Friday, November 30, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Mass sacking: CBN kicks, says Sanusi quoted out of context

Again, one killed, 15 houses burnt in Lagos communal clash

N’Assembly got N150bn, CBN N350bn in 2012 budget –Reps TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND TORDUE SALEM

Vol. 2 N0. 503

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday denied that the Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, called for massive sack of civil

servants, saying he was quoted out of context. This is coming just as the House of Representatives yesterday lashed CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Fashola arrests policeman on Okada P.8,9

Fashola

Friday, November 30, 2012

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Court dismisses suit on IBB’s $12.4bn oil windfall ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday dismissed a suit seeking its order to compel the Federal Government to make public the

whereabouts or details of expenditure of a whopping $12.4bn Gulf War windfall realised between 1988 and 1994. The suit was initiated by six civil society groups, including the Socio-Econom-

Falana rejects verdict, vows to appeal judgement Failed contract: Reps’ summon libellous –Anenih P.50

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Twist in money laundering trial:

Babalakin secures leave to sue EFCC

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Buhari loses first daughter P.7,8

L-R: Research Associate and faculty member, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Robin Luckham; professional fellow, Mick Moore; Ekiti State Governor and guest lecturer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Team Leader, Governance Programme of the university, Markus Schultze-Kraft, shortly after the governor’s lecture in London on Wednesday.

Pressure mounts on NUPENG to end strike

Jonathan orders Okonjo-Iweala, Alison-Madueke to resolve fuel subsidy claims P.2,4

Oyerinde’s murder: Ugolor regains freedom

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Showkey, Okposo, Ice Prince, others for Tymeout Concert

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Suspects in NNPC engineers’ killing remanded

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Jonathan orders Okonjo-Iweala, Alison-Madueke to resolve subsidy claims ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala and her Petroleum Resources counterpart, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke to ensure that issues concerning the payment of subsidy claims are resolved. The President gave the directive to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products during the Yuletide. A source said the President had also ordered the respective agencies to reconcile any problem in the distribution chain that might hinder the availability of the products during the period.

The source assured Nigerians not to nurse any fear of fuel scarcity as government would ensure adequate supply. “The government is working round the clock to ensure that people have fuel during the Christmas and New Year period. “President Jonathan has ordered the respective agencies to reconcile any problem in the distribution chain that may hinder the availability of the products during the festive season. “He has also directed the Ministry of Finance and petroleum to ensure that all outstanding issues concerning the payment of subsidy claims are resolved. “Despite the attempts by some disgruntled elements to frustrate the efforts of

President Goodluck Jonathan in reforming the oil and gas sector, the government is determined to ensure that there is no return of queues in the nation’s petrol stations. “As I am talking to you now, there are over 20 vessels loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, awaiting offloading at ports in Lagos,” he said. The source added that the Federal Government had petroleum products that would last the nation through the festive periods in the event of any emergency. He, however, lamented that “the only challenge that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is facing is that there are no enough tank farms to offload the prod-

ucts.” The source added: “The issue of availability is not the issue and with the present effort of the Federal Government in putting the pipelines lines in use for petroleum products distribution, it is certain that the government is overcoming the challenges of making petroleum products available to the Nigerian people.” The source also said that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and all stakeholders would ensure that the 140 days deadline given by the President for the completion of the turnaround maintenance (TAM) of the nation’s refineries was met. He said: “You will recall that President Jonathan set March 2013 deadline for the completion of the TAM and

Left: Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), after the proceedings at the case involving Babalakin at Ikeja High Court Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

complete rehabilitation of three refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri. “This is part of the actions taken by Mr. President after the submission of the reports by the committees set up by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Allison Madueke, on the petroleum sectors. “At the moment, Kaduna refinery produces 110,000 barrels per day, Port Harcourt refinery 210,000 barrel per day and Warri refinery 125,000 barrel per day and Mr. President wants action that can help improve the capacities of these refineries to make them perform at their optimum.” Meanwhile, Minister of Petroleum Resources has identified non release of budgetary allocation for the fourth quarter by the Ministry of Finance as the major reason for poor performance of her ministry. She gave the explanation on Thursday in Abuja at the Ministry’s budget defence before National Assembly Joint Committees on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream) and Gas. Allison-Madueke told the Committee that the Ministry’s 41 per cent implementation of the 2012 budget was because only N3.3bn was released out of the N8.1bn earmarked for capital projects. She also explained that the ministry had spent N128m so far between 20092012 on the implementation of the Petroleum In-

dustry Bill, PIB awareness campaign. The minister said that another N371m was spent on facilities and equipment for capacity developments in Abuja from 20102012. Allison-Madueke told the joint committee that the Ministry had been able to reduce oil theft from 150 barrels per day to 100 barrels per day while gas flaring had been reduced from 63 per cent to 21 per cent. She, however, complained that there were low gas flare penalties as well as inadequate regulatory tools in the gas industry. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Sen. Emmanuel Paulker (PDP-Bayelsa), said the 41 per cent implementation of the Ministry’s budget by November was unacceptable. According to him, if the balance of over N4bn is released less than 40 days before the end of the year, their average performance will be less than 25 per cent. Paulker acknowledged that the performance was hampered by poor release of funds. He argued that if the oil industry was not properly regulated, it would be impossible to tackle the recurring issue of oil theft. “41 per cent release as at November is unacceptable and we frown at the poor releases because I don’t see how you can measure up, especially in combating oil theft.”

Court dismisses suit against IBB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ic Rights and Accountability Forum, SERAP. Former military president Ibrahim Babangida was the head of state at the time the controversial money was realised. After adjourning judgement for about 15 times, yesterday’s verdict put a death knell on the controversial Christopher Okigbo panel report recommending to the Federal Government the investigation and prosecution of Babangida, if indicted by the findings of the probe panel that would be convoked by government on the matter. Dismissing the suit, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, noted that the civil society groups meant well for the

country and wanted a country free of corruption. He, however, held that they lacked locus standi to file the suit and, therefore, was bereft of the jurisdiction to consider the case on its merit. Justice Kolawole explained that the suit was statute barred, having been filed over 12 months after the Okigbo Panel report was submitted in 1994 or when it was claimed to have been found in 2005 and was also not justiceable as constituted. Besides, the trial judge held that the group failed to adduce admissible evidence to prove that a dedicated and special account was maintained in the CBN where the $12.4bn was re-

served and subsequently depleted to $200m by June 1994 by the Babangida administration. “Pius Okigbo has passed on and resting in peace until this suit was filed. He should be allowed to have a short rest with the federal high court resting this matter now. “I am not saying the applicants are busy bodies. No, the applicants are not busy bodies or meddlesome interlopers but patriotic corporate bodies moved with good motives to ensure accountability and corruption-free country, but there is no authority to confer locus standi on them,’’ the judge said. But the lead counsel to SERAP, Mr. Femi Falana

(SAN), yesterday rejected the court’s verdict, vowing to challenge it at the appellate court. The late Gen. Sani Abacha had inaugurated the Christopher Okigbo panel on January 19, 1994 to investigate a dedicated account allegedly maintained by the Babangida administration where the said oil windfall was kept. The Dedicated Accounts, consisting of NNPC sales of mining rights, signature bonus and stabilisation, received $12.4bn out of which $12.2bn was disbursed, leaving a balance of only $206.63m. The assignment given to the Okigbo panel was to insulate the CBN from the political ecology and equip

it not merely for the immediate needs of the economy but also for its expanding future responsibilities. A report submitted by the panel alleged that the special account, into which the oil windfall was paid, was only known to Babangida and the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed. The Okigbo panel report allegedly exposed how Babangida refused to deposit the Gulf Oil windfall into the Federation Account and surreptitiously established the dedicated account and other special accounts to warehouse the crude oil proceeds. The report allegedly stated that the said $12.4bn kept

in the dedicated account was liquidated in less than six years. It said that the monies were spent on what could not be adjudged genuine high priority or truly regenerative investments. For more than a decade, there has been agitation for the probe of the account and the use to which the monies were spent. But successive governments had covered it up, giving the impression that some individuals in the country were above the law. In fact, during the Olusegun Obasanjo era, it was alleged that the report was missing. But as soon as President Goodluck Jonathan came CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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Friday, November 30, 2012

L-R: Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Saturday Editor Gbemi Olujobi and Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Osogbo, recently.

Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi (left) and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at the 13th Honorary International Investors’ Council meeting in London, yesterday.

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L-R: BBC Africa Editor, Mr. Paul Wallace; Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Managing Director, UBA Capital (Europe) Ltd, Ebele Ogbue and BBC Presenter and Award Host. Micheal Buerk, at the 2012 Annual Banker Awards organised by The Banker a Financial Times publication in London on Wednesday

L-R: Coordinator General, Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, Michael Anyiam-Osigwe; former President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Keynote Speaker, Chandrika Kumaratunga; representative of the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; representative of the President, Prof. Viola Onwuliri and representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, at the 13th session PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Lecture Series in Lagos, yesterday.

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Fuel scarcity: FG mounts pressure on NUPENG to end strike Union halts picketing of Chevron

SOLA ADEBAYO AND UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government yesterday mounted pressure on the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, to end its ongoing strike which has worsened the prevailing fuel scarcity nationwide. It was learnt that the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, engaged the leadership of the union in Abuja yesterday to persuade them to suspend the strike ahead of the December 4 ultimatum given to the management of the Anglo-Dutch oil firm, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, to meet the demand of the union. It was also gathered that the government asked the union to rescind its decision to sustain the strike until the management of the oil major complied with its order to reinstate the sacked workers. The union had declared

strike against the managements of the SPDC and Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, for sacking its members in the employ of the firms. NUPENG alleged that SPDC sacked 1,500 workers, including the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the union in the company, Mr. Kingsley Emomate, while CNL was accused of terminating the contract awarded to six contractors and thereafter proceeded to engage their 2,000 workforce as casual workers. But Wogu intervened in the face-off and directed the management of Shell to re-absorb Emomate and his colleagues on or before December 4. The Chairman of NUPENG in Warri Zone, Mr. Edmund Ofudje, told National Mirror yesterday that the union was under pressure by the government to suspend the action. He said: “The position of the union is that the Federal Government should formally write a letter to the management of Shell

directing it to comply with its order to re-absorb our union chairman in the company on or before December 4 and that the strike be sustained until the order is carried out. “But the Federal Government has been pleading for the understanding of our national leaders to call-off the strike while the decision of the management of Shell is being awaited. Specifically, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has been talking to our leaders to shelve the strike pending amicable

resolution of the face-off. “But the strike continues until the national secretariat of NUPENG rules otherwise. Shell must recall our members, who were unjustly disengaged and obey the order of the Federal Government.” But the President of the union, Mr. Igwe Achese, said in a telephone interview yesterday that the strike might be extended nationwide next week. He said Joint PUPENG and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, council meeting has

been summoned to review the situation and map out concrete plans for the extension of the planned strike. Consequently, some government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, have scheduled an urgent meeting with the oil workers in Abuja on Wednesday next week. “The Minister for Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has scheduled a meeting with us on Wednesday, next week in Abuja. We would attend to

articulate our case against Shell,” Achese added. Meanwhile, NUPENG yesterday called-off picketing of CNL following the resolution of the issues in conflict between it and the management of the American energy giant. Ofudje confirmed that a peace meeting held for the feuding parties by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andy Yakubu, culminated in the signing of a communiqué on the resolution of the crisis.

Lawan’s $620,000 bribery allegation over-flogged –Reps TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday said the allegation that the sacked Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Hon. Farouk Lawan (PDP-Kano), took $620,000 bribe from oil magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola, to delist his company from those culpable in fuel subsidy racket was over-flogged by the media. Deputy Chairman of

the House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene (APGAAnambra) who stood in for the House spokesman, Hon. Zakari Muhammed (PDPKwara), said this while responding to questions from journalists on the delay in the submission of the House probe report on the bribery allegation. Ogene said the report of the Ethics and Privileges Committee on the Lawan case was “a question of scheduling” for debates.

He said: “This issue (Farouk Lawan) has been talked about if not overflogged. I still stand by what I told you last, the committee is through with its work. A lot of people have said that it is a criminal matter so if it is important to you, you know the relevant agencies to ask about criminal issues. But as a House, I know that even before referring that matter to the Ethics Committee, you know that the House had gone ahead to take steps that we

applauded.” In July, Otedola, who was supposed to testify on his bribery allegations against Lawan, said he would only give evidence in public. Otedola in a reported sting operation purported to be arranged by State Security Service (SSS) videotaped the $620,000 bribe offered Lawan to clear Otedola’s oil firm, Zenon, earlier indicted for fuel fraud investigated by the House panel. Lawan said he took the money as evidence.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Mass sacking: CBN kicks, says Sanusi quoted out of context CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

out at the CBN governor for proposing a slash in the number of federal lawmakers to save a shrinking economy. Making the clarification when members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Banking and Currency paid an oversight visit to the bank, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Tunde Lemo, blamed the media for the misrepresentation of the governor’s comments. The deputy governor added that he would not have been taking steps that would create more jobs and at the same time be advocating mass retrenchment of workers. Lemo said: “You would have read in the papers about how the governor was misquoted, his comments about unemployment. We are going to respond appropriately. What he said should be seen within the context of the macroeconomic issues. “He is actually on the side of the masses in the sense that we are saying that if resources are freed up to remove the structural rigidities such that would permit employment to flow in the private sector, there would have been no need to cluster employment in government. “Big government hurts economies all over the world. The US economy is what it is today because the public sector, relative to the private sector, is very small and that was

taken out of context by the press. “Certainly, if he would be described in one word: he is little to the left and he certainly would not be canvassing a position whereby people would lose their jobs.” Earlier during an interactive session with journalists before the committee’s parley with the top management of the bank, the Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Ugochukwu Okoroafor, had also alleged that what was published in the media about the governor’s position on the need for structural adjustment of yearly budgets was completely outside the context of what he said. He noted that the comments were taken totally out of context and the governor had consistently demonstrated from all the things he had said and done since he came into office been on the side of labour. Okoroafor said he had spoken with the Trade Union Congress, TUC, President, Peter Esele, to put the governor’s views in proper perspective. It will be recalled that the governor’s call for a holistic reforms of government structures and budgeting, including the need to downsize public sector workforce, has continued to generate bitter reactions from the public, with the organised labour calling for his sack. Sanusi in his presenta-

tion at the Second Annual Capital Market Committee Retreat in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday, had urged the Federal Government to slash the civil service by 50 per cent, cut the number of federal lawmakers and reduce the number of states in Nigeria to a “viable” and manageable number. Sanusi had also said that the nation at present was wasting 70 per cent of its wealth on salaries and allowances on civil servants and other political office holders. Earlier last year, the CBN governor had stirred controversy with his allegations that 25 per cent of the overhead of the Federal Government budget goes to National Assembly. But the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Zakari Mu-

hammed (PDP-Kwara), represented by his Deputy, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene (APGA-Anambra), at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, faulted Sanusi’s prognosis. The House noted that Sanusi’s commentaries on topical national issues so far had not shown depth and provided solutions to problems bedevilling the country. He cited the CBN governor’s proposed currency policy that sought the printing of N5,000 note and the re-domination of some currencies. Ogene said: “In my opening remarks, I did not want to talk about the statement on the National Assembly by the CBN governor because I do not know how to respond to him. “But sometimes I begin

to wonder whether this CBN governor is a political economist with bias for political turbulence. “We are of the view that he has not been able to pull through on any of his policies, from the policy on N5,000 note to others, he has never pushed forward any of his proposed reforms. “But back to the issue, what is even the budget of the National Assembly that he will be calling for their reduction to save cost? “The budget of National Assembly in 2012 is N150bn while that of the CBN is N350bn and it must be noted that he (Sanusi) has refused to bring the CBN budget to the National Assembly for consideration, forget the CBN Act”. He said the workforce

of the CBN had risen astronomically during Sanusi’s tenure, “yet the CBN governor has continued in his self-righteous manner of accusing the National Assembly of being wasteful. “Two years ago, the workforce of the CBN was 5,022 when Sanusi took over and now the workforce of the bank as at yesterday (Wednesday) stands at 6,015.” He urged the CBN Governor “to proffer solutions to cure the economy rather than continue to cause acrimony in the system”. The spokesman also told reporters that the House adjourned its sittings to December 11, 2012 to “allow committees to finish work on the 2013 budget before we go for Christmas break.”

Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, during a reception in his honour as a Cardinal at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, yesterday.

Court dismisses suit against IBB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

into office, there were renewed pressures on the government to revisit the issue and probe the whereabouts of the windfall. In fact, SERAP wrote a letter to the incumbent Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Muhammed Adoke (SAN), who said that the government would act on the report if it could be produced. The challenge made SERAP to produce the report and sent it to him to act on it. But Adoke reportedly said that “the government cannot verify the authenticity of the copy forwarded

to it by SERAP because the original copy of the report is still missing.” He had said: “The committee I set up met with the SGF (Secretary to the Government of the Federation) and made efforts to get the original copy of the report but they did not get it. “Not only could they not get the report, there was no evidence that this matter was formally presented to the government nor was there evidence that it was deliberated upon at the Federal Executive Council and that the government took a position on it.” But in a swift reaction, the coalition in a statement

dated August 9, 2010, and jointly signed by SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, and the Executive Director, Women Advocates and Documentation Centre, Mrs. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said it was disappointed at Adoke’s comments. “First, we have read Adoke‘s statement, which is based on the report of the panel set up by him to verify the authenticity of the copy of the Okigbo report we forwarded to him in May. “The panel’s report is not more than three pages. Given the amount involved in this case and the negative impact the missing

money has had on the economy and the lives of ordinary Nigerians, one would have expected the committee to have taken its mandate more seriously, and to establish the truth,” it said. The coalition said the panel had done “a terribly bad job. A three-page report on the missing $12.4bn is a joke gone too far. This is a complete let down of Nigerians who continue to live in poverty and suffer the consequences of the disappearance of the $12.4bn accrued revenue to this country. “Rather than calling members of the panel who are alive as witnesses and checking records at

the CBN to verify the authenticity of the report we submitted, the panel prematurely and unjustifiably came to a conclusion that it was unable to do this because the original could not be located. “The Adoke panel asked the government to intensify efforts to search for the report but the panel had the chance to do just this but abdicated its oath and mandate. “The panel missed an important opportunity to demonstrate the oft-expressed commitment of the President Goodluck Jonathan government to fight corruption and address the impunity of perpetrators.

“The panel has not accused us of forging the signatures of members of the panel, and Mr. Adoke has not denied the authenticity of the report we submitted. We reiterate that what we submitted to the government is a true copy of the original,” it added. After the altercation, the six civil society groups invoked the original jurisdiction of the Abuja High Court, seeking four declaratory and four injunctive reliefs, including a mandamus order compelling the Federal Government to make public the statement of account relating to the spending of the oil windfall.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

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SARS attack: FCT Minister, Defence Intelligence Chief parley OMEIZA AJAYI

n the aftermath of Monday’s early morning gun attack on the office of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, has met with the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, MajorGeneral Sani Yusuf-Audu, to work out strategies at

ensuring the safety of the territory through a robust system of intelligence. Yesterday’s meeting was sequel to the emergency meeting of the FCT Security Council which the minister had summoned on Tuesday. Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, told journalists in Abuja that the meeting, which was held at the office of the FCT minister

was attended by the Acting FCT Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed, the Security Adviser to the FCT Minister, Col. Abdullahi Kudu (Rtd.), FCT Director of Security, Bashir Mohamed, as well as some other top military brass. “The minister revealed that the entire security of Abuja was discussed and reviewed during the meeting with specific areas of cooperation and partner-

ship in focus. “Mohammed noted that this meeting was first of its kind in the Federal Capital Territory aimed at nipping any security breach in the bud,” Sule stated. He said areas of collaboration between all the security agencies were highlighted in order to fortify security in and around the 250 square kilometres of the Federal Capital City and indeed the entire Fed-

eral Capital Territory being the seat of the Federal Government. “He pointed out that a lot of emphasis would be laid on intelligence gathering and therefore called for the understanding and cooperation of the residents of the FCT. “The minister called for closer cooperation amongst all the security agencies in the FCT, especially in information sharing.

CBN Amendment Act report ready soon –Committee TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon Jones Onyereri; Deputy Chairman, Hon Haruna Manu and Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tunde Lemo, during an oversight visit to CBN Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Too many illegal varsities in Nigeria –NUC ISEOLUWA IGE, GEORGE OJI AND IJEOMA EZEIKE

he Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, yesterday decried the increasing number of illegal universities that are springing up indiscriminately all over the country. He, however, assured that his commission is doing everything possible to address the issue. In an interview with National Mirror yesterday in Abuja, the NUC boss said one of the many disturbing issues his commission has had to contend with from these illegal universities is the unlawful affiliation they maintain with universities that are located outside the country, which are offering Masters and Ph. D degree programmes. Okojie disclosed that the NUC has been aggressively going after these illegal universities to ensure that the public do not fall victim of

“Mohammed reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to support all the security agencies in the FCT to enable them optimally perform their statutory duties of protecting lives and property,” Sule added. He said the minister also approved the immediate admission of the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency into the FCT Security Council.

their activities. He stressed the danger in obtaining any certificate from these institutions and expressed joy that so far, none of these institutions have been able to graduate any student. While cautioning desperate admission seekers to desist from patrionising any of the institutions, Okojie pointed out that the NUC has the list of all the authentic and approved universities in the country and

asked the public to seek the assistance of the commission if in doubt. According to him; “The list of illegal universities in the country is inexhaustible, nobody has graduated anybody from those universities because we have our list, if you graduate from any of those university that is not on our list you are not likely to get any job and we are doing everything possible to sanitise our in-

stitutions.” Okojie further revealed that the NUC is currently collaborating with governors, commissioners of police and local government council chairmen in a bid to curb the menace of illegal universities across the country. He stated that; “With the support of all these people, we have been able to jail somebody in Nasarawa for running an illegal university,” he added.

Senate passes money laundering bill to law GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he Senate yesterday passed into law the harmonised version of the money laundering (prohibition) bill. The passage of the bill followed the presentation of the report of the Conference Committee on Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2012 and other Related Matters. Both chambers of the National Assembly had

passed different versions of the bill, which necessitated the constitution of the harmonisation conference. Moving a motion for the consideration and adoption of the report yesterday, Senate Committee Chairman on Narcotics, Drugs and Financial Crimes, Victor Lar, told his colleagues that his committee and that of the House of Representatives harmonised the differences contained in the two versions. The new Money Laun-

dering (Prohibition) Act amended Sections 5, 6, 9, 10 and 20 of the principal Act.

Mark

here are strong indications that the report of the National Assembly on the proposed amendments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act will be made public soon. Giving the hint yesterday during the Committee members’ oversight visit to the apex bank in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Sir Jones Chukwudi Onyeyere, said substantial progress had been made on the amendment proposals and that the committee’s report would soon be presented to the House for consideration and possible adoption. He said the visit to the apex bank was part of the committee’s oversight function and in continuation of similar visits to other agencies, including the Printing and Minting Company, AMCON, NDIC and

others within its oversight function as a strategic step towards ensuring their operational efficiency and improved contributions to the growth of the economy. The Chairman said; “We are here as part of our oversight functions. Basically, this is what we do all the year round. So, we don’t need anyone to remind us what we need to do. So, I am quick to say that because of the comments of the Deputy Governor that that would have been the advice of the CBN in asking for more oversight function or more oversight on the activities of the CBN rather than the amendment of the CBN Act. These are basically two different issues. “The issue of the amendment of the CBN Act is a matter that is still in the front burner in the National Assembly and the report would soon be out,” Onyeyeri disclosed.

Reps seek procedure for states’ flags TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

bill seeking a procedure for states to have their flags scaled second reading in the House of Representatives yesterday. The debate on a bill to repeal the Flags and Coat of Arms Act of 2004 and enact a new law that would control the production of flags and other symbols, sparked off a heated debate that split lawmakers along party lines. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Karimi Sunday (PDP Kogi State), according to the sponsor, “contains a sample of the National Flag, National Anthem and National Pledge in schedules to the bill.” The bill, however, seeks to outlaw states’ anthems.

According to Hon. Karimi, the bill “expressly authorises the use of states’ flags and states’ coats’ of arm and how it would be used vis-avis the national flag.” He stated further that; “The intention of the bill is to promote nationalism, patriotism and the unity of Nigerians,” adding that “The proposed law seeks to impact on the psyche of an average Nigerian to think of himself as a Nigerian first, before he thinks of himself as a member of his tribe, religion, ethnic group or state.” According to him, “Section 5 of the bill further provides that whenever a state flag or symbol is being flown, exhibited or displayed, the national flag, coat of arms or national symbol must be flown, exhibited or displayed alongside it.”

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Reps move to probe Orubebe V over corruption allegations

Sambo opens 13th HIIC in London

TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday referred a motion to investigate corruption allegations against Niger Delta Minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe, to its Committee on Niger Delta Affairs. The motion by Hon. Segun Odeneye was summarily referred by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, to the Niger Delta Committee led by Hon. Warman Ogoriba, after it was read by its sponsor. Hon. Ihedioha said there was “need talking about those allegations on a live television because those were mere allegations and

were yet to be proven”. Odeneye sought the probe of the minister over sundry allegations, including that he did not state in his assets declaration form that he bought a House at Mabushi District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Odeneye said: Mr. Speaker, it is saddening for me to have to come up with a motion of this nature to address a matter which ought to have been taken up by our anti-corruption agencies. “This motion is brought against the back drop of mounting disclosures of corrupt practices labeled against a sitting minister

by some anti-corruption outfits in the country. A summary of the allegation runs thus: “The Hon. Minister has paid for so many phantom projects. The minister is presently resident in a house at Mabushi District in Abuja built and handed over to him by SETRACO, a construction company that doubles as his crony. “The minister failed to declare the house in his asset declaration with Code of Conduct Bureau, a case of perjury, if established. “These weighty allegations were at first peremptorily rubbished and dismissed by the Hon. Minister as handiwork of his detrac-

tors and some mischief makers who were out for extortion. Since then, he has unfortunately labored hard on media to belie these revelations. “But any time he comes up with his purported facts, they have been further proven to be mere tissues of lies by superior disclosure of more facts by the anti-corruption outfits”. “For instance, he posited that he was a seating tenant at his Mabushi multi-billion naira home, but searches his from Abuja Geographic and Information Services proves beyond reasonable doubt that the property is not only his, but it is in his name.

ice-President Namadi Sambo has said tremendous progress had been achieved in the implementation of the decisions of the Honourary International Investors Council (HIIC) in its 12 years of existence. Speaking yesterday at the opening of the 13th meeting of the HIIC in London, Sambo said: “Much action has been taken and significant progress has been made in implementing the decisions taken at the 11th and 12th sessions in Paris and Abuja, respectively.” According to him, the sessions highlighted the need for competiveness of the Nigerian economy, ports and Customs reforms, power sector upgrade, security and a new visa policy. The vice-president noted

that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration had taken great strides in areas of national development. It was, however, a night of glamour and reward for excellence at the ballroom of the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel, London yesterday as First Bank was announced the winner of the “Bank of the Year in Nigeria 2012” Award by The Banker magazine, a publication of the respected Financial Times of London. Folake Ani-Mumuney, First Bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, received the award plaque from Paul Wallace, Africa Editor of The Banker and Michael Buerk, a former CNN Correspondent and Award Host.

Navy elevates 19 to Rear Admirals, promotes 93 others SEGUN ADIO

he Nigerian Navy Board yesterday announced the promotion of 19 Commodores to the rank of Rear Admirals. The Navy spokesman, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, said that apart from the 19 new Rear Admirals, 93 officers of the rank of Captains, Commanders and Lieutenant Commanders were also elevated to the next ranks. He listed the 19 new Rear Admirals as Peter Agba, S. I. Alade, B. A. Egbedina, N. P. Agholor, O. P. Ozojiofor, G. A. Anyam-

Buhari’s daughter dies during child birth

ormer Head of State and 2011 presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday lost his first daughter, Hajia Zulai. Zulai died on Thursday at Nasarawa Hospital, a private clinic in Marafa, Kaduna, during child birth. Alhaji Bashir Saidu, the Deputy State Chairman of the CPC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna, that the deceased was married to one Capt. Mahmud Junaid, a retired Army officer. She will be buried today.

pele, L. O. N. Iwuoha, Afolayan, ThankGod Epelle and H. H. Yusuf. Others are Harry Ngonadi, Henry Babalola, Emmanuel Ofik, H. Ogoigbe, Jonathan Ango, A. A. Oshinowo, Osondu, A. Johnson and A. L. Akintola. Aliyu also disclosed that the force departed from the past with this promotion to elevate three medical officers to the rank of Rear Admiral. He said that the new Rear Admirals would be decorated in Abuja later, while the other officers would be decorated by their various administrative heads.

Cross section of participants at the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre rally during a one-day National Dialogue on Gender Issues in the 1999 Constitution held in Lagos, yesterday.

N1.5bn subsidy scam: EFCC opens case against suspects E MMANUEL O NANI ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday opened its case against two sus-

Lamode

pected fuel subsidy fraudsters and their companies. They were alleged to have defrauded the Federal Government of N1. 5 billion. The EFCC is prosecuting Alhaji Saminu Rabiu, Jubrin Rowaye and their companies - Alminnur Resources Limited and Brila Energy Limited - on a 17-count charge of fraudulently converting N1. 5 billion representing subsidy payments into their personal use. The offence is contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud

Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. At the resumed hearing of the case before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High

Court yesterday, prosecution witness and General Manager (Operations) of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Oluwole Ademolekun, told the court that the anti-graft agen-

cy requested for documents pertaining to the subsidy disbursements, which he said PPPRA obliged them. The case was, therefore, adjourned till February 18 and 22, next year.

Prison officials asked to check jailbreak FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State Police Command has urged other sister security agencies, particularly the Prison Servic-

es to monitor activities of the inmates in their custody with a view to checkmate possible jailbreak. A statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, by the police spokesman, Mr.

Muyiwa Adejobi, said the Commissioner of Police, Okoye Ikemefuna, had already met with top Prisons officials on the need to build a virile synergy to combat crime in the state.

South West

Friday, November 30, 2012

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Ilaje-Ajah crisis: Again, one killed, 15 houses razed FRANCIS SUBERU

he communal clash between the predominantly Ilaje settlers and the indigenes of Ajah in Lagos Island continued yesterday as one man was killed and 15 more houses were razed in a renewed clash. The deceased was one of those who stayed overnight even after many residents

had fled the warring community. Police sources said that the hitherto peace meeting scheduled between the Ilajes and the Ajah people by the Area Commander of Area J, Felix Vwamhi, could not hold as the rampaging youths from both sides of the divide engaged one another overnight till yesterday morning. Sources close to the Ilaje people in the community

said they will continue to fight until they avenge the blood of their kinsmen as well as their property that were destroyed by the Ajah people, saying they were being cheated by the people of Ajah and taken as minors even when they have a predominant population. Equally, an Ajah indigene who did not want his name mentioned, said the Ilajes are going too far in their quest for power and control,

saying there is nowhere in the world where settlers are allowed to have dominion over the indigenes. “No matter their number, they cannot come and determine what happens here. They attacked us first, believing they were more than we are. They also relied on their people from the waterside area, but we shall see who owns the land.” Speaking with our correspondent on phone, the La-

gos State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said “they were preparing for the peace meeting with the elders of the warring factions when information came that the fight was still on and as such the area commander and his men had to rush there to ensure that peace reigns in the area. “As thing stands now, our men would be stationed permanently in the com-

124 lives lost in Lagos road crashes –Report

‘In-laws’ interference marred slain banker, spouse’s marriage’

MURITALA AYINLA

FRANCIS FAMOROTI

defence witness, Mr. Mudashiru Arowolo, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that the marriage of his son, Akolade, with the late slain banker, Titilayo Omozoje Arowolo, was characterised by undue interference from the in-laws. Testifying at the resumed trial of his son, Akolade, for the June 2011 murder of his wife, the witness also told Justice Lateefat Okunnu, that his son was a nonviolent person. The older Arowolo said that after his daughter in-law’s death, he noticed only three wounds on the body of Titilayo, contrary to media reports. Akolade Arowolo is standing trial before Justice Lateefah Okunnu, for allegedly killing his banker wife in their flat at Isolo on June 24, 2011. According to him, “My son complained that the marriage was characterised by undue interference from our in-laws, both the father-in-law, Mr. George Oyakhire and the stepmother-In-law, Adetoun Oyakhire.” Under cross-examination, he told the court that immediately after the marriage, the couple started buying baby things because his daughter in-law was pregnant before they got married.

munity to ensure peace. There was no casualty, she said.” It will be recalled that a fight broke out between the Ilaje settlers and their host in Ajah last Monday over the control and collection of tolls at the Ilaje Motor Park. Four people have so far been killed while some 28 houses have been razed even as unspecified number of people were said to be injured.

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (left) and Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, when Mrs. Amosun led the pioneering beneficiaries of her UPLIFTing the SS3 Students initiative on a courtesy call to the Nigeria High Commission in London, on Tuesday.

NNPC engineers’ killing: Court remands six suspects in prison K AYODE KETEFE

judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Justice Mohammed Idris, yesterday remanded six accused persons in prison custody for allegedly killing three engineers of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and vandalising of the corporation’s oil pipeline. The accused are a 60-year-old community leader, Oluwole Posibi Rueben; Inerepamu Ijebu Joel (25), John Aye Isaiah (28), Ineye Okposa (40), Timi

Gunugunu (22) and Saheed Olisa Mudashiru (25). They were arraigned on a seven-count charge of unlawful vandalisation of oil pipeline and murder. Each of the accused pleaded “not guilty” to the charge. The order of remand was sequel to an application for remand made by the prosecution, represented by Mr. Toyin Ibadin, who argued that the seriousness of the charge against the accused demanded prompt trial and that it would be necessary to remand them in prison in the meantime. Consequently, Justice

Idris ordered the accused to be remanded in custody and adjourned the trial of the suspects till December 18, 2012. According to the prosecution, the accused had at about 6.00 pm on September 5, 2012 conspired to vandalise an NNPC oil pipeline located at Arepo, near Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos. The accused then allegedly carried out their intention and scooped out large quantities of petroleum products for illegal sales. The accused, who were already armed with guns, later allegedly opened fire on the three NNPC engi-

neers who sighted them during their illicit operation. The said engineers, O. A. U. Agbaku; Ernest Ngene and Ikechukwu Ikenem, who had been assigned to the place by the NNPC for the purpose of maintaining the damaged pipeline, all died as a result of the gunshots. The alleged offences against the accused are said to have contravened sections 3 (6), 7 (b) and 17 (a) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

o fewer than 124 lives have been lost to road accidents in Lagos State in the last 10 months, records from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA has revealed. The statistic also revealed that commercial vehicles top the list of vehicles involved in series of ghastly accidents recorded in the last 10 months. According the records, the state recorded 619 accidents in the metropolis, involving 1,204 vehicles with no fewer than 124 people killed between January and October, 2012. Not less than 633 commercial and 571 private vehicles were said to be involved in road crashes which claimed a total of 80 males and 44 females in the state. The record also showed that 481 persons were injured in the accidents. These include 309 males and 172 females. According to the report, out of the 619 road accidents recorded, 94 of them were fatal, 159 serious and 366 were minor accidents. A breakdown of the accidents’ rates revealed that of the 18 accident scenes recorded in January, 26 commercial and 12 private vehicles were involved with 10 people injured but no life was lost.

Ikuforiji pledges support for 35% affirmative action HIV/AIDS: Ogun set to pass anti-stigmatisation bill TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

he Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, yesterday assured the people that the House of Assembly will work toward the 35 per cent women affirmative action in the con-

stitution in the proposed amendment to ensure that women are given prominent roles in society. Speaking at a one-day national dialogue on gender issues in the 1999 Constitution, organised by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in conjunction with the Gen-

der and Constitution Reform Network (GECORN) in Lagos yesterday, Ikuforiji said no nation can develop without carrying the women and youths along. He charged Nigerian women to use their voting power to elect more women into public offices in future elections.

