Monday, august 26, 2013 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

New owners take over GENCOs, DISCOs soon –FG UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government has started working towards handing over the privatised

Samsung to deploy oy ex-militants in shipp building projects Banks, MFBs jostle for SME funds disbursement P.6,47

Free ree insi inside ide

Monday, August 26, 2013

8 PDP governors float new party

N150

Vol. 3 N0. 694

scheduled to take place after the resolution of outstanding issues associated with the privatisation, especially the completion of payment of severance benCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

BUSINESS SECTION

Nebo

Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs, and the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to their new owners within the next couple of weeks. The handing over is

THE

Chukwu

Aliyu, Wamakko, Nyako, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others involved

PDM, Anenih disagree over party status AYODELE OJO AND FELIX NWANERI

10 MONTHS AFTER... SUNTAI RETURNS, KEEPS MUM

OAUTH shut over N3bn unpaid taxes FG, health workers meet over strike

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he crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is far from being over as eight governors elected on the party’s platform are set to dump the party for a new political party to be known as the Voice of the People, VOP. The new political organisation is already awaiting registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. It was learnt that the arrowheads of the new party are Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

SANs, others condemn Ozekhome's abduction P.6

Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai being assisted by officials to disembark from an aircraft on his return from the United States at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Illegal 'oil wells' found in Lagos homes P.8

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Monday, August 26, 2013

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Why ailing Suntai was rushed home –Source ISE-OLUWA IGE

ndications emerged yesterday that the ailing Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai was flown home to abort a move by some powerful individuals in the state to force the hands of the executive and the state House of Assembly to declare him incapacitated and remove him from office. Suntai, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 12.05p.m. after a 10-month absence, was immediately driven in a black Toyota Sequoia SUV with registration Lagos SC 989 AAA for some rest at the VIP Lounge before boarding a connecting flight to Yola. The governor, who spotted grey suit and blue shirt, was helped down the steps of the light jet that brought him to Abuja and appeared clearly frail. He did not speak to reporters and barely managed to acknowledge cheers from the crowd by waving to the people before he was assisted into a waiting car. Former information minister and a member of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prof. Jerry Gana, who was at the airport to receive the governor told reporters that he was thankful to God Almighty for the safe return of the governor. He said:"After about 13

hours of flight, he will be tired as a human being. He is fine; he wants to rest a bit before the next flight to Yola. "We thank God he arrived safely; he is very sound but because of the fatigue of travelling, he is going to rest for about an hour or two before the next flight to Jalingo. "Governance doesn't mean you will be running around, you have to think and act. There are those who are governing even on wheelchair. We thank God he is safe and that he arrived safely; he is healthy. He will be able to do his work effectively; he is going to Jalingo later today." Also, the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Darius Ishaku, who also spoke to reporters, said it was a good development that the governor arrived safely. The minister, who defended the governor’s decision to remain overseas to properly recuperate, noted that Suntai could not stay abroad indefinitely as he has recovered and, therefore, needs to come home. Other dignitaries who were also at the airport to receive the governor were the former National Transformation Party presidential candidate, John Dara, and the former Minister of Sports, Damishi Sango. Dara said:"We were excited to see the governor. What is clear is that after the long haul from America, he was

obviously weak and tired but we were thrilled by the fact that he recognised everyone of us by name, which shows he is mentally alert, lucid and that shows that he is capable of running the affairs of the state as governor. "We have no doubt that when he gets to Jalingo later, it will be up to his doctor who is accompanying him to say whether he should work today. He is clearly OK and able to function." However, a prominent indigene of the state, who did not want his name mentioned, said the governor was still not in a good condition of health to enable him perform his functions

but that he was brought in nonetheless to enable him remain in office. The agenda of the opposition, National Mirror learnt, was to activate Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The section covers the process of removing a sitting governor from office on the grounds of incapacitation. The plan was already in top gear when the strategists in the governor's camp decided to rush the governor home. A socio-political group, Taraba Justice Forum, had been at the vanguard of calls for the sacking the governor to pave the way for his deputy and acting

governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, to become the substantive chief executive. The group had based its position on the grounds that members of the state cabinet were allegedly cashing in on the poor state of health of the governor to loot the treasury. It had insisted that Suntai was in vegetative condition without intellectual capacity to run the state, and faulted Senator Emmanuel Bwacha over his claim that only the death of Suntai could make the acting governor to become the substantive. The forum noted that the lawmaker was guilty of "misinterpretation of

section 189 of the constitution". Bwacha is the senator representing Taraba South Senatorial District. He had in a recent interview stated that President Goodluck Jonathan only became the substantive President after the death of former President Umar Yar'Adua and that precedent should be applied to the Taraba situation. But with the arrival of the governor yesterday, the plan to remove the governor might have been scuttled. Meanwhile, the governor arrived in Jalingo, the state capital, at 4.20p.m. to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; Minister of Special Duties and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki; other members of the committee, Sheik Ahmad Lemu and Shehu Abubakar Tureta, at a news conference in Abuja at the weekend.

8 PDP governors float new party CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Aliyu Babangida (Niger) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa). The factional chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State are said to be part of those floating the new party. The identity of the eighth PDP governor is still being shielded. The source added that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, is also being speculated to be part of the plot. The PDP currently has 23 governors in its fold. “We have filed our papers with INEC and we are

only awaiting the registration as a political party. I can tell you that we will soon pull out of the PDP, which has made life unbearable for our leaders,” a source familiar with the registration process told National Mirror. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, told National Mirror that there is nothing strange in an application for registration as a political party before the commission. He noted that INEC receives applications for party registration on weekly basis. He, however, said he had no information about the VOP and those behind it. “Honestly, I don’t have

that information about VOP; who they are and what they represent. I have tried to reach the person in charge, but to no avail. And I can’t guarantee that I can get the information today (yesterday). But application for party registration comes to INEC every week. It is a routine exercise,” Idowu stated. National Mirror reliably learnt that the failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to effect the removal of the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, is one of the reasons why the governors are leaving the party. The partisan stance of the Presidency in the NGF crisis is another reason for the development.

Already, most of the political associates of Nyako in Adamawa State had dumped PDP for the All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP, before its collapse into the All Progressives Congress, APC. Five of the governors, Kwankwaso, Nyako, Wammako, Aliyu and Lamido have demanded the removal of Tukur for peace to reign in the party. But some of the aides of the governors who spoke with National Mirror yesterday denied knowledge of the new party. Governor Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, told National Mirror that his principal remains in the PDP. “We are going nowhere. Gover-

nor Aliyu remains member of the PDP. He is not leaving the party,” he said. Dr. Femi Akorede, the Senior Special Assistant on Communications to Governor Ahmed also denied that the governor was part of the plot. “I’m not aware of the new party. Governor Ahmed has nothing to do with the new party. It is not true,” Akorede said. Also, the Director of Press and Publicity of Kano State, Baba Dantiye, also denied the involvement of Kwanwaso in the plot. “He is in PDP,” Dantiye said in text message in response to National Mirror enquiry. But an aide of one of the governors confirmed

the development. “The floating of the new party is true. I can confirm the involvement of my principal in the arrangement. That is all I can say for now,” the source said. It was learnt that Governors Kwankwaso, Nyako, Wammako and Lamido during their recent visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed their frustration with the PDP and their game plan. They later visited former leaders, including Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Dr. Alex Ekwueme. The governors are political associates of ObasanCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 26, 2013

Photo News

Monday, August 26, 2013

L-R: Uncle of the Groom, Mr. Joshua Ajasa; mother, Mrs. Juliana Ajasa; Groom/National Mirror Photojournalist, Mr. Olufemi Ajasa; mother of the Bride, Mrs. Folashade Williams; Bride, Funsho and her father, Mr. Olusegun Williams, at the wedding ceremony in Lagos at the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Brimass, Mr. Stephen Ojji; Chairman, Brian Tracy International, Mr. Brian Tracy and Lead Pastors of The Elevation Church, Godman and Bolarinwa Akinlabi, at the Max Achievement with Brian Tracy & Godman Akinlabi seminar in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

L-R: President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife Roli, during the Gala Night marking the end of the 9th Nigeria Guild of Editors Conference in Asaba at the weekend.

L-R: Comrade Femi Aborisade; Mr. Olaitan Olakunle; former General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Chief Frank Kokori; celebrant, Baba Oluwide Omojola; Prof. Adeniran Adeboye and NADECO Chieftain, Dr. Amos Akingba, at the 75th birthday and presentation of Omojola’s book, Yoruba Social Science Terms, in Lagos at the weekend.

National News

FAAN, Arik at loggerheads over stowaway incident OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he last may not have been heard about the stowaway incident that occurred on Saturday aboard Arik Air as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday blamed the management of the airline for the security breach. Arik Air’s flight 544 had departed Benin Airport on Saturday at 09:05am to Lagos and immediately the plane landed, an adolescent stowaway, identified as Daniel Ihekina, was spotted coming out of the wheel well of the aircraft. The boy was immediately arrested by the Aviation Security, AVSEC, and handed over to the police. Commenting on the incident yesterday, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati said that investigations carried out by the agency indicated that a passenger on board the flight had called the attention of

….as aviation authority introduces passengers’ Bill of Rights

the cabin crew before takeoff that a young boy was seen walking under the aircraft and had not reappear on either side. He stated that the cabin crew in turn informed the pilots about the incident, while the pilots immediately informed the control tower and asked them to request FAAN to do a sweep of the area after their departure, opting to carry on with the flight, despite the report. Dati explained that immediately the aircraft departed, FAAN’s security did another sweep of the area and found nothing unusual at the airside. He stated that on arrival in Lagos however, the agency was informed that there had been a stowaway found alive alighting from the wheel well of the aircraft. “While FAAN takes this security breach extremely seriously, we deem Arik’s attempt at indicting and smearing FAAN as irresponsible. Safety and secu-

rity breaches occur when all the checks in the system are beaten. “Given that security is a responsibility for all players in this industry, a critical last opportunity to detect and prevent this stowaway was offered and had the airline taken the information by passengers as seriously as they should have, this incident would have been avoided. “Arik Air has a penchant for being unprofessional in its utterances. In the air transport industry, the ethos is not to cast blame, but to learn from such events, by seeking to find out why they occurred, so that all concerned can do everything possible to prevent future occurrences. “Unfortunately, this airline has chosen to adopt a different ethos and always rushes to cast blame on everybody else except itself. FAAN is dealing with a number of legacy problems stemming from neglect over

the years. One of these is the perimeter fencing of airports across the country, which either did not exist before or have deteriorated significantly,” Dati said. He noted that as a result of the incident, the agency has further tightened its risk amelioration procedure to ensure that a similar incident does not occur. Unconfirmed report said that the stowaway has been handed over to the State Security Service, SSS, for further interrogation. But as at the time of filing this report, none of the security agencies at the airport, could confirm the whereabouts of the culprit. Arik Air, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Ola Adebanji, had blamed FAAN for the huge breach, noting that the incessant cases of security breaches at the nation’s airports had become a major source of concern to the airline. Meanwhile, FAAN has said that a passenger’s Bill

of Rights has been introduced to protect the rights of air travellers in the country. The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr George Uriesi, made the disclosure when he featured at a forum of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday. He urged passengers to know their rights. “The airline business is a time-based business; that is why they have schedules; if it was not, it will be a motor park thing where the airplane will wait until it is full. “So, you who want to go to Abuja by 7 O’clock, if the airplane is not full, by 10 a.m., you still have to be on the ground waiting; so, if a deal is made and I promise you I will take you to Abuja by 7 a.m.; at 7 a.m., you must depart whether there are only five passengers or more; whether you are the only one on board, you must depart. “In the real sense of the word, the Nigeria Civil Avia-

tion Authority, NCAA, is the regulator of the airline in this respect, FAAN is just a service provider like the airline but it is a governmentowned service provider. “The NCAA has recently introduced the passenger Bill of Rights and I encourage everybody; you can access it anywhere, you access on the NCAA’s website; you access it at the airport; go to the NCAA’s desk and take a copy of the Bill of Rights. “It stipulates all the rights the passenger has with respect to the contract he has with the airline. “If the airline says it will fly you at 7 a.m., it has a number of hours against which it can delay you before you are entitled to a meal first and a number of hours in which it can delay before you are taken to a hotel; then a number of hours within which it is expected to pay you a penalty plus refund of your money if you don’t want to fly anymore. “And these are things that never existed before,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

jo. “The governors told Obasanjo that they are no longer comfortable in the PDP. They said as a mark of honour they have come to inform Obasanjo about their plan to move out of the PDP. They didn’t want the former ruler to hear about the plan outside without due consultation,” a source at that meeting said. Obasanjo was said to have told the governors to allow peace to reign, promising to mediate in the crisis. National Mirror had exclusively reported that the plan of the governors was to allow the crisis in the PDP to fester towards the elections in 2015. “There is no doubt that President Jonathan will get the PDP ticket for the 2015 presidential election, but the North is keen about power returning to them. For the South-South, President Jonathan’s re-election is a necessity while power coming back to the North is a survival battle. “We are not contesting the PDP ticket with Jonathan because we know the party will hand over the ticket to him. But the game plan is to weaken the PDP and reduce the party to nothing before the 2015 elections. “Our governors won’t join the APC but will float a new party that will form an alliance with the people

8 PDP governors float new party of the South-West. Don’t forget that the North has the numerical voting strength to decide who wins the Presidency,” a source privy to the arrangement had told National Mirror when the five governors visited Obasanjo. Meanwhile, the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, yesterday described the recent registration of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, by INEC as a political trickery that would not survive the test of time. Anenih, in a statement made available to National Mirror, said leaders of the movement did not intend that it should transform into a political party, insisting that the group envisioned under the leadership of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, remains an integral part of the PDP. He said: “Reports about the registration of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, have inundated the polity; and because of my leading role in the formation and nurturing of the movement, concerned members of the movement have contacted me to confirm if it was our PDM that has witnessed

Why ailing Suntai was rushed home –Source CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

a tumultuous welcome by hundreds of residents, who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of him. Before the team arrived, security at the airport was tight as military personnel and policemen were on ground. The office of the acting Governor, Umar, had earlier issued a statement that the governor’s entourage would arrive in the state by 8 a.m. instead of the 2 p.m. that was initially announced. Umar led prominent politicians in the state to receive the governor, who was immediately driven to the Government House in a long convoy that virtually paralysed movement in the state capital. The governor did not talk to the press on arrival

News

Monday, August 26, 2013

and there was no statement from his media team. The Chief Press Secretary to the acting governor, Mr. Kefas Sule, said that there would not be any statement for now, but promised to keep the media informed on any development. Suntai was involved in a ghastly air crash on October 25 last year when a Cessna aircraft he was piloting crashed. Three other persons, including his aide de camp, who were with him, sustained varying degrees of injuries. He was first flown to the National Hospital, Abuja, and then to Germany a few days later. At the beginning of this year, the governor was transferred to a medical facility in the United States where he had been recuperating.

the transformation. “After in-depth investigations and extensive consultations with a wide spectrum of the membership and leadership of the PDM, which is just like a pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party, I consider it moral to use this medium to clarify that the PDM, which some persons, purporting to be interim leaders, secretly and mischievously promoted and succeeded in registering with INEC to operate as a political party, is not our PDM that worked with other political associations to form the PDP in

1998. “For the avoidance of doubt, the PDM, which we collectively envisioned under the leadership of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, remains an integral part of the PDP, whose Board of Trustees, I currently chair by the grace of God and the consensus of founding fathers and leaders of our great party. “I hereby wish to urge those who look up to me for guidance in this circumstance to remain steadfast with me in the task of building a much more united and formida-

ble PDP and to discountenance the registration and treat it as a political trickery, which will not survive the test of time. But the Media Adviser to PDM Chairman, Alaba Yusuf, decried Anenih’s outbursts. Yusuf said: "The masquerade behind the antiPDM propaganda has been unmasked. Chief Anenih's statement is a positive advertisement for PDM and what it stands for. There is no turning back the hands of time. PDM is an idea whose time has come. “We are not going to waste our time exchang-

ing words with those who want to live in the past, and continue to impoverish the ordinary Nigerian. “Let the PDP BoT chairman resolve the crises tearing his party and the country apart; before dabbling into the affairs of another party over which he has no control. “Sadly, Chief Anenih’s description of PDM’s registration as “a political trickery” is nothing but an insult to the electoral laws and the credibility of INEC. The beauty of democracy lives on the principles of freedom of speech, association and the right to exist politically.”

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Foluso Phillips; Minister, National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman and Director-General, NESG, Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr.) at a press conference on the 19th economic summit in Lagos at the weekend.

New owners take over GENCOs, DISCOs soon –FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

efits to workers and accurate metering of electricity consumers. Others include the testing of the market operators’ settlement systems and processes, constitution of a dispute resolution panel to settle grievances in the sector and declaration of the Transition Electricity Market, TEM, in the sector. Chairman, National Council of Privatisation, NCP, Technical Committee, Mr. Atedo Peterside, told our correspondent at the weekend that these issues would be considered in the next NCP meeting. The meeting will also consider the next steps to be taken over the Enugu Disco, which preferred bidder, Interstate Electrics, failed to meet the August 21 payments deadline and the North South Power, which made a part payment for

the Sapele Power station. Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said at the weekend that the commission, which responsibility is to advise the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedun Nebo, on the TEM would soon do so. He assured that the commission was closely watching efforts targeted at resolving the outstanding matters. “A lot of efforts were being made to resolve issues. For instance, the Federal Government has gone far in paying severance benefits to workers. We have also done a lot towards ensuring that consumers are properly metered. “NERC has also started the process of putting in place the dispute resolution panel to settle disputes in the sector. We are optimis-

tic that these issues would be completed in the next couple of weeks so that we can put our advice across to the government,” Amadi said. Our correspondent’s visits to the head offices of the Eko and Ikeja discos showed that business was going on as usual though there was a feeling of expectancy in the air as the workers said they were yet to be paid the severance benefits. “We are watching and waiting. They have paid people in Abuja, but they are yet to settle us, so nothing is happening for now,” a senior staff who did not want his name mentioned, told our correspondent on the phone yesterday. Special Assistant to the Minister of Power on Media, Mrs. Kande Daniel, however, explained that Nebo and his team were de-

termined to ensure that all outstanding matters were resolved urgently. She said: “The privatisation of the GENCOs and DISCOs has reached an irreversible point. “This is not only the first time in Nigeria; it is also the first time in Africa that such large number of firms would be sold to private investors. “The process has attracted a lot of commendations from different nations, especially those who started but have not yet been able to complete theirs.” She stated that the minister of power would address the press early this week to ensure that preferred bidders, presently eager to take over, and the general public were well-informed about the issues lined up to ensure smooth transition from government to the private investors.

National News

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Okunnu, Sagay, Akeredolu, others condemn Ozekhome’s abduction WALE IGBINTADE, SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN AND KENNY ODUNUKAN

ix lawyers, including four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, yesterday condemned the recent abduction of their colleague, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, on the Benin-Auchi Road by an armed gang. The SANs are Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Prof. Itse Sagay, former President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Dr. Abiodun Layonu. The lawyers, who spoke with National Mirror in Lagos, called for Ozekome’s immediate release and criticised the Federal Government’s inability to tackle the escalating pace of insecurity in the country. Okunnu, a former Federal Commissioner in General Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet, said the whole state of insecurity could be attributable to the failure of the government to provide security to its citizenry. He also called on the Federal Government to tighten its security organs to ensure the safety of lives of all Nigerians and urged the government to rehabilitate all deplorable roads in the country. According to him; “I also hope the authority will also urgently reconstruct the

Sagamu-Benin Expressway which was built over 40 years ago under my administration as the Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing.” In his reaction, Sagay said; “The news of his kidnap came as a big shock and this is because he is someone who is so close. It is a shock mixed with anger. He pointed out that the rising number of kidnapping cases and other crimes was a justification for the call for the establishment of state police. His words; “It’s absolutely shocking and frightening. It shows that nobody is safe in this country. This has been happening for the past three to four years, and security agencies again and again are unable to secure the citizens of this country.” According to Sagay; “That is why some of us have been calling for state police. At least with state police, we can have another group of security agents patrolling and possibly prevent these crimes, rather than this monopoly the Federal Government is insisting on even when it is unable to manage it effectively. “This is a young man going about his business, just because he happens to be famous, they grabbed him and he disappears. It is very

N464trn Infrastructure Master Plan to be presented this week JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Infrastructure Master Plan is to be formally presented to the Federal Executive Council this week, Minister for National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, has said.

Speaking in an interview with National Mirror, the minister said the government has presented the Infrastructure Master Plan to the six geopolitical zones of the federation and each state government has supported the plan. Usman, who spoke on the sidelines of a press conference ahead of the 19th Nigerian Economic Summit holding in Abuja early September, said the government is determined to fix critical infrastructure in the country. He reiterated the need to increase investment spending in infrastructure, stressing that budgetary allocation alone would be inadequate to meet the infrastructure requirements.

According to him, Nigeria would require cumulative investments of about N464 trillion over the next 30 years to resolve critical infrastructure issues. He said; “We have dredged River Niger for easy transportation and the biggest problem of Calabar port is water draft. The shallow nature of the water channel has made it impossible for bigger vessels to sail through.” Usman, however, added that to close the current infrastructure gap and reach the desired optimal investment levels, the country must aggressively increase core infrastructure stock from 35 to 40 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in 2012 to 70 per cent by 2043. Specifically, he said that an average of $25 billion (N4 trillion) would be required per annum from 2014 to 2018, compared to $9 billion (N1.4 trillion) to $10billion (N1.6 trillion) currently being spent.

frightening and disturbing.” Akeredolu also described the abduction as unfortunate and urged the police to be tactful in the way they would handle the incident. He said: “It is an unfortunate thing; I called on the security apparatus to be tactful in the way they will handle this matter. It is unfortunate that the police lost four of their men. We extend our sympathy to the families of the men involved. Another SAN, Layonu simply remarked that; “My prayer is for him to be released un-

harmed as soon as possible.” Lagos lawyer, Mr. Ike Uko said: “It is unfortunate that kidnapping and terrorism are becoming uncontrollable. It is more unfortunate that lawyers are becoming victims. My heart goes to Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and his family. It is my prayer that he would be released very soon.” For lawyer-activist, Festus Keyamo, he appealed to the abductors to release the luminary whom, he said, had contributed so much to the development of the nation’s

judiciary. Keyamo said the kidnap of Ozekhome further highlights the state of joblessness among youths in Nigeria, which is one reason why they turn to such dangerous trade for their livelihood. The Afenmai Youth Coalition, AYC, and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, both reacted in Benin City, Edo State, in statements that were made available to National Mirror. The groups blamed the Federal Government for the

pervading national insecurity that seemed to have given rise to kidnapping and abduction. AYC promised to assist the Nigeria Police in ensuring that Ozekhome was released unhurt by using its security committee to seek and explore liaison with the kidnappers. Meanwhile, the state police command could not confirm whether the kidnappers have finally reached the Ozekhome family to make any ransom demand as at the time of filing this report.

L-R: GOC 1 Div., Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab; Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Adenaike; Head of Civilian Personnel Unit, Mr. Hassan Adamu and Director, State Security Service, Mr. Yomi Zamba, at the closing ceremony of the second Commanding Officers’ Workshop 2013, in Kaduna, at the weekend. PHOTO:NAN

Banks, MFBs, MFIs jostle to disburse N220bn MSMEDF fund UDO ONYEKA

here are indications that Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, Microfinance Banks, MFBs and Microfinance Institutions; MFIs, are in deep contest over who would warehouse the N220 billion, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, MSMEDF. National Mirror investigations reveal that the inclusion of DMBs as institutions’ that are qualified to partake in disbursing the fund did not go down well with MFBs and MFIs for fear of being crowded out due to their financial strength. Managing Director, Ojokoro Microfinance Bank, Mr. Taiwo Peters, said the funds have no business going through DMBs, since it was meant for SMEs and micro-businesses. “The funds were supposed to be channelled through the MFBs. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is aware we do not have

enough fund to service our clients. DMBs have ways of making their money. Even though this is a fund, many MFBs should have used the little money they would have made to revive their businesses. According to Peters, a large number of un-served and under-served clients exist in the Nigerian MSME sub-sector and it is the MFBs that would serve them better because MFBs are closer to them than the commercial banks, adding that “primarily fund was set up to provide for the wholesale funding requirements of MFBs/MFIs.” A financial expert and Chartered Stockbroker, Felix Ibekwe, said that MFBs and MFIs should be allowed to warehouse and disburse the MSME fund . According to him there is big gap in the structure of the Nigerian banking industry. Ibekwe said this has left the small scale enterprises basically without banks, adding that; “The Microfinance banks and Microfinance institu-

tions can potentially fill that gap only when they receive the required support from the apex bank. Managing Director, Berachah Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Ologun Olumide, said it would be too early for anybody to say whether the DMBs are going to take over the fund or not. “I know the CBN has guideline as regards the disbursement, but I also believe the directives would become clearer soon. Let’s just see what happens,” he said. National Mirror gathered that DMBs are positioning themselves to disburse the MSME fund since according to the CBN’s guideline they are qualified to apply to be part of the fund. According to a financial expert who does not want his name mentioned, when you allow the DMBs to manage the fund without effective monitoring, it would end up going into wrong hands and if you also allow the MFBs to mange it without effective supervision, the money may not come back. What the CBN needs to do

is to adequately manage the programme from inception. President of the Association of Micro Finance Banks of Nigeria, Jethro Akun, said what this fund hopes to achieve is to provide wholesale finance to the MFBs. Akun said the fund is aimed at transforming the lives of the rural people financially. “It is the beginning of unlocking the untapped potentials and opportunities in the microfinance industry”, he said. A senior manager in one of the DMBs, who did not want his name in print, said there was no way the banks, would be exempted from being part of the MSMEDF since we are talking about financial inclusion. He noted that DMBs service a lot of SMEs and micro-businesses. “Many SMEs and microbusiness owners prefer to deal with the banks for reasons best known to them. So if banks are exempted from this fund, it then means you have excluded such group of persons,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, August 26, 2013

S/Court fixes August 27 for review of Mimiko’s victory ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, has recalled some justices of the Supreme Court from vacation to sit on an emergency panel constituted to review the judgement of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and that of the Court of Appeal which declared Governor Olusegun Mimiko winner of the October 20, 2012 poll. The panel is to hear two separate appeals filed by the governorship candi-

date of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusola Oke, and that of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). The Supreme Court had earlier fixed September 24 to review Governor Mimiko’s victory at the poll. Ordinarily, the Supreme Court does not sit on appeals while on vacation. But Justice Mariam refixed hearing on the appeals to August 27 following protests from some quarters that the September 24 would be outside the mandatory 60 days to

determine the election petition appeals. When the Supreme Court adjourned hearing in the case till September 24, there was palpable tension in Ondo State. It was believed that the date announced by the Supreme Court fell outside the 60 days provided for hearing and determination of the appeal by the constitution. According to the political parties involved: “The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgement within 60 days and since the Appellate Court has made its own ruling on July 1, the Supreme Court

judgement should fall between August 28 and 29. For instance, an Akurebased lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, had said that the date chosen by the Supreme Court fell outside what the constitution upholds. He said that “Section 285 (7) makes it mandatory for the Supreme Court to hear the case within 60 days of the judgement of Court of appeal. The Court of Appeal gave its judgment on July 1, hence the Supreme Court has up to August 29 to give judgement in the appeal. Ogele said: “The Sep-

tember 24 hearing date released by the Supreme Court must have been an error in view of the constitutional provision.” Meanwhile, members of the opposition parties were frustrated as they alleged that there was a foul play over the date being fixed by the Supreme Court on their appeals. Youth Leader of the defunct ACN, Mr. Enas Mohammed, suspected that the Presidency’s support for Mimiko could be responsible for the imminent constitutional crisis in the state. Already, the tribunal and the Appeal Court had

earlier ruled in favour of Mimiko. The lower court based its judgement on the ground that the evidences tendered by the opposition parties, which was on the illegal injection of names into the voter register were genuine, but seen as a pre-election matter. Though the Appeal Court disagreed with the tribunal on its judgement that it is a pre-election issue, but still ruled in favour of Mimiko on the ground that the evidences were not substantial enough to nullify the October 20 election results.

FG, health workers meet today over strike FATUNMOLE MARCUS ABUJA

L-R: Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onimago; member, state House of Assembly, Hon. Segilola Jimoh; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Deputy Managing Director, KAM Industries Limited, Hajia Mariam Yusuf and Managing Director, Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf, during the minister’s pre-commission visit to Cold Roll Sheet Mill complex in Ilorin, at the weekend.

WAEC revalidates cancelled result MOJEED ALABI

ollowing National Mirror’s report of August 15 on the allegation of invalidation of 2008 May/June SSCE results of some candidates in Benin, Edo State capital, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) has, again, revalidated the result of one of the concerned candidates. In the report, a final year student of the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences at the University of Benin, Malomi Butane Prosper, accused the examination body of suddenly cancelling Biology, one of the subjects in his SSCE results, written

five years ago at Diamond Scholars Academy in Benin. Prosper, who said it was the university’s Senate Committee that discovered the error while screening the list of prospective graduating students in preparation for their mobilisation for the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC), was surprised last week when he checked his result online and found out it had been revalidated. “I could not believe my eyes when I first checked on my phone and saw my Biology subject released. It was like a miracle to me because this was an issue that almost made me mad. I know how much I had suffered to

get the attention of WAEC but none was ready to offer me any reasonable reason, not even at the Head Office in Lagos. “I think I must commend National Mirror for taking up my case even without knowing. If not for the ASUU strike, the university would have expelled me for an offence I never committed and my dream of becoming a geologist would have just been dashed like that. I think I feel very proud now that I can return to school to get screened in preparation for my graduation,” Prosper told National Mirror. He added that his course adviser, Mr. Joel Edagbai, advised him to approach

the Students’ Affairs Department where he said the secretary to the screening committee, who he simply identified as Mr. Ogbemudia, had instructed him to enclose the new result and other documents to be presented for the committee’s appraisal. “I have immediately enclosed all the required documents including my eligibility form, UTME result, WAEC result and WAEC scratch card for verification. He only told me that members of the committee are also members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and could not do anything until the union resumes duty,” he added.

he Federal Government will today meet with leaders of health workers who embarked on strike across the country last Wednesday. The meeting, expected to help resolve the longstanding row, will be attended by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and leaders of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). Some of the health workers unions to be represented at the meeting are Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). The outcome of today’s meeting will either bring the current industrial action at federal hospitals to an end or force workers in health facilities across the states and local government of the federation to join their colleagues on Wednesday as earlier planned. The strike followed alleged failure by the Federal Government to implement the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) on the feud between the warring parties. The workers blamed the action on the Federal Government, which they ac-

cused of failing to honour a peace deal signed after the court verdict. But Chukwu described the court’s judgement “as a bundle of confusion and contradiction.” While calling on the workers to sheath their swords in the interest of the nation’s citizenry, the minister accused them of being impatient, noting that the issues raised by them were still under litigation at the Appeal Court. On the reason he did not implement the court’s verdict, the minister said: “Our lawyers strongly advised that this ruling does not hold water; that the judgement is contradictory and it is a bundle of confusion and contradiction. “The lawyers, after critically studied the judgement, advised that we should appeal the ruling because if left unchallenged at the Appeal Court, it would cause problem and confusion for the government and the entire country.”

Chukwu

South West

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSCDC discovers illegal 'oil wells' in two houses FRANCIS SUBERU

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, over the weekend, sealed up two houses and arrested eight suspects, including the landlords of the houses, for allegedly digging oil wells in their compounds. The houses which have wells supplying petrol rather than water are located in Animatu Ilo Street, Ejigbo, Lagos State. The arrested persons are mainly occupants of the buildings as they are deemed as accomplices

under the law. The main suspects, who are owners of the buildings, are still being detained at the NSCDC custody pending investigations and eventual prosecution. National Mirror gathered from NSCDC that the suspects dug their boreholes to the level of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, pipelines which runs through a section of the Ejigbo community; consequent upon which fuel running through the pipelines is diverted into the boreholes. A visit to the affected houses at No 17 and 30,

Animatu Ilo Street vealed that officials of the NSCDC, assisted by the Nigerian Army, had cordoned off the scene. At No 30, the smell of fuel pervaded the entire compound and it became more intense when the well was opened. Attempts by NSCDC officials to draw out water from the well revealed that indeed there was no water in the well, but fuel. At No 17, which was exactly opposite No 30, the same scenario was repeated as there was another oil well there.

re-There were many jerry cans filled with fuel at the back of the houses; indicating that occupants of the houses are in the know of the illicit activities going on there. All the suspects, however, denied any illicit trading of the product. Mrs. Funke Ogling, who has lived at No 30, for eight years, claimed that the leakage of fuel into their borehole was a recent development. According to her, she had been living in the house with her children

and her husband who she said was currently away on a business trip. “All these years, we have pumped water out of that borehole. It was only a month ago that we discovered that fuel was leaking into our water. We didn’t purposely destroy any pipeline for that to happen. “Immediately, my husband and I noticed this, we reported the incident to the Ejigbo police division and to some NNPC officials. They actually came twice to our house with a tanker to empty the borehole.

“They told us that they would be back on Monday to check if there was still fuel and that if there was, they would fill up the borehole with sand and dig another one for us. Till date, we still pump water out of that well.” One of the landlords, a 60-year-old contractor, simply known as Mr. Aromas, who was arrested with his wife and three children, claimed that he bought the house at No 17, six years ago from its original owner with the borehole already sunk.

Don’t turn Ekiti to war zone, PDP cautions ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State yesterday advised warring factions in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against turning the state into a war zone. PDP state Chairman, Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe, said the frequent clashes between the supporters of Governor Kayode Fayemi and those of the House of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, were becoming unbearable and were heightening the tension in the state. Ogundipe spoke through his Media Aide, Mr. Femi Omolusi, in Ado Ekiti yesterday against the backdrop of the violent clash between loyalists of the two APC chieftains at the weekend at Iyin Ekiti and Ado Ekiti, where many sustained varying degree of injuries in addition to vandalisation of properties. The PDP boss appealed to security agents to be on

the alert and bring perpetrators of violence to book with a view to ensuring that the state was not turned into a war zone. He continued: “This is not the first time their supporters would clash and create mayhem in the state. But, thank God this time around they cannot claim that it was the opposition party. “People of the state would recall that they clashed in Okemesi-Ekiti last March and unleashed violence on our supporters in Erinjiyan-Ekiti, where they killed Ayo Jeje and Madam Juliana Adewunni. “We are crying out now so that people will continue to take stock of those fomenting trouble in the state,” he said. According to Ogundipe, the APC members are always aggressive and violent because they have woefully failed the people of the state. He, however, urged Ekiti people not to hesitate to vote them out in the governorship election next year.

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola (left) and International Coordinator, Potters Water Action Group, Mr. Richard Wukich, at a dinner in honour of trade delegates from the United States in Osogbo, at the weekend.

No-work, no-pay threat won’t stop our strike –ASUU KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday said the threat to implement a ‘No-work-NoPay’ policy by the Federal Government would not stop the ongoing strike embarked upon by university teachers throughout the country.

Reports on Fashola have vindicated us –Lagos PDP FELIX NWANERI

agos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the recent reports of Amnesty International and the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, on the government of the state under Governor Babatunde Fashola as well researched, unbiased and

an indictment on the administration. The party in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, said the reports which scored the administration low in performance, have vindicated its repeated cry that administrations in Lagos State since 1999, have been for the enrichment of Tinubu and Fashola families. Noting that unless

Fashola speaks out now to debunk the accusations raised by CACOL, the Lagos PDP said he may be recorded as the most corrupt governor the state ever had. The party added that while the facts and figures challenging the credibility and rating of the governor has never been controverted by the administration, it is ready to face the state government on a debate.

