gained 0.6 per cent as a group.

Empire gained 4.6 per cent to C$70.82. Last Thursday, the

Stephen Harper

company raised its dividend and reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates. Empire recently bought the Safeway brand in Canada.

Valeant increased 2.1 per cent to C$138.12. Pershing Square Capital Management LP, which is working with Valeant to buy Allergan, agreed that Allergan’s poison pill wouldn’t be triggered by a special shareholders’ meeting.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Online students at the University of Uyo undergoing screening and orientation for their e-learning in Uyo recently.

Bayelsa gov sets up committee on NDDC project OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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he spate of abandoned project by the Niger Delta Developing Commission (NDDC) littering Bayelsa state and most parts of the Niger Delta region has drew the irk of the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, who condemned the management of the commission, describing the trend as unacceptable.

Hon. Dickson, who spoke in Yenagoa, while inaugurating a 9-member special committee on the monitoring of NDDC projects in the State, noted that there are concerns that, most of the projects awarded by the interventionist agency to complement development efforts in the state have been abandoned.

Dickson said though the committee was not set up to witchhunt anybody, the committee must ensure that the state gets its fair share of NDDC’s projects as a major contributor of the funds with which the commission executes its core mandate in the region.

He identified the perennial politicization of the Commission as a major factor militating against the effective implementation of development projects, noting that some contractors defraud the state and go scot-free with illgotten wealth at the detriment of the people.

The governor maintained that, “ There are concerns that some projects are completed and pay-

ments made only on paper and because of the over politicization of NDDC, you have a situation where people sit down in other places, get contracts awarded to themselves and their cronies, receive payment, but will not do the jobs or refuse to complete the jobs.

“I appreciate the Federal Government for the various intervention programs they have executed in this state using the NDDC. But, a number of Bayelsans are asking, why is it that most NDDC projects in some other neighboring states are completed, visible and being used by their people.

You see, most of those projects in other states, but you don’t see many of them in Bayelsa.

“Some have even asked, are we sure that our state benefits maximally according to our production, and therefore our contribution to that fund. These are all relevant questions that we must find answers for our people, because it is their right to know.”

While warning such unscrupulous contractors to turn a new leaf, Governor Dickson assured Bayelsans of his administration’s readiness to complement the Federal Government in monitoring projects meant for the state to ensure their completion.

To this end, he mandated the committee to identify all contracts awarded by the NDDC from its inception in Bayelsa, find out their locations as well as identify the contractors.

The committee is also expected to determine the costs of those contracts, ascertain the amounts

paid as well as the extent of work done and also look at the issue of whether, the state is appropriately represented in all cadres of the NDDC, among other terms of reference.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Chief Lionel Jonathan-Omo thanked the Governor

for finding them worthy to carry out what he described as a great task and pledged to do their best for the good of the state.

Engineer Wenapre Deo is the Secretary of the committee, while a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Donald Egberibein, Dr Meeting Andawei

and Mrs. Rebecca Suowari are to serve as members.

Other members include the immediate past commissioner for Science, Technology and Manpower Development in the State, Mr. MacManuel Parkinson, Mr Timi Kay and Mr Sunny Omekwe.

Leadership and peace initiatives in Cross River RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

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efore now, Cross River State was almost becoming known in Nigeria and even beyond as a turbulent state because of high level of youths involvement in secret cult which often result in high level of violent .activities particularly during electioneering campaign periods. However , the administration of Governor Lyell Imoke with the support of the people has brought about a noticeable change in the state. The determination to offer quality leadership has made it possible for the state to experience peace.

Immediately the new administration settled down youths were told to renounce their membership of various cult groups. This order made some cabinet members who had skeletons in their cupboard to quake and feel jittery because they knew the consequences that was going to be associated with the Governor’s order. Those who won elections including those whose names were cleared by

the Cross River State House of Assembly to assume as political office holders were made to swore an oath that they would no longer belong to any of those notorious groups that exist in the state that if there were members of such devilish groups in the past, before being given opportrunity to take any public office in the state.

This initiative by the Govrnor dismantled several secret cult groups hitherto used by previous administration to intimidate and oppress political opponents in the state were completely faced out thus bringing an end to escalation of cult activities in the state . This however did not come easy as many who were already feeding fat on this kind of ugly arrangement began to see Imoke as a big threat.

Before the disbandment of these groups, Cross River State residents were used to hearing gunshots without any form of quaking,people became use to sounds of gunshots at drinking joints without any one running helter skelter for his dear life. Sound of gun shots

were even worse at venues for electioneering campaigns rallies often times ,death bodies were in most instances seen littering the streets in villages of the state. A case study was an incidence that occurred in Abia village, a stone throw to Agborkim Waterfall in Etung Local Government of the state where lifeless bodies littered the streets of Abia Village in Etung , these deceased were wickedly butchered by a rival cult group for failing to support a candidate of their choice. Even in Calabar south Local Government within the metropolis of Calabar voting in an election was an exclusive right strictly reserved for those who are tough and perhaps belong to either of the cult groups. Life was so bastardized to the extent that it was reduced to an ebb that a tout can leave his seat in a beer parlour, gun down a victim and return to his glass of drink, while helpless residents watched and squizzed their faces without having the temerity to question the man who just shot his fellow human being why he did so.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dickson approves severance pay for Sylva ...Other political office holders too OSAHON JULIUS, YENAGOA

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he Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has approved the release of funds for the payment of the pension and severance pay to Former Governors, their Deputies and other Former Political office holders including the immediate past Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Governor Seriake Dickson also approved the setting up of a 4-man committee to look into the review of the ordered revocation of the sales of the Government Quaters in Opolo area of the State to political office holders under the last administration and the issues that arose from the sack of members of State Government Statutory Agencies and Commissions under the last administration.

The Committee is made up of Bayelsa State Secretary to the State Government, Professor Edmund Allisson-Oguru and the State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General,Kemesuode Wodu.

While on the side of the Former Political Appointees were Former Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeowe and the Former Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barr. Dennis Otiotio.

The decision of the State Governor,Hon. Seriake Dickson was made known during a call on the Governor by the leadership of the Former Political Office holders in the state under the aegis of the ExBayelsa Government Officials Forum’ (EBGOF) led by Sylva’s erstwhile deputy, Werinipre Seibarugu and the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Gideon Ekeuwei, as deputy leader.

Also at the meeting with Governor Dickson were the Former Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Chief Nathan Egba-Ogolo,

R-L: Speaker, Student Union Government, UNIBEN, Governor Ameh (right) presenting the School’s SUG Award of Excellence to Warri based Investor, Sir Kingsley Enosa Anon, for outstanding commitment to youth development in Warri, recently.

the Former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Kesiye Frank-Oputu, former Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barr.

Dennis Otiotio, the Secretary of EBGOF and Former Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Mike Amaegberi, the former member of the State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ben Eyororokumo and the Former Government Special Representative, Ms Hilda George.

The Former Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Chief Nathan Egba-Ologo, who confirmed the development while briefing members of the EBGOF yesterday on the outcome of the meeting with Governor Dickson, quoted the Governor as promising to pay the Former Political office holders in the state their outstanding allowances

including their severance pay.

“Governor Dickson restated his promise of our full integration into the PDP so that we can enjoy full rights and privileges. He also informed us that those qualified to belong to the membership of the Caucasus of the PDP at the State and Local Government level will be allowed.

He has assured that we would never be discriminated against in any way” Chief Nathan Egba noted that while Governor Seriake Dickson was announcing the approval of pension payment to Former Governors and Deputies in the state, he specifically said the pension payment for the Former Governor,Chief Timipre Sylva has been approved and it is left for him to access it,”he said it is his way of showing that he abhor no bitterness against Sylva.

And that he commended Sylva for initiating the processes that led to the recovery of the Soku Oil wells to Bayelsa.”

Egba also quoted the Leader of the EBGOF and Former Deputy Governor,Hon. Werinipre Seibarogu,at explaining that the visit to the Governor was to further encourage him to continue his good work in the area of infrastructural development, tourism, human capital development and education.

According to him, “we commended him for his accommodating disposition to all interest within the PDP and the people of the state. He is a man of his words. We commended him for his educational policy with particular emphasis on the expansion of the state scholarship scheme. We advised him to stay focused.”

Court summons Kuku over amnesty exclusion OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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he lingering battle between the Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Committee and Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta affairs, Kinsley Kuku and the 18 aggrieved ex-militants who alleged that they were erroneously excluded from the program continue at the Federal High court in Bayelsa, which has summoned both parties to appear before it on the 2nd October.

Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court summoned both parties for the commencement of hearing into a suit filed by the 18 aggrieved ex-militants over their alleged exclusion from the ongoing Amnesty programme by the Federal Government.

Justice Ekwo also directed that the Counsel to the aggrieved ex-militants including Asenekiri Oyile, AngiamaOwei Oyindoubra, John Government,

John Sawyer, Trydy Okpeke, Dollar Motor, Selebi Ayowei, Bombra Angese and Ekerebi Ombe to file separate processes in reply to the State defense filed by Counsel to the Hon.Kingsley Kuku(1st Defendant).

The presiding Judge, Justice I.E.Ekwo, at the proceedings where the suit numbered FHC/YNG/ CS/102/2013,was called for mention and filed by 18 ex-militant youths from Bayelsa and Delta states seeking an order compelling the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Hon.Kingsley Kuku and the Amnesty Committee to honour an agreement reached with the Federal Government on their inclusion in the Amnesty programme, said the Applicants and the Defendants must be in court to commence hearing on the substantive suit.

Appearing for the first defendant and Chief State Counsel, Sweet Okudoyi,told

the Court that her client (Kingsley Kuku) has filed a Statement for defense in reply to the Originating summon filed by the Applicants.

Justice Ekwo however frowned at the Counsel to the Applicants, Lucky Anya over his failure to file separate processes in reply to the Statement of Defence filed by the First Defendant. He noted that such processes should be filed for each of the aggrieved ex-militants.

The aggrieved ex-militants had in the suit claimed that the Amnesty Committee erred by refusing to include them in the ongoing Amnesty program after series of resolutions from meetings with the past and present National Security Advisers to the President, Late General Owei Azazi and Col. Dasuki Sambo respectively.

The aggrieved militants claimed that instead of respecting the resolutions and directives from the National Security Adviser, Dasuki Sambo, the Amnesty Committee turned down the call to include the ex-militants and adopted a divide and

rule tactics with the inclusion of three out of the 22 persons.

In the statement of Claim against the Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, sought the Court order compelling the Amnesty Committee to approve reasonable slots for them as agreed at one of the peace meetings on 19th December,2011.

