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16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND, BEGIN ON PAGE 19

Friday, October 19, 2012

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ontroversy continued to trail the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN’s, successor companies yesterday as four governors kicked against the emergence of the preferred bidders, describing the process as fraudulent. Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) have CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

PHCN privatisation:

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Govs kick against preferred bidder ...declare winner, Vigeo, persona non grata UNIPORT 4: Nigeria at war – Soyinka P.4

15 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia P. 9

Jonathan

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Abimbola, during the launching of the maternal and child mortality reduction programme in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Austin Ufomba; Chairman, Marketing and Sponsorship Sub-committee, EKO 2012, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Managing Director, Mr. Seni Adetu and Secretary-General, Local Organising Committee, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, during the signing of memorandum of understanding for Harp larger’s sponsorship of the National Sports Festival, EKO 2012, in Lagos, yesterday.

Senate backs Reps against Oteh, insists on sack Appropriation receives knocks, praises from lawmakers

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20 vehicles vandalised as students clash in Ibadan

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Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG votes N971bn for fuel subsidy GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

he Federal Government has set aside N971bn for petroleum subsidy in the 2013 budget estimate presented to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan. The Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, disclosed this yesterday during his lead presentation on the Appropriation Bill in Abuja. He also said that government planned to settle domestic debts and to reduce domestic borrowing through N100bn in the sinking fund for debt reduction. The lawmaker urged his colleagues to support the speedy passage of the bill. He listed the strong points of the budget to include its focus on building physical social infrastructure, promotion of agriculture and industrial sectors, employment and wealth creation, fiscal discipline and prudent spending as well as women empowerment. The Appropriation Bill shows an aggregate pro-

posal of N4.92trn for the 2013 fiscal year, made up of N380bn for statutory transfers, N591.76bn for debt servicing, N2.41trn for recurrent expenditure and N1.54trn trillion for capital expenditure. The Senate also yesterday called on the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the 2013 budget estimate. This was as the upper chamber debated the budget estimate and committed it to its committees on finance and appropriation for further work. Most of the senators who contributed to the motion on the budget, which was sponsored by Ndoma-Egba, said that the 2013 budget should not suffer the same fate like the 2012 budget, which suffered low implementation level. The lawmakers also advised that government should vigorously drive the collection of the nonoil revenue in order not to continue to over-depend on the oil revenue for the funding of the budget. Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday adjourned plenary till November 6 to enable the various committees work on the bud-

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) and President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger Republic during a joint news conference after the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting in Niamey, Niger Republic, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE PHOTO

get. This followed the commitment of the Appropriation Bill to third stage. Senate President David Mark reiterated the need for scrupulous monitoring of the budget implementation and to diversify the sources of funding the budget from the tradi-

tional crude oil revenue to non-crude and internally generated revenue. Mark said: “The key issue here is budget implementation. Whatever we say of the budget, once we pass a budget if we can implement what we have passed faithfully, we would not be having the

complaints that we have. “We will have to tighten and improve on our oversight functions so that we can get the right things and the right figures. “Revenue generation is extremely important because we can continue to assume that we are producing so many bar-

rels of oil and how much that has come in, but if we don’t touch the heart of it, to make sure that we are dealing with the facts and figures, we will be dealing with imaginary figures. “I believe that we all have made very valid points. Education is important, if we don’t get CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PHCN: Governors kick against preferred bidder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vowed not to recognise the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, preferred bidder for the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and threatened to stop the winner of the bid, Vigeo Power Consortium, from operating in their states. The four states had bid for the electricity distribution company through their technical partner, Southern Electricity Distribution Consortium, but lost to Vigeo, an India consortium. At a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the governors described the bid process as “a fraudulent racket that failed the credibility test.” The governors, with exception of Mimiko, who jointly addressed the press, said: “The entire process was a racket that is inconsistent with running a transparent government. “The BPE used a set of criteria that have never been used before.

“The figures put forward by Vigeo were shady and we observed that funny things started happening even before the bids were opened. “We know the importance of power and we cannot allow a mediocre to take over the destiny of our people. “A number of technical issues are at stake in this exercise. The winners of the bid have little knowledge about the environment in which they want to operate. “The BPE manipulated the process in favour of the preferred bidder.” They maintained that besides lacking the technical know-how to operate the company, sponsors of Vigeo did not have the required financial capability to handle the project. The governors said that having invested huge taxpayers’ money from their various states in the electricity distribution projects, they would not watch

their people’s investments go down the drain. The state executives wondered how Vigeo’s technical partner, NDPL, with operational scope of 510 square kilometres managed to win a bid to operate a 57,000 square kilometres service territory in the Niger Delta region without any knowledge of that volatile area. “They (Vigeo) do not even know the area, yet they want to do something in five years that they have not been able to do in 11 years in an urban 500-kilometre territory they are currently operating in. “Our consortium is led by the industry leader in India, covering 4,328 villages and 43 towns. It won the Gold Shield Award for the Year 2011 for utility excellence, posting the highest loss reduction ever in Asia (6.6 per cent in 2010) and (10.12 per cent in 2011),” the governors said. They lamented what they

described as an attempt by the BPE to further cripple the power sector by manipulating the bid process in favour of individuals with the “right connection” but without the required financial muscle and technical knowhow to operate the project. The four states insisted that the winners of the bid quoted forged figures and cooked up the books just to win the bid. They added that their people would be made to suffer if the manipulation was allowed to stand and that the government would suffer the backlash. “In our region, you cannot succeed in operating the utility without the participation of the state governments, knowledge of the environment and relationship with the different stakeholders like the youths, community leaders and others. Our consortium passed all these tests but others did not. “Our states have invested

heavily in power generation, transmission and distribution across the length and breadth of our respective states as we recognise the importance of power as the precondition for socio economic growth and industrialisation of our states. “It was for this reason that we participated in the bid process and came out as the most technically competent with the consortium that is most suited to the peculiarities of our region. “The BPE should not play with our collective future,” the governors warned. It will be recalled that controversy had traced the announcement on Tuesday by the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, of 10 bidders for the nation’s distribution companies being offered for sale. One company, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing had emerged the core investor and highest bidder for Eko Electricity

Distribution Company Plc, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc and Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc. Stakeholders, including civil societies, have however kicked against the exercise, describing it as not transparent. President-General of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, Mr. Bede Opara, in an interview with National Mirror on Wednesday doubted the transparency of the process. He said: “At first, the government disclosed that it was interested in selling 51 per cent, so that other Nigerians, including workers can also have stakes in the privatised companies. Now we are hearing that it is 60 per cent. “From all indications, it is like the government just assembled a team to share CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

SAM EFERARO

orget about the seemingly endless challenges in the country – floods, no money to enjoy the weekend, general state of insecurity, power failure , road accidents and several other problems currently in the news. A new study suggests there’s something you can do to help yourself this weekend: Don’t worry, be happy. Why? A positive, optimistic outlook can turn things around, protect your heart, and save you from the stress associated with all the worries. After the work commitments and activities of the week from Monday to Friday, the weekend no doubt provides the opportunity to indulge in activities that will help you stay in good mood and give your heart a deserved rest. Recent research findings are based on surveys of about 8,000 British government workers. Researchers asked about seven specific areas of participants’ everyday lives: love relationships, leisure activities, standard of living, job, family, sex and one’s self. They were asked to rate their satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1 (very dissatisfied) to 7 (very satisfied). Over the next six years, the researchers tracked the participants’ health records for coronary related deaths, non-fatal heart attacks and angina or chest pain. Higher levels of average life satisfaction were associated with a 13 percent reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Satisfaction with one’s job, family, sex and self seemed to be the most important for heart disease protection, the study said. The results held after the researchers took into account other heart disease risk factors including high blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). While depression and anxiety have long been recognized as risk factors for heart disease, there has been less certainty over the benefits of a positive psychological state, such as feeling content with your life, the researchers said. “These findings suggest that interventions to bolster positive psychological states — not just alleviate negative psychological states — may be relevant among high-risk individuals,” said study researcher Julia Boehm, of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. Also, researchers at the University of Virginia, the University of Illinois and

DONT WORRY: Be happy

Michigan State University, looked at data from the World Values Survey, a large-scale analysis of economic, social, political and religious influences around the world. They also analyzed the behaviors and attitudes of 193 undergraduate students at Illinois.and concluded that happy people are more likely (than unhappy people) to get married, are more likely to stay married,

are more likely to think their marriage is good,” Diener said. “They’re more likely to volunteer. They’re more likely to be rated highly by their supervisor and they’re more likely to make more money.” Happy people are also, on average, healthier than unhappy people and they live longer, Diener said. And, he said, some research indicates that happiness is a cause

People with severe psoriasis nearly twice at risk of diabetes

Good Health Avoid weekend blues, be happy

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW n analysis of 27 studies linking psoriasis in 314,000 individuals with diabetes has found strong correlation between the scaly skin rash and the blood sugar disorder that predisposes patients to heart disease, say UC Davis researchers who led the review. The findings appear in the Archives of Dermatology. “Our investigation found a clear association between psoriasis and diabetes,” said April Armstrong, as-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, October 19, 2012

sistant professor of dermatology at UC Davis and principal investigator of the study. “Patients with psoriasis and their physicians need to be aware of the increased risk of developing diabetes so that patients can be screened regularly and benefit from early treatment.” Psoriasis is a common skin problem that tends to run in families. It causes a raised red, flaky and sometimes itchy rash, often on the elbows and knees, al-

though it can appear anywhere. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease, in which the body regards its own skin as foreign and mounts an inflammatory response. Armstrong and her colleagues combined data from 27 observational studies of patients with psoriasis, in what is known as a metaanalysis. Five of the studies assessed the incidence of diabetes -- that is, how many patients with psoriasis developed diabetes dur-

of these sources of good fortune, not just a result. “The people in our study who are the most successful in terms of things like income are mildly happy most of the time,” he said. Dutch researcher Runt Veehoven also analyzed 30 previous studies on happiness, trying to identify the relationship between happiness and health. His results, published in the September issue of the Journal of Happiness studies suggest that happy people are less likely to get sick, but becoming happier won’t improve the health of someone who is already ill. Veenhoven also found that happiness seems to add several years to a person’s life—an effect comparable to the difference in lifespan between smokers and non-smokers. But again, this only pertains to healthy populations: If you’re already sick, becoming happier won’t help you live longer. Veenhoven was not able to determine exactly how happiness might keep the body fit. He speculates that it might boost the functioning of the immune system, help people form social connections (a known factor in good health), or encourage healthy behaviours such as weight monitoring. However, all of these hypotheses have received only modest empirical support. On the other hand, worrying can have a negative effect on your health, making you tired, stressed, speed up the ageing process and sometimes more prone to depression. According to experts ,when you worry, your body responds to your anxiety the same way it would react to physical danger. To help you cope with the physical demands you are about to ask your body to perform, your brain releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. They trigger a range of physical reactions that will equip your body for action. Your heart rate increases, your breathing becomes heavier and you may sweat more. You may also become pale as the blood moves away from the skin towards the muscles to help them prepare for the ‘fight or flight’ situation your worry has created. The answer? No weekend blues. Indulge in activities that will lift up your mood, make you happy and give your heart a boost. Have yourself a happy weekend!

Scientists develop technology to predict breast cancer spread

R ing the course of a study, which ranged from 10 to 22 years. The other studies assessed the prevalence of diabetes -- how many patients already had diabetes at the outset of a study. Altogether, the studies evaluated more than 314,000 people with psoriasis and compared them to 3.7 million individuals (controls) without the disease.

esearchers at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) have collaborated on the development of a diagnostic tool that identifies the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells. The analysis is based on the characterization of the lipid component of the cells, which is indicative of malignancy. This has allowed the researchers to develop a classifier to discriminate cells capable of inducing metastasis. he results of the study have been published in the online version of the scientific journal PLoS ONE. ScienceDaily

Photo News

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and Chairman, Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, during the meeting of sub-committee on Funding of Police Reform at the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahe; Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Amal Pepple and the United Nations Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, during the 2012 World Habitat Day celebration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mrs. Peju Adebajo; Commissioner for Special Duties, Delta State, Dr. Tony Nwaka; Special Adviser to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ann Chalokwu-Orumade and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Angela Nwaka at the donation of mattresses and pillows by Mouka to flood victims at St. Patrick College Camp in Asaba, on Wednesday.

L-R: Chief of Staff/Head, Corporate Division, Red Star Express Plc, Miss Ngozi Ochokwo; representative of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Bola Adeeko; Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri and Managing Director, Red Star Express Plc, Mr. Sule Bichi, at the Bell Ringing Ceremony of Red Star Express Plc in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Nigeria is at war, says Wole Soyinka CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

obel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday said that the country is at war, adding that the war is between the forces of light against the forces of darkness. Prof. Soyinka spoke while delivering a keynote address at an event to symbolically unveil Port Harcourt as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2014, at the ongoing Garden City Literary Festival, facilitated by the Rainbow Book Club. Soyinka, who was visibly saddened by the bestial killing of four students of the University of Port Harcourt at Aluu community and the systematic and planned killing of students of the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Mubi, said those actions are indication of a raging war in the country between the forces of intellect and the forces of hatred against humanity. “I believe quite frankly this country is at war, the

war is between the forces of darkness and the forces of light. The forces of intellect, the forces of rationality and the forces of atavism retrograde thinking, the forces of hatred against humanism.” The Nobel Laureate insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to succumb to the fear that these evil forces are trying envelop the nation with. “I believe that if we surrender to these banal forces in our society, we cease to be human beings because we succumb completely to fear and it is the same message we must take to those in this nation, who believe that books are wrong. “I don’t care whether they call themselves the final defenders of the pure faith and the ultimate salvation or call themselves Boko Haram. “Boko Haram and all organisations, all movements that wage war against books, against literacy, against education, enlightenment in any form have declared war, not on the state, but on hu-

manity itself. He continued; “In spite of such setbacks, in spite of such horrors, we have the responsibility to support and to sustain efforts such as the one being made by Rainbow Book Club and allied societies and organisations,” Soyinka said. He, therefore, encouraged literary minds in the country to see themselves beyond being authors, writers and readers, but soldiers in a creative army, standing against the forces that is out to

extinguish the light of creativity in the world of today. Focusing on the recognition given to the City of Port Harcourt by UNESCO to serve as World Book Capital is “an indication that some things are being done right.” “This recognition indicates very clearly that something, at least, is going right in Nigeria despite the avalanche of negativities. “One plea that I make to my fellow writers, authors everywhere is that we are

not just engaged in the business of writing books, we are part of a large army of creative people”, Soyinka said. In his welcome address, the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was represented by Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, said the vision of the literary festival was to “bring back the book”, adding that literature restores values and opens up opportunities.

He added that his administration has invested heavily in the education sector so as to grow a literate citizenry, which would be able to enhance the development of the state. Speaking earlier, Director of the Garden City Literary Festival, Mrs. Koko Kalango, argued that there is a link between reading and prosperity, because “we live in a knowledge economy. To cope with the demands of our present world, developing our human capital is essential”, she said.

Govs’ Forum sets up committees on constitution review, others OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he 36 state governors under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum yesterday set up various committees to address national issues that include Constitution Review, which is being embarked upon by the National Assembly. Other committees that were inaugurated are on Good Governance and Peer

Review as well as Security and Environment. A communiqué issued after the meeting which ended in the early hour of yesterday at the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, said that the forum deliberated on a number of issues and resolved as follows; “Forum held an exploratory meeting with the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitutional Review led by the Chairman and

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and constituted a sevenman committee to engage and collaborate with the National Assembly on the constitution review process. “Forum also constituted a committee on Good Governance and Peer Review (Kano, Sokoto, Kwara, Adamawa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Enugu, Zamfara and Osun State Governors), Security (Benue as

Chairman, Edo, Kaduna, Ekiti, Borno and Abia as members) and another on Environment (Oyo as Chairman, Plateau, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kogi and Imo) to organise a security conference and tackle flooding respectively.” Also, members of the Forum said they are committed to pursuing integrated interventions towards eradicating polio by December 2013 instead of the initial 2015 deadline.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Newsweek magazine stops printing, goes digital

ewsweek, the venerable U.S. weekly current affairs magazine, will publish its final print edition on Dec. 31 and move to an all-digital format early next year, the latest example of how print media have had to adapt to changing reading habits. The high cost of print publishing meant rising costs at Newsweek Magazines and newspapers have struggled as readers have gone online or to their tablets and e-readers to get their news. “We are transitioning Newsweek, not saying goodbye to it,” two top executives of the magazine’s parent company said. The all-digital Newsweek will be called Newsweek Global and will be a single, worldwide edition, Tina Brown, editor-in-chief of Newsweek Daily Beast Co, and Baba Shetty, chief executive, wrote in a post on the Daily Beast website. The decision to stop printing the 80-year-old magazine is “about the challenging economics of print publishing and distribution,” they said. The transition to all-digital will entail job cuts, they

said, but did not specify how many. Daily Beast is an online news and culture site launched in 2008 by Brown, a former editor of the magazines The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and Talk. Newsweek was merged with the Daily Beast website in 2010. In contrast to the Daily Beast website, which is free and advertising-supported, Newsweek Global will be subscription-based, with some content available on the Daily Beast, Brown and Shetty wrote. Newsweek has been able to build a growing online audience, in part due to the popularity of devices such as Apple Inc’s iPad and ereaders from Amazon.com Inc and Barnes & Noble Inc. That growth has led Newsweek to a “tipping point” where it is most effective to distribute the publication exclusively through digital means, Brown and Shetty wrote. The Daily Beast gets more than 15 million unique visitors a month, up 70 percent from a year ago, with much of that growth generated by Newsweek, they said.

Govs kick against preferred bidder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

our national assets to influential Nigerians. “We are not worried because the firms are being privatised. We are worried because Gen. Abubakar Abubakar never had interest in the sector even as Head of State. “Let the former Head of State show us one power station he constructed during his tenure. We challenged him to show us one station he built to show his interest in the power sector,” he said. The Trade Union Congress, TUC, also doubted the transparency of the process. TUC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Chris Onyeka, said the emergence of the company as the core investor for the firms showed that the process might not have been transparent and fair to all parties. He said: “The TUC is in support of privatisation because we hope that it would

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Friday, October 19, 2012

better management of national assets to benefit of the nation and its people. But the way it is being done now is not what we expected.” Onyeka said TUC is ready to partner with some other stakeholders, especially the National Assembly to ensure the process is reviewed for Nigerians to understand how the company managed to emerge as the core investor for the companies. Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim, described the exercise as failing to meet the minimum standards of due process and transparency. Ibrahim, an Associate Director of Transparency International, noted that the privatisation programme had so far allowed people who had access to public funds to borrow from such funds and buy what was being put up for sale.

Senate backs Reps against Oteh, insists on sack GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

he Senate Committee on Capital Market has resolved to henceforth stop all official dealings with the embattled Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh. Chairman of the committee, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, in a statement

made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, said that the Senate resolved to support the House of Representatives, which had earlier taken a similar stand. He expressed regret that despite the resolution of the lower house’s Ad hoc committee calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to sack Oteh, after its investigation of the “nearcollapse of the Nigerian capital market”, the SEC

boss has returned to her position with attendant “protests against her manner of managing the agency.” Adeseun said: “The Senate Committee on Capital Market at its meeting of September 26,2012 considered these and other goings on at the commission, all of which could negatively affect the Nigerian capital market and came to the conclusion that if this trend is not ar-

rested, the market might be brought finally to its knees, with attendant deleterious effect on the economy of the country. “The committee, therefore, resolved to support the position of the House of Representatives that the SEC DG be removed forthwith. “The committee also resolved to have nothing to do with Ms. Arumah Oteh for as long as she remains at the helm of affairs at the SEC.”

L-R: Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Dame Oluremi Oyo; Hon.Victor Ogene and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation, Hon. Umar Jibril, during the committee’s oversight visit to NAN in Abuja, PHOTO: NAN yesterday.

FG votes N971bn for fuel subsidy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

our education right we are not going to get anything right in this country. “Infrastructural development is extremely important. So, it is in the midst of these competing interests that we need to ensure that we get our priorities right.” Senator Abdul Ningi noted that the 2013 budget was like any other budget in the last 10 to 12 years, which has not shifted in focus. He said that we must be able to tell about the performance of the previous budget and what you intended to achieve with the new one. According to him, “this Assembly must wait for the executive to return unutilised funds. “Our interest should be how to eradicate poverty through job creations and not how international bodies have perceived Nigerian economy as having progressed.” Senator Olusola Adeyeye stressed the need for

more allocation to the education sector because of the rot and decay prevalent there. “I want to say that the increase we have seen in the budget should be judiciously utilised. Education sector needs urgent attention. “I also hope that by next year, there would be increased attention in basic education. “We need a mechanism to inspect our schools and ensure that they are upgraded to a level that will befit young Nigerians of 21st century. “We also need to enhance security situation to guarantee safety of students. “Also, the $75 oil benchmark is nothing but voodoo economy. “Averagely in the last few years, oil has sold for over $90 per barrel.” Senator George Sekibo said: “We are not making proper inroads in harnessing our natural resources.

“The word ‘diversify’ does not make any meaning any longer. Depending on oil alone will not bring desired development. It was also observed that the budget of NDDC is fixed; it does not increase from about N50bn.” Senator Kabir Gaya said: “The budget on power is very low and that of agriculture with only N81bn is equally very low, if we need to provide food for Nigerians. If we can improve our budget for agriculture, we can curtail importation and provide jobs for our people.” Ita Enang commended the budget but expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of 2011 and 2012 budgets, stressing that they were low on jobs created, local productions by local industries as well as the number of companies either newly created or resuscitated. According to him, “the SURE-P fund should be used to build new refiner-

ies. If you go around the town, there are cars on the line waiting for fuel. “As an interim measure, government should not send task force to the creeks to destroy modular refineries, which are doing well and help to save the economy. We should manage them rather than destroy them. Senator Chris Anyanwu applauded the President’s idea of reducing the cost of governance by rationalising agencies with overlapping functions because many of these agencies were established to create jobs for the boys and recycle same people in the public sector. She stated that the economy would continue to be weighed down by overbloated recurrent expenditure, stressing that the President should create an enabling environment and push these people into the productive sector.

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Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Knocks, praises as Reps debate 2013 budget TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday commenced debate on the 2013 budget estimates laid by President Goodluck Jonathan before a Joint Session of the National Assembly last week. However, the budget proposal received knocks and praises from members of the House, who contributed to the debate. The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, picked holes in the budget estimates, saying that it was put together by a few staff in the Presi-

dency, without inputs from other relevant agencies and institutions of government. He added that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, which was supposed to be a precursor of the 2013 budget, was earlier compiled in the same manner which he described as unacceptable. Commenting on the $80 per barrel of crude oil which the House has adopted as its benchmark for the budget, Jibrin wondered why the position of the lower chamber of the National Assembly had attracted so much controversy despite the fact that the decision was taken

to protect the country’s economy from the effects of domestic public debt burden. In his own contribution to the debate, the Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla, said he could not understand why the House should deliberate on the document when it had not even received reports of various committees which had embarked upon oversight trips on the level of implementation of the 2012 budget. He identified with Jibrin that it did not make sense to lower the benchmark for the price of crude oil to $75 per barrel while embarking on external borrowing to finance

the deficit in the budget. But while contributing, the Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor, was full of praises for the content of the 2013 budget, stressing that Jonathan should not only be commended for the early presentation of the document but also for the increment in the capital expenditure proposal. He also commended Jonathan for the inclusion of the waivers in the fiscal document, adding that it would promote economic growth. However, in his own contribution, Hon. Samson Osagie said he identified fully with the speech that was delivered by

L-R: Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo; immediate past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Prof. Francis Ajide, and 2nd Deputy President, Otunba Samuel Deru, at the close of ICAN’s 42nd annual conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

DMO may block states’ access to bond market –DG TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

s parts of efforts to ensure long term debt instrument benefits for the economy and integrity of the bond market, the Debt Management Office, DMO, has set new guidelines for states which want to explore the market to finance capital projects and restructure their debts. The Director-General, DMO, Abraham Nwankwo, gave the hint when he hosted members of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts in his office in Abuja yesterday. He said states might not be allowed to access the facilities in the market unless they met certain criteria.

Specifically, Nwankwo said for any state to be allowed to borrow, its total debt service outlet on a monthly basis must not be above 40 per cent of its Federation Allocation Accounts Committee, FAAC, allocation over a 12-month period. He said: “No state will be allowed to borrow if its total debt service outlet on a monthly basis is above 40 per cent of its FAAC allocation for the past 12 months. “This is bearing in mind the fact that every state should have Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and so should not depend fully on FAAC. There is no state in Nigeria that should not be viable without oil. “So once your debt service each month falls with-

in the range and you have IGR as a fall back, then you may wish to borrow to carry out some infrastructural developments.” Nwankwo disclosed that DMO had also advised some states who met the criteria and wished to borrow from the market to explore other sources of funding in view of the peculiarity of their needs and cost-benefit implications. The DG assured the legislators that DMO would be prudent in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities in the financial system. He said: “Apart from the bond market, most of the borrowings we do now are from very concessional windows of the World Bank or the African Development Bank, ADB,

with a maximum interest of 1.25 per cent per annum.” The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ehigie Edobor Uzamere, commended the DMO for the inclusion of the Federal Government bonds index by J. P. Morgan, saying it was a major breakthrough for Nigeria. Uzamere, who pointed out that the country could not fill funding gap for her infrastructure development needs except by sourcing funds outside the budgetary allocations, especially through publicprivate participation, explained that the committee was consulting widely on how best to motivate the staff for improved performance.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, on the day the budget was presented by the President. Tambuwal had described the implementation of the 2012 budget as poor during his vote of thanks after Jonathan’s presentation of the 2013 budget estimates. In his own remarks on the budget debate, Hon. Friday Itulah (PDP Edo) queried the allocation of N66 billion to the Office of

the National Security Adviser whose responsibility was merely that of coordinating the activities of the various security agencies in the country. In his own contribution, Hon. Farouk Lawan acknowledged that though the budget was presented early, what mattered most was whether it was implementable, adding that the 2012 budget was already suffering from the malaise of past budgets of the Federal Government.

2015: Judge’s absence stalls ruling in suit against Jonathan EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

n Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama yesterday failed to deliver judgement in a suit seeking to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2015 presidential election on the grounds that his constitutionally guaranteed two terms in office end on May 29, 2015. The development followed the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, in court. No reason was given for the judge’s absence, even as attempts by our correspondent to get the next adjourned date did not yield results as one of the staff of the court simply said, “we can’t give date without the directive of his Lordship; we will communicate with counsel”. A member of the Peoples Democratic Party,

PDP, Cyriacus Njoku, had approached the court, praying it to determine “whether Section 135(2) of the Constitution, which specifies a period of four years in office for the President, is only available or applicable to a person elected on the basis of an actual election or includes one in which a person assumes the position of President by operation of law, as in the case of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.” The plaintiff further urged the court to determine “whether Section 137(1) (b) of the constitution, which provides that a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections, applies to the first defendant, who first took an oath of office as substantive President on May 6, 2010 and took a second oath as President on May 29, 2011.”

EFCC arraigns bulk cash courier today ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

arring last minute changes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will today arraign Mr. Abubakar Sheriff Tijjani, a bulk cash smuggler intercepted with $7,049,444 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on September 27, by operatives of the commission, on his way to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE. He is to be arraigned at a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The anti-graft agency had already got the leave

of the court to put him on trial. When the 25-year-old suspect was arrested, he declared that he had $4.5 million on him but thorough screening and search showed that he was actually carrying $7,049,444. He later confessed that he was a courier for 20 individuals, who hired him to convey the money to Dubai. Sheriff will be tried under Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap.F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 2(5) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Friday, October 19, 2012

NYSC records eight deaths in Lagos

Constitution: NASS to hold review sessions in 360 constituencies

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE AND KEMI OLAITAN

TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

bout 8,165 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who served in Lagos State in the last one year, were discharged yesterday without passing out parade and funfair that normally characterise the occasion. It was only a brief ceremony that held at the state Orientation Camp at Iyana Ipaja where their discharge certificates were distributed to them. The Lagos State Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, said eight NYSC members died during the service period, attributing their deaths to illnesses and auto accidents. One also died as a result of complications arising from child birth. She prayed for the repose of the dead and commended other corps members for embarking on several life-changing projects in the various communities where they served. In his message to the outgoing corps members, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Raji Fashola, urged them to look inward and put into practice the various training they have received. Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Deremi Desalu, the governor said: “As you leave today, do not hesitate to put onto practice the experience you have gained by setting up your own enterprise, no matter how small and grow there from.” In Oyo State, a corps member, Miss Elizabeth Odunayo Amosu, became the cynosure of all eyes at the passing out ceremony where she bagged the NYSC State Award. Amosu, a native of Iworo, Badagry, distinguished herself through her community development activities, particularly her untiring concern for the welfare of widows and other less privileged people. She did her primary assignment at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, where she performed creditably.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulfatai (left) and his Kano State counterpart, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankoso, during the meeting of Nigeria Governors’ Forum with Senate Committee on 1999 Constitutional Review in Abuja, yesterday.

NJC finally reinstates Justice Salami ISE-OLUWA IGE AND EMMA ONANI

trong indications yesterday emerged that the National Judicial Council, NJC, has finally reinstated the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami. The decision to effect Salami’s recall was arrive at the end of the NJC meeting, which began in Abuja on Wednesday and ended yesterday. The NJC, which held its first meeting since the assumption of Justice Aloma Mukhtar as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, was said to have arrived at the after a sharp disagreement between some members of

...To recall him later

the body and the CJN. Some of the NJC members, it was learnt had voiced their opposition to recall Salami, but they were overruled by the CJN, who had led a three-man panel, which recommended the reinstatement of the PCA to President Goodluck Jonathan A reliable source close to the Council, however, told National Mirror, last night, that the reinstated President would not resume office until all pending court actions over the matter are resolved, one way or the other. The source said that although the Council does not know what would be

the reaction of the Federal Government on the matter, “what NJC did last night is not different from what it had done in the past. “If anything, the reinstatement without his immediate recall is to put an end to the lingering constitutional crisis of running the nation’s Court of Appeal without anybody at the helms of affair. “It is now on record that Justice Salami has been reinstated and that the man who has been acting illegally can’t lay any claim to the position any longer. “Justice Salami shall resume office as soon as pending court action are resolved. “Don’t forget that Justice Salami had earlier prom-

ised to withdraw the case in court if he gets a letter reinstating him. “The matter can easily be resolved now that most of other cases filed in court had either been thrown out for lacking in merit or struck out. “This reinstatement is significant in that we now have a substantive President of the Court of Appeal,” the source said. NJC, it would be recalled, had, during the tenure of Justice Dahiru Musdapher reinstated Justice Salami but instead of doing a letter recalling him, it wrote a letter to President Jonathan Goodluck who, ordinarily, should have no constitutional role to play in the matter, to do the letter.

Fuel scarcity: NNPC warns marketers against diversion CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

oncerned by the incessant fuel scarcity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has warned marketers against products diversion and hoarding. NNPC said it had released enough products to meet the demand of the city. In a statement made available to journalists by the NNPC’s Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Fidel Pepple, the management expressed dismay over the continued queues at filling stations across the city. NNPC said the long queues at the filling sta-

tions ought to have disappeared following the release of sufficient amount of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol. Mr. Pepple said that 116 trucks of PMS were loaded from the Kaduna refinery designated for the FCT between Monday and Tuesday, but only 43trucks arrived at the city, querying to where the remaining 73 trucks were diverted. According to him, NNPC, through the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), has released enough petrol to sufficiently meet the demand of the FCT and its environs and that the continued existence of long fuel queues at filling stations across the

city makes the warning necessary. He said NNPC has alerted the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) about the development and that PPMC is working in conjunction with the DPR to unravel the identity of those involved in the unpatriotic act.

Pepple, however, called on motorists to avoid panic buying as there is enough stock of PMS in the country to meet demands and that NNPC was doing everything within its powers to resolve the distribution challenge being experienced as a result of pipeline vandalism.

he Senate and House Adhoc Committees on Constitution Review will hold public hearings on constitution review in 360 federal constituencies, it was learnt yesterday. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, disclosed this during an interactive session at the National Assembly with media executives and the civil society. Ihedioha said the National Assembly decided to encourage a thorough amendment of the constitution by involving all stakeholders and encouraging transparency. He said: “We have decided to involve some critical stakeholders not as mere participants, but as joint organisers of the public hearing. The idea is to make this process credible, transparent and accountable. We expect that the representatives of these various organisations will write independent reports of activities that took place in their various constituencies to their headquarters. “We, therefor,e expect nominations from these organisations early enough to assist us in organising a hitch-free exercise. We are not interested in substituting our preferences for those of the people. “The people’s public sessions will hold simultaneously in each of the 360 federal constituencies on November 10, 2012 at about 10:00am. “The public hearing will be organised and supervised by a panel of experts and stakeholders.”

CAP withdraws from suit to unseat Dickson

he leadership of the Change Advocacy Party (CAP) in Bayelsa State has dissociated itself from the bid by the party’s candidate in the last governorship election, Dr. Imoro Kuboh, to upturn the victory of Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing former Governor Timipre Sylva of be-

ing behind the plot. The CAP’s position was contained in a statement signed by the party’s chairman, Deme Kolomo. Kolomo said the decision was reached after due consultations with key stakeholders at all levels. He said: “The decision to dissociate ourselves and the party from Dr.

Kuboh was painstakingly arrived at, following the several failed attempts at the law courts to upturn the popular victory of Hon. Dickson as governor of Bayelsa State. “We have since discovered that Dr. Kuboh’s insistence to further seek redress at the Supreme Court, even when all facts on ground show clearly that he stands no chance.”

South West

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aregbesola blames increase in crime on poor economy WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

sun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed the increasing spate of crime and other violence in the country on the nation’s poor economy. He said the only panacea to the ugly trend was for government to ensure an improved economy and make life more comfortable for the people. Aregbesola made this submission in Osogbo, the state capital, on Wednesday while speaking at the 24th

Annual National Education Conference of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN). The governor, who was honoured with the Life Membership Award of the union, said only sound and productive economic activities, promoted and supported by the government with other extra-ordinary efforts, are effective answers to winning those misdirected into violence. Aregbesola warned that the country would remain miserably poor unless the proceeds from oil are judiciously used, adding that

the Federal Government must invest heavily in agricultural and industrial sectors of the economy. His words: “Government efforts to stop incessant insurgencies in the country will be fruitless unless there is improvement in economic management coupled with good leadership.” According to him, poor economy and mass unemployment are the direct consequences that are manifesting in violent activities that the country is witnessing on daily basis, adding that the nation has the potential to be great,

but has failed to latch on to opportunities the oil proceeds offered. “We have potential to be rich, but we did not manage our wealth prudently. To be a rich country, we must invest the oil proceeds on infrastructure and establish industries for local productions. “We must invest in agriculture and promote efficient services. The ugly consequences are already manifesting in the violent crises we are witnessing today. “Arms cannot stop the insurgence rooted in eco-

nomic mismanagement. Brute force cannot stop the violence. Economic prudence is the only answer to woo back those who have been misdirected into the crime world,” he said. He also lamented that the organised labour in the country has been quiet for some time now, even as he urged labour to task the Federal Government to provide stable and steady power supply without which there can’t be industrial development. While commending the Bank of Industry (BOI) for supporting the Omoluabi

Ekiti varsity teaching hospital plans VIP section

Two jailed for assaulting traffic officers

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has announced plans to shore up its revenue base with the construction of a VIP section for prominent personalities. The tertiary health facility also appealed to prominent citizens of the state for donation of structures and equipment to the hospital to ensure quality service delivery to the people. EKSUTH Chief Medical Officer (CMD), Dr Patrick Adegun, told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that apart from increasing the revenue base of the institution, the VIP section would help attract those with enough financial muscle to patronise the hospital for medical attention. Adegun also appealed to the state government to expedite action on the completion of the Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe General Hospital in Ado Ekiti to reduce undue pressure and congestion in the hospital. According to him, the quick completion of the alternative general hospital will automatically decongest EKSUTH of patients not meant to seek medical help in the teaching hospital owing to the feeble nature of their ailments. The CMD, who said EKSUTH would spare no effort in shoring up its revenue to be able to attend to some critical challenges, said the hospital currently has about 50 highly experienced consultants on its payroll.