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State government yesterday assured the people of the state that it would expedite action on the passage of an anti-stigma bill into law in order to achieve the objectives of getting a zero-to-zero in-

fection level. The state also reiterated its commitment to reducing the prevalent of the total number of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the state by 50 per cent in 2013. State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who gave the assurance yesterday in

Abeokuta, at the press conference to herald the 2012 World AIDS Day, also identified several trailer parks as well as access roads which the state provide for the country as part of the factors responsible for the increasing number of people living with the disease in the state.

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South West

Friday, November 30, 2012

Money laundering: Babalakin’s illness stalls arraignment K AYODE KETEFE

he scheduled arraignment of the Chairman of BiCourtney Company Limited, Mr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of Ikeja High Court failed to hold yesterday as a result of his sickness. Babalakin was to be arraigned alongside one Alex Okoh and three companies on 27-count charge comprising alleged conspiracy to commit felony; corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action and retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct contrary to Section 17 (a) of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (Es-

•Secures leave to sue EFCC

tablishment) Act 2004. The companies named in the charge as co-defendants with Babalakin and Okoh are Stabilini Vision Limited, Bi-Courtney Limited and Renix Nigeria Limited. The EFCC accused the defendants of siphoning $11.3million abroad for Ibori through Erin Aviation Account in Mauritius. Only Okoh was present in court yesterday. At the proceedings yesterday, Babalakin’s lawyer, Mr. Ebun Sofunde (SAN), apologised to the court for the absence of his client, adding that the absence was due to illness which had resulted in Babalakin being hospitalised at the Lagos University Teaching Hospi-

tal (LUTH). Sofunde said: “I must tender my unreserved apology for the absence of the 1st accused person (Babalakin) in court today. I addressed a letter dated yesterday (November 28 th) to the court through the Registrar that the 1st defendant was ill. I attached a letter from his personal doctor to the effect that he was sick and would not be able to attend the proceedings. “This morning, I have been further informed that the sickness had been aggravated and he had been taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where he is on admission. So, I am constrained to request for a short adjourn-

Ekiti suspected bomber needs psychiatric examination –Police ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he police in Ekiti State yesterday paraded the 22-year-old Adedayo Ogungbemile arrested on Wednesday at the entrance of the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, saying he needed psychiatric examination before investigations could continue. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, said preliminary investigations and reports of Explosive Ordinance De-

partment of the police revealed that “there is no evidence or reason to suggest the suspect was conveying an explosive device or is a terrorist”. Wakama told journalists that the suspect “has not informed on the reason for his being at the Government House, and at the time of initial interrogation, was not coherent, leading to a need for psychiatric evaluation pending further enquiries”. It will be recalled that the presence of the suspect, with a blue belt with

a regulator, suspected to be an explosive device at the entrance of Government House on Wednesday, elicited scare by the people who had taken him for a suicide bomber. According to him, the items recovered by the police at the Ado Ekiti residence of the suspect, who claims to be a 400-level part time Business Administration student of Ekiti State University in Ado-Ekiti gave further indication of his antecedent and as well avenues for further enquiries.

People with disabilities seek 15% of public office HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities has called on government at all levels to formulate policies that would enhance the welfare of its members. The association also demanded that15 per cent of both elective and appointive positions in government be reserved for its members

across the nation. Speaking yesterday at a press conference to usher in the 2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Akure, the Ondo State capital, its National President, Rotimi Olubodede, said members of the association had been grossly marginalised. Olubodede regretted that many of the policies and programmes initiated by government at all levels

failed to enhance the welfare of the association’s members. He said: “The treatment being given to persons with disabilities needed to be reconsidered as they should be included into the mainstream in line with current global trends. “The rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria are seriously being threatened with the non-existence of laws to protect them.

Fashola arrests policeman riding Okada on expressway MURITALA AYINLA

overnor Babatunde Raji Fashola yesterday ordered the arrest of a mobile policeman, Ebahon Johnson, for riding a motorcycle on the prohibited Lagos - Abeokuta Expressway. Johnson, a police sergeant, was accosted on the

popular Airport bus stop, close to Ikeja Along bus stop, while the governor’s convoy was going towards the airport on the other lane. Sighting the convoy, the policeman attempted to abandon his motorcycle and flee, but was overpowered and arrested by the security details attached to the governor.

Speaking on the arrest, Fashola said the policeman would be handed over to the state Commissioner of Police for prosecution. The governor, who was returning from the inspection of ongoing projects across the state, said his administration would not condone flouting of its law by anybody, regardless of his or her status.

Babalakin

ment of this matter” Although EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), did not oppose the application for the adjournment, he stated that the anti-graft agency was dismayed by the turn of events. Jacobs said: “When I received the letter of 1st defendant’s lawyer, I contacted the EFCC and the commission could not but express dismay. The medical statement attached to the letter was dated November 26, 2012. On that day, the 1st defendant was with the EFCC in Abuja for interrogation. The commission got him after one week of looking for him. He was served with all the court processes and he actually made a statement that day. “He was released to Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN),

his lawyer, with the understanding that he would be here today. It is the respect for the senior advocate, Layonu, that made the commission to release him with the understanding that he would come for his arraignment today. Now, although I will not oppose the application for a short adjournment of the matter, I will state that the commission is dismayed, we never expected this kind of treatment.” Sofunde replied that the mere fact that a person was at EFCC in Abuja on November 26 was no guarantee that his health could not take a turn for the worse if subjected to stress. Justice Onigbanjo, however, directed the EFCC to verify the exact condition of Babalakin at LUTH in order to ascertain the validity of the medical statement brought to the court on his behalf. Meanwhile, Babalakin obtained a leave to apply for certiorari and prohibition against his arraignment by EFCC at the Ikeja High Court. The businessman obtained the leave at the Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice

Politics Call for sack of civil servants: Knocks, kudos for Sanusi

Mohammed Idris. The leave obtained will enable Babalakin to begin a special proceedings called “certiorari and prohibition” to challenge his prosecution by the EFCC. The granting of the leave by Justice Idris was sequel to a motion ex parte filed by Babalakin’s lawyer, Mr Wale Akoni (SAN) , who also prayed the court to restrain the respondents from comprising the EFCC and Federal Government from taking further steps in his client’s scheduled arraignment pending the hearing of the motion for prohibition. In his ruling, Justice Idris said: “A serious issue on the constitutionality of acts by the public officers has been raised, and going by the various documents and statements tendered before this court, I do not think this application is frivolous. “Relief one of the applicant is hereby granted as prayed, and leave is hereby granted for the applicant to make an application for certiorari and prohibition before this court.” The court then adjourned the matter till December 12.

Saturday Starter

AIDS: No longer a death sentence

It is not a healthy development for Nigeria to be spending about 70 per cent of its revenue on bureaucracy. –Tanko Yakassai, elder statesman and former Kano State Commissioner of Finance

Having done everything to me, one thing that my HIV positive status failed to do is stop me from being human. It has failed to kill that human faculty that seeks love and which loves. –Fredrick Adegboye who has been living with HIV since 2003

A developing country must spend more on capital than recurrent. –Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra State

My two children who were in primary school were asked to stop coming to school. I asked the headmistress why and she said that she had information that I had AIDS and she did not feel it was safe for my children and I to be in the school.” –Bosede Johnson, HIVpositive mother of three

He is not calling for control in government expenditure but something which is fundamentally anti-welfare of the people. –Ebenezer Babatope, former Minister of Transportation Every state of each geo-political zone should be free to determine its local government system and number. –Maxi Okwu, CPP national leader

Celebrity I plan to win an Oscar Award –Ify Duruji

I believed what my employer said about my having little or no time to live and so in obedience, I relocated to my home town. There, I waited to die but death never came. While at the village, I ran into someone who asked me to go to LUTH so that I would receive help. I also obeyed. –Mrs. Georgina Ahamefule who tested positive to HIV while working as an auxiliary nurse

Living

Why me? – Teenage serial rape victim questions fate Grace Effiong is your typical girl next door but her experience in the hands of men can only be surpassed by that of few members of her gender. How did this 16-year-old come to this fate?

x SeTalk How to kiss your way to good sex This column is x-rated

South East

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Group asks Abia PDP to Anambra traders seek God’s stop embarrassing Igbo intervention against kidnapping T A OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

bout 15, 000 traders yesterday at Nkwo Nnewi market, Anambra State, closed their shops to end a three-day fasting and prayer seeking God’s intervention over incessant kidnappings in the city. The traders also prayed against moves to ban commercial motorcycle activities in Anambra and Boko Haram onslaught, which they said had claimed the

lives of many Igbo living in the North. Addressing the traders yesterday at the market, the chairman of New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA), Hon Nchedo Christopher Oboh, said the recent kidnap of their general chairman, Mr Dozie Akudolu, popularly known as Iroko, who had been in captivity for over one month, gave them a serious concern, apart from other victims yet to be released by the kidnappers. Oboh said the activities

of the hoodlums had instilled fears in the minds of businessmen in the market, most of whom he said had gone into hiding, adding that customers from far and near were afraid to come to Nnewi leading to a drastic drop in business activities. Oboh said the traders’ problem was compounded by the rumour that the Anambra State Government planned activities of the commercial motorcyclists. He said: “Why we decided to close market for

three days is that kidnappers are human beings, members of the Boko Haram Islamic set are human beings and the governors who have banned commercial motorcycle business in their various states are also human beings created by God. And we believe that God can touch them to have a change of mind.” Oboh, therefore, pleaded with the kidnappers holding their general chairman to release him immediately unhurt.

Members of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims before their departure to Israel, yesterday.

MASSOB protests alleged military clampdown NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

embers of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday embarked on a peaceful demonstration against what they described as incessant clampdown on them by soldiers and other law enforcement agents. During the demonstration which took place between Otuocha High Court and Aguleri Roundabout, the MASSOB members carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “Enough is enough for Boko Haram to use soldiers against us,” “We want independent state of Biafra,” Biafrans will rule the world,” “Nigeria, allow Biafrans to go,” Biafra is MASSOB, Oduduwa is OPC, Arewa is Boko Haram, MEND is Niger/Delta and so why is Nigeria against Biafra.”

The MASSOB members, who spoke through their lawyer, Mr. Charles Ugo, asked: “Why are security agencies always clamping down on them? MASSOB members do not carry arms, but always go about with only chaplets, caps and flags. “It is obvious that chaplets are used for prayers and not for armed attacks, more so when the Nige-

rian constitution provides that there is freedom of association.” MASSOB Regional Administrator for Anioma Region in Delta State, Mr. Emeka Okafor, asked the Army authorities to fly one of the group’s chieftains, Chief Arinze Igbani, to the United States or India for treatment because, according to him, soldiers broke his leg and

blinded one of his eyes during a recent raid in a local orthopaedic hospital at Okpoko, near Onitsha. Igbani recalled that some soldiers from 302 Artillery Regiment in Onitsha in September, this year, invaded a local orthopaedic hospital where he was undergoing treatment for his led which got fractured during an auto accident.

Enugu advises Israel-bound pilgrims on good conduct DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

ilgrims from Enugu State have been urged to distinguish themselves as good ambassadors of the state at the Holy Land by showing conducts that are depictive of worthy Christians. The Acting Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema, yesterday gave the advice shortly before the departure of the first batch of

the state contingent of the Christian Pilgrims to Israel at the Government House in Enugu. Mr. Ezema told them to always abide by the rules and regulations of the exercise and avoid absconding and trading activities which could negate the purpose for which they embarked on the pilgrimage. He urged them to use the opportunity to enhance their spiritual sta-

tus and pray for the progress of the state. Earlier in his instruction to the pilgrims, Chairman of the state Christian Pilgrims Board and Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Right Revd Emmanuel Chukwuma, advised them to eschew denominational segregation at the Holy Land as they were expected to perform the spiritual exercise with a sense of ecumenism.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)led government in Abia State has been warned to stop embarrassing the Igbo nation. Giving the warning is a socio-political group, the Congress for Igbo Renaissance (CIREN), which said it would no longer condone the embarrassment the Abia State PDP and the government had been causing the Igbo people with annoying indulgence. The group, in a statement signed by its President, Steve J. C. Ugwu, said what appears to be a congenital anti-Igbo complex of the present PDP government in the state is degenerating without tact and sense of public sanity. The statement reads in part: “We recall that when Theodore Orji, the leader of the PDP in Abia State admitted woeful failure in his first tenure, he blamed being in bondage to his benefactor predecessor. “When Abia State was ravaged and scandalised by kidnappers and criminals, he chastised political opponents as responsible. When our ‘people-loved’ governor failed to impress and was booed and jeered by his own people during the late Chukwuemeka Odime gwu-Ojukwu’s burial, he sulked at every-

Orji

body including the visiting governor of his sister Imo State, and promptly re-jigged his cabinet for being infiltrated. “When the red capped ‘Ochendo’ (canopy of safety) proudly threw nonAbia Igbos into the scorching heat of joblessness, he enjoyed a stoic righteous recalcitrance despite the deluge of appeals. “When Aba and Umuahia residents vented their tortured frustrations, and found a voice in the protests by the lawyers, he could not be bothered less, because by his reckoning he is working miracles everywhere in Abia State, and these band of lawyers were simply blind or hired. “When a hapless musician of no renown waxed an inconvenient lyric different from what his entrenched choreographers do, he got him picked up as a security risk. “When his benefactor predecessor who voluntarily exiled himself to give him space showed interest to touch base, he gallantly unveiled a probe threat, funnily two years to the end of an eight-year tenure.”

Imo security agencies meet on crime-fighting strategies CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

s the Christmas approaches, security agencies have mapped out strategies against violent crimes in Imo State. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Bolanta, gave the hint during a parley orgainsed by the security agencies to map out ways to foster unity among the agencies in combating crimes in the state. The meeting, held at the Police Officers’ mess in Owerri, the state capital, attracted senior officers from Customs, Prisons, Immigration and other para- military agencies. Bolanta said: “There is no agency in the state that has tracking device, we all

look up towards the state government for providing one and on our own in most cases, we employ the services of private partner.” He explained that the meeting was aimed at strengthening inter- agencies cooperation for effective service delivery. The police chief said the existing relationship among the agencies was not strained to the extent that there were lapses in their operations, but that the meeting was aimed to foster robust ties among junior cadres. “What we are trying to do is to foster better relationship among the junior ranks; we have been working harmoniously together, but this meeting is to further strengthen that relationship,” Bolanta said.

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South South

Friday, November 30, 2012

Oyerinde’s murder: Court releases Ugolor from custody SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

n Edo State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Evboriaria in Benin yesterday set free a human rights activist and Executive Director of the African Network on Environment and Economic Justice, Rev. David Ugolor. Ugolor is facing charges of complicity preferred against him in the murder of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal

Six held over Bayelsa chieftaincy crisis

Private Secretary to Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of Edo State. The ruling of the court was sequel to the advice of the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Francis Idiake humbled the police, which on July 27, 2012, allegedly arrested, chained, paraded, detained and prosecuted Ugolor and nine others for the murder. Interestingly, two of the accused men were said to have been later discovered to have been in police net before Oyerinde was murdered in his house, a day before Oshiomhole began his re-election campaigns.

When the case came up for hearing, the police were conspicuously absent in court. Following the noticeable absence, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi, counsel to Ugolor and Mr. Wilfred Iserhienrhien, another accused person that was also released, drew the attention of the court to a letter addressed to the magistrate by the Edo State Ministry of Justice, which exonerated the two accused persons from the murder. Delivering the brief ruling, Chief Magistrate Idiake said that there was no link between the two accused persons and the murder.

He, therefore, ordered that they should be released unconditionally. In his reaction, an elated Ugolor thanked God; the government and people of Edo State; the press and the international community for standing by him and helping him to fight the

police impunity. Ugolor reiterated that the police framed him up for the murder as an expression of their disapproval of his advocacy and activism. He, therefore, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to stop the culture of impunity by the police.

Man gets seven-year-jail term for raping 12-year-old daughter SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

n Oredo Magistrate’s Court in Benin has sentenced a 47-year- old man, Godwin Allu, to seven years imprisonment with hard labour for having unlaw-

ful carnal knowledge of his daughter. Godwin, whose guilty plea National Mirror reliably learnt had helped to reduce his fine, accepted the one-count charge of having unlawful carnal knowledge of his 12-year old daughter, Blessing, three times

EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he police said yesterday that they had arrested six of the suspects involved in the chieftaincy crisis at Agbere in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fidelis Odonna, told journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital, that the suspects’ accomplices would soon be arrested. Odonna said a body was recovered by the police in the violent-ravaged community. He said that anti-riot policemen had been deployed in Agbere to maintain peace, adding that detectives had begun investigating the incident. Odonna, however, denied a report that a policeman was killed in the crisis. “It was also not true that a police post in Agbere community was burnt,” he added. It will be recalled that no fewer than 12 persons were killed in a chieftaincy crisis that occurred last Monday at Agbere. About 10 homes owned by prominent indigenes of the community were also burnt by warring youths loyal to both camps in the crisis. The Acting Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Victor Alali, had his house burnt by the warring youths.

Abubakar

L-R: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and President, Nigeria Bar Association, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), during the association’s National Executive meeting held in Asaba, yesterday.

Edo poll: Airhiavbere reads Oshiomhole’s certificates to tribunal

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, MajGen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), yesterday in Benin denied committing a misconduct that led to his untimely retirement in the Nigerian Army. It was at the hearing of his petition in which he is challenging the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the July 14 governorship poll. In his reply to a question posed by Oshiomhole’s counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Airhiavbere denied that he was forced to retire from the Nigerian Army. He said: “I retired meritoriously from the Nigerian Army after serving for 37 years instead of 35; from being boy soldier to officer. I also served as a diplo-

mat for Nigeria in Washington DC. I have never been detained or found wanting throughout my duties in the Army.” Airhiavbere had challenged Oshiomhole’s victory at the election petition tribunal, alleging that Oshiomhole did not possess the requisite academic qualifications and that the poll was fraught with malpractices. But at the hearing yesterday, the tribunal admitted as exhibits two documents: the Western Region of Nigeria Gazette No 17, Volume 5 of April 5, 1956 and the Tribune Newspaper edition of July 12, 2012. The gazette provides that a child must attain the minimum age of six years before being admitted into a primary school. Airhiavbere, who initially refused to acknowledge the fact that Osh-

“Impunity by the police must stop. The citizens might resort to violence if impunity by the police is allowed to continue. The judgement has shown that with the judiciary and the media on the side of the citizen, the common man still has hope,” Ugolor said.

iomhole had certificates which he referred to as mere “documents.” But under cross-examination, he admitted that Oshiomhole indeed had certificates, which he was compelled to read out in the tribunal by Mr. Ken Mozia (SAN), coun-

sel to the ACN, the 2nd respondent. The certificates include the one from Ruskin College, Oxford University where Oshiomhole bagged a Diploma in Labour Studies and another issued by the Ahmadu Bello University, in Zaria.

before nemesis caught up with him, an offence that is punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap.48, Vol. II Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as now applicable in Edo State. The state counsel, Miss. L. A. Asaka, told the court that on November 20, 2012, one Mrs. Verlaine Enemaku, reported the case at the charge room of the Central Juvenile Welfare Centre of the Nigeria Police Force in Benin City after being told by the Headmistress of Obaseki Primary School, Benin City that the victim was discovered with blood stains on her uniform. The complainant further stated that under intensive interrogation, the victim told the headmistress that her father had sex with her three times on different occasions. The victim, who was thereafter admitted and treated at the Benin Central Hospital, was later discharged and taken to Cole Orphanage Home for proper care and protection. Delivering judgement in the case, Chief Magistrate P. E. Asemota expressed satisfaction that the accused person voluntarily pleaded guilty to the crime and, therefore, pronounced him guilty as charged.

SEC praises Delta over judicious use of N50bn bond

irector General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Arunma Oteh, has said that the utilisation of the N50 billion bond secured by the Delta State Government was “absolutely outstanding and transformational.” Answering questions from journalists in Asaba, the state capital, after inspecting some of the infrastructure executed with the bond, Oteh said her team from SEC was excited with the quality

of projects executed. She said the impact of the projects was inspirational and unique, adding that they would boost the socio-economic, education and infrastructural development of the state. According to her, the team was satisfied with the utilization of the N50 billion bond and that SEC would readily release the N50 billion balance whenever the state government requested for it. Oteh said she was particularly impressed with

skills being impacted to physically challenged children at the Alder’s Town Primary School for the Deaf and Dumb. The Director-General, who is also the Chairperson of the Capital Market Retreat Committee, inspected the 100bed Mother and Child Healthcare Complex at the Warri Central Hospital, noted that the focus of the state government in caring for women and children was critical as it had reduced maternal and child mortality.

North

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kwankwaso may sue BPE over Kano Disco AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State government has threatened to challenge the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) in court over the recent privatisation of Kano Power Distribution Company (Disco). Exchanging views with members of the Kano Renaissance Think Tank (KRTT) at the Government House in Kano, the state governor, Rabi’u Musa

Kwankwaso, said the privatisation exercise lacked transparency as the state government was not consulted, arguing that the whole arrangement was defective. Kwankwaso said under any such arrangement, the state government ought to have been consulted on anything relating to the privatisation exercise because the government has a right over whatever affects the people of the state.

In addition, Governor Kwankwaso alleged that the company which purportedly bought the Kano power company is ineffectual, pointing out that his government has enough grounds to feel uncomfortable with the whole deal. “The hurried manner the company was sold leaves much to be desired. We are going to challenge the decision in court to ensure justice is done in this matter because we are not

comfortable with the whole arrangement,” he said. The governor said his administration is eager to build an Independent Power Project for the state because of the centrality of power to economic prosperity. He recalled that during his first tenure, a lot of money was spent in providing electricity for many communities across the 44 local government areas of the state. He told the visitors that since assuming office in

2011, his government has invested much in infrastructural and social development as part of plans to transform the state into an enviable model in Nigeria. Governor Kwankwaso then thanked the group for its foresight and suggestions which he said will be considered for possible implementation. The spokesman of the group, Alhaji Yakubu Musa, advised the state government to establish its

own power plant and revolutionise the state transportation system in tandem with what obtains in modern cities across the world. He also urged the government to revise its schools’ curriculum, as the one in use now is archaic and does not reflect prevailing realities. He said the government must also pay more attention to the training of teachers and doctors for a more functonal health and educational sectors.

Plateau lawmakers meet over strike, may summon Jang JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

embers of the Plateau State House of Assembly will today meet to take a position on whether or not to compel the state Governor, Jonah Jang, to pay the striking local workers their outstanding salaries. It will be recalled that the local government workers have been on strike since June while the state government is insisting on ‘No work No Pay,’ a position the workers have rejected thereby prolonging the strike. At yesterday’s plenary presided over by the Speak-

Police arrest three for stealing 76 sheep, 30 cows JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

olice authorities in Katsina State have arrested six people for allegedly committing various crimes in the state. Three of those arrested are from Faskari council area; they were arrested for stealing 76 sheep from unsuspecting farmers from a neighbouring state. The police said the three were found to have “stolen the sheep along 17 cows and three donkeys from Zamfara State.” Speaking to journalists yesterday, the state’s Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Lawal Joka, said the “case of the three suspects have been transferred to Gusau for further investigation.” Joka said some robbers in Batsari council area were alleged to have also “stolen 40 cows and 41 sheep,” and “snatched the sum of N30, 000 from a good Samaritan.”

er, John Clark Dabwan, the members could not take a stand on the matter because of the absence of majority of the lawmakers. However, most of the lawmakers who spoke during the session expressed concern that the six months old strike has reached a stage where they can no longer fold their hands and watch the situation degenerate. Members observed that the threat being posed to members of the house and some top-placed politicians in the state could lead to anarchy, if the matter is not resolved early enough. A member representing Bokkos Constituency, Hon. Titus Ayuba said; “This strike must not be allowed to continue. It has reached a stage where members can no longer move freely for fear of being attacked by the aggrieved workers.” According to the lawmakers, they had at several fora pleaded with the governor to rescind his decision on the ‘No work No Pay’ policy, adding that even the intervention of some elders, including the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) have not yielded the desired result. It was, however, resolved that the house be reconvened today for a decision to be taken on the issue.

L-R: Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Olusola Obada; Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim and Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson, at a news conference on the 2013 Armed Forces remembrance day celebration, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

North lags behind in health, education –Erinosho MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

here are major disparities in health and education systems between northern and southern Nigeria which require strong commitments from leadership of the north to address, an Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Layi Erinosho, said yesterday. Erinosho said this at the on-going second National Family Planning Health Conference in Abuja. In his address to com-

memorate the 60th Anniversary of the International Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, Erinosho listed various health indices and variations in regional interest in education that put the two regions miles apart. He bemoaned the state of education in the north, noting that; “Our northern brothers and sisters have waited for too long to gain access to formal education, which could have transformed their region. “This situation has led us to a country of two re-

gions, one of the ‘haves’ that appear to be doing well and the other of the ‘havenots’ that is not doing so well at all. “This is no longer tolerable and it is indeed the root of the security challenges facing everyone in the country today. “The failure to use formal education as a tool for population development is having serious implication for national security in Nigeria. The present security challenge in the north has nothing to do with religion. Here is a region that has

been left behind for so long or, which inadvertently left itself behind for too long,” he stressed. According to him, education of people in the south, especially the women, help them in determining their destinies and procreation. “Poverty drives fertility because poor women that are non-literate are likely to marry early, have many children in quick succession and are less likely to have the wherewithal to look after themselves and the children they bear.”

Al-Makura promises better package for police IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday promised more packages for the Nigeria Police next year in appreciation of their unrelenting effort at combating criminal activities in the state. The governor made this promise yesterday in

Lafia, during his routine meeting with officers of Nasarawa State Police Command. He said he was always meeting with security personnel in order to encourage them to keep doing the good work they have been doing in the state. He added that his routine meetings with the police officers were borne out of the fact that any crisis bedevil-

ling the state, if not nipped in the bud immediately, will attract the attention of the Federal Capital Territory, because of its proximity to Nasarawa State. He appreciated them for the prompt handling of the Agyaragu crisis which according to him, “their previous performances in similar incidents in the state has made the state government to be

among the pioneer states in the country that kicked against the idea of state police.” He assured officers and men of the state police command that government will not let them down but will do all that is possible to support them as shown to in the recent donation of patrol vehicles to security operatives in the state.

Al-Makura

Al-Makura, however, used the occasion to announce that the state government has banned the activities of all ethnic militia groups in the state.

Friday, November 30, 2012

No basis for rotational presidency – Rep

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Kalu ruffles PDP stakeholders

ANPP lambasts FEC over N2.2bn new banquet hall he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has described as unfortunate the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the construction of a new banquet hall in the Presidential Villa, to the tune of N 2.2 billion, saying that government of President Goodluck Jonathan has shown serious signs of incompetence and lack of direction. The party also called on the National Assembly to amend the constitution in order to legally mandate the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to disclose the declared assets of President Jonathan and other public officers. The National Publicity Secretary of the ANPP, Chief Emma Eneukwu said that there is need to mandate the president to declare his assets due to the fact that the Chairman of the bureau, Mr. Sam Saba on Tuesday blamed the agency’s inability to publicly reveal the assets declared by the President and others on constitutional constraints. His words: “We believe that this is in the interest of the nation as public declaration of the assets of the number one citizen will go a long way in regaining the fast-waning confidence of

the people on the leadership of this great country. Eneukwu while condemning the FEC approval of a new banquet hall said the reasons given for the project is absurd and unnecessary. “It was reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, said that the existing hall is inconveniencing and ‘‘even smaller countries have better Banquet Halls near their Presidential residences’’. The other excuse was that the existing Hall is too far from the offices and residence of Mr. President at a distance of two kilometers; although people who know the terrain affirm that the said distance is actually not up to a kilometer. “How else can one view this new building project against the backdrop of the words of President Jonathan last year at the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) when he told his country men and women to brace up for some level of hardships as he implements his administration’s transformation agenda. He was quoted as saying that any meaningful transformation or reformation goes with some form of inconveniences, which are temporary. ANPP noted that “our great party can only con-

FELIX NWANERI

Jonathan expresses worry over ethnic challenges

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed concern over growing challenges of ethnicity across the country and therefore called for the dismantling of all obstacles that inhibit Nigerians from enjoying their fundamental rights. The President made the call in Lagos, while speaking at the 13th session of the Emmanuel Onyechere Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe lecture series, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. The theme of this year’s

lecture is: “Synthesis for nationhood: Ethnic Policy and National Integration; from indigenes to citizens.” Jonathan, who was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri, also stressed the need for Nigerians to show more commitment to nation-building, as the spirit of a new Nigeria demands patriotism among the citizens. He said: “The first 50 years of Nigeria has thrown up challenges which must be overcome.

clude by the sheer contradictions between his words and his actions that either he brazenly misleads the citizenry, or he is highly incompetent to lead a nation like ours in these trying times. “Can’t he endure making the little distance between his office and the Presiden-

tial Banquet Hall? Can’t he make do with the so-called inconveniences of the present Banquet Hall, built just in 2003 and constantly renovated, until the economy improves, as he constantly admonishes us? Doesn’t he realise that body language can be disastrous when it is misread, misunderstood,

and misapplied, especially by a suffering and disillusioned people? “What is more, we are reminded of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor’s admonition to the nation on Monday when he advised the government to fire half of the civil service in order to save cost. We

wonder which one is a better strategy to save more money for the federation: taking away food from the mouths of Nigerian workers and their families, or taking away frivolous services and needless projects from the budget, like the planned new Banquet Hall by the government.”

L-R: Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and Deputy American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mcnulty James, at the signing of MoU agreement on Kiri Dam Hydroelectric Project in Kiri Village, Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Restructuring necessary for inclusive governance, says Fayemi

overnor Kayode Fayemi has renewed call for the restructuring of the nation’s political system so as to sustain good governance, insisting that the over-concentration of powers at the centre must

To this end, all obstacles that inhibit Nigerians from enjoying their rights as enshrined in the constitution must be dismantled. “We must build a strong union and all hands must be on deck.” The President urged Nigerians to see their diversity as a great source of strength. He also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to the defence of the people’s rights wherever they may reside in the country. Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Ba-

give way to devolution and decentralisation of power and authority. He added that the structural deformities are responsible for the wobbly state of the nation and have limited the human and material possibilities of the

bangida, who chaired the event, said it is high time the issues of indigineship and citizenship are resolved if Nigeria is to take her rightful place in the comity of nations. Represented by a former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Babangida noted that nation-building is a continuous exercise and therefore charged Nigerians to always be ready to face challenges which may arise in the process. “Nation-building is all about work in progress, therefore we must always

Nigerian State; leading to “disappointing socio-economic and political realities”. The Ekiti State governor restated this in a lecture titled “The challenge of change: State Governance, Democratisation and De-

have the courage to face challenges,” he said, commending the late AnyiamOsigwe for his thinking and writings, which he noted has continued to inspire generations of Nigerians. In a keynote address entitled: “Unity in diversity: Building standards and inclusive societies for peace and prosperity,” former President of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, identified poverty and conflicts as two major factors responsible for setbacks in developing countries.

velopment in Nigeria,” delivered at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, “Chatham House”, London during the week. Fayemi said a critical fundamental political restructuring of the Nigerian federation is an unavoidable step that must be taken to generate the basis for the creation and sustenance of “a participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive national governance and one that is based on the rule of law.” The governor said the question of deepening democracy and enhance development will be laid to rest “if we use our immense blessings, both human and natural, and transform our potential greatness into real greatness, in order to reduce our deep divisions and enhance or strengthen our unity.”

Politics

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No basis for rotational presidency – Rep Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa is the member representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives. He is also the Chairman, House Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In this interview with AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST, he speaks on the ongoing constitution amendment, national conference and other sundry issues. Excerpts: What informed the decision of the leadership of the House of Representatives to organise public hearings on constitution review at the federal constituencies? It was an unprecedented opportunity given to the people at the various constituencies, for the first time by the National Assembly. The constitution has vested in us, the National Assembly members, the powers to review the constitution, but if you could remember, right from day one, when the leadership of the National Assembly was inaugurated, you will understand that we have a legislative agenda that we always consider ourselves as the people’s Assembly. That is, the House of Representatives of the Nigerian people. This has been the leading agenda of the 7th Assembly of the House of Representatives. Through the leadership style of our Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, we have always tried to be transparent. That was why we collectively decided to take to the doorsteps of our people, the constitution review exercise. For the first time, we have given Nigerians the opportunity to contribute their own opinion and make presentations. We have given this opportunity to welcome all sorts of opinion. In fact, it is unprecedented and the National Assembly can beat its chest for what it has achieved so far. We are proud that for the first time in the history of the National Assembly, it is extending its own constitutional right back to the people. The commitment and responsibility of each of the 360 members of the House is to make sure that the result of the exercise is sacrosanct. We will stand on that no matter whose ox is gored. Kano State already has a committee to look into the constitutional review and there are feelings from some quarters that the state government has already taken a stand. How do you reconcile this with the just concluded public hearing on the same issue? The state has not hijacked the process. I can even speak on behalf of the Kano State government. I believe that setting up an advisory committee by the state government is not something new; other states can do the same thing. What we have in Kano State is called Constitutional Review Advisory Committee which makes the state government a mere stakeholder in the exercise. The committee was mandated to look at the gray areas in the constitution, advance a position and present such as a memorandum. An advisory committee, for me, is a stakeholders’ committee. A committee that is only interested in the exercise of the review of Nigerian constitution, it has no other power than submitting what it thinks the representatives of Kano in the House can propel at the floor of the National Assembly. That notwithstanding, I want to confirm to you that the position or report we are likely to generate from our different constituencies remains supreme over any other report or submissions. The National Assembly has the constitutional powers to review the constitution without recourse to public hearing. But there are feelings from some quarters that this whole exercise is a jamboree. What is your take on this? In most cases, the media would always want to be pessimistic. But you need to look at this issue as a new idea. We are embarking on this project to make sure that

and inaugurated National Assembly. What we are doing, like I have said, is to create for the first time, a window that will allow all Nigerians to contribute to the review of our supreme document. We are doing this to enlarge that sense of representation. We are robbing minds with the people in our constituencies so as to come up with a constitution that would be acceptable to all. How are you convinced that the proposed constitution review will address the problem for which a sovereign national conference is being proposed? I am convinced because, like I said, we have given room for people to come in. With this wider participation, I believe the constitution will be more people-oriented. There will be inputs from the people and I want to tell you that all the members of the House are very serious on carrying back to the floor, the raw opinions and views of the people. As long as we keep to this, we are coming up with the amendment of a constitution that will reflect the very aspirations of the people. We are committed to producing a constitution that Nigerians will be proud of.

