Friday, june 27, 2014new

Reps tackle CBN over new bureaux de change rules TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

T Emefiele

he House of Representatives yesterday ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend its new policy re-

quiring bureaux de change operators to register with N35m.

The House also resolved to summon the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, for a full briefing on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Vol. 4 N0. 883

FIFA slams four-month ban on Suarez

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N150

Ekiti guber poll:

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

APC heads to court Plots to unleash mayhem, says PDP

Scene of Wednesday’s explosion on Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday.

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that it will approach the court to challenge the outcome of the June 21 governorship election won by the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

The APC insisted that the election was everything but free and fair, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

PHOTOS: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Lagos explosion caused by bomb, tanker drivers insist

…police warn against jumping into conclusion National Conference adopts state police

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Lagos explosion caused by bomb, tanker drivers insist FRANCIS SUBERU

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he Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association, PTDA, yesterday insisted that Wednesday night’s explosion in Lagos was caused by a bomb-laden vehicle and not gas cylinder or petrol tanker.

This followed the controversy trailing the blast that rocked Creek Road, Apapa, in which five people died.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, PTDA spokesman, Tayo Aboyeji, said the explosion was caused by bombs planted in a Serena Nissan bus that was parked in the tank farm.

He said: “We want to put the records straight, what happened was not tanker explosion, it was a case of bomb blast.

“I was on ground, the loud explosion noise emanated from the Serena Nissan bus that was parked. No tanker exploded anywhere.

It is good that we let people know what happened.”

A source, who did not want his name mentioned

said: “What happened in Apapa tank farm was a bomb blast planted in a Serena bus. A woman was also seen immediately running into Folawiyo Energy premises before the bomb also exploded there.

“The police are doing their job and one cannot blame them. They do not want Lagos to go up in flames and cause panic but the truth is that it was a bomb blast.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command yesterday said the Police AntiBomb Unit had commenced forensic analysis of the explosion.

The state Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, said the Police Anti-Bomb Unit had opened full investigation to unravel what actually caused the explosion.

The CP said it would not be right to conclude whether it was bomb or gas explosion until investigation was concluded.

He urged members of the public to wait for the outcome of the investigation of the police before

making comments on what might not be the truth.

“We have professionals that will do thorough investigation to know what really happened. If it turned out to be bomb, we will start enlightenment campaign but it will be very wrong to say it is bomb when it is not.”

Manko, who spoke with journalists yesterday, said there was no cause for alarm as the police had competent hands in its forensics section that would be able to unravel the ugly incident.

He called on the residents to be vigilant and to go about their normal du-

ties as the command would protect lives and property.

“We will tell the public at least we will educate them on what they should look out for, but we can’t give out wrong information until the investigation is concluded.

Please news should not create unnecessary tension but should wait for the out-

come of our investigation,” Manko said.

The spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, South-West Zone, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fire was caused by gas explosion; saying someone was filling gas in a cylinder and it exploded.

Reps tackle CBN over new bureaux de change rules CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

policy.

The apex bank had on Monday hiked the minimum capital requirement for bureaux de change operations in Nigeria from N10m to N35m, as a measure to prune down the number of operators.

The new guidelines also stipulate a mandatory cautionary deposit reviewed to N35m, which is expected to be deposited in a non-interest yielding account in the CBN upon the grant of an approval-in-principle.

The CBN said it expected existing bureaux de change and those currently operat-

ing with a final approval letter to comply with the new requirement on mandatory cautionary deposit

by July 15, 2014, while urging all current applications to comply with these new requirements.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance raised

by Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau (PDP-Zamfara) entitled, “Urgent need to halt the recent increase in capital base for bureaux de change by 250 per cent.”

Gusau regretted that the CBN had raised the minimum capital requirement for the operation of

bureaux de change to the detriment of the informal sector.

The lawmaker, while raising his motion, expressed worry that the new rule would send many operators out of business and worsen the unemployment situation in the country.

The lawmaker explained that the bar was dangerously raised in disregard of the impending backlash on the economy.

He was also worried that the CBN was planning to reduce the amount of dollars to be issued to bureaux de change from $50,000 to $15,000 per week.

Hon. Uche Ekwunife (APGA-Anambra) also argued that the policy would kill the informal sector and increase insecurity in the country.

Hon. Sunday Adepoju (APC-Oyo) said it was a wrong policy in the wrong direction, while Hon. Asita Honourable (APC- Rivers) submitted that the policy was racist in nature and super elitist.

But Hon. Linus Okorie (PDP-Ebonyi) said it was the duty and function of the CBN to regulate the bureaux de change by coming up with people-oriented policies.

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Photo News

Friday, June 27, 2014

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L-R: Financial Action Task Force, FATF, Secretariat representative, Ms. Alexandra Eckert; President, FATF, Mr. Vladimir Nechaev; Chairman, Presidential Committee on FATF, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye; Director-General, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, Mr. Adama Coulibaly and his Deputy, Mr. Brian Sapati, during the FATF Plenary in Paris, yesterday.

L-R: CEO, General Electric Nigeria, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and President/CEO, GE Distributed Power, Ms Lorraine Bolsinger, during the launch of GE Distributed Power in Lagos recently.

L-R: Secretary, Management Board of Anshau Iron and Steel Corporation, Mr. Zhang Jiagang, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa and President, PAN Steel Group Corporation, Mr. Zhang Dade, during a meeting on investment of $5bn in a new steel plant in Nigeria at the ministry’ headquarters in Abuja.

L-R: Director, National Food and Drugs Adminsitration and Control, Oyo State, Rev. Benjamin Haruna; representative of the NAFDAC Director-General, Dr. Musa Umar and Assistant Director, Ports Inspection Directorate, Mr. Onah Sunday, during a workshop on safe and responsible use PHOTO: NAN of veterinary medicines for South-West Zone in Ibadan, yesterday.

National News

Confab adopts state police WOLE OLADIMEJI, OMEZA AJAYI ABUJA

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he National Conference, holding in Abuja, yesterday passed the recommendation for decentralised police by its Committee on National Security.

The conference, at its plenary yesterday, recommended that states that were willing could establish their own police without interference from the federal government.

But with a caveat that ‘such willing states shall be responsible for the funding and control of its police force’.

While the delegates resolved that states and local government councils could participate in the policing of their environment, it was, however, agreed that state Houses of Assembly laws may provide for community policing.

It was also agreed that state police would however exist with federal police that would take care of federal laws.

The confab also adopted the recommendation that federal police officers from the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, and below should be deployed to their states of origin.

Other recommendations adopted included that the government should compensate Odi, Zaki Biam and other places affected by military operations, and that state governors should not be involved in the running of police commands in their states.

But the delegates rejected the recommendation that Police commissioners’ deployment be discussed with the governors of the states they serve in.

They also rejected the Expanded State Security Council to include the heads of Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC. Further, the delegates rejected the expanded Local Government Peace and Security Council to include

traditional rulers in the local government, with the exception of the Secretary to the Local government Volunteer Vigilante groups to be supervised by the State police, which they also recommended.

The committee’s recommendation for the establishment of a VIP protection unit in Ministry of Internal Affairs and cost of VIP was rejected.

The delegates voted for the retention of the status quo for the Department of State Security, Police and the Armed Forces, however, the cost would be at the expense of the government.

The conference also recommended reduced speed limit and reduced convoys for government officials that should be regulated by Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. The conference rescinded itself in that the proposed National Border Patrol Force should be created by the Ministry of Defence and not the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, as earlier recommended.

The recommendation for the invitation of states, where insurgency is taking place, to a quarterly National Security Council was rejected because the

committee was ignorant that it was the practice.

It further voted for the setting up of a National Security and intelligence Oversight Committee that will interface with regional, continental, and global bodies to facilitate its functions.

The delegates also adopted the recommendation that government should continue to deploy military for election duties, in addition to maintaining the federal character of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The recommendation that the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff

as Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff should be inserted in the constitution was adopted.

It was also adopted that retired military personnel should be mobilized and trained to fight terrorism.

Special fund for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the North East geo-political zone, due to the Boko Haram insurgency, was also adopted.

Furthermore, Life insurance for all military and police personnel was also adopted, even as the conference recommended that Waterway Safety Corps be established.

Court declares lawmakers’ defection legal

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Federal High court, sitting in Ilorin, yesterday declared that the defection of 22 members of the state House of Assembly to a party under which they were not elected is legal.

The Speaker, Hon. Razaq Atunwa, and 21 others, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had

defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, late 2013.

Justice Olayinka Faji, in his ruling, stressed that the defendants would not lose their seats for another re-election because there was indeed an established case of crisis in their party, which prompted their defection.

A legislator in the state

Assembly who stayed back in PDP, Ibrahim Illiyasu, had dragged the defendants to court that they should vacate their seats and stand for another election, having dumped the party for APC. Counsels for the plaintiff, Salman Jawondo, assisted by O.J. Adeseko, had urged the court to declare the seats of the speaker

and 20 others vacant in view of the fact that they were elected on the platform of PDP, but defected to APC. Jawondo posited that having left PDP for APC, the defendants’ seats should be declared vacant and that they must stand another election for them to retain their seats.

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Ekiti guber poll: APC heads to court CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

despite widespread acknowledgment that it was credible, orderly and peaceful.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,

however, said the party’s decision to act was not only to ensure that the “irresponsible and unconstitutional acts exhibited by the security agencies before and during the election are not repeated

in subsequent elections, especially that in Osun in August and next year’s general elections, but also because they have always said that evil thrives when good men do nothing”.

Governor Kayode Fay-

emi had lost the governorship election to the former governor, Fayose, by a wide margin and had since conceded victory.

His open acceptance of the results elicited wide commendation by Nige-

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) with his colleagues at the opening of the 23rd Ordinary Session of African Union Heads of State and Government in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Jonathan rushes back from Malabo ISE-OLUWA IGE, ROTIMI FADEYI, OMEIZA AJAYI AND MARCUS FATUNMOLE

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday returned to the country after cutting short his trip to the 23rd ordinary session of the African Union Heads of States and Government in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Jonathan, who was due back in the country today, had to withdraw from the summit following the bomb attack at Emab Plaza located at Wise II, Abuja, in which 21 people were confirmed dead and 17 others sustained injuries.

Before he returned to the country yesterday, Vice-President Namadi Sambo had visited the scene of the bomb blast.

The Vice-President said that the Federal Government was determined to crush all acts of terrorism in the country.

He described the act as cowardly and unjust, saying that evil would not triumph over good.

“This cowardly, unjust act will be defeated - evil can never be sustained. Insha allah, this administration and Mr. President is not going to leave any stone unturned un-

til we defeat these terrorists.

“Terrorism cannot survive in Nigeria or in any part of this country. We are doing everything; we are putting everything to ensure that within the shortest possible time this will become a better of the past,” Sambo said.

He assured that the government would ensure safety of lives and property of Nigerians.

Sambo also called on all Nigerians to be vigilant and observant in reporting any suspicious act, urging them to cooperate with the administration to overcome the security challenge.

He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd); cabinet ministers and top government officials.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Service, DSS, yesterday said it had prior information of an attack on a mall or market in Abuja and did everything within its power to avert it.

This was even as the service announced the arrest of the suspected sponsor of the 486 northerners who were arrested in Abia State last week.

DSS spokesperson Marylyn Ogar, said 144 out of 486 intercepted travellers to Abia State had been released while 342 were still under interrogation.

A wanted terror kingpin was said to have been arrested from the group.

According to Ogar, the suspected sponsor of the group was picked up in Bauchi State and is now being transferred to Abia State.

The DSS, however, called on Nigerians to be more conscious, explaining that security forces had made useful arrests and working to round up others.

Suspected terrorists had on Wednesday evening bombed the Emab/Banex Plaza in the high-brow Wuse II District of the territory, killing 21 and injuring at least 35.

The attackers were said to have rode on a motorcycle, a mode of transportation that has been banned in the area for nearly a decade.

Speaking at the scene of the blast yesterday, Ogar said the agency got intelligence report about a planned attack on a market and a busy shopping mall in Abuja two weeks ago.

“We went from one complex to another to create awareness and ask them to meticulously scrutinise visitors.

“Every day, our surveillance teams went out to those malls and markets to ensure compliance with our guidelines. They were here yesterday (Wednesday) till about 12:30pm when they left. It is worthy to note that without such guidelines in place, the casualty would have been higher because the suspects were actually denied entry,” she said.

Ogar added that two Turkish nationals were among those injured in the blast.

Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who also spoke to journalists at the scene yesterday, urged shopping malls and other public places to institute a stricter regime of access control.

“It was this level of access control here that even saved the situation,” he said.

Mba advised Nigerians and facility managers to embrace such strict access control regime to deter would-be suicide bombers.

He lamented the absence of closed circuit television cameras, CCTVs, in the plaza, saying they would have provided “strong evidential and investigative value” to detectives.

Mba said the death toll had not increased as at 4pm yesterday, adding that investigation was ongoing and the arrested suspects would be unveiled soon.

rians and international community and he was hailed for his sportsmanship.

But Mohammed who briefed the journalists shortly after the first National Working Committee, NWC, of the new executive said that it would challenge the outcome of the election in the court.

He said: “While voting on the election day may not having been characterised by the usual brigandage and violence, we submit that the entire process was everything but free and fair.

“If an integral part of the process was badly tainted as we have clearly and fully demonstrated above, then the entire process cannot but be tainted.

“Voting in Ekiti may have been free of the usual violence or manipulation at the collation centres, but the entire electoral process in the state was not free, fair and credible.

“Therefore, in order to prevent a recurrence of what happened in Ekiti, especially the militarisation of the process, the harassment and intimidation of citizens, especially those in opposition, my party has decided to challenge in court some of these constitutional breaches and will also encourage our leaders and supporters, who were arrested, harassed and intimidated to seek the enforcement of their constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights that were recklessly abridged by the security agencies.”

The party said it commended Nigerians who had spoken out openly against this “bare-faced acts of hooliganism and brutalism” by the agents of state paid by taxpayers to prevent such acts.

APC recalled that at a press conference addressed by its National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, on the eve of the election, it had warned that the nation’s democracy was in clear and present danger from antidemocratic forces that were bent on winning elections at all cost.

“Today, we restate that warning and call for a reversal of the incidents that made sure a level

playing ground was not provided for all the candidates at the just concluded election in Ekiti,” he said.

But the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the national leadership of the APC for not accepting the processes and outcome of the last Saturday’s Ekiti governorship election.

National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the position of the APC national leadership over an election widely accepted as one of the freest, fairest and most credible elections in Nigeria, and in which their candidate, Fayemi, had also conceded defeat, demonstrated their “preference for anarchy and blind homage to nihilism and destruction of the democratic order”.

“The APC has once again confirmed that it is nothing but a chaotic organisation, totally averse to democracy and orderliness. It has shown that it is a party of desperate, frustrated and violent individuals promoting a Janjaweed ideology.

“This is a party that is fully aware that it was trounced in all the local governments of the state and even lost in the polling units and wards of its campaign director-general and that of its deputy national chairman, yet it is bent at fomenting trouble to disrupt the peace in Ekiti State apparently out of frustration that it did not get the chance to rig the polls.

“We restate our commendations to security agencies for the roles they played in maintaining law and order and providing level playing ground for all parties before, during and after the election.

“However we wish to alert of an orchestrated plot by the APC to now use the instruments of wild allegations and spurious claims to set the stage to unleash mayhem on Ekiti State using imported armed thugs.

“We, therefore, urge Nigerians to note this and hold the APC responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in Ekiti State,” the party said.

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Mobilise veterans for war, confab urges FG OMEIZA AJAYI

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he National Conference yesterday adopted a recommendation by its Committee on National Security calling on the Federal Government to mobilise retired military personnel

for war or counter-terrorism whenever the occasion demands.

Curiously, the conference dropped a recommendation that the strength of the Nigeria Army be urgently increased by at least 300,000.

It took the decision while voting on the rec-

ommendations of the committee which was headed by a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Gambo-Jimeta and former DirectorGeneral of the Department of State Services, DSS, Albert Horsefall.

Also, the conference at plenary adopted the reso-

lution urging the government to drop the word “Force” from the “Nigeria Police Force”, saying the police is not part of the armed forces.

It called for the introduction of a life insurance policy for all security agencies.

However, the confer-

ence kicked against the recommendation that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, be merged with the Nigeria Police Force.

Some retired police officers at the conference had tried, to no avail, to ensure that the recommendation scaled through.

On the issue of federal character, delegates adopted the recommendation that the federal character principle be re-

flected at the entry point into the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA. The conference also voted for the amendment of the 2003 NSCDC Act in order to grant the NSCDC access to the National Integrated Data Bank.

It also voted for the abolition of the monetisation of the Special Protection Unit, SPU of the Nigeria Police Force, in which case some highlyplaced individuals would be barred from paying to obtain the special protective services of the police.

Amaechi: Military assisted PDP to win Ekiti DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

R L-R: Non-Executive Director, NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, ACP Muhammed MuKaddas; Managing Director, Mr. Akinwunmi Lawal; Chairman, Mrs. Florence Adebanjo and Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mrs. Osaro Idemudia, during the 2013 Annual General Meeting of the bank in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Cameroon’s army kills 10 suspected insurgents PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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ameroon security forces have killed at least 10 suspected Boko Haram militants in three clashes in the north of the country near its border with Nigeria, a senior military official said yesterday.

Cameroon has deployed over 1,000 troops along the long and porous border after it came under pressure from its neighbour for not

doing enough to counter the Islamist insurgents, who are suspected of using Cameroon as a base.

Boko Haram grabbed global attention after the kidnapping more than 200 girls from a school in northeast Nigeria in April, since when the group has killed hundreds of civilians.

It has also carried out attacks and kidnappings in Cameroun.

Cameroun’s defence forces killed six mem-

bers of Boko Haram on Tuesday in the village of Wambache, Col. Felix Nji Formekong, a regional military commander, told Reuters.

In a separate clash at another village on the same day, two other militants were killed, and another two were killed after a suspected Boko Haram convoy attacked a Cameroun army patrol in another village on Sunday, he added.

Boko Haram has waged a five-year campaign of at-

tacks on civilians and security forces in northern Nigeria.

But the mass kidnapping of the girls in April put the group in the global spotlight and drew pledges of a regional coordinated push against it.

A number of westerners have been kidnapped in Cameroun’s remote north over the last year, but Yaounde has until now adopted a low-key response to the threat from Nigeria.

Dialogue, antidote to insurgency -Tukur OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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ormer National Chairman of Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP and Board Chairman of Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday expressed bitterness over the bomb blast that killed 21 people in Abuja on Wednesday and concluded that dialogue is the answer to insurgency in the country.

Tukur, who spoke with

journalists in Abuja, added that insurgents must be engaged in dialogue to the save the lives of people.

According to him, all the wars fought in the past ended up in dialogue, adding that all the insurgencies both in the country and outside the country one way or the other would end up in dialogue.

Tukur, who was recently made ambassador-atlarge and honoured with Zik Award said, “Dialogue is the answer. Let us

make is faster to save the lives of people.

The former PDP chair also called for the strengthening of the nation’s defence and urged Nigerians to always expose the tendency of people to commit atrocity.

He appealed to Federal Government to reach out to the neighbouring countries to address the problem of insurgency.

He said: “We are part of this nation, patriotism is very important, we see what is going on and peo-

ple are being killed mercilessly.

“We should strengthen our defence. The security agencies are doing their own; we should do our own because security is the responsibility of everybody.”

He added: “We should equip our army, police and all the security agencies.

We should dialogue with these people (insurgents).

“We should reach out to our neighbouring countries. Let us strengthen our defence.

ivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday broke his silence on the outcome of the governorship election in Ekiti State, saying the party’s victory was aided by military might.

He alleged that military officers escorted PDP members sharing money and clothes, foodstuff, saying the action influenced the outcome of the poll that saw the emergence of Mr. Ayo Fayose as governorelect.

Amaechi spoke during an interview with Government House correspondents on arrival at the Port Harcourt International

Airport, Omagwa, yesterday.

He, however, said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did well in the conduct of the poll, but expressed dismay at what he termed militarilisation of the election.

According to Amaechi, “From the INEC point of view, yes, you can say it was fairly done, but what do you say about the military? The military officers were escorting PDP people sharing money and sharing wrappers, rice and beans; and that influenced the conduct of the poll.

“Arresting APC supporters, especially those who were in the position to command votes and all that was also a factor.”

FG moves to curb failures in mathematics ANIEFIOK MACAULEY UYO

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he Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has called on stakeholders in the educational subsector and corporate organisations in the country to join hands with the Federal Government in curbing the menace of mathematics failure in schools.

He made the call yesterday in an address on the occasion of the 2014 Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics prizegiving ceremony at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resorts, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, “it is a known fact that mathematics is today seen as a nightmare by our students. This phobia has been reflected

in the poor performance of students in internal and external examinations.”

He said to stem the tide of this downward trend in the study of mathematics, the Federal Government has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and all stakeholders, among others, to leave no stone unturned in a bid to reverse the negative trend.

Wike, who was represented by Mrs Chioma Philips, Director, Federal Inspection Services in the ministry, commended Promosidor Nigeria Ltd, makers of Cowbell Milk, for taking the bull by the horns in the drive towards developing the standard of education. He noted that the competition had reawakened students’ consciousness and interest in the study of mathematics.

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Fayemi insists on creating 18 new councils ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

O New judges of Oyo State High Court taking their oaths of office in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Man kills friend over VCD in Ondo HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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he Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 24-yearold man, Success Okon, in Agunla Onipetesi Camp, Ile-Oluji-Okeigbo local government area, over the death of his friend who was matcheted to death during an argument over the ownership of a Video Compact Disc, VCD. It was gathered that the deceased, simply identified as Solomon, had approached his friend for the VCD, which he claimed belonged to him, but his friend, Okon, claimed it

was his.

A disagreement ensued between the two friends and one of them paid dearly with his life.

An eyewitness, however, explained that in the heat of an exchange of words between the two friends, Okon dashed inside the house and came out with a cutlass, with which he allegedly hacked Solomon to death.

According to him, “Okon rushed inside the house and came back with a cutlass and did not mind the consequence. He matcheted Solomon, who went down in his own pool of blood. He died, as he was being rushed to the hospi-

tal.”

All efforts made by medical personnel to save the life of the victim, the witness added, proved abortive as he was reported to have lost much blood before getting to the hospital The case, it was gathered, was reported at the Ile Oluji Police Station by the deceased’s brother, while police arrested the suspect.

The remains of the victim have been deposited at the State Hospital, IleOluji.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said the case has

been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Akure.

Ogodo, described the incident as barbaric and said the suspect will soon be charged to court immediately police concluded their investigation over the matter.

The PPRO said that the police as the institution charged with the mandate of maintaining law and order would not fold its arms and watch anyone take laws into his hands in whatever situation and wondered how a just mundane item like compact disc could lead to disagreement.

Why we appointed 11 judges in 3 years –Oyo gov

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday justified the rationale behind the appointment of 11 high court judges by his administration in three years.

He said it was to strengthen the judiciary and concretise the process of rule of law in the state.

The governor stated this while speaking at the swearing-in of five newly appointed judges at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, the Secretariat, Ibadan.

The appointment of the five judges brought to 11, the number of judges appointed by the Ajimobi administration in the last three years.

The governor, who said the appointment was neither a coincidence, nor a matter of ordinary choice, said: ``Appointment of judges is based on the need to concretise the process of the rule of law in a society like ours where everybody cries for justice. ``In a society where people trample on other people’s rights with impunity, where the powerful take advantage of the weak through the flexing of muscles, the judiciary needs to be strengthened.

“It thus becomes imperative to put in place a well-fortified judiciary by appointing people of impeccable character who are resourceful and highly

efficient in the practice of law,” he stated.

Amosun said that his administration had demonstrated its adherence to the rule of law by due compliance with, and obedience to, court orders, adding that this was diametrically opposed to what he met when he came on board.

His words: ``I dare say today that Oyo is the most peaceful state in Nigeria, and this is not unconnected with our belief in the supremacy of the rule of law.’’

While congratulating the new judges, the governor said that they, and indeed, the judiciary, were expected to bring to bear, at optimal level, their residue

of integrity, intelligence, wisdom, sagacity and diligence to bear on their jobs.

The criteria for their appointment, he said, were sound knowledge of law, industry and good character, urging them to continue in the display of the qualities in all their activities in and outside the courts.

Quoting a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, Amosun said that a judicial officer should diligently discharge his administrative duties, maintain professional competence in judicial administration, and facilitate the performance of the administrative duties of other judicial officers and court officials.

ut-going Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is set to create additional 18 local council development areas, LCDAs, before leaving office, based on the recommendations of the White Paper Committee set up by the government.

He said creation of the LCDAs followed the submission to his office on Tuesday, the report of the Justice Akin Ajakaye-led Council Creation Committee.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, yesterday said the new council areas would be created from the exist-

ing 16 local government areas of the state, after the conduct of a referendum by the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, and consideration of the outcome of the referendum by the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, the governor-elect of the state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has said it was not gentlemanly of the governor to decide to create new council areas when he was already on his way out of office.

And the Labour Party, LP, candidate in last Saturday’s election, Opeyemi Bamidele, had, on Wednesday, described Fayemi’s resolve to create the councils as a ploy to set the in-coming governor, Fayose, against the people.

2015: Supporters stage rally for Ajimobi FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

S

upporters of Governor Ibikunle Amosun across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State, yesterday converged on Abeokuta and staged a rally to drum-up support for his re-election bid.

They organised themselves under the aegis of All-Amosun Campaign Group, ACG, into bands of the aged, women, youths and artisans, among others, chanting songs in praise of the governor, and carrying placards.

The re-election canvass-

ers, however, eventually stopped at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Iwe Irohin chapter at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, where they addressed a press conference to announce their endorsement for Amosun for re-election in 2015.

Addressing journalists, the state co-ordinator of the group, Oluwanbe Oyedele, said ACG was endorsing the governor for another term of office, convinced that he had rewritten the history of the state for good, as well as set a high standard through infrastructural development projects in the state.

Fashola’s wife counsels women on proper medical care FRANKA OSAKWE

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ife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, has called on women, especially pregnant mothers, to always seek proper medical care and make use of the advice by qualified medical personnel at state-owned healthcare facilities.

According to her, that is one of the ways to reduce the maternal and child deaths in the State.

Mrs. Fashola disclosed this yesterday at a Stakeholders’ Town Hall meeting on Maternal and Child Mortality Reduction, MCMR programme at Epe local government area of Lagos State.

She added that women must stop the practice resorting to the use of health facilities only when there were complications, stressing that such attitude make the saving of lives difficult.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fayemi, Fayose may clash over new LGs ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he outgoing administration in Ekiti State led by Dr Kayode Fayemi appears set for a collision course with the in-coming governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, over the decision to create additional 18 local council development areas in the state.

The decision was based on the recommendations of the White Paper Committee set up by the government.

The establishment of the committee followed the submission to Fayemi on Tuesday of the report of the Justice Akin Ajakaye-led Council Creation Committee.

A statement by the Information Commissioner, Tayo Ekundayo, yesterday said the new council areas would be created

from the existing 16 local government areas of the state after the conduct of a referendum by the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, and consideration of the outcome of the referendum by the state House of Assembly.

But the governor-elect of the state, Ayodele Fayose, said it was not gentlemanly of the governor to decide to create new council areas when he was already on his way out of office.

The Labour Party candidate in last Saturday’s election, Opeyemi Bamidele, had on Wednesday described Fayemi’s resolve to create the councils as a ploy to set the incoming governor, Fayose, against the people.

But the administration said the 18 new council areas would operate as LCDAs pending the con-

currence of the National Assembly, which would accord them the status of full fledged local councils.

The new councils and their proposed headquarters as contained in the White Paper and approved by the State Executive Council are as follows: Ado West Local Council Development Area (Okesha), Ado-North (Oke– Ila), Ado-Central (Ijigbo) and Ekiti North-East (Kota- Ekiti). Others are Ogotun/Igbaraodo (OkeAgbe), Osi/Isokan (Ifaki), Eka Meta (Erijiyan-Ekiti), Okemesi/Ido Ile (Okemesi- Ekiti), Gbonyin (Aisegba), Irewolede (Iloro- Ekiti), Irede (Ipoti-Ekiti) and Ikere West (Anaye). The rest are Ajoni (Aiyedun), Ifelodun (Igbemo), Araromi (Iyin –Ekiti), Ero (Igogo), Ifesowapo (Bamisile Land) and Ifeloju (IlupejuEkiti).

Nigeria to benefit from Bill Gates foundation HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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he Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation yesterday said Nigeria had been picked as one of the countries that will benefit from the activities of the foundation.

This was disclosed by the President of Global Development, an arm of the Bill and Melinda Foundation, Dr Christopher Elias who led a delegation of the foundation on assessment tour of Primary Health Care facilities to Ondo State.

Elias explained that the delegation had visited many states and was impressed by the innova-

South West

Friday, June 27, 2014

tions of the Ondo State Government on PHC delivery and particularly in the area of immunisation.

The leader of the delegation said he had seen the state’s innovation and awards in the area of enlightenment and information, adding that those honours given to the governor were well deserved.

The state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, commended the foundation for its intervention in immunisation programme, which has resulted in routine immunisation against polio across the globe.

The governor said PHC is a major tool that govern-

ment had been employing to cater for the needs of the people, saying it was being used to reach the grassroots.

He said the state government pays adequate attention on routine immunisation and government had set up task force to ensure adequate coverage.

Mimiko said the government employs sound information system to ensure that vaccines get to where they are needed and in good condition.

The governor also highlighted what the administration had done in the area of maternal health and which had been reducing maternal death considerably.

Insecurity: Oyedepo canvasses indigenous solution S AIDAT A L AUSA

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he Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Bishop David Oyedepo, has advocated the need to engage indigenous intellectual reasoning to solve the security problems in Nigeria.

He spoke at a lecture yesterday to mark the university’s ninth convocation.

According to him, we must move from National Conference to people’s parliament by moving from what we must do to what we want.

He said “as citizens of the country, we should be free to express our will and let the world know what we want.”

Oyedepo also said Nigerians especially the intellectual community must be committed to solve the

N

igeria’s Mobile Number Portability Scheme is gaining traction, with a growth of 32 per cent recorded in porting activities in the two months of March and April, 2014, National Mirror has gathered.

According to the latest official industry obtained from the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, between May last year, when the MNP service was introduced and April, 2014, the industry has recorded a total of 116,247 ported telephone lines.

The service currently

runs on the networks of thefour Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM operators, MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat.

However, between March and April, this year, a total of 28,360 telephone subscribers ported their phone lines within the two-month period.

insurgency in Nigeria now so that it will not extend.

“We have to stop the security problem by generating indigenous solutions to the problems.

Therefore we need to think fast and hard on how to check the problem.”

Delivering the lecture, titled, ‘Repositioning Nigerian Universities for the 21st century: Paradigms for Innovation and Change,’ the for mer Attor ney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, said the solution to most national crises must begin with an elite consensus to deal with the issue.

He said the Nigerian elite, constituting political, business, academic, religious actors, must decide that the nation’s core values must be repaired.

“The elite must ac-

Dorobucci controversy galore!

D’Banj, Tonto Dike accused of copying Don Jazzy’s monster hit

cept, regardless of political, religious or ethnic affiliation, that a corrupted society has no future and it already contains the seed of its own destruction and it is my submission that the arrowhead of that renaissance is the nation’s system of higher education,” he said.

He explained that the system of higher education must begin by presenting the empirical correlation between the poverty and dysfunction of institutions and the absence of values that conduce to development and progress.

“While we join the rest of the world chasing economic advancement through harnessing the knowledge economy and its digital foundations, Nigeria must steer higher education to redress a more fundamental crisis,” he said.

Pregnant Uche Ogbodo’s marriage plans crash Juliet Ibrahim Ànally admits her marriage is over

Ibinabo Fiberesima goes bra-less

Phone porting grows 32 per cent KUNLE A ZEEZ

9

2Shotz romances 2face’s wife

Celebrity b y

I’m not dating Kenneth Okolie

–Nkiru Nk Sylvanus S

x 10 totally ordinary ways to have great ssex ex This column is x-rated STealk 1

10

South East

Friday, June 27, 2014

Police abort forum on Enugu budget DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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HE Enugu Citizens Forum, convened by a coalition of over 50 civil society groups to present the analysis of the implementation of Enugu State 2013 budget, was yesterday aborted by the police.

The event was slated for Oakland Event Centre along Ebeano Tunnel road, but the participants, drawn from some states of the South East, were denied access to the hall by four policemen who claimed to have the instruction of the police commissioner to stop the meeting.

The management of the centre had informed the organisers that the Police Public Relations Commit-

tee, PPRC, of the state police command had booked the same main hall which the coalition earlier reserved and paid for, and decided to give them another hall downstairs.

Coordinator of the Enugu Citizens Forum, Crownwell Chibuzor, told reporters that two members of the group were arrested by the police for insisting that the group’s event would hold in the hall assigned to them.

He said when he attempted to address the participants in the hall, four armed policemen came into the hall and stopped him, requesting that he should go with them to the police headquarters.

He said: “The Enugu Citizens Forum, which is a coalition of civil society groups numbering over 50

in Enugu State, conducted budget implementation findings and we wrote to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in respect of going into the field to get information. And after we got all the information and analysed the implementation process, we also wrote the relevant MDAs informing them that we would unveil the report of that finding publicly and that everybody should attend.

“Should we have areas of mistake, we also invited community people affected by that so that everybody would be on one page while the dialogue goes on.

“But while coming, I was told that our hall was to be used by the police for another event, so eventually the hotel management gave us another hall downstairs.

While there, I was asked to come over to the police headquarters and that two members of the coalition were already taken to the police station.

“As I was addressing the participants that we gathered to look at budget implementation in the state and that it was not a political issue, it was a governance matter devoid of political colouration, four policemen came in and said that the Commissioner of Police directed that the programme should be cancelled.

“I wondered what was the public breach of peace or the insecurity that we have constituted in the same environment where over 500 people were in the hall upstairs and we were less than 50 downstairs,” he wondered.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Igbo Union to hold festival

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agos branch of Mgbidi Peoples Union will hold its Owu Mgbidi 2014 (festival of peace) on June 29. The festival will take place at Hope Bay College along Old Ojo Road, Maza Maza, Lagos, by 2p.m.

Among dignitaries expected at the event is HRH

Ezekwesiri of Mushin, Dr. John Nwaosu, as guest of honour.

A statement by Messrs Innocent Nwafor and Francis Onunaku, the presidents of the union and committee respectively, enjoined all Imo State citizens in Lagos to attend en masse.

Steer clear of S’East, Bishop warns Boko Haram DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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he Arch-Bishop of Enugu Province of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has warned members and sponsors of the Boko Haram Islamic sect to stay away from the south-east zone.

Chukwuma warned that the zone would treat any of the group’s activities in the zone as a direct invitation to war.

The former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, SouthEast zone, who briefed newsmen ahead of the 3rd Session of the 15th Synod of the Enugu Diocese of the Church, expressed dismay over the incessant bombings across the country, suspected to be carried out by the Boko Haram group, noting that time has come

for the federal government to adopt a radical approach in checkmating the group’s activities.

“They should stay away from Igbo land unless they want another war. Let there be peace but if they don’t want peace, including those sponsoring them, then everybody should be allowed to go his/her separate ways.