Garment Factory established by his administration, the governor assured that his administration was genuinely committed to abolishing poverty in the state. Speaking at the occasion, President of the union, Mr. Oladele Hunsu, urged the Federal Government to reverse the trend of import-dependency culture of the country, adding that adequate security and resurgence of manufacturing industries are not an end but a means to creating the right atmosphere for economic growth and development.

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, presenting protective eye glasses to beneficiaries of the Free Eye Surgical Expedition project jointly sponsored by the state government, Indo-Eye Care Foundation, India and Rotary Club, Palm Groove, Lagos, at the State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, yesterday.

Police, bankers debunk rumour of security threat FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

gun State police command and the state Bankers’ Forum yesterday described as untrue, the speculation that banks across the state have closed shops over threat by armed robbers to their business. A press statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, described the rumour as the handiwork of mischief makers who are planning to jeopardise the security arrangement already put in place in the state. Adejobi, who was reacting to a media story published two days ago and captioned; “Ogun banks close as Amosun’s APCs break down” said the story was a misrepresentation of the scenario in Ijebu axis of the state as all banks in that axis are working with functional

Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) stationed there to provide security for banking businesses. The PPRO said the rumour of the breakdown of the security equipment that were recently acquired by the Ibikunle Amosun administration, greatly embarrassed the command, stressing that the rumour was baseless and unfounded. “As a result of this, the Commissioner of Police, Ikhemefuna Okoye, had a meeting with the bankers on Tuesday in Ijebu Ode to clear the air on the rumour and reassured them of adequate security. “It is important to state that this rumour is the handiwork of mischief makers who have plans to jeopardise and distort the security arrangement on ground in the state. The police command therefore reiterates that the story is not true and thereby urges the general public to disregard the rumour

as published.” Also speaking on the issue, Chairman of Ijebu Bankers’ Forum, Segun Olushoga, said information about what happened last Monday was not properly managed, stressing that there was no security threat to their business in Ijebu axis. While assuring the general public, particularly bankers, of ad-

equate security for and around all banks in the state, the commissioner of police also said that his command was fully prepared to curtail any security threat across the state “during this ember months.” He also called for support from members of the public on information gathering and sharing towards achieving public safety.

n Owode Egba Magistrate’s Court in Ogun State has sentenced two accused persons to three years imprisonment each for their involvement in the assault on a team of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) on patrol along the LagosIbadan Expressway. In his ruling, the Magistrate, Mr. Adeniyi Adekunte, upheld the fact that the accused, Fapohunda Funso and Kehinde Emmanuel, were guilty of the offence of conspiracy to commit a felony to wit assault and serious assault, contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 356 of the Criminal Code, laws of Ogun State, 2006. It will be recalled that in June 2010, some thugs, including the accused, manhandled operatives of TRACE, who were on patrol along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when it intercepted a 911 truck for violating road traffic regulations, an action that led to the demise of one of the operatives, Mr. Tunde Osunbiyi.

Use cultural fiesta to enhance national unity, FG urged

he Federal Government has been charged to explore the opportunities provided by culture fiestas in the country to bridge the gap between the different ethnic groups in the country. Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Olu Odeyemi, gave this charge at the opening ceremony of the 2012 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Chief Odeyemi lauded the organisers of the annual fiesta, saying it has created another veritable platform to foster unity, love and peaceful co-existence of the various states in the federation. “When you are bringing people together like this, you are unifying them and bridging the gap of differentiation, thereby enhancing harmony and national development,” Odeyemi said. His advise came on the heels of the theme for this

year’s NAFEST; “Culture, Peace and Economic Empowerment.” He said every Nigerian should see his fellow compatriot as his brother, having the same goal, adding that no nation can survive without its culture. He expressed optimism that his state, which was the third best at the last edition of the fiesta in Port Harcourt, would emerge the overall winner at the event as it had in the last six months been preparing its team to achieve the feat.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, October 19, 2012

EFCC arraigns couple over alleged N5m fraud K AYODE KETEFE

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, arraigned a couple, Michael Nnanna Oti and his wife, Joy, a nursing mother, before an Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice

Aishat Opesanwo, over alleged fraud of N5 million. Another defendant, Obim Onowu, was also arraigned alongside the couple. All the defendants were arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud and obtaining money by false pretences. The commission alleged in its court pro-

cesses that the defendants conspired to obtain the money from their victims, Adizua Nwakuche, under false pretences and with intent to defraud him. The alleged offences are contrary to sections 8 (a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them. At the proceedings, counsel for the first defendant, Obim Onowu, Mr. Anozia Anthony, said he was not aware of the arraignment until yesterday. Anthony said; “I know the process of obtaining bail, I beg your lordship

to allow me time to file the application for bail. “I also want to urge my lord, to allow the defendants to be remanded in EFCC custody till the application would be granted by the court.” Lawyer to the couple (2nd and 3rd defendants), Mr. Obina Anachi, also said that he only became

aware of the arraignment yesterday. EFCC’s lawyer Mr. Kayode Oni, did not oppose the bail proposal for the defendants. In her ruling, Justice Opesanwo ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody and consequently adjourned the matter till October 25, 2012.

Ogun reaffirms commitment to religious tolerance

20 vehicles vandalised, students injured in rival clash

gun State government yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to religious tolerance in the state, saying no society can develop in an atmosphere of violence and war. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, said this in Abeokuta while receiving in audience executive members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in his office. Adeoluwa said the state government remained committed to rebuilding the state in all spheres and reassured that it was ready to take steps necessary to stimulate peace and harmony among residents irrespective of their political and religious beliefs. This, he said, was to ensure that investors find it convenient to locate their businesses within the state. He commended members of the association for their admirable roles in engendering harmony and peaceful co-existence among various faiths in the state, charging them not to rest on their oars. “No business or investment can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and war; we must not take our culture of religious tolerance for granted. “That is why as a government, we will not allow anybody or group of people to disturb the religious and communal peace in place in the state,” he said. While pledging support for the association, Adeoluwa said government would continue to cooperate with any group or individual willing to interface with it to foster peace and harmony in the state.

IBADAN

KEMI OLAITAN

ctivities were yesterday afternoon paralyzed in the Apata-Ganga area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as students of the Government College Ibadan

(GCI) and Apata Community Grammar School, engaged themselves in a violent clash. Scores of students from the two schools were injured while about 20 vehicles were vandalised during the melee that lasted for about two hours.

Lagos pilgrim, 14 others die in Saudi Arabia MURITALA AYINLA

ne of the pilgrims from Lagos State performing this year’s holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has died in Mecca, just as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,NHCN, said the country has lost 14 other pilgrims. The Lagos pilgrim died on Thursday afternoon after he took ill and was rushed to the hospital after being attended to by the medical team of the state’s pilgrims board. As at the time of filling this report, the cause of the death could not be ascertain. Speaking earlier on activities of the NHCN on this year’s hajj operations, its Commissioner in charge of information and research, Dr. Saleh Okenwa disclosed that 14 pilgrims from Nigeria had died in the course of this year’s hajj. He told newsmen at the commission’s headquarters in Mecca that nine of the deceased died in Medinah while the remaining five lost their lives in Mecca. He gave the names of five that earlier died in Makkah as Umar Ruangamyi Dahir and Shuaib Awwal Sarki Malami from Katsina state; and Ganiyu Oke Ayinde from Ogun state. Others, according to him, are Abdullahi Mudi and Nana Garba from Sokoto state. The Hajj commissioner further disclosed that 82,724

pilgrims from Nigeria have arrived the holy city for the hajj rites. He absolved the commission of complicity in the diplomatic feud that ensued between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia over the deportation of some female pilgrims. Meanwhile, an aviation expert and Managing Director of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Munir Bankole, yesterday blamed the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the protest by the state’s pilgrims in Saudi Arabia over poor welfare arrangement. Over 1, 000 pilgrims, who arrived at the Al Musfalah Hotel had on Wednesday protested over lack of adequate accommodation by the board’s welfare officials. They accused the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Oyinlomo Danmole and other state officials of leaving them to their fate uncatered for, which made them sleep at the hotel’s lobby for days after arriving in Meddinah. But, reacting to the development, Bankole chided the government and some Nigerian travel tour operators for jettisoning the welfare of pilgrims after they had paid for the services. His words: “The pilgrims pay you, although the state sponsored some people which is different from individuals who paid for the service. So, you owe them a duty to provide good welfare. Anything short of that, that is what led to that kind of protest.”

National Mirror learnt that trouble started on Wednesday in a hideout where some students of the two schools had gone to gamble, as a student from the Apata Community Grammar School simply identified as “Idan” reportedly manipulated the game. But yesterday, some students from Government College Ibadan, who allegedly lost their money to “Idan” the previous day, were said to have stormed the premises of Apata Community Grammar School and started beating the boy. It was gathered that

other students of the school perceived this action of the GCI boys as a slap on their face and consequently rose in the defence of “Idan.” It was learnt that the GCI boys were overpowered and they went back to mobilise their colleagues, who laid ambush for the students of Apata Community Grammar School after closing hours. Dangerous weapons such as stones, broken bottles, clubs and cutlasses were freely used in a freefor-all fight that ensued among the students. It was during the fracas that the windscreens

Ajimobi

of about 20 vehicles were shattered by the rampaging students. During a visit to the scene yesterday, some teachers from GCI were seen using canes to drag their students back into the school premises.

Saturday Starter Guber election

The war in Ondo State

It is war. Yes, to three of the major political parties in the country – the Peoples Democratic Party, the Action Congress of Nigeria and the Labour Party - the election holding tomorrow is war and the war front is Ondo State.

Living Confession of an ex-lesbian Our house maid sneaked me into the bed one night and covered me up with the bed sheet so that my younger ones wouldn’t know what she was doing to me. That was how I became initiated into lesbianism. — Funmilola Ayotade

Woman

I’m a child of destiny

–Chioma Ajunwa

Majiyagbe: Lagos street where prostitution is redeÀned Most of the women on that street took to prostitution to survive and their husbands were fully aware of what they were doing to survive. Over the years, their female children grew up to see their mothers selling their bodies and they grew into the business – Neighbour

Celebrity

I am not a war musician

-Remi Aluko

x SeTalk Hot tips from porn stars

This column is x-rated

South East

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Coast becoming clear for Biafra’s actualisation –Uwazuruike NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he leader of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday said the much agitated Biafra Republic would soon be realised, now that the coast was becoming very clear. Speaking at the Fr. Joseph Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri, Anambra

East Local Government Area of Anambra State, while donating relief materials and food items worth millions of naira to the flood victims, Uwazuruike expressed optimism that with almost all the ethnic groups clamouring for secession, the chances of Biafra emerging as a republic in no distant time were guaranteed. He said although he could not say exactly the particular time the re-

public would be realised, events were gradually unfolding, based on the situation of the country today. Uwazuruike expressed sympathy with the flood victims and promised to build a permanent camp for them in future, like he did for all the Biafran war veterans who languished at Oji River for over 40 years after the Civil War, if the government of the day refused to take up their welfare.

He said: “I can build permanent camp for the flood victims, as I did for the war veterans but let me wait for a while and see what the government can do for them.” Meanwhile, the police in Aguleri have been accused of arresting and detaining about five members of MASSOB near the relief camp, while waiting for Uwazuruike’s arrival. The National Director of Information, MASSOB,

Comrade Uchanna Madu, who made the allegation while briefing journalists at the relief camp, said those arrested were members of the movement from the Aguleri Region who were waiting to receive Uwazuruike at the camp. He therefore called on the police to release members of the organisation with immediate effect because MASSOB had not done anything wrong in going to donate food items

to the flood victims, as other groups and individuals had done in the last couple of days. The Police Area Commander for Onitsha, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who spoke to newsmen on phone, said he was not aware of such arrest, adding that he would enquire from the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at Otuocha, to ascertain the true position.

Create platform for peaceful co-existence, Jega urges leaders Flood: MAN seeks CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to change their attitude and create a strong platform for common solution to socio-political problems in the country. Jega made the call at a

two-day political parties’ summit entitled: “Political leadership, security and evolving challenges of democracy in Nigeria,” organised by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, at Concorde Hotel, Owerri, the Imo State capital. He said political leaders should strive to evolve the culture of dialogue in their quest for political power. The INEC chairman said in the commission’s

quest for an efficient and credible electoral environment, “we remain challenged not only by the occurrence or threat of violence, but more importantly, the failure of public orientation towards a culture of dialogue, mutual understanding and negotiated solutions to socio-political problems.” Jega, therefore, expressed the hope that the summit would proffer solutions to the challenges

facing the country’s democracy. The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who also addressed the gathering, urged political parties to seek not only to win elections, but to contribute to the development of the country. Okorocha also commended NOA for organising the summit which, he said, would enhance political and electoral development in the country.

L-R: Vice-President, Civil Aviation, Republic of Iran, Mr. Mohammad Khodakarami; Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Demureen Harold; Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Transport Maritime Affairs and Communication, Republic of Turkey, Mr. Bahri Kesici and Minister of Aviation, PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA Princess Stella Oduah, at the 6th D-8 working group on civil aviation and directors-general’s meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Check proliferation of arms, Orji tells FG Alleged trespass: Kinsmen ask at a sensitisation proOhakim for N250m compensation GEORGE OPARA gramme of the Ministry NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

embers of Umuzoho community, Ezihe in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, are demanding a compensation of N250 million from their kinsman and former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, for trespassing on their ancestral farmland. In a letter to Ohakim signed by their Onitshabased legal counsel, Chris Ajugwe, members of the community said they were the bona fide owners of a vast expanse of land mea-

suring about 32,232 square metres in the area known as Ala-Uhuala and situated at Umuzoho community. In the letter entitled; “Trespass and illegal expropriation of landed property of members of Umuzoho community and breach of fundamental rights: Demand for amend,” the people said they inherited the said landed property from their forefathers, adding that they had all along been using the property as farmland and reserved homestead with varied economic trees and improvements thereon.

ABIA

he Federal Government has been advised to enact enabling laws to check the proliferation of small arms and light weapons now prevalent in the country, especially at the border towns. Governor Theodore Orji the of Abia State, who gave the advice, said government should not only make the laws but also ensure that such laws were enforced, as it would also help to check crime rate in the country. Orji spoke in Umuahia

of Foreign Affairs organised in conjunction with the ECOWAS Commission and West African Action Network Against Small Arms, WAANASA, on illicit small arms and light weapons’ proliferation, insecurity and integration in West Africa. The one-day sensitisation programme had participants drawn from the security agencies, the paramilitary, traditional rulers, youth groups, NonGovernmental Organisations, NGOs, and other interested organisations in the country.

intervention fund for firms DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

anufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Anambra/Enugu/Ebonyi states chapter, has called for a special intervention fund to assist manufacturing companies devastated by flood in the country, especially in the South-East. MAN also sympathised with its members in Anambra State for the monumental destruction visited on their businesses by the flood disaster in Onitsha and its environs. The Chairman of MAN, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, who made the call when he led a delegation of the association to commiserate with some of the members affected by the flood, said the degree of damage to plants, machineries, equipment and premises was beyond what the state and local governments could redress. The MAN delegation, comprising the National Vice President (East), Dr. Frank S. U. Jacobs; Second Vice-Chairman, Dr. Emma B. E. Nwamkpa; council member, Chief Robert Ezenwa and chapter Secretary, Peter Ezeibe;

visited industrial plants of Krysoral, Pokobros, Brollo Pipes among others in the Harbour Industrial Estate, Onitsha as well as small and medium scale outfits in nearby towns. Obidigbo regretted that the disaster had brought about a reversal to the gains of the industrial leap of the state, saying that the Federal Government, international agencies and developmental partners should come to the aid of the entrepreneurs to stem the tide of possible backlash of the natural disaster on the socio-economic situation of the people. He said: “I feel very saddened by the monumental losses recorded by our members; this is a great setback that could worsen the unemployment situation in Anambra State. Our members carry out environmental impact assessment before sitting their factories, but as you can see heavy equipment, machineries and electrical installations and industrial complexes have been submerged. This is quite beyond the state government alone to mitigate the effects of this unexpected destruction.”

Face business of lawmaking, group tells NASS

embers of the National Assembly have been called upon to reprioritise their engagements and face the rigour of making quality legislations that would meet the yearnings of Nigerians for good governance. A good governance advocacy group, Congress for National Stability, CONSTAB, gave the advice against the backdrop of frequent sack calls on the executive arm by the National Assembly.

The President of the group, Mr. Kingsley J. C. Ugwu, said in a statement that it was embarrassing that in the last six months, the National Assembly had called on the executive arm to sack the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, the Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, DirectorGeneral, Ms. Arunma Oteh, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, etc.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, October 19, 2012

Vandals plunge parts of Port Harcourt into darkness CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

ome commercial and residential areas of Port Harcourt in Rivers State have been thrown into darkness following the vandalisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) equipment. The vandals have, at various times, carted away upriser cables 3x150mm2 measuring

about 25 metres on Glass Factory, Rumuarolu and Rumukalagbor 11KV outgoing feeders. According to the Public Affairs Manager of the Trans-Amadi Business Unit of the PHCH in Port Harcourt, Mr. John Onyi, about 80 transformers are out of circuit as each feeder carries minimum of 20 transformers. Onyi told National Mirror that some of the areas affected include Oginigba,

Slaughter, Azuebie, Pabod axis, Rumuarolu, Woji, Elijiji and parts of Old Aba Road. Other areas affected are Stadium Road, Elekahia, Rumuomasi, Rumukalagbo village and parts of Rumuogba. He said: “In the past, their negative activities range from draining out oil from transformers in circuit, to removal of armoured cables of different sizes and taking away

of aluminum conductors. “By this latest trend of tampering with feeders, the public, especially our esteemed customers, are advised to step up vigilance on PHCN installations within their neighbourhood against any act of vandalism by reporting and raising the alarm on any suspicious movement around such installation.” However, he said security agencies, community leaders, youth leaders and

L-R: United States Consul-General, Jeffrey Hawkins; Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and other members of the U.S delegation when they visited the new dental hospital in Port Harcourt as part of their tour of some projects site in the state, recently.

Police parade 24 robbery, murder suspects in Bayelsa EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he Bayelsa State Police Command yesterday paraded 24 suspects linked with armed robbery, cultism, murder, unlawful possession of firearms and rape in Yenagoa. The police said that they recovered many weapons from the robbery suspects. Parading the suspects yesterday in Yenagoa, the state Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, named the arms recovered from them to include one G3 rifle with 83 rounds of ammunition, live cartridges, six AK 47 rifles and one locally made pistol. Omire said the state police command recorded eight cases of armed robbery, four murder cases, three cult-related issues and three cases of unlaw-

ful possession of fire arms in the last one month. According to him, the command arrested fiveman armed robbery gang in Yenagoa. The suspects specialised in robbing operators of Bureau DeChange. The police chief said: “During the arrest, foreign currencies such as Pounds sterling, American Dollars and Naira notes were recovered from the suspects. “Over N108, 000, £430 and

1,000 Euros were recovered from them. “Operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested Kevin Stephen Joseph, Friday Joseph and Sunday Iniziri for armed robbery. The operatives also recovered arms and one Mazda bus used for their robbery operations, two locally expended cartridges, cloths, shoes and many televisions recovered from them.

“One Osas Omoregi, a female, stabbed her boyfriend, Ikechukwu Iwu at Azikoro village with a kitchen knife. In same vein, Tomapep Akpagere, male, was arrested for killing one Epebieyeria near Hospital Road Junction in Yenagoa, while a 55- year-old woman, Ebitimi Kingdom, stabbed her boyfriend, Mr. Igali Robert, to death with a sharp knife during a minor disagreement.”

opinion leaders had been put on alert regarding this development. In another development, Onyi said the zonal management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) had renamed the Rumuog-

ba Business Unit to Trans Amadi Business Unit. He said the change was as a result of the relocation of the business unit to a new building at Ordinance Road Junction in Trans –Amadi, Port Harcourt

Group scores Uduaghan high on security Congratulates governor at 58

group, the People’s Movement on Good Governance and Transparency, yesterday in Lagos congratulated the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, on his 58th birthday. The group reflected on the five years of the Uduaghan administration and said that the state was in a promising direction. “We are confident that the policies Governor Uduaghan has initiated are in the right direction” the group’s Director of Communications, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, said in a statement issued in Lagos. The group noted that insecurity is a major problem in Nigeria and not just Delta State. It also debunked the insinuation that Delta State has the highest number of kidnap cases. The group said: “It is against this background arising from serious security challenges that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan decided to put in place strategies towards addressing security challenges in Delta State.” It lauded the seriousness attached to the war on kidnapping and other criminal offences in the state, saying Uduaghan’s administration had set up special courts to try offenders of these crimes in addition to acquiring communication gadgets to assist law enforcement agencies to

track down the criminals. “His Excellency is winning the war against kidnappers and other criminals,” the group said. On the flood ravaging some parts of the state, the group said the problem is not peculiar to Delta alone. It recalled the clearing of drainages and removing structures obstructing waterways as some of the measures taken by the administration of Uduaghan before the flood. The group condemned the attitude of those dumping refuses in drainages and gutters as well as those who build their houses or fences on water channels. The group, which was also full of praises for Uduaghan’s vision and mission, commended the governor for investing in infrastructure. It particularly praised the governor’s honesty, openness and forthrightness. It, however, advised “unserious politicians, thugs and youths waiting for Uduaghan to share public funds with them to forget the idea,” adding that the governor is committed to the utilisation of such funds for the growth of the state. The group urged the governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Chief Great Ogboru, and other members of the party to support Governor Uduaghan.

Ex-militant leader lifts flood victims with N1.5b property, others EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ormer militant leader, Eris Paul popularly called Ogunboss yesterday donated two property worth N1.5 billion to accommodate over 300 flood victims in Bayelsa State. The property - a 25-room hotel and a luxury office

complex, are located at Nickton and Azikoro roads in Yenagoa, the state capital. Addressing journalists yesterday in Yenagoa, Paul said he also donated food stuffs and other items to the victims. He said: “My gesture was influenced by compassion to the displaced persons. Public spirited individuals and corporate

organisations should come out to support Governor Seriake Dickson’s effort to bring succour to the flood displaced people.” The former militant, however, urged corporate organisations to make their donations to the State Relief Committee for the rebuilding of the communities destroyed by the disaster.

However, the Bayelsa State Government yesterday shut down its gas turbine station at Imiringi, near Yenagoa, owing to the ravaging flood in the area. Imiringi is in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. The flooding is generating panic in many communities in the state. Some parts of the state capital

were submerged by flood. In a statement issued yesterday, the state Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Francis Ikio, said the shutdown would affect some communities in Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas. Ikio regretted the inconvenience the shutdown would cause electricity consumers in the locality.

North

14 corps members to repeat service in Kaduna

he Kaduna State Coordinator of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Victoria Ango, yesterday said 14 corps members are to repeat their service. Ango spoke during the passing-out ceremony of the 2011 Batch C corps members. She said the services of the affected members were extended due to the various acts of indiscipline. According to her, 17 of the 2,297 corps members have been recognised and would be given award. She, however, expressed sadness at the loss of two corps members who died in the course of the service year. The coordinator commended the corps members for their patriotism and dedication, urging them to be good ambassadors of the country. She appealed to the state government not to renege on its promise to build additional hostel and provision of utility van for the NYSC. Also, the Chairman of the Governing Council and Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Nazifi Mohammed, said the 17 outstanding corps members conferred with awards at the state level would compete with others at the national level. In his address, Governor Patrick Yakowa urged the corps members to participate in government’s initiatives to enable them have a source of income. Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Nathaniel Hyab, the governor said programmes under the auspices of NDE, NAPEP and SMEDAN were designed towards combating the problem of unemployment. In Bauchi State, the Coordinator, Mr. Nuhu Kwaghe, urged the 300 outgoing corps members to be job creators by implementing the skills acquired during the service year. Kwaghe urged them to be good ambassadors of the NYSC wherever they may be. According to him, nine corps members have been sanctioned for various offences.

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

10 suspected terrorists held in Kano AUGUSTINE MADUWEST KANO

he raid embarked upon by the Kano State Police Command in search of the terrorists responsible for the killing of some security officials has paid off. The police have, however, arrested no fewer than 10 suspected terrorists who recently unleashed violence on the state in which

two policemen and two Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were killed. In a statement issued yesterday in Kano, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, said the search was successful with the confession of the suspects to the crime. Idris said of the 10 suspects in the police net, eight of them were being quizzed for the killing of two policemen in Dawanu area of Kano, while the other

two were masterminds of the attack in which the two FRSC officials were killed in Madobi. The statement also disclosed that three rifles snatched by the suspects were recovered in an uncompleted building in the neighbourhood of Dawaun, adding that two of the AK47 weapons belonged to the slain policemen. All the suspects, according to the police boss, have made confessional state-

Parading the suspects yesterday in Minna, Director of the State Security Service (SSS) in Niger State, Dr Larry Obiagwu, said that the agency received an alert from its Anambra State counterpart that books meant for Niger State were on sale at Onitsha market. He said investigations led to the arrest of Kutigi, the mastermind who named his accomplices. Kutigi, however, told journalists that he served as a link between the Niger SUBEB store officers and traders. He admitted to have sold 50,000 books to the traders at

N80 each. The Niger State SUBEB Chief Store Officer, Mohammed Ndako said that the books sold to traders were the excess supplied by publishers. He said he was compelled to participate in the illegal book sale because of his poor health condition. A trader from the Onitsha market, Ikpe Okorie, each copy of the book was sold to customers for N100. The four suspects were, however, arraigned yesterday before a Minna Magistrate’s Court for prosecution.

Detectives arrest syndicate selling FG’s free textbooks SAM OLUWALANA

s part of the Federal Government’s deter mination to put traders of its free textbooks out of business, security operatives have arrested a syndicate selling free Universal Basic Education (UBE) books in four major markets in the country. Minister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, regretted that State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) workers were involved in selling books meant for free distribution. He said that beginning from now, independent monitors would be drafted to monitor the distribution of textbooks to individual schools across the country. The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Education and security partners would work hard towards ensuring that all saboteurs in the book distribution chain face justice. Suspected members of the syndicate are workers with the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Niger State House of Assembly. Members of the syndicate arrested include Mohammed Abubakar Kutigi, a staff of the Niger State House of Assembly and facilitator between traders and SUBEB officials; Mohammed Ndako, SUBEB Chief Store Officer; Mohammed Sani, Principal Store Officer; and Tanko Abdulahi, Principal Store Assistant.

ment. He said one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the arrest and later died in the hospital. Idris said: “The second suspect, Ibrahim Inusa of Sudanese parentage with no fixed address, is in the police custody. The two were involved in the killing of the two FRSC officials. “Ibrahim Inusa, with others at large, specialised in the killing of innocent citizens. During investigation, he confessed to have organised and participated in various killings of civilians and security personnel at Gaida, Sheka, Gwale and other parts of Kano metropolis. “He claimed that he and his accomplices killed the FRSC officials because they (the FRSC) seized their motorcycle. Inusa also confessed that his gang deceived the FRSC officials with a telephone call that there was an accident along

Madobi Road which needed their attention. “He said as the officials were going towards the imaginary accident scene, the gang attacked them. “One of the suspects also laid claim to the attack that killed a mobile policeman near Sani Abacha Youth Center. “Members of the gang now with the police admitted involvement in hired killings and said they had participated in many of such crimes. “We wish to, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to relent in giving information on suspicious movement around them to the police. Our emergency GSM lines are always alive to receive their calls on: 08032419754, 08123821575, 064977004, and 064977005 or report to the nearest police station for appropriate action”.

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

IG redeploys CP ahead tomorrow’s election

Army warns against violence, orders arrest of thugs COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAY TO GO

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

hose who are planning to foment trouble or cause violence during tomorrow’s election in Ondo State have been warned to steer clear of the state as any troublemaker who resist arrest will be shot. The General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Mohammed Abubakar,

gave this warning yesterday when he visited the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure to address soldiers deployed to the state for the election. He warned all troublemakers to leave Ondo State ahead of the election, ordering the soldiers to shoot any political thug who resist arrest. While ordering that nobody should be allowed to be in possession of arms during the election, Abubakar said that anybody found with offensive weapons should be arrested. He told his men to enforce the no-movement order during the election saying: “No movement on that day except for those on essential duties and those on election duty. No hunting on the Election Day. I am happy that the Inspec-

tor General of Police (IGP) has said that there would be no fishing during the poll. I don’t want to hear that I am going to the bush to hunt. Anybody with arm must be arrested. If he resists arrest, shoot him, I gave you the order.” He said the restriction on movement should be strictly complied with between the hours of 6p.m. to 6a.m.

but said motorists travelling across the state to other parts of the country would be allowed passage after they must have proved that they are not going into the state. He warned his men against being partisan in the election, saying anyone found conniving with any political party would be dealt with, adding that he

had received a petition from one of the political parties over plans to bribe some soldiers to rig during the election, saying he was not a party to that arrangement. He said: “No amount of money they promised you will turn you to Abiola or Dangote. These people worked for their money. So, be satisfied with what the Nigerian Army pay you.”

He informed that there would be dress code for the troops, which will enable the real soldiers to identify fake ones. The GOC decline to give the number of soldiers deployed for the election, but said that soldiers were moved in from many formations to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.

Group backs Akeredolu HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

ess than to 24 hours to the Ondo State governorship election, a socio-cultural political group, Campaign for Good Leadership for Better Tomorrow, has endorsed and declared its support for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu. Speaking to journalists on the development, the National Coordinator of the group, Aroloye Bisaf, said the group decided to join the train of Akeredolu due to the failure of the present administration in the state. Bisaf said the present governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has failed to deliver on his electoral promises of bringing dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people of the state. He said the group was instrumental to Mimiko’s victory, adding that it dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the ACN because the ruling government was no longer relevant. Bisaf, who disclosed that the group has started mo-

bilising people across the 18 local government areas in the state to ensure the ACN governorship candidate emerge winner in the Saturday poll, however solicited support for Akeredolu, describing him as a visionary and dynamic leader, who is ready to serve the people of the state. He said that the Mimiko administration lacks transparency and accountability His words: “We worked tirelessly for the enthronement of Mimiko in 2009 only for him to turn himself to an autocrat; he has failed the people of the state and does not deserve to be re-elected.” The group also called on the people of Ondo State to embrace peace during the exercise to ensure free and fair election, saying: “We urge you all to conduct yourself during and after the election, you must vote and ensure your vote count, one man, one vote and don’t forget to protect your votes.” The group assured and promised to deliver their votes for the ACN to usher in an unequal development in the state.

L-R: Director, Legal Services and Enforcement, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu; Deputy Director, Information, Mr. Lambert Opara and Chairman, Prof. Ben Angwe, at a news conference on pre-election security for Ondo 2012 governorship election in Abuja yesterday.

Level of voters’ awareness low, says CHRED HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

head of the tomorrow’s governorship election, the Centre for Human Rights and Ethics in Development (CHRED) yesterday condemned the level of voters’ awareness in the state. CHRED, one of the accredited observers for the election, noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has failed in the area of sensitisation, mobilisation and orientation of voters for the election, adding that the level of insecurity is alarming. The Executive Director of the CHRED, Moshood Erubami, who disclosed this in Akure yesterday, however, commended INEC for unveiling the voters’

registers 30 days before the election as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He pointed out that little efforts were made by the INEC to use the media, including radio, television and print media to mobilise the voters to turn out enmasse to cast their votes, so as to increase the voters’ turnout.” Speaking on pre-election violence, Erubami said: “CHRED observers report unacceptable levels of continued fear, intimidation and physical violence. The poor security environment needs to be better improved in order to ensure a credible electoral process. “Political violence in Ondo State will not give the electorate the chance to understand the issues which politicians are promoting and understand how they

will be addressed by the candidates representing each party in a way to motivate the voters to vote for the better candidate. “Right now in the state, free and fair election process has being ambushed by gruelling political campaigns, which has regrettably transcended the realm of civility and decorum. “The campaign has been turbulent, given the armed clashes between the supporters of rival political parties and above all, the campaigns not being issuesbased and goal-listing. “Preparations for the governorship election have been fraught with crises and tension, money, allegedly, is daily shared to sway supporters from rival political parties, while the state witnesses daily decampment of politicians from

one party to the other. “Provocative statements, taunting and ridiculing are freely used during campaigns and at rallies to create tension while restraints are not exercise in campaign speeches. Political thugs and hired assassins are being used to terrorise political opponents and communities across the state, creating palpable anxiety in the minds of voters.” Erubami said allegations of vote buying by the parties, which have been earlier confirmed by the police is also another worrisome trend in the run up to the election, adding that “the political situation in Ondo State presently demand urgent proactive intervention to mitigate the potent threat posed by violence to democracy in the state,” he noted.

Politics

COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAY TO GO

Delta LP seeks divine intervention AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

head of tomorrow’s governorship election, the Delta State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has turned to God for His intervention in ensuring victory for the LP candidate and governor of the state, Olusegun Mimiko. In a prayer session organised by the Delta LP yesterday in Asaba, the state chairman, Emeka Nkwoala, disclosed that as their own contributions, the party decided to put together a prayer session aimed at seeking divine intervention for the re-election of Mimiko for a second tenure. Averring that the prayer session was primarily to wardoff any spiritual impediment against Mimiko’s re-election bid as well as ensure a successful and peaceful election tomorrow, Nkwoala stressed that the spiritual exercise was necessary as a result of the untoward actions of desperate politicians and the entrenched interests that the election has generated in the past one month. He entreated Ondo residents not to be deceived by money-bag politicians who had nothing to offer in governance.

