Monday, november 24, 2014

CBN tightens conditions for foreign exchange sales …MPC meets on naira devaluation JOHNSON OKANLAWON Emefiele

Vol. 4 N0. 989

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he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has asked all authorised dealers in foreign exchange to desist from selling forex

for items not supported with necessary shipping documents as the apex bank continued to try to block all

THE

BUSINESS SECTION

NHIS to launch th National Mobile Health Insurance Programmee for Nigerians Nigerians caution on 7,000 megawatts projection from solar energy P.A4, A5

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Free inside

Monday, November 24, 2014

Boko Haram S kills 48 in Borno

AZA MSUE AND UBONG UKPONG

Muslims setting up dialogue with sect –JNI Insurgency will soon be defeated, says DHQ

uspected Boko Haram extremists have killed at least 48 people at a road block near the country’s border with Chad.

The 48 victims were said to be fish vendors, who were on their way to Chad to buy fish.

“Scores of Boko Haram fighters blocked a route linking Nigeria with Chad near the fishing village of

N150 Doron Baga on the shores of Lake Chad on Thursday and killed a group of 48 fish traders on their way to Chad to buy fish,” Abubakar Gamandi, head of the fish traders association, said Gamandi said the attackers set up a barricade at Dogon Fili, 15 kilometres from Doron Baga in Borno State, and stopped a convoy of fish vendors around midday, slaughtering some of them and drowning others in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Ibadan crisis:

Thugs vandalise Ladoja’s house P.10 ADVERT HOTLINES

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CORPUS CHRISTI: Catholic faithful during Christ the King's procession in Lagos, yesterday.

APC office raid:

98,300 Nigerian babies died from birth complications –WHO P.11

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETINMEHIN

DSS insists building was centre for illegal activity Three workers still detained

Alhassan

P.2

Koton Karfe jailbreak: FG queries prisons’ boss

P.8

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Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC: DSS insists building was centre for illegal activity OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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he Department of State Service, DSS, yesterday justified its weekend raid of a building

in Lagos, saying it acted on a strong petition accusing the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, of using the facility to clone sensitive materials of the Independent National Elec-

toral Commission, INEC. APC had claimed that the facility, located in Ikeja, was its “data centre” used in managing the details of its members across the federation, saying it has at least

one of such centres in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

In a text message to our correspondent yesterday, spokeswoman of the Service, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar,

Some of the properties destroyed by hoodlums during a politically motivated fracas in Ibadan South West, Local Government, yesterday.

Boko Haram kills 48 in Borno CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

lake.

“The Boko Haram gunmen slit the throats of some of the men and tied the hands and legs of the others before throwing them into the lake to drown,” Gamandi said by telephone from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

It was unclear if the motive for the gruesome attack was robbery or if there were other reasons for the killings.

Boko Haram has at times targeted residents seemingly indiscriminately in its deadly insurgency.

Doron Baga, 180 kilometres from Maiduguri, is the base of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad and Niger fighting the Islamist group.

The MNJTF was formed in 1998 to fight trans-border crime but its mandate was expanded as part of efforts to tame the Boko Haram insurgency in the restive region.

Gamandi claimed the assailants killed all of their victims without using their guns.

“The attackers killed their victims silently without the use of the gun to avoid attracting attention

from the multi-national troops,” he said.

Kaloma Zarami, a fish vendor in Maiduguri, said he learned of the killings from other traders in Doron Baga.

“The news came to us late yesterday through some of our colleagues who came from Doron Baga to inform us of the incident because there is no telephone service in the area,” he said.

“We lost 48 people in the attack. Some were slaughtered and others were thrown into Lake Chad with their hands and legs tied and left to drown,” he added.

A military officer in Maiduguri confirmed the attack but said details were sketchy.

“We heard of the attack near Doron Baga but we don’t have any details because the area falls under the operational jurisdiction of the MNJTF,” the military officer said.

News of the attack was slow to emerge due to the destruction of mobile phone towers in the area by Boko Haram in previous attacks.

Incessant Boko Haram attacks have disrupted fishing and farming along the shores of Lake Chad.

Fishermen from Doron Baga have been forced to

abandon fishing and have turned to importing dried fish from neighbouring Chad.

Gamandi said the Dogon Fili route provided the safest passage for traders from Doron Baga to Chad as other routes are infested with Boko Haram gunmen who rob and kill travellers.

Last December at least seven fishermen were killed when Boko Haram Islamists attacked Doron Baga in a nighttime raid that left many homes burnt.

In August, the Islamists raided Dogon Baga and kidnapped 97 people after killing 28 villagers.

The hostages, including women and children, were loaded on speed boats and ferried across the lake into Chad.

Chadian troops rescued 85 of the hostages when they intercepted a convoy of buses transporting them from the shores.

In a related development, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, yesterday said it is making headway towards holding talks with the sect, just as it said Muslims would no longer take seriously the Federal Government’s assurances of calm given the sustained attacks by the insurgents on people

in the north.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, the JNI Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, who represented the PresidentGeneral and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, maintained that government should as matter of urgency ensure the security forces get all they need for effective operations to end insurgency in the North.