The union in a press release titled; “ASUU on government threat of NoWork, No-Pay,” signed by the University of Ibadan branch Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described such as an ‘obsolete familiar threat.’ He said members of the union have resolved to pursue the ongoing strike to a logical conclusion to revitalise public universities with or without strike. He said ASUU members have resolved and are convinced that the current struggle embarked upon by the union is a just one to defend the integrity of the university system in Nigeria and save it from universal mockery. Ajiboye added that the minimum funding requirement to public universities as at 2013 is N500

billion and not N100 billion as being touted by the Federal Government, adding that anything short of that is unacceptable to the union. He described Federal Government’s N100 billion offer as one that appears that the government ‘is just begging the matter’ on ground as the money is like a drop in the ocean, insisting that no blackmail or ordering of academic staff will break the ongoing strike. He said: “The academic members remained resolute to pursue this struggle to its logical conclusion.” On the N100 billion released as funding to the universities by the Federal Government, Ajiboye noted that this was just the beginning. He continued: “Going by the ASUU agreement of 2009 and the MoU

signed by the Federal Government in January 2012, the minimum funding requirement for the universities as at 2013 is N500 billion and not N100 billion. “Only the provision of this sum will meet the immediate needs of addressing the rot and decay in public universities in the country. Anything short of this is not acceptable to the union. “Therefore, rather than engaging in cheap blackmail and unworkable threat, the government should address the issues on the table. That is appropriate funding of the universities, payment of arrears of earned allowances to university workers and other allied matters. “Anything short of full implementation of the agreement and the MoU remained unacceptable to the union.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, August 26, 2013

Osun shuts OAUTH over non-payment of N3bn tax ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

he Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Complex in IleIfe has been shut by the Osun State Government for non- payment of N3 billion tax.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mr. Femi Balogun, who made this known to journalists at the weekend in Osogbo, the capital, frowned at the accumulated arrears owed the government by the hospital’s

Doctors not after caesarean section for profit making –Expert MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Dr Oluwarotimi Akinola, has debunked the claim that medical doctors now opt for caesarean section (CS) for pregnant women before they could deliver baby for profit motives. There have been accusations and counter accusations by residents over the growing rate of CS in both public and private hospitals for pregnant women. Some residents had accused doctors of tactically recommending Caesarean Section for pregnant women, even when they could have safe delivery. But Akinola, while speaking with National Mirror at the inaugural elders’ forum of SOGON held at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, absolved medical experts of complicity in the growing rate of cases baby delivered through a CS, saying doctors only resort to CS when it remains the only saving grace for patients. He said: “Don’t ever imagine that some doctors will operate anyone simply because they want to make money out of them. The majority of that caesarean sections carried out are done for concrete reason. Most of the people who really do caesarean section are the people who are trained and who uphold the ethics of the profession. Some people won’t understand why they need to do surgery when their condition demand, the decision on CS is done with careful consideration. The gynaecologist bemoaned attitude of most Nigerians to CS, saying most people only concede

to CS when it is too late which, sometimes, result to death or damage of uterus. Akinola said: “Four out of every five people who opt for miraculous delivery of their babies in the church when their condition warrants caesarean section rupture their uterus and die. “Most people that you need to operate will first tell you that they don’t think you should operate them until it is too late. As a result, you would have to do when you wouldn’t have wanted. “Nobody really want to operate people when they could deliver without CS. we are constantly struggling to reduce the CS rate in every of our establishment.” He, however, urged residents to patronise registered clinic and hospitals for quality medical attention. Akinola said: “The truth is that in every profession, there are quacks. Some think because going to the hospital to see medical doctors may be expensive. So, instead of going to the hospital, they go to the chemists. It is the patients that need to be blamed for seeing unorthodox medical practitioner because it is cheaper.” Chairman of the Bridge Clinic Dr. Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih, said nearly 600,000 pregnant women die yearly globally, calling on government to intensify efforts at reducing the rate. He, therefore, described as unethical for doctors to recommend CS for selfish reason other than to save the life of patient. “If anybody does that, it is unethical and as for the maternal mortality rate, government is not doing enough,” Finnih said.

management. Balogun alleged that the management owed the state government about N3 billion six years tax arrears and that the revenue service gave the hospital a seven-day ultimatum to pay up the outstanding tax arrears. He said: “The state government was mindful of the operation of the hospital, hence its resolve to

shut down only the administrative complex of the institution.” The office of the Internal Revenue Service in a letter dated January 11, 2013 with reference number TI/NBDIE/2006-2011/88 signed by Mr. Olufemi Balogun and addressed to the Chief Medical Director of the institution, Prof. Sanya Adejuyigbe, informed the management of the de-

fault. An official of the internal revenue service, who did not want his name mentioned, said: “Court has empowered the agency to compel the hospital to pay the tax. Before the clamp down on OAUTH, the revenue service conducted an assessment of all the federal, state and private institutions, including banks in the state and it discovered that

only OAUTH failed to remit the taxes deducted from its workers from 2006 till 2011.” It was, however, learnt that the state government had sent several memo to the Minister of Health to inform him about the management’s refusal to remit the tax. All efforts to reach the OAUTH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Adejuyigbe and the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Olu Bello, failed.

L-R: Representative of GOC, 81 Division, Nigeria Army, Capt. Ande Danbeki; son of the deceased, Mr. Donald Fajuyi; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Capt. Aduku Saheed, during the funeral mass for late Mrs. Eunice Fajuyi, wife of late Governor of Old Western Region, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, in Ado-Ekiti, at the weekend.

Osun guber race: PDP, APC in war of words over rigging ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the newly registered All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday accused each other of planning to rig the forthcoming governorship election in the state. While the PDP alleged that Chairman of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attairu Jega, is planning to perpetrate the electoral fraud in favour of APC, the latter claimed that it was the opposition party that

had perfected plan to rig the election. The APC added that PDP has no plan to convince the people to vote for its candidate. The PDP said that INEC, in collaboration with APC, took five data capturing machines to the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, to register non-indigenes. In a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo, PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, alleged the electoral fraud had been perfected to frustrate his party ahead of the forthcoming governorship poll.

The statement read: “Prof. Jega is not being honest on the issue of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Toyin Akeju. Asking Akeju to conduct the forthcoming election in the state is illegal and undemocratic as the Federal High Court has restrained INEC from using him. “What surprises people of the country and those of the state is that Akeju is still parading himself as the incumbent Resident Electoral Commissioner when he ought to have left Osun State for another place. “During this year’s Osun festival, Toyin Akeju ,a sup-

Amosun tasks Yewa indigenes in UK on investment

overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has urged members of the Yewa Descendants Union based in the United Kingdom and Ireland to support his administration’s developmental projects. Amosun spoke yesterday at the 1st Yewa Descendants Union Day held in London, the United Kingdom. He said his administration had embarked on vari-

ous projects, especially in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, health, education and tourism, stressing the need for Ogun State indigenes in the Diaspora to bring their wealth of expertise to bear on the various development projects currently going on in the state. During an interactive session with members of the union and indigenes, the governor addressed the concerns of the people,

ranging from security, employment generation, health, tourism and the innovation in creating a onestop shop for land allocation in the state. Amosun said: “Ogun is one of the most secure states in Nigeria today. This is the product of our colossal investment in security.” He said government would always provide sites and services in already mapped out area before al-

posedly member of APC and who has been working for the party, detailed five machines to Government House to register people who were imported by the state government.” But APC spokesperson, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, described the PDP’s claim as a blatant lie, saying the accusers are liars. Oyatomi said: “PDP is chasing shadow because it has no programmes, vision and mission for the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State and that is why it is trying to misinform members of the public.” location was carried out so as to ease the burden of development. On youth empowerment and employment generation, the governor explained that his government had created many job opportunities, surpassing the 10,000 jobs earlier promised. Amosun congratulated the union for the Yewa Day initiative and advised members on the need to continue to be good ambassadors of the state.

South East

Monday, August 26, 2013

Imo lawmakers vacate Assembly over roof leakage CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

embers of the Imo State House of Assembly will resume legislative duties tomorrow at the Ojukwu Centre in Owerri over the leakage of the Assembly’s roof. The lawmakers recently vacated the Assembly complex following the leakage of the roof. They were, however, criticised by the opposition for abandoning their legislative duties. When National Mirror visited the House of Assembly at the weekend, workers were seen working on the dilapidated complex. A source close to the Secretary to the State

Government office, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the lawmakers would resume sitting at the Ojukwu Centre premises tomorrow. A member of opposition party, who did not want his name mentioned, said: “This is the worst House of Assembly since Imo State was created. Instead of providing the needed check and balance that will curtail the excesses of the executive arm, the members are hobnobbing with the executive to the detriment of the people. “The legislators have betrayed the people who elected them. If not, how can a state House of Assembly be shut down for

over three months just because of a leaking roof ?” But the Special Assistant to the House Speaker on Media, Mr. Samuelson Iwuoha, explained that the lawmakers vacated the Assembly to allow for extensive renovation of the complex, adding that the long absence did not affect their legislative duties. The Assembly was built by the administration of first executive governor of the state, Sam Mbakwe. It has not been renovated or upgraded by successive administrations since then. But the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha, decided to give the Assembly complex a facelift. Iwuoha said: “The lawmakers are not rubber

stamp as insinuated by the opposition; they are working harmoniously in the overall interest of the state.” He noted that the robust relationship between the executive and legislature was responsible for the massive development going on in the state. “What the opposition wanted was to use the lawmakers against the governor, but when the plot failed, they have now resorted to cheap blackmail. But the current House of Assembly under the leadership of Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu will not be on collision course with the governor as expected, because when that happens it is the state that will suffer for it.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Assault: Three FAAN officials released from prison SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

hree officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) arraigned on August 20, 2013 before a Benin High Court have been granted bail. The three defendants in a case of tax evasion instituted by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service were remanded after they could not meet the bail conditions. The three defendants - Messrs Ayodele Sunday, O. F. Adeboye and Aliu Isimhape - were arraigned before a Benin High Court on a six-count charge of conspiracy to assault, molest and hinder officers of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service from performing their lawful duty of enforcing the payment of taxes and refusing revenue officials to give effect to a distraining order issued by the state high court against FAAN. Particularly, the defendants were alleged to

have conspired to remove and destroy the notice of the order, a padlock and chain used by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service to lock up the FAAN administrative office in the airport. Ayodele Sunday was particularly alleged to have conspired to refuse to pay or remit to Edo State Internal Revenue Service the sum of N17.5 million, being amount deducted as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes from salaries of workers. The offences are punishable under Sections 55, 50, 48 & 49 of Edo State Revenue Administration Law, 2012. Upon arraignment, the three defendants pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge before their counsel, Mr. Emmanuel Akhigbe, prayed the court to grant them unconditional bail. But the tax agency’s prosecuting counsel, Augustin Aleghe Aliyu (SAN) opposed the bail on the ground the application was not properly filed.

Why The Gambia is persecuting Wowo –Brother SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

N L-R: Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Udeh Okochukwu; Governor Theodore Orji; his wife, Mercy and wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Nene Ananaba, during an Interdenominational church service/thanksgiving as part of activities to mark Abia State at 22 in Unuahia, yesterday.

Alleged incompetence: Ebonyi health workers call for minister’s sack ALIUNA GODWIN EBONYI

ealth workers in Ebonyi State have called for the immediate sack of the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, over incompetence. The call followed the allegation that the minister had been playing politics with the health of Nigerians. The workers claimed that the since the Chukwu was appointed minister, there had been troubles and conflicts in the health sector. The health workers recalled that Prof Chukwu was sacked as the Chief Medical Director of the Ebonyi State Teaching Hos-

pital by Governor Martin Elechi as a result of his incompetency. They, however, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to sack Chukwu for the same reason to “avoid further damage to the health sector.” Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abakaliki, Chairman, Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Ebonyi State chapter, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwafor, said no amount of intimidation, threats or blackmail would stop the union from suspending its ongoing strike. Nwafor said the strike would only be called off when the demand of the health workers is met. He said: “Health is an issue that concerns all Nigeri-

ans, it cannot be politicised and as a matter of facts, we are beginning to believe that the appointment of Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu as the Minister of Health was done in error because since his appointment, there have been troubles and conflicts in the health sector. “That is why we are asking that President Goodlock Jonathan should remove him to avoid more problems in the sector or else the votes of Nigerians who need a good health will count even against the President.” Nwafor, however recalled that when Prof Chukwu was the Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital CMD, the state government sacked him. Then, the union pleaded

on his behalf and criticised the government for sacking him the way it did. “Even the day health worker, including Chukwu, went to meet with Elechi, the governor openly accused him of mismanaging workers’ salaries. Chairman of Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Mr. Obiefuna Okeke, alleged that health workers were being maltreated across the country. Okeke said that everybody in health sector, including guards and cleaners, are important in the hospital and should be treated like doctors. Obiefuna said members of the union were committed to the strike and would stay at home for as long as it took the government to implement the earlier agreement.

igerian former Chief Justice of The Gambia, Justice Joseph Wowo, who was alleged to have asked for bribe, is actually being persecuted on account of his nationality, according to his elder brother, Mr. Godwin Wowo. In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Benin, the Edo State capital, Godwin Wowo said the bribe story was a falsehood orchestrated in You Tube by powerful forces in The Gambia who did not want a foreigner to be appointed the Chief Justice of their country. Giving a background to the travails of his younger brother who was two weeks ago granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court on criminal charges of giving false information to a public officer, Godwin Wowo explained that the former Gambian CJ, who was also a Judge of the country’s Court of Appeal, was invited by The Gambia’s former AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice, Lamin Jobarteh, to help in resolving a dispute

over land matter in which he, Justice Wowo, as a High Court Judge had earlier given judgement in favour of a German plaintiff, Bernd George Diedrich against 12 trespassers, including one Andre Sape Van Klaabergen, a client of the former minister before the latter’s appointment as AttorneyGeneral. He said the meeting at the former minister’s house was attended by parties to the land suit and their counsel. Godwin Wowo added that the former minister had offered to pay D500, 000.00 as compensation to the German for his client’s trespass, but that the German, through his counsel, Mr. Christopher Mene, refused to accept anything less than D1.5m for the portion of land occupied by Klaabergen, the 12th defendant in the suit. While describing the bribe allegation against his brother as untrue, Godwin Wowo said the former CJ could not have asked for bribe at such a meeting in the presence of all the parties, more so, in a matter in which judgement had been given.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Now that NCWS has lost its innocence THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF NIGERIA IS REPLETE

HeartBeat

WITH HIGH PROFILE

CALLISTUS

WOMEN ACTIVISTS THAT

OKE

TROD PATHS FEARED BY

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY)

hildren are the salt of the earth’, is a popular saying. Recognizing the centrality of women in the evolution of mankind, Mary McLeod Bethune, the Afro American civil rights leader, author and education, gave the world this quote: “The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood”. Prince Nico Mbarga’s celebrated lyric, Sweet Mother, is an appreciation of Nigerian mothers. Nigeria has a rich pedigree of productive channelization of the energies of her women in areas that have had profound impact on her socioeconomic and political emancipation and development. At the family level, but for the contributions of our hard working women (mothers), many homes would have been in disarray. Many of our today’s leaders owe their success to their mothers, especially in polygamous homes where the fathers have learnt and perfected the art of divide and rule politics to make their wives to be in permanent competition among themselves. And the political history of Nigeria is

EVEN THE MEN replete with high profile women activists that trod paths feared by even the men. We cannot forget the likes of Chief (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti, Mrs Margaret Ekpo, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, Queen Amina of Zaria, Queen Moremi, Janet Nwokedi, Sarah Jubril. The recent Nigerian political history brought out the greatness of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Ayo Obe and Josephine Okei-Odumakin et al. The liberation of the country from the jackboots of the military was partly the result of their iron cast resolve to join the men in the civil rights movement. It is within this context of high voltage activism that the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has its relevance. The apex women’s council acted as the catalyst in the crystallization and dissemination of opinions and ideas by our women during the struggle for independence and during the heydays of military repression in the country. It served to bring to the front burner issues affecting the general populace and

women in particular, and synergizing with national and international organizations to force attention on these issues. It is still expected to play that role now more than ever before by connecting with different categories of women in the country. In its operational modus operandi, the NCWS ought not to behave like an affiliate of a political party so that it could have unfettered access to all the political authorities in our multi-party democracy. The above observation helps to situate the current state of affairs of the apex women organization in the country. Penultimate Thursday, the NCWS lost its innocence. All its pretences of being an autonomous vanguard vapourised after the “Nigerian Women Rally for Peace and Empowerment” it organised in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady. Are the current national leadership of the council so politically naïve to have allowed Dame Patience Jonathan coerce them into surrendering the much prized non-alignment principle of the organization to now become a veritable vanguard of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its strategic drive for success in the 2015 presidential election? The first pan Nigerian women organization, the National Women Union, was formed 1947 by Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. With the likes of Hajia Gambo Sawaba and Mrs. Margaret EKPO teaming up with her to enlarge the scope of activism, the new dynamics caused the name to

change to the Federation of Nigerian Women Societies (FNWS) in 1953. It assumed the new name National Council of Women’s Societies in 1959. Since then, it has gone through different phases, but without radically departing from the original mission of serving as the vanguard for the protection of women’s interests and rights in Nigeria. The timing of the “Lifetime Icon Award’’ bestowed on President Goodluck Jonathan is very poor, coming at a time the gates of the universities nationwide are still shut. Yes, Mr President has done much for our women, giving the award when the ASUU strike is still raging trivializes the award. And being part of a rally that serves to bolster the political fortunes of a particular political party is poor judgement on the part of the Council’s national leadership. I do not pretend not to appreciate the milieu dynamics that could detract from the absolute neutrality and non-alignment of the Council. I am also aware that the obtrusive style of the First Lady will brook no nonsense from the NCWS leadership; and lastly I am aware of the corruptive influence of our patronage system. However, I would have wished that an iconic institution like NCWS should have been insulated from our banal politics for its own health and cohesion. And more importantly, losing its neutrality will make the Council a tool in the hands of any government in power. The Abuja rally is therefore, a cancerous gamble.

At MKO’s post-humous birthday

ast Saturday August 24, 2013 marked the 76th birth day anniversary of Bashorun MKO Abiola. He was the quintessential entrepreneur, a global brand, if you like. I know him best as the publisher of the Concord Group of newspapers. Although a private enterprise owned by a Yoruba, it was a perfect example of an organization operating with the federal character principle. Were the Concord newspapers still in circulation, they would have clocked 33 years on the newsstands this year. The death of MKO about 15 years ago, however, sounded the death knell of his influential newspaper group less than three years later, throwing thousands of its workers into the labour market. Therefore, when I saw a newspaper advertorial last year, which announced that a newspaper to be named National Accord was in the offing, I was fascinated by prospect as I tried to establish a linkage between the title and the title I had my journalism roots. However, I am yet to see National Accord on the newsstands. While I still romanticize about the return of National Concord and the introduction the National Accord, I take pride and comfort in the reign of other newspapers in the market whose style, outlook and contents are everything National Concord; and they are providing the platform for journalists to ply their trade and earn their living. I start from the National Mirror. The layout/design is unmistakably National Concord. Look at its green/red masthead and its font, you cannot but admit that

this newspaper shares a lot in common with late Abiola’s flagship newspaper. The introduction of Business Courage as a full pull out in the Monday edition of National Mirror makes the newspaper Two-in-One package. I wait to see the metamorphosis of BC into a full blown newspaper as MKO encouraged the introduction of African Science Monitor from the African Concord. I salute the inspiration of the National Mirror, bearing the face of Concord. My lenses are next on the re-engineered Newswatch that saw introduction of Daily Newswatch, Saturday Newswatch and Sunday Newswatch apart from breathing new life into the magazine. Wallahi, each day I hold a copy of any of the titles, I feel Sunday Concord in my hand. I am amazed how the production team is able inject the Sunday Concord spirit into it. It is good for the industry that some people can keep hope and dream alive. Kudos to the brain behind the new Newswatch. Now, the Sun. Everything in all the Sun titles is Weekend Concord. I see the minds of Mike Awoyinfa, Dimgba Igwe, Femi Adesina and Osunkeye in the titles. I doff my cap that Weekend Concord is not dead with the establishment of the Sun. I move to The Nation. Whenever I grab it, I feel I am holding Midweek Concord, last edited by the irrepressible Frank Igwebueze, the man who narrowly escaped death in the hands of Charles Taylor’s boys in Liberia. Let’s praise publisher for his efforts. But I cannot find a replacement yet for the Community Concord in all the states

I START FROM THE NATIONAL MIRROR… YOU CANNOT BUT

Mirror of the moment

ADMIT THAT THIS NEWSPAPER SHARES A LOT IN COMMON WITH LATE

ABIOLA’S

FLAGSHIP NEWSPAPER of Nigeria or for Udoka, an Igbo vernacular newspaper, although Leadership has come out with Leadership Hausa, sharing market with Trust newspapers in the North and essentially for northerners among whom Amanah was a toast Hausa vernacular newspaper published by the Concord Group. Even thought there is a rash of Yoruba vernacular newspapers, I have not seen any matching the quality, taste and content of Isokan where I once maintained a column titled Gege Ara. As I celebrate the newspapers that have come to take the place of National Concord, I must also pray for those financiers and publishers who gave new life to old Concord workers. I might be wrong, but the number of Nigerians on the payroll of MKO as newspaper mogul can only be absorbed by the government. At Concord’s zenith, it established the Concord Bulk Delivery Services with a fleet of vehicles to facilitate the circulation of Nigerian newspapers nationwide. Concord was also structured into six zones with each zone almost entirely

ABDUL-WAREES A SOLANKE korewarith@yahoo.com, 08090585723 (SMS only)

manned by indigenes of that part of the country. On the 25th anniversary of journalism odyssey with berths at Nigerian Tribune, the Punch, the Envoy, National Concord, National Guide, The Monitor, Raypower/AIT and VON with the golden opportunity of Editorial Board visiting membership at the National Mirror, this is giving a remarkable toast to all media entrepreneurs who provided the platforms for Nigerian journalists to realize their dreams and reach their full potentials in life. On the occasion of MKO’s post-humous birthday, I pray for the repose of the soul of the man in whose empire I earned my first salary, and that of Olu Aboderin who financed the Punch. I also pray for the success of all Nigerian media enterprises. 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

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All All the the Facts, Facts, All All the the Sides Sides AA PUBLICATION PUBLICATION OF OF GLOBAL GLOBAL MEDIA MEDIA MIRROR MIRROR LTD LTD BARRISTER BARRISTER JIMOH JIMOH IBRAHIM, IBRAHIM, OFR OFR PUBLISHER PUBLISHER MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STEVE STEVE AYORINDE AYORINDE MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ED OPERATIONS OPERATIONS YELE YELE AKINROLABU AKINROLABU ED DAILY EDITOR EDITOR SEYI SEYI FASUGBA FASUGBA DAILY SUNDAY EDITOR EDITOR BOLAJI BOLAJI TUNJI TUNJI SUNDAY SATURDAY EDITOR EDITOR GBEMI GBEMI OLUJOBI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD LANRE OYETADE DOZIE OKEBALAMA GENERAL EDITORIAL BOARD CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION DOZIE OKEBALAMA ADESOYE ADEKOYA COORDINATOR, PRODUCTION EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ADESOYE ADEKOYA CALLISTUS OKE CONTROLLER, PAGECHIEF EDITOR CALLISTUS ABUJA BUREAU ISE-OLUWAOKE IGE EDITORIAL BUREAU CHIEF IGE SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT KAYODEISE-OLUWA BALOGUN JNR ABUJA STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT KAYODE BALOGUN JNR HEAD, GRAPHICS FRANK OBOH SM,

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Lagos and risk of ocean surge

agos, according to a recent report, has again been threatened by severe flooding with the alarm that violent tidal waves are on the increase across the coastal areas. Lekki, Alpha, Elegushi beaches and their environs, among others, have already been declared danger zones for residents and fun seekers alike. The latest surge experienced about a fortnight ago encroached at least 800 metres inland around the Jakande Estate in Lekki. It was unannounced; a development considered a confirmation of public apprehension on the poor capacity of the authorities to manage early warning signals. Residents near the endangered areas were, however, warned to vacate their homes to avert a recurrence of the kind of ocean surge disaster that claimed 15 lives last year. We recall that tidal waves ravaged the Kuramo Beach and swept away fun seekers, fishermen and many occupants of illegal shanties at the beach front. The natural disaster led to the loss of property worth millions of naira and several properties put at risk. The most recent surge did not result in the loss of lives. But this cannot pass for an excuse for inefficient government response. The phenomenon of ocean surge is a global problem, but

THE GOVERNMENT AT STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS SHOULD DEPOLITICISE ISSUES BORDERING ON THE OCEAN the solution lies in the capacity of the government, both federal and state, to take immediate and far reaching actions to mitigate the impact. India, China, Pakistan and the United States, among others, have at one time or the other been affected by natural disasters. Most developed countries have demonstrated the capacity to handle the crises that arise from ocean surge. The effects of the Hurricane Katrina that struck the United States in August 2005 were catastrophic on the populace and the environment, for instance, but the local, state and national governments promptly intervened to save lives and property. No doubt, developed countries have more scientific and state-of-the-art technology and facilities to predict the possibility of ocean surge and related natural disasters. They also have competent and dedicated agencies that are well funded to monitor, predict, evacuate and

provide remedial measures for victims in times of emergency. Unfortunately, the same can scarcely be said to be the case in Nigeria. The recurring experience has remained panic-stricken and make-shift attempts to secure the coastlines. The duplication of agencies at the state and federal levels has led to the politicization of measures to check ocean surge in the country. There has been a running face off between the Lagos State government and the Federal Government on the management of the coast lines, for example. Added to this is the chronic non-availability of the required technology and equipment to effectively manage the setback. The government at state and federal levels should depoliticize issues bordering on the ocean. Cooperative federalism that will assist national growth and development is what the country needs at this time. Indeed, Lagos authorities and the FG should harmonize technical plans to reclaim the coast lines. It has been argued that the Lagos Megacity project and accompanying land reclamation in the Lekki axis contribute to the increasing threats of ocean surge in Lekki and Victoria Island. The Lagos State government has shown exceptional commitment to implementing

its mega city project, which involves land reclamation for the Eko Atlantic City project and the Export Processing Zone. The land reclamation has been cited as a pre-disposing factor to the ocean surge in the Lekki axis. It is therefore, imperative that the state government builds adequate barriers to forestall ocean surge in the affected areas. The persistence of the surge creates the impression that the state has been tackling the menace with palliative measures. The relevant agencies, such as the Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos State Emergency Relief Agency, National Environmental Protection Agency, et cetera, should be better equipped with human and material resources to enable them predict with accuracy and handle ocean surge whenever it occurs. The most recent rivalry between the Lagos emergency relief agency and its national counterpart is uncalled for and should not be allowed to repeat itself. Lagos State authorities should ensure that residents of all identified danger zone comply with its warning that they vacate the areas; they should also clear the coastline of illegal residences, especially in Ilasan, Badore, Lamgbasa, et cetera, to save lives and property.

ON THIS DAY August 26, 2011 The ‘Boeing 787 Dreamliner’, Boeing’s all-new composite airliner, received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Its variants seat 210 to 330 passengers. The 787 has been designed to be 20% more fuel efficient than the 767 it is to replace.

August 26, 1978 Papal Conclave of August 1978: Pope John Paul I was elected to the Papacy. Pope John Paul I, born Albino Luciani (October 17, 1912 – September 28, 1978), was the head of the Catholic Church from his election to the papacy on August 26 1978 to his sudden death 33 days later on September 28, 1978. His 33-day reign is among the shortest in papal history, resulting in the most recent ‘Year of Three Popes’.

August 26, 1920 The 19th amendment to United States Constitution took effect, giving women the right to vote. The Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution prohibits any US citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex. It was ratified on August 18, 1920. The Constitution allows the states to determine the qualifications for voting, and until 1910, most states disenfranchised women.

LAW & JUSTICE Monday, August 26, 2013

EN T N

Y R A

E P S

L A I C

•NWLR, trail blazer in law reporting 15

Emergence

of law reporting in Nigeria

•Lawbreed notable for prompt reporting of SC judgements 41

•Calabar 2013: Issues before the Bar conference 16

Law & Justice

EMMANUEL AYOOLA

he publication of the Nigeria Law Reports [cited as NLR] in 1916 signaled the beginning of organiised law reporting in Nigeria. That publication was at the initiative of the then Judicial Department. It is not often remembered that law reporting in Nigeria is thus almost as old as Nigeria. The publication of the Nigeria Law Reports ended in 1955 with the regionalization of the Judiciary in 1954. In all, 21 volumes of the Reports were published. With regionalization the regions and the Federal Territory of Lagos each soon began publication of its law reports. It is recalled that as far back as 1933 at the appellate level there was the WACA Reports containing selected judgments of the West African Court of Appeal which at that time was the appellate court of the British West African territories consisting of the Gambia, Sierra Leone, the Gold Coast and Nigeria. As would be expected, with the establishment of the Federal Supreme Court there soon emerged the FSC Reports which contained the selected judgments of the Federal Supreme Court. It was published from 1955 to 1960. In 1961, there emerged the All Nigeria Law Reports which, as the name implies, contained selected judgments of all the superior courts in Nigeria. One thing that these earlier reports had in common was that they were all officially sponsored publications, some domiciled in the respective Ministries of Justice and others in their respective jurisdictions; another is that they were not always published in time. Judgments were, more often than not reported months, sometimes years, after the decisions were rendered; unlike foreign judgments that were always punctually reported and published in foreign law reports; and readily made available to legal practitioners who could readily afford them as well as in some court libraries and the libraries of a few ministries of justice. The result is that in those days there was much reliance by legal practitioners and judges on foreign law reports. The reception of the English common law into the Nigerian legal system thus became firmly established through the several law reports of England, such as the Weekly Law reports and the All England Law Reports. With this brief historical background of law reporting in Nigeria that shows that law reporting in Nigeria has been with us for a long time, that one is now writing about emergence of law reporting in Nigeria should be with the understanding that

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prologue: Emergence of law reporting in Nigeria

Ayoola

what is being described is the emergence of present day law reporting in Nigeria. It cannot be denied that, compared with the past, there is a significant transformation of law reporting in Nigeria in the past 50 years. This piece is a very brief story of that transformation.

Private Law Reporting in Nigeria The story of formal private law reporting in modern Nigeria must start with the story of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports which was first published in 1964 even though the concept and preparation started 50 year ago in 1963. As an active participant in the birth of the Nigerian Monthly Law Report it is a story I can proudly relate, albeit rather sketchily. The idea of publishing the Nigerian Monthly Law Report had its origin in the kind gesture of a Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir Ian Lewis who on his own, and as an individual private effort, used to prepare a monthly digest of cases decided by the Supreme Court. The digest was not for public circulation; but, somehow, he used to send me copies of the digest which I trea-

THE STORY OF THE NIGERIAN WEEKLY LAW REPORTS CANNOT BE TOLD WITHOUT MENTION OF CHIEF GANI FAWEHINMI, WHOSE SINGULAR EFFORT BROUGHT THE NWLR INTO BEING AND WHO LAID A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR ITS DURABLE PUBLICATION sured and which were extremely useful. In the legal firm of Ayoola Brothers, [then a partnership of myself and my elder brother who later became the Hon. Justice Olu Ayoola] we used to study the digest avidly and would promptly apply for certified true copies of notable judgments included in the digest. In time we had quite a collection which, as could be expected, would often put us a step ahead of several others in the profession who did not have the advantage of early knowledge of latest decision not yet reported, law reporting in those days being lethargic. In time, it occurred to me that we would be helping the profession if we could embark on a publication of law reports that would be

prompt and efficient. I broached the idea to my elder brother who easily bought into the idea and modified it. My intention was for us to publish the report as an exclusive private initiative of the legal firm of Ayoola Brothers; however, my brother thought we should involve a few other notable legal practitioners with undoubted legal and intellectual ability. It was thus that we incorporated Associated Publishers (Nigeria) Ltd and invited Dr (later Justice) Akinola Aguda, Chief Richard Akinjide (later Attorney general and Minister of Justice and SAN), Omotayo Onalaja, Esq.(later a Justice of the Court of Appeal}, Professor Odumosu to join us ( my brother, Olu Ayoola, Esq (later

Justice and me) to become the pioneer Editorial Board of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports. Later Chief Folake Solanke (later SAN) was brought in and Professor Odumosu dropped out. One would have loved to tell the story of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports in more details, but that would not be appropriate in this brief writing. It suffices to recall what I said in a lecture to mark the 25th Anniversary of another notable law Report, The Nigerian Weekly Law Report, when I said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nigerian Monthly Law Reports which is the first indigenous unofficial law reports came into being in 1964 out of the perceived need for efficient and timely law reporting in Nigeria. Although the first edition of the NMLR was presented to the public in 1964, back-room work on the publication commenced in 1963 during which a publishing company was incorporated and support and recognition for the proposed law reports were sought and readily obtained from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chief Justices of the Northern, Eastern and Western States and Lagos. The support of the various heads of the Judiciary assured us of regular supply of authenticated judgments and recognition of the reports as authoritative reports without the need to name a barrister as reporter of the individual judgments contained in the reports. As a pioneer in the field of indigenous private law reports the editorial board of the NMLR set for itself a high standard to meet the responsibility that rested on it to produce qualitative law reports acceptable to the legal profession both locally and internationally. The Editorial Board became rather over-selective in regard to cases to be reported and very demanding in regard to the quality of editorial contents. The desire for excellence compelled the board to be extraordinarily selective in those invited to the editorial board and to be uncompromising in ensuring a high standard of editorial quality. With the benefit of hindsight the board was probably more demanding than was required or called for. The result was that the Editorial Board became a virtual closed shop the ranks of which gradually began to shrink as, one by one, members took up appointment on the Bench or were called upon for very important national assignments that CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 left them with no time for law reporting. As could be expected the absence of advance planning that would have ensured successors to take over the task spelt doom for the sustainability of the NMLR; particularly at a time when judicial activities had increased tremendously with judgments pouring in without a compensating increase in the number of persons groomed to undertake quality reporting. If one lesson is to be learnt from the collapse of the NMLR it is that it takes more than passion and interest to sustain law reporting. Like any other enterprise designed to be sustainable advance and careful planning towards sustainability is a must.” The story of law reporting in Nigeria today will not be complete without acknowledging a number of success stories in modern law reporting in Nigeria. In this, The Nigerian Weekly Law Reports which recently, in 2011, celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary of unbroken law reporting and publication must be given pride of place for its consistency and reliability. The story of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports cannot be told without mention of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, whose singular effort brought the NWLR into being and who laid a solid foundation for its durable publication. That the NWLR continues to be published till today is a tribute to that great Nigerian and a credit to his successors who ensure the continuing publication of those reports. There is also the Judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria published by Lawbreed Ltd which is notable for comparatively prompt reporting of the judgments of the Supreme Court. There are, of course, several other law reports published through private initiative.

‘Accuracy, clarity of judgment challenges of law reporting’

Ayoola

Two recent development in law reporting is worthy of celebration and note. The first is the resuscitation of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports through the efforts of Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, and the publishers, the Optimum Law publishers

Ltd. The second is the introduction of electronic law reporting by LawPavillion Ltd. The resuscitated Nigerian Monthly Law Reports introduced a more modern format in law reporting in Nigeria while it also brought to life again the tradi-

THERE IS ALSO THE JUDGMENTS’ OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA PUBLISHED BY LAWBREED LTD WHICH IS NOTABLE FOR COMPARATIVELY PROMPT REPORTING OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE

FRANCIS FAMOROTI

Law & Justice

Monday, August 26, 2013

igerian Law Publications (NLP) Limited, founded by late lawyer and human rights crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN has published no fewer than 1,367 parts of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR) since its inception about 28 years ago till last month, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Mojeed Ajao, has said. Ajao, who disclosed this in an interview with the National Mirror in Lagos, said NWLR had revolutionised the practice of law in the country and has never failed to come out on a weekly basis. The NLP boss explained that the NWLR contains appellate courts judgements , that is, (Court of Appeal and Supreme Court decisions) which had undergone series of reporting and editing by the NLP editors. According to him, ‘’ the NWLR is used by lawyers, Justices of all courts, higher institutions of learning, cooperate organizations and individuals who desire the knowledge of law.

SUPREME COURT

tion of the NMLR in reporting selected and notable decision of the High Courts. The LawPavillion Electronic Law Reports (LPELR) for its part is worth celebrating for its introduction of electronic law reporting into Nigeria. Much as success stories in law reporting in Nigeria may engender a euphoric mood, that fact, however, should not blind one’s eyes to the multifarious challenges that law reporting must cope with if it is to remain an enduring success story. In this regard I had occasion to observe as follows and it is worth repeating here, that: Quality of reporting entails editorial accuracy. Editorial accuracy and clarity of judgment go hand in hand. Law-reporting fulfills its cardinal purpose only when it satisfies and promotes the doctrine of precedents an ultimately, the rule of law. A law reporter that fails to appreciate the difference between the ratio decidendi of a case and an obiter dictum fails to reflect the essence of a law report. The law reporter is assisted in his/ her task when the judgment itself reflects appropriate judicial technique. Yet, sadly often failure of judicial technique manifests in judgements in which the principles on which the judge acted are obscure and cannot be ascertained. In the early days of the NMLR we adhered strictly to the guiding principle that a judgment is not reportable where the judgment exhibits a failure of judicial technique or where the judgment merely repeats and applies an uncontroversial principle or is based mainly on facts.

We may have preferred to err on the side of over-selectivity resulting in slim but qualitative monthly editions. Distributors often reported that some lawyers preferred bulky reports with which to fill the shelves! Emergence of law reporting in Nigeria imposes fresh responsibilities which can only be ignored at a great cost to our legal system. Unless certain factors are actively promoted the emergence of law reporting in Nigeria will not bring any long lasting quality into our legal system. Some of these factors are: the need to ensure sustainability of law-reporting and quality of reporting; timely publication of reports; reliable continuity of the publication; availability of the reports and businesslike distribution mechanism. All these require a core of skilled and permanent staff in all sectors of the project, namely: reporting, editorial, production and distribution. I once predicted and I repeat here that: “Until law reports are seen as a product that has to be attractive, qualitative and predictably available there cannot be any reasonable assurance that they would remain as sustainable as to outlive the founders and their immediate associates.” That notwithstanding, there is great optimism about the future of law reporting in Nigeria. There is still great room for development and there is a great need to catch up with law reporting standards of other jurisdictions. •Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, CON, is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and onetime Chief Justice of The Gambia.