REGISTERED VOTERS TOTAL: 1,546,081 SENATORIAL DISTRICTS CENTRAL: 615;157 = 39:78% NORTH : 418,926 = 27.10% SOUTH : 511,998 = 33.12% Breakdown by Local Governments Akure South: Akure North: Ifedore: Ondo West : Ondo East : Idanre: Akoko NW: Akoko NE: Akoko SE: Akoko SW: Owo: Ose: Ese Odo: Ilaje: Ile Oluji: Irele: Okitipupa: Odigbo:

248,953 53,935 63,242 150,838 37,469 60,720 68,061 62,451 29,773 86,155 110,100 62,386 57,255 114,235 64,219 55,231 101,044 120,014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 19, 2012

Partial closure of boundaries causes traffic gridlock BIYI ADEGOROYE

s security agencies become upbeat about tomorrow’s election in Ondo State, soldiers have made access to the state very difficult, following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on the closure of boundaries with other states to forestall infiltration by thugs. Sources said soldiers have practically narrowed down the road at Owena, on the Ondo-Ore road, and Ondo/Osun states and Isua/Kogi and Edo states axis,

stopping and searching incoming and outgoing vehicles. This has created traffic logjams at all the entry points into the state, leaving inbound and outbound travellers with harrowing experience, as they take their turns at the checkpoints. Dehydrated travellers had to resort to getting water from hawkers, who made brisk business selling sachet water. One traveller told National Mirror: “I have spent about an hour here on the Akoko axis. The situation was further worsened by an accident where two vehicles collided. It was a ter-

rible experience getting the vehicles out of the way. It took us several hours before we could get to Owo.” Over 50 patrol vehicles and truckloads of gun-trotting security men across the agencies have been patrolling the state repeatedly to forestall outbreak of election-related crimes and also guide movement of election materials to the various local government areas ahead of the election. Meanwhile, the various political parties have been warning their members against getting involved in criminal activities

Deploy military to coastal area – Enikuomehin OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

former commissioner of the Niger Delta development Commission (NDDC) in Ondo State, Benson Enikuomehin, yesterday called on the Chief of Army Staff (CAS) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that only patriotic and committed security personnel are deployed to the coastal area of the state to forestall possible breakdown of law and order during the election. Enikuomehin, though admitted that the election would be peaceful in the area, envisaged

that some desperate politicians in the state may want to take the unique advantage of the area to perpetrate evil during the poll. Enikuomehin, who spoke in an interview with newsmen at Igbokoda, said they had uncovered plans by some unscrupulous politicians outside the state to divert electoral materials to unaccredited polling units in the interest of their political parties. He said to ensure that the election is rancour free, the IGP and CAS should as a matter of priority ensure that committed and patriotic officers are deployed to the riverine and oil producing communities of the state to en-

sure strict compliance with the Electoral Act during the election. Enikuomehin also advised the security chiefs to personally visit and monitor the election in the coastal area because of the calibre of politicians and candidates in the area, as doing so would bring about a free and fair election. He said the volatile nature of the coastal area of the state called for government OBSERVERS FOR THE ELECTION attention and presence S/No Organisation at the poll since the area is the residence 1 Justice and Equity Organisation of majority of repen2 Centre for Peace Building and Socio tant militants in the Economic Resources Development state. Reclaim Naija 3

LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR ONDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION, 2012 S/N Position 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Name of Candidate

that could mar the success of the election tomorrow. The Director of Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayo Fadaka, in particular called on the party agents to be alert in tomorrow’s election and co-operate with the security agents to ensure their members do not get involved in any violent activity. He also urged them to be watchful about moves to also compromise INEC adhoc staff by one of the three parties, who have allegedly induced them by writing two election results, one dated October 19 and the other October 20 for the election. Fadaka said the plan was that one of the reports will be used at the polling centres if the PDP wins while the other will be used if the other party wins, just as arrangements were on to resort to the electoral tribunal to settle the rest. He said all efforts by the political desperados must be resisted by the PDP and its agents in the move to ensure victory in the election.

Sex

Party

Age

Qualification

Governor

Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Esq

ACN

LLB, BL

Deputy

Dr. Paul Akintelure

ACN

MMBS

Governor

Adeuti Stephen Taiye

ACPN

MBA

Deputy

Adedara Tolupe Clement

ACPN

HND

Governor

Hon. Adeyemi Bolarinwa

ANPP

B.Sc

Deputy

Ikwuewunmi Rotimi

ANPP

Trade Test

Governor

Comrade Oladimeji Tokumboh Adegoroye

APS

HND

Deputy

Tenabe Toyin

APS

B.Sc

Governor

Olasegiri Gbenga Festus

BNPP

NECO, B.A.

Deputy

Ijitola Modupe

BNPP

WAEC

Governor

Builder Omoyele Afolabi Olorunwa

CAP

B.Sc

Deputy

Babatunde Bayode Bidemi

CAP

Governor

Ehinlanwo Olusoji

CPC

Deputy

Mrs. Oluyemi Damilola

CPC

African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development

Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria

Nigerian Bar Association

Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC)

Transition Monitoring Group

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre

Cleen Foundation

Alliance for Credible Elections in Nigeria

Human Rights Monitor (HRM)

Independent Election Monitoring Group

WASC

Liberty Spirit Foundation

MBA

Global Help Trust Foundation

SSCE

Justice Development and Peace Centre Centre for Democracy and Development

Governor

Dr. Rahman Olusegun Mimiko

B.Sc, M.B. Ch.B

Deputy

Olanusi Alli Olaganju

WASC

Rights Monitoring Group

Governor

Oladipo Bolade Lawrence

NCP

B.Sc

NEPAD Nigeria

Deputy

Ogbetar Oloirere Benedicta

NCP

HND

Police Service Commission

National Association for Peaceful Elections in Nigeria (NAPEN)

Governor

Abikanlu James Olusola

NSDP

O” Level, TC 11, ACIB

Deputy

Adefila Olusegun Cornelius

NSDP

HND

Governor

Victor Oluwafemi Adetusin

PDC

LLB, BL

International Republican Institute (IRI)

Deputy

Moses Liambee Iorsheer

PDC

B.Sc

Governor

Chief Alex Olusola Oke

PDP

LLB, BL

International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES)

Deputy

Oluwasanmi Saka Lawal

PDP

M.Sc

Centre For Human Rights and Ethics in Development

Women Arise for Change Initiative

Governor

Omoreggha Olatunji Kris (Otunba)

PPA

B.Sc

Deputy

Alonge Ahmed Rufia

PPA

B.A

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 19, 2012

Politics

COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAY TO GO

ICN urges security agencies against compromise OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IG redeploys CP ahead tomorrow’s election L

PPA disowns candidate HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has deployed a new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Ndabawa, to take charge of security matters in Ondo State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Adeniran Aremu, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commissioner assumed

duties on Thursday. He told NAN that Ndabawa held a meeting with some top police officers apparently on election matters with a view to achieving success in his new assignment. The CP ,who was posted from Rivers, was expected to stand in for the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danladi Mshelbwala, for the period of the election. Aremu said that the command was fully prepared for

the election, and urged the electorate not to entertain fear and come out to cast their votes. He stressed that adequate security measures had been made to ensure the protection of lives and properties during the polls. NAN recalls that some political parties had called for the replacement of the INEC Resident Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police as part of measures to ensure a free and fair election.

he Independent Campaign Network (ICN) yesterday admonished the Nigerian Army and other security agencies not to allow the Labour Party (LP) to compromise their officers during the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State. The group alleged that Governor Olusegun Mimiko was trying to hoodwink the securities agencies with the support of some highly placed senior citizens in Abuja who were acting as agents of LP. In a statement by its Director of Strategy and Communication Bureau, Bosun Oladimeji, ICN said it learnt that Mimiko had been discussing with some top officers of the Nigerian Army with a view to assisting him during the election. He further alleged that Mimiko had succeeded in compromising the leadership of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), promising to give the organisation logistic support during the Saturday gubernatorial poll. Oladimeji, who lamented that LP had introduced a devilish approach to fighting opposition in the state, said that some LP thugs believed to be working for Hon. Eni Omosule at Owo last Tuesday evening arrested two ACN members who wore Aketi’s branded vests, forcing them to hold two guns before snapping their photographs as a way of blackmailing.

Abubakar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, addressing party supporters at a campaign rally during the week.

PDP accuses ACN of bringing in mercenaries AYO ESAN

he Ondo State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ayodele Ibine, has raised the alarm that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Thursday, ferried two lorry loads of mercenaries from Osun State into the state, saying these are people who did not register for election in the state. He however warned that the ACN’s fraudulent intention will be voided during the verification of voters’ names. But in his reaction, the ACN national spokesman, Lai Mohammed, said the statement is not true and urged Ibine to report to the police, if he has any evidence to that effect, saying that the ACN will win the election with the support of the electorate and God. Ibine also called on the Federal Government to clamp on those who are harbouring thugs, saying: “The PDP did not train thugs and we are not harbouring

anyone, we just tell the people of the state what we can do and they have that assurance because we have done it in the past.” On the preparation of the PDP for tomorrow’s election, Ibine said the party is fully ready and has mapped out its winning strategy, saying that after yesterday’s deadline for open campaign, all members of the party have returned to their respective base to prepare for the election. He said the PDP and its candidate in the election, Olusola Oke, stand a better chance because of the performance of the leader of the party and former governor of the state, Olusegun Agagu, while in office, as well as the performance of Oke during various debates organised for the election. His words: “Our candidate demonstrated that he knows what he is doing. In America or Britain, people don’t need money to vote for a candidate. With the performance of Oke at the debate, most of the educated people, who were having sympathy for the La-

bour Party (LP) or the ACN before have changed their minds and they are rooting for the PDP. Up till this morning we were still receiving decampees from both the ACN and the LP”. He further disclosed that the party, as part of its preparation for the election has informed all its polling agents that they should insist on one man one vote, saying: “We are aware of the problems other parties may wish to cause as winning strategy, but we are sure nemesis will catch up with them.” He said the opinion polls by both professionals and the people of the state have shown that the electorate are yearning for a change, adding: “Everybody in the state has been suffering in the last four years and they are yearning for changes. Market stalls were built for them but they don’t have money to buy things to sell. Farmers cannot afford the price of fertilisers, which is now N5,500 as opposed to N1,800 during Agagu’s time.”

ess than 24 hours to the gubernatorial election in Ondo State, the camp of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has been engulfed with crisis, just as the party disowned its candidate, Olatunji Omoregha. Omoregha was disowned over a comment he allegedly made against a former governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who has now decamped to the ruling Labour Party (LP). In a statement issued and signed by the chairman of the party, Alamurin Ogunmodede, the PPA condemned its candidate for making such statement at the time the election was around the corner, when Omoregha should be strategising on how the party would win the election. Ogunmodede said: “For some time now, Omoregha has not been discussing party issues with the leadership of the PPA apart from financial requests. The Ondo State PPA can categorically say that Omoregha is on his own and should not be regarded as speaking the mind of the PPA.” And for what it called alleged anti-party action of its candidate, the PPA announced the suspension of Omoregha and according to the chairman; he would consequently not be regarded as its flag bearer for the election. But in a swift reaction, Omoregha said there was nothing the party could do at this point to stop or replace his candidature, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised his candidature for tomorrow’s election, while also threatening a legal action against his party. His words: “I remain the governorship candidate of the PPA, recognised by INEC. Whatever anybody says is not necessary at this point. What they want me to do is to raise my hands for the Labour Party (LP) and I don’t believe in the ideology of the LP, I cannot be a rubber stamp for any government that is not performing. One of their angers is that they allowed themselves to be used. How can somebody go on air to insult Bola Tinubu, whom we should all be respecting in Yorubaland, I cannot allow that. “The chairman has no power to disown me, because as soon as the candidate of a party emerges, the chairman steps aside. I am in charge of the operation and I am in charge of the party. Whatever I say in the party is the final. And whatever action they take against me as a candidate of the party is a political rascality, it will never work and if they do anything further I will take them to court.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Friday, October 19, 2012

The Islamicness of today’s Muslims ABDULWAREES SOLANKE

appeal to Muslim Ummah to permit my indulgence in raising critical questions on how the Muslims world have fared since the rise of colonization and how their history has shaped events in the world. Our world is the era of serious contacts and confrontation between the Orient and the Occident, between the East and the West. It is the era of the clash of Western and the Islamic civilizations. In most development literatures from the West, the Islamic World in the past era was painted as crude and barbaric, unstructured and uncultured. But in the perception of the Muslims, the West, which was just undergoing the Industrial Revolution then, was a world that had abandoned guidance and lapsed into the modern jahiliyyah, ignorance. While the West was basking in the euphoria of its so called Renaissance, the age of learning, the Muslim East was luxuriating in its own enlightenment, which I refer to as Islamiqueness. But what the Muslim East did not take into account was that at the height of their own Enlightenment, they could become victims of plenty as they also begun to slip into some slumber when their world reached Utopia. I think this is arrogance on their part, and stupidity too, to forget where they came from, jahiliyyah, to favour from above. The Muslim world then had attained what is being championed as globalization today, in the Otto-

man Empire. The Caliphate that they had established was more of a world government where the order of the Sultan in Constantinople could take effect in Cairo. At the height of their power, which had reached the heart of Europe (Andalusia, Spain was actually an Islamic centre of learning with the most advance architecture), they became a threat to the West. But they had also, in some lascivious indulgences, begun to show some cracks in the beautiful edifice constructed with the instrumentality of the Islamic order. As moral deterioration set in for the Ummah, their spiritual might waned and their strength of unity balked. It took the western political, military and diplomatic strategists the simple tactics of playing brothers against brothers, divide and rule for the imperial West to smash the Caliphate and split the Ummah into pieces. At the end of the First World War, the Empire of islam had collapsed. That is why the decisions on the future of many Muslim lands were taken at the Berlin Conference of 1885 or through the Balfour Declaration. The Berlin Conference was where the colonial powers decided on how to share territories of Africa and Asia, many of which were predominantly Muslim. The Balfour Declaration set the tone of future crisis of the Middle East over the state of Palestine. These insights are necessary for us to appreciate why it is in the Muslim lands that most of the colonial wars over territories were fought. They will also enable

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF ISLAMIQUENESS ON WHICH THE EARLY

MUSLIMS

CONSTRUCTED THEIR LIVES IS IIMAN us appreciate why the most problematic region now is the Muslim and Arabdominated Maghreb and the islamically influenced countries of South and South East Asia, from Algeria to the Philippines. They will also let us appreciate why the policy of many European nations is to curtail the influence of Islam in their socio-cultural milieu. But at the height of Muslim power, there was pursuit of beneficial knowledge and application of virtuous science, even if not as advanced as what it is today. It brought out the Islamiqueness of Muslims as cultured, not the barbarians the western scholars made the world to believe. Trade and commerce flourished in the golden era of Islamic Orient, but not in what will compromise the sanity of man. Unfortunately, it is the Islamiqueness of that time that the so called modernists first assaulted as backwardness and unnecessary attachment to tradition. In the following analysis, I will highlight some of the basic values of Islam that confirm the Islamiqueness of the

early Muslims and their immediate successors with a view to identifying why today’s Muslims are falling short of their leadership expectations. The first principle of Islamiqueness on which the early Muslims constructed their lives is iiman, that is faith in Allah and the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad. The corollary to adherence to this first pillar of Islam is the acceptance of all the contents of faith: all the prophets, the angels, the revealed books, predestination and life after death/last day. The extent to which they held these articles of faith also defined the strength with which they upheld the other four pillars of the Islamic faith, that is, the prescribed daily prayers, as-salaat, the purifying payment of zakaat or charity, the obligation of fasting in Ramadan and the concern to perform the hajj, or the pilgrimage to the house of Allah, in Makkah. More importantly, however, is their sincerity in the observance of these rites. Their sincerity is reflected in the purity of their intention for the acts, the correctness of the observance and the steadfastness with which they were upheld. So, the Islamiqueness of the early Muslim generation scored highly on the purity of intention and the correctness of the observance of the religious acts. To be continued Solanke, korewarith@yahoo.com, is Head, Voice of Nigeria Training Centre, Ikorodu, Lagos

Alison-Madueke and the PIB FRANCIS OTTAH AGBO Continued from last week

his I believe will complement the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and quell youth restiveness in the area. The PIB further protects the environment, terminates oil flaring and makes it punishable by law! Making more productive use of the gas resources will help create another window for the inflow of foreign exchange into the economy. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA,) which had become the butt of many jokes, are to be replaced with Petroleum Technical Bureau and the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency. Equally interesting is the fact that NNPC is to be unbundled into three companies – National Oil Company, National Petroleum Assets Management Corporation and National Gas Company. Nigerian investors are to have 30 percent equity in the National Oil Company and 40 percent in the National Gas Company within six years from the date of incorporation. The PIB insulates the National Oil Company from the hammer of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007. If the National Oil Company is incorporated, the assets and liabilities held by

THE PIB FURTHER PROTECTS THE

ENVIRONMENT, TERMINATES OIL FLARING AND MAKES IT PUNISHABLE BY LAW the NNPC on behalf of the federal government except the interests in the unincorporated joint ventures and Nigerian Gas Company Limited shall be vested in the National Oil Company within 12 to 24 months from the effective date. The transfer of liability or obligation under the section stated above frees the NNPC from the liability or obligation as far as the transferred assets are concerned, but the National Oil Company can defend or enforce all obligations for or against NNPC as if it is the original party to such obligation in the event of majeure or default. The PIB provides for a National Petroleum Assets Management Corporation as a holding company which will operate fully on a commercial swing. Consequently the Corporation will have power to (a) enter into contracts and incur obligations; (b) acquire, hold, mortgage, purchase and deal with all types of property; (c) establish and maintain subsidiaries for the dis-

charge of its functions as the Corporation may determine and so on. The Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency exists to oversee tariffs to prevent hijack of deregulation by exploitative marketers. Aside this, the agency will oversee transportation of pipeline, bulk storage of petroleum products at designated depots. However, In spite of this power, PIB empowers all marketers to establish loading facilities, jetties and own independent pipelines and depots to create a level playing field for all players in the oil and gas sector. One salient provision of the PIB is that it gives absolute power to licensed oil marketing company, bulk consumer of petroleum products or independent refineries to construct and operate independent pipelines, depots or jetties for their exclusive use. A deep study of the crux of the NNPC reform embarked upon by Alison-Madueke is to reposition the corporation in such a way that it is more transparent and profit-oriented so that it could generate more funds for the federation. The reforms will equally make the corporation to be at par with its counterparts in other oil- producing countries like the Petrobras of Brazil, Aramco of Saudi Arabia and Petronas of Malaysia. The implication of this is that NNPC will declare more money for government to develop the country. Nigerians and the National Assembly must rise up in unison to fly with the PIB and chart the course of our collective

destiny by ensuring that the bill is expeditiously passed into law. It is by so doing that the name of the Seventh National Assembly will be written in gold. It is by so doing that there will be more money to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDAs). The bill needs the support of all stakeholders in the Nigerian Project. Neither the baby nor the bath water should be thrown away since this version of the PIB has received the endorsement of majority of Nigerians, the critical players in the oil and gas sector, civil society groups and the popular media. The insinuation by a few individual and a section of the Abuja press that the PIB vests too much power on the Minister of Petroleum is misplaced. The issue at stake is not about individuals, but about our destiny as a people, and the fundamental reforms needed in the sector. In any case, Alison-Madueke will not be Minister of Petroleum forever. Many more will come after her. The few opponents of the bill could have their say, but not their way. . Concluded Agbo, a journalist and public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja 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, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

LANRE OYETADE

GENERAL 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

On tomorrow’s Ondo governorship election L T O he people of Ondo State will be going to the polls tomorrow to pick a new governor. Two major contenders out of the 12 cleared for the contest, namely: Rotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and Chief Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seem poised to wrest power from the incumbent governor, Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP). From July 12 this year, when campaigns officially kicked off, till the end yesterday (October 19), the candidates traversed the length and breadth of the state to canvass for votes. Though there were tensed situations occasioned by few incidents of violence; as well as other imperfections like claims by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state that some members of its staff had been compromised by desperate politicians bent on rigging the election, etc., we do see any major threat to the conduct of a free and fair election in Ondo State tomorrow. President Goodluck Jonathan had assured all stakeholders of a level playing field in the electoral contest. Though in the state last weekend to mobilise support for his party, the PDP, the president neither appeared fanatical nor gave special assurance of victory for the PDP

at the poll. Like he did during the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo State, Jonathan has likewise promised to provide adequate security to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. Reports point to the mass mobilization of security personnel from virtually all the nation’s security agencies. For its part, the police especially, according to latest reports, have concluded all security arrangements for a hitch-free poll with the announcement by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, of restriction on movement in the state tomorrow. With all now set, the ball is once again in the court of INEC to deliver. We implore the Commission to exploit the opportunity presented by the Ondo State governorship election to demonstrate to the nation and the rest of the world that it truly has the capacity to effectively manage this most central and sensitive responsibility in a nascent democracy like Nigeria’s. And whereas we think the Professor Attahiru Jega-led Commission has demonstrated sufficient neutrality and integrity in its conduct of electoral competitions so far, we cannot absolutely vouch for the moral high-grounds of its regular ad hoc staff, since they still appear very vulnerable to the carrots often dangled

ET THE CANDIDATE

CHOSEN BY

NDO

PEOPLE EMERGE TOMORROW AS THE GOVERNOR; AND LET THE LOSERS ACCEPT DEFEAT AS SPORTSMEN by corrupt and dubious politicians, as the report from the Ondo INEC earlier referred to had indicated. Therefore, Jega and his men should ensure that all staffers (both regular and ad hoc) entrusted with election materials are persons of strong character and proven integrity; people who cherish international best practices in the conduct of elections and not crooks ready to serve as accomplices in the rigging of the Ondo election for personal gains. All parties to the contest had traded allegations and counterallegations of attempts to rig. And since, based on experience, no political party in the country deserves being discharged of possessing fraudulent and rigging potentials; the INEC should be alert and ready to frustrate all attempts to rig. Indeed, it should ensure, not by

the mere word of mouth, but by action, that each vote counts. The Ondo State terrain would likely pose serious geographical challenges to INEC, especially from the coastal/ riverine communities. Considering INEC’s experience during the last Edo governorship poll, where voting materials meant for such communities were delivered extremely late, and also resulted in the loss of lives, it may be hoped that the Commission would, this time around, team up with the Marine unit of the Nigeria Police Force, to transport personnel and materials early enough to such remote communities. The die is cast. The political parties, candidates and their supporters should come to terms with the realities on ground and give free and fair election in Ondo a chance tomorrow. Ondo politicians ought to have realized from recent turn of events that electoral victories stolen through thuggery and violence, ballot stuffing and snatching, multiple-voting, vote-buying or outright falsification of results, etc., only last for a little while. Let the candidate freely chosen by Ondo people emerge tomorrow as the new governor; and let the losers accept defeat as sportsmen, without bitterness and rancor.

ON THIS DAY October 19, 2005 Saddam Hussein, the fifth President of Iraq, went on trial in Baghdad for crimes against humanity. On June 30, 2004, Saddam held in custody by United States’ forces at the US base “Camp Cropper”, along with 11 other senior Ba’athist leaders, were handed over legally (though not physically) to the interim Iraqi government to stand trial for crimes against humanity and other offences. He was found guilty on November 5, 2006 and hanged on December 30, 2006, despite his wish to be shot.

October 19, 2001 SIEV-X, an Indonesian fishing boat en-route to Christmas Island, a territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean, carrying over 400 asylum seekers, sank in international waters with the loss of 353 people. SIEV X stands for Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel X. SIEV is the acronym used by the surveillance authority for any boat that has entered Australian waters without prior authorization; and the X is a designation where a tracking number has not or is yet to be assignedinaccordancewithAustraliangovernmentorders.

October 19, 1986 Samora Machel, President of Mozambique and a prominent leader of FRELIMO, and 33 others died when their Tupolev 134 plane crashed into the Lebombo Mountains. Samora Moisés Machel (September 29, 1933 – October 19, 1986) was a Mozambican military commander, revolutionary socialist leader and eventual President of Mozambique. Machel led the country from independence in 1975 until his death in 1986.

Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, October 19, 2012

THE HEADIES

TERH AGBEDEH

HAS HELD THE

MUSIC INDUSTRY SPELLBOUND AND ORGANISERS PROMISE IT WILL SURPASS THAT TOMORROW

categories. Wizkid, Davido, Ice Prince and Praiz, have four nominations each. Davido, Eva Alordia, Praiz and Chuddy K will slug it out in the popular ‘Next Rated’ category, which comes with a brand new car. The Headies Hall of Fame will recognise Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti especially for excellence and outstanding impact to the entertainment industry. Femi Kuti, whose 14th studio album is almost ready, will also join Bez, Timi Dakolo, Styl Plus, Praiz, Chuddy K, Davido, Eva Alordiah and Brymo to perform at the ceremony.

WEEKEND STARTERS Awolowo Road, Ikoyi- Felabration weekend

Hennessy Artistry finale today

o round off this year’s Hennessy Artistry project, there will be an invite only VVIP concert today, October 19 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The show, which kicks off at 8.30 p.m., will bring this year’s outstanding project to a grand close. Hennessy Artistry headliners, M.I and Naeto C will perform alongside all the supporting acts, as well as a number of surprise acts that have

been billed to stun guests at the event. Since the beginning of this year’s project, the Hennessy Artistry music platform has taken over the entertainment industry, clubs and electronic media in Nigeria..

Verissimo, others read at Jazzhole

omorrow, Adebola Rayo, Segun Adefila, Jumoke Verissimo and Yomi Habib will be reading their works at the second edition of Author`s Talk at 3.00 p.m. at Glendora/Jazz Hole,

Lagos. The Author`s Talk provides young and emerging writers a platform to present and discuss their works to an audience of publishers, journalists, lovers of the arts and interested guests. The event is organised by GoetheInstitut, Lagos.

Midwestern presents jazz fest

fter hosting a successful jazz/ highlife session with two of Nigeria’s iconic musicians Victor Uwaifo and Victor Olaiya perform on stage at the MUSON Jazz Festival 2011, Midwestern Oil & Gas brings NAIJAZZ to the 2012 festival

stage powered by Inspiro Productions. The event will feature an all-Nigerian line up of both international and home-based jazz and jazz related musicians playing tomorrow at two shows (3.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.) at the Shell Nigeria

Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. The artistes include S/A-based guitarist Ayodel; S/Abased bassist Mike Ebere; Germany-based Pianist, Dapo Dina; Guitarist, El Jazz; Saxtee; Trumpeter, Victor Ademofe and jazz vocalist, Adesua.

he 2012 Felabration which opened in Lagos, Abuja and other cities around the world on Monday, October 15 is steeped in rousing series of musical performances, artistic showings and literary activities in honour of Fela Anikulapo Kuti (October 15, 1938 to August 2, 1997). The week-long Felabration running till Sunday, October 21, continues allweekend with musical concerts at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos from

6.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Performing are Highlife All Stars (Friday); Gangbe Brass Band, Eko Brass Band (Saturday); Seun Kuti & Egypt ‘80 and Jaiye (Sunday). A 3-day show is also on at Cinnamon Cafe, Ademola Adetokunbo Street, V.I.; Kuniran performs today; Saturday will have Ranti and on Sunday, the evergreen Fatai Rolling Dollar. On Saturday, at Ayo Bankole’s Centre for Arts & Cultural Expressions, Surulere, Lagos,

Ayetoro will be performing. A musical concert tagged “Jazz at the Q” will also hold sway tomorrow at Q Lounge, V.I. Performing at this event are Yomi Sax, Kuniran, Ranti and Simi. Performing at The New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja from today till Sunday will be a number of contemporary entertainment stars such as Flavour, Davido, Eldee, Seun Kuti & Egypt ‘80, Ghana’s Sakordie, Evergreen Band, Tiwa Savage and Femi Kuti for the last day.

Escape

Praiz, Flowssick, Chuddy-K, and established stars like Wizkid, Ice Prince, Terry G and Femi Kuti. Other nominees are PSquare, Bez Idakula, D’Banj, Sarkodie, 2face and Naeto C, among others. PSquare and Bez Idakula lead with six nominations each. ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Artiste of the Year’, ‘Song of the Year’, ‘Best Pop Single’, ‘Best R‘n’BPop Album’ and ‘Best Collabo’ categories for P-Square, while Bez is in the ‘Recording of the Year’, ‘Best R‘n’B Single’, ‘Best R‘n’B/ Pop Album’, ‘Best Collabo’, ‘Best Vocal Performance’ and Hip Hop World Revelation of the year

P. 31

Bez

Mirror Mongers

Femi Kuti

Femi, who said his career is not based on awards, explained that he sincerely means what he sings about. “My music is truly fighting for electricity, good healthcare service, good roads, equal education for my people and African unity. It’s neither a love song, nor commercial and it still gets headlines and good reviews. I’m especially touched when young people appreciate what I am doing”, he said. It is the first time the World Music Award winner and three-time Grammy award nominee will be honoured in Nigeria. “It’s a kind of privilege and I would drink a bottle of champagne when I get it; we will celebrate here”, Femi cheerily stated. Speaking about the artistes billed to perform this year, Animashaun said: “Every year, our target is to surpass our very best efforts. With notable artistes such as Femi Kuti and many more gracing The Headies this year, our fans should expect to watch the most exciting awards ceremony to be held in recent times”.

P. 32-33

M.I. and Omawumi

P. 24-25

or seven years, the thrill of The Headies (formerly known as Hip Hop World Awards) has held the music industry in Nigeria spellbound and organisers promise it will surpass that tomorrow at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. When preparations start each year and they do start early for the awards, even those who may not want to be a part of it do everything possible to share in the glamour. Since August, when the hosts for this edition were unveiled by founder of the awards, Ayo Animashaun, the buzz has continued to heighten and everybody who is somebody in Nigerian music is talking about it. To be hosted this year by rap star Jube Abaga a.k.a. M.I and singer Omawumi Magbele, the main sponsor for the award is MTN Nigeria. Animashaun said at the unveiling that it was a very important year for the organisers and the Nigerian music industry; “we found in M.I and Omawumi two great entertainers who are very passionate about the awards, passionate about their work, passionate about the music business and a great source of inspiration to young, upcoming artistes because of their peculiar stories climbing up”. One week before the event, nominees were hosted to a party at the Cool World retail shop, Lagos. Fans came in their numbers to watch their favourite nominees perform some of which included MTN Project Fame past winners, Iyanya and Chidinma, as well as MTN Pulse ambassador, Davido; upcoming artistes

Denrele’s Day

Lagos goes heady with The Headies

P. 34

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

Inside FCT

VOL. 2 No. 473

Artman In The House

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My father wanted me to For Oliver Enwonwu, one of the sons of renowned sculptor, late Ben Enwonwu (MBE), art was supposed to be a secondary option. But after a university degree in Biochemistry, he still found out that his area of comparative competence was still art. The newly-elected National President of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), spoke with Friday Flavour’s NGOZI EMEDOLIBE. In what state did you get onboard Society of Nigeria Artists as the national president? I have been a member for a couple of years, being an artist myself. I started out by serving in various committees in the Lagos chapter. The society has many chapters. But my chapter, (Lagos) is one of the vibrant chapters. In 2008, I was the chairman of the exhibition committee. In 2009, I became the chairman of the Lagos chapter, and did that for three years. In those three years, a lot actually happened. What specifically happened? Membership rose and the welfare of artists became a paramount issue. We also held a lot of seminars on how artists can become better at their careers. A lot more exhibitions came up. We had a gala night where some people were rewarded with prizes for their outstanding works. We also partnered with some international cultural bodies like the French Cultural Centre. We had a major exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of the French presence in Nigeria. I contested for the national presidency in August and I have a fantastic team that is working with me. So where do you hope to take the SNA to? We hope to be more structured. We hope to partner with more international organisations in the area of funding and in the area of attracting more fellowships for members. It is my hope that we can have a small endowment fund on which artists can lean. We also would like to celebrate SNA at 50 next year, aside looking into the educational system to see what we can do about the degrees being well-accredited, about teaching conditions and curriculum development. Another area is the plans to have an art registration council. We hope to do this in order to give more credence to our members. We also hope to use our platform for advocacy, like other people before me have done. In fact, I would like to continue in their tradition. We want to publish and also continue with hold conferences. What would be done to address the despair amongst young artists? We are going to look their way even more now. We will have more exhibitions for artists. But we really cannot do much unless they join us. They must join in order to see the inherent benefits. I do not want to give them the impression that you are coming in to take; you must be able to give as well. When you give, you can then receive. That’s my philosophy. What does require to join SNA? An intending member must attend an

interview where he would be asked a couple of questions. The interview dwells on the person’s professional development; on how far the person has gone. But we want to raise the bar now. Right now, we want to bring in as many people as possible. We would be looking for only very proficient members. For the younger artists, we hope to have competitions for students. We had done this at the Lagos chapter, but we can also bring it to the national level. It is our hope that with more seminars, competitions The Great Deception, 2011, Acrylic on canvas, and mentoring opportunities, the younger 172x206cm artists will be better prepared or the challenges of the future. There was something I did during my tenure at the Lagos chapter, where we would bring in some personalities from other fields to come talk to us. This is in realisation of the fact that there is no way one can improve in his career without having friends that cut across. We once brought the Goethe Institut (German Cultural Centre) Director, who spoke about international opportunities for the artists. These and things like portfolio development will help the younger artists. What role did your father, Ben Enwonwu play in you entering the arts? Actually while growing up, I used to watch my father paint. But honestly I did not really know who he was until people started telling me. Yes, I knew my father was an artist just like some of my friends whose parents were doctors and lawyers. Nneka, 2009, Pastel on paper, 45 x 30cm But I found it a little odd, because the life of an artist is not well-structured. My fa- sister who is a dentist, but later she left ther’s life was structured but he still had to join the corporate world after practichis bouts of inspiration as a professor. It ing for six years. My younger sister is into was an interesting experience, by and web designs. I also have other half-brothers and half-sisters. large. But he wanted me to be a priest. He wanted me to be the one he would give to the House of the Lord, you know. At what point did you decide it was goHe wanted to dedicate his youngest son. ing to be a career? Some years down the line as friends and But that was not to be. I started out studying Biochemistry. It was later on that I colleagues of my dad’s began to involve went back to school to study art. Initially, me in exhibitions. That led to the birth of I took it for granted, because deep within Ben Enwonwu Foundation (BEF) which I founded with some of his colleagues and me, I wanted to be a doctor. old friends. The idea was actually to remember him and keep his memory alive. When did you begin to pay attention to As we kept doing it, things started happenart? Later on in life, I discovered that most ing. But as a child, I could always draw. As of the things I was doing that pertained to a Biochemistry student in school, I would arts were more successful. So naturally, I do paintings and sell, and that kept me going. I actually started exhibiting in 1998, gravitated towards art. but it was purely seen as secondary issue. Are you the only child who took after What used to run in your mind while your father? No, I have a younger sister, who draws watching your father doing his work? I used to enjoy watching him. I have aland paints. She is however more into website design, employing her basics in ways been inspired by his works. I feel he art though. I am into the traditional art, was very gifted. He was not just a painter, he also sculpted. But the truth is that he while she is into the one that is IT-based. did not like people around him when he was working. So most times you would not Where are your siblings? My elder brother is a pastor. I have a even get the opportunity to watch him.