The JNI further called on government to step up the dialogue process with a view of ending the insurgency and de-radicalising the insurgents.

The Muslim group advised that as an ameliorating measure, the funds collected following the launching of the support fund for victims of insurgency should be supplemented with government grants and judiciously utilised with dispatch to ensure the support reaches the victims.

According to JNI, it would no longer consider Federal Government’s assurances, adding that Muslims are tired of empty promises.

“We don’t have facts now and because we are not satisfied with government’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

said having received the petition, the DSS decided to place the building under surveillance.

She said it was established that the facility was being used for some unwholesome activities even as it did not have any sign to indicate that it was a party office.

Ogar added that the petitioner alleged that those behind the activities were cloning INEC Permanent Voters Cards, with the intention of hacking into INEC data base, corrupting it and replacing them with their own data.

“A petition was received by this Service about some activities at No. 10 Bola Ajibola Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. The petition alleged that those behind the activities were cloning INEC Permanent Voters Card, with the intention of hacking into INEC data base, corrupting it and replacing them with their own data.

“Based on this information, the Service placed the building under surveillance, and having been convinced that some unwholesome activities were going on in the building, it undertook a raid of the premises. In the process, some persons were arrested while a server, three hard drives and 31 'Ghana Must Go' bags of hard copy documents were recovered and taken away for further investigation.

“It must be noted that the said location had no sign post indicating whether it was a private or government office", Ogar said.

APC's National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, had said the raid was “another one in the string of attacks and illegal actions of the PDP-led administration.”

“The attack was unwarranted and unjustifiable,” he insted.

Meanwhile, the party said in a statement yesterday that out of 28 workers at APC Data Centre Lagos “arrested by DSS, Police and the Army by 5:30 am on Saturday morning of Nov 22nd 2014 , 25 of them have been released by 9:30 pm yesterday.”

It said three still in the custody are Chinedu Atuche (Data Supervisor), Fayemi Olaposi (Data Supervisor) and Chika (IT Supervisor).

The statement said, “We

are at a loss why these three are still being held. They have committed no offense and they are carrying out a legitimate duty. We hope they are not being held and tortured to provide them with the security password of the Data Centre. We want these workers to be released unconditionally without any further delay.

“We insist that what happened yesterday is bizarre, crude and unacceptable and it remains the worst form of political rascality and irresponsibility ever recorded in Nigeria since 1999.

“The damage done to the Data Centre and the violation of the fundamental human rights of the workers tells a big story of what to expect in the days ahead.

The ruling Party is getting desperate and if they are not called to order things can get worse".

The Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly also yesterday condemned the raid on the office saying it is “a dangerous signal and a threat to the democratic process.”

Speaking to reporters in Lagos, the Speaker said just few days after the ugly incidents at the House of Representatives where the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal and most of the APC lawmakers were prevented from gaining access to the House, and in Ekiti State where seven lawmakers out of 26 impeached the Speaker, the invasion of the APC office by officials of the State Security Service and the Police is clear indication that the democratic process was in grave danger.

He said there was no way the DSS and the Police would have acted without orders from above, adding that the blatant abuse of power and rule of law was becoming the hallmark of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

“What is really going on in our country? Just few days after the Lagos House condemned in the strongest terms the ugly scenario at the National Assembly, the invasion of the APC office is uncalled and should be condemned by all Nigerians who want a country where the rule of law and due process take precedence over barbarism. This is totally unacceptable”, the Speaker said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 24, 2014

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Photo News

Monday, November 24, 2014

L-R: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Bank of Indutry, Mr. Emmanuel Onoji; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; Managing Director, BCG Assiciate, Mr. Ogunlana Jaye and Tax Manager, Mr. Ajibade Stephen, during the signing of agreement between the BoI and Business Development Service Providers, in Lagos, at the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Group Head, Corporate Banking, Kano, First Bank Plc, Mrs. Aishat Bello; Deputy Country Head Deutsche Bank Mrs. Adeola Azeez; Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome; Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Sarah Alade; Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola and Executive Director, Citibank, Mrs. Nneka Enwereji, during the first Female Bankers’ Conference in Lagos, at the weekend.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R; President, The Golden Movie Ambassadors, Mr. Saidi Balogun; President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Nollywood actors: Mr. Jide Kosoko; Mr. Yemi Solade; Mr. Adebayo Salami; and Mr. Babatunde Omidina, at the stake holder’s Forum on the Movie Industry and Way Forward, organised by Yoruba Video Film Producer and Marketers Association of Nigeria, in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Managing Director, Bayswater Industries Limited, Mr. Piyush Nair; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, X Media Communication Limited, Mr. Tunde Lawrenson; Winner of the Mr. Chef First Lady Reality Show, Juliet Ofodile, and Director Bayswater Industries Limited, Chief Reggie Uduhiri at the show’s grand finale in Lagos, at the weekend.