NWLR, trail brazer in law reporting –Ayoola Ajao, who paid glowing tribute to the founder of NLP, said the late Fawehinmi wanted to democratise the knowledge and practice of law hence, his decision to roll out the NWLR on October 1, 1985. The NLP Limited was established by Fawehinmi in 1976 and the company has its corporate head office at CBD, Alausa, Ikeja. It also has nine branch offices in the country namely, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Ibadan, Akure, Ilorin, Kaduna and Jos. The company has published more than 1700 titles of books and law reports since its inception and the most popular out of all the publications is the NWLR. In a maiden message from Fawehinmi when the NWLR came out in 1985, he states; “My aim is to make the laws of Nigeria available to all and sundry as quickly as possible. The decisions of the courts which constitute a fundamental part of our laws must be made more readily accessible with a view to ensuring that the learned men at

the Bar and on the Bench are more learned and the entire spectrum of the administration of justice moiré just.’’ Interestingly, in a lecture delivered at the 25th anniversary sary of NWLR on August 11, 2011 by retired d Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Ayoola, la, he observed that ‘’the task of ascertaining ning applicable principles would become tedious dious and almost impossible without law reports’’. The jurist said id NWLR had blazed the trail by being ng in existence for more than 25 years and this ‘’gives us much h hope and cause for optimism ism about the future of law w reporting in Nigeria’’. Ayoola noted d that as a mark of the NWLR’s indelible ble contributions to the legal system m and laws in the country and in recognition Ajao

of the glory ‘’the NWLR has brought to Nigeria among common law countries, the NWLR and the principal members of its editorial board deserve to be bestowed befitting national honours by the country’’.

Law & Justice

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Calabar 2013: Issues before the Bar Conference THE IDEA OF

As this year’s Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) officially begins today, lawyers from about 100 branches of the association, as well attendees across the globe, are expected to brainstorm for the next five days on how to move the Bar, the legal system and the country in general forward. KAYODE KETEFE, Assistant Head, Judiciary Desk, highlights the issues that might engage the attention of the participants at the conference.

his year’s Annual General Conference of the umbrella body of the Bar in the country, NBA, which is taking place at Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, Cross River State, begins today. Having the theme, Law, Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century’’, the conference, billed to bring the largest gathering of lawyers to the Cannan City is scheduled to hold between August 25 and 30, this year. The NBA has over the years made its impact felt in the Nigeria’s socio-political life by taking a stance and speaking against the ills of the society, the highhandedness or aberration of the rule of law by the gov-

GATHERING ALL VOTERS IN ONE PLACE

MEDIAEVAL AND MUST END. IN THE

CURRENT SECURITY CONTEXT THAT WE HAVE IN

NIGERIA, IT IS

PLAINLY UNSAFE

NBA President, Okey Wali, SAN

ernment. The body is committed, by its stated objective and observable character, to the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law and responsible governance. However criticisms have begun to rock the administration of recent concerning its operations, internal democracy and administration of its secretariat. At every conference, in addition to the rich discussions and deliberations of discussants and other resource persons, certain current issues bordering on the bar leadership, the legal profession and cur-

rent affairs affecting the country are often discussed. These issues are often thrashed out at the Pre- Conference National Executive Committee of the NBA and at the Annual General Meeting of the Annual General Conference. This year would not be an exception. Among the issues that might attract the attention of participants is the consideration of the report of the Constitution Review Committee for Amendment of NBA Constitution 2009. The said Committee had presented an interim report at the last NEC meeting held at Makurdi, Benue State. The issue of crisis allegedly rocking some sections and structures of the NBA might also be discussed. It will be recalled that the recent damning report submitted by the association committee on professionalisation of the NBA secretariat had stated in part that the NBA “is a completely disorganised body with an unclear mission and insecure future where predatory sexual misconducts are rife and the morale of its abused and exploited staff is next to zero. “It is clear that members of the NBA and much of the leadership treat personnel of the Secretariat as instruments to be exploited or burdens to be tolerated rather than as the principal tools for guaranteeing an effective Bar. The association would most probably not leave the above serious allegations unattended to. The current state of the nation, of course, is the annual permanent item on the agenda of NEC at the pre-conference meeting. At the AGM of the AGC proper, a number of contemporary issues would be the thrust of discussions. Such issues include the nagging issue of corruption at the Bar, the management of the NBA leadership with the focus on secretariat management, the fiscal accountability as evinced in the tabling, defence of and vote on the annual reports and accounts. Other major issues that might likely crop up included, the yet unresolved controversy on the abolition of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the issue of verification of lawyers which was done through the verification project for which the lawyers were made to pay three years ago but which still remain uncompleted, if not unfruitful. The list would also include recent increase in the practising fees of lawyers. Others matters that could be treated during this year conference include ethical issues against the background of the allegations of professional misconducts among some senior lawyers, while the welfare of junior lawyers, which had claimed attention at many conferences but nowhere near

being resolved, might also be a suitable item for deliberation. The Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu has identified three vital issues, among others, which concerns how to reposition the Bar and would most probably be among the issues that would dominate discussions at the conference. This is because the issues have been bothering a number of enlightened and progressive lawyers for quite some times and suggestions similar to Odinkalu have underlined some recent discussions on the Nigerian Bar. Odinkalu said, inter alia “If the NBA can spend ten-digit sums acquiring buildings, it surely can find sums in the low seven-digits to finance a capable electronic platform with adequate firewalls. Old membership records can be mirrored electronically in one year or less. Prospectively, membership and admission records for all lawyers can be electronically maintained and updated. Second, membership management – including services, entitlements and voting – can be organised around a unique professional identity number (PIN) assigned to each lawyer on Roll. At the end of the deadline for payment of annual Practising Fees in the first quarter of each year, the NBA should issue the list of all members who have paid the fees and who, thereby, will have the rights to membership services and voting. Third, the idea of gathering all voters in one place is Mediaeval and must end. In the current security context that we have in Nigeria, it is plainly unsafe. Instead, voting processes at the Bar, including accreditation and balloting, can and should be decentralised. Current ICT capabilities make this easily manageable.” Some lawyers who spoke with National Mirror on their expectations on Calabar 2013 expressed divergent opinions. In her own view, a former Chairperson of the Section on Legal Practice of the NBA, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN, said “The Nigerian Bar should not be complacent but must continue to strive for excellence in Bar administration to bring it to the world standards. She said “I am looking forward to a good conference. All the challenges would be hopefully overcome and participants would get enriched by the quality of discussions and deliberations while the hospitality and welcoming atmosphere of the good city of Calabar would also be there to be enjoyed”. In her own view, the Executive Director of a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said “I will be among the participants by the grace of God. I am looking forward to the opening ceremony in Tinapa and the subsequent sessions. I am willing to see the Women forum as well as the human rights sessions addressing some fundamental issues affecting women and children’ rights especially in this kind of time that there are lots of issues in the land concerning derogation on the rights of the said people” Despite these, the NBA its agenda-setting must not lose sight of the theme of the conference, which enjoins the Bar to meet up with the Leadership and Challenges of Nationhood in the 21st Century.

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Geregu Power Generation Plant

Contrary to the gloomy picture initially painted by the Roundtable of Distribution Companies (the Disco Roundtable) 13 of the 15 preferred bidders for the distribution (Discos) and Generation (Gencos) companies finally met the deadline for the payment of the balance of 75 per cent of their bid price for the unbundled PHCN companies thus raising the hope of a light at the end of the tunnel after all By Semiu Salami

t initially looked like an exercise that was destined to hit the rock. Few days before the expiration of the August 21 deadline issued by the Bureau of Public Enterprises to the preferred bidders of the 15 Distribution and Generation Companies to pay up the remaining 75 per cent bid price, the 10 Distribution Companies (DISCOs) raised the alarm that it would not be able to meet the deadline and asked the govern-

ment for a one month extension. The DISCOs had sounded it loud and clear that they would not pay the outstanding balance of 75 per cent of the bid price on the August 21 deadline unless and until the Federal Government settles all liabilities due to the employees of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN and fulfill all other conditions precedent in the privatization agreement. Led by former Chairman of the Nigerian Electric-

ity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Ransome Owan, the Discos had told the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo that one of the conditions precedent for the conclusion of the privatisation was that the DISCOs would be handed over free from all legacy liabilities.“Our lenders are mindful of this and are reluctant to approve loans and condition drawdown until all conditions are met. Therefore, it is vital for full payment obligations to the current PHCN employees be finalised by

the long stop date of 21 August, 2013. Lenders expect evidence of these payments before we can draw down on funds to complete our payments,” he said. Owan had raised a plethora of issues which the DISCOs had wanted the government to address, including the conclusion of all labour issues; release subsidy fund contained in the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) model for each of the distribution companies; fund the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) adequately; issue an extended five to 10 years special tax holiday for electricity

distribution akin to the telecoms start-up assistance to mitigate tariff increase and high cost; and extend the longstop date to September 21, 2013 to allow for the full satisfaction of all conditions by government. Dr. Owan had insisted that lenders are reluctant to approve loans and condition drawdown until they see the evidences that all outstanding payments, particularly to the union before they can draw down on funds to complete the payments. With the long list of conditions, many had envisaged that the privatisation of the

Business Courage A Publication of GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR  PUBLISHER SEMIU SALAMI ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI TAYO ADELEKE

EDITOR STAFF WRITER SENIOR REPORTER

OLATOYE RAPHAEL SEYI OKUMODI

HEAD, PRODUCTION SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST

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Nebo

Owan

Nnaji

power sector which is nearing conclusion may eventually run into a hitch, especially as the Federal Government on its own insisted that the date for the payment would not be shifted, not minding the issues raised by the DISCOs. However, in what appeared

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Peterside

to be more like a volte face, the same DISCOs that Owan had led to Nebo to ask for extension ultimately met the payment deadline as at the close of business last Wednesday, August 21, leaving only two in the lurch. Interstate Electrics Con-

sortium, whose members include Emeka Offor’s Chrome Energy, Power House International Limited and Metropolitan Electricity Authority of Thailand, the preferred bidder for Enugu Distribution Company, was unable to pay the balance before the expi-

ration of the deadline, while North South Power bidding for Sapele power station made a part payment. Those that met the deadline included West Power and Gas, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company; Amperion Power Com-

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pany Limited; NEDC/KEPCO, the preferred bidder for Ikeja Distribution Company; Vigeo Consortium, for Benin Distribution Company; 4 Power Consortium for Port Harcourt Distribution Company; Aura Energy for Jos Distribution Company; Kann Consortium for Abuja Distribution Company and Sahelian Power for Kano Distribution Company. Others are Tony Elumelu’s Transcorp/Woodrock Consortium, the preferred bidder for Ughelli Power Plc; Mainstream Energy Ltd, the preferred bidder for Kainji Power Plc; Amperion for Geregu, KEPCO for Egbin and CMEC/ EUAFRIC Energy JV, which made part-payments for the acquisition of Sapele Power Plc, have met the deadline. Under the privatization programme, any of the preferred bidders that fail to meet the deadline would forfeit its initial 25 per cent payment while the company would be offered to the reserved bidder. : “Any bidder that failed to meet his obligation will lose the slot for that company, and we will hand it over to the reserved bidder,” said Atedo Peterside, Chairman, Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation. So, as it stands, if the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) were to follow strictly the terms of the scheme as it is expected to, Interstate Electrics Consortium would lose the bid to Eastern Electric Company, which has already declared its preparedness to pay $126 million for the takeover of the company. Eastern Electric Company is a consortium formed by the five South-east state governments; Nestoil, a major indigenous operator in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry; Aba Power Ltd and Geometric Power Ltd, led by former Power Minister Bart Nnaji and Diamond Bank’s founding chairman Pascal Dozie, among others. The company, in a statement by its communication

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Elumelu

consultant, Don Adinuba said it has a robust and matchless combination of global best practices and the best experience of emerging economies. “We shall not have difficulty raising the funds. The Bureau of Public Enterprises is still holding on to our $10m bank bond raised when we were bidding for the Enugu Disco. As all Nigerians must have known, the 141MW Aba integrated power project built by Geometric Power and which cost over $450 million is about to be commissioned,” the statement said. Other members of the Eastern Electric Company Company include NRECA of the United States which operates in Latin America, Pakistan, Sudan, Bangladesh and controls 10 per cent of the United States one million Megawatt grid amounting to some 100,000MW, and the NETGroup of South Africa which operated Tanzanian power and maintains a significant presence in South Africa’s electricity business. “We have a robust and matchless combination of global best practices and the best experience of emerging economies. Analysts have equally said that the failure of Interstate Electrics to pay for the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, may have even foreclosed the legal tussle be-

Osibodu

tween it and Nnaji’s Geometric Power over Aba and Ariaria Market Business Units of the Power Holding Company, PHCN. Geometric Power Ltd had sued the BPE over Interstate’s claim and Interstate requested to be in the suit as an interested party. Geometric had insisted that the two business units are excluded from the Enugu Distribution Company based on its 2005 agreement with the Federal Government and amended in 2006. With the payment, the bidders are expected to take full control of the various companies and commence the implementation of their various turnaround initiatives that are expected to engender a new phase in the troubled power sector. Already, Prof. Nebo, in a statement had stated that the completion of payments entitled the bid winners to fully take over the power firms. Nebo described the privatization as a great milestone in the Power Sector Reform Roadmap that should give hope to Nigerians and inspire confidence in government’s power reform programme and President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda. The minister said he would soon formally declare the Transition Electricity Market, TEM, to enable the investors

commence business in earnest and further drive the process. Nebo also reassured all Nigerians and investors of government’s resolve to pursue the transformation agenda to the end and monitor the emerging transition market in order to protect the interest of the citizenry and the investors. He said the stability of the national grid was being enhanced to ensure effective transmission of any quantity of power being generated in the new dispensation, adding that efforts were also being made to provide more electricity off-grid, especially for the rural areas, while also sustaining subsidy for low income electricity consumers. So far, Business Courage learnt that the Federal Government may have raked in about $2.238 billion or N358.045 billion, an equivalent of 7.18 per cent of the 2013 budget of N4.987 trillion, thus making the exercise the biggest privatisation sales ever in the history of Nigeria and Africa. The sum is derived from the $559.44 million already paid by the 14 bidders as 25 per cent of the total cost of their bids for the respective DISCOs and GENCOs unbundled from PHCN and the balance of 75 per cent paid by 14 of the bidders.

However, how well the remaining part of the process would go, will to a large extent determine whether Nigeria’s has indeed crossed the Rubicon. At the stakeholders meeting led by Dr. Owan, the new owners had raised some issues which industry analysts say need to be addressed to fully enjoy the benefit expected from the exercise. These include the Transition Electricity Market, TEM, which they said would herald the start of contractual arrangements in the power sector and the automation of billing and metering operations of the market operator in line with market rules. The investors had also noted that conditions precedent that were yet to be fulfilled include the completion of metering of the grid interface points; testing of the market operators settlement systems and processes and constitution of dispute resolution panel without which the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, could not advise the Minister of Power to declare the start of TEM. They had also pointed out that industry agreements, including power purchase agreements, vesting contracts and transmission network agreements, which underpinned industry revenue,

would be deemed illegal and a nullity until the declaration was made by the minister. Of serious concern was the issue of revenues as the investors said DISCOs were operating at a loss and buyers would quickly deploy their respective turnaround plans, but a cost reflective tariff, which guarantees regulated return and covers all industry payments, was not yet producing the desired results due to systemic and structural problems. This means that if the DISCOs were unable to cover the cost of the energy delivered by the bulk trader, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and the generation companies, would be adversely affected. Thus calling for the release of the subsidy contained in the Multi-Year Tariff Order, MYTO, model for each DISCO. Other demands include adequate funding of the TCN to enable it to adequately evacuate power produced for DISCOs as well as the grant of five to 10 years special tax holidays for electricity. Already, some analysts have punched holes in some of the demands, particularly as it has to do with the issue of subsidy or tax holiday for the investor. An industry expert who wished to remain anonymous told Business Courage at the weekend that the new owners were assumed to have done their homework before putting down their money, stressing that “If they were building new facilities on the prompting of the government, this could apply.” He said that the electricity market is huge in Nigeria with all citizens underserved at the moment, stressing that they will make their money in no time with the right strategies and investments. “For me, the most important aspect of this milestone is the potential transformational effect on the economy. Availability of power will easily translate into lower cost for businesses and more job creation opportunities as Nigerian goods become more competitive in the local international market. It will reduce the billions spent on diesel and petrol for generators. Small business without capacity to absorb and spread costs will thrive,” he said. BC

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News

Otunla, Accountant General of the Federation

ECA drops to$5.2bn, as FG, others share N715.8bn in July By Tola Akinmutimi, Abuja

igeria’s dwindling revenue profile worsened further last Thursday with the savings in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) dropping to an all-time level of $5.1 billion. The decrease in the ECA was due to the withdrawal by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee of N115 billion from it to augment the revenues distributed to the tiers of government in the month of July this year. For the month under review, the total revenue distributed for the month, including Value Added Tax (VAT) was N715.845 billion. From this, the net statutory revenue available for distribution after payment of collection costs to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) which received N4.1 billion and N2.3 billion respectively, was put at N477.049 billion, representing a N113.457 billion shortfall. From this amount, the Federal Government got N227.516 billion, States, N145.39 billion while local governments went away with N88.96 billion. The sum of N45.1 billion was shared to the oil and gas producing states as derivation fund. On the VAT distribution, the Federal Government got N10.6 billion; states (N35.6 billion); while the local governments got N24.9 billion. Also distributed was the N7.617 billion Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) indebtedness to the federation account as well as N35.549 billion under the Subsidy-Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) Briefing journalists at the end of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee’s (FAAC’s) meeting which was not concluded until late hours of the night in Abuja, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Lawan Ngama, attributed the delay of the

FAAC meeting and the distribution of the revenue to the National Council of Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) which earlier took place in the month. The gross revenue of N497.984 billion received for the month was lower than the N863.026 billion that accrued to the Federation Accounts in June by N365.042 billion. Ngama linked the sharp decline in revenues partly to continuous theft of crude oil leakages, pipeline vandalism at various terminals, HP compressor failure and repair work. In a communique by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla said that there was a downward review of some companies’ estimates and a judgment debt by the Tax Appeal Tribunal on Education Tax reduced Petroleum Profit Tax payable for the month. “The distrbutable statutory revenue for the month is N483.482 billion. The sum of N115.000 billion part-payment of the arrears of augmentation for the month of June, 2013 was proposed for the month. “The sum of N7.617 billion refunded by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is also distributed. In addition, the sum of N35.549 billion is proposed for distribution under the SURE-P programme. The total revenue distributable for the month including Value Added Tax (VAT) is N715.845 billion” the statement said

Aina

Nigerian banks can rank among world’s top 100 - CIBN

he President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Segun Aina, has said that Nigerian banks had the capacity to rank among the top 100 in the world. He however said that stakeholders in Nigeria’s banking industry need to help indigenous banks to develop services that would enable the industry to compete favourably with those in developed countries. “It is a challenge to bankers to take the Nigerian banking sector from its `300 plus’ position to the first 100. One of the aims of our programmes

at the institute is to assist banks to design best practices, garnished with good corporate governance and integrity,” he said. The CIBN president tasked banks to cooperate with the Central Bank of Nigeria to reach the unbanked population through financial inclusion. Dipo Fatokun, Director, Banking and Payments System Department, CBN, had in February, said that the apex bank would reduce the percentage of unbanked population by 20 per cent. According to Fatokun, agitations for financial inclusion are valid as no nation can develop if the majority of its population has no access to financial services.

Globalisation: Firm to build capacity for Nigerian CEOs Stories by Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

s more global firms continue to register their presence in the country with the attendant competitive challenge to local players, a Nigerian firm, Solva Global business Consulting, is embarking on a capacity building programme to fully position local CEOs for the evolving challenge. According to the CEO of Solva Global, Babayemi Oluwafemi, even the most successful business operators in the country will still be prone to some of the envisaged and real challenges brought about with the influx of some of the world’s best run organisations. He noted that Africa, specifically Nigeria, is currently enjoying dynamic economic expansion with GDP growth of more than five per cent annually, the growth which he says is already attracting more foreign direct investment interest from developers and investors in the real estate and construction, agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors which has raised the corporate standard and competition in the business environment. He said that the programme which is known as “CEO’s Network” is a unique opportunity to meet successful CEOs, entrepreneurs and executives to promote corporate business ideas, services and products by effective networking. “After several years of working with CEOs, we have seen our share of leaders confronting the challenges of business. We saw firsthand, the challenges faced by even the most successful operators, noting that anyone who owns a business knows that it can be stressful. But that stress doesn’t have to be debilitating,”

Uzo Nduka, CEO of Domino Information Limited, answering questions from other CEOs.

he said. He explained that the “CEO Network” which is billed for September in Lagos will also serve as an effective low-cost marketing method for developing sales opportunities and contacts and runs on a quarterly basis. “A business network of contacts is both a route to market for you, and a marketing method. Business networking offers a way to reach decisionmakers which might otherwise be very difficult to engage with using conventional advertising methods,” he said. In addition, he noted that business networking brings with it the added advantage of recommendation and personal introduction, which are always very helpful for developing business opportunities. Oluwafemi disclosed that expected speakers and resource persons at the programme include: Peter Damian Mbama, a Fellow of the Institute of Financial and Planning Managers in Delaware with an MBA from the prestigious University MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States of America. Izehi Anuge Thompson, CEO, Eleanor Thompson Support Staff Solution which is the only franchise of the British Butler Institute in West Africa; Orlando Olumide Odejide, a business architect, analyst, strategist, trainer and entrepreneur with over 12 years’ experience in the design and development of business strategy and execution who has built Global 4sight Vantage (G4V) from an idea into a multimillion dollar per annum business employing more than 60 consultants. He added that others expected to make presentations at the programme include Abisola Longe, who has worked in two of the “top six” international audit firms overseas and in Nigeria, an alumni of the London School of Economics and member, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Frank Oyorhigho, MD/CEO Primex Background Check ltd, an expert consultant in due diligence.

Spiced-up Boom fruit drink hits the market

oom, a ready to drink fruit beverage from the stables of Acreage Food Company Limited, has hit the market with a new and distinctive valueadded quality. The refreshing ready-todrink series was recently re-introduced to the public at Acreage company premises in Otta, Ogun State. According to Oladipo Bankole, the Chief Executive of Acreage Food Company, the rebranding was necessary to satisfy the taste of Boom’s evergrowing number of consumers. “Boom ready-to-drink has been in the market for a couple of years, however in keeping with our tradition of innovation and improving customer satisfaction, it has being rebranded to build on its existing track record,” he said. He said that the company has been encouraged by the massive reception the product has received from different consumers across the country and promised that efforts were on to get it to every part of the country. A distributor at the event, Fadele Brothers, expressed confidence that any product from the stable of Boom is bound to take the market by storm while another distributor, Monumental Agencies added that Boom has already established the image of a high quality refreshing drink. Amos Ehigie, Managing Director, Goshen Enterprise, Benin City urged the company to ensure continuous supplies, as this would enable distributors maintain a continuous push of the product while making more profit. In his remarks, Babatunde Mustapha, general sales manager of Acreage assured distributors and consumers of the company’s commitments to meeting their expectations. He also outlined the mouthwatering incentives that the company has laid out for distributors with outstanding performance, stressing that those who meet their targets

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News would be adequately rewarded as promised. Some of the distributors that took part in the company’s factory tour commended the company on the level of new investment. Sunday Umor, a distributor commended the management and staff of the company for a job well done; noting that the taste, flavour and quality of the drinks have been greatly improved upon.

Hadiza Mailafia, Minister of Environment

FG/UNEP develop business plan for chemical mgt

he Federal Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), has developed a business plan for effective management of chemicals in the country. This is contained in a document obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja on Friday. The document entitled “Business Plan on Priority Needs to Enable Further Strengthening of the Legal and Institutional Infrastructures for Sound Management of Chemicals (SMC) in Nigeria for 2014-2018,’’ was developed to address pressing priority needs to enable further strengthening of the legal and institutional infrastructures for SMC in Nigeria. “The plan was developed in line with the UNEP Legal and Institutional Infrastructures for Recovering Cost of National Administration (LIRA) guidance document in response to the commitment of the government. It was developed for environmentally sound management of chemicals, through a life cycle management approach to chemicals and their waste in Nigeria. “The plan recognises the Nigerian Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) implementation plan, which signifies Nigeria’s commitment towards sound management of chemicals (2011-2016) , that was endorsed in March 2011 by relevant national stakeholders.’’ The document stated that

the plan was designed for five years implementation, commencing from 2014 to 2018, to achieve sound management of chemicals. It stated that it was necessary to strengthen institutional capacity, build the capacity of professional officers and raise the level of understanding of the populace about risk of chemicals in order to reduce environmental pollution. On evaluation mechanism, it said that the Federal Ministry of Environment through its National Committee on Chemicals Management (NCCM) would play a coordinating role in implementing the plan. “It will be implemented in cooperation with relevant ministries, institutions and civil society organisation according to its mandates and responsibilities. `The ministry will also play a coordination role in organising technical meetings, conclusion meetings on planning implementation, planning formulation, or project proposal development for implementing the works identified in the plan. “In order to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the plan implementation, the ministry and all stakeholders, especially the NCCM shall establish two main evaluation mechanisms. The first evaluation is to do a mid-term evaluation that will be organised in the middle of year 2 or 3, while second evaluation is to do the total evaluation of the achievements of the business plan implementation at the end of the programme,’’ it said. The document stated that the second half of the 2013 should be the time for Nigeria to prepare the Business Plan (BP) and make it ready for implementation. However, it said that the BP had proposed many activities but operational budget, other resources needed and the potential partners, were yet to be known. In this case, it said that Nigeria faced two main tasks to be done to set the plan in motion; the approval of the BP by stakeholders and starting the funding drive to implement the plan. “In summary, the goals and objectives in the plan and the specific activities and milestones, are unlikely to be achieved as scheduled, and this plan will likely be extended for another two or three years as necessary,’’ it added.

Network, Bankole Olubamise, has urged the Federal Government to explore advancements in technology as a means of enhancing national development. Olubamise who spoke in Lagos, said that the people and leaders must make effective use of technological advances to ensure successful and sustainable development. “Technological literacy has to be emphasised in the schools and encouraged throughout the country. The effective use of technology means matching solutions in search of problems to problems in search of solutions; research laboratories must focus on the specific needs of the country. In developing countries, this means emphasising applied research and development, while maintaining a core of basic researchers who can follow and participate in global advances,” he said. Olubamise said that in the industrialised countries, technological advancement included scientific, technological and social specialists, working together. “Materials engineering needs to interact with biology, computer science with linguistics, medicine with sociology, and engineering with economics and the law,” he said. Olubamise said the concept of matching local solutions to local problems also applied to education and training, where important human issues must be fully addressed, to promote the successful transfer of technology. “Prepackaged knowledge for the use of technology is of little use in developing countries like Nigeria. To be absorbed, new knowledge must be grounded in what is already understood with technological concepts linked to local culture and knowledge,” he said. Olubamise, however, reiterated that technology was not a package that could be bought off the shelf and become immediately productive; it is a cumulative process of learning. “The process of diffusion implementation is greatly strengthened if there is feedback from the users of technology to generators of knowledge,” he said. Olubamise further said that the nation’s education

FG urged to use technology to drive national development

he Executive Director, Development Information

Ita Ewa, Minister Science & Technology

system must allow students to develop a good understanding of the system, the ability to discuss and manipulate it, and envisioning its functions from many viewpoints. “The use of tools for managing information complexity needs to become part of schooling for an ever-increasing portion of the population.” Olubamise urged the Federal Government to prepare the populace by using education to get them to become conversant with advancements in technological innovations. “To prepare the populace to use technological advancement requires a combination of skills development, practise with complexity, and the development of adaptive problem-solving capabilities,” he added.

number of indigenous operators in the country. Nwapa said that the board had launched Expatriate Biometric Data Capture Scheme to monitor the number of expatriates in the oil and gas sector. He held that the identification cards given to expatriates were to make sure that they did not use more than the time stipulated. Tony Chukwueke, the Director, Transcorp Energy Ltd., who was the Chairman of the conference, said the nation must move forward just as the oil and gas sector is moving. Chukwueke said that if the country carried on with the present transformation witnessed in the power sector, the country would definitely move forward. He said that if the PIB had been implemented before now, the country would have moved forward more positively.

Give adequate remuneration to construction workers to avoid material theft – Expert Membere

PIB will attract investments, say experts The Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Abiye Membere, has said that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would attract investments if passed. Membere who stated this at the 2013 National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Conference held in Lagos said PIB would create a strong and independent regulator to develop and enforce all the rules in the oil and gas sector when it becomes a law. He added that the smooth sail of PIB would also create a commercial-oriented national oil company that would compete effectively with its peers. “PIB will sustain the gains of Nigerian content development; promote local manufacture and entrepreneurial development and in-country capacity and capability’’, Membere said. According to him, the PIB will also liberalise and deregulate the midstream and downstream sub-sectors of the oil and gas industry. Ernest Nwapa, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), said local content had increased the

Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Works, Godwin Eke, has advised contractors to adequately remunerate their workers to prevent theft of materials at project sites. Eke, an engineer, who gave the advice in Lagos, regretted that theft of materials hampered early completion of projects and reduced the quality of jobs. He said that poverty made some workers to regularly steal construction materials. “Indigenous contractors and engineers are the worst hit by material theft because they do not have the means to check the trend. “Some of these workers feel they are not well paid and resort to theft of materials. They steal the materials and sell them to make money. Anyone caught is usually sacked instantly and a new one recruited, but after a while, the new worker starts doing the same thing,’’ he said. The engineer, who is in charge of the Phase Two reconstruction of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, noted that some local contractors could not afford the technology needed to checkmate material thieves. Eke said that the usually stolen materials included blocks, cements and petroleum products. He said that construction multinationals used trackers and other monitoring devices to check theft, and urged indigenous contractors to invest in such technologies.

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News department is working closely with all the security agencies in the state to ensure protection of lives and property,’’ he said. He commended the army authorities for executing the projects, noting that the army deserved such recreational facilities. “Everybody needs security; we cannot do business without security, so there is need to work with the security agencies in the state to ensure adequate security of lives and property,’’ he said.

Road construction workers on duty

The deputy director also advised indigenous contractors to educate their workers on the implications of stealing and urged prosecution of material thieves to serve as a deterrent to others.

Army gets gun-boats to fight oil theft in Niger Delta

he GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.Gen. Adebayor Olaniyi, said on Friday in Calabar that the army had acquired gun-boats to fight oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Olaniyi who stated this while inaugurating five projects at the 13 Brigade Command, Calabar, said that oil was the major revenue source for the country and stressed the need to preserve it for economic growth of the country. “Officers of the Nigerian Army are very alert on the waterways; if anybody is caught stealing the country’s oil, he or she will face the law no matter how highly placed the person may be,’’ he warned. He expressed delight at the programme, adding that the commissioning of the projects in the command would enhance operations and welfare of personnel. The projects include minisupermarket, warrant officers’

mess, lawn tennis court, colonial block and transit accommodation. He commended the commander of the brigade, Brig.Gen. Okwudili Azinta, for the successful completion of the projects within six months after resuming office. “I am very happy to have the likes of Brig.-Gen. Azinta in my team, working with him in this capacity is highly appreciated,’’ he said. He charged officers at the command to emulate Azinta with a view to adding their contribution and values toward the development of the command. Olaniyi later said that most of the structures renovated and commissioned were built in 1904 and charged the officers to exhibit good maintenance culture to sustain the projects. Also speaking, Azinta expressed happiness at the projects, noting that the commander said the army needed such recreational facilities to keep fit and strong for the job. He charged officers of the command to make good use of the facilities provided them, adding that a good maintenance culture would help to sustain the projects. The Security Adviser to Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River, Rekpene Bassey, said that the state was working closely with the military to ensure safety of residents, investors and tourists. “The state security

Nigeria needs quota policy to sustain women-owned businesses – Ihama By Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

he need to enact a quota based policy that will help sustain existing women owned businesses in the country as

Ihama

well as create more opportunities for employment and capacity building has been brought to the fore. Speaking exclusively to Business Courage in her office in Lagos, the immediate past president of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women in Nigeria (BPW) Tinuade Ihama, noted that such a policy will encourage more women to go into business knowing that they stand a very good chance of survival.

“At least 40 per cent of business contracts should be earmarked for women owned businesses as a matter of policy as long as they have the capacity to perform competently,” she said. Ihama who is also the MD/ CEO of Morvan Company Ltd, a construction sector operator noted that there were no special consideration for women businesses to win contract bids and this should not be the case in a men dominated society. She hailed the on-going efforts by the commonwealth to support women owned businesses and encouraged Nigeria to formulate similar policies that would buoy women enterprise in the country. “It is not enough for me to open an office and I have nothing to do even with all the effort in this world put in. If you can compete and get government support, you are bound to succeed because they are not just only the best employers of labour but also of business,” she said. She explained that such a protectionist policy would apart from enhancing competency among women would also create more job and wealth opportunities in the country which is what the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is all about. She pointed out that in the past, focus had been on the empowerment of women but that today, emphasis has shifted to the role of the empowered woman in providing leadership for other women. She said that there has been an improvement over the years in the level of attention being given to women in the country by the government which is evidenced by the appointments of more women to sensitive positions in government. “I would say that this government more than any other government has tried to propel women into relevant public positions,” she said.

CBN’s withdrawal of govt funds from banks laudable – Dilkon

Nigerian Army new gun-boats

he Central Bank of Nigeria’s withdrawal of 50 per cent of government funds from commercial banks, is good for the economy, says Leonard Dilkon, former Chairman, House Committee on Finance. Dilkon told newsmen in Jos that the step was ``very good’’ as commercial banks would now begin to invest in wealth and job yielding ventures that would stimulate growth. Recalled that Deposit Money Banks had kicked against the policy, insisting that such

Dilkon

measure would ``spell doom for the economy’’. The banks, in separate reactions, had argued that the step would raise interest rates and make lending very difficult. But Dilkon, who is the Executive Chairman, Hamtul Press Ltd, a Jos-based large scale printing outfit, argued that the banks had not helped the economy much as they “merely collect monies from local, state and Federal Governments’’. “The banks collect monies from all tiers of government and give them out on loan to the same governments. Such monies are deducted at sources with heavy interests. The banks do not support any business initiative; when you are building your business, the banks will not be there to support, but once you have established, they come for deposits. “Banks hardly support small scale industrialists and may not even care if they ever existed. The commercial banks hardly seek out ways to help the society,’’ he claimed. He suggested the withdrawal of ``up to 100 per cent of government monies from the commercial banks’’, adding that the commercial banks were ``exploiting depositors by collecting Commission On Turnover (COT),’’ even when they had no input on such turnovers. He stated the banks could do more in addressing the problem of violence in most parts of Nigeria, by stimulating the economy. “Most rioters are only idle and engage in such vices because of indolence; if you approach a bank to seek for a loan to start up a business so as to positively engage Boko Haram members, for instance, they will tell you it is bad investment. But if it is government money that should enter their hands, they tell you it is good business. Banks won’t support growth but will be quick to seek to reap from any economic growth,’’ he further alleged. The law maker decried the quest for power by Nigerians, and challenged them to replace such attitude with a desire to

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News establish cottage industries to engage the youths. “Northern leaders in particular, must compete over cottage industries like their counterparts in the south west are doing. That is the only way to take our youths off the streets and make them assets to the society,’’ he said. Dilkon also expressed dissatisfaction with imposition of taxes on investors by government without any form of support to such investors, warning that the nation might not move forward if investors were simply left on their own. He said that Hamtul Press, set up via a partnership with some German investors, currently had close to 100 workers, and was targeting 3,000 jobs in the next two years.

Benebo

NESREA urges attitudinal change to reduce environmental hazards

he National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has called for attitudinal change on the part of the citizens, to reduce environmental abuses causing floods in the country. Ngeri Benebo, the DirectorGeneral of the agency, made the call at a one-day sensitisation workshop on flood and sanitation for stakeholders in Awka on Friday. Benebo, represented by Larry Ineke, the Anambra Coordinator of the agency, said that it had embarked on general sensitisation of Nigerians on the ignorance about the environment and wrong priority given to it. She said that the agency had carried out sensitisation to flood-prone communities, markets, schools, abattoirs and high profile government officials to ensure some measures to guide against another flood in the state. ‘’This exercise is apt because of the recent prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency that the nation will experience another flood this year.’’

The Director-General said that one of the best ways to achieve a better environment was through collaboration and partnership with all stakeholders. ‘’If you have respect for environment, you will not abuse it with impunity. If you don’t abuse it you will get the best out of it,’’ Benebo said. Meanwhile, Sebastine Okoye, the Commissioner for Environment, said that the state government would continue to partner with NESREA and other such agencies to enlighten the people, to guard against abuse of the environment. He said that the government had established the Anambra State Waste Management Authority, to ensure prompt evacuation of waste. Commending NESREA, Okoye represented by Joseph Ibuzo, the Director of Environment and Ecology in the ministry said that the agency had done a lot on environmental protection and monitoring in the state. In his remark, Obi Enemo, the state Director, National Orientation Agency, commended NESREA for its efforts to achieve its mandate by enforcing the protection and improvement of environmental quality and public health in the state. Dr Anthony Okoye in a paper titled: ‘’Waste Management and Sanitation in Anambra : The Role of Stakeholders,’’ noted that urbanisation trends and industrialisation in Africa had led to a rapid growth in the volume of waste generated. According to him, the urban population is growing faster than urban authorities’ capacity for waste collection and disposal, a condition which, he said, had led to inadequate waste management.