Let them also bear in mind that we still have our Ogbunigwe, which our people used during the civil war.

“The incessant bombing across the country is totally unacceptable; this is the time for our security to be very dynamic in crime detection. Federal government should also remove the caveat restricting members of the ongoing National Conference from discussing the unity of Nigeria because what is going on now clearly shows that some people want us to break up.

Man sued for killing wife in Ebonyi ALIUNA GODWIN ABAKALIKI

L-R: Anglican Archdeacon, Prisons and Police Chaplaincy, Ven. Jonathan Agbo; Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma and Vicar, All Saints Church Enugu, Ven. Honest Nwosu, during a news conference on the 4th session of the Anglican 15th Synod in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Adichie lauds Obi, slams neglect of native language CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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uge encomiums came the way of the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, on Wednesday in Awka when celebrated novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, praised his humble and simple lifestyle while he was governor of the state.

Adichie, while delivering a lecture titled: ‘Community and Consensus: My Hope for Anambra State’, at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka, during festivities to mark Governor Willie Obiano’s first 100 Days in

Office, attributed the state’s redemption to the efforts of Obi, though she noted the redemption process was still on.

Her words: “And, for me, that redemption, which is still an ongoing process, is personified in our former governor, Peter Obi. I remember the first time I met him years ago, how struck I was, how impressed that in a country noted for empty ostentation, our former governor travelled so simply and so noiselessly. And perhaps he is proof that you can in fact perform public service in Nigeria without destroying the eardrums of your

fellow citizens and without scratching their cars with the whips of your escorts.”

She urged Obi’s successor, Obiano, to follow in Obi’s steps, noting that an appropriate foundation had already been laid. She further stated that Anambra was and remained one of the better-governed states in Nigeria, noting that good governance was measured in terms of accountability, security, health, education, jobs and businesses.

However, the Anambra State-born and United States of America-based international writer and author deplored the nega-

tive attitude Igbo parents show their native language.

She stated that the prevailing situation whereby Igbo parents don’t teach their children to speak and understand Igbo language is regretful and unacceptable.

Adichie also urged the people of Igbo extraction to wake up and imbibe the noble ideas of integrity and conscience, the attitudes she said are central to Igbo culture.

According to Adichie, “Conscience and integrity are central to Igbo culture and to any culture that has strong communal principles.

A

father of six, Monday Ozuma of Ntezi community, Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi State, has been dragged to court for allegedly beating his adopted wife to death, late Chinasa.

Speaking with National Mirror in Abakaliki, the 26-year-old man, in his defence, said on the contrary his in-laws dragged him to court and attempted to take away his children, following the death of his wife, after a brief sickness.

He said: “I stopped beating my wife long ago. It was only when we were newly married we fought. Nobody will marry a woman and intentionally want to kill her.

It is true that I have not paid the dowry but I hope to pay it when I get the money,” he said.

Meanwhile, the petitioner, Mr Achi Godswill, a brother to the deceased, said his reason for dragging Ozuma to court was to ensure he undertakes before the court how he would provide for the upkeep of the children.

“The truth of the matter is that my elder sister gave birth to one late Chinasa.

She lived with me and I trained her up to JSS 3 until one Monday came and deceived her. I tried to stop them, but she insisted and eloped with him.

“I didn’t know she was already pregnant for him.

Throughout the period she lived with him, he beat her almost everyday to the extent that sometimes she would faint.

“Instead of taking her to hospital, he took her from one herbalist to another until she was unable to cope with the situation,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, June 27, 2014

11

Bayelsa plans study, environmental protection for Koluama, others

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he Bayelsa State Government is to undertake technical studies of the entire coastline of the state and seek ways of collaborating with stakeholders towards providing protection for Koluama in the Southern Ijaw local government area and other communities affected by environmental problems.

The resolution was taken at the 41st session of the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iniruo Wills, said based on the report of the technical study, the government would collaborate with national and international stakeholders to tackle the environmental problem.

The commissioner expressed concern over the ocean surge ravaging Koluama, adding that the council had resolved to visit the community to accelerate government’s plan for the protection of coastal communities.

He also stated that relevant government agencies would visit Koluama and other communities affected by erosion, stressing that

the Koluama situation was a typical example of the environmental degradation confronting the people of the state.

His words: “We will visit Koluama and we will undertake technical studies of the entire coastline of Bayelsa, and not to wait for another such incident to happen.

“We will undertake those studies and then, based on the report, we will engage relevant national and international stakeholders to see how we can combat this menace,” he assured.

The commissioner added: “The most urgent matter that the executive council discussed today has to do with the ocean surge that hit Koluama a few days ago.

“The council expressed its concern and agreed to fast-track its plan for the protection of coastal communities.

“In this bid, relevant agencies of government will visit not just Koluama, but other communities that are affected by erosion, because the Koluama situation illustrates what our people and our communities have always been crying out about and other environmental degradation,” he said.

Grounded chopper: Oshiomhole threatens court action

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overnor Adams Oshiomhole has vowed to go to court and challenge any authority which seeks to infringe on his fundamental human rights, especially of movements from one place to another within the country, if it is violated again.

Speaking yesterday when the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Benin Airport branch, paid him a visit to apologise over the recent incident at the airport, when his chartered helicopter was stopped from flying.

The governor, who said he had contacted President Goodluck Jonathan over the incident “and I’m convinced that he (President) didn’t give those orders that I should be stopped.”

His words: “The next time I’m so interrupted, I will not fail to go to court and challenge the infringement on my fundamental rights to movement.

“We need to strengthen our democracy. We need to breathe air to our multiparty democracy,” he charged.

He advised the airport authorities to shun partisan politics and insist on professionalism, saying “it will be a sad day if the management of a sensitive institution that has to do with air safety joins the club of politicians and political actors.

“I am saying this from my experience over the cause of my stewardship here. Twice my chartered chopper has been stopped by your agents and the airport authority, for reasons that have nothing to do with professional judgement but purely for partisan political reason,” he observed.

While apologising to the governor over the incident, the Airspace Manager, NAMA, Benin Airport, Mr. Ibekwe Ikechi, said “if things had happened before, let it be in the past, please.”

National Youth Service Corps members on road walk during the 2014 International Day Against Drug Trafficking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

15-man gang rape 16-year-old girl in Rivers T

he Rivers State Police Command yesterday, in Port Harcourt, gave a heartrending account of how a 15-man gang drugged a 16-year-old girl and defiled her without mercy.

Three members of the gang have been arrested and are helping the security operatives with their investigations, the police added.

The names of the suspects who are now in custody were given as 40-year-old Tambari Dumlesi, Ikechukwu Akah (22) and Friday Esau.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, who disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen at the command headquarters, said the victim (names

withheld), reported the matter to the police at 6pm, on June 23.

According to the commissioner, the incident occurred in Ogbuga Street, Ogbunabali, in the state capital.

The victim, who was at the briefing but shielded away from newsmen, was said to have attended a party organised by one Tina.

According to information while at the party, the victim was given a glass of hot drink by one Dumlesi and, after that, she lost consciousness.

The victim, it was learnt, woke up to discover that she had been defiled, even as she suffered bruises in her private parts.

Ogunsakin said that the victim had received medi-

cal treatment at the police clinic, adding that investigations were on-going to apprehend the other culprits now at large.

In another development, 13 other suspects involved in various crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and car snatching were paraded by the command.

The police boss, during the parade, reiterated that the command, under his watch, would not condone shady deals “by a few persons who have taken lives and safety of the citizenry for granted.”

According to him, the command’s effort in combating crime was yielding results as its men were up and doing.

Ogunsakin stated: “I

have since my assumption of office as the Commissioner of Police on February 12, 2014, continued to ensure that there are no hiding places for criminals.

“This is in tandem with my declaration during my inaugural address that I will not compromise anything that will cause a breach of public peace, riotous conduct and any other act likely to cause a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.

“It was based on this that I sounded a note of warning to all criminals in the state to either have a change of mind and become law-abiding citizens, or re-locate from River State as they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Gas City project: Host communities pledge to co-operate

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he communities that make up the $16bn Ogidigben Gas City (Export Processing Zone) have resolved to stop further acrimony and inciting actions to ensure that the project is peacefully executed.

At a town hall meeting yesterday in the Delta State Government House, Asaba, presided over by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the communities resolved to stop all nega-

tive publications against the project, and continue to live peacefully among themselves.

Speaking at the parley, the governor said it was important for the people of the area to see the project as one which will not only be beneficial to the host communities, the state, and the nation, but also of great importance to the international community.

According to Uduaghan, all efforts had been made

to ensure that the host communities were comfortable with the project.

He, however, decried the situation where some persons still express their grievances on the pages of newspapers, rather than round table talk.

The governor, who commended the host communities for agreeing to stop all forms of hostilities, set up a fact-finding committee headed by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, to

consolidate on the resolutions reached at the town hall meeting.

Members of the committee, which included five persons from each of the host communities, are: the Commissioners for Oil and Gas, Mr. Mofe Pira; Lands and Survey, Sir Patrick Ferife; State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuyah ; as well as representatives of the police, navy and the state security service.

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North

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Borno sues for unity in drug battle ...Kogi, Nasarawa NDLEA report increased seizures, arrests

EZEKIEL TITUS, INUSA NDAHI, WALE IBRAHIM

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orno State has observed the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, with a call for empathy and support over the various insurgency attacks in the state, particularly the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, in his speech marking the day noted that despite several constraints, the committee,

in the last one year, had recorded modest achievements in its avowed passion to work within the approved frame work.

He said the effect of drug abuse on any society especially in the areas of human, social and economic sectors were enormous and devastating, except credible and strong structures were put in place for rehabilitation of victims.

While condoling with victims of insurgency attacks, Lawan said, “Undoubtedly, the spate of insurgency and terrorism are also linked to the indiscriminate use of drugs by the insurgents. Efforts

must therefore be on deck by all and sundry to bring to a halt the use of illicit drugs by people especially the youths, who are not aware of what their actions portend in future.”

Meanwhile, the Kogi State command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said it arrested 96 suspected drug dealers and seized a total of 3,393.15kg of weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa in the last six months. This is even as the Nasarawa State command of the agency yesterday also said it arrested 109 suspected drug addicts in the state within the first and second quarter of this

year.

The Kogi Commander of NDLEA, Idris Bello, in Lokoja, stated that the war on illicit drugs is a collective responsibility and must not be left to the agency alone.

He said men of his command, through intelligence report, arrested 96 suspects and seized a total of 3,392.15kg of Indian hemp.

He stated the command also seized 259 grammes of psychotropic substance, and 17kg of solvent which acts as stimulant.

The Nasarawa NDLEA commander, Sumaila Ethan, said the agency arrested 109 suspected drug

addicts within the first and second quarter of this year.

He said inhalants such as rubber solutions, petrol, methylated spirits and opiates such as tramadol have taken over from Indian hemp as common drugs of abuse.

He expressed concern over the alarming increase in the consumption and distribution of addictive substances in the state, which he said had led to an upsurge in violent crimes such as armed robbery and prostitution.

Bomb scare at UniJos JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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here was a bomb scare yesterday at the University of Jos, Plateau State, which forced students and staff to desert the institution.

It was gathered that the pandemonium started at the Faculty of Education, following allegations of a bomb planted in the faculty.

It began when a student, who was carrying a bag containing garri and milk into the faculty’s lecture hall, had been asked to reveal the contents of his bag, which he declined, but later complied.

Our correspondent gath-

ered that before this drama, rumours making the rounds had it that a bomb was planted in the faculty.

Against this development, students and lecturers had scampered for safety.

Confirming the development to National Mirror yesterday on phone in Jos, the varsity’s Students Union Government president, Abel Nok, said no bomb was planted in the faculty, and urged students to go about their normal activities.

Effort to speak with the Registrar, Jilli Dandam, a barrister, on phone proved abortive as his mobile phone was switched off.

Aliyu tasks FG on technological development PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA.

N L-R: Programme Manager, Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme, Alhaji Iliyasu Gital; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh and Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Isa Wabu, during the launch of 2014 cotton farming season in Ningi local government area, Bauchi State, yesterday.

Taraba crises: Priest turns away displaced persons HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

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atholic priest in charge of St. Paul’s Church, Kyado, Ukum local government area of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Chris Utov, has said that over 1,000 persons were seeking refuge in his parish due to the continued crises between Fulani and natives of Taraba State.

Utov, in a chat with National Mirror yesterday in Gboko, Benue State, disclosed that the accommodation and welfare for the internally displaced persons had been overstretched, resulting in the turning back of refugees, who have continued to

seek rehabilitation at the church, despite lean resources.

Kyado is a border town between Benue and Taraba states.

According to the parish priest, since the crises erupted, an average of 50 refugees per day fled the troubled spots to seek haven elsewhere.

Utov, a former chairman of the Benue State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, also said the church had to hands off providing refuge to the displaced persons.

He said: “As clergymen, we decided to accommodate them, until the rioters began to send threats that they will soon attack the church. Consequently,

we met and decided to tell them to find their way.

“Frankly, it was such a painful decision but, along with stakeholders in the area, I resolved that it is

better to avoid unpleasant consequences, rather than to continue housing the people at the risk of our lives and those under our care at the moment.”

iger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Aliyu, has said it is only through science and technology that Nigeria can truly become the giant of Africa.

Aliyu spoke when he declared open the 13th National Council on Science and Technology with the theme: ‘Science Technology and Innovation Policy in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges in its Implementation at

the Grassroots’.

The governor said the time had come for the country to emphasise on science and technology, as it is the only way to guarantee accelerated growth.

He supported the plan by the Federal Government to ban the importation of some food items, particularly rice, stressing that the policy will accelerate the development of the nation.

According to him, the ban on rice would galvanise the technological development of the nation.

Eight UNIMAID students killed in auto crash EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

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ight students of University of Maiduguri, UNIMAID, died in a motor accident, while five others sustained various degrees of injuries along Lamari village in Sade Village of Darazo local government area of Bauchi State.

National Mirror gathered that the victims were

students of nursing at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, and were travelling to Abuja for a Christian worship conference.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

He said the accident occurred on Wednesday at about 2p.m, when a convoy of three buses conveying students of UNIMAID and

School of Nursing UMTH to Abuja for the conference was involved in an accident.

According to him, “the driver of the one of the buses in an attempt to avert head on collision lost control and crashed into an incoming bus, leading to the death of eight of the occupants of the bus, while five of them sustained various degrees of injuries.”

He disclosed that one of the vehicles, a Toyota Hum-

mer Bus with Registration number Borno MAG 547 AA lost control, somersaulted and crashed into the bush.

“As a result, eight students died on the spot while five others sustained various degrees of injuries.”

Haruna added that the accident victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Darazo for treatment, but later referred to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

PDP’ll soon take over South-West –Olafeso

14

Impeachment: Court restrains Adamawa Assembly LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

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Yola High Court, presided over by the Adamawa acting Chief Judge, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, yesterday granted two separate interim injunc-

tions restraining the state House of Assembly from taking any further action on allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Murtala Nyako.

The separate rulings, which came by the way of an ex parte order, were granted by Justice

Mammadi in respects of the suits filed by Nyako against Adamawa Assembly and another instituted by the Adamawa chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, against three lawmakers that defected from APC to the PDP. The APC was chal-

lenging the legality of the participation of the three lawmakers in the activities of the house as it claimed their seats were non-existent and therefore ineligible to append their signatures to House proceedings.

The party averred that

L-R: Deputy Chairman, North, All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Shuaibu Lawan; Chairmans Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and APC National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, during the Central Working Committee’s meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Lagos PDP cautions Gbajabiamila on statements TOYEEB OLAYINKA

L

agos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described statements credited to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as an attempt to thwart the effort, of the PDP-led government to develop the country.

In a statement by its publicity secretary, Taofik Gani, the PDP said Gbajabiamila was trying to

score cheap political point by his statements, adding that the lawmaker whose mandate was a colossal waste in the last 12 years was not only trying to impress his paymasters, but fool Lagos citizens.

Gani said rather than commending the PDP-led administration for the glaring massive and wellspread development projects in the country, the lawmaker only resorted into criticising the same government whose projects he is also enjoying.

He said: “Nothing short is expected from a confused and desperate politician like Gbajabiamila, who is out to impress his godfather in favour of a governorship ticket in 2015. We wish to inform him that Nigerians still demand explanation on the funds meant for Surulere federal constituency projects that was siphoned, as well as his alleged involvement in a contract scam in the House of Representatives.

“We can assure him

that he remains rejected and can never win any election in any part of the state, especially as he had admitted that his party is a rebel group against efforts to better the lot of the people.

“Instead of pouring abuses and lame allegations against innocent persons, Gbajabiamila should rather focus on the actual criminals including those who forged certificates to govern Lagos State and eventually impoverished the people.”

Omisore’s campaign team rescues accident victims BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, campaign team yesterday rescued some accident victims while on house to house campaign in Odo Otin and Ifelodun council areas.

It was learnt that the team was heading towards Inisa when it met an accident scene near Inisa town and was forced to stop.

The PDP governorship

candidate for Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was said to have ordered that the victims be attended to immediately, thus saving the lives of two motorcyclists who were involved in the accident along Ikirun-Offa road.

According to an eye witness, Tayo Gbola, the accident involved a truck carrying building materials, which spilled its contents on two men who were on motorcycle, adding that

the incident happened shortly before the Omisore campaign convoy got to the scene, saying that when the convoy arrived, Omisore and his entourage parked and took the victims to a nearby hospital where the victims were receiving treatment.

The accident, however, reportedly delayed the campaign activities of the PDP, as members of the party said to be waiting in Inisa and other communities

were said to have waited for about two hours before the campaign could commence.

Reacting to the incident, the state sector Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, A. Hussein, confirmed the incident saying his officers also went to the scene to ascertain the cause of the accident, adding that all efforts would be made to see that the rate of accidents are reduced on the highways in the state.

three of the defendants were elected into the House on APC platform but defected to the PDP without notifying the party that sponsored them to the house.

The court therefore restrained the three defendants from acting in any manner whatsoever or taking any further step in pursuance of the notice of impeachment or allegation of misconduct against Nyako pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Governor Nyako’s counsel, Mr Jerry Owe, had prayed the court for an order of interim injunction restraining the House or its agents from taking any further action towards impeaching or removing the governor from

office pending the determination of the motion on notice as contained in its deposed affidavit.

Justice Mammadi, while granting the application in both cases said the interim injunctions shall last from yesterday, June 26 to July 2.

The Adamawa Assembly, had on June 18 directed its clerk, Mr Francis Gbansenso, to serve Nyako and his deputy, Mr Bala Ngilari with notice of allegations of gross misconduct.

The Assembly later on June 23 took other step to publish the allegations in the media, following alleged difficulties encountered by the clerk to serve Nyako and his deputy, whom he claimed had absconded from the state.

Pipeline vandalisation, threat to petroleum production –WRPC MD THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

M

anaging Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, WRPC, Engr Paul Obelley, has attributed pipeline vandalisation as a major setback to petroleum production, saying that the Warri refinery remained the most viable in the country.

Obelley disclosed this at his office in Warri when members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Warri Correspondents Chapel, paid him a courtesy visit.

He described several negative reports concerning Warri refinery as untrue, noting that since his appointment as managing director of WRPC, a lot of achievements have been recorded, adding that he was still determined to increase production of petroleum product.

He said that due to incessant vandalisation of pipelines, WRPC has decided to ship crude oil to the refinery, which he de-

scribed as been too costly, compared to using pipelines to transport.

He said that he was doing his best to keep the refinery afloat, adding that it was currently producing at 60 per cent capacity over available space to haul refined petroleum product.

Obelley said: “Pipeline vandalisation has hampered our operation. We now use ships to transport crude oil to the refinery. We can’t operate pipelines because of the risk involved.

The media should discourage people from engaging in vandalisation, and help to educate them that vandalism is not good.”

He however tasked journalists on developmental journalism, appealing that they should always crosscheck their information before publishing, as most negative reports about WRPC are unverified.

He pledged his readiness to partner media to promote what the WRPC was doing to ensure availability of petroleum products to Nigerians.

14

Politics

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP’ll soon take over South-West –Olafeso As 2015 general election apoproaches, what should the people expect?

First, let us take a look at what happened in Ekiti State, it is a clear testimony that democracy has come to stay and our people are learning a lot and they are ready to express themselves and choose what they want for themselves in terms of who takes control of government. PDP did outstandingly well in Ekiti, I think it has to do with the performance of the governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, during his first tenure and the fact that people still believe in the party as a national party that can actually bring unity to Nigeria and in 2015, despite the challenges, holds a lot of promise for this country.

If we look at it both at state and federal levels a lot of developments are going on, if we look at it sectorally, despite the insurgency in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, the country is taking giant strides in economy, infrastructural development, education and a host of other departments, so I think 2015 holds a lot of promises for the PDP and we are going to do better because despite the challenges, PDP remains focused.

But one of the major challenges facing the President is the insurgency, as some people believe he was not doing enough and this may count against him in the general election Terrorism is a war of the heart, it has no boundary, it has no theatre, it is not written on the face, many times when people speak about this, I disagree. I do not think Nigeria has the capacity of America in terms of warfare and war strategies, such that it took America five years to free a single prisoner from the Taliban in Pakistan. I want to crave the indulgence of all Nigerians to please understand what the President is going through. It will certainly take us time to grapple with this modern day situation, nobody can ever imagine 10 or 20 years ago that a Nigerian can be involved in this dastardly act of killing innocent people, abducting school children, but all these are happening.

What Mr. President deserves at this moment is our understanding to get this country secured, the security of our nation is the duty of all of us. The whole 160 million Nigerians must get involved, while the President is facing the battle he needs our support to be sure that we put this behind us as soon as possible. All of us must support the President in the fight.

The opposition is gathering and the PDP recently lost five governors to the APC, what is the implication of this to the return of the president?

We have just gained one governor back in Ekiti, you see losing a governor does not mean losing a state, individuals have their own political agenda and most of these governors are anti-their own people, if you take an opinion poll many of them are not popular in their states, that a governor of a state is leaving a party does not mean losing the state and we have seen exactly what happened in Ekiti, so all those states that left will definitely return, people are comparing programmes, they are finding out which will them better, is it a government that comes and promises them but delivers nothing or a government that was able to make a positive difference in their lives, all of us are beginning to learn that when we make promises in election year, we must fulfil those promises, so I am very confident that even in states where we have lost governors, PDP can still win them back. Most of these states are not in tandem with their governors and they are angling to return to PDP. What is the importance of Ekiti victory to the activities of the GSG? The GSG is an umbrella body for all the groups supporting Mr. President and if his party is doing well in a state, it is something that is of great interest to us, it means that his leadership allows confidence in our people to the point that they can vote for his party despite all the noise from the oppositions especially the All Progressives Congress, APC. We have seen what

Deputy National Coordinator of Goodluck Support Group, GSG, and a former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, Olorogun Eddy Olafeso, speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI on the preparation of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2015 elections and the implications of its victory in the Ekiti State governorship election. rejuvenating the party in the region?

Yes, it is the beginning of the party taking over the South-West, we have been shouting for a long time that the South-West is still predominantly PDP and we have been proved right by the victory of the party in Ekiti.

First, most of the victories of the opposition were those that were snatched through the court, they were not the decision of the people, now Ekiti people have spoken, Kayode Fayemi came in through the court, now he is out by the popular mandate of the Ekiti people. Ditto some other states of the South-West and the movement will go round the entire zone. I think it is going to be a harbinger of development for the entire country, this is very exciting because Osun election is around the corner and we are very hopeful that Osun will equally go to PDP and that will make us real ready for 2015, as it has given us all the assurances of a better performance in the election.

Olafeso

I AM VERY CONFIDENT THAT EVEN IN STATES

WHERE WE HAVE LOST GOVERNORS,

PDP CAN STILL WIN THEM BACK. MOST

OF THESE STATES ARE NOT IN TANDEM WITH THEIR GOVERNORS

happened in Ekiti and I do believe that that will go round the entire country; the South-West is gradually liberating itself from the claws of APC and eventually all others states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, will equally liberate themselves and continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Basically, we are excited at the GSG that Mr. President’s leadership is bringing about certain dividends of democracy; one of them is the electoral reform that we have seen, providing adequate security for people to express themselves and the very peaceful elections in some of these states, this is what Nigerians have been yearning for in a very long time and it is happening in our time.

For us we have over 3,000 groups working with us for the actualisation and realisation of Mr. President transforming this country, now and beyond 2015, our support is to continue to highlight those things he has been able to do.

Ondo PDP and the entire South-West have been celebrating the Ekiti victory, do you see this as a way of

But there is this fear that what worked for the PDP in Ekiti may not work for it in Osun state We are continuing with the mobilisation of our people, informing them of what is on ground under the PDP government compared to the APC and believe me, the people must be allowed to make their choice and since the Federal Government is hell bent on ensuring that this is done in a peaceful atmosphere, all of us must go along with that thinking and with adequate provision of security, people must be allowed to express themselves, we are very confident that given what we achieved in Osun in the past and with the personality of our candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, we are so optimistic of victory, so we are very excited and eager to see the outcome of the Osun election.

You are so confident of PDP taking over the South-West, are you not concerned that the opposition may resist?

What is resistance? Did they resist what the Ekiti people did? It is the voice of the PDP that will determine who governs, they had their chances, some of them blew it, some of them not properly harnessed, there is a disconnect between them and the people, the only way out of this is the people speaking with their votes, we expect them to come out, that is the joy of democracy.

You can see the turn out in Ekiti, it was very encouraging, we expect the same thing to happen in Osun too, democracy is about choices and that is the opportunity that the people of Nigeria now have, to make a choice out of many alternative. They should be able to talk to people, we will also talk about what we have done to touch their lives, by the time Osun is down, you can be sure that Oyo and Ogun will equally follow suit and Lagos is a matter of time.

What efforts are you making to rejuvenate Ondo PDP and position it for the 2015 general election?

Let us thank God for how far we have gone. Of all the states in the federation it’s only in the state that PDP gathered itself together and members reconcile with one another and we are pushing ahead. There are certain contradictions in the past that we are trying to resolve, we are trying to make overtures to the national headquarters and make sure the Presidency see our state for what it stands for. It is only in Ondo State that we have not been rewarded for our support for Mr. President and the Presidency in terms of having a minister that is our party member. I am very confident of the party’s performance and soon we will be back in the saddle.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES: BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

S

ocial Democratic Party, SDP, candidate of in August 9 governorship election, Mr. Olusegun Akinwusi, yesterday said he would only spend a term if elected governor.

He advised Nigerians not to give opportunity to their governors to seek second term in office, saying most of them use such

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15

I’ll spend only one term –Akinwusi

period to amass wealth at the expense of their states.

Adressing the 45-member campaign committee set up by state chapter of the party in Osogbo yesterday, the former Head of Service, HoS, maintained that four years were enough for any governor to perform.

Saying that most of the second term governors

Attack on Aregbesola: ‘Fayose overreaching euphoria of coincidental victory’

he statement credited to Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose, where he said Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola “was dangerous to democracy”, was yesterday described as an “over-reaching euphoria of a coincidental victory.”

Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, in a statement said Fayose’s claims that Governor Aregbesola charged his supporters to dare security agents on the day of the poll, hinging his claim on a media report was tantamount to “whipping a dead horse” since retraction of the story being referred to has already been published by the same newspaper.

Averring that the misrepresentation of what the governor said had, the following day, been refuted in a well-explained response to the newspaper, Okanlawon added that Fayose, while celebrating his victory, will need to demonstrate that his emergence at the poll on June 21, was not a fluke by starting to plan towards surpassing huge achievements of Governor Kayode Fayemi.

He said: “We think that after his so-called victory, Fayose should be busy with and worry more on how his government hopes to contend with sustaining and surpassing the huge achievements recorded by the Fayemi administration before the people of Ekiti get impatient with him.

“But for the lopsided democracy entrenched in this part of the world, individuals like this, who have no business in front of a Government House, have today through a sleuth of

Politics

Friday, June 27, 2014

hand find themselves in position of responsibility, which they once had and frittered away.

“Whatever transpired during that election may be hidden today. Nothing can be hidden permanently from the people. But it is germane to say that what happened in Ekiti has no bearing or effect on Osun.

Here, we are different; the terrain is different; so are the people and politics.

“We are not in any way perturbed by the Pyrrhic victory in Ekiti. Ekiti is Ekiti; Osun is Osun. The two are not the same neither are they comparable. Therefore the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Fayose and their ilk should continue to dwell in their illusory world of ‘as it is in Ekiti, so shall it be in Osun’.”

He said the governor only called on the police to do their job of protecting rather than intimidating the people who want to exercise their civic duties and charged them to protet the people and not cower, or intimidate them into submitting to the whims and caprice of some selfish politicians.

Noting that “people of Osun, for the past four years, have enjoyed peace under Aregbesola’s government, in as much as, the people wouldn’t engage in any act that will tamper with or sap the atmosphere of peace, the security agencies also have a duty to complement the efforts of the peace-loving people by not taking side with any group or political party or being overzealous in carrying out their lawful duties.”

He added: “Asking the people to dare soldiers or any security agency at that, will amount to promoting anarchy which a governor like Aregbesola will not do.

usually lose focus and many times, used such periods to serve themselves rather than the people, he said: “Many of the governors are busy seeking another elective offices, they want to go to National Assembly; some use such time to amass more wealth and others busy fighting for political survival after office.”

He explained further that he already has his programme spanning just

four years to turn the fortune of Osun State around for good if elected and thereafter, hand over to new generation of leaders.

His words: “One major thing in our programme is the state economy and we are going to put in place something similar to President Barrack Obama’s ‘Economic Stimulus,’ where we will prop up the state economy by granting financial support to people in the state.”

SDP state chairman and chairman of the Campaign Organisation, Mr Ademola Isola and Elder Bibire Abolubode respectively expressed confidence that SDP will put up a tremendous performance if voted into power by the people.

Abolubode said: “SDP is on the verge of making history because this party is set to defeat other political parties in the August 9 poll.”

43 DAYS TO GO

Osun State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, during a campaign rally at Ila, during the week.

Aregbesola lost guber poll last year –Omisore OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

P

eoples Democratic party, PDP, candidate in the August 9 Osun State governorship election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, yesterday said the state helmsman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has lost out because of his anti-people programmes.

Speaking at Inisa in Odo Otin council area, Omisore said Aregbesola

has incurred the wrath of Osun people through his anti-people programmes that have impoverished the masses of the people.

He said: “The obnoxious school merger and reclassification have done more harm than good. This ill-thought programme has thrown our state into confusion.

There was a time pupils in Iwo were going to schools in choir uniform, masquerade dresses, and hijab

because of Aregbesola’s bad policy.”

Assuring the people that all anti- people’s programmes would be reviewed on assumption of office on November 26, in order to correct all the ills and confusion associated with Aregbesola’s obnoxious policies, Omisore called on party faithful to go to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in their local government areas to collect

their permanent voters’ card that will enable them to vote out Aregbesola on August 9.

Other people in Omisore’s entourage were his running mate, Adejare Bello, state PDP chairman, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, Alhaji Shuiab Oyedokun, Director General of the Omisore Campaign Organisation, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, Alhaji Oladipo and Barrister Ojo Williams.

PDP leaders storm Ijesa communities for support

N

otable indigenes of Ijesaland, who are members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by the former Minister for Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, have stormed communities in Ijesaland, urging electorate to “liberate themselves.”

This was contained in a release signed by the director of media and strategy of Iyiola Omi-

sore Campaign Organisation (IOCO), Prince Diran Odeyemi and made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday.

The communities visited include Osunjela, Okebode, Ila-Ijesa, Ibodi, Osu among other communities within Atakumosa West council.

Also in the campaign train of the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, to

towns in Ijesaland, were former Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, former chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon Oluwole Oke, among others.

Denying insinuations that he was not in support of Omisore’s candidacy, Babatope said: “I’m in full support of Omisore and I want to recall that 17 years ago, when he wanted to become governor, I took him

to all local governments in Ife-Ijesa zone. That shows that long before now, I have been supporting his political aspiration.”

Addressing the gathering, Omisore’s running mate and former Speaker of the state Assembly, Hon Adejare Bello said: “Don’t let us relax because of Ekiti’s victory. This is the time for us to work harder for the victory of the PDP on August 9.”

16

Editorial

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

BANKOLE MAKINDE

DEPUTY MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY

AYO OLESIN

GENERAL EDITOR

BEN MEMULETIWON

GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Persistent political violence in the land

H

oodlums suspected to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly engaged in a free-for-all on June 16 in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Eyewitness account said three people were killed and 15 others injured during the fracas.

The number of arrest was put at 12.

Trouble was said to have started when the thugs disagreed on a sharing formula for the N20,000 given to them by a politician, who reportedly defected from APC to the PDP. The violence, which occurred at Abayawo, later spread to AloreOde, Adana-Omoda and OdeAlawuga in Ilorin metropolis.

Similar crises and death were also recorded in Ekiti State as rival politicians were preparing for the just held gubernatorial poll won by Ayo Fayose, the PDP candidate. Luckily, the election was devoid of serious violence.

Violence has remained a troubling aspect of our political culture since independence in 1960. A publication, ‘Security Track’, published by former American Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, identified over 12 cases of political violence in Nigeria in the month of June 2014 alone, for example. In yet another recent

work titled ‘Bridging Nigeria’s Credibility Gap’ and authored

by Jeff Hawkins, Consul-General of the American Consulate, Lagos, he had opined: “The sponsorship of violence and intimidation and the rhetorical threat thereof are utterly unacceptable in a democratic society and need to be expunged once and for all from the Nigerian polity and discourse”.

These are comments coming from relatively neutral and credible observers of Nigerian politics. Many eminent Nigerians hold similar views, too.

Politicians in the country do not just disrespect the law; they seize it by the jugular.

As the recent Ilorin mayhem indicated, gathering jobless and indigent youths and giving them money to go after perceived political opponents (pastime of Nigerian politicians), is a recurring source of political violence. It is similar to doling out cash and food items to the poor to procure their votes. The shame cuts across virtually all the registered political parties.

It is one of the condemnable acts that must be stopped if the nation wants a stable and orderly polity. Ours is also a country where political ‘god-fathers’ equally use money to compromise the electoral processes, especially circumventing inter-

VIOLENCE HAS REMAINED A TROUBLING ASPECT OF OUR POLITICAL CULTURE SINCE INDEPENDENCE IN 1960

nal democracy in the political parties to handpick candidates for the various elective offices.

Those who are dissatisfied often foment trouble, or defect to other political parties.

We, therefore, implore the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to insist on and ensure that all registered political parties conduct open, transparent, free and fair party primaries in accordance with their respective constitutions.

Election rigging, whether intraor inter-party, is a potent source of political violence. The latest Ekiti gubernatorial election, adjudged as free and fair, should be the acceptable benchmark for all subsequent elections.

Election rigging is acclaimed to be a symptom of desperation on the part of politicians and their political parties, who see politics as a do-or-die affair.

It is another veritable source of political violence. Poverty, illiteracy and ignorance are all parts of the problem, too.