National News

FIRS queries 18 firms over tax liabilities TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has quizzed top officials of 18 companies operating in Kano metropolis for failing to file their tax returns, remit tax revenue and offset outstanding tax liabilities.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director, Communications and Liaison Department of the Service, Mr. Emmanuel Obeta, listed the companies with outstanding tax liabilities quizzed by the FIRS joint team of Medium Tax Office, MTO, and the Special Enforcement and Investigation Unit, as Crown Continental Ltd, Mentholatum Nigeria Ltd, Rumbu Sacks Ltd, Terrytex Nigeria Ltd, Klysat Concepts Ltd and Digibit Control Nigeria Ltd. The six companies are

owing outstanding tax liabilities of N39.8 million in Companies Income Tax, CIT, Education Tax, EDT, Withholding Tax, WHT, and Value Added Tax. Others that failed to file their tax returns as stipulated by the relevant statutes include Lungun Fulani Nigeria Ltd, Auwalu Musa and Co. Nig. Ltd, GeeDee Enterprises Ltd, Kimpex Engineering and Construction Ltd and Nako Ltd. Rano Oil and Gas Ltd, S. Roda and Sons Ltd, Edmarck Nigeria Ltd, F.K. Construction and Co Ltd, Nigerian Road Construction Ltd and Omni B. Holdings Ltd also belong to the categories of companies that defaulted in filing their tax returns.

It would be recalled that the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, had on September 25 directed all field offices across the country

to commence full-scale enforcement exercise against corporate bodies and individuals who have not filed tax returns or voluntarily fulfilled their tax obligations.

The tax law requires companies with December 31 as their end of year Accounting date to file tax returns on or before the end of June of every year, while payments of taxes are expected to be made not later than end

of August.

The week-long tax drive in Kano State was jointly led by the Tax Controller MTO, Mr Pam Davou and Mr. Masama Haruna of the Special Enforcement and Investigation Unit.

Davou said the exercise became necessary following the companies’ refusal to respond to several notices and letters of reminders asking them to fulfill their tax obligations.

He said the exercise was aimed at recovering arrears of taxes accruing to government from Company Income Tax, CIT, Education Tax, EDT, Withholding Tax, WHT and VAT as well as compelling the companies to file their annual tax returns.

Davou said: “The Nigeria tax laws are very liberal because this exercise is the last option after we have sent series of letters,

notices and even paid visits to the affected companies to remind them of their obligations.

“We all have obligations to pay taxes and more importantly, comply with the relevant tax laws of the country.”

The top officials of the affected companies were made to sign an undertaking with the FIRS, specifying the period within which they would fulfill their tax obligations.

2015 poll: INEC to engage Air Force, Navy

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he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will engage the services of the Nigeria Air Force, navy and other security agencies for adequate security during general elections in 2015.

The commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Taraba State, Mr Austin Okojie, disclosed

this while addressing Batch ‘B’ corps members at NYSC Orientation Camp in Jalingo on Sunday.

Okojie explained that the move was necessary given the level of insecurity in the country.

“The commission is making arrangements with the Nigerian Air Force, Navy and other se-

curity agents to ensure safety of lives and property during the 2015 general elections.

“We expect Nigerians to understand that the engagement of security agents to maintain law and order is to enable us to conduct free, fair and acceptable elections,” he said.

Okojie advised corps

members to be patriotic in the elections.

Th e State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Freeman Tumba, commended the role of corpse members in the country’s electoral process so far.

He said corps members were the best set of Nigerians to bring credibility to the nation’s electoral process.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, November 24, 2014

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CBN tightens conditions for foreign exchange sales CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

systemic leakages in the forex market amid declining reserves.

A circular signed by the CBN Director, Trade and Exchange, Mr. Olakanmi Gbadamosi, said that any dealer which violate its policy on foreign exchange sales will be sanctioned.

The circular titled, “Sale of Foreign Exchange without Adequate Documentation- Particularly Shipping Documents” noted that only imports, which are backed with evidence of shipment and other relevant documents are eligible for foreign exchange.

It said, “This is to inform all authorised dealers and general public that we have observed that some authorised dealers have been indulging in the sale of foreign exchange for items not supported with necessary shipping documents, particularly on open account basis.

“It is therefore important to note that only imports, which are backed with evidence of shipment and other relevant documents, are eligible for foreign exchange,” he said.

It emphasised that “front loading” of foreign exchange purchases from both the interbank and Retail Dutch Auction System,

RDAS, will no longer be permitted with immediate effect.

The notice added that for the avoidance of doubt, only transactions for which letters of credit are cashbacked, or with matured clean lines or matured bills for collection are eligible for the foreign exchange in the forex market.

The CBN had on November 6, excluded importers of generators and some other items from those qualified to purchase of foreign exchange from the official market.

Those excluded include dealers in electronics, finished products, information technology, generators, telecommunication equipment and invisible transactions.

The regulator had also limited foreign currency borrowing of banks to 75 per cent of their shareholders’ funds and had banned banks from selling intervention foreign exchange in the interbank or to bureaux de change, BDCs. In the circular entitled “Exclusion of some transactions from the RDAS window” also signed by Gbadamosi, the bank explained that the decision was made to conserve foreign exchange, which has come under pressure due to falling oil prices and reduced accre-

tion to the reserves.

The circular said: “This is to inform all authorised dealers and the general public that in order to maintain the existing stability in the foreign exchange market and to further strengthen the various policy measures already initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the importation of the following items shall henceforth be funded from the interbank foreign exchange market only: Electronics, finished products, information technology, generators, telecom-

munication equipment and invisible transactions.”