NDIC’s report on bank fraud worrisome – ASSBIFI

he Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), has described as worrisome the level of bank

Salako

fraud as recently reported by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (NDIC). The National President of ASSBIFI, Olusoji Salako, said in Lagos that the report indicated that the level of fraud in banks was high. The NDIC’s annual report and statement of accounts released on Tuesday said that bankers committed fraud amounting to N17.97 billion in 2012. “This development calls for concern from every stakeholder. We have the report, and we are considering the steps to take to prevent a reoccurrence in the future. In most cases, these bankers are mobilised by outsiders to commit fraud in the system. We are not going to sleep with this report; we will work on our members,” Salako said. He said that the union would intensify education of its members on the dangers of allowing outsiders to use them for fraudulent purposes. Salako said that fraud in the banking industry escalated due to reckless deposit mobilisation, casualisation and outsourcing of workers. “Casualisation and outsourcing are two key factors. If you employ a person on a casual basis, and the person has to handle a lot of cash, yet, he or she is being paid peanuts, there will be the temptation to steal. Also, in the last decade, aggressive marketing came in and people with questionable characters were employed in the industry to source for deposits. “Our flanks have been opened by this practice, all safety measures thrown overboard, and all that the bank executives are concerned about is the amount of deposits brought in,” he said. Salako said that the banking sector might continue to record leakages and fraud until the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and management of banks take steps to curtail it. He urged the CBN and management of banks to deemphasise deposit mobilisation and engagement of contract staff and casual workers. Kamson Olaniyan, the General Secretary of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), said that none of the association’s members was fraudulent. “None of us has been accused of fraud. Junior staffs do not have access to facilities for money transfer and money laundering. It is the management staff that are involved, and some of them are being prosecuted as we speak, `` Olaniyan said. He said that the CBN needed to urgently address outsourcing of workers to reduce bank fraud.

Aganga

Nigeria-South Africa trade council to be inaugurated – Aganga

he minister of industry, trade and investment has revealed that the much awaited Nigeria-South Africa trade council would be inaugurated in September. The agreement to set up the council was one of the fallouts of the Nigerian trade delegation to South Africa earlier in May. Aganga disclosed that the success of the delegation to South Africa is evidenced by a record 900 MOUs which was signed with the South African government as proof of Nigeria’s commitment to fostering economic relationship between both countries. The minister made the revelation in Lagos at a meeting with the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce (NSACC). “One of the good things that came out of that conference was the agreement that we needed to set up a joint trade and investment council to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries. The idea is that this council would be inaugurated by September in South Africa, ahead of President Zuma’s visit to Nigeria in November,” he said. According to him inaugurating the council ahead of President Zuma’s visit was strategic to having something to present to both presidents on that occasion on work being done to foster economic cooperation between both countries. Commending the Chambers for their role which culminated in the success recorded at the summit, he noted that there was also lack of awareness of some of the good things that were happening such as the existing intra-African investments especially between both countries. “South Africans are investing in this country and Nigerians are also investing in South Africa but we don’t shout enough about it to let people know,” he stressed. He further enjoined them to continue working with the government in order to create the

sort of inclusive economy that both countries desires. He pointed out that for Africa to live up to its full economic potential, the big economies in the continent needed to come together. “You need South Africa which is today the number one economy in Africa and Nigeria which is number two to come together and take the lead to drive our continent forward,’ he said. He stated that Africa currently contributes 0.1 per cent of the manufacturing value added (MVA) because like Nigeria, South Africa for decades have pursued the wrong policies which is exporting raw materials and jobs. “When you talk about the value and the supply chain, African countries would be found at the bottom end of that chain in terms of raw materials producers. That is what Africa has done for decades but that is what Nigeria is changing now under this administration,” he said. On the mandate of the Nigeria-South Africa Trade Council, Aganga explained that it was agreed that the council will be assigned to focus on specific sectors of the economy, working along the value chain to encourage intra-African trade and remove any impediment to trade and investment.

NAMB insists on guidelines for N200bn bailout

he Nigeria Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) says it will not forward any application which fails to meet the guidelines for sourcing the N220bn bailout fund for MSMEs. The President of the association, Jethro Akun, said on Friday in Lagos that the association was determined to follow the guidelines strictly. Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi recently launched the intervention fund for MSMEs - Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The CBN gave NAMB the duty to disburse the fund to its members and members of MSME. The Federal Government announced the bailout at the 7th MSMEs’ Conference/Entrepreneurship Awards ceremony in Abuja. “We have sent an electronic copy of the guidelines for disbursement of the funds to all our members. Microfinance banks that are interested in participating have to apply based on those guidelines. The association will in turn forward the applications with our recommendations to the appropriate quarters for approval,” Akun said. BC

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Global News price swings in trading in 140 stocks. During Thursday’s suspension, Nasdaq advised firms to route their trades elsewhere.

UK GDP growth revised upwards to 0.7 per cent White

Nasdaq trading halted by glitch

he Nasdaq exchange resumed trading Friday afternoon, after an earlier suspension for a “technical issue”. Trading had been halted for around three hours, with the US exchange citing a problem distributing stock price quotes. After resuming trading at 15:25 EST (20:25 GMT), the Nasdaq closed up one per cent to 3,102. Trading had been halted at 12:14 EST. Trading on the other US exchanges was uninterrupted. The Nasdaq is the secondlargest stock exchange in the US, and the world’s largest electronic stock market. It is dominated by major tech stocks such as Apple and Facebook. Nasdaq said that trades executed between 12:14:03 and 12:23:31 would stand. But trades between 12:23:31 and the resumption of trading would not stand, it said. The US Securities and Exchange Commission said it wants to meet with Nasdaq following the outage. “Today’s interruption in trading, while resolved before the end of the day, was nonetheless serious and should reinforce our collective commitment to addressing technological vulnerabilities of exchanges and other market participants,” SEC chairwoman Mary Jo White said. Shares in the stock exchange’s owner Nasdaq OMX Group - which themselves trade on the Nasdaq - fell over three per cent by the end of the day. This is not the first technical glitch to affect recent US share trading. Last year, trading was delayed in the muchanticipated debut of social network Facebook. Nasdaq agreed to pay a $10m penalty to settle federal civil charges after regulators said its systems and decisions disrupted the float, and it paid out a further $62m in reimbursements to investment firms that lost money because of the problems. Its rival, the New York Stock Exchange, had similar problems last year when a software glitch at market-maker Knight Capital caused huge

conomic growth in the UK during the second quarter of the year has been revised up to 0.7 per cent by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The initial estimate, released in July, suggested growth domestic product (GDP) - the UK’s economic output had risen by 0.6 per cent from the previous quarter. The ONS said the revision reflected small upward adjustments to the estimated output of several industries. The data also showed that export demand played a major role in driving growth. Compared with a year ago, GDP in the three months to June was 1.5 per cent higher. The latest revision adds to evidence that the UK economic recovery may finally be gaining momentum after almost four years of stagnation since the 2008-09 recession ended. The 0.7 per cent rate matches the pace recorded during the third quarter of 2012, when the economy was buoyed by the London Olympics, which was itself the fastest growth rate since 2010. However, the ONS cautioned that the current rate of economic growth was still well below the rate experienced during previous recoveries from recessions since 1945 - during which the economy has typically enjoyed a short burst of growth as it caught up with its pre-recession level. The revised data confirmed that all four major sectors of the economy - services, industry, agriculture and construction - had expanded during the three months to June. However, only the service sector has grown steadily since the 2008-09 recession ended, while the UK’s manufacturing sector had previously continued to contract. The latest index of service sector activity, also published by the ONS on Friday, showed

Cameron, Britain Prime Minister

output in the sector was 2.8 per cent higher in June than a year earlier, led by financial services, and hotels and restaurants. The latest ONS release showed that exports playing a bigger role than expected in boosting growth. Exports rose 3.6 per cent from the previous three months, helped by the weak pound and a bottoming-out of the eurozone economy, while imports increased 2.5 per cent, meaning that the country’s deficit would have narrowed. “The expenditure breakdown was positive news,” said Philip Rush, economist and investment bank Nomura. “Consumption obviously fairly important to the recovery there but... the recovery in the second quarter wasn’t as reliant on consumption as we’d feared.” Most economists agree that for the recovery to be sustained, the UK economy needs to rebalance away from the consumer spending that helped drive the boom in the last decade, with greater reliance on industry, investment and exports. Investment spending by businesses rose 1.7 per cent - still a somewhat tepid rate during an economic recovery - while government spending rose 0.9 per cent despite spending cuts in Whitehall.

Brazil unveils $60bn currency move

razil’s central bank has announced a $60bn plan to prop up the value of the national currency. It comes as the Brazilian real nears a five-year low against the US dollar. The real and other emerging market currencies have fallen steadily over the last three months on speculation of higher US interest rates. The central bank said it would spend $500m a day on Mondays to Thursdays and $1bn on Fridays buying reais in the currency markets. The Monday-to-Thursday interventions will target currency swap markets - financial derivatives used by companies and investors to hedge their currency exposure - while on Fridays, the central bank will buy the national currency directly in return for US dollars. The interventions will run up until December. “This shows the firm determination of monetary authorities to keep the exchange rate from slipping further,” said Andre Perfeito, chief economist at Gradual Investments in Sao Paulo. It is the first time the central bank has pre-announced daily interventions in this way since 2002 - a time when mar-

German budget surplus jumps in first half of year

Dilma Rouseff, Brazil President

kets were speculating over a possible Brazilian debt default, following the financial collapse of neighbouring Argentina and with the imminent election of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The weaker currency is raising the cost of imports, which in turn increases the cost of living for Brazilians and raises concern that inflation could get out of control. It could also put pressure on any Brazilians who have taken on large debts, particularly if the debts are denominated in foreign currency. Brazil and India have been at the brunt of the recent change in market sentiment, with the real down 16 per cent against the dollar since May. Both countries benefited from inflows of foreign money over recent years as investors and speculators have been able to borrow cheaply in the dollar. That process now appears to be unwinding, as the longterm cost of borrowing rises on speculation that the US Federal Reserve is preparing to curtail its monetary stimulus programme, perhaps as soon as next month. Another victim of the loss of market confidence in emerging markets has been Indonesia, whose currency, the rupiah, has fallen to a four-year low. Indonesia’s finance minister has announced measures to return the country to a trade surplus, including the lifting of restrictions on mineral exports and the imposition of taxes on imports of luxury cars and branded products. Concerns over Brazil have been heightened by inflation rising well above six per cent in recent months, and doubts about the central bank’s willingness and ability to contain it. The country suffered from hyperinflation in the 1980s and 1990s, although price rises have remained in single digits ever since. The central bank faces a difficult dilemma. The weak currency and rising inflation would normally be tackled by higher interest rates. However, the country’s economy has ground to a halt as Chinese demand for the country’s mineral exports has weakened.

fficial figures show Germany’s budget surplus rose to 0.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the first half of the year, boosted by higher tax income. The government pulled in 321.4bn euros in taxes, 3.8 per cent more than a year ago thanks to its steady employment rate. The German Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, said the surplus was 8.5bn euros (£7.3bn; $11.3bn) in the period between January and June. The figure was higher than the surplus for the same period a year ago. For the whole of last year, Germany’s budget surplus was 0.2 per cent of GDP. Budget surpluses are rare among European countries. Many have deficits of more than 3% of GDP, despite an European Union limit of that level. In a statement, Destatis said: “The budgets of central government, state governments, local government and social security funds benefited from a generally good employment situation and a stable

Merkel, German Vice Chancellor

economic development in the first half of 2013 compared with other European countries.” The agency also confirmed a preliminary estimate of German GDP of 0.7 per cent growth in the second quarter, giving an annual growth rate of 0.9 per cent. It said this was partly thanks to “weather-related catch-up effects following the unusually long and cold winter”. Johannes Gareis, an economist at Natixis, said he was expecting more modest expansion in the second half of 2013. “For the rest of this year, we expect the German economy to continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate,” he said. Holger Sandte, an economist at Nordea, said: “The composition of the growth is very good. It is being driven more strongly from within, which is good for Germany and the eurozone. “It is also positive that firms are investing more in equipment and are not so hesitant anymore.” BC

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His story is akin to that of a lame rising into fame. Sojourning to Lagos from Iludun Oro, Kwara State 60 years ago at the age of 19 and armed with nothing but a mix of educational disability and strong commitment to excel and break loose from the yoke of poverty; Oyin Jolayemi, founder of the Daily Need Group of Companies, is today not just an ordinary industrialist, he is an industrial icon, a quintessential entrepreneur whose story, no doubt, provides the motivational pull for aspiring entrepreneurs By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

or those that are familiar with the city of Lagos, particularly the high-brow Victoria Island part of the metropolis, the name Oyin Jolayemi will certainly strike a chord. It is one of the major streets in Victoria Island, which plays host to head offices of some of the best big corporate organisations. However, beyond being a popular street, Oyin Jolayemi is also the name of one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly successful corporate icons, who by dint of hard work, strong determination to excel, courage and uncommon zeal, broke loose from the chain of poverty and deprivation to attain the commanding height in his chosen career. This is this same man that the popular Oyin Jolayemi Street was

named after. Born in 1940 at Iludun Oro in Kwara State to the family of Pa Sangotoye Jolayemi, a man reputed as the custodian of curative services, with magical prowess and the ability to call fire from the skies, Oyinlola, as he was then called, was the youngest of five surviving children. As a traditionalist himself, the elder Jolayemi, perhaps, forced by the circumstances that surrounded the loss of seven of his children decided to allow the remaining five certain privileges like freedom to worship whatever they chose. However, the freedom did not include being allowed to go to school as their father felt it was a ploy to lure them into Christianity. With the pursuit of academic, shut out, the young Jolayemi settled for handcraft,

Jolayemi

particularly, mat making. At infancy, those close to the Jolayemi family say the young Oyin was a bit rascally; the attributes which Business Courage learnt earned him serious reprimand despite his closeness to his father as the last child. However, as it later turned out, Oyinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closeness to his father almost became a serious barrier to achieving his own career path as it took him so long to convince his father to free him to pursue a life-saving adventure outside his birth pace, Iludun Oro just like his brothers.

At a tender age of 19, the youthful Oyin Jolayemi left Iludun Oro with nothing except determination to come to Lagos and make a meaning out of life. When he arrived Lagos, Oyin started out as a shop boy selling handkerchief and dusters on the streets of Lagos but several challenges along with the unfulfilled promises of his boss to pay him a certain sum made him quit the apprenticeship. There and then, he decided to take the bull by the horn. After he broke away from his boss, Oyin decided to put into practice, the little he had learnt

from his boss by selling the same items he had hawked on the streets of Lagos Island. As he progressed, he added to his stock, the sale of raincoat. Interestingly, however, the young Jolayemi had at that stage, known the importance of education as he enrolled for adult education classes which he attended every evening after each dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sales. At the early stage of his entrepreneurial endeavour, Jolayemi was confronted with teething challenges that were strong enough to scare him away. Shortly after he broke away

from his boss and opted to sell his own handkerchiefs and dusters, Oyin was hit by fraudsters who defrauded him of the entire handkerchiefs he hawked around the streets in Ikoyi. As he later narrated, the fraudster had pretended to be a big customer requesting a large quantity of his wares. Oyin was asked to go and bring the rest items in his small shop to meet up with their demand. Though young at that time, he was wise enough to know that bulk sales would afford him the opportunity of substantial funds to increase his stock. But he was dead wrong. “I thought he was serious. He told me he wanted to buy many. I ran back to my shop to bring all that I had, but only for him to order me in a way that I do not know to lie down in a gutter and start looking forward and praying. He warned me to just lie there and do not raise my head until the money came, but only for me to later raise my head with courage and the man was nowhere to be found again,” he recounted. Despite this shortcoming, however, Oyin Jolayemi refused to cave in. He picked up his pieces and intensified his drive in the handkerchief sale until he was eventually introduced to the sale of over-the-counter drugs by Folorunsho Akosile, who as at then, dealt in Patent Medicine. This connection opened doors for him, leading to the establishment of Daily Needs Chemist, at Idumota Lagos, thus transforming him from a handkerchief seller to a patient medicine seller, the business that raised his profile around Idumota and Ereko area of Lagos Island. Interestingly, it was that same line of business that ultimately unveiled the strong entrepreneurial spirit in Oyin Jolayemi and served as the progenitor of the later day group of companies. After running the patent medicine business for some time and becoming very popular around the Idumota/Ereko axis of the Lagos Island, Jolayemi, in 1970 opened a shop known as Daily-Need Chemist located at 134 Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island. Essentially, Daily-Need Chemist was the mustard seed that germinated and grew to become an oak tree which today is the Daily-Need Group, an indigenous conglomerate which has now grown to include Daily Need Industries Limited, DNI Personal Products Ltd., Oyin Holdings Ltd., De Honey International Ventures, and Jolayemi Nigeria Ltd, with turnover running into several billions. After two years of trading under Daily Need Chemist, Jolayemi ventured into manufacturing of “Paulina,” a beauty cream somewhere in Surulere, Lagos. This was followed by the

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production of Penicillin Ointment, the product that effectively launched him into full blown pharmaceutical production. Today, Daily-Need Group has over ten quality and vibrant brands under its portfolio. The company manufactures Biovit, syrup of Vitamin B Complex, which restores lost energy, reduces stress, replenishes the skin and enhances the well-being of the body system. Also, De-Deon’s, a syrup of Haemoglobin Vitamin B12 which restores lost energy, reduces stress and enhances the well-being of the body system is another brand which has today become a must have for all families especially patients in dire need of blood restoration. Other pharmaceutical products include Uniplex Cough Syrup, for effective treatment against irritating and chesty coughs, Matthew Worm Elixir for effective treatment against round worms as well as thread worms. Vilicin Balm is popularly known for fast relief from muscle aches and pains as well as ensuring fast and soothing relief from lumbago. In the foods sector, the group’s Suppy, a beef seasoning cube, is today one of the household brands which competes favourably well with its peers produced by foreign conglomerate in the country. The company also manufactured one of the leading tooth pastes in the country way back in the 80s. Daily Need Flouride Toothpaste however, suddenly went underground but in 2008, like the mythical phoenix, the toothpaste practically rose from the dead and has since bounced back into strong reckoning. The reformulated red gel toothpaste rose from the ashes of irrelevance to which its white fore bearer was confined several years ago, to return into the coveted Nigerian consumer market with fanfare. Jolayemi was also into the banking sector, but his experience in this area may have left sour taste in his mouth as his Victory Merchant Bank Limited left the worst scar on him. The bank was among the list of distressed banks whose operating licence was revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)in 1998 and was subsequently liquidated by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Indeed, the story of Oyin Jolayemi can simply be described as the life of a village boy who came to Lagos with nothing at the tender age but with determination, courage and focus in life became an industrial giant. His walk into an industrial fulfillment is quite an interesting one. Then, young Jolayemi would wake up every other morning on his 52, Balogun Street Lagos Island abode to take a view of many ships rowing into the country, while he

‘ Jolayemi

When I came to Lagos, I started working as a shop boy running errands. Nobody taught me to save my income and by special grace of God, I knew by keeping my income, it will put in my hands the keys to wealth and greatness. Therefore, my principle was, if you want to have much, use little and save the rest

hoped and prayed for his to come too. Indeed, his rise from grass to grace is a story which many aspiring entrepreneurs should take a cue from. Despite not having formal education and getting seared at different points in his rise to the top of his game, Jolayemi persevered and today, he is on top of the game. He is a very successful industrialist with over three decades of robust business experience. His background notwithstanding, Jolayemi has earned himself respect in the business and financial world and his lack of formal education as he sojourned on no longer count for a man who now holds a Honorary Degree in Business Administration from Keshington University (USA). His international exposures which have seen him traverse key industrial capitals in the world like the United Kingdom, USA, the Middle East and Far East has broadened his

‘

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exposure in industrial management. Jolayemi himself admit that his desperate and dedicated spirit helped him climb the ladder of success to the present stage, “I do not look down on the elders. I always run errands for them and when I came to Lagos, I started working as a shop boy running errands. Nobody taught me to save my income and by special grace of God, I knew by keeping my income, it will put in my hands the keys to wealth and greatness. Therefore, my principle was, if you want to have much, use little and save the rest.” Jolayemi believes that what he was taught by his parents and what he learnt by himself were good but according to him, “it was not what mummy and daddy taught that matters. What makes me different in my life is the grace of the almighty God.” The “handkerchief boy” as

Jolayemi is called by those close to him says his story is the “manifestation of God’s goodness” as he said “I tried to recollect the essence and event of my life, how God has brought me this far. I have also received a lot of help; I have received God’s help. I really do have a story as it is contained in this book ‘The Pursuits of destiny’ and I believe that many of us, especially the younger ones will have some lessons from it,” he said at the launch of his autobiography. Earnest Shonekan, himself a renowned industrialist and former Head of the Interim National Government described Jolayemi as a leading light, a kind of an industrialist who has shown way to others in the country. According to him, Oyin Jolayemi was not born with a golden or silver spoon in his mouth to have climbed the height of success in his chosen field of business, and as such, his rise from nobody to a status of international recognition should serve as a lesson for younger Nigerians not to have an excuse to be poor. The founder of the Daily Need Group is a first class philanthropist. Despite his towering status, Jolayemi did not forget his cradle, particularly in the area of providing infrastructure support. Among other things, Jolayemi was said to have singlehandedly repaired and tarred the road networks in his home town. He had also at one time, donated Bronchoscopy equipment to the pediatric unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment of children with cases of foreign body injuries. Bronchoscopy is a technique utilised to visualise the inside of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. He also donated a complete laundry unit to the Massey Street Children Hospital, Lagos. The significance of Jolayemi’s donation to LASUTH was properly situated by Thoracic Cardiologist at the LASUTH; Dr. Bode Falashe who observed that while at least 500 children die from foreign body injuries in the United States of America, there is no accurate data in Nigeria as only very few of the patients are seen in the hospital. Several lives have already been saved since the donation of the equipment. “When a child’s airway is blocked by foreign bodies, it is not easy to remove like in adults due to the tiny size of the airway which may lead to complications and even death. Most times you find ear rings, fish bones etc; these things block the lungs making it impossible for the children to breathe well. But with this equipment in place, it is easy to remove such foreign bodies,” Falashe noted. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, August 26, 2013

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

The quest to make profit propels the establishment of most companies, but for Oluseun David Onigbinde, the quest to ensure prudence, accountability and optimization of available resources by the government remains the motivation that led him into his own brand of entrepreneurship. Oningbinde’s specialization is budget analysis and this he has done with some level of perfection, earning him the sobriquet “budget watchdog” Onigbinde

By Biodun Alade

artin Luther King Junior had a dream that one day the black Americans will be treated as equal with other Americans; a period where they wouldn’t be discriminated against or judged by the colours of their skin. The dream, many argued, was fulfilled when the present President of the United States of America, Barrack Obama became president. Similarly, John Fitzgerald “Jack” Kennedy also charged the citizens to think of what they can do for the country and not what the country can do for them. However, that is a submission, many in Nigeria will fault. For many, it is not only a search of what the country can do for them but what they can milk from the country in the name of sharing the national cake. However, a young entrepreneur, Oluseun Onigbinde, had a dream of ensuring transparency and accountability in government through the effective use of available resources to meet the basic needs of the citizens and minimize wastage. He also saw the need to educate and inform the citizen about the country’s budget and how it affects every member of the society. This led him to the establishment of BudgIT, a company dedicated to the analysis of budget through creative use of government data by either presenting them in simple tweets, interactive format or infographic displays. Onigbinde believes that equality and open access to governance is entrenched in democracy and its institutions and as such, budgetary information as a vital asset needs to be understandable and accessible to all

Nigerians. BudgIT offers mobile and online solution to trigger discussions around the budget and take the budget beyond a news item to a focal point of debate among Nigerians. The company believes that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to know how his/her taxes are expended in the delivery of public infrastructure and services in order to enhance accountability and transparency in government expenditure. “The whole idea is to make government more accountable, responsive, and transparent and provide efficient services for people. The budget of a country speaks volume of what the direction government activities will take. It is a guide to the income and expenditure of the government and by extension, the country because for every spending of government, there is an appropriation for it in the budget,” he said. According to him, “When I began this, I also discovered that most citizens don’t have knowledge of the budget. So if you don’t have knowledge about how government spends money or plans policy, you will just be complaining that government has failed to do this or that in your areas but unknowingly to you, those things are not budgeted for by government. So the whole idea is about budget communication and budget understanding,” Oningbinde disclosed to Business Courage. He argued that the ignorance of the populace about budget is affecting the public perception of governance as most Nigerians are unaware of the activities of the tiers and arms of government; and which of the tiers or

arms is to handle a particular project, thus making it difficult for the electorates to demand dividends of democracy from their leaders right from the grassroots level to the national level. And in order to pass the message across to the populace, putting into consideration the illiteracy level in the country, BudgIT uses common ICT tools which include the web, phones, sms, cartoons, printed text

among others. Starting the business like every other one, had its challenges, especially with the fact that BudgIT started as a non-profit business set-up but the money was not the major challenge. The idea of BudgIT was appreciated by a local organisation, CoCreation Hub, which financed it with 5, 000 pounds at the initial stage. However, the real challenge was getting data as Onig-

binde argued; most government institutions are always unwilling to release data or information that will help in analysing the budget effectively. Coupled with this, is the apathy from the citizenry who are of the opinion that having a comprehensive knowledge of government’s spending is of little benefit to them. Most citizens, he said, care little about government budget or how it affects them. He submitted that most often, media releases of the Nigerian budget only have the macro figures as the finer details that trickle down to the citizens such as neighbourhood projects are not fully explained, stressing that the maze of millions and billions in the “thick” budget documents tend to confuse and it is difficult to put in clear context, how public funds are actually spent. The graduate of Electrical/ Electronic Engineering also believed the company needs more money to help it spread its message, though, he acknowledged that he is getting international sponsorship and support from individual who are more than happy to see Nigerians get involved in the way their resources are spent. Recalling how his journey to BudgIT started, the 2012 Ashoka Fellow, who spent three and half years in an old generation bank told Business Courage that he was in his office ruminating about what he can do to make a difference. “Then, an idea that I can do something about the budget of the country kept flicking through my mind. So, I made

Management Principles

Principles of marketing management

mall-business marketing management is based on a set of principles that encompass tasks from planning to ad creation and long-term maintenance. These principles vary in specifics and are determined by the industry and target audience you deal with. While a good deal of small-business marketing management involves the creation of interest on the part of the consumer, it also involves ad creation and day-to-day operation of the marketing strategy. Knowledge Small-business marketing management requires a familiarity with specific target segments, what these consumers want and how to best reach them. There must be an understanding about what the message should be and why, and what the short- and long-term goals of advertising are for the company. Market research, competitor analysis and industry experience all feed into the development of market expertise and all are essential to the success of the marketing strategy and the company as a whole. Organization The development of marketing plans is a key part of small-business marketing management. Plans must address the marketing desires of each marketing partner or of the company itself and rely heavily on organization to manage the process. Plans outline the initiatives of each proposed campaign and state the cost to the customer versus the projected return on investment. Marketing plans are a key part of setting the schedule, announcing the marketing goals for the year and developing relationships with marketing partners that can lead to partial or full funding of the advertisements created.

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Business Courage A13 29

Monday, August 26, 2013

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Onigbinde (standing) with the BudgIT team at work

little research to see if someone was doing something like it and discovered that there was only one person in Finland doing something similar. I conceptualize the idea and got the right support and mentoring from Co-creation hub. So, I am just like a steward and if I fail to do it, someone else will. I believe I am making my little contribution in my own way.” Although Onigbinde got the support of his father and Co-creation hub at the start, but the journey was tough, especially with an apprehensive mother who felt he was biting too much at an early age. His mother felt that he should spend more time in the bank, earn more money rather than jump into an uncertain future at the early stage of his life- to her; it was an expression of a dream too early. “My father was supportive while my mother was apprehensive. She felt it might be too hasty and I should take my time before quitting the banking job but after few

months, she understood it. When I left it was tough but it was courage and the support I had from people that got me going. But with time, I realised that I was not making more money in the bank and more so with more money come more responsibilities. Throughout my stay in the bank, I was not promoted, so I needed to do something that brings happiness and fulfillment,” he said. Onigbinde believes that happiness matters in whatever one chose to do in life and the need to stand out from the crowd and do something different, which he labeled being “a drop-out”. “At some point in life, you need to be a dropout; not that you leave school but chose a unique path different from the crowd. You need to find your clear path in life, otherwise, you will continue to be in the crowddoing what everybody is doing with little or no fulfillment at all,” he added.

Creativity Since small businesses typically do not have the resources for the mass campaigns that large corporations develop, creativity in advertising is an important principle. This is often the most interesting part of the marketing management process, since marketers will get to see their ideas slowly take shape and form tangible campaigns. The process often starts with a few ideas written on paper, followed by a meeting with graphic artists or outside creative companies. From here, a back and forth of ideas and proofs lead up to the final result and distribution. Efficiency Once completed, each campaign initiative must be distributed. Distribution involves the placement of ads in publications, the delivery of recordings to TV and radio stations, the hiring of personnel to hand out fliers, the arrangement of proofs for glossy magazines and so on. Small-business marketing distribution requires practical skill and both financial and logistical efficiency. Relationships must be built and channels developed that provide quick and easy access to your target market segments as well as short turnaround times when new campaigns and promotions hit the market. Adaptability Small-business marketing management does not end with the release of new campaigns. Continual oversight of the progress of each campaign and adjustment is often required. For example, if you notice that your flier promotion initiative is no longer bringing the response that it used to, further analysis may be in order. Once the reason for the decline is determined, the promotion can be altered and redistributed to the consumer, after which a second round of analysis will reveal whether you are on the right track or not. Constant maintenance and adaptation is a principle of marketing management necessary to the continued success of any small business. BC

A winner of The Future Awards as well as the Nigeria Internet Group Prize for social entrepreneurship, Onigbinde argued that until one chose a definite path, it will be difficult to succeed as an entrepreneur, stressing that there is a lot of competition in almost every human endeavour. He submitted that gone are the days that being a graduate was a big deal but today, with the number of graduates annually, it will take an extra skill to get job for those seeking employment while it will also take the same extra to make a difference and stand out as an entrepreneur. “The space for employment in the country is very small because there are limited jobs. You are a graduate, so what? Nobody will give you a job because you are a graduate but because you have an additional skill that will aid the development of the organisation or company. So you need to find something different to do or something trending that will give you the edge over your peers,” he said. He recalled that it took him over three months in search of an infographist to work with but could not find one, until recently when he got someone that can be managed for the position. “This is something that has being trending for like five years plus now and very few have acquired the skill. And you also need to be sincere with yourself, what if the job does not come, what are you going to do? You cannot afford to waste your years in higher institution of learning by looking for job; you can simply create your little space and maximize it,” he said. He counseled on the need to stay focus on a particular idea, especially for young entrepreneur, noting that doing ten things or pursuing ten ideas at a single time makes one end up doing little or nothing at all. He added that the ability to master an idea or skill makes one an authority in it. “There is the need to have passion for what you are doing and stay focus on it. More than ten ideas do cross my mind on a daily basis but I have chosen this. When you dedicate yourself to a particular idea and skill, you earn excellence in it, thus opening doors for you because nobody wants to associate with a shabby job,” he added. Well, in less than two years, BudgIT has opened doors for him as he has been able to take his message to the government through the Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson and her counterpart in the ministry of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, though, he acknowledged that it will take time to effect changes to the bureaucratic nature of governance in the country. He has also been able to lecture close to one hundred thousand Nigerians and Non-Nigerians about the performance of the Nigeria budget. However, BudgIT is not all about government alone. He also consults for organisations and companies in analysing their budgets and mining data just as he was doing during his days in the bank. BC

Personal Finance Common characteristics of successful entrepreneurs

egardless of your definition of success, there are, oddly enough, a great number of common characteristics that are shared by successful businesspeople. You can place a check beside each characteristic that you feel that you possess. This way, you can see how you stack up. Even if you don’t have all of these characteristics, don’t fret. Most can be learned with practice and by developing a winning attitude, especially if you set goals and apply yourself, through strategic planning, to reach those goals in incremental and measurable stages.

Do what you enjoy What you get out of your business in the form of personal satisfaction, financial gain, stability and enjoyment will be the sum of what you put into your business. So, if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, in all likelihood, it’s safe to assume that will be reflected in the success of your business--or subsequent lack of success. In fact, if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, chances are you won’t succeed. Take what you do seriously You cannot expect to be effective and successful in business unless you truly believe in your business and in the goods and services that you sell. Far too many home business owners fail to take their own businesses seriously enough, getting easily sidetracked and not staying motivated and keeping their noses to the grindstone. They also fall prey to naysayers who don’t take them seriously because they don’t work from an office building, office park, storefront, or factory. Little do these skeptics, who rain on the home business owner’s parade, know is that the number of people working from home, and making very good annual incomes, has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Plan everything Planning every aspect of your home business is not only a must, but also builds habits that every home business owner should develop, implement, and maintain. The act of business planning is so important because it requires you to analyse each business situation, research and compile data, and make conclusions based mainly on the facts as revealed through the research. Business planning also serves a second function, which is having your goals and how you will achieve them, on paper. You can use the plan that you create both as map to take you from point A to Z and as a yardstick to measure the success of each individual plan or segment within the plan. Manage money wisely The lifeblood of any business enterprise is cash flow. You need it to buy inventory, pay for services, promote and market your business, repair and replace tools and equipment, and pay yourself so that you can continue to work. Therefore, all home business owners must become wise money managers to ensure that the cash keeps flowing and the bills get paid. Ask for the sale A home business entrepreneur must always remember that marketing, advertising, or promotional activities are completely worthless, regardless of how clever, expensive, or perfectly targeted they are, unless one simple thing is accomplished--ask for the sale. This is not to say that being a great salesperson, advertising copywriting whiz or a public relations specialist isn’t a tremendous asset to your business. However, all of these skills will be for naught if you do not actively ask people to buy what you are selling. BC To be continued

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Despite its huge potential and efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial services institutions ns to promote mobile payment adoption in the country, a new survey shows that at the money service is still struggling to o get a footing. But stakeholders believe e operators and banks have failed to clearly define the benefits customers can derive from using the service By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

oing by the calculations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), if fully embraced, the introduction of mobile money services is expected to be a real tool for economic growth and development. As a matter of fact, the apex bank has never failed to tell its critics that mobile money would go a long way in providing basic financial services as well as creating payment access especially to Nigerians without bank accounts, as well as to help drive financial inclusion in the country. Mobile money enables monetary transactions to be done on mobile phones through text messaging. Operations that can be carried out through the mobile money include money deposit, bill payment, funds transfer and withdrawal as well as payment for goods and services. It serves as an alternative way of storing money for both the banked and the unbanked. In the wake of the introduction of the cash-less policy in 2011, an Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access survey had revealed that about 63.5 per cent of Nigeria’s adult males and 76.8 per cent of adult females are unbanked, while 78.8 per cent of the country’s rural populations are largely unbanked, thus creating enthusiasm among industry experts that with over 100 million active mobile subscribers, more unbanked can become banked through affordable, secure and

convenient mobile money solutions. However, almost two years after and despite its huge potentials and efforts by the CBN and other financial services institutions to promote mobile payment adoption in the country, there are strong indications that the money service is still struggling to get a footing as majority of Nigerians still shun the mobile money services. According to a recent survey conducted by the NOI Polls on the adoption of the mobile money services, while six in every 10 Nigerians (59 per cent) are not aware of mobile money services, only 13 per cent of those that are aware (49 per cent) of the

Sanusi Lamido, CBN Governor

services currently use it. Most importantly, of the 41 per cent citizens that are knowledgeable about mobile money services, only 13 per cent have adopted it, thus indicating a very low adoption rate. NOI Polls is one of the world’s leading opinion research and knowledge management organisation, which provides timely and relevant information on people’s perspectives on a variety of socio-economic issues; the results are based on a nationwide telephone survey of randomly selected adults. The poll conducted in the first week of August was to explore the current level of awareness of mobile money services

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among Nigerians and to determine the present rate of adoption and potential for the future. According to the NOI results, an overwhelming majority (93 per cent) of those that use the service, operate their mobile money account in connection with their bank accounts, while all the mobile money service users (13 per cent) are all banked showing little or no adoption of this service by the unbanked. However, the report indicated a positive experience by the users highlighting ease of use, security, cost saving and time saving as factors that enhance this experience as according to the survey, about seven in 10 (71 per cent) non-users say they would consider using mobile money services in the future. Another key finding of the study indicated based on geopolitical zones analysis, the South-South (54 per cent), South-West (46 per cent) and the North-Central (43 per cent) zones have the highest proportions of respondents who know of Mobile Money services. On the contrary, the North-East (70 per cent), South-East (64 per cent) and the North-West (63 per cent) zones account for the highest proportions of respondents not aware of the mobile services, among other findings by NOI Poll. As pointed out, the scheme might have suffered slow adoption by Nigerians as the licensed operators of mobile money services have not made a significant headway in the deployment of the services across the states. To experts, the scheme has no doubt been facing other challenges which include low

awareness and adoption; lack of finance and basic infrastructure; very few agents; and the exclusion of mobile operators from taking part in the execution of the services. For instance, according to the NOI survey, while majority of the users (86 per cent) had indicated ‘banks’ as their financial service provider, it could be said that licensed banks have been mostly given the responsibility to establish the services in Nigeria. Relatively, only 12 per cent indicated ‘mobile money agents’ as their provider and one per cent indicated other sources. However, industry stakeholders are quick to point out that if the mobile money service is to make any impact in the nearest future, one challenge that must be surmounted for the mobile money to have real impact on the unbanked population is inadequate agency network. Obviously, it is no longer news that since the introduction about two years ago, the emerging mobile money industry currently lacks the requisite agent locations required to deepen the services’ penetration across all nooks and crannies of the country. With an estimated population of 167 million people and 25.4 million bank accounts, while a larger number of Nigerians lack access to basic financial services, out of over 50,000 mobile money agents estimated for the seamless success of the mobile service, currently, across the country, the operators have only managed to engage about 3,000. But experts noted that if anything at all; the number must even be increased to 250,000 in the nearest future. In the real sense of it, mobile money agents are like mini bank outlets where different services like utilities, remittanc-