Doguwa

IF WE CONTINUE TO COUNT ON OUR DIFFERENCES, CERTAINLY, IT WILL WEAKEN OUR FEDERATION, IT WILL ALWAYS WEAKEN OUR COMMITMENT AND PATRIOTISM TO OUR DEAR COUNTRY the process of the constitution review is as transparent as possible. It is a new initiative; a new invention by a vibrant National Assembly that is led by the people’s elected leadership. We can never engage Nigerians in a jamboree. The leader we have in the House of Representatives is a leader we are proud of. He is a man that has the interest of Nigerians at heart. I want to confirm to you that Tambuwal with the other 359 members of the House cannot take Nigerians for a ride. We are doing this with all sense of commitment, with all sincerity and we stand by the position of the Nigerian people. Some people feel that the public hearings are part of the design to cushion the agitation for the convocation of a sovereign national conference. No, it doesn’t have any link with that. This is a democracy and everybody knows that the constitution did not provide room for a national conference so long as the National Assembly is in place. The moment you have an elected Assembly that has the mandate of the people, you have no reason to convoke a national conference. There is no room for that and we are not doing this to cushion any agitation whatsoever; our constitution is one and we all respect it as our only guiding legal document. So, I want to confirm to you that we held the hearings in exercise of our constitutional responsibility to provide a room for the review of the constitution, at least once in a session; it is provided for in the constitution. Nobody can intimidate the National Assembly. If you want a state created, you should find out how you can agitate for state creation; if you want the revenue sharing formula to be reviewed, go to the constitution, it will tell you how you can go about it. There is no room for a national conference because we have a duly elected, constituted

In your opinion, what is wrong with the current constitution that we are operating? In the first place, we inherited it from the the military. Anything military must certainly have lots of defects. The 1999 Constitution being a product of the military in itself is defected. It is undemocratic because it was a constitution produced by a component of the society that was not democratically elected. So, this in itself is enough to defeat the intendment of the constitution. You can also agree with me that the process through which the constitution was produced was rushed. When the military were trying to hand over power in a rush, they also rushed the constitution, so many considerations were not done; so many issues were left gray, and these are the gray areas that we feel should be reviewed. And the world over, it is in the convention of every constitution, no matter how perfectly designed, has provisions for its review. The supreme document of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the constitution and says that ‘I can also be reviewed,’ due to the exigencies of time because of issues that has to do with development. In fact, there are lots of things in the 1999 Constitution that if you compare them with the modern day democracy, they are almost aberrations. There was overwhelming opposition to the proposals for state police and rotational presidency during the public hearing. What is your take on the issues? I will always speak the mind of my people. I may have a personal opinion, but since I have the mandate of my people and they, through the public hearing, told me their position, I will project their views. The view of the people is that they are against the creation of state police. Even before the public hearing, I was against the creation of state police because at the end of the day, it will only create confusion. Governments in the states will take advantage of it to cause anarchy and if for any reason one governor goes and another one come in, certainly, that police outfit would be disengaged. Rotational presidency is undemocratic. There is no basis for any rotation of the presidency because we Nigerians are a united family. Let us continue in the sincerity of our co-existence. Let us believe that we are all brothers and sisters. The more we agree on that, we will have fewer differences. If we continue to count on our differences, certainly, it will weaken our federation, it will always weaken our commitment and patriotism to our dear country. So, talking about rotational presidency, it is like we are expressing a kind of cynicism, a kind of insincerity to our co-existence as a country. Can the political parties adopt the rotational formula? Yes. Political parties can adopt whatever formula they deem right to present their candidates for election. Nobody will be disturbed. But rotational presidency should not be a constitutional matter, because at the moment you make it a component of the constitution, you are tying the hands of democracy.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Politics

ormer Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu is not a political neophyte and has actually paid his dues having been in active politics since in his 20s. His progression peaked after he had served as a governor between 1999 and 2007. He still nurses the ambition of presiding over the affairs of the nation but this ambition has been seriously under threat both within his community as well as the political elite. When he fell out of favour with major political players from his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including heavyweights like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Ibrahim Babangia, former Vice-President Atiku Abubarkar, former Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Tony Anenih and former National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, amongst others, it was evident that his days in the party was numbered. In the state, he had axes to grind with notables like Ogbulafor, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Onyema Ugochukwu, Bernard Akpugo, amongst others. He did the unthinkable, with the collaboration of his very influential mother, Chief Eunice Kalu in 2005 when he formed the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) which eventually won the governorship seat as well as several of the national and state assembly seats. It was under this platform that he contested and lost the presidential election in 2007. It is also on record that under PPA, the incumbent governor, Chief Theodore Orji, who was Kalu’s former aide came to office. Prior to 2011 election, shortly after Ogbulafor was sacked as the national chairman of the PDP and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo mounted the throne, the former governor attempted to warm his way back to the ruling party. Though he was promised an open gate, but certain intrigues played out within intervals that ensured that the same gate was completely shut and waiver denied him even after he had made it to the truce table at the Wadata Plaza. However, a few weeks ago, rumours of intended return of the former strongman of Abia State dominated the airwaves and not a few Abians were jittery about that. The first to express their fear was the stakeholders and party executives of the PDP in Bende Local Government Area, the council area of the former governor, who insisted that they would not associate nor allow him to return to the party. The LGA party chairman, Ihendu Eke, maintained that inasmuch as they were willing to readmit runaway members back into the fold, it would only be those that have something to contribute to the wellbeing and progress of the party. According to him, “We have heard rumours that the former governor is planning to return to our great party and that he intends to do so at the national level. We are confident that the national officers are aware of the provisions of the constitution of our party on readmission of new members. It must be done at ward levels.” He explained that the ward executives of the party at Igbere, where the former governor would be readmitted and registered has already protested to the local council officers through a letter which would eventually be transmitted to the state headquarters for onward movement to the national officers in Abuja. This position was rebuffed by the national leadership of the party through the

Friday, November 30, 2012

Kalu ruffles PDP stakeholders One major cardinal features of the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reconciliation. But only recently, chieftains of the party from Abia State stormed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to protest the planned return of former Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, to the party. OBIORA IFOH writes that this development clearly puts the reconciliation agenda of Tukur to test.

Kalu

Tukur

OUR STRENGTH HAS BEEN THAT WE FOUGHT A COMMON

ENEMY. IF WE HAVE TO RETAIN THAT

STRENGTH, WE HAVE TO KEEP THE COMMON ENEMY AT BAY.

THERE IS NO NEED FOR RECONCILIATION IN

ABIA

Deputy National Secretary, Barrister Onwe Onwe, who said that the former governor under the current national leadership of the party cannot be stopped from rejoining the party. He stressed that the party’s reconciliation agenda covers renegades like Kalu and if his state or the local government fail to readmit him, he can proceed to the national headquarters for necessary action. However, the Abia State Governor, Orji, a fortnight ago, led notable party chieftains and other stakeholders from the state to the national secretariat to drive home the point that the rumoured return of former governor to the party should remain only a rumour and must not be in anyway contemplated as such development will not only breed unnecessary rancour but is capable of killing the party in the ‘God’s own state’. The PDP National Vice-Chairman (South-East), Colonel (rtd) Austin Akubun-

Orji

du, on behalf of the stakeholders submitted that the return of the former governor would undermine the peaceful co-existence and camaraderie, existing among party stalwarts in the state. While they lauded the initiative of the party’s national leadership to reconcile aggrieved members, the Abia PDP stakeholders cautioned that any attempt to readmit the former governor “would cause disaffection or return us to the battlefield of hostilities and would be stoutly resisted.” He said: “Since his exit, PDP in Abia State has gone round the crisis and emerged from those experiences an entirely different entity which today celebrates a prevailing atmosphere of unanimity, being relieved of the common source of deep-

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seated animosities and resentment. You may have also heard it elsewhere that the exit of the former governor was the rallying point in reconciling aggrieved members and setting the party on a sounder electoral footing. “If the rumours making the round presently, that he has been making surreptitious moves to be readmitted into the party’s fold are correct, then there will surely be cataclysmic consequences for the party in Abia State. This controversial and wholly unnecessary move will re-ignite the fire of trench warfare among otherwise reconciled members.’’ They further alleged that the former governor wanted to return to the party fold in order to use its platform for his 2015 presidential ambition. Echoing the submission of the stakeholders, Governor Orji said, “My people have spoken and I don’t need to repeat what they have said. Our strength has been that we fought a common enemy. If we have to retain that strength, we have to keep the common enemy at bay. There is no need for reconciliation in Abia; we are at peace with ourselves. We don’t want any distraction in Abia, as it will be a disservice to our people.” Reacting to their position, the National Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, assured them that their remarks would not be discountenanced, as he noted that “democracy is about choice.’’ Tukur said: “The people have spoken. People who talked here mentioned one thing: peace. That’s what I want. My mission is reconciliation without confrontation. I thank the party faithful who followed you; they have made our party great. All I can assure you is that we are here to ensure that the cordial relationship reigns.” In spite of all these, the former governor has maintained that he never planned to return to the party. According to sources, Kalu said that there are many alliances going on presently in the country and he need not belong to the PDP to realise his ambition of becoming the president of Nigeria. He had also in an earlier statement said his present pre-occupation with the Njiko Ndigbo pressure group would not even enable him to show bias towards any party for now. “My concern now is for Igbo presidency in 2015. Any party that would give Ndigbo the platform to get to the presidency in 2015 is the one I will align with.” However, Kalu said that if it took so many people from Abia State, many of whom he noted do not have followers, to go and beg PDP to illegally fence him out in a democracy, then it was an indication of the fact that he is still the issue in Abia politics. The National Chairman of the PPA, Chief Sam Nkire had also chided Governor Orji and other politicians from the state for leaving everything they were doing to travel to Abuja to protest Kalu’s return to the PDP. Now that the die is cast, Nigerians and indeed PDP faithful are watching to know what will be the end of this matter particularly with avowed reconciliation agenda of Tukur-led PDP. In a few weeks, the PDP will flag off its nationwide reconciliation tour and like it is in Abia State, so it is in almost all the 35 other state chapter of the party with evident of intra party crisis. The world is watching and the Orji Kalu’s case is a major test case of the workability of the reconciliation agenda of the present NWC.

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Views

Friday, November 30, 2012

Nigerians living against odds BOBSON GBINIJE “The marvel of history is the patience with which Men and women submit to the burdens unnecessarily Laid upon them by their governments” - Senator William Borah (1865-1940)

here are empirical evidence that Nigeria is making an untrammeled advancement into the abyss because of the people’s brazen indifference and zombie-like passivity in the face of oppression, legislators’ theatrics, governors’ scams, fuel subsidy abracadabra, institutionalized graft and prebendalistic corruption. This phlegmatic indifference and Laodicean apathy, which Nigerians put up in the face of this agonizing situation, remains the mother of all laissez faire attitudes. Are Nigerians hedonistic Lotos-eaters cocooned in the cauldron of cowardice and slothfulness? Why do Nigerians remain silent in the midst of horrendous poverty and psychotic corruption? Is it that they do not feel the pains? My educated guess is that Nigerians are salamanders. The salamander is a tailed amphibian, which resembles a lizard. In Greek mythology it is described as an animal belonging to the saurian family. It is believed to be the mystical reptile that has the mystical power of living in fire without getting burnt or consumed. This aptly describes the average Nigerian.

If not, how can one explain a situation where successive leaders from preindependence till date have not thought it wise to put in place and execute viable and strategic political, socio-economic policies that will generally improve the lot of Nigerians. We are living against all odds. Nigeria has never being a poor country. But the psychotic corruption and mismanagement that have bedraggled the totality of our leadership brought us into this state of eschatological quagmire. Nothing works. We have no light, no water, no shelter, no roads, no hospitals, and schools are dilapidated. We have universities everywhere, but there is no education in them. The dynamics and dialectics of cultism and criminality has become the cardinal course content in our tertiary institutions. The lethal politico-socio-economic brigandage unleashed and still being unleashed on the Nigerian nation and people remains and will continue to remain an unforgettable cicatrix in our lives. The unthinkable magnitude of corruption, the catalogue of human rights violations, including politically motivated assassinations, extra judicial killings and excessive use of force, arrest and detention of people for political reasons, restriction of freedom of the press, speech and assembly, prolonged pretrial detention and aiding and abetting electoral malpractices, remain some of the albatrosses with which the leadership continues to strangulate us. With all these hideous sufferings Nigerians still remain silent. Indeed, Nigerians are bullheaded salamanders.

THE DYNAMICS AND DIALECTICS OF CULTISM AND CRIMINALITY HAS BECOME THE CARDINAL COURSE CONTENT IN OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS The Nigerian political situation is an oddity vis-à-vis what operates in civilized environment. Right from independence in 1960, we have had governments that come in various shapes and colours, but more prominently in military and civilian motifs. They are inveterately subsumed in the polity and they hold on to power with mordancy and Rabelaisian narcissism. And yet Nigerians continue to remain lukewarm about their own destiny. Nigerians are dogged salamanders. The essayist Walter Rodney, posited in his book, “How Europe underdeveloped Africa” that the United Nation’s studies up to 1964 showed that Africa was well endowed with minerals and premium energy resources. With 19 percent of the worlds’ population, it accounted accounts for 28 percent of the world’s mineral production, 16 percent of crude oil etc. In spite of this, Africa remains the poorest continent of the world. Nigeria remains a striking example of Walter Rodneys’ observation. We are the fifth largest oil producing nation in the

world, but have virtually nothing to show for it since 1958. The nation’s political leaders since 1960 have all taken turns to destroy the core essence of Nigeria. We can no more afford our cheapest staple food, “garri”, unemployment rate is criminally high; yet Nigerians continue to keep silent. But it must be mentioned that in recent times we have seen and noticed a courageous volt face in the wave lengths of actions being taken against corruption in Nigeria. But they have not made any serious impact on the lives of the citizenry. We must stop the exportation of cassava immediately, following the massive floods in over 18 States in Nigeria. This is to forestall food insecurity and hunger. By busy acquiring state of the art cars, landed properties and foreign currencies, our politicians have desecrated their mandates. Nigerians cannot continue to be senseless salamanders. They have to learn to react to governments’ good or bad policies, as they affect them. The ‘if you cannot beat them’ join them syndrome will only continue to add more lethal nails to our existential coffins. It was the essayist George Mangakis that said: “The man dies in all who keeps silent in the face of tyranny. The man lives who in the harrowing of anguish in the claws of confinement, speaks out.” Nigerians must continue to speak out against every form of evil railed against them. Salamanders also die whether they are phoenix or synthetic. Chief Gbinije, founder of the Mandate against Poverty, wrote from Warri, Delta State

Creating access for south’s out-of-school children SIMEON NWAKAUDU

arlier in the year, President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned the first federal government built almajiri model primary school in Sokoto. Since then, the Federal Ministry of Education with its agencies, has gone ahead to execute about 100 of such schools in different parts of the country. Several of these schools have been fully completed and are now being furnished. Some are nearing completion, with the supervising minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the nation’s Minister of State for Education, working round the clock to ensure that the contractors deliver before the close of the year and in line with approved contractual specifications. With efforts to address the challenges posed by the almajiri out-of-school children now in top gear, the federal government is now conscientiously working on the implementation of a novel educational programme targeted at the out-ofschool children in South-East and SouthSouth. Like the almajiri programme, the outof-school educational programme is a well thought out plan to ensure the trader boy-child in the South-East and the children of the South-South fishermen and other less privileged persons, are not denied access to quality education because of their socioeconomic backgrounds. The under-lying reason of this programme is

THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS TAKEN THE ISSUE OF CREATION OF ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL the belief that the boy-trader in the South East or the child of a fisherman in the South-South will contribute more meaningfully to societal growth, if armed with sound basic education backed by ample vocational and technical skills. Furthermore, the FG is committed to ensuring that Nigerians from all geopolitical zones of the federation benefit from programmes and policies aimed at improving the quality of education nationwide. Having built a structure in the north with over eight million children out of the 10 million out of school children in the country in the process of receiving needed education, it was only important to tackle the remaining less than two million children in the south. The programme is being handled by Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who is coordinating the efforts of FG agencies and their counterparts at the state level, to ensure that the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan is dutifully implemented. It is imperative to point out that before the government commenced the implementation of this programme, it involved

the major stakeholders at the state level. These stakeholders are expected to take a cue from the FG and ensure that there is a trickledown effect of the programme in the interest of the larger majority of the less privileged Nigerians in the SouthEast and South-South. Under the programme, the Federal Ministry of Education is building special basic education schools, laced with vocational and technical components, in all the 11 states of South-East and South-South. The state governments are to provide land for the schools, while the FG, through its interventionist agency, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), will fund the construction of these schools. Already, relevant curriculum is being worked out by the Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERD in conjunction with the Highbury College, United Kingdom, for the schools. The curriculum will be ready before the physical structures of the schools are in place. Experts from both institutions are working round the clock to ensure that the curriculum that will be developed will be a realistic approach towards impacting into the less privileged children basic education, vocational and technical skills. The input of states and other stakeholders is being harnessed in the process of developing this functional curriculum. This is important because upon completion, the FG will hand over the schools to the states for administration. It will also supply books and other relevant instructional materials to all the children that will at-

tend these schools, the way the almajiri in the North are being catered for. The essence of the interventions to accommodate less privileged children in educational programmes by the Jonathan administration is simply to underscore the point that no tier of government in the country can look the other way, while our children roam the streets. It is no longer enough to declare that all children are entitled to quality education. This administration has taken the issue of creation of access to quality education to the next level, the level of implementation. The good news is that the states have seamlessly keyed into this programme. The Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has sought and received the cooperation of state governors and traditional rulers in the two affected geo-political zones. For Nigeria, the overall objective is ‘Education for All’. This is what every official in the administration, under the direction of President Jonathan, is working hard to achieve. Nwakaudu is Special Assistant (Media) to Minister of State for Education 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.

Editorial

Friday, November 30, 2012

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

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Looming fuel price hike and subsidy politics

he Federal Government’s equivocal intention to remove petroleum products’ subsidy is already fuelling public suspicion of possible hikes in the pump head prices of the products early next year, with Organized Labour threatening another showdown. The lingering scarcity of petrol and kerosene, in particular, had given rise to speculations of the FG’s subterfuge to prepare grounds to fix new prices, usually in January, after consumers must have become weary of buying the scarce commodity at prices far above official rates. The scarcity of petrol and kerosene started in Abuja in June and had since spread to the rest of the country. Official excuses of hoarding by marketers had been unconvincing, until a major pipeline vandalisation occurred in August in Arepo, Ogun State, where thieves siphoning fuel from the leaking pipeline killed four officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) detailed to repair the damaged pipeline. For about two months, NNPC officials, who claimed inadequate security coverage for repair technicians, delayed the repair of the sensitive System 2B pipeline which carries more than 40 percent fuel load from the offshore Atlas Cove Jetty for imported fuel for transmission to Mosinmi, Ibadan, Ilorin and Ore depots from where other regions are

supplied. The nation relies dangerously on imported fuels channeled through the vulnerable Atlas Cove Jetty, the only jetty that accommodates large ocean vessels. Thus the delayed repair of the vandalized pipeline that also serves Lagos-West, which accounts for about 50 percent of total national daily fuel consumption, and the subsequent prolonged fuel scarcity that is gradually crippling the economy and has raised the blood pressure of the public, especially in view of the impending usual year-end mass movements, speak volumes on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ and NNPC’s unpreparedness to swiftly address the problem. With NNPC’s very inadequate storage capacity over the years, private depot owners have cashed in on the scarcity to sell petrol and kerosene above official prices. In addition, some investigated fuel depot owners indicted for their involvement in billions of naira fuel subsidy frauds, were allegedly trying to blackmail the FG to pay them past arrears of over N140 billion without proper verification of the authenticity of their claims. Finance Minister and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had rightly insisted on paying only suppliers with verified claims. There were also reports that the subsidy claims had caused a rift between Okonjo-Iweala

WE CANDIDLY SUPPORT THE GENUINE DEREGULATION OF THE DOWNSTREAM OIL SECTOR FOR AS LONG AS IT ALLOWS LIBERAL LICENSING OF PETROLEUM PRODUCT IMPORTS and her Petroleum Resources counterpart, Diezani AllisonMadueke, all pointing towards the complication of the fuel scarcity problem. A recent statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan, which made a case for total fuel subsidy removal as an incentive to attract private investors to build refineries in the country, climaxed public apprehension on the real intentions of the FG, despite Jonathan’s clarification three days later that he was “totally misunderstood”; and that his government had no plan to remove fuel subsidy for which, according to him, about N900 billion had been voted in the 2013 federal budget. We candidly support the genuine deregulation of the downstream oil sector for as long as it allows liberal licensing of petroleum product imports, with fuel sold at differ-

ential and not uniform pump prices nationwide. We have likewise consistently argued that the existence of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) - a price-fixing agency in the sector, is inconsistent with honest deregulation. Consequently, the whimsical and, indeed, lazy price-fixing, masqueraded as deregulation over the years, without sincerely giving any space for vital deregulation fundamentals, are unacceptable; and we will not relent in our objection to such brazen aberration passed off as deregulation. Besides, the FG needs to update the nation on how much it has retrieved from fuel subsidy thieves, and confirm what quantity of fuel Nigerians consume daily, upon which subsidy payments are computed. Putting the figures at just between 33 million and 59 million litres per day appears improper and fraught with inexactitude and fraud? For the umpteenth time, we restate our strong belief that prosecuting and jailing subsidy fraudsters and retrieving the stolen funds as well as quickly fixing the nation’s four ailing refineries and building new ones, like the six modular refineries the FG promised, would bring an end to the era of recurring fuel scarcity in the country and put a final stop to the rip off bazaar called subsidy regime.

ON THIS DAY November 30, 2005 John Sentamu became the first black archbishop in the Church of England with his enthronement as the 97th Archbishop of York. Born June 10, 1949 near Kampala in present-day Uganda, Sentamu studied law at Makerere University before gaining employment as an advocate of the Supreme Court of Uganda. He is the second most senior cleric in the Church of England, after the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

November 30, 1999 British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems merged to form BAE Systems, Europe’s largest defense contractor and the fourth largest aerospace firm in the world. The BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defense, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom and with operations worldwide. It is among the world’s largest defense contractors, ranking as the third-largest based on applicable 2011 revenues.

November 30, 1993 Exxon and Mobil signed a $73.7 billion agreement to merge, thus creating Exxon-Mobil, the world’s largest company. Exxon Mobil Corporation or Exxon-Mobil is an American multinational oil and gas corporation. It is a direct descendant of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil company, and was formed on November 30, 1999 by the merger of Exxon and Mobil. Its headquarters are in Irving, Texas. It is affiliated with Imperial Oil which operates in Canada.

Your

FRIDAY

Tee-A

D’Banj

Showkey

Ice Prince

television and heralds what to expect in the new episodes of Tymeout with Tee-A and will air as a ‘special’ during the festive season, the comedian said.

“We plan to also add a lot more spice to the show in the New Year and take the concert on tour to other cities where the programme is being aired and enjoys cult followership

MAKE SURE GUESTS ENJOY A FANTASTIC CONCERT EXPERIENCE like Dublin, London and Accra”, he said. The concert will feature comedy, dance and chit-chat. Tee-A made known that it will a first guest appearance for the Koko master on Tymeout with Tee-A; and according to Tee-A, D’Banj is excited about the show. “He’s excited to be on the show, and we’re very excited too. We’ve done a lot of D’Banj skits and our fans have been asking for him. So I’m very glad he’s joining us for this spectacular show on December 1”, Tee-A said. D’banj will be joined by other big names drawn from different genres, including rapper, Ice Prince, Daddy Showkey, Sammie Okposo and Lynxxx. “We’re putting the best together to make sure guests enjoy a fantastic concert experience”, the award-winning comedian added. “It’s our special way of thanking our fans for a good year – giving them an avenue to dance and laugh, while witnessing a historic live recording of our awardwinning show”. The red carpet event will hold at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The event will also feature Tymeout With Tee-A regulars; Madam Princess and MC Abbey, as well as host Tee-A in his multiple characters.

WEEKEND STARTERS HIV/AIDS advocacy film premieres

MTV Base searches for VJ

he Nigerian premiere of Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS holds at the Silverbird Galleria on Saturday by 6.00 p.m. The film, which captures a compelling story of sports, love and ill-fate has been developed to enlighten audiences about HIV/AIDS and raise the level of awareness about the disease. Produced by Access Bank Plc in partnership with UNAIDS, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership (DCGEP) and Chevron, Management Science for Health (MSH), the film features Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Kevin Ndege Mamboleo and Fana Mokoena.

Funke

Top10Mics holds today

oday, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Koga Entertainment will

TV Base VJ Search-Nigeria is looking for the next VJ to follow in the footsteps of Cynthia “C-Von” Okpala who triumphed in MTV Base’s first ever Nigerian VJ search in 2007. Auditions will take place on Saturday,

be hosting the event TOP10MICS. 2face Idibia, D’Banj, Femi Kuti, Sir Shina Peters, BasketMouth, Yaw, DJs Jimmy Jatt and Neptune are billed to thrill the fans. The event starts at 7.00 p.m.

December 1 at Fantasyland, Ikoyi, Lagos starting at 8.00 a.m. Judges for the search are Banky W, Funke Akindele, Toolz and Tim Horwood. Superstars Ice Prince, Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy will also be on hand to lend Cynthia Okpala at support to contestants. the microphone

Edokpolo’s rarity on show

ra Studio and Eko Modupe presents ‘Ambassadors’ Nite 2: Rare Large’, an exhibition of large paintings and rare sculptures from Chief John Edokpolo’s personal collection. The exhibition opens on Sunday at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, by 4.00 p.m.

Glam night at FAB Awards

tyle, brilliance, class and panache would be on display as the prestigious FAB Awards takes place on Sunday at Landmark Village, Victoria Island, Lagos by 6.00 p.m. Founded by Familusi Akin Babajide, FAB Night out debuted in 2010 as a platform to recognise and celebrate talents with the best offering every calendar year. “It gets bigger and better and fans should look forward to a great event this year”, the media and fashion entrepreneur said.

P. 35

Mirror Mongers

TOGETHER TO

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D’Banj debuts on the live show Showkey, Okposo, Ice Prince, others to perform

THE BEST

Denrele’s Day

Tee-A to thrill with Tymeout Concert

PUTTING

P. 24

C, writer, presenter, comedian and entrepreneur, Tunde Adewale a.k.a. Tee-A, is set to thrill the Lagos crowd on Saturday, December 1 at his Tymeout with TeeA concert. The high profile concert will feature multi-award winning international Nigerian Afro music star, D’Banj, as well as other hit-makers like Ice Prince, Sammy Okposo and Daddy Showkey amongst others. The University of Lagos, UNILAG, graduate, who only last year celebrated 15 years in entertainment in a grand way has built a career as an international entertainer hosting big-venue concerts in Lagos, London and the United States as well as a television programme. The founder and CEO of First Class Entertainment revealed exclusively to Friday Flavour what attendees should anticipate. “They should expect a first class show like the name of my company. It really will be a fun-filled show with a potpourri of entertainment options from old school to new school and from comedy to music,” he said. He stated further that it is modelled after his television show, Tymeout with Tee-A where he engages guests in interactions “and will feature all the segments of the show live on stage, while the live audience gets an opportunity to interact with the guest artistes”. Tee-A said the same concept was adopted at his Abuja concert which held last year. “I stopped my annual one-man concert Tee-A Live and Naked after doing it for eight straight years because I wanted to concentrate on the television show and build the brand”, he explained. The concert is being filmed for

WE’RE

Inside FCT

TERH AGBEDEH

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

P. 22-23

Friday, November 30, 2012

Flavour

Critics

VOL. 2 No. 503

Artman In The House

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We have taught generations Nwoko (right) with Oba Gbenga Shonuga, the Fadesewa of Shimawa, Shagamu

The book

Nwoko

Nwoko (sitting) with Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe (holding the book) and One of the editors, Chika Okeke-Agulu

Demas Nwoko is an artist, architect and master builder. Recently at the GoetheInstitut, City Hall in Lagos, the book, Essays on Nigerian Art and Architecture in his honour, edited by Obiora Udechukwu and Chika Okereke-Agulu, was presented to the public. Some members of the famous Zaria Rebels, which he helped formed, were in attendance. Friday Flavour’s TERH AGBEDEH was present when Nwoko led the way into his sojourn in architecture after the book presentation. This is a special day, how do you feel about this honour done to you today sir? I feel very normal; it’s like every day. But today and yesterday are not the same considering that this hall is filled with friends, colleagues, wellwishers... They are. I wrote a poem the other day in my office, ‘I know today, I know yesterday…’

(Sitting, left to right), Bruce Onobrakpeya, Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke and Demas Nwoko. (Back row) Oseluka Osadebe, late Nwagbara and Emmanuel Okechukwu Odita, seven of the eight early members of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) in a dated picture.

L-R: Uche Okeke (L) Demas Nwoko, Jimoh Akolo, Bruce Onobakpeya and Yusuf Grillo.

The book

But to see your old friends, colleagues in the Zaria Rebels here today to honour you must make you feel special. We are very close and I see them all the time. Today I’m here, yesterday I was in Uche Okeke’s house. We see all the time. When I come into Lagos I stay in Bruce Onobrakpeya’s house. We have been together since the Zaria days and it will be that way until the day God says it’s time.

What did the Zaria Rebels have in mind when you all started out? To be a part of a voluntary group, you have the reason why you are there and you know what you want to take away.

That was before Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and we were in the art school (Zaria Art School); that was the beginning of the art group. So, it was not just to encourage art, we were to state categorically that our philosophy in this country, political or otherwise, must be based on the labour, wisdom and achievements of our ancestors because you cannot move forward if you don’t know who you are. And being battered by the colonialists trying to degrade and deride us as a people, we must restate our own identity as they do themselves. They wanted us to throw away ours and follow, but we said no. Some of your buildings are unfinished. Is there anyone who has learned the craft under you to finish these buildings in the future or work in the tradition that you started? I do take on young artists and architects to work with me all the time. I also make sure that all my children work with me. Also, if we get to an extent, the owners are welcome to finish it. But they may not finish it to your own design and taste. I’m only human and there is no guarantee that I’ll live till they are ready to finish such buildings.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, November 30, 2012

– Demas Nwoko

The kind of recognition you have in arts is far more than what you have as an architect particularly in Nigeria. How does that make you feel? The architects don’t have to honour me. I build buildings, my clients are happy people, they love it and people who see it love it. Even the toilet I built in my studio in Ibadan, the yam sellers love it and sing praises of it. The world has cried out that I’m one of the best in the world. So, what other recognition do you want? The works of art by Yusuf Grillo at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport have been removed “to pave way for renovation” it is being said. When something like that happens there is a tendency not to have such works restored in the country. I don’t know what is happening; the piece I wrote recently asks a question like ‘is this the apocalypse of contemporary Nigerian art’? That is my lamentation. There have also been several cases of building collapse across the country. What do you think can be done to stop this? The building professionals, the architects, civil engineers and structural engineers have not put in enough effort in the art of building. I started learning the art at the age of five. I was living in Enugu as a child and every building that was done in 1945 to 1947 in Enugu I saw it from foundation to completion; from the beginning to the end. Those were my haunts. So, I have so much experience in the art of building. Also, if you are a consumer of knowledge you are never tired. I read and I also build all the time; I do have the knowledge. My praises go to my clients who had the boldness, who accepted to spend their money and let me build for them because there is no honour more than that. The result is there for everyone to see because the buildings are there forever. So what kind of honour do

The twins, sculpture

Born in 1935 in Idumuje Ugboko, where he also grew up, Demas Nwoko is an artist and architect.

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In the 1960s, he was a member of the Mbari Club of Ibadan, a committee of Nigerian and foreign artists.

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He was also a lecturer at the University of Ibadan.

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In the 1970s, he was the publisher of the now defunct New Culture magazine.

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Nwoko, who strives to incorporate modern techniques in architecture and stage design to enunciate the African subject matters in most of his works, sees design as an ingenuous activity that carries with it a focus on social responsibility for positive influences on the environment and culture of the society.

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He studied Fine Arts at the Zaria College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1956, a year after the college was moved from its original location in Ibadan to Zaria.

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In 1962, he received a scholarship from the Congress of Cultural Freedom to study at the Centre Français du Théâtre in Paris where he learned scenic design.

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At the Zaria Art School where he spent 1957 to 1961, he was exposed to conventional Western techniques in art, though like most of the artists at the school their subject matter was predominantly African leading to their being called the Zaria Rebels.

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In the late 1950s, together with Uche Okeke, Simon Okeke and few other art students, he formed the Art Society which became known for championing Natural Synthesis, a term coined by Okeke to describe the combination of contemporary Western art techniques and African ideas, art forms and themes.

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After completing his studies at Zaria and Paris, he moved to Ibadan in 1963 and concentrated on designs for theatrical productions of the University of Ibadan’s Department of Drama while he was also a lecturer at the university.

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He built his studio and house from traditional methods using clay and laterite found around the site chosen and built a brick house and studio from the natural resources lying around.

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Nwoko’s first major architectural design was for a Dominican Mission in Ibadan.

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He later designed more structures such as the Benin theatre and the Cultural Centre, Ibadan, among others.

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In 2007, Farafina published The Architecture of Demas Nwoko, a study of his work and theories written by two British Architects, John Godwin OBE and Gillian Hopwood.

MY PRAISES GO TO MY CLIENTS WHO HAD THE

BOLDNESS...TO LET ME BUILD FOR THEM BECAUSE THERE IS NO HONOUR MORE THAN THAT you need? These buildings cost hundreds of millions of naira. Some lay people, like former Governor Samuel Ogbemudia said, ‘build this Cultural Centre (in Benin), the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church said the same thing about their own building in Ibadan. That Dominican building was the first drawing that I ever did. I gave the Dominican Order the drawing which they took to their headquarters in Chicago…it was after the sketch was approved that I learnt how to (be a) draughtsman. What year was this? That was in 1972. That building is one of those in the book (Essays on Nigerian Art and Architecture). Before I finished it, the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, came for a survey of contemporary architecture. They said the building was one of the best and in Europe, Saudi Arabia and Barcelona, people tried to do what I did but didn’t do it that well. Some of the buildings you observed being constructed from foundation to completion have been abandoned. Even in Lagos, the Federal Government Press on Broad Street is a solid structure with no activity taking place there. As a builder, does that worry you? It worries me. Like my lamentation of what has happened at the airport, I don’t know where we are going.

FACT FILE

•

Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin built by Nwoko

Indian Girl in Sari 1965 Oil on paper 51 x 74 cm

But if we keep working, tomorrow the world will say, ‘this space was just not blank’. Or they will say, ‘all Nigerians were like me’. All Nigerians who lived during my time because all the vulgarity that obtains in this time will be wiped away. What will remain will be what Nigeria will be known by. You of the Zaria Art School started something different and interesting, can you point to any young group moving in that direction, to continue what you started? We didn’t just end up in our studios working, painting, we had to go to the universities to teach in an ordered environment because we were no academicians it wasn’t easy. But we have taught generations. We’ve done our bit.