The decline in external reserves and the depreciation of the naira was fuelled by increased foreign exchange demand due to fears of exchange rate losses by foreign portfolio investors as crude prices continued to sink, uncertainties surrounding the 2015 elections and the insurgency in the North East.

The stock market has lost over 15 per cent with market capitalisation this year, depreciating by over N1trn in

empty assurances, I can tell you that we are already making headway with the insurgents for dialogue. Muslims are tired of empty promises; we can no longer accept the assurances and promises of the government.

“As in painful previous cases, JNI President-General and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on behalf of Nigerian Muslims, condemns these unabated acts of terror being unleashed on innocent citizens and calls for concerted introspection and sincere commitment by government,” the group stated.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has expressed the optimism that the military will soon defeat the rampaging insurgents and restore peace in the country.

Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who gave

this assurance, appealed to the international community to be more objective by showing understanding for the peculiarity of Nigeria’s current security situation.

He particularly criticised the hard stance of some western countries over perceived negative human rights record of the military, saying it is ill-informed and based on a wrong mindset.

Olukolade, who spoke while receiving the prestigious Alfred Daniel King Foundation award as a distinguished Military Information Expert, in Atlanta Georgia, United States of America noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces have always strived to operate in line with the global professional best practices.

Urging the world to recall that Nigeria has survived a civil war, social and political unrests, and several religious upheavals in the 100 years of its existence as a

at the beginning of the year.

Many analysts believe than an official devaluation is inevitable as the continued defence of the naira with foreign reserves was unsustainable in the long run.

The low oil prices forced the government o to announce a raft of austerity measures including higher taxes on luxury items, tight budgetary controls and more aggressive Internally Generated Revenue drive among others.

Coordinator, Nigeria Immigration Service, "Zone E" command, Mr. Godwin Ogbenjuwa, inspecting a guard of honour, during his official visit to Uyo command recently.

Boko Haram kills 48 in Borno CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

just four days this month.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN is to meet today and tomorrow to determine monetary policy measures that will be adopted to address declining reserves.

The naira had fallen to record low of N176 per dollar at the interbank market and N180 at the parallel market after the CBN refused to intervene in the market last week.

Forex reserves have declined by $5bn this year to $38.5bn down from $43.5bn

nation, Olukolade said Nigerians can only look forward with a sense of pride to the next 100 years with renewed hope, vigour and certainty that the current travails would herald even greater prospect for Nigeria and her people.

He said that the notion that the war with terrorists in the North East has overwhelmed the military is not only ridiculous but utterly baseless and conspiratorial in nature.

According to him, it is important for critics to realise that the war against the terrorists is not conventional but purely a guerilla warfare where terrorists fight sporadically and melt back into the social system.

Unfortunately he noted, some international interests are desperate to portray Nigeria as a failed state; show the world that democratic governance is not good for Nigeria; ridicule

the Nigerian armed forces and make them seem incapable of safeguarding the sovereignty of the Nigerian state.

He said: “If, with the sophistication of global coalition, money and military resources so far deployed to fighting the Islamic State, IS, western powers are yet to dislodge ISIS from Iraq and Syria, then it is imperative they should show more understanding in respect of Boko Haram war in Nigeria.”

He emphasised that the insurgency is a passing phase in the history of Nigeria as very soon, with the concerted efforts of the military, the support from the government, more understanding from the international community and more importantly with the support of the Nigerian people, Boko Haram will be defeated.

Earlier while present-

ing the award, Chairperson of the Foundation and widow of A.D. King, Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King had expressed her delight in honouring the Nigerian military spokesperson for displaying excellence in defence leadership, information management and commitment to service, which she noted serves as a shining example that others could emulate.

She pointed out that the Foundation had watched with keen interest and followed line by line, precept by precept General Olukolade’s articulate dissemination of information that has changed the world conversation about Nigeria as a whole.

She stated further that through professional military activities, Olukolade has built the world’s confidence in the ability of the Nigerian nation and indeed the Nigerian Armed Forces to tri-

umph in its overall mission/ peace keeping, which put the Senior Military Officer in the bracket of change agents.

The A.D. King Foundation, a USA based Youth Empowerment Organisation is a non-violent conflict resolution entity formed to revolutionalise the mindset, attitude and behaviour that promote violence and war with non-violent principles, methods and direct actions.

The mission of the Foundation revolves around promoting youth empowerment development and non-violent social change strategies as a way of life throughout the world.

The Foundation was formed after Rev A.D. Williams King, a driving force behind the Civil Rights Youth Movement who also, behind the scene, organised many of the historic protests that changed America in its socio-political evolution.

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Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Robbers invade chambers of lawyer challenging Jonathan’s re-election ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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en suspected to be armed robbers at the weekend broke into the law office of one of the lawyers who is a plaintiff in the suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest in the 2015 general elections, Wahab Olatoye, and carted away most of the files containing documents to be used in the suit.

National Mirror reports that Olatoye alongside one Adejumo Ajagbe had approached the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja seeking an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation from allowing Jonathan and Sambo to seek re-election for their respective offices in 2015.