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Johnson

es, Person 2 Person (P2P) payment, and banking services can be conducted. Their major role in the mobile money ecosystem is to do cash in and cash out. The Principal Associate, Mobile Money Africa, Emmanuel Okoegwale, affirming this, noted that “The agency network that should make mobile money happen in Nigeria is not there now and this can affect the success of the mobile money system. In Nigeria today, we have less than 3,000 verifiable agents while in Kenya, there are 22,000 agents and 54,000 in Brazil. Mobile money operators will require adequate number of agents. If not, the unbanked people will not be able to access mobile money services.” “If, for instance, I send money from my mobile money wallet to my cousin in Maiduguri and he cannot do ‘cash out’ due to the absence of an agent, then the whole essence of the mobile money system has been defeated,” he added. Sola Bickersteth, Director, One Network, an industryfocused organisation helping

Okoegwale

Business Courage A15 31

Monday, August 26, 2013

to expand agent networks to 50,000 this year, says “The mobile money industry requires an estimated 250,000 or one agent per 3,000. To Bickesteth, the industry has not done badly as “People’s responses have been very encouraging. We have a long list of interested agents, who can’t wait for the approval process to commence. Being a mobile money agent is a potentially lucrative job, if one gets a good location and is serious with the business.” He, however, explains that One Network will not rest on its oars in expanding agency network in the country. Explaining that his organisation will be supporting the Nigerian Postal Service in putting together all the necessary Information Technology and infrastructure tools required to interconnect and manage 50,000 or more locations, Bickersteth added that One Network is working with all the necessary stakeholders such as microfinance and other banks, the National Directorate of Employ-

ment, CBN, associations and cooperatives, local and state governments to contribute to building the huge network. The aim of this project, he says, is to create jobs in the country where unemployment is a major problem with no adequate solution in sight. “One Network plans to build a structured and open nationwide network of 50,000 neighborhood agents that provide public access to citizens and financial services through about 3,000 agent supervisor locations, such as post offices, microfinance and other bank branches,” he stressed. Bickersteth, who discloses that 12 mobile money operators have signed an agreement with NIPOST, says that the One Network project will play a major role in creating employment for thousands of Nigerians as it establishes agent locations across the country for the mobile money scheme. According to him, creating more mobile money agent locations will generate over 250,000 new jobs in the next three years. Some of the services that can be offered by a typical agent point are SIM card and public identity registration; educational services registration; government services registration; mobile money and money transfer services; utility bill and tax payments as well as public and micro insurance services. Others are card issuance and collection; online business services; and information verification services, among others. However, the CBN as well as the major stakeholders in the mobile money industry are of the belief that despite the hiccups, the country’s cashless banking policy has continued to record growing acceptance, as there have been over 200 mobile money transactions worth N8 million done daily. These are specifically transactions from one mobile scheme wallet to another as well as from mobile scheme wallet to bank accounts. It would be recalled that minister of communications technology, Omobola Johnson had noted that mobile money transactions is expected to hit N151 billion by 2015. According to her, while total value of transactions on mobile money networks, currently stands at N228 million, the total volume of non-store shopping increased from N62 billion in 2011 to N77.5 billion in 2012. Analysts say non-store shopping is largely been driven by the Internet. Analysts believe that the constant growth of the formal retail sector in Nigeria, along with rising internet penetration in the country, has been driving the expansion of online retailing. According to Johnson, the figure for non- store shopping will increase to N658 billion by 2015. BC

Technotalk

with Esther Ozue (ozueesther@nationalmirroronline.net) 08059234648 (sms only)

Printing from your ipad, iphone or ipod touch

ith the evolving technology and the need to be mobile and productive in your respective businesses, you might not necessarily be at your desktop computer when you realise the need to print a document. If you spend more of your time on your iOS devices like ipad and iphone, you can print wirelessly from your device remotely linked to your printer. Printing from your ipad, iphone or ipod is really an amazing experience although it depends on the printer you have, which essentially should be able to support Airprint technology. AirPrint works wirelessly, so if your printer supports it and both the printer and iOS device are connected to the same network, you should see the printer icon show up on the iOS device when you select to printer from an application. To do this with the Apple applications such as Mail, Safari, Photos, and Maps, you tap the share button and then tap Print. AirPrint works via Wi-Fi and the printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the iOS device. If no AirPrint printers are found, double check that the printer is turned on and that your iOS device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that your printer is connected to. Also ensure that the printer is ready and doesn’t have any error display on the LCD screen or on your computer. If your printer is not Airprint compatible, you can as well make your printer to work like an AirPrint printer by installing software on your computer which works effectively by taking printers connected via USB cable or the network and broadcasting them as AirPrint printers to iOS devices on the network. Since the software is doing the magic, the PC would have to be running when you print from your iOS devices. Software applications that can add AirPrint support to your regular printers are Handy Print, Fingerprint, and Net gear Genie. HandyPrint is installed on only Mac computers, Fingerprint can be installed on either Mac or Windows PCs while Netgear Genie is a network management software you can use with supported Netgear routers which helps you to manage your home/small network in addition to providing the AirPrint functionality. For mobile applications, they are software solutions you can install on your device to enable printing to printers, most of which support printing from iOS and Android devices like PrintMagic which allows users to print on the same network without installing software on your computer. You can print to any printer shared from your Mac computer via Printer Sharing or any printer available on your Windows PC once you have installed the software. It also offers the printer test for Print Magic application to check for printer compatibility before purchasing. Print and Share also allows users to print to most Wi-Fi and network connected printers on the same network without installing software on your computer. After the software installations, users can print to any printer available on your Windows PC or Mac computer when on the same network or remotely via 3G, 4G, or the cloud. In addition to the printing functionality, the application includes many other Wi-Fi and cloud sharing features. Epson iPrint allows users to scan and wirelessly print documents anywhere from your iOS devices if you have a supported Epson printer. Users can also check their printer’s status and ink levels with this application. It supports online file services like Box, Dropbox and Evernote. Finally, there are some useful applications that are Airprint ready like the Google Maps which print out maps and driving directions, Instapaper which gets a hard copy of an article or blog, Evernote , Safari which can print an entire web page using the action button at the top of the browser, and lastly iWork which can get paper versions of any keynote, pages, and numbers. Stay connected always either in the office or working remotely and enjoy the amazing benefit of printing directly from your iOS devices. BC

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Business Courage

Kim

Samsung deploys cutting-edge technology for Union Bank Stories by Kunle Azeez

subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company Limited, a global leader in digital convergence technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, has delivered a cutting-edge customer experience solutions for one of Nigeria’s commercial bank, Union Bank Plc. The package, tagged Samsung “Bank of the Future (BOF)” Solution, was unveiled by Union Bank to a select audience at the Silverbird Galleria Union Bank Branch, in Lagos. Samsung says the solution has the potential to revolutionalise banking transactions, leveraging on contemporary technology. The solution is an interactive self-service solution that focuses on gaining an in-depth knowledge of the individual customers of the bank to meet their unique needs. Bank of the Future solution will ensure that customers are well informed and better engaged whenever they come into the banking halls and are promptly attended to, living them with a unique customer experience that is deeply satisfying. The new BOF design for Union Bank revolves around three core principles which include the banking space is designed to allow Union Bank personnel the opportunity to converse with customers readily in a variety of ways. This, thus, provides opportunity to the bank to facilitate relationship and enhance connection to the wider and significant Union Bank network, and to enhance the ease and efficiency of the banking process. Speaking at the launch of the solution, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Brovo Kim, said the Samsung solution will differentiate Union Bank from the rest and create a niche for the bank. According to him, “Cus-

tomers coming into the banking hall will be well informed about operations, and various products offerings in a way they will not easily forget.” He also stated that Union Bank has identified the need to create a new way of banking, with real focus on the customer, leveraging retail design principles and identified opportunities from new technologies. BOF solution, he said, “Will enhance functional experience of banking and information gathering for the customer and accommodating a suite of contemporary technology options designed to increase efficiency and speed for the customer experience and turnaround time.” Key components of the solution includes Media All in One Kiosk; a single user electronic touch-screen information point. The content links the reality of the local branch service offer and spatial experience of the bank with the broader nationwide Union Bank media presence. The content and the range of digital display material are animated and filmic and convey a sense of life, change and interest that is greater than purely static messages. The kiosk engage customer in an intimate way rather than addressing them as though they were in a football stadium, customers could actually request for credit card, debit card, open a bank account and request for loan or consumer products. It also includes the Samsung Video Wall; a combination nine Units of Large Format Display UD46 screens that form a large screens display. The display continually runs Union Bank products and services ad while engaging customers; the large screen is made interactive by touch experience and also include facial scanning for analytical information and customized experience for every customer. The Video Banking Zone is made up of Ativ web kiosk; a semi private space for the bank’s customers. This facility which comprises Samsung Smart TV for 24/7 customer service with the bank’s help desk and Samsung Ativ tablet with web browser and printer which allows the customer to access bank and finance websites and to print out information giving them a real life experience of banking hall transaction round the clock.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, is a two-week technology education and mentoring programme designed to help girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology. Intel has over the years supported several girl-child education initiatives investing in technology-based programmes in education and digital literacy, and has championed the empowerment of women and girls, around the world. Working together with its wide range of partners across Africa and the world, Intel has created and supported innovative solutions to remove gender-based barriers to education and technology, and to build a flourishing future filled with opportunities for girls and women. Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, Oreoluwa Somolu, explained that the technology camp examines a variety of strategies that enable female students maximise their learning experiences and make them better equipped to pursue careers in technology. “In the long term, we hope to achieve a significant increase in the number of technology literate Nigerian women that will ultimately deploy the knowledge they have for productive learning, professional and leadership activities. We also hope to increase the number of women creating and developing new technology and content,” she stated. The camp has run consistently for five years, throwing its doors open to secondary school students all over Nigeria and involving them in activities such as graphic design, movie-making, web design and introduction to programming. During the camp, the girls also participate in technology workshops and leadership activities for an all-round experience. On the partnership, Country Manager, Intel, Olubunmi Ekundare, said, “Here at Intel, we believe that girls, when afforded the opportunity, can make more significant impact around the globe through positive leadership and impact in

Intel backs WTEC’s Technology Camp to develop Nigerian girls

leading global chip makers, Intel Corporation, has supported the first-ever technology camp for girls in Nigeria. The camp, set up by the

Somolu (right) in the camp with the girls

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and around their communities and indeed the world. These for us, are the beliefs that drive Intel’s programs to inspire and empower women and girls around the world.” According to him, Intel believes that access to education and technology must become a global, fundamental right for girls and women. The company’s initiatives and wide network of partners, he added, has provided girls with the opportunities for quality education and personal growth through technology, scholarships, and community learning programs. Speaking to the gathering on several initiatives by Intel to support young girls in pursuing a career along the fields of Science and Technology, the Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona, reinforced the company’s commitment to educating and empowering girls. “Here at Intel, we believe that access to technology education and its opportunities are the keys that will open the doors to profitable careers and an avenue for these girls to give back to their respective fields in Science and Technology. “We have over the years championed initiatives such as Intel Learn, Intel Teach and Intel Easy Steps among others have provided girls and women with opportunities for quality education and personal growth.”

Ericsson leads in LTE Infrastructure deployment

remier analyst and leading worldwide Information Technology research and advisory firm, Gartner, has named the global Information Technology infrastructure company, Ericsson as a leader in the Long Term Evolution industry globally. Gartner, in its 2013 Magic Quadarnat Report, notes that Ericsson’s end-to-end offering, footprint and professional services give a uniquely strong position to leverage Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) accounts, even as It

recognised that Ericsson powers nine of top 10 LTE operators’ live networks. The LTE leadership position by Ericsson, according to Gartner, is coming for the fourth year in a row. Gartner evaluated end-toend vendors of LTE equipment (radio and core) based on their ability to execute and completeness of vision in the LTE market. Ericsson provides heterogeneous network solutions with Wi-Fi integration for small cells, an end-to-end LTE offering with a large footprint, Worldwide Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and CDMA, together with professional services. Commenting on the report,

Noren

Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio, Ericsson, Thomas Noren, said, “We are pleased Gartner has recognized us as a leader in the LTE Magic Quadrant yet another year running. We believe this confirms other independent measurements and leading operator reports that Ericsson has the best network performance in the industry.” Speaking further, Noren, said, “We are also the only vendor that has commercial Antenna Integrated Radio products, which deploy quickly and bring further radio coverage benefits that enable operators to provide higher speeds and handle more traffic cost effectively. Ericsson will continue to show leadership in services; for example, we are the leading vendor of VoLTE and LTE Broadcast.” Ericsson is present in high traffic markets, and of the top 10 LTE operators ranked by LTE subscriptions in May, 2013, Ericsson powers nine of these top 10 LTE operators’ live networks. Ericsson is the prime driver of open standards and has had the most significant impact on the LTE specifications released to date. Ericsson expects to hold 25 per cent of all essential patents for LTE, making it the largest patent holder in the industry. Ericsson is the industry leader in managed services, managing networks that serve over 800 million subscribers globally. BC

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Reflections with Semiu Salamii 07043280449 sms only

Arik Air, stowaway boy and airport security

hen the news of a teenage boy that flew in the Arik Air with registration number, 5N-MJG Flight 44 from Benin to Lagos, hiding in the tyre hole first hit the airwaves, it initially sounded like a farce. As the story goes, the teenager identified as Daniel Ihekina, allegedly beat the airline and airport security at the Benin Airport and sneaked into the tyre compartment of a Lagos-bound Arik plane, where he flew safely to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Saturday morning. Curiously, passengers of the airline had noticed the stowaway boy as he ran towards the aircraft just as the plane makes final turn, preparatory for takeoff at the Benin Airport. Though the cabin crew was said to have alerted the pilot, who in turn allegedly contacted the control tower, nothing serious was done to prevent the situation until the plane got to Lagos and the stowaway emerged from the undercarriage to join fellow travellers. Both the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the airline have continued in the usual trend of blame game. In a desperate attempt to extricate itself from the shameful and criminal breach, FAAN is blaming the management of Arik Air, saying that the airline

acted with impunity by not stopping the aircraft to check when the crew and ground personnel’s attention was drawn to an abnormality on the tarmac. FAAN, in a statement by its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, said that the procedure for such infraction was for the crew to abort the flight and return to the apron for check-up. “This is arrant display of impunity. The aircraft should not have taxied further, but return to the apron until a proper check is carried out on all parts of the aircraft. FAAN will not tolerate such impunity henceforth from Arik or any airline. Any violation would be met with applicable sanctions,” he said. Expectedly, Airik Air on its own is equally blaming FAAN for the huge breach in security, noting that the incessant cases of security breaches at the nation’s airport had become a major source of concern to the airline. Arik’s Managing Director, Chris Ndulue in a statement, wondered how the teenager beat the aviation security personnel at the Benin Airport to get to the runway. Ndulue said that the pilot had reported to the control tower the presence of a strange boy in the bush about 200 – 300 metres at the end of runway before leaving the airport, stating that the control

tower had told its pilot that they were sending security men to the place to arrest the boy. “As the captain was making his final turn, preparatory for take-off, a cabin crew called his attention to the information by some of the passengers that they saw a boy running towards the airplane. The First Officer confirmed that they had observed it earlier and alerted the control tower which responded that they had sent the patrol team to arrest the boy. The captain again reported to the control tower and was informed that the situation was under control and that he had been cleared for take-off. “On arrival at the domestic wing of MMA, Lagos, a teenage boy, who apparently had sneaked into the aircraft main wheel well jumped out and was arrested by Arik personnel and handed over to FAAN security,” Ndulue said. Sadly, this current incident was not the first. In 2010, a desperate young Nigerian, Emeka Okechukwu Okeke, who tried to smuggle himself to the United States from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, died in the tyre compartment of a Delta Airlines aircraft and was only discovered on arrival in New York. Last year, the dead body of a young Nigerian was also discovered in the un-

dercarriage compartment of a domestic airline, after it returned from South Africa. Clearly, this situation, like those that preceded it are not only disturbing, it’s also a serious embarrassment and dent , particularly for a country that has been spending huge tax payers’ money on the aviation sector under the current leadership of Stella Oduiah. In these days of serious security challenges, where serious minded nations place huge premium on security, such an irresponsible breach needs to be seriously investigated and appropriate sanction applied. My main worry is the potential consequences of allowing situations like this to continue unabated and unchecked. What if the stowaway teenager was carrying bomb? Has anyone ever stopped to imagine how calamitous the consequences would have been? So, rather than shamelessly engage in a blame game, throwing tirades and tantrums, what is important is for those responsible for maintaining security at the ports to re-double their efforts and raise the stakes. We cannot afford to allow cheer laxity and operational inefficiency of a few turn our airports into an unsafe haven. The consequences could be so dire for us as a nation to bear. BC

New technology crashes cost of soil testing in sub-Saharan Africa By Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

cientists at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) have developed a new technique, called total Xray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF), which saves time and cost for determining the concentration of most major and trace elements in sub-saharan soils. ICRAF and their partners adapted the technique which is commonly used in clinical, archeological, and other applications so it can be used to determine the total chemical composition of the soils of sub-Saharan Africa. According to them, this work also paves the way for the development of environmental quality guidelines (EQGs) for tropical Africa soils, which would allow better-informed land use planning since at present no such guidelines exist for the soils of tropical Africa. Erick Towett, a research analyst with ICRAF’s Land Health research programme and a member of the team that developed the technology noted that TXRF is simpler to use than conventional chemistry analyses like ICP-MS. “With TXRF, it takes just 13 minutes to do total soil chemical analysis on a sample, while ICP-MS analysis takes approximately one day per sample. The new TXRF protocol costs around $ 8-10

Ewa, Minister of Science Technology per sample, which is around ten times cheaper than ICP-MS. Moreover, soil samples from tropical African countries have hitherto needed to be shipped abroad for total element analysis using ICP-MS, greatly raising expenses,” he

said. He was quick to add that calibration measures have to be followed closely for soil analyses using TXRF and that for now, the technique cannot be used for all elements. He pointed out that some elements, owing to interactions with the TXRF instrument or with other elements found in soil samples, could not be measured with the new protocol. For instance, the element silver (Ag) could not be detected; mercury escaped from the surface of the reflector before it could be measured; silicon returned a blank result against the quartz glass sample carriers; and cadmium and thallium could not be accurately analysed. “TXRF is as accurate as ICP-MS for 11 key elements, including many that relate directly to soil fertility, such as aluminum, potassium, iron, zinc and copper,” he said. He explained that the concentration of nine other elements, including phosphorus and calcium, can also be determined with 60 per cent or higher accuracy relative to ICP-MS; these may be under- or overestimated by TXRF analyses as calibrated. Despite these limitations, experts be-

lieve that the new procedure opens up many new possibilities for land health monitoring and land-use planning in Africa. “This research marks a huge step in our progress in developing rapid tests to analyse soils. Soil health is the basis of agricultural productivity and it has implications for both human and animal health,” said Keith Shepherd, leader of Land Health research at ICRAF. He noted that with an already strong demand on the continent for technologies that use electromagnetic radiation for soil analysis (such as infrared, Xrays, and laser light) ICRAF has assisted with the establishment of infrared spectral diagnostic labs in 10 African countries, under the Africa Soil information Service project (AfSIS), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. “With good quality data, environmental quality guidelines (EQGs) for soils in Africa can start to be developed. Reliable knowledge on soils can support agriculture in Africa, as well as human and animal health, particularly if the findings are used to guide action and policies,” states Shepherd. BC

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With systematic lightweight construction, excellent comfortt and a broad portfolio of high-end technologies, Audi has given its flagship, the A8, a widesweeping update. The enginess are even more powerful and efficient, while new assistance systems and the innovative Matrix LED headlights provide for an added level of composure

uxury car buyers are a demanding bunch. They’ve got this crazy notion that just because they’re spending the better part of a hundred grand on a top-tier luxury sedan, they should get the very best and the cutting edge of what the industry has to offer. That has tended to come down to the S-Class even when it had grown long in the tooth, and now that Mercedes-Benz has rolled out an all-new version, the competition is falling all over itself to release updates to keep their flagship sedans in the running. Jaguar did that just last Tuesday with its XJ sedan and a day after, Audi has revealed the latest revisions to its A8 range. Set to debut at the Frankfurt show in just a few weeks from now, the latest A8 (and its performance version, the S8) benefits from a series of stylistic, powertrain, and technology upgrades. Among the most prominent, of all things, are the new Matrix LED headlights that can automatically lower the highbeams for oncoming vehicles, with integrated turn signals that light up to point in the direction the driver’s about to turn. But that’s hardly the end of the story. 2015 Audi S8 has apparently reduced the output on the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 to from 328 horsepower to 310 but raised the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from 414 hp to 435, which now offers a 0-60 run of just 4.5 seconds. While the size of the standard model remains unchanged, Audi has added an extra five inches to the A8 L, and upgraded the interior with new trim options. The expanding suite of

electronic nannies includes new active lane and parking assist systems, a new head-up display and night vision system that can recognize larger animals as well as humans. Buyers will be able to choose from new colour options, wheels up to 21 inches in diameter and even carbonceramic brakes for eight- and twelve-cylinder models. The updated A8 hits German dealers in November following its debut at the Frankfurt show next month. The new A8 places Audi among the innovation leaders in the luxury segment. One great strength of the big sedan is its lightweight construction. The Audi A8 3.0 TFSI with the normal wheelbase has a curb weight of just 1,830 kilograms (4,034.46 lb) – best-in-class for models with all-wheel drive. The body is made almost entirely of aluminum; an Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it weighs just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb). The dynamic design of the big sedan has become even more expressive. The engine hood, the Single frame grille and the front bumper are even more sculptured; the lower edge of the headlight units is straight. In the German market, LED headlights are standard in all models with a V8 engine. Audi also offers optional headlights featuring Matrix LED technology, which sets new benchmarks with respect to design and technology. With these headlights, the high-beam comprises 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. This enables the headlight system to react extremely precisely to other vehicles while

always brightly illuminating the road. Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering light, newlook daytime running lights and dynamic turn signals. The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation. In combination with the optional Navigation plus with MMI touch, the system recognizes route data contained in the navigation system, such as curves and road classifications. The LED lamps at the rear of the new Audi A8 have also become flatter. In all models except the S8, the redesigned bumper houses two rhomboid tailpipes. New chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames round out the differentiating design details. There is a choice of twelve colors, including five new ones. Wheels are available in sizes up to 21

inches. The powertrain: More power and efficiency Audi offer the A8 on the German market with two gasoline and two diesel engines. These are the supercharged 3.0 TFSI with 228 kW (310 hp), the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI with 320 kW (435 hp), the highly efficient 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 190 kW (258 hp) and the extremely high-torque 4.2 TDI clean diesel, which produces 283 kW (385 hp) and 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft). Performance has increased with most engines. When paired with quattro all-wheel drive, the 4.0 TFSI now accelerates the A8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.5 seconds. Under partial load, the Audi cylinder on demand (COD) system deactivates four of the eight cylinders. The most efficient engine is the 3.0 TDI clean diesel, which consumes just 5.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometers

(39.87 US mpg), which corresponds to 155 grams CO2 per kilometer (249.45 g/mile) All engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard. Friction-reducing measures reduce consumption by as much as 10 percent. These variants are joined by three additional models. The top-of-the-line model is the luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro. Its gasoline engine is particularly short and lightweight thanks to its W layout. Displacing 6.3 litres, it produces 368 kW (500 hp). It also boasts best-in-class fuel consumption of 11.7 litres per 100 kilometers (20.10 US mpg), corresponding to 270 grams CO2 per kilometer (434.52 g/ mile). It also has a COD system that was designed specifically for it. At low load, it deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders. The available Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ensures excellent acoustic comfort. With 380 kW (520 hp), the

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S8 is Audi’s big sports sedan. Paired with quattro all-wheel drive, its sonorous 4.0 TFSI accelerates the S8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.2 seconds. Average fuel consumption for the S8 is just 10.1 litres per 100 kilometers (23.29 US mpg), corresponding to 235 grams CO2 per kilometer (378.20 g/ mile). The COD system plays a key role here, too. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that is also used in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, uses precise antiphase noise to compensate for intrusive noise in the cabin while operating on four cylinders while active engine mounts dampen vibration. The chassis and many body details reflect the sporty positioning of the S8. The Audi A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and electric motor to produce a system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The engine’s power flows to the front wheels via a modified tiptronic. The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) with a range of roughly three kilometers (1.86 miles). The A8 hybrid consumes on average just 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (147 grams CO2 per kilometer . The new A8 comes standard with a fast and smoothshifting, eight-speed tiptronic. The electronically controlled automatic transmission is paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Audi also offers an optional sport differential for the rear axle, which distributes the power between

the rear wheels as needed. The sport differential is standard in the S8 and the A8 4.2 TDI clean diesel quattro. The sedan owes its sporty character in large part to the sophisticated chassis. The Audi drive select system, which varies the function of various technology modules, is standard. It also controls the adaptive air suspension with adaptive damping. Audi offers the air suspension with a sporty setup upon request. The power steering uses an efficient electromechanical drive. Dynamic steering, which varies boost as a function of the speed driven, is available as an option. Carbon fiber ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models and the A8 L W12 quattro. Another option is for 9 J x 20 aluminum-technology wheels which are based on forged support wheels. A special process joins the support wheel to a ten-spoke design element of high-strength polymer. The interior design The interior of the Audi flagship dazzles with its elegant lines and generous spaciousness. Options for the front seats include ventilation and massage. Electrically adjustable, individual rear seats are available as an option for the A8 and the A8 L. The A8 L is also available with a continuous, leather-covered centre console. The first-class solution here is the relaxation seat with power footrest. A large number of additional features are also available, from four-zone automatic air conditioning and power-assisted closing to a cooler. All components in the new

A8 have been carefully chosen and processed with the utmost precision. Each of the lovingly executed details documents the hand-built character of the interior. A new range of choices for seat coverings, inlays and colors is available in many areas. New additions include the woods Fine grain poplar brown-silver and Fine grain ash brown-gold natural as well as the leather Unikat, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable. The Audi design selection offers a pre-selection of exclusive materials and colors for the interior, including sycamore gray/marble gray. The design selection black/vermont brown with Carbon twill copper inlays is available for the Audi S8. The Audi exclusive range offers additional individualization options for particularly discerning customers. As is typical for Audi, the new A8 features exemplarily clear controls despite the abundance of functions. Taking center stage is the MMI control element on the tunnel’s center console. MMI navigation plus also includes a touchpad. The driver draws characters on the pad (MMI touch) to control numerous navigation and multimedia functions. Driving assist Driving is even more composed with the optional assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function is coupled with an expanded version of the standard Audi pre sense basic safety system. The same applies to Audi side assist. New in the A8 are Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, and the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking. The headup display, which is also new, projects important data in the driver’s field of vision on the windshield. The night vision assistant can now also recognize larger animals in addition to pedestrians. Audi connect including car phone is available as a supplement to MMI navigation plus. It uses an integrated UMTS module to connect the new A8 to the Internet. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely via a WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers the tailored online services from Audi connect to the car, such as online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news. The multimedia highlight is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The Rear Seat Entertainment system includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player. BC

Autocare Signs of transmission trouble (3)

he scan tool will display a code that corresponds to the area of the vehicle causing the fault. If the code tells you there’s a transmission problem, well, that’s a good time to see your mechanic. But even if your check engine light isn’t on, you can still be on the lookout for transmission problems. On the next page, see what type of movements your car can make when the transmission requires service.

Grinding or shaking Depending on whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, your car may respond differently when your transmission isn’t working correctly. As noted in a previous section, with a manual transmission, a common sign of trouble is a grinding sound or feeling when you shift into a new gear. If you fully engage the clutch, shift and then hear a grinding sound, you may have a worn clutch or you may just need to have it adjusted [source: AAMCO]. Or perhaps one or more of your transmission’s gear synchronizers, or synchros, is worn out or damaged. Grinding gears can be caused by a number of different factors. For automatic transmissions problems, you’ll most likely feel the car shimmy into each gear rather than the typical almost unnoticeable shifts, or the transmission will make a jarring transition into the next gear. Both are signs that your transmission needs attention. If you notice anything other than a smooth transition between gears, then you might need to have your automatic transmission looked at for adjustments or repair. But feeling transmission problems aren’t the only way to use your senses. Whining, clunking and humming It’s difficult to nail down exactly how your car may sound if there’s transmission trouble, but one thing’s pretty certain, you’ll probably get a that-doesn’t-sound-right feeling when you hear it. Every car is built differently, so the sounds they produce can vary greatly, but if you have an automatic transmission, there’s a good chance you may hear a whining, humming or even a slight buzzing sound. With manual transmissions, the sounds will usually come across as a bit more abrupt and mechanical sounding. If you shift gears and hear a clunking sound, then you definitely need to have it checked out by a professional [source: AAMCO]. But a clunking sound from underneath your vehicle may not always point to a transmission problem. Your constant velocity joints (CV joints), or even your differential may be the culprit. The sounds you hear may happen from time to time at first, but if you neglect the noises, they’ll occur more frequently as time goes on. Lack of response Transmissions are designed to go into the correct gear every time, so when they hesitate or refuse to go, it’s a sure sign there’s something wrong. With manual transmission problems, you may notice after shifting into a gear that the car’s engine will rev up, but the car won’t be moving as quickly as the engine is running. In this case, a worn-out clutch or more serious transmission problem may be occurring. Automatic transmissions have the same lack-of-response problem, but will usually manifest the issue while engaging the “Park” or “Drive” selection. The car should shift quickly into either of these modes, but if your transmission hesitates to go into either one, then it’s likely there’s an issue with the transmission. BC

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Business Courage

Building material failure affects international acceptability of Nigerian products By Francis Ezem

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says that the increasing cases of building material failure, which leads to rampant collapse of buildings with the attendant loss of lives negatively affects the international acceptability of every other made in Nigeria good. Director General of the organisation, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who spoke at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the sandcrete sub-sector of the building sector organised by the organisation in Lagos, observed that any time a building material fails durability or safety tests, it leaves a question mark on all the relevant stakeholders concerned. He also said that any time a building collapses, it raises a lot of questions, casts aspersions on the sincerity and capability of regulatory agencies particularly and the reputation of government at the various levels, which the government and its relevant agencies are longer relevant to tolerate. According to him, such incidences, which also account for the increasing cases of collapse of buildings that have continued to affect the international acceptability of Nigerian-made products. While describing this development as rather unfortunate which, the SON intervention policies have been fighting doggedly, he also assured that the organisation will continue to fight this trend relentlessly. Such interventions have over the years come in the form of sensitisaiton programmes, stakeholder meetings, factory visits or closures where found to be complicit in the manufacture, warehousing or sale of substandard products and even collaborations with willing organisations and associations. According to him, the decision of the organisation to put such policy interventions in place was informed by the importance of materials quality in the building construction sector generally and sancrete products particularly. “In other words, material handling is very crucial matter in construction activities. Safety of lives depend on it; safety of investments, credibility of nation’s, agencies, organisations and companies depend on it”, he asserted. He also said: “This tells us that we need to properly evaluate the value we attach to materials deployed in our construction activities. It means that at all levels; we must ensure that our products and procedures follow laid down rules and regulations”. He also observed that the government has played its part in ensuring safety of lives by putting in place rules and regulations and by establishing manufacturing procedures and build-

ing rules and laws. The SON-boss insisted that all stakeholders must abide by these rules and regulations in order to secure lives and also save resources. “In the building industry, proper handling of materials and compliance with guiding codes and standards play important roles; they guard against liabilities of all kinds including loss of money and lives. These of course are obvious facts but I thought I should refresh our minds about them. They are the reason we are doing what we are doing today, to help refresh our minds, and also sound a note of warning to all those who may have been short-changing the system deliberately”, he had warned. It was however gathered that the organisation is partnering stakeholders in the sandcrete industry in order to carry them along in its proposed sanitisation of the sector so as not to allow anyone to be caught unawares by the reforms, as well as to train most of the operators, who are though already organised, but still suffers from a lack of requisite skills. Meanwhile, General Manager of the Lagos Building Maerial Control Agency, Abimbola Animasaun, who also spoke at the event, warned the stakeholders that the state government would come hard on producers of substandard materials. According to her, most of the collapsed building cases recorded in the state, especially the three recorded in the last one month, which led to the death of 15 people is either newly built houses or those under construction. “The Lagos State Government is very worried over the increasing cases of building collapse. It is not that buildings do not collapse elsewhere in the world, but it has become a case of one too many in Lagos”, she said. She however thanked the management of SON for bringing together different stakeholders in the building industry to sensitise them, which she said was in tune with the desire of the Lagos Government to reduce the issue of building collapse to its barest minimum. BC

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Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Paradigm shift in power sector

t long last, the Federal Government’s power sector privatisation programme entered a watershed moment with the largely successful sale of 10 distribution companies and five generation companies to private investors. The entire process, complex as it was, had the stamp of legitimacy with credible individuals at the driver’s seat and generated enough confidence within the financial services industry to enable the banks fund the acquisitions. With just one of the 14 bidders failing to meet the August 21 deadline and another making a substantial part payment, Nigeria has clearly broken the jinx associated with attempt to privatise large public utilities such as NITEL I will not hesitate to give kudos to the government for sticking by the payment deadline even in the face of threats by the bidders to withhold the 75 per cent bid price balance unless the labour unions were paid in fulfilment of one of the conditions precedent o the conclusion of the sale which is the power company will be handed over free from liabilities. Now that government has more than enough money to complete the payment of the severance benefits of the 40,000 odd workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, it should do so with dispatch. However, the question that arises after the privatisation is: What next? One really hopes that while the new owners have been given the authority to take over the firms, the transition will be smooth at the management level and that they will enjoy the full cooperation of the PHCN managers. Again, the new owners had raised some issues at a stakeholders meeting held shortly before the payment deadline that will also need to be addressed. These include the Transition Electricity Market, TEM, which they said would herald the start of contractual arrangements in the power sector and the automation of billing and metering operations of the market operator in line with market rules. The investors had also noted that conditions precedent that were yet to be fulfilled include the completion of metering of the grid interface points; testing of the market operators settlement systems and processes and constitution of dispute resolution panel without which the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, could not advise the Minister of Power to declare the start of TEM. They also pointed out that industry agreements, including power purchase agreements, vesting contracts and transmission network agreements, which underpinned industry revenue, would be deemed illegal and a nullity until the dec-

laration was made by the minister. Of serious concern was the issue of revenues as the investors said DISCOs were operating at a loss and buyers would quickly deploy their respective turnaround plans, but a cost reflective tariff, which guarantees regulated return and covers all industry payments, was not yet producing the desired results due to systemic and structural problems. This means that if the DISCOs were unable to cover the cost of the energy delivered by the bulk trader, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and the generation companies, would be adversely affected. They called for the release of the subsidy contained in the Multi-Year Tariff Order, MYTO, model for each DISCO. Other demands include adequate funding of the TCN to enable it to adequately evacuate power produced for DISCOs as well as the grant of five to 10 years special tax holidays for electricity. While most of these observations are genuine, I will not support any subsidy or tax holiday for the investor, who were assumed to have done their homework before putting down their money. If they were building new facilities on the prompting of the government, this could apply. The electricity market is huge in Nigeria with all citizens underserved at the moment. They will make their money in no time with the right strategies and investments. For me, the most important aspect of this milestone is the potential transformational effect on the economy. Availability of power will easily translate into lower cost for businesses and more job creation opportunities as Nigerian goods become more competitive in the local international market. It will reduce the billions spent on diesel and petrol for generators. Small business without capacity to absorb and spread costs will thrive. Of course this will not happen overnight as the new investors themselves go through the learning curve, especially those who bought the discos, where they will face serious challenges in reforming the system. But what Nigerians expect is simple. Efficient power delivery at reasonable cost. To complement the power sector privatisation effort and end the absurdity of an oil and gas nation importing fuel is the privatisation of the refineries. Government needs to get out of that space now. If President Goodluck Jonathan is worried about his legacy, resolving the power sector crises and construction of a nationwide rail network are just about enough to put his name on the brighter side of history. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, August 26, 2013

A21 37

NRC invests N3bn on cranes, locomotive acquisition By Francis Ezem

he Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) at the weekend said it invested a total N3 billion in the acquisition of four brand new locomotives and two state-of-the –art telescopic cranes with 1800 caterpillar engine capacity. The corporation has also kicked off the haulage of containers from Apapa Port, Lagos to Kano and Kaduna, which was halted over 10 years as a result of poor state of the rail tracks as well as non-availability train coaches. Managing Director of NRC, Adeseye Sijuade, who briefed news men shortly after the official commissioning of the locomotives, cranes and flag off of the container haulage, disclosed that each of the cranes was acquired at the cost of N1 billion, bringing to a total of N2 billion. He also said that each of the four locomotives was acquired at the cost of N250 million, which brings to a total of N1 billion for the four locomotives. This brings the cumulative cost of the cranes, manufactured in Germany and locomotives manufactured in China to a total of N3billion. The managing director also said that the re-instatement of the container haulage services was in line with the corporation’s promise to assist in decongestion of the ports through massive movement of containers through the rails. He also disclosed that the corporation has a projection of stocking 23 locomotives on its fleet for the movement of cargo out of the nation’s seaports to mitigate the impact of increased cargo throughput into the country. It was also gathered that NRC will this month commence the haulage of Dangote Sugar and Cement to the northern

Sijuade

part of the country, while plans are underway for the haulage of refined petroleum products to some parts of the country. The NRC-boss however assured of the security of the cargo, which he said were all bonded and moved under heavy security to forestall possible attacks by hoodlums and criminals along the rail tracks while the goods are in transit. Meanwhile, Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, who conducted the official flag off of the haulage services as well as the commissioning of the new equipment, noted that it was in line with the transformation agenda of the current administration. According to him, it was also a demonstration of Federal Government unflinching commitment to reposition the rail system in the country and to concretise its promise to revitalise the services, which have been halted across the country owing to dilapidated infrastructure, most of which have been put in form again. The Minister, who was represented by chairman of the corporation, Kawo Baraje, also recalled that the government had last month re-introduced rail services along the Lagos-

Kano corridor, adding that the re-introduction of container haulage to reassure Nigerians that rail services in the country will not be limited to passenger services alone. While assuring the Nigeria Customs Service of smooth flow of cargo transportation, he disclosed that the corporation would acquire for new locomotives and additional 200 wagons before the end of the year in line with its determination to make transportation comfortable and affordable for Nigerians. The Federal Government had recently developed a comprehensive master plan for high speed rail across the federation as part of its strategic plans for the development of rail infrastructure in Nigeria, This is in line with its vision 20-20-20, through which it plans to launch the country into the league of one of the most 20 developed economies of the world come year 2020, said it is committed to the development of transport infrastructure, which it described as catalyst for the development of any economy. Under the new master plan, which is part of 25-year development project for the rail system in the country covering the rehabilitation of the existing narrow gauge and construction of modern standard gauge, the government intends to run a six-structure plan for the high speed rail lines covering the length and breadth of the nation. The six –structure rail system comprises of the Eagle Line, which covers the high sped line from Lagos – Oshogbo-AbujaGombe and then down to Maiduguri while the Southern Line covers from Enugu-Benin CityIkeja Lagos down to Cotonou, the Republic of Benin, among others.