And so, all political parties in

ON THIS DAY June 27, 2007 Tony Blair, British Prime Minister since May 2, 1997, resigned. Blair (born May 6, 1953) is a British Labour Party politician who served as the country’s Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. He, however, accused of misleading Parliament on the Iraqi War along the line, and his popularity dropped dramatically. He tendered his resignation on June 27, 2007 and Gordon Brown, who had been Chancellor of the Exchequer, assumed office the same afternoon.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

June 27, 2008 In a highly-scrutinized election, the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, was re-elected in a landslide after his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, withdrew a week earlier, citing violence against his party’s supporters. Mugabe, (February 21, 1924) is the President of Zimbabwe. As one of the leaders of the liberation movement against white-minority rule in the country, he was first elected into power in 1980.

the country must subscribe to international best practices.

There must henceforth be zero tolerance to rigging.

Ethnicisation of politics, we hasten to add, is the bane of Nigerian politics. It elevates hatred and bitterness across the nation’s ethnic divide. Politicians have since turned groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum, Afenifere Renewal Group, and Ohaneze Ndigbo, etc, into platforms for championing sectional interests. The Nigerian political class should learn from the American experience, where their counterparts have advanced beyond geopolitics and racism, and where the contest for power revolves around broad based issues.

The judiciary and law enforcement agencies should also avoid being partisan. They should play their roles dispassionately according to the law and should be seen as doing so. For, as long as politicians find it easy to compromise law enforcement agents, and secure freedom for detained political thugs, it will be extremely difficult to overcome political violence in the country. The authorities should critically look at all the factors that have made political violence linger in the country and find lasting solutions to them.

x June 27, 2013 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an agency of the United States’ government responsible for the nation’s civilian space programme and for aeronautics and aerospace research, launched the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), a space probe to observe the Sun. The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph is a NASA solar observation satellite.

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Friday, June 27, 2014

17

On the question of Nigeria’s unity NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

U

nity, especially among the Nigerian political class, has been a tantalizing mirage. Since independence till date it has been difficult to forge national unity even among the people. An example of disunity played out recently at the national conference. What should have been widely applauded became the source of a rowdy session. On June 12, Orok Otu Duke from Cross River State, moved a motion calling for the recognition of the contributions of the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which the military annulled.

Duke brought the motion under “Matters of urgent Public Importance”. He had barely stood up when the northern delegates vehemently opposed him. Mallam Naseer Kuta, a delegate on the platform of Civil Society Organizations, led the opposition to the motion. Duke had cited order 7(5) of the conference rules to back his motion. But Kura and his backers kicked against it. The northern delegates shouted on top of their voices, No! No! No! We will not allow this motion to pass! “Many of them jumped down from their seats”, ac-

cording to a newspaper report.

As usual, since this conference started, critical, honest and patriotic observers would see a consistent trend. The North, sad that we are still using geopolitical descriptive labels to describe ourselves, always opposed virtually almost all ideas or suggestions made by delegates from the south.

But Duke was undaunted. He prayed the conference to make those in authority to always remember June 12 as a watershed in the history of Nigeria. But like Kura, Umar Mohammed Hadejia from Jigawa State, opposed the motion. And the session went into argument and counter-argument, and they all shouted themselves hoarse. The Conference chairman Justice Idris Kutigi intervened. He appealed for calm, and then gradually tension was doused. According to the newspaper report, delegates would have engaged in fisticuffs!

Nigeria went into political turmoil for almost five years after General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election. Bashorun Abiola struggled against the annulment. He was detained by the successor military junta led by the late General Sani Abacha. On July 8, 1998, Abiola died in detention. Since that sad episode in our nation’s political history, all sincere patriots have been calling for a final resolution of the matter. It is just a simple thing that succeeding governments could have done.

One important monument should have been named after him.

President Goodluck Jonathan should

WHAT WE HAVE SEEN SO FAR IS THAT A SECTION OF THE COUNTRY IS USING ITS CONTROVERSIAL NUMERICAL STRENGTH TO COERCE THE REST OF US TO TOE THE LINE not give up on this. He should look at another public institution, say for example, National Stadium in Abuja, and name it after Abiola. The president should not be deterred by ethnic and regional jingoists.

He should summon enough courage and honour a deserving Nigerian who laid down his life for all of us to enjoy the present nascent democracy. That is that.

So bad! So sad! If we continue like this, can we sincerely say that Nigerians are united? Since the conference started, the North has opposed virtually all ideas that the South believes could change the present situation and move the country forward. On the other hand, the North has consistently defended the status quo. Let’s examine a few examples. Many delegates wanted a fundamental review of the 1999 constitution and its military orientation.

The North argued that the constitution

was not the problem, but the people operating it. Can a farmer achieve much if his hoe or tractor is faulty? On the issue of federalism, most discerning delegates and indeed Nigerians have argued that the centre has too much power. They want a true federation, which should give more powers to the federating units. But again the North sees nothing wrong with the present structure. The revenue formula is also another source of controversy. All delegates from the South argued against the current revenue allocation, but northern delegates, however, countered by saying that the present formula should be retained.

The northerners even went a step further to demand that the 13 per cent allocated to derivation for the oil producing states be slashed. They also called for the scrapping of the NNDC and other agencies created to address peculiar problems arising from oil exploration in the Niger Delta.

All the suggestions on power devolution opposed by delegates from the western part of the country were not acceptable to their counterparts from the North. For how long are we going to continue like this?

What we have seen so far is that a section of the country is using its controversial numerical strength to coerce the rest of us to toe the line. It is like one section of the country lording it over the rest. Is this the best way to go? Are we a nation or mere geographical expression?

Ajao is Assistant General Editor of this newspaper.

The sinister plot of six Rivers lawmakers EZE CHUKWUEMEKA EZE

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plot to use six renegade members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, to embark upon impeachment procedure against Governor Chibuike Amaechi has been brought to our notice.

To us, this is ridiculous, the highest form of impunity, an invitation to anarchy and a booby trap that could truncate our nascent democracy.

That six rebel lawmakers in a House of 32 lawmakers should talk of impeaching a sitting governor is not only absurd and undemocratic, it is illegal. We wish to reiterate that this unwarranted plot is an evil scheme against the people of Rivers State, which is capable of not only truncating our hard won nascent democracy but also throwing the entire nation into unprecedented political crisis of which consequences maybe hard to be determined.

This plot termed, ‘WHY AMAECHI MUST GO’, arises from the fear by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders that if Governor Amaechi stays in office till 2015 general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan winning the presidential election would become an uphill task.

Hastily trying to justify this illegal act, Chief Wike had declared in Port Harcourt some days ago that Amaechi had

NOBODY SHOULD, HOWEVER, DISMISS THIS PLOT WITH A WAVE OF THE HAND IN VIEW OF RECENT HAPPENINGS IN

ADAMAWA STATE

committed many impeachable offences and should be removed. We understand that these rebel lawmakers have met in the private home of one of the PDP chieftains in Old GRA in Port Harcourt and regrouped later at Krisdera Hotel owned by the State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Felix Obuah, in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area to pass a ‘motion’ to impeach Governor Amaechi.

What a ridiculous move by a misguided group! Nobody should, however, dismiss this plot with a wave of the hand in view of recent happenings in Adamawa State, another APC state where the account of the state government was frozen without the Governor of the State being impeached. It would certainly be naïve to say that this cannot happen in a nation where some sitting governors can be stopped from attending a fellow governor’s rally not minding their immunity as contained in the country’s constitution; a nation where Ekiti Commissioner and APC leaders were arrested and branded as terrorists; and a na-

tion where a corrupt minister can dare the National Assembly and refused to present herself for investigation!

The dying PDP government at the centre, seeing its likely rejection by Nigerians come 2015, is capable of doing anything to retain power should Nigerians watch some of these undemocratic acts without any condemnation. We, therefore, appeal to past presidents, nationalists and traditional rulers to call the Presidency and PDP agents to order before they plunge our nation into a mighty chaos that may consume all of us before it is too late.

We can now understand why the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) is hell-bent on imposing Justice Daisy Okocha as the Chief Judge of Rivers State in disobedience of a high court judgment that she should not be considered or renominated for the office. The insistence of the NJC to impose this woman on Rivers State is an affront on the Nigerian Constitution.

It is sad that NJC should allow itself to be messed up in this form by ungodly politicians, knowing very well that there was a judgment of a competent court headed by Honourable Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, upon which the State House of Assembly and Governor Amaechi acted in clearing and swearing-in Justice Peter Agumagu as the Chief Judge of Rivers State. In the said judgment, NJC was a party. NJC has a right of appeal but under Part 1, Section 21 (d) of the Third

Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, the NJC has no power to suspend Justice Agumagu or impose Justice Okocha on Rivers State.

We view the move by NJC as expectant and in lieu of the current madness by this six rebel and renegade lawmakers but, sadly for them all, we cannot accommodate or accept six confused lawmakers whose leader, Evans Bipi, representing Ogu/Bolo state constituency, was cautioned by a High Court to stop parading himself as a Speaker. Hon. Bipi is obviously playing with fire as he has been barred from parading himself as Speaker by a court of competent jurisdiction. The order of the High Court of Rivers State, Ahoada Judicial Division, given on December 16, 2013, is unequivocal. He should also note that none of his undemocratic sponsors will come to his aid when he is committed to prison. His Lordship Hon. Justice C. N. Wali in his judgment did not only bar Hon. Bipi but also declared that we have one single House of Assembly in Rivers State under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree.

Chief Eze is SSA Media and Public Affairs to the Rivers State chairman of APC. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

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

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Mail Mirror

Friday, June 27, 2014

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On Osun indigenes and ‘Lagos’ crowd

T Militarising our democratic process

he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9 election in Osun State repeated the blackmail mantra of the opposition by accusing Governor Rauf Aregbesola of awarding contracts to Lagos people at the expense of the indigenes of the state. He promised to flush out these ‘Lagosians’ if elected into

office.

There are many fallacies with this notion. First, the wrong impression is being given that the people who have helped the governor in one capacity or the other to run the government are aliens.

But these are mostly indigenes of Osun, born and bred in the state, had their primary, secondary and tertiary education in the state and

had to move outside due to limited opportunities.

Indeed, before Osun was created out of the old Oyo State in 1991, the closest formal job anyone could get was in the civil service in Ibadan. Even since Osun State was created, besides staff of banks posted to the state and can be posted anywhere else, only the secretariat in Osogbo offers

E

kiti gubernatorial election has come and gone, but one cannot but complain about the growing trend of the militarization of our democracy which portends grave danger to the political health of the nation. Ekiti state was overwhelmed by security agencies presence that one would think we are at war.

One has always complained about the militarization of our democracy by heavy military presence during elections and for other social engagements and all this could only mean one thing: we as civilians cannot guarantee the safety of our democracy.

This, for me, is unacceptable because when we had military governments, the military safeguarded them until we pushed them out, using people’s power; and now that we have a civilian government in place, we are still calling on the same military that we chased away to come and take charge for us. I just cannot rationalize it.

Nelson Ekujumi, Lagos.

Still on Boko Haram

T

he Federal Government is just wasting our resources by inviting foreign powers to come to our rescue over Boko Haram. It is a fruitless effort. It was allied forces that aided the rebellion in Libya to get Moammer Gadaffi out so that they could have easier access to oil.

On Boko Haram, I offer myself in the effort to find the solution to the insurgency. As at today we do not know what they are fighting for. My suggestion is for President Goodluck Jonathan to consult the nation’s traditional rulers, including my very self, on how to put an end to this problem. Boko Haram knows the game plan of the Federal Government. We need to consult Ifa oracle to deal with the situation.

R.F. Akodo, Koye Oke, Olambe, Ogun State (07088125940)

Letters to the Editor

A child hawker at Balogun, Lagos.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Atiku’s homily on loyalty

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ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has begun to warm himself into the hearts of All Progressives Congress (APC) members with his sermon on loyalty. Atiku, in his congratulatory message to the newly elected members of the National Executive of the party, said that their election was a reward for loyalty.

But loyalty, which Atiku talked about, groaned under the weight of his defiance when he held sway as ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo’s deputy for eight years.

He scorned loyalty and undermined his boss. At the end of the protracted muscle-flexing with Obasanjo, he left the party in an open show of disloyalty for an obscure Action Congress (AC), which later transformed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the mere fact that he was denied his ambition of becoming the presidential standardbearer of the PDP in the 2007 elec-

tions. Atiku swallowed his pride and returned to the PDP after the 2007 general elections.

In another instance of disloyalty to the PDP on which platform he was vice president, he recently jumped ship, pitting his tent with the APC. The loyalty preacher, after the APC coronation convention in Abuja, urged members of the party to put on loyalty robe to benefit from the goodies of the party.

But it rankles that Atiku is preaching loyalty, when his political character has been the direct opposite. It is doubtful if he can, this time round, lead by example by staying with the party if his bid to be the party’s presidential standard-bearer in the 2015 presidential election is not sanctioned by the god of the party who had in the past told Atiku to stop parading himself as the leader of ACN then because he could not win his ward for the party during election. That encounter, according to informed sources, prompt-

ed the movement of Atiku to PDP before his recent return to the APC. The issue here is not the loyalty sermon according Atiku, but what should agitate the minds of APC supporters is whether the preacher is ready to do according to his preaching. Events in the past have proved that Atiku has not in any way been a loyal person to his bosses and party (parties) in the combustible political landscape of Nigeria.

In a matter of months from now, I expect that real Atiku would begin to unravel, especially as it pertains to the presidential ticket of the APC. It is increasingly becoming certain that Atiku might not be willing to let go his ambition to fly the presidential flag of the party in 2015, and that is where he is likely going to dither on the issue of loyalty in the party.

Hamisu Abubakar, Kaduna, Kaduna State.

Dropping the charge against Abacha’s son

T

he decision by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to drop the charge of the theft of N446 billion against Mohammed

Abacha, son of the late maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha, is an unequivocal pointer to the fact that the administration is a government of the cor-

rupt by the corrupt and for the corrupt through the instrumentality of a bovine judiciary.

Chief Bobson Gbinije, Warri, Delta State.

limited opportunity for employment. How, indeed can a graduate of petroleum engineering be employed in Osun? Perhaps, these people would want them to work as petrol attendants. Maybe those who read marine engineering and oceanography should be employed at the Osun River tending to the gods so that they can be really occupied by their state.

These critics never mentioned the fact that the ‘aliens’ have built houses in their hometowns, repatriate money home and regularly support members of their extended families trapped in the gripping poverty in the state.

Many of them have set up cottage industries for their families and friends and it is these ‘aliens’ that are called upon to donate for the cause of development in their communities and the state in general.

It is rather to the credit of Governor Aregbesola that these human resources are being brought back to contribute to the development of the state.

Secondly, Yoruba people are one and we are all related. Apart from our common origin of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife, the Yoruba civil wars of the 18th and 19th centuries have displaced and intermingled the people such that we do not have pure forms again.

At any rate, there are hundreds of thousands of Osun people who have held and still hold prominent positions in Lagos. There are also very large settlements like Ijesatedo and Ejigbo domiciled for Osun people. How can anybody alienate these people?

Let us even look at those casting the first stone. More than 60 per cent of the last PDP administration cabinet members were not resident in the state before their appointment, including the governor and his deputy. Even Senator Iyiola Omisore before his emergency as Deputy Governor in 1999 and later as Senator was operating a mechanic garage in Ibadan. Would he then qualify himself as an alien?

Even if these people are not Osun indigenes or Yoruba, it would still have been unconstitutional for them to be discriminated against. How do we forge national unity and promote inclusion if we foster insularity and engage in the exclusion of other people? It is incestuous and retrogressive. The most developed places are where there is accommodation and openness.

That this jaundiced view is being canvassed by a former Senator is shameful and tragic.

Bamidele Alonge, Suru Lere, Lagos.

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FRIDAY

Ngozi Emedolibe

In celebrating Professor Wole Soyinka at 80, Live Theatre on Sunday (LTS) repertory production in the usual tradition of entertaining lovers of stage productions with qualitative plays every last Sunday of the month has packaged ‘The Trials of Brother Jero’ for the June edition of the series.

The show holds on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the New Unity Centre, (former Sandra’s Bar) 28, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA opposite Ruff n’ Tumble just before Metro Park by 4pm and 5pm respectively.

Directed by Adebola Ogunshina and Produced by Adenugba Oluwanishola, the play features Opeyemi Dada (‘Scoundrel Suberu’, ‘Akanni’ and ‘His Proposal’) as Brother Jeroboam, alongside Adewale Kolawole (K-Blaq), MaryAnne Ezekwe, Morolayo Fakeye, Jumoke Adeniyi and Tunde Lawal, the Technical Director.

Admission to this event is Free

Lagos Book Club debuts with book reading

Bewaji

The New Lagos Book Club debuts with Book Reading starring 10 authors reading some of their favorite books at the Fork and Fingers Club on Sunday, June 29, 2014. The authors include Charles Ayo Dada (The Sage), Bimbola Amao (I Do not Come to You

by Chance), Omordia Efe Alexandria (A Voice in the Wind), Kingsley Iweka (Dappled Things). The host for this event is Joy Isi Bewaji.

Writers‘ workshop holds in Ikeja

Dada

The Writers’ Workshop is targeted at aspiring writers and professionals in the Nigerian literary industry, and aims to educate them on how to improve their craft and adapt in the changing world of publishing. This edition of the Workshop is themed The Rules of Self-Publishing and will be hosted by multiple award-winning poet, playwright, prose writer and publisher Charles Ayo Dada, who will be leading the discussion along two other esteemed panelists. The event holds at The HotHouse, 34 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Lagos on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 10:00am.

A

new wave of career change seems to be pervading the entertainment landscape in Nigeria, as more entertainers are taking up careers on the pulpit in preference to their show business which originally shot them to stardom.

In the past one year, Friday Flavour survey shows that at least seven artistes have been polishing their preaching skills on some pulpits across Nigeria and beyond in line with the career movement of some of their earlier predecessors like Reverend Kris Okotie, Dizzy K Falola and Jide Obi. Only recently, one of the actresses who came to limelight at the dawn of the phenomenon known as Nollywood, Ndidi Obi, announced her desire to call it quits with the klieglights of Nollywood, following her ordination as a deacon in Bishop Isaac Idahosa’s church in Lagos, Illumination Assembly.

Deacon Ndidi Obi had before now, won many fans after her exploits in a blockbuster, ‘Nneka the Pretty Serpent’.

Of course, her decision (at a point when actresses are grossing great incomes from movie making) is leaving as much tremor as much the announcement by one of Nigeria’s most talented actresses, Edyth Jane Azuh, whom after getting married to actor Emma Ayalogu, decided to quit the industry to face her faith in Christianity after telling the media, that “it was difficult to be a born again in an industry like Nollywood”.

Aside Obi and Azuh, singer, Soul E has also been bitten by the pulpit bug, a situation that is however also attracting some controversies to him, following his prophecy about the lives and careers of some of his (ex)colleagues in the music industry like Wiz Kid and Davido.

Other artistes who have commenced full time evangelism ahead of their careers are: Evangelist Liz Benson, who is married to a Warri-based pastor, a situation that has forced her to be selective about her choice of roles.

Friday Flavour checks show that since she embraced her new faith, she only features in movies with moral thematic impact. While juggling this role, she is assisting her husband, Bishop Great Emeya at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State.

Another actress on this pedestal is Eucharia Anunobi, whom as an actress had a fair dose of the ‘bad girl roles’ in Nollywood, with roles in films like Glamour Girls. But Eucharia shocked her fans when she announced she had

P. 34

Inside FCT P. 24-33

Soyinka

Arty News

More artistes dump entertainment for pulpits

Obi

given her life to Christ. With that came the announcement that she has been ordained at the Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos, as an evangelist.

For Charles Okafor, his is not coming as a surprise, after his activities in the industry slowed down, with the news that he had picked up a job as a lecturer at Babcock University in Ogun State. Lately, he tried staging a comeback to Nollywood in ‘Misplaced’ a film by Uche Jombo.

Charles had earlier starred in films like: Forest of Promises, Ocean Deep, Across the River, Between Love and Boiling Point amongst others.

For Peter Bunor, who survived a bout with stroke, it may also not be surprising that he has also opted to re-dedicate his life to Christianity now, much like Kenneth Okonkwo, who was originally ordained at the Christian Pentecostal Mission, CPM, under the tute-

lage of his ex-father in law, Bishop Ezekiel.

Pat Attah is another actor on this same platform, however, he is approaching his gospel project with finesse as ‘Friday Flavour’ gathered that he is employing the potency of the social media to spread the word from his base in Hamburg, Germany.

In all these, ‘Friday Flavour’ learned that the reasons why the entertainers have become top choice for some of the pastors also border on issues of branding with the belief that some of their fans could be attracted to the churches where they are preaching.

“Of course, the pastors who lure them to become deacons know that their faces are strong brands which also attract a lot of followers. That is why they are hot choices in Christendom at the moment”.

Friday Flavour learned that the reasons why the entertainers have become top choice for some of the pastors also border on issues of branding

P. 22-23

Live Theatre celebrates Soyinka

Critics

WEEKEND STARTERS

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

P. 20,21

Friday , June 27, 2014

Flavour

Artman

VOL. 4 No. 840

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Artman In The House

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerian music industry should

On stage

Bantu

Adegoke Adekoya, popularly known as Ade Bantu, a Kora award winner and activist has fought against racism through his NGO both in Nigeria and Germany. Currently, he is telling Nigeria’s story on Elders’ Corner. Bantu, was caught up with, for an exclusive interview at his monthly gig, ‘Afropolitan Vibes’ by OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI.Excerpts How would you describe your childhood?

My childhood was interesting. I grew up in a lovely household where music was always part of our lives. My dad was a home DJ especially during weekends. I saw my parents dance and they loved music. For my parents, there is no book you will ask for that they wouldn’t buy for you. No matter how expensive, they will buy it as long as you are going to read it. That environment was very nurturing for my curious mind for me and my siblings. My dad is Nigerian and my mum, German. I spent virtually all my formative years in Nigeria. I grew up in Port Harcourt, Ibadan and in Lagos. Then I went to Germany. My curiosity for music evolved from the environment where I listened to different kinds of sounds.

You started with a group in 1991, how was it like?

I started in 1991 at the height of rap music where it was becoming a viable art. When I moved to Germany, I met a group of young guys who wanted to start a school band. I was doing my A-levels then. We started a school band and got a recording contract.

One of the members of the group helped out. Before we knew it we were signed to a record label and we started granting interviews, going for photo shoots for album cover, it was all so exciting. We released two singles and an album later on. Then I had finished my A-levels and went to a polytechnic in Leverkusen where I studied Electrical/Electronics. As soon as I got the degree, that was the end of it, I passed but I didn’t know how I passed. Because I was already doing something more exciting, and was getting reviews by magazines, and accepted by people, I just decided to follow music and that was it. And I noticed that while writing and producing, I just evolved and got better over the years.

I come from an environment where we were always encouraged to talk; I never for once called my father or mother, sir or ma. There was never fear of my parents.

I never feared authority. I always learned to be respectful but I was encouraged to speak up. If my parents should say something and I disagree, they’ll ask why and I will present my case and if my argument was wrong, they’ll let me know. So, there was that kind of mutual respect, a very interesting one. My parents were very open.

The fact that my dad married a European, and the European decided to move to Africa, kind of gives you the idea of where they are coming from in terms of intellect and understanding of life. I also had vocal parents. I had seen my father confront authority, army officers who will point

With Oranmiyan Ajagundade

a gun at my dad for whatever reason and him confronting them too, refusing to be intimidated. My dad was not much of an activist. He was one of those who had benefitted from Obafemi Awolowo’s free educational programme. He was not an activist. He was an Awoist and he never hid that fact. Later, he got the opportunity to go to Germany to study Automobile Engineering. I guess that kind of rubbed off on me. When I got to Europe, I naturally spoke up on issues I was not comfortable with.

Also in Germany, there was a democracy that encourages people to speak up. So, it was a natural thing to be politically aware of where I come from in Germany and in Nigeria as well. Also, rap music is also political, we were getting impulses from America, and we use to call it the CNN of music. The shell campaign, and when Ken Saro Wiwa died once I heard, I knew I had to do something.. I and the bunch of other guys started the Ken Saro Wiwa Week and we invited Wole Soyinka and a group of other activists and we went out against Shell to mount pressure on them based on their unacceptable practices of rendering the environment inhabitable because of their explorations in the Niger Delta and make them accept the responsibility of taking care of the community. Also, when I saw that racism was becoming a big issue in Germany, I started ‘Brothers Keepers’ to address it. I have always felt that you have to stand up for something. If you don’t stand up for something, you will fall for anything.

And Borntroway?

Borntroway is a community outreach programme that I set up for children who do not have a voice to empower them through music, dance, and dance. We audition them for free, train them for free and engage them in an empowerment workshop. At the end of the week, we have a stage performance that we present to the host community. We have done it in communities like Port Harcourt, Ajegunle, Osodi, Bariga, Obalende. We were also invited to the World Climate conference in South Africa. We try to educate the community on environmental issues, address waste, recycling and how we can make our living conditions better. These are the people that have been thrown away by the people. They are the ‘Borntroway’ of the society. You know, to some people, these children are rubbish. But to another set of people, they are gold. And we try to give them a voice through the arts. We are kind of like emancipating and empowering them.

What about their parents?

The parents have been supportive, once they understand what we are doing. We go to the streets, schools, distribute fliers and we tell them to come for audition. We don’t choose them based on the fact that they are extremely gifted but on the basis that they are motivated that they want to do something. It’s been very successful and the next edition is next week at Osodi and on the 4th of July, there will be a public presentation inside Osodi market.

How do you get it funded?

It is self-funded. We have been to multinational companies and all they do is frustrate you. They make a lot of empty promises. But we believe that with time, people will come to reckon fully with it. The main aim of it is to give voice to the children and help them to know who they are.

You started Afropolitan Vibes last year, what informed your decision to commence it and how has it been so far?

It actually looks like it started a decade ago (laughs). Since I came into the country four or five years ago, I noticed that there is no platform for real live music. Even though I respect the youth culture of DJ track one, track two thing and they are making money and all that. I was like what happened to live music? What happened to the great musicians I used to watch when I was growing up? And I said maybe we should just create a platform where we can entertain people with quality music. So I started Afropolitan Vibes with my 12-piece band, they go by the name BANTU, and I invite guests artistes monthly to come and perform with us.

Do you pay the artistes?

No, they all play for free. The Idea is let’s go on stage and have a three hour show where we can enjoy ourselves. We are free, we are having fun and we know what we are doing. And over the months we started with about 150 people and we are close to 1000. We have a dedicated and ready following and they don’t care if there is thunderstorm or rain. It’s at Freedom Park, a onetime place of sorrow, a former prison,

My dad was a home DJ especially during weekends.

I saw my parents dance and they loved music

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Artman In The House

Friday, June 27, 2014

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engage our past –Ade Bantu Broad Street colonial prison for that matter and we come here to celebrate live, to celebrate the best of what Nigeria has to offer, the music. It’s a leveling place for all classes of people; the’ agbero’, staff of companies, Nigerians in Diaspora who have come back and they are respectful and loving when they interact with each other and I invite everyone to come and enjoy the wonderful experience. We perform every third Friday of the month and we have freshly tapped unfermented palm wine for everyone to relax.

Let’s talk about BANTU, how has it been managing a twelve piece band?

We have been together for about four years now. I started with auditioning and with time those that were strong enough stayed and those that had other agendas left. BANTU is not Adebantu, BANTU is Mide the vocalist, Wura Samba, Ope the trumpeter, Ire, and so on. We are twelve people. We are trained professionals and we know what we are doing. We write the songs together. When I come up with an idea, they contribute their quota. That’s why people wonder whenever we are on stage because we connect. It’s not Ade and his boys. We have respect and are supportive of each other. And for us it’s good to send that message to Nigeria that music is a workforce and not about one leader and his slaves. It is challenging trying to get twelve characters together. It’s crazy! I like the fact that we argue and we agree to disagree. It shows that we have a healthy relationship. Sometimes, I feel like spanking them, four people at a time, with my legs and my hand together! This is the 15th month we have been doing Afropolitan Vibes, we are having our sixteenth edition next month and it only takes ‘mad’ men to do what we are doing.

You are an MTN Project Fame judge, how’s the experience been?

Oh! It’s fun! When they first offered me the job, I was quite apprehensive at first and I didn’t know the format the reality show was going to take. I had watched other reality shows and I felt like young people were being exploited and given false hope. I told myself that before I conclude, let me join and I found out that it was very holistic. Not only are you being accessed for your showmanship but you are being groomed as well in the academy. Seeing the dedication they had towards quality both in training and transmission, I kind of blew me away. That made settle in very fast and I like the fact that I was thrown out of my comfort zone. I have cameras looking at me and I have to be real and unapologetic when adjudging. It’s interesting and I look forward to the new season next month.

The transmission team Get TV also gave me the mutual platform to showcase Afropolitan Vibes. I kind of appreciate that opportunity.

You fought against a foreign artiste ‘BTight’ for using the N-word. Where did it end after all?

I called him out! For people using the Nword to dehumanize and racially discriminate black people who have gone past slavery for over sixty or eighty years, I think one should not mock the dead and the living as well. I don’t like it when people use words recklessly. It’s a question of what do you stand for? If you stand on the principle of love and respect, and the philosophy of being my brother’s keeper, I think that’s

that I try to pass on with my music to my family and friends. I don’t believe in bullying other people. I hate oppression of whatever form!

You are also working on a documentary ‘Elders Corner’, what’s it about?

It’s the story of Nigeria told through its musical icons. It’s been an adventure. We had to source for funds ourselves, we have been working on it for about six years, travelled round the world, America, South America, various parts of Nigeria. I have various kinds of experience from being ambushed by military personnel to sleeping in quack hotels to dealing with angry old men who are being short changed by the music industry that have refused to give them their due. It’s been quite a life changing experience, I must say. It let me ask questions like what am going to do to mitigate the pain and how am I preparing myself for what is to come, health insurance and so on.

Which music artistes have you spoken to?

We have spoken to every legend alive.

Obey, Olaiya, Oriental Brothers, Tony Allen, Black man Kareem, Lijadu Sisters Los Angeles, everyone. We have travelled extensively and been to their villages. No oyinbo man can tell, our story, we have to tell our story. The director Siji, Akin Ogunsanya and myself have been working very hard on this. If we don’t tell our stories, these people are going to die. When Fatai Rolling Dollar died, we lost a whole library!

A man that died at about 87 years of age and has been doing music for the past 70 years; you can imagine what we lost there.

No one has ever studied to transcribe his music. Even Obey said ‘Fatai Rolling Dollar was my master’. He is a man who revolutionized the art of playing guitar. He played the ‘Agidigbo’ from using two fingers to four fingers. People like Segun Bucknor who revolutionised Afro funk and recorded the best album then and Mary Akin who was the first Nigerian to go to a conservatory, the first properly trained opera singer. Italian television offered her a job in the seventies because of this feat.

How nay people know this? There is need for all these stories to be documented by us. These are people who fought Biafra war, who served their country and have been relegated to the back quarters. These people communicate with us our story, not just their story. These are stories that they can never give to a foreigner. We have a rare piece of history.

When is it coming out?

We are editing at the moment, hoping that by the end of this year we will be done.

It’s going to be out in the cinemas. People who are curious can see the trailers online.

How do you rate the Nigerian music industry?

FACT FILE •

Adé Bantu was born in Wembley, London. He is biracial, being the son of a German mother and a Nigerian father.

•

In 1973 he relocated to Lagos, Nigeria with his parents Adeleke Odukoya and Barbara Odukoya.

•

In 1998 Adé was invited by Jan Ü Krauthaeuser to participate in the Cologne Alternative Carnival Organisation “Humba e.V.” This led to a musical project with his brother Don Abi (Abiodun Odukoya), Patrice and Amechi (Amechinna Okerenkwo).

•

In 2000 after a wave of racist motivated violent attacks on foreigners which climaxed in the killing of Alberto Adriano, Adé Bantu set up the Afro-German musical collective Brothers Keepers. Their song “Adriano (die letzte Warnung)” (Adriano the final warning) was released in 2001. It became an anti racism anthem selling well over 220,000 copies and making it to the Top 5 of the German pop charts.

•

In 2005 Adé Bantu once again assembled Brothers Keepers for a second musical venture. Broadened by many Turkish, Italian, Swedish and German artists their album “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” went far beyond the success of its predecessor.

•

In 2006 he performed with his band Afrobeat Academy during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He has collaborated and toured with Tony Allen and Seun Kuti.

•

He continues to be an activist, lecturer and public speaker addressing racism against people of colour, Afro Germans and Africans in Germany.

Bantu

The Nigerian music scene is more appropriate because we don’t have a structure. I love the creativity but I will love that they also engage their past more. It’s good to know the kind of musical background you are coming from, for example, Olamide that sampled Wasiu in his ‘Anifowose’ song. I want more of that. Artistes should crossover to other cultures and involve their rich musicals in their songs.

Not just Yoruba artistes sampling Yoruba songs and Igbo artistes sampling Igbo songs. We have to go back to the drawing board and involve veterans in our music.

It’s like we are sitting on a goldmine and we are not making use of it. There’s so much more we can tap from them! It ia when you go back to your past that you can navigate the future.

What influences your music?

I listen to everything from classic to rap, Fela, Lijadu sisters, Public Enemy, Sunny Okosun and so on. I have their LPs and I’m obsessed with that. I’m in love with sounds.

It inspires my lines, and I cannot really pin point one artiste as my influence.

I was like what happened to live music?

What happened to the great musicians I used to watch when I was growing up?

And I said maybe we should just create a platform where we can entertain people with quality music

You have done collaboration with so many artistes, which one do you find most interesting?

Most of them just happened, maybe it is destined and they are all wonderful. I remember when my brother and I recorded with UB40, this is like one of the biggest bands in the world and we kept the album.

Then one of the greatest musicians in the world ever, Harry Belafonte calls me to tell me that he wants to re-record my song. This is a man who has relieved the highest honour any artiste can receive in the U.S, he facilitated Obama’s father’s return to America, he is friends with Kwame Nkrumah, Michael Jackson and Nnamdi Azikiwe. I was on the Third Mainland Bridge, I almost had an accident. It was such a wonderful experience.

How are your wife and kids?

They are doing very well. Let me keep this part of me from the media; since you know every other thing about me.

What is your best food?

It’s pounded yam and any stew. Or if someone can cook Ikokore that can match my grandmother’s standard.

Critics

22

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Book

Mbaise in words and deeds

Pascal Opara in his new book highlights the contribution of some sons and daughters of Mbaise, Imo State to humanity Sidney Ohia

A

uthored by Prince Paschal Chukwudi Opara, it is a compendium that reveals and showcases personalities, issues and discourses on Mbaise nation which have never been done before now by any work.

According to Prince Opara, the 800 – paged work features about 500 illustrious sons and daughters of Mbaise nation in Imo State, Nigeria, who have contributed to the development of Mbaise, either by way of excelling in their chosen professions or identifying steadfastly with the cause of the town. This book of record is the first of its kind in the history of Mbaise and it is expected to elicit much positive reactions from Mbaise people both in Nigeria and Diaspora.