In a chat yesterday, Olatoye said his office at Suite 33, Manga Plaza,

Garki Area 11 was burgled on Friday night and vital documents he is using to pursue his case against the President and other vital documents, were taken away.

He said he could not understand what was really happening. He however added that the crime had since been reported to the Garki Police station.

“It is really a great surprise to me, when I was called on Saturday morning that my office had

been burgled by yet-to-be identified persons.

“It was my office alone that was burgled out of all the offices in the plaza. The thieves came in through the ceiling and ransacked all the files in my office.

“Although, they made away with some amount of money I left in the office, they also took away some documents, especially the ones I am using to pursue my case against the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“As a plaintiff in the matter and a legal practitioner, there are some documents I need to hand over to my lawyers which I kept in the office. All my computer systems in the office were also destroyed, the office safe was also destroyed.

“The matter has been reported to the FCDA police station in Garki, and the police has promised to come around on Monday morning for further investigation,” Olatoye stated.

Olatoye and Ajagbe had anchored their suit against Jonathan on the provisions of sections 132(1), 135(2)(a) and (b), 137(1)(b), 142(1) and (2) of the Constitution and the Supreme Court decisions.

The plaintiffs argued that by the virtue of con-

stitutional provisions, the President and the Vice President elected in the same election and sworn into office on the same date and ceremony were taken to have been elected for one single term of four years. The plaintiffs also contended that by virtue of the oaths taken by Jonathan and Sambo following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010 and their subsequent re-election in 2011, both of them were deemed to have completed the two terms allowed by law.

At the last adjourned date, the trial judge, Justice A.R Mohammed fixed December 1 for hearing in the suit, having ordered parties to file and exchange all necessary processes.

Archibong sues NJC, others ISE-OLUWA IGE

A Participants at the 17th meeting of the Honorary International Investor Counci, in London at the weekend.

We’ve paid over N102bn to failed banks’ depositors – NDIC ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC has paid about N102bn to bank customers whose deposits were trapped in failed banks in the last 25 years.

NDIC Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, said depositors were yet to claim about N25bn recovered from the 48 failed banks within the same period.

Ibrahim, speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme to mark the corporation’s 25th anniversary in Ado Ekiti at the weekend, urged bank customers whose deposits were trapped in some liquidated banks to avail themselves of

the opportunity of the corporation to get such back.

He said: “We are worried about depositors whose monies are trapped in banks and they have refused to file their claims. As an organisation, we have been asking those concerned to access us, but many have refused.

In the last 25 years, we have had course to liquidate 48 banks and we had paid over N102bn to depositors, both insured and uninsured.

“Yet, we still have billions of naira waiting for depositors to collect.

We think that by coming to discuss this with the people, they will know more about our services and take more of the ad-

vantages we have creat- the event, meant to celed in order to bring suc- ebrate customers and cour to the people whose stakeholder many of deposits were trapped in who walked home with various gift items, was banks.”

Ibrahim, who also ad- also put in place to eduvised Nigerians to keep cate the public about their money in banks the benefits of banking to avoid losing such to and the risks involved burglars, fire, floods in holding monies in priand other risks, added vate pockets of individuthat the commission als. sometimes paid beyond the insured N200,000 for micro-finance and mortgage banks, and N500,000 for commercial banks.

He said: “If your banks have problems, come and file claims. We have set aside money for that. We are even paying beyond the insured amount. When we realise the assets of the banks, we share it.”

The NDIC boss said Ibrahim

retired judge, Justice Charles Archibong, has sued the National Judicial Council, NJC, before a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order compelling the council to release some vital documents relating to his service records to him.

The judge said he had demanded for the documents severally from the NJC to no avail.

He said he needed the document to prove his claim in another suit where he is contesting that he was retired from the bench over corruption related issue.

He said a number of newspapers had also published similar damaging stories when in actual fact the reason for his premature retirement had nothing to do with corruption.

He had invoked the provisions of the Freedom of Information, FoI, Act to request for the documents.

The document he wanted released to him include his service records containing all petitions against him and a certified record of proceedings of the NJC that

resulted in its recommendation to the President that he should be retired.

In his suit with registration number FHC/ ABJ/CS/837/2014 dated November 12, 2014, before Justice Kafarati, Justice Archibong is seeking various reliefs, including a declaration that the refusal, failure and/or neglect by the defendant to release the information requested by him concerning his service records, judicial activities including all petitions against him amounts to violation of section 7(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and is therefore wrongful, illegal and unconstitutional.

He also wanted a declaration that the refusal, failure and/or neglect by the defendant to release the information requested by the plaintiff is a violation of the provisions of section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and that by a true interpretation and construction of section 4(a) of the FoI Act, 2011, the defendant as a Public Institution within the meaning of section 7 and 31 thereof is under obligation to furnish to him on his demand

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 24, 2014

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Monday, November 24, 2014

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Koton Karfe jailbreak: FG queries prisons’ boss .Orders probe into inmates smuggling arms .Bans phone usage, indecent dressing OMEIZA AJAYI

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he Federal Government has ordered a fresh investigation into the circumstances that led to the recent invasion of the Koton Karfe Prison in Kogi State.