“For the Court to compel the defendants to pay due allowances of the plaintiffs and their foot soldiers from March,2012 until the plaintiffs are fully settled under the Niger Delta Amnesty Committee. To compel the defendants to immediately send the plaintiffs and their foot soldiers for the mandatory skills acquisition training for the Niger Delta militants.”

Also sought by the aggrieved militants is an order from the Court compelling the Amnesty Committee to pay the sum of N7million each representing alleged general damages and N1m each representing cost of litigation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

You are endowed to be gov, traditional rulers tell Orubebe OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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ormer Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, was yesterday told by traditional rulers in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State that he was endowed and qualified to become governor of the state in 2015 and build on the foundation laid by former governor, James Ibori and his successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Orubebe, who in continuation of his tour of Delta Central senatorial district, visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Mosogar, where he was hosted by the traditional rulers of Ethiope West Local Government, formarly informed the traditional rulers of his ambition to become the next governor of Delta State.

He anchored his ambition on the fact that he has garnered so much experience from previous political positions he has held and has also acquired deep knowledge required to take Delta State to the next level.

The former minister impressed upon the monarchs that his competence in all the political positions he has occupied since he began his political career as a councillor were precursor to the level he has attained today.

He told his hosts that he has prepared a roadmap that will take Delta State to the next level as he believes that with proper planning and serious implementation of same, the entire state will witness even development as moribund industries will come back to life and provision of jobs for the youth will be guaranteed.

Orubebe said that he was responsible for the implementation of the East West road contract, adding that the road will be completed by March 2015.

The Ovie of Oghara, His Royal Majesty Nobele Esiemita Orefi III described Orubebe as a highly educated and focused person, who will discharge gubernatorial responsibilities competently; pledging the support of the people of his kingdom to the former minister’s aspiration.

The Ovie of Mosogar, His Royal Majesty Samson Omene said that Orubebe was vastly educated and experienced to become the next governor and perform excellently, praising the former minister for the proper execution of the East-West road, a project that he described as of monumental importance to the lives and business of the region.

He prayed for Orubebe on behalf of his royal colleagues that his ambition to become governor in 2015 will be fulfilled.

Poverty, terrorism, threat to democracy –Tinubu AYO ESAN

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ormer governor of Lagos State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has said that poverty and terrorism are compound threats to democracy.

Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Freedom House Democracy Lecture Series, with the theme: ‘Nigeria’s Governance Predicament: Poverty, Terrorism and Democracy’ in Lagos yesterday, Tinubu said that not only those who manufacture terror undermine democracy through their direct actions but that care must be taken that gov-

Politics

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

ernment’s response is not such a heavy handed and indiscriminate one that it undermines civil liberties and chases people into the camp of terrorists.

He said poverty and terrorism intertwined to form a terrible union against democracy.

Tinubu said: “Poverty is a big part of the answer.

Poverty often distorts a person’s humanity. The destitute and the ignorant casting about on their last strand of hope, are susceptible to a mean and wicked interpretation of the world that labels everyone in a group as expendable sacrifices and objects of terror.

“Again to put it bluntly, because I know no other CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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Nigerians must defend and protect democracy –Prof Alkali OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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head of the 2015 general elections, Political Adviser to the President, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has advised Nigerians to defend and protect the nation’s democracy against desperate politicians working to undermine democratic governance in the country.

Fielding questions from journalists in Abuja in his office at the weekend, Prof Alkali declared that

President Goodluck Jonathan has transformed the electoral process to a level where every vote counts and Nigerians must build on these gains.

He said: “Since the President has committed himself to provide a level playing field, it is our own duty also to follow suit.

So far PDP has been giving the lead and we have evidence to show that over the past three years or more, every effort has been made to entrench a system of open accountability in the electoral sys-

tem.

“You are living witnesses on several occasions when Mr. President, during the 2011 election and subsequently at every opportunity he had to speak, has said two things on two different levels.

“One, he has said that as far as he was concerned, any of his ambition is not worth the blood of any citizen in this country. He has said that repeatedly and when Mr. President speaks I believe he speaks from his heart.

“Secondly, the mantra

we used in the previous election has been, as the President has called it himself, one man one vote, one woman one vote, one youth one vote.”

He added that as the Osun State election beckons, Nigerians should take care that they are not used or misused by desperate politicians, calling on youths to be vigilant against some desperate politicians that may want to use them during election, saying those politicians never meant well for them.

L-R: Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; former Kwara State Governor. Bukola Saraki and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Suara Haruna III (right) during Senator Saraki’s visit to the Government House, Ibadan at the week-end.

Enikuomehin dumps LP for PDP HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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former commissioner of the Niger Delta Development commission, NDDC, and Labour Party, LP, chieftain in Ondo State, Barr Benson Enikuomehin, yesterday led about 1,700 members of the LP to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

Explaining reasons for dumping the ruling party in the state, Enikuomehin said he decided to leave LP because of the game of deceit being played by the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko and state LP leaders, adding that Mimiko

•His exit’ll create no vacuum –former LG boss deceived them and made them believe that once he wins the 2012 governorship election under the platform of LP, he would defect to the PDP. Noting that many of them were members of the PDP in Abuja and members of LP in Ondo State, Enukuomehin said the development made them to have two party cards.

He said that he and his supporters from Ilaje/EseOdo federal constituency have decided to remain in the PDP and work for the victory of the party and its candidates in future elections.

Saying that he fell out with Mimiko and LP be-

cause the party has no good plan for the people of the riverine areas and the state in general, Enikuomehin said: “Despite the N2.1 billion that accrues to the state monthly as 13 percent oil derivation from federation account, the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency has nothing to show for the whopping amount of money.”

He lamented that his constituency has been left unattended to since the Mimiko administration came on board five years ago.

But an LP chieftain and former chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Banjii Okunomo said Eni-

kuomehin’s exit from the party will not create any vacuum, adding that the “political virus” in the party had finally exited himself to give room for development in the area.

Receiving the decampees into the PDP fold, the National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the SouthWest, Chief Isola Filani disclosed that the party has been repositioned in the region to return Yoruba race to the mainstream of national politics come 2015 general elections, saying the development was as a result of membership drive embarked upon by the party in the South-West.

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Ekiti court lacks jurisdiction over legitimacy case –Fayose ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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kiti State governorelect, Mr Ayo Fayose, yesterday told an Ado Ekiti High Court that it did not have jurisdiction in a case against him in the court.

Fayose said the case ought to be heard in a Fed-

eral High Court since the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were involved.

The matter challenging the eligibility of Fayose in the June 21 election was brought to the court before the poll by a group, E-Eleven and Citizens’ Party.

Fayose’s lead counsel, Mr Raji Ahmed (SAN), had asked that the case be transferred to the Federal High Court, saying the case in which the plaintiffs sought to stop his client from contesting the June 21 governorship election was already belated.

According to him, the case has no value again as

the election under consideration had been contested and won by his client.

He added that the case filed at the court was addressed to Abuja addresses of both INEC and PDP, who were joined in the case, and should therefore be declared null and void.

But lead counsel to the Citizen’s Party, Norrison

Quakers (SAN), opposed the defendant’s counsel, saying the case still had substance, regardless of whether the election at hand had been conducted or not.

Also, counsel to E-Eleven, Mr Raufu Balogun, insisted that the court had jurisdiction to try the case, and should there-

fore not strike it out, urging the court to dismiss the plaintiff ’s counsel’s submission for lacking in merit, citing Section 31 of the Electoral Act. Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi later adjourned the case till July 18 for ruling, asking all parties to submit written applications on or before the said date.

Poverty, terrorism, threat to democracy –Tinubu CONTINUED FROM 43

The Ovie of Mosogar, HRM Samson Omene praying for former Minister Godsday Orubebe whne he visited his palace at the weekend.

Urhobo youths eulogise Ewherido, want him immortalised THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

H

undreds of Urhobo youths yesterday gathered and held a memorial candle-light procession in honour of late Senator Pius Ewherido, who died last year at the National Hospital Abuja, with a call on the people of Urhobo, Delta State and the Federal Gov-

ernment to immortalise him.

The youths unanimously agreed in their various tributes to the late senator that henceforth, June 30 every year will be set aside to celebrate the virtues and legacies Ewherido left behind.

The youths, under the aegis of Coalition of Urhobo Nation Youth Leaders and Stakehold-

ers, offered prayers for the family of the former Delta acting speaker and the Urhobo nation, charging Urhobo leaders to put interest of the people before individual interest as the late senator exemplified during his time.

They likened the late Senator Ewherido’s legacies to that of American Martins Luther King II and former South Africa

President, Nelson Mandela who spent their time in fighting for the interest of their people.

Deputy Director General, Senator Ewherido Campaign Organisation, Dr. Adelabu Bodjor said the late senator was a gift to Urhobo nation, saying his achievements in 50 years were outstanding and unbelievable, and should be celebrated.

way, Boko Haram is an extreme manifestation of the chronic and acute misgovernance that has spread gross injustice and mass poverty across the face of our beloved nation. But here, abject poverty swells their ranks: here they have become a small army, with that they are a national security threat and a political challenge to a free and open society.”

He has also warned that government must restrain itself from striking indiscriminately against people in the affected areas, and in the process committing human rights abuses that undermine democracy and that become a recruiting tool for the terrorists.

On Nigeria democracy, Tinubu said what Nigeria practice often is not democracy saying: “How this nation is governed is a hybrid process where democracy is often the junior partner and minority attribute.”

Chairman of the occasion, Lt General Abdulrahman Dambazzau, (rtd), said poverty, terrorism and democracy are major factors to national development.

He said under any circumstance, Nigeria is one country and should remain so.

Guest lecturer, Professor Larry Diamond, said the core problem of Nigeria is failure of leadership, saying that terrorism and poverty are results of bad governance.

As a way forward for the country’s democracy, Diamond, among other things advocates internal democracy among political parties.

Tinubu

There’s more to Presidency, Borno govt crossfire –Gusau CONTINUED FROM 14 Three factors contributed to the strength of the APC in the North and these are the grassroots popularity of General Muhammadu Buhari, the zoning issues of the PDP that heated up in the build up to the 2011 elections and which is being carried over psychologically in the North and also the presence of the APC in highly populated states like Kano, Borno and places like Edo and Rivers which are the two Southern states with the highest number of Northerners either resident or doing business. Another element is the utterances of some people who think they are drumming support for the President, but who in actual sense, were attracting greater support for the APC in the North. The scenarios in Borno and Ekiti are completely different. Governor Ayodele Fayose was there under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP before he was forced out of office in what many people see as a state against him.