“Mbaise Icon and Personality Guide” (Mbaise Nwere Mmadu, Vol. 1, 2013), contains various scintillating features and articles written by some of the best brains that Mbaise has produced. For instance, Prof. Timothy Uzodinma Nwala’s piece entitled ‘Way Forward for Mbaise nation’, x-rays the political, economic and social movement of Mbaise with a view to prognosticating the future. There is also an excerpt from a lecture delivered at the Fifth Mbaise – USA Annual Convention by an illustrious Mbaise daughter, who was former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Ada Okwuonu, which dwells on politics, health and the harnessing of Mbaise’s natural resources.

Prof. I.T.K. Egonu’s piece entitled ‘Spirit of Mbaiseness’ represents one of the very vital decorations that spice the ice of the Mbaise nation as far as the work is concerned. This spirit of Mbaiseness, in-built in Mbaises, follows them all over the world. It is a modeling mark that makes the Mbaise man or woman to work hard and do the right thing all the time.

At times, it makes the Mbaise person “better to be feared than to be loved”, according to great political thinker, Niccolo Machiavelli.

The work equally contains some of the names of the late founding fathers of the Mbaise nation such as Mazi Jamike Iwunna who proposed the name “Mbaise”, meaning “five clans”, before it was adopted by the “federalists”, Eze Pius Nwoga, First Republic Parliamentarian from Mbaise, Eze Ogbonnag, Eze Unamka, Eze Abii and several others who in one way or the other, demonstrated zeal and commitment to the development of the ethnic stock.

Other interesting features of the book are the author’s responses to the answers provided by the icons and personalities to the questionnaire administered to them during the course of data collection for the project. The issues range from leadership, economy, politics to social, cultural development as well as brief history of Mbaise nation.

Already, a plethora of comments made by some eminent personalities in Mbaise about the book is quite germane and instructive about the significance of

the work not only to the people but the entire human community. As at the moment, some of Mbaise persons who have expressed delight over the book are: A.I.G. Oliver Osuchukwu (rtd), HRH, Eze (Dr.) D.C. Okoronkwo, HRH Eze P.A. Uduhirinwa, Prof. N.N. Onu (FUTO), Prof.

J.O.J. Nwachukwu – Agbada (ABSU), Prof. Vitalis Anyanwu (IMOSU), Prof.

I.C. Ndukwe, Chief I.D. Nwoga (OFR), elder s tates man, Mike Ahamba, SAN, Prof. C.O. Onwuliri (Late), HRH Eze Senator Isidore Obasi, Prof T.C. Okeahialam, HRH, Eze D.O. Eke, HRH Eze I.Iwuh, High Chief Prof.

JIJ Otuka, Dr. J.A. Iroegbu (Ezurezu Mbaise), Engr. J.A. Iro, (ex-NNPC Executive Director), HRH, Eze PIP Onu, Barr.

Joe Ndu, Chief (Hon.) O.U. Duru (former Electoral Commissioner, Old Imo State), Prof. A.J. Njoku, Chief Dr. F.U. Ukoha, Prof. C. Nze Aguwa (UNN), Surveyor D.A. Nzenwa, Chief Dr. L.O. Onyike, Chief Hon. Dr. Anamelechi Nicholas

Other interesting features of the book are the author’s responses to the answers provided by the icons and personalities to the questionnaire administered to them

Aguwa (former Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Imo State), HRH Eze Sabinus Nwaneche, Engr. Chris Ibe, among several others.

To them, the work, ‘Mbaise Icon and Personality Guid’e is indeed the best thing that has happened to Mbaise nation, a masterpiece and demonstration of profound patriotism by the publisher. It is therefore not only a reference tool but a must-read for researchers, policy makers, political leaders, captains of industries, business moguls, students, and all those who want to appreciate the uniqueness of the Mbaise nation.

Ohia, is a freelance journalist based in Owerri, Imo State.

Music

Biography of a risen star Inspiration comes in various formats. BlackMagic’s new collaboration with Oritse Femi will not only entertain but inspire.

Olwadahunsi Olawale

A

merican star, Ne-Yo should be notified that someone in Nigeria has ridden on his back to musical stardom by modifying the beat he used for ‘Miss independent’. The tune armed with a feel of what can go for a hip hop, R n B and Afro pop song is infused with a rich orchestration of bass guitar, acoustic, piano and what sounds more like a church organ in an intermittent, welltimed and highly organised fashion.

This church organ used by most early catholic and protestant churches in singing hymns during services and funerals give a warm solemn definition to any song to which it is introduced be it hip hop or any genre. Songs like OJB Jezreel’s ‘Searching’ and Wyclef Jean’s ‘Sweetest Girl’ which features Akon and ‘Mirror on the Wall’ rapper Lil’ Wayne, strongly attests to this fact. These songs went topping charts in the year they were produced and it is expected that BlackMagic’s newest song, ‘Pass You By’ will not be different.

Does this just show the mastery of the producer, TFlava who has always produced for the BlackMagic since his days at Lynxx’s Syndicate records, the rapper himself BlackMagic or Oritse Femi who featured in the song with his highpitched voice? In fairness, three of them are meant to be credited for giving all

their best in making the song a super hit.

The beat of the song started with a ‘bouncing’ tempo. The tune could mislead as anyone hearing it for the first time will expect the song to be fast-paced.

However, Oritse Femi surprisingly began with a slow and gentle chorus which also fitted perfectly into the tune and thus defining the song’s ultimate tempo.

The tune of the song changed when the ‘Mercies of the Lord’ hit maker shifted his lyrics to more emotional Yoruba words ‘Oun lalabaro mi’ meaning ‘God is my empatizer’. ‘Oun alabaromi/ That time wey owu dey blow me/ I dey always call on him/That’s why he would not let me die’. He singlehandedly made the song pleasing to listen to with his sonorous voice, ‘exposing’ the danceable and lovely ghetto beat the song commands in its arsenal.

BlackMagic, though is one rapper that has carved a special niche for him-

Scene in Pass You By video

self due to his lyrical depth and genuine ‘Africaness’ did well in delivering a well rhythmic and coordinated rap interestingly basks on the euphoria and Oritse Femi acceptance due to his recent ‘Double Wahala’ hit song. This factor can ac-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, June 27, 2014

23

Film

When fruit lacks juice Fans of Nollywood are not tired of Nkem Owoh’s face; but they may soon grow weary of the character, Osuofia Ngozi Emedolibe

O

ne of the greatest concerns in Nollywood now is obviously the fact that it has a predictable theme, driven by commerce. Not that anyone blames people trying to break even from their endeavours (or hustles like it is called in the industry) but when it gets monotonous, then something terrible is in the offing-creativity is stifled, unnecessary stereotypes are created and the end users are vulnerable and taken for a ride.

That is what ‘Osuofia’s Wedding’ a film

by Amayo Uzor Philips, (the Nigerian film director with perhaps the enviable credit of having worked with all the leading film comics there are in the country, from Late Sam Loco Efe, to Nkem Owoh, Osita Iheme, Charles Inojie, Charles Awurum, Chinedu Ikedieze, and John OKafor, to Funke Akindele and Ada Ameh) smacks of.

Of course, it is the story of Philip, (Nkem Owoh) a super-bachelor, whose lifestyle becomes a source of worry for his kinsmen, so much that he becomes a laughing stock.

His crime is that he has grown past the age of marriage without settling down. But he suddenly emerges one day to announce that he has found a bride!

His kinsmen are surprised, much so because prior to the announcement there had never been any female seen with him.

Philip lets them in on the fact that he met his bride on the Internet, a medium that is strange to his kinsmen. He finally ‘imports’ his bride ( Funke Akindele), an uneducated Yoruba lady, who has been using fake identity to make postings on the social media in order to appeal to Philip. The two get married finally, but the presence of the bride in the family has its own challenges as Philip tries to adjust to life with his

The audience will be particularly fascinated by the scenes where

Philip

leaves the church with his bride,

‘enjoying a ride on a wheel barrow’, filled with gifts.

That captured the mood of a very poor but ambitious wedding in the village bride, who most of all is also endowed with mysterious powers.

Definitely a typical Nollywood story line, but it lacks everything in originality, save from the plot of finding a wife online, which ought to have been explored in the script to give the film its own life. But it is apparent that the film crew are just in a hurry to put something new on the movie shelves, This will however be placed on the door steps of the fairly resounding success recorded by the ‘Sherikoko’ trilogy, a film shot earlier by Amayo Uzor Philips, which also features Charles Inojie, Charles Awurum, Funke Akindele and John Okafor, with Nkem Owoh putting up an unimpressive appearance as a university don.

In many ways, the producer’s interest

A scene in Osuofia’s Wedding

in commercial exploitation is glaring. The title ‘Osuofia’s Wedding’ is most inappropriate. The producers wanted to exploit the popularity of the character, ‘Osuofia’, which by now should be attracting royalties for the original creator in the early 90s.

If the name of the character in this film is Philip, then it would have been more appropriate to call the film, ‘Philip’s Wedding’.

In spite of this, the film still parades some exciting scenes for those who want to laugh. The audience will be particularly fascinated by the scenes where Philip leaves the church with his bride, ‘enjoying a ride on a wheel barrow’, filled with gifts.

The beat of the song started with a ‘bouncing’ tempo.

The tune could mislead as anyone hearing it for the first time will expect the song to be fast-paced

tually make this song easily quench the ‘artistic and entertainment thirst’ of any listener.

The concept of the video is also quite creative with aerial motion cinematog-

raphy used to feature Oritse Femi on the mountain in a ghetto setting and an exclusive radio interview with BlackMagic who was answering the presenter’s questions with the verses of his rap. The vid-

eo directed by Unlimited LA took aerial shots of the hustle and bustle of Lagos significantly formed a cohesion with the several cameo shots of children from the ghetto.

This concept should be further applauded because it’s pictures and deep expression of a ghetto crooner who has made it in the music industry against all odds, Oritse Femi giving a priceless advice and encouragement to the strug-

That captured the mood of a very poor but ambitious wedding in the village; incidentally the character of Philip, did not portray him as having this tendency.

Some of the actors like Funke Akindele, Nkem Owoh, Vivian Oyakhire obviously played their roles well. But Roy Dinani, with his acting wanted to recreate another Osuofia character which was unnecessary.

The director, Amayo Uzor Philips, who took up a role as Philip’s friend, should have restricted himself to directing.

Those who are not tired of laughing over nothing may find some of the lines funny though.

gling younger ones. On the part of Black Magic, the director portrayed a Hip hop setting because of the rap and costume and all the paparazzi they display in their ‘baddest guy’ lifestyle. This video shot in Black and white picture simply weaves Hip hop and the ghetto genres together, making it so wonderful to watch.

The song is as an inspiration or source of encouragement to young ones also explains the musician’s emergence in to the music scene. He explains his ordeal of how his first album didn’t see the light of day because of his marketers in the second verse and used the opportunity to thank everyone who stood by him with the lines ‘Pushed on believed/ When push comes to shove/ Your true friends you see”.

One controversial part of the song is the line ‘I still don’t know what kind of girlfriend I need’ and ‘Baby girl said buy me a ring o, so I went and put the ring on a melody’. This kind of shows he had a bad time with an uncaring lover or the lines are not relevant?

In all, this song and video are a masterpiece and we use this opportunity to welcome him to a ‘higher’ stardom.

24

Inside FCT

Friday, June 27, 2014

One Chance: Same tactics, unending tales One Chance operators caught in Abuja recently

Regina Otokpa

A

deboye, a civil servant was standing in front of Merit House awaiting a taxi, to convey him to the Federal Secretariat that fateful Monday morning. Being about 30 minutes late for his appointment, he was beginning to get apprehensive when a cab with the official Abuja green and white commercial taxi colour pulled up by the kerb.

Peering into the cab, there were two other passengers: one at the rear and the other at the front and, he gladly bordered the taxi.

Few meters away from Merit House, the man seated beside Adeboye informed the driver he wanted to alight.

This was followed by a heated argument concerning the content of the bag being dollars and not clothing as insisted by the owner of the bag. The driver insisted on delivering the man to the police in the company of all passengers in the cab.

Observing and analysing the unfolding drama, Adeboye yelled at the driver to stop the car and taken aback, the driver halted and immediately, and he jumped out of the cab. No sooner had he slammed the door, did the driver speed off with the two men in the cab.

Three years after the incident narrated above, the same tactics and lines are still employed by One Chance operators to rob residents in the Federal Capital Territory today. One Chance is the despicable antics of mobile thieves who use commercial vehicles to dispossess innocent commuters of their valuables,

especially money.

One of the victims who spoke with ‘Inside FCT’ said in recent times people had continued to fall prey to the menace because of inadequate transport facilities needed to convey people to different destinations.

Narrating her ordeal, Funmi encountered One Chance last month, while going to the bank at Wuse to deposit some money. Her money was collected; she was driven to the bank by the driver and accompanied into the banking hall by one of the ladies where she was made to withdraw all her money and further dispossessed of her wrist watch and mobile phone.

In another experience, one Miss Tosin said she boarded an Abuja painted cab last week, from Gimbya Street to Banex. According to her, shortly after Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA junction, the driver pulled over to drop the man seated in front who tendered a foreign note to the driver. An argument ensured when the man failed to provide Nigerian currency with claims he was from Benin Republic and as she was about to be drawn to the argument, she dropped off only for the man to enter back into the car and left with the driver.

Commenting on the budding trend, Justus noted that most people fall victim based on the erroneous belief that only a cab filled with men carry out such nefarious acts, but he disclosed to ‘Inside FCT’ that women have been incorporated into the activities of these fraudsters. Having fallen victim few months ago Justus said the cab he boarded comprised of a driver, a man and two ladies, who convinced him to

accompany them to a native doctor to enable them derive the truth concerning the dollars in someone’s bag.

According to him, after they got to the herbalist, he lost senses of himself and noticed he was powerless over his actions and by the end of the day; he parted with one hundred and fifty thousand naira from his bank account.

Also reacting to the incessant operation of one chance in FCT, Haruna explained that before the eradication of township buses commonly referred to as “Araba”, most residents feared to board private vehicles or cabs for fear of falling victims to day light robbery, but this is no longer the case as residents scamper to board these taxis .

He revealed that buses provided by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA since flushing out the Arabas are far from adequate for the teeming population of the city, and if not for the intervention of private car owners who pick up passengers to subsidize their cost of purchasing fuel, Abuja would have been faced with a very precarious and outrageously chaotic transport situation. Haruna added that this development is reason why residents hardly take time to scrutinise drivers and occupants of vehicles, thereby indirectly facilitating the menace and adding more pain to the struggle of residents trying to get to their destinations.

No day goes by in the Federal Capital Territory, without listening to tales of theft perpetrated by one chance operators on unsuspecting people, involving same tactics and story lines but ironically, many are still caught up in

Transporters in Abuja

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

this web of deception largely because of greed. This weak link is what perpetrators of these crimes capitalise on to lure their victims into parting with huge sums of money and property, and sometimes their lives as the case maybe.

Several One Chance reports as seen at the beginning of this write-up have been published via the media, as streams of countless discussions have also ensued on the social media yet; these criminals appear to always be a step ahead of security operatives. The confidence posed by the perpetrators is alarming, they ply hours on end on major routes of the city patiently picking and dropping off unsuspecting passengers to defraud as residents fall victims time and time again.

Inside FCT investigations indicated that the success behind this despicable act hinges on the erroneous belief of many residents, who have never fallen prey to one chance menace, that majority of those who become victims are night crawlers. But then, available statistics on victims showed that 95 per cent of these incidents occur in broad daylight.

Again, while many of such residents believe that only vehicles with male passengers alone are likely to carry out such acts, multiple experiences have shown the contrary as women are now fully involved as collaborating agents.

The third plank of disbelief has to do with those residents who hold the view that only unpainted taxis are likely to be involved in such acts.

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, as many registered and painted taxis have thieves masquerading as passengers who use the ‘mobile office’ availed by their vehicles to perpetrate their heinous crimes on unwary and innocent residents.

He revealed that buses provided

Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA since by the

flushing out the

‘Arabas’ are far from adequate for the teeming population of the city

Friday, June 27, 2014

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

25

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

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

After Ramadan, what next?

IN HIS LIGHT

with

USTAZ A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com

B

y Allah’s grace, this year’s fast of Ramadan will start this weekend.

So, you may wonder why this title!

One reason is that the 1435 Ramadan is not the first most of us will witness in life. We have started and ended a lot of it. This one we are starting is after all the previous ones we have fasted. So, it is after another Ramadan, then, one could ask what next. We are not going to read or recite a new Qur’aan or observe a different Taraaweeh or involve in any special thing as an act of worship. It is the

same fast with the same activities.

Hence, we should look at ourselves and actually see if the previous Ramadan had actually reformed our lives. We need to evaluate ourselves whether we have transcendental consideration for our worldly affairs. We need to find out if we have cleansed ourselves of greed and avarice, narrow- mindedness and cruelty, egotism and money worship, exploitation and monopoly. Is it not the case that every individual accumulates more and more riches for his personal comforts in well being while fellow men languish in penury?

Also, the story of the modern man and the crises he is going through requires that we start from the conclusion. This is because he has failed to learn from ar-

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Abdul Rahmon Ade-Bello; former Minister of FCT, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi and former VC, University of Ilorin & Secretary-General NSCIA, Prof. Isiaq Oloyede and Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola at the National Discourse organised by The Companion in Lagos recently.

L-R: One of the invited Imams, representative of Lagos Chief Imam, Imam Gbajabiamila and the National Amir of The Companion, Barrister Musibau Oyefeso at the National Discourse organised by The Companion in Lagos recently.

Make adequate preparations for Ramadan

26

We need good people in politics

28 & 29

rival and departure of Ramadan. Preparations are on-going everywhere to usher in this great month of forgiveness. In no time will we start and in a twinkle of an eye, it would have ended, then the question will be: What next? It will arrive like a beloved we have missed for a long time; and it shall depart like a beloved we have missed. It is thus better for us to start to imagine our post Ramadan lives and see if it worths going through the exercise or training. Our post Ramadan is more important because we have eleven months to translate the lessons so learnt; it is important as it unravels the success and quality of our fast to be able to be sincere in all endeavours, be discipline at all times, be contented with little, be considerate for others and have fellow feeling for them, be conscious of our short stay in this world, be appreciative of the uniqueness and values of Islam, be conscious of our health, be companions of the Qur’aan in reading, recitation, memorization and elucidation, be patient on hunger and feel for the poor, etc.

But what do we see today? Muslims who turn Ramadan to a month of eating and drinking, of serious time wasting in the name of doing iftaar and observing laylatul-Qadr, of sleeping and

backbiting, of boasting and show off via programmes on television and other avenues, etc. If the month of Ramadan is spiritually secured and yet people involve in anti-Ramadan activities, what will be their fate after it?

Let us start the fast with deep appreciation for the bounty of life. Let us turn to Allah (SWT) for sincere repentance for failing to live by the lessons of the last Ramadan. Let us see this one as a rare opportunity. Our dear father, Alhaji Arisekola Abdul Azeez, May Allah have mercy on him, would have definitely planned some things for himself and for others for this Ramadan, but Allah (SWT) teaches us that He alone decides who stays alive. Death is a lesson for the living to reform himself.

Today is today. Yesterday was yesterday. Tomorrow shall be tomorrow. This Ramadan will soon be over. Whatever you are able to do shall become history.

So, seize the opportunity to invest in the Hereafter and prepare for a journey of no return.

I wish you all a fruitful, blessed and successful ramadan 1435. may we live to witness more of it. Ramadan Kareem.

Qur’an 2:185 The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

‘Salat without Zakat is zero’

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26

Call to Worship

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H. Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Between Nigeria’s Maryam and Guinness World Records’ Youngest Doctor

M

edicine is one of the most humanitarian professions in the world-yet one of the longest. When someone enrolls in medical school, we all know that by the time they finish school they will be around 30-or at least on their late 20’s. But not for this girl; Eqbal Asa’d is a Palestinian Muslim woman that started the Medical school when she was just 14 years old! Amazing isn’t it? She got her Bach-

elor degree in Medicine with Honors and was set by the Guinness World Records as the youngest doctor in the World!

She has been signed to go to Ohio to continue her education even further and become a Pediatrician! We wish her all the best and thank her for inspiring us and making a difference in the World.

So, who is giving our new youngest doctor in Nigeria, Maryam Raji, the quite deserved-schol-

arship to further her education in the best Dubai or Saudi College of Medicine? This is the question I want the rich among us to answer. Yes, simple decorum and decency of purpose dictates that such a great mind should be celebrated and encouraged in order to serve as a good model for our young ones that hard work really pays. Ramadan s here and this is a great opportunity of sowing in the field of valuable Dawah. May Al-

lah assist us towards doing good for humanity, Aamin.

Today is the “Probability Day” of the blessed month of Rahma and mercy which are too numerous to be counted. Let us fast with full faith and expectation.

Remember that we are made to fast so that we can fear our Creator the more. Allah says; “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it

Maryam is her late dad’s dream fulfilled

M

Behold Nigeria’s youngest medical doctor, Maryam Raji and her sweet mum

aryam A-Raji is her late Dad’s dream fulfilled.

Even while at elementary school, her father would make her write a lot of essays in addition to prompt and correct doing of her homework. Her father was her real personal teacher.

Her attendance of Vanguards Academy was another catalyst of her making. Really a young, even little girl indeed but was constant in academic and moral excellence which has manifested in the feat of being the youngest Doctor.

She is girl you can ask Al-

lah to give you millions of her as a daughter. She is soft spoken, cool headed, easy going, articulate, spiritually conscious, cheerful, smiles, offers helping hand; sharp brain…

Her success today is just an introduction of many more to come. I have interacted with several Maryams, this one is extra-ordinarily special. May Allah preserve her life for us.

She is a pride to the entire Vanguards Academy.

T

frowned at the dastardly and criminal acts of the Boko Haram group as well as their ideology against western education.

The women group stated that the activities of the Boko Haram were against the basic tenets of Islam which encouraged education for all including the Girl Child.

“A Muslim’s search for

knowledge should be as expansive as it is inexhaustible, as long as it is guided by and conscious of Islamic principles. Contrary to popular belief, education in Islam does not only mean knowledge in dealing with prayer, fasting, reading the Qur’an nor is it to do with mastering the great books of fiqh, hadith etc.

Make adequate preparations for Ramadan AISHA TITILAYO

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uslims throughout the country have been enjoined to adequately make preparations for the coming Ramadan to enable them utilize the full benefits of the month.

Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Tirimisiy made this known at the 9th Pre-Ramadan seminar organised by the Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO, and themed ‘Ramadan:

Blessing to mankind’. He noted that Ramadan is a great month, with mercies and favour of Allah embedded in it; therefore it shouldn’t be taken with levity.

While speaking on ‘Preparation for Ramadan’, Tirimisiy emphasized the need for proper preparation for worship; praying at the right time, engaging in the recitation of the Qur’an, observing nawafil, engaging in remembrance of Allah and other acts of worship.

Not forgetting the administrative and financial preparations, Tirimisiy urged Muslims to have a budget for this glorious month, with a proper timing for things to be done before it and in it.

“You have to pay particular attention to your health and that of you household. Make sure you stay away from things that can harm you or prevent you from fasting. Remember that a day missed in Ramadan can never be made up even in seventy

with

Sekinah

Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” Quran 2/183.

Many us claim to love the glorious Quran but refused to obey the Revelations of Allah (SWT).

Let u remember death and prepare for the departure from this world to the Hereafter hoping to meet Allah. This we can do by doing a lot of selfdiscipline, control and self-evaluation.

May Allah make it easy for us, Aamin. I wish I could spend the last ten days and do my Itikaf in the holy city of Mecca Insha Allahu, join me in saying Aamin.

There are many health benefits of fasting which include: purification of body from toxins, purity of blood, brain and other parts of our body, rejuvenation of body, living of life with happiness.

Quareeb organises Ramadan lecture HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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he Alfathu-l-Quareeb Muslim organization of Nigeria, Akure Branch in Ondo State last Sunday organized a PreRamadan lecture where five Islamic leaders and scholars were presented with awards.

In his welcome address, Adeniyi Omotope Zaf- the Chairman of the sociaran (PhD) ety in Akure, Alhaji Hassan Director (Admin), Van- Adetimilehin disclosed that guards Academy, the Pre-Ramadan lecture Ogun State, Nigeria. programme was organized to create awareness among the Muslims and the general public that the sacred month Also, the Ahmadiyya is here again.

Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Adetimilehin also said expressed its condolence the society deemed it necto the family of Late Aris- cessary to use the occasion ekola Alao , the Aare Mu- to recognized some Muslims sulumi of Yoruba Land personalities within the and deputy President, community because of their Nigerian Supreme Coun- contribution and activities cil for Islamic Affairs de- in making life meaningful to scribing it as a great loss Muslims and non-Muslims to the Muslim community alike in the state. in Oyo state and Nigeria Some of the awardees inin general . clude, Prof. Isaq Adekunle Amao, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Igbaoreto, Alhaji Suaheeb Ayodeji, Alhaji Z Bakare years.” and Alhaja Falilat Jimoh.

He admonished MusThe chairman of the occalims to make use of Rama- sion, Barrister Mufutau Fadan to its fullest; stating dunmoye commended them the hadith of the prophet for putting the awareness in that if men knew the place to usher in the month blessings in Ramadan, of Ramadan and commended they will want the remain- the people of the state for living months to be Rama- ing together peacefully. “As we dan. welcome the month of RamaAdding to that, Sheikh dan, it is imperative to appreAbdulMajeed Eleha (Alfa ciate the peace and harmony Nla) also urged Muslims being enjoyed in the state. It is to abstain from all evils, our collective prayer that this treat everyone well such harmonious situation shall that the world will know continue to reign not mindpeace through Muslims ing the insurgency worrying because of Ramadan. the country at the moment.

Women group calls for safe return of Chibok girls he women wing of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria (Lajna Imaillah) has appeal to Boko Haram Group and their allies to release the Chibok abducted girls from government girls secondary school.

In a release signed by its head, Sister Basirat Olajunmoke Dikko, in Lagos, the women group

THE PLATFORM

This is a trying period for the people of this country, may Allah put an end to it.”

Fadunmoye however frowned at the idea of calling terrorists Islamic fundamentalists and urged the press to help correct the impression.

“Muslims should not be tagged terrorist, our religion forbids compulsion or forcing a non-Muslim into the fold of Islam.”

The Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Akorede also commended the organizer saying there is need for Muslims to periodically organize such programme for better understanding of Islam and congratulated the awardees as worthy ambassadors of Islam.”

In his lecture, the Ondo State Grand Mufti, Alhaji.

Sheik Batuta Ibrahim called on parents to train their wards in the way of God especially when they are still young saying they should be taught the basic of Quran.

“Quran is the culmination of a series of revelations that included the Torah and the Bible. The Quran is significant not only because of its history, but also because of its continual daily use in Muslim worship. It has also had a significant cultural impact on the Islamic arts.

“Muslims should use the Quran in all Islamic rituals.

Muslim prayer consists of reciting various verses from the Quran, the most important being the first chapter of the Quran called al-Fatihah (Arabic for “The Opener”). This chapter, similar in content to the Christian Lord’s Prayer, opens each unit of prayer and is the most commonly recited chapter of the Quran.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 27, 2014

Time for reflection

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any thanks are due to Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Sustainers of the world, the Creator of mankind, jinn and animals.

Unto Him we all depend and to Him we belong. May the everlasting blessings of Allah be upon the noble Prophet of Islam the light of guidance, the bearer of the flag o justice, the libera-

tor of mankind by Allah’s will?

(SAW).

Human being lives life of fantasy, ego and Heresy. We are so overwhelmed with frivolous things that lead us to nowhere than Hell fire. In pursuant of these worldly things, we crossed and stepped on many toes to attain and get our heart-felt destructive desires. This in return

Let’s keep praying for our nation –Oyefeso

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he National Amir of The Companion, Barrister Musibau Oyefeso has called on well-meaning Nigerians to keep praying for good leadership, peace and corruption-free politics.

He gave the advice at the National Discourse organized by the Companion in Lagos recently.

He posited that there is a connection between corruption, poverty insecurity and good governance and called on all to engage in prayers for our nation for peace, progress and development saying that the activities of Boko Haram sect is barbaric, callous, un-godly and un-Islamic.

He urged politicians to be fair and desist from using religion to divide us further in the country by calling for election or emergence of candidates on the account of their faith rather than merit, character and Rule of Law. “We call for the release of our Chibok girls because Islam supports and promotes education.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and MD, LOP Consulting Limited, Otunba Abdul Lateef Owoyemi, advised that if Nigeria does not destroy Corruption, corruption will certainly destroy Nigeria and called for a mass attack approach to deliver Nigeria while saying that, at the infant/ youth level, “Anti Corruption and Cultural Ethics Studies” must now be made a part of every school’s curriculum and a compulsory subject for all students right from primary school to university level. We need an “Anti

Call to Worship

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H.

Corruption National Prayer” to change the minds of all corrupt youths and elders, males and females, leaders and followers in Nigeria, and invoke heavy curses and disasters for all those who engage in and benefit from any form of corrupt acts. “The prayer should be on the front page of every Nigerian newspaper, said at every public or group gathering and relayed three or four times daily by every radio and TV station until corruption is no longer our national calamity.”

He also called for the reduction of cost of contesting for political offices in Nigeria. “Immunity against investigation or prosecution for corruption offences should disappear from our laws.

Any person who is not prepared to disclose his or her assets publicly annually, should refrain from serving at the senior level of all public institutions and “public trust, public interest” private establishments which should include banking, insurance, religious and media organisations amongst others. All anti-corruption laws should be toughened to minimise delays and stone walling during investigations and trials, and provide for between 10 and 50 years of non-pardonable sentences for corruption and false asset declaration convicts. Annual public awards should be given to persons who have demonstrated uncommon integrity and incorruptibility.”

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and Prof.

Ishaq Akintola both urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to turn a new leave and be far from sins.

ZAKAT IS 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH KNOWN AS NISAB AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT

Place your adverts here for optimal reach

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Kasala Busari; Alhaji Mufutau; Chief Imam of Akure kingdom, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Akorede; Imam Ijoka Central Mosque, Akure, Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulQuadri at the Quareeb Pre-Ramadan lecture.

brings agony, tribulation, wailing and lamentation to fellow human-being. Human parts are on sales in categories for rituals, merriments and other purposes best known to the patronisers and the vendors. We are daring Allah!

Wars! At every nooks and crannies of the country. The sacred human life is now destroyed like that of mosquito and flies. Popular news now is killing, attacks and all sorts of molestations on fellow human being on daily basis. What is the rationale behind all these? We are daring Allah!

Allah created sets of creatures; man, jinns, angels and animals with different features and commandment. Angels are so respectful and obedient; they followed to the letter instructions of Allah without alterations.

Animals in their own features are stubborn and disobedient, they always pursue a course that will them into destruction yet their unborn generation would not learn from the mistake of their past generation.

Man and Jinn combined the

27

AL-FATIH-ULQUAREEB

MESSAGE SHEIKH ADANGBA e-mail: ustazadangbe@yahoo.com two features of Angel and Animal together to form the basis of their existence and living.

You may not know, animals are not going to be subjected to any accountability in their hereafter because of their low intelligent quotient.

Any one of us, who chooses animalistic nature, will be punished in their hereafter. Qur’an 76 vs. 2-4 says verily, we have created man from nutfah (drops) of mixed semen (sexual discharge of men and women), in order to try him; so we made him hearer and seer. Verily, we showed him the way whether he will be grateful or ungrateful. Verily, we have prepared for the disbelievers iron chains, iron collars, and a blazing fire.

It is when you allow animalistic tendency in you to override the Angel nature and feature imbibed that all sort of satanic behaviour, thought and taught will

come into play in our life. Hence, destruction and disobedience will occupy our life. Skepticism about resurrection should be erased in our mind. It is inevitable. Those generations before us that denied and rejected the message brought to them by Apostles of Allah, the Thamud, the A’d, Pharaoh, Noah people saw the consequences of the actions. Qur’an 69 vs. 1-14.

“The Inevitable (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)! What is the Inevitable? And what will make you know what the Inevitable is? Thamud and A’d people denied the Qari’ah (the striking Hour of Judgement)! As for Thamud, they were destroyed by the awful cry! And as for A’d, they were destroyed by a furious violent wind!

TO BE CONTINUED NEXTWEEK

Benefits of Ramadan

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asting the month of Ramadan is an obligation and a great worship. It is among the best acts of obedience. In Fasting there is great reward.

Prophet (SAW) said that Allah said: “The reward of every good deed is multiplied from ten up to seven-hundred times–except that of the Fasting–which is usually done in sincerity, will be multiplied by as many times as Allah wills”.

One of the doors of Paradise is specified for those Muslims who used to fast in this world.

On the Day of Judgment it will be opened, and those who used to fast in obedience to Allah will be called to enter through that door.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. It is the best month of the year, as the night of al-Qadr in Ramadan is the best night of the year.

In this month, also those bosses who facilitate the work of those under their commands and who make it easy for them to worship will be forgiven.

They will be emancipated from Hell. In the blessed month of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to emancipate the slaves and would give whatever was asked from him.

Those who can do good deeds in this month will be blessed with doing such deeds all the year

round.

Thousands of those Muslims who are to go to Hell are forgiven and emancipated every night. In this month, the gates of Paradise are opened. The gates of Hell are closed. The devils are chained. The doors of compassion are opened. In this month, Allah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils.

Every night, Allah redeems from the fire.

Fasting Ramadan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadan, so long as one avoids sins more so, fasting in Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months.

Meanwhile, whoever prays Qiyaam in Ramadan with the Imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that

he spent the whole night in prayer. Umra’h in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.

Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

Also, through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him. Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Mohammed (SAW) once said, “A man’s wealth is never diminished by charity.” Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits during this month.

Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

We should consider this month as an opportunity. We should perform as many acts of worship as we can, do the deeds which Allah likes, and deem this month an opportunity for earning the next world.

Sheikh Abdul Gannyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/ National Chief Missioner of Jubulatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBAT)

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Call to Worship

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former FCT Minister in this interview granted at the National Discourse organized by the Companion, speaks on the menace of corruption and its multifaceted effect on good governance. SEKINAH LAWAL reports; Centenary celebration, how far have we gone?

I must commend those who want my views because that may be considered as treasonable by an increasingly fascist and insecure federal administration. We must stop the well-known national habit of politicizing and ethnicizing everything as a convenient excuse for crass incompetence, unprecedented corruption and totally bad governance.

We live at a time of great distortions in our polity. Our natural resource lifeline - crude oil – has been selling at over $100 a barrel since 2011, and we are producing at decent levels averaging 2 million barrels per day, yet our nation is broke. Our federal budgets for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 all contain an average of 1.5 trillion naira deficit annually. Our capital budgets for investment in physical infrastructure, human capital and enabling environment for job creation for the five Jonathanian years have averaged a mere 1.3 trillion naira - most of it borrowed by issuing bonds every single year!

Yet, we heard from the public hearings in the House of Representatives that some companies may have collected monies in the name of fuel subsidies in excess of 2.5 trillion naira that can neither be justified by previous import levels nor what is possible and practical! Then a globallyacclaimed central governor was unlawfully removed from office because he dared to question the diversion of some $20 billion in federation revenues to accounts and purposes other than those allowed by the Constitution. A minister has spent billions on the charter of private jets and the president shamelessly defends and justifies such waste on national television! In some if not all of these, the legislature has been silent, the anti-corruption agencies helpless while the judiciary is struggling to redeem its battered image. Impunity is the new normal in Nigeria these days.