Enwonwu

BUT I SEE ART AS AN INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON WHICH HAS GROWN PAST BEING A TRIBAL THING He never allowed you to understudy him unconsciously? When he was getting a bit older, he would actually ask me to help him do some strokes while painting because his hands were shaking. That was when he needed to do a straight line in his work. There is this particular job he was doing for the Metropolitan Club; it was a portrait of Adetukunbo Ademola. He wanted to show books in the man’s library, but his hands were shaking due to old age. He asked that I should help him do that. That was the only situation when he would ask me to work with him. Otherwise, he would not want anyone around him. But I must give him credit in the area of learning the rudiments of water colour painting. Maybe the reason why I ended up an artist is because I did not become a doctor

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Artman In The House

Friday, October 19, 2012

be a priest –Enwonwu Some of Ben Enwonwu’s knick-knacks preserved at the Omenka Gallery

Art displayed inside Omenka gallery

Adaora, 2009, Pastel on paper, 30 x 45cm

like I had planned. I was given Biochemistry and when I was through with the first degree I did not want to go back to study Medicine again because a lot had actually changed. I had started exhibitions and was selling works. When he passed on, we buried his brushes and materials with him at Onitsha. Even his frames were being given out until the day I decided to try my hands on them. Two years down the line, I had my first solo exhibition which was a sell out. How is your work perceived abroad? I must say it is warm. I have exhibited in UK, USA, Ireland and many places. I just returned from an exhibition in South Africa; I will say I have more exhibitions outside than in Nigeria. Does it derive from your father’s influence? Well, it has worked in two different ways. Sometimes, some people would like to look at my work because of my father; but sometimes too, they would just begin to compare and walk off. There is easy recognition and comparison. I have had people who refused to buy my work and chose to tell me ‘you are just copying him’.

FACT FILE •

Oliver holds a post-graduate qualification in Applied Geophysics and Visual Arts; he is currently studying for a Masters in Art History.

•

He apprenticed with his father, late celebrated Nigerian artist, Prof. Ben Enwonwu

•

Oliver is the curator of Omenka Gallery and founding editor and publisher of Omenka, Nigeria’s first art, business and lifestyle magazine.

•

He is the founder and executive director, The Ben Enwonwu Foundation and member, Advisory Board, The Art Exchange Limited. The father of two; son, Brian and daughter, Adaora lives in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Where do you think Ben Enwonwu’s strength is situated as an artist? I know it is sculpture. I am a painter; I do not do sculpting, it is very demanding.

Since I am into book publishing, I would rather do painting to relax myself. Sculpting is work. What do steps can a young Nigerian artist take to be in reckoning? I will tell them to start preparing their portfolio right from school, because it your portfolio that you present. They should not just stay within the confines of school. They should read and talk to professionals; they should also attend workshops. Internet has a lot of resources that would build the young artists. They need to keep checking out international opportunities. They should be able to write a convincing personality statement, because that is also important. They should look beyond Nigeria because there are a lot of opportunities out there. Clustering also helps as well; by this I mean forming artists’ cooperatives, where you mingle with other artists. I will also advise them to help cultivate friendships beyond their immediate art environment. Nothing stops an artist from being friends with bankers, doctors, lawyers, because they will also educate you and open new outlets for your works. They should be able to negotiate their career. Some people buy works because of one’s personality and

Broken Flight, 2011, Acrylic on canvas, 122x97cm. (Artworks by Oliver Enwonwu)

not how gifted one is. How have you projected Onitsha’s heritage in your works? I have done quite a lot of works to reflect that, just like my father did. Some of my paintings show that. I am also part of Olokoto, an Onitsha group of artists. But I see art as an international phenomenon which has grown past being a tribal thing. It is just like Physics as a subject. You cannot be saying Nigerian Physics; it is international. But there is African art? Yes, but the essence here should be to project it to the international realm because that is where it belongs. What are the major challenges of the Nigerian artists? The major one is funding. Most corporate bodies would prefer putting their money in musical concerts because they tell you that only few people attend exhibitions. Then there is also the issue of school curriculum. It should be enhanced now to prepare the artist for the challenges of society. They will teach you the rudiments of painting and sculpting but not how to survive with your art works.

Critics

Friday, October 19, 2012

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Book

Why? Why? Why? Nigeria!

Here Comes the Commander-In-Chief, a collection of articles over a period of four years by Gabriel Akinadewo, is a rich, graphic profile of Nigeria, the Nigerian condition and the Nigerian elite as detailed in this review by DEBO ADESHINA.

n assessing our leaders, Here Comes the CommanderIn-Chief, in several offerings, captures the earnest but gruff and politically self-immolating personality of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo , the sickly but humble persona of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and, of course, the tentativeness of Goodluck Jonathan. Indeed, throughout all of the essays, the author struggles with one thing: defining the essential Jonathan and seemingly wanders between a lucky, good man; an unlucky one or a man blessed with both who is just incapable of embracing his fortune. In one of the essays titled ‘Jonathan, Let There Be Light’, the author seeks an end to the nation’s perennial energy problem but he could not have used a better turn of phrase if the quest was: Jonathan, who art thou! Taking on politics and politicians, the economy and economists, business and businessmen, religion and the clergy, the Bar and the Bench, from the first page to the last, this is an engaging record of the journey our nation has made over this period, a description of the wrong road taken and the appropriate one uncharted. It is a collection of insightful and astute commentaries on failed promises, dashed hopes, scuttled dreams, darkened days and bleak nights. In many cases, however, he is able to show us where to find the light with which the lost traveller can find the way home. Some of the pages sing with joy. Most of them bristle with anger; justifiably. An enduring beauty of Akinadewo’s writings is that he is first and foremost a reporter. Not just what is commonly called an arm-chair analyst, the type whose judgment or commentaries are based on second-hand or even third-hand information. From these essays his skills as a newshound shine through as he displays not just knowledge of the issues or persons but takes his readers to the ringside of events. A deep knowledge of international affairs reeks all through these essays. The language, simple and picturesque, is also illustrative of how much the author appreciates and explores the riches of the English language. The essays are full of historical parallels and Akinadewo, it would seem, has special interest in the lives and times of renowned dictators. This book therefore is full of narrations of the exploits of Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, King Ahab, King Nebuchadnezzar and their like as he tries to awaken Nigerians to the danger of bad leadership. Bad leadership, bad governance and a society in dire need of heroes have always been the fertile ground for great columnists. Nigeria of the four years under his searchlight, therefore, has offered Akinadewo more than enough material. Taking on the clergy, the author takes us on a tour of the ostentatious and often immoral lifestyles of our spiritual leaders. And he does not just comment. He reports on the specifics of their excesses. Spiritual hip-hop showmen, con artists, materialistic blackmailers parading themselves as men of God, according to the author, they prey on the gullibility of our people to feather their nest and recycle realities as vision. They mouth vain, pedestrian statements as fundamentals. In reporting facts through his writings, Akinadewo is sometimes grim. But so is the Nigerian condition. In exasperation, he then ends up with the familiar cry: ‘Why? Why? Why?’ In capturing what he deems a certain dementia our nation must be living with, he picks on issues and events that affect specific people and places.

AN ENDURING BEAUTY OF AKINADEWO’S WRITINGS IS THAT HE IS FIRST AND FOREMOST A REPORTER ‘As it was in the Beginning’ is the title of a commentary on the menace of tanker drivers on the LagosIbadan Expressway, that perennial killing field that our governments have deemed still inefficient in its butchering assignment, hence thousands of lives killed yearly on the road have not made them see reason to fix it. And after lamenting this state of affairs, the author asks: ‘who will cure Nigeria of this insanity?”’ The decay in the nation’s infrastructure holds a special appeal for the writer and the book has highly informative commentaries on how to fix our roads, electricity, aviation and others. But the political will to do the right things, according to him, is the problem. Which is why he asks a legitimate question: “For the sake of argument, let us assume that in 1999, there was no pole, no wire in this country, are we saying that in 12 years, a nation as endowed as Nigeria is could not have done better than it has done today in electricity supply?” And as Nigerians get abandoned by those elected to serve them, the author laments the total collapse of governance and wonders where the phenomenon of private this and private that would end. From private nursery schools to private universities, from private hospitals to privatised roads, our governments at all levels have abandoned even their basic duties to the people. What then are we waiting for? Let us have the National Assembly, states assemblies and other arms of government privatised. And in a lamentation of the dearth of even an oasis in this wasteland of corruption that Nigeria has become, the author worries about the descent of the Temple of Justice too into the morass. Writing under the title, ‘Judiciary For Sale’, on page 468, he reports the decay in the judiciary, the money-spinning machine that election tribunals had become and the impunity with which justice and injustice are put on the shelf for sale. And the scale of justice tilts towards the higher bidder. On page 337 in the essay titled ‘Yar’Adua, Obasanjo and the Unkindest Cut of All’, the hypocrisy of the Nigerian elite, politicians and public commentators alike, following the death of President Yar’Adua, is exposed. Once President Jonathan took the reins contrary to the machinations of many of them, the volte face was so abrupt it was embarrassing. “Because of the emergence of a new powerful kid, we have all forgotten the tragedy imposed on the nation on May 29, 2007 which became a reality on May 5, 2010 with billions of naira wasted in the process”. In this chapter, Nigerians are reminded of the misadventure of an unprepared, perhaps unwilling, sickly presidency that was imposed on them and the three years of incapacitation that the nation endured under a bed-ridden leadership. When the man died and the tears would not stop even from the eyes of those who could not wait to hear the late president breathe his last, of course, our author had had enough. It is with disgust therefore, that he laments: “Everybody is now shouting Yar’Adua was a hero, a humble man, a nation builder, a nice man, a great citizen. He was transparent. He was selfless. He was a patriot...We have suddenly forgotten the series of

protests to ask him to go and now that he is gone, we are carrying on as if he is the messiah we are waiting for from the dead”. While the book does not necessarily dispute those attributes of the late President, he seems to tell all that speaking ill of the dead may be wrong, speaking good of the dead who did not get the benefit of your praise while alive is equally wrong. He painstakingly takes us on a tour of the Yar’Adua era, the conspiracy that enthroned him, the captivity which he resisted and his eventual betrayal by those forces. In this power game of life and death, rule or die, Nigeria, of course, remains the loser. And that is the

Music

Kukere: First impressions endure

When MTN Project Fame West Africa Season One winner Iyanya, released Kukere in March, there was, no doubt, that the song would quickly become a national anthem. However, one wonders if the new remix of the song has the same chart-topping potential as its predecessor. SOLOMON OMOEFE

t its release earlier this year, Kukere, the Afro hip-hop single by Iyanya was a breath of fresh air, although the Project Fame winner had previously released other commendable singles including Love Truly and I’m the One. The hit single, produced by D’Tunes, was well-accepted and went club viral in a very short time while it is still hot in the market. Kukere is a danceable song with the infusion of Ghanaian Azonto dance that makes it more appealing and contemporary. The music video, directed by Patrick Ellis, also boosted the song’s fame; that is the appeal of Kukere– a party

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Critics

Friday, October 19, 2012

Stage “unkindest cut of all”. The editor in our author is on display throughout the book. And what is an editor if he cannot cast dramatic headlines? My Daddy Is A Girl, Witches Of Abeokuta, A Living Hyena Or A Dead Lion?, Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Curse, Jonathan Let There Be Light, Judiciary For Sale, World Bank: Ta Lo N Jeun Ti Aja Njuru? Kabiyesiooooooooo are just a few of those captivating titles. And in all, the analyses of issues are just as dramatic. In “Kabiyesioooooooooooo” on page 348, the traditional institution with its own challenges comes under the searchlight. Using the embarrassing spectacle of the former Deji of Akure engaging one of his wives in a brawl, as the entry point, this chapter examines the desecration of the traditional institutions, the greed that has led to the erosion of the respect our monarchs should enjoy and how even our royal fathers, with some notable exceptions of course, have been sucked into the culture of impunity. Unfortunate as this is, a more unfortunate thing is the system that fails to hold them and all of us the elite, accountable. We want ours to be like the developed countries we often use as reference points but we are not ready to answer for our actions. When we act wrongly, we flaunt our position or status as justification. And, as the author writes, we not only expect to be excused, we actually expect from the society we have wronged the shout of Kaaaaabiyesi o! Having been raised in a Christian Mission house, the author must have read and committed to heart the Holy Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Hence his use of Biblical verses and parallels to great effect. A keen student of History, his illustrations from across the world paint vivid pictures. Akinadewo is indeed a journalist-historian. There are 115 essays in this book, all written over the period of four years between June 2008 and May this year. Within this period, our nation has seen it all: sorrow, tears and blood, with occasional moments of joy. All of these have been captured in this collection. Nigeria is still here. And may Nigeria forever be. Events are still unfolding and there is no doubt it would not take another four years before we receive another book from this author. What he has done is to hold a mirror up to us all. As we all read this book and his other writings, may we have the courage to look at the image in the mirror and make all necessary amends. Mr. Adeshina is the editor of The Guardian Newspaper Nigeria

THIS REMIX TAMPERED WITH THE MELODY OF THE ORIGINAL

–IN A

DETRIMENTAL WAY banger. The message is about someone who becomes successful and is calling all his ladies to have some fun, while at the same time thanking God for the blessing. Another feature of the original song which makes it very interesting to listen to is the catchy hook “oohhh nananana ye yeyeyeye”; very simple to sing along. On the remix, however, Iyanya decided to re-do the popular song with Kokomaster himself, D’Banj. Iyanya did well in terms of lyrics delivery and getting the message across and D’Banj is, no doubt, entertaining on the track. But the Kokomaster did not really flow well on Kukere’s beats, especially when he sings about “chilling in the club in Aston Martin with Obafemi Martin”. I think this remix tampered with the melody of the original –in a detrimental way. Iyanya could have either retained the original song or featured a more melodic artist like Flavour, Omawuwi or even Timaya. But the unique element of “Kukere” –the beat, still remains on the remix version. The precision of the song’s message is clear and Iyanya’s funky delivery of lyrics is an edge the remix might enjoy to whip up listeners.

A scene from the play

An African tale of Spain It was a thrilling performance in September when the Jos Repertory Theatre hit the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with an exhilarating performance of the play, Eloise is under an Almond Tree. IZUCHUKWU OKEKE

he play is written by Spanish author, Enrique Jardiel Poncela, but was given an African touch by the Jos theatre team; the impressive audience that turned out to see it ended the day feeling very nostalgic. Set in a middle class Spain of the 1940s, the play examines family ties and the forces of nature that initiate conflicts and sometimes tests propensity of members to loyalty and forgiveness. Two families become the case study of the theme of this comic drama; the Ojedas and Briones. In these two families, the play examines the intertwined and dysfunctional lives of the members. The Briones used to live in the Ojeda’s farm. One day, Micela who has had mental problems from childhood, kills her sister-in-law, Eliose (wife to her younger brother, Edgardo). She did it thinking Eloise is having an affair with Federico Ojeda. To weave a mystery, Federico later commits suicide, leaving a note for his son, Fernando, to find out the circumstances surrounding his death. Meanwhile, Fernando is left in the custody of Ezekiel who is obsessed with being a scientist trying to find a cure for pellagra, an ailment that infects cats. Clotilde who is loved by both Ezekiel and Edgardo finds a diary detailing experiments by Ezekiel. She, however, believes that Ezekiel is experimenting with human beings, especially women. Maria Jones finds herself in love with young Fernando Ojeda. One rainy night, they are all end up at the Ojeda farm where family secrets of the last 20 years are laid bare and they all made to confront this past without which they cannot move forward as friends or family. This brief review may not afford sufficient space to detail such an intricate plot as found in the play. On the surface, it appears that characters—from both families—are all mentally imbalanced. But at certain points, they all appear to be perfectly normal. And this is the point where it all gets confusing. When are

JRT GAVE A PULSATING PERFORMANCE THAT KEPT THE AUDIENCE GLUED TO THEIR SEATS AND LAUGHING they normal and when are they abnormal? It takes a live audience to follow the plot and dialogue to understand all that. However, it is comforting to say that the play has such a hilarious theme. And the actors put in their best to make the para-normal characters come alive in their roles. Like always, it takes the ingenuity of JRT cast and crew to realise such a play to Nigerian audience. They did it so well; with an energetic, pulsating performance that kept the audience glued to their seats and laughing most of the night. It is hard to single out any character; most of the cast members were good to the craft. Once again, it was worth noting that the director, Patrick Jude Oteh did not pretend with characterisation. He chose to adapt the play to the Nigerian cast available to him. So, simply put, the Ojedas and Briones become African. The cast being on stage and convincing to the audience, points to the fact that we are one people in one universe. Feelings that make us human run in everyman, white or black, Spanish or Nigerian. The Spanish ambassador, Castillo Aguilar, speaking with Critics after the performance, rightly observed this. In his words, “This play is popular in Spain, many of us who grew up there have seen it a number of times before. But what I found thrilling is the adaptation to African setting, for which I must commend the director for a job well done”. The Spanish Embassy supported the play, which was staged as part of the activities marking this year’s edition of the Spanish week in Nigeria. According to Jude Oteh, JRT still has other plays in the making. Soon, they will be back to the city with Colin Teevan’s, Kafka’s Monkeys and Other Stories. Indeed, Abuja audience can’t wait for this.

Inside FCT

Friday, October 19, 2012

Abuja Sheraton Hotel.

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NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja

Season of boom for hoteliers MARCUS FATUNMOLE

f there is any hymn on the lips of Abuja hoteliers at the moment, it should be something similar to the famous “Now we thank thee, our God”. As in some of the orthodox churches at this time of the year, it is also harvest time for hospitality industry. Investigations by our reporter showed a departure from the unusual calm that had characterised most of the hotels in the city as a result of insecurity which stakeholders said had adversely affected the industry. There is now a surge of events daily. Inside FCT gathered some factors are responsible for this. The first is the usual hurriedly-organised events by government parastatals and agencies in the “ember” months as a way of “executing national budget”. If these events do not hold and the money is not spent, it becomes a necessity that it is ferried back into the nation’s vault at the end of the fiscal year. These events usually attract “local and international partners” who are the delight of managers of the city’s hospitality industry. For instance, in recent weeks, various programmes were organised by Federal Government ministries and agencies as one of the ways to ensure the 2012 budget, whose implementation has largely received knocks from the National Assembly over poor execution, is executed. Also, some associations use the end of the year for their conferences and seminars. These, too, usually pool crowd into the city. For instance, the recent African First Ladies’

Fuel scarcity brings hardship OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

buja residents have not been spared in the catalogue of woes which have befallen the country recently; if only of lesser proportion. For, how does one describe the perennial fuel scarcity in a city that houses the seat of power? In the past, the Federal Government, through its agency, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had always insisted it was in charge of the situation, blaming the scarcity on “50 columnists” in the petroleum sector. But the recent comment credited to the agency to the effect that the latest scarcity was caused

Peace Meeting in Abuja; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference and the just concluded Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) conference, among other official events in the city, are testimonies to guests who throng the hotels. The tale was not so previously. Meanwhile, the FG is ensuring Abuja retains its place as the hub of events on African soil; as some local and international organisations, including major nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) are still wary of security challenges in the country. At the onset of Nigeria security conundrum, venues of already scheduled events were changed, while in many instances, some of the programmes were cancelled abruptly. This often made the hospitality industry and the nation lose substantial revenues that could have been generated from such events. Yet, against the widely-reported terror activities in some parts of the country, Abuja remains a peaceful place to visit and live in. Its ambience, planning and growing infrastructure, including heavy presence of security person-

nel make it a pride of Nigeria and Africa. Also, the calibre of personalities and socio-political events held in the nation’s capital further justify its place on the continent as unarguably Africa’s political Mecca. Perhaps, this accounts for the restoration of confidence of the people around the world who consider the city safer now than before. The presence of foreigners in major hotels in the city lends credence to this. In a telephone interview, with Inside FCT, a spokesperson of one the city’s five-star hotels, who pleaded anonymity, said: “Nobody was happy with the situation in our hotels in the past two years. Our clientele had reduced drastically as a result of security challenges in the country. It may be hard to believe, but there is no other sector of our economy that has been adversely affected like the hospitality industry. Once there are reports of insecurity in any nation, the first thing you observe is that people, especially, foreigners,would not want to come into that environment. But, we are beginning to see changes for the better against what was obtainable months back. We now have more guests as 2012 is coming to an end. About this time last year, the situation was very bad because the whole trouble started when the Force Headquarters was attacked in June 2011”, the source said. As hoteliers felicitate over their changing fortunes, it behoves on government to rev up efforts to contain episodes of damaging consequences which security imbroglios have unleashed on the nation. A fully-functional hospitality industry is crucial to rapid growth of the nation’s economy and so is overall public peace to an all-inclusive sense of national belonging.

by vandalism, painted a picture of a Corporation that has outlived its existence. Unlike before when queue was regarded as an abnormality that usually do not last more than two or three days, it has now become a common sight in the FCT. In the last few days, cars on the roads are fewer than those on queues at various filling stations in the city. Apart from its usual implications on government and business activities, the queues are impinging on the free flow of traffic within the city centre. In some of the stations visited by Inside FCT, fuel was sold above the normal pump price. Besides, our reporter also discovered that some stations that have fuel prefer to sell the product to a cult of “black marketers” in the middle of the night. Presently, one of the most lucrative businesses in the city is petroleum hawking. Hawkers are everywhere as they engage in their businesses even in front of the NNPC Tower without fear of arrest. However, while the few petroleum marketers that have regular fuel supply smile to the bank and the black market-

ers make brisk business, commuters bear the brunt. While a litre is sold between N200 to N300, transportation cost has reached the roof. A commuter, who simply identified himself as Simon, told Inside FCT that it has been weeks of excruciating pains in the hands of commercial drivers in Abuja. According to him, he lives in Deidei, one of the satellite towns in FCT, and that before the fuel scarcity; his daily transport cost was N300. He said that this had since doubled and that it was affecting his resources. One of the motorists, who volunteered to speak with Inside FCT, linked the perennial fuel scarcity to insensitivity on the part of policy makers in the country. He said; “I cannot imagine why we should continue to suffer to get fuel in this country. It has been two days of fuel availability and four days of scarcity in the last one month. Why is government allowing the fuel situation in the country to degenerate to this level? Does it mean that government cannot deal with the vandals? I think government needs to be more alive to its responsibility to the people.

AGAINST THE WIDELYREPORTED TERROR ACTIVITIES IN SOME PARTS OF THE

COUNTRY,

ABUJA REMAINS A

PEACEFUL PLACE TO VISIT AND LIVE IN

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Inside FCT

Friday, October 19, 2012

Wither the kero-direct scheme? OMEIZA AJAYI

espite recent startling revelations about the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy regime, many Nigerians have continued to advocate retention of subsidy on Household Kerosene HHK which is what the large mass of Nigerians rely on for cooking. However, attempts to officially peg the price of kerosene at a retail price of N50 per litre had often met a brick-wall. Last year, the Federal Government entered into partnership with an indigenous oil firm, Capital Oil & Gas, to supply the product directly to consumers at that official price. While the Managing Director of the company, Ifeanyi Uba is now behind bars for allegedly mismanaging part of the subsidy fund, the kero-direct scheme is in limbo. It all started on August 10, 2011 in Abuja when the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC and Capital Oil and Gas launched the scheme, which they said would end the perennial problems of kerosene scarcity and high retail cost. Abuja was one of the earliest ports of call. Feeding residents of the Federal Capital Territory with false hopes of salvation, the government said a total of 56 kerosene tankers, with a capacity of 22,000 litres each, had been designated to ensure adequate supply of kerosene to residents of all parts of the Territory. On the average, each of the six Area Councils would have nine trucks apiece, i.e. the trucks were to be distributed using the councils rather than political wards as the baseline. Unfortunately, like most other programmes of this administration, the kero-direct scheme died even before it was launched. After the initial flag-off, the trucks soon disappeared and long queues of consumers again resurfaced at the NNPC Mega Station on Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Central Business District. For those who cannot afford to join the torturous queue, they have resorted to buying from the regular roadside hawkers at N200 per litre. With a good kero-direct scheme, one would have secured four litres for that same amount. The scheme was also meant to augment the supply and discharge capacities of NNPC mega service stations in the FCT. The government said the scheme between the NNPC and Capital Oil & Gas Ltd. was initiated to curtail the lingering kerosene scarcity in the country in the aftermath of the failure of a similar arrangement earlier midwifed by the NNPC and other marketers in the downstream sector to ensure adequate supply of HHK to consumers. This earlier arrangement between the NNPC, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) was rocked by accusations of improper conducts by both parties. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, who was represented by the Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC), Mr. Haruna Momoh, had told FCT residents that the initiative was part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to ensure adequate supply of kerosene to all parts of Nigeria at the official price of N50. According to the minister, efforts had already been put in place to ensure a sustainable regime of the scheme, which had also been launched in Lagos, Kaduna and Ogun states. Her statements were corroborated by the Minister of State in the FCT, Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide who also expressed the commitment of the FCT administration to sustain the exercise with the deployment of facili-

FROM RISING EXPECTATION TO RISING FRUSTRATION ABOUT THE SCHEME, RESIDENTS

NOW RAIN CURSES ON THE GOVERNMENT ties and personnel to designated sites in the six area councils of the FCT to ensure adequate distribution of kerosene to city residents. “It is particularly gratifying to note that Abuja was selected amongst the first beneficiaries of the scheme in Nigeria. You can be assured that the FCT will reciprocate this gesture by ensuring judicious distribution of the commodity, not only within Abuja metropolis, but the entire nook and crannies of the six area councils. “To achieve this within the shortest possible time, the FCT is committed to meeting the entire conditions provided by the initiators of the programme, particularly as it relates to the setting aside of strategic sites

for the purpose of kerosene dump and mega filling stations, the department of urban and regional planning has been mandated to identify and make available appropriate sites for the project within the next two weeks”, Akinjide had stated. The M.D of Capital Oil and Gas, Ifeanyi Uba, also announced to a cheering crowd that a total of 56 kerosene tankers with a capacity of 22,000 litres had been designated to serve the FCT for the next quarter of the year. Each tanker was to serve 880 households at a daily consumption allocation of 25 litres per family and at the prevailing official price of N50 per litre. From rising expectation to rising frustration, residents who hailed the government for the “wellthought out” scheme are now raining curses on the same government. “They just brought the programme to wet our appetite and when it was time to eat the real food, they began to starve us. I live in Kuje town in Kuje Area Council, but I am from Rubochi town which is also in the council and which is not far from Abaji Area Council. I can authoritatively tell you that we have never seen the tankers in Rubochi, Kuje and Abaji towns. For me, it was a grand deception”, said Ibrahim Dariko.

Residents queue for Kerosene during the flag-off of Kero-Direct Scheme at Old Parade Ground, Abuja in August 2011.

Later, as Kerosene scarcity bites, queues become rowdy in the city

Arty News

Friday, October 19, 2012

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Nollywood@20 berths in Berlin NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

Aguwa

Nollywood actress stages ‘Fashion for Cure’ show ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

he Weasler Auditorium of the Marquette University, Milwaukee; W.I., USA will come alive on Sunday, October 28 as Nollywood actress, Juliet Uzoma Aguwa is set to stage her fashion show tagged “Fashion for the Cure”. According to Juliet Aguwa, founder of Courage to Dare Foundation, the show will feature African and Western designs while also serving as a platform to further give succour to women living with breast cancer. “Fashion for the Cure” show is aimed at helping the African woman eradicate numerous challenges she faces in the quest to cure and manage the dreaded disease. “It is also geared towards giving hope to suffering women in countries that lack the resources to diag-

nose and manage the disease”, the actress said. The beautiful mother of two daughters, who herself survived the disease when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer stage 3c in 2008, also revealed that she is driven by the need to provide access to information about the disease which is posing a serious threat to mankind. “After I survived cancer, I decided to return to the film industry and I’m pursuing a master’s degree in public health in Wisconsin where I live now. Most people think breast cancer is a disease suffered only by women, but men are also prone to the disease. I am also going to keep talking about the disease because people have to know that being diagnosed doesn’t mean they are going to die. With early detection and quick action, they can survive”, she added.

s a way of celebrating the creativity of Nigerians in the area of film, Ehizoya Golden Entertainment, a culture-promoting outfit headed by Isaac Izoya, has concluded plans for Nollywood@20 in Berlin, Germany. The event, which will start on November 23 and run till December 1, is being packaged to highlight the various ways the motion picture industry has rubbed off positively on the Nigerian economy in the past 20 years. It would also bring to the fore the many untapped potentials therein to Nigerians living in Europe. According to Mr. Izoya, the organising committee has concluded plans with some notable Nigerian artistes and film industry stakeholders to be part of the eight-day fiesta that will feature road shows, talent hunt, red carpet sessions, musical performances and an award ceremony. Nollywood @20 is designed to honour and celebrate Nollywood legends and Africans that have made positive impacts on the world via Nollywood. We also hope to use the event to re-discover Africa’s meaningful hidden talents in the Diaspora. This, we believe will reduce the menace of joblessness, prostitution, moral decadence, youth restiveness and unproductiveness that characterised the lot of our youths in the diaspora. “We also hope to use the occasion to discover young talents living overseas courtesy of Nollywood Diaspora Talent Hunt Competition and winners will be given the opportunity to play at least, a sub-lead in Nollywood films that will be shot in Germany.” Izoya, a producer and actor, has organised previous shows in Germany to promote and establish Nollywood in the Diaspora.

Okediran reading at the event

Okediran reads in Kaduna TERH AGBEDEH

n these days when a lot of Nigerians give the North a wide berth due to obvious reasons, Dr. Wale Okediran was in Kaduna to read last Saturday. Organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), it was the Annual October Lecture in collaboration with the Kaduna State University (KASU). Held at the university’s Science Lecture Theatre with the theme: ‘Literature and the Developing of Nigerian Political Culture’, Dr. Okediran, who is former ANA national president, was guest writer at the event. Before Okediran read from his book, Tenants of the House, Head of Department of English and Drama of KASU, Dr. Alexander Kure, presented a paper titled: ‘An Overview of Nigeria’s Prose Fiction’. That was after a welcome address by the chairman of the ANA chapter, Mr. Usho Smith Adawa, in which he said the lecture was instituted and co-hosted by the ANA chapter and Kaduna Writers’ League (KWL), in October 2006 “borne out of the need to create a space for writers, academics, as well as policymakers and members of the public to discuss the various ways through which literature can enhance the growth and development of healthy societies”. Chairman of the occasion, Col. JIP Ubah, who is a patron of the chapter, commended the organisers over choice of theme and venue. He said the lecture was timely and a worthy exercise at this time when the nation is in dire need of direction. Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Amina Ibrahim Yakowa, represented by wife of the Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Naomi Kish Adamu, commended the organisers of the event and pledged that the state government would continue to assist writers in their efforts towards creating a better society. Okediran is a medical doctor, writer and politician. He has over 10 books to his name.

Advocacy film on rape premieres online …Wins two awards at 2012 In-Short Film Festival.

he short film on rape, Big Daddy, which premiered at the Silverbird Cinemas on December 4, 2011 finally premiered online on Wednesday, October 17. The premiere is coming on the heels of the film’s success at the recently-concluded In-Short International Film Festival in Lagos. Big Daddy, which is directed by Chris Ihidero, won the “Special Jury Award” and “Best Editing Award” at the festival which held between October 11 and 13 in Lagos. The movie also got four other nominations: Best Screen Play, Best Sound, Best Cinematography and Best Short Film. Big Daddy is a short film ad-

vocating against rape and sexual abuse while highlighting the issue of non-disclosure and stigmatisation which victims have to deal with. Ihidero’s works is socially responsible towards creating awareness and seeking solutions to the issue of rape in Nigeria.

“We decided to make a film on rape because we believe that for our society to truly combat this abnormality, we need to lay our collective shame bare. We need to strip off the layers upon layers of coverings that hide the realities of rape and sexual abuse. We believe that we all need to come clean and accept the blame for whatever part we have played, consciously or not, in ensuring that rape victims continue to lack support and justice and lives continue to get ruined. “We fear that unless we collectively do something quickly, anarchy may be loosed upon us all in the very near future”, says Ihidero who is a writer, filmmaker and teacher.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 3, 1433AH Friday, October 19, 2012

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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

Behold Muhammad Ali Mosque

hen the Ottoman Muhammad ‘Ali assumed power of Cairo in the 1800s, he had all the Mamluk buildings of the Citadel razed and the complex entirely rebuilt. The Citadel’s appearance today is the vision of Muhammad ‘Ali, particularly the mosque that bears his name. It was built between 1824 and 1848; the domes had to be rebuilt in the 1930s.

What to See Ottoman law prohibited anyone, but the Sultan from building a mosque with more than one minaret, but this mosque has two minarets. This was one of Muhammad ‘Ali’s first indications that he did not intend to remain submissive to Istanbul. The mosque is classically Turkish in style, reflecting its Ottoman origins. The cascading domes, slender minarets, constellation of hanging globe lamps, richly decorated ceiling and spacious interior all recall the great mosques of Istanbul. The interior also reflects some French rococo influences, and is finished with ornate lines of red, green, and gold. There is a gold-scalloped mihrab and two minbars (pulpits): one faced in alabaster and the other, unusually, in the Art Nouveau style. Muhammad Ali is buried beneath a white marble monument on the right of the entrance behind a bronze grill. In the courtyard is an ornate clock given by Louis Philippe in exchange for the obelisk that stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It has never worked. Also, in the courtyard, is a Turkish Baroque ablutions fountain, which The Rough Guide to Egypt describes as “resembling a giant Easter egg.” Quick Facts about the mosque Names: Muhammad Ali Mosque; Alabaster Mosque Type of site: Mosque Faith: Islam Status: Active Dates: Built 1824-48; domes 1930s Architecture: Ottoman Location: The Citadel, Cairo, Egypt Hours: Citadel: daily 8-5; mosque closed to visitors on Fridays Cost: Citadel admission: £e35; students £e20

Benefit from these days 28

Muhammed Ali’s Mosque Cairo.