NSE All-share index appreciates by 0.04 per cent

eekly activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed on Friday on impressive note as some highly capitalised stocks recorded price gains. The All-share index appreciated by 13.39 points or 0.04 per cent to close at 36,577.28 against the 36,563.89 recorded on Thursday. The Market capitalisation of all the listed securities grew by N4 billion to close at N11.58 trillion from the N11.57 trillion exchanged on Thursday. FlourMills led the gainers’ chart with N7.61 to close at N83.90 per share.

GlaxoSmithKline followed with a gain of N3 to close at N68 per share, while Lafarge Wapco share price grew by N2 to close at N95 per share. Presco share price appreciated by N1.39 to close at N34.99, while NAHCO rose by 59k to close at N6.74 per share. On the other hand, Dangote Cement led the price losers by N2 to close at N188 per share. UAC-Property share price dipped by N1.10 to close at N16.70 per share while Unilever lost 49k to close at N62 per share. Air Service depreciated by

40k to close at N3.88 per share while NASCON lost 30k to close at N11.40 per share. In all, investors exchanged 243.85 million shares worth N3.1 billion in 4,879 deals compared with N252.17 million shares worth N3.5billion traded in 4,909 deals on Thursday. Transcorp emerged as the most traded stock with a total of 27.03 million shares valued at N34.85 billion. Aiico followed with 23.91 million shares worth N23.94 million, while Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) sold 19.10 million shares valued at N175.98 million. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 23-08-13 All-Share Index 36,577.28 points Market Capitalisation N11,583,734,535,261.83 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

FLOURMILL

76.29

CLOSING PRICE 83.90

CHANGE 9.98

ACADEMY

1.74

1.91

9.77

NAHCO

6.15

6.74

9.59

JOSBREW

1.67

1.83

9.58

VONO

0.74

0.81

9.46

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

NEIMETH

CLOSING PRICE

1.40

CHANGE

1.26

-10.00

IPWA

0.85

0.77

-9.41

AIRSERVICE

4.28

3.88

-9.35

DNMEYER

1.43

1.30

-9.09

THOMASEXPR

0.88

0.81

-7.95

Inter-Bank Rates TENOR

RATE%(PREV) 16-Aug-2013

RATE%(CURR) 23-Aug-2013

CALL

12.0000 – 18.0000

17.0000 – 25.0000

OBB

11.4000 – 14.5000

14.5000 – 25.0000

Primary Market Auction TENOR 91-Days 182-Days 91-Days

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

20647.81

11.09

21-Aug-13

30,000

12.25

21-Aug-13

22057.31

11.50

07-Aug-13

Open Market Operation TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

182-Days

70,000

13.15

18-July-13

210-Days

70,000

13.18

18-July-13

80-Days

30,000

12.50

15-July-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$300m

MARKET DEMAND $290m

$290m

21-Aug-13

$300m

$258m

19-Aug-13

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UACN Plc: Sustaining good fundamentals By Johnson Okanlawon

nited African Company of Nigeria Plc, UACN, one of the large cap stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange continues to be major driver, as investors prefer the good fundamentals and corporage governance of the company. The half year performance demonstrated the group’s resolve to stay true to plans and targets, as it deployed its inventiveness and capacity to manage the dynamics of its operating environment. According to the unaudited results of UACN for the half-year ended June 30, 2013, the company posted a turnover off N37.7 billion, up 24 per cent from N30.5 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2012. Gross profit stood at N9.6 billion, up 11 per cent N8.6 billion in 2012. The company’s profit before tax rose by 51 per cent from N3.5 billion in the 2012 half year to N5.2 billion in the review period, while profit after tax increased by 61 per cent, from N2.1 billion to N3.4 billion. Analysis of the performance showed that gross profit margin stood at 25 per cent compared with 28 per cent in 2012. Operating profit margin improved from 14 per cent to 16 per cent, while annualised earnings per share (EPS) also improved from 124 kobo to 169 kobo in 2012. Annualised Return on Equity (ROE) equally improved from nine per cent to 13 per cent. Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director of the company, Larry Ettah said, “I am pleased to announce this set of Half-year results which demonstrate the positive trends coming out of our strategy of restructuring the Group into a holding company with empowered and efficient subsidiaries. “Building on the momentum of the first quarter of the year, Group revenues are up 24 per cent year on year and we are tackling the margin challenge in some of the industries we operate.” Explaining series of transactions that advance the company strategic agenda, he said, “We are on course to conclude the remaining transactions for the year pursue our integration plan for the new acquisitions and work with our strategic partners to strengthen our brands and sustain leading positions in our markets. We aim to translate those leading positions to leading performance and generate competitive returns for our shareholders.” The company divisions The UAC Foods Limited recorded a profit before tax of N864 million in the half year ended June 30, 2013, down three per cent from N888 million recorded

in the same period of 2012. Other operational highlights indicated that the division installed new blow mould equipment at SWAN factory. It also installed two additional production lines for Gala, complete facility upgrade in Ojota and Oregun, Lagos. Others include Funtime Cake with 15 days shelf life. However, security challenges in the North impacted on sales execution of the division. United Property Development Company Plc profit before tax rose by 129 per cent from N683 million in 2012 half year to N1.56 billion in the review period. The company inaugurated Grandville Estate (Ikeja) and Metro Gardens (Lekki) in Lagos. Also, the construction work on Festival Mall, Festac commenced. UPDC REIT listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, while sales mix impacting the company’s profit favourably. Grand Cereals Limited (animal feed, cereal meal and edible oil) posted a profit before tax of N753 million, down 40 per cent from N1.26 billion recorded in the 2012 half year. While the turnover was up 27 per cent, security challenges were a challenge as the North-east market was inaccessible. Also elevated local grain prices impacting margins. However, the company is pursuing procurement savings through offshore sourcing and is also reviewing and restructuring its operations, just as the company is installing a new plant. Livestock Feeds Plc, where the company acquired 51 per cent stake posted a growth of 20 per cent in profit before tax to N95 million. The operation of the company is being reviewed. MDS Logistics Plc equally recorded a growth of 37 per cent in profit before tax in the 2013 half year to N637 million, from N464 million in 2012. During the review period, division commenced business with four new clients. It upgraded its Abuja Pharma warehouse facility while Imperial Logistics of South Africa acquired 49 per cent equity stake in the company. The paint making subsidiary,

Ettah

Chemical and Allied Products Plc posted a seven per cent increase in profit before tax to N910 million in 2012, compared to N849 million in 2012. The firm opened four Dulux colour shops and achieved Nigeria Industrial Standards certification/product revalidation by Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Business strategy The company’s strategic partnership with Tiger Brands of South Africa in UAC Foods Limited was yielding positive results, while the company recorded progress in its growth drive through the acquisition of majority stake in Livestock Feeds Plc and Portland Paints and Products Plc. For example, the food and beverages, real estate, logistics and paints segments contributed 98 per cent to total revenue for the 2012 and 2011 financial years. Specifically, real estate contributed 17 per cent, food and beverages 67 per cent, while paints contributed eight per

cent. Logistics and others contributed eight per cent and two per cent respectively. On the UAC Properties Development Company, its main business is the acquisition, development, sales and management of high quality commercial and residential properties in the luxury, premium and classic segments of the real estate market in selected cities in Nigeria.` Emerging trend shows that a combination of bonus and dividend is the winning formula for the conglomerate, as Chemical and Allied Products dividend in the 2012 financial yearrose by 102 per cent and UACN 67 per cent. Financial Health The financial year in 2012 witnessed improved performance of the company as major profitability indicators added substantial values. Gross margin sustained at 27 per cent despite increases in input costs in key categories. Its earnings before interest and taxes margin stood at 17 per cent in 2012, higher than 13 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2011, reflecting improvements in operating performance. The company’s operating profit almost double the figure recorded in 2011 financial year, from N7.72bn to N11.5bn, while gross profit rose by 20 per cent to N19.05bn, up from N15.8 billion in 2011. Its finance income increased by 84 per cent to N1.75bn, while finance cost and net finance cost stood at N2.53billion and N780 million respectively. The company’s pretax profit was up by 54 per cent to N10.75bn, from N6.99bn in

2011. Analyst as FBN Capital Limited, while reacting to the UACN results said the food division was the major driver behind the strong growth on the pre-tax profit line in the fourth quarter of 2012. “Excluding the properties and paints division, UACN’s ex-properties and paints fourth quarter profit before tax grew by a remarkable 1,164 per cent. This compares with a profit before tax decline of 15 per cent for the properties and paints division. Sequentially, in absolute terms, both contributed equally to the increase in profit before tax,” the investment company said. Asset Quality Analysis of the balance sheet for the 2012 financial year showed that the company’s total assets appreciated substantially compared to the value recorded the preceding financial year. Its total assets stood at N122.9billion in 2012, from N121.6bn in 2011, while total liabilities declined to N62.4bn in the review period, from N64.5bn in 2011. It showed that the aggregate of all debts the company is liable for has reduced drastically. Short term bank facilities dropped from N16.2 billion in 2011 to N15.02bn in 2012, while others fell to N3.49bn, from N5.77bn in 2011. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio down from 0.59 per cent to 0.5 per cent, as the total equity stood at N60.6billion in the review period. Total debt reduces as a result of reduced leverage in Grand Cereals following successful Rights Issue. Cash and short-term deposits stood at N13.4bn in 2012, from N15.3bn in 2011, while others dipped to N40.3bn, from N45.2bn in 2011. Managing Cost In terms of operation efficiency, the company’s cost-toincome ratio fell marginally to 0.72 per cent, from 0.73 per cent in 2011. The company’s return on equity grew by 12 per cent in 2012, from six per cent in 2011, while return on assets rose by six per cent, from three per cent the preceding financial year. Business Outlook UACN has adopted the SAP application software for all the businesses in the group. Implementation will be in phases. The company is working with a leading consulting firm to develop a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework for the group. With the acquisition of a 51 per cent stake in Livestock Feeds Plc, boosting its share of the Nigerian animal feeds market to 32 per cent, the transaction should lead to significant development of the agro-allied business industry, which is pivotal to Nigeria’s drive for enhanced agricultural sector contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and food security. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A23 39

Monday, August 26, 2013

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, August 23, 2013 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 45.00 PRESCO PLC 34.99 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. NT Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 3.91 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.41 CHELLARAMS PLC. 4.41 JOHN HOLT PLC. 1.26 S C O A NIG. PLC. 5.32 U A C N PLC. 59.00 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. NT CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 1.23 G CAPPA PLC NT Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 71.00 ROADS NIG PLC. NT Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 16.70 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC NT UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV 50.00 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC 0.50 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. 17.42 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. NT GUINNESS NIG PLC 254.04 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 21.45 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 1.83 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 167.50 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC NT Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 72.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 9.50 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 10.90 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 83.90 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 3.13 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NT N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 29.70 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 11.40 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NT U T C NIG. PLC. 0.80 UNION DICON SALT PLC. NT Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 52.95 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 935.00 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. NT VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 3.90 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. 0.81 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 35.00 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 62.00 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 10.95 DIAMOND BANK PLC 6.60 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 14.90 FIDELITY BANK PLC 2.85 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 25.25 SKYE BANK PLC 4.30 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.60 U B A PLC 7.54 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 10.55 UNITY BANK PLC 0.54 WEMA BANK PLC. 1.04 ZENITH BANK PLC 20.14 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC 0.50 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 1.00 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 1.20 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. 0.50 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 1.57 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. NT GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC NT GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC 0.50 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. NT INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC 0.80 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC 2.32 INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. NT LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. NT LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. 0.50 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 0.50 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 2.32 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. NT N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.72 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NT OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.55 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC NT SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 0.50 STACO INSURANCE PLC NT STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. 0.50 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC NT UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC 0.50 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NT NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 0.83 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC 1.53 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC 0.50 RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC NT Other Financial Institutions CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 1.82 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 16.50 NIG SEW. MACH. MAN. CO. PLC. NT NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND NT ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.52 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 16.37 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 4.32 Medical Equipment UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC 0.50 Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 2.23 Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 4.74 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 2.01 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 68.00 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 2.40

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 23-08-13

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

100 000 386 040 76 967

0.64 51.04 38.48

0.50 14.53 6.40

2 200 000 000 476 955 000 1 000 000 000

0.10 6.73 2.75

N/A 2.86 -3.58

0.50 43.75 36.29

4.26

60 000 000

0.00

N/A

635 452

5.94

0.48

1 199 549 736

0.11

-5.33

4.13

240 075 2 400 62 032 10 000 90 322

2.54 7.60 8.82 8.28 61.00

0.74 5.81 5.32 5.52 28.70

2 191 895 983 963 900 300 389 151 408 821 666 666 1 600 720 323

0.08 0.24 0.00 0.35 6.89

-8.44 N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.54 4.41 1.22 5.32 61.89

NT NT

26.00 95.49

14.09 95.49

148 500 000 196 876 000

0.00 4.50

N/A N/A

NT NT

1 033 833 NT

7.97 14.46

2.46 14.46

920 573 765 125 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

1.20 NT

83 229 NT

62.26 10.00

21.55 3.01

1 200 000 000 20 000 000

4.93 4.73

0.00 N/A

71.00 NT

NT 173 495

7.28 20.15

7.28 8.82

1 375 000 000

0.00 1.66

N/A -7.22

NT 18.00

NT 135

100.00 50.00

97.00 50.00

20 000 000 250 019 781

11.75 0.75

N/A N/A

NT 50.00

145 506

0.50

4 772 528 415

0.00

N/A

0.50

139 035 NT 37 269 462 651 150 000 1 151 337 NT

4.63 0.68 277.00 27.00 3.20 178.00 0.97

2.23 0.68 186.00 5.23 1.61 72.50 0.93

900 000 000 272 160 000 1 474 925 519 2 112 914 681 562 000 000 7 562 562 340 126 000 000

0.00 0.03 9.46 0.25 0.00 5.08 0.00

N/A N/A -4.14 N/A N/A -1.18 N/A

19.35 NT 265.00 21.45 1.16 169.50 NT

31 310

54.45

38.31

640 590 362

2.69

N/A

74.20

NT 480 767 1 137 926 178 441 958 110 NT 18 574 1 406 190 NT 146 997 NT

0.50 19.90 16.20 95.00 6.60 2.70 43.96 6.70 5.66 0.88 4.22

0.50 4.15 3.64 52.50 1.91 1.00 20.41 3.86 5.66 0.50 4.22

2 000 000 000 5 000 000 000 12 000 000 000 1 879 210 666 7 930 197 658 3 722 493 620 178 200 000

0.00 0.00 0.91 3.79 0.51 0.00 2.50 1.07 0.08 1.13 0.00

N/A 0.00 -1.62 6.80 -2.19 N/A N/A 1.79 N/A 0.00 N/A

NT 9.50 11.08 78.56 3.20 NT 29.70 11.20 NT 0.80 NT

40 000 000 1 233 375 004 360 000 000

369 118 255 501

55.49 1075.17

9.15 367.83

3 129 188 160 792 656 250

1.35 25.43

4.03 0.00

50.90 935.00

NT NT 52 092 11 266

15.58 42.66 6.75 3.67

10.03 34.39 3.01 2.66

63 360 000 819 000 000 300 000 001

3.90 1.61 0.54 0.00

N/A N/A -9.30 N/A

NT NT 4.30 0.62

395 808 762 575

53.00 68.00

22.07 22.56

3 176 381 636 3 783 296 250

0.70 1.44

-6.91 -1.59

37.60 63.00

0.97

0.57

843 284 027

0.00

N/A

6 952 371 7 443 990 966 817 4 399 347 NT 14 046 504 4 986 686 3 902 811 17 151 524 274 926 13 139 962 1 018 390 5 939 300

11.70 9.27 17.05 3.20 8.30 29.05 10.17 2.91 8.70 13.09 1.92 1.75 22.75

4.76 2.01 9.97 1.14 3.04 11.64 2.73 0.97 1.64 1.96 0.50 0.50 11.70

17 888 251 479 14 475 243 105 9 873 614 567 28 974 797 023 16 271 192 202 29 146 482 209 13 219 334 676 12 563 091 545 32 334 693 693 13 509 726 273 33 675 576 085 12 821 249 880 31 396 493 790

1.42 0.90 2.81 0.43 0.60 2.10 0.71 0.54 0.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.09

-0.54 -1.49 1.57 0.00 #VALUE! 0.96 6.17 -5.45 -4.68 -3.21 0.00 -0.95 -3.36

11.01 6.70 14.67 2.85 NT 25.01 4.05 2.75 7.91 10.90 0.55 1.05 20.84

400 000 4 443 030 NT 1 000 000 20 533 900 268 000 1 608 408 NT NT 10 000 NT 721 163 30 000 NT NT 123 965 123 965 1 533 300 NT 985 263 NT NT 1 103 367 NT 85 000 NT 60 000 708 026 NT 3 627

0.50 1.01 0.64 0.50 1.20 0.50 3.51 0.50 0.69 0.50 0.50 0.97 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 2.30 0.50 0.86 1.11 0.50 2.35 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.31 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

20 585 000 000 7 809 391 256 211 626 000 6 000 000 000 10 372 624 157 8 820 010 363 5 100 846 808 8 847 298 420 4 549 947 000 3 827 485 380 720 000 000 5 061 804 000 6 420 427 449 28 000 000 000 7 323 313 227 3 437 330 500 4 083 713 569 10 000 000 000 7 998 705 336 5 332 830 881 5 649 693 923 5 003 506 791 2 508 315 436 6 668 750 000 5 203 757 266 6 141 087 609 8 493 173 450 2 581 733 505 13 000 000 000 16 000 000 000

0.00 0.05 0.00 0.05 0.14 0.02 0.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.16 0.01 0.37 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 0.00 1.75 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

0.50 0.94 NT 0.50 1.16 0.50 1.48 NT NT 0.50 NT 0.80 2.25 NT NT 0.50 0.50 2.28 NT 0.72 NT NT 0.55 NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50

NT 686 300

6.00 1.15

0.00 1.00

300 1 000 000 260 365 1

1.51 0.50 0.50 0.99

1.33 0.50 0.50 0.50

4 200 000 000 8 679 148 676 13 175 732 404 7 812 500 000

0.03 0.02 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.53 0.50 0.50 NT

NT 70 000 69 684 902 NT NT 34 660 446 392

0.61 2.02 19.60 0.15 552.20 0.66 16.00

0.50 2.02 8.50 0.15 555.20 0.50 6.40

3 778 005 975 1 333 333 333 32 632 084 358 5 880 000 2 500 000 3 608 657 661 18 750 000 000

0.00 0.00 3.03 0.00 12.65 0.00 0.87

N/A N/A 0.86 N/A N/A N/A -4.83

NT 1.82 16.36 NT NT 0.52 17.20

400

5.31

5.05

498 600 908

0.12

N/A

4.32

4 300 000

0.50

3 553 138 528

0.00

N/A

0.50

6 780

10.54

7.39

152 178 750

0.06

N/A

2.23

600 510 500 21 160 515 977

3.30 3.20 68.00 5.61

0.50 0.76 19.30 1.62

486 473 856 1 500 000 000 956 701 192 980 000 000

0.00 0.44 2.62 0.20

0.00 -2.43 4.62 0.00

4.74 2.06 65.00 2.40

N/A=Not Avialable

0.01 0.07

NT 0.83

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.26 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. 7.36 PHARMA-DEKO PLC. 2.03 ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.69 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC 0.50 Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 18.70 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 2.29 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC 3.47 Telecommunications Carriers STARCOMMS PLC NT Telecommunications Services IHS NIGERIA PLC PREF SHARES NT IHS PLC 2.60 MTI PLC NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. NT ASHAKA CEM PLC 21.05 BERGER PAINTS PLC 8.70 CAP PLC 43.65 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 9.21 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 188.00 DN MEYER PLC. 1.30 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC NT IPWA PLC 0.95 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 95.00 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC NT PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 5.56 PREMIER PAINTS PLC. NT Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.00 CUTIX PLC. 1.86 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT NIGERIAN WIRE IND. PLC NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.71 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 13.18 GREIF NIGERIA PLC NT NIG. BAGS MANFACT. COY PLC NT POLY PRODUCTS (NIG) PLC. NT W A GLASS IND. PLC. NT Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC 7.85 STOKVIS NIG PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 6.50 Metals ALUMACO PLC NT ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. 10.50 Non-Metallic Mineral Mining MULTIVERSE PLC NT Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.52 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 12.20 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors AFROIL PLC NT BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.50 CONOIL PLC 29.80 ETERNA PLC. 2.75 FORTE OIL PLC. 39.00 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 119.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 36.14 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 155.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC NT Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. NT Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 1.45 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 4.69 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.05 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.50 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC NT Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC 4.55 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 0.79 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. NT TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 1.30 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. 1.91 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.60 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NT UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 4.10 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.74 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC NT SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC NT Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 3.88 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 6.74 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC 0.97 Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. 0.60 HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. 1.63 NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Petroleum & Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC. NT CAPITAL OIL PLC 0.50 RAK UNITY PET. COMP. PLC. NT UNION VENTURES & PET. PLC NT SERVICES Apparel Retailers UDEOFSON GARMENT FACT. NIG PLC NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. 2.14 ETF’s Sector ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 2 638.00

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

56 409 412 477 16 993

1.96 12.91 4.28

0.76 8.59 3.50

1 925 717 268 153 786 012 100 000 000

0.09 0.00 0.00

-10.00 N/A N/A

1.40 7.36 2.03

2 635 500

0.80

0.50

2 960 000 000

0.10

0.00

0.69

11 127

0.50

2 941 789 472

0.00

N/A

0.50

0.91

4 966 666 668

0.00

N/A

608 910

18.70 3.59

13.12 2.41

108 000 000 492 825 600

0.00 0.01

N/A N/A

18.70 2.29

75 000 10

0.50 4.97

0.50 4.04

4 620 600 000 4 200 000 000

0.00 0.04

N/A N/A

0.50 3.47

1.47

0.50

6 878 478 096

0.00

N/A

NT 2 948 970 NT

2.25 3.50 0.50

0.00 2.46 0.50

4 400 000 000 4 893 594 400

0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A

NT 2.60 NT

NT 250 093 11 065 26 316 148 744 1 236 867 10 000 NT 192 063 802 171 NT 85 000 NT

3.32 30.00 12.57 43.98 15.49 132.51 3.51 0.75 0.99 56.50 3.36 5.28 13.40

2.86 9.10 7.27 14.50 4.20 95.00 0.93 0.50 0.91 37.00 0.52 2.27 10.93

260 000 000 2 239 453 125 217 367 585 560 000 000 1 241 548 285 15 494 019 668 242 908 200 2 109 928 275 513 696 000 3 001 600 004 792 914 256 400 000 000 75 000 000

0.00 2.14 1.09 2.28 1.47 8.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.10 0.26 0.23 0.00

N/A -4.32 -9.47 0.00 -0.97 -1.05 N/A N/A N/A -1.04 N/A N/A N/A

NT 22.00 9.61 43.65 9.30 190.00 1.58 NT 0.95 96.00 NT 5.56 NT

200 000 127 593 NT NT

2.00 2.50 0.73 2.58

2.00 1.33 0.50 2.58

510 396 608 2 220 000 000 15 000 000

0.03 0.11 0.00 0.00

N/A 3.33 N/A N/A

2.00 1.80 NT NT

NT 1 711 49 451 NT NT NT NT

3.98 6.91 12.71 15.03 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 2.19 9.53 13.28 1.60 1.05 0.63

N/A N/A

42 640 000 6 215 000 000 240 000 000 199 066 550

0.00 0.05 0.05 0.90 0.24 0.22 0.00

N/A #VALUE! N/A N/A

NT 1.71 13.18 NT NT NT NT

20 NT

8.69 0.14

8.26 0.14

265 409 280 2 918 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

7.85 NT

25 000 000 683 974 528

9.20

5.70

393 120 000

0.76

0.00

6.50

NT 3 134

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75 600 000 100 000 000

0.00 0.43

N/A N/A

NT 10.50

0.50

4 058 989 226

0.00

N/A

NT NT

3.22 1.38

50 000 000 220 000 000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

2 070 197

1.02

0.54

6 262 701 716

0.13

0.00

0.52

3 826 888

24.80

10.94

2 262 711 568

1.73

0.00

12.20

NT 51 000 131 435 347 923 172 212 19 625 1 540 25 864

20.71 0.70 41.89 5.59 28.69 163.50 72.00 240.00

20.71 0.50 19.61 2.12 9.12 111.51 32.29 125.00

125 487 475 3 716 976 579 693 952 117 1 249 162 828 1 080 280 628 300 496 051 253 988 672 339 521 837

0.00 0.00 0.47 0.61 0.00 6.11 3.62 14.63

N/A N/A -9.70 -5.17 -2.50 0.00 N/A 0.00

NT 0.50 33.00 2.90 40.00 119.00 36.14 155.00

0.72

0.50

4 035 497 307

0.00

N/A

3.48

0.19

N/A

272 639

3.65

1.12

980 294 400

0.21

0.00

1.45

327 998 11 300

3.67 6.40

2.11 3.28

589 496 310 198 819 763

0.58 0.25

0.00 N/A

4.69 1.05

100 000

1.64

0.85

865 808 912

0.08

N/A

0.50

0.75

0.50

3 211 627 907

0.01

N/A

10 600 12 000 NT 6 850 971

8.00 2.59 4.76 1.95

3.00 1.16 4.31 0.50

1 548 780 000 2 078 796 396 1 772 884 297 25 813 998 283

0.18 0.92 0.00 0.22

N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00

4.55 0.79 NT 1.30

10 000

0.50

8 000 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

96 084 295 845 NT 51 408

3.68 8.00 2.92 6.82

1.64 1.94 2.78 3.09

403 200 000 771 450 000 425 641 111

0.14 0.29 0.01 0.50

N/A N/A N/A 0.00

1.76 1.70 NT 4.10

1 453 026

0.80

0.50

1 507 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.90

NT NT

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236 699 511 5 631 539 736

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

NT NT

231 753 290 942

2.78 11.75

1.54 5.15

634 000 000 1 230 468 750

0.38 0.81

N/A 7.67

4.32 6.26

1.43

1.04

45 000 000

0.12

N/A

11 000

1.02

201 885 335

0.00

N/A

0.97

500

0.60

30 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.60

0.50

24 898 850

0.00

N/A

NT 500

1.88

1.63

125 005 250

0.00

N/A

NT 1.63

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6 650 000

0.00

N/A

NT 20 000 NT NT

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

24 200 000 5 857 500 000 15 000 000 98 600 000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 NT NT

NT NT 100

0.50

20 000 000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194 700 000

0.00

N/A

NT NT 2.14

100

2 706

2 422

0.00

2 638.00

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIST OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, August 26, 2013

‘Lawbreed notable for prompt reporting of SC judgments’ KENNY ODUNUKAN

awbreed Limited, a publishing firm has positioned itself as a leading law publishing firm in the country. The Publisher of the Lawbreed, Mr. Layi Babatunde, SAN who disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos said the firm had not only remained current since it took over the publication of Nigeria’s authoritative Law Report - S.C Report, from the Supreme Court, the company had also done a reprint of the editions previously published by the Supreme Court, before it went out of print. According to him, ‘We have recently introduced the electronic edition of the S.C. Report. There are other titles published by us, one of which is ‘The Lawyer’s Companion, The Third Edition’ of which will be released at the Annual General Conference of the Bar this week’. Babatunde said the firm intended to build on the goodwill of its numer-

ous users for even greater heights in the future. On the challenges of law reporting in the country, the publisher admitted that it could be frustrating and regretted that all kinds of charlatans had invaded the publishing industry in the country; with activities ranging from substandard products to outright piracy. Babatunde said in a bid to meet global standards and penetrate the markets of common law jurisdictions, Lawbreed had brought a lot of improvement to the editorial style of the Supreme Court (S.C) Report without compromising its attribute of accuracy. His words, ‘’The Report as with some other Law Reports to my mind, meet international standards without prejudice to having room for improvement. However as to selling outside our shores, I believe we can do better with improved infrastructure and a better image for our country.’’ Asked to react to the endorsement of retired Supreme Court jurist, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, that

Lawbreed is notable for comparatively prompt reporting of SC judgments, the Publisher said ‘’ The commendation of a Jurist like Justice Ayoola should not be taken lightly, especially as His Lordship is more than a user of our Law Report; but a pioneer Law Editor and Publisher himself. We are greatly encouraged by His Lordship’s kind gesture and we hope to continue to justify such confidence.’’ Lawbreed Limited is the flagship company of the Lawbreed Group and was incorporated on January 17, 1994. In 1999, the company had the honour of being granted permission by the Supreme Court to take over the publication of the flagship of Nigeria’s indigenous Law Report: Judgments of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (S.C Report). ‘’ The company over the years, has contributed immensely to deepening the Nigerian legal literature through the publication of other books that have greatly enhanced Legal Research and Practice in the country.

Babatunde (SAN)

NBA LEADERS TO DATE Former chairmen or presidents Chairmen of the Bar Association were: Christopher Sapara Williams (1900–1915) Sir Kitoyi Ajasa (1915–1937) Eric Olawale Moore (1937–1944) E.J. Alex Taylor (1944–1950) Sir Adeyemo Alakija (1950–1952) Jubril Martin (1952–1959) Presidents of the NBA, who had the same authority as the former Chairmen, were: Frederick Rotimi Williams (1960–1968) Peter Thomas (1968–1969) Chief B.M. Boyo (1969–1970) Chief Richard Akinjide (1970–1973) Chief Adebayo Ogunsanya (1973–1974) Dr. Mudiaga Odge (1974–1975) Dr. Nwakanma Okoro (1976–1978) Chief B.O. Benson (1978–1980) Chief Adetunji Fadairo (1980–1982) A.N. Anyamene (1982–1984) Prince Bola Ajibola, former (1984–1985) Ebele Nwokoye (1985–1987) Alao Aka-Bashorun (1987–1989) Charles Idehen (1989–1991) Chief Clement Akpamgbo (1991–1992) Priscilla Kuye (1991–1992) Between 1992 and 1998 the NBA had no president, functioning only in branches. After the crisis, presidents were: Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, SAN (1998–2000) O.C.J. Okocha, SAN (2000–2002) Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN (2002–2004) Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN (2004–2005) Prince Lanke Odogiyo (2005–2006) Olisa Agbakoba (2006–2008) Chief Olurotimi Akeredolu, SAN (2008–2010) Joseph Bodurin Daudu, SAN (2010 - 2012 ) Okey Wali, SAN (2012 –till date )

Man’s logic

couple wants a divorce, but first they must decide who will be the main guardian of their child. The jury asks both the man and woman for a reason why

Bar Jokes they should be the one to keep the child. So the jury asks the woman first. She says, “Well I carried this child around in my stomach for nine months and I had to go through a painful birth process, this is my child and a part of me.”

Deathbed lawyer W

The jury is impressed and then turns to ask the man the same question. The man replies, “OK, I take a coin and put it in the drink machine and a drink comes out, now tell me who does the drink belong to me or the machine?”.

hy was the lawyer skimming the Bible right before he died?

He was looking for loopholes!