Specifically, the government ordered the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, NPS, Aminu Sulley, to investigate and explain within two weeks how a sizeable number of AK47 rifles got into the prison and why the only sanction meted on the erring officer was a mere transfer.

The decision was a fallout of a meeting between the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, and the management team of the NPS in Abuja.

Moro also ordered that henceforth, no inmate or prison official would be allowed access to their telephones while in the prison premises.

Furthermore, the prisons service has 30 days to recover all telephones from inmates across all prison formations in the country.

The minister, who decried indecent dressing by the inmates, also directed that henceforth no inmate should be allowed to wear their personal choice of clothes or shoes, no matter their social status, as is the

practice in some facilities.

“I have visited some prisons in other countries as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nobody, no matter how highly placed you are, you don’t come to prison with your phones, not even the Minister of Interior or the supervising minister over the prisons. So, why are you an exception?

“Henceforth, no matter who you are including myself, nobody goes into the prison with telephones.

And so, as you are going from here, create a meeting platform where all the officers that work in the prisons, as they walk into the prisons, they must submit their phones and collect them when they close.

“Secondly, it means that you have one month to recover all the phones in the custody of inmates across the prison formations.

“Within one month, all prison formations must recover all telephones from inmates. Don’t forget that I will know if you fail to do this because we have various agencies in Nigeria that are tracking telephone usages and the service providers are available for such telephones. The consequence of not doing this, you already know,” he said.

On the recent attack on the Koton Karfe Prison, the minister expressed

displeasure at the failure of the prisons intelligence unit and its armed squad to foil the attack, saying their ineptitude has led to the two attacks within two years.

“A situation whereby it is established that a prison officer connived with external forces to take a sizeable number of AK47 into the prison and the only sanctions you can give to such officer is to transfer him is sad; and so, acting CG, I want you to investigate that matter and report back to me within two weeks,” he said.

He also lamented a situation where prison facilities are littered with trousers of inmates, saying even in police stations,

“immediately you are arrested you would be denied your dresses except the ones to cover the sensitive parts of the body.”

He warned the officers to either demonstrate their capacity or honourably resign as there are many Nigerians seeking jobs.

“Just say you are no longer capable of doing this job and get out, and we will get committed Nigerians to fill the vacancies.

And I mean everything I am saying,” he said.

While he conceded that there are issues bordering on staff welfare and promotions, he said his leadership has done everything to reverse the trend.

Moro, who was bitter

about the situation in the prison service, charged them to demonstrate capacities of what they were demanding, saying without that “you don’t even deserve promotion; promotion for what?

“Nigerians will not be happy with you if they hear that you are getting promotions while these failures continue. There are standards across the world and I have worked in many places and wherever I find myself working, I have always ensured the system works. So, the Ministry of Interior will not be an exception. Every day I spend here, I will insist on the best.”

The Minister admitted that all the evils been

perpetrated at the prisons across the country may not be done at the level of the senior officers, but challenged them to ensure the junior ones under them do the right things.

“Two things can only happen here, either you are incapable to do the job or you are part of the problems.

“There is no way I can tell Nigerians or Mr. President that I don’t know what is happening under my ministry; two things can only happen, either I am incapable or I am part of the problems of the Ministry. So, you are in charge of your command and so you must know what is happening in your command,” he said.

L-R: Dr Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), Notary Public, Supreme Court of Nigeria; President, Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA), Mr. Wole Oshin; Executive Director, the South Centre, Dr. Martin Khor; Dean, LBS, Dr. Enase Okonedo; Director, Alumni Relations, LBS Mr. Henry Onukwuba;, Honorary President, Business Council for Africa, Mr. Arnold Akpe, and Zonal President, LBSAA South East zone, Mr. Moritz Abazie, at the LBSAA Alumni Day in Lagos, at the weekend.

2015: Ondo PDP crisis, Jimoh Ibrahim rules out defection of members ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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here was hope of a possible resolution of the crisis rocking the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Chieftain of the party, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim has declared that the crisis would soon be resolved ruling out the defection of the aggrieved members.

Barrister Ibrahim disclosed this after a closeddoor reconciliatory meeting of leaders of the party held at the residence of an elder of party, Pa Agboola Akintan in Idanre, Idanre Local Government area of the State at the weekend.

According to him, the issues about the planned defection of some aggrieved members and the forthcoming election of President Goodluck Jonathan 2015 were discussed and also have been resolved at the meeting.

He said : “what is paramount in our mind is President Jonathan’s election, we want the President to win in Ondo State convincingly, that assignment is between me and the governor and we cannot negotiate Jonathan’s election.

“Nobody will decamp to another party. The situation has reached a situation where we will be talking of defection. We will talk to our followers about

that.”

He also noted that the peace meeting had not been concluded yet but denied breakdown of negotiations amongst members, saying the discussions about the integration of new and old members and the sharing of elective positions were ongoing .

On the cases pending in the law court over the dissolution of the State Executive Council, the billionaire businessman explained that there were issues to be resolved before the cases could be withdrawn.

It would be recalled that the State Exco has approached the court to challenge its dissolution by the

National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, this was said to be part of major issue discussed at the meeting.