Critics

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stage

Probing the depth of a mother’s love For pessimists who think that stage is dead, Unilever proved them wrong when an unprecedented crowd turned out to watch Wole Oguntokun’s play, As Pure as a Mother’s Love, to re-launch their age-long brand of petroleum jelly. NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

hose who gathered at the MUSON Centre penultimate week to see Wole Oguntokun’s play, As Pure as a Mother’s Love, sponsored by Unilever must have left the venue with an encounter with one word: steadfastness. Every aspect of the event- brand (Vaseline Petroleum jelly) to the theme, (a mother’s love), to the writer and director (Wole Oguntokun) -all have an underlying slant of steadfastness. The play actually came with all the entrapments expected of such a title. It is the story of Anike, a teenage university undergraduate. She is passionate about having all the fun she can get in school, attending parties, wearing designer apparels, buying the latest models of phones and hanging out with her friends into the night. But all these would always be criticised by her mother. While her mother is being over-protective of Anike as her only child, Anike feels it is a sign of hatred. This often sets them on collision course at home, where they would never agree on any issue without an argument. The mother, frustrated by Anike’s position would however be comforted by her husband, who always comes up with the excuse that Anike is just being her age. Anike’s string of rude traits would continue until one fateful day when she returns at midnight to meet her father waiting for her. He confronts her, willing to correct as usual. It is settled and he urges her to come and read a newspaper with him. But Anike is more interested in

THE PLAY DRAWS ITS HIGHPOINTS FROM HAVING ALL THE EMOTIONS A STANDARD

The cast members at work

asking for money to attend Keri Hilson’s show holding in Nigeria! This would, however, be the last time Anike’s father would correct her or interfere in her matters. He dies that night as a result of heart attack, leaving the family heartbroken. The worst news comes the next day that he did not leave any inheritance. The biggest challenge for Anike is how to complete her education and continue with the kind of life she is used to. The mother, confronted by this challenge takes up menial jobs to raise money for her final examinations in school, yet that is not enough. This prompts her to contact the family lawyer who brings a money lender. She gets a loan but has to part with a gold trinket handed down to her from three generations earlier! When it was time to pay, she fails to raise the money and the money lender takes possession of the gold trinket. On graduation, Anike comes face to face with the facts of how her mother raised the funds to pay her final fees in school and she breaks down in tears. Of course,

she pleads for forgiveness and the mother is magnanimous to accept. This portion, of course, illustrates that the love of a mother can be pure and accommodating. Of course, the play is one of Wole Oguntokun’s classics and draws its highpoints from having all the emotions a standard play should have: suspense, comedy, tragedy and even poetry. The acting was also on point and commendations must be given to the director for championing the course of theatre in a dull economy as the Nigerian landscape avails. Unilever must also be commended for pioneering branding from the standpoint of theatrics, which is quite innovative and deep in conveying the message. Other conglomerates must give this a shot, because the decision to buy in a competitive market could be concluded on a platter of emotions. As Pure as a Mother’s Love was however flawed on two fronts: stage lighting and music. In terms of lighting, one would forgive them realising that the hall doubled as corporate environment for a product launch as well, but the use of the songs of Phil Collins and Madonna, amongst other foreign artistes, is a copious violation of copyrights. Incidentally, no credit was accorded them in any form. In spite of this, the play was able to reinforce that a mother’s love can be deep and accommodating.

her commitment to her target audience –the young reader whose interests in book is quite eclectic, has written four other unpublished stories, all relating to educating children in the best way she knows how. The book revolves around the animal kingdom and the crisis that goes on within it. Tamuno, the tortoise who is the central character in this story, lives far away in the forest where he has no contact with the village of animals in self-imposed seclusion. However, he makes friends with the hare named Bekeowei. During a period of severe famine in the land, king Pereowei (a lion) calls a general meeting which all animals attend to solve the problem of hunger in the land. The animals are told to share what they have with one another till a solution is found. Each of the deprived animals lean on their prosperous neighbours for help and no one is stingy except Tamuno. His friend Bekeowei, who is very hungry, seeks assistance from the flourishing Tamuno. Out of greed and deceit, the wily tortoise lies about the source of his food –a farm 3,000 miles away from the village. Wanting to help

the starving animal kingdom, Bekeowei returns to tell the king but the tiger (also known as Furo) receives the news with sceptism instead accusing the tortoise of lying because there is no such farm. A spy –Nissi the bird– is sent to surreptitiously monitor Tamuno’s movement and eventually, it is discovered that tortoise has taken the other animals on a ride. The story climaxes with a punishment meted out to Tanumo for his wickedness. The theme focuses on teaching children to avoid greed, selfishness and lies, but this message is passed on in simple, appealing and engaging language. Also, the illustrative style with pictures on practically every page simplifies the story for its young reader audience; the setting, language and characters in the story are child friendly. However, pictures that came in a white and black format were dull and would have been more beautiful in colour; regardless, they served a great function in capturing the essence of the narrative. The choice of colour for the cover of the book is quite accurate and would attract a child at first glance. Data’s book is a beautiful way of introducing children to developing a healthy reading culture. It would also sharpen their minds to learn as they are entertained, spark their curiosity to ask questions and observe the interaction between the different characters in the story. The bottom-line are those vital moral lessons being passed on to impressionable minds in story-telling format. Adults will find the book a good read for bedtime stories for their children, while some adults who still connect with the child within them may find Tanumo and his Tall Tales amusing and revealing. Indeed, Data should be given thumbs up for her first attempt at writing story books for children

PLAY SHOULD HAVE: SUSPENSE, COMEDY, TRAGEDY...

Book

Data’s world of folktales Adabota Lydia Jaja, fondly called Data by family, friends and associates, is a debutante writer focusing her first published book, Tamuno and his Tall Tales, on encouraging and educating children. Though the author is relatively untested in the literary world, she clearly shows her love for literature and children in her writing. ADENRELE NIYI AND OYINKAN SOMORIN

his may be Adabota ‘Data’ Jaja’s first book but the author’s strength in writing children’s literature lies solely in her ability to actualise an arresting style to those stories. Tamuno and his Tall Tales aims to introduce children to reading through animal-themed tales, just like the defunct TV programme Tales by Moonlight did on the tube. The author, whose passion for literature is deduced by

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Critics

Friday, November 30, 2012

Literary arts

Awo, the original evil genius; Odia, his son You declare somebody else’s hometown an oil block, And you give it to a friend of yours, some crony... who can sell his loot and live happily ever after while the hometown sinks into oil-muddy neglect. And that is supposed to be privatisation for economic development. Forget it; as long as you have that, you have a civil war waiting to happen. - Odia Ofeimun, The Guardian, Sunday, October 14, 2012. But on the massacred Igbos who defended their lives and not mere oil, Odia says without feelings: ‘’The very idea of going to war was one decision they didn’t have to take at all. True all the Igbos killed in the pogrom (as different from those killed in Biafra) are Nigerians, and their families needed to grieve and mourn (them the Odia Ofeimun way). If you have to grieve and mourn, do you slaughter the next generation of your family? ... Achebe has overplayed the fact that the masses all wanted it [war]. The masses? The masses never declare war (Arab Spring of North Africa’s uprising against dictatorship not mass killing punctures his argument); it is the generals who declare war. (In the Arab Spring, the generals joined in; defecting. So, The Poet Lied)’’. Odia Ofeimun, The Guardian, Sunday, October 14, 2012, p20 CHIKE OFILI

ather than worry about the prophetic twists that sometimes attend Chinua Achebe’s books that might end up being ‘there was Nigeria’, ego defenders went on a counter war. More than true claimants to Awoism and Awolowo my own Ikenne in-law and admirer, his former personal secretary, Odia Ofeimun has chosen to go to the market wailing more than the owners of The Wailers band in a caustic, abusive and sour language of the Igbo. For if truth be told, Chief Obafemi Awolowo comes off from the role he played before, during and after the war, the way he battled rivals and enemies, policies he helped to formulate and the enduring way they have continued to catch up with their victims in a peculiar, pekelemes mess. Either in the ever enforced mono-directional, ideologically sheepish and fixatedly violent oppositional politics of the Yoruba in Ibadan and environ; the ‘’we want to know who owns the land’’ of Warri war in the Niger Delta among the Urhobo and the Itsekiri; or in the biggest disaster of them all with his finger print, the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, Awolowo is undoubtedly the original Nigerian ‘’evil genius’.’ A description first accorded Mr. Victor Olaiya in the 1960s

HIS HERO-WORSHIP OF AWOLOWO LEAVES ODIA INCAPABLE OF SEEING THINGS AS THEY ARE OR HAPPENED, BUT RATHER AS

AWO MADE

THEM HAPPEN His recommendations in that book in the pages 62 to 78 devoted to the Igbo should be seen for what it is: a snare to despise and make problematic their added diasporic powers; the special and well-exposed human resource advantage of the Igbo over others. Also suspect is his untiring ancient mariner styled conversations, friendships and self-appointed tutoring of the best of Igbo youths to make them see their heroes as villains; all plots to destroy the indestructible. One of them most appropriately renamed him, Odia Ofemanu; punning on his surname to mean, Odia, son of the Yoruba in a derogatory way. for his mastery of Highlife music and later applied on General Ibrahim Babangida in the 1990s, for his twisted mastery of state craft. Awo is the evil genius of all time. On Awolowo, Odia Ofeimun carries on like a full grown man betraying the psychology of the denied, of one in search of an adoptable father and a new home. His hero-worship of Awolowo leaves Odia incapable of seeing things as they are or happened, but rather as Awo made them happen, or as they happened for Awo, or made to happen by Awo’s inspiration or example. This piece situates Awo as the umbilical source of Odia’s anti-Igbo life-long words, ways, works and scholarship for the enthronement of Awoism above any other. In Odia’s self-published book, Taking Nigeria Seriously (2010), he recounts the story of his classroom defeat by a non-Edo, an outsider, an Igbo; a story much similar to the Azikiwe-Awolowo experience in the way Zik an Easterner newly returned from America, dominated Lagos politics and political players of the 1940s-50s. But to suit his anti-Igbo theory he says: ‘’...a classmate of mine joined our class in my third year in primary school. His name was John Ezike. He came from the East where free education had been tried in emulation of the Western example but mishandled and abandoned. He was easily the brightest kid I would ever encounter in my school career... He topped our class for the rest of our stay in primary school...One day, I went to the local market to buy an underwear and there in his uncle’s stall was John Ezike, blissfully selling away and joking with customers ... I saw it as a calamity. That the brightest kid in my class would not go to college (because of school fees) but would join his Onitsha market cousins as a trader’.’ In Awolowo, Odia found a father-figure and vitriolic fighter against these ‘’most endowed’’ Igbo he must help bring to a halt as did Awo against the well-accepted national leadership of Azikiwe in a life–long carrier till he launched himself into reckoning from the fringe. His autobiography, Awo (1960) largely and essentially his biography of Azikiwe, remains an irrefutable testament against him as evidence of the poisoned beginnings that made a handshake between Igbos and Yoruba uneasy and difficult long before his betraying role in the war, worsened it. Knowing Odia and reading Awo’s autobiography, the voice and combative character of Awolowo rang so true in Odia’s life in a clear echo. Little wonder Odia’s book, Taking Nigeria Seriously, never rose beyond being the mimic man of his master. The book is actually, Taking Awo’s Nigeria Seriously. A re-echoing of his master’s brain; a borrowed voice!

Odia’s tainted tongue on Igbo issues When it comes to dealing with the Igbo, Odia completely loses his wisdom teeth as he so very often runs his mouth like a broken dam without gauge, flooding everywhere disastrously. But with the Yoruba and the Hausa-Fulani, he cowardly writes and talks tonguein-cheek. In the light of the on-going re-excavation of the evil genius’ deeds of his master, Awolowo in Prof. Chinua Achebe’s latest book on the Nigerian-Biafran war, There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra, lest we forget forever and be condemned to repeating it, we have as Nigerians and Africans failed to appreciate Achebe the way he is doing to our history as he once did in reply to colonial wrongs and writers for denigrating African history and people. He is on another historical correction of his own people. Odia applied his access to and use of the print media to get himself an interview with The Guardian published on Sunday, October 14 and two Sundays after, flooding this otherwise respected newspaper with opinions beyond measures. In The Guardian of Sunday, Odia completely lacked the required humility needed in entering a history he did not participate in; the way his contemporary and better, Prof. Femi Osofisan did while writing the biography of Prof. J.P Clark a senior poet and playwright. Foraging into the past and its pile of records, in J.P Clark: A Voyage (2012: 210), Osofisan submitted: ‘’... in any case, can one ever know the complete truth about the past, not having being there?’’ Odia need not be there to reel out his Awo-laden views as though he were contemporaries with Zik and Awo. The Poet Lied even insisted that ‘’Achebe may have been there, but he didn’t see what happened,’’ in the carpet crossing Western house. Such insolence; such arrant non-sense! An eye-witness account of such an intelligent, selfconscious, universally fair, a trained and practising broadcast journalist of Achebe’s calibre so ridiculed? But the sophist would have us believe his self-opinionated trademark ‘’defend Awo and receive atonement’’ opinion from his tainted tongue. Regrettably, Odia has lost all required innocence for entering into any history that involves his much worshipped hero. Including the innocence that usually accompanies true artists! Ofili, biographer and author was chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos. Readers’ reactions are welcomed. Continued next Friday

Inside FCT

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Traders lament poor sales as Yuletide nears TOLA AKINMUTIMI

or Abuja traders who sell clothing and other materials and who have always smiled to their banks in the yuletide season, this may not be the best of times as sales have been poor with the likelihood that the trend may be remain as the Christmas and New Year celebrations draw closer. Visits to many markets in Abuja metropolis and other FCT satellites towns by Inside FCT showed clearly that whereas most of the dealers had stocked their shops with varieties of local and foreign fabrics, shoes, hats and other materials in anticipation that consumers will come in droves to buy, sales are still poor even as parents and guardians are lamenting the high cost of living in the territory. Austin Madu, a trader in clothing fabrics at the popular Wuse market, told Inside FCT that unlike the years past when scores of parents swam the market to buy materials for themselves and children to celebrate the Christmas season, this year has been particularly hard for traders due to poor patronage. Madu, who revealed that he travelled to Dubai in September to re-stock his shops in Wuse and Area 1 markets in anticipation of huge end of year sales, said doing so was a terrible mistake because he is now trying to repay the money borrowed from friends and his microfinance bank to finance the trip. “This is not a good year at all for some of us who are into clothing and shoes business. Apart from the fact that sales have been bad generally since the beginning of the year, the past two months have been terrible because consumers are not coming. The few which come are not buying but will be complaining of high cost of the items. Although we know that the economy is bad but we thought last year would be the worst of years because sales dropped so much.

A trader displaying his wares

“But this season is now the worst. I have two shops and six boys working with me. I travelled to buy materials with some borrowed money. As I speak with you, I’m yet to repay and my bank is on my neck”, he said despondently. “For now, we are only looking to God for miracles; as you can see, we just ended our usual morning praise and worship session. It is only God that can help us, especially those of us who had to borrow to finance our business”, Madu said. Another clothes dealer located in Lugbe market, who identified himself as Andrew, lamented about poor sales which he partly attributed to the reconstruction work in Lugbe market that had caused many customers to shun visiting the market. According to him, some of the customers only come for what he termed ‘see and go’ as they no longer buy fabrics; a worrisome development that has made a few other traders to relocate to other markets and open spaces with heavy human traffic to ensure their businesses are sustained. “My experience has not been encouraging as very few customers now come to price clothing materials. Most of them come to buy food stuffs and when you try to ask them to buy shoes even for their children what you hear is there is no money. “I think government should help some of us by paying

workers their Christmas salary early in December so that parents can buy materials for their children. In that way, some of us can also have money to feed our families. Business is dull and the only way we can survive is to get sales. Anyway, we are still trusting God that people will come”, Andrew said. A resident and parent of two, Elder Benson Akingboye, who spoke on his family’s budget plans for the Christmas season, ruled out buying of clothing and other materials, including shoes, for the children saying; “I am not thinking of buying them any material this year. Things are very expensive now. We had a social ceremony about three months ago when we bought a fabric out of which everyone made our dresses. That is what we will use this year. “We are not thinking about new clothing for Christmas. What I am planning to do is buy enough food so that we can eat. I think most parents no longer prioritise the seasonal purchase of fabrics for festivities as was the case in the past. “For us, we are going to have enough food to eat to the glory of God. Don’t forget too that after the Christmas, the children will be resuming for a new term and this to many parents, is the challenge. The schools fees will have to be paid again and it is expensive getting the children back to school. That is my agenda now”, Akingboye said.

Gidan Ajia: FG beams light of hope on abandoned settlement CENTRE WILL BE USED TO

IJEOMA EZEIKE

THE

DEVELOP SKILLS OF VILLAGERS

ABUJA

idan Ajia is not a popular name among satellite towns in Abuja; one clear reason is because few workers reside in the area. It is one of the secluded villages in the Federal Capital Territory, with a population of about 5000 people. The village, which is about 25 kilometres from Aso Rock, the nation’s seat of power, is made up of peasant farmers known for their peaceful co-existence. Unfortunately, a first time visitor to the village located in Orozo 1 district will quickly notice the absence of infrastructural development as Gidan Ajia has only one track road which cannot even accommodate the passage of two vehicles at the same time. The place shows lack of social amenities as well. The whole village shares one hand pump as their only source of water supply and there is no electricity, no transportation system and one impoverished primary school catering to education. Ironically, Gidan Ajia is situated right behind the famous Federal Technical College, Orozo. However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for the village as the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation recently built and commissioned a Cultural Industry Centre in the village. The knowledge based and labour intensive centre, which represents the only Federal Government presence in the village, is an

AND INCREASE LEVELS OF INVESTMENT ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION informal training institute with the capacity to create employment and wealth. Primarily, the centre will be used to develop skills of villagers and increase levels of investment on vocational education providing an alternative to the farming profession. Commissioning the Centre, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, said three years ago, his ministry recognised the importance of identifying with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to contribute its quota by designing a programme for the alleviation of poverty as well as jobs creation in line with the ministry’s mandate. The ministry, Duke said, set in motion the machinery to ensure that the vision did not become blurred and has replicated this cultural centre in Enugu, Taraba, Ondo, Benue and Sokoto to cover the six geo-political zones.

The projects in the zones were commissioned symbolically and were handed over to states and their representatives at the function. According to Duke, “Nigeria’s cultural industries have been reaching out to the world especially through Nollywood and music and as a result much is expected from us. Therefore, the centres are built to provide cultural services to their immediate communities and build capacities in entrepreneurial activities. “These cultural activities in general terms include crafts, prints, weaving, pottery, and beading, among others and carry out further research into how these cultural services can become more viable”. The FCT centre, he said, would be managed by the private sector and run like an academy envisaged to coordinate and integrate the various arts training initiatives of benefiting states. While welcoming guests to his community, the Sarkin Ajia, Sule Baba, commended the Federal Government for establishing the project in his community noting that “this is the first federal presence in this community even though we are in the FCT”. He called on members of the community to take the opportunities provided by the project to improve their lives. Alhaji Baba, who spoke through a translator, begged the ministry not to abandon the project adding that it would amount to waste given the millions of naira spent in constructing the site if proper attention is not given to it.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Qur’an 17:1 17:1: “Praise be to God Who has enraptured His servant by night from the Sacred mosque (Mecca) to the farthest Mosque (Allah then miraculously moved the Prophet from Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem).”

h O he Omar Ali Saifuddien S if ddi Mosque M was built in 1958. It was named after Omar Ali Saifuddien, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, who is also fondly referred to by locals as the “architect of modern Brunei.” Currently, it is considered one of the most magnificent mosques in the entire Southeast Asian region. This mosque is a dominating structure that can be found on the river banks of Bandar. It is not hard to find this mosque as it is located right smack in the town center of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is easy to recognize the golden domes that totally sparkle against the sun’s rays. You will surely be enthralled by the colorful stained glass and classic Italian marble. Other elegant materials that were used to construct this mosque include marble from Italy, carpets from Saudi Arabia and granite from Shanghai. The delicate chandeliers that seem to dance with the wind will leave you in awe. But what you will really find interesting about this mosque is the replica of the Mahligar or Royal Barge that is “parked” by the river beside the mosque. This barge used to be the venue for selected religious ceremonies and celebrations during the 1960s until the early part of the 1970s.

Omar Ali Mosque

Why Muslim lawyers need a petition (2) CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

ith respect to taking care of the sentiments of others, the Holy Prophet was peerless also. Even though the Prophet Muhammad is greater than all other prophets, yet in consideration of the sentiments of a Jew, he once said, “Do not give me superiority over Moses (as).” There is the Prophet’s care for the sentiments of the poor and respect for their status. Once, for example, a very wealthy Companion expressed his superiority over others. The Holy Prophet heard this and stated: “Do you believe your strength, your power, your wealth and your possessions were all acquired through your own ef-

Clerics condemn plea bargaining 27

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya forts? Absolutely not! Your tribal strength, as well as the power of your wealth were all acquired due to the poor.” Today, the claimants of freedom establish the rights of the poor and endeavour to safeguard them. Yet, 1400 years ago, the

‘Muslims cannot be apolitical’

Holy Prophet established this right when he said that the labourer should be paid his wages before his perspiration dries off. Thus, where can they possibly contend with the Benefactor of Mankind? There are countless accounts of the Prophet.

Take any aspect of his life and in every respect, you will find the highest moral example established by the Holy Prophet. Another allegation raised is that the Holy Prophet was a womaniser, and objections are raised against his marriages. Allah the Almighty knew, however, that such allegations and questions would be raised in the future and so facilitated such incidents which provide the rebuttal to these allegations. It is said regarding Asmaa bint Nu’maan bin Abi Joan that she was amongst the most beautiful women of the Arabs. When she came to Madinah, her beauty was praised by every woman who saw her. They would say that they had never seen such a beautiful woman in their CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Internet trial 29

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nature and our wellbeing We owe them a duty T 08055102994 (SMS ONLY)

s mothers, a lot is required of us as homemakers to really catch our children young in the way of Allah and be the best of example to all. It was quite interesting seeing my underten twins getting angry just because I did not wake them up like their sister to observe the Sunnah fast of 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram. This only shows that proper religious upbringing will go a long way in achieving a pious home and subsequently, pious and peaceful society. We must let them know that the Islamic year has 12 months that are based on a lunar cycle. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year), so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth....” (9:36). “It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light of beauty, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He

explains His signs in detail, for those who understand” (10:5). Our noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in his final sermon, said among other things; “With Allah, the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jamada and Sha’ban.” Many of us might have missed some of the voluntary fasting of Muharram because out of the four sacred months, Muharram has been blessed with certain virtues: “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhan is the fasting of Allah’s month of Muharram,” we can still obtain some rewards before the month ends. In another Hadeeth, Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) reports: “that the Messenger of Allah said: “The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty. fasts for each fast (in this sacred month).” The above Hadeeth signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are the most rewarding among the voluntary fastings. We cannot tell the little acts of Ibadah we will do that will be accepted by Allah (SWT). May Allah make it easy for us, Amin.

Act Wisely! al-Jarud told her in astonishment: you went overboard

Umar b. al-Khattab, the second caliph, set out from the mosque with his companion al-Jarud on one of his daily scouts to observe the condition of the people. On his way, when he met an elderly lady, he stopped by to greet her; she returned his greeting and then addressed him: “Listen ‘Umar! I used to know you when you were called ‘Umayr (little Umar) engaging boys in wrestling in the ‘Ukkaz fare. Days went by, and you were called ‘Umar. Time passed, again, now you are addressed as the Commander of the Faithful. So fear Allah in regard to your subjects. Whosoever fears death will be eager to catch up with the good deeds he has missed.” On hearing her words of admonition, ‘Umar sobbed. Then

in admonishing the Commander of the Faithful until you made him weep!’ ‘Umar stopped him saying, ‘leave her! Do you know who is she? She is Khawla bint Hakim, whose complaint was heard by Allah from above the seven heavens!* I should be more worthy of hearing her discourse!!’ This is a reference to the Qur’an: (58: 1): ‘’Allah has, indeed, heard the words of her who pleads with thee concerning her husband, and complains unto Allah. And Allah does hear what you both have to say: verily, Allah is all-hearing, all-seeing.” So, our leaders should beware!

he almighty Creator has been so merciful unto us in all ways. When we talk of clement weather, natural and human resources, Nigerian has really been blessed, but unfortunately millions of Nigerians still find it difficult to get safe drinking water. This is why the assurance given Nigerians by the trio of Mr. Alfred Spinnler, Chairman, Value Life Sciences (VLS) Ltd.; Mr. Frank Mogaha, its Managing Director and Mr. Nilesh Pawar, the Marketing Director of a value-added life through the use of certain solar technological way of water purification is of great concern. There is no doubt that water is very essential to our livelihood; for all organisms as well as a resource for many industrial processes, hence, water has been and will always be of central importance to all. The increase in population, the climate change and the progressive industrialisation are aligned with a constant shortage and purity of water. This is why the company has introduced Acqua 1 Solar Technology for the purification and storage of water. According to Mr. Spinnler, a long-time research work resulted in the technology of Acqua 1. “The fundamental advantage of this elementary water treatment has been developed because of the urge to renew, ameliorate and optimise established conditions and situations. He also mentioned other health-related products from the company aimed at adding value to the lives of many Nigerians and these include the disposable Infection Control products under the brand name CAREALL as VLS is the sole representative in Nigeria for all brands owned by Eurafric Pharma. Mr. Pawar stated that because several newborn babies die due to infections caused as a result of unclean environment in Nigeria while 30% of doctors pick up infections while treating patients in hospital settings with many Nigerians spending millions of naira annually due to infections, Careall products can be used by patients, doctors, nurses, midwives and others, to avoid infections. We need to focus more on prevention of infections. There is also the cost involved in antibiotic treatment which most families cannot afford, very often with serious consequences. Also, value-added products like Guard Tour Monitoring System, Solar Oven and Grills, Pepper Spray and Submersible Water Aerator among others can now be make use of by Nigerians as they are focus-

ing on hygiene, water purification, pharmaceuticals and security. To further prevent high maternal and infant mortality rate, the Careall product portfolio offers more than protection from infection. CAREALL Range of Disposable Infection Control Products include SANITT SPRAY to sanitise toilet seat, door knob, taps, flush handles, Surgical Infection Control, Surgical Drapes, Obstetrics Pack, Toilet Seat Cover, First Aid Kit among others. Speaking further, Mr. Mogaha explained that Acqua 1 Solar Technology stems from many years of research work by Martinelli GmbH and is based on a chip that consists of a two-colour, softener free, polypropylene rigid film, an incorporated transparent 8-layer Euclidean vector space with a scalar point and lines of various colours. “The film layers and the Euclidean vector space are flexible and can be adapted to various surfaces and surface structures. The number of chips used is dependent on the volume of water to be treated. This allows Acqua 1 Solar Technology to be modified to a wide variety of customer applications. The technology functions are based on the latest scientific knowledge. The chip splits the impinging daylight like a prism. The electromagnetic waves of light then impinge onto the surface of the water at approx. 580 nm and modify its molecules and crystalline structures.” This allows water to regain its original cluster structures. The oxygen content in the water is increased by approx. 30%. The chip functions when water is in its fluid aggregate state, irrespective of its temperature. It does not come into contact with the water during the whole processes. “It greatly improves and optimizes the biodegradation of pollutants and pollutant information in the cluster structures as the natural detoxification process in water is restored. It’s mostly about us women as there is also the solar cooker to solve the plight of women who are otherwise condemned to spend their lives inhaling toxic smoke in urban kitchens or in search of firewood in rural areas. Tulsi Solar cookers manufactured by Rohitas Electronics are ideal for the family. Research has shown that smoke from open fire cooking causes lung infections, cancer, heart disease, asthma and eye disease among others. Hence, with these products, food is properly cooked without danger of getting infected by salmonella or other bacteria, water could be easily sterilised and pasteurised.

Women wing of JUBFAT during their second anniversary celebration recently.

L-R: Chairman, Value Life Sciences (VLS) Ltd, Mr. Alfred Spinnler; Managing Director, VLS, Mr. Frank Mogaha and the Marketing Director, VLS Ltd, Mr. Nilesh Pawar introducing the company and its products in Lagos recently.

A senior lecturer at Fountain University, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Mobolaji and another guest.

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Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

Call to Worship

Clerics condemn plea bargaining Propagate Islam in your own SEKINAH L AWAL

rominent Islamic Scholars have condemned the idea of doing plea bargaining instead of sending corrupt public office holders to jail to serve as deterrent to others. Speaking at the 1434AH Muharram get-together organized by the Muslim Congress in Lagos recently, the Chief Missioner of Ansar-ud-deen Society Worldwide, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, Imam Trimizi Jamiu of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Abu Umar Farouq, Dr. Tajudeen Yussuf and other eminent scholars said the habit encourages corruption . According to them, Nigerian government cannot be said to be serious about fighting corruption if it allows plea bargaining with arraigned corrupt leaders.

In reaction to the editorial of one of the national dailies on public holiday declared by Osun state to mark the Islamic New Year, they called on media practitioners to be cautious in the way they handle issues, especially when it comes to religion. Sheikh Ahmad reiterated the need for all to respect others’ faith in order for peace to reign. “Why is it that other faiths can have public holidays to mark their New Year and it will be a crime for Muslims to enjoy the same right? Why is it that nuns are free to wear veil and female Muslims will not be allowed?” Speaking on the theme; “Towards a Peaceful and Virile Nation: the challenges facing the nation, Ahmad urged Nigerians to stop seeing the BokoHaram onslaught as a religious matter, but to look more inward politically. He also enjoined Muslims to continue to be peace-

Book Review

Readers are leaders, let’s read well Title: The Future of Islam

espite the fact that Islam has been at the forefront of domestic mestic and international affairs ffairs for many decades now, many still have little or no knowledge of the relieligion’s basic tenets. More re disheartening, many y still maintain a negative perception of Islam and Muslims. So, either an informed, rmed, nuanced understanding ng of Islam is being obscured by the voluminous luminous and venomous misinformation that clutters the media, or an accessible and authoritative account of what Muslims truly believe and how they interact with the world around them simply hasn’t been produced. John Esposito, given his celebrity and scholarship, is among perhaps only a handful of individuals who have met both these prospective challenges head-on with some success. His latest offering in a line of timely scholarly works, The Future of Islam, provides a refreshingly holistic assessment of the challenges Muslims face from increased pluralism on one hand and heightened hostility on the other. The book is, however, not without its biases and consequent missed opportunities. Overall though, the far more genuine appraisal of Muslims in this work is

ful and live in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. The second lecturer, Abu Umar Al-Faruq, spoke on Good Governance: The Islamic Perspectives and called on Nigerians to stop celebrating fraudulent and corrupt people, pray for their leaders and reject plea bargaining for corrupt officials. Also speaking, Ustadh Luqman AbdurRahman, the Amir of the Muslim Congress, said the Ribadu’s report on Petroleum Revenue should not be thrown into the dustbin of history. The Muharram Get-Together is an annual public meeting of Muslim faithful across several Islamic organisations at the beginning of the Islamic Hijrah Year to deliberate on Muslim agenda for the year revolving around a particular theme of interest to the nation, Muslims and the general public.

a powerful counterweight to the sensational depictions found in (sadly, more in demand) Islamophobic publications. Both novice and more advanced readers on the subject will find much of Esposito’s narrative as insightful as it is comprehensive. The first chapter of the book includes a standard primer on the five pillars, some on the more brief remarks remar “controversial” “c subjects of shariah and jihad. This introductory information is supin plemented, however, ple with a less common wit examination of the exam racial and intellectual racia diversity of Muslims divers in the West, and an even of the rarer assessment a legitimate grievances legitimat Muslims around the world have with America and its allies. those possessing a For thos firmer grasp of Islamic attibeliefs, thi this book doubles as tudes and beliefs a clear and concise distillation of the Western Muslim experience. From the factors that distinguish American Muslims from their European counterparts, to the distinction between integration and assimilation, to the misapplication of terms such as “moderate” and “fundamentalist ,” Esposito’s fluid analysis on these topics, often backed by empirical data, makes even the most complex phenomena easily digestible. To be fair, Esposito is careful not to dismiss more traditional or conservative positions in Islam. He clearly cautions against facile labeling of a person or group as “extreme” simply because their understanding of a particular issue doesn’t mesh with a Western, supposedly enlightened perspective.

little way –Onikijipa

uslims have been urged to contribute their own quota towards the propagation of Islam. Sheikh Sulaimon Faruq Onikijipa gave his advice during the second year anniversary of Jublatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBFAT). The event took place at New Oko Oba Yidi praying ground, Abule Egba, Lagos recently. He told his audience that Muslims must strive to spread the words of Almighty Allah in their own little way either by words

of mouth, actions or with their money. He charged them that Muslims do not need all the money in this world before the words of Allah could be spread. Sheikh Onikijipa commended the initiative of Sheikh Abdul Ganiyy Umar Arikunkewu, the founder and National Chief Missioner of JUBFAT for setting up the society and prayed for its continuous growth from strength to strength. The occassion witnessed the launching of the society’s prayer book and giving of merit awards to

Onikijipa

some Muslims who have contributed to the development of Islam. Not minding the heavy rainfall that nearly marred the ceremony, eminent Muslims across the state were present.

The 1434AH Muharram Get-Together organised by The Muslim Congress (TMC)

L-R: Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Shaykh Dhikrullah Shafii; the Proprietor, Al-Hikmat College, Lagos, Ustadh Ibrahim Abdul-Kareem and former Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiy Atitebi.

L-R: Chairman, Lagos State Pilgrims Board, Ustadh AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef; former MD Hajj Mabrur Ventures, Alhaji M. Abdul Kabir and Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Ustadh Shuaib Abdullahi.

L-R: TMC Secretary-General, AbdulWasiu Taiwo Bangbala; TMC Amir, Ustadh Luqman AbdurRaheem; MD/CEO, ATWAK Nigeria Limited and Chairman of the day, Captain Tunde Adeoye Wakil.