That incident might have attracted some inherent public sympathy for him. Ma-

jority of Nigerians seem to support anyone that is oppressed by the powers that be. Unlike Ekiti, which was once won by the PDP, Borno has always been under the control of the APP which became the ANPP and now APC. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducted elections for state Assembly seat for Konduga, it was won by the defunct ANPP, the same thing with the recent one in Yobe which the APC won.

The track records of Governor Shettima in Borno State as a stabilising factor, with his humanitarian policies and programmes, he connects exceedingly well with the youths, women and vulnerable persons, he carries communities along, we have a Niger Deltan from Delta State appointed as a Special Assistant working directly with the Governor’s Office, we have an Igbo man from Imo State as Special Adviser, he has been with the governor for many years, I am from Zamafara State and I speak for the governor as Special Adviser, we have someone from Gombe, a Fulani man, he is Special As-

sistant, all of us were appointed in 2012.

The governor’s extreme humility, respect for people, old, young, rich and poor, his policies of job creation and welfare approach, his numerous achievements in the state despite our security problems, will make it impossible to beat him in 2015, insha Allah if he declares for reelection.

How about the possible mass deployment of soldiers to Borno ahead of the elections given the suspicion by the APC on Ekiti?

Governor Shettima doesn’t regard the Nigerian military or police as partisan. He sees them as professionals who are committed to internal and external security operations. Apart from that, it will be disrespectful on the intelligence of the Chief of Army Staff for instance, if people will assume he will make the mistake of being partisan in 2015 when he knows very well that typical of Nigeria, politicians will open their eyes well on him given his background as someone

from Bayelsa, the same state the President hails from. Naturally, politicians would want to see whether he will unprofessionally work for the President and the PDP because they are from the same state. I think the Chief of Army Staff is too smart to destroy his reputation at the peak of his career because of a seat he must leave someday however long he stays; after all, there were others before him. All the service chiefs are professionals from Governor Shettima’s point of view. Their predecessors were not accused of directly being political actors, it will be tragic if they start such an ugly trend especially at a time like this and I am so sure they will not venture into politics while in Khaki attires because they have shown professionalism and patriotism since their appointments. They surely wouldn’t want to be on the bad sides of history, they would aspire to be remembered not as polluters of the Nigerian military but as those that strengthened the military’s professionalism and capabilities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

45

Ekiti, a litmus test for INEC CONTINUED FROM 13

IPAC lauds INEC

It seems to be all garlands for the commission as many stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, have continued to laud INEC for its handling of the Ekiti governorship polls.

This is in contrast to the wave of backlash the commission generated by its sloppy handling of the 2013 Anambra State governorship election.

IPAC chairman, Dr Yunusa Tanko, congratulated the commission for “the wonderful work” it did in Ekiti.

Dr. Tanko said the political parties recognised the role a credible Voters’ Register played in delivering free and fair elections and they (the political parties) were prepared to share with the commission the challenges it faced in putting one in place.

He said that the political parties were also ready to work with the commission to publicise its activities.

Arguing that as the 2015 general elections approached, there was the need to make the interface between the political parties and the commission a monthly one rather than a quarterly meeting, Dr. Tanko disclosed that IPAC had articulated a 13-point agenda to agree with this request.

The IPAC chairman also said the political parties wanted to be integrated into the second and third phases of the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, and the Continuous Voters’ Registration, CVR, exercise so that no voter would be disenfranchised.

Minor incidents can’t invalidate result Many observers of the Ekiti election said they witnessed some minor incidents but were quick to add that such incidents were incapable of affecting the fidelity of the polls.

The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of civil society organisations, has on its part described the election in Ekiti State and its outcome as a marked

Fayose

improvement in INEC’s management of the entire electoral process.

Comprising over 60 civil society organisations, CSOs, which observed the election, the “Situation Room” said: “The election represented a significant shift from the irregularities and logistical failings that had consistently characterised previous elections.”

Coordinator of the Situation Room, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, told journalists that the conduct of the election was victory for democracy and Nigerians. Nwankwo said: “What we witnessed in Ekiti should be reflected in the August 9 Osun State governorship election and the 2015 general elections.”

He appealed to politicians to conduct themselves in a manner that would make the country’s elections conform to international standards, whereby massive deployment of security agencies would not be necessary.

On the observation of the group, he said: “Timely arrival of materials and early start of voting was observed in more than 90 per cent of polling units across the state. Despite irregularities in a few places,

Tanko

Nwankwo

voting and counting processes were in the main, transparent and fair.

“The improved logistics ensured that the trained ad hoc personnel were stationed in place to guarantee that most polling units were open at the proper commencement time of 8am.”

The CSOs, which said the security personnel involved in the election process were entitled to proper welfare and good conditions of service, however, expressed concern at the poor welfare arrangements made for them and called for institutional change of attitude and action in catering for the welfare of the dedicated security officers.

Charging INEC to address reported incidents of disenfranchisement of some voters in two council areas, the “Situation Room” said: “These minor incidents fall within a marginal percentage of error and should in no way affect the overall quality of the elections, which can be regarded as a credible process, markedly an improvement on the conduct of the recent Anambra State governorship election.”

While INEC may have tried, especially in the deployment of its resources to focus on one state, the commission has the whole of the country to take care of in the 2015 general elections. It remains to be seen whether it can sufficiently replicate its modest success in Ekiti State across the federation in February, 2015.

WHILE INEC MAY HAVE TRIED, ... IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER IT CAN SUFFICIENTLY REPLICATE ITS MODEST SUCCESS IN EKITI STATE ACROSS THE FEDERATION

Crisis rocks Kogi PDP over endorsement of candidate WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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n what appeared like discordant tunes, members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may have been divided over the endorsement of a serving member of the state House of Assembly, Hon

Suleman Babadoko for second term.

Addressing newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, PDP secretary in Lokoja Local Government Area, Shaibu Momoh, said that the party’s decision to return the incumbent lawmaker as the party’s unopposed candidate was based on his

track record and quality representation of his constituency.

But one of the contenders for the Lokoja state constituency 1 seat, Alhaji Umar Gwadabe, described the endorsement as a ruse, stressing that there was no time the party in the council considered endorsing

any candidate.

Gwadabe described the purported endorsement as a charade and political blunder, arguing that the party is a strong believer in internal democracy adding that some hungry men in the party were trying to endorse his opponent as consensus candidate.

He said: “But funny enough the leadership have never one day met and discuss consensus candidate.

One of the key issued discussed during the stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, was that Lokoja 1 Assembly seat had always been rotational. It was agreed that it is the turn of ward C, which

is my ward to produce the next representative.

Gwadabe, who is also a prince from the royal family of Maigari of Lokoja urged the people to disregard the purported endorsement, as the mastermind of the endorsement does not represent the interest of the party.

Caretaker c’ttee: Bauchi Speaker, Minority Leader trade words EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

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here was a mild drama on the floor of the Bauchi State House of Assembly yesterday when the Speaker, Hon. Yahaya Miya and other members engaged the Minority Leader, Baba Abubakar Suleiman in war of words

that was almost leading to fisticuff.

This followed the stand of the Minority Leader against the request from Governor Isa Yuguda for the confirmation of care-taker committee chairmen in all the 20 local government areas of the state, which he claimed was undemocratic and against the yearning and aspira-

tions of people.

According to a letter addressed to the Speaker, dated June 27, the governor submitted a list of nominees for appointment as caretaker committee chairmen for screening and subsequent confirmation by the House.

Suleiman had blamed the continued appointment of care-taker committees since

2008, when elections were conducted by the Yuguda administration on government decision against the wish of the people of his immediate constituency.

Saying that there was no need for appointment of care-taker committee by Yuguda, Sulaiman cautioned the governor to emulate Plateau, Borno, Yobe and

Adamawa states, which had conducted local council polls, despite being strongholds of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

He said: “It is out of order and against the norms of democracy for government to continue appointing caretaker committees in the state against the wishes of the people. This is a clear demon-

stration of fear in the executive arm of government that it cannot conduct elections, having failed the people.”

Earlier the Speaker and 17 members out of 23 had said that Yuguda has the right to appoint care-taker committees in line with Local Government Laws section 22 subsection 2 as promulgated by the House.

46

Politics

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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Federal lawmaker rallies support for Aregbesola STORIES: BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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he member representing Ifelodun/ Boripe/Odo Otin federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Adeyinka Ajayi, has charged youth in the state to support the reelection bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to enable him implement more livechanging programmes designed for them.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony for some youth he sponsored for training in different vocations in Ikirun, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Ajayi said the empowerment of the about 500 youth selected across wards in the local government areas

that made up his constituency, was fashioned after similar empowerment programmes by Governor Aregbesola.

He then commended the governor for devising policies targeted at developing entrepreneurship potentials of youth in the state.

Ajayi noted that the administration of Governor Aregbesola, through implementation of some carefully designed programmes like Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, OYES, O’ Reap, O’ Meal and training of youths in various vocations, have opened avenues to earn decent living for many youths and artisans in the state.

He added that the beneficiaries, having undergone training in vocations like fashion designing,

hair dressing, shoe making, interior decoration among others were being empowered with necessary implements to start their vocations.

He called on the electorate to ensure total commitment to the re-election bid of Governor Aregbesola to enable him continue with implementation of programmes that would have direct and positive impact on the entire populace.

Presenting certificates

to the beneficiaries, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, who commended Ajayi for giving dividends of democracy back to the people of his constituency, said the empowerment initiative keyed into the efforts of the present administration to create jobs to banish hunger and poverty.

Oyetola said more empowerment initiatives are being planned by the

Aregbesola administration to complement efforts of some other leaders of the party in the state and called for support of the electorate in the federal constituency to return the governor to office for another term on August 9.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative were given implements such a driers, sewing machines, generators and shoe making machines to start their vocations.

39 DAYS TO GO

Supporters pass confidence vote on Oyinlola

S

upporters of former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola have passed a vote of confidence on him, describing him as a cornerstone of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State.

This was contained a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting some stakeholders in the party had with the suspended national secretary of PDP at his Okuku residence over the weekend and made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday.

At the meeting, Oyinlola was said to have denied the report that he had dumped the PDP and joined the All Progressive Congress, APC, assuring his supporters that he would continued to work towards the success of the party.

The communiqué signed by the chairman, secretary and convener of the meeting, Engr. Olajide Adeniji, chairman, governing council of Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Comrade Abayomi Adegoke and Rev. Bunmi Jenyo respectively, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fast track the process of returning Oyinlola to office as the substantive National Secretary of the party as affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

The communiqué reads part: “The meeting affirmed that the immediate past governor of Osun state, Prince Oyinlola is a worthy, dependable, reliable and trusted leader of the party in the state and passed vote of confidence on him as a bridge-builder and rallying point for PDP members across the state.”