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Friday Sermon: Companions of The Promised Messiah (as)

henever I make mention of the incidents from the lives of the Companions of the Promised Messiah (as), their descendants write to me and tell me how happy they are with me. They also ask me to pray that they

Eid: Follow Sunnah 29

and their future generations become worthy of this honor and become those who safeguard the requirements imposed on them by virtue of their grandfathers having accepted and performed the bai’at at the blessed hands of the Imam

of this Age, the one who was the truest servant of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), or failing that, having lived in his time and received the blessings through him in his own life. However, I was amazed to hear that there are people who objected that their forefathers were wrong in leaving their own parents and choosing to go live in the Company of the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). These wrong thoughts developed in the minds of such people due to not knowing the correct information from those who relayed the stories of their ancestors to them. This is why I have been stressing and the Khulafa who were before me have also been talking about the importance of continually remembering and recounting the incidents from the lives of CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

MSSN cautions on food crisis 29

Call to Worship

ne of the great lessons of every celebration is that life is fleeting. We will be anxiously expectant of the day and its merrymaking. In no time will it have come and gone than we will start to forget about it and face other businesses of life. Also, it is in the nature of every celebration that it comes and goes; so will this year’s Eidul Adha become part of history. Part of its history will be that millions of rams or cows will be killed wherever the Muslims exist in the world. All the parts of these animals, on one hand, will serve as witnesses for those who have sincerely slaughtered them to worship Allah. It will also fetch them reward to the extent of the furs the animals possess. The fact that we kill these animals as if it is a right to enjoy our celebration is a mercy from Allah. These is how we slaughter them year-in-year-out without any reverse of the order. We should learn from this that we shall also die one day by a means we never know and return to our Lord. This fleeting nature of life is a major lesson we must learn and thus improve our relationship with fellow men. By Allah’s design, this may be the final eidul Adha to be celebrated by some people. Man’s departure in life is a great lesson for others. For every man that dies or that will die, he will have every last thing he does. This is not ex-

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 3, 1433AH Friday, October 19, 2012

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The Great Lessons ON THIS OCCASION, MERCY IS ENJOINED ON THESE ANIMALS IN THE MANNER OF SLAUGHTERING clusive of the eidul Adha. On this occasion, mercy is enjoined on these animals in the manner of slaughtering. We are to share the meat with family members and neighbours. Human society cannot live in peace without mercy. This must radiate in all our interactions, especially from the leaders to the followers. On this day, people will troop out in multitude in different fine and colourful attires from different directions. It is a similitude of the day of Judgement when men shall be driven in troops to see their handiworks. The gathering at the eid ground is like judgement ground where everyone is a witness to the fate of another. It is really a day of reflection and gratitude. You should be thankful to Allah for sparing your life; for if He has taken it, you will have been buried and become a dust underneath the earth. Despite all your sins and crimes, He

preserves your life. Should you not then be thankful and desist from perpetrating evil on this great day of sacrifice. It is against the spirit of this celebration to consume anything haram or engage in any prohibition. It is not a day for gambling and frivolous activities. It is not a celebration you use unlawful money to buy rams. Allah can never be deceived. The spirit of the celebration should be like one who is performing Itikaaf in Ramadan. Here, your mind is strongly attached to Allah. You avoid all sinful acts and engage in meritorious acts all through. This is also expected of you during eidul-Adha. It is a celebration of reaffirming your belief in the oneness of Allah and remembering the righteous life of Prophet Ibraheem’s family. It is a moment when your mind should be full of glory to Allah. You should be humbled by His magnificence. It is not at all a period for fighting or enmity. Families are to reconnect and reunite. You overlook and pardon. The celebration does not impose difficulties on any one. Slaughtering of ram is very meritorious but emphatically necessary for those who have the means. Buying new dresses is good if one has the means but it is not

compulsory. What matters is to wear neat and clean cloth. Parents should not be extravagant in this celebration as to affect the plans for children’s expenses for school. Visit to the village is good to strengthen family ties but not when such will cause problem for your children or affect their faith. If you take them to the village, you must monitor them, especially the girls. Most people or young stars in the cities normally see such occasions as opportunity to prove that they are from the cities or a moment to enjoy unrestrained liberty under the euphoria of celebrating the eid. Bad habits are also learnt by some naïve children on this occasion. So, watch out and do not allow your children to be corrupt. A Muslim does not celebrate the eid by watching all kinds of film to while away the time. Even if the films are not corrupt or bad, time is life to a Muslim. Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

Benefit from these days

t has been agreed upon that the most virtuous days in Islam are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar). You can still fast in the remaining days before the day of Eid to seek nearness to your Creator. Allah says in Suratul Fajr: “By the dawn, by the ten nights”, (Q89:1-2). Ibn Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: “This is the correct opinion.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413) Ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Bukhaari, 2/457). These ten days include: the days of Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafaah, the greatest day of the entire year on which Allah perfected His religion, Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice) etc. Perform Hajj and Umrah in line with the commandment of Allah, Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Fasting on some of these blessed days is established from the sunnah, more importantly, it is desirable to fast on the day of Arafah (with exception of Hujjaj). The Prophet (SAW) said “fasting the day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years” (Muslim). Zikr (remembrance) of Allah, Ibn Abbas (RA) says concerning ayah “Remember Allah during the well known days” (Q2:203). It refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Bukhari). The prophet (SAW) is reported to have said …say tahlil (lailaha illa llahu), takbir (Allahu akbar)

YOU CAN STILL FAST IN THE REMAINING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF

EID

TO SEEK NEARNESS TO YOUR

CREATOR

and tahmid (Alhamdu li llah) a lot (on these days). And to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place that is permitted to remember Allah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allah. Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly. Offer a high quality animal in sacrifice on the day of ‘id. Perform salatul ‘id (‘id ul adha) with all the etiquettes attached to it. Do a lot of good deeds; Salat, Qur’an, dhikr, du’a, sadaqah, ta’liim, honour the parents, enjoin what is good, forbid evil etc. Do not use ram to fight one another. No alcohol, zina, missing salat ‘id, and other salat under the guise of ‘id celebration and all other sinful acts. Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society Of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

R-L: Dr. Naheemdeen Ekemode, Alhaji Banji Ojikutu and a family member during the 40th year commemoration of late Mustapha Ekemode’s death.

‘Give justice prominence’ LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

igerians have been called upon to embrace justice by promoting equity and fairness which will pave way for peace, harmonious living, safety of lives and property. Giving this advice, at the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’at Lajna Imaillah, Nigeria’s annual 36th Ijtema themed Terrorism Chairperson Ijtema Planning Committee. Hajia Dikko said that there should be no grudges, fight, rift among the people adding that harmonious living usually leads to attaining healthy environment and there will be more avenues for people to enjoy themselves. Hajia Basirat Ajumobi, said post independence and democratic rule has exposed the nation to numerous ethno-

religious crisis caused by political manipulations and poor governance which, she said, has resulted into massive destruction of lives and properties. She stressed that all principles of Islam stand on peace and submission to the will of Allah which is service to God and humanity. She added that Islam is a divine religion with growing population of more than 1.3 billion adherents. Also speaking at the event, Hajia Sakeena Bayewu, who discussed Global Peace and justice; maintaining and equilibrium, said there can never be true peace in the country, if there is no true justice and equaity. “When justice prevails, peaceful and harmonious living is automatically guaranteed. But when injustice reigns supreme as it is presently being witnessed all over the world, we cannot expect anything else than elusiveness of peace”, she said.

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Friday, October 19, 2012

Eid: Follow Sunnah STORIES: L ATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

s Eidl Adha, popularly known as Ileya festival approaches, Muslims across the country have been enjoined to purify their intentions and perform the sacrifice in line with the

practice of Holy Prophet Muhammad so as to earn the rewards in it. The Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organization, (CIO) Ustaz Dhikrullahi Shafii made this known during their monthly Fiqh forum held at Dawah Centre, Ijesha Lagos, where he told Muslims to desist from killing the

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 3, 1433AH

animals in a brutal way or eating dead animals as he said it has been stated in the holy Qur’an as forbidden. He stated that Prophet Muhammad has replaced the two festivals during the period of ignorance in Mecca, with the two prominent festivals sanctioned by Allah which is

Eidl Adha and Eidl Fitr. He said the replacement of Eid, done by Prophet Muhammad, is a lesson that Islam is not a religion that melts into the society, but a religion which stands the challenge of time and brings out its own values and principles despite challenges.

He urged Muslims to receive the coming Eidl Adha with happiness, joy and jubilations as he encouraged them to listen to their leaders on the sighting of the moon which will symbolize the date of the Eid. He advised Muslims who have the intention of slaughtering the ram on the Eid day to stop cutting their nails and hears by the first of Dhul Hijjah which, he said, is according to the laid down principles of Prophet Muhammad. Speaking on the issue of Hajj and deportation of female pilgrims, Ustaz la-

mented that Nigerians are used to being disobedient and not yielding to instructions in Saudi Arabia. He, however blamed the Saudi authority for not being able to do the screening of the female pilgrims at the point when they were issuing visas to them. He argued that the basis for Saudi Arabia’s deportation of Nigerian female pilgrims is based on a statement of Prophet Muhammad who said that a woman should not travel beyond three days without having a male companion which could be his brother, father, husband or son.

‘Steadfastness is more needed during this period’ –Igiganga

Alhaji Abdurrazak Asaju (left) and Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen (right), Amir (President) Muslim Student Society of Nigeria presenting prize to AbdulGaniy Anjorin (Middle), winner of the Bi-annual MSSN Qur’an Memorisation Competition held in Lagos recently.

MSSN cautions on food crisis T he federal government of Nigeria has been advised to be proactive to mitigate the effect of repeated occurrence of flood in future and to prepare for possible food crisis next year following the washing away of farmlands across the country. “We advise governments at all levels to further encourage massive farming in the dry season. Also more funds should be allotted into the agriculture sector”. This was disclosed during the State of the Nation Press Conference addressed by the Amir, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen last Saturday at NAPID Danjuma Hall of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi. Nigeria is currently having its share of nature’s fury in the form of

flooding in some parts of the country which has led to the death of over a hundred and twenty people and destruction of many farmlands. The president of the organisation said the happening is worrisome because of its implication on the country’s food sustainability in the coming year. He said the 52nd independence anniversary of Nigeria calls for sober reflection rather than celebration as he lamented that it is unfortunate that at age 52, the country has not got it right in every aspect of national life. Those countries that attained independence at the same time we did have gone far ahead of us on various developmental indices, be it social, economic or political. In spite of the huge potentials Allah endowed us with we are still be rated among the most backward countries in the world. Be that as it may, hope is not lost.

Nigeria can still attain its destined greatness if we all are determined to contribute selflessly towards that greatness. He commends the Lagos State Government for the introduction of the new traffic law which is meant to restore sanity on our roads and prevent avoidable loss of lives. In this light, we urge all residents in the state to abide by the new law while using the roads and warned the law enforcement agencies-LASTMA, Police, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and othersnot to take advantage of the law to exploit Lagosians. The organisation lamented the epileptic power supply which was said to be a major impediment to the economic development of Nigeria. “Until a lasting solution is found to it, the country may continue to wallow in the abyss of economic deprivation. We, therefore,

charge the federal government to ensure that the on-going reforms in the power sector is sustained and made to benefit the generality of Nigerians in the long run and not a few. In essence, we appeal for caution in the attempt to privatize the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) so that the country will not live to regret the action in future”.

clarion call has gone to Muslims to utilize the period of dhulhijjah to increase in faith and steadfastness as those are the things required more during the first days of the sacred month. Chief Missioner of Ayatulahi Hummat Islamiyat Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdul Ganiyu Adebayo Igiganga said Muslims should renew their belief in the articles of faith which, he said, includes belief in only one God, belief in His angel, belief in the prophets, belief in the books, belief in destiny, belief in the day of Judgement. “To be a real Muslim in the sight of Allah, after the five pillars of Islam which faith is number one of them, we must believe in the above articles”. He explained that a practicing Muslim must uphold these beliefs whole heartedly and should live by them in principle and practice. He urged Muslims to be-

lieve in the judgement day and have the conviction that it is a day when all creatures will be judged based on what he has done on earth and advice that everyone should keep doing good so as to receive their judgements through the right hand not left hand. “By remembering this day, people would not want to commit atrocities nor do evil.” He enjoined Muslims to be more prayerful by observing the midnight tahajjud prayers, stating that with God, all things are possible. “We commend the grand patron of Ayatullahi Umat Islamiyat society of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Karnaeni Gambari (The Emir of Ilorin) for all his spiritual advice for the uplift of the group. I will also urge our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers in Islam to be upright because neither a prophet nor Alfa or pastor can help one, except Almighty Allah.”

The Chief Missioner of Ayatulahi Hummat Islamiyat Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdul Ganiyu Adebayo Igiganga, (2nd right) and other Islamic faithful at an event recently in Lagos.

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 3, 1433AH Friday, October 19, 2012

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AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT, LAJNA IMAILLAH, NIGERIA 36TH ANNUAL (IJTEMA) CONVENTION

L-R: Amir, Ahmadiyya Mulism Jamaát, Dr. Mashhud Aderenle-Fashola; Personal Assistant the Missionary-in-charge, Maulana Abdulkhalique Nayyar and Majlis Ansarullah, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya, during the Lajna Imaillah, Nigeria’s Annual 36TH Ijtema in Abeokuta Ogun State.

L-R: Circuit President Abeokuta, Musafau Onabanjo; Sadr. Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Abdul Rafiu Abdul Qadir and Medical Adviser, Dr. Nurud-Din Akindele

L-R: A guest, Alh. Sherifat Dosunmu; Sadr. Lajna Imaillah, Nigeria, Hajiya Biliqees Abdul-Qadir; Representative of the wife of Ogun State Governor, Alh. Basirat Opebiyi; Librarian, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Mulikat Salaam and former Sadr. Mrs. Kudirat Raji, during the Ijtema.

L-R: Former Ogun State President of the Jama’at, Alh. Abdul Wakeel Elias; circuit Missionary Abeokuta, Alh. Mudathir Alaka and Principal Jamia School, Ilaro, Maulana Zikurullah Ayyuba. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Groups task FG on security SEKINAH L AWAL

ome Muslim groups recently debunked the often made mistake of describing the Boko Haram as an Islamic group saying that could be true in the past when the original form of Boko Haram started as a pressure group for fighting injustice in the society adding that the present group has been hijacked by yet to be identified unscrupulous politicians and blood thirsty marauders and all kinds of anti social elements. In a press release jointly signed by the National Vice President, Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organisations in Nigeria (FASON), Sheikh Mas’ud Olanrewaju Adepoju, National Vice President of Sharia Council in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul-Rasheed Hadiyatullah, founder of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Sheikh Abdul-Fatahi Thann and the Secretary-General, Muslim Ummah of South West of Nigeria, Prof. Daud Noibi, they pointed out that the question of hijack is a social phenomenon that is not peculiar to one group as can be seen in other social groups like OPC, MEND etc. “We need to realize that taking man’s life arbitrarily is forbidden in Islam because of the sanctity of human life as entrenched in both the Holy Quran and the Hadith. Even during the holy wars of Jihad, arbitrary killing of the innocent was strictly forbidden because of the code of conduct and guidelines which were issued before each war. Qur’an 5:32 says; “killing a soul is like killing the whole of mankind” and 17:33 says; “Do not kill anyone except for a just cause.

They stated that OPC too has broken into factions and there is need to look beyond Boko Haram in tackling the security situation in the country. “To face the challenge, we suggest the use of modern technology with such mechanism that can trace the criminals to their remotest hideouts. In the present situation, therefore, the Federal Government of Nigeria should urgently consult the Saudi Arabian Government on crime detection and prevention. This is with a view to purchasing portable crime detecting machine for the use of our security agencies.” According to them, the solution to the problem also requires core professionalism. Professionalism in this context is one that will opt for dialogue rather than force. To get real identity of the Boko Haram, they urged security agencies to avoid any kind of playing to the gallery syndrome by avoiding any kind of media attention in the course of identifying their location, until after the acquisition of crime detecting machines and sufficient crime fighting equipment. Government was also advised to do everything to guarantee the safety of the group leaders during and after the period of negotiation. The groups also spoke on another religious propaganda in Osun State of an imaginary plan of the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to turn the state into an Islamic State describing it as a paradox full of absurdity, a cheap propaganda and blackmail. “If the intention of the alarmists was to portray Governor Aregbesola as a religious fanatic, they have certainly missed

the point. If the governor is a fanatic at all, it is certainly not in the area of religion but the culture of the Yoruba which he is very proud of. If we can ask, Governor Aregbesola had just introduced a new logo for Osun State. We want to ask if there is a copy of the Qur-an, turban or any Islamic symbol there. On the contrary, the logo is an epitome of Yoruba culture and its arti-

facts. That, however, does not remove the fact that Aregbesola is a true and practicing Muslim.” They therefore called on people to desist from using the platform of politics to cause religious disaffection not only in Osun but in other parts of the country as it is capable of causing unnecessary mutual suspicion between Muslims and Christians.

Friday Sermon: Companions of The Promised Messiah (as) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 our forefathers - this was especially done by Hadrat Khalifatul Masih IV (ra). This will result in a strengthening of the connection of the new generations with the Jama’at and will also help in their training. The generations of today may well be in the wrong because their connection with God is not as strong as was the case of our earlier saintly people - so our forefathers can certainly not be wrong. Always remember this. The requirement of justice is that being totally open minded, we should pray to Allah, the Almighty, that He may always guide us and make us follow the straight path and never allow such a situation to occur which could take any of us far from our faith or from the paths that would grant us the pleasure of Allah. If such people were to survey and analyze their own situation they would realize that their own egos or their own lack of understandings have turned

small trivial things into the cause of distancing them from the faith and the cause of the faith. So I say again that all such as are the descendants of the Companions and have become distant from the faith or from the nizaam - the system - of the Jama’at, all those whose own personal wishes and desires and thinking have become oppressively heavy upon them, their own egos have become supreme over their own selves, they should pray for their own selves constantly so they may be guided to the right path. They should remember with gratitude the good done for them by their saintly predecessors. And the greatest beneficence their saintly elders bestowed upon them was that by accepting the Promised Messiah (as) they caused his truth to run in our blood. May Allah make it so that the progenies of the Companions always remain steadfast on the paths of faith and be such as would pray for them and not such as would have any kind of objection in their hearts about them.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Mongers

Friday, October 19, 2012

Romance gone sour for Pamela

amela Mojekwu is one name that rings a bell in Nigeria when it comes to the area of fitness. For those who watched NTA 2 (there really was nothing else to watch then anyway) in the 80s and 90s, this lady was a delight on the TV show, Morning Ride, which was made popular by Danladi Bako (presently Commissioner for Information in Sokoto State). Over the years, Pamela, who also owned Body Shop, has moved to the United States where she now works as a Sickle Cell activist. Little seemed to be coming from her until some months back when she excitedly announced on the Internet her plans to marry one Tony Okonji, a marine engineer from Delta State. As expected, the anCossy nouncement heralded a lot of warm wishes from numerous friends. But on Tuesday, something drastic happened when Pamela announced the end of that arrangement on Facebook. According to her: “To all those who PAID randing comes in differ- money to Anthony Okonji on our marriage. The ent ways. Cossy Orjiakor marriage is no longer taking place. I truly apolodoes not joke when it comes to putting up sensual appeal. Exactly one year ago, she had a talk-of-the-town birthday bash, with a cake that has the ike everything Nigerian, the flood ravagshape of her ‘big boobs’. The ing many parts of the country is assumbuzz is that the woman, who coning a religious slant as leaders of various sulted on the cake is also climbing on the stardom ladder. For faiths have started lending their voice in the form the 2012 birthday, she has taken of ‘projects and prayers’. But that is only a small her branding to another level fraction of the story of the disaster which has by tweeting pictures of her do- proven that it knows no class by also ‘attacking’ ing a lap dance on some guys. If President Goodluck Jonathan’s abode in Otuoke, these pictures do not ring a bell, Ogbia, Bayelsa State. The buzz is that the Bayelsa perhaps her tweets a week ear- Government House may come under the spell lier, urging Lagos ladies who are of the ravaging flood if something is not done searching for husbands to ask urgently. That may not be as disturbing as the reactions that have been trailing the funds (N100 Cossy, should.

Cossy the love doctor

Flood and the colour of money

Stepping on ‘honourables’ toes

T Pamela

gise for any inconvenience. If you PAID him for any fabrics, call him to make your refunds directly to you!!!” Of course, this elicited a barrage of emotions similar to the announcement of the engagement. The Internet may not be the best place to consummate celebrity romances indeed. billion) being targeted for the victims by a group of Nigerians led by billionaire business magnate, Aliko Dangote. With about N17 billion already announced and approved by the President, the clamour over how the funds would be disbursed is already in the air. At one of the camps, the victims almost caused confusion when the officials brought blankets, tents, food and leaflets on how to cope in times of disasters (not minding that Nigerians read so little). What exactly are the victims expecting? MM heard they have been asking questions about the whereabouts of their compensation in terms of cash (crispy naira notes). Now that the president has become a victim, will he also be part of the scheme to compensate victims?

ONE-SECOND Q&A

he Zik Leadership Lecture Series has come and gone in Awka, Anambra State, but the dust that is being raised over comments by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu will take a while to settle, or so it seems. This is coming on the heels of the reported revelation by Sen. Ekweremadu that some of his colleagues in the National Assembly can ‘barely write their names’. The comment is not going down well with some of his colleagues. At the moment, some of them are asking him what he intended to achieve with such classification. This is particularly distasteful for the lawmakers, whom Nigerians are blaming their abysmal outing in the 2012 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance report on lack of vision. However, MM gathered Ekweremadu is trying to mend fences as his aides are going about with ‘being quoted out of context’ excuses.

Ekweremadu

ABIKE DABIRI EDEWOR

Broadcaster and politician, Abike Dabiri, who just turned 50, is one of the few Nigerian women who successfully combines her roles as mother and wife while sparing time for service to the fatherland in the House of Representatives. She reacts to the ever contentious issue of the place of African women in politics. What’s your opinion of women in politics?

Edewor

It’s still male dominated; appointive positions are better than elective positions. In fact, a lot of women couldn’t make it back to the House. But if you have it in you, just take the risk. In my quest for politics, I went to Harvard University for a course on leadership. I remember meeting with people like Dele Alake and few others, who encouraged me to give politics a shot. So, one day, I went to my constituency and started asking questions. Four months later, I went to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the governor then and leader of our party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and told him about my intentions. He said to me, ‘we need women like you in politics; I will support you’. That was how it started. You know I took a big risk leaving certainty for uncertainty; I had a good job then, a glamorous one for that. Number one was winning your primaries; it was very challenging. There was anxiety and by the time the result for the main election was coming, it was obvious I was going to win.

Escape

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A crowd at Le Madison club listens to Pape Diouf perform. Photo: Michael Kamber

Dakar lives

An art vendor pins up works for sale at Goree Island Photo Izzat Sajdi

Senegal has a rich culture and traditional hospitality and mbalax music- a unique brand of contemporary pop music with a vibrant twist and abstract fusion of Afro-Cuban sound, best observed at night time says CINDY DALE.

Entrance into the House of Slaves at Goree

Great Mosque of Touba

Splendid architectural craftmanship inside the Touba Mosque

he music evokes immediate and strong reaction through its unusual rhythm which is akin to some form of reggae, but it is not. Even though it is played on an electric guitar, you can’t call it rock. It is heavily influenced by salsa, but different. There’s even some sax in it, but it is not soul. But soul it certainly has as mbalax is an energetic mix of highly percussive sounds, accompanied by an acoustic guitar, and driven by the relentless tribal rhythm of the African goat-skinned Sabar drums. Senegal’s music was first brought to Western audiences in the ‘80s through the likes of Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and Senegal’s home grown Youssou N’Dour; but it is only in recent years that Western tourists begun to frequent Senegal’s nightclubs. Mbalax artists tend to all follow the same route to stardom in Senegal by starting their music careers in their teens. Initially they will play at local events and progress to distinct nightclubs. Should their popularly grow, they’ll move on to become a house band at one of the large stages in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, then possibly record a CD for release to the local market. The soundtrack running through the pulsating city is one of mayhem. Rhythm is everywhere; from the ghetto blaster precariously balanced on a cyclist’s handlebars, to the booming bass of a passing bush taxi or the crowded Marche Sandaga (market) where vendors of handmade drum sand guitar sell their wares, to young Rastas on the beach at sunset, drumming their djembes in unison. There is no escaping it; music is the Senegalese way of life. On the surface, Dakar is a large, crowded and shabby seaport city that seems to do its best to dissuade tourism. It’s the chaotic, raw, in-your-face and utterly exciting side to the ‘dark continent’ which chokes on exhaust fumes and is in perpetual gridlock during daylight hours. But as darkness falls, Dakar’s psyche changes. It puts on its best club gear and turns into a city whose one and only purpose is fun. Dakar is teeming with some of the best nightclubs in Africa all driven by the hypnotic rhythm of mbalax music. The intoxicating powers of mbalax can only truly be understood at a live performance where musicians work themselves into a distorted frenzy of sweat and blurred hands, to the applause and cheers of the enthusiastic crowd, who love every moment of it.

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Escape

Friday, October 19, 2012

Travel News

1st phase of Ikogosi Resort completed ...Gov. Fayemi hosts all-female Cuban Bata performers DAYO AYEYEMI

Pool side ambience in the evening at Terrou-Bi Beach and Casino Resort in Dakar

after dark FACT FILE •

Dakar, the Senegalese capital is filled with vibrant markets, cafe terraces, an active nightlife and flavourful global cuisine.

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Formerly, Dakar was a fishermen village.

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The best way to discover Dakar is by taking a walk along the ocean or the busy city streets.

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Young Pape Diouf is the new king of Senegalese Mbalax

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One of Senegal’s best known singers, Youssou N’Dour, 53-year-old Grammy Award winner, was born in Dakar and owns a club, Thiossane (pronounced Cho-sann), where, every Saturday at 2.00 a.m, the master himself performs his definitive brand of mbalax.

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Art lovers will find in the city an abundance of galleries, artists’ studios, museums and festivals

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Goree Island, the heritage site in Dakar, is the shipping point where many West African slaves were housed before the long journey to the Americas.

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The Great Mosque of Touba, 170km east of Dakar, is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Africa.

As the locations specific bands are advertised only on Senegalese radio stations, word-of-mouth is often the only other way of finding them. Visitors can ask around at local bars and street hawkers selling music CDS. Once you’ve found a mbalax band to your liking, remember that you are there for the music; there are no quiet corners for reflection, in fact, there is little décor and mostly only dance floor. Dakar’s nightlife is wild, with every bar packed before midnight. In reality though, it’s only the band on stage that differentiates one club from another, with entry-charges ranging from $8 to $15; some including drinks. To experience Dakar’s hippest crowd, be certain to dress for the occasion. Dance-floor chic is ruled by the Americanised slick urban-look with designer jeans, cropped T-shirts and latest hip-hop groove gear. If it is the working-man haunts you are after, head to Dakar’s Harlem, a neighbourhood called Guédiawaye. The local nightclub there, the Le Ravin, is considered the roots of the city’s music scene. The cover charge is negligible, making it affordable to ordinary Senegalese. In the city, where the hip club-goers dress strictly for show, at Le Ravin, fluid African boubous (long gowns

Senegalese lady selling local bead necklace at Goree Island

DAKAR’S NIGHTLIFE IS WILD, WITH EVERY BAR PACKED BEFORE MIDNIGHT.

with elongated arm holes worn over baggy trouser), share the dance floor with tight t-shirt and even tighter jeans. Despite Senegal’s size, the country plays a key role in African arts and culture. Over the past 300 years, Senegal’s has inspired poets, novelist and artist, emerging as one of the most significant patrons of African arts. In the centre of town, L’Institut Français, with its lush exotic gardens, offers an airy escape from the heat and the thrum of the streets. People sip cappuccinos in the cafe, students read in the library or watch films in the viewing rooms. The Galerie le Manège is part of the institute and houses exhibitions, often free of charge. There are few tourist sites, except the Grand Mosque, but walking around, you will see the rhythms of everyday life: horse-drawn carts, open stoves serving cheap meals and makeshift stalls selling a miscellany of goods - from rugs to mobile phones. Gorée and its much quieter pace of life exists just 30 minutes offshore from Dakar. Although tourists discovered this little treasure long ago, it is still possible to wander the beautiful streets lined with colonial buildings in near solitude. The island has several historic buildings – including the House of Slaves, which records the painful history of the slave trade -and restaurants overlooking the beach. West African markets are a riot of noise, colour and haggling, from which you emerge spiritually enriched and not financially impoverished; Dakar’s two finest are Marché Kermel and Marché des HLM. Kermel, near the port, was originally built in the late 19th century and restored in 1997. This is where Dakarois do their food shopping. Cows are butchered in front of customers, langoustines and shrimp try to escape boxes, and fresh fruit and vegetables abound. Outside, there are stalls selling an array of authentic handmade wood carvings. Marché HLM, a couple of kilometres away in Grand Dakar, specialises in fabric – the more extravagantly colourful the better, in keeping with the local fashion. Fabric ranges from finest Malian waxed and beaten cloth imported from Bamako through to Mauritanian Arabic-style patterns. For a man’s suit, you need foursix metres, for women’s dresses four metres. The best material costs up to £80 for six metres. It pays to search for a bargain.

he Ikogosi Resort, home to the Ikogosi hot and cold springs in Ekiti State, which has been moribund for nine years, has finally received life as it hosted the all-female international Bata dancers, Obini Bata from Cuba, as well as cultural troupes from the atate. The resort, which was looted and abandoned before the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration was re-inaugurated in October 2010 is currently being repositioned to serve as a money-spinner and employment hub for Ekiti. Speaking at Ikogosi Resort Day held last weekend, the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said the first phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction works at the resort have been completed, while work is ongoing on the second phase. An official opening date is set for December 2012. Fayemi also made known that 10,000 hectares of land has been set aside in the host community for wildlife, while the resort will also get a golf course and apartments in the third phase. According to the governor, his administration’s vision for Ikogosi Resort would turn it to a destination of choice for both local and international tourists.. Fayemi assured tourists visiting Ikogosi of comfortable transportation through all gateways leading to the site, as the roads are now motorable. Internet facilities giving tourists access to their families and offices during their visit to the hot and cold springs would likewise be put in place. He added that the resort, on completion, will not only be a place for “leisure, but also a cash-cow”. The governor stated that the resuscitation of the resort is a fulfilment of his promise. At the Resort Day, the Cuban Bata drumming/singing ensemble, Obini Bata performed with their hour-glass-shaped drums accompanied by various Yoruba songs. The state’s cultural troupe also gave a performance at the event.

The point where the cold and warm springs meet

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

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 19, 2012

Naughty Notes

CLAPPERBOARD with

08059100422 (SMS only)

Eddie Ugbomah

What’s in a name like Sina Rambo?

www.edifosafilm.com

Jonathan, do something now

“O

mode o mo ogun, oun pe l’efo” (An ignorant child mistakes the fetish plant for edible veg-

etable) The Yoruba people of South-West Nigeria utilise this adage to characterise any person –young or old— who is lacking in spiritual aptitude or sensitivity to discern the vicissitude of life beyond what presents itself in the physical realm. Ok, I agree my English usage is verbose; even Femi, my brother, humourously addresses me as awon ol’oyinbo meaning the grammarians. Summarising the above in plainer language, I think it is safe to say the Yoruba adage interprets as: “What you see is usually not what it is all about”. I’d like to turn this proverbial spotlight on Sina Adeleke, a rising music artiste who is more popular for being Davido’s cousin than for his talent as a singer with strings of hit creative works to his credit. The young, fresh-faced lad has adopted Sina Rambo as his stage moniker. Unsettling choice, if you ask me and if we cast our minds back to the legend (or more appropriately infamy) of the former armed bandit who bore that name. In the 90s, the legendary Shina Rambo (spelt with an ‘h’) terrorised South-West Nigeria and some parts of Benin Republic with his thieving and murdering gang, leaving behind memories of death and loss years after his evil reign ended. The robber’s dare-devil and ‘jazzed up’ persona was so mystifying that he eluded every attempt to arrest him; eventually he surrendered to the police. The ‘Rambo’ suffix came from the gang leader’s invincibility to harm or arrest (attributed to diabolic powers as the legend goes), as well as the gang’s modus operandi of running amok on highways while wielding machine guns in open-roof vehicles. They displayed much similarity in style to Sylvester Stallone’s character in the critically and commercially successful Hollywood action films First Blood: Rambo I and II. Today, Omokenwa (aka the original Shina Rambo) is a prison-reformed citizen of the country and trying to reclaim a normal existence through his faith in Jesus Christ. However, outside the demographic of 30-year-olds and above, the younger generation probably does not have an inkling what this ‘Shina Rambo’ is about and if

Shina Rambo

Sina Rambo

they do, his tale is a fuzzy, unrelated-to-us information from the criminal past of Nigeria (like Lawrence Anini and the siege on Benin City). Or so it seems because the debutante Sina Rambo is wearing the name with incredible ‘swag’ and I must admit being so good-looking is a plus for him. Yet, each time I read or hear this new artiste’s stage name, I can’t help but get an instant flashback to the former Shina, whose name evoked fear and made full grown men pee in their pants. His appearance on streets nko? Car drivers jumped out of the driver’s seat and hurled themselves into the nearest shrub for safety. So, perhaps Sina Adeleke, true Yoruba boy that I suppose he is, should return to his roots and learn important values from the legends which shaped or made his land. If the aim of the sensational stage name is to draw the music industry’s attention, you have us listening already and may I add we like your new single Ijo Sina –which, again, samples the legend of another Nigerian. This time, that of a loved, award-winning musician, Sir Shina Peters. Sensationalism can only carry you some miles far, then exceptional talent and gifting must show through for the rest of the journey, otherwise, it’s relegation to the has-been shelf in a dark corner of Nigerian music history.