No one in the government seems to know what the other is doing and our welfare, progress and future of our children are the worse for it. Amidst this level of intragovernmental confusion and contradictions, we live in great fear of anarchists called Boko Haram on the one hand, and ethnic irredentists’ issuing threats of secession and break-up of our country if an incompetent and callous president is not allowed to continue whether we choose to elect him or not!

Why dwelling so much on corruption?

We can choose to be like the ostrich and bury our heads in the sand, pretending that all is well with Nigeria, or we can confront the miniscule minority that is misappropriating our rights, freedom, future and prosperity and push for a good society that works for everyone. It is only by confronting the key challenges facing good governance in Nigeria and proposing bold new ways to tackle them that we will change our society for the better. Without doubt, one of the major obstacles that have consistently thwarted our national progress and the actualization of good governance is the issue of corruption. Let us start with what matters the most –governance.

What would you say connotes good governance?

Our Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “If three people go out on a journey, then they should make one of them a leader.” (Abu Dawud). In a similar narration found in the Musnad of Ahmad, the Prophet said: “It is not lawful for three people to be in a desert except that they select one of them as a leader.”

(Transmitted by Abdullah ibn ‘Umar).

Good governance must meet certain thresholds comprising the eight major portals: It must be participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized,

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H. Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We need good peo

El-Rufai

IF YOU ADD THE $20 BILLION THAT SIMPLY VANISHED INTO THIN AIR FROM THE

NNPC’S ACCOUNTS, YOU COULD INCREASE THE POWER

NIGERIA BY ANOTHER 20,000 MW

GENERATION OF

the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

How do we eradicate corruption?

For those in public office, I think the best way to determine whether that innocuous end-of-the-year gift amounts to a bribe, the question posed by Islamic jurists is appropriate - “Will this thing of value be offered to me by the person in question if I am not holding this public office?”

If the answer to the question is not an immediate and unhesitant “Yes”, then the gift is a bribe, and should therefore be rejected.

As it is today, there is virtually no sector in Nigeria that is free from the cancer of corruption.

What becomes immediately apparent is that despite our nebulous perception of what constitutes corruption, Nigeria, sadly, cannot avoid the tag of being one of the most corrupt countries in the world, even if President Goodluck Jonathan, who should be leading the fight against corruption, goes on air to pontificate that “what many call corruption in Nigeria is not corruption but mere stealing”.

What none of the journalists at the media chat where he made that statement forgot to ask is whether his insidious redefinition makes it acceptable and legal to steal!

Is corruption only about money?

There is a Mega-Monster which is Political Corruption.

It is easy to overlook political corruption, but it can just

be as deadly, if not more deadly to society. When citizens are robbed of their choice in any electoral contest, political corruption has taken place. When the processes are skewed in favor of certain parties or candidates, political corruption has taken place. When the government uses the instruments of state to intimidate the opposition and to harass ordinary citizens as so brazenly done recently in Kano and Ekiti States, political corruption has taken place.

What is the effect of that?

The cumulative effect of political corruption is that incompetent, insidious and totally irresponsible people and parties get into sensitive public offices, and then end up perpetuating political and economic corruption in its various manifestations. Indeed, I have always held the view that rigging elections is the foundation of all corruption because it confers power without legitimacy, and without responsibility. And in Nigeria’s fourth republic in particular, it has birthed not only financial corruption, but immorality, violent crimes and terrorism.

Corruption therefore undermines the democratic system by fuelling popular disillusionment with politics and politicians. To make matters worse, corruption can lead to a vicious circle where corrupt people manipulate the political system to get into power only to further corrupt the political system and indeed, the entire society.

How does good governance manifest to citizens?

According to the Governance Reports of 2013 and 2014 issued by the Hertie School of Governance, a central government or administration delivering ‘good governance’ must in practical and operational terms provide at least four core goods and services: Infrastructure: like electricity, motor-able roads, efficient seaports and airports, affordable rail systems. Welfare like free primary and secondary education, schools, affordable healthcare, old age pensions, and social policies for the poorest and vulnerable groups.

Sustainability in terms of food security, water supply and management, climate, flood and environmental management, desertification and erosion control as well as internal security and national defense, religious, ethnic and regional harmony, cultural tolerance and protection of civil rights, law enforcement and criminal justice, protection of contracts and property rights.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 27, 2014

Call to Worship

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H.

29

ople in politics National governments desirous of delivering good governance must have some level of competence exemplified in four administrative capacities. These are vital because it is at this administrative level that an interface between the citizen and the government exists.

How does corruption affects good governance?

By depriving the nation of legitimate revenues needed to provide public services, corruption can affect the capacity of the public sector to carry out its constitutional responsibilities and service delivery, in addition to affecting levels of investment, taxation, business development and even the efficacy of the judiciary. By enabling those that do nothing productive to be wealthy, corruption encourages exhibition of conspicuous consumption and destruction of the link between hard work and success in any society – a fate that appears to have befallen our nation and affected our young people, particularly in the last half-decade!

I will suggest that good people in politics provide the leadership, vision and effort needed to exploit a nation’s competitive advantages and create the inclusive institutions that would enable growth, development and prosperity. Good leaders, honest leaders, just leaders that shun all forms of corruption are more likely to lead their nations to prosperity than others that pretend to be religious but are dishonest, corrupt and unjust. Those under any illusion about the failure of leadership that has created the current Nigerian condition should recall the words of Allah (SWT) said in Surat Al-An’Am (6:82): They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice - those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.

What is the way out sir?

From the foregoing findings, corruption thrives in a country when national leaders lack commitment to justice and integrity, institutions of accountability like the police and the courts are weak, rule of law is not strongly embedded and the legitimacy of the state as the guardian of public interest is contested. All the four elements are clearly evident in Nigeria now.

In the event that a corruption case is prosecuted up to the point of conviction, there is no guarantee that the President, would not by the stroke of his pen, grant a presidential pardon, thereby undoing months and years of investigation and legal battles that might have cost tens of millions of naira to prosecute.

Elections with integrity is the way out. Ww must strengthen the Nigeria Police, amend the Constitution to enable establishment of State and Community Police, amend Criminal and Penal Codes to include few and limited number of Federal Crimes, enhance judicial independence and abolish the National Judicial Council enabling each State to have its judiciary with appellate courts, entrench free, fair and credible elections as the sole determinant of the emergence of elected public leaders.

We must build a professional, competent and impartial election management bodies with full independence of action to administer elections that are transparent and merit public confidence. Also, we need to remove barriers to universal and equal political participation, whether covert or overt. In Nigeria, women in politics are sometimes perceived to be of easy virtue; a covert form of discrimination which suppresses the political participation of half of our population.

The role of money in politics – particularly the uncontrolled, undisclosed and opaque sources of the ruling party, poses a fundamental threat to electoral integrity. In many countries, organized crime syndicates have found that campaign financing can buy political influence and protection. Here in Nigeria, we have seen the clear linkage between the fuel subsidy fraudsters and the financing of the 2011 elections, side by side with the reluctance of the justice system to prosecute them and obtain refunds.

There are other areas INEC can improve. Open voting booths to enable voters show ballots for payment before

voting are unlawful. Virtual polling units to facilitate rigging must be abolished. All preparations need to be made and materials must be delivered to all polling units without delay. The restriction of movement of citizens a day before elections which has enabled security agencies and the ruling party to move freely and plan the rigging is not only unlawful and unconstitutional but also unjust. In summary, the game should be up for those who plan to rig, or facilitate rigging.

Some schools of thought believe that electronic voting may be the solution to problems such as ballot box snatching and massive thumb printing by individuals to justify false vote records. At the very least, technologies exist to encrypt results from each polling unit and send them to an electronic collation platform via the 3G networks all over the country. This would eliminate paper-based collation centres and their susceptibility to manipulation.

It is my hope and prayer that the authorities will do what is right so that we can reclaim hope, peace and stability that our nation and its citizens badly need.

What is your advice to Nigerians generally?

It is important for citizens to see corruption for what it really is: the phenomenon that denies them the opportunity for good governance. It is sad that in some cases, citizens no longer see the danger in corruption; they are only looking for when it will be their turn to share in the ‘national cake’.

We owe it to ourselves, families, friends, businesses, professions and political convictions to tackle corruption and fight it wherever it manifests itself. If we do not fight back, corruption will destroy the fundamental nature of our society and all that we stand for.

How bad is corruption?

One way of measuring the impact of corruption on national development and how it challenges good governance is by looking at the opportunity costs of stolen funds, since President Jonathan says we only have mere stealing and not corruption in Nigeria: Assuming that it costs $1 billion to build a 1,000 MW gas powered electricity plant, the $15 billion that varnished under the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime would have built about 15 different power generation plants capable of producing 15,000 megawatts of electricity.

If you add the $20 billion that simply vanished into thin air from the NNPC’s accounts, you could increase the power generation of Nigeria by another 20,000 MW. In other

words, in the last four years alone, if we had committed some of the sums lost to “mere stealing”, Nigeria would actually generate nearly as much as South Africa’s forty thousand megawatts of electricity, not the miserable 3, 000 we currently generate that Obasanjo left behind in 2007.

On a last note?

I will end with two quotations from the Holy Scriptures to show the dangers of corruption and buttress the need for each and every one of us to join the fight to tame this deadly cancer. Since the President is fond of making policy statements in church, he should be reminded that The Holy Bible also speaks on corruption in 2 Peter 2:19: “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage”.

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says in Suratul Hud (11:85): “O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption.

Let us all listen carefully to the words of God, learn from history and all the lessons of the life and death of the corrupt. Let us strive to leave proud legacies to our children instead of ill-gotten wealth. Let us work together and build a nation of shared prosperity that we will all be proud of.

El-Rufai

Awnatullah Bolanle nee Alimi during her Nikkah to Sheriff Ayomide

30

Call to Worship

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H. Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Salat without Zakat is zero’ Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, the Executive Director/CEO, Zakat & Sadaqat Foundation in this interview with SEKINAH LAWAL speaks on Zakat as a tool of poverty reduction and sundry issues urging those who are zakatable to pay it for complete Iman.

What is your advice to Muslims regarding Zakat payment?

First and foremost, as Muslims, we must be seen to be above board in fulfilling our religious and socio-economic responsibility first to Allah and next to our fellow brethren. This is absolutely necessary in view of the instruction from Allah to Muslims in chapter 98:5 that “And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship God, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to pay Zakat (charity); and that is the Right Faith” Against this background, Zakat payment is a religious obligation to Allah and also a fulfillment of one’s duties to the needy and poor people.

This is because in the wealth of the rich, the poor and needy people have a fair share Q51:19. Furthermore, to underscore the importance of the payment of Zakat, Zakat which is the third pillar of Islam is mentioned not less than 28 times simultaneously with Salat (prayer) the second pillar of Islam in Qur’an 2:277; 73:20; and 98:5 among others. Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) also stressed the importance of paying Zakat when he said “Whoever offers prayers but does not pay Zakat, his prayers are in vain.” In summary, I admonish myself and my fellow Muslim brethren who are zakatable to endeavour to pay their zakat as at when due so that their faith and Salat (prayer) will not be in vain.

What is the Nisab now?

According to the calculation made by Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, the current nisab of Zakat for the year 1435AH (2014) is N595, 000.00 (Five hundred and ninety-five thousand naira) and the rate of Zakat on this amount and above is 2.5 percent.

What are the new things ZSF has in kitty for Nigerians?

We have made arrangements for Iftar Saim (provision of meals) for breaking fast throughout the holy month of Ramadhan for a minimum number of 30,000 (Thirty thousand Muslims); special arrangement has been made to take care of widows; we are also perfecting our plans to extend our largess to orphanage homes, children with disability and refugee camps among others. Aside Ramadhan period, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has repackaged its Infaqul Afuwun (collection, re-branding and distribution of old/or fairly used items) to the poor and needy people especially in the villages. In addition, we are stepping up the number of our capacity building workshops for unemployed Nigerian youth (Muslims and non-Muslims) and the ulama among others.

Is there any relationship between proper Zakat payment and distribution vis-a vis insecurity?

As we all know, the mother of all so-

cial problem is poverty. And in a situation where over 63 percent of the over 170 million population of Nigeria earns less than $2 US Dollar per day and unemployment of the Nigerian youth is increasing, it will not be surprising that insecurity will be the order of the day. Paradoxically, Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant human and natural/ and or mineral resources but its people are disconnected from having access to these resources. Fortunately, one of the roles of zakat socially is to eradicate poverty and guarantee a humane standard of living to all members of the society through financial assistance to the poor and needy people. For example, Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) said: “He is not a true Muslim who eats his full when his next door neighbour is hungry.” Economically, Zakat also aims at guaranteeing equitable re-distribution of wealth in order to regulate the inordinate passion for excessive wealth accumulation which is not unconnected with insecurity today.

Qur’an 57:7 is very clear about this when Allah commands Muslims to pay Zakat so that “...Wealth does not continue to circulate merely among your rich people...”

Your advice to government and politicians?

Our governments should be reminded that the whole essence of governance is to provide the basic necessities of life for its people, ensure that their welfare and security is guaranteed at all times. If any government at all the 3-tiers cannot guarantee the aforementioned, such government has failed its people. It should throw-in the

Shuaib

make the best use of the Zakat fund given to t them.

WHOEVER OFFERS PRAYERS BUT DOES

NOT PAY ZAKAT, HIS PRAYERS ARE IN VAIN

towel and allows those who can guarantee these the welfare and security of its people. Concerning the politicians, they need to understand that they all belong to this country and the country should come first in the scheme of things before their political parties. They must show a high level of commitment to respect the rule of law, shun the culture of impunity, hooliganism and respect the wishes of the people.

Your advice to Zakat beneficiaries?

They should fear God at all times and

Thank God it’s Friday Maryam Raji graduated a fortnight ago from the University of Lagos College of Medicine. She graduated as the youngest Doctor at age 21. She shares with AISHA TITILAYO how she spends her Fridays.

• 4:00am- I wake up and observe my Tahajjud and perform Ghusl (ritual bath) of Jumu’ah depending on where I am and access to water.

of the Qur’an).

• Then I like to read Suratul Kahf ( the 18th chapter of d Qur’an ) on my Tahajjud or immediately after Subhi because of the immense benefits that Rasulullah told us that we would get from it and because Allah loves good deeds that are done consistently.

• 10: 00- 12:30- Reading or other activities planned out for the day.

• 7:00am- 8:00am – Maathuraat (special morning and evening supplications).

• 8:00- 9:00am - Cooking and revision of some previously known Surats (chapters

• 9:00- 9:20- Salatul duha (if I’m not in class already).

• 12:30- 2:30 - going to Jumu’ah and praying Jumu’ah. (When I’m not off salat).

• 2:30- 4:00 – I either have my lunch and other activities.

• 4:00-4:30 I go for Salatul Asr • 4:30- 7:00 is mostly for supplication.

As A we begin Ramadan, what should people do regarding moon sighting in order to ensure uniformity? e Muslims should follow the announcement made by the Nigerian Supreme m Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) as C the t national umbrella body for all Islamic organizations in the country. The Council o has h been structured and many committees working under the Council have been strengthened under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and the indefatigable scribe of NSCIA, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede who since his assumption of office as the Secretary-General, NSCIA has been working round the clock to ensure that the decisions of the council are implemented effectively. Our people should discountenance any announcement of the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadhan if it is not from the NSCIA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 27, 2014

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H.

Call to Worship

31

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Prophet’s first revelation

W

hen the Prophet, sa, was over thirty years of age, love of God and love of His worship began to possess him more and more. Revolting against the mischief, misdeeds and the many vices of the people of Mecca, he chose a spot, two or three miles away for his meditations.

This was on top of a hill, a sort of cave shaped out of stone. His wife Khadija, ra, would prepare food enough for several days, and with this, he would go to the cave Hira. In the cave he would worship God day and night. When he was forty years of age, he saw a vision. It was in this very cave. He saw someone commanding him to recite.

The Prophet, sa, said in reply he did not know what or how to recite. The figure insisted and at last made the Prophet recite the following verses: Recite thou in the name of thy Lord Who created, created man from a clot of blood. Recite! And thy Lord is the Most Beneficent, Who taught man by the pen, taught man what he knew not (96:2-6).

These verses, the first ever revealed to the Prophet, sa, became part of the Qur’an as did other verses which were revealed later. They have tremendous meaning.

They command the Prophet to stand up and be ready to proclaim the name of the One God, the One Creator—of the Prophet and of all others—Who has made man and sowed the seed of His own love and that of fellowmen in his nature.

The Prophet was commanded to proclaim the Message of this God, and was promised help and protection by Him in the proclamation of this Message. The verses foretold a time when the world would be taught all manner of knowledge through the instrumentality of the pen, and would be taught things never heard of before. The verses constitute an epito-

me of the Qur’an. Whatever the Prophet was to be taught in later revelations is contained in embryo in these verses. The foundation was laid in them of a great and unknown advance in the spiritual progress of man. The meaning and explanation of these verses will be found in their place in this Commentary. We refer to them here because their revelation constitutes a great occasion in the life of the Prophet. When the Prophet received this revelation, he was full of fear of the responsibility which God had decided to place on his shoulders. Any other person in his place would have been filled with pride—he would have felt that he had become great. The Prophet was different. He could achieve great things but could take no pride in his achievement.

After this great experience he reached home greatly agitated, his face drawn.

On Khadija’s enquiry, he narrated the whole experience to her and summed up his fears, saying, “Weak man that I am, how can I carry the responsibility which God proposes to put on my shoulders.”

Khadija replied at once: God is witness, He has not sent you this Word that you should fail and prove unworthy, that He should then give you up. How can God do such a thing, while you are kind and considerate to your relations, help the poor and the forlorn and bear their burdens? You are restoring the virtues which had disappeared from our country. You treat guests with honour and help those who are in distress. Can you be subjected by God to any trial?

(Bukhari).

Having said this, Khadija took the Prophet to her cousin, Waraqa bin Naufal, a Christian. When he heard the account Waraqa said: “The angel who descended on Moses, I am sure, has descended on you” (Bukhari).

Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fasola with the Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle and others during courtesy visit to her, recently.

Amir, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fasola and Sadr Ansarullah in a group photograph with Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya (Youth organisation ) Nigeria at the just concluded 3-Day workshop for officers at Ahmadiyya mosque, Ojokoro, Lagos.

L-R: The Deputy-National Amir of The Companion Alhaji Wale Sonaike and the acting Amir of The Companion, Lagos District, Alhaji Nojeem Jimoh at the National Discourse organised by The Companion in Lagos recently.

Dignitaries at the Sisters’ Seminar of MSSN Kosofe Area Council held in Lagos recently.

Dignitaries at the Sisters’ Seminar of MSSN Kosofe Area Council held in Lagos recently.

Call to Worship

32

Sha’ban 29 1435 A.H. Friday, June 27, 2014

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...As World Cup runs into Ramadan Football could be an interesting sport but diehard fanatics have taken it far beyond ordinary form of entertainment. As it is now, the 2014 FIFA World Cup competition extends till Ramadan; a sacred month, one in which the Qur’an was revealed, one to be used in total engagement in the acts of worship in order to maximize its full benefits. AISHA TITILAYO samples the opinion of some Muslim men on the implication of having the competition extending till Ramadan.

P Busari Murtadha

It will surely affect the commitment of Muslims to the cause of Allah. It wouldn’t bring total submission at that period, people will get engaged in all sorts of evils, including gambling (Naira bet) where they predict results. Taraweeh and Tafsir will have fewer congregations if any match falls at the period and Tilawah of Qur’an will be reduced at the period of matches as well. Not to talk of constant remembrance of Allah that a Muslim is supposed to engage in every now and then.

ersonally, I am not affected by the whole thing. Those that are of major concern to me are the youths who do not have the proper understanding of the deen because they will always want to go to watch the matches even when they are supposed to be in the mosque but one with the right understanding of the deen will know that that time should not be spent on something else except to be in the mosque.

The enemies of the religion are only after detaching us from the path of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). These are some of the ways people associate partners with Allah; when you engage yourself in other worldly activity when you are supposed to observe your salat, which means you have placed such a thing in the place of Allah. This is not supposed to be. I will urge all Alfas and imams to increase in their admonition in the mosques.

AbdusSalaam Teslim

I

think it is a wrong idea for the world cup competition to have extended till the month of Ramadan. It will definitely affect Muslims in their day to day Ibadah.

We are meant to observe Tahajjud at night but most of the matches are played at night, as such preventing Muslims from acts of worship. What I will advise is that Muslims should always separate their Islam from the mundane acts. They should engage in acts of worship at its right time rather than staying clued to the TV set watching football matches.

A

Muslim with the right understanding of the religion will know how to go about doing things. We have guidelines on every matter we may want to partake in. what Allah and his messenger say about such a matter will be the first thing a knowledgeable Muslim will consider. Going by this, I believe whoever understands the religion will not be affected by the current situation of things in the world. There are lots of distractions here and there; Shaytan being the root of all of these distractions.

To me, I see the FIFA world competition as a way of distracting Muslims from the worship of Allah. The competition will definitely affect people’s fasts and other Ibadah because lots of evils go on at the various viewing centres we have around.

By this, we know the various rewards attached to each act of worship will be decreasing gradually. Muslims should however not allow the competition to distract them from utilizing the blessings in Ramadan.

W

e shouldn’t think the world cup competition was intentionally fixed to fall in the month of Ramadan because FIFA has a time table regarding the period it is usually held.

Most cases, FIFA world cup competition falls in June, whereas Islam uses the Hijrah calendar. You see the issue of the western world, although they have their own programme and Islam has its own programme. This FIFA world cup competition only happened to have fallen in Ramadan, one shouldn’t say that it was deliberately fix during Ramadan.

Mutiu Oyegoke

AbdurRasaq Kaseem

I

Tijani AbdulAzeez

Rasheed Abdul-Azeez

F

ootball is a very interesting sport; likewise Ramadan is a vital and interesting to the Muslim Ummah.

Considering the FIFA world cup in Ramadan might not pose any problem to people that don’t watch ball but for those who really watch, it is a big problem. I believe it will really affect the football fanatics around us. I can say that the world cup is not an intention to distract Muslims from their Ibadah because it comes up in June but Muslims use the lunar calendar which means Ramadan could fall on any month. My advice to those that like sport is to plan their time and always focus on the Ibadah other than concentrating on football. I don’t see any point in going through Ramadan and not optimize the full benefits therein. Football should be secondary just as it is.

AbdurRahman Sanni

A

lthough I don’t watch football matches but I know it is interesting, you see them so excited, screaming and analyzing matches. The time you are supposed to use to do something reasonable and rewarding, some men will spend it all watching matches. I have seen many people while watching matches, most of them find it difficult to get up to do something else that might come up, even if some of them hear the call to prayer. All these are bad. I will just advise those who watch football matches to know how to manage their time well and know how to make use of the full benefits in Ramadan.

believe things like these are targeted at keeping Muslims away from their religious duties. This is not the first time that such a competition will come up during Ramadan. How do you expect someone that is fasting and playing the ball itself to concentrate on the fast? Such a person might end up drinking water and break the fast half way. The case has degenerated such that Muslims too now view the religion as a social affair rather than real obligations. This is not even the only case that can distract Muslims from what they are to engage in Ramadan. It however depends on individuals to plan our affairs, to know where we are coming from and where we are going, to know what to do and what not to do.

Adam Taiwo

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Arty News

Friday, June 27, 2014

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Meet Funmilayo Ola, Next Top Model Gambia

A

Nigerian, Funmilayo Victory Ola, has emerged as the ‘Next Top Model Gambia’. Ola, a Nigerian student at the American University of Gambia took the crown at the maiden edition of ‘Next Top Model Gambia’, which had more than 25 other contestants from various regions of Gambia. The prestigious event took place at Sea View Garden Hotel where she was crowned the winner.

With that, Victory took home the star prize which is #D50,000, and a modeling contract in Paris which happens to be one of the headquarters of the fashion industry in the world.

Victory is not new to walking on the runway. She was a runner-up at the ‘Elite Model Look Nigeria’ competition in 2012 which made her automatically a model signed under BETH, an agency run by Elohor Aisien and since then hasn’t looked back. The medical student has also featured at top fashion shows like Elite, Lagos Fashion Week and Music Meets Runway.

Born on 23rd May, 1996 in Lagos, Nigeria to Mr. and Mrs. Taiwo Ola, she hails from Ikole Local Government of Ekiti state, she attended Triple Cross Schools, Ogba and later enrolled at Trinity International College, a high scale all boarding secondary school, she was later to change to Wellspring College in 2009 where she completed her secondary school education in 2001.

Victory’s modeling career started in 2012 when her aunt assisted her to sign for Sims Modeling agency from where she discovered her dream were not being fulfilled

because she has said to herself that she was going to take the modeling world by storm with God on her side; then she decided to take part in the Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012 which was hosted

by BETH Modeling Management run

by Elohor Aisien, the managing director. She later went on to continue with her education and pursuing her admission into the university after becoming a top model and one of the most sought after models in Nigeria, where she got an admission to study medicine in American International University of West Africa in Banjul, Gambia, her performance in the University has been outstanding not stopping her from chasing her dreams to become a super model in another man’s land. The Gambia’s telecommunications giant once approached her to become a face of the company but she turned down the offer because of the fact that she is not a citizen of the country.

Victory has participated in different top fashion shows and then making her a bit recognised amongst other models where she suddenly developed interest in participating in the competition, Next Top Model Gambia which she won.

Queen Ayuk

AFRIMA gets AUC backing

T

he African Union Commission, AUC, has endorsed the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, by throwing its social and political influence behind the continental awards project that seeks to reward African music talents and promote the cultural heritage of the continent.

In a letter dated May 30, 2014, signed by the AUC’s Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Sidiki Kaloko and addressed to the CEO/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, the AU commended the International Committee of AFRIMA ‘on such a powerful initiative’ for the integration of the continent. Dr. Kaloko described AFRIMA as a tool to “promote further African Music and ensure its contribution for the development of the continent’s cultural and creative industries sector”.

All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is a continental showpiece conceptualised to communicate the rich musical and cultural heritage of Africa from an indigenous perspective. The award is telling the African story with Africa’s voice and positioning the continent’s creative industries for global competitiveness through the various activities on the awards event calendar.

“These are the kind of initiatives the AU is interest-

ed in being associated with as they contribute to the integration of our beloved continent. I therefore express our support to the initiative and look forward to working with you in this continent-wide project”, Kaloko stated.

This support follows on the heels of series of engagements over the years and the discussions between members of the International Committee of AFRIMA and African Union officials during a meeting held on March 7, 2014, at the Department of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the AFRIMA delegation formally presented the awards project to the AUC. Reacting to the endorsement from AU, AFRIMA CoProducer/Regional Director, East Africa, Mr. Mike Strano said: “The AUC received AFRIMA with open arms and minds during our visit to Addis Ababa in March and seemed enthusiastic about the awards project. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the official endorsement and support given to AFRIMA. This can only open the awards and its different programmes up to the benefit of Africans. We look forward to working with the AUC to make our continent culturally and economically greater”.

keffe

Artistes plan big for late Kefee

P

lans to give Kefee a befitting burial have started. On Monday, over 100 members of the Nigerian entertainment industry gathered to strategise on ways and means of achieving this.

Notable faces who were at the meeting include: Nikki Laoye, Tosin Martins, Emem Ema, Tee-Y Mix, DJ Gosporella, Wamilele, Princess, Perry Martins, Praise Machine, Mudi, Righteousman, Nene Soul Diva, Victor Gospogroove, Gordons and representatives from Kefee’s family.

“Kefee was a major contributor to the development of entertainment in Nigeria and the industry will be there for her even in death. We are going to bury her as a queen and it would be nice for us to work together to make her burial a grand affair. It would also be nice to use this opportunity to get our acts together as Gospel artists and entertainers in general because that is what Kefee would love,’’ said Sammie Okposo.

Also speaking, Tosin Martins, suggested that activities in honour of Kefee should extend beyond the immediate burial plans to include a more robust annual memorial symposium and other events which promote the interests and passion of Kefee for posterity’s sake.

A committee called the ‘Kefee Memorial Committee’ (KMC) was thus constituted to plan the various events which would hold in Lagos and Sapele, the hometown of the late singer. The members of the committee are: Sammie Okposo, Nikki Laoye, Commorade Rex Anighoro, Momodu Inu Noah, Tosin Martins, Anny Ibrahim, Joan Paul, Aity Dennis-Inyang, Emem Ema, Gbenga Akintokun, TeeY Mix, Tim Tehilla, DJ Gosporella, Praise Machine, Victor Gospogroove, Princess, Perry Martins, DJ Direal and journalist, Chilee Agunanna, who was Kefee’s publicist The committee would plan towards befitting burial events in Lagos and Sapele and some of the proposed activities.

There would also be a documentary on the singer’s life and times; performances of her songs by other artistes; Kefee memorial merchandise and a tribute concert in Sapele.

Kefee’s husband, Teddy Don-Momoh, monitored the proceedings of the meeting from the U.S. where he was preparing to fly home the body of his wife.

Meanwhile, her husband, once again pleaded for the privacy of the family to be respected in these trying times.

He observed that some of the stories written about Kefee since her death were mostly untrue and cited the reports of a pregnancy which didn’t exist and the story that her body had been flown home as very insensitive and mischievous. He also stressed that some reports that claimed that he was stranded in the U.S. and soliciting for financial help through a bank account were lies.

Teddy said that, customarily, he would have to return home to Nigeria first, to be on ground to receive the body of his wife which would then follow afterwards.

He said he was finalising the required paperwork before Kefee’s body could be flown from the U.S. to Nigeria and once those were done, more details of the burial plans would be released.

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botswana-festival

Chobe National Park

Ngozi Emedolibe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

A

mid-sized country of just over two million people, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Botswana was one of the poorest countries in Africa when it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, with a GDP per capita of about US$70 per year.

Botswana has since transformed itself, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with a GDP (purchasing power parity) per capita of about $16,400 per year as of 2013, and a high gross national income, possibly the fourth-largest in Africa, giving the country a modest standard of living. The country, being a member of the African Union, also has a strong tradition as a representative democracy and has the second highest Human Development Index of continental Sub-Saharan African countries.

At 581,730 km2, Botswana is the world’s 48th-largest country. It is comparable in size to Madagascar or France. It lies between latitudes 17° and 27°S, and longitudes 20° and 30°E. The country is predominantly flat, tending toward gently rolling tableland. Botswana is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, which covers up to 70% of its land surface. The Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas, is in the northwest. The Makgadikgadi Pan, a large salt pan, lies in the north.

The Limpopo River Basin, the major landform of all of southern Africa, lies partly in Botswana, with the basins of its tributaries, the Notwane, Bonwapitse, Mahalapswe, Lotsane, Motloutse and the Shashe, located in the eastern part of the country. The Notwane provides water to the capital through the Gaborone Dam. The Chobe River lies to the north, providing a boundary between Botswana and Namibia’s Zambezi Region. The Chobe River meets with the Zambezi River at a place called Kazungula (meaning a small sausage tree, a point where Sebitwane and his Makololo tribe crossed the Zambezi into Zambia).

Botswana has diverse areas of wildlife habitat.

In addition to the delta and desert areas, there are grasslands and savannas, where Blue Wildebeest, antelopes, and other mammals and birds are found.

Northern Botswana has one of the few remaining large populations of the endangered African Wild Dog. Chobe National Park, found in the Chobe Dis-

Botswana: N beauty, stun The Okavango Delta Of Botswana attaraction

From being one of the poorest countries in the world, this nation has put ecotourism to great use, becoming one of the fastest growing economies today. trict, has the world’s largest concentration of African elephants. The park covers about 11,000 km2 (4,247 sq mi) and supports about 350 species of birds.

The Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve (in the Okavango Delta) are major tourist destinations. Other reserves include the Central Kalahari Game Reserve located in the Kalahari desert in Ghanzi District; Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and Nxai Pan National Park are in Central District in the Makgadikgadi Pan. Mashatu Game Reserve is privately owned: located where the Shashe River and Limpopo River meet in eastern Botswana. The other privately owned reserve is Mokolodi Nature Reserve near Gaborone. There are also specialised sanctuaries like the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (for Rhinoceros) and Makgadikgadi Sanctuary (for Flamingos).

They are both located in Central District.

Besides referring to the language of the dominant people groups in Botswana, Setswana is the adjective used to describe the rich cultural traditions of the Batswana-whether construed as members of the Tswana ethnic groups or of all citizens of Botswana. The Scottish writer Alexander McCall Smith has written popular novels (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series) about Botswana that entertain as well as inform the reader about the culture and customs of Botswana.

In terms of music, Botswana music is mostly vocal and performed sometimes without drums depending on the occasion; it also makes heavy use of string instruments. Botswana folk music has instruments such as Setinkane (a Botswana version of miniature piano), Segankure/Segaba (a Botswana version of the Chinese instrument Erhu), Moropa

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35

Boerewors is a popular dish in Botswana

Gaborone, the capital city

Natural nning wildlife xxxxx

(Meropa -plural) (a Botswana version of the many varieties of drums), phala (a Botswana version of a whistle used mostly during celebrations. It comes in variety of forms too). Botswana cultural musical instruments are not confined only to the strings or drums. The hands are used as musical instruments too, by either clapping them together or against phathisi (goat skin turned inside out wrapped around the calf area; it is only used by men) to create music and rhythm. For the last few decades, the guitar has been celebrated as a versatile music instrument for Tswana music as it offers a variety in string which the Segaba instrument does not have. It is the outsider that found a home within the culture. The highlight of any celebration or event that shows especially happiness is the dancing. This differs by regime, age, gender and status in the group or if it’s a tribal activity, your status in the community. The national anthem is Fatshe leno la rona. Written and composed by Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete, it was adopted upon independence in 1966.

In the northern part of Botswana, women in the

villages of Etsha and Gumare are noted for their skill at crafting baskets from Botswanas from Mokola Palm and local dyes. The baskets are generally woven into three types: large, lidded baskets used for storage, large, open baskets for carrying objects on the head or for winnowing threshed grain, and smaller plates for winnowing pounded grain. The artistry of these baskets is being steadily enhanced through colour use and improved designs as they are increasingly produced for commercial use.

Other notable artistic communities include Thamaga Pottery and Oodi Weavers, both located in the southeastern part of Botswana.

The oldest paintings from both Botswana and South Africa depict hunting, animal and human figures, and were made by the Khoisan (!Kung San/ Bushmen) over twenty thousand years ago within the Kalahari desert.

Cuisine The cuisine of Botswana is unique but also shares some characteristics with other cuisine of Southern Africa. Examples of Botswana food are pap, boerewors, samp, vetkoek and mopani worms.

A food unique to Botswana includes seswaa, heavily salted mashed-up meat.

The Botswana Tourism Organisation is the country’s official tourism group. Primarily, tourists visit Gaborone due to the city having numerous activities for visitors. Hotels include; The Lonrho Lansmore Masa Square, a 5-Star hotel, and The Gaborone Sun, a luxury hotel that also features a casino.

The Lion Park Resort is Botswana’s first permanent amusement park and hosts events such as birthday parties for families. In Botswana, there are also destinations which include; The Gaborone Yacht Club and The Kalahari Fishing Club. In addition, natural attractions for tourists in Botswana include; The Gaborone Dam and Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

There are golf courses which are maintained by the Botswana Golf Union (BGU). The Phakalane Golf Estate is a multi-million dollar clubhouse that offers both hotel accommodations and access to golf courses.