Debunking the speculations of Oyinlola’s defection to APC, either in principle or otherwise, the communiqué warned campaigners and speculators of such rumour of calumny to desist henceforth, adding: “Prince Oyinlola is a rallying point to record victory for the PDP during the forthcoming governorship election slated for August 9 and will assist the national leadership of the party to reposition it for victory ahead of 2015 general election.”

L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Osun chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi; Osun State deputy governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Osun Chapter, Reverend Elijah Ogundiya, during an Interaction with the governor on his second term ambition in the 2014 gubernatorial election, at CAN secretariat, Owode-Ede, Osun State, yesterday.

No room for rigging in Osun, PDP warns APC OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday sent a note of warning to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, that there would be no room for rigging in the August 9 Osun governorship election.

It also enumerated four reasons why it won Ekiti governorship election against the stories making the round that the election was rigged.

Addressing journalists in Abuja at the party

...Explains why it won Ekiti election national secretariat, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh said that the reason APC is kicking against drafting of military to Osun State during the governorship election is for the party to rig the election.

Metuh said: “If not for the President’s strict insistent of having a peaceful election, the vote of the people in Ekiti would not have counted, it would have been truncated. They (APC) don’t want the military to come to Osun so that they

can rig the election.”

He advised the APC and its candidate to go and campaign as there is still about a month before the election, adding that the security, including the military should not be disturbed when they are preparing to do their work during the election.

Explaining why they won Ekiti state election, he said: “First is the incontrovertible popularity and acceptability of our candidate over and above his opponents, which is essen-

Omisore to workers: Don’t be deceived by Aregbesola’s panicky measures

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the forthcoming August 9 Osun governorship poll, Senator Iyiola Omisore, yesterday warned civil servants in the state to be wary of “panicking measures adopted by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to pay salaries to some selected categories of workers.”

Omisore said the gover-

nor was afraid that he had wronged civil servants and other peace loving citizens of the state through some of the policies introduced by his administration, which he claimed have retarded socio-economic growth of the state and limited the potentials of individuals in attaining self sustenance.

In a press statement issued by the Director of

Media and Strategy of his campaign organisation, Prince Diran Odeyemi yesterday, Omisore averred that Aregbesola’s strategy, “calculated at hoodwinking the workforce to support him in getting second term in office would not work.”

But the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of the the All progressives Congress, APC, in

the state, Barr Kunle Oyatomi, challenged the PDP candidate to make public the strategy he would adopt in paying workers’ salary, if elected.

Oyatomi asked: “What is his own strategy to pay workers? We pay workers N3.6 billion every month and the receipt from Abuja is N2.6 billion. Yet, Aregbesola does not owe any state worker.”

tially the basis of the genuineness of the massively unprecedented crowd that attended his rallies.

“Secondly, was the insistence of our National Chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu on due process and strict adherence to the principles of internal democracy, the kernel of transparency in the conduct of our governorship primary which led to the emergence of a popular candidate for the election.

“Thirdly, is President Goodluck Jonathan’s respect for and strict adherence to the independence and supremacy of the party and consequential noninterference in party processes including those bordering on primary election.

“The fourth factor is the ability of the PDP as presently constituted, to effectively communicate its unique selling points and the major difference between its content and character and those of the other parties to Nigerians.”

Tuesday July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror We have the fortune of having two out of the four contestants, which is also a statement about the quality of leaders that we have in our state EDO STATE GOVERNOR, ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE

Police parade lovers for selling baby GEORGE OPARA ABIA

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he Abia State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adamu Ibrahim

has paraded two lovers for selling their day old baby, even as 10 other suspects were arrested for impersonation, armed robbery, child trafficking and kid-

napping.

Parading the suspects in Umuahia, Ibrahim said the two lovers; Nnnenna Agbai andKingsley Chukwudi Ogbonna living at

No. 5, Cool Park Street, Ogbor Hill, Aba, allegedly sold their child. Nnenna hails from Abiriba in Ohafia Council Area, while Chukwudi Ogbonna hails

from Isiala Ngwa South Council Area all in Abia State.

At the centre of the illegal trade was Amarachi Chimere, a nurse who reportedly helped in the delivery of the child and later sold him to a client whose identity is yet to be unknown.

In her statement, Nnenna said as she was having signs of labour, Kingsley chartered a tricycle to convey her to the nurse. The nurse told her she needed to be placed on drip.

Nnenna said she could not do as advised as she had enough strength to deliver the baby. After delivery, the nurse took the child to unknown place. When she

demanded to see the child, the nurse told her ithe baby was still born.

At this point, Nnenna raised alarm and reported the matter to the police.

Speaking, Amarachi, confirmed that the baby was sold on May 13, as it was an arrangement between Kingsley and Nnenna to sell the child. Furthermore, the nurse accused Nnenna of selling her child, saying it was not the first time of doing so, and wondered why she was excusing herself. Also, she alleged that kingsley and Nnenna said they had no money to take care of the baby. But Nnenna denied any knowledge or consent to sell her baby.

Training institute commences community outreach An accident scene at Barracks Bus Stop, Apapa, Lagos yesterday

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

NDLEA to prosecute staff, four others for drug trafficking FRANCIS SUBERU

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he Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade has confirmed that a staff of the agency, Ibidayin Godwin attached to the Anambra State command will be prosecuted for aiding suspected drug trafficker, Adetoye Taiwa in smuggling 3kg of methamphetamine to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The

seizure was made at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, shed by NDLEA operatives.

According to Giade, “The indictment of Godwin is in line with our policy of follow-up operation on every arrest and seizure made”.

“I have institutionalised a culture of transparency in the NDLEA. Anybody indicted must be thoroughly investigated no matter how

highly placed and if found guilty the law will take its course. The agency will continue to provide a level playing field for all.

No stone would be left unturned in the quest for a drug-free society. We must bring every culprit to justice by turning our investigative search light in all directions,” Giade stated.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said that more arrests have been made and investigations

Police discover ritualist den in Kwara WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

A

nother ritualist den has been discovered in Ilorin, Kwara State. The was made known by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ambrose Aisaboheven as he narrated how police officers discovered the hideout where human

parts are sold.

The den was discovered in an uncompleted building on the Airport/ Eyenkorin Road, a suburb of the state capital.

According to the police boss, the building is owned by an 85- year old woman, saying the discovery was made possible by the information from people of the state.

He said “the command’s special undercover agents, while acting on intelligence, discovered some buildings suspected to be a hide-out for criminals dealing in human parts.

“When we visited the place,we discovered a bizzare scenario, among the items recovered were headless bodies, human feet ,snail shell and clothes

are ongoing. He said, “we apprehended Adetoye Taiwo who is a clearing and forwarding agent with 3kg of methamphetamine meant for export to Malaysia. During investigation, he indicted Ibidayin Godwin, an officer of the NDLEA at the Anambra State command. We have also arrested three others, Taiwo Ososanya, Fatai Olawale Akera and Alhaji Yusuf Olayemi Bankole who are being quizzed by our investigators”.

suspected to be used in strangulating their victims.

“I think that place is used as market where people involved in ritual activities buy human parts, investigation is still going on “, he said.

Aisabor however said that no arrest has been made in connection with the discovery.

FRANCIS SUBERU

I

n furtherance of the Lagos State Government efforts to improve trust, confidence and mutual respect between law enforcement officers and the citizens, the Law Enforcement Training Institute, LETI, is commencing a Community Outreach Programme.

The programme is expected to strengthen and stimulate existing proactive partnerships between personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and their counterparts in the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the state.

It will also actively engage the diverse cultural, religious and social economic groups in the state to have a shared sense of responsibility in maintaining law and order.

The programme which kicks off with the session on ‘Mentorship with Religious Leaders’ at the Oy-

ingbo Market on July 2 is expected to have in attendance, the National Missioner of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdulrahman Ahmad, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Adebola Ephraim Ademowo, former Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde , National Chief Missioner of NASFAT Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode and other clergies.

While speaking on the significance of the Community Outreach Programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport Education, Dr. Mariam Masha said the clergies are to assist in the propagation and sustenance of the tenets of law and order at major markets and parks through their inspirational and motivational sermons, centred on the need to adhere strictly to the sound ideals and values of law and order.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

48

Securities lending begins today JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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he act of loaning a stock, derivative, other security to an investor or firm will commence on the Nigerian Stock Exchange today.

Securities lending requires the borrower to put up collateral, whether cash, security or a letter of credit.

When a security is loaned, the title and the ownership is also transferred to the borrower.

Speaking in Lagos last week, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh, saie, a provision for securities lending agent has been made, as there is no way the lending transactions will take place without an agent.

She said, “The agents have to be registered with

the SEC, I believe a number have been registered, but they still have not taken off operations. So, trying to address the concerns that we have in order for them to actually start functioning as security lending agents.”

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market have advocated need for better education of participants in the market.

At the meeting, which was attended by regulators and operators in the market last week, they said though a lot of investors lost their money in the past, the market currently presents good opportunities and the securities lending will boost market capitalisation by 15 per cent.

The Managing Director of APT Securities Limited, Alh. Kasimu Kurfi, said that securities lending is

important to stock trading as it is being done in every developed market, emerging market even frontier market.

He said, “What we are saying is that in the past, we operated securities lending without rules and guidance.

And both the lenders and the borrowers burnt their fingers. Now that we are better informed and guided, it makes more sense as the regulators re-introduced securities lending.

“I believe both the lenders and the borrowers have learnt their lesson so if it is coming now, there is no issue with it because everybody is well informed.

I believe it will bring more liquidity into the market.

How do you expect the market makers to work if there is no securities’ lending? We need it for market makers to

work.”

He added that without securities lender, there will be no market making.

On the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, that is not ready to lend its stock assets to any registered agent, he said, “There are ways for doing things. This is no single way that you must do it that way.

“Remember the issue of bond market, before year 2000, the bond market was almost dead, but when we have the Debt Management Office, DMO, and they are the only issuer of the bond, we found way of doing it and today we are better off.

So, if AMCON wants to be an agent, we will find way of accommodating them so that it will be better for the system.”

Seplat net profit rises 404% in one year

JOHNSON OKANLAWON

S

eplat Petroleum Development Company has declared a profit after tax of $550.3m for the financial year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 404 per cent when compared to $109.1m posted in the same period of 2012.

The company’s operating profit rose 45 per cent to N$478.7m in the review period, from $329.9m recorded in the corresponding period of 2012, while taxation decreased by $95.4m to nil in 2013, from same amount in 2012 as the company was granted the pioneer status incentive by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for five years.