Some of the party leaders who attended the over eight hours meeting including the governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, Prof Olu Agbi, Chief Segun Adegoke, Mr Olusola Agbesua, Princess Oladuni Odu, Chief Samuel Akintan and Dr Kola Ademujimi among others.

Meanwhile, 50 aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, jostling for the Senate and House of Representatives seats in Ondo State yesterday threatened

to defect to opposition political parties to actualise their ambition if the injustice meted on them by Governor Olusegun Mimiko is not quickly remedied.

The aspirants, who have orally served their quit notice accused Mimiko of running the party in a manner to cause acrimony to the advantage of the opposition parties in the state.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the aspirants in Abuja, a legal practitioner, Bola Aidi, stated that the screening panel had refused to give anyone of them certificate of qualification or disqualification after they were screened.

He however added that

to their greatest surprise, Mimiko went ahead to present the list of his own candidates to the national secretariat having excluded all of them that went for the screening.

Aidi is aspiring to represent Akoko North East/ West in House of Representatives.

He said all the excluded aspirants will be at the Wadata House, the headquarters of the party this morning, to protest their exclusion.

“This is to intimate the nation and the PDP leadership of the looming calamity in the party in Ondo State if Mimiko is allowed to continue to run the party as he is presently doing.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, November 24, 2014

PRESS RELEASE

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he attention of Northern Women Peace Forum is drawn to a purported video clip going round the town and even in the social media as well as the electronic and print media on an alleged statement made by Katsina State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

The statement which has been accessed and went viral is being misinterpreted and misquoted by political opponents, opportunists, mischief makers, and some other people with a poisoned mind plus an intent to distort the actual fact on the ground and to cause disaffection, misunderstanding, and bad blood among the rank and file of the good people in Katsina State.

On this, it is to be noted that, His Excellency Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema has never haboured, nor legalized, encouraged, or promoted political thuggery, political upheavals or politics of bitterness/hatred among the people.

Rather, from day one after he launched his first election campaigns in 2007 and till date, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema has never promoted political thuggery nor supported or encouraged anyone of his supporters before, during, or after campaigns to carry a weapon or even a stick in whatever name to attack an opponent.

It is on record that, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema has fought Kauraye (Political thugs) to the letter and brought their nefarious activities to a standstill as well as

encouraged the law and the natural justice to take its course on any of the political thugs apprehended unleashing terror or mayhem on anyone throughout the length and breadth of Katsina State.

Everyone in Katsina State and even beyond knows Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema as a man of peace, tolerance, humility, respect of law and a leader who promotes peaceful co-existence among all members of the social strata without malice, ill-feelings or segregation on account of difference in religion, tribe, ethnic or regional considerations.

Our association is therefore calling on all well-meaning individuals not to be carried away by the political sentiments and negative rumour mongers in the country who are bent on creating confusion and overheating the polity through flimsy methods to achieve their sinister motives.

Governor Ibrahim Shema will therefore continue to do all that it takes to ensure the prevalence of peace, love, unity and peaceful co-existence among all the people in Katsina State without any segregation.

It is also on record that throughout Nigeria it is only in Katsina State that we don’t have the label of Non-indigenes attached to any person from other parts of the country living in the State.

This further indicates the level of tolerance and accommodation of all Nigerians as one

by Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

Signed Hajiya Binta Kuraye President, Northern Women Peace Forum

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South West

LASU crisis: VC vows to end corruption, impunity ...says senate may withdraw 19 Ph.Ds FRANCIS SUBERU

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s the wind of change currently blowing in the Lagos State University, LASU, continues to polarise different power blocs in the institution, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa, has vowed to end the culture of impunity and corruption in the university before the end of his tenure.

Obafunwa, who made the vow during an interactive session with journalists yesterday, admitted that though many untoward behaviour and activities had been permitted in the past, the days of sweeping wrongs under the carpet and favoritism were gone for good in the university.

Speaking on the alleged plan to withdraw some Ph.D certificates awarded by the school, the vice chancellor said it was a collective decision of the school’s senate to probe into the process by which the certificates in question were awarded after being informed of some irregularities in the process.

Ruling out any attempt at victimising the affected

lecturers, Obafunwa said the issue first came to his notice during one of the meetings of the school senate, saying the senate not only directed that the matter be investigated but also took final decision on the matter after investigation.

He said: “During one of our senate meetings, someone complained that she was given a PhD in a programme she did not enroll for. She said she enrolled for M.Phil/Ph.D International Business; ‘you cannot give me a certificate in Business Administration Marketing.’

“I didn’t even know anything about it until it came to the fore. The senate directed the Dean of Postgraduate School and Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences to go and bring all the materials relating to this. We asked them to look at the documents and eventually found that 19 (persons) were affected.

“Senate spent about three hours debating the issue and eventually was able to categorise everything into three groups. I think about eight of them or so, have virtually no problem.

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thugs vandalise Ladoja’s father’ house KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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he orgy of political violence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, which started last Friday, yesterday assumed a new dimension as the house of father of the former governor of the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, Pa Yunusa Ladoja, was among several houses vandalised by suspected political thugs who also razed several shops and vandalised vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles at Born Photo, Iyana Asuni, Ile-eja and part of Gege area, all in Ibadan.