There a Facebook school!

ontinuing from names and their meanings, I simply don’t know what to make of Facebook Nursery/Primary School, Ojodu-Lagos. Is it directly inspired by Mark Zuckerberg’s billiondollar Facebook social network or is it a direct reference to our Pidgin English way of admonishing students to be studious by using the phrase “face your book o!” I wonder really at the oblique imagina-

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tion we display in Nigeria sometimes. Speaking of which, I should change my writing name to Efusetan Aniwura –after the wealthy and powerful 19th century Iyalode of Ibadan. She owned hundreds of slaves and grievously maltreated them that history now vilifies her memory, rather than extol her industry and intelligence in a predominantly patriarchal society. Love and peace for the weekend.

hen we refer to Baba Sege (former President Olusegun Obasanjo) as Orisha Balogun, Ajagano of Owu and other titles used by warriors, people who don’t know him like I do tend to be worried. I have been one of Baba Sege’s admirers and friends since 1976 when I met him at the Ebute Metta office of Nigerian Army Engineers. Then he became the Minister of Works at the Tafawa Balewa office in Lagos before been catapulted to reluctant Head of State. I remember when he passed a decree chasing the Indians and Lebanese away from film and cinema jobs. My uncle Pa Clark bought over the Mattar Brothers cinema which he changed to Bendel cinemas. The over 20 cinema houses where badly managed like the messed up West African Pictures. I don’t care what any of the hypocritical critics say about Obasanjo, he was a great soldier and head. He did his best to salvage and support the movie industry; he enabled the CBN through the Ministry of Finance, to help us transfer money to England or USA for processing films and post productions of our celluloid films. Late Ade Love and Pa Ogunde use this opportunity to process their films. Ola Balogun, Francis Oladele, Jab Adu, Eddie Ugbomah, Moses Olaiya and others enjoyed this privilege. Some advertising agencies used the excuse of film production to siphon and launder cash for Lebanese, Indian and Nigerian Businessmen. General Obasanjo then made a new law stopping any further foreign cash for movie and Ad. Agencies. This led to the film laboratory in Jos. Many Indians, Lebanese, state film Units and businessmen hated my guts because I was the prime mover with other film makers for setting up the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC). The same Obasanjo helped Nigeria not to have any military coup because he de-tribalised the army commanders; there was no more “Pelo Nigerians” or “With Immediate Effect”, every other month. Nobody is perfect but if there is one man I respect for the liberation of this country, I will say it is Baba Sege. He was a great president in his own little way. I tried to make a documentary of Obasanjo titled Prisoner President, but before I could say Jack Robinson! some people hijacked the idea which I announced on AIT’s Kaakaki show. Unfortunately for the producers, the documentary was a total failure; but who cares, all the funds came from friends of the house and those who thought the idea was great. I am referring to all these histori-

OBASANJO DID A LOT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY BY ENACTING DECREES THAT SUPPORTED OUR EXISTENCE cal events because of the situations we are in today in Nigeria. Obasanjo will not just sit there promising investigation when the future of the country is at stake and people’s children are cut down. I am sure Obasanjo will not be tolerant and peaceful. The Governor, Commissioner of Police and entire SSS Head in Adamawa would have all being sacked, arrested or given 24 hours to produce the perpetrators. How many terrorists have been arrested, how many bombs factories have being found with owners arrested, how many innocent Nigerians have been murdered? Mr. President is been a nice guy who does not want to hurt people or show his anger. I am comparing the two leaders in my position as a film producer, impresario, critics, activist and human rights fighter. Obasanjo did a lot for the survival of the motion picture industry in Nigeria by enacting decrees that supported our existence. Jonathan gave $200m to fund the Arts but now some group of ‘bankers’ are making it impossible for us to access the money. How can Nigerian films be exported when they are not funded, to get the right result for export products? How many of us can afford the collateral these people are asking for? Once again I am telling President Jonathan to stop being Mr. Nice; get up and bite no matter whose ox is injured as long as it is for the betterment of the country. I am dying to make an African film that will win awards because two foreign-backed films, **Rwanda** and Blood Diamond shot in Africa, won many international awards. Each film are tragic stories about Rwanda and Sierra Leone. I want to make a film on The Aba Women Root or Uthman Dan Fodio’s epics. The world will be thrilled, entertained and people will take notice. I am not happy with the entire situation now in Nigeria, but we can do better if we only give ourselves a chance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People In The Mirror

Friday, October 19, 2012

Fela’s legend preserved in Lagos As Lagos, Abuja and cities around the world continue to be suffused in festivities to immortalise the iconic Fela Anikulapo Kuti, activist and creator of Afrobeat music, his children, alongside the Lagos State Government opened the Kalakuta Museum (Fela’s former residence) which houses mementoes and pieces of preserved items from Fela’s life. The Monday event, which opened the 2012 Felabration holding between October 15 and 21, was witnessed by dignitaries and die-hard followers of the legendary Nigerian musician who died on August 2, 1997.

L-R: Immediate Past President, Rotaract Club of Egbeda, Rotn. Kunle Adeniran; incoming President, Rotn. Olanrewaju Kosoko-Salu; President-elect, Rotn. Olanrewaju Lasisi (at the back) and President, Rotary Club of Egbeda, Rotn. Mike Okonkwo, during the installation of Kosoko-Salu in Lagos, yesterday.

Rotaract Egbeda installs president Kosoko-Salu The Rotaract Club of Egbeda, Lagos, on Sunday, October 14, installed Rotaract Olanrewaju Kosoko-Salu as its 2nd President at the MOABS multi-purpose Hall in Igando, Lagos amid fanfare.

L-R: Past president, Muhammed Abdullahi and Charter President, Rotaract Club of Ajara, Rotn. Gbewa Oluwatosin.

L-R: CEO, Evergreen Music, Femi Osho; Fela’s first child, Yeni Kuti; Foremost art patron, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr. Disun Holloway and Femi Kuti at the opening ceremony.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olugbemiga Gbadamosi (left) and his wife.

M.I, Naeto C in superb Hennessy Artistry party

L-R: Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Prince Yemisi Shyllon and his wife, Funmilayo at the event.

A section of the Museum where Fela’s shoes and underpants are displayed.

Guest Speaker, Mr. Gbenga Ganzullo (left) presenting the Humanitarian Service Award to Ola PHOTOS: YINKA ADEPARUSI Salawu.

A Fela fan costumed in the late legend’s style.

Nigeria’s representative at 2012 Big Brother Africa, Ola (L) and a guest.

Ahead of the invite-only finale of the 2012 Hennessy Artistry tonight in Lagos, hip-hop superstars, M.I and Naeto C invaded Octopus Reloaded night club in Lagos mainland last Friday for their final Hennessy Artistry club appearance with banging musical performances. The event was graced by celebrities and famous faces who trooped Octopus to party with the Artistry headliners. Fast rising acts like DJ Snatch, Ms Jaie and Flowssick also made vowed with their performances.

Naeto C and M.I on stage.

L-R: Fela’s children; Seun, Motunrayo, Kunle, Yeni, Shalewa and Femi.

PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

L-R: 2012 Big Brother Africa stars Talia and Seydou.

L-R: Femi Kuti, Disun Holloway and Fela’s album jacket artist, Ghariokwu Lemi, viewing a photo exhibition on the Museum’s wall.

Ice Prince

Flowssick performing.

Friday, October 19, 2012

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Mirror Drive

REXTON’S LAUNCH IN NIGERIA MEANS IT HAS

2012 Rexton: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

exton may not yet be very popular in the Nigerian auto market, but its aggressive entry and marketing is indeed giving the SUV an edge over its existing competitors in the market. With its launch recently in Lagos, Rexton’s attractive dynamic design and incomparable low fuel consumption on a 2.7 litre engine, is set to take centre stage in the Nigerian auto industry in the next couple of years. The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is manufactured by SsangYong Auto Company in Korea. Though, some auto stakeholders described Rexton as a big, old-fashioned four-wheel-drive SUV that will appeal to those who cannot go for the more refined alternative of a modern ‘soft-roader,’ but the SUV is also comfortable for a family that appreciates space and quality interior. The 2012 Rexton looks imposing and rugged, just what buyers of such SUVs want. The front end could use some finer detailing though. Its recent launch in the country means that Rexton has also received a specification makeover and is now presented in a clear, two-tier trim hierarchy – S, available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox,and EX, which is take-it-or-leave-it auto only. Standard kit is generous in both S and EX trims, with the EX model only bettering the S with the addition of full leather trim and an electric sunroof, but a fully-spec-ed Rexton also seems to miss the point of such a value-orientated car.

ALSO RECEIVED A SPECIFICATION MAKEOVER

Quality

Equipment

Fit and finish looks good on the surface and while the design is not up-to-the-minute, it is functional and smart enough. A few minor rattles were noticeable in the dash, doors and rear seats, but not enough not to make the vehicle a good buy. The underlying mechanicals, namely the Mercedes-Benz-sourced engine and gearbox, are proven and should remain reliable.

This is where the Rexton stands out by providing excellent equipment count. Standard equipment includes leather seats, fully automatic climate control and rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry, electric folding exterior mirrors, electric sunroof, roof rails, eight-way electric driver’s seat with memory settings, steering wheel audio controls, 1” alloy wheels, front fog lamps and parking sensors. Safety equipments include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and dual front airbags with seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Comfort Seating for seven is an option and the third row offers comparatively spacious accommodation. Middle seats can be tight for legroom and width scarce with three abreast. Upfront, there are no issues with wide comfortable seats and a broad range of adjustment.

Storage With third row seating stowed there are 500 litres of boot space, growing to 1540 litres with the second row folded. The boot space is limited with all seats in use, but both rear rows can split/fold to create a large, albeit not very wide, loading area. Dash and doors provide good storage nooks and the centre console is deep, with additional slide-out storage.

Performance The 2012 Rexton’s drivetrain consists of a 2.7-litre turbo diesel, with 163 bhp and 340 Nm, mated to a fivespeed automatic. For an attractive price, you get the 2012 Rexton, a big, rugged SUV that handles better offroad than on-road. Speaking on the SUV brand recently, the Director, Sales and Marketing SsanYong, Mr. Jatin Nadkarni said that the auto company, which has already spread its tentacles in Europe and Asian market, is also expanding its scope in Africa with Nigeria and South Africa as major markets.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

KEVIN ASH

Mirror Drive

Friday, October 19, 2012

wo events stand out from the Cologne motorcycle show held last week. One was conventional: an important new motorcycle from BMW. The other was rather different, with Yamaha admitting that it had been neglecting western motorcycle markets, but was now doing something about it. And the Japanese manufacturer displayed a fascinating new prototype engine to prove it. BMW chose its home show to lift the covers on a crucial new model, the R1200GS. More than 30 years ago the first G/S, an 800, created what we now call the adventure bike class, and even today it is still the dominant machine, having sold more than 170,000 examples. But the competition has been building rapidly in the last few years, while BMW’s faithful boxer twin engine is at the end of its development path and will struggle to pass future emissions regulations. Water-cooling was needed and that is what the new GS has, although it is so subtle you would hardly spot it. BMW calls it targeted cooling, in which the coolant is directed only at the components most affected by heat. So, the engine still has cooling fins like an air-cooled unit, while the small radiators are well hidden on either side of the front suspension. Although the bike is all new, the style is very recognisably GS, and as expected the bike’s electronics package has been upgraded, closely matching Ducati’s Multistrada. So you get semi-active suspension with basic selectable engine and chassis modes, including two for off-road use, which adjust the suspension settings, ABS and traction control and the throttle response. This can be further tuned according to the bike’s load. Another first is the use of a wet, multiplate clutch, while the shaft drive has been moved to the left side. Power has increased by a substantial 15bhp to 123bhp, with a commensurate rise in torque across the rev range, although BMW says its focus has been on expanding the bike’s touring ability as well as its off-road prowess. Austrian manufacturer KTM has put more pressure on BMW with its 1190 Adventure. This has a version of the RC8 superbike engine producing a Multistradamatching 148bhp, and the bike is laden with the essential electronics such as electronic suspension adjustment (but not semiactive), engine, ABS and traction control modes. The standard model is more strongly biased towards road use than any previous KTM Adventure, but for those who want to venture away from the bitumen the

Cologne Motorcycle Show: A review AUSTRIAN MANUFACTURER

KTM HAS PUT

MORE PRESSURE ON

BMW WITH ITS 1190 ADVENTURE Adventure R has longer travel suspension, larger wheels and other detail differences. The KTM weighs only 467lb without fuel, making it about 24lb lighter than the less powerful BMW and 15lb lighter than the Multistrada, so it should be lively. Triumph has refreshed the top-selling Street Triple 675 with a new frame, which helps to reduce weight, and a new

underbelly exhaust. The altered weight distribution has allowed the engineers to sharpen the steering geometry without upsetting stability, so this should be more agile than the previous model, which was already a hoot on a sinuous road. As with the previous model, the Street Triple R has higher specification brakes and suspension and is distinguished by unique colours, including a red finish on the new, cast aluminium rear subframe. Kawasaki showed its new Z800, which replaces the popular if heavy Z750. This has very aggressive bodywork cloaking the same chassis and an enlarged version of the engine, which has more power and torque. In contrast, Honda’s new naked bike, the CB1100, is an unashamed retro complete with air-cooled four-cylinder engine,

although it has twin-plug heads and fuel injection, and Honda says it’s capable of 70mpg. You also get a traditional tubular steel cradle frame and twin rear shocks. Suzuki has blown the dust off the US-only Boulevard 1500, which will be marketed here as the Intruder 1500. It is designed to have a serious touring capability and comes with a screen and integrated panniers. Suzuki also showed a prototype 1200GS rival in the V-Strom 1000, using an updated version of the old V-Strom 1000 V-twin. Yamaha drew the most attention of the Japanese, however not for the updated FJR130 but for the speech by senior executive Kunihiko Miwa. He said that Yamaha was now re-committing itself to western markets and would return to its core values as the most innovative of the Japanese manufacturers, and would once again take risks in the interests of progress. To support this, Yamaha showed off an all-new three-cylinder engine which looks set to take over from the company’s four-cylinder ones. All Miwa would say is that it has a cross-plane crankshaft, as used in the current R1 superbike. The idea is to minimise inertial torque, which causes crankshaft oscillations that filter out feedback to the rider at the extremes of grip. No further clues were given, but to achieve this in a three-cylinder engine Yamaha will need to fit a reciprocating counter-balance as well as a rotating balance shaft, but it should be very smooth and tactile as well as sounding fabulous. As a replacement for the aging four-cylinder R6 supersports machine, this is a very exciting prospect. Kevin Ash is a motoring writer with The Telegraph U.K. (culled from The Telegraph)

BMW C-R1200GS

Stallion opens ultramodern centre in Owerri OLUSEGUN KOIKI

tallion Motors last week inaugurated another ultramodern 3S facility (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) in Owerri, Imo State to service its South Eastern clients. Similar to some of Stallion’s facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu and Kano, the centre seeks to raise the profile of vehicles marketed by the company, while guaranteeing the

dealership’s commitment to prompt supply of relevant parts and provision of efficient technical support. The Managing Director, Stallion Motors, Mr. Parvir Singh, said the new facility is crucial to the growing reputation of the products in Nigerian market, adding that it equally has exclusive franchise for Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Honda, Hyundai, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Foton and SsangYong. Singh added that the new 3s facility would enhance customer-dealership re-

lations and raise the profile of its services to globally acceptable standard, saying that “we won’t stop at making automobile ownership a seamless experience in Nigeria”. Also in his remarks, the branch manager, Stallion Motors, Owerri, Mr. Sachin Gupte likened the centre to similar facilities worldwide with powerful diagnostic tool and several modern features such as the Information Terminal that allows diagnosis 24/7 via wireless communication.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

ost Nigerians today complain of bad economy and are looking to a way to cut spending while also improving on their way of life. At this stage, car users are careful and device a mean of maintaining their cars with less resources. Last edition, Mirror Drive started sharing with our readers how to keep their cars running longer despite the economy; enjoy the concluding part. Find a good, trusted and knowledgeable mechanic to take care of your car. At least once in six months, the car should be looked over by your mechanic. There are plenty of things underneath the car that only can be checked when the car is lifted up on the hoist. Use only known good quality or original parts for

How to keep your car running longer your car. These parts might be expensive, but they usually last longer on the long run; usage of poor parts lead to more problems and more repairs. Drivers should endeavour to drive smoothly always. The full-throttle acceleration will cause many parts of your car to wear faster, the same with the hard braking. If your daily commute involves only short trips, take your car on a highway once in a while. Driving only short trips without letting the car to warm up fully is hard on your engine. If it’s a new car, have it broken in properly, so it will last longer. Regularly lubricate door hinges and locks, as well as

the hood, trunk lid or tailgate hinges and locks. Without lubrication the hinges will corrode and wear out fast. If you have a minivan, clean and lubricate the sliding door rails as well. Rustproof your car body if you live in a rust belt area. When there is constant humidity and salt on the roads during winter season it’s hard to prevent corrosion. If your vehicle has been rust proofed, there is a better chance that your car won’t get corroded in a few years. The rust-proofing also protects the electric wiring underneath the car.

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance The Federal Government of Nigeria has continuously placed the safety and security of the maritime domain in the front burner. In this respect, concerted efforts have been made to ensure adequate safety and security mechanisms in Nigeria’s maritime domain. Minister of Transport, Idris Umar

Many investors are already eager for the bonds. We will raise the bond very comfortably. The $500m is very small compared to what we do every month on the domestic market Chief Executive, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismark Rewane

Cashless: PoS deployment in Lagos hits 104,858

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

KUNLE A ZEEZ

are already registered.” According to him, cumulative PoS transactions recorded 1,501,193 transactions valued at N27.8bn compared to a mere 3,197 transactions valued at N99, 657,191.52 in January 2012. Lemo noted that in

the last one week alone, 71,003 PoS transactions accounted for N1.2bn leading to a steady decrease in currency in circulation. CBN figure shows that deployed and active PoS terminals have grown from 18,874

as at March 4, 2012 to its current figure of 104,858, a feat which made the CBN deputy chief re-affirmed that cash-less project was gaining traction in the country. He said “We have exceeded our agreed

targets for the year of 40,000 PoS and are in good stead to reach our 2012 target of 150,000. It is therefore imperative that the sensitisation/ education to enlighten the consumer on security of electronic channels continue.”

he total number of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals already deployed and activated since the introduction of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Cashless Lagos initiative has reached 104,858, the apex bank has revealed. The Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Lemo disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the BusinessDay Mobile Money Round Table in Lagos yesterday. Lemo, who was represented by an official from the Shared Services Office of the CBN, Mr. Chimene Eleonu, said, “The Cash-less project is gaining traction in Nigeria. The number of deployed and active PoS terminals has grown from 5,557 as at January 2012 to 104,858 as at Oc- L-R: Managing Director, Flying Dove limited, Ashok Jain; Country Manager West Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, Omokehinde tober 14, 2012. Another Ojomuyide; Marketing Director, Mr. Rohan Israni, Acceptance Director, West Africa, Kamil Olufowobi, and Director, Account Management, Obi Okwuegbunam, during the commencement of MasterCard Nigeria and Flying Dove Limited’s collaboration 176,604 PoS terminals in support of Cashless Nigeria.

Nigeria’s debt profile unsustainable – LCCI STANLEY IHEDIGBO

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has described Nigeria’s debt profile of 44 billion dollars as clog in the wheel of economic growth.

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Mr Goodie Ibru, the President of the LCCI, made the observation during an interview with journalists at the chamber’s third quarter press briefing in Lagos. Ibru said that the high debt profile was unsustainable, taking into account the current debt service ratio of 20 per cent of the national bud-

get. ``The current debt service provision in the 2013 budget is N592 billion and the domestic debts stand at 38 billion dollars (N5700 trillion). “This is not good for the economy,’’ he said. He described as inappropriate the use of a global benchmark of debt to the Gross Do-

NNPC accuse marketers of products diversion in Abuja

mestic Product (GDP) adopted by the Federal Government. According to him, agriculture, which is a major component of Nigeria‘s GDP, is not revenue yielding activities unlike the case in other countries. He urged the Federal Government to desist from borrowing at exor-

bitant rates. “Borrowing at high rates is having a toll on the local operators’ access to cheap funds and creating distortions in the credit market. “Private sector is being crowded out when investment in treasury bills and government bonds are more attractive than putting money in fixed deposits or lending to enterprises,’’ he said.

My biggest challenge is obsolete Shippers’ Council Act

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, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel Scarcity: NNPC accuse marketers of products diversion in Abuja CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

oncerned by the perennial fuel shortage in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has warned petroleum products marketers against products diversion and hoarding, saying it has released enough products to meet the demand of the city. In a statement made available to National Mirror by the corporation’s Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Fidel Pepple, the management expressed dismay over the continued queue in petrol stations in the city. Specifically, NNPC stated that the long queues in the petrol stations ought to have disappeared following the release of sufficient amount of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS otherwise known as fuel for the city. Mr. Pepple said that 116 trucks of PMS were loaded from the Refinery in Kaduna designated for Abuja between Monday and Tuesday but only 43trucks arrived the city, querying to where the remaining 73 trucks were diverted. According the statement, NNPC through the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) has released enough petrol to sufficiently meet the demand in Abuja and its environs and that the continued existence of long fuel queues at filling stations across the city makes the warning necessary. “Going by the quantity of PMS that has been released by PPMC from the Kaduna Refinery for distribution to Abuja, we are not

supposed to have queues at all in any filling station. On Monday, 71 trucks of PMS were loaded from the Refinery in Kaduna designated for Abuja, but the report we have shows that only 18 trucks arrived Abuja. On Tuesday 45 trucks of PMS were loaded from Kaduna to Abuja, only 25 arrived. This clearly shows that some marketers are diverting the product thereby causing unnecessary hardship to Nigerians,” he explained. He said NNPC has alerted the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) about the development and that PPMC is working in conjunction with the DPR to unravel the identity of those involved in the unpatriotic act, adding that all those found to be involved will be severely sanctioned. Mr. Pepple called on motorists to avoid panic buying as there is enough stock of PMS in the country to meet demands and that NNPC was doing everything within its powers to resolve the distribution challenge being experienced as a result of pipeline vandalism. Long queues returned in major petrol stations across Abuja and its environs since last Sunday. At Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot at Abacha Road in Karu, a suburb of Abuja the station was so overcrowded that soldiers were seen dispersing some of the petrol hustlers with a whip otherwise known as koboko. A taxi driver who spoke to our correspondent said things are made worse because some of the stations do not sell to non registered customers.

L-R: Public Relations and Event Coordinator Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju and Marketing Manager, Mr. Manpreet Singh, during the 4th Indomie Super Millionaire Promo in Lagos, yesterday.

FG seeks D-8 countries’ support for Aviation sector JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

he Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has solicited the support D-8 countries for Federal Government’s on-going reform in the aviation sector, particularly in order to improve safety of air travels and using the industry as a major hub for driving the sustainable growth of the economy in the years ahead.

ICAN advocates stronger regulatory institutions for devt TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria yesterday said ongoing transformation drives targeted at sustainable growth of the economy and overall development of the country will depend largely on the extent leaders and other stakeholders prioritise the building of strong and enduring institutions which can define, regulate and enforce compliance to acceptable practices for the common good and the realization of the Nigerian dream.

The President of the Institute, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi, who made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the Institute in Abuja said the nation required strong institutions that will make development and regulatory environment conducive to effective operation of economic development and democratic process that is consistent with good governance. While noting that the task of building such strong institutions should be everyone’s responsibility and must start earnestly, the ICAN Presi-

dent assured that accountants would continue to support the government and its agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Budget Office, Bureau of Public Procurement, in order to strengthen the financial system and achieve macroeconomic stability in the economy. He said the Institute would consistently be offering the needed support to all the regulatory institutions and other agencies through well-informed ideas and recommendations such that the dream of national transformation would be achieved.

FG urges compliance with urban planning regulations OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

n order reduce the level of devastation arising from flooding; the Federal Government has urged the people to comply with all legal and regulatory frameworks on urban planning and regional development. It also said that the recent flood disasters in some part of the country revealed the level

of susceptibility of the Nigerian cities to disasters. Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Amal Pepple said these during the year’s World Habitat Day in Abuja yesterday. The theme of the year’s celebration is “Changing Cities, Building Opportunities.” As part of the country’s national agenda on urban and regional development, Pepple said the country must begin to draw

a nexus between cities and development. She said,” We need to build a national consensus on the interconnections between cities and development as part of our national agenda on urban and regional development by recognising the positive link between urbanisation and development. “With the phenomenal rate of urbanisation in Nigeria over the past five decades, we cannot af-

This is even as she made a strong case for Nigeria’s interest in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO’s) Presidential election coming up next year in which Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu is contesting, saying that the Federal Government would like the D-8 member countries’ endorsement of his candidacy to complement the African Heads of States’ support earlier given this year. Making the plea at the 6th D-8 Working Group on Civil Aviation and Director General’s Meeting in Abuja, the minister noted that despite the modest achievements recorded so far by the transformation agenda of the sector, there was still the need for D-8 member-countries’ collaboration in order to deepen the impact of the reform at national and trans-continental levels. Oduah, who recalled series of the landmark achievements recorded by the present administration to reposition the aviator industry for global competitiveness, however admitted that the journey to making it the hub of

sub-regional air travels and major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is still far and required every stakeholder’s support. She explained: “Nigeria has worked very hard to reposition our aviation industry in the last six years through a comprehensive safety reform agenda, which focused on re- certificate of industry and the resuscitation of Aviation infrastructure. The new transformation agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the last sixteen months is revolutionizing our airport experience and creating an Aerotropolis- a new Airport of the future.” “We are desirous of strong collaboration with other D-8 Countries to further raise the level of aviation activities in Nigeria and make air transportation, truly, our engine of economic growth.” On the recent mishaps in the domestic aviation sector, Oduah said the crisis indicated that there was need for more commitment to safety of air travels with all stakeholders focusing on the path to accident-free travels.

ford to be complacent anymore about the vast opportunities which our cities provide as epicentres of growth and development for accelerated national transformation through building integrated and productive communities. In his remarks, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Daouda Toure, said that although urbanisation had contributed significantly to society’s growth, its flip side was that over 69 per cent of urban

dwellers lived in slum conditions. “The dividends of urbanisation have come at a price; large proportion of urban residents (put at about 69%) lives in slum conditions, the large housing deficit estimated between 16-18million units, insecure land tenure, poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, substandard building materials and the absence of adequate legislative framework to guide the housing industry, he stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, October 19, 2012

FG challenges auto firms on assembly plants CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Federal Government has requested automobile companies to come up with a proposal on the establishment of more assembly plants in the country. Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mr. Samuel Ortom, who stated this in Abuja at the opening of the 14th edition of Abuja motor show, also the government was ready to support the project for the development of the local auto industry. He said the country could not continue to be an importer of all manner of vehicles, adding that the National Automotive Policy was recently put together to accelerate the development of the sector and stressed that the establishment of local assembly plants was part of its objectives. He said, “The thrust of the National Automotive Policy is to ensure the survival, growth and development of the Nigerian automotive industry using local and international human and material resources; this is with a view to enhancing the industry’s contribution to the economy.

“The targets of this policy include the provision of automotive vehicles for urban and rural areas; accelerated technological development; increased employment opportunities for Nigerians; conservation of scarce foreign exchange; establishment of integrated automotive industry; standardisation and rationalisation of the Nigerian automotive industry; increased private sector participation in the auto industry, and creating conducive operational environment through the introduction of appropriate fiscal and monetary incentives.” The minister described the automotive industry as an engine of growth, which could served as a stimulus for other sectors of the economy. According to him, the industry has the capability to generate employment opportunities, enhance technology transfer and acquisition. He also spoke on the motor fair, noting that it could help in creating awareness of the latest products and services in the industry with a view to enabling Nigerians keep abreast with global trends. Besides, the minister said the fair would help to ex-

pand the market of participating companies; generate employment through the expanded operations of the participating companies and boost tourism. He said his ministry identified with the programme because it was in tandem with the programme of the government and commended the organisers, BKG Exhibitions Limited and participating companies. He said, “It shows that they are quite in agreement with the Federal government’s determined efforts to ensuring that Nigeria joins the league of advanced and developed economies of the world by the year 2020. These are also espoused in the Millennium Development Goals, Vision 2020 and our rapid pursuit and promotion of a private-sector driven economy all encapsulated in the transformational agenda of this administration.” Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, , who gave the theme of this year’s event as “rubbing shoulders”, said it offered participants the opportunity to showcase their potential promote global partnerships as well as unveil new benchmark for competitiveness.

NAMA boss defends Aviation Minister’s revenue automation OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, has defended the new policy on the automation of revenue collection in the aviation industry, describing it as a strategic drive in revenue generation. Udoh addressing trade union leaders of the agency at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos during the week said that the introduction of the automation would among other things; block revenue leakages, allow for proper billing of aviation service users and prepare agencies for self sustenance. Udoh challenged the antagonists of the new policy to rather ponder on the benefits of the automation, which he highlighted as; transparency, accountability and probity, saying, that ‘’we obviously cannot boldly say we have met the criteria

UN, African countries tasked to advance economic growth in global economy UDO ONYEKA WITH AGENCY REPORT

he UN General Assembly has said it would strengthen partnership with African countries to advance the continent’s economic growth, development and participation in the global economy. The President of the General Assembly, Vuk Jeremic stated this on his opening remark at the Assembly’s discussion of the world body’s engagement with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in New York on Wednesday. The NEPAD initiative of the African Union (AU) was adopted in 2001, with the continent’s leaders pledging to pursue new priorities and approaches for the political and socio-economic

transformation of Africa. The programme is intended to accelerate Africans’ efforts to extricate the continent from underdevelopment and exclusion from the global economy. Jeremic said that to ensure Africa’s development was a strategic task for the entire UNations system and bridge the gap between the promise of Africa and the reality on the ground. ``I believe the UN must continue to give priority to the continent’s singular needs. “The UN’s agencies, programmes and entities need to be engaged as never before in the task of supporting African nations to unlock their potential.’’ Jeremic said that a number of African countries were the hardest-hit victims of the global economic crisis, and growth rates

in many parts of the continent have been resilient. ``Over the past years, trade and investment have expanded, the continental-wide internal market has been built up, and macro-economic indicators have improved. ``This progress is remarkable and unprecedented. Yet much more needs to be done in a number of areas. ``Solutions must be found on how to lessen the difference in living standards between urban and rural populations, and addressing the increasing disparities amongst the continent’s economies.” Jeremic said that to be more effective, various assistance mechanisms should reflect NEPAD’s agenda, and that of the individual African Member States.

above without automation.” He emphasized that contrary to the widely held opinion by the union leaders, that the automation would lead to loss of jobs, Udoh assured that no worker of the agency would lose his or her job because of the new system. The automation, he stressed, would not drain NAMA’s purse, just as he likened the automation system to the use of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), where one could collect money from the automated machine of any bank by paying mere token for the services rendered. The coordinating Chairman of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), NAMA branch, Comrade Ade Adekoya, earlier in his address commended the current management of NAMA for their expeditious action in releasing the promotion exercise for the year 2011/2012 to deserving staff, the regularisation of casual staff, and training among other achievements.

P & G donates products to Kogi flood victims STANLEY IHEDIGBO

L-R: Chairman, International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Nigerian Chapter , Mr. Alex Illah; Head Sales and Marketing, Oando Energy Services, Mrs. Olushola Ismail; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa and Chief Executive Officer, Oando Energy Services, Mr. Bandele Badejo, at the inauguration of the Nigeria Chapter of the IADC in Lagos, yesterday.

rocter and Gamble Nigeria, in line with its purpose and commitment to touch and improve lives, donated relief products to victims of the flood disaster in Kogi State in a bid to alleviate their suffering. The company made the donation recently at the flood relief camp at Kabuwa Primary School Camp in Lokoja to officials of Nigerian Red Cross and the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Items donated included several cartons of Oral B toothpaste, Safeguard anti-

bacterial soap, and Always Ultra Pad and Ariel detergent. Key Account Manager of P&G, Mr. Muhammed Taufiq, made the donation at the camp in commiserated with the Kogi State government and the people over the recent flood disaster that affected several parts of the state. He said as a leading Nigerian consumer goods company with a portfolio of several trusted brands, P&G is committed to improving lives in Nigeria, adding that P&G recognizes the importance of attending to the pressing needs of the people that have been negatively impacted by the flood.

FG asked to harness food processing, cement production potential

n industrialist, Chief Ndukwe Iko, on Thursday advised the Federal Government to take steps to harness the potential in food processing and cement production in the country. Iko, the Managing Director of a Lagos-based industrial installation and building firm, Task International Ltd., made the call in Umuahia in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said that more than 20 million jobs would be created if the resources in the food processing and cement production sectors were harnessed. “Nigerians produce sufficient food but due to inadequate investment, most of these foods rot away yearly.

“We also have commercial deposits of limestone in states like Benue, Kogi, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu. What is needed now is the political will to exploit the resources,’’ he said. Iko said that although government was privatising its business concerns, it was still its responsibility to provide suitable environment for investment. “In most developed nations, government provides incentives for investors because that is the only to attract huge investment into the local economy,’’ he said. Iko said that if government encouraged massive investment in cement production, the living standard of the average Nigerians would be uplifted.

Maritime

Recently there were rumours that government was planning to scrap the council. Are you aware of this? I cannot speak on that because I am hearing it from you, I have not been told about any plan to scrap the council, I don’t know where you got that from. That is mischief. I have not been told and I am the head of the council. But after all if government decides to scrap council, so be it. Shippers Council is not my personal estate, it is in the interest of national economy and if the government takes the decision to do so, so be it. Was there Shipper Council before 1978? So if the government decides to scrap it, so be it, but I don’t think it is true. I think it is those who want to probably get a job in National Transport Commission that are floating this rumour because they want a job. I would not be bothered about government policy, I don’t formulate policies. Nigeria’s exports are carried on Cost Insurance and Freight basis while her imports are on Free On Board basis. Is there any reason for this seeming trade imbalance? Those are issues we inherited; they are issues the present government or even the last one did not create. Let’s try to understand things, if the government decides to correct what is wrong, so the first thing we do is to understand that this government did not create the problem. Then, the second thing is to understand that there is need to change certain issues, may be because there is change in the industry or because there are changes in the global economy. I don’t know. Where there is need the government is addressing it. I tell you, honestly not because I work for the government but I believe that this government is doing very well. This government is trying to address all the anomalies that exist in the maritime industry that I know. I don’t know about any other sector but I know about the maritime industry. You can see that recently Mr. President held a retreat for maritime stakeholders, that has not happened before, where a president calls all the maritime stakeholders for a national discussion and he was physically present. I have spent over 40 years in the maritime industry that has never happened. For God’s sake, give kudos to a man when he does well. You must praise the government because the government is addressing those issues. The Minister of Transport told us that he is the chairman of the committee that the President raised as a result of that retreat to look at all the aspects of the maritime industry in order to bring the necessary changes. What we need to do is to put our heads together and see where the wrongs are and correct them. That is my attitude; that is my sincere belief. So, if our terms of trade have been wrong for so long we have an opportunity now to correct them and I believe it is being corrected. This issue of FOB is being corrected at that committee, as the issue of export of crude oil has been extensively discussed. Most port users especially freight forwarders have been complaining about arbitrary charges imposed by the private terminal operators. A lot of them believe that Nigerian ports are most expensive in the sub-region. What’s your take on this? It all depends on what you call arbitrary charges. I don’t know where the term ‘arbitrary charges’ comes from, there is no standard as such, no fixed rate for all services being provided. The rates vary from time to time depending on circumstances. That is not to say any terminal operator or even the Nigerian Ports Authority has a right to unilaterally increase the rate. The concession agreement says anybody who wants to increase rate for any reason or even decrease the rate should negotiate with the

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My biggest challenge is obsolete Shippers’ Council Act After eight years as chief executive officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Captain Adamu Biu, retires at the end of the year. In what appeared a valedictory exclusive interview with FRANCIS EZEM, he says his greatest challenge in office is the outdated nature of the enabling act, which makes the agency, charged with the responsibility of protecting shippers’ interest, a mere toothless bulldog. cil, which has the function and semblance of National Economic Regulator in the transport chain grow. The new law would have given sufficient power to the council to regulate activities in the industry as expected; it will very easy to carry out that function to the satisfaction of Nigerians. What efforts have you made towards the review of the Act?

Captain Biu

WE HAVE THE STAFF ALREADY, MOSTLY

EXPERTS, SO YOU MAY NOT NEED MORE THAN

10 OR 15 SPECIALISTS THAT WOULD COME IN TO RUN THE NEW DEPARTMENT AND YOU WOULD HAVE KILLED TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE

appropriate government agency. That is the agreement the terminal operators have with the NPA. That appropriate agency is the Nigerian Shippers Council because it is the council that has a mandate by law to negotiate rates on behalf of the service providers, to negotiate rates on freight and to negotiate even rate by airfreight on cargo only not passenger. When I say air, am talking about airfreight for cargoes not on passenger aircraft. So, when some of the terminal operators or service providers increase their rates without negotiation, that is what I believe is done arbitrarily. It does happen and we are not disputing that, when it happens what Shippers Council does is first, we have an in -house monitoring mechanism, that would relate with some of the freight forwarders to hear their grievances on various charges and they tell us if there is any fluctuation in the rates. Then we speak with the terminal operators, why they want to increase the rate and what are the parameters.