Speaking at the company’s first Annual General Meeting in Lagos following its dual listing on the Nigerian Stock

Exchange and the London Exchange yesterday, the chairman, Dr. Ambrosie Orjiako, said the performance exceeded expectations.

He explained that the exponential growth witnessed by the company was despite a harsh operating environment underlined by the uncertainties about the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, persistent oil theft, huge exposure to subsides and reduced demand for Nigerian crude oil blends, in the United States, among other things.

Giving further details of the performance, he said, “Seplat has continued to deliver growth holistically since inception in line with our strategy.

“Operated crude oil production has grown significantly over a three-year period (2011-2013), from 11.5 million barrels in 2011 to 18.8

million barrels in 2013, with an exit grows production rate at 31 December 2013 of 61.7 thousand barrels per day.”

He also said operated average daily production for 2013 was 51.4 thousand barrels per day, with total annual operated production of 18.8 million barrels.

Despite the performance, Orjiako, who said the future was bright for Seplat, assured the shareholders that the company would not rest on its oars.

According to him, with sustained growth in production, reserves and profit as well as its dual listing, the company is now fully set for the next phase of building a sustainable long-term business with substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy security.

“We shall strive to main-

tain our leadership position in the indigenous E & P industry in Nigerian and focus on following our growth strategy to seek to ensure delivery of our commitment not only to capital growth but also to remain profitable and dividend-paying. We shall seek to deliver tangible rewards to all stakeholders,” he said.

In line with its plan to reward shareholders, the company has paid a dividend of N16.50 per share for the 2013 financial year.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru, the company’s growth trajectory will remain on the upward because the company intends to keep production levels and revenue streams on the high by investing in new wells, improving infrastructure and monetising its natural gas resources.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 42,482.48 points Market capitalisation 14.03trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

OANDO

27.36

29.25

1.89

6.91

TRANSCORP

4.74

5.05

0.31

6.54

MOBIL

131.00

137.55

6.55

5.00

TOTAL

171.05

179.60

8.55

5.00

UPL

4.47

4.69

0.22

4.92

PORTPAINT

5.14

5.39

0.25

4.86

MANSARD

2.50

2.62

0.12

4.80

NESTLE

1,098.90

1,150.00

51.10

4.65

ETI

16.24

16.89

0.65

4.00

PZ

36.00

37.40

1.40

3.89

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

JAPAULOIL

0.66

0.60

-0.06

-9.09

CAVERTON

6.56

6.24

-0.32

-4.88

AGLEVENT

1.44

1.37

-0.07

-4.86

NPFMCRFBK

0.85

0.81

-0.04

-4.71

ETERNA

4.77

4.55

-0.22

-4.61

AVONCROWN

1.77

1.69

-0.08

-4.52

AIRSERVICE

2.45

2.34

-0.11

-4.49

LEARNAFRCA

1.57

1.50

-0.07

-4.46

ABCTRANS

0.94

0.90

-0.04

-4.26

CILEASING

0.52

0.50

-0.02

-3.85

FGN Bonds Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

2.13

102.90

11.46

103.05

11.38

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.83

108.55

11.45

108.70

11.39

16.00 29-JUN-2019

5.00

116.95

11.45

117.25

11.38

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.58

121.15

12.05

121.45

11.99

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.71

110.95

12.23

111.25

12.18

10.00 23-JUL-2030

16.06 84.60

12.21

84.90

12.16

Index up 0.7% as Oando extends ConocoPhillips acquisition

T

rading in equities continued on a bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks.

The All Share Index appreciated 0.70 per cent to close at 42,482.48 points, compared with the rise of 1.10 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 42,187.62 points.

Market capitalisationwas up N97bn to close at N14.03trn, compared to the increase of N151bn recorded on Friday to close at N13.9trn.

Oando Plc led the gain-

ers’ table with N1.89 or 6.91 per cent to close at N29.25 per share, followed by Transcorp Plc with 31 kobo or 6.54 per cent to close at N5.05 per share.

Mobil Nigeria Plc added N6,55 or five per cent to close at N137.55 per share, while Total Nigeria Plc appreciated N8.55 or five per cent to close at N179.60 per share.

University Press Limited rose 22 kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N4.69 per share.

Conversely, Japaul Oil Plc lost six kobo or 9.09 per cent to close at 60 kobo per share,

while Caverton Plc shed 32 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N6.24 per share.

AG Leventis Plc was dwon seven kobo or 4.86 per cent to close at N1.37 per share, while NPF Microfiance Bank fell four kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at 81 kobo per share.

Eterna Oil Plc declined 22 kobo or 4.61 per cent to close at N4.55 per share.

A total of 408.5 million shares valued at N7.57bn were traded in 5,882 deals.

Meanwhile, Oando through its subsidiary Oando Energy Resources and Cono-

coPhillips have entered into an agreement to extend the outside date for completion of the proposed acquisition of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas business of ConocoPhillips to July 31.

Astatement from the company yesterday said, “Having received consent of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria both parties have extended the outside closing date for completion of the acquisition to enable them finalise activities required to conclude the transaction.”

Offer

Closing Market Prices of June 30, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

2-Oct-14

10.75

10.50

8-Jan-15

10.40

10.15

7-May-15

10.15

9.90

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

10.5000

1M

12.0706

3M

13.1253

6M

14.1870 The Fixings - NIBOR, NITTY and NIFEX of June 30, 2014

Tuesday July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News The United States will support the construction of a solar power plant in Chile

–United States President, Barack Obama

Pistorius had no mental disorder - Psychological report PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

O

scar Pistorius did not have a mental disorder when he killed his girlfriend, a psychological report said as his murder trial resumed.

That meant the Olympic athlete was criminally responsible for his actions when he shot her, the prosecution said.

The defence team has said Mr Pistorius was suffering from an anxiety disorder.

The athlete denies deliberately killing Reeva Steenkamp.

He says he shot her accidentally in a state of panic after mistaking her for an intruder.

The prosecution says Mr Pistorius deliberately killed Ms Steenkamp following an argument.

Both prosecution and defence have accepted the results of the psychological report but it has not been published.

“Mr Pistorius did not suffer from a mental illness or defect that would have rendered him criminally not responsible for the offence charged,” said state prosecutor Gerrie Nel, reading

Pistorius has often displayed his emotions during the trial

from the psychologist report.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said she had only received it on Monday morning and so had not yet read it, a news agency reported.

The panel of experts may have concluded that Oscar Pistorius is neither mentally ill, nor unable to tell right from wrong, but his own psychiatrist actually said much the same, although she did conclude that he had an anxiety disorder.

Besides, we still don’t know

the details of the new report only the short highlights helpfully selected and read out by the prosecution.

Then the athlete’s doctor, Gerry Versfeld, provided some compelling evidence about the athlete’s disability - and the pain and lack of balance he experienced on his stumps.

After that, the court heard a highly technical summary from acoustic expert Ivan Lin. His main role was to raise

PHOTO: AP

doubts about the testimony of several neighbours, called by the state, that they had heard a woman screaming so clearly that they could even tell her emotional state.

Lin suggested that it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for any of those witnesses - given their distance from Mr Pistorius’ home - to have heard with such clarity.

The prosecution will cross-examine Mr Lin on Tuesday.

Liberian president warns against hiding Ebola patients

L

iberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has warned that anyone caught hiding suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) patients will be prosecuted.

She told state radio that some patients had been kept in homes and churches instead of receiving medical attention.

Sierra Leone issued a similar warning last week, saying some patients had left hospital and gone into hiding.

The EVD outbreak is already the deadliest on record in West Africa, with 635 cases and 367 fatalities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for “drastic action” to contain the outbreak.

“Let this warning go out -

anyone found or reported to be holding suspected EVD cases in homes or prayer houses can be prosecuted under the law of Liberia,” Ms Sirleaf said.

“It is, as I speak, taking the lives of our citizens. The disease is real and is in our country and can kill a lot of people.”

Most deaths have been in the southern Guekedou region of Guinea, where cases were first reported in March.

According to the WHO, Guinea has reported 396 cases and 280 deaths; Sierra Leone has 176 cases and 46 deaths; and Liberia has reported 63 cases and 41 deaths.

Health workers fighting the outbreak say they have encountered resistance throughout the region and that some have even been attacked.

WORLD BULLETIN 30 migrants found dead on boat near Sicily As many as 30 corpses were found on a boat packed with migrants off the coast of Sicily, Italy’s navy said yesterday after rescuing thousands of people trying to cross from North Africa over the weekend.

The dead are thought to have either suffocated on the overcrowded fishing vessel or drowned, the navy said.

The discovery on Sunday underlined the scale of the crisis in the southern Mediterranean, where hundreds have died in the past year making the journey to Europe, and tens of thousands more have been plucked from rickety boats.

More than 5,000 people were rescued this weekend, adding to the 50,000 migrants who have reached Italy from North Africa so far this year, many fleeing war and forced conscription as well as poverty and a lack of opportunity.

Mass killings: Kenyan governor released on bail A Kenyan politician arrested in connection with the murder of 65 people on the coast this month denied responsibility after a court freed him on bail yesterday.

Issa Timamy, the governor of Lamu county, was arrested last Wednesday over the gun attacks, which President Uhuru Kenyatta blamed on local political networks rather than the Somali rebel group al Shabaab which claimed responsibility.

“I am not responsible for those attacks. Why would I kill my own people in my own county? I am innocent and if they (police) think I actually committed the crimes, then they should not have released me,” he told reporters outside the court.

Two Egyptian police officers killed in bomb blasts

Medical authorities are struggling to contain the Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Liberia’s health ministry has set up treatment centres and launched a public service campaign that includes training health professionals to use protective clothing and forbidding hospitals to turn away patients with Ebola symptoms.

EVD, formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, has no cure and is spread by contact with the fluids of infected people or animals, such as urine, sweat

and blood.

The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has already warned that the outbreak is “out of control”.

It says the epidemic will spread further unless there is a stronger international response.

The WHO has sent 150 experts to the region to try to contain the outbreak but has also warned of the potential for “further international spread”.

Two Egyptian police officers were killed yesterday while trying to defuse makeshift bombs planted near Cairo’s presidential palace by Islamist militants close to the anniversary of the army’s overthrow of an elected Islamist president.

Radical Islamists have repeatedly attacked police and soldiers with bombings and shootings since the ousting of President Mohamed Mursi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood denies any link to the violence.

The militant group Ajnad Misr, or Soldiers of Egypt, said it had planted several bombs near the presidential palace to target security forces before realising that civilians could be in danger. It later released a statement saying it had been unable to remove the devices and urging passersby to be cautious.

50

Ramadan Special

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ramadan 4 1435 A.H. Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Ramadan Mubarak

Watch out for our daily Special Package on message from Islamic clerics, scholars and variety of events.