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

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Governance is about serving the people –Umar He is a veteran journalist, as well as the Special Assistant to the DG, Voice of Nigeria. Abu Umar Al-Faruq, in this interaction with SEKINAH LAWAL, dwells on the Islamic perspectives of good governance, among other sundry issues. What is good governance? Governance is not just about control; it also involves reward for obedience and disobedience. In modern literature, governance describes the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Good governance is about providing purposeful leadership that brings positive and qualitative dividends to people. Governance is a great and grave responsibility given to man by Allah. First He established man as leader over all creatures by giving him knowledge, freewill and guidance. The essence of governance is orderliness and effectiveness, justice and fair play, etc. All these are placed on day-to-day administration, rules and systems of checks and balances. Governance comes in either of two ways: authority and responsibility. Authority perspective sees governance as power and control. It is the right to make final decisions and decisions that are binding especially when it relates to governance. The second perspective is that governance is responsibility; it is about duty, job, accountability, openness and accessibility. It is about what must be done to ease the condition of the people. How will you describe good governance from Islamic perspective? From the perspective of the Creator, governance is about responsibility, it is about serving the people. The first leadership established on earth was that of Prophets and Allah tasked them thus in Qur’an 3: 164 – “Allah indeed confer a favour on the believers when He sent among them an apostle from amongst themselves, rehearsing unto them the signs of Allah, purifying them, and instructing them in scripture and wisdom while before that they had been in manifest error.” Allah further underscores the essence of leadership when He told Dawud (AS) in Qur’an 38: 26 “Oh Dawud! We indeed make you a vicegerent on earth so judge between them with Truth/Justice.” Allah says further in Qur’an 22: 41 “They are those who if we establish in the land, establish regular Salat and give regular Zakat, enjoin what is right and forbid evil. With Allah rests the end of all affairs.” When Allah established Muslims as leaders by recognising them as the best community (Khaera Ummah) in Qur’an 3: 110, it is because Muslims were given responsibility of witnesses unto mankind. “You are the best of people evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah. ...” What is missing in today’s leaders? A clear study of this procedure would reveal an important perspective which leaders of today are often oblivious of – that governance is about ‘responsibility and not authority’ conferred on them. The importance of this is that governance is

Umar

‘people centred’; it is about the welfare of the people and not about how to enforce authority on them. Rasulullah (SAW) crowned this responsibility perspective when he said: “The leader of a people is their servant.” What is the purpose of a servant if not to serve the master, the people? The Prophet (SAW) also said: ‘the just Ruler would be under the shade on the Day of Judgement.’ In an Hadith of Bukhari narrated by Ma‘qil Bin Yassar, it was reported: “I heard the Prophet, saying, “Any man who Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never have even the smell of Paradise.” In another Hadith narrated by Ma‘qil Bin Yassar Allah’s Messenger said: “If any ruler having the authority to rule Muslim subjects dies while he is deceiving them, Allah will forbid Paradise for him.” What is expected to be done? When responsibility occupies the centre stage before a leader, authority flows automatically and people will obey willingly and the leaders rely less on law and law enforcement agents to secure obedience from people. However, when leaders are more conscious of authority, they flaunt their power and influence

THE JUST

RULER

WOULD BE UNDER THE SHADE ON THE

DAY OF

JUDGEMENT

before people thus commanding obedience with awe and fear, never out of love and respect. In Sahih Muslim, it is reported that Auf Bn Malik relates that he heard the Prophet say: “Your best rulers will be those whom you love and those who love you and for whom you pray and who pray for you; and your worst ruler would be those who you hate you, and whom you curse and who curse you. ...” In the history of mankind therefore, there has been no better example of good governance than in the times of Islam, no wonder Allah described them as ‘Ruamaun Baynahum’ as the companions would say ‘we hear and we obey’ without policemen monitoring them. The difference between the leaders of Muslims who set the record for our happy references today is that they know the difference between authority and responsibility. It was their devotion to responsibility that gave birth to authority and that is why love radiates between

them and the people. Imagine when Muslims conquered territories under non-Muslim leaders and when the Muslims had to depart, non-Muslims begged them to appoint a leader for the territory because they have tasted good governance, leadership from the perspective of responsibility. Imagine that Muslims ruled India subcontinent even though they were small in number. Then, we read of criminals reporting themselves and an adulterer who reported herself and persistently sought that the rules be implemented on her. This examples show us that when government carries out its responsibility, the people will cooperate and there would be peace in the community. ‘Carry out your responsibilities and save yourselves bullets and batons.’ The Muslim leader is not intoxicated with power and authority; he is rather humbled by the appointment. This is demonstrated with their first statements which revealed their concern for the responsibility before them. After the pledge of allegiance, the first Khalif, Abubakar Siddiq (RA) said: “I have been chosen as your chief although I am better than none of you. Thus if I do good work it is incumbent upon you to extent your help and support me; If I go wrong it is your duty to put me on the right path. Truth and righteousness are a trust and untruth is a breach of trust. …” When the victory of the Battle of Qadsiyyah was brought to Madinah, Umar Bn Khattab (RA) gathered the people and the news was given, with a full description of the battle scene. Thereafter, the Khalif said: “O Muslims, I am not a king that it should be my desire to make you slaves. I am myself a servant of Allah, though the responsibilities of the caliphate have been made to be heavy upon my head. I should deem myself fortunate if I serve you in a manner that secured your sound and tranquil sleep in your homes, but I would be a miserable wretch if it were my desire to make you wait constantly upon me and mount a guard at my doors. It is my object to instruct you not only by words, but by my deeds also.” How should they go about doing these? On various occasions, the Second Khalif Umar Bn Khattab (RA) said: “I am but an ordinary person like you. I can only request you to cooperate in the work with which I have been entrusted by you.” He set the tone for participation by all, creating opportunity for all to reach the leadership, especially the common man. A Muslim leader does not sit ‘above’ while closing all the entrances. He makes room for the people to reach him because he is from them. Rasulullah (SAW) was foremost in his concern for the people. Indeed, the Prophet, establishing the rights of the workers in Sunnah Abu Dawud: “Whoever is our worker, let him marry a wife, if he does not have a servant let him acquire a servant, if he does not have a house, let him get accommodation.” Umar’s concern for the people is reflected in an encounter he had with a CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

‘Muslims cannot be apolitical’ •Deaths are reflections for us’ Why this jamboree about Muharram? The 1434 AH Muharram Get-together, like previous ones, is quite beneficial, thoughtprovoking and memorable. For the purpose of our esteemed brethren attending for the first time, the annual Muharram Get-Together (AMG) provides a unique platform for Muslims across Nigeria to congregate, reflect and deliberate on critical national and international issues as they affect the interests of Nigerian Muslims and by extension non-Muslims. AMG has also been designed to serve as a medium for providing governments with workable models and realistic development templates that could help redress some identified socio-economic and political challenges facing Nigeria. Based on the foregoing, this year’s theme has been captioned “Towards a peaceful and virile nation”. What prompted the theme? The leadership of the Congress has carefully selected the above theme after conscious assessment of the quality of governance in Nigeria, right from independence. It is instructive to mention that different regimes (civilian and military) initiated several developmental projects and programmes, but rather than these efforts improving the wellbeing of the pauperised citizens; the programmes nose-dived and became consigned into the dust-bin of history due to lack of political will, escalating corruption, mediocrity and sustained culture of impunity. Bad governance has denied Nigerians the dividend of democracy. This assertion finds legitimacy in official data which indicate that 72% of Nigerians live below poverty line, while unemployment rate stood at 24%. Pathetically, a nation blessed with the proverbial milk and honey subjects its citizens to hopelessness, joblessness, godlessness, restlessness and homelessness. The above ills are metrics of a failing society or a failing state. As a responsible Muslim group, we do not want our nation to fail; thus, we invited erudite Islamic scholars and seasoned mass communicators to awaken our subconscious minds and open our intellects to the realities of the Glorious Book, thereby guiding the leaders and the led to the path of rectitude. What do you have to say regarding the ongoing constitutional review? I wish to comment a little on some critical issues of the moment. The first is the proposed constitution amendment. The Congress implores all Muslims to partake actively in the ongoing call for submission of memoranda for constitution amendments. Muslims must go out in their hundreds, thousands and millions to discharge their civic responsibility in their various constituencies and local government councils. We must not be apolitical or exhibit a “sidon look attitude”. A sustained carefree attitude cannot help marginalised group. What are desirable are constructive engagement, active contribution and positive participation in charting a course for our dear nation. At the level of the Congress, we call on the National Assembly to include in the amended constitution, recognition of a plural legal and economic system. The Nigerian Muslims, considering our numerical preponderance and age-long Islamic culture, desire

In this interview with SEKINAH LAWAL, the Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Imam Luqman AbdurRaheem, speaks on the need for Muslims to be more politically active, be God-conscious and more, excerpts;

AbdurRaheem

RISING INCIDENCE OF TORNADOES, HURRICANES, FLOODING, FIRE DISASTER ET CETERA ARE INDICATIONS THAT ALLAH IS VISITING THE ERRING AND UNJUST GROUPS AND NATIONS WITH HIS WRATH Islamic courts side-by-side with civil courts in all parts of Nigeria; ditto for Islamic financial institutions like banks, insurance and capital market. Secondly, the Nigerian Muslims want formal recognition of Arabic as a compulsory school subject for all Muslim students in the primary and secondary schools. We are peacefully and passionately making this request because of the socio-economic and spiritual benefits Nigeria as a country stands to gain from the endeavour. Arabic is the language of Islam; Our Qur’an is written in Arabic language, it is therefore a fundamental right of Nigerian Muslims, to learn Arabic and teach their children. Till date, Arabic is the tribal language of the Shuwa tribe in Borno State and other locations in Northern parts of Nigeria. It was this realisation that informed the inscription of Arabic in the nation’s currency note at independence. The justification to have Arabic on the nation’s currency was clear and unambiguous; hence illustrious Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and other non-Muslim politicians did not oppose Arabic writings on the nation’s currency. Arabic studies in schools should not be placed on the same platform with French and Chinese languages, which are neither tribal languages in Nigeria nor the mother’s tongue of any ethnic group in

Nigeria. What can we do to fight corruption? On the fight against corruption, Federal Government must read, digest and implement sincerely the report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu’s report should not be thrown into the rubbish-can of history like the report of Faruq Lawan and several other beautiful reports. If the recommendations are not implemented, it will further discredit the current regime’s efforts at fighting corruption. We therefore advise the President to tackle the oil-sector corruption engendered by “the cult of thieves” and “committee of cabals.” In advanced democracies, committees are set up to unveil socioeconomic challenges and proffer solutions, which the executive arm of government passionately implements carrying along other arms of government and the citizens. The reverse is the case in Nigeria. How do we ensure world peace? At the international arena, President of the United States, Barrack Obama should see his defeat of Mitt Romney and consequent re-election for another four years as a rare opportunity to promote global peace, heal the wound of the stateless Palestinians

Call to Worship

and Rohingya Muslims; engender friendly foreign policy with Muslim nations; tame Israel’s Hitler-style aggression on Muslim nations like Sudan, Iran and recently bombardment of Gaza Strip killing over 140 innocent Gazans including women, children and journalists. We salute the courage of Egyptian President Morsi and Arab League’s renewed foreign policy viewing Israel as an aggressor and a terror-monger. We also commend Bishop Desmond Tutu for describing the socio-economic plights of the Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank as worse than those of South Africans during the period of apartheid. A beautiful position corroborated by former American President Jimmy Carter. The current deployment of America’s military drones to spy and, in several instances, attack weak sovereign nations is a flagrant violation of international law and resurgence of imperialism in another form. This type of action portends new danger for international security and could, itself become another path to terrorism. Let us imagine what would have happened if an Iranian drone had been flown over Israel or United States; it would have created a catastrophic war situation. The policy-makers in the United States as well as Israel need to review their foreign policy and international diplomacy to reflect love for other nations irrespective of ideological worldviews and political orientation. Looking at the international politics, one is forced to conclude that the contemporary world celebrates injustice and praises oppressors. To redress this ugly trend, the United Nations General Assembly should be proactive in its condemnation of assault, attacks and massacres of Muslims in Gaza, West Bank, Burma, United States, China, Philippine, India et cetera. The body should be seen to be actively barking and seriously biting. UN should urge Burmese President to revoke the 1984 colour-coded citizenship scheme, which revoked the citizenship of Rohingya Muslims and non-Muslims in their ancestral land. Mere rhetoric would not change the aggression; it should be backed by military sanctions and massive deployment of force. Rising incidence of tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, fire disaster et cetera are indications that Allah is visiting the erring and unjust groups and nations with His Wrath. Despite the sophistication attained in technology, the several natural disasters could not be averted. Cast your mind back at the successive demise of political big weights in Nigeria. Few weeks ago, it was Dr. AbdulLateef Adegbite of blessed memory. His demise was significant, as he remained a colossus even at death. Suddenly, the Ibadan community announced the death of Alhaji Lam Adesina and few days later the Ilorin community announced the death of the godfather of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki. These incidences are reflections for Nigerians and a time to remember that we would all stand to account for our actions before Allah. These people and several others are answering questions on how they met Islam, their contributions and the state they left Islam and Muslims. There will be bliss for blessed Muslims, but there will be no escape route for defaulters! Are you one of the defaulters, who short-change and exploit Nigerians? Advice to Muslims in general In conclusion, we counsel all Muslims to be peaceful and upright always irrespective of situations they may find themselves.

Call to Worship

ne of the modern technologies which has influenced and eroded values is the Internet. In the history of man, it remains the most influential medium of communication. It has firmly captured all human minds that many transactions may not even succeed without it. Already internet has created information overload in all ramifications – education, business, videos, etc. It is very fast, cheap, accessible and unlimited. There is virtually today no aspect of life which internet has not covered. It reduces inconveniences and costs by bringing the latest books, dictionaries and so on to your bedroom. Many websites are deliberately designed to destroy the fabrics of morality and spirituality. Many users too due to the global decadence cannot resist using the Internet for evil. Through it, people (young ones especially) now have opportunity to watch pornographies. They become infatuated and may possibly thereafter become sexually obsessed or even deviants. The social networking via facebook and others get them attached and familiarized with the opposite sex which may lead to illicit relationship. Cases involving the like of Cynthias have been one of the evil uses of the Internet. Staying on the net also makes users email or chat with the opposite sex which may also lead to befriending saga. To a Muslim, there have developed several websites with Islamic coloration through which people’s mind are poisoned. So, one who has not attained the level of scrutiny will be wrongfully informed or even confused. Another evil of the Internet is the securi-

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

Internet trial

ty and privacy threats it poses. Confidential information that is not properly pass-worded could be accessed. People could be easily trailed and linked. So, those who are not sensitive can send confidential information that can lead to loss of huge money, property or life. You will have heard of the Internet predators that have used tapped information to kidnap or molest individuals. Also, the growing criminal ‘yahoo yahoo’ deal may seem lucrative to a youth who has been beclouded by love for excessive wealth from tender age. He may be lured to join the gang of the ‘yahoo yahoos’ to make ‘fast money.’ Of course, this is a criminal case, if he is caught he will pay dearly for it. Your photograph could be edited through some software and thus become distorted as is common in airbrushing of photographs of models to improve their outlooks. Wasting of time is another evil of the Internet. To be on the net requires time. At work, employees are busy playing games if not properly tasked or monitored. Students play games, chat and listen to music. People spend hours on the face book, mails, down-

A STUDENT WHO IS AN INTERNET ADDICT WILL HAVE A LOT TO CARRY OVER IN HIS ACADEMICS

Love of one’s country is part of faith

ove in the context of this write up means seeking for others what one wants for himself. This will literaly translates into loyalty which is the ability or committement to seek the same love for everybody. Citizens make up a country and having love for the country will bring about peace in the land that will eventually make worshiping of Allah simple. In Islam, the concept of love or loyalty is clear and simple. In the Holy Qu’ran, it is rightly stated that we must obey those who are in authority. Also, the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) advocates that obedience to the law of the land is part of faith. With these key principles in mind, it is clear that Muslims are duty bound to be loyal to their country. It is critical to note that this do not come with any precondition of the country being an Islamic country. It is a principle that applies to any country no matter what form of government it has. Similarly there is no requirement of the country having a legal system based on Islamic Sharia law. It is also pertinent to note that if Muslims are denied their rights to worship God and practise their faith, then they have the right as citizens, to advocate for such rights. Even in such instances, the principle of loyalty is not compromised. In extreme cases, where there are prohibitive conditions for Muslims to practice their faith and possibly where they are persecuted because of their faith, Islam still holds fast to the principles of peace and advises Muslims to migrate from such places and move to other places where they can practise their faith. This was the example of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) who was bitterly persecuted in Makkah for thirteen years before he migrated to Madinah. There was no call for uprising or dissent but

loads of music, videos, games, etc. Some even spend the whole night on the net. A student who is an internet addict will have a lot to carry over in his academics. The way Muslims use the internet today tends to show that time has lost its value. If there is anything a man wastes most today, it is time. It determines all actions and inactions in life. If we spend it in frivolities or sinfulness, our rewards await us. The time spent on the face book, twitter, etc. is unquantifiable. It appears to be a magnet pulling everybody and connecting them with a lot of known and unknown faces. It is already trendy to post latest pictures to the face books for people to appreciate new outlook, place, dress, poise and the like. Consequently, the likely intention for show off or deception is not impossible. It is one thing to post events for updates and enlightenment; it is another to just want to let people see how you look. A Muslim’s life is guided by the practice of the sincere early Muslims. If our precursors in faith were alive, definitely, they will use the Internet for khilaafah rather than for show off and entertainment. A Muslim is seriously cautioned from imitating other people outside his faith. This is because of the difference in value orientation. If we do what others do without first asking what implications it has on our Islam, we may un-

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consciously be sinning against our Creator. All actions are always judged by intentions in Islam. Good actions may at times lead to hell if the intention or modality is not in conformity with prophetic guidance. There is no way evil action with good intention can lead to paradise. In this light, you need to always define your intention for spending hours on the face book. You need to ask what good it does to your soul; what improvement it brings to your brain, what goodness it radiates to others. Is it not the case that you are on the face book for the sake of it? Is it not the case that you post pictures for friends to sight your new dress? Is your mind free of impressing any boy or girl? Just like the GSM trial, face book has its good and bad sides. It is not news that some people personify or use wrong identity. Some use it to professionalize their falsehood. Deception has become normal on the face book. Yet a Muslim is Allah’s ambassador! Should he join the craze of deceiving humanity when he is supposed to purify them of this disease? Islam does not accommodate show off in any aspect of our life because the entire existence is the ground for service to Allah (SWT). As for those who use the avenue to get married without due recourse to the true background, such marriages must still follow the laid down rules by Islam. Ordinarily, one will not expect a cultured Muslim lady to post her picture for the whole world to see how she looks or what she wears. Face book makes her a public figure. In this case, it is even worse than seeing her casually in the streets. She will be there perpetually for men to behold her beauty, appreciate it and download if need be. The rule on gazing will definitely be weakened. The freedom to be on the face book could also lead to hell. Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

Governance is about serving the people –Umar an adherence to the principle of peace. In fact, credit must be given to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that has embarked on a campaign to inform the public of the true message of Islam. It aims to live up to expectation that reflects a sharp contrast to much of what is picked up in the media. Ahmadiyya is synonymous with love for all and hatred for none. Recently, it organized an inter-religious conference that borders on security and peace in the land. In conclusion, living a peaceful life is one thing, but in light of the growing negative publicity generated about Islam – it has become even more important to take the message of peace and tolerance to our fellow citizens. Muslims loyalty to ones country is a key part of their faith and it should serve as a source of peace for them and their fellow citizens. Sheikh Abdul Gannyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jublatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 woman who had no food in her house and was trying to douse the children to sleep with deceit. The Muslims leader carried the bags of flour and other materials on his back to the woman refusing assistance from the servants. Umar Bn Khattab further takes governance to a level that is more challenging when he said: “If a mule should travel and stumble because of bad road, I shall account before Allah.” Under Umar (RA), welfarism reached its peak with all weaned babies receiving allowance and when mothers started weaning children early so as to benefit from the allowance, Umar then declared the allowance for all new born so that children would not be denied of suckling because of allowance. In the time of Umar bn AbdulAzeez, the rich people in the communities demanded that he amputates the hands of thieves as provided in the Shariah. He told the rich that it could not be done until they (the rich) also pay their dues (Zakat and Sadaqah). When the rich obeyed him, the Zakat was distributed and it got to a point when there was no poor man in the community again. It was the only time in the history of man when poverty was eliminated under any

given leadership. Let us conclude this with the story of Salahudin Al-Ayubi and his aides. Describing Salahudin Al-Ayubi, the Journal of Nasser Al-Aedin wrote: “... when listening to others, his face lights up, and makes the speaker comfortable. This really helps him negotiate, I hear. He is really modest, you wouldn’t believe it, but one night when he was really tired, a servant, (just a plain servant) woke him and asked him to sign a paper. Salahudeen gently told him to go away because he was tired. The servant told him that the paper was very important and needed to be signed now. Saladin snapped at him, “I have a pen but no inkwell. Now go away.” Again the servant disobeyed his order by replying, “It is right behind you. Go get it!” Saladin turned round and grabbed the inkwell. “So it is!” he exclaimed. Isn’t that a strange thing for a Sultan to do. The servant talked back to him and even gave Saladin an order, and he obeyed! That is very remarkable, I think. Saladin is a very good leader in his own way and we shall conquer under his name.” This is our perspective of good governance. It is our undisputed history and we can do it again.

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Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

Call to Worship

Muslims commend Osun on Hijrah holiday Osun State government recently declared one-day public holiday in recognition of the first day of the Islamic Hijrah calendar, which generated reactions in the media. SEKINAH LAWAL samples Nigerian Muslims’ reactions on the issue.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Prof Akintola Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

hough we are not unaware of the crusader and anti-Islam character of the said newspaper from its inception, we are however, shocked that this newspaper can descend so low. Stoking the fire of religious bigotry is not the right thing to do at this point in time when Nigeria needs people with clear understanding of the religious atmosphere in the country. Muslims in the South-West who constitute more than 55% of the total population in the region have long been deprived of this right in spite of several petitions and peaceful demands. Is this the newspaper’s sense of democracy? Perhaps, we should ask them to tell us how many Muslims are in the state government’s executive and how many are in the list of permanent secretaries recently appointed in the state? For the avoidance of doubt, we state the figures as they are at present: of the thirteen (13) commissioners in the state, only four (4) are Muslims, the remaining nine (9) are Christians; of the twenty nine (29) permanent secretaries, eight (8) are Muslims while the remaining twenty one (21) are Christians. Again, only five (5) of the fourteen (14) special advisers in the state are Muslims compared to the remaining nine (9) who are Christians. Why didn’t the newspaper complain about this lopsidedness if, indeed, it represents justice and fairness? What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. Christians and Muslims must live peacefully together with fully-recognised rights. There has been enough bloodshed in the land, they should allow peace to reign and stop the publication of provocative editorials.

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Chairman, Muslim A Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) Imam Trimizi Jamiu of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation

he Hijrah holiday is a dividend of democracy and the right of Muslims. Democracy is all about participation and sense of belonging. Osun government has given Muslims that much needed feeling of patriotism. They should stop fanning embers of hatred. Those who wrongly use the power of the press to intimidate and coerce should go back to the pages of history. It is ironical that an organ which is expected to be the voice of the voiceless has allowed religious bigotry to turn it into an instrument of tyranny.

his is too bad but did not come as a surprise really. I expected Muslims to be more proactive and create the needed awareness about Hijrah long before the actual day.

Fawziyyah Muhammadul-Awwal. Student of Al-Hikmat College, Lagos

Tadese Adebayo Yahya of Reformer Vanguard

here is need to realise that there is freedom of expression, religion, as well as the rights of every citizen to worship. There should be no obvious favouritism as just demonstrated by the newspaper. Everybody must be treated equally for peace to reign. As a media house that was so much respected, it really belittles them and they should apologise to all Muslims and respect the dignity of Islam.

hat editorial is malicious, sinister and parochial, and that is to say the least. The editorial is quite insensitive andbiased. We assert that the constitution of this country remains a fraud, so long as it fails to recognize those Allahgiven and fundamental rights of Muslims. Osun has merely responded to the yearnings, aspirations, demands and protests of Muslims which date back to the 80s. The condemnation of the declaration of Hijrah holiday has only exposed their ignorance of fundamentals of democracy.

Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf of University of Lagos

used to respect that newspaper, but based on this uninformed editorial they wrote, it clearly shows that they are not professional at all and are so biased in their thinking. It is quite unfortunate and I think all true Muslims should stop doing any business with them until they apologise.

Hajia Fatimah Idris, Proprietress, Al-Bayan Schools, Lagos

Sheikh Abdur Abdur-Rahman Rahman Ahmad Ahmad, Chief Missioner, Ansaru-deen Society Worldwide

or the first time, I see the newspaper and its editorial crew as religious bigots. Where were they when the governor started to recognize all other religions? Do they complain when he sponsored some people to Cuba for cultural exchange, about the numerous Christians in the executive council and others? Good journalists must be objective and not write reports that can cause violence in the nation.

Musbau Rasak is a journalist

hristians in Osun State have come out to state categorically that they are happy with the declaration of the holiday. The chairman of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Evangelist Abraham Aladeseye told reporters that Christians in the state are not against the declaration. The man of God said he even sent messages of congratulation to both Governor Aregbesola and the state chairman of the League of Alfa and Imams. So, if Christians and adherents of other religions in Osun State are not complaining; why are they crying louder than the bereaved?

ran, Malaysia, and some states in Nigeria do declare public holidays for Hijrah. They may also wish to go to Israel (the origin of w Christianity) and complain to Benjamin Netanyahu on why Sunday, Christmas day, 1st January, Easter, etc are not declared Public holidays as they claimed about Saudi Arabia not declaring public holiday for Hijrah. There is no secular state in Nigeria. Nigeria is a multi- religious state. Secularism means a state without any religion or a system of social teaching which allows no part for religion. Saudi Arabia gives 10 days each as holidays during the Eid-el Fitr and Eid-el Adha, yet that did not affect its oil production and supply. Malaysia has about 13 national holidays and others at the state level and this does not disturb its economic advancement. Why is it that anything that has to do with Islam, they hypocritically pretend as if it does not exist? Religion is already part of us and cannot be exclusively in the private realm in this country. I don’t know of any state or country that goes into crisis as a result of public holiday as alleged in the strange editorial that Aregbesola’s fairness in Osun is capable of causing religious mayhem in the state. As media practitioners, I think our judgement on all issues should not be biased, tainted, subjective and coloured with political undertones. It must be factual, accurate, fair, objective, educative and corrective.

Akorede Ajao Olumota in Lagos

ne is not surprised about the editorial. I think it is a deliberate editorial policy to deny Muslims identity in Nigeria. The point the paper does not seem to recognize is that diversity and multiculturalism is a beauty which makes pluralistic societies like Nigeria worth living. They would surely have wished there is no trace of Muslims in Nigeria.

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 17, 1434AH Friday, November 30, 2012

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Why muslim lawyers need a petition (2)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 lives. On the wish of her father, herNikah (Islamic official marriage pronouncement) was solemnised with the Prophet for a dowry of 500 Dirhams. When the Holy Prophet went to her, she said, “I seek God’s refuge from you.” The Holy Prophet replied, “You have sought the refuge of a Great Sanctuary” and then left. He then said to one of his Companions, Abu Usaid, to take her back to her family. It has been recorded in history that her families were extremely happy that their daughter was being married to the Holy Prophet. When she returned however, they were extremely upset. Thus, this was that great person about whom dreadful allegations are made, that he was a womaniser; whilst he married according to God’s command. The Promised Messiah (as) has explained that: “If the Holy Prophet had not wives and children, and had not faced the relating trials and tribulations which he expressed and passed through, and had not treated his wives most kindly, then how else would we learn about his exemplary model in this regard? Every act of the Prophet was for the sake of the pleasure of God.” An erroneous allegation regarding Hazrat A’ishah (ra) being treated more fondly and also regarding her age is also raised. The Holy Prophet would say to Hazrat A’ishah on certain nights that, “I wish to worship my God all night, Who is the most beloved to me.” Hence, people with perverted minds will indeed raise such allegations; as they have done in the past and they may perhaps continue to do so in the future. As I have stat-

ed earlier, Allah the Almighty has already decreed that He will fill Hell with such people. They and their supporters should be fearful of the chastisement of God. As the Promised Messiah has stated, “Allah the Almighty has great honour for His beloved ones.” In this age, He has sent His Messiah and Mahdi and He has drawn the attention of the world towards reformation. If they do not desist from their wrongdoing and mockery, then the wrath of God is also severe. Today, natural disasters are prevalent and there is destruction all around. Storms and hurricanes are occurring in the US at a greater frequency than before. The economic crisis is worsening. Various inhabitations of the world are at a threat of being submerged by water due to global warming. The world is thus engulfed in perils and dangers. These excesses should draw the attention of such people towards God, rather than towards obscenities. Unfortunately, the opposite is occurring. They are trying to transgress beyond all limits. The Imam of this time has already warned everyone openly. He has said clearly that if the world does not take heed and listen, then every step they take will lead them towards destruction. The message of the Promised Messiah is a message that should be repeated again and again. This is oft repeated and presented

THIS WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE MEN HAVE GIVEN UP THE WORSHIP OF THEIR

GOD

Mayor of London, Mr. Boris Johnson (left) and Fifth Khalifa and World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad,during the courtesy visit of Khalifa to City Hall, yesterday.

Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria Dr. Mashhud Fashola Adenrele (5th right) and others, after a lecture at OGTV in Abeokuta recently.

and I will present it here again today. He said: “Remember that God has informed me about the coming of earthquakes. So remember surely that in accordance with the prophecy, earthquakes came in America and also in Europe. They will also occur in different parts of Asia. Some of them will be as terrifying as doomsday. There will be death on such a large scale that rivers will run with blood. Even birds and animals will not escape it. Such destruction will overtake the Earth as it has not happened since man was born. Most places will be turned upside down as if they had never been inhabited. There will also be other terrible afflictions both in the Heaven and in the Earth and every sensible person will realise that they are no ordinary phenomena and no trace of them will be found in books of astronomy or philosophy. Then people will be seized by anxiety and will wonder what is going to happen. Many will be saved and many will perish. Those days are near. Indeed they are at the doorstep, that the world shall witness a spectacle of doomsday. Not only will there be earthquakes but other terrible calamities will also appear; some from the heaven and some from the Earth. This will happen because men have given up the worship of their God and all their thoughts and their designs and all their resolves are diverted towards this world. Had I not come, these calamities might have been delayed for a while but with my coming, the secret designs of God’s wrath that had been long hidden have been manifested. As

God Almighty said, We never punish until We have sent a Messenger. Those who repent shall find security and those who fear before the calamity overtakes them will be shown mercy. Do you think that you will be saved from the earthquakes? Or that you can save yourselves by your own designs. No, you cannot. All human designs will come to nought that day. Do not imagine that only America has been shaken by the earthquake and that you are safe for you may experience even greater calamities. O Europe, you are not secure! O Asia, you are not secure! O you who dwell in the islands, no artificial God will come to your aid. I see the cities falling and I see the habitations in ruin. The One and the Unique has long remained silent. Abominations were committed before His eyes and yet He remained silent, but now He shall reveal His Countenance in a dreadful manner. He, who has ears to hear, let him hear. The hour is not far. I try to bring everyone under the security of God but the decrees of destiny had to be fulfilled. Assuredly, I say that this country’s turn is also drawing near. The days of Noah shall appear before your eyes and you will see with your own eyes what happened to the land of Lot. But God is slow to wrath. Repent so that you are shown mercy. He who abandons God is a worm, not a man and he who does not fear Him is dead not alive.” May Allah the Almighty grant wisdom to the world and enable them to desist from their wrong and unjust ways. May He also enable us to fulfil our responsibilities.”

L-R: Jalsa Officer, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t Nigeria, Alhaji Mufalilu Bankole; General Manager/ CEO, Ogun State Television, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga; Naib Amir, Speacial Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Alhassan; Circuit President Abeokuta, Musafau Onabanjo and Protocol Officer , AMJN Ogun State, Bro. Muhammed Salih Akewugberu, during the courtesy visit to OGTV in Abeokuta, Ogun State recently.

L-R: Secretary Isha’at, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Mr. Qasim Akinreti; Barrister Muhammad Abdul Wahab Rizwan, his parents, Barrister and Mrs. Muhammad Rizwan, after Qasim’s call to Bar in Abuja.

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Arty News

Friday, November 30, 2012

Goethe-Institut celebrates 50 years with festival TERH AGBEDE

oethe-Institut, the German cultural organisation that has been in Nigeria since August 1962, will be celebrating 50 years with the Lagos Live Art Festival at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos from December 6 to 9. At a press conference to make the announcement at the organisation’s office, City Hall in Lagos on Wednesday, its Director, Marc-Andre Schmachtel, said the official opening ceremony will take place on Monday, December 3 from 1.00 p.m. This event will be preceded by the opening of an art exhibition retrac-

ing 50 years of the institution’s existence in Nigeria at noon. “The three and half hour event on Monday, like all the events during the festival, is open to the public and free. The German Ambassador to Nigeria will be in attendance and those who have invitations can invite as many people as possible”, he said. Schmachtel said Lagos Live, which begins with an Opening Parade from City Hall to Freedom Park, is a performance festival featuring artistes from over five countries and it will showcase what Goethe-Institut has been trying to do over the years in dance, theatre, photography and music, among others. Also at the event were the festival cura-

tors: Martin Baasch (from Germany), Jude Anogwih and Oyinda Fakeye both of the Centre for Contemporary Art, CCA, Lagos. Baasch said Lagos Live will feature four days of celebration. He explained that planning the festival has been a long term process and that different art forms will occupy all the stages and even the Kongi’s Harvest Gallery during the event. “Over 150 people will be participating for the four days on three stages and three galleries”, he said. Among the artistes performing are: Keziah Jones, Ade Bantu (with the elders like Fatai Rolling Dollar), Kuku and Segun Adefila (with Crown Troupe of Africa).

Amemuso Singers to shake Abuja IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

L-R: Anogwih, Baasch and Fakeye

Kiss Events presents Xmas Fantasy Island A DEBIMPE O L ATUJA

n the spirit of yuletide season, Kiss Events Ltd. brings the second edition of The Xmas Fantasy Island to The National Arts Theatre Iganmu, Lagos on Saturday, December 15. The uniquely-themed event is packaged to be an all-day experience for the whole family as the Christmas experience is brought alive in a safe and fun environment. Some of the Fantasy Island experiences will include; The Fun Arena, Mountain Climbing, Space Travel, Train Ride, Horse Ride, Bouncy Castle, Trampouline, Face Painting and Dance Competition. At the games arcade, game lovers can challenge one another playing; Nintendo Wii, X Box 360, PS2, PS3, Table Soccer, Draft, Ayo, Ludo and Dart. Also part of the fun is a Santa Claus Grotto where Santa Claus will present Christmas gifts to children. The young ones can party with car-

toon characters like Tele Tubbies, Power Rangers, Mickey Mouse, Ben 10, Simba and Clowns. They will likewise get a chance to compete in the Little Mr. and Miss La Casera competition to stand a chance of winning fantastic prizes There would be live comedy performances by Nigerian comedians, with special guest appearance from

Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st GCFR and Helen Tataffo Paul. DJ Jimmy Jatt, Dj Caise, Dj Ralph will provide mixes of favourite songs while other music artistes expected include; Chidinma, LKT, Ill Bliss, Ajebutter, Goldie, Jaywon, Omo Akin, YQ, Yemi Alade, EVA, CapitalFEMI, Artquake, Jhybo and Project Fame all stars.

fter a year of thorough rehearsals, the Amemuso Singers, on Tuesday, told Abuja residents to get prepared for a superb concert on December 1, at the Transcorp Hilton. Tagged, Thank You for the Music!.. Africa’s Legacy, it is expected to be an incredible musical experience, where opera, latin rhythms and traditional African music will come together to showcase the enormous influence of African music in Europe and Latin America. Maria Cecilia Toledo, the organiser cum founder of Amemuso Singers said this year’s edition is going be a special occasion where Mrs. Susana Baca, together with her talented group of musicians will visit Nigeria for the first time to join the Amemuso choir in a historical concert dedicated to the African diaspora. Baca is a renowned Afro-Latin music singer, twotime Grammy winner, a former Minister of Culture of Peru and an activist for the right of Africans in South America and of Afro descendent “This year’s edition is very special; we are changing the theme but maintaining the blend of African classical music. We are also adding something special which is Afro-Latin music. We have been packaging it for the past one year in order to make this programme reality”, said Toledo. “There are many reasons why Susana is visiting Nigeria. Music unifies us and been of Afro descent, we both have this dream of building a theatre school for children and to show Nigeria how important her legacy is to Africans around the world”.

Lagos premiere of First Cause to dazzle LEO OKACHIE

he film First Cause comes as a breath of fresh air for Nigerian movie-goers as it tackles a mentally stimulating plot with young blood direction and international standard cinematography. The movie parades a stellar cast including: Akintola Akin-Lewis, Gabriel Afolayan, Jackie Idimogu, Chinwe Claudia Craig and many other talented actors. Directed by Osezuah Elimihe, a former

brand strategist with Rosabel Leo Burnett, making his debut as a feature film director, First Cause, the movie premieres in Lagos today, November 30, at the Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island. The principal photography was executed with the Red Digital Cinema Camera which guarantees that theatre goes will enjoy the same picture quality as Hollywood films on widescreen in Nigerian cinemas. Many Nigerian celebrities and entertainment industry influencers are expected to grace the premiere as red carpet opens by 5.00 p.m.

Denrele’s Day

Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired by a zany imagination

Friday, November 30, 2012

Naughty Notes

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net Twitter: @mizniyi

Little things do matter

www.edifosafilm.com

Ex-this ex-that; that’s life

he disdainful mien taken up by public officials towards observing laid down rules of the land puts me, and I believe other Nigerians, in grievous consternation. I’m befuddled why it is an arduous task for Nigeria’s leadership at all levels and in all arms of government or governance to be poster symbols of civilised, impeccable conduct. If it isn’t the police ensnared in an emergency response disaster by shooting the persons who called for help, then it is the Special Anti Robbery Squad arm of the police (again) tangled in web of rationalising how a spurious terror group carried out a clinical attack on their headquarters; which I presumed would be a fortress of sorts. That the attackers didn’t suffer any casualties while the police lost three ‘good’..?! men is not as distressing (embarrassing doesn’t suffice) as suspected terrorism detainees who regained their freedom with help from the attackers. So, really, who is fooling who in Nigeria? The average citizen lives in dread of armed bandits and terrorists on the one hand and trigger-happy security personnel on the other hand. These days, the demarcation line between the good guys and bad guys is blurring daily. Soon, we might find such fine blends of the two elements near impossible to differentiate.

I Busted rear lights

Meanwhile, our model public servant in Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN, should take a look at the picture accompanying this story of an escort van bearing visible markings that it belongs to his official fleet. As a gentleman of the bench, my chances of thumping the SAN in an argument against the flawed legality of Lagos State’s road use laws based on this flagrant disregard by ‘his vehicle’ is out of the question. Sir, perhap you would kindly review the morally justifiable grounds on which an official of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), is permitted to arrest me for driving without rear lights or indicator lights. May I also suggest this escort van be kept off the streets so long as the busted lights are not replaced; the vehicle constitutes grave safety hazards to other ‘lawful’ road users. By doing this way, citizen’s confidence in government’s well-meaning laws is not eroded leading to breakdown in adherence or power to enforce.