Why were you not able to control such increases? What is militating against our enforcement functions is the weakness in the enabling Act. We are not supposed to be policeman of the maritime industry but we are supposed to have some element of enforcement. If we discuss with you and you agree on our rate, unless you justify why you want some increases, we should have some powers to compel you to stick to what has been agreed; that power is lacking, we don’t have that power. Do not forget that the Nigerian Shippers Council Act was promulgated in 1978, since then, nothing has happened to it in terms of amendment or review. We have made several attempts to try to modernise it to bring it up to date such that we can have some powers of enforcement, but that has not been possible. Mind you the power we are talking about is not arrest to anybody’s business or stop anybody but to tell him that if you go beyond what is agreed then we can prosecute, we will take you to court; let the court decide what to do with you. But that we don’t have. Our enabling legislation provides that if somebody defaults, he is liable to a fine of N50, 000. We are in 2012, what is N50, 000 in 2012? N50, 000 in 1978 was money but in 2012, N50, 000 is something that a good house boy can pay. So, that is the major weakness we have, but that notwithstanding, we are doing our best to make sure that those aspects that we cannot handle we have the ministry to intervene on our behalf The law that was enacted in 1978 cannot be that effective now, so many things have changed and the maritime industry is dynamic. Between that period and now is nearly 30 years or more. Several things have changed but our Act is still the same; that is why we now say let Shippers Coun-

So many, we have written to the Ministry of Transport, we have been asked to make a draft bill, we made the draft bill and it has been sent to the National Assembly, all kinds of things have happened. But of course the Bureau of Public Enterprise prefers what it calls the National Transport Commission, which is supposed to do the same functions. But our view is this: why do you want to create an extra parastatal of government where there is an existing agency that can do the same job even if it means employing extra one or two hands because of the new element that you have introduced into the law which Shippers Council may not have the technical knowhow. But 90 percent of what you are asking for is already in the council, coupled with the fact that it already has infrastructure on ground. We have offices in 22 states of the federation with our headquarters in Lagos, we have a liaison office in Abuja; this will save government billions of naira if you like. Also we have the staff already, mostly experts, so you may not need more than 10 or 15 specialist that would come in to run the new department and you would have killed two birds with one stone, because this is a way of reinvigorating the Shippers Council Act and you would have also satisfied the desire of having a new regulatory agency in the maritime industry. But of course there are Nigerians who may not understand and they make a lot of insinuations. We are here to serve this country; everybody is here to serve this country whether you are within government or outside government. You don’t have another country than Nigeria. We have a collective interest in the scheme of things in this country and it is in our interest to look for the shortest but surest possible way to add value to our economy. We have it on authority that you are due for retirement November. Do you have a succession plan? First and foremost there is no such thing as retirement because I am not in the army, I am a seaman. I was appointed to do a four -year term, I did the first fouryear term, I got a renewal for another four years and by the special grace of God I am completing the four years second term at the end of the year. And after that the government will appoint somebody else to take over. I don’t have an input because my predecessor didn’t have an input in my appointment. So I am not retiring.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, October 19, 2012

2013 budget: N53bn transport allocation can only pay salaries-Group STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

reight forwarders under the aegis of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders yesterday took a swipe at the Federal Government over the allocation of paltry sum of N53.3bn ($331.3million) to the transport sector, which is a reduction when compared to the N54.83bn allocated last year, saying that such allocation could only pay salaries and allowances. Meanwhile, Ministry of Niger Delta services got a whopping N63.4bn, Federal Capital Territory Administration got N55bn, N53.5bn for aviation and N27.2bn for the Federal Ministry of Information, among several others. National president of the association, Mr. Eugene Nweke, who spoke in an interview, noted that the Federal Government has only paid a lip service to the development of the transport sector in the country, which he said is the engine of growth of any economy. According to him, 52 years after political independence, the government is still groping in the dark over the development of the transport sector, saying that it is worrisome that Nigeria does not have a transport policy. ‘If government is truly sincere about developing the transport infrastructure in the country, the first way to go about it is to develop a policy framework, which will serve as a guide and at the end of every fiscal year, you sit back and assess the implementation of the last budget to determine critical areas of need, which will determine the next are to focus attention in the next budget’, he observed. ‘Nigeria is a large country no doubt, such allocation does not demonstrate any level of seriousness on the part of the govern-

ment because at the end of the day, the budget will just go into payment of salaries and allowances for the ministry and other departments and agencies under it with little or nothing going into real capital expenditure’, he further regretted. ‘It is not compulsory that the government must focus attention on the development of all the aspects of the economy at the same time, saying that for now, emphasis should have been on energy, agriculture and transport, which the country is in dire need to grow the economy’, he continued. He also observed that no country has developed over time without first developing these three critical sectors, arguing that though the government is faced with paucity of funds, the little that comes its way has not been judiciously managed, adding that fat allocations are made to ministries and agencies that have little to impact on the lives of larger number of the Nigerian people. Nweke also observed that if the government is sincere and

genuine in its claims of wanting to developing the transport industry, it should have known that $331.3 million allocated to the entire transport sector will be grossly inadequate to take care of the needs of the rail system not to talk of the inland waterways, which the government need to develop to reduce the pressure on the roads, arguing that no meaningful development can take place without first developing the transport sector. The government had out of the N53.3bn transport budget allocated to N20bn to the ministry itself, N14bn to the Nigeria Railway Corporation, N11bn to the National Inland Waterway Authority, N3.2bn to the National Institute of Transport Technology, N2.5nb to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria while N236.5 million goes to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan had last Wednesday presented the 2013 budget proposal a joint sitting of the national Assembly in

which he proposed an aggregate expenditure of N4.92 trillion for the 2013 fiscal year, representing about five percent over the N4.7 trillion appropriated for 2012. The budget comprises of N380.02bn for statutory transfers, N591.76bn for debt service, N2.41 trillion for recurrent (Non-debt) expenditure and N1.54 trillion for capital expenditure. Some of the allocations to key ministries and sectors include: N183.5bn for works, N74.26bn for power, N426.53bn for education N279.23bn for health and N348.91bn for defence. Others include N319.65bn for Police while N81.41bn goes to Agriculture and Rural Development, among several others. Meanwhile some experts who commented on the, picked holes in the huge allocations of N2.41trillion to debt servicing out of a budget of N4.92 trillion, which is about 50 percent of the entire budget, arguing that the allocation of N1.54trillion to capital expenditure, which is a yardstick for development was inadequate.

Dilapidated rail track

Nigeria’s import volume grows 5% in one year-Report

here has been an upsurge in the volume of various types of imported goods into Nigeria, which recorded a 4.9 percent growth at the end of August, 2012. Meanwhile, experts believe that the continuous surge in the volume of imports into the country is an indication that the local industry is not performing at optimal level, which spells doom for the economy since no nation grows by merely relying only on imported goods instead of developing the local industry. Statistics released by the Nigerian Ports Authority shows that monthly cargo throughput in all Nigeria’s eight seaports for August 2012 stood at 6.9 million met-

ric tonnes as against those of 6.6 million metric tonnes recorded at the end of August 2011, which represents a 4.9 percent growth rate. The volume of general cargo stood at 1.3 million metric tonnes at the end of the review period representing an increase of 29.5 percent when compared with last year’s figures. Meanwhile, container laden throughput stood at 75,056 Twenty Equivalent Units as against the 71,263TEUs, recorded in the comparative period of last year, representing a 5.3 percent increase. Empty container throughput also stood at 67,739TEUs, showing an increase of 34.3 percent over the 50,456 TEUs recorded at the

end of August 2011. The country also recorded a 12.4 percent in terms of vehicle traffic in the review period, which peaked at 25,531 units as against the 22, 722 units recorded in the comparative period of last year. The period also witnessed an increase in gross tonnage of vessels that called at the various seaports. Statistics show that the total gross tonnage of the ocean going vessels handled at the ports under the review period stood at 10.8 million as against the 10 million handled in the comparative period of August 2011, representing a growth rate of 7.8 percent. The quantity of coastal vessels

handled during the review period stood at 1,809, showing a growth rate of four percent over1, 739 record of August 2011. The gross tonnage of these coastal vessels stood at 708,584 metric tonnes in August 2012 as against the 652, 437 metric tonnes handled in the comparative period of 2011, representing a growth rate of 8.6 percent. Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi, who commented on the increasing volume of cargo and vessels, attributed it to the improvement in port infrastructure, especially the deepening of the channels, which makes them accommodate larger vessels, with the attendant economies of scale.

Crisis looms as freight forwarders reject NPA, Customs’ identification

oves by the Nigerian Ports Authority in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service to issue port gate pass as part of measures to control access to the seaports suffered a major setback as freight forwarders say they cannot accept identification from any of the organisations. The NPA’s Assistant General Manager in charge of security, Mr. Sam Asamagie, had at the just concluded stakeholders’ forum organised by the Apapa Area 1, command of Customs hinted that the department was concluding plans to issue new port gate passes to identify and admit port users into the various seaports across the country. The NPA-security boss had urged freight forwarders and other port users to forward five members of staff of every freight forwarding company, who will be issued with the gate passes and who will in turn undertake all the companies’ transactions at the ports to customers, warning that those that do not have the passes would not be allowed into the ports. But in a swift response, national public relations officer of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Mr. Tony Onyike, who spoke on behalf of other freight forwarders, noted that they will not accept any form of identification. According to him, only the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, created by the CRFFN Act of 2007 is the only statutory organ with constitutional powers to regulate the activities of the freight forwarders and also issue them with relevant means of identification, which will be acceptable to other regulatory bodies within the nation’s air, seaports and land borders. He had reminded Customs especially that before the creation of the council, the freight forwarders accepted identification from either NPA or the service, but regretted that the they will no longer accept that since CRFFN is a body created by law to perform such function. The CRFFN Act, which created the council, empowers it to determine who a freight forwarder is, set standards of practice, among others. The act also empowers the council to register all practising freight forwarders in the country, regulate their activities as well as those of the freight forwarding associations.

Global Business

hinese industrial companies’ profits dropped for a fifth month in August, adding to signs the nation’s economic slowdown is extending into a seventh quarter. Net income fell 6.2 percent from a year earlier to 381.2 billion yuan ($60.4 billion), the National Bureau of Statistics said today in Beijing. That’s the fastest drop this year and compares with a 5.4 percent decline in July and a 1.7 percent slide in June. Today’s report may increase pressure on Premier Wen Jiabao to step up easing measures as risks grow that annual expansion in the world’s secondbiggest economy will be the weakest in 22 years. China’s central bank injected record funds into the financial system this week while Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., the nation’s largest publicly traded steelmaker, suspended production at a Chinese plant after demand dropped for slabs used to make ships and bridges. “China’s industrial profitability is unlikely to see any improvement until early 2013 or even mid-2013,” said Joy Yang, Hong Kong-based chief Greater China economist at Mirae Asset Securities (HK) Ltd. “The central bank has to keep liquidity accommodative to growth” and it can do so by injecting funds through reverse-repurchase

Friday, October 19, 2012

Chinese industrial profits fall

6.2% in fifth straight drop

Computers being transported in Beijing, China

operations or cutting banks’ required reserves, said Yang, who forecasts one more reserve-ratio reduction this year. The benchmark Shanghai Compos-

Fed’s fisher says U.S inflation expectations rising

do not see an overall argument for letting inflation rise to levels where we might scare the market,” Fisher said yesterday on Bloomberg Radio’s “The Hays Advantage” with Kathleen Hays and Vonnie Quinn. “We have seen a sharp rise in inflation expectations. If you let this get out of hand, then I think we will have a market reaction.” Fisher, who doesn’t vote on monetary policy this year, opposed the Federal Open Market Committee decision last week to expand its holdings of long-term bonds with openended purchases of $40 billion of mortgage debt every month in a new round of quantitative easing. The Fed, led by Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, is seeking to boost growth and reduce 8.1 percent unemployment. “A sustained increase” in inflation expectations “would suggest incipient doubts

about our commitment to the Bernanke doctrine of sailing on a course consistent with 2 percent long- term inflation,” Fisher said in a speech in New York. The five-year, five-year forward breakeven rate, which projects the pace of price increases starting in 2017, rose to 2.88 percent on September 14, the day after the FOMC decided on QE3. That was up half a percentage point from July 26. It dropped to 2.80 percent on September 17. Congress’s inaction on fiscal policy and excessive government regulation are holding back businesses from spending on hiring and investment, Fisher said in a Bloomberg Television interview. The Fed’s stimulus efforts, or so-called quantitative easing, won’t work because the central bank can’t address those obstacles to growth, he said.

China-to-Japan slowdown signs support case for stimulus

he preliminary reading was 47.8 for a China purchasing managers’ index yesterday by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics, compared with a final level of 47.6 last month; a reading above 50 indicates expansion. Japan’s overseas shipments slid 5.8 percent on weakness in demand from Europe and China. A separate report showed euroarea manufacturing shrank for a 14th month. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao may need to roll out more stimulus to support growth that’s poised to slow for a seventh quarter after the Bank of Japan’s surprise decision yesterday to expand monetary easing. A dispute between China and Japan over islands claimed by both threatens to interfere with trade between the nations, adding to challenges for Asia as Europe’s debt crisis weighs on export demand.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jiabao

“The two data sets are first and foremost a reflection of weak external demand,” said Patrick Bennett, a strategist at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Hong Kong. Japan needs further easing, while China “should have easier interest rates to support slowing domestic activity but will need to be targeted to avoid another housing boom,” Bennett said.

ite Index of stocks rose 0.5 percent as of 10:22 a.m., rebounding after closing yesterday at the lowest since January 2009 and briefly falling below the 2,000

level for the first time in three years. The economic slowdown may persist into next year on a lack of funding for investment projects, Song Guoqing, a central bank adviser, said last week. Earnings are declining amid falling prices, higher costs and slower demand. More small companies are halting all or half of their production due to narrowing profit margins, Miao Wei, minister of industry and information technology, said in remarks posted on the agency’s website on Sept. 24. The China Beige Book, a private survey, said more companies are cutting jobs and wages this quarter. Industrial companies’ profits in the first eight months of the year declined 3.1 percent to 3.06 trillion yuan, according to today’s statement. That compares with a 2.7 percent drop in the first seven months and a 28.2 percent gain in the same period in 2011. The government began reporting monthly year- over-year profit changes in October 2011.

Euro-area services, manufacturing slump to 39-month low

uro-area services and manufacturing output fell to a 39-month low in September as European leaders struggled to reverse the singlecurrency bloc’s slide into recession. A composite index based on a survey of purchasing managers in both industries in the 17-nation euro area dropped to 45.9 from 46.3 in August, London-based Markit Economics said yesterday in an initial estimate. A reading below 50 indicates contraction. Economists had forecast a reading of 46.6, the median of 23 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey showed. The euro area’s economy is heading for a second straight quarterly contraction after a 0.2 percent decline in the three months through June as fallout from the fiscal crisis damps consumer spending and corporate investment. European Central Bank President Mario Draghi this month unveiled details of an unlimited bond-purchase program to regain control of interest rates and fight speculation of a currency breakup. This “dismal” report indicates the euro area will suffer “further and appreciable GDP contraction” in the third quarter, “which will put it in recession in every sense of the word,” Howard Archer, chief European economist at IHS Global Insight in London, said in an emailed note. “Sharply falling incoming new business and employment in September do not bode well for euro-zone economic activity in the fourth quarter.” Archer said IHS forecast a third-quarter contraction of as much as 0.4 percent. The median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of 21 economists is for a 0.2 percent decline followed by stagnation in the fourth quarter.

Draghi

An indicator of euro-area services output dropped to 46 in September, a 38-month low, while the manufacturing gauge rose to 46, a 14th straight monthly contraction, Markit said. In Germany, Europe’s largest economy, the manufacturing index improved to 47.3 from 44.7, and French production plummeted to 42.6, a 41-month low. The prolonged gloom for manufacturers extended to Asia, where a Chinese survey pointed to an 11th month of contraction in September and Japan’s exports fell in August, supporting the case for increased stimulus as Asia’s growth slows. The preliminary reading was 47.8 for a China purchasing managers’ index released today by Markit and HSBC Holdings Plc, compared with a final level of 47.6 last month. Japan’s overseas shipments slid 5.8 percent on weak demand from Europe and China. In the U.S., manufacturing output growth probably slowed in September, the median of 13 economists’ estimates in a Bloomberg Survey showed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, October 19, 2012

Index rises 0.3% in bullish trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as the benchmark indicies rose further. The All-Share Index gained 0.28 per cent to close at 27,271.50 points, compared to the increase of 0.31 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 27,194.13 points. Market capitalisation appreciated by N24.7bn to close at N8.68trn, lower than the appreciation of N26.9bn recorded the preceding day to close at

N8.66trn. Lotus Islamic Index led the sectorial indices with 0.46 per cent to close at 1,697.34 points, followed by the Food and Beverages Index with 0.37 per cent to close at 2,373.28 points. The Banking Index appreciated by 0.31 per cent to close at 440.57 points, while the NSE 30-Index increased by 0.23 per cent to close at 1,291.70 points. The Insurance Index rose by 0.04 per cent to close at 139.07 points, but the Oil and Gas Index lost 1.59 per cent to close at 158.22 points. PZ Cussons Plc led the

gainers’ table with N2.60 or 9.49 per cent to close at N30.00 per share, followed by Union Bank Plc with 42 kobo or 5.40 per cent to close at N8.20 per share. Vitafoam Plc gained 17 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.57 per share, while Cap Plc rose by N1.41 or 4.98 per cent to close at N29.71 per share. UAC-Properties Plc appreciated by 55 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N11.62 per share. On the flip side, Arbico Plc dropped 44 kobo or 4.94 per cent to close at N8.47 per share, while Eterna Oil Plc dipped by 10 kobo or 4.55 per

cent to close at N2.10 per share. Continetal Insurance Plc lost four kobo or 4.44 per cent to close at 86 kobo per share, while Ikeja Hotel Plc depreciated by five kobo or 4.39 per cent to close at N1.09 per share. Fidelity Bank Plc shed nine kobo or 4.13 per cent to close at N2.09 per share. Transaction volume in equities dropped by 35.6 per cent, as a total of 294.73 million shares worth N2.26bn were exchanged in 5,277 deals, compared to 457.64 million shares valued at N4.92bn traded in 5,767 deals the receding day.

GT Bank posts N63bn profit in nine months JOHNSON OKANLAWON

uaranty Trust Bank Plc has declared a profit after tax of N63.03bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of 58.8 per cent when compared to N39.7bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The bank’s gross earnings rose by 21.8 per cent to N154.6bn in the review period, from N126.9bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange

yesterday, operating expenses increased to N49.8bn, from N48.6bn recorded in 2011 half year, while interest income stood at N118.6bn, from N87.04bn recorded in 2011 half year. Further analysis showed that customers’ deposit rose marginally to N994.1bn, from N984.1bn it stood in the same period of 2011, while the value of investments in equity stood at N3.25bn, from N3.75bn in the corresponding period of 2011. The bank’s total liabilities dropped by 3.49 per cent to N1.24trn, from N1.29trn it stood in

the same period of 2011, while net assets appreciated to N269.4bn, from N237.8bn in the 2011 half year. The bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Segun Agbaje, had attributed the achievements in the current year to what he identified as operating strategy and adherence to its principles. Other factors, according to Agbaje, were the dedication of all GTBank employees and the support it continues to receive from its customers and other stakeholders. He was quoted in a statement as saying, “Our goal is to become

the bank of choice for discerning customers within the African market space by constantly innovating and ensuring our customers perform their banking activities safely and conveniently. “Guaranty Trust Bank plc has always been at the forefront of industry service innovations within markets wherein it operates, having successfully replicated its culture for excellence in banking subsidiaries at Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and the United Kingdom”.

US stocks rise as investors sift through economic data

nited States stocks advanced yesterday, erasing an earlier loss in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index, as a rise in jobless claims was offset by better-than-estimated data on leading indicators and Philadelphia manufacturing. Travelers Companies gained 3.8 per cent as earnings more than doubled on lower claims costs tied to natural disasters. Supervalu Incorporation jumped 3.9 per cent as the grocery store chain said it has received interest from several parties amid a strategic review, while Philip Morris International Incorporation, the world’s largest publicly traded tobacco company, dropped 2.8 per cent as earnings trailed analysts’

estimates. The S&P 500 rose 0.2 per cent to 1,463.19 points, after climbing 2.3 per cent during the first three trading days of the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 22.91 points, or 0.2 per cent, at 13,579.91on Thursday, as trading in S&P 500 companies was 11 per cent above the 30-day average. “The market is digesting some strong gains earlier in the week and the disappointing jobless claims number,” Jim Russell, the Cincinnati-based chief equity strategist at US Bank Wealth Management, said. “The data cadence is two steps forward, one step back right now with a positive bias. It does appear as if things are firming up at the mar-

gin for the US economy and the Philly Fed report confirms that.” US stocks slumped early in the trading day as Labor Department figures showed more Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, reflecting an unwinding of adjustments for seasonal swings at the start of a quarter. Equities pared declines as the index of US leading economic indicators rose in September by the most in seven months, boosted in part by a jump in permits for home construction that’s helping underpin the expansion. Manufacturing in the Philadelphia region expanded in October for the first time in six months, a

sign the industry may be starting to stabilize. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s general economic index rose to 5.7 in October from minus 1.9 in September. A reading of zero is the dividing line between expansion and contraction in the area covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Economic issues including jobs are central to the race for the American presidency. Gallup’s daily tracking of registered voters conducted October 10 through October 16 showed President Barack Obama with 46 per cent and Republican challenger Mitt Romney with 48 per cent support. The margin of error is two percentage points.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 17 OCTOBER & 18 OCTOBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

1 7 -Oc t-1 2

1 8 -Oc t-1 2

Source: FMDA

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

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

AGLEVENT

1.20

1.26

0.06

5.00

INTBREW

6.61

6.94

0.33

4.99

CAP

24.12

25.32

1.20

4.98

REDSTAREX

2.62

2.75

0.13

4.96

BERGER

6.93

7.27

0.34

4.91

ETERNA

2.35

2.46

0.11

4.68

CADBURY

15.25

15.95

0.70

4.59

BAGCO

1.56

1.63

0.07

4.49

IKEJAHOTEL

1.12

1.17

0.05

4.46

AIRSERVICE

1.57

1.64

0.07

4.46

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CONTINSURE

0.63

CLOSING 0.60

0.03

-4.76

GTASSURE

1.75

1.67

0.08

-4.57

UTC

0.92

0.88

0.04

-4.35

STERLNBANK

1.07

1.03

0.04

-3.74

ROYALEX

0.55

0.53

0.02

-3.64

OANDO

13.99

13.61

0.38

-2.72

DANGFLOUR

6.30

6.13

0.17

-2.70

DANGCEM

112.40

110.00

2.40

-2.14

UNILEVER

35.50

35.00

0.50

-1.41

DANGSUGAR

4.55

4.50

0.05

-1.10

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

30,159.21

13.75

11-Oct-12

182-Day

73,490.67

14.94

10-Oct-12

364 -Day

68,184.69

16.22

11-Oct-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178Days

14,231.30

15.50

04-Oct-12

356-Days

193,954.35

16.20

04-Oct-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$120m

N/A

$120m

10-Oct-12

$150m

N/A

$104m

08-Oct-12

Capital Market

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at October 18, 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, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “Yenagoa is a slum and we have a duty to take it out of its deplorable state.” BAYELSA STATE GOVERNOR, SERIAKE DICKSON

Aged couple arrested for arms possession …as man throws wife into pit latrine

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

n aged couple Gorge Dada, 80 and wife, Sidikat 64, have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly being in possession of firearms. The couple, said to be parents of a notorious robbery suspect, one Adeyemi Dada, were said

to have been arrested at No. 21, Obarinwa Street, Aiyegbami in Ago-Iwoye Area of Ogun State. The Police Commissioner said the Divisional Police Officer in Ago-Iwoye, Stephen Iriavbijeh, led a team to conduct search at the couple’s house, following a tip-off on the nefarious activities of their son. Okoye said, executing the

search warrant in the family house led to discovery of one cut-to-size gun, two locally made pistols and 16 live cartridges in the mother’s wardrobe. “Thus their arrest in whose possession the firearms were found after thorough interrogation, ‘’ he said. Meanwhile, a 46-year-old man, Surajudeed Alaraba, has been pa-

raded by the police in Ogun State for allegedly killing his wife. Alaraba, was said to have killed his wife, Rauda by throwing her into a pit latrine following minor domestic disagreement between the couple. Parading the suspect alongside other suspects at the police headquarters in Eleweran, the Commissioner of Police, Ikhemefuna Okoye,

said Alaraba was arrested following a distress call after the incident. Okoye, who stated that the alleged murder was committed at Agbado, however, said the suspect would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are completed, even as he assured that the Command would not relent in its efforts at protecting lives and properties in the state.

Windstorm victims get relief in Cross River OKAY OSUJI

he Cross River State Government has provided relief materials including cement, zinc and mattresses to victims of windstorm disaster in Obudu Local Government Area. More than 20 communities were affected in which 2,000 houses had their roofs blown off, displacing thousands of persons. Some of the worst communities included; Utukwang, Obudu urban, Ipong, Igwo, Ukpe and Alege. The storm also affected 13 other local government areas of Obanliku, Bekwarra, Ogoja, Yala, Ikom, Yakurr, Abi, Biase, Akamkpa, Etung and Boki. The recipients expressed gratitude to Governor Senator Liyel Imoke for the gesture, even as they commended him for the generosity, which has endeared him to people of the State. Speaking, Chairman of the council, Hon. Emmanuel Ikwen, said testimonies on the governor’s magnanimity are evident

in the construction of roads, electrification projects, and improved health sector, renovation of schools and improved welfare for civil servants. The chairman, who received the relief materials on behalf of disaster victims, commended the government, as he said, the council was prepared to support the administration in all spheres to enable it achieve the lofty programmes for the state. Mr. Ikwen, reassured that he would ensure that the forestation campaign began by Imoke is sustained, especially in rural areas, where relentless deforestation has exposed them to the vagaries of heavy storms. He also commended the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), for prompt response to disasters in the state. Presenting the materials, the Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Aquah, said the gesture of the governor was to cushion the effects of the windstorm disaster on victims.

Governor’s wife promises care for underprivileged children

ife of Osun State Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, has expressed her commitment in the continuing advocacy to promote access to full and abundant life for under privileged children. She spoke at the celebration of International Adoption of Children with Special Needs Day at Barnveld, Netherlands, organised by “Child and Future Foundation”. According to her, she would use her office to encourage more civil

society groups to raise the level of advocacy on the care of such children, even as she commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola, for carrying out major socio- reforms aimed at giving people, especially women and children, commendable standard of living. Lauding organisers of the event, Mrs. Aregbesola expressed optimism that the gesture has opened a new chapter for the strengthening of relationship between the foundation and Osun State Government.

Malam Bala Musa, Principal, FCT Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Bwari, assembling tricycles for the students in Abuja.

Senator urges increased allocation for education others MURITALA AYINLA

he Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Lands and Urban Development, Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa, has called for increase spending in education, transportation, housing and environment sectors in the 2013 appropriation bill now before the National Assembly. Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, said the present Senate will critically review the budget proposal with the aim of addressing the plight of the citizens, adding that Nigerians deserve a budget that addresses their needs, even as he decried the decrease in allocations for Lands and Housing. He said: “The appropriation for Lands and Housing has decreased by 48.4 percent, while there are no provisions in the Capital

supplementation for housing, aside the 2010 allocation for outstanding liabilities. This is extremely worrisome, since housing is a critical area that needs to be decisively addressed being one of the basic needs of man” He added that the budget of the Transportation Ministry was also reduced by 45.83 percent. “I believe it is time the government looked deeply at our transport sector, how do we complete our rail projects with these reductions? Health was given 5.7 percent and Education 8.7 percent while international benchmarks recommend15 and 25 percent respectively. These sectors have direct impact on the masses and should be increased just like the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development”. The lawmaker added that in view of the recent floods in the country, the budget of the

Environment Ministry should be increased as against last year in order to put in place flood prevention projects”. Ashafa condemned the huge allocation to certain MDAs which he said would not have any direct impact on the common man. “For example, Foreign Affairs had 49.96 percent and Special Duties 41.89 percent increase over the 2012 Appropriation”. “As legislators, we will look at the allocations from prisms of those who honoured us with their votes and ensure they have a budget that directly affects them.” Commending the budget for having an increase of 73.8 percent in Capital supplementation over the 2012 Appropriation Act with the main bulk of funds targeted towards job creation, Ashafa assured Nigerians that the Senate would do all is required to ensure better life for all.

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Protests as Ireland’s first abortion clinic opens

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

uinea’s government has released a shipment of arms bound for Mali which had been blocked because of insecurity in its landlocked neighbour. Islamist groups and Tuareg rebels have taken control of northern Mali following a coup in March. The regional bloc ECOWAS, which has been mediating the crisis, inspected the cargo and advised Guinea to release it to Mali’s new unity government. The Bulgarian-made arms reportedly include armoured personnel carriers. The BBC’s reporter in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, says news of the blocked shipment came out in August - and no official details have been given about what it contains. There have been a series of delegations in the city from Mali and ECOWAS to try and decide what to do about it, he says. Abdoul Kabele Camara, Guinea’s minister of defence, said the cargo included several tanks, armoured personnel carriers and ammunition, AP news agency reported. “ECOWAS came and inspected the container, and we did an inventory. Together we decided that we could release it. We are now waiting for the Malians to bring the necessary equipment to transport the arms,” Mr Camara said. An earlier investigation by Reuters news agency quoted a source saying 20 BTR-60 armoured per-

“One must distinguish between the fundamentalists that turn to violence and the others. If we demonise the Salafis, then in 10 or 15 years they will be in power.” – Leader of Tunisia’s ruling Islamist Ennahda party, Rachid Ghannouchi

Guinea releases blocked arms shipments to Mali • France urges swift action on raising militant threat sonnel carriers were among the order from the ousted government of President Amadou Toumani Toure. BBC says other reports suggest only small arms - rifles and grenades - are in the shipment. Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande is pushing hard for military action against al Qaeda-linked militants in northern Mali to quash what he believes is a growing risk of them launch-

ing an attack on French soil. Yet even as Hollande’s calls for intervention are prompting the fighters to threaten retaliation, back-pedalling by African nations and lukewarm support from Washington may hold up a resolution to the crisis. The situation poses a difficult challenge for Hollande five months into a presidency where he is already being tested by a jobs crisis and the euro zone’s persis-

tent debt troubles. “Hollande is convinced that there is a real risk of terrorism in France. The longer the situation in Mali lasts the greater the risk,” said a French diplomatic source. Mali’s former colonial ruler fears al Qaeda’s north African arm, AQIM, is cementing its base in the West African state, creating a launch pad from which to target French political and economic interests at home and abroad.

Former rebels allied to Libya’s army have attacked the town of Bani Walid leaving 11 dead and dozens wounded, local medical officials have said. The deputy director of Bani Walid’s hospital, Abdullah alMansuri, said on Thursday that his facility had received “seven dead people and 75 wounded, including a 14-year-old girl”. The commander of the ex-rebel group, Libya Shield, said four of his men had been killed and 19 wounded in the fighting for the hilltop town, which is a known bastion of slain leader Muammar Gaddafi. “Bani Walid was shelled from three fronts today,” said Massud al-Waer, a town official. He said dozens of residents were wounded in the assault on the town.

Kenya’s top cleric charged for inciting violence One of Kenya’s most prominent Muslim clerics has been charged with inciting violence after allegedly offering to fund a separatist group. Sheikh Mohammed Dor, who is an MP nominated to represent the Muslim community, denied the charges and was freed on bail. He is accused of saying he would give money to the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), which wants independence for Kenya’s largely Muslim Coast province. The MRC leader was arrested on Monday. Guinean soldiers

PHOTO: TREND UPDATES

Nigerian hairdresser jailed 10 years in Ghana for human trafficking hana’s Takoradi Circuit Court “A” on Wednesday sentenced Elizabeth Inaba Love, a 41-year- old Nigerian hairdresser based in La Cote d’Ivoire, to 10 years imprison-

WORLD BULLETIN Libyan militias shell Gaddafi’s former stronghold

ment in hard labour for human trafficking, Ghana web has reported yesterday. The accused pleaded guilty. Prosecuting, Police Chitef Inspector Alice Parker-Wilson,

A student at UNIBEN in Benin City walking past a billboard campaigning PHOTO: against human trafficking.

said on September 30 this year, the accused recruited seven young women between the ages of 20 and 25 years from the Delta State in Nigeria to practice prostitution in La Cote d’Ivoire. She said on October 7, the accused and the women arrived at Elubo in a Ford vehicle from Aflao. Chief Inspector ParkerWilson said the accused and the women got stranded at the border due to the closure of part of the border. She said in an attempt to cross the border through an unapproved route, a Nigerian Evangelist and a member of Nigerian Diaspora Organization in La Cote d’Ivoire, intercepted them. Chief Inspector Parker-Wilson said during an interaction, the member of the Nigerian Di-

aspora Organization identified the accused person as somebody being wanted by the organisation for trafficking 15 young women three years ago. She said the accused person and the women were arrested and during investigations, it came to light that the women were the third batch of young women the accused person had trafficked from Nigeria to La Cote d’Ivoire. Ghanaian Chief Inspector Parker-Wilson said in her cautioned statement, the accused person admitted trafficking the young ladies for a fee to find them hairdressing work in La Cote d’Ivoire, but not for prostitution. After further investigations, the accused person was charged, the prosecutor said.

Uganda police to increase social media monitoring Ugandan police are to increase social-media monitoring because of fears about the spread of “dangerous” information, according to reports. The country’s highest ranking police officer spoke at a gathering of East African police chiefs. Gen Kale Kayihura called on forces to ensure social media “is not misused for crime, worse still for terrorism”. It comes as opposition supporters in Uganda are increasingly using social media to communicate. “Social media is a good thing, but can also be a bad thing because it is so quick in terms of dissemination of information,” Gen Kayihura said, according to the Ugandan Observer. He was addressing a gathering of police chiefs from across East Africa, with delegates from Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Seychelles, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti.

News

WORLD BULLETIN 150,000 Syrian refugees have fled to Egypt – UN The U.N. refugee agency said yesterday the number of Syrian refugees who have fled their country’s civil war and found shelter in Egypt has now topped 150,000 — a significant jump from last month’s figure of 95,000. The director of UNHCR in Egypt, Mohamed Dayri, said that despite the growing number of refugees in Egypt, only 4,800 Syrians have registered with the agency in Cairo. He called on Egyptian authorities to help UNHCR deal with the “rising emergency” of Syrian refugees here. A U.N. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, suggested Syria’s neighbours who have taken in refugees — Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan — are “reaching (the) saturation point,” prompting an influx into Egypt, where the cost of living is cheaper.