Contact: 08055102994, e: sakinah207@yahoo.com

Pray for peace –Ariyo HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

A L-R: Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, NASFAT, women leader, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade; member of Board of Trustees, Alh Abdurrahman AbdulWahab; member, National Council of Elders, Alhaji Yunus Salihu; member, National Council of Elders, Alhaji Adekunle Bisi at NASFAT annual Ramadan lecture held at LCCI building, Ikeja, Lagos.

s Muslims begin Ramadan fast, they have been urged to pray for peace to reign in the nation.

Giving the advice was the factional Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Captain Ademola Ariyo who said the present war against insurgency can only be won with prayers and unity of purpose by Nigerians irrespective of religious inclinations.

He also commended the Federal Government for the approval of a new polytechnic in the state to be sited at Ile-Oluji in the South Senatorial District of the state.

According to him, this

has shown that the President is serious about developing all states of the Federation irrespective of the political party in power, stressing that this is good for democracy to thrive.

The APC chieftain, however, called on the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to urgently resolve the ongoing impasse in the interest of the students who have overstayed at home.

Speaking at the weekend at the palace of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Suulade Adedugbe, Governor Mimiko said he received the letter announcing the establishment of the Polytechnic from the Federal Government and decided to locate it in Ile Oluji.

MURIC condemns attack on churches SEKINAH L AWAL

T L-R: Uztaz Hussein, Abd Fatai, Branch Missioner, Hizbullahi, Ajegunle Ilo Branch, Lagos, Uztaz Labeeb Hussein, Missioner, Sango, Uztaz ABD Rahmon, Missioner Ipaja Ayobo with Fadilatu Sheikh Sirajudeen, Asukuna, National Missioner Hizbullahi outreach ministry, Uztaz Hameed, Missioner, Ajegunle, Yewa, Ogun State and Uztaz Hassan Abd Fatai during their pre-Ramadan lecture and second anniversary recently.

‘Don’t question Allah’s judgement’ AISHA TITILAYO

M

uslims have been advised not to question Allah’s judgement when it comes to the issue of inheritance in Islam and all other Allah’s injumctions.

This advice was given at the annual Ramadan lecture organized by the Companion, Alimosho Branch because when it comes to the issue of inheritance, things are usually confused and misunderstood. According to Allah’s injunction, parents take 1/6 of their deceased child. A child is to take care of the parents when they become old.

“So who will take care of the parents after the de-

mise of the child?”

While speaking on ‘Inheritance: A misunderstood aspect of ibadah’ at the annual Ramadan lecture of the Companion which held at Alimosho Local government Secretariat, Ikotun, the proprietor of Ma’hadusalam for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Imam Iysa Siddiq noted that there is the need for proper understanding of the guidelines in sharing of inheritance.

He explained that there are given and specific fractions as dictated by Allah as to how the properties of a deceased person is to be shared to his families; son, daughter, wife, husband, mother, father, etc. He however urged all to move away

from injustice in sharing properties. He observed that disobedience to Allah’s instruction is responsible for mishaps in the world today.

Also speaking at the event was a senior lecturer from the department of Foreign Language, Lagos State University, Dr. Muhammad Yaqub. He spoke on the topic; ‘Hajj: An agent of transformation’ explained the importance of performing Hajj in the right manner it should be performed.

He observed that most people that perform Hajj only perform it externally without considering the internal transformation that should accompany it.

“Hajj is meant to transform a Muslim from a

weak soul to a strong soul and from darkness into light. But when the inner essence of Hajj is not achieved, that means the Hajj is not beneficial.”

“Each step of Hajj is significance. A Muslim must be able to internalise the teachings of Hajj.

“The steps, ranging from the throwing of stone, which indicate that you are stoning all evil forces that prevents you from living your life in accordance with the injunction of Allah.

The Tawaf means you are leaving all other things and holding on to Allah. Dr. Yaqub therefore urged all Muslims to always apply the teachings of Hajj in their day to day activities.

he Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has denounced the attack by Boko Haram insurgents on churches in villages near Chibok killing about 30 people. The villages attacked included Kautikari, Nasarawa, Gwaradina and Kwadake.

Coming on the second day of the Ramadan fasting, we are constrained to conclude that this attack is an infringement on the rules of Ramadan which requires Muslims to pursue a robust spiritual programme involving supplications, glorification of Allah and enlightenment during the holy month.

“Whereas Islam teaches the halting of hostilities in Ramadan, Boko Haram chooses the same Ramadan to kill with reckless abandon; while Islam teaches the pursuance of

education by both sexes from childhood to old age, Boko Haram forbids education for the girl-child; while Islam teaches peaceful coexistence, Boko Haram pursues a barbaric agenda of killing and maiming.”

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

Ishaq Akintola, MURIC charged the Nigerian authorities to demonstrate commitment to the war against insurgents. We expect Nigerian soldiers to have studied the tactics adopted by the insurgents by now and to have evolved ways and means of truncating their gimmicks.

“At the same time, the Federal Government must start considering a roundtable with the insurgents.

This is a group that cannot build but it is capable of destroying. Wise counsel dictates that the Federal Government must stoop to conquer. Too many lives are lost on daily basis.”

Place your adverts here for optimal reach

Tuesday July 1, 2014

We‘re penalty masters –Costa Rica coach 52

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51

Sport

The die is cast. But I don’t see USA going ng past us in our match today. That’s it –Belgium midfielder, Eden Hazard rd

th

world cup JUNE 12 – JULY 13

Keshi, Yobo quit Eagles

Super Eagles winger Ahmed Musa (l) competing with Les Bleus midfielder Mathieu Debuchy in their Round of 16 game at Brasilia yesterday

TODAY’S MATCHES Argentina

vs Switzerland

Belgium

vs USA

Wasteful Eagles bow out of Brazil C

rowd favourites Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday failed to take their chances and succumbed 2-0 to Les Bleus of France in their Round of 16 game at National Stadium in Brasilia.

The Eagles had taken early initiative to the French who seemed out of sorts as they soaked ceaseless pressure.

Nigeria’s striker, Emmanuel Emenike, poked in a 19th minute goal off a cross from winger

Ahmed Musa who was the hero last Wednesday in a Group F’s 3-2 loss to Argentina. But the Fenerbahce forward was ruled off side as the French got reprieve.

Intermittently, however, Nigeria had goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to thank for thwarting the duo of Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud and kept the score goalless at first half.

Despite a surge from Juventus youngster, Paul Pogba,

in the second half, Nigeria remained the most dangerous side very nearly took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Peter Odemwingie crashed in a left-foot shot from 20 yards that French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris did well to parry clear.

Pogba would soon profit from Nigeria’s profligacy, heading into an unguarded net in the 79th minute after Enyeama had flapped unconvincingly

at a floated Mathieu Valbuena tantalising corner.

Les Bleus rarely looked in danger thereafter, and they made sure of their place in the last eight when Eagles’ captain Joseph Yobo diverted Valbuena’s low cross into his own net in the 90th minute.

“It is football where anything can happen, especially in a game as this one,” Yobo said, apparently explaining away his blunder.

Mark wants ‘football restructuring’ GEORGE OJI ABUJA

S

equel to the elimination of the Super Eagles from the World Cup by Les Bleus of France in Brazil yesterday, Senate President, David Mark, has called for the restructuring of Nigeria’s football administration.

A statement by Senator

Mark’s Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, shortly after the defeat of Nigeria, said: “I think we really need to go back and see how we can restructure the entire football teams and not just the Super Eagles to make them result-oriented.”

The statement said Mark watched the match along with Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba and Culture and Tourism

Minister, Edem Duke, in his Apo official residence.

“I am sure when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari comes back from Brazil, he will need to review the situation, identify the problems and explain to Nigerians what went wrong.

“This is football. There has to be a winner and a loser. Unfortunately, our Super Eagles could

not fly today (yesterday). We were not lucky.”

Mark, who thanked Nigerians for their support for the team, also said: “For the fact that football is now a tonic for our unity in Nigeria, we must take it seriously and invest in it.”

Mark had led the Federal Government delegation for the opening ceremony in Brazil on June 12.

S

uper Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, yesterday resigned from his position, moments after France defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia.

Taking a cue from his coach, team captain, Joseph Yobo, also called time on his international career where he earned his 100th cap in the loss to France.

“Nobody has contacted me to renegotiate my stay, or offered me a new contract. Therefore, am through with the job,” Keshi told Nigerian journalists in the Mixed Zone at the match venue, saying his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was over.

“I’m going to meet my wife and children for now before thinking of the next step. I’ve missed them for long,” The gaffer added amidst speculations that he had signed a two-year contract with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) to tinker the Bafana Bafana.

Team Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, also confirmed to National Mirror that Keshi has resigned.

But the NFF’s Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, said that the federation had not asked the embattled coach to go.

“If he wants to go, we can’t stop him. But my personal opinion is based on his performance since taking up the job, and he has done well,” Umeh said, adding, “Whatever mistakes he has seen all this time, he should stay and correct them.”

Yobo told National Mirror that he had opted to leave on a high.

“I’m a happy person, we did our best,” Yobo said, despite ending his international career with own goal scored against his team.

“I want to allow the younger players to continue from where I stopped. I’ve shown them leadership and they should build on it.

Now I want to concentrate on my club football.”

52

Sports

Tuesday July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

th

world cup JUNE 12 – JULY 13

Suarez: President blasts FIFA’s decision

U

Jorge Luis Pinto

We‘re penalty masters –Costa Rica coach

C

osta Rica’s penalty shootout win over Greece in the World Cup last 16 was a result of studying the opposition “adequately, Coach Jorge Luis Pinto revealed yesterday.

Pinto’s side won the shootout 5-3 after the game finished 1-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever.

His side was faultless with the penalties while keeper Keylor Navas saved Theofanis Gekas’s effort.

“We practised penalties before and we had studied the opposition and that’s why we scored 100 per cent,” Pinto said.

“It was a dramatic match, a very difficult one. There were moments when we dominated the match but there were other moments when they did but we were strong and we came through.”

The Netherlands lie in wait after a topsy-turvy encounter in Recife, in which Costa Rica went ahead early in the second half through captain Bryan Ruiz’s first-time strike.

That looked to be enough for the Central Americans, only for Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos to net a stoppage-time leveller to take the tie into extra time.

“This is an incredible emotion that we all feel,” Pinto added.

“This is an important win for the team and for the whole country. We are really proud.

We are making history. It’s beautiful what we have done.

This win is for everyone in Costa Rica.”