Shoe makers, where are you?

xperiencing the resplendent sight of a Durbar, the ceremonial display of horsemanship traditions and rites of Northern Nigeria, you’d be awed by the magnificence of the snorting, sinewy horses, the fierce-looking, regally garbed riders and the band of merry singers who herald each Durbar troupe’s arrival. These and more I took in at the fourday Abuja National Carnival which concluded on Tuesday. Since Durbar festivals play an age-old role in the cultural expressions of the people of Northern Nigeria, the rituals of showcasing their equestrian skills and warrior attributes on horseback is almost second nature to the average rider from that region. Interestingly, this year’s carnival marked the first for many participants. I witnessed the debut of women riders from Niger emirate (hurray! to girl power as I salute the legendary Queen Amina of Zazzau for her pioneering achievement) as well as royal riders from the palace of the king (Awujale) of Ijebu Land of Ogun State. Oba Sikiru Adetona sent his finest horses ridden by horsemen dressed in the woven Aso oke fabric of the Yoruba people. Despite the beautiful colourations and displays, the more my eyes travelled to

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Bare-footed horseman.

catch everything, the more incongruities stood out. Like the horsemen who wore flip flops on their feet! If you think that’s incredible, then, picture several others who were barefooted! Unbelievable to imagine the heat travelling into their callused feet from the metal saddle stirrup. This appeal goes to emirates, financiers and clothiers of the Durbar festivals, please kit your riders in appropriate gear. This is the 21st century, horsemen can’t go about riding with no shoes on. Love and peace for the weekend.

like God because He is the only one that never comes to an end. I was at an event where I saw General Gowon, General Obasanjo and General Abdulsalam all retired now; they came into the hall like one of us. Just imagine the agony those of us living in Lagos endured whenever Gowon was going to the airport or outside Ribadu Road. Only those of us who suffered this ‘roadclosed’ will know the pains we went through. Imagine all these men in the same hall smiling with those of us who suffered. I grew up in Obalende where we used to help Oyinbo (white) people play golf. The Khaki boys seized half of Obalende and part of Ikoyi calling it their state house. The Khaki boys are now wearing Agbada in legislative arm of government, collecting millions, having oil blocks, still powerful and untouchable. I took the trouble to watch the generals eating and smiling with us. When I was made Chairman of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), the board and I built the Jos Laboratory at one quarter the amount formally voted for the job; from N88million to N35million. When people heard, they called me a fool. I have worked and sweated for everything I own. I am friends with General Jalo, Brigadier Ibrahim Bako, General Akinwande, General Tony Hananiya and even Babangida; but none of these people have ever given me a contract. Dan Suleiman, late Major Dickson, late Colonel Ndakosu and Gen. Muritala were my friends. I even made a film on Muritala’s 100 days in government. If not for Tony Momoh’s stubbornness, the General Manager of NFC did all he could to stop me from the appointment as Chairman of NFC. One projectionist who was deported from Ghana organised a protest that I should not be made the chairman. When Tony presented my name, members of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) told him, “Can you control that oneman unarmed army”? Tony Momoh said, “He is my film, let’s give him the job”. When I finally returned to Nigeria, everybody expected all my army friends to give me job or contracts. I was living next door to General Oseni (whom we use to call J.T. Organise), Col. Wyen and General Bali and I used to spend lots of time at the officers’ mess. Uncle Bali never

I WISH MANY NIGERIANS WHO ARE IN POWER OR OUT WILL READ THIS ESSAY AND LEARN THAT WHATEVER STARTS

ONE DAY, WILL END ONE DAY in those days lived above his salary, his Quarter Master used to give him cash when he was broke. When I look back at these people, I just laugh at my pride and stupidity; but I am proud, healthy and smiling. This is the reason for this essay; that nobody or no condition is permanent. Same thing I told Mr. Ogunala of the Ministry of Finance who used to give approval for foreign exchange. He told me to stop harassing him that he is a permanent secretary. I corrected him that he can be sacked, retired or die so nothing is permanent in this world but change. There are some top government officials who will ignore all their friends when they get into power either as chairman, minister, commissioner, permanent secretary or member of house. I know some of these men from TV houses and other places who become government officials; they just drop their old friends. There are some ministers in government who are my casual friends and some director generals who don’t remember that maximum of six years, they will be out. I wish many Nigerians who are in power or out will read this essay and learn that whatever starts one day, will end one day –like life or good position. I see some of our leaders or rulers showing off forgetting that most of them come from the gutter or wrecked homes. Go to NASS and see our senators and representatives moving like movie stars on set. My minority people in Delta State are being ignored; the governor doesn’t want to hear anything about anybody who is not Urhobo forgetting that in 2015, he will be hiding like other ex-governors are hiding. That is what seven ex-governors are going through now because they are ‘ex-this and ex-that’.

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Mirror Mongers

Friday, November 30, 2012

‘Please, step on us senator’

he event of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem is one of the highpoints of Christian religion. It reinforces the extreme love people had for Jesus during his years on earth as wrappers and palm fronds were stretched on the road to receive Him. Last Monday, something similar happened in Lagos, but with the despondency, no one can say if it was a sign of love or a sign of appeal. It was when the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, which incidentally had Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a member, visited Lagos as part of their oversight functions. While waiting for the means that would convey the committee

Tinubu

Traffic management on social media

ocial media is redefining the way we do many things. Now, governors and ministers and even President Goodluck Jonathan have a habit of relating with their subjects on the social media. Presidential advisers have also been seen announcing many important government decision on Twitter and Facebook. Which is why when the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in Lagos sent out a tweet about a fully-loaded BRT bus which plunged into the Lagoon, a lot of Lagosians panicked uncontrollably. But for many people, what made the news unique was not only the fact that the FRSC ignited a false alarm, but also the portion of their tweet which said that ‘rescue operations are going on at the site of the accident to recover victims’, by their men. Could this be what happens when certain law enforcement agencies in the country tell Nigerians that they are ‘on top of the situation’?

ith the terrifying memories of Occupy Nigeria in January 2012, when Nigerians took to the streets to protest the removal of petrol subsidy, one would not wave off the renewed incidence of Occupy Nigeria going on in Berlin, the capital of Germany. In the past six months or so, the Nigerian Embassy in that country has witnessed four occupations and the buzz is that the occupation that took place last week would remain memorable for some time. Well, the bone of contention remains the mobile deportation phenomenon, which the ambassador in that country consented to. The move, according to many Africans in the

Occupy Nigeria Berlin

ONE-SECOND Q&A

members, several ‘Lagos Boys’ sighted the former First Lady and that heralded a tumultuous reaction from the crowd numbering a few scores. As a way of seeing ‘if something would drop’ from the former First Lady, all of them lay on the ground, literally begging their senator to step on their heads! Initially, they were seen as clowns until they refused to get up and make way for the committee members. But timely intervention by the police team assembled by the agency dispersed the crowd, which left without getting anything. Someone calls it ‘pay as you praise’ syndrome.

Occupy Nigeria in Berlin city would lead to the deportation of any Nigerian whose papers are questionable. While this is going on, what many Nigerians in the city have found irksome is the nonchalant attitude of the ambassador, who has remained undaunted even as the problem rages. Meanwhile, this is coming on the heels of the near diplomatic row between Nigeria and Germany over some bilateral agreements entered into between Lufthansa and the Nigerian aviation authorities.

Imoke

Akpabio’s frank talk with Imoke

erhaps other states angling over oil wells need to know what transpired earlier on between Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and his counterpart in Cross Rivers State, Liyel Imoke. While the controversy lingered, Akpabio had made frantic efforts to get the matter resolved amicably and even put a call across to Imoke not to go to court. But he turned down the overtures, stressing that the court would decide. That was how he headed to the court in search of truth and later got justice, leading to the loss of 70 oil wells to neighbouring Akwa Ibom. For other neighbours in this kind of squabbles -Anambra, Kogi, Enugu, Bayelsa and Rivers, this is a big lesson.

AYO ORITSEJAFOR

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s birthday gift of a private jet has set off a discourse on where the line should be drawn between luxury and necessity amongst men of God. Oritsejafor reacted to the issue: Nigerian pastors are accused of prospering while their congregants continue to suffer in poverty?

Oritsejafor

Well, this is a major issue, especially now that I have just been presented with a gift of a jet; that makes it a major issue. Let me say here that every pastor must be conscious of the people he pastors. It is very important. Coming to the issue of jet, I had no idea of how it came about. It is true that people like us have gotten to a point where we need to have means of movement that will help us. You may have heard me speak about my trip to Indonesia, to Jakarta. In fact, it wasn’t even Jakarta I was going to, but I had to stay inside an airport in Jakarta for five hours to wait for my flight, to get to the city I was going. I was only going to preach for two hours there. It took me four days to make a journey to preach for two hours. I’m a human being and I am not getting younger.

Escape

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Glitzy Burgundy wine auction taps celebs

Travel News

L-R Ayodel and Tosin Alao at TOTAC Jazz Nite

Jazzing Lagos up with Tale of two African Cities A

Tale of Two African Cities (TOTAC); NigerianSouth African Week 2012, amongst other goals, promoted the rich arts and culture of both Lagos and Johannesburg. The recent four day event involved business sessions, exhibitions, literary fests, film shows and more, while the Jazz Nite was the grand finale and was unforgettable. Organised by the South African High Commission in partnership with leading event and

entertainment outfit Inspiro Productions and sponsored by Diamond Bank, Standbic IBTC Bank, MTN, SAA and a host of others, it was a qualitatively attended and organised event. Artistes on the bandstand to thrill the guests were no less than; The Dotun Bankole Band; Daniel Bankole and His lover’s band; Samson Iroko the versatile percussionist; Ace 5 string bassist – Bright Gain, South African based Tungba Star – Ayodel who was assisted on stage with Tosin

Develop tourism master plan for FCT -Akinjide IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

he Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajunmoke Akinjide has charged tourism stakeholders to develop a Policy/Master Plan that will serve as road map for tourism development in the capital city. Akinjide, who gave the charge in Abuja last Thursday during a stakeholders’ forum towards the production of a tourism policy for FCT organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said “the trend of tourism development, marketing and promotion in the FCT is no doubt in its infancy without any articulate policy/ plan for tourism development. “The quest for real national economic transformation of the present administration has

placed and leveraged tourism as a good economic alternative to be developed and keyey into at all levels”, Akinjide said. The minister added that the FCT tourism policy, when developed, is expected to address a number of vital issues and provides strategic recommendations “in the areas of tourism administration, development of tourism products, marketing approach, international and domestic transportation, hospitality education and training, tourism organisation and legislation, tourism management information systems, among other issues”. She hoped the policy thrust would detail a clear road map to guide the FCT administration in the next 10 to 20 years, saying that, it must be “in line with the National Tourism Master Plan designation of the Territory as a Conference Business Destina-

Alao on bass and Germany based virtuoso pianist Dapo Dina. The headline for the show and special guest was Soweto String Quartet, the multi-award winning South African classic group. For over an hour, they thrilled the audience with compositions and remakes of South African classics/standards from artistes like Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba ‘Mama Africa’. The Johannesburg leg of the event is expected to hold in the first half of 2013.

tion”. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, disclosed that the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in Nigeria in 2011 was N1.232b (3.3% of GDP), while the total contribution to employment including jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 2.9% of total employment (1, 774,000). Duke expressed confidence the tourism industry to do better if properly harnessed. Reiteratng the goal for hosting the forum, Director General of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Munzali Dantata stated his Institute was eager to develop a robust Tourism Policy, while adding that with full participation of stakeholders, there would be practical solutions to the many challenges militating against tourism development. According to him, “many countries of the world are fast reviewing their positions with a view to being the first class players in the tourism industry and Nigeria is no exception”.

or the last century and a half, the wine season in France’s grape-growing region of Burgundy has revolved around one major commercial event. On the third Sunday in November, hundreds of barrels of the recent harvest are sold to the highest bidder in a charity wine auction. The historic event, which took place this year on Nov. 18, has evolved into an A-list rendezvous for the power players in the international wine industry. The wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune began in 1851 as a pure Burgundian affair. These days, the high-powered event attracts wine exporters and aficionados from around the world. An auctioneer from Christie’s wields the gavel; the sound of Russian and Chinese buzz on the auction floor. “This is still the Mount Everest of the wine world and if you want to know about wine you have to encounter Burgundy”, wine critic Greg Love says. “Where else in the world can you get such a variety of great wines with such aging power that also can be enjoyed when they’re young? This is the great wine region of the world”. Bidders buy barrels, not bottles, of wine that has just begun aging and won’t hit the shelves for another two years. Typically, the Hospices de Beaune auction is a first judge of the new vintage’s quality and sets the prices. The wines on the block are legendary — Pommard, Cotes de Nuits, Clos Vougeot — and so is the venue. The Hospices —a hospital and almshouse in the medieval city of Beaune— was built in 1452 just after the Hundred Years War, when famine and misery ravaged the countryside. Known as a palace for the poor — the old and sick and mothers about to give birth were welcomed for treatment and refuge here until 1983 when the last patient checked out — it became one of France’s top tourist attractions. The buildings’ facades and gargoyles are a stunning example of Gothic architecture and its multi-coloured tile roof is in the grand style of the kingdom’s former rulers, the dukes of Burgundy. Three days of partying, known as Les Trois Glorieuses, take place around the auction. There are wine-soaked dinners and music and crowds fill Beaune’s cobbled streets. Burgundy is much smaller than France’s other major wine-growing region, Bordeaux, and there

Good Taste

a dining dini ning ing experience exp xper eriie er ienc ience nce e

is an intimate feeling here. Vineyards are tiny — family-owned plots that go back generations. The valuable wines auctioned off come from land donated to the hospice by Burgundy families over the last five centuries. The proceeds of the auction go to hospitals in the region. One barrel is always donated to an outside alms organisation. This year, it is for the charity foundation set up by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy —former pop singer, supermodel and first lady of France —who was happy to donate her star power in return for a barrel of Corton Grand Cru. As Bruni-Sarkozy charms and coaxes bidders to go ever higher, the tenseness of the auction floor melts away into laughter and bonhomie. To everyone’s delight, a battle between two top bidders keeps the price rising. Teasingly, Bruni-Sarkozy says, “at ₤200,000, I’ll personally deliver the wine”. Then she adds, “at ₤250,000, my husband will deliver the wine.” A group of Chinese buyers in the front row is clearly in the thrall of it all. One of them, a 59-year-old real estate mogul who does not want to give her name, says China is becoming crazy over Burgundy wines. BruniSarkozy’s barrel hits a penultimate record for the auction of ₤270,000, or about $350,000. The buyer, Ukrainian millionaire Igor Iankovsky, takes the stage to thank everyone. He says the wine will no doubt fetch even higher prices when he auctions off the barrel’s 300 bottles for his own charity back in Kiev, where Burgundy is in fashion. Sixthgeneration winemaker Alberic Bichot is pleased to have placed the winning bid for his client. “It’s just fabulous and I am very proud for my customer”, he says. Because of bad weather, this year’s Burgundy harvest is the smallest in nearly half a century. But the quality is said to be outstanding. This year’s Hospices de Beaune auction now in its 152th year, fetched record prices, raising an all-time high of $7.5 million for Beaune hospitals. Culled from wbur.org

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 30, 2012

Mirror Drive

Kia dedicates outlets to after-sales service STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ia Motors, during the week, revealed that it has over 20 dedicated to after-sales-service outlets scattered across the country with stateof-the-art service equipment and trained personnel in each outlet. The General Manager, Kia Motors, Mr. Sanjay Tatpati said that some of the new outlets include the newly opened, fully equipped facility located at Utako, Abuja with the capacity for over 50 cars daily. He said further that Kia opens its work-

shops for Saturday servicing of vehicles, which he said is unique in the industry. Some of the maintenance tasks carried out during a motor vehicle service in its outlets include change of engine oil, replacing of oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs, checking level and refill brake fluid and power steering fluid. Tatpati declared that all these are done by well-trained technicians who have the experience and know-how to take care of all the unique KIA models, adding that completed services are also recorded in a log book by the service cen-

tre upon to help customers keep tabs of their service dates and schedules. He said; “One of the key driving forces behind this continuous growth of interest in KIA is the excellence of our after-sales service to customers which cannot be over-emphasised. “In addition to Saturday servicing, Kia also regularly offers loyalty schemes to its teeming customers. From CashBack schemes to Service Loyalty Discounts, there is regularly something in the works to appreciate the KIA customer”. He noted that well-trained technical

force plays an important role in “fixing right at first,” stressing that its training centre in Lagos offers excellent training facility comprising of lecture room, practical rooms, training module, wellequipped library, dedicated vehicles for training and computerised online training directly by Kia. “Kia Motors as a global brand has shown itself to be a strong automobile company with core values across the world and in Nigeria. KIA is an award-winning customer-oriented automaker and we keep finding new ways to deliver on our promise to valued customers”, he said.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to change exhaust sound

he muffler is the single largest contributor to the sound presence of a vehicle. A vehicle’s sound is primarily impacted by the engine and exhaust systems installed. Larger volume engines produce more exhaust, which typically deepens the sound and increases the audible volume. Exhaust systems may be installed to be dampen, amplify, make raspy or throaty or mellow the sound presence.

Instructions

2012 Ford Ranger wins award

he new Ford Ranger has won the “International Pick-Up Award 2013” as judged by a pan-European judging committee. Every member of the judging panel ranked the new Ranger as their number one choice; commending its performance on and off-road, strong engine line-up, payload and towing capability and safety. An online statement signed by the auto company’s media consultant in Nigeria and made available to journalists stated that the new Ranger won the “International Pick-Up Award 2013” following extensive testing at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England. The award was presented to Ford by jury chairman Pieter Wieman at the Fleet Transport EXPO 12 event, in Dublin last week. The vehicle was awarded 47 points, more than the combined number of points garnered by the second and third placed Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok respectively. “The Ford Ranger is a great all-rounder, combining the perfect blend of on-road comfort and stability with off-road capability”, said Irish judge, Jarlath Sweeney. Reacting to the news, Senior Marketing Manager for Ford sub-Sahara Africa, Mr. Eugene Prisloo said he was not surprised by the award as the new Ford Ranger is a game-changer and is meticulous-

ly engineered in every aspect of its design to excel in all terrains. Prisloo added that its quality of materials, care of assembly and extensive global durability-testing, gave new meaning to its reputation as an allterrain truck. “Ford Ranger is a truck that could stand up to the toughest condition of the Nigerian roads and is one of the first-ever new vehicles introduced in the Nigerian market; launched early this year. “Ford’s product line-ups are the freshest and have remained as strong as ever; offering a full range of vehicles of different segments to meet a variety of customer needs; from the B-size Ford Figo, to the Escape and Explorer SUVs”, Prisloo said. The statement reasserted the auto company’s commitment to meeting the needs of Nigerians by offering new products, opening new outlets for sales and service and making parts available nationwide for customers. Built at Ford’s assembly plant in Pretoria the Ranger boasts all the toughness and rugged capabilities of a pickup truck, but also features smart technology, outstanding safety, superior fuel economy and high standards of quality and comfort normally associated with passenger cars.

First, install a different muffler. The muffler is the single largest contributor to the sound of the exhaust. Mufflers, which allow virtually all the exhaust gases to be ported straight through with very little obstruction or dampening, will produce some of the most audible exhaust presence. Multiple chambered mufflers will allow the exhaust gases to be dampened within the chambers and allow some of the resonance to smooth or mellow the sound produced (because each cylinder fires separately, the sounds produced by the porting of exhaust from each cylinder can be used to balance or partially cancel the sound produced by another cylinder). Then, install a resonator. When installed, a resonator allows more of the sound waves to acoustically rebound within the resonator’s chamber. This allows the sound waves to bounce off the walls of the chamber and cancel other sound waves in the resonator. The result is a dampening effect of the exhaust presence. If the resonator is used in place of a catalytic converter, the sound presence may in-

crease. Because the catalytic converter acts as a dampening of the exhaust sound, removing the catalytic converter and replacing it with a resonator may result in a net increase in the sound volume. Check the legality before removing a catalytic converter. Install a “straight through” exhaust system. Exhaust chambers and pipes that allow gases to pass directly from the engine (or catalytic converter) to the exhaust tail without obstruction are considered to be straight through designs. Install an aftermarket tip. Dual-walled, bevelled and flared tips generally amplify the sound produced by the exhaust. Exhaust tips with outlets larger than the exhaust pipe inlet may amplify sound. Resonated exhaust tips are lined with fibreglass or sound dampening material and are specifically designed to reduce the sound output of the exhaust system. Besides, install a crosspipe. If you have a dual exhaust system and both exhausts do not inter-mingle fuel, you can significantly alter the sound by installing a cross-pipe. The pipe allows fuel from one exhaust system to intermingle with exhaust gases from the other system. Because exhaust fuel porting occurs at intermittent rates, the mingling of fuel will smooth the total flow and mellow the total sound. Wrap the muffler and exhaust with an acoustic wrap or spray with a sound dampening high temperature material. Acoustic wraps and sound dampening sprays designed for use on an exhaust system may reduce transferred vibrations and alter the total sound of the exhaust system.

Cocktail

Friday, November 30, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (54)

Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” –John Wesley * * * Give And You Will Receive Few if any are ever known for what they received, but history is replete with heroes and heroines that gave, gave and gave to better humanity. It will be better for us if we can live our lives to give, give and give. There is nobody too poor to give. Giving is much more than giving money. We can give a loving smile to the hurting. We can give prayer to the troubled. We can encourage the downcast. Let no one say I have nothing to give daily because it is not true. Look around you. Search within you. You will see and know that there are so much that you can give daily to make this world a better place. TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

‘Pope has not cancelled Christmas’

nd so it came to pass that in the eighth year of Pope Benedict’s reign, some tabloid and social media decreed that he had cancelled Christmas. The day after Benedict’s latest book “The Infancy Narratives - Jesus of Nazareth” - was published on November 20, Vatican officials found some headlines they were not expecting. “Killjoy pope crushes Christmas nativity traditions,” read one tabloid headline, claiming that Benedict had snubbed traditions such as animals in nativity scenes and carolling. “Pope sets out to debunk Christmas myths,” ran another.

Holy Scrooge! Some blogs unceremoniously branded Benedict the new Grinch that stole Christmas and one rocketed him to the “top of the grumpy list for 2012.” And then there was this zinger headline from a web news site: “Pope bans Christmas”. Coming little more than a month before Christmas, it was the last thing the Vatican needed - another image problem for the pope. Alarmed by some of the headlines, the Catholic social network XT3 felt compelled to run a blog that dis-

sected the media’s coverage of the book. It was headlined: “The pope has not banned Christmas”. In the 137-page book, the pope states a fact: that in the gospels there is “no reference” to the presence of animals in the stable - actually, it was probably a cave where Jesus was born. Bloggers had a feast with that, with one calling it “Bombshell number one”. What some neglected was that just a few sentences down, the pope states that even today, “No representa-

tion of the crib is complete without the ox and the ass”. He explains: The tradition of the ass and ox came from reflecting on parts of the Old and New Testaments. Christian iconography then adopted the motif early in Church history to show that even animals knew Jesus was the son of God. In other words, the tradition that has developed over the centuries matters more than an unverifiable fact, at least as far as the case of the ox and ass in the stable is concerned.

Human b H body d could ld power smartphones, t h other devices

magine a world with no wall chargers. People power might just make that world a reality. That’s because our own bodies just might be the sustainable energy sources of the near future, generating electricity from our own body heat, physical movement and vibra-

tions. Roger Highfield of the Science Museum Group writes that scientists are already at work on a number of such devices, with the first wave of humanpowered generators hitting the market in the next two years. The applications would

range from personal health to entertainment. For example, pacemaker batteries must be replaced every few years. But a pacemaker running off a piezoelectric current could provide a permanent energy source, reducing the need for risky and expensive operations.

Journalists receiving a copy of Pope Benedict XVI’s book “The Childhood of Jesus” during a presentaPHOTO: REUTERS tion at the Vatican, recently.

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance This government has sworn to be a far departure from what we have hitherto understood governance to be. We are committed to engaging the good people of Nigeria through various platforms and we are ready to listen to and act on your pertinent propositions. Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The principle of diversification of resources is good, because if you are holding all your foreign reserves in one currency or one asset, whether it is the dollar or the euro, you run the risk of losing the value of your reserves in the event of fluctuations CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

NDIC’s Insurance Fund rises to N350.2bn TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

The report stated: “The DIF for DMBs grew by about 17 per cent from about N295.7 billion in 2010 to about N347.19 billion in 2011. Similarly, the SIIF grew by about 39 per cent from about N2.3 billion in 2010 to about N3.2 billion in 2011. The rate of accretion in 2011 was lower than the situation in 2010 for the two funds. “While the slower pace of accretion in the case of the DIF could be attributed to the reduction in the assessment base

rate for premium computation from 50 to 40 basis points, that of the SIIF could be attributed to the reduction in the number of MFBs following the revocation of the licences of 103 of them in 2010. Based on the slow pace of accretion, the NDIC commenced the establishment of the target fund with a view to ensuring that the Corporation would stand ready to meet its obligations as and when due”, the report added.

According to the corporation, whereas such improved premium contributions were not readily available to fund its operations, it depended to meet such financial requirements from the investment income generated from investing the fund in line with the provision of Section 13 (1) of the NDIC Act 2006. It advocated a policy regime that would allow for a more effective utilisation of the Insurance Funds for deposit insurance

purposes. “Generally, policy makers need to consider which investment policy would effectively utilise the funds available for deposit insurance purposes. Such policy should emphasis safety, liquidity and minimum distortions whenever such investments have to be realised to meet obligations under the scheme. The availability of instruments for meeting these criteria depends on the depth of the financial system.

he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has recorded improvement in its Insurance Fund’s base with the total Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) and the Special Insured Institutions Funds (SIIF) premium contributions rising to N350.21 billion in the 2011 financial year, up from about N258 billion that accrued as at the end of the 2010 financial year. According to the just published 2011 Annual Report and Statements of Accounts of the corporation sourced by National Mirror yesterday, the DIF which is the premium contributions by insured financial institutions rose from N295.72 billion in 2010 to N347.19 billion in 2011, representing a growth of 17.4 per cent. The SIIF which are contributions for other insured deposit-taking financial institutions such as MFBs and Primary Mortgage Financial Institutions (PMIs) rose from about N2.3 billion L-R: Director of Finance, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs. Theresa Tibangs; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Tunji Olaopa in 2010 to N3.2 billion in and Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, at the budget defence before the House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity In Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN 2011.

Foreign investors scramble for Nigeria’s shipping industry FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Ports Authority has said that many investors, especially from the United States of America have indicated interest to

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invest in Nigeria’s shipping industry. Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who addressed members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport during a recent oversight function visit, said that this came to light during the recent visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to New York.

According to him, this level of interest is an indication of the international recognition of the nation’s maritime potential, which he said are grossly untapped. He, however, said that the only way the authority will be alive and responsive to its duties especially under the current concession regime is to be granted a measure

FG to encourage patronage of made in Nigeria products

of autonomy or independence in its operations. The managing director spoke against the renewed zeal by the National Assembly to pass into law the Ports and Harbour Bill, which has been in the process of passage nine years ago. The bill, when passed into law, among other issues seeks to give legal backing to the port con-

cession programme and also create a commercial regulator for the shipping industry. According to him, current realities in the industry make it necessary for the authority to be granted a measure of independence for it to deliver effectively and efficiently its core mandates in the post –concession port era in Nigeria.

Calabar channel dredging, a drain pipe on Nigeria’s economy

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)

Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun)

EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

-0.11

OPEC BASKET

$122.86

+1.16

NATURAL GAS

$2.83

-0.03

Business News

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG to encourage patronage of made-in-Nigeria products STANLEY IHEDIGBO

inister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga has reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to encourage patronage of Nigeria products. He made the statement during the inspection of facilities at the PROFORCE, a company that is into manufacturing of armoured personnel carriers and other products in Ogun State. He said as a key part of the industrial revolution embarked upon by the Federal Government, states, ministries, departments and agencies will now be compelled to buy Made-in-Nigeria products in line with the local content provision for government procurement. The minister said that there is no reason for state and Federal governments not to ensure that Nigerians patronise products made in the country in order to

ensure economic growth. “I am very impressed to see what we can produce in the country to reduce dependent on importation. What I see today shows that we can produce anything in the country in includes amour vehicles for Police and military as well as security van carrying cash”, he added. According to him, the price is cheaper than what is being imported and the quality is better. In his remarks, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Adetokunbo Ogundeyin expressed appreciation to the ministry on the support given to the organisation through Bank of Industry Funds and access to National Automotive Council funds to improve their production capacity. He said that the objective of the company is to be one of the leading organisations in production of Amoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Infantry Command Vehicle, Tactical Armoured Vehicle, Armoured Helmet and vest.

L-R: Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr. Olusegun Osinowo; General Manager, Human Resources, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Fidelia Osime; Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Sunday Awofodu; Project Director, NECA, Mrs. Helen Jemerigbe and Business Unit Safety Manager, WAPCO, Mr. Samuel Amoforitse, at the presentation of ambulance to Lafarge WAPCO, winner of the NSITF-NECA Workplace Safety Award in Lagos recently.

NJI, CIBN to collaborate on effective dispute resolution for banks UDO ONYEKA

he National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria are collaborating to articulate strategies and framework that would ensure effective disputes resolution of cases involving banks and other financial institutions in the country. This and other topical issues will dominate discussions when seasoned jurists and financial experts gather at Abuja during the 2012 National Seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges. The seminar with the theme: “The Judiciary in Effective Dispute Resolution in the Nigerian Banking Industry” has been scheduled to hold in Abuja from December 5 – 6, 2012. The programme is designed to provide a forum for top bank-

ing industry operators and judges to cross-fertilize ideas on contemporary banking and related judicial matters for the soundness of the banking industry and development of the economy. Consequently, NJI and CIBN have assembled seasoned experts from the judiciary and the financial sector of the economy to address the august gathering, among who are Prof. Isaac Oluwole Agbede, Dean, School of Law & Security Studies; Alhaji Ado Wank, MD/CE, Unity Bank Plc; Dr. Alex Otti, MD/CE, Diamond Bank Plc; Hon. Justice I. N. Buba, Federal High Court, Lagos; Prof. Epiphany Azinge, DG, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; Mr. Buka Kyari, MD/CE, CSCS; Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, Deputy Governor, CBN; Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, MD/ CE, Wema Bank Plc; Prof. Paul Obo Idornigie, NIA, Mazi Oke-

chukwu Unegbu and Mrs. Juliet Madubueze, Past Presidents, CIBN, among others. The sub-themes to be discussed include “Overview and Critique of the Framework for Judicial Resolution of Commercial Disputes in Nigeria; Drawbacks and Solution Options to the Effectiveness of the Judiciary in banking Sector Dispute Resolutions; a. Perspectives of the Banking industry. b. Perspectives of the Judiciary; Implications of Long unresolved Banking Sector Disputes in the Law Courts for the Macro-economy among others. Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor Central Bank of Nigeria will deliver a goodwill message while Hon. Justice Aloma Maria Mukhtar, will deliver the Keynote Address. Mr. Segun Aina, President/Chairman of Council will present a welcome address.

NPA seeks autonomy in the new Ports and Harbor Bill

he Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Habib Abdullahi has advocated for a measure of autonomy for the authority in the Ports and Harbours bill currently in the National Assembly. According to the managing director, ‘a measure of autonomy for the organisation would enable it perform most effectively and efficiently’. Abdullahi made the appeal while receiving members of the

Senate Committee on Marine Transport who were in NPA on an oversight function. “No Port in the world can exist and prosper without a measure of independence, and therefore autonomy is strategic and required to ensure efficiency in line with international best practices.” He told the committee that the authority has made tremendous progress since its visit last year, stating that vessels waiting time is now

19 days instead of 28 days and that the channels have been dredged to the required standard. He informed members of the committee that many foreign investors have indicated interest in Ports Development in Nigeria. This came to light during the recent visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to New York explaining that this was an indication of the international recognition of the nation’s maritime potentials.

Lagos promises secured environment with ICT KUNLE A ZEEZ

he Lagos State Government has promised to increase its investment in requisite Information and Communication Technology tools to ensure a secured environment both for individual dwellers and businesses operating in the state. The state’s Commissioner for Science & Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Fatai Mabadeje, gave the assurance during a training programme organised by the ministry for government agencies in the state for better handling of information on security and emergency situations that may be channeled to them through the Lagos State Security and Command. Trained during the programme were personnel of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Fire Services, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services, (LASAMBUS), and Rapid Response Squad. Mabadeje noted that the high level of security provided by the state government has led to the growth of the State economy and increase investment attraction from different parts of the world. The commissioner, however, appealed to parents to educate their children not to make fake calls that are not security or emergency related adding that the call centre operators are doing their best to answer as many calls as possible and it is not proper add

the burden of fake calls. In his remark, the Managing Director of CONSOL, Mr. Abiodun Adeoye, said the 767 and 112 emergency numbers through which Lagosians can reach the Command Centre, were working efficiently, adding that the training programme was being organised to train relevant agencies of the state on how to respond better to situation as it arises. Meanwhile, Mabadeje, had in a recent chat, disclosed that Lagos Security Command and Information Management System centre now process over five million phone calls monthly. According to him, the state has also realised the need to match the increase in the number of phone calls with the number of available calls agents to receive such calls for appropriate action on any part of the state parastatals to be initiated. The commissioner explained that the state recently commissioned the Security Command and Information Management System centre, as part of proactive measures to ensure excellent communication and collaboration between different stakeholders in the fight against crime. He said the information system will collate computerised records of police, judicial and prison and ensure that crime investigation will be effective in the state. He stated that calls to the toll free numbers of 767 and 112 would provide security information that can be processed for necessary action for the government and its agencies in ensuring security of lives and property in the state.

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Business News

Friday, November 30, 2012

House of Reps commends Aviation Minister over budget performance OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he House of Representatives yesterday in Abuja lauded the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah for her efforts in transforming the industry, saying the ministry’s capital budget performance for 2012 fiscal year ranks among the best in the country. Chairperson, House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha who made the position of the House known during the 2013 Budget defence by the ministry, said after inspecting the reconstruction and remodelling works of airport terminals across the country, the House was very satisfied with the quality of work and pace of transformation of the sector since the minister assumed office a little over a year ago. A statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media to the minister, Mr. Joe Obi stated that the House explained that the ministry surpassed other ministries in terms of capital budget implementation for the 2012 fis-

cal year. Onyejeocha described the transformation of the country’s airport terminals by the minister as phenomenal and commended Oduah for taking the bull by the horns in the rehabilitation of airport infrastructure across the country, especially the toilets, which she said are now a delight to all airport users. Onyejeocha called for the early and improved implementation of the 2013 Appropriation Act, which she believed would be passed into law by the National Assembly before the end of the year, assuring that the Speaker, the leadership and the entire members of the House are, and would continue to be solidly behind the minister in her dream to leave of legacy of visible and tangible transformation of the sector. She said, “The Speaker, the leadership and the entire members of the House are very happy with the work you are doing in the sector. We assure you of our continued cooperation and support because we all have the

interest of the sector at heart. We also believe the growth and development of the Nigerian economy is also tied to the growth and development of the aviation sector. She, however, insisted that the tempo of development and transformation of the sector witnessed must be improved upon and sustained throughout the 2013 capital budget implementation. “The economy will not perform well if the aviation sector fails to do well, so we want the sector to be rated as the first in terms of its contribution to the national economy.” “Keep doing what you are doing and remain focused. We are here for you; we will ensure that the aviation sector will not lack anything that is needed for its continued transformation. The Speaker and the National Assembly assures you that we are solidly behind you and will give you all necessary support and cooperation in order to enable you perform better in the coming year.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Abimbola Odusote; Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Minister of State, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, at the 2013 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja recently.