Law & Justice

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’ll wrestle legal profession from Mr. Oladele Adesina is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is also a former national General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). In this interview with KENNY ODUNUKAN, he speaks on the issues that should attract interest at the annual Bar conference, allegations of corruption in the judiciary and the amendment of the time frame in the 1999 Constitution for the hearing of election petitions in the country. Excerpts: What issues do you think will attract the attention of lawyers at annual general conference of the NBA in Calabar? Well, the issues that will be discussed at the NBA conference are issues designed to empower the members of the legal profession, not only in the conduct of responsibilities and duties as lawyers, but also with finding answers to the problems that are facing our democratic experiment. Apart from the showcase section, there is going to be specialised section. The showcase section will witness the opening ceremony where President Goodluck Jonathan will be there to declare the conference open. The showcase section that will come thereafter will focus on the economy and the security of the nation. We are also going to have another showcase on money laundering. Money Laundering has become an issue throughout the world and it is a transnational problem. Every nation of the world is under obligation to legislate against it. Nigeria has done this, but the efficacy of the application of that law still constitutes a challenge and therefore we lawyers are going to concern our ourselves with how the anti-money laundering laws and regulations that we have here in Nigeria can be effectively implemented. How it concerns the legal practitioners. We are also going to look at how the law can be implemented or obeyed within the context of the age-long traditional convention of the legal profession including statutory responsibilities of the legal practitioners to his clients. For example, the legal practitioner and his clients are in a statuary relationship .Whatever transpired by way of information between the client and the lawyer are supposed to be held by the lawyer in strict confidence. So there is a statutory obligation on the part of the lawyer not to disclose confidential information from his clients and yet we have the anti-money laundering laws and regulations which say that lawyers must disclose this information. So the legal profession is caught in this web. We are going to focus on it. What other areas? We are going to have a session on section 285(6) of 1999 Constitution; it is going to be purely constitutional issues. Under the new constitution, section 285 has been amended. There is a provision that obligate all election petitions to be completed within a specific statutory period ,first 180 days at the tribunal, second 60days at the Court of Appeal and maximum of 60 days at the Supreme Court. The motive behind that provision was the experience we had between 1999 and 2003 and 2003 to 2007.That was a period when election petition cases lasted ad infinitum in our court. Some for three years, some for two and half years once you understand the rationale and the motive behind the National Assembly pegging of time frame. When you also look back to the adjudication of election dispute, post 2011 election, you can conclude that a good number of people do not have justice in their favour. Administration of justice should be such that if you lose, you will be satisfied that you have lost on the merit. If you win, you will be satisfied that you’ve won on the merit. That is when we say that justice is administered without fear or favour, af-

Adesina

WHEN YOU ALSO LOOK BACK TO THE ADJUDICATION OF

ELECTION DISPUTE, POST

2011

ELECTION, YOU CAN CONCLUDE THAT A GOOD NUMBER OF PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE JUSTICE IN THEIR FAVOUR fection or ill will. After 2011 election, we saw a situation where some of the cases, if not most of them were thrown out on mere technical ground. An issue of objection was raised at the tribunal that the tribunal ruled in one way or the other, you are dissatisfied, you went to Court of Appeal after that you went to Supreme court. At the Supreme Court, the decision of the tribunal was reversed and you are to go back to the tribunal to have your case reversed. By the time you got back to the tribunal, the tribunal told you sorry your time is up! This is because the180 days have expired. Such a person would be disappointed because he has come to the court without having his dispute resolved. It is not good for our democratic experience. We are going to look at that issues and look whether we can find a solution to it. There are some other issues that we are going to look at either from section of Business Law to other sections of legal practice. What is your take on the various allegations of corruption

on the Bench? The NBA is concerned with a lot of issues bordering on judicial integrity and corruption in the judiciary. Let me say this, I don’t believe in magnifying my problem, what do I mean? It is not correct that the Judiciary of Nigeria lacks integrity, it is not correct to say that the Judiciary in Nigeria is corrupt. The judiciary is an institution, that institutions is distinguishable from the judicial officer that overseers the institutions. In Nigeria today, I want to believe, I think I will even find time to get accurate number of judges we have in Nigeria. Judges from High Court to Supreme Court, I am sure we don’t have less than 800 judges and justices in our nation’s judiciary. If out of about 800 judges, 8 of them are guilty of conducts that are highly reprehensible, that does not mean the entire judges of the country should be condemned. This is what a good number of Nigerians are doing. Nigerians have elevated perception to the level of reality, which is wrong. Let me also emphasise that there is no alternative to the judiciary particularly in a democracy where we continually shout on the roof top that the judiciary is corrupt, the judiciary has no integrity, the judiciary is gone, you are eroding the trust and confidence of the people and people will find no reason to access the court any more .The only alternative to submitting grievances and disputes into law court is anarchy which am sure a good numbers of Nigerians don’t want. I believe it is very important for us to know that we should not throw away the baby with the bath water. However I agree that some elements within the system may need to be thrown out. In the regard, it is important to look what the regulatory body of the system has been doing. I am talking about the National Judicial Council (NJC).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 26, 2013

Law & Justice

impostors, says Adesina THE

NJC HAS TAKEN DRASTIC

STEPS AGAINST SOME JUDICIAL PERSONNEL THAT ARE FOUND

TO BE LESS CREDIBLE INCLUDING SOMEONE WHO TAMPERED WITH HIS AGE How do you mean? Within the recent times, the NJC has taken drastic steps against some judicial personnel that are found to be less credible including someone who tampered with his age. These conducts tell a lot about the credibility of the persons involved. As we speak there are judges who are on suspension for a whole year. To complement the effort of the NJC as it affect the judiciary, the Nigeria Bar Association too has woken up more than ever before to matters of discipline of its members. Under the new leadership, Okey Wali (SAN) the number of prosecutors has been increased phenomenally so that prosecution can be speedier. Some few months ago, not less than five lawyers were disciplined. Some were sanctioned outright by way of disbarring them from further practicing as lawyers, some were suspended for various period. So if we are doing this first from the part of the judges, second on the part of the lawyers, Nigerians must begin to appreciate that there is a deliberate effort to sanitise the system and people must commend it instead of still condemning the entire institution. What is your take on the plight of young lawyers in the country? First, you will appreciate the state of the economy of this nation even though government is telling us that the economy is growing. For me I have not seen any evidence of this growth. We lawyers are all participants in the economy. Secondly the income of any principal must determine his expenditure otherwise he will run out of the system. There are 1001 law offices today that are existing only at a subsistent level. Work, eat and probably take care of their families. You cannot even employ juniors at all but a few of us that God has been so kind to. Some of us are trying our best and that is not to say that the allegation that seniors are not paying well is not wrong. When I was the General Secretary of the Bar in 2002, we noted this problem. In fact there were lawyers in high brows in Abuja who were being paid N5, 000 and N10, 000 monthly. Not to talk of some other areas. So we did our survey at the executive meeting and we came up with a formula dividing the entire country into three categories .We said category A will comprise of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt and we peg the salary of junior members to N25,000.We said category 2 will comprise places like Ibadan, Onitsha, Kaduna, Kano .We peg their salaries at N15,000.Every other town that is outside of category 1 and 2 will constitute category 3 and we peg their salaries to N10,000.This policy was approved by the National Executive Committee. We knew we did not have power to enforce this recommendation, but we have the power to persuade and I was glad to know that a very good numbers of senior adjusted their salaries structure. That is not say that the amount is reflective of the present system and a number of things had happened in the economy and a number of firms now pay better amount now. What we did then was a demonstration of the leadership of the Bar by recognising the plight of young lawyers as at that time and we can do it again. There are also some offices that are paying their staff very well, there are. I know what my salaries package for all my staff here in my office amounts to every month, and I never owe any worker for one day. I prefer to go hungry than not to pay their salaries and there are so many other offices like that who pays well. There are also a section of us who believe that in Britain

you have to even pay money to be able to serve as juniors in the law offices. .By the time you are with me you are learning the intricacies of the job, you are learning the role that will be well enough to sustain you in the future. However, I believe that arrangement may not be good enough because something must be there to keep the body and soul running before you can learn on the job. Should retired judges handle election tribunal cases? Well, for me there is nothing to show that a retired judge will be more credible than a serving judge. If both of them err, how do you intend to discipline the retired judge? He is not under any regulatory body after all, he is retired. He is not under the regulatory authority of NJC anymore and how many do want to charge to court and if you charge them to court, how do you intend to prove cases of corruption against him. In Nigeria today, corruption cases are the most difficult to establish due to the level we are in administration of criminal justice and criminal investigation. We are still at the base level .Other nations have left us behind. Unless Nigerian Police take confessional statements from you, they cannot investigate. Whereas in some part of the world investigation has become scientific; it is called Forensic Investigation. I will prefer people that can still be disciplined by the NJC. So I will pitch my tent with serving judges rather retired judges. What advice do you have for young lawyers on what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the profession? Firstly, a young lawyer must have a vision. You must have an idea of what you want .From day one I knew I was going to succeed in this profession and I say that with all sense of gratitude to God. So the first thing is to have a vision because if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a vision there is nothing God will work on. But with vision and then hard work and prayers, you will get there. For example, after my call to the Bar, I had a brief period in the Ministry of Justice. I left there and worked for a company where I worked 2-3 years but when I was there I became totally unfulfilled. I was then working in an Insurance company. I felt so unfulfilled and I immediately resigned. As at the time I resigned I never knew where I was going. I just know I was going to practice. Eventually I found myself with a principal counsel who did not have the capacity to pay me monthly. I was with him for a period of six years without signing a paper of monthly remunera-

tion. Nonetheless due to my vision and goals, I was able to succeed. How will you advise the Nigerian lawyers on the need to advance the cause of the legal profession? First, let me say this is the best profession in the world. For me I could not have been anything else. Once you are doing what God has destined you to be doing, sooner or later, you will have a breakthrough. I think my advice really will be targeted towards the junior members of the Bar who today appear to be suffering from the situation they did not create; I want to tell them with confidence that there is hope. Things will get better, particularly when leadership of the Bar continues to search for creative ways of retrieving our jobs from those that have unlawfully appropriated and encroached on our professional activity including but not limited to financial institutions. There was a time in this country when a carpenter was elected the legal adviser to a political party. This and other similar encroachment into our profession will be vigorously addressed in the days ahead. The imperative of empowering our junior members who are the leaders of tomorrow will no longer be treated with kid gloves.

Law & Justice

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reminiscences

First generation lawyers and legal development Ahead of Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in January next year, FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary reflects on the impact of first generation lawyers on legal development in the country.

ince January 1, 1914, the effort to move Nigeria to a higher realm of unity and progress is the common thread that links the story of the country’s nationalist movement, her founding fathers, the later generations of leaders and the entire country together. The Nigerian Centenary celebrations offer us a unique opportunity to affirm the obvious truth that Nigeria is not a historical accident, rather “the product of a long and mature consideration”. Modern-day Nigeria came into being on January 1, 1914, with the formal amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of the former British colony. Therefore January 1, 2014, marks 100 years of the union. To re-inspire the unity of Nigeria, preserve the country’s heritage, and document her history, achievements and progress, it is pertinent to showcase the contributions of law and legal development in the last 100 years. Apart from taking stock on law in the country in the last 100 years, it is crucial to evolve ideas that will shape the future for this country. The first indigenous Nigeria lawyer, Christopher Sapara Williams was born on July 14, 1855. He was said to be of Ijesha origin in South-West Nigeria, but was born in Sierra Leone. He was called to the English Bar on November 17, 1879. When he returned from the United Kingdom, he began to practice law in the Lagos Colony in January 1888 after his enrolment at the Nigerian Bar. According to historical accounts, he had an unmatched reputation as an advocate, and had intimate knowledge of unwritten customary law. Sapara Williams was Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association from 1900 to 1915. Interestingly, Sapara Williams was not the only one involved in the practice of the law at the time. Due to the shortage of qualified lawyers, it was common for nonlawyers with basic education and some knowledge of English law to be appointed to practice as attorneys until 1913. As a former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Oladipo Jimilehin in a lecture titled : ‘’ The Legal Profession and role of lawyers in Nigerian politics’’ delivered at the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye recently, states that ‘’ The role of lawyers in politics cannot be thoroughly discussed without particular reference to Christopher Sapara Williams, the first Nigerian Lawyer who was called to the English

Bar by the Inner Temple on the 17th November, 1879. Sapara Williams who played a dominant role in politics once said: “A lawyer lives for the direction of his people and the advancement of the cause of his country”. Indeed, as one of the prominent elite of the period, Sapara Williams was nominated to the Nigerian Legislative Council, and served as a member from October 1901 until his death on March 15, 1915. Besides Sapara Williams, one should not gloss over the activities of other lawyers who also took keen interest in public affairs. History has it that notable lawyers like Joseph Egerton Shyngle, Eric Moore and J. 1. Nelson-Cole demonstrated a flair for political leadership. It was gathered that after Sapara Williams was nominated into the Legislative Council, Shyngle became the most active, zealous and ablest legal champion of the people’s cause. Because of the role that legal practitioners seemed to have played in the politics of Lagos before the end of the first decade of last century, lawyers were looked upon for leadership and as a fighting brigade of the people. Jimilehin notes that ‘’from about 1908, lawyers appeared to be less prominent in politics. Such individuals as S. H. Pearse, Herbert Macaulay, Rev. James Johnson, Dr. Orisadipe Obasa, Dr. J. K. Randle and Rev. Majola Agbebi were actively assuming the leadership roles.’’ However, one lawyer who stood out prominently as a discordant element in those days was Sir Kitoyi Ajasa, He was perhaps the most controversial public figure of his time. Ajasa seemed to be more critical about native African affairs and less critical of British colonialism. It suffices to point that in the olden days, the legal profession required a formal training which could in the past be obtained in England until the passing of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) in 1962. Before then all Nigerian lawyers, like all lawyers from other Commonwealth African countries were trained in England at the English Inns of Court, i.e. Lincoln’s Inn; the Inner Temple, the Middle Temple and Grays Inn. But with the passing of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962, the Nigerian Law School was established with the Council of Legal Education. Since then, lawyers are being produced in Nigeria up to date. By implication, all expatriate lawyers had to be enrolled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria otherwise they would not have the right of audience.

Williams

Ademola

IN THOSE DAYS, THERE WERE NO NIGERIAN MAGISTRATES AND

JUDGES.

OLUMUYIWA

JIBOWU WAS THE FIRST NIGERIAN TO BECOME A

MAGISTRATE IN

1931

In those days there were no Nigerian magistrates and judges. They were all British. Olumuyiwa Jibowu was the first Nigerian to become a magistrate in 1931 and then Adebiyi Desalu followed him in 1938. Adetokunboh Ademola was the third in 1939 and then came Victor Adedapo Kayode, F.E.O. Euba and George Frederick Dove-Edwin in 1940. F.O. Lucas was appointed in 1941. George Sodeinde Sowemimo, was appointed a magistrate 10 years later, in March 1951. These were the first Nigerians to become magistrates and virtually all of them went on to the higher Bench and did exceedingly well. Unfortunately in 1941, just one year after being appointed as a magistrate, Victor Adedapo Kayode died at the relatively young age of 42 whilst he was presiding over an important land case. By the late 40s, the likes of his son, Remi Fani-Kayode, Bode Thomas, F.R.A Williams, and Obafemi Awolowo quali-

fied as lawyers and established their law firms in the country. It is apposite to put on record too that Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, was the first indigenous Chief Justice of the entire Federation of Nigeria, having been so named in 1958 and remained in office till 1972. Over the years however from the preindependence and post-independence era, there have been a lot of transformations, improvements and inadequacies in the legal profession. In a newspaper interview published in July 2012, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) believed that there had been a major decline in judicial standard and justice delivery in the past 16 years. He writes that “The greatest era of glory for our judiciary was between the late ‘70s and early ‘90s of the 20th Century. This is known among the legal community in Nigeria as the ‘golden age’ of the Supreme Court. “That is when we had great jurists and indeed stars as Justice Udo Udoma, Justice Mohammed Bello, Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe, Justice Andrews Otutu Obaseki, Justice Kayode Eso, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Justice Augustine Nnamani, Justice Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, Justice Philip Nnaemeka-Agu, sitting on the Supreme Court Bench. “The philosophy on which they operated during this period was that regardless of the circumstances, justice must be done. They also believed firmly in the supremacy of the rule of law and no institution, power or principality, be it military or civilian government, was immune from the impact of their judicial hammer. Perhaps, an interesting development in this century is the growing response of the Nigerian law to the realities of the ICT revolution. As a writer, states, “The inestimable benefits of the various advancements in ICT have until the enactment of the new Evidence Act in 2011 remained a matter of much debate and judicial uncertainty”. Indeed, in recent times it is important to conclude that any lawyer who ignores the realities of the ICT revolution would be doing so at the expense and peril of his nation or society.

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

How Buhari, Shekarau resolved 7-year-old rift

Police arrest INEC adhoc staff, imported voters in Anambra Obiano, others battle for APGA ticket

CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

he Police in Anambra State have arrested about 100 people allegedly brought in from Lagos, Jos and other cities by a key politician to register as voters in Anambra State in the ongoing voters revalidation exercise. It was gathered that the suspects, who were arrested at Igbariam were taken to a police station in Otuocha for questioning. It was gathered that two Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ad hoc staff who were the registration and assistant registration officers for a key registration unit of Ovala Square, Igbariam were also arrested. National Mirror also reliably gathered that the police also impounded two

luxurious buses that were allegedly used to bring the arrested voters from Lagos and Jos to Anambra for the exercise. A source gave the name of one of the arrested voters as Ofieli, who is said to be a Jos-based trader. Already, it was also learnt that the Director General of the Ifeanyi Ubah Campaign Organisation, Chief Dan Ulasi, criticised the arrest of the voters, saying there was nothing wrong in mobilising people who have been registered to vote to come home to vote. He said the innocent citizens were being unnecessarily punished for offering to obey a national call to register to vote. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, could not be reached to comment on the ar-

rests as his telephone was switched off when National Mirror called him. The Anambra State chairman of Labour Party, Sam Oraegbunam, speaking on the incident, denied it all, saying that the party does not engage in importation of voters. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, will today conduct its primary to pick its flag bearer in the November 16 governorship election at the Women Development Centre in Awka.

The aspirants, who would take part in the primary, having been cleared by the party’s Screening Panel, in-

clude a former director of Fidelity Bank Plc and leading contender from Aguleri, Chief Willy Obiano, a member of the House of Representatives and loyalist of the incumbent governor, who hails from Awka, Hon. Emeke Nwogbo, another member of the House, who hails from Nri in Aniocha Local Government Area, Mrs Uche Ekwunife and a former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, who hails from Ayamelum, Chief Paul Odenigbo, among other aspirants. Earlier, the screening panel had disqualified Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo, Sir Oseloka Obaze, Chief Tony Nncheta, Barrister Francis Idigo and Dr. Chike Obidigbo from contesting in the primary for reasons of lack of voters’ cards and the needed fund to prosecute the expensive project. Preparation for the governorship primary expected to feature delegates drawn from the 326 wards of Anambra State, started last week Monday with the conclusion of the ward congress and the visit of the National Ward Congress Committee to Awka to validate the exercise.

Anambra: CNPP bids APGA farewell OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

head of the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, yesterday bid the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, farewell from the state. The umbrella body of registered political parties also congratulated the Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, for his foresight, diligence, uncommon commitment to common good and patriotism in bidding good-bye to APGA, by joining the progressive train of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In a statement, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, the CNPP posited that with Okorocha’s exit from APGA to APC and his role in midwifing a seamless APC primary election in Anambra, the end of APGA in Anambra is near. Okechukwu said: “The CNPP salutes Governor Okorocha for putting the nation first. Is it not a para-

dox, that Ndigbo as true federalists, who dwell in every nook and cranny of the country, invest across the land and regard every part of the country as home are being blinded by a sectional party, APGA?” The CNPP however encouraged George Ezemou in his quest to contest the APC primary on September 2, adding that it was of the view that Ezemuo’s bid would satisfy the internal democracy content of liberal democracy.

L-R: Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sam Ikon; Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Godswill Akpabio at the PDP 2013 South-South Expanded Zonal Executive Meeting in Calabar, yesterday.

2015: Presidency must rotate among six zones –Ukpai AYODELE OJO

or equity and fair play in the Nigerian polity, the Presidency must rotate among the

six geo-political zones in the country as against the present arrangement of rotation based on North and South dichotomy. A Second Republic senator, Chris Ukpabi, can-

APC sets up state interim committees FELIX NWANERI

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has approved the establishment of State Harmonisation Committees, SHC, in order not to create a vacuum and also to regulate the activities of the party at the state level and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mo-

hammed, the party said the decision to set up the SHC, followed the adoption of the report of the Bello Masari Committee by the National Interim Executive of the party last week. The SHC shall comprise of president/vice president, past and serving, governors/ deputy governors, past and serving, serving and former senators and serving members of the House of Representatives who are members of the legacy parties and speakers or minority leaders of the states Houses of As-

sembly who are members of the party. It further listed others as former ministers; all immediate past national executive members of the legacy parties; immediate past gubernatorial candidates and their deputies where APC does not have a sitting governor who are members of the legacy parties; 9 persons comprising of three elders, youths and women respectively, from each of the senatorial districts of the state; among others.

vassed this position while speaking with newsmen at the weekend. Ukpai, who is the Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, also opposed the advocates of power shift to the North. He stated that the North has had a fair share of governance in the country. His words: “They have ruled for more than 38 years. Others are also entitled to be there. You can’t rule for 38 years and expect others to continue to look at you. Nobody will take it. Now these 38 years they maintained that they are military. But I want to tell you this, whether civilian or military, they are Northerners. There is a popular Latin adage which

when translated says “the gown does not make a monk.” What you are is what you are, whether you are wearing “babariga” or not. If you are wearing khaki as a General or you are wearing “Babariga” as a civilian you are from the North.” He said: “Of course, powers should rotate among the zones. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing like North and South. I stand to be opposed by anybody. There are six geo-political zones because they are entities of their own. It should rotate among the zones and not North and South.” The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain said nothing stops President Goodluck Jonathan from going for a second term.

Politics

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How Buhari, Shekarau resolved 7-year-old rift AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST reports on the truce that led to the end of a seven-year-old rift between former Head of State and presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), and the immediate past governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau.

he news last week that former Head of State and the presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and one of the major arrow heads of the newly registered All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari and the former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, have resolved their long-standing political dispute, and have pledged to work together for the success of the newly registered APC, could be termed divine intervention. The truce provides a major boost to the new party, especially in the North. The two former political allies, whose relationship dated back to their days in the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, specifically parted ways shortly before the 2007 general election, met in Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State last week to iron out the various issues that led to and escalated their political differences, according to sources close to both of them. Intimate friends and political allies of General Buhari and Shekarau told National Mirror that the two Northern leaders met in Kaduna last week at the instance of former Minister of Agriculture under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Sani Zangon-Daura. The truce meeting, which National Mirror learnt was held behind closed doors, took place at the Kaduna family house of the former minister, who is a long-time associate of the former Head of State and also a close friend of the former governor of Kano State. It was said that the meeting was purposely initiated to end the long-standing but silent dispute between the two. Buhari and Shekarau, who were both presidential candidates on the platform of the defunct ANPP at different times, could not resolve their differences after the bitter disagreement that trailed the 2007 elections as it affected the second term candidature of Shekarau. National Mirror recalls that the climax of the perceived Buhari-Shekarau face-off was the alleged refusal of the party’s two-time presidential candidate to hand over the flag of the defunct ANPP to Shekarau as the party’s standard bearer in Kano in the 2007 governorship election, as the then ANPP’s presidential flag bearer. In fact, it took the intervention of ANPP youths from Kano State, who accompanied Malam Shekarau to the Abuja secretariat of the party for him to

Buhari

Shakarau

THE PEACE EFFORTS... IS A PLUS FOR THE

APC, ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTH, WHERE THE NEW PARTY IS EXPECTED TO FACE SOME INTERNAL SQUABBLES AS A RESULT OF THE LONG-STANDING FEUD BETWEEN THE FORMER GOVERNOR

AND FORMER HEAD OF Zangon-Daura

get the party’s flag as its flag bearer as the party leadership was forced to hand over the ticket to Shekarau, in order to avert possible violence and break down of law and order as threatened by the youths, who were Malam’s foot soldiers. The youths had stormed Abuja in their thousands for the singular purpose of securing the controversial party-flag for Shekarau as ANPP’s governorship candidate in Kano State; a mission which was eventually accomplished. The latest move at reconciling the two warring politicians was said to have been informed by the speculated ambition of the former governor of Kano State and his interest in the 2015 presidential race on the platform of the APC, a position General Buhari is equally believed to be interested in. The Kaduna peace meeting according to National Mirror source resolved some of the contending issues between the two leaders, with both agreeing henceforth to work together in the interest of the new party and in the interest of the Northern region. National Mirror also learnt that at the meeting, Shekarau agreed to concede the presidential position to General Buhari, as well as back him for the contest on the platform of the APC, if the former presidential candidate of

STATE

the CPC so desires to run, while opting for a senatorial seat on same platform. One competent source, who claimed being party to the reconciliation effort added that some of the Northern political leaders and big wigs in the APC had feared that should the former governor of Kano State, who was the defunct ANPP Merger and Alliance Committee chairman and who also wielded some influence in the new party, following his role in the merger process that led to the formation of the opposition party, APC, insist on pursuing his perceived presidential ambition, then the existing feud between the duo would, rather than thaw, escalate. It would be recalled that the feud between the former Army General and the former governor was one of the catalysts that led to Buhari quitting the defunct ANPP to form the equally defunct CPC. It was specifically alleged that his unresolved and irreconcilable differences with Shekarau and the leadership of the ANPP led to his exit from the party. But all that has become history, as the CPC which Buhari formed after his fall-out with the ANPP are now part and parcel of the new merger party, APC. As it is, the peace efforts, which paid off according to political analysts, is a plus for the APC, especially in the North, where the new party is expected

to face some internal squabbles as a result of the long-standing feud between the former governor and former Head of State. Analysts are therefore of the opinion that with the new found love between Buhari and Shekarau, the APC is taking off in the North on a sound footing. They also believed that fifth columnists who might have planned to capitalise on the differences between the two leaders of the new party to foment trouble and cause disaffection amongst members of the new party may have to go back to the drawing board to re-strategise. Meanwhile, last week Wednesday witnessed a grand reception to welcome Shekarau back to the ancient city of Kano. He was returning after a monthlong vacation in Saudi Arabia, where he has always spent his annual leave and especially during the month of Ramadan, since his days in the Kano Government House. On his return, his supporters and friends normally organise a welcome reception for him. The tradition has also continued, even after he left office in 2011. This year, his role in the emergence of the merger opposition party, the APC, made the reception to be more elaborate than previous ones. The merging parties, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the CPC and the ANPP came together and formed a committee to oversee the reception. Membership of the committee which cuts across the three prominent parties in the APC merger had the chairmen of the defunct ACN, CPC and ANPP in Kano State. Other members of the committee include Hon. Kawu Sumaila, a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of ANPP Elders’ Council, Alhaji Aminu Imam, who chaired the reception committee. Shekarau, waving the broom, the symbol of the APC, arrived the Markafi Toll Gate, where the reception commenced, as early as 11a.m, but could not reach his house until 8p.m, as a result of the mammoth crowd of APC supporters that thronged the gate to welcome him back home. He could not even make any speech. One pointer at the reception that gave credence to the harmonious relationship among the three major parties in the merger process was the harmonious relationship among members of the three parties that metamorphosed into the APC. Most members of the party arrived at the reception venue dressed in the colours and logos of the three merging parties, but as soon as the former governor was cited, they all jettisoned the dresses and put on in one accord the APC symbol and logo to show that the APC has come to stay. According to the media aide to the former governor, Sule Yau Sule, “it was not only ANPP leaders and members that came to welcome Shekarau home, leaders and members of the ACN and the CPC in Kano State were there in large numbers, not only to welcome him home, but they also followed him home.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Monday, August 26, 2013

Samsung to deploy ex-militants in ship building projects FRANCIS EZEM

orean firm, Samsung Heavy Industries, has unveiled plans to commence ship building projects in Nigeria in partnership with Bradama International Skill Works Limited. The partnership is expected to create 1, 000 jobs for ex-Niger Delta militants undergoing training in welding and ancillary services at Bradama facilities located in Agadagba-Obon in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Bradama has trained highly skilled welders under the Federal Governmentsponsored training programmes for ex-militants as part of the Amnesty Programme. According to the promoters, the trainees will be deployed in the construction of heavy duty equipment and ship components after they have acquired prerequisite international training that will be provided by the centre. General Manager, Samsung Heavy Industries, Frank Ejizu, said Bradama was recommended by experts and professionals in the welding construction industry, because of its marked achievements within in a short period of operation. He said; “We have been

looking for a reputable company that specialises in welding and fabrication and we were directed to Bradama by experts, because we intend to train people on fabrication and ship building. “We are here to look at the facility and we will soon make another more detailed visit to audit the facilities with a view to partnering with them and upgrade the centre so that the training and certification will be of international standards.” He said Samsung Heavy Industries will bring in experts from Korea to train the ex-militants so that they could have the prerequisite expertise and experience to enable them work anywhere in the world.

“It is not our intention to take over the centre, but we will partner with the centre to churn out highly skilled welders who will be able to stand tall among their colleagues in the world. We are a company that believes that Nigerians with the relevant qualification should be able to compete in the industry anywhere. “The gain is that the trainees, apart from been well trained, will ultimately stand the chance of being employed in our ship building projects while others with the upgrade modern knowledge in welding should be able to work for reputable companies all over the world. Founder of the skills cen-

tre, Chief Bibopere Ajube, while welcoming the Samsung Heavy Industries’ team to the centre, said he is glad that the centre has been so honoured by a reputable company like Samsung Heavy Industries and that the achievements of Bradama over the last three years have placed it as a reputable training centre not only in Nigeria but in Africa. “We are pleased to have the Samsung Heavy Industries’ team at the centre and we are optimistic that the arrangement will materialise and I will be happy to see our trained graduates working for established companies like Samsung in the nearest future,” Ajube said.

YENAGOA

Camerounian and 11 Nigerians linked with the alleged stealing of 10, 000 litres of illegally refined diesel were at the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, handed over to an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ogbu Michael, by the Nigerian Navy. The suspects were arrested on May 16 off Brass River entrance by a naval patrol team attached to the Forward Operations Base, FOB, Egweama, near Brass. Operation Officer of the Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Commodore Emmanuel Enemor, disclosed this to journalists at the weekend in Yenagoa. He said the arrested Camerou-

Group flays minister over comments on Amaechi SAM OLUWALANA

group that is believed to be loyal to Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed a report credited to the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, in which he said for peace to return to the state, the suspended Obio-Akpor Local Council chairman and councillors must be recalled. The group, the Rivers Peoples Forum, RPF, in a statement by its President, Charles Bekwele, said the minister is in no position to give any condition, insisting on its earlier call that Wike must be arrested and prosecuted for threatening the peace in the state. But Media Aide to the Minister, Simon Uwakaudu, when contacted on the issue yesterday, described the group as a faceless one with frivolous allegations. RPF said; “It is ridiculous that Wike, who has openly threatened the peace and people of Rivers State is still

been allowed to roam the streets and make further inciting comments. “Who does he (Wike) think he is, to say the suspended Obio-Akpor Council executive must be recalled for peace to return to Rivers State? “For crying out loud, these people were suspended for monumental fraud and a serving minister is saying they should be recalled just like that? the statement said. RPF also insisted that Wike is already campaigning to be governor of Rivers State and it is too late for him to deny it. “Wike threatened the peace and people of Rivers State. He said the state will be uncomfortable, ungovernable. It is on record, on tape, in a video, it is on the internet and many newspapers reported it. He cannot try to twist it now. “Wike must be arrested and tried for threatening the peace and people of Rivers State. The Inspector-General of Police must act now, this man should not be allowed to roam the streets and continue to make more inciting comments.”

PENGASSAN tackles oil firm over stand on unionism TONY ANICHEBE UYO

T L-R: Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Ita Enang; Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe and state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert, during the funeral service held for the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, late Mrs. Hannah Essien, in Okoita, on Saturday.

Navy hands over 12 suspected oil thieves to EFCC EMMA GBEMUDU

nian was identified as the captain of the impounded vessel, MV Sea Giant. According to the naval official, the vessel lacked a ship log, Nigerian Ports Authority bunkering permit and certificate of registration with the Joint Task Force, JTF. Enemor said the suspects claimed the product on the vessel was meant for running machine rises, but, a laboratory sample indicated that it was an illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil, AGO. He went on: “MV Sea Giant operates under the business name and license of MOEN Marine Limited located in Victoria Island, Lagos. The captain confessed during interrogation that the vessel came from Lagos to load AGO from a barge at Agbara offshore.” The Operations Officer said the arrest recorded

by the Navy was due to the unrelenting effort of the Nigerian Navy to curb all forms of illegal activities and criminality in the maritime environment. He said: “Besides, the territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ and the high sea, other water bodies that are of serious concern to us in the fight against criminalities in the command are the Brass River, Nun River, St. Nicholas River and Santa Barbara River. Others include the Sambreiro River, Middleton River, Akassa Creek and the Foropa Community.” “In line with the charge handed to the Chief of Naval Staff by President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to eradicate crude oil theft and other criminality from the country’s waters, the Chief of Naval Staff has ordered all round patrol of inland waters and adjoining

seas,” he explained. Enemor further said that the chief of naval staff had deployed more boats and sea going vessels to the Central Naval Command to facilitate the implementation of his directives.

he Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has threatened that it will use any means within the confines of the law to resist the negative attitude of the management of Frontier Oil Limited towards the formation of union activities in the company. The management of the company had allegedly embarrassed the union members by using the police to abort a meeting of the union’s representatives and

issued queries to 10 of its members of staff for their role in the formation of unionism in the company. Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Zonal Chairman of the union, Mr. Friday Otono, said the company’s action violates section 40 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees freedom and right to belong to any union; and also constitute an infraction of the Trade Union Acts, section 2 of 2005 on volunteerism. He said the management’s hostile attitude presupposes that the workers are working under “slave labour” and this must be resisted.

NGO mounts campaign against superstitious beliefs TONY ANICHEBE UYO

he Humanist Association for Peace and Social Tolerance Advancement, HAPSTA, yesterday embarked on a campaign against superstitious beliefs in Akwa Ibom State with the aim of reducing the high rate of witchcraft accusations in the state. At the HAPSTA 2013 international conference in Eket with the theme: “Superstition, Human Rights

and Development in Africa,” Chief Ann Medekong, a key note speaker, said superstition has created a lot of human rights problems in the state. Medekong, who defined superstition as a derogatory term for belief in supernatural causality that one event leads to the cause of another without any natural process linking the two events, such as astrology, religion, omen, witchcraft, etc, that contradicts natural science. She said; “Superstitious

people are never creative or productive because they always live in fear of things that occurs in their environment.” Medekong said so many abandoned children in the state are victims of superstitious beliefs by their family members. According to her; “When people who are superstitious in reasoning find themselves in a confusion or dilemma, they often times attribute the cause to the person they see in their dream the day before.

North

Monday, August 26, 2013

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Why Shekau’s death may not end insurgency –Sani AZA MSUE KADUNA

resident of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria (CRCN), Mallam Shehu Sani, has said that the death of the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, may not end the insecurity confronting the country as long as some members of the sect are still aggrieved. Sani facilitated the meeting between the Boko Haram sect and former President Olusegun Obasanjo last year in Maiduguri. Answering questions from journalists shortly after a news conference on the newly registered All ProWife of the President, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan (left), sympathising with an accident victim, Mrs. Titi Olorunda, during her gressives Congress (APC), visit to Premus Hospital at Karu in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE Sani said: “If at all Shekau was killed by the Joint Task Force (JTF), there would be an announcement by the The bodies of those killed Olufemi Fabode, said the them for armed robbers Shura Council that Shakau WOLE ADEDEJI were, however, deposited initial information the and opened fire on them”. ILORIN had been killed and sucThe PPRO said in the at the University of Ilorin police gathered was that o fewer than three armed robbers were, on ensued exchange of gun Teaching Hospital (UITH) cessor would have been apmembers of a se- Saturday night, hiding fires, three of the cult mortuary, while those in- pointed. “Nigerians should not becret cult known as in a bush behind NAS- members fell and they jured were taken to another lieve that Shakau was killed Eiye Confraternity died FAT village along Airport were about to be set ablaze hospital for treatment. until the JTF or government yesterday morning when Road in Ilorin. Fabode called for useful before intervention by the or dialogue committee presthe police and men of a information to the police Fabode said “This police. ents his body . vigilance group raided prompted various vigiHe said four others also with a view to make the state “We should not misinthe cult’s hideout in Ilo- lance groups in the com- got critically injured while crime-free. form ourselves, the killing rin. He urged parents to monimunities around the place 18 of them were arrested. of Shekau will not end inFour members of the to mount surveillance on Fabode said some of tor the movement of their surgency in Nigeria as long secret cult were injured the area particularly on all the cult members came wards. as there is one person who is and 18 others were ar- roads leading to the bush from Lagos, Osun and The police spokesman aggrieved or two people who rested. and waited until the early Oyo states, promising that said: “Some of those arrestare aggrieved in the Boko The security person- hours of Sunday when the more of them would be ar- ed have disclosed that they Haram sect. nel stormed the hideout Eiye Confraternity began rested soon. were yet to gain admission to “The only way out for this while new members were the initiation. He said the cult mem- higher institutions neither insurgency is for the govbeing initiated. “On noticing that se- bers ran into various di- did their parents know their ernment to dust the report Confirming the inci- curity personnel had laid rections when they heard whereabouts. If this could which I brought to it through dent yesterday evening, ambush for them, they ran that some of their col- happen, then they would former President Obasanthe Police Public Rela- into the waiting hands of leagues had been arrested graduate to become kingjo and secondly , the one tions Officer (PPRO), the people who mistook by the police. pin of the group.” brought to the government

Three secret cult members die during initiation

Niger shuts 20 hospitals over illegal practice

he Niger State Ministry of Health has ordered the closure of 20 private hospitals in the state for operating illegally and without following proper medical procedures. The Director, Private Hospitals and Laboratories, Dr. Usman BabaAgaie, stated this during an interactive session with journalists yesterday in Minna, the state capital. He said the action became necessary because the hospitals operated beyond their mandate as contained in their operating licences. Baba-Agaie said the hospitals were found to have contravened the guidelines set for their operations, adding that some of them conducted illegal abortions

on pregnant women even when they did not have the equipment necessary for such practices. The director said some of the hospitals illegally transfused blood on patients without proper equipment or trained personnel to conduct simple blood tests or screening before transfusion. He said that some of the hospitals were discovered to have carried out illegal surgical operations outside their scope of licence and without the required medical personnel or suitable operating theatre. The director, however, said the ministry had no option than to seal such hospitals and withdrew their operating licences in the interest and safety of the public, adding that the

closure would be permanent. Baba-Agaie said: “These hospitals were licenced to treat minor illnesses such as headaches, fever and vomiting among others, and they were expected to refer complicated cases to better equipped medical facilities, but some of them had chosen to operate outside their mandates.’’ According to him, the ministry had informed security agents about the activities of the managers of the hospitals to ensure that they did not reopen. He urged members of the public to report the activities of any hospital or staff that carried out illegal medical procedure or operation to the ministry for necessary investigation and action.

through Dr Datti Ahmed which was facilitated by a freelance journalist Ahmed Sekida. The road map for peace is first to get mediators that are accepted by the Boko Haram sect and recognised by the government. “Dialogue is recognised by the government and not accepted by Boko Haram sect as it is now. A cease fire needs to be agreed upon and it should be announced by Boko Haram and not the government because the cease fire that has been coming up for the past two to three years is the one that has been announced by the government and dismissed by the Boko Haram. “And then the third step will be to ask the Boko Haram sect to provide for such a list of their members who they believe should be released from detection. Now, the government is only releasing innocent persons who have no links and no contacts with the Boko Haram.” Speaking on the APC, Sani, indicated his interest to contest the governorship or senatorial election in Kaduna State on the platform of the party in 2015. He called on the leadership of the party to ensure internal democracy and carry all sections of the country along. “The leadership of the APC at the national level must do everything to allay the fears of the people in the South-East and South-South who felt marginalised in the settings of the party.

Tofa asks INEC to explain rationale behind PDM’s registration AUGUSTINE MADUWEST KANO

lder statesman Alhaji Bashir Tofa has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain to Nigerians the rationale behind its registration of the Peoples Democratic Movement PDM and the Independent Democrat (ID). Tofa said for Nigerians to appreciate the registration of the two parties, the electoral body must explain the rationale behind its action. He said: When I heard about the registration of PDM and ID, I told myself that INEC had an explanation to offer

because they may have seen some potential in them that others failed to see, something lacking in the existing parties. “I think strongly that INEC needs to come out and explain this to the satisfaction of Nigerians, particularly why the sudden de-registration of some parties and the sudden registration of new ones.” But the elder statesman described the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a welcome development. He said: “We can understand the registration because it has been there for a long time and people were talking about it, so it was an open thing and there were a lot of preparation, but just take a look

at the two new parties, which suddenly came up and were registered quietly.” Tofa said he was not questioning or disputing the viability of the two parties, but asked INEC to explain why it deregistered some parties and secretly register new ones. He said: “At least, the people should understand the thinking behind it so that they can support INEC and the good work it is doing.’’ Tofa, however, admitted that the new parties could spring up surprise as they could provide platforms for aggrieved and frustrated members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC to pursue their political ambitions.