For counterpart Fernando Santos, defeat meant the end of his reign as Greece manager, having led the Euro 2004 winners to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

“I don’t really like talking about luck, or lack of luck,” Santos, who was sent to the stands by the referee before the shootout, said.

“It is a sad moment for us because obviously we want to keep creating history and to make the Greek people even

happier. That was not possible.

“When the fifth penalty went in I felt sadness, just sadness.

“I wanted to continue, I

wanted to go to Salvador and the team wanted to go to Salvador. It was a group feeling of sadness.”

ruguay President, Jose Mujica, yesterday called football’s world governing body FIFA “a bunch of old sons of bitches” over Luis Suarez’s four-month ban.

The 79-year-old described the punishment, which also included a suspension for nine international matches, as a “fascist ban”.

Suarez received the harshest sanction in World Cup history for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Mujica, who is renowned for his plain-speaking manner, made the comments to state TV at a reception for the Uruguay team following their elimination from the World Cup last 16 by Colombia.

The president covered his mouth to feign shock at what he had said, but told journalists to “publish it” when asked if he wanted to rectify his remarks.

The former leftist guerrilla had previously said Suarez was being punished by FIFA because of his humble background.

Uruguay suffered a 2-0 defeat in their last-16 tie against Colombia after being forced to do without Suarez because of the ban.

Robben concedes to diving H olland winger, Arjen Robben, yesterday admitted to diving the Mexican area on Sunday, resulting in a penalty that gave the Oranje a 2-1 win over Mexico and a quarter final ticket.

Striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar converted the match-winning spot-kick in stoppage time after Robben had been fouled.

Mexico Coach, Miguel Herrera, accused Robben of diving three times in the game, but the forward responded: “I have to apologise. In the first half I took a dive.

“But the one at the end was a penalty.”

Robben was fouled by Mexico captain Rafael Marquez in the 94th minute, but Herrera suggested the Bayern Munich

player should not have even been on the pitch to be able to win the penalty.

“Robben dived three times,” he said.

“You should caution a guy who is trying to cheat, and then if Robben did it again he would be sent off.”

Mexico first suffered a penalty scare towards the end of the first half when Robben fell inside the area following a challenge by Hector Moreno.

Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca waved play on and Mexico took the lead early in the second half when Giovani Dos Santos scored from distance.

Robben again went to ground inside the area after a Miguel Layun challenge, before Wesley

Sneijder equalised with a powerful drive late on.

Just as extra-time looked likely, Robben raced into the area, Marquez stuck out a boot and the referee awarded the penalty, which Huntelaar coolly finished to put Netherlands through.

An incensed Herrera added: “Why did FIFA choose a referee from the same confederation as the Netherlands instead of one from South America, Asia or Africa?

“The doubtful decisions were always against us. In three matches we had horrible refereeing. The man with the whistle knocked us out.

“I want the referee committee to take a look and that the referee goes home, just like us.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Tuesday July 1, 2014

Federation Cup battles begin

T/tennis: Players chase C’wealth tickets ADEOLU JOHNSON

T

he battle for slots at the Commonwealth Games holding in Glasgow, Scotland next month continued yesterday at the table tennis knock up hall of the National Stadium, Lagos with the athletes sweating out in the trials.

National Mirror gathered that the trials, which is in the third phase, is attended by over 40 male and female players invited from all over the country.

Secretary of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Mrs. Chinedu Ezealah-Ogundare, explained that five players would be picked from both categories.

“The best three players may be picked to join those that have already established themselves during the recent Lagos ITTF World Tour,” she said, even as top players like Segun Toriola, Aruna Quadri, Funke Oshonaike and Offiong Edem look certain to get tickets.

In some of the games decided yesterday at the trials which will end today, Seun Ajetunmobi defeated Wale Fagbamila (3-0) 11-5, 11-9, 11-8, Jide Ogidiolu beat Ayo Omotara (3-1) 11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, Idowu Onifade outlasted Azeez Ogunlade (3-2) 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4 while Bode Abiodun also overwhelmed Jide Omotayo (3-2) 11-7, 5-11 12-14, 11-5, 11-9.

In the women’s category, teenager, Oribamishe Esther who reached the finals of the U-21 Lagos World Tour defeated Hassan Funke (3-1) 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 14-12 while Olaide Atinuke beat Kazeem Fatimah (3-2) 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 5-11, 13-11.

T

he Round of 64 matches of this year’s Federation Cup competition will start across the country tomorrow.

ABS of Ilorin will meet Giwa FC of Jos in Minna and Heartland will meet Ebonyi United in Umuahia, as Wikki Tourists and El-Kanemi Warriors face-off in Gombe on Thursday.

Kwara United meets Sharks of Port Harcourt in Benin, Dynamite FC of Benin and Rancher Bees of Kaduna meet in Lokoja and Akwa United faces FC Abuja in Enugu.

Kano Pillars will meet Gateway FC in Lokoja, Gombe United and Baton FC of Imo tango in Ilorin and Enyimba FC will take on Sokoto North FC in Abuja.

There are only two matches in the women’s section, with Rising Queens of Ondo tackling Ebonyi Babes in Warri tomorrow while Tin City FC of Jos clashes with Tokas Queens in Lokoja on Friday.

Wednesday’s fixtures Enyimba

vs Sokoto North

Zara Studio

vs Tornadoes

CBN Cashless

vs Nembe

Ibom Youth

vs Katsina Sportlight

Heartland

vs Ebonyi Utd

Kwara United

vs Sharks

APA United

vs Ekiti Utd

Nasarawa Utd

vs Young Elephants

Bobbies FC

vs Ajiroba FC

ABS

vs Giwa FC

Yarmalight FC

vs Jigawa Stars

AS Racine

vs FC Taraba

Sky Academy

vs Plateau United

Abia Warriors

vs Mafara United

Dolphins

vs Ingas FC

Remo Stars

vs Bayelsa United

FC Lokoja

vs First Bank FC

Gombe United

vs Baton FC

Heartland captain Chinedu Efugh Toriola

Thursday’s fixtures

World Cup: Fans hail OSMI Pidgin

Dalhatu FC

vs 3SC

AFOLABI GAMBARI

Dynamite FC

vs Rancher Bees

Kaduna United

vs Leopard FC

Bright Stars

vs Crown FC

Insurance

vs Sunshine

Rangers

vs Ikpeazu FC

Lobi

vs Tornadoes Feeders

Wikki

vs El-Kanemi

Yobe Stars

vs Kogi Utd

Binani FC

vs FRSC

Akwa United

vs FC Abuja

Gateway

vs Pillars

Prime

vs El-Kanemi Babes

Dan Buran

vs Wolves

T

he Brazil 2014 World Cup terrestrial television broadcast rights owner for the Nigerian territory, OSMI, has been commended by a cross section of Nigerian fans for introducing Pidgin English match commentaries to the on-going World Cup television broadcast.

OSMI runs both the English and Pidgin English commentaries for the World Cup live broadcast and a good number of Nigerian television stations have been beaming the Pidgin English version.

According to the viewers, the commentaries anchored by the trio of Cool

FM/Naija Info sports journalists: Kelechi Nkoro, Deji Faremi and Jude Otigbu have brought a different dimension to the tournament’s broadcast.

A Lagos-based electronics dealer, Nnamdi Okoro, described the broadcast as innovative.

“I don’t need to strain my ears to hear the foreign commentators. It is a good move from OSMI,” Okoro said, even as another viewer, Segun Idowu, added: “I particularly love the dexterity of the presenters and I wish many more stations will go for the pidgin as well.”

OSMI’s Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Falodun, said the desire to enrich viewers’ World Cup experience had resulted in the innovation.

“From the feedback that we have received so far, the commentary has become very popular with Nigerians,” Falodun said.

Olofinjana

54

Sports

Tuesday July 1, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

th

world cup JUNE 12 – JULY 13

Keylor Navas

How we overcame –Navas Greece C elso Borges set the ball rolling, putting Costa Rica ahead in the penalty shootout that followed the side’s 1-1 draw with Greece in the last 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil on Sunday.

Next up to the spot was Konstantinos Mitroglou, who held his nerve to put the Greeks level.

By the time Theofanis Gekas stepped up to take his kick, Costa Rica led 4-3, with every player having converted. Facing him was a former teammate in Keylor Navas.

“We played together at Levante and I remembered what he used to do in training. I was confident he wasn’t going to change the way he takes his penalties, and in the end I was able to keep it out,” Navas said yesterday.

Having given his side the edge in the shootout, Navas then looked on as Michael

Umana made full use of the advantage by firing home the winning spot-kick, sending the Central Americans into the last eight for the first time in their history. As he celebrated, Navas suddenly found himself engulfed by his jubilant teammates.

The scene capped a long but ultimately glorious night for the Costa Ricans, who began to dream when midfield maestro Bryan Ruiz stroked them into the lead after 52 minutes, much to the delight of a decidedly pro-Tico crowd at the Arena Pernambuco.

But just when it looked as if Jorge Luis Pinto’s side would be going through in normal time, Sokratis Papastathopoulos brought them right back down to earth with a stoppagetime equaliser for the Greeks.

“It was very tough to take because the game was almost over. We handled it well,

though. We didn’t give ve up despite being a man down. We kept our heads eads and kept believing we could ld make it,” Navas, who was elected Man of the Match, added. ed.

The first indication that Costa Rica fans would be in for a heart-stopping finale came on 66 minutes, when Oscarr Duarte was sent off after picking cking up a second yellow card. His dismissal allowed the tenacious enacious Greeks to take the initiative and left Costa Rica with no option but to grit their teeth and organise themselves as best they could.

By the time the referee blew his whistle to mark the end of extra-time, Navas had already made seven vital saves to keep his side in the game.

“We got together in the centre of the pitch and had a chat. The message was that we’d worked so hard to get that far, and we were convinced we could win. I

think everyone felt that deep down in their hearts and that’s why we got there in the end,” the 27-yearold Levante guard said.

“There are no secrets. There are 25 of us, including the two guys who are injured but are here with us. We play from the bottom of our hearts, for our country. We’ve always wanted to make history and you could see that here.”

Then came Navas’ decisive reunion with Gekas. The duo had spent just three months together at Levante in the 2012/13 season, but it was time enough for the keeper to make a mental note of the Greek striker’s penalty-taking preferences.

“It’s a fantastic feeling.

Thank God I was able to stop it.

“My t e a m mates also deserve praise for putting all their penalties away. I took confidence from that, and it definitely helped me.”

Up next for Navas and company is a daunting trip to Salvador to face Holland in the quarter-finals.