Museums in Botswana include; Botswana National Museum in Gaborone, Kgosi Bathoen II (Segopotso) Museum in Kanye, Kgosi Sechele I Museum in Molepolole, Khama III Memorial Museum in Serowe, Nhabe Museum in Maun and Phuthadikobo Museum in Mochudi.

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We’ve given new actors opportunities in AGN -Don Pedro Aganbi

As part of activities to mark their first year in office, the Lagos State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, headed by Don Pedro Aganbi, has lined up series of projects that would last for two weeks.

He spoke about this with NGOZI EMEDOLIBE.

ellite TV bouquets to movie contracts that have been lined up for the various categories of winners.

There is still imbalance in the way movie roles are given to new entrants in Nollywood. What is your administration doing to correct this?

I am continuing in this regard from where my predecessor in office stopped. One of the cardinal points of the previous administration is that ‘Up-comers must rise’. And we have not deviated from this mission. We have been working at discovering new talents that would take over from the older ones, because whether we like it or not, one day they would have to gave way to the young ones. At the moment, we are shooting a soap opera that will last for 52 straight weeks with upcoming artistes. It is an unprecedented event and it is giving the younger ones a sense of belonging. The truth is that someone cannot claim to be an actor if he or she is not acting. We would have the press come over to the camp to see what is happening there and meet with the emerging stars that are being discovered there. We have marketers lined up for the project and Royal Pictures has been supportive in this regard. The winners of the beauty pageant would be ultimately be absorbed in this project as well.

How has it been in the past one year?

It is a mixture of the good and the ugly. But we have not allowed the ugly to overshadow the good, because there are more of the good sides. It has been an eventful one year and we are looking forward to a more fulfilling tenure at the end of the day, where the actors would be happy that we served them.

The events marking your one year are on now right?

What has been lined up for this?

A lot has been lined up for the anniversary. We have ‘Miss AGN Eko Beauty Pageant’. This is going to serve as a platform to discover talents. The theme of this pageant is ‘Excellence in Beauty’. If you watch some of the new music videos coming out these days, you will notice that there is a subtle assertion that expressing beauty must come with showing a bit of flesh, but we want to use this pageant to explain that it is not true. You can be beautiful by covering up.

How did you source the funds to actualise this?

We are doing this through various kinds of support. I have mentioned the role of Royal Pictures, who gave us their equipment for this. Some corporate bodies have donated one kind of service or the other.

Things like welfare, post production and other technical inputs have come through donations. But the actors are giving their talent. With that, the production became very easy, because these are the things that gulp money during recording, aside the acting fees.

When is the pageant holding?

It is holding on July 1, 2014. After that we will also have the ‘Actors Nite’.

When will the entire programme to mark the anniversary kick off?

It starts officially on June 27 and runs till July 11.

In-between, there would be a break before other programmes kick off. These other programmes are things like road shows, courtesy calls, community services and the likes. We will be paying a visit to the Government of Lagos State to thank them for providing quality leadership in the state, and for the cordial relationship that has existed between the government and the creative industry. The policies of the government are quite innovative, so we would be going to thank the governor for that. We would also be visiting some charity homes, to tell them that we care.

Don P

What other things have you introduced in the past one year?

We now have AGN newsletter, which is available to the members. It is a publication that has listings for auditions and other activities in the chapter. It is made available to members periodically.. There is also the land acquisition scheme, which has been introduced at the moment. We are partnering with a property company to make available plots of land to our members in Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu. This is being done in recognition of the fact that as actors we need a roof over our heads to be able to concentrate on the job of entertaining the nation. Members make periodic payments until the value of the land is offset. I weep when I see veterans having nothing to fall back on when they are old, and this scheme would correct that. My advice to every actor in Lagos is to begin to plan on how to secure his or her future now, by making use of this platform.

Are there specific dates when these events would take place?

On July 8, we will be having the courtesy visits. On July 9, we will be having a road show which will serve as an awareness parade round the streets of Lagos.

The essence of this is to give back to the society.

In what away do you want to give back to the society?

On this particular day, during the awareness parade in Lagos, Lagos residents will see actors controlling traffic and cleaning the environment. On the 10th of July, we will be going to the motherless babies homes.

What has been packaged to make the pageant grand?

The beauty pageant is actually a twin show.

After the pageant there would be a night event, called ‘Actors Nite’, where we will have our veterans around to felicitate with us.

What does it take to qualify to participate in this pageant?

You must be a registered member of the Lagos state chapter of the AGN. Then you must also get a form at the secretariat. Of course, some of the members have come to pick the forms. We have actually started screening the applicants at the various centres across the state.

xxxxx

Where are these screening centres?

We have in Ikorodu, Badagry and Ikeja. The final screening will hold at the secretariat.

Are there prizes that would be won by the contestants?

Yes. There are prizes ranging from laptops, to sat-

How are the actors responding to this?

It has been very wonderful. It has been great. For the first time, the guild now has a web presence, and on a monthly basis, there is a birthday celebration for the members. It happens every last Thursday of the month. This has engendered bonding amongst the actors. Of course, you must have heard of the ‘Lagos State Actors Week’, a seven day fiesta of activities, which debuted in October last year. We are currently working towards the second edition.

We will be paying a visit to the Government of Lagos State to thank

them for providing quality leadership in the state, and for the cordial

relationship that has existed between the government and the creative industry

What advice would you give to a young Nigeria itching to make a living as an actor?

They have all the opportunity, to do so, by registering with us. When we came on board we initiated the AGN Police which is a task force that protects our members from exploitation. This stemmed from the fact that we discovered a lot of our members were being exploited by some mushroom production outfits. Any aspiring actor should register and tap into the pool of benefits awaiting full members.

Friday, June 27, 2014

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37

Mirror Drive

Renault, Dana cars launch new 3s in Lagos OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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ne of the leading automobile companies in the world, Renault in conjunction with its partner, Dana Cars and Services Limited recently unveiled its Sales, Service and Spare Parts (3S) centre in Lagos.

This is as the leading automobile disclosed its intention to support the Federal Government in its plan to make Nigeria one of the leading automobile producers in the continent.

Renault said this new partnership is committed to a strong representation in Nigeria, a key market that is expected to deliver significant growth and contribution to its global strategy, while boosting its share of the African market.

The Vice-President, Renault,

Ms. Christel Galbrun, during the media chat in Lagos said that African automotive market continues to promise sustainable prospects for growth in the coming years with Nigeria charting the course in emerging African markets.

She said, “Renault’s vision in Nigeria is to be people-centric and innovative, offering sustainable automobile facility as well as quality and affordable - easy to maintain cars with improved quality of life for every customer, while keying into the Federal Government agenda.”

She added that the partnership with Dana Cars and Services would help Renault achieve these objectives and subsequently raise the profile of the brand in Nigeria through new model introduction, brand development and retail network expansion.

Among some of Renault allur-

Africa Operations Manager, Renault, Mr. Toufik Lassoued, Renault Vice President for strategy and partnerships, Euromed –Africa , Mrs. Christel Galbrun, Director, Renault, Mr. Francis Ogboro with the Vice President Operations both of Dana Cars and Services Limited Mr. Joseph Fernandes at the international press conference to inaugurate RENAULT -Drive the Change in Nigeria recently.

ing models in Nigeria are Latitude executive sedan, Fluence, Duster, Koleos, Sandero-Stepway and Logan.

Also, the Vice President, Operations, Dana Cars and Services Limited, Mr. Joseph Fernandes said the new Renault custodian

Weststar assures clients over Chrysler brands recall

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ne of the leading franchise automobile companies in Nigeria, Weststar Automobile Ltd has assured its clients of total safety on the recently recalled Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles by the manufacturer.

The auto company said that it was aware of the recent recall by Chrysler on some 2011

through to 2014 model year vehicles.

The company said that the recall was due to a problem with the break booster, which could pose a problem during winter conditions.

The statement added, “This means that only winter countries may feel the impact of this potential difficulty. Nigeria doesn’t experience the winter

season, but none-the-less, Weststar has taken progressive steps to contact the very few customers, who might be affected, for vehicle inspection. Thereafter, essential and appropriate action will be taken, if necessary.

“Weststar assures its customers that there is no need to worry as their satisfaction and safety is paramount to the Organisation.”

It would be recalled that in March this year, Chrysler issued a recall for 2012 and 2013 models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

According to a press release from the automaker, some customers had complained about "pedal feel" on the vehicles' brakes - a problem that Chrysler traced to restricted brake fluid flow.

Now, Chrysler has issued a second recall for the Grand Cherokee and Durango, which includes vehicles from the 20112014 model years.

As with the previous recall, this one is designed to fix brakepedal feel, though there's no indication from Chrysler or from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the two recalls are related.

According to Chrysler, "Certain vehicles have brake boosters with small crimp joints; and these joints may exhibit corrosion when exposed to water. Should water enter the boosters through corroded joints – a previously unseen occurrence – brake function may be compromised if the water freezes." Chrysler goes on to say that drivers might experience "excessive brake-pedal firmness.”

described the inauguration of Renault – ‘Drive the Change’ as the beginning of a purposeful relationship and a commitment towards providing world-class automotive experience to customers in Nigeria.

He said Dana Cars and Services seeks to replicate Renault’s ambitious accomplishments and even surpass it, using time tested integrated sales and marketing approach to position Renault among leading marquees in Nigerian automobile market.

Fernandes said Renault is renowned the world-over as an automobile leader in the Formula 1 area with eleven World Championships.

“This is why we partnered with Renault to introduce superior quality cars and vans that are adaptable to the Nigerian weather and road conditions,” Dana Cars and Services Vice President said.

Fernandes explained that the maxim: ‘Renault - Drive the Change’ is an ingenuous branding that meets the demands of customers in emerging markets like Nigeria and would attract new clientele to Renault styling and all-terrain capability, he reassured.

Dana Cars and Services has trained its service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and acquaint them extensively in Renault’s cutting edge and ever changing technology he remarked.

“I therefore reiterate that we have some of the best trained technicians that can handle complex auto repair jobs,” Fernandes said.

Renault and Dana Cars and Services are therefore fully committed to delivering the best European engineered quality cars and services to the Nigerian customer.

Porsche Panamera emerges highest quality brand

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ports cars from Stuttgart set the top quality benchmark. In this year's “Initial Quality Study” by US market research institute J.D. Power, Porsche came in first in the overall ratings – as it did last year.

With an extremely low number of complaints, the Panamera sports sedan was also rated highest among all nameplates in the overall study. Over 86,000 individuals took part in the survey, rating 239 models from 32 manufacturers.

“The acid test is customer satisfaction,” said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. “We are delighted we can meet the

high quality demands of Porsche drivers. For us, the ratings are both a confirmation as well as an incentive to continue along our path to quality growth.”

For the first time, Porsche succeeded in gaining top positions in each segment with all four model series. The 911 model managed a hat-trick: for the third time in a row, the sports car icon achieved the highest rank in the “Midsize Premium Sporty Car” segment.

The Boxster ranked first in the “Compact Premium Sporty Car” segment again this year, followed closely by the mid-engine coupé, the Cayman.

In addition to its overall victo-

ry, the Panamera was rated highest in the “Large Premium Car” class. Compared to the previous year, the Cayenne improved its position by one spot, gaining silver in the “Midsize Premium SUV” segment. The newest and fifth model line, the Macan, was only launched after the US market study was completed.

From the

results of its study, the US market researchers also rated production locations. In the plant ratings for Europe/Africa, the

Porsche Leipzig plant ranked first.

This facility produces the Panamera, Cayenne, as well as the all-new Macan.

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Cocktail

Friday, June 27, 2014

Woman files lawsuit against ex-employer over rush hour driving anxiety

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ndrea DeGerolamo claims that the extreme anxiety she experienced while driving to work at Fulton Financial qualified “her as being disabled.”

A New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit against her former employer that alleges she was discriminated against by not being allowed to change her works hours to avoid driving in rush hour traffic.

According to the suit, the anxiety that Andrea DeGerolamo experienced while driving to work at Ful-

ton Financial was extreme enough to qualify “her as being disabled.”

The marketing consultant “began to feel great anxiety and depression, which was especially aggravated by crowded roadways experienced during the heavy traffic of rush hour.”

DeGerolamo took a medical leave of absence in August 2012 and when she returned to work in November, she asked to change her schedule so she could avoid rush hour, the Courier-Post reported.

The company honored

Oddities

Six-fingered family rooting for Brazil to win sixth World Cup

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embers of a Brazilian family are hoping their national team will be able to win the World Cup and secure the title for Brazil for the sixth time.

If the Brazilian squad does win the 2014 World Cup, 14 members of the Da Silva family will be able to count the number of titles that Brazil has won on one hand because

they all have six fingers.

In addition to having an extra finger on each hand, members of the Da Silva family were also born with two additional toes because of a genetic condition called polydactyly.

The men in the family

Cyclist suffers concussion during brutal Canada goose attack

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Canadian cyclist who was attacked by a Canada goose while she was riding her bike in Ottawa spent five days in the hospital after suffering a concussion, a fractured cheekbone and facial lacerations.

Kerry Surman was biking when she saw a family of geese crossing the trail.

She tried to get past the family without interrupting

the animals, but one goose “misjudged” her intentions.

“What I remember is the goose giving me the evil eye and then the goose wrapping its wings around my head, and I can’t see and I hear myself screaming,” Surman told the CBC News.

Surman woke up on the ground and had issues getting back up. She believes that her bicycle helmet and

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sunglasses prevented her from suffering more serious injuries.

The cyclist and her husband had faced a similar situation with geese about three weeks earlier, but nothing happened.

The next time Surman encounters geese, she will be much more careful.

“You have to know they are going to attack if they feel threatened,” she said.

Members of the Da Silva family

have opted to keep their extra toes, although some of the women have gotten them removed so they can fit into shoes more easily.

“We’re giving so much energy for Brazil to win,” said Ana Carolina Santa Da Silva.

“I believe this energy will

flow on to the pitch and they will play really well and win their sixth World Cup.” When Brazil takes on Cameroon on Monday in their final group play match, the Da Silvas will have their fingers crossed, all 168 of them.

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Stakeholders fear new auto policy will benefit neighbouring countries Less than one week to the July 1, 2014 deadline for the full enforcement of the 70 per cent import duty and levy on Fully Built Units of vehicles under the new automotive policy, stakeholders are worried that the policy might end up creating more problems than it was intended to solve to the advantage of neighbouring African countries just like the rice policy. Even with the speculated extension to January 2015, experts believe that the local assembly plants would not have built adequate capacity to mass produce affordable vehicles for the thousands of potential buyers in just six months, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

New cars imported at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos

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arring any last minute change of mind, the Federal Government’s new automotive policy, by which it tries to promote local assembly of vehicles as against the importation of Fully Built Units FBUs, will become effective July 1, 2014 fully built units of cars whether used or brand new will now attract 35 per cent import duty as against the former 20 per cent.

Similarly, buses, which used to be a duty of 10 per cent, will now attract 35 per cent duty.

This new duty regime has taken off since the first week of last month amid protest by freight forwarders and clearing agents.

In addition, these categories of imported vehicles, which also include Sports Utility Vehicles SUVs, will attract another 35 per cent levy and it is expected to take effect July 1, 2014, which brings to a total of 70 per cent tariff on imported vehicles.

Most stakeholders have likened the new auto policy to the rice policy, which imposed a 100 per cent duty on parboiled and brown rice in order to discourage their consumption and therefore boost local production.

It was gathered that as soon as the Federal Government announced the 100 per cent tariff on rice, the authorities of the neighbouring Republic of Benin slashed duty on brown and parboiled varieties of rice, consumed predominantly in Nigeria to all time low of seven per cent. The objective of this reduction in duty was to attract Nigerian importers and this led to massive smuggling of the product across the border, considering the porous nature of the Nigerian borders. This translated to huge revenue loss to

Just as Peugeot, Volkswagen Nigeria, Land Rover Ibadan, Styer Bauchi, ANAMCO Enugu cannot sing a song of success, there is serious doubt as to the ability o the government to successfully implement the new policy to achieve the desired goals and objectives, given its current approach

the Nigerian government even though the commodity comes freely into Nigeria.

For instance, available records at the Apapa Command the Nigeria Customs Service, which accounts for over 90 per cent of rice imports into the country show that in 2011, import duty on rice constituted a total of 54.3 per cent of the command’s revenue, which reduced to 38.7 per cent in 2012 when the implementation of the rice policy began.

The records also show that the contribution of import duty on rice further declined to an all time low of four per cent in 2013, when the effects of the policy began to be felt. What this means is that the same parboiled rice is smuggled into the Nigerian market without any duty paid to the government.

President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Chief Eugene Nweke, who spoke on the new tariff on imported vehicles, specially the used ones, wondered how many

Nigerians that can afford brand new vehicles in the last 20 years.

He also recalled that the Nigerian government signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with some vehicle assembly plants to assemble vehicles for the country and that within 10, 15 or 20 years, technology would have been transferred to pave way for truly made in Nigeria vehicles, with over 80 per cent components being sourced locally..

“Just as Peugeot, Volkswagen Nigeria, Land Rover Ibadan, Styer Bauchi, ANAMCO Enugu cannot sing a song of success, there is serious doubt as to the ability o the government to successfully implement the new policy to achieve the desired goals and objectives, given its current approach”, he said “What the government is doing in the auto policy just like it did in the case of rice is to create business for sister countries, since the policy will make smuggling very attractive and therefore expose officers and men of Customs, who are poorly equipped

39

to grave risk”, he also said.

Investigation showed that the NISSAN PATROL SUV being assembled by NISSAN Motors sells for about N3.5 million and above, which is unaffordable to most Nigerians while the Innoson Motors, which promised cars of N1 million for Nigerians may not have the capacity to produce in commercial quantity.

While commending the president for initiating a policy of growing the local automotive industry, which shows he is thinking, the NAGAFF-boss insisted that it should be done in such a way that it does not promote smuggling and boost the economies of neighbouring African countries.

Meanwhile in a letter dated February 28, 2014 and addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents MDLCA, reminded the Federal Government that the same policy was introduced in the 1980’s, which resulted to massive diversion of Nigerian bound vessels to Republic of Benin (Cotonu Ports).

The letter signed by the president of the association, Mr. Lucky Amiwero reads in part: “The policy encouraged massive diversion of vessels to Benin Republic, which was an economic advantage that assisted the government in the development of the nation’s shipping infrastructure and the convert of Nigeria bound cargoes to Cotonu Port up till date” It was gathered that under the new tariff regime, 2001 model of Toyota Camry, called ‘Pencil Light’ in the Nigerian auto parlance, which used to attract about N220, 000 duty or less will not attract over N450, 000 duty and levy, a development that would increase its former selling price from about N1 million to over N2 million.

Investigation also showed that under the new policy, Volkswagen bus, which before now attracted about N120, 000 duty on the basis of 10 percent will now attract over N350, 000 when the 70 per cent duty and levy are applied, a development that will also raise its market price from about N700, 000 to about N2.2 million. This will no doubt have a far reaching negative impact on every segment of the Nigerian economy, given the critical role transportation plays in any economy and also considering that road transport constitutes over 95 per cent of the means of movement of people and goods.

So in the final analysis, the Nigerian masses will suffer these adverse effects of the policy.

But all hope is not lost as recent speculations that President Jonathan may have approved a shift in the date of implementation of the second leg of the policy from July 1, 2014 to January, 2015 will still create avenue to dialogue with the government.

National Coordinator of Maritime Action and Advocacy MAAG, a non-governmental organisation that has spearheaded the dialogue with the government on the policy, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata confirmed the development.

He however lauded President Jonathan for having a listening ear. He noted that the extension was a confirmation of the fact that the government can listen when confronted with genuine facts about national issues.

It is therefore expected that this extension would enable both parties to critically look at issues in the interest of Nigerians.

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Business Maritime

Friday, June 27, 2014

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‘BPE tampered with Nigeria’s Port Master Plan’ Stories: Francis Ezem

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ome stakeholder in Nigeria’s maritime industry under the aegis of Association of Maritime Truck Owners AMATO, have blamed the myriads of 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 Bureau of Public Enterprises BPE, which supervised the exercise.

With the completion of the reform, which also led to an increment in the volume of cargo traffic, there has been unprecedented traffic gridlocks on most of the port access roads, which has business activities in the area a nightmare and therefore negatively affects efficient port operations.

For instance, access roads such as Oshodi-Apapa Express Way, Creek Road, Burma, Ware-

house, 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.

Chairman of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, who spoke in an interview, noted that the BPE and the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, which midwifed the exercise tampered with the Port Master Plan, which is the root cause of most of the problems being experienced today.

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.

“Sometimes, it appears that BPE did not factor in the fact that trucks not motor bikes will have to lift containers from the ports

NIMASA to boost seafarers’ welfare package

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, says it is concluding plans for the review of the entire welfare packages of seafarers operating in the country.

This is sequel to the recent full implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 MLC, which was ratified last year.

The MLC 2006, which came into force globally on August 20, 2013 and became effectively operational in Nigeria on June 18, 2014, focuses on the human element( seafarers) onboard local and international vessels.

Director General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, stated this in Calabar, the Cross River State capital at the just concluded seafarers’ day celebration instituted by the International Maritime Organisation IMO, said that the agency will commence the review of the entire seafarers’ condition of service.

“It is worthy of mention that the agency has put the necessary modalities in place for the reconvening of the meeting of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) for the review of the Condition of Service of Seafarers, in line with the provisions of MLC, 2006”, he stated.

Akpobolokemi, who was represented at the event by the the Director in charge of the Director General’s office, Chief Peter

Mgbemena, disclosed that the agency would soon convene a meeting of the National Joint Industrial Council NJIC, where all the issues relating to seafarers welfare would be laid on the table and discussed.

According to him, it was in line with this objective of this year’s campaign that the agency and other maritime stakeholders were required to increase the awareness among the general public of the indispensable services rendered by seafarers to international seaborne trade, world economy and the society at large.

He also said that they should therefore be sent a clear message that they are recognised and appreciated in terms of the services they render to the global economy even at the risk of their lives.

“We need to re-assure the seafarers that we do care about you and shall continue to protect and look after you and your needs”, he insisted.

He also said: “At the regulatory level, we are redoubling efforts towards creating a better, safer and more secure maritime environment in which you can operate”.

The agency had before now demonstrated its resolve in improving the working conditions of seafarers in the country by embarking on various capacity building and welfare programmes.

DG BPE, Benjamine Dikki

DG NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi

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 wondered.

He also said: “These days you see even fast food operators create parking spaces for their wouldbe customers because that is at the core of the business, but BPE

failed to put this into consideration and that is what all of us are suffering today”.

Ogungbemi also said that regrettably, most of the time, port operators and regulators have blamed truck owners and drivers for this problem, which he said was very unfortunate.

On the argument that every truck owner must provide a parking space for his truck, he argued that most of these trucks, which come from South East, SouthSouth, South West and even from some parts of the North have holding bays in the states where they operate and so cannot come

Akpobolokemi also said: “It is important to note that the agency has demonstrated its resolve to improve the working and living conditions of seafarers by embarking on various capacity building and welfare programmes, which includes the successful implementation of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme NSDP. The NSDP is a capacity building initiative meant to ensure highly trained and competent seafarers to enable them update their mandatory certification.

Meanwhile, president of the Seafarers Branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, who spoke at the event, commended NIMASA for its proactive steps towards the ratification and full implementation of the MLC 2006.

He noted that in terms of the implementation of the convention, Nigeria has been far ahead of the United States of America.

Comrade Bunu therefore called for more funding for the agency to enable it procure vital equipment such as patrol boats with which to monitor the progress and implementation of the MLC, which is an initiative of the International Labour Organisation ILO. Secretary General, Merchant Navy and Other Water Transport Officers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Julius Efokpor, commended the agency for always observing the annual and urged the seafarers to take advantage of all the opportunities in the country, especially with the enforcement of the MLC 2006.

to Lagos to also provide a parking space for their trucks.

He disclosed that in addition to the development of a modern truck terminal around the International Trade Fair Complex in conjunction with a private investor, which is a long term project, the association is currently working on a call-up system, whereby only trucks that have been slated would come within the port vicinity to pick containers, which is an interim measure.

According to him, under this scheme, all trucks will be registered and given disc or tag, which will be keyed into an electronic device, which will be used to detect the trucks that have been duly selected to come up and pick consignments instead of the current system, where many of them will come around the port vicinity to scramble for jobs and cause hiccups in the process.

He expressed the confidence that the new system, when fully operational will reduce the chaos on the port access roads with a view to also checkmating the wanton destruction of lives and property caused by falling containers.

Eight ship loads of rice declared for Apapa Port

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he 100 per cent tariff imposed by the Federal Government on brown and parboiled rice is currently taking its toll on the importers as eight shiploads of the commodity have been declared for the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa.

But despite the declaration of these ships, authorities at the port have insisted that most of these ships never get to berth at the nation’s seaports, as most importer will be reluctant to clear the community at 100 per cent tariff, which will make it expensive compared with those imported through the land borders where on seven per cent duty was paid at the Port of Cotonou, the Benin Republic.

Details of shipping activities released by the Nigerian Ports Authority in its daily shipping position indicate that a total eight ships, laden with a total of 126, 759 metric tonnes of the commodity are to discharge various quantities of parboiled rice at the ports.

A ship called MV Quest with undisclosed volume of the product is currently at berth at the ENL Terminal while another vessel called Glovis, laden with 15, 000 metric tonnes of rice is currently discharging at ENL Terminal.

Also, another ship called MV Atlantic is laden with a total of 15, 000 metric tonnes of the commodity and is also expected to discharge at ENL Terminal.

A ship called MV Maraki is expected to discharge 20, 000 metric tonnes of the commodity even as another vessel called MV Silvretta is expected to discharge 24, 000 metric tonnes at both ENL and Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited both located within the LPC. Other declared vessels include Acqua Runner laden with 20, 800 metric tonnes of the commodity expected to discharge at ENL and Apapa Bulk Terminal even as MV Wariya is also expected to discharge 32, 959 metric tonnes of the commodity at both terminals.

Meanwhile, the Area Controller in charge of the Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Charles Edike, who spoke in a recent interview, insisted that the command will have to collect all the revenue accruing to the government should anybody choose to bring in rice through the ports.

He noted that the rice policy was a serious one, as it has also negatively affected the command’s revenue, but said that Nigeria’s interest must supersede any other interest.

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Business News

Friday, June 27, 2014

41

Total faults FG fuel import allocation policy JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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otal Group has called for a thorough review of the Nigerian downstream to engender transparency and stimulate competition and investments in the sector.

The President, Africa and Middle East, Total Group, Mr. Momar Nguer, who also doubles as chairman, Total Nigeria Plc, said the current structure in the downstream is unfair, uncompetitive and could jeopardize the investments of shareholders in a publicly quoted company like Total Nigeria.

Nguer, who spoke at a postAnnual General Meeting press briefing in Lagos, said shareholders were concerned about many untoward developments in the Nigerian downstream sector.

According to him, while Total Nigeria controls 12 per cent market share of the petroleummarketing sector, it has not been getting a fair share of import allocation in relation to its investment and long-term standing in the Nigerian market.

He said, “Nigeria today is a net importer of refined products and 80 per cent of the fuel is imported.

So for marketing companies, everything depends on the alloca-

tions and today Total Nigeria is not getting its fair share of allocations to allow us to serve our customers well. “ Is it normal that with 12 per cent market share with 500 stations, three first class storage facilities, a proven record of compliance, Total Nigeria only get about three per cent of the import allocations? We would like to advocate that the rules and criteria of allocation should be made public and applied in full transparency and the companies’ performance with regard to the actual importation be made public.”

He noted that entrenching transparency and competition

would serve the consumers better by bringing down costs and enhancing innovation and choices.

Nguer explained that while Nigeria has a very competitive landscape in petroleum-marketing, the regulator should provide a levelplaying field so that the competition can take place and that standards are met by all, especially the ones that deal with safety of the stakeholders, protection of the environment and rights of the customers.

He added that the entire industry has also been suffering from stagnant margin over the past seven years in spite of rising cost of doing business and some 70 per

cent cumulative inflation.

The marketing margin, he said, which is generating the cash flows has not been reviewed since 2007, seven years during which the cost of doing business has increased substantially.

“You know that besides being the chairman of Total Nigeria, I am the president for Africa and Middle East, which cover 45 countries. To my knowledge, there is no other country that has frozen margin for such a long time. This is not sustainable and the margin should be reviewed to really cater for the cost doing business in the Nigerian environment,” Nguer said.

NPC, NASSI, others set 10-point agenda for informal sector growth TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam; Supervising Minister of Avation, Dr. Samuel Ortom; Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr Saleh Dunoma, and Director General Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Benedict Adeyileka, during the minister’s inspection tour of work going on, at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, yesterday.

FG targets 35% reduction in fish importation annually ..To curb N125bn capital flight.

KUNLE AZEEZ AND ADEBAYO ABOLAJI

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he Federal Government yesterday said it was working to reduce fish importation by 35 per cent over the next three years to make Nigeria selfsuffic0ient in fish production.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina disclosed this during a programme at an endorsement ceremony of Vital Fish Feed by the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria in Lagos yesterday.

“We are putting various initiatives in place to ensure that we make Nigeria self-sustaining in fish production, reduce importation of fish and fish feed as well as creating jobs, through aquaculture to the teeming unemployed youths in the country,” he

said.

Represented at the event by the Regional Director, South West, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Quadri Olalekan, the minister said government is encouraging local production of fish through its Growth Enhancement Scheme, GES, being implemented by his ministry.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah described as worrisome the extant capital flight being recorded in fish importation in spite of the potentials and resources.

According to Ettah, there was a need for concerted effort between the government and local players to fill the huge demand supply gap in the country currently estimated at 1.9 million metric tonnes of fish per annun.

He said: “It is worrisome that Nigeria currently spends N125

billion per annum on the importation of fish due to the huge demand supply gap currently estimated at 1.9 million metric tonnes pers annum.

“The situation, unbridled importation of fish and fish feed, is an indefensible and unsustainable, considering the fact that the country has all it takes to be not only self-sufficient in fish production but also its export as well.”

He, however, called for an urgent need for both the private sector and the Federal Government to work work together to increase investment in the fishery and aquaculture value chain.

“The investment in aquaculture, if well-harnessed, has the potential to significantly reduce the current fish supply deficit.

However, this potential cannotand will not- be released without a strong and vibrant local fish feed industry,” he said.

he National Planning Commission NPC, the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and other institutions and agencies committed to improved performance of the informal sector of the Nigerian economy have canvassed a 10-point agenda for implementation in order to enhance the contributions of the sector to national development.

The 10-point recommendations were contained in the Draft Report of the Pilot Study on the Informal Sector and Economic Development in Nigeria made public at a Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop organised by the National Planning Commission, NPC in Abuja.

While declaring the Workshop open, the Supervising Minister for National Planning, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said the objective of the Workshop was to share the key findings of the Report of the Study and also deepen stakeholders’ knowledge about the charac-

teristics and operations of the informal sector of the economy.

Yuguda disclosed that government was determined to ensure that small and micro enterprises get the right policy support and an enabling operational environment with a view to substantially enhance their efficiency and improve their contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, given their productive potentials.

The Study, which was jointly conducted by the NPC and the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research, NISER, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, NASSI, SMEDAN and the United Nations Development Programme,UNDP, noted that given the lack of access to credit; poor technical knowhow; inadequate training opportunities and infrastructure deficit that the informal enterprises were contending with, it had become difficult to optimise their productive capacities for national development.

ITF seeks govts support for skills development OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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he Industrial Training Fund on Wednesday called on governments at all levels and the organised private sector to rev up their supports for the development of the needed skills to aid the nation’s Industrialisation process.

As part of the moves to achieve this, the Fund sought for patronage for its training programmes, including prompt remittance of training contributions.

The Director-General, ITF, Dr Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, during

the opening ceremony of the sixth management retreat of the agency in Asaba, Delta Sta te.

The workshop, with theme, “Mastering the art of leading change” was organized by the ITF to come up with strategies that could be used in achieving its mandates.

She said.”We appeal to both the private and public sectors to support the ITF. On our part, we shall not relent in providing appropriate need based performance improvement intervention of all our clients and stakeholders.”

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Business News

Friday, June 27, 2014

CBN treated 4,142 fraud related petitions against banks in 4 years UDO ONYEKA

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he Central Bank of Nigeria said it received and treated 4, 142 fraud related petitions against Nigerian banks resulting in the refund of N14.69billion to aggrieved customers.

The Director, Consumer Protection Department, CPD, CBN, Umma Dutse, said this at a summit with the theme, ‘[Value Based Banking: Banks and their Customers”, organised by the Bank Customers’ Association of Nigeria, BCAN, in Lagos.

Dutse, who delivered a paper on ‘Banker/Customer Relationship: Expectations and Realities,’said that total petitions recorded was from inception of the office when it was still known as the Financial Policy and Regulation Department in March 2010 to May 2014.

Specifically, he stated that the petitions were generally for issues relating to excess charges, unauthorised deductions, dishonoured cheques, cheque conversion, foreign remittances, and Automated Teller Machines, ATM, frauds.

The CBN director, however, noted that the excess charges constituted over 50 per cent of the petitions the CPD had received and treated as at May, 2014.

According to him, the many reasons accounted for this development include greed, and poor service delivery by banks as well as failure to adhere to the provisions of extant guidelines and agreements.

He explained, “We had received many petitions where banks charged COT in excess of the provisions of the RGBC, or where banks introduced fees that were not initially in the agreement between them and their customers. In these, and similar cases, the banks involved invariably breached the customer’s right to fair treatment.”

Dutse further hinted, “Another reality of the banker/customer relationship is the inadequacy of disclosure by banks to their customers. This is even more pronounced in today’s competitive banking environment where banks churn out different kinds of products and engage in aggres-

sive marketing to enhance their market share.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Uju Ogbunika, President, BCAN, said that there was the need for banking business to be conducted based on values and best practices.

He further explained banking activities should exceed just promoting and supporting fairness between providers and consumers of banking services but also the stability, growth and sustainability of the banking system, hence the economy.

Head, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office, Tam Tamunokonbia appealed to Nigerian banks to clearly express their contract terms and conditions, while regretting that customers often become victims of excess charges because they could not read the conditions attached to contracts.

He recalled recent cases at the Council on ATM and bank charges, “A lady’s N1.9million withdrawn in one week without alert – case in Enugu High Court.

A Company was charged in excess of N1, 984,662.40 and another in excess of N592, 681.61.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Made-in-Nigeria goods need bar-codes to drive global acceptance’ EMMANUEL OGBONNAYA

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S1 Nigeria a member of GS1 International, issuers of the standards bar-code technology has advised Nigerian manufacturers who continue to seek innovative ways to enhance their products’ global competitiveness to leverage on the advantage of the bar-coding technology.

The neutral, not-for-profit, global organisation that develops and maintains the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world revealed that only 800 Nigerian manufacturing firms are registered with it and that it has issued about 4000 global trade identification numbers for made-in-Nigeria products since 2007 when they came to Nigeria allowing goods free passage across borders.