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Monday, August 26, 2013

Senator warns stakeholders on APC leadership EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

he senator representing Bauchi North senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Nazif Gamawa, has warned loyalists of the newly formed All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state to disregard any person or group claiming the leadership of the party. He charged supporters of the party at the state

level to await further directives from the party’s national secretariat. The senator made the charge yesterday while addressing members of the defunct ACN and ANPP in his residence in Bauchi. He said this became imperative as a strategy to ensure the unity of the party ahead of the 2015 polls. Gamawa noted that the national secretariat of the APC will soon made a pronouncement on the

modalities for putting in place structures of the party in all the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, Abuja, in preparation for political activities ahead of elections. “Am telling you to disregards any person or group claiming the leadership of the party in the state until further directives from the national headquarters of the party, Nazif said.” Senator Nazif added that there is no way the

APC will not defeat the ruling PDP where its members are in disarray, hence the need to put heads together. According to him, Nigerians have every cause to wrest power from the PDP that has only succeeded in deceiving the nation all this while with no development to substantiate their claims of providing democracy dividends to the citizenry. He also lamented the security challenges facing the country.

In their separate contributions, former Chairmen of the defunct ANPP, Alhaji Sani Shehu and his defunct ACN counterpart, Alhaji Bappa Tafida, caution members of the party not to allow themselves to be used by the opposition to disrupt the plans of the party, but should rather put heads together in unity. They also accused the PDP of double standards without putting smiles on

the faces of Nigerians in tandem with their political promises but only succeeded in creating permanent poverty among the people. The two called on the entire people of the state to shun the PDP ahead of the 2015 polls, but to support a party that will liberate the country from bad leadership and poverty of ideas, which the PDP administration was known for since 1999.

5, 180 Sokoto pilgrims to perform 2013 Hajj

L-R: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Masari; Sen. Sani Saleh and Chairman, Kaduna North Local Government Area, Alhaji Samaila Suleiman, at the presentation of cars, motorcycles and other items to the campaign team of Sen. Saleh in Kaduna, at the weekend.

2015: ‘Ebira should contest Kogi governorship seat’

WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

isturbed by the spate of underdevelopment in Ebira land, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja and now the Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Prof. Nuhu Yakubu, has called on Ebira people in Kogi State to contest the 2015 governorship seat. Yakubu made this call while speaking as chairman of a forum organised by the Ebira Renaissance Group, ERG, as part of efforts to bring about cultural and moral revival in Ebira land that is currently pervaded by politics of bitterness and hatred. The university administrator said the period between 2005 and 2011 has been described as the darkest period in the history of Ebira land, where violence became the order of the day as youths were engaged as political thugs by the self

seeking politicians. He said following the monopolistic tendencies of the Igala people in the state, Ebira politicians should not accept any second fiddle role. He said Ebira people will not adopt violence to prosecute this noble objective this time around, calling on the people to support politicians from the western senatorial district for the governorship seat. Yakubu said though politics was rancorous in the 1960s, where belonging to a political party was a major problem in the land, he said it never escalated to what happened between 2005 and 2011, when killing, arson and destruction of property, became other of the day. He, however, lauded the Ebira Renaissance Group for taking the bull by the horns, wanting to re orientate the youths in Ebiraland about the core values of the spirit of love and communality and bring sanity to Ebira politics.

he Sokoto State government yesterday said at least 5, 180 prospective pilgrims from the state are expected to perform this year Hajj. Chairman of the state Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency, Alhaji Muntari Maigona, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto that the figure was arrived at after the reduction of 20 per cent of the number of pilgrims in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. “Initially, Sokoto State was allocated 6, 450 seats and they were duly allocated to the 23 local government areas of the state. “But when the need to reduce the figure by 20 per cent arose, we conducted ballot across the state and successfully effected the reduction,” he added. Maigona explained that the agency had concluded all arrangements required to ensure the success of the exercise. He said the local government had refunded the hajj fares of all prospective pilgrims who were affected by the reduction. “All those who were affected and needed their money back had since been refunded across the 23 local governments. “But all those who want

the agency and the local governments to keep the money until the 2014 hajj would be given automatic seats next year,” he said. Maigona further announced that the state government had since given the agency the funds required to successfully conduct this year’s hajj. Also speaking, the Media Assistant to the agency, Alhaji Faruk Umar, said that public enlightenment by the state government had been intensified by the unit. This, according to Umar, is to sensitise the pilgrims to methods of performing the basic hajj rites, be law abiding and how to safeguard their basic travelling allowances. “We are duly and properly employing all means in this direction. This is aimed at preventing all the recurring problems affecting hajj in the past,” he added.

The vice-chancellor also admitted that education was also not given the pride of place it used to enjoy, blaming politicians for the current state of education in the land. He said when politicians engage youths as thugs and give them money, their thinking would be that there was money in politics. Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of Ebira Renaissance Group, Pastor Suleiman Joseph, said the

group was out to bring revival to Ebiraland against the backdrop of politics of self-destruction brought into politics in the area. Joseph added that the mission of the ERG is to ignite the fire of moral revolution through political education and value reorientation, noting that the group shall interface with stakeholders in the Ebira project for purposeful and mutually rewarding outcome.

PRISCILLA DENNIS

Northern govs mourn ex-UNPP chairman

MINNA

he Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, has described the death of former Chairman of the United Nigeria Peoples Party, UNPP, and business tycoon, Alhaji Saleh Jambo, as a great loss to the nation’s political establishment, the business community and humanity in general. Chairman of the forum

and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, said the role of the late UNPP chairman as a stabilising factor in the nation’s political firmament, will remain evergreen when the history of the country’s development is being written. “Thanks to the vision,

commitment and hard work of the late businessman and former Chairman of the UNPP and the horde of his protégés, who worked for him, his party and at a time, became one of the leading lights in our country’s political establishment.” The statement expressed the hope that the generation of politicians and businessmen who ben-

Sokoto Gov. Aliyu Wamakko

efited from the immense knowledge and managerial abilities of the late Saleh Jambo will keep the flag flying, by protecting the legacy he left behind. It further commiserated with the members of the Jambo family and prayed that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while also granting the departed eternal rest.

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror The demand for Nigerian crude is dropping and supply for the product from other countries has increased, hence the price of the product in the economic sense would drop.

PRESIDENT, DANGOTE GROUP, ALHAJI ALIKO DANGOTE

Man arrested for burglary RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

he police have arrested a suspected buglar, Mr. Christian Okon in Calabar for allegedly breaking into the house of the Assistant Controller of Customs. Okon, was arrested after allegedly breaking into the resi-

dence at No. 30 Totsman Etody Street, Ekorinim The Assistant Controller of Customs, Mr. Tony Udeze was reported to have travelled with his wife and children, when Okon sneaked into the house. When arrested, the suspect pleaded not to be taken to court, as he claimed to be below 18 years of age.

The suspect reportedly went to the Judges Quarters during a heavy downpour. Eye witnesses, said they saw Okon loitering around the area before scaling the wall into the compound of the one-storey building. As residents of the area noticed suspicious movement, they cordoned off the building

and called in the police who then apprehended Okon. The Police public Relations officer, Mr. Hagan Bassey who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect would be charged to court after investigations. He said items recovered from the suspect include one DSTV decoder, 20 expensive jewelries, wrappers and other clothing.

OPC chieftain seeks commitment to culture restoration AYO ESAN

s a way of improving unity and boosting economic development, the National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, and chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams, has appealed to federal and state governments to restore the lost glory of the various cultures and heritage across the country. Making the appeal at the celebration of the Osun Osogbo 2013 festival, he called on leaders and political office holders to emulate the Osun River goddess with regard to love, creativity, justice and tranquility which are the basic tenets of peace and unity. Adams said, Nigeria is in the wilderness as it has failed to uphold the tenets of the Osun River goddess, noting that culture plays an important role in the lives of people. He said, “It is for this reason that our elders said a man without culture is dead. It is unfortunate that the colonialists out of ignorance and deliberate efforts to denigrate the black race, derided our culture, custom, religion, political organisation, science, commerce and everything about the so called ‘primitive’ race”. He maintained that such attitude was the justification for the subjugation and forceful appropriation of the wealth of black countries including Nigeria. Adams said to correct this anomaly; every tier of government should formulate policies meant to restore the lost culture, custom and heritage of the various ethnic groups in the country. The OPC leader said, doing this will enhance economic development and usher peace and unity among the various nationalities.

Children playing with disused tyres in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Flood washes away houses in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

everal houses in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State have collapsed due to heavy rains in the past one week. The houses had collapsed after three ponds in some communities overflowed, while several drainages were blocked during the torrential rainfall. Though no lives were lost, it was, however, gathered that houses built mostly with mud were affected, while several household items and animals were lost. Some government officials including the caretaker committee chairman, Mansir Murnai has visited the affected areas. During the visit, Murnai called on relevant officers to use fire service trucks to drain the waters in the overflowing ponds. He also called on other council areas to assist by making available their fire trucks, even as he urged people in the area to engage in communal efforts as a way of forestalling future occurrence.

Ilasamaja: Family asks court to stop installation of Baale WALE IGBINTADE

member of the Kimise branch of the Ikuporosi chieftaincy family of Ilasamaja, Lagos State, Mudashiru Idowu Dauda has implored a Lagos High Court to restrain the state Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs from installing one Fatai Salau Aberejo as Baale of Ilasamaja community. The claimant also joined as defendants, the Joint Chieftaincy Committee, Oshodi/ Isolo and Ejigbo Local Government and four others. In suit No-ID/667/2013, the claimant is asking for a declaration that the activities of the defendants violated section 23 (1) (2) (and (d) of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law 2002.

Consequently, he urged the court to invoke Section 23(1) and set aside all the processes leading to the making of the first defendant, Aberejo, as Baale of Ilasamaja community. The claimant in his 80-paragraph statement of claim filed by his lawyer, Matti Olalekan averred that he was nominated by the Ikuporosi chieftaincy family as candidate to fill the vacant stool of Baale in Ilasamaja. He added that the stool of the Baale of Ilasamaja is exclusively for the four branches namely; Kimise, Ikujeniya, Olaosi and Akinsowon respectively. Dauda alleged that all five former Baales have been within the Akinsowon branch, while the 6th Baale did not relate to the original four branches of the chieftaincy

family. The claimant who traced his family lineage from one Dauda Gbadamosi said the first defendant and his relations are monopolising the chieftaincy stool that rightfully belonged to the four ruling houses. He further averred that in order to prevent other recognised family from benefiting from the Baaleship, the Fabiyi family allegedly shifted the stool to another clan not related to Ikuporosi. The claimant further alleged that one Chief Mojeed Jimoh Aje who was installed Baale from 1982 to 2004, was not a member of the Ikuporosi chieftaincy clan and did not relate to the original four branches of the chieftaincy family. He further stated that there was no existing registered law that regulates the nomination,

selection and appointment of Baale in the community except the Lagos State Chiefs Laws and the existing norms and customs. The claimant added that having held several meetings, the four ruling houses unanimously accepted his nomination before his family presented his name to the consenting authority of Osodi/Isolo Local Government Joint Chieftaincy Committee. Dauda stated that although his family presented him as candidate to the stool, the Chieftaincy Committee allegedly refused to accept his candidature. Consequently, he urged the court to order a perpetual injunction restraining the consenting authority from recognising the first defendant as Baale pending the determination of the suit.

Monday, August 26, 2013

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World News

Chemical weapons likely used in Syria –US oﬃcial

“I couldn’t sing and I couldn’t figure out why. I knew it was mechanical.”

–U.S SINGER, LINDA RONSTADT

Mubarak appears in court days after release PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, has appeared in court, three days after he was released from prison and placed under house arrest. Mubarak is facing a retrial on charges of complicity in the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising. He sat in the defendants’ cage along with his two sons, former interior minister, and six security chiefs. Earlier, the separate trial of the Muslim Brotherhood’s general guide and his two deputies was adjourned. The court convened briefly and made its decision because Mohammed Badie, Khairat alShater and Rashad Bayoumi were absent for security reasons. Their presence was requested for the trial’s resumption on 29 October. The Brotherhood leaders face charges of inciting the murder of protesters who stormed the Islamist movement’s headquarters in Cairo on 30 June as millions took to the streets demanding the resignation of Mubarak’s democratically elected successor, Mohammed Morsi. Morsi was deposed by the mil-

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, 85, is escorted by medical and security personnel into an ambulance, in Cairo, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

itary three days later. He is being detained while prosecutors investigate allegations related to his escape from prison during the uprising that forced Mubarak from power, including that he conspired with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Yesterday, Mubarak appeared in the dock inside the high-security courtroom at the police academy on the eastern outskirts of Cairo sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a white tracksuit and dark sunglasses. The 85-year-old was reportedly flown by helicopter to the court from a military hospital

where he has been held under house arrest since his release from prison on Thursday. The hearing has been adjourned until 14 September. Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison in June 2012 after being found guilty of complicity in the killing of hundreds of protesters. His former interior minister, Habib al-Adly, also received a life sentence, but the security chiefs were acquitted. The former president and his sons, Alaa and Gamal, were cleared of separate charges of corruption relating to a gas export deal at the same trial because

of the statute of limitations. In January 2013, the Court of Cassation accepted appeals against their convictions by Mr Mubarak and Adly and ordered a retrial of all the defendants. Their supporters had noted that the original trial judge had said there was no evidence linking Mr Mubarak to the shooting of protesters. Their retrial began in May but it has been repeatedly adjourned for various reasons, prompting claims from pro-democracy activists and representatives of the victims that the judges and defence team were dragging out proceedings to avoid a verdict. On Thursday, Mubarak was moved from a prison cell to house arrest at the hospital in Maadi, ending more than two years of incarceration. It came a day after a court ruled that he could no longer be detained in relation to a separate corruption case that alleges he accepted gifts from the staterun publisher, al-Ahram. He has already served the maximum time allowed in custody in connection to the complicity case. Under President Morsi, state prosecutors brought new charges when courts ordered Mr Mubarak’s release to ensure he was kept in detention. Alaa and Gamal Mubarak are being held on multiple corruption charges.

Mugabe threatens to expel foreign-owned firms

imbabwe’s longserving president yesterday threatened to expel foreignowned companies over what he said was the West’s interference in the politics of the country he has led since 1980. President Robert Mugabe said he wanted no “ideas from London or Washington,” speaking before supporters at the funeral of a top military chief in Harare. He warned the Western powers that although his government hasn’t

“done anything to your companies, time will come when we will say tit for tat.” He said: “You hit me, I hit you. We have a country to run and we must be left free to run it.” Britain, the former colonial power, the European Union and the United States have refused to endorse Mugabe’s landslide victory in the July 31 elections, citing evidence of vote rigging. The Western countries maintain economic restrictions

on Mugabe and leaders of his ruling party. Mugabe insists his party won “a resounding mandate” in the last election and denies allegations of voting fraud. Zimbabwe’s state election panel said Mugabe won the July 31 elections with 61 percent of the presidential vote. Mugabe, who was sworn in Thursday for another five-year term at the age of 89, said that “there will come a time when we lose our patience” with the West’s

WORLD BULLETIN South Sudan’s leader probes army generals for abuses Several South Sudanese army generals have been put under investigation for alleged human rights abuses in the east of the country where the army is fighting a rebellion, President Salva Kiir said yesterday. The United States has criticized the army for various abuses during a campaign to end a rebellion by politician David Yau Yau and fighting between rival tribes in eastern Jonglei state. Western powers fear a heavy-handed army approach will escalate the fighting and undermine stability, draining state resources at a time of a conflict with arch foe Sudan over oil exports vital to both countries’ economies. South Sudan accuses Sudan of supplying David Yau Yau with weapons, which is denied by Khartoum.

Mandela’s condition remains critical, but stable Former President Nelson Mandela remains in the hospital and his condition is critical, but stable, South African President Jacob Zuma said in a statement, reported yesterday. “While at times, his condition becomes unstable, the doctors indicate that the former president has demonstrated great resilience and his condition tends to stabilize as a result of medical interventions,” the statement reads. Zuma said that doctors are still working to further improve Mandela’s health and keep him comfortable. He also urged South Africans to pray for Mandela, who is 95 years old. Zuma travelled to Malaysia yesterday. The Lifetime Award for Global Peace will be awarded to Mandela by the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation, and Zuma will accept the award on Mandela’s behalf.

‘Rebel mortar attack kills at least three in east Congo’

Mugabe

pressure for democratic reforms. “I want to assure you our attitude will not

continue to be passive,” Mugabe said Sunday. “We have had enough and enough is enough.”

Shells fired by M23 rebels killed at least three people in Congo’s eastern city of Goma on Saturday, the United Nations said, as Congo and Rwanda traded accusations over days of border clashes that have drawn in a new, robustly mandated U.N. force. Two more civilians died during demonstrations that broke out in the wake of the shelling, the United Nations said. Fighting between M23 and Congolese soldiers, after the rebels entered a security zone around Goma on Wednesday, has now killed at least seven civilians. On Thursday, a U.N. brigade formed to neutralize armed groups in Congo saw its first military action, firing artillery at the rebels.

World News

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chemical weapons likely used in Syria –US official T here is “very little doubt” that a chemical weapon was used by Syria against civilians in an incident that killed at least 100 people last week, but the president has not yet decided how to respond, a senior administration official said yesterday. The official said the U.S. intelligence community based its assessment, which was given to the White House, on “the reported

number of victims, reported symptoms of those who were killed or injured” and witness accounts. The official said the White House believes the Syrian government had denied a U.N. investigative team immediate access to the site of a reported August 21 chemical weapons attack in the Damascus suburbs, in order to give the evidence of the attack time to degrade. The official said the

regime’s continuing shelling of the site also further corrupts any available evidence of the attack. Yesterday morning, Syrian State TV announced Bashar Assad’s government would allow U.N. inspectors to visit the site — a statement later confirmed by the U.N. The mission “is preparing to conduct onsite fact-finding activities’” on Monday, U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said yesterday in a statement. But the Obama administration official said a belated decision to grant access to the U.N. team would be considered “too late to be credible.”

Several bodies being buried during a funeral in a suburb of Damascus, Syria, after the chemical attack. PHOTO: AP

The official insisted on anonymity because of lack of authorization to speak publicly about the developments.

The reported Syrian assent came several days after Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-

Moallem, one of the highest-level contacts between the two governments since the conflict began more than two years ago.

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Honestly, I would like to say that I don’t enjoy all the limelight, even though I really can’t escape it

Lagos Classics: Competitors eye N6.5m prize

-MIAMI HEAT STAR, LEBRON JAMES

Mikel longs for Nigeria Pitch Awards

UAE 2013: Eaglets know foes today Golden G ld Eaglets’ E l t ’ players l celebrating l b ti a goall iin a match t hd during i th the qualifiers lifi played l d iin M Morocco.

STORIES: EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

igeria’s Golden Eaglets will today, know their first round opponents at the FIFA U-17 World Cup holding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October when the draw takes place in Abu Dhabi later this evening. The draw for the tournament that holds from October 17 to November 8 in six UAE cities will hold in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Beside Abu Dhabi, the other Host Cities are Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. FIFA in conjunction with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the U-17 World Cup invited Coach Manu Garba, team cap-

tain, Musa Mohammed and team’s administrator, Tayo Egbaiyelo, for the draw. Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia and Morocco will fly Africa’s flag at the 24-nation tournament. At the draw event this evening, the teams will be drawn into six groups of four, with the top two teams in each group automatically qualifying for the round of 16 at the end of the group matches. The four best third-placed teams from the group stages will also progress to the knockout stages. Nigeria has won the competition in 1985, 1993 and 2007 and finished runner-up in 1987, 2001 and 2009. Last Thursday, Coach Garba named a provisional 35-man squad list which the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sent to FIFA

as part of the regulations of the championship and it is from m this pool of players that the final al list of 21 will be picked for the World Cup. Players who made the listt were key members of the Eagletss that won silver at the African Qualifying Championship held in n Morocco. They include captain Musa Muhammed and star striker, triker, Isaac Success. Others are Chidera hidera Ezeh, Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Yahaya, Saliu Ali-Baba, Akinjide injide Idowu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidiebediebere Nwakali and goalkeeper Yinka Adewale among others. Notable new faces include striker Theophilus Solomon and Chelsea’s teenage sensation, Habib Makanjuola, who is expected ed in camp upon release by his English nglish Premier League side.

Glo League: Sharks plan for Tourists, Enyimba agonises es

harks’ midfielder, Jonah Abutu, has assured that the Port Harcourt club will defeat Wikki Tourists on Wednesday as the struggles to escape relegation and win the Glo League hot up. Abutu, who was stand-in captain for Sharks in their 0-1 loss to Kano Pillars on Saturday, is sure the Tourists will suffer “at least two to three goals” defeat at the Sharks Stadium.

“I assure our fans back home that we are going to beat Wikki with at least two to three goals to make up for our loss to Kano Pillars and on behalf of the players I apologise for our loss even though the match officials made life difficult for us in Kano,” Abutu concluded. Sharks currently have 36 points but sit outside of the top half of the Glo League standings. Defending champions, Pillars,

reclaimed top spot after the he 1-0 home win over Sharks on Saturday urday. Pillars now have 45 pointss from 26 matches. Gambo Mohammed playing ng his second game after a spell on the sidelines due to injury scored ed the only goal of the game in the e 72nd minute to cheer up the home fans. Meanwhile, Enyimba’s march to a seventh title has been slowed lowed down after the Aba Elephants ts lost 1-0 at Kwara United.

igeria and Chelsea FC star midfielder, Mikel Obi, has spoken of his excitement at the upcoming inaugural edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, which has been slated for November 17, 2013 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Last year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) endorsed Matchmakers Consult Limited International to stage the first-ever football awards in the country. In November last year, the pre-event Night of Stars, designed to generate nationwide awareness for the Awards, held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar. Mikel, perhaps the most influential player in the Super Eagles’ squad that triumphed at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa earlier in the year, said at the weekend that he was looking forward to the event. “Awards serve as great incentives for sports people all over the world. There is no doubt that awards compensate for all the hard work all year round. Every sports person looks forward to receiving awards which they treasure,” N F F spokesm a n , A d e mola O l a j i re, quoted Mikel in a state-

ment. “The Nigeria Pitch Awards has come at the right time. I am personally looking forward to the event in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State after we must have qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals. The ceremony will serve as a real gloss on our World Cup qualification.”

Mikel said he would be happy to pick up an award at the event. “Of course, I will be happy to pick up an award. It will be a real delight for me and I hope it will be a great event in every sense of the word.” The Nigeria Pitch Awards will honour stalwarts in every area of the football pitch, as well as to referees, administrators, coaches, sponsors, sportsloving state governments and other stakeholders. Chief Executive of Matchmakers Consult, Mr. Shina Philips, told National Mirror yesterday on telephone that his organisation was working tirelessly towards ensuring a successful ceremony. “We have laid out a transparent process that will ensure the credibility of the Awards, and as for the ceremony itself, we are leaving no stone unturned to guarantee a highly high cosuccessful and c lourful event. We W are working with wit the NFF to be able ab showto deliver a show every piece that ever Nigerian w will be proud prou of,” PhilPh said. ips sai “Our commitment men o t servthe ing th football community a event glorious even We is huge. W ploughed have ploughe along on all alon tremenwith treme and dous faith an odds, despite all odd are and now, we a we at a stage that w everycan boast that ever according thing is going accordin kick-start to plan for us to kick-sta run something that will ru for many, many years to come.”

Sport

Monday, August 26, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stoke, Cardiff reprieve for Osaze

Mihai Bobocia of Italy is among the foreign competitors

Lagos Classics: Competitors eye N6.5m prize YEMI OLUS

he battle for the N6.5million at stake in the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics begins today at the Molade OkoyaThomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Spectators at the venue will see players from Egypt, Italy, Lithuania, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Congo DRC, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Russia battling for honours in the weeklong event. Current Africa Champion, Omar Assar, Italy’s Mihai Bobocica and the Congo Brazzaville’s team led by Nigeria-born Saka Suraju had their first training session yesterday, vowing to upstage the Nigerians from contention. Team Nigeria will be led by Segun Toriola and Funke Oshonaike, as well as Aruna Quadri, Ojo Onaolapo and

Kazeem Makanjuola who will compete in the men’s singles while the trio of Edem Ofiong, Janet Effiom and Rasheedat Ogundele will contest in the women’s singles event Officials said about 42 Nigerian players will compete in the men’s singles, while 20 will feature in the women’s singles. Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Wahid Oshodi, said the stage was set for the smash off of the championship after the qualifiers held at the weekend. “We have provided the best facility and we are hoping that fans will throng the venue,” Oshodi said. “We believe this competition will expose our players to other top players from around the world and will ultimately improve the fortune of table tennis in Nigeria,” the MOC boss, who is also Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), added.

eports yesterday said West Brom has received offers from Stoke City and Cardiff City for about £2 million for Super Eagles striker, Osaze Odemwingie, with Swansea prepared to pay a little less. The Baggies have previously rejected bids of £1.5million for the 32-year-old forward, but these latest offers could pave the way for his exit. Odemwingie has not played any part for Albion since his return to pre-season training, with the club making it clear there is no way back for him. The Nigeria international has been sidelined since his well-publicised fall-out with the club last season which started with his failed move to Queens Park Rangers and continued with a series of Twitter meltdowns. Although the Hawthorn side is not prepared to let him go on the cheap, it is mindful that his age and contractual situation will drive his price down. The beleaguered player has less than 12 months left on his current Odemwingie contract with West Brom.

‘NSC to renew support to FEPSGA’ JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

‘Eto’o set for Chelsea’

helsea has a deal in place for Anzhi Makhachkala star Samuel Eto’o, according to reports. The Blues have agreed a deal to sign Eto’o as part of the negotiations to acquire Willian for £30 million from Anzhi Makhachkala which will end the club’s attempts to buy Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney this summer. The double signing was announced yesterday, even as the transfer of 32-year-old Eto’o is said to part of the agreement to sign the Brazil midfielder but Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho does not want Eto’o’s involvement to become public until after tonight’s Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Reputed as master mind game player, Mourinho hopes that continuing the speculation over Chelsea’s interest in Rooney, who may start the game, will unsettle the host.

Fellaini wants Devils’ switch

Eto’o

verton midfielder, Marouane Fellaini, yesterday declared his interest to move to Manchester United. Reports claimed that Fellaini desired a quick exit before his price tag gets even higher next year. The Belgium midfielder is currently valued at more than £23million by Everton, who rejected a joint bid for Fellaini and Leighton Baines of £28m at the start of the week. Fellaini is keen to be given his chance at a really top club before next summer’s World Cup has a potential impact on his value. Belgium is expected to qualify for next summer’s tournament and a talented team including Barclays Premier League stars Fellaini, Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany are already being tipped to do well. Fellaini fears that a successful summer could push his price tag up even higher and that it would be best for his career if he left Goodison Park shortly.

he Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has said that the body would reconsider its decision to stop offering grant to the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) for its Monthly Walking Jogging exercise. Speaking during the award ceremony organised by the FEPSGA in Abuja at the weekend, Elegbeleye noted that the initiative is about well-being and the walking, jogging exercise, which is for the development of humanity, must be encouraged. The NSC DG assured that their relationship would be tightened for the development of Nigerian civil servants and sports in general. “I was made to know that a relationship was existing between FEPSGA and the NSC and it reached a stage where there was break in communication even before I assumed office. But I can assure you the relationship would be renewed; the commission will look into reasons why the grant was discontinued and provide a lasting solution to the stoppage,” he promised.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Monday, August 26, 2013

Euro Leagues’ Results England Tottenham

1-0

Swansea

Aston Villa

1–0

Liverpool

Fulham

1–3

Arsenal

Hull City

1–0

Norwich City

Southampton

1–1

Sunderland

Everton

0–0

West Brom

Cardiff City

3- 2

Manchester City

Stoke City

2–1

Crystal Palace

Newcastle

0–0

West Ham

Germany

Musa scores again, Nwofor, Macauley also on target Musa

Nwofor crowded by his team mates after scoring his goal last Saturday.

IKENWA NNABUOGOR

uper Eagles’ winger Ahmed Musa has refused to stop scoring, hitting the target for the second week in a row in CSKA’s 2-1 win at bottom-placed Tom’ Tomsk on Saturday. Musa put the icing on the cake for the visiting defending Russia champions in the 58th minute to seal a comfortable victory that shot them to the top of the log. As usual, the former Kano Pillars’ winger lasted the entire duration of the game, his sixth start in a row in the new season. He has been substituted just once. He has netted his fourth goal of the season in that encounter. He’s currently the third best in the chart for the top scorers. In Spain, former youth inter-

national Chrisantus Macauley opened his goal account for Las Palmas in the new season in the second division as his side held hosts Deportivo Alaves to 1-1 draw on Saturday. The 2007 U-17 World Cup top scorer put his visiting side in front in the 29th minute before the hosts evened score with just nine minutes left on the clock. The game was Macauley’s first having missed the league opener through red card suspension. He was on for 90 minutes. The big centre forward netted 12 goals in his first season in the island club that missed promotion to the top flight by the whiskers. Still in Spain, Super Eagles’ striker Ikechukwu Uche played from the bench for newly-promoted Villareal, who maintained their 100 percent record in the La Liga, beating Real Vallodolid 2-1

on Saturday. Uche, the club’s top scorer last season with 14 goals, replaced Spanish striker Johnathan Pereira in the 66th minute. He’s yet to get on the score sheet this season. In the Netherlands, Super Eagles new boy Uche Nwofor was on target for the first time this season for his side VVV Venlo, who beat Helmond Sport 3-2 last Friday. Nwofor, who was on from start made it 2-1 for the hosts in the 74th minute. He was pulled out in the 82nd minute and just two minutes late, VVV Venlo went ahead again but the visitors hit thir second goal just before the referee ended the game. Nwofor, who could be on his way out of the modest club had only played once since the season started. Still in the top flight in England, former youth international

Bayern Munich

2–0

Nuremberg

Hannover

2–1

Schalke 04

Borussia Dortmund

1–0

Werder Bremen

Hoffenheim

3–3

Freiburg

Hertha Berlin

1–0

Hamburger SV

Bayer Leverkusen

4 -2

Borussia M’glad

Mainz

2–0

Wolfsburg

France Monaco

0–0

Toulouse

Valenciennes

0–1

Olympique Marseille

Bordeaux

1–0

Bastia

Evian TG

1–2

Rennes

Guingamp

2–0

Lorient

Lyonnais

0–1

Reims

Montpellier

2–1

Sochaux

Lille

1–0

Saint-Étienne

Ajaccio

0–0

Nice

Sone Aluko was again on the starting line up for the newlypromoted Hull City but failed to get on the score sheet in their 1-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday. Aluko was replaced in the 72nd minute. He has so far played in all two games for the Tigers this season. In the lower league in England, former Super Eagles defender Danny Shittu for the first time not on from start to finish for Millwall as the Lions managed to earn their first point this season following their holding hosts Sheffield Wednesday to 2-2 draw at Hillsbrough Stadium, on Saturday. Shittu was replaced at the start of the second half. The Lions had lost all their three previous games with the big Nigerian centre back playing in all the games. He’s only gone into the referees’ books once this season. In Turkey, Emmanuel Emenike will have to wait for another fixture to register his name on the score sheet for his new team Fenerbache as the former Spartak Moscow striker fired blanks in their 1-0 win over Eskisehirspor on Saturday. Emenike was on from start to finish in the game that did not feature Eagles captain Joseph Yobo. Emenike has played all the two games so far in his second return to the multiple Turkish champions. In France, Super Eagles number one goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was between the sticks for

Lille who picked their first win this season, beating St. Etienne 1-0 yesterday. Enyeama was on from start to finish as he earned his second consecutive official cap for the three-time French champions. He also picked up a yellow card in the 84th minute. He spent his entire first season at Lille on the bench, playing cover for first choice keeper Mickael Landreau for whooping 36 games before he joined Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv on loan last season. In Scotland, former Golden Eaglets playmaker Rabiu Ibrahim was for their first time this season, on from start to finish for Kilmarnock, who were beaten 2-1 at home by Hibernian on Saturday. It’s been a different season for the former Golden Eaglets’ midfielder who has been in the scheme of things for Killie after he was disappointingly dumped on the bench last season. He has so far played three games out of the four this season and yet to get into the referees’ books. Still in Scotland, Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose returned to the starting line up for Celtic after missing in their shock 2-0 loss to lowly Shakhter Karagandy from Kazakhstan last Tuesday and posted a 90-minute performance as the defending champions were held to 2-2 draw by visiting table-topping Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday. Ambrose has played in three games out of four in the new season..

WORLD RECORD

Tallest residential building Vol. 03 No. 694

Monday, August 26, 2013

N150

Completed in 2012, Princess Tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is 413.4 m (1,356 ft) high and has 101 storeys above ground, dedicated to residential use.

For Tony Anenih, a shining leader

et me quote from Ecc. 1: 2, 21-23, a reading my brothers and sisters, most Christians are familiar with; a reading that was read everywhere in the Catholic world on this August 4, 2013 day, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. It goes thus: Vanity of vanities, All is vanity… and down the line. We are therefore grateful that the reading helps in introducing our celebration of a man who has been at the centre of Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, especially in the last twenty or so years. Naturally, his role in politics has dwarfed his other contributions and pursuits in life. How he has played this role has been and will remain the subject of debate for many years to come. Chief Tony Anenih is therefore, an eminent Ni-

Guest Bashorun JK Hassan Columnist Matthew Randle Kukah gerian and yet, to say that he is a highly eminent Nigerian is not to engage in sycophancy. For whatever reasons, the caliber of people gathered here, bears testimony to this. What is more, I know that the reception will definitely parade a roll call of the first eleven of our national politics. To be at the centre of this, of course, is nothing short of being eminent. There are some incontrovertible facts which stand out and are necessary starting points in any serious discussion about Chief Anenih, but this is neither the time nor the place to engage in such. It is not for me to assess Chief Anenih as a politician. My role here is to briefly look at his life, see what lesions it has for us and use his central role in Nigerian politics to point at some of the challenges that lie before our society. The late Pope John Paul 1 of blessed memory, the one who was Pope for 33 days, once said that in each of us, there are three persons. First, there is you as only you alone know yourself, there is you as your closest of friends know you and finally there is you as only God, your creator knows you. Our lives are more often regulated and guided by these realities and we will continue to mean different things to different people and the measure of who we are will finally depend more on what our creator sees in us. I only got to know him a bit more when my best friend, the late Garba Ali Madaki, worked with him as Minister of State for Works and Housing. I also got to see

CHIEF ANENIH HAS TRAVERSED AND ADAPTED TO THE EVER CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF NIGERIAN POLITICS WITH A COMBINATION OF UNOBTRUSIVE SURVIVALIST INSTINCTS OF BOTH A CHAMELEON AND A CHEETAH the deep human kindness in the Chief in how much care he took of my friend during the trying moments before his death. He stood by us and helped his widow, Kehinde back to her feet and to life. When she was tragically killed in a car accident last year, he was there to support their devastated children. Personally, therefore, beyond the realms of politics, it is impossible to ask for a better friend. Today, Chief Anenih, like the rest of us, is therefore many things to many people. To properly assess him therefore would be to go back to what the late First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, his kinswoman once said to a journalist who interviewed her. The journalist asked her to assess her husband, President Obasanjo. In response to that question and in a burst of brilliance, she said something to the journalist like;

How do you want me to assess him? Do you want me to assess him as President of Nigeria, my husband or as a father? The journalist encouraged her, and she went on to score President Obasanjo. I really no longer remember the details. But I recall that she scored him between 80 and 90 percent as President, arguing that despite everything else, she lived with him and knew the sleepless nights he was spending to fix Nigeria. As a father, I think she scored him between 60 and 70 percent. But as a husband, I think she scored him between 30 and 40 percent on grounds of how much his schedule took him away from her. I do not know how the Chief could be scored by different members of his family and his associates, friend and foe alike. Chief Anenih has traversed and adapted to the ever changing landscape of Nigerian politics with a combination of unobtrusive survivalist instincts of both a chameleon and a cheetah. He has displayed an uncanny ability to adapt to the political temperatures and temperaments around him and exhibited a phenomenal staying power. From his days with the late General Shehu Yar’adua where his skills and capacity for mobilization and manoeuvre earned him the sobriquet of LEADER, coming to a climax in the very peaceful 1993 elections and their subsequent tragic abortion, he has remained at the centre. He remained at the side lines in the Abacha days, sprang into action after the death of the General and was a key actor in the process that led to the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which brought Chief Obasanjo to power in 1999. He has been a central force in the controversial politics that has come to define the largest political party in Africa as PDP likes to call itself. Bishop Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, wrote this tribute on the occasion of the 80th birthday celebrations of Chief Anthony Anenih on August 4, 2013 in Abuja. To be continued

Sport Extra

ormer world heavyweight boxing champion, Mike Tyson, yesterday claimed he is on the verge of dying after revealing his ongoing fight to stay sober. Tyson confessed to being an alcoholic, follow-

Tyson makes drug revelation

ing his debut as a promoter on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”. He opened up about his troubles when he was questioned about trying to make amends with for-

mer trainer, Teddy Atlas, who he fell out with when he was 15 in the early 1980s. “I did a lot of bad things, and I want to be forgiven,” the 47-year-old said.

“I want to change my life, I want to live a different life now and I want to live my sober life. “I don’t want to die. I’m on the verge of dying, because I’m a vicious alco-

holic. “I haven’t drunk or taken drugs in six days, and for me that’s a miracle. I’ve been lying to everybody else that thinks I NFF President, Aminu Maigari was sober, but I’m not.” Tyson

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