“Holland are a great side and one of the biggest teams in the world, but we’re going be just as determined when we play them and show the same character. We’ll be going out to win.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Emergency Update

Tuesday July 1, 2014

55

Dasuki’s panacea to Boko Haram insurgence L ABARAN SALEH

A

t a recent private engagement with the media, a prince of the Sokoto caliphate, former aide de camp to former President Ibrahim Babangida and current National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retired) lamented that terrorists have succeeded in changing the way Nigerians see and relate with each other but observed the only way to defeat them is for all of us to remain united in constructive engagements and mutual dialogues and confront their threat as one united nation under God. The Office of the National Security Adviser is empowered to advise the President on matters concerning intelligence activities of the national security agencies. The NSA is therefore, responsible for distilling the collective material amassed by the various agencies and bringing them to the attention of the President. He also makes recommendations in relation to the activities of the intelligence and security agencies to the President as contingencies may warrant. This influential role is limited to the fact that it doesn’t allow the NSA to place boots on the ground as relevant agencies are mandated to do the execution.

While past occupiers of that office were outspoken on various national issues, Dasuki would rather delegate or allow respective and relevant officers and agencies do the talking and take the action. Rather than engage in unnecessarily political bickering, the man has taken a gentlemanly path of humility and perseverance. A clear example was the recent apology he tendered to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal who was allegedly harassed by security personnel while attending a programme organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Kaduna.

He hardly addresses the press in media chats, press conferences or interviews.

He nevertheless occasional engages media practitio-

ners in private discussion on current realities from the right and factual perspectives.

It is in view of this, for instance, that he facilitates existence of some structures for regular interface with the media towards better understanding of national security including the Forum of Spokespersons on Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), chaired by Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade and National Information Centre, under the leadership of Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri. Some of these platforms have reduced repercussions from interagency rivalries to the barest minimum.

A believer in constructive and sometimes intellectual engagements, Dasuki has continued to promote dialogues through conferences and summit towards proffering solutions to lingering security crises in the country while ensuring that security agencies remain focused in maintain law and order.

The Office has been quite busy in recent times organising workshops and seminars all aimed at restoring the elusive peace and tranquillity to the country generally and the North in particular.

In an effort to address the growing fear of cyberspace and online engagement, Sambo Dasuki recently gathered critical stakeholders to the First National Cybersecurity Forum in Lagos to harness their input into the policy framework on cybersecurity. The participants from the public and private sectors including NGOs and the media build a national consensus on National Cybersecurity Roadmap and facilitated a unified e-security foundation for Digital Nigeria through a coordinated effort.

The event was deliberately planned to secure the cooperation, understanding and the support of other critical government agencies and stakeholders, which will help to prevent disjointed policy document, as well as achieving a coherent and all-inclusive Strategy in which all

other similar cybersecurity efforts previously undertaken in the country will be infused into the overall framework of the National Cybersecurity Policy.

His office also hosted an international conference on security and development challenges in West and Central Africa due to activities of Fulani nomads. The event, which was held in Kaduna with the theme “The Role of Pastoralists in Preventing Insurgency and Conflicts for enhanced National Security,” drew critical stakeholders, top representatives of Fulani nomads, farmers along grazing reserves and scholars to a roundtable where they identified key challenges facing communities affected by pastoralists and their consequences on national se-

curity. The forum provided a medium in achieving synergy among stakeholders and security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism, insurgency, cattle rustling, command clashes and threat to national security.

Concerned about allegations of human rights abuses and proportionality of military response to crises situations, the Office organised international seminar on the Imperatives of the Observance of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Norms in Internal Security Operations for military, law enforcement officers and legal practitioners. This was borne out of a conviction that frequent sensitisation will go a long way to encourage the armed forces to imbibe these norms and promote vol-

untary compliance to the observance of appropriate rules of engagement which has been institutionalised in the training of members of the armed forces.

Again, because of a concern that vulnerable children and youths are coerced into criminal activities and insurgency, the National Security Adviser proposed the Soft-Approach Against Insurgency.

The counter radicalization approach seeks to institute community engagement and resilience through building creating trust, creating awareness and resilience by partnering with faith based organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders to deliver counter radicalization programs at community levels. The platforms will create opportunities for conversation amongst the people,

create nonviolent conflict resolution mechanisms and make it easier for youths in the affected societies to find answers to the questions that bother them the most.

The educational component of the programme is to be deployed to counter violent extremism. Youths are to be mentored and nurtured through multiple platforms such as sports, arts, music, literature, history, leadership and service. The educational environment or schools for the programme would be a place where children go to learn about diversity, tolerance, and how to commune with those of different faiths and ethnicities.

Once they are kept busy on inquisitive, creative, imaginative and productive engagements, devilish thinking and evil-adventures would cross their minds.

Passersby watching as an early morning inferno gutted a Filling Station in Lagos, recently.

NEMA urges school owners to provide security

T

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged owners of schools to provide enough security in their schools.

The NEMA South West Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Iyiola Akande, made the appeal while presenting relief materials to the Unity College, Ikire, Osun State.

There was a fire outbreak in the school, which resulted in the burning of two hostels.

Akande said, “The fire, which destroyed two hostels of the school within two days could be traced to mischief. This is what NEMA

observed in its Need Assessments of the disaster.

“There is the need for the authorities to take critical action to get safer school construction right the first time around.

“Perimeter fencing and professional security guards are important to mitigate the vulnerability of the schools and the students.”

He also noted that the NEMA Director -General, Alhaji Muhammad SaniSidi, had directed that relief materials be transported directly to the affected disaster communities to ensure that the victims received assistance on time.

The Principal of the college, Mr. Ade Odewale, who lauded NEMA for the gesture, noted that the provision of alternative facilities for the displaced pupils ensured that there was no disruption of their studies.

Meanwhile NEMA has disclosed that the recent Apapa explosion was an accident and not a bomb attack. The agency made the clarification over various speculations on the explosion that occurred at Folawiyo Energy Depot along Creek Road, Apapa.

According to NEMA’s Lagos spokesman Ibrahim Farinloye, the explosion

was an accident which occurred when some people were refilling a gas cylinder.

Owners of the premises have not made any official statement, but unconfirmed sources claimed that four people were killed in the accident.

Earlier, some sections of the media had claimed that the explosion was as a result of a detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED). They had claimed that the explosion occurred after a lady dressed in hijab sneaked into the energy depot’s compound with a fuel tanker and set off the explosion.

WORLD RECORD

First hand cooling video game controller The Chillstream range of controllers from Logitech have an integrated fan system that blows air through the vents in the pad to keep gamers’ hands cool.

N150

Vol. 04 No. 885 Tuesday, July 1, 2014

CBN and its cashless policy A s indicated recently by officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the cashless policy of the Federal Government will extend to other states of the federation beginning from today, to ensure its nationwide spread. The initial introduction of same was in Lagos in 2012, and it was to serve as a pilot programme. Going by the experience of Nigerians in the period the policy had been in place in Lagos, there is no doubt that the time is ripe for all Nigerians to fully embrace the policy.

Apart from that, the failure to follow the global dictates in monetary issues means the country will be left behind even as we stand the risk of losing grounds in investments, while

U

SA goalkeeper, Tim Howard, yesterday declared that the Americans are ready to battle Belgium today for the quarter final ticket.

Howard, who is also number one for EPL side Everton, has

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

others gain from a self-induced apathy of policy makers and managers of the economy. There is no doubt that transiting from the cash-based policy to a cashless payment system inflicted much pains on the individuals and economy, particularly for some individuals at the subsistence level of the economic cadre.

There is hardly any country that had done so easily, particularly in a country with a weak infrastructural base, without first strengthening its facilities for the smooth take-off of such policy. Given the level of our development, ours was, therefore, not a surprise, given the myriads of problems confronting us. But after experimenting with the same policy in some states, the CBN can now confidently say that the time is ripe for the rest of the country to join.

Since 2012 when the policy debuted in Lagos before the initial addition of five more states, Nigerians can confidently count the gains of the policy, while investors, hitherto burdened with the physical movement of cash, had had cause to heave a sigh of relief with the ease, at least to some extent, of transacting business without pressure. Such is desirable; and for us to see the genuine advancement of the economy, efforts must be made to ensure that the policy goes nationwide seamlessly.

IT

IS QUITE

DISHEARTENING THAT ALMOST TWO YEARS AFTER ITS INTRODUCTION , THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A HITCH - FREE CASHLESS REGIME IS YET TO BE ADEQUATE Rivers, Kano, Abia, Ogun, Anambra states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where the second phase of the programme was introduced on October 1, 2013, by now must have seen the impact of the policy on their economies, which would have enhanced the overall development of the other sectors of their society, apart from counting its other impacts. The benefits are enormous and necessary for a people to develop and much more to reduce the extent of the rural urban drift, which has continued to be the bane of our development as a nation.

Just like the popular adage which says ‘if wishes were horses, beggars will ride,’ it is not enough to count the gains of the policy thus far without

also highlighting the pains Nigerians have had to endure in order to perfect the system. Yes, it is desirable, it is in line with the global best practices-very secured, comfortable and necessary for investors. In spite of this, the policy is still far from meeting the expectations of many and getting the confidence of the majority.

It is quite disheartening that almost two years after its introduction, the infrastructure for a hitch-free cashless regime is yet to be adequate. To be compliant with the best global practices and the extent of phenomenal growth of ICT, Nigeria is yet to be reckoned with in this regard. This remains one key factor that must be addressed.

Much as Nigerians would love to enjoy the new policy direction, the problem of unimpeded access to the internet remains a major concern till date. While individuals are doing much to catch up, governments and their agencies have remained passive in the global crusade to be IT-compliant.

It is unfortunate that up to this stage of the commencement of the third phase of the policy, the reliability of the ATMs, which should have instill confidence in the whole process, is still far from being satisfactory. The PoS which should have formed the bedrock of the system has remained a nightmare for retailers and customers due to non-availability of network and the cumbersome process of rectifying and, or making claims.

Perhaps the major problem beyond the banks and other operators of the policy is the discouraging level of internet penetration in the country, without which the overall success of the process will remain a mirage.

And not until government can equally guarantee uninterrupted power supply, particularly in the less urbanised states of the federation, sustaining it will also remain a dream.

Sport Extra World Cup: We are motivated to beat Belgium–Howard earned plaudits for his heroics so far at Brazil 2014 World Cup. But he has taken the accolades with equanimity.

“We navigated our-

selves through the socalled group of death,” Howard said going into today’s crucial game.

“Nobody gave us a chance. But we proved critics wrong by going

out there and doing what they said we couldn’t do.

We did it with grit and heart.”

Ther big keeper, however, played down on the strength of the Ameri-

cans, saying they are in Brazil to learn.

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS France

2-0 Nigeria

Howard

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