In a press briefing in MAN house Lagos to mark the global body’s 40th year in helping to improve the efficiency, safety, and visibility of supply chains across multiple sectors in 115 countries across the world the GS1 Nigeria chief executive officer, Tunde Odunlami noted that most Nigerian manufacturers adopt only enforced standards and neglect voluntary standards such as barcoding.

He disclosed that the technolo-

gy helps to promote brand loyalty and integrity, stressing that” we make products visible on a global level. People who want to counterfeit cannot come to us.”

He explained that GS1 developed a traceability system used worldwide known as ‘track & trace’ which can help trace the vendor of a defective product through a unique identifier.

“Our end game is to establish such a standards confidence in all Nigerian companies and their products through anti-counterfeiting solutions and we have a strong presence also in the health sector to ensure adequate patients safety,’ he said.

He disclosed that about seven years ago the organisation in collaboration with the Manufacturers association of Nigeria MAN, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture NACCIMA, National Supermarket Operators of Nigeria NSON and a technical partner POS shop ltd., formed the nucleus of GS1 Nigeria.

“Our aim is to bring the benefits of GS1 standards to Nigerian markets to help mitigate the wastages that exist along the operation line in order to enhance efficiency which breeds competitiveness and empowers business growth through global acceptance,” he said.

Local content: Expert tasks businesses on .ng adoption KUNLE AZEEZ

A L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, High Value Events & Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi; Highlife legend, Bright Chimezie; Director Channel Sale, Etisalat Nigeria, Ken Ogujiofor and Head, South South Region, Etisalat Nigeria, Enekwachi Aja, at the Port Harcourt session of Etisalat Cloudnine, held at Lamborghini Lounge, GRA Port Harcourt recently.

n Information Technology expert, Mr. Austin Okere, has stressed the need for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises in Nigeria to embrace the use of the Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain Name, .ng in running their online business activities.

Okere, who is the Group Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, made the call

Thailand to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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hailand Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Chailert Limsomboon, has unveiled plans by his country to make economic cooperation with Nigeria a major focus of its new Africa Initiative.

Limsomboon disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises ,BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, yesterday in Abuja.

The Envoy noted that in the past, Thailand had not paid

enough attention to the economic opportunities in the West Africa sub-region, particularly Nigeria, adding however that he is hopeful that his country has not lost opportunities in the Nigerian privatization programme He explained that during his stay in Nigeria, he would make exploration of business opportunities and expansion of economic cooperation with Nigeria a priority.

Limsomboon said the purpose of the visit was to learn about the Nigeria’s reform and privatization policy and the new growth sectors to properly sensitize the

Thai business communities that may be interested in investing in the country In his remarks, Dikki spoke on the huge growth potentials in key sectors of the Nigeria economy, adding that the Bureau is currently concentrating on perfecting the legal and regulatory framework for all the sectors of the economy to create the enabling environment for private sector participation.

He noted that the purpose of the review of the legal and regulatory frameworks was to aggregate the regulatory powers currently dispersed in various agencies in

each sector into one sector regulator and separate policy from regulation.

On the oil and gas sector enquiries made by the Ambassador, the BPE boss pointed out that the Petroleum Industry Bill was already being discussed by the National Assembly, assuring that as soon as the bill is passed, the refineries will be privatised and the pipelines and depots concessioned.

Dikki also spoke about the huge potentials in the transport sector, noting that Nigeria has over 193,000 kilometres of Federal roads which provide opportunities for potential concessionaires.

during the 2014 Nigeria Internet Governance Forum, NIGF, held in Lagos recently.

Okere, who was the chairman of the occasion, highlighted the potential of digital explosion in Nigeria, saying that a framework for the Internet governance was urgently needed which must be targeted at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSME. Okere reiterated belief in inclusive growth, and canvassed that NIGF focuses its target on the adoption of .ng by ensuring enrolment of this national resource by stakeholders within the MSME sub-sector of the economy now in excess of 17.7 million in Nigeria.

Okere also noted that the modern wave of Internet has taken Africa by storm and Nigeria is no exception, pointing out that recent World Bank study showed that 32.9 per cent of Nigerians depend on technologies of this age like high speed Internet data, broadband and Long Term Evolution, LTE-broadband among others.

He noted that Nigeria is currently ranked 8th out of a total of 212 member countries of United Nations in terms of number of Internet users and only occupies 128th spots in terms of Internet penetration.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, June 27, 2014

Chinese investor receives FG’s commendation for $5bn steel plant EMMANUEL OGBONNAYA

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he Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, has commended PAN Steel Corporation of China for taking advantage of Nigeria’s Industrial Revolution Plan ,NIRP, to invest $5 billion in a new steel plant in the country.

He stated this during a courtesy visit by the President of the Corporation, Mr. Zhang Dangde to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The permanent secretary, who represented the Minister, Olusegun Aganga at the occasion said that NIRP has made steel central in the industrialisation process of the country which is aimed at addressing the strengthening of Nigeria’s manufacturing.

“The intention is to give boost to industrialisation in Nigeria especially in the manufacturing sector, create employment among Nigerians and reduce our import bill based on the products we have competitive and comparative advantages to produce in the country,” he said.

He pointed out that the Steel sector in Nigeria was quite open and transparent and will continue to welcome those who are interested in participating in the development of steel in Nigeria.

Abdulkadir explained that government has endorsed legislation in the National assembly to empower entrepreneurs and protect their investments in the country, stressing that leading manufacturers in the automobile industry have come from different parts of the world to embrace the Federal government’s new auto policy.

“NISSAN has started production not quite long ago and we are already driving Chinese automobile assembled in the country while others will also roll out before the end of the year,” he enthused.

The Permanent Secretary expressed delight that the law of the country has made it possible for an investor to own an industry 100 per cent: “You are allowed to install a company and own it 100 per cent and Nigeria is the focal market, so whoever stays here to produce will not only produce for 167 million Nigerians but the entire West Africa market.”

Earlier, Zhang had pointed out that Nigeria had a good investment environment which had prompted them to invest $5 billion for a new steel plant that will produce 4-5 million metric tons per annum.

Sovereign Trust plans raising additional capital MESHACK IDEHEN

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he Managing Director of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Wale Onaolapo, said the company plans to embark on another rights issue aimed at consolidating the ownership of the underwriting firm by its existing shareholders.

He said the move is in fulfillment of one of the resolutions reached by the shareholders at the 18th Annual General Meeting held last year, which empowered the directors to raise additional equity capital by way of special placement or public offer/rights issue or a combination of any of them.

In a statement, he said the rights issue will put on offer one

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Nigeria improves in United Nations eGovernment devt ranking TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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igeria has improved in the latest United Nations eGovernment development ranking, moving up by 21 points to 141 out of 193 countries rated in the UN Global eGovernment Development Index for 2014.

The country ranked 162 in 2012.

The latest report also ranked the country in the 97th position in the eParticipation index, an improvement of 22 points up from 75 in 2012.

The improved ranking of Nigeria in the 2014 report is seen by industry analysts as a welcome development that showed that progress was being made in the efforts of the Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Communication Technology, to enable and promote egovernance

in Nigeria It would be recalled that the Ministry had embarked on sundry initiatives to deploy ICT to drive transparency and efficiency in governance and public service delivery while also promoting ICT in Government by facilitating e-Government, which enhances transparency, efficiency, productivity and citizen engagement to enable internal efficiency in government.

For instance, the ’Getting Government Online’ initiative of the Ministry is geared at ensuring that government deploys technology as a mechanism to transform the way government operates and enhance the effectiveness of government service delivery for the benefit of its citizens.

This has led to the implementation of two flagship projects, namely the Government Service

Portal (GSP) and Government Contact Centre (GCC). The Government Service Portal (GSP) provides a single window technology access by citizens and other stakeholders to government services being provided by various Ministries Departments and Agencies MDAs. It is multi-featured and includes collaborative channels that deliver core content management capabilities.

The primary objectives of deploying GSP are to create a single point of entry to Federal Government services, enhance accountability and improve the delivery and quality of public services through technology-enabled civic engagement (mobile technology, Facebook, Twitter, Interactive Mapping, Blogs, Wiki, and so on), and transform government processes to increase public administration efficiency.

new ordinary share for every three ordinary shares of 50 kobo each held in the company as at the close of register during the last Annual General Meeting. the management of the company, according to him, has enjoined all shareholders of the company to fully exercise their rights in the proposed rights issue as a way of consolidating and increasing their stake in the ownership of the company, saying more than ever before, that Sovereign Trust is poised to take the insurance business to a greater height as it gravitates to the next phase of its growth agenda.

Onaolapo said the management has set a growth agenda aimed at positioning the firm as one of the top players in the insurance industry.

Ecobank named Best Trade Bank in Nigeria UDO ONYEKA

L-R: Winner of a 2.5 KVA generator, Mr. Uche Onyia; winner of an LED TV, Mr. Dialose Chudey and winner of a home theatre, Mr. Oriyomi Idris, at the Star Football Fan Park activation, in Lagos, yesterday.

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cobank has been named the Best Trade Bank in Nigeria by London-based Trade Finance magazine in their 2013 Awards for Excellence.

According to a statement the Trade Finance magazine annual survey ranks firms based on votes gathered from industry players and members of the magazine’s editorial team, adding that manufacturers, exporters, importers, traders, government and multilateral agencies were consulted for their input on this survey.

This award comes amidst a growing demand for trade finance, as Nigeria continues to implement economic and struc-

tural reforms to create a stronger and a more diverse economy.

“Our pan-African orientation presents enormous opportunities for intra-African trade. We have been particularly active in the oil and gas sector but we are seeing increasing demand for our innovative financing solutions, including our online corporate banking service, Ecobank Omni, from other key sectors in the Nigerian economy, such as telecoms, power, manufacturing and agriculture,” Executive Director, Corporate Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs. Foluke Aboderin, said.

It said in 2013, Ecobank Nigeria facilitated $1.2 billion of petroleum product import deals and over $ 450 million of trade in crude oil across the West African region.

Niger govt starts sale of grains at subsidised rate PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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iger State Government has started the sales of 158 metric tonnes of assorted grains at the cost of N16 million at subsidized rate at 14 selling location in Minna, the state capital.

It stated that the decision was taken to alleviate the sufferings of the people, especially during the Ramadan period.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya made the disclosure in Minna.

He said, “The ministry of agric through its buffer programme a situation in which the ministry bought grains during harvest for storage at reasonable price from farmers to be sold at the right

time for people at subsidized rate was aimed at encouraging farmers to keep production of their produce.”

According to him, the ministry decided to be directly involved in the sale of grains in communities to prevent the former way of official flag-off that were hijacked by the middlemen.

The commissioner also revealed most buyers purchased more of rice than any other grain, which goes to show that, farmers in the state need to be encouraged to increase the cultivation of the commodity, especially with fertile land mass.

He urged Nigerian farmers to take advantage of the Federal government ban on the importation by next year to increase their production for local consumption and export.

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Agribusiness

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AGRIBUSINESS

Experts sensitise youths to opportunities in agric sector ...advise govt to create enabling environment Abolaji Adebayo

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takeholders, at a forum recently in Lagos on the sustainability of agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria, have condemned the cold attitude of the youths to agriculture, pointing out that there are various aspects of agribusiness, which do not take them to the farm in the village nor cut them off the city civilisation.

However, they highlighted the challenges facing the sector and seek outright solutions to them from both the government and the private sector.

As an expert, who observed the situation in the country said, “We strongly object that the image of the poor and hungry from our countries is being used by giant multinational corporations to push a technology that is not safe, environmentally friendly and economically beneficial to us. On the contrary, we think it will destroy the diversity, the local knowledge and the sustainable agricultural systems that our farmers have developed for millennia and that it will thus undermine our capacity to feed ourselves.”

According to the President of Rockefeller Foundation Dr. Judith Rodin, the country cans lead in the sector among the countries of the world if the necessary things are put in place.

“We are here because we believe that Nigeria can take the lead in agriculture in job creation, processing and diversification of the economy and overall contribution of the economy. The opportunities here are extraordinary.

It is possible if the right things

Jonathan

Adesina

are done and we can see evidence they are being done,” he said.

He said that the government should work with the private sector to achieve resilience and sustainability in markets, agriculture and people across the country by reducing price volatility, building “climate-smart” agriculture, scaling up nutrition and focusing on rural women and youth.

To the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, agriculture has been transformed from merely being a development programme to being a business and that is why the current administration is engaging the private sector in its activities especially as concerns agriculture and agribusiness.

Meanwhile, the Minister observed that the country needs catalytic finance to improve the value chain in agriculture. He added that the whole world believes in what Nigeria is doing and what it can do.

The Managing Director of Ayotomi Farms Ltd., Mr. Thomas Ayo-

dele, advised the government to make funds available at single interest rate for farmers in order to boost agribusiness in the country.

He said the only way the government can help is by making the fund accessible to farmers at all level at the lowest interest rate which should not be more than single digit as well as providing infrastructures and tax rebate.

A Professor of Agriculture, Prof. Sir Godon Conway, who made recommendation for the inclusiveness of the youths in agricultural sector laid emphasis on the need for education and communal engagement.

As he said, “The best place to start is by preaching the agriculture gospel in schools. A quick win is to make agricultural studies compulsory for all secondary school students. In addition, all schools should have a piece of land dedicated to agricultural demonstrations and each classroom should have some plants to visually stimulate the interest of the students.

AfDB advocates private investment in Africa’s agro-industrial sector

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he African Development Bank has advocated private investment in Africa’s agroindustrial sector to promote sustainable agricultural development in the region, AfDB’s Regional Director for West Africa, Mr. Janvier Liste, made the call in Abidjan on Wednesday.

Liste said this in his address during the signing of funding agreement between the fund for the Acceleration of Agricultural Development and the Ivorian Society of Animal Production.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abidjan reports that the agreement is to provide funding to enable SIPRA carry out studies for poultry construction and animal feeds production in Côte d’Ivoire.

Liste said, “This will guarantee a shift of agriculture from peasant to a more modern, competitive and market-related one.

“Private investors must necessarily be part of this move by massively investing in the agro-industrial sector to boost the transformation of agriculture in the

continent.”

Also speaking, SIPRA’s Representative, Mr. Sylvain Gotta, said the project to be sponsored by the grant would create direct jobs for thousands of youths.

He said, “The project is part of SIPRA’s investment programme; it is designed to construct livestock farms and feed mills to meet the Ivorian market.”

“It will create direct jobs for the people, it will provide additional outlet for cereals, it will also allow farmers to be more competitive.”

NAN also reports that FADA’s support for agricultural infrastructure development in Côte d’Ivoire was worth more than two million dollars.

“Also more competitions should be organised with the agricultural theme to create awareness. The government could also allot public plots of land for each local government area to serve as communal farms for residents.

“To further support this initiative, more centres should be established for research, agricultural advisory services and retailing of seeds, fertiliser, books and other related resources. The sector also has a great role to play in stimulating growth in the sector by bringing youths together and give them practical workshops on the best practices and how to maximize their production and distribution of such.

He added that free trade is im-

portant and should be encouraged among the African countries for the growth and sustainability of agribusiness.

“If you don’t have enabling environment within Africa such as strong inter-African food trade, access to markets, technology, and a resilient population then it is not going to work long-term.”

This form of production offers the ideal solution to producers investigating alternative methods of farming because of the increasing dryer climate. Our expo covers all the elements involved in this production method, from tunnel construction, growth enhancements and climate condition to seedlings, packaging and export opportunities.

Farmers receive 11 new high-yielding crop varieties Abolaji Adebayo

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total of 11 new high-yielding crop varieties has been released to Nigerian farmers by The National Varieties Release Committee, NVRC,.

The crops released are five hybrid maize, namely SC719, 30Y87, 30F32, P48W01 and P48W03; and two sesame varieties, namely NCRIBEN 04E and NCRIBEN 05E. Others are three cassava varieties – UMUCASS 44, UMUCASS 45 and UMUCASS 46, and one soyabean variety, TGx1951 – 3F. The Chairman of NVRC, Oladosu Awoyemi, announced the official registration and release at the 20th meeting of National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries.

While giving further details after the meeting held at the committee’s secretariat, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, NACGRAB, in Ibadan, the Chairman, Technical SubCommittee on Crops, Prof. Olusoji Olufajo, said the 11 new varieties were recommended out of 12 varieties submitted to his committee.

Olufajo, said the crop varieties were usually submitted to the committee for consideration by research institutes, universities and private companies in Nigeria who developed them.

He disclosed that the maize varieties were developed by Institute of Agricultural Research, Zaria, Seed Co. West Africa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, and

DuPont Pioneer Seeds.

The sesame varieties, he pointed out, were from National Cereals Research Institute, NCRI, Badeggi, while the cassava varieties were from National Root Crops Research Institute and IITA, while the soybean varieties were from NCRI and IITA. According to him, maize hybrid SC719 was recommended for release based on high grain yield and large grain size. Maize hybrid 30Y87 was recommended for release based on excellent stay green characteristics, uniform ear placement, and tolerance to lodging and high protein content.

He also stated that Maize hybrid 30F32 was recommended for release based on high grain yield resistance to root and stalk lodging and high protein content and Maize hybrid P48W01 was recommended for release based on combined host plant resistant to striga and tolerance to MetSulfuronMethyl, MSM, for striga control.

He explained further that Maize hybrid P48W03 was recommended for release based on its prolific characteristics, and combined host plant resistance to striga and tolerance to MetSulfuronMethyl, MSM, for striga control.

On the sesame, Olufajo said the varieties NCRIBEN 04E and NCRIBEN 05E were recommended for release based on high grain yield, high oil content and early maturity, saying the three cassava varieties, UMUCASS 44, UMUCASS 45, and UMUCASS 46 were recommended for release based on high root yield and high beta carotene content.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, June 27, 2014

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Index slides 0.6% as 35 companies shed weight Johnson Okanlawon

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rading in equities closed on a bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as 35 companies dropped substantial parts of their values, against 21 companies that recorded appreciation in worth.

Forte Oil Plc led the largards with N24.37 or 9.75 per cent to close at N225.64 per share, followed by Oando Plc with N2.95 or 9.71 per cent to close at N27.43 per share.

Transcorp Plc dropped 50 kobo or 9.56 per cent to

close at N4.73 per share, while Caverton Plc dipped 36 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N6.90 per share.

Learn Africa Plc was down eight kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at N1.57 per share.

Conversely, ABC Transport Plc gained six kobo or 6.90 per cent to close at 93 kobo per share, while Guinness Plc rose N9.01 or five per cent to close at N189.21 per share.

Costain West Africa Plc added six kobo or 4.84 per cent, while Portland Paints Plc was up 20 kobo or 4.26 per cent to close at

N4.90 per share.

Royal Exchange Plc appreciated two kobo or 3.77 per cent to close at 55 kobo per share.

On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index shed 0.57 per cent to close at 1,896.59 points, while the Banking Index lost 0.23 per cent to close at 431.75 points.

The Consumer Goods Index rose 0.13 per cent to close at 1,018.44 points, but the Insurance Index declined 0.36 per cent to close at 145.01 points.

The Oil and Gas Index fell 7.40 per cent to close at 469.16 points, while the

Industrial Index depreciated 0.32 per cent to close at 2,641.60 points.

The Lotus Islamic Index appreciated 0.03 per cent to close at 2,788.98 points.

The Alternative Securities Market remained flat at 950.94 points.

Collectively, the All Share Index was down 0.61 per cent to close at 41,729.59 points, as against the rise of 0.59 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 41,987.55 points.

A total of 411.5 million shares worth N41.9bn were traded in 6,040 deals.

SEC tasked over black market securities trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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he NASD Plc has urged the Securities and Exchange Commission to approve rules preventing selling and buying of securities in the black market.

NASD is the promoter of a trading network that eases secondary market trading of all securities of unlisted public companies primarily in the country but with a focus on the West African region.

Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos yesterday, the chairman, Mr. Olutola Mobolurin noted that a numbers of people are still trading securities in the black market, as the SEC

has not approved rules that discourage them from doing so.

According to him, with the establishment of Over The Counter, OTC, market for non listed securities, the SEC should ensure that no company trade securities off the regulated market.

He said, “Where the market does not exist, people convert to all sorts of dirty deals in black market. With the establishment of OTC market, registered by the SEC, the formal market has been created and the duty of SEC is to protect the company in securities dealings, by ensuring that no company trade securities off the regulated market.

“The reason is when a market is not regulated if

there is a fraud, it’s no recourse to anybody. Therefore, all transaction of public limited company should take place in the OTC market in accordance with the law.”

Also, Mobolurin argued that the SEC should ensure that anybody that is not registered by the SEC as a broker cannot trade or represent anybody in the transactions of securities of companies.

He pointed out that if the SEC enforces the law, all illegal securities dealers will go off the market, noting that everybody will do transactions under the purview and supervision of the SEC. “The third one we are asking for which can be done administratively or

again by rules by the SEC is that every transaction in the securities of a public liability company must be reported to the SEC and it must show the platform on which it was traded, the broker who traded it and the price at which it was traded including the quantity, the seller and the buyer.

That is the standard reporting anywhere in the world on securities of public companies. And if we have that, it will ensure that in any event of dispute, there are records that will show what happens and can be verified,” he added.

He noted that if these three things are approved by the SEC, black market in securities must have been sanitised.

Asian stocks to lead global equities higher –Reuters poll

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sia will spearhead gains in global equities in the coming year as ample central bank liquidity boosts shares, according to a worldwide Reuters poll that pointed to more modest gains for developed markets.

The vast majority of the more than 250 analysts and investors polled this week predicted virtually all of 21 stock indexes globally would rise.

Stocks have largely rallied this year, with many indexes at or close to record highs.

But with the global economy chugging along grudgingly at best, analysts said the main reason for a further rise was ultra-easy

monetary policies offered by major central banks.

“Central banks of major economies will likely maintain an accommodative stance over the short run, providing sufficient liquidity for equities until the global economic recovery fully materializes,” said Chang Hee-jong, analyst at Hana Daetoo Securities in Seoul.

That flow of cheap cash has pushed up both equity and government bond prices, leaving only negligible, or in some cases even negative, real yields on bonds and making shares more attractive.

“Ample liquidity as well as the lack of attractive alternative investments play

in favor of risky assets such as stocks,” said Gregorio de Felice, chief economist at Intesa Sanpaolo in Milan.

Last week, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signaled United States interest rates would remain low through 2016 and suggested stocks are not currently outside of historical norms in terms of valuation.

That emboldened many fund managers who view the stock market rally has more life left in it.

India aside, Asian shares have been the worst performers among the 21 indexes covered but, reflecting confidence in these markets, analysts expect

them to recover strongly.

The majority of all endJune 2015 forecasts for Asian indexes - including Japan, China, South Korea, India, and Hong Kong - project strong increases compared with Wednesday’s closes.

In contrast, the fairly hefty gains seen in major Western stock markets this year are expected to slow markedly as expectations for robust economic growth dwindle.

The US S&P 500, which has surged six per cent to hit several record highs this year, is expected to gain only a modest two per cent from here to year-end, although that would mark a new record.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 41,729.59 points Market capitalisation 13.81trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

ABCTRANS

0.87

0.93

0.06

6.90

GUINNESS

180.20

189.21

9.01

5.00

COSTAIN

1.24

1.30

0.06

4.84

PORTPAINT

4.70

4.90

0.20

4.26

ROYALEX

0.53

0.55

0.02

3.77

COURTVILLE

0.57

0.59

0.02

3.51

MAYBAKER

1.72

1.76

0.04

2.33

CUSTODYINS

3.57

3.65

0.08

2.24

7UP

91.00

93.00

2.00

2.20

NASCON

11.05

11.28

0.23

2.08

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

FO

250.01

225.64

-24.37

-9.75

OANDO

30.38

27.43

-2.95

-9.71

TRANSCORP

5.23

4.73

-0.50

-9.56

CAVERTON

7.26

6.90

-0.36

-4.96

LEARNAFRCA

1.65

1.57

-0.08

-4.85

ETERNA

4.78

4.55

-0.23

-4.81

CUTIX

1.97

1.88

-0.09

-4.57

NPFMCRFBK

0.89

0.85

-0.04

-4.49

IKEJAHOTEL

0.90

0.86

-0.04

-4.44

JAPAULOIL

0.72

0.69

-0.03

-4.17

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

2.14

102.90

11.46

103.05

11.38

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.84

108.55

11.46

108.70

11.40

16.00 29-JUN-2019

5.01

116.80

11.49

117.10

11.42

16.39 27-JAN-2022

7.59

120.85

12.10

121.15

12.05

14.20 14-MAR-2024

9.72

110.55

12.30

110.85

12.25

10.00 23-JUL-2030

16.07 84.60

12.21

84.90

12.16

Closing Market Prices of June 26, 2014

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

25-Sep-14

10.60

10.35

8-Jan-15

10.35

10.10

7-May-15

10.05

9.80

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

10.5000

1M

11.9667

3M

13.0106

6M

14.0181 The Fixings - NIBOR, NITTY and NIFEX of June 26, 2014

46

Capital Market

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at June 26, 2014 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Friday June 27, 2014

Community Mirror I am satisfied with the progression of these bills, and I hereby restate our commitment to deliver on our promise to Nigerians on these vital bills SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, HON. AMINU TAMBUWAL

NDLEA seizes 346kg cannabis in Bauchi

T

he Bauchi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has seized 346.55 kilogrammes of drugs and secured conviction of 177 suspects this year.

The state Commander of NDLEA, Alhaji Mohammed Mallami Soko-

to disclosed this while speaking at the 2014 United Nations General Assembly Day against drug abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs.

According to him, more than 62 drug dependent persons were admitted, 32 were discharged and 30 are at various stag-

es of treatment, counselling and rehabilitation.

He said “the command has seized a total of 3, 876.250kgs of assorted cannabis and psychotic substances”.

Mallami Sokoto listed some of the illnesses associated with dugs abuse to include; psychosis,

liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B, amnesia, loss of emotions control, bronchitis, HIV and STDs, hallucinations and many others.

Sokoto commended Governor Isa Yuguda’s and Bakin Kura, Jahun, Kofar Ran, Warinji, Bakaro and Kofar Gombe communities for collabo-

rating with the command to fight drug abuse in the state.

In his remark the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mohammed Sani Mallami said the fight against drug abuse should be everybody’s responsibility, as he regretted that drugs are abused mostly by young men and wom-

en.

He “One way or the other, everyone is a drug abuser. This is because many people take drugs without prescription as well as drink alcohol.”

He mention some of the danger of drugs abuse to include; heart attack, sleep disorder and depression.

Amosun offers visually impaired couple employment FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

T Ex-service men protesting non implementation of Veteran Pension Rights at the National Conference Centre in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

IPC decries killing of journalist in Abuja bombing DARE AKOGUN

T

he International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos, has expressed concern over the continued terrorist attacks in the country.

It stated that the recent blasts in Abuja and Kaduna showed that genuine commitment and more concerted efforts were re-

quired to check the menace.

The Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said, it was particularly disheartening that yet another journalist has been consumed by the on-going violence with the death of Suleiman Bissala, Managing Editor, Northern Operations of The New Telegraph Newspaper, following the bomb blast in

Abuja last Wednesday.

He said, “To do otherwise is to turn Nigeria into a complete jungle where living would be perpetually nasty and indeed very brutish”.

While commiserating with the management and staff of The New Telegraph over his unfortunate death, Mr. Arogundade said it should serve as another wake-up call on the media

to hold those who should be responsible for ending the violence accountable in line with its constitutional responsibility.

“The media must now give voice to all and set in motion a popular national debate on collective actions that can be taken, as it is unacceptable for a few to be using acts of terrorism to hold the majority to ransom”, he added.

Delta to arrest trespassers on government land THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

T

he Delta State Government has threatened to arrest anyone erecting buildings in unapproved areas, as well as those encroaching on government lands, especially forest reserves.

The Commissioner for Environment and chair-

man, Special Environmental Sanitation Committee, Chief Frank Omare gave the warning while addressing journalists at a programme tagged “Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Searchlight on Affairs of the State” organised by the Warri NUJ chapel.

Omare stressed that the government will not fold its arms and allow anyone or

group to destroy the environment.

He blamed the present deplorable state of the environment on lack of political will by successive governments to enforce order, saying that administration will not relent until residents start observing the law.

He observed that the committee was not unaware of propaganda to malign the

good works of the government, saying it was not out to attack any ethnic group in the affected areas.

While appealing to the people not to be carried away by sentiments, the chairman challenged those accusing the government of victimization to present their Certificate of Occupancy approving the affected buildings.

he Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has offered employment to visually impaired couple into the civil service.

The couple, Sanyaolu Olusegun Isaac and Sayanolu Odunayo Timileyin were offered employments during the public service day celebration tagged “A day with Mr. Governor” held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

Whike the husband, Isaac holds a BSc in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, his wife; Timileyin has NCE in Business Education.

Also, Governor Amosun offered automatic employment to another physically challenged secondary school leaver, Bulugbe Oluwasesan after an appeal by their leader, Sanyaolu Olusegun to consider the plight of the physically challenged in the state.

The governor also directed that three former state employees who were disengaged on account of wrongdoings be re-instated to their duty post.

Appointments of Balogun Waheed, Kudehin Alesinro and Aliyu Hamsa who were drivers in the state workforce, were terminated in February on account of wrong doings.

Meanwhile, issues

bothering on the welfare of civil servants, including car loans, housing among others dominated the event.

Responding to questions, Amosun assured that his administration would endeavour to meet all the demands in order to guarantee an effective workforce and smooth governance in the state.

He also approved that car and housing loans begin from October this year.

According to him, the car loans of N2 million are for workers on levels 16 and 17, N1.5 million for levels 13 to 15 and N1 million for levels 7 to 12,even as levels 1-6 will receive N500,000.

According to Amosun, housing loans will be N5 million for those on levels 16 and 17, N3.5 million for 12-15, N2 million for 7-10 while levels 1-6 will get N1 million.

Amosun also announced the that a three bedroom bungalow in the state housing estate earlier put at N6.8m will now go for N5.5m, while the two bedroom bungalow will be N5m rather than N6.1m.

The governor also announced the reduction in down payment of 20 per cent by Federal Mortgage Bank to 10 per cent, as he explained that housing project must be a social service.

48

Transition

Friday June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prince Gabriel Alemoh

B

orn on February 12, 1939, he was the grandson of Late Royal Highness Alemoh Onaighunma, Ogie of Fugar, Avianwu clan, 1912-1948, in Edo State.

Until his death, he was the Principal Assistant Cultural Officer and a Board member of Edo Arts Council.

Prince Alemoh attended Catholic Primary School, Fugar Town, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State. Between 1957 and 1958 he attended Provincial Teachers Training College, Igueben for his Teachers Grade III Certificate and later went to Benin Delta Teachers Training College, Benin City between 1962 and 1963 and obtained Teachers Grade II Certificate.

The quest for more knowledge took him to Centre for Nigerian Cultural Studies Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between 1980 and 1981, where

he obtained Certificate in Nigerian Cultural Studies.

He taught in Secondary Modern and Primary Schools for 18 years, of which 11 of those years were as a Primary School Headmaster.

While in the teaching profession, he led a team of artistes from Midwest of Nigeria to participate in all African Festival of Arts and Culture held in Algeria in 1969.The team took part in the Traditional African Music event and won a bronze medal.

Immediately after the civil war in 1970 and 1972, he represented his local government t area in the Nigerian Union of Teachers conference held in Calabar, Cross River and Ilorin, Kwara States respectively. He was appointed a member of the State Table Tennis Association in 1972.

In July 1973, he became a member of staff of the Midwest Arts Council,

a parastatal of the Ministry of Information, Youths and Culture. After serving at various capacities for 35 years, Prince Alemoh retired from the service on January 1, 1990.

He then joined politics and in 1996, he became Chairman of the defunct National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN) and Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) successively in Etsako Central Local Government Area.

Christian wake keep holds today at No.2 Prince Alemoh Gabby Street, Auchi, while the body leaves Sancta Maria Hospital Afashio tomorrow for his family compound at Iviagbanakhu Quarters, Fugar. Interment follows at his residence at Iviagbanakhu Quarters, immediately after a Requiem Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Fugar. There will also be thanksgiving Mass on Sunday at the same church.

Maulvi Abdul Wahab H

e was born in December, 1944, at Brofeyedur – Adansi, Ashanti Region. After his secondary education at T.I. Ahmadiyya Secondary School (Kumasi), he proceeded to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Seminary and Ahmadiyya Theological University, Rabwah, Pakistan, where he received Diploma in Arabic and Honours Degree in Theology and Islamic Jurisprudence in 1960.

In 1971, he was appointed to the high office of the Deputy Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission of the United Kingdom, an office he so creditably held until he was elevated to the prestigious position of Ameer (Head) and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya MuslimMission in Ghana. He has steered the affairs of the Mission with distinction since 1975.

In recognition of his unalloyed quest for peace and harmony, as well

as his selflessness, he was given the Ambassador for Peace Award and the Distinguished Religious and Selfless Award by the InterReligious and International Federation for World Peace based in Korea and the Louisiana State University, USA, respectively. He has also been honoured by the Government of Ghana with the Companion of the Order of the Volta for his remarkable contribution to education, health, agriculture, peace and stability in the country.

At both the national and international levels, he has served in various capacities, including the following: Co-Editor, Muslim Herald, London Editor, Ahmadiyya Bulletin, London Member, World Council of Ahmadi Muslim Jurists Member, Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Ghana Vice-Chairman, Ghana Integrity lnitiatve Member, Na-

tional Peace Council Co-Founder and National President, Council of Religions (which is the Ghana Chapter of the World Conference of Religions for Peace) He represented the International Headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission on various occasions in Canada, Germany, Benin, Mali, Cote D’ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Sierra Leone. He also acted for the Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in his absence from the International Headquarters.

He has researched and published in such areas as Islam and Apartheid and Islam & Christianity. Under his distinguished leadership, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana has witnessed phenomenal expansion of its educational and health institutions and facilities across the length and breadth of the country.

Community Mirror

Man, 35, bags 4 years for burglary, theft

A

n Osogbo Magistrates’ Court on Thursday sentenced a 35-year-old man, Moses Daniel, to four years in prison for burglary, theft.

The Magistrate, Mrs Halimatu Olowolagba, who gave the convict an option of N10, 000 fine, sentenced him after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The counsel to the accused, Mr Najite Okobie, prayed the court to tamper Justice with mercy.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Isiaka Ajadi, told the court that Daniel conspired with one, Godwin Agbe, now at large, to commit the offence on May 26 at about 2 a.m. at Amadia in Osogbo. ``The convict broke into a shop belonging to one Kehinde Taiwo, before passers-by coming from football viewing centre, sighted one of the offenders who took to his heels, leaving Daniel behind,’’ he said.

He said Daniel and his accomplice went to the

shop with a digger and an Iron rod with which they burgled it.

Ajadi added that items such as Jeans trousers and

T-shirts were carted away by the accomplice. ``It was when SARS 004 were called upon that he was released by those who held him captive,’’ Ajadi said.

Teacher arraigned for defiling 7-year-old girl

T

he police have arraigned a 38-year-old teacher, Onuoha Kenneth, in an FCT Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl.

Kenneth, of Lugbe, Abuja, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Hadiza Shagari on a one-count charge of gross indecency.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Lawole Ade, told the court that the matter was reported at the Lugbe Police Station by mother of the victim.