We have only 20% equity in Ibarka Port, NPA tells Senate FRANCIS EZEM

he controversy surrounding the ownership structure of the Ibaka Deep Seaport located in Akwa Ibom State was laid to rest, as the Nigerian Ports Authority says it holds only 20 percent equity participation in the port on behalf of the Federal Government. The Ibaka seaport, currently used mainly for fishing activities and water transport for small crafts is a natural deep seaport of over 17 metres of draft without dredging with a quay area expected to span over two miles in terms of length, which makes it a safe haven for mega vessels of over

10,000 TEUs on completion, thus making it the largest in the sub- region. The port being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Transport and NPAon the one part and the Akwa Ibom State Government on their other part is expected to be operational in 2015. Managing director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who was fielding questions from members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, who paid a two-day working visit to the authority in line with its oversight functions, disclosed that the Federal Government through the authority has only 20 percent. According to him, the Akwa Ibom State Govern-

ment also has 20 percent while a consortium of investors has the remaining 65 percent. He noted that the fears that have been raised over the ownership of the port were unfounded as the government meant well in promoting the project. He had noted that by the very nature of the port, it holds the future for Nigeria’s achievement of the hub port status for West and Central African sub-region. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Zainab Kure, who spoke with newsmen shortly after the completion of the tour, commended the authority on its 2012 budget implementation, especially in relation to capital change.

FG appoints Garba asingNAIC MD the annual floods, draughts OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO

he Federal Government has appointed Dr. Tijjani Garba as Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) Garba, while taking over management of the corporation recently in Abuja reassured all the farmers who had already insured and whose farmland affected by the recent flood would be adequately paid their claims after due inspection and verification of their request for payment are completed. While sympathising with victims of the flood, he advised farmers in the country to take advantage of NAIC’s service delivery with a view to mitigat-

and crop failures that had become prevalent recently across the country. He further disclosed that, the Federal Government had established NAIC with the primary mandate to provide succour and extension services to farmers who insured with the cooperation to be paid adequate compensation with a view to ploughing the farmer back to prosperity and therefore guarantee food security in the country. He promised all NAIC clientele nationwide of the continued and improved service delivery. The appointment of Dr. Garba is sequel to the completion of the maximum two terms of four years each by the erstwhile Managing Director Kwatri Kwagga Yusuf, who was appointed Managing Director in 2004.

UBA wins African Bank of the Year

he Banker Magazine, a publication of Financial Times, has named United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), the Bank of the Year, Africa. UBA carted home the regional award for the continent yesterday at the Banker Awards ceremony in London, joining the ranks of other regional winners like Scotiabank-Global Americas, NordeaWestern Europe, Raiffeisen Bank International -Central and Eastern Europe, DBS-Asia\Pacific and Qatar National Bank-Middle East. The “Bank of the Year” is selected based on the overall performance of the financial institution and the opinion of leading financial analysts from the world’s financial markets. Winners were recognised and presented with awards in the presence of over 450 leading bankers across the globe. In a show of dominance, UBA also won the country awards for Senegal and Cameroon, bringing to a total of three, the number of awards received that night by

UBA. The awards further attests to UBA’s growing recognition as the leading pan-African financial services institution and as Africa’s global bank. The awards were received by the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; MD, UBA Cameroon, Mr. Georges Wega; MD UBA Capital Europe, Mr. Ebele Ogbue and Head, UBA Representative Office Paris, DeMontalivet Edouard. Explaining the rationale for the awards, the Banker magazine said UBA was chosen on account of the bank’s successful turnaround to profitability following the write-offs and clean-up of its balance sheet in 2011. It also stated that other reasons for the selection of UBA were the notable consolidation of UBA’s business across Africa as well as its innovative cross border payment/remittance products and platforms, which have made trade and financial transactions easier and more convenient in the continent.

Phone outlet to sell NCC-approved devices KUNLE A ZEEZ

anor Media Limited, a new entrant into the mobile devices retailing business in Nigeria, has said it would only sell phones that have been duly type-approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, to its customers. Speaking during the commissioning of the Information Technology retail outlet located along Isheri,/Ojodu Road in Lagos, the Managing Director of the company, Mrs. Timmy Esuabanga explained that the company has put certain measures in place to distribute quality brands of mobile devices which are According to her, “A lot of things are done in this country without people knowing the right thing to do and NCC’s clamp down on some

companies selling phones not approved by the commission was an eye opener to lots people who got into that business without knowing that that should be done. The Manor has put things in place to cater for that. “The manor is a phone company with the utmost intention to sell phones, I mean guaranteed telephones of the various brands such as Nokia Samsung, LG, Tecno, iphones and of course BlackBerry, laptops and accessories”. On the reasons for setting up a mobile shop, she said: “We noticed that there is a major lapse when it comes to the quality of phones people buy, lots of people buy phones because they want the best of services to communicate effectively with other people but unfortunately, several times, people buy phones and they discover that the phone has problems.”

Maritime

Friday, November 30, 2012

Calabar channel dredging, a drain pipe on Nigeria’s economy

hen the Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar hinted that the Federal Government was concluding plans for the re-awarding of the contract for the capital dredging of the 82-kilometre channel of the Calabar Ports Complex, many stakeholders were not surprised. This is because awarding the contract for the capital dredging of the channel has become somewhat a tradition for each succeeding minister, which obviously constitute a drain pipe on the nation’s resources. In the shipping parlance, the dredging of a channel, which is like a track on water where ships pass simply means to dig out sand from the channel to maintain a particular depth that would take a ship. The difference between capital and maintenance dredging is that while capital is done once in a long while, maintenance dredging is done regularly in order to maintain a particular depth. This is because sand usually moves back to the channel with the constant flow of the waters. Umar had, during the 2012 edition of the World Maritime Day celebration, which held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital had assured Governor Liyel Imoke that plans were underway for the dredging of the channel. Imoke had while speaking at the event noted that the dredging of the channel was critical to the growth and development of not only the state, but the entire South-South region in Nigeria. He said: “For us, it is something that is important and critical to our economic development. Dredging of the channel could transform the economy of the Niger Delta region”. “The synergy between the Calabar Port, the Calabar Free Trade Zone and Tinapa is evidently valid. With the channel dredged, the increase in the volume of economic activities could be substantial and of course will transform and grow the maritime economy”, he noted. “The positive externalities in terms of growth of associated industries and business as well as significant investors will go a long way in a non-oil dependent economy such ours”, he argued further. According to him, a functional seaport will also dovetail into a seamless economy of the region, adding that the industrial agenda both as a state and as a nation will bring about the growth of commercialisation of agriculture, which is a fundamental sector of Nigeria’s economy. He, however raised fears over the likely implication of the recent Supreme Court Judgment, which he said raises doubt as to the status of the Calabar Port and the FTZ as well as the validity of the Eastern Naval Command also situated in the state. Meanwhile, in a recent telephone interview, Senior Special Assistant to

Recent revelation that the Federal Government is about to award contract for another round of capital dredging of the 82-kilometre channel of the Calabar Port has raised some issues in the industry. This is against the background of previous unexecuted contracts for the same job worth over N25bn, which leaves stakeholders with the conclusion that the project has become an avenue for succeeding Ministers of Transport to fleece Nigeria’s economy. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

A large container carrier arriving Lagos port, Apapa.

GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO DREDGE THE PORT TO INCREASE THE SHIP TRAFFIC, ESPECIALLY

FOR LARGER VESSELS, WITH THE ATTENDANT ECONOMY OF SCALE the President on Maritime services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, had hinted that the dredging of the port is a priority project for the Federal Government, an indication that the current minister might follow the precedence already laid by his predecessors. “Government needed to dredge the port to increase the ship traffic, especially for larger vessels, with the attendant economy of scale”, he argued. Oyewole also assured that government was currently studying all the options available to it, adding that it is particularly considering the option of amortising the cost but insisted that the government would definitely go for the best option in the interest of the country. This will be the fourth time the

contract would be awarded in the recent past if the minister succeeds in his current bid to re-award it. The military government under late General Sani Abacha awarded the contract sometime in 1996 at the cost of N3 billion. But one major trend in the award of that contract is that after 1996, no maintenance dredging was done on it and because of the high siltation level, which is the movement of sand, the channels tend to cover up faster, especially if there is no regular maintenance dredging. Another contract was awarded sometime in 2002 under the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration at the cost of $56million (N8.7bn), which was also not executed. However, the re-awarding of the contract in 2006 under the administration of Dr. Abiye Sekibo as Minister of Transport and Chief Adebayo Sarumi as managing director of NPA remains the most controversial in the history of the awards of the contract in the last 20 years. The duo this time awarded the contract afresh for capital dredging at the cost of N14billion to Van Oord Limited and Jan de Nul. While Van Oord was to dredge Km 0-46, Jan de Nul was to excavate Km 46-82. Under the contract, the two firms were to either dredge the entire chan-

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nel to the required eight-metre depth or to scoop out 25million cubic metres of sand out of the 82-kilometre length of the channel. At the end of the job, it was gathered that the two firms merely scooped 25million cubic metres of sand out of five kilometers of the channel, leaving 77 kilometres un-dredged. Ironically, nothing was done to the contractors about six years after. Plans by the government to re-award the contract suggest that the defaulting contractors have been forgiven their sins. Deputy Managing Director of Van Oord, Mr. Jim Helbo had insisted that the company did not abandon the contract, saying that the N14billion contract sum was not paid to the contractors. But beyond the decision of the government to re-award the contract is the recent discovery that the challenge before the Calabar Port transcends the shallow nature of the channel. A source at the port hinted that Maersk Line had to quit the port some time in November 2008 because of the declining volume of consignments that come to the port, due to the low patronage. According to the source, most of the consignments that come to the port are not consumed in Calabar but in major commercial cities like Aba and Onitsha. It was gathered that due to the poor road infrastructure, the port became inaccessible to importers and other port users. Records show that even with the shallow channels, the cargo volume stood at 350 containers annually in 2007, which continued to experience a down ward trend to 300; in 2008, 280 in 2009, 200 in 2010 and currently far below 100 containers per year. It was also gathered that the poor state of the access roads, especially Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road, makes containers fall off the trucks in the face of absence of a rail system, had made importer incur huge losses as these containers fall off the trucks. This development is further worsened by the increasing cases of kidnap for ransom, which make these importers to now prefer either the Port Harcourt or Onne Ports. The port has also failed to service the North-East and North -Central parts of the country like Tarabba and Benue States as initially designed.because of the poor state of the access roads, especially the Ikom Bridge, which is practically unpassable. It was gathered that with the coming on stream of the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), which gave licenses to tank farm operators, a larger chunk of the cargo that comes to the port now became petroleum products rather than the dry bulk cargo, which it used to be, a development that compelled NPA to give a right of way to tankers coming to lift these wet cargoes. Many of the tank farm operators are now counting their losses because they cannot operate with such bad roads. Practically therefore, the problem of Calabar Port is not shallow channels alone, rather, that of poor access roads to the ports, an indication that another dredging contract even if diligently executed, might not entirely solve the problems.

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Maritime

Friday, November 30, 2012

Seme Border: Nigeria loses over N165bn annually to smuggling STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

t has emerged that Nigeria loses not less than N165bn through the increasing smuggling activities at the Seme Border, Nigeria’s line with the Republic of Benin, through which scores of arms and ammunitions flood the country. Managing director of Global Scan Systems Limited, the service provider in charge of scanning goods at the border, Mr. Fred Udechukwu had recently raised the alarm over huge revenue leakages, which he attributed to the non enforcement of relevant bilateral trade agreements between Nigeria and other neighbouring African countries, which tend to leave the borders open to all manners of illegalities. An authoritative maritime source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Nigeria loses over N165billion yearly arising from various trade abuses through the land borders, especially Seme, which is the busiest border station in the country. According to the source, the Economic Community of West African States Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) has been bastardised and subjected by gross abuse by importers and other government security agencies, especially the Nigeria Customs Service. The source noted that the scheme, which was basically designed to promote free movement of goods manufactured within the sub-region has been used as a vehicle to bring in even contraband items manufactured in Europe, Asia and America.

The source regretted that Customs has not done enough in checking these abuses, saying that it is unfortunate that the service, which knows the letters and intentment of the Legislation allows it be subjected to such level of abuse. “If I should have my may, Nigeria will pull out of such agreements because they ave not really promoted made-in Nigeria goods among these neighbouring African countries rather it has turned Nigeria to a dumping ground for all manners of contrabands and even arms and ammunitions”, he regretted. He warned that before going into such trade liberalization schemes, which unnecessarily exposes her to all manner of revenue leakages and loses, ef-

forts should be put in place to sanitise the borders. The managing director of Global Scan had while commenting on the Destination Inspection scheme, had observed that there are high level of revenue leakages in the entire scheme, an indication that Customs might not be able to handle it if handed to it at the expiration of the contract. “This is brought about by non-compliance with the various trade policies and bilateral agreements such as the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Republic of Benin on transit goods, which states that goods on transit from Republic of Benin must arrive the country in their original form”, he noted. According to him, this is

presently not the case; as such goods are usually trans-loaded into specialised over-sized heavy trucks at the border posts and cleared far below their duty value. In addition to implementing this agreement, he also canvassed the full scanning of consignments coming through the land borders for both security and revenue as against the current case whereby scanning is based on the selectivity of the Automated System for Customs Data. He recommended that government should put in place measures to ensure that the existing scanning capacity is fully utilised, arguing that the current less than five percent utilisation of the scanners was anti-trade facilitation.

L-R: Vice chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Pius Ewerido, Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Habibu Abdullahi; chairman of the committee, Zainab Kure; Sadiq Yar’ Adua, member and Oluremi Tinubu, also a member of the committee during a two-day oversight function to NPA on Wednesday.

Senate insists on creation of port regulator

early nine years after the conclusion of the Port Reform programme and subsequent coming on stream of private terminal operators, the Senate has said it is committed to the creation of a port regulator through the passage of the Port and Harbour Bill. The Bureau for Public Enterprises in conjunction with the Nigerian Ports Authority in what appeared an afterthought packaged the bill in 2004 after the completion of the programme in 2003, which seeks to create both the legal and institutional framework for the reform, which process was heavily criticised. Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Zainab Kure, who spoke during a working visit by the committee to NPA in line with its oversight functions, noted that the committee has been inundated with complaints over the imposition of arbitrary charges.

According to her, such complaints about the imposition of arbitrary charges by both shipping companies and terminal operators arise because there is no commercial regulator, whose role is primarily to monitor the compliance with the concession agreement between the Federal Government as represented by NPA. She disclosed that the upper legislative chamber has resolved to see to it that the bill was passed into law without further delay to pave way for the creation of a commercial regulator to stem activities of such defiant shipping companies and terminal operators. “To this effect, the bill has scaled the first reading stage while concerted efforts are being made to ensure that it scales the second reading stage before the end of the year” While commenting on the port concession programme, she noted that most of the objectives of the scheme, which include to make

the ports more efficient, reduce cost of operation and also make Nigeria’s seaports a hub for West and Central African Sub-region are yet to be achieved since people still complain of high cost of operation. She had expressed the hope that the passage of the bill and creation of a commercial regulator will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges faced by port users and other stakeholders. The chairman, who assessed the progress made on the rehabilitation of the NPA Marina headquarters, noted that the pace of the work had been slow. She had also noted that the decision of the committee to inspect the job was informed by the need to ensure that the building is not another collapsed one in the making. She had also directed the Managing Director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, to shelve the idea of reconstructing the Marina

jetty and go for the construction of a new one. Kure argued that it was better to go for a brand new jetty rather than renovate the old one, arguing that the price differentials might not be too much even as more value would be derived from a brand new jetty, which will serve for another 30 years or more. Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who spoke in an interview shortly after the inauguration of the seventh session of the National Assembly about two years ago, had assured that there were no political or economic interests militating against the passage of the bill. While commenting on the delay in the passage of the bill, the chairman reminded maritime stakeholders that the lower legislative chamber initiated the bill; precisely, himself and Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the current deputy speaker and a one time chairman of the committee.

‘You can’t sustain Destination Inspection’

ess than two months to the expiration of the Destination Inspection contract entered into by the Federal Government with five service holders, stakeholders have expressed doubts over the ability of the Nigeria Customs Service to take over the scheme in line with the contract agreement. The Federal Ministry of Finance had following the suspension of the Pre-Shipment Inspection scheme, which was fraught with several irregularities entered into a sevenyear Build, Own, Operate and Transfer contract with the five DI service providers, which include, Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, Global Scan Systems, SGS and Webb Fountain. Under the contract, the service providers are to provider Computerised Risk Management System for all imported goods through the air, seaports and land borders, provide scanning services and also train an agreed number of officers of Customs to take over the scheme at the expiration of the contract on December 31, 2012. Meanwhile stakeholders, who spoke at a one-day seminar, which held in Lagos on the theme: Destination Inspection: Which Way Forward after December, organised by Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, observed that less than two months to end of the deal, nothing on ground shows that Customs has the least capability to take over and sustain the scheme. Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Kunle Folarin, observed that the silent disposition being maintained currently by the Federal Government and other relevant agencies including Customs was worrisome and might spell doom for the system. Foralin, who is the chairman of Nigerian Seafarers’ Welfare Board, observed that as an import dependent nation, the DI scheme is critical to the Nigerian economy since more than 85 percent of imported goods come through the seaports. While going through the memory lane, he observed that PSI inspection scheme, which was introduced some time in 1979, was designed to check malpractices such as foreign exchange scams like over-valuation etc, slow cargo processes, among others, regretting that such vices have now been replaced with undervaluation, over-invoicing and outright smuggling, among others.

Global Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 30, 2012

NSE unveils strategies to attract new listings JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Nigerian Stock Exchange will today introduce a number of value added services as a key element of its business development efforts. A statement from the Exchange yesterday quoted Head of Listings Sales and Retention of the Exchange, Mrs Taba Peterside, as saying that the services aim to attract new listings and create a competitive edge for listed companies. Other advantages are to retain current listings, improve investor interest in the market through enhanced information and assist listed companies in complying with post listing obligations and retaining their listing status. According to her, the

Exchange is partnering with various local and international organisations to provide services such as corporate access, investor relations, institutional services, corporate governance and independent equity research to enhance the value proposition of listing on the Exchange. The statement explained that the corporate governance bouquet is meant to assist the boards and executive management of listed companies to adhere to best practices in the rules and processes by which their businesses are operated. “Through training programmes for directors and other stakeholders, the Exchange aims to promote fairness, transparency, accountability and integrity in an organisation’s relationship with all its stakeholders with a

view to increasing shareholder value,” she said. In the area of independent equity research, she explained that the bourse would engage independent investment research firms to produce company reports for the investing public. Meanwhile, the Exchange has launched Market Quality Report (X-Qual), to disclose the extent to which equities traded at the Exchange provide executions at prices better than the prevailing price quotes before an investor places an order. Oscar explained that the information will enable analytical investors or broker-dealers gain a better understanding of how best to execute orders in the market and the quality of execution they can expect for the different stocks being traded. He added that the report

Bulls sustain hold as index rises 0.2% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks. The All-Share Index rose by 0.24 per cent to close at 26,404.82 points, compared to the increase of 0.44 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,342.25 points. Market capitalisation appreciated by N19.8bn to close at N8.43trn, lower than the rise of N37.3bn recorded the preceding day to close at

N8.41trn. All five sectoral indices closed positive, as the NSE 30-Index appreciated by 0.21 per cent to close at 1,253.54 points, while the Oil and Gas Index gained 0.31 per cent to close at 155.34 points. The Consumer Goods Index increased by 0.37 per cent to close at 783.13 points, but the Insurance Index lost 0.31 per cent to close at 112.81 points. The Banking Index rose by 0.17 per cent to close at 303.41 points, while the Lotus Islamic Indexappreciated by 0.82 per cent to close at 1,676.27 points. Custodian Insurance

Plc led the gainers’ table with six kobo or 5.17 per cent to close at N1.22 per share, followed by Portland Paints Plc with 19 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.99 per share. Conoil Plc gained 89 kobo or five per cent to close at N18.69 per share, while Unilever Nigeria Plc appreciated by N2.12 or 4.99 per cent to close at N44.62 per share. Cutix Plc increased by seven kobo or 4.83 per cent to close at N1.52 per share. On the flip side, Academy Press Plc shed 21 kobo or 9.59 per cent to close at N1.98 per share,

include information about the Exchange’s quality of executions on a stock-bystock basis, including how orders of various sizes are executed relative to the available price quotes. Oscar said, “The information about effective spreads (the spreads actually paid by investors when their orders are executed), realised spreads (shows whether the liquidity providers for a trade subsequently have the price move in their favour after the trade), fill rates (the likelihood of executions to occur), and execution speed (time taken to execute orders).” He explained that Nigeria has no rules governing the disclosure of order execution and routing practices but in developed markets, there are rules that require and govern such disclosures.

the biggest risk facing global markets in the final weeks of the year, following an agreement earlier this week on fresh aid for Greece. US benchmark indexes followed European markets higher, with an added boost after data on Thursday showed weekly initial jobless claims fell for a second consecutive week, and that the economy grew faster than initially thought in the third quarter. The reports suggested that the world’s largest

economy was on a stable path to recovery. A separate report showed the National Association of Realtors monthly index of pending sales of existing US homes rose 5.2 per cent in October. “There will be a deal before December 31 to avert the economy facing disaster,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital in New York. “We’re back on track for a year-end rally to continue,” he said.

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 7,342,308 points Market capitalisation 23,066.74 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS

while Stanbic IBTC Plc lost 65 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N65 per share. MRS Plc declined by N1.38 or 4.98 per cent to close at N26.32 per share, while CAP Plc dropped by N1.41 or 4.97 per cent to close at N26.94 per share. Evans Medical Plc dipped by six kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N1.20 per share. Transaction volume in equities increased by 94.3 per cent, as a total of 327.28 million shares valued at N1.71bn were exchanged in 3,846, compared to 168.46 million shares worth N1.27bn traded in 3,857 deals the preceding day.

US budget deal optimism lifts stocks and euro benchmark world stock index rallied to a three-week high and the euro and commodities gained yesterday amid optimism that US political leaders were progressing toward a deal to avoid a fiscal crisis that could derail growth in the world’s biggest economy. The fiscal cliff - automatic spending cuts and tax increases that come into effect in 2013 unless Congress agrees on an alternative - is

Source: NSE

The growing optimism spread across world share markets, sending the MSCI global equities index up 0.8 per cent to its highest since November 7. The Dow Jones industrial average finance/ markets/index was up 36.64 points, or 0.28 per cent, at 13,021.75. The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index was up 5.81 points, or 0.41 per cent, at 1,415.74. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 18.44 points, or 0.62 per cent, at 3,010.22.

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

DNMEYER

0.60

0.63

0.03

5.00

INTBREW

7.64

8.02

0.38

4.97

UPL

4.30

4.51

0.21

4.88

LONGMAN

1.94

2.03

0.09

4.64

JAPAULOIL

0.57

0.59

0.02

3.51

NEIMETH

0.87

0.90

0.03

3.45

BAGCO

1.54

1.59

0.05

3.25

FIRSTBANK

12.54

12.93

0.39

3.11

DANGSUGAR

4.39

4.50

0.11

2.51

NAHCO

5.90

6.00

0.10

1.69

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

AGLEVENT

1.20

CLOSING 1.14

0.06

-5.00

CONOIL

21.85

20.76

1.09

-4.99

7UP

40.12

38.12

2.00

-4.99

ETERNA

2.50

2.38

0.12

-4.80

FIDSON

0.85

0.81

0.04

-4.71

RTBRISCOE

1.72

1.64

0.08

-4.65

CUTIX

1.58

1.51

0.07

-4.43

UBN

4.91

4.80

0.11

-2.24

IBTC

6.60

6.46

0.14

-2.12

WAPIC

0.53

0.52

0.01

-1.89

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

30,647.81

13.50

29-Nov-12

182-Day

20,000

15.50

29-Nov-12

364 -Day

14,000

16.50

28-Nov-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178Days

14,231.30

15.50

29-Nov-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

29-Nov-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$200m

N/A

$126m

30-Nov-12

$180m

N/A

$147m

30-Nov-12

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 30, 2012

Capital Market

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at November 29, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “Since assumption of office, all Sanusi’s major pronouncements have been either directly anti-people or ruinous to the Nigerian economy.” PRESIDENT,NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS, ABDULWAHEED OMAR FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concern over the increasing road accidents on the Ogun State stretch of the Lagos - Ore Expressway, saying 40 lives was lost to such crashes in September and October, beside those injured. The Ijebu - Ode Unit Commander of the FRSC, Cmdr. Isah Seidu, who gave the statistics, said the three major road crashes that claimed the lives occurred at Odogbolu and Omo River J4 along Ijebu - Ode/Ore stretch of the highway. Seidu spoke at the Mabolufon junction in Ijebu - Ode; site of one the fatal accident, where 12 persons were crushed to death, when a truck carrying flour ran into traders and commuters. He addressed members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), private drivers and Safety Managers of transport Companies from Edo, Delta, and Eastern states, among others, at the occasion marking the end of 2012 “Public Enlightenment Campaign” of the FRSC. He noted that road carnage is caused by three major factors - human(driver), mechanical(vehicle) and

Scores killed, injured on Ore highway in two months –FRSC environmental(road) but said 90 percent are always linked to the conduct of the drivers. Seidu said: “It is the driver that determines the speed at which a vehicle travels on bad roads and poor weather condition. He is in a better position to determine the overall condition of the vehicle... Un-

fortunately, most through actions and inactions have been the causes of road accidents. For instance, from September to October, three major crashes that occurred on the road claimed 40 lives at Odogbolu and Omo River along Ijebu Ode/ Ore road, while many others sustained various

degrees of injuries. Investigations into the causes of the crashes show cases of over speeding, over loading and dangerous overtaking.” The Unit Commander stressed that if the driver factor in accident could be addressed, fatal crashes on Ogun roads will be drastically reduced.

Lagos to standardise driving schools M URITALA AYINLA

Potholes on a portion of Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: FRANCIS SUBERU

Ubulu-Uno launches fund for school rehabilitation OKAY OSUJI

he Ubulu-Uno in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has organized fundraising for the rehabilitation of the town’s secondary school. The event which held at the National Theatre auditorium in Lagos attracted many of the town’s indigenes and friends. Speaking at the occasion, President of Ubulu-Uno Union, Lagos, Hon. Chris Aniagwu said the mission in undertaking the project was borne of the fact, that

According to him, part of the FRSC campaign is on driver’s state of health and behaviour to make him fit as road user, through high blood pressure (BP) checks and sugar level, as well as stepping up surveillance to ensure compliance to road safety regulations. Seidu, who displayed photos of fatal accidents

on Ogun roads in recent months, urged the participants to observe safety rules, saying if drivers would apply caution while driving, road carnages can be minimized. Also speaking, Secretary to the Ijebu - Ode Local Government Council, Mr Lawrence Adegaye, also identified recklessness on the part of drivers being responsible for deaths and injuries on the roads, even as he said it is possible to enjoy accident free travel, if drivers recognize that accidents are caused by their conducts on the roads.

the school has become dilapidated, even as he said the that N100, 000,000 would be required to complete the rehabilitation. He said; “It is obvious that years of decay and neglect have caused untold damages to the learning environment in the secondary school, where total enrolment has fallen woefully. Something drastic be done urgently to rectify the deplorable condition”. Hon. Aniagwu added that Ubulu-Uno union in Lagos has been saddled with the daunting responsibility of restoring the school’s lost glory,

even as he solicited the cooperation of all to achieve the goal. Calling on them to donate generously, the president said the members have critically examined the age-long practice of sourcing funds through levies, and came to the conclusion, that generating funds in the present circumstances is no longer feasible. On accounting for past funds, Aniagwu said “The Ubulu-Uno union is not oblivious of fears being expressed in some quarters that funds realized could be misapplied by those charged with its management.

“My response is that, there would be room for scrutiny of funds management by anyone so desiring,even as transparency will be the watchword and audit check is welcome by appropriate designated organs, if need arises. Dignitaries at the occasion were: HRH, Obi Kika Chukwu, Obi of Ubulu-Uno; Mr Peter Nkenchor, Permanent Secretary, Delta State Civil Service, Chairman of the occasion; Mr Peter Iwegbu, Chief launcher, Chief Oyibo Enujekor, Odoziani of UbuluUno and Special Guest and Queen P. A Nkenchor, Omu of Ubulu-Uno.

he Lagos State Government will soon inaugurate the standardization of driving schools in order to reduce accidents and ensure the safety of road users. The Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who said this at a meeting with Nigeria Driving School Proprietor Association, added that commencement of the programme is very important, because it plays a prominent role in determining the quality of drivers on the road. Opeifa said the era when low quality driving schools, incompetent instructors or drivers who do not understand the rudiment of driving are recommended for drivers’ license is gone. The Commissioner said that with the standardization, a uniform curriculum would be introduced for the driving schools to ensure all intending drivers acquire the necessary training. He urged the association to ensure that the proprietors upgrade their schools, adding that the state government would soon embark on their in-

spection. He said at the end of the exercise, a compendium on driving schools would be published to guide intending drivers in knowing those approved by the government. Opeifa, promised that the government would support the schools, especially in the area of instructional materials, as well as ensuring that professional drivers, who failed to qualify for the Drivers’ Institute re – certification training, undergo a compulsory training in the standardized driving schools. The Commissioner urged the association to cooperate in sanitizing and standardizing the schools, adding that the effort is to uplift their image as well as ensure that only competent and qualified drivers handle the steering. He implored them to ensure that all instructors are well trained and are exposed to modern driving techniques, adding that vehicles of intending drivers should be roadworthy. On his part, the Vice Chairman of the association, Mr Oladipupo Yusuf, commended the state government,even as he and promised that they would collaborate in eliminating the services of incompetent drivers and reducing road accidents.

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 30, 2012

World News

“I believe that we should be wary of any legislation that has the potential to infringe free speech and a free press” – British Prime Minister, David Cameron

DR Congo rebels pull back to Sake PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

...to withdraw from Goma today

ebels, who last week seized one of the most important cities in eastern Congo and advanced beyond, said yesterday that they had pulled back several miles (kilometres ) to the town of Sake and were on track to leave the key city of Goma by today, in accordance with a deadline imposed by the international community. The apparent withdrawal of the M23 rebels indicates that international pressure may have succeeded in reversing the rebel advance and staved off what many had feared could be the start of a new war between the enormous, junglecovered nation of Congo, and it’s much smaller and more affluent neighbour, Rwanda. The M23 rebels are widely believed to be financially and militarily backed by the landlocked nation of Rwanda, which is accused of using rebel groups to gain access to the mines that dot the landscape in eastern Congo. Rebel spokesman, Lt. Col. Vianney Kazarama, told The Associated Press yesterday that his

Congolese M23 rebel fighters dismounting from a military truck, near Kibumba, north of Goma

soldiers had already pulled back from the region of Masisi to Sake, located 27 kilometres (18 miles) beyond Goma. “We are withdrawing,” he said. “Tomorrow we will (retreat to) Goma,” on track to leave the city as asked. In the village of Mushaki, in Masisi territory, a handful of M23 soldiers were still seen patrolling the town as of 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, but their reduced

number suggested that a drawdown had occurred. In Sake, reporters saw several dozen rebels. They were loading bags of food rations onto a vehicle, appearing to be getting ready to leave the town. Despite the assurances by rebel leaders, in Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Wednesday it is unclear if the rebels will fully withdraw from Goma,

the capital of North Kivu province which serves as the main trading and shipping point for the gold and tin carved out of North Kivu’s mineral-rich soil. “We do see some movement of M23 troops, but we can’t tell whether this is preparatory to a withdrawal or whether it’s just sort of a redeployment,” she said. “But we are continuing to press and to urge those with influence to press as well.”

Ex-US president Bush hospitalised ECOWAS election observation mission in Ghana with bronchitis

ormer US President George H W Bush is being treated for bronchitis in hospital in Houston, Texas, hospital and family officials have said. Mr Bush, 88, has been in hospital for six days with a “lingering cough”, his spokesman Jim

Bush

McGrath told CNN. His condition is not considered life-threatening and the former president is expected to be discharged this weekend, reports say. Mr Bush is the oldest living former president and a World War II veteran. He was Ronald Reagan’s vicepresident for two terms and president for one, serving in the White House from 1989 until 1993. His chief of staff, Jean Becker, said Mr Bush was admitted to Houston’s Methodist Hospital on Friday, after several visits in recent weeks, the Houston Chronicle newspaper reported. His son, former President George W Bush visited on Sunday with his wife, Laura. Ms Becker added that there had been concerns Mr Bush’s condition might have developed into pneumonia and news of his treatment had not been made public “out of respect” for the former president.

he 250-member ECOWAS Election Observation Mission arrived in Accra yesterday for Ghana’s 7th December general elections, within the context of the region’s instrument for provision of support to Member States holding elections. The team, comprising representatives of various segments of the West African society is headed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and supported by Prof. Amos Sawyer, former President of Liberia’s Interim Government and Chairman of the Governance Commission of Liberia as well as the AU High-Level Panel on the African Peer Review Mechanism. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo, will also be in Ghana to provide additional support to the Mission and to express ECOWAS’ solidarity with the Government and people of Gha-

PHOTO: AP

na during the elections, which are expected to contribute to the deepening of democratic culture in the country. Accra will serve as the headquarters and Situation Room for the ECOWAS Mission, with three sub-stations in Kumasi, Tamale and Bolgatanga, from where the regional observers will be deployed to all the ten administrative regions of Ghana to monitor the conduct of the presidential and legislative elections. Prior to their deployment, the ECOWAS observers will meet with political party leaders and other stakeholders in the country, with a view to ensuring a peaceful environment for the conduct of the polls.An ECOWAS assessment mission was in Ghana last October to review preparations for the elections during which the mission interacted with various stakeholders, including representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and others.

WORLD BULLETIN US Consulate opens application for youth fellowship programme The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has started accepting applications for its 2013 Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI), a dynamic, youth-based fellowship program launched in late 2011. CYFI is a year-long program in which outstanding young Nigerians are selected as fellows and grouped into teams to design and implement a project with a social impact. The U.S. Consulate General, Lagos provides selected fellows with financial support for their projects, networking opportunities, and a transportation stipend. In addition, fellows meet other likeminded youth and build a closer relationship with the Consulate. In its inaugural year, 15 CYFI fellows were selected and grouped into five project teams, with projects focusing on education, vocational training, human rights awareness, health, and university volunteerism. The CYFI Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, will select fellows who demonstrate exceptional vision, skills and experience. Prospective fellows may apply as individuals or together, as a team of up to three. Application instructions are available at: http://www.cyfinigeria. org/p/application.html, and all applications can be completed online.

Dalai Lama’s visa delay to S’Africa unlawful – Court South Africa’s government acted unlawfully in failing to give the Dalai Lama a visa in time for a planned visit last year, a court has ruled. Tibet’s spiritual leader was forced to cancel plans to attend Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday celebrations in October 2011. The Supreme Court of Appeal said the former home affairs minister had “unreasonably delayed her decision”. The government denied it had bowed to pressure from China to block the trip. In response to the ruling, Archbishop Tutu’s office said it as a “credit to South Africa’s judicial system” and he looked forward to inviting the Dalai Lama to South Africa for his 90th birthday. The Supreme Court of Appeal was hearing an appeal application by two opposition parties - the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Congress of the People (Cope) - about the issue. Earlier, the Western Cape High Court had dismissed the case, the South Africa Press Association reports.