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Protests as Ireland’s first abortion clinic opens

he first abortion clinic on the island of Ireland opened yesterday in Belfast, sparking protests by conservatives from both the Catholic and Protestant sides of Northern Ireland. The Marie Stopes family planning center will offer the abortion pill to women who are less than nine weeks pregnant — but only if doctors determine they’re at risk of death or long-term health damage from their pregnancy. That’s the law in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, where abortion is otherwise illegal, the Associated Press has reported. But more than 200 protesters

opposed to abortion under any circumstances gathered outside the central Belfast clinic hours ahead of its opening Thursday, waving placards reading “Keep Ireland abortion free.” And Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin wrote to lawmakers, who broadly oppose abortion, offering his help if they investigate the clinic’s operations. Larkin said he could order the clinic to be closed only if evidence emerged of “serious criminal conduct” there. Protesters demanded that the clinic be shut down regardless, lest it become a beachhead for expanding abortion rights in Northern Ireland, the only corner of

the United Kingdom that has not legalized abortion on demand. “We’re in 2012. Women’s health is not in danger. Women are not dying because they cannot get abortions,” said Bernadette Smyth, the Protestant leader of a Belfast anti-abortion group called Precious Life. “For Marie Stopes, this is only a first step,” said Liam Gibson from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, a predominantly Catholic pressure group. He called on Belfast police to arrest the clinic’s doctors and directors if they give women information about abortion services in neighbouring Britain, where abortions have been legal since

Drone strikes kill seven militants in Yemen Suspected U.S. drone strikes killed at least seven al-Qaida-linked militants in southern Yemen on Thursday, Yemeni security officials and witnesses said. The officials say at least three strikes targeted a gathering of militants at a farm outside the town of Jaar, a one-time al-Qaida stronghold. The officials say the attacks followed tips of an imminent al-Qaida attack on the town. Resident of the area who came to the site after the attack said they saw vehicles burning, as thick black smoke billowed into the sky and explosions rocked the areas. They declined to be identified, fearing reprisals. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Government forces deployed to the area and the number of the dead could rise since body parts were found but not counted, the officials said.

Obama’s children’s school evacuated after suspicious call Washington exclusive Sidwell Friends School, where President Barack Obama’s daughters are students, was briefly evacuated on Thursday after a suspicious telephone call, the school said. The private Quaker school evacuated buildings on its Wisconsin Avenue campus in northwest Washington after the call, it said. Obama’s daughters Sasha, 11, and Malia, 14, are Sidwell students. “After an investigation by law enforcement, it was determined that no risk was present. Students and employees have now returned to class,” the school said in a statement on its website. Sidwell Friends, which groups students from kindergarten to 12th grade, gave no details about the telephone call. Two law enforcement sources said that all had been cleared at the school.

1967. About 4,000 women from the Republic of Ireland and 1,000 from Northern Ireland travel there annually for abortions. Officials from Marie Stopes, a British charity that already operates such clinics in more than 40 countries, said they expect to provide relatively few abortions in Northern Ireland, given the heavy legal restrictions. But they said Belfast, and all of Ireland, needed a non-judgmental, non-threatening place where women in crisis pregnancies could go for guidance. They said their office was already receiving calls from women in the Republic of Ireland, where it’s illegal to receive shipments of the abortion pill through the mail. “Mostly what we’ll be doing is offering advice. Many of the people we see we won’t be able to treat, because of the legal framework,” said Tracey McNeill, vice president of Marie Stopes.

Colombia, Farc negotiators meet in Norway

N Protesters opposed to abortion holding placards outside the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast, Northern Ireland, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

China records lowest economic growth in three years

hina has suffered its worst economic decline in three years, with third quarter GDP at 7.4 per cent, slower than the previous quarter’s 7.6 per cent. For the first time since 2009, the world’s second-largest economy missed its own target, making it too weak to drive up global growth, as both the United States and Europe continue to flounder, according to government data released yesterday. The slump could lead to job losses and social unrest, posing a challenge to the ruling Communist Party as it prepares for a once-a-decade handover of power to younger leaders. The further quarterly decline had been expected after officials, including Hu Jintao, the president, said that growth might slow further before recovering. Beijing has cut interest rates twice since early June and is injecting money into the economy through higher investment by state companies and spending on building subways and other public works. But authorities have avoided a major stimulus after huge spend-

ing in response to the 2008 global crisis fuelled inflation and a wasteful building boom. The slowdown over the past year and a half is due largely to government curbs imposed to cool an overheated economy and reduce reliance on exports by encouraging more domestic consumption. The slump worsened last year after global demand for Chinese goods plunged unexpectedly. Compared to the US and Japan, China’s expansion is stronger, but the slowdown has been painful for companies that depend on high growth to drive demand for new factories and other goods. The slowdown has been tough for manufacturers that had relied mostly on exporting their goods. They are now trying to sell more to China’s own consumers. Xie Jun, owner of company that manufactures electronics and phones, said he was losing $15,000-$30,000 a month and had to lay off 30 of his 100 employees. He began trying to make more sales in China a few years ago “but the market is limited”. Despite the overall decline,

some segments of the economy have improved. Retail sales rose 14.4 per cent and investment in factories and other fixed assets improved, rising 20.5 per cent in the first nine months of the year. A Chinese government spokesman tried to spin the latest number as a sign that the slump has levelled out. “We can see a clear sign of steady economic growth,’’ said Sheng Laiyun, spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics. “There is a smaller margin of decline and some major indicators have been growing faster.’’

Chinese President, Hu Jintao

egotiators from the Colombian government and left-wing Farc rebels have set the stage for their first direct talks for a decade. After almost 50 years of conflict, the two sides launched the peace process at a hotel in Norway, with negotiations expected to last months. Colombia’s negotiator said both sides agreed on the need for social change. Farc delegation head Ivan Marquez said they came “with an olive branch” but peace did not mean “arms go quiet”. A joint declaration by both sides was read out, agreeing to launch the talks in Norway and then move on to the Cuban capital Havana next month. Colombian chief negotiator Humberto de la Calle told reporters that the launch of Thursday’s talks was “a very important historical moment” and the second part of a process that began with exploratory negotiations in February. The third step would be the signing of an agreement to “put an end to armed conflict”, Mr de la Calle said, adding that the final agreement would be “put to the public”. Speaking for the rebels on the same podium, Mr Marquez told reporters: “We come with an olive branch in our hands.” He insisted that the Farc was seeking a “stable and lasting” peace. Three attempts have already been made to end the conflict, the last initiative falling apart in 2002, three years after it began.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, October 19, 2012

Revoke controversial land law, Assembly tells Kwara gov WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Kwara State House of Assembly has asked Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to revoke the controversial land law otherwise known as the Kwara State Legal Notice of 2009 or the urbanisation law. The law has pitched the Ilorin socio-political organisation, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, and other stakeholders against the government, particularly former Governor Bukola Saraki whose administration allegedly initiated the law to acquire land. The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Razaq Atunwa, who spoke with journalists yesterday over the issue, said the recommendation became necessary following the presentations of various stakehold-

ers during the last public hearing on the law. He, however, noted that all those involved in the hearing concluded there was no time the state government sold any land either at the praying ground or any other place considered as a cultural heritage for the ancient city of Ilorin. The recommendation, Atunwa added, was one of the six recommendations made by the lawmakers after reviewing the report of the committee that handled the public hearing. The Speaker said the lawmakers asked the governor to pay attention to some of the critical issues that were the sources of complaints by the public. He said: “Today we examined the report of the public hearing on the Legal Notice of 2009. The report again demonstrates that none of the rumours

about the sale of land at the eid praying ground or elsewhere was true. The report shed light on the law and noted there might have been unintended consequences in its application. “For instance, people who have hereditary traditional compound have resisted the law because their land is held in communal form without title and there is no way under urbanisation that you will not ask them to come and subscribe to a Certificate of Occupancy which becomes difficult because no single individual can lay claim to such compound and the C of O must be in the name of an individual. That was an unintended consequence and we have accepted that. “We have made six recommendations to the governor and the most important here is that we have asked that the Legal

Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), Zango branch, destroyed by bomb explosion in Bauchi, yesterday.

Notice of 2009 be revoked and that if the governor wants to do urbanisation, government must then take into consideration some of the concerns earlier expressed by stakeholders. Hopefully, this decision will lay the ghost of the controversy to rest. “We also recommended that there must be a review of the compensation/ valuation rate for land acquired by the state in the process of urbanisation.” IEDPU leadership had during the public hearing argued that the abolition of the law for now remained the only means of resolving the conflict over the issue. In a paper, which was presented on its behalf by a legal practitioner and member of the union, Alhaji Yahaya Kale Saadu, IEDPU argued that abolition of the law would check indiscriminate acquisition of land by the government.

PHOTO: NAN

Nigerians in Diaspora honour Saraki, Bamgboye, others WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Kwara State Association of Nigerians, KWASANG, resident in the United Kingdom and Ireland has honoured the Second Republic Senate Leader and strongman of Kwara State politics, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki and the first Military Governor of the state, Brigadier-General David Bamigboye.

The two men were honoured along other eminent citizens of the state, Chief Samuel Adedoyin and Chief Emmanuel Adesoye, for their contributions to the development of the state. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Wahab Oba, said in a statement that Saraki received a Platinum Award for keeping Kwara State visible to Nigeria, while Bamigboye and Adedoyin were both conferred with

Gold Awards for their contributions to the development of the state. Adesoye, a United Kingdom-trained Chartered Quantity Surveyor and chairman, Adesoye Holdings Limited, was conferred with a Gold Award for his contributions to business development in Kwara State. Speaking at the event, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed described the awardees as prominent ‘Kwarans’ who have

made immeasurable contributions to the growth and development of the state. He said: “These prominent sons of Kwara State have over the decades remained major pillars in their different walks of life. General Bamigboye, for instance, set the foundation for the socioeconomic development of Kwara State, while Dr. Saraki’s father-figure in the state and beyond has remained so strong.”

Exco’s dissolution: Adamawa PDP may sue Tukur OWOLABI ADENUSI YOLA

here are indications that the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Alhaji Umar Minjiyawa Kugama, has finalised plans to challenge the dissolution of the state executive committee of the party in court. A reliable PDP source told our correspondent yesterday that after consultation, the state leadership of the party decided to sue the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee, NWC, for illegal dissolution of the state executive committee without due process. “We have sent a delegation to President Goodluck Jonathan to call Tukur to order by intervening in the leadership crisis rocking the party. “It was the political structure led by Kugama and Murtala Nyako that gave Jonathan 90 per cent of the votes of Adamawa State delegates at the presidential primaries of the party while the people abandoned their own son, Atiku Abubakar. Why will they now say the people are not loyal?” the source queried. The PDP member said there was never a time the national leadership of the party issued any query to the Adamawa State executive and wondered why the NWC would just announced that the state executive had been dissolved. On Wednesday, the NWC of the party sacked the executive committee of the Adamawa State chapter of the party believed to be loyal to Governor Murtala Nyako. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Oli-

Tukur

sa Metuh, said a caretaker committee had been set up and would immediately take over the party structure in the state. “On behalf of the National Executive Committee, NEC, of our great party, the National Working Committee hereby dissolves the Adamawa State Executive Committee of the PDP. “This is in exercise of Article 31. Section (2)(e) specifically empowers the NWC thus; where necessary dissolve a state Executive Committee and appoint a caretaker committee to run the party until another Executive Committee is elected provided that the period from the dissolution to the election of the new executive shall not exceed three months,” he said. Metuh said the dissolved executive had flagrantly disregarded and shown serial disobedience to the decisions of the NWC. He said: “The dissolved executive was expressly advised by the NWC to halt further steps towards the conduct of local government elections as agreed at a meeting on October 9, 2012 between the NWC and the Adamawa State Working Committee.” However, Nyako’s supporters said yesterday that the dissolution of the state executive of the party by the NWC might make the PDP lose the state to the opposition.

Kwara set to explore mineral resources WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Kwara State Government will soon tap its mineral resources deposit through the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KWACCIMA. KWACCIMA President, Dr. Hezekaih Adediji, said this yesterday while addressing the media on the

sixth Trade Fair scheduled to begin next week. The fair is organised by the chamber in conjunction with the government. Adediji said some mineral resources expected to be tapped included columbite and tantalic, gold, marble dolomite, glass sand, talc, mica, limestone, gypsum, vanadium titalium, among others.

TRANSITION

Friday, October 19, 2012

HRH Igwe Frank Nweke

he Nweke Royal Family of Ishi-Ozalla, Enugu State of Nigeria has announced the transition of their father, patriarch and traditional ruler of Ishi Ozalla, HRH Igwe Frank O. Nweke, Okeifufe 1 of Ishi Ozalla. He was aged 81years. In a statement on behalf of the family and the Ishi

Ozalla community by his eldest son, Frank Nweke Jr, former Minister for Information and Communication and current Director General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the late Igwe passed away peacefully recently following a brief illness. Before ascending the throne in 2004, Igwe Frank Nweke served as an officer of the Nigerian Police Force from 1950 and 1959 after which he joined the National Cash Register (NCR) an American office automation company as a salesman in 1961. During a successful career at NCR spanning 15 years, the late Igwe through adroit high sense of commitment, sincerity and dedication to work, rose to the position of General Manager before retiring in 1976 into private business with the establishment of FONA Nigeria Limited, an office automation and industrial safety Systems Company with headquarters in Maiduguri. A devout Catholic, philanthropist and community leader, the late Igwe Nweke is survived by his wife, Lolo Franca Nweke, children and many grandchildren. According to the family, funeral rites, will commence on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 with a service of songs at St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Ishi Ozalla, to be followed with the Lying-in-State and Christian Wake keep on Thursday, November 22 at the Okeifufe Lodge, Ishi Ozalla. The funeral service will hold on Friday, November 23, 2012 at St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Ishi Ozalla while interment follows immediately after at the Okeifufe Lodge.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Princess Ruth Olufunwa

rincess Ruth Anjola Olufunwa, has died peacefully at her Agbowa-Ikosi home in Lagos, aged 85 years. Fondly called ‘Iya Olobi’, she was a devout Christian and successful trader during her life time. Late Princess Ruth is survived by children, grand children and great grand children, among whom are Prince Olusegun Olufunwa, a Chartered Accountant and Engr. Dayo Olufunwa, husband to Director of Media and Publicity, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operative, Mrs Bisi Olufunwa.

Pa. John Omokhoa

he death has been announced of Pa. John Omokhoa at the age of 81 years old. Late John Omokhoa worked with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as an engineer for many years until retirement in 1989. A statement by Mr Patrick Omokhoa, said service of songs will be held on October 23 at the Aganju-Aka Primary School, Okokomaiko, Lagos followed by wake keep on November 9 at his residence, Ihumudumu Quarters, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA in Edo State. He will be buried on November 10. Pa Omokhoa is survived by his wife, Janet eight children, among them, Mrs. Mabel Ifijeh, wife of the Managing Director of The Nation Newspaper, Victor Ifijeh and many grand children.

Madam Olameye Olubunmi

Alhaji Fatai Gbemisola

illionaire businessman and owner of Fatgbems Group of Companies, Alhaji Fatai Gbemisola is dead. Fatgbems, who is a veteran in the Oil and Gas indus-

try in Nigeria, died on October 12,2012. He was said to be in his late sixties. Information gathered said the Abeokuta, Ogun State oil magnate died of cancer in a London Hospital. Before his death, Alhaji Fatai Gbemisola was the Chairman of Fatgbems Group of Companies comprising of Fatgbems Petroleum, Fatgbems Tyres, Fatgbems Gas and Samdop oil. Gbemisola has successfully managed his billion dollar oil empire for over two decades. He was also the Chairman of Dhastor International Ltd. Gbemisola, who had chains of business across the South West states hailed from Ilugun, Oke-Ona in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun state. One of the early callers at his Abeokuta residence Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and former deputy governor of the state, Alhaja Salmot Badru and a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, described his death as a big loss to the state. The state Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Yunus Odekunle also described Gbemisola’s demise as a colossal death not only to his immediate family and extended ones, but to the entire Muslim community in the state.

prominent community leader and head of Aderuku descendants in Ilawe-Ekiti, Madam Theresa Olameye Olubunmi has died at the ripe age of 122 years. Late Madam Olubunmi ,is the mother of prominent journalist and Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ajibade Olubunmi. In her lifetime, she was known for her immense humanitarian services in Ilawe community. Her other children are, Aderemi Olubunmi, a retired public servant, late Barrister Adeoye Olubunmi and Oluwasanmi Olubunmi. Late Madam Olameye will be buried on Saturday, October, 2012 at Ilawe-Ekiti.

Chidi Eze

ate Chidi Eze, was one time AGM Finance, Nigerian Sugar Company, Bacita, Kwara State. He hailed from Umuahia, Amizi Oloko in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. He was, until his death, a consultant to the Speaker, Imo House of Assembly, Owerri. A wake keep will hold on Monday, November 19, 2012 followed by interment on Tuesday 20, November. Late Chidi is survived by widow, Mrs Ngozi Eze, three children, brothers and sisters.

Simeon Olujimi Koku

ioneer Judge of the National Industrial Court and retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Simeon Olujimi Koku has died at the age of 87 years old. Late Simeon attended the CMS Grammar School, Lagos and Leeds University in the United Kingdom. He was appointed a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour in 1968 and in June 1970, he was elected the Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Labour Organisation. He was a devout Christian. Left to mourn him are wife and four children.

Friday, October 19, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I think football will lose a lot when Sir Alex Ferguson stops coaching job. He’s the boss of all coaches

Eagles’ goal account delights Uche

-REAL MADRID COACH, JOSE MOURINHO

We’ll keep Eagles busy –Maigari

igeria Football Federation president, Aminu Maigari, has promised to keep the Super Eagles busy with friendly matches towards the realisation of the country’s quest to win a third Nations Cup trophy next year. “Qualification has brought a huge relief not only to me, but millions of Nigerians. But this is just the beginning because we need to go to South Africa to win the cup,” Maigari told MTNFootball.com Nigeria first won the Nations Cup on home soil in 1980 and then clinched the continental championship again in 1994 in Tunisia. However, Maigari ad-

mitted the Eagles still have a lot of work to do before they are again crowned African champions. “We have already begun plans to ensure the best preparation for the team. We have considered a possible training site for the Eagles considering the venue for our group games after the draw next week,” Maigari disclosed. “We will also make sure that for all the FIFA free windows before the Nations Cup the Eagles are busy. Already there is a game next month in the USA (versus Venezuela). We know what Nigerians want and we will work very hard to make sure we have a very strong team at the Nations Cup.”

FSFheVP vice-president quits overhave riot,drawn ban my own con-

Super Eagles’ players jubilating over one of their six goals scored against Liberia’s Lone Star in Calabar last Saturday

AFCON 2013: CAF to draw Nigeria last EVEREST ONYEWUCHI AND ADERENLE NIYI

he draw for the final tournament of the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in South Africa in January will be held in Durban next Wednesday. Yesterday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the draw procedure and the criteria which formed the basis of its earlier seeding of the 16 finalists and also shows that Nigeria, Mali, Tunisia and Angola in Pot 2, will be drawn last. Going by the seeding and draw procedure, host South Africa will be the first team in Group A, while defending champion, Zambia, will top Group C. Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire will lead Group B and D respectively. CAF said that its decision was based on the performances of the finalists in the last three editions of the competition. Nigeria crashed out at the quarter-finals stage at Ghana 2008, won bronze in Angola in 2010

but b t failed f il d to t qualify lif for f the th last l t edidi tion co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. South Africa will be a bee-hive of activities beginning early next week as Durban in the Kwazulu-Natal province hosts the CAF delegation and great African football stars for the final draw on October 24, heralding the final countdown for the championship holding from January 19 to February 10 next year in the country. Meanwhile, South African Tourism, the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination will host media from Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa to cover the final draw event. As part of the itinerary for the hosted media, there will be a tour of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, one of the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia also hosting AFCON 2013 as well as the city tour of Durban including famous shark cage diving. Durban, famous for being the busiest port in South Africa is the third largest city in the country after Johannesburg and Cape Town.

It iis also l seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city’s warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. AFCON 2013 finals will take place in five South African cities; Johannesburg, Durban, Port-Elizabeth, Nelspruit and Rustenburg.

of the Senegalese Football Federation, FSF, Louis Lamotte, has resigned after crowd trouble forced the abandonment of last Saturday’s home tie with Cote d’Ivoire. Lamotte was match coordinator for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier, which was called off with the Ivorians leading 2-0 after 74 minutes. CAF has already awarded Cote d’Ivoire the match and banned Senegal from the Nations Cup. “I have to take responsibility for what happened on Saturday given my role as match coordinator. So I

clusions and resigned,” Lamotte said. The man who is president of Senegal’s Professional Football League says his role as match coordinator means he had a ‘share of responsibility’ for the events that unfolded at Dakar’s Stade Leopold Senghor. After Didier Drogba’s second goal doubled the Elephants’ lead on the day, as well as giving them a 6-2 advantage on aggregate, Senegalese’s fans reacted by throwing missiles and lighting fires inside the stadium.

‘Sunshine Stars will shine in Cairo’

Ogunbote

unshine Stars FC of Akure coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, yesterday assured that the team would not disappoint Nigerians in the CAF Champions League second leg match against Al-Ahly SC of Cairo on Sunday. Ogunbote restated his team’s commitment while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly before the team departed Akure for Egypt. “We will make sure we get a good result from Cairo. We will not disappoint Nigerians because of the faith they have in us. We will qualify for the final of the tournament,” he said. Captain of the team, Godfrey Oboabona, said the team’s spirit was high and would go all out against their opponent on Sunday. Oboabona noted that the team was injury free which he said would be a boost ahead of the clash. “The team is injury free and we are all available for the encounter. We will go all out against Al-Ahly and will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.

Sport

Friday, October 19, 2012

Racist slur: Terry makes appeal U-turn

helsea captain, John Terry, yesterday issued an apology and decided not to appeal his four-game ban and £220,000 fine for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry had until 6pm on yesterday to contest the punishment handed out by an independent FA regulatory commission. But in a statement issued by his representatives, Elite Management, Terry revealed he was unhappy with the FA judgment but had decided to serve his suspension nonetheless. “After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment,”Terry said. “I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October. “Although I’m disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life. “As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position. Meanwhile, Chelsea has taken disciplinary action against John Terry after he was found guilty of racial abuse by the Football Association but says the internal sanctions “will remain confidential”. “The board has taken further disciplinary action in addition to the four-match suspension and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA,” the club management said.

Coaching: Hilton-Smith set for women seminar AFOLABI GAMBARI

Association Elite Course for referees, referee instructors and physical fitness instructors recently held in Abuja as one of the several highprofile coaching and refereeing courses that the Aminu Maigari administration has attracted to Nigeria since the incumbent NFF board came into office in 2010. Former Falcons’ goalkeeper, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine, and current Falcons assistant coach, Rita Nwadike, have been listed as participants in the seminar.

espected Fran HiltonSmith of South Africa has arrived in Nigeria ahead of the first-ever FIFA Women Coaching Seminar scheduled for October 20 to 24 at the FIFA Technical Centre, National Stadium, Abuja. According to spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, the women football instructor will be assisted by the former Super Falcons’ coach, Eucharia Uche. Uche, who led the Super Falcons to reclaim the African Women Championship title in South Africa two years ago, and also coached the team during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, played at the 1991, 1995 and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Olajire said the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, will be the special guest of honour at the seminar’s formal opening ceremony at the Park View Hotel, Abuja. The second FIFA Member Eucharia Uche

CBN, Union Bank in cup final

entral Bank will trade tackles with the Union Bank in the final of the CBN and All Financial Institutions Football Competition scheduled for the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar tomorrow. The competition is organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Union Bank thrashed Penniel Micro Finance Bank

while CBN defeated Badawa Micro Finance Bank in the semi finals to book a date for Saturday’s final which will be preceded by a third place match between Penniel Micro Finance Bank and Badawa Micro Finance Bank. First Bank FC emerged the winner of the 2011 edition at the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta.

Muntari resumes training John Terry

Governor’s Cup: Onelga, Okrika duel in final IFEANYI EDUZOR

Governor Amaechi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he final of the 2012 SPDC/Rivers State Governor’s Cup will be decided today between Onelga Local Government Area and two-time runner-up, Okrika at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt. Onelga defeated Cup holders, Obio-akpor 3-1 on penalties after full time score stood goalless while Okrika defeated Ahoada West 4-1 after both teams ended their game 1-1 at regulation time. Coach of Onelga, Leonatus Eluma, said his wards were de-

termined to win the crown this year, even as he said they would not underrate their opponents. “We can’t come this far and lose in the final, as we are determined to make our community proud,”’ Eluma said yesterday. The annual football fiesta has proved a hunting ground for clubs in the professional and amateur leagues in the country. The SPDC top officials, Rivers State government officials, top hierarchy of the state Football Association and stakeholders, among others, are expected to grace today’s final.

C Milan midfielder, Sulley Muntari, has trained for the first time this season with his teammates. Muntari worked with the ball on Wednesday, but missed the practice match played at the Milanello sports centre. The 28-year-old, however, trained apart from the rest of the Milan players yesterday as they prepared to play Lazio tomorrow. His return to the pitch is a major boost for Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah who is counting on his fitness ahead of the 2013 Muntari Africa Cup of Nations.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, October 19, 2012

Wi Window on Nigerian players abroad

with IKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Eagles’ goal account delights Uche

agles’ talisman Ikechukwu Uche says he’s happy with the goals he has scored so far for his country. The Villareal of Spain striker netted once in the Eagles’ 6-1 thrashing of Liberia last weekend, to bring his Eagles’ goal tally to 18. The former Getafe hit man averages two goals in three games for Eagles, a trend which he began two years ago. Uche enjoyed an interesting goal rush under sacked Coach Samson Siasia and brought along his scoring boots since current coach Stephen Keshi took over November last year. Uche’s goals were largely instrumental to Eagles picking their Nations Cup ticket in South Africa next January. The Spain-based striker, who opened his Keshi’s Eagles’ goal account in them new handler’s second game in charge against Zambia in an international friendly in November 2011, scored three of the Eagles’ 10 goals en route to South Africa. “It’s really exciting to be among the goals for my country and I’m poised to continue scoring and helping my country,” Uche said. “It’s quite thrilling to be back in the Nations Cup after missing the 2012 edition. It was painful not being there but all that is in the past now. “We’re in the party already and we’re really looking forward to the Nations Cup. I know the expectation of everyone is high but we will do our best. “I have scored 18 goals for my country and I’m glad about this. I want to continue the trend too and I know with God on my side, He will do it for me all the time.” The country’s all-time goal record for strikers currently held by the late Rashidi Yekini, who netted 39 times, is still nowhere near be-

ivaspor of Turkey striker Michaeal Eneramo has told National Mirrror he targets to get on the scoresheet this weekend against Antalyaspor as the Turkish Super Lig resumes after the FIFA free weekend. Eneramo, who was in the country during the break to attend a burial ceremony, said it would be great to continue his fine goal form against Isaac Promise’s club. Eneramo only returned to Sivaspor at the last minute before the summer transfer window shut after he disagreed on personal terms with Trabszonspor. He would miss the first two games in the current season as the transfer talks were still on. He netted his third goal of the season in Sivaspor’s 2-2 home draw against Bursaspor

as the Turkish league went on break, to be among the top ten scorers in the chart. “I’m really looking forward to the game on Saturday with a view to getting on the score sheet again,” he said. “It was a bit of difficult start for me, getting among the goals was not immediate but I ready made it up for my high work rate. “My transfer talks with Antalyaspor took its toll but it was also good while it lasted. I’m back among the top ten scorers. “Getting a goal or two won’t be a bad idea. I’m in high spirit and I want to score.” Eneramo scored 15 league goals last season to finish the season fourth best. He joined his current team from Tunisian giants Esperance where he broke all the individual records to etch his name in the Tunisian football folklore.

I want to score more goals –Ogbu

O Ike Uche (15) being congratulated by team mates

ing broken or equalled. Uche is currently placed fourth on the scorer’s table, a position he shares with Levante striker Obafemi Martins. Uche says he’s flattered with his position on the log, but modestly says, the wish of God will always prevail.

“I don’t have anything to say about breaking or equalling Yekini’s record but let’s see how it goes,” he says “If it’s the will of God to break or equal his record, then l will smile but I honestly wouldn’t want to comment on that.”

Utaka returns for Rennes

John Utaka

Eneramo targets goal against Antalyaspor

ontpellier striker John Utaka has been named in the squad that will face Rennes this weekend, National Mirror can report. Utaka joins his mates as they depart for the away tie today alongside Henri Bodimo and Anthony Mounier, who have also recovered from injuries in the trip. Utaka suffered hip and thigh injury that sidelined him for three games. The former Portsmouth striker had been on the treatment table and only regained his fitness last weekend. He copped their injury when he fell awkwardly in

the trip to Reims in September 14 and was replaced after just 26 minutes. He had played all the games this season before the injury that needed three weeks to heal. Utaka, who scored the two goals in their 2-1 victory away victory at Auxerre that gave them their first ever French Ligue 1 title, will be hoping to score his first goal this season. He scored seven goals last season. He made a total of 35 outings last season as Montpellier made history by winning the French Ligue 1 title for the first time.

h Leuven striker Derrick Ogbu says he’s eyeing more goals for his club as the Belgian League resumes this weekend. The Enugu-born striker who was club’s top scorer with 11 goals last season endured a nine-game scoreless streak to announce his come back with a hat trick in his side’s 4-0 demolition of Sporting Charleroi before the league went on break. Ogbu admitted it was tough for him but praised his determination to break his duck. The Enugu-born star has however, resolved he would maintain his form in the remaining fixtures, beginning with Club Brugge’s visit this weekend.

Derrick Ogbu

“I went nine games with a goal but was rewarded for my hard work against Charleroi and I was very happy about it,” Ogbu told National Mirror. “I was tough though but I still managed to make lots of assists. I was also not lucky to score goals. I must also commend my strike partner Ibou Sawaneh, the current top scorer for his goals. “He has scored eight so far and I also helped him with some assists. He’s really on fire this season and I hope we will continue our partnership. “I scored 11 goals last season but I want to better the record this season. If I continue with this form, I will surpass the record.”

WORLD RECORD

Tallest man-made structure on land

Vol. 02 No. 473

Friday, October 19, 2012

Endless rice self-sufficiency sermons

n April 28, 2008, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the nation’s 36 state governors met in Abuja and deliberated extensively on the food production and security challenges that confronted the nation. What necessitated the meeting was the sharp increase in food prices in the country within the period. The meeting approved the immediate release of N80 billion from the Natural Resources Development Fund (NRDF) for the importation of 500,000 metric tones of rice from Thailand; as well as the immediate release of 11,000 metric tones of grains from the Federal Government Strategic Reserve, in addition to the 40 million metric tones earlier released from the nation’s grains reserve, to help stabilize food prices. Of utmost importance, perhaps, were

DESTROYERS

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) the remarks of the then governors of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu; Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio; and Kano, Ibrahim Shekarau; as well as former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Abba Ruma; who briefed newsmen after the meeting. In addition to the shortterm measures it took to arrest the escalating food prices, the governors said the meeting resolved to take “very drastic, possible revolutionary steps to address the challenges of food production and food security in Nigeria.” A tripartite engagement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, the 36 states and the nation’s research institutes was “to ensure that in the medium to long term, Nigeria will not produce only enough food for herself but should be in a position to export”. The NRDF was to be dedicated to the development of agriculture and the production of food over the next four years – 2008 to 2012; details of which were to be quickly worked out between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources and the state governors; while the governors also agreed to substantially increase their annual budgetary allocations to agriculture over the said four years. In March, 2009, the Yar’Adua government took what was then dressed as a bold step to revive agriculture with the

igeria’s hope of having a referee officiate at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil faces serious threat as the Swiss Embassy in Abuja has denied referee Peter Elgam Edibe entry visa to Germany where he is due to attend

JONATHAN CAN STOP MASSIVE RICE IMPORT

BY 2015 QUITE ALRIGHT.

BUT UNLESS IT IS BY PRESIDENTIAL FIAT, IT MAY END UP AN

IMPOSSIBLE SERMON signing of a N160 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on rice farming and processing with the Stallion Group of Thailand. Ruma who signed on behalf of the FG had stated that the one million hectare Commercial Rice Development project meant the official launch of commercial agriculture in Nigeria. ``Rice, which has emerged a major staple in Nigeria, can be produced in most parts of the country’’, the minister said. According to him, the project had the capacity to produce 1.5 million metric tones of rice by 2013 and could also generate between two to three million jobs. The former agriculture minister said Nigeria had not been taking advantage of products where the country had comparative advantage and that the FG would soon enter into MoU with investors having interest in commercial cotton, tomatoes,

sugar and wheat production. Today is Friday, October 19, 2012, barely less than three months to 2013 when the MoU with the Stallion Group of Thailand (with 1.5 million tones of rice production capacity and two to three million jobs prospects) ought to be at the peak of yielding returns. But behold, President Goodluck Jonathan a few days ago, lamented that the country was still spending N1 billion on rice importation every day. Speaking at the maiden meeting of the Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council at the Presidential Villa, Jonathan spoke glowingly on how private sector response to government’s new rice policy resulted in 13 new private sector rice mills coming on stream with a total capacity of 240,000 metric tones; how with only 40 percent of the over 84 million hectares of the nation’s arable land currently utilised, agriculture remained the key to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy; and how the N1 billion spent daily on the importation of rice was unacceptable and must stop by 2015. However, self-sufficiency in rice production is not about presidential sabrerattling. Experts have repeatedly pointed out the true reasons the country no longer counts in agriculture, including rice production. They include policy inconsistency and non-commitment to growing agriculture ostensibly occasioned by the ‘oil curse’; corruption - such as the diversion of fertilizer meant for farmers by government officials, or politicians hijacking the farmers’ registration exercise, for example; very discouraging agricultural credit schemes; poor irrigation infrastructure, inadequate farm inputs and extension services, decrepit road network, including feeder roads; and hellish processing and storage facilities, among others. Jonathan can stop massive rice import by 2015 quite alright. But unless it is by presidential fiat, it may end up an impossible sermon except the FG addresses the aforementioned problems.

Sport Extra

On 04 January 2010, the Burj Khalifa, developed by Emaar Properties (“Khalifa Tower”; architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP) in Dubai, UAE, topped out at a record breaking 828 m (2,716.5 ft) making it the tallest man-made structure.

Swiss Embassy frustrates Nigerian ref a FIFA Assistant Referee Course and Fitness Test. A valid letter from FIFA, among other relevant documents that have been provided by the well-travelled arbiter but the Swiss Em-

bassy insisted that his application came too late. “I have the note verbale and everything that is necessary to convince the embassy but they are just proving difficult,” a frustrated

Edibe, who had a valid return ticket, said. “This course will determine those who will be considered for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals,” he added. The letter from FIFA,

dated October 3, 2012 and addressed to Visa Section of Switzerland Embassy in Abuja was signed by Christina Collenberg, Director of Human Resources and Services.

Peter Edibe

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