Ade said the accused lured the girl into the school’s toilet and ordered her to remove her under wear.

“He inserted his finger into her vagina, bruising her in the process. After investigation, we decided to prosecute him”, Ade said.

According to Ade, the offence contravened Section 285 of the Penal Code.

Chief Magistrate Shagari granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties, she said, must be a federal civil servant who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

She adjourned the case till August 20 for hearing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

Friday, June 27, 2014

“I don’t care what your culture is. Inhumanity is inhumanity is inhumanity. Prejudice is prejudice is prejudice (against gay people).”

Unites States Vice President, Joe Biden

Kenya arrests governor over attacks that killed 65

Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

K

enyan police arrested a politician who is a county governor in connection with gun attacks in his area that killed about 65 people, the government and police said yesterday.

“Lamu (County) Governor Issa Timamy arrested over recent violence and deaths in the Mpeketoni area to appear in court tomorrow, Thursday,” the presidential State House said on Twitter.

“It’s true. We have him with us,” Mombasa County police chief Robert Kitur told Reuters.

Lamu County is north of Mombasa County, home to the country’s main port.

Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist group claimed responsibility for the attacks this month around Mpeketoni in Lamu County, but President Uhuru Kenyatta has dismissed that and accused local political networks and local politicians of being behind them.

Ethnic violence has erupted in the past, notably after a contested 2007 election when about 1,200 people were killed in tribal clashes. Lamu is an area where ethnic-fuelled disputes over land and other issues have festered for decades.

Odinga, a former prime minister who was Kenyatta’s main challenger in last year’s presidential vote, has said talks are

Forensic teams search for evidence at the scene of a bomb blast in the Somali district of Eastleigh, in Nairobi, recently.

needed to discuss security failings and other problems.

The government has dismissed the demand, saying Odinga is trying to manufacture a crisis to claw his way back to office.

Police also arrested 13 members of the outlawed separatist movement, the Mombasa Republican Council, on Wednesday and accused them of planning ethnicallymotivated attacks similar to the Mpeketoni killings.

The Council denies any role in the Mpeketoni attacks and there was no immediate comment from the group after the detentions.

“The 13 arrested by police are suspected

to be planning to attack four areas - Witu, Kipini, Marereni and Garsen - all in the coastal region,” the ministry said, saying they had planned an “ethnic cleansing attack similar to Mpeketoni”.

Officials said security forces killed five of the suspected Mpeketoni attackers last week. Police said they had not established their identities and no one had collected the bodies.

Many Kenyans accuse the government of doing too little to prevent violence.

Rights groups say the police often use heavy-handed tactics, such as mass roundups of Somalis or Kenyans with Somali links, only to free most of them, an approach they say breeds more resentment.

Central Africa death toll rises to 70 in four days

T

he death toll in the Central African Republic has risen to nearly 70 in just four days, a peacekeeping officer said Thursday, following a surge of sectarian violence in the crisis-hit country.

The deaths have all happened since Monday near the central town of Barbari, which has seen a series of bloody clashes between mainly Muslim ex-Seleka rebels and Christian militias.

“Nearly 70 people have been killed since Monday in violence in Bambari and the nearby villages, at least a hundred people have been injured and around 150 houses have been burnt down,” a member of the African peacekeeping force MISCA told a news agency, requesting anonymity.

“The death toll is still proCHANGE OF NAME

OBIANIKA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Obianika Blessing Nwadinume, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbonna Blessing Nwadinume.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AYODEJI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayodeji Funmilayo Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyewunmi Funmilayo Abosede.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

WORLD BULLETIN ‘Islamist militants raid hotel in central Somalia’

Islamist militants hurled grenades at the gate of a hotel in central Somalia yesterday then opened fire as they burst into the building used by Somali soldiers and Djiboutian African Union peacekeepers, residents said.

Al Qaeda-linked group al Shabaab said it killed several guards and soldiers in the attack in town of Bulobarde, the movement’s second assault on the hotel since March. The deaths could not be confirmed independently.

Shopkeeper Farah Nur told Reuters al Shabaab fighters started shooting once they burst inside. Other residents said they heard explosions and gunfire.

“We don’t know of any casualties.

The place is now surrounded by many AMISOM (the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia) and Somali forces,” Nur said.

“Our well-armed Mujahideen ... entered Hotel Amalow in Bulobarde again. They are carrying out the operations, shootings,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s spokesman for military operation told Reuters.

“We killed several guards at the gate and then killed six Djibouti soldiers including two senior officials inside the hotel - the operation was successful and now it is over,” he added.

Residents said two of the attackers had been shot dead.

“We were allowed to see two dead militants who were laid outside the hotel but we could not see the casualty of AMISOM and Somali forces. No civilian can enter the hotel,” local elder Sabdow Ali told Reuters by phone.

11 die in South Africa’s initiation rites

Burundian peacekeepers of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) patrol ling near a barricade of burning tyres in the Bea-Rex district of Bangui.

visional because we have not been able to access all of the area,” he added.

Earlier in the week the same officer said that many of those who had been killed had been shot or stabbed to death, and that clashes “appear to be coordinated attacks by armed groups,” both from Christian and Muslim militias.

The area has seen a surge in violence since CHANGE OF NAME the killing of 17 Muslims NWANAH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwanah at a camp in the region on Oluchukwu Sandra, now wish to Monday, by gunmen claimbe known and addressed as Mrs. Udenwa Oluchukwu Sandra. All ing to be from a mostly former documents remain valid.

Christian militia called General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OJO: Formerly known and addressed as Ojo Adeola Rebecca, now wish to be known and addressed as Olaniyi Adeola Rebecca. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AYODELE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ayodele Monsurat Bolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbelekale Monsurat Bolanle.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

the anti-balaka.

A spokesman from the militia denied that they were behind the attack, but the massacre led to an outbreak of tit-for-tat violence and caused many civilians to flee their homes to seek refuge.

In Bangui, some inhabitants were calling Thursday for a three-day period of mourning for the victims.

“I will observe it, and will be putting a piece of black cloth on my shirt. It is unacceptable that the authorities are not reacting to what is happening in Bambari, innocent people are being massacred,” said local resident Louis Ngakossi, who is currently in the capital Bangui.

The country has seen more than a year of unrest since the Seleka seized power in a coup in March 2013, installing their leader as president until he resigned last January, giving way to a transitional regime.

The South African government says 11 young men have died so far this year in botched circumcision rituals that have killed hundreds in past years.

The government said in a statement yesterday that seven of the deaths in the current initiation season happened in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province.

The ministry is urging traditional leaders to work with state medical experts to prevent deaths, some of which are due to dehydration and septic shock. It also says owners of illegal initiation schools should be arrested and prosecuted.

The circumcision ceremonies are meant to usher youths into manhood. Initiations are mostly practiced by the Xhosa tribe in eastern South Africa.

Africa threatened by cross-border terrorism -Egypt’s Sisi Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned Thursday that Africa was facing a “plague” of cross-border terrorist groups at the opening of an African Union summit in Malabo.

“Africa is threatened by cross-border terrorism,” Sisi said, calling on leaders gathered in the capital of Equatorial Guinea to “firmly face up to this plague to preserve the dignity of our people and economies.”

50

News

Friday, June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG stopped Abacha’s son’s trial to retrieve loot —AGF ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

T

he Federal Government yesterday rose in stout defence of its decision to stop the trial of Mohammed Abacha, over his alleged involvement in the stealing of about N446.3b from its coffers between 1995 and 1998.

The government yesterday claimed that its decision was not only the best in the circumstance, but also very much in the public interest.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Mr Mohammed Adoke, who

wielded his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to withdraw the charge against Abacha, explained that the stoppage of the trial was to enable government recover over billions of dollars from the Abacha family.

He said the monies are stashed in various banks in different currencies and explained that though the battle to recover various funds allegedly stolen by the Abachas began more than 16 years ago, the on-going effort by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration was a greater achievement.

In the charge now withdrawn by the government from court, Mohammed was alleged to have between August and December 1995, at Abuja, dishonestly received $36,480,000.00, made up of cash and travellers cheques, property of the Federal Government believed to have been stolen.

It was also alleged that late son of former maximum military head of state, Mohammed, between August and December 1995 at Abuja, voluntarily assisted in concealing $57,960,000.00 believed to have been stolen from the Federal Government.

The charge further accused Mohammed to have between October and December 1996 at Abuja, dishonestly received $26,913,500.00 also believed to have been stolen from the government.

The alleged offences were said to be punishable under Sections 317 and 319 of the Penal Code.

The withdrawal of the charge had sparked off allegations against the Jonathan government, that it was not committed to fighting corruption.

An international organisation, Transparency International, TI, had also

said that the government’s decision signified that the rich could engage in corruption in Nigeria with impunity.

But reacting yesterday vide a four-page statement, the AGF faulted critics of the decision, including TI, saying the criticism were done without having the facts of the case.

The statement read in part: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent statement by Transparency International, TI, criticising the very robust efforts of the Jonathan administration towards the recovery of stolen assets from the Abacha family and its associates.

“In the statement, TI accused the government of encouraging impunity by allowing the Abacha family to be set free because “allowing the theft of public funds to go unpunished sends the wrong message that those with powerful connections can act with impunity.”

“It also added that “the case should have been fully prosecuted, and the government has not given adequate reasons for dropping the charges.”

“We wish to state that the statement is not only an

unfortunate rush to judgement without the benefit of facts, but also that nothing could be further from the truth.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently pursuing recovery proceedings against the Abacha family and its associates in Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, and the United Kingdom.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has also made a request for Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters to the United States of America in respect of the stolen assets within that jurisdiction.”

According to the AGF, “Government is also working assiduously with the Department of Justice of the United States in respect of the forfeiture proceedings it commenced against the Abacha family and its associates.

“The proceedings will make it possible for the Abacha family and its associates to forfeit over $550m and £95,910 pounds sterling in 10 accounts and six investment portfolios linked to the Abachas in France, Britain, British Virgin Islands and the United States.

‘1.8m jobs needed annually to reduce unemployment’ Remains of the late Managing Editor, Northern Operations, New Telegraph Newspaper, Suleiman Bisalla, during his burial in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

FAAN, concessionaires at war over eviction order at airport DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

T

he Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and four concessionaires at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State, are on a collision course, following an eviction order issued by the former.

While the airport management said that the concessionaires were illegally occupying space at the facility, the evictees argue that they were duly given papers to operate there.

Meanwhile, the affected persons have alleged intimidation and lack of fair hearing by FAAN, pointing out that they had been do-

ing business at the airport for about 18 years They threatened to go to court for justice, if the situation continued.

One of the affected concessionaires and a widow with eight children, Rev. Francisca Omini, lamented that her supplies for three months valued at N20m had been damaged, saying, “Most of these goods (pointing to the scattered items on the ground) were supplied to me on credit and I will pay after sales.

That is how I and my partners operate for years.”

Omini, who said she runs a restaurant, added that they were given only 10 days notice to quit the facility, saying it was contrary to the agreement

reached with the airport management that they would be relocated after the on-going renovation work at the airport.

She alleged that she and three others may have been kicked out to allow a popular fast food outfit to take their place, so that the airport management could rake in more revenue.

She also claimed that most of the goods were scattered outside the terminal building, even after they applied for renewal of their tenancy.

Also speaking, Chief Kerian Olacha, who runs a snack bar and drinks said he had been doing business at the airport since 1979, lamenting that since

the current manager assumed duties, it had being one trouble and another.

He said his goods worth N18m were damaged.

The Head, Corporate Communications, Port Harcourt International Airport, Mr. Ola Ogundalapo, corroborated Mrs. Okoye, that the concessionaires were not tenants there.

“They were allowed to operate on ad hoc basis and they were duly served letters on December 13, last year and June 6, 2014 reminding them of their temporal utilisation of space at the airport and that the allotment of space at the new terminal building was being handled by FAAN headquarters.

FRANCIS SUBERU

T

he Federal Government yesterday said the country needs to create at least 1.8m jobs annually to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga who made the disclosure yesterday at the formal commissioning of the Digital Reality Complex, Yaba, Lagos, said for the country needs 1.8m jobs annually to keep the nation’s unemployment rate at 33 per cent.

According to Aganga, “We need to create a minimum of 1.8m jobs annually to keep the unemployment level at 33 per cent.

Anyone who established companies in the country is assisting the Federal Government to provide the needed platform to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.”

Aganga explained that the country needs to cultivate the habit of sustaining the existing jobs and strive to create new.

He urged Nigerians to support the existing and new companies through patronage.

The minister emphasised that no nation improves when it exports raw materials to industrial nations and import the finished products.

“Time has come for Nigerians to embrace and start the process of becoming more industrialised,” he said.

On his part, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who was also at the commissioning harped on the need to provide infrastructure that could aid industrialisation.

He said that lack of constant power supply had forced some entrepreneurs to relocate their factories outside the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SORIES: ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

E

kiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose, yesterday received his Certificate of Return for his victory in last Saturday’s election in Ekiti State from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with a pledge to serve the people of Ekiti State.

He also said that he

Politics

Friday, June 27, 2014

Fayose receives certificate of return, eyes PDP victory in S’West would use the new position to expand the frontiers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-West to ensure the party’s victory in all the states in the region.

Fayose said that as the leader of the PDP in the

southwest, he would do everything within his power to reawaken and reenergise the party in the zone, adding: “I have only four years to spend. I will go for the goal like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I want to dedicate this gov-

Soldiers in Ekiti State checking vehicles before and after the state’s gubernatorial election.

ernment to the common people of Ekiti State.

“It only takes the kindness of God for people to rise twice. I am making this pledge that I will serve the common people.

I will also respect the elite.

I pledge that I will serve

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Implement home-based govt, Accord candidate tells Fayose

G

overnorship candidate of Accord, Barrister Kole Ajayi, has advised Ekiti State governor-elect, Ayo Fayose to implement home-based government policy to prevent capital flight and ensure good governance.

Ajayi told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday “it is only when men and women who understand Ekiti terrains are put into positions that Ekiti can achieve the desired good governance,” adding that Fayose should be able to implement this without

fear or favour.

Saying that Fayose was close to the home-based phenomenon during his first tenure, Ajayi maintained that as a lover of the masses and with good understanding of Ekiti, Fayose would be able to adopt the policy.

He advised that Fayose’s government should be decisive enough to forward the “Local Content Bill” to the House of Assembly to ensure that Ekiti economy resides in Ekiti, to avoid capital flight, eradicate poverty and permanently put smiles on the peoples’ faces.

Gov-elect to Fashola: Stop insulting Ekiti people OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

A

yo Fayose Campaign Organisation, AFCO, has cautioned the Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, to refrain from insulting Ekiti people with his comments on the last Saturday’s governorship election, saying: “Fashola’s comment that Ekiti people were induced with money to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was an insult on the entire people of Ekiti State, and we in the PDP will not take lightly to anyone insulting Ekiti people under whatever guise.”

Describing Fashola’s

51

comment as hypocritical, AFCO added that “the major problem of our friends in the All Progressives Congress, APC, is hypocrisy and until they purge themselves, that hypocrisy will destroy their party.”

A release signed by AFCO Director-General, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, said: “It is only a hypocritical mind like Fashola that would claim that the results of an election as credible as that of last Saturday was induced by money and that Fayose ought not to have been voted for by Ekiti people because he was standing trial for alleged corruption.”

Reminding Fashola

that Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Hon Adeyemi Kuforiji was also standing trial for alleged corruption, Anisulowo said; “Fashola should first remove the timber in his eyes before talking about the speck in other people’s eyes.

“It is on record that it was the APC that induced voters with cash ranging from N5,000 to N10,000, and many of the party chieftains were arrested while distributing money to voters.

“It is also on record that former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Abubakar Audu was standing trial when he was fielded as defunct Action Congress of Nigeria governorship

candidate in 2011.

“Also, the APC leader in the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was convicted by the Supreme Court of Georgia, United States of America, for defrauding his client of $25,000, and Fashola, the self appointed moral sheriff has not called for Gbajabiamila’s resignation.

“Therefore, on the Ekiti election, Ekiti people have rejected the APC and its deceitful government and elected their own governor. If Fashola and his ilk are not pleased, they should go to the tribunal, instead of insulting the collective intellects of Ekiti people.”

you. I will do what you want me to do.”

Saying that his victory last Saturday signalled the end of politics of propaganda, he assured that his government would have 100 per cent local input and discourage capital flight, urging all Ekiti indigenes not to entertain fear, saying he would not persecute anybody on account of political differences also.

He thanked Governor Kayode Fayemi “for conceding defeat to me. He has proven to be a statesman. But it will not be gentlemanly for him to start creating local governments or employing people he has not employed in four years now.

I want to advise that he has been honourable and he has to maintain this.”

Fayose said that INEC “has proven that it has the capacity to put Nigeria back on track,” adding: “You did not choose a governor for us in your office, but you allowed Ekiti people to freely choose.

This will forever remain in history.”

INEC, which earlier presented Certificate of Return to the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Olubunmi Olusola, said it had promised to continue to replicate the feat recorded in

Ekiti in subsequent elections.

INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, represented by the INEC commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun states, Prof Lai Olurode, added that many top functionaries of INEC would have been sacked, but for good performance in Ekiti election.

Giving credit of the successful election to the good people of Ekiti State, Olorode called on politicians to brace up and ensure representatives and leaders were elected through the ballots without bringing in the court rooms. Earlier, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Ekiti State, Alhaji Halilu Pai, hinged the election which had been adjudged free, fair, credible and acceptable election on the collective responsibility of all the stakeholders.

Falana advised to stop playing God

G

overnor-elect of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has advised Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, to stop playing God in the lives of the people of the state.

Fayose said it was wrong and a sacrilege for Falana to feel he could decide what the future of people would be.

In a statement in AdoEkiti by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Fayose, reacting to a news item by Falana that Fayose had nothing good in him to offer the people of the state and that the people should stop celebrating Fayose’s victory in last Saturday’s election, Fayose said: “We thought Falana is a lawyer, we never knew he had turned a mind reader

and could predict what people would do in months and years to come.

“If he was good at that, why didn’t he use his supernatural powers to predict to his sponsors how the election would go.

“Once again, Falana has shown the doublespeak in him. One understands the fact that he is suffering from post-election trauma, as the people of the state overwhelmingly rejected his choice in the poll and he is yet to recover from the shock.”

On the claim by Falana that Fayose had no programme to implement when he gets to office, Adelusi urged Falana to wait and see what God would positively use Fayose to do for the people of the state.

52

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The general public is hereby informed that Mr. Okechukwu Hyacient Aneke of No 35 Etudo Street Achara Layout Enugu Loss C of O land documents registered as 92/92/1452 at Land Registry. If found contact the Ministry of lands and Urban Development

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THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

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Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja. Within 28 days of this publication.

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SIGNED: AYODELE BENSON

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COMPUTER EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAP C20 LFN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prof. Chiaka Augusta Obi Prof. Uchenna Maria - Stella Nzewi Prof. Emmanuel Agomuo Dr. (Mrs.) Nnenna Ekpereka Ibezim Mr. Emmanuel Chukwunweike Nwangwu Prof. Shehu Adullahi Ma’aji

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To promote functional computer education at levels of education in Nigeria.

MAINSTREAM AVIATION SERVICES LTD

The general public is hereby notified that the above name organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Part “C” No. 1 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Odulaja Oladipupo 2. Adeyinka Mobee 3. Odulaja Tosin 4. Ayodele Benson 5. Odulaja Subomi 6. Nat Nablah 1. To provides flight clearance services 2. To provide landing permit services 3. To assist payment of navigational and airport charges on behalf of clients 4. To provide protocol services 5. To provide hotel reservations services 6. To liaise with relevant bodies to facilitate airside supervision 7. To provide elementary ground handling service 8. To provide flight dispatch services

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Friday June 27, 2014

FIFA slams four-month ban on 54 Suarez

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

I think the World Cup organisers have tried their best not ensure that no much complaints are heard –Brazil legend, Pele

th

world cup JUNE 12 – JULY 13

Golden Boot:

Musa jostles with

Messi, others

S

uper Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa, says his two goals against Argentina on Wednesday have put him in the frame for the highest scorer award with the likes of Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller, Neymar and Shaqiri.

Musa netted his brace in Nigeria’s 3-2 loss to the Argentines at Porto Alegre.

Nicknamed ‘Okada’, Musa is always criticised by many Nigerian football followers for the several misses he makes during matches. His critics say that he scores a goal after wasting half a dozen in a game.

Against Iran, most Nigerians condemned Coach Stephen Keshi’s reading of the match when he pulled out Victor Moses and left Musa on the pitch for full 90 minutes.

The CSKA Moscow attacker had two clear begging chances to bury Bosnia-Herzegovina, but he

fluffed them and instead beamed with smiles in his characteristic manner after missing a sitter.

FIFA said this about Musa on the Wednesday night: “Ahmed Musa emulated his famous nearnamesake (Messi) with a crisplytaken brace of his own. Close followers of the global game will have been reminded of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011 in Colombia where Musa earned plaudits for his three goals.

“He failed to hit the target when his team was knocked out

by France in the quarter-finals at the time, but what goes around comes around and he will be more motivated than ever to put one past Les Bleus when he renews rivalry with the French in the last 16.”

On the match against Les Bleus, Musa said: “We have to work harder; it will not be easy. We thank God we made it through to the next round despite losing.”

Musa

Eagles watch France video

A

fter qualifying to the second round, the Super Eagles returned to their Campinas Sao Paulo base on Wednesday night and immediately began to strategise ahead of Monday’s match against the Les Bleus of France.

Yesterday, the team skipped

morning training to reinvigorate and recover from knocks suffered in the last group match against Argentina in Porto Alegre.

Team Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, told National Mirror here that Coach Stephen Keshi and his technical crew and the players watched video of the three

matches so far played by France against Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador to study how to study their tactics and know how to contain their danger men.

“The coaches usually have a meeting with the players a day after every game. They will review their past matches and re-

strategise. For this meeting, they would watch France videos,” Alaiya said.

Team psychologist, Dr. Robinson Okosun, also had a special session with the players with a view to raising their mental state and readiness to confront France.

Eagles returned to train-

ing last night at 6pm local time (10pm) Brazilian time and will continue their build up this morning and later in the evening.

Meanwhile, the team will depart for Brasilia tomorrow Saturday ahead of the Monday game.

54

Sports

Friday June 27, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

th

world cup JUNE 12 – JULY 13

We reserved goals for Nigeria –France coach N igeria’s next opponent in the second round of the ongoing World Cup, France, scored eight goals in two matches, but in their last outing against Ecuador, the Les Bleus drew blank.

France blew away Honduras 3-0 and thrashed Switzerland 5-2, but failed to find the back of Ecuador’s net.

But Coach Didier Deschamps hinted that his strikers reserved the goals for the encounter with

Nigeria.

“It’s good that we didn’t concede. I’m overjoyed, thrilled and very satisfied. There’s a whole new competition starting now for us. We are going to savour the moment and then focus on Nigeria,” Deschanps told National Mirror.

“We’re in the last 16, which was our objective. We did everything we could to score, but you can’t win every match 3-0, and while I know we weren’t quite as effective as we were against Switzerland, Ecuador are a very fine side who have a lot of pace up front,” he added.

The France versus Nigeria game will be played in Brasilia on Monday.

Deschamps

Luis Suarez

FIFA slams four-month ban on

Suarez

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IFA yesterday confirmed that Uruguay striker, Luis Suarez, has been banned for nine international matches and for four months from any football-related activity. He has also been fined £66, 000.

Suarez was seen biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s 1-0 win over the Azzurri on Tuesday, which saw the South Americans advance to the knockout stages at the Europeans’ expense.

“Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field,” Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Claudio Sulser, said.

“The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr. Suarez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon as it is communicated,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Uruguay FA has not yet responded, and there has also been no word from Liverpool, for whom the striker missed the first 10 matches of the 2013/14 season after a similar offence on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

Given that it is actually Suarez’s third offence of the kind, some people have demanded as much as a life ban, but FIFA said the four-month ban would suffice.

Luis can’t change ways –Carragher

F

ormer Liverpool team mate of Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher, has doubted that the player can mend his ways following the Uruguayan’s latest discplinary incident.

“Rather than being regarded as one of the finest forwards in the game, he’s now simply known as the one who bites people,” Carragher said.

“He has lost focus and, if I’m honest, I don’t believe he will change. He will always have that tendency to self-destruct,” he added.

The former England international, however, reckoned that Suarez’s predicament should not affect Liverpool’s run in the coming season.

“People are calling for a worldwide ban but I don’t think Liverpool should be punished.

Uruguay didn’t suffer when he served the Ivanovic ban, did they?

“But there comes a point when enough is enough. Now there is a feeling that Liverpool might actually be relieved if Barcelona or Madrid come in with a bid for him.”

Ghana loses to Portugal, exits World Cup

Nigeria vs Argentina quotes…

A

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi “After the break we managed to play our game, attacked more, had more possession and were better overall. But Argentina are a great team and Messi’s a great player. He’s blessed and there’s no way you can escape him.

Argentina Coach, Alejandro Sabella “We improved, were more mobile, passed the ball better and were quicker. We were better at changing the tempo of the game too, improved our interplay and had a lot of chances.

The further into the tournament we go, the more we’re finding our rhythm. The struc-

ture of the side is getting much better.”

Lionel Messi “We were more threatening, found the spaces to exploit and had more chances to score. But we still want more. The good thing is we improved and it’s a wonderful experience with the people here. We’re all still chasing a shared dream.”

Argentina’s match winner, Marcos Rojo “Nigeria were attacking and trying to win the match. That inevitably makes the match more open. We knew that if we had more space available to us than in the first two matches, we’d create more chances.”

samoah Gyan’s 57thminute header that cancelled out John Boye’s first-half own-goal yesterday failed to save Ghana from being eliminated from the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Portgual in the final Group G game.

Ghana should have been in front moments later. Gyan’s cross found the unmarked Mahed Waris six yards out, but he headed wide when it appeared easier to score.

Asamoah, Gyan and Agyeman Badu all tried their luck but failed to trouble Beto, before Portugal were gifted a goal on 80 mnutes. Jonathan Mensah headed a Nani cross up in the air and Fatau, rather than catching it, flapped it straight into the path of Ronaldo, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday June 27, 2014

55

T/tennis: Egyptians sweep Tour prizes Adeolu Johnson

E

NOC drums support for Eagles

Victor Moses (l), Ogenyi Onazi and Emmanuel Emenike during a Group F game in Brazil

World Cup:

Ifeanyi Eduzor

N

igeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has expressed support for the Super Eagles in their quest to reach the quarter-final stage of the ongoing World Cup. Despite a 3-2 loss to Argentina on Wednesday, the Eagles became the first African team to reach the second round of the Brazil 2014 World Cup and will meet France on Monday.

“A lot is expected of the Eagles to keep the continent’s flag flying

at the World Cup and that is why we at the NOC are in full support of the team to match forward in Brazil,” NOC President, Sani Ndanusa, said.

Ndanusa observed that the team had since improved on their game after the widespread criticisms that greeted their performance in their first match against Iran; a point he said the NOC is banking on to see the team soar against France, the 1998 World Cup winners on Monday.

“The team has improved on its performance after a slow start as

this was the case at the last Nations Cup. The game against France will bring out the best in the team and we are confident they will bring joy to Nigerians and Africans.”

Cameroun, Senegal and Ghana shares the continent’s best outing at the Mundial when they respectively reached the quarter-finals in 1990, 2002 and 2010.

gypt yesterday won the Men’s and Women’s titles of the ITTF World Tour table tennis at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Africa’s number one, Omar Assar, beat compatriot and number two seed El- Sayed Lashin 4-1, 11-5, 13-11, 2-11, 116, 11-8 to win $5,000 and a throphy.

Lashin also got $2,500 for his efforts.

In the Women’s category, Egypt’s Nadden El- Dawlatly defeated Congolese Han Xing 11-8, 11-5, 13-15, 11-9, 12-10.

The only Nigerian who made it to the semifinal, Aruna Quadri, was beaten by Egyptian Assar 11-8, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-9.

Quadri blamed the defeat on lack of sponsorship and support from the Ministry of Sports.

“If we get one tenth of what football gets from the government, we will be one of the best table tennis playing nations in the world,” Quadri submitted.

Meanwhile, the Africa top 16 Cup will begin tomorrow in the preliminary in the Men’s and Women’s singles.

The 16 players in each category would be divided into four groups which will be played in a round robin with the semi final and finalists emerging for the finals on Saturday.

Abdullahi

Eagles feat delights ex-minister

T

he immediate past sports minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has congratulated the Supers Eagles for qualifying for the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“I am very happy with the performance of our team,” Abdullahi, who praised the Eagles for their hard work, resilience and commitment, said yesterday.

“They were focused, disciplined and committed as evident in the games they have played so far and it is therefore not surprising that they have broken the jinx of not winning a World Cup match since 1998,” he added.

“It is the same attitude they displayed when they won the Nations Cup last year. I am confident that this team is capable of pulling a surprise against France and qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time.

“I commend the coaches of the team led by Stephen keshi for a job well done, as well as the NFF board led by Aminu Maigari for being focused and proactive.”

YSFON, Abuja fans hail Eagles

Joel Ajayi ABUJA

P

resident of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Alhaji Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, has congratulated the Super Eagles for their qualification to the second round of the World Cup. “I congratulate Keshi and his boys for this achievement,”

Gawuna said yesterday.

“This is a very important feat for us after 16 years of drought at the FIFA World Cup and after the hard start against the Iranians,” the YSFON boss added, stressing that the national team would qualify for the quarter finals if the current tempo was sustained.

The fans, who spoke to National Mirror, expressed joy

with Eagles’ performance, with most banking on the team to go all the way.

“We are the authentic African representatives,” Blessing Ugwueze said.

“Musa stood out as my manof-the-match. His two quick goals against the Argentines were exceptional. And I see him going places,” Mike Pam said.

Djokovic

WORLD RECORD

Fewest defeats in a season, NHL

Vol. 04 No. 883

Friday, June 27, 2014

N150

The Montreal Canadiens in the 1976/77 season lost just eight games, the fewest ever in a season of 70 or more games, from 80 played (60 wins and 12 ties, a record 132 points).

Between two ‘Ahmeds’ as Jonathan’s advisers I t could just be mere coincidence that both share the same name – Ahmed.

One, Ahmed Gulak, was kicked out by President Goodluck Jonathan last April for what critics called his ‘many sins’. Until he was sent packing, Gulak was Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Political Matters. He was the man who once threatened to resign his appointment should the President refuse to stand for the 2015 presidential election. Gulak was replaced by Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, a former National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Unguarded statements and unruly behaviour, most of which embarrassed the President, were some of the allegations levelled against Gulak before Jonathan whipped him out of his high office. Also fingered against him were desperation for cheap popularity and overzealousness. Indeed, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, was quoted as saying Gulak was sacked for

G

hana Football Association (GFA) yesterday handed indefinite suspension to the duo of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, hours before the Black Stars were due to engage Portugal in a crucial Group G match against

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) his arrogance and alleged irrational disposition. Muazu says he supports Jonathan that there will be no space for arrogant officials in the federal cabinet, and that for cabinet members to remain in office, they must remain focussed and committed. But the last straw that broke the Camel’s back was his purported ‘disrespectful’ visit to Akwa Ibom State to inaugurate a faceless support group in favour of Mr. President without making any attempt to extend courtesies to the state governor, Godswill Akpabio, as well as the state chapter of the PDP. So excited with jubilation were some of those he tongue-lashed, a good example being a Second Republic lawmaker, Junaid Mohammed, who said Gulak’s sack was long overdue. Mohammed says the President needs to do away with men and women who brings disrepute to his administration while trying to pose as patriotic Nigerians. Recall that Gulak once lashed out at Mohammed, saying he was suffering from diarrhoea of the mouth; and that he enjoys sitting in his comfort zone and criticizing the government. To former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Gulak said he was “the most disappointing young man in the country’’.

When the crisis that rocked Rivers State’s Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) erupted, he said: “… as far as the President is concerned, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State is the Chairman of the NGF and not Gover-

IT WOULD BE PATHETIC IF ALKALI STEPS ON THE SAME BANANA PEELS THAT GAVE

GULAK THE BOOT nor Amaechi”, which openly suggested that Jonathan supported the charade.

And when speculations were rife that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had dumped Jonathan, he returned to the trenches saying: “I will like to say with all sense of responsibility that Nigerians should not make God out of Obasanjo. Obasanjo is not God, and it is only God that gives a person power, it is only God that can say Mr. A, you will be president, and it will come to pass.

No human being can play God”, just to mention a few. That was Gulak’s poise-less style, perhaps to the chagrin of a President who had to manage the image crisis such sarcastic remarks and vain glorious defense and praise which smacked of hypocrisy stamped on him and his government.

Now that he is out and his name sake, Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali is in, are Nigerians assured of refined utterances and courtesy even when the seat of power is troubled or provoked?

Alkali has variously been defined as a refined gentleman, a transparent, honest, and dynamic political tactician, a distinguished

academician, seasoned administrator, and perhaps more importantly, a lover of truth.

Born on July 20, 1954 to the family of Malam Muhammad Alkali, an Islamic scholar, teacher and farmer in Hashidu town in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State, he graduated in 1981 from the Bayero University Kano where he read Political Science. He has a masters degree (1985) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Economy from the University of Reading, England (1989).

He emerged as a full-fledged academic Professor of Political Science in 2001. He was a university teacher; and had served his home state, Gombe, several times under both military and civil rule as a commissioner, up to 2007 before he emerged as the PDP National Publicity Secretary in 2008. And while serving in that capacity, especially under former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Alkali assisted in burnishing the image of the PDP through the warm media friendship he cultivated, without courting unnecessary enemies for the party or himself, despite the scathing criticisms that have been dogging the party. Indeed, the NUJ, Abuja Council, not too long ago, conferred on him a special award as the Most Media Friendly Personality (2011).

Those close to him say he has respect for the rule of law and cherishes transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, is concerned about the security of lives and property, peaceful co-existence, freedom, the unity of Nigeria and good governance; all of which the country is in dire need of presently.

Consequently, Alkali has good chances to perform where Gulak woefully failed. It is imperative he offers sincere and quality advice to Jonathan and avoids the temptation of becoming a ‘yes man’ just to remain in office. He must have learned from his predecessor’s fate that excessive hero worship (of his boss), as well as reckless verbal attacks on the President’s perceived political foes are no guarantee for retaining him in office. With his academic pedigree and political exposure so far, it would be pathetic if Alkali steps on the same banana peels that gave Gulak the boot.

Sport Extra World Cup: Muntari, Boateng sent packing from camp Portugal in Brasilia.

Reports said Boateng was told to leave the team’s hotel in Brasilia for insubordination and confronting Coach Kwesi Appiah in training.

The Schalke 04 forward first clashed with the coach after

criticising his team selection in Ghana’s opening 2-1 defeat to the USA in Natal, following the former AC Milan striker’s claim that he deserved to start after coming off the bench in the 59th minute Muntari was also al-

leged to have acted violently against Ghana Football Association Executive Committee and national team management committee member, Moses Armah, although no detail was given.

Interestingly, Muntari,

who was ineligible for the Portugal clash match due to suspension after picking up double yellow cards, has had record of altercation with the Ghana authorities.

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS Portugal 2-1 Ghana USA 0 - 1 Germany

Muntari

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