News

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police, JTF arrest 100 suspected terrorists in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST AND

JAMES ABRAHAM

house-to-house search for members of the deadly Boko Haram Islamist sect in Kano has led to the arrest of 100 suspects yesterday by the police and the Joint Task Force, JTF. This followed renewed attacks in some northern states by the militants, especially the recent devastating attack on the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, killing about 15 worshippers and several others injured. To prevent a repeat in

Kano, another vulnerable state, security agents have intensified efforts to protect the city against terrorist attack. The JTF and the police have, therefore, intensified their raids on hideouts of suspected gunmen and other criminals as part of the measures to secure the state. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, told our correspondent yesterday that the exercise had led to the arrest of 100 suspects in the last few days. He said that JTF and the police had deployed in all identified flashpoints while

vehicular patrol, particularly in remote parts of the city, had improved. The CP also said that the house-to-house search for gunmen would continue as it was yielding positive results. Idris added that the restriction of movement order clamped on commercial motorcycles had been helpful in the anti-terrorism campaign. “We are not leaving anything to chances, the security agents here are really working hard to choke up the place and it’s working for us. “Over 100 suspects have been apprehended by the

police alone within days. Those to be prosecuted have been taken to court.” He disclosed that the command was always reviewing its strategy to enable it to adjust to the challenges. Also, the Kaduna State Police Command yesterday announced the arrest of three terrorism suspects and the recovery of 40 Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, in Zaria. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Adenaike said at a press briefing in Kaduna that the arrest and recovery of the items followed early morning raid on the suspects

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) and Managing Director, Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (2nd right) during an inspection tour of projects by the State Executive Council in Lagos, yesterday.

hideout. He also said that two other suspects were arrested in respect of large quantity of Indian hemp and dangerous weapons recovered in the home of some politicians in Zaria. Adenaike said investigation into the cases would continue. Meanwhile, three persons were confirmed killed yesterday in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in two separate attacks by gunmen. The two attacks occurred in Rim and Lwa villages of the local government area. In the Rim attack, National Mirror learnt that the gunmen stormed the village at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday but were resisted by the security agents who succeeded in killing one of them. A member representing Riyom constituency in the state House of Assemby, Hon. Daniel Dem, who confirmed the incidents with National Mirror yesterday, narrated how the three persons were killed. “Just yesterday about 7:30p.m., some group of Fulani gunmen came to attack Rim village. “Unknown to them, some security agents along with the local vigilante group, had been stationed at the village. “On citing the security agents, the gunmen en-

gaged them in a shoot-out after which they fled. “In the morning, the villagers noticed some traces of blood and trailed it into the bush where they found the body of one of the gunmen dead. “Not quite long, the gunmen again ambushed a man and his wife on their way to the farm in Lwa village and killed the two of them. “The situation is really worrisome. The people are not happy about these incidents. “Let the security agents do everything possible to apprehend those responsible for these killings so that peace can return.” Also, the Special Task Force on Jos crisis, STF, in a statement yesterday confirmed the incidents. The statement, signed by the Media and Publicity Officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said that the STF personnel, who were on a routine patrol of the area intercepted the gunmen who opened fire on sighting them and a gun duel ensued, resulting in the death of one of the assailants while others reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush. He said that the search for the assailants in the bush led to the recovery of some arms and ammunition, adding that efforts to track down the gunmen were ongoing.

Failed contract: Reps’ summon libellous –Anenih FELIX NWANERI

ormer Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih, has described as libellous his purported summons by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts over the N2.3bn Nasarawa-Loko road failed contract. In a four-page letter to the Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, dated November 29 and entitled: “Re: Reps summon Anenih over N2.3bn ‘failed’ contract,” Anenih said he felt pained that a member of the House could make comments on such issues without adequate investigation. “I feel pained that a member of the House of Representatives un-

der your able leadership should make comments on issues like this without adequate investigation. “I advise the committee to carry out thorough investigation on this matter in the interest of justice and fairness,” he said. The former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, emphasised that the events that led to the termination of the contract and the subsequent arbitration that followed took place years after he had left the ministry. Anenih said that even though he had not received any official summons from the House committee or any other investigative committee whatsoever, he considered the issues raised by the news report serious and had decided

to give account of what he knew about the award of the contract while he was in office as Minister of Works. The letter reads in part: “My attention has been drawn to a libellous publication in some Nigerian national newspapers that I have been summoned by the House of Representatives through the House Committee on Public Accounts to appear before it in connection with a N2.3bn contract awarded to Messrs Torno Internationale Nigeria Ltd. in Nasarawa State in September 2001 “In 2001, tenders were received from five major companies for the award of the contract as follows: Torno Internationale Nig. Ltd, which quoted N2,318,643,233.36

with 18 months duration; Micans Nig Ltd, which quoted N2,635,715,572.19 without specifying completion time; P&P Construction & Co Ltd which quoted N3,013,890,450.18 without any duration; PW Nig Ltd, which quoted N4,407,274,447.02 with 18 months duration; and Rockbridge Construction Ltd, which quoted N4,486,567,064.60 with 24 months. “A Technical Evaluation Committee, made up of senior engineers in the Highways Department of the ministry found Torno’s tender of N2,318,643,233.36 to be most desirable and recommended to the minister that the contractor be considered for the award of the contract. “Thereafter, the minister forwarded a memo to Federal Executive

Council for consideration and approval. “At its 36th meeting on Wednesday, September 5, 2001, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, considered and approved the award of contract No 5092 for the reconstruction of Nasarawa – Loko road with Alushi Loop to Messrs. Torno Internationale (Nig) Ltd at the contract sum of N2,318,643,233.36 with a completion period of 18 months. “An award letter dated September 14, 2001 was thereafter written to Torno accordingly.” Anenih also noted that following the signing of the relevant contract agreement between the Federal Ministry of Works and the contractor, and in accordance with relevant clause of

the agreement, the contractor requested for advance payment of 25 per cent of the contract sum, for which an advance payment of N552, 057, 912.71 (excluding VAT of N27,602,895.64) was made contractor. He, however, noted that in 2004, two years after he had left the ministry, the contractor threatened to stop work on the grounds that the contract had been frustrated by government’s failure to pay for job executed. Anenih added that the then minister, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, consequently took a memo to FEC for the termination of the contract, which led the contractor to take the matter for arbitration and obtained judgement against the government in 2005.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, November 30, 2012

Bring petitions against JTF’s arbitrary arrests, Shettima tells residents INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

he administration of Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has enjoined the people of the state whose children were victims of alleged arbitrary arrests by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF), to file petitions on the issue for necessary action. Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka She-

hu Lawan, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists on the oneyear achievements of his ministry. According to Lawan, the measure is aimed at ensuring that innocent citizens are not punished for the crimes they never committed. The commissioner said government was ready to intervene in such cases and urged aggrieved parents to channel their peti-

tions to the Department of Citizens’ Rights of the ministry. He added that no stone will be left unturned to guarantee the safety of innocent individuals. “Let me make it clear that so far, government is yet to receive any complain on that matter. Notwithstanding, I appeal to the affected individuals, if any, not to hesitate in filing their cases before the appropriate department,”

he further assured. While commenting on the achievements recorded by his ministry, the commissioner said government has spent N1 million in securing the release of several inmates who were jailed with options of fine. Similarly, Lawan added that within the year under review, Governor Shettima had granted amnesty to inmates serving various jail terms in the state.

Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Pastor Yiljap Abraham (left), with the Commandant, Command Secondary School, PHOTO: NAN Jos, Lt.-Col. Abdul Mohammed, during a courtesy visit to the commissioner in Jos, yesterday.

Less than 20% Nigerians know their HIV status –Foundation NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

s the world gets set to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, a Non-Governmental Organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has said that its studies indicate that less than 20 per cent of Nigerians have undergone a test to know their HIV status. Aware of this, the group said it has conclud-

ed plans to host an awareness walk that would culminate in a free counselling and testing session for people in the northern part of the country, especially Abuja. According to the Country Director of AHF, Olawale Salami, the awareness walk, which would bring together various stakeholders in the HIVcontrolled strategy, would start at the Eagle Square beginning from 10.00am

and terminate at the Millennium Park in the city. He also disclosed that the organisation will be shifting attention to the youth at this year’s event, considering that Nigeria records about 300, 000 new cases yearly, making her number two on the global HIV burden list. “As at today, less than 20 per cent have conducted an HIV test. AHF is poised to join other partners in reducing HIV infections,

Borno targets 3.5m people for meningitis immunisation INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

he Borno State government yesterday said that about 3.5 million people aged between one to 29 years have been targeted for the forthcoming immunisation against Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM). The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salma Anas Kolo, disclosed this at a press briefing, saying the vaccination

exercise kicks off from December 1 to 10 across the 27 local government areas of the state. Kolo said adequate doses of the vaccine have been distributed to the area councils and other designated centres. She added that enough syringes, immunisation cards, safety boxes and other equipment have been procured for the exercise. The commissioner noted that 300 various health

workers were assigned for the exercise and called on the general public to offer maximum support to it.

stamping out HIV-based discriminations and AIDS related deaths to zero-level through ensuring equal access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care in the country. “The event gives us another opportunity to reflect on those living with the infection and those who are related to those living with the infection.” Meanwhile some Nollywood actors and music stars have indicated interest to be part of the walk in order to draw attention to the growing need to stem HIV infection in the country.

NLC, TUC want Labour matters on exclusive list WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked that Labour matters be put on the exclusive list in the constitution. NLC Vice-President Issa Aremu, made the call yesterday in a goodwill message he delivered on behalf his President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Umar, at the eighth National Labour Relations Summit of Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin, Kwara State. Aremu, along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Peter Esele, at the occasion also frowned at the call by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, to the effect that 50 percent Nigerian workers be laid off in the interest of our ailing economy. According to them, Sanusi should know better that labour plays a prominent role in the economy as against his position. Aremu in particular

called on government to revive and improve on the manufacturing sector which is the global hallmark of building economies. In his remarks, Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu, said he is committed to the recommendation of the National Job Summit and in enhancing capacity at the various Skills Development and Job Centres as well as the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) programme. Unlike Sanusi’s recommendation, the minister said government is initiating mass recruitment of graduates through the SURE-P programme as well as collaborating with captains of industries and corporate bodies to address youth unemployment in the country. Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Theodore Orji of Abia State were among eight personalities awarded fellows of the institute for what was described as their outstanding labour relations.

Development of Ajaokuta LG, my priority –Ex-lawmaker ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

he Sole Administrator of the Kogi State Investment and Properties Limited, Mr. Moses Okino, has said that the development of Ajaokuta local council would continue to be his major concern. Okino, who was also a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, said he was already working with other progressive minds in the area to return Ajaokuta to the path of progress and efficient service delivery to the people.

The sole administrator, who gave this indication during the local government congress of the PDP, stressed the need for the leaders in the area to harmonise their position to move the area forward. While calling all the political office holders from Ajaokuta to effectively represent the area, he said the connection of the entire local government to the national grid, establishment of schools across the LGA and the several youths and women empowerment programmes in the area were some of his modest achievements while in the National Assembly.

Ex-Deputy Gov promises book on Idris’ nine-year rule ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

F Shettima

ormer Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Philip Salawu, said he will write a book on his experience in office during the nineyear administration of former Governor Ibrahim Idris in the state. Salawu, who yester-

day appeared in a public function for the first time since he lost out in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s primary election in the October 2011 governorship race in the state, said the essence of the book was to let the world know about his experience in politics. The former deputy governor who later went out

of favour with his boss at the tail end of their administration, said at a book lunch by his former Press Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Itokpa that the people of the state should continue to develop the state to save it from political log-jam. He commended the author of book titled; “The World shall Return” for his intellectual sagacity.

TRANSITION

Friday, November 30, 2012

Jonathan Pogoson

Charles Abangwu

ormer Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) Pro Chancellor and Chairman of governing council, Igwe Barrister Charles Aniwetea Abangwu is dead. Abangwu, who was also former chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional rulers, died at the age of 95 after a brief illness.

The late Abangwu, the first lawyer from Enugu North Senatorial District and third in the entire Enugu State, was also a governorship candidate of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the Second Republic and played a vital role in the creation of Enugu and Ebonyi states. Abangwu will be remembered for his selfless struggle for the emancipation of Wawa Igbo in particular and the entire Igbo nation in general. According to his son, Tony Abangwu, as a former Deputy Speaker of the defunct Eastern House of Assembly, the remains of the late monarch would be taken to the state House of Assembly and to the High Court at Nsukka , before his final resting place at Umudike.

Pa Olanrewaju

he death has occurred of Pa James Oke Olanrewaju, a community leader in Okeagbe-Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.He was aged 110 years. Pa Olanrewaju, the father of Kayode Olanrewaju, former Education Editor, Nigerian Compass and the Executive Editor of Total Education died on November 25, 2012, at Okeagbe-Akoko after a brief illness. Pa Olanrewaju is survived by many children, grand-children and greatgrand-children, among who are Mr. Remi Omoluabi Olanrewaju, Vice-Principal of Okeagbe High School, Okeagbe-Akoko Ondo State; Mrs Florence Ajetunmobi; Mr. Emmanuel Durojaiye; Mr. Kayode Olanrewaju; Mr. Stephen Alaba Olanrewaju, a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and predeceased by Mrs. Eunice Kehinde Shittu.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he death has been announced of Mr. Jonathan Odion Pogoson,who passed to eternity on November 18, 2012 at the age of 86 years. Late Odion Pogoson started his primary school in Enugu and later attended Christ the King College,Onitsha. After passing the junior and Senior Cambridge exams, he took to teaching English, Arithmetic and Geometry in various schools in present day Anambra and Edo states. In 1950, he enlisted in the Nigeria

Police and due to hard work, discipline and diligence; he rose to the rank of Inspector of Police. In 1957, he was transferred to Victoria (now Limbe) in the Camerouns, a former protectorate of Nigeria, where he served for three years. He returned to Nigeria at independence in 1960, and was promoted Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1961. As he rose through the ranks, he was transferred to different stations in the old West and Midwest regions, where he took charge of senior law enforcement responsibilities. In the course of his 35-year career in the Police Force, he held various top positions that included DPO, PTO, PPO, state Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. He worked in Ijebu-Ode, Oyo, Ibadan, Akure, Ondo, Calabar, Warri, Benin, Jos, Enugu, Lagos and Kano where he became a Commissioner of Police. Late Pogoson underwent various professional training courses locally and internationally at the Southern Police College (SPC), Ikeja, Police Staff College, Bramshill in England, London Metropolitan Police Detective School, and Scotland Yard, all in the United Kingdom. He capped his training regimen at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Jos, in the fifth regular course. He wrote a well acclaimed thesis on “Conflict Management in Nigeria”, which stemmed from his experiences in the public service. Mr. Pogoson served as Commissioner in Police Force Headquarters Lagos, before retiring in 1983. On retirement, he went into farming and was a successful arable and permanent crops farmer. He is survived by many children and grand children.

Pa Akintola Ogungbe

Ambassador J.T Kolo

mbassador J.T Kolo, a former Nigerian ambassador to the United Kingdom during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) is dead. J.T Kolo died on November 20, 2012 at the age of 74 years. Reports claim he died after slipping in his bathroom. Ambassador Kolo was by himself when the incident occurred. He was found dead hours later by a domestic staff inside his Minna, Niger State home. A community leader and well-respected elder statesman, Ambassador Kolo was Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, and subsequently Head of Service during the Second Republic administration of Governor Awwal Ibrahim. The Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, described the death of the former head of the Niger State civil service, as a great loss to the nation, adding that he would be missed for his wisdom and love for Nigeria.

eteran Yoruba theatre legend, Pa Akintola Ogungbe is dead. The iconic actor was popular with the epic film, Ireke Onibudo. The senior Ogungbe was very active back in the days, acting and producing in all the forms of dramatic art. He was, for instance, on stage for over two decades from the 1940s to 1960s and on television in the 1970s and 1980s and an actor/producer in the glorious days of cinema. He also produced and acted in the Nigerian film industry, otherwise known as Nollywood. Recalling his travelling theatre days over 50 years ago, the veteran actor had said he trained for three years under his theatre master, the late G.T. Onimole in central Lagos (Isale Eko). Having completed three years of training and resolving on the need to set up his own group, which involved great financial commitment, he had to work as a carpenter in a factory. He is survived by many children, among who is Femi Ogungbe, an aspiring filmmaker.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Abula: Lagos ladies lose to Imo, men avenge loss

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Cricket world has come of age. But the truth is that it is still evolving and there’s more to come

-- AUSTRALIAN CRICKET HERO, RICKY PONTING

NSC creates U-17 mini sports festival EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

Lionel Messi

Messi positions for 4th FIFA title EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

arcelona striker, Lionel Messi, is positioned to win his fourth consecutive World Player Award as FIFA yesterday named the Argentine among three nominees for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012. The others are Real Madrid’s attacker, Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain’s Andres Iniesta. The final three short-list was announced at a press conference held at the Anhembi Convention Centre in São Paulo, Brazil attended by FIFA President, Joseph Blatter, FIFA Secretary General, Jérôme Valcke, L’Equipe and France Football CEO, François Morinière, and legendary Brazilian players, Ronaldo and Marta, who won the player of the year award three and five times respectively. In the women’s category, Brazil’s Marta, who is gunning for a sixth title, Alex Morgan of USA and her compatriot, Abby Wambach, were also unveiled. In a statement sent to National

Mirror, the world soccer governing body said candidates for the Coach of the Year for Men’s Football and Coach of the Year for Women’s Football awards were also announced. The men are Vicente Del Bosque of Spain; ex-Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola and the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho of the Real Madrid, while Bruno Bini of the French women’s team, Japan’s Norio Sasaki and Swedish Pia Sundaghe, who handles the USA team are in line for the women’s award. FIFA said the nominees were confirmed after a poll in which the captains and coaches of the men’s and women’s national teams as well as international media representatives selected by France Football voted for the candidates. All the awards will be presented at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 2013. After 50 goals last season in La Liga, including breaking Barcelona’s 60-year-old goal-scoring record with a hat-trick in a 5-3 win over Granada in March, Messi is expected to win his fourth award, while Ronaldo, who won it in 2008,

provides strong competition after playing a key role as Madrid edged arch-rival Barca to the Spanish title. The Portuguese scored 60 goals in all competitions in the 2011-12 season as Mourinho’s side also reached the last four of the Champions League before being knocked out by Bayern Munich. He has scored 19 goals so far this term. Iniesta, a team-mate of Messi’s at Barcelona, was voted the Euro 2012 best player, which Spain won.

he Ministry of Sports/National Sports Commission (NSC) will establish an annual Mini National Sports Festival for U-17 athletes in the country. Director General of the NSC, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, disclosed this on Wednesday at a meeting of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the ongoing 18th NSF held at the Sports Bar of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere. Also, Ekeji formally announced at the occasion that the 19th National Sports Festival to be hosted by Cross River State in 2014 would be an all-comers event, thrown open to all Nigerian athletes, including elite ones. The NSC DG, who is also chairman of the MOC of

the ongoing Eko 2012 festival, said the NSF is currently being reviewed, necessitating the establishment of the U-17 fiesta in which athletes will compete in 10 sports events. According to Ekeji, the main purpose of creating the junior festival will be to enhance talent hunt and capture young athletes, who may be out of school. Products of the Under-17 national competition he said, would be sent to the Elite Athletes Programme for further development and grooming. National Mirror learnt that the MOC meeting was attended by the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Enitan Oshodi, state sports commissioners, state directors of sports, MOC secretary, Alhaji Abba Yola and the Secretary-General of the LOC, Dr. Kweku Tando.

Eguavoen boasts about Sharks

ew Sharks’ coach, Austin Eguavoen, has declared that his club would be the one to beat in the new season. Sharks are presently in closed camping in Calabar after about two weeks of training in Port Harcourt. Eguavoen, who landed a hefty deal with the Garden City side months after parting ways with Enyimba, told MTNFootball.com, “With what I have seen so

far in camp, I can confidently say we would be the team to beat next season. “We have been in Calabar for over two weeks now and with most of the team’s old players returning, we are making steady progress.” Sharks management has handed the former Super Eagles’ handler a continental ticket target for next season. Last season, the Port Harcourt outfit placed seventh on the NPL table.

Brazil 2014: Scolari takes over samba boys

uiz Felipe Scolari was yesterday appointed as Brazil manager for a second

time. The former Chelsea and Portugal boss led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title in Japan and South Korea. Scolari, 64, replaces Mano Menezes, who was dismissed last week, and will now lead his country into the 2014 World Cup on home soil. Carlos Alberto Parreira has been named as technical director.

Scolari’s first game in charge is scheduled to be a friendly away to England in February. The Brazil Football Federation stated that they were looking for “new methods and new planning” when they sacked Menezes last week, just two days after Brazil won the Superclasico de las Americas against Argentina. Brazil’s failure to win gold at London 2012 Olympics had put Menezes under pressure along with defeat to Paraguay in the last eight of last year’s Copa America. Scolari

Sport

Friday, November 30, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos claims Judo gold SAYO OGUNDEJI

T Rivers’ taekwondo team demonstrating their skills yesterday.

Delta, Ekiti back NSC’s ‘open policy’ AFOLABI GAMBARI

hairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick, has described the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi’s declaration that future sports festivals would be open to elite athletes as a welcome development. Abdullahi had said at the opening ceremony of Eko 2012 on Tuesday that the ministry had weighed the options before taking the decision. “You can imagine top athletes like Blessing Okagbare, Damola Osayomi and Ajoke Odumosu taking part in the festival and how fans will be drawn to the stadium,” Pinnick said yesterday, adding, “I think this will also afford the young athletes the opportunity

to relate with the top athletes.” Ekiti State Commissioner for Sports, Folorunsho Olabode, said the ministry’s decision would said encourage states to develop their athletes.

“I particularly support the idea of staging the U-17 Youth Games as a reminder of the old National School Sports Fiesta which will also help the young athletes as well,” Olabode said.

Bello advances in boxing IKENWA NNABUOGOR

abatunde Bello of Team Borno beat Ayoade Kassim of Niger State on points in the 48kg category yesterday at the National Stadium Boxing Arena to advance to the second round. The Borno boxer, who was in superb form as he looked the more promising of the two pugilists, was destined to advance to the next round

with his first punch which appeared weighty. Bello told National Mirror that beating his opponent and picking the next round ticket was an indication that the route to the gold medal journey would be smooth. “I had said that my target was the gold medal and winning my first game was the right tonic,” he said, adding, “I will take all my opponents as they come and God will do the rest for me.” Boxers throwing punches yesterday.

Coaches, referees may boycott w/lifting YEMI OLUS

ontroversy raged in the weightlifting event as the programme scheduled for Wednesday was postponed till today after the federation split into various factions. The body of coaches and referees held an election yesterday to select new officials while a technical meeting was scheduled for 4pm at the Brai Ayonote Gymnasium inside the National Stadium where the election was held. The coaches and referees

eam Lagos yesterday won one gold, one silver and one bronze medals in the judo events of the ongoing National Sports Festival. Daniel Olajide gave the host state the first gold in the male Judo event when he defeated Abdulkareem Abdulahi of Niger state in the 73kg to win the gold while Samuel Oyewole and Paragon Osa of Delta and Rivers won bronze respectively. Bose Isiah of Lagos beat Elizabeth Peters of Rivers to win silver in the female 63kg while Elizabeth Peters from Rivers won gold and Joy Aaonye of Delta and Vera Akhihiero of Kogo won bronze.

Bilikisu Zubair won bronze in the female 48kg after she defeated Charity Jatau also of Rivers State while Yemisi Okelola of Delta won gold and Adewunmi Olowokandi of Ondo won silver in that category. Olajide, praised his coaches’ effort while stressing his ambition to take the trade abroad in the near future. “This is the best moment of my life and I thank the coaches and my team mates for their support,” the Federal Technical College, Lagos student said. In the other results, Tunde Olaino Williams of Kogi won gold, Eveshode Jegede of Kaduna won silver and Emmanuel Sanni of Delta and Aikorogie Emmannuel of Bayelsa won bronze in the male 66kg event.

were, however, sent out of the building while stern-looking policemen and soldiers took guard. Chairman of the Coaches Council, Emeka Ajei, who spoke to National Mirror, accused the president of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Chimdi Ejiogu, of creating the confusion. “We found out that more than 80 per cent of the officials listed were not qualified and were handpicked by the president from Lagos and Edo states,” Ajei said. “The International Weightlifting Federation rules say

you must have at least a Category 2 Certificate and most of the listed don’t have any. The National Sports Festival is Nigeria’s Olympics and if he insists on using these officials, we will stop our athletes from taking part.” Ogun, Rivers, Jigawa, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Abia, Kogi, Kwara, Osun, Katsina, Lagos, Bauchi, Borno, Osun, Ekiti were represented at the meeting where the conveners signed a petition to back their decision. NWF Secretary, Uche Onwuneh, however insisted that the competition would commence today.

PHOTOS: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Taekwendoists chase honours IKENWA NNABUOGOR

eam Kano taekwondoists, Abdullahi Nasiru and Amar Mohammed will begin their contests in their lightweight and finweight categories respectively today as their opponents will be named this morning. Nasiru, who is also a national team player, told National Mirror that he aimed to qualify to represent Nigeria in future international events after losing the tickets to national team players that represented

Nigeria at the last All-Africa Games in Mozambique and the London Olympics. Nasiru, fighting in the -80kg category, says he will not show any mercy to his opponents and there will be no stopping him to win the gold medal. “I train with national team players in my team and the experiences I have gained from them will be useful when I begin to compete tomorrow (today),” the 48kg boxer said, adding that the long camping he endured would aid his progress at Eko 2012.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, November 30, 2012

Abula: Lagos ladies lose to Imo, men avenge loss YEMI OLUS

eam Lagos female team competing in Abula fell 2-0 to Imo State team as the event commenced yesterday at the Volleyball courts of the University of Lagos, Akoka. Team Lagos male team however avenged the loss as it trashed its Imo counterpart 2-0 later. Rivers State continued to dominate the 18th National Sports Festival with victories over Ondo (2-1) in the women’s category and Benue (2-0) in the men’s fixtures. Delta upstaged Bauchi 2-0 (women) while Ondo overcame Borno 2-0 (men). A technical official,

Dauda Ajayi, said the players’ performance demonstrated that Abula had come to stay in Nigeria. “The game is improving everyday and there is greater awareness, unlike in the previous editions of the sports festival. There are three gold medals at stake (men, women and mixed) and each team wants to have an edge,” Ajayi said. “The standard of the facilities here in Lagos is also better than in Port Harcourt and the crowd has shown massive interest and support for the game.” National Mirror learnt yesterday that the sport originated in Lagos State in 1984.

Lagos rules boxing IFEANYI EDUZOR

L Rasaq Lawal of Akwa Ibom (left) and Bahago Musa of Kaduna during their 65kg Dambe traditional boxing bout. PHOTOS: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

HFN axes ineligible players IFEANYI EDUZOR

he Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN) yesterday disqualified six female athletes from Adamawa and Anambra states. Faith Yusuf, Rifkatu Peter, Tabita Julius and Adi Doris are from Adamawa State while Ogochukwu Udogu and Blessing Nwankwo are from Anambra State. According to the tournament’s Director, Walter Imoedenihe, the athletes were disqualified because they were not accredited for the festival and their names did not appear in the list of the Main Organising Committee for the games.

“We disqualified the athletes because their states did not register them for the championship which would have enabled us to give them special consideration,” Imoedenihe explained. He noted that past experience indicated that ineligible athletes had employed fraudulent ways at participating in the competition. “We had to be strict this time,” he said. Meanwhile in some of the matches played yesterday at the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Kaduna State hockey team defeated Anambra 1-0 while Rivers edged Adamawa by same margin.

Jelila Afolabi of Ogun State returning a serve during table tennis singles game.

Ogun gives ‘instant cash reward’ ANDREW EKEJIUBA

‘Ekiti will surpass old records’ IFEANYI EDUZOR

kiti State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Folorunsho Olabode Oshayomi, says the state is looking forward to re-enacting its good showing in athletics, boxing and gymnastics at the on-going National Sports Festival, saying athletes’ discipline will aid medal haul. “Ekiti State has a strong contingent in Lagos and we will use the festival to showcase the sports transformation in the state,”

Oshayomi said. “I am quite aware that some states have won medals but I believe that when athletics, boxing and gymnastics begin, we will definitely give other states a good fight because our strength lies in these areas,” he added. According to the commissioner, Ekiti State will produce future stars at Eko 2012. “Ekiti has produced great athletes who did the country proud at continental and world levels and we are ready to do it again,” he remarked.

agos State boxers dominated proceedings yesterday as three pugilists recorded victories at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Gymnasium complex of the National Institute for Sports (NISports), Lagos. Akeem Akinade, fighting in the 52kg class, combined experience and good combination to defeat Kano State’s Sadiq Mohammed in a one sided encounter while his team mate, Dauda Azeez, recorded an easy win over Rivers State’s Yusuf Olalekan in the 49kg with Oliwo Kazeem recording another win against Oyekola Rilwan of Gombe State in the 56kg. In the other fights of the day, Aluju Usman of Kano State defeated Omorusi Olajide of Ondo State in the 49kg class in a one-sided encounter while Ayoade Kazeem of Niger State defeated Bello Babatunde of Borno State in the 49kg. Sodiya Kabiru of Balyelsa State recorded a slim 4-3 win over Anuma Amamchukwu of Abia State with Ajose Olawale of Enugu State defeating Agholor Kehinde in a keenly contested fight.

Niger female basketball player (left) dribbling her Taraba opponent during a match yesterday

B’ball: Lagos, Oyo, Kaduna near q/finals SAYO OGUNDEJI

eam Lagos, Oyo and Kaduna are on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition after defeating their respective opponents to make it two victories out of two as event enters Day 3. After defeating Zamfara team in its opening match, Kaduna walloped Yobe 77-48 points while Lagos defeated Plateau 53-41 and Oyo team

also overcame Zamfara by 50-38. Oyo State coach, Adebayo Aderinboye, said Zamfara proved tougher than Gombe which they played earlier but tipped his team to go all the way to the final. “We are playing Kaduna, obviously the toughest team here, tomorrow (today) but the players are ready to give their best as they have improved after the game with Gombe,” the coach said, adding, “We hope to get the best pairing as the competition gets tougher.”

gun State Government has announced instant cash reward for any of its athletes that wins medals at the festival to encourage excellence. Press officer of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Rotimi Oduniyi, told National Mirror that gold medalists would each be given N40, 000, silver medalist N30, 000 and bronze medalists will get N20, 000. “These are aside from the bigger reward that will be announced by the state government at the end of the festival,” Oduniyi said. Meanwhile the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has charged the team to be among the first three in the final medals table. The governor, who addressed the athletes yesterday, said huge reward awaited them if they excelled at the fiesta.

WORLD RECORD

First permanent theatre Vol. 02 No. 503

Friday, November 30, 2012

N150

The outdoor Theatre of Dionysius was the world’s oldest theatre, having been built in Ancient Athens in approximately 500 BC. With an estimated capacity of up to 17,000 people, the theatre was “in the round”, with stone rows built up a slope overlooking the stage.

FG and past governors: Mocking the fight against corruption

bout the first quarter of the year 2000, the right hand of a man convicted for being ‘a notorious cow thief’ under the Islamic Sharia law, Bello Jangedi, was amputated before an excited crowd in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. Not too long after the incident, a Maiduguri High Court in the Borno State capital sentenced to life imprisonment, a 27 year old peasant farmer, Gambo Simeon, for stealing by force a Nokia handset valued at N4,500 and the sum of N17, 000 from one Moses Jande. Last Thursday in Abuja, two men, Salisu Hamisu (31) and Ado Mohammed (28), obviously hunger-stricken peasants resident in Garki village, were sentenced to nine months imprisonment by an Upper Area Court for stealing a bag of rice and 10 litres of groundnut oil. But back in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital the same Thursday, a Federal High Court, according to reports, failed to order the confiscation of the international passport of a former governor of the state,

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) Ayodele Fayose, who has been standing trial since 2008 for alleged money laundering. The court was so sympathetic to Fayose that it was sucked in by the defense counsel’s argument that the ex-governor should remain in possession of his passport on health grounds, to permit him travel abroad at will for medical check-up to attend to his health problems. So has been the nature of justice rendition for decades under the Nigerian criminal justice system. Whether in Sharia or conventional courts, they pass extremely harsh judgments on the weak, downtrodden, helpless and vulnerable. But they are dangerously benevolent and generous to the rich, affluent and big shots in the public and private sectors who betrayed public trust and converted their privileged positions to strictly private advantage. People who committed manifestly grave offences against the nation, whose insatiable selfish desires and itching fingers contributed to the outstanding levels of poverty, destitution, deprivation, misery and desperation in the country, are treated as sacred cows and allowed to escape justice most times, if not all of the time. That is why the lame-duck excuse by the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, last Thursday, that former governors especially, and other government functionaries who allegedly looted public treasury between 1999 and 2007, are too powerful to be brought to book, is very pro-

PAST GOVERNORS STILL PARADE THE

STREETS, TALK LOUD AND WANT TO GRAB HIGHER PUBLIC

OFFICES… CANNOT RULE OUT THE DAY OF RECKONING FOR THEM vocative, disgusting and insulting a statement; especially coming from the leader of the nation’s number one anti graft agency. It may be said that should the large scale stealing and squandering of public funds experienced during the military era be set aside, and until the sleaze records of those entrusted with power since 2007 to date are brought to the open, perhaps the worst cases of public treasury looting ever experienced under civil rule in the country were recorded between 1999 and 2007. Over twothird of the governors that served during the era were fingered for one form of fraud, money laundering or the other running into billions of naira. Most of their cases are also already in court. But Lamorde’s message to the nation when he appeared before the Senate last Thursday was: “…

Sport Extra

w ed Bull President, Christian Horner, has warned McLaren that the team will be weaker without the Mercedesbound Lewis Hamilton. Horner, who spoke yesterday at the Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base in the wake of the team’s third

THE FACT THAT MOST

these are people who have the resources to drag these cases indefinitely and perpetually”. Quite an excuse! This buttresses the magnitude of the impotence of the Federal Government’s avowed fight against corruption. Reports credited to former EFCC chairperson, Farida Waziri, said the Commission, between 2003 when it was established, and 2010, recovered roughly $6.5 billion (about N1.020 trillion) cash stolen by corrupt officials; and over N1 trillion from seized assets acquired with looted public funds. Besides, most of the sleaze funds stand not recovered as yet. What is the average annual budget of the Federal Government, or a state government that justifies the huge theft committed mainly by public officers between 1999 and 2007? Yet the government is foot-dragging and seems bent on allowing the culprits go scot free. Is any immunity still covering the ex-governors? Was the FG not a witness to how a nation like the United Kingdom, which does not pay mere lip service to fighting corruption, jailed former Delta State governor, James Ibori; his English lawyer, Bhadresh Gohil; wife, Theresa and mistress, Uzoamaka Okoronkwo-Onuigbo, over money laundering crimes? Lamorde’s fairy tales seem a confirmation of the claim by EFCC’s pioneer chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, last Sunday that his sudden removal from office, and stripping the Commission of prosecutorial powers by the FG, were conscious measures made possible by vested political interests to destroy the EFCC. It has now become clearer that the FG has no liver to bring the culprits to book. The Presidency, National Assembly and Judiciary also seem to have no keen interest in quickly raising special courts and judges to fast-track their trial. Still, the fact that most past governors parade the streets, talk loud and want to grab higher public offices, even through the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ostensibly to impoverish the populace the more, cannot rule out the day of reckoning for them.

F1: ‘Hamilton’s departure will weaken McLaren’ successive title double, also said that Hamilton would remain a title contender in 2013 despite his decision to join a Mercedes outfit which has won just a single race in the last three years.

“McLaren is a weaker team without Lewis,” Horner maintained. “Lewis is an outstanding driver and in Lewis and Jenson Button they had a hugely strong driver line-up.

“Whichever team had taken Lewis, he will be an asset as he will naturally bring performance to Mercedes. Fernando Alonso, Lewis and indeed Jenson are very strong threats for

next year.” With Sergio Perez replacing Hamilton at McLaren, the 2008 World Champion is expected to form a new partnership alongside Nico Rosberg at Mercedes next year.

Lewis Hamilton

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