As at yesterday evening, a house by the main junc-

tion of Iyana Asuni was still up in flames while men of the state fire service battled hard to put the fire out.

Tension was also high in the area while security operatives including regular policemen took positions at Born Photo junction, Iyana Asuni junction and at Idi-Arere main junction, apparently to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

Eyewitnesses including the octogenarian owner of a popular Born Photo shop who insisted that he is better addressed as ‘’Born Photo’’ said the political thugs who did the damage were also armed with weapons including guns and were

just damaging anything that attracted them.

“Someone just called me this morning to tell me that thugs had invaded my shop. When I got here, I met the doors and glass planes as well as some finished photos damaged. The thugs were reportedly armed to the teeth,” the photographer said.

During a visit to Pa Ladoja’s house at Born Photo junction, the window planes and the doors were observed among items damaged.

Media Aide to Senator Ladoja, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, while confirming the damage, described the development as unfortunate.

Similarly, a fuel station at Iyana Asuni junction was vandalized, though security operatives were later stationed there.

Burnt vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles were seen littered at Idi Arere/Born Photo major road during a visit to the scene of the incident.

Efforts to speak with the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Olabisi Ilobanafor, on the incident proved abortive as calls made to her line were not picked but a reliable source said the state Police Command would later brief journalists on the spate of violence that has enveloped Ibadan

Lagos approves 29 new schools FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Government yesterday said it has approved 29 new private schools in the state, warning the proprietors against indulging in examination malpractices.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, disclosed this in Lagos at the handing over of letters of approval to proprietors of the newly approved schools.

She enjoined proprietors of private schools in the state not to aid and condone examination malpractices in their schools.

Oladunjoye explained that examination malpractice destroys the lives of students as it gives them a false impression of their academic capabilities.

The commissioner said most times students who engage in examination malpractice to obtain excellent results in their West African Examination Council, WAEC, results find it difficult to cope in the universities, adding that if proprietors of private schools do not aid them in exam malpractice they (the students) would be self actualised.

She said, “Let me urge you not to allow your schools to be used to perpetrate examination malpractices. Let me assure you that if you aid your students to perpetrate exam malpractice because you want your schools to be associated with success, then you are not helping the students. Rather you are destroying their lives as it will give them false impression about their academic performance.”

L-R; Oba Adetunji Tijani Akinloye; Oba Idowu Abilodun Oniru; former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Ahfa Onikijipa, and Oba Saridi Ademola Elegushi, during the 5th memorial prayer of late Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi,at Elegushi Palace,EtiOsa,Lagos, yesterday.

Students seek Fayose’s intervention over high fees VICTOR OGUNJE ADO EKITI

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tudents in Ekiti State have appealed to the governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, to make quick pronouncement on the slashing of the ‘exorbitant tuition fees’ being paid in all the state tertiary institutions to reduce tension on campuses.

The students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, appealed to the governor to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in line with his electioneering promise that tuition fees in the state tertiary

institutions would be slashed to give respite to parents.

The NANS Chairman, Ekiti axis, Comrade Opeyemi Musa, at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, said the students would continue to strive for the rights of students in the state for better welfare packages that would bring comfort to them and their institutions, stressing that such would not be done to the detriment of the existing peace in the state.

The students also called on the security agencies to arrest and prosecute those it de-

scribed as impostors and leaders of factional group in the organisation carrying out frivolous protests and causing unrest in the state-owned tertiary institutions.

They said police action is needful to stem the tide of unwarranted protests being staged in some institutions in recent time, when option of dialogue would have first been employed.

While condemning the invasion and disruption of academic activities on November 17 at the College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, by a group un-

der the guise of NANS, Musa said: “The violent protest at the institution is not only condemnable, but against the ethics of our organisation, which believes in dialogue in settling dispute rather than confrontation.

“While we totally agree with the demands of the students of that institution, but agitation for reduction of fee must be within the confines of the law.”

Musa hailed the college management’s decision to close the institution for two weeks for all interested parties to come to the roundtable to seek truce.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, November 24, 2014

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Ibadan attack: Residents, police trade words over arrest KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi flanked by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Ali (right) and wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, at the grand finale of the Ibadan Week organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in Ibadan, on Saturday.

98,300 Nigerian babies died from birth complication –WHO FRANKA OSAKWE

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bout 98,300 Nigerian babies died from premature birth complication in 2013, according to researchers from the World Health Organization, WHO, in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

This places Nigeria as number two among countries with the highest death from preterm complication, second only to India (361,600 preterm

deaths), followed by Pakistan (75,000), D.R. Congo (40,600) and China (37,200) in 2013.

The report published in the Lancet world journal said premature birth is now the single leading cause of death among babies and young children, followed by pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, injury and meningitis.

Also, the WHO, in a statement to mark this year’s World Preterm Birth day, estimated that almost one million children die globally each year due to complications of preterm birth, while many survivors face lifetime of dis-

abilities.

While declaring preterm birth as the leading cause of new born death, and the second leading cause of under- five death, WHO said that 90 per cent of extremely preterm babies born in low-income countries die within the first few days, whereas less than 10 per cent die in highincome setting.

To address this issue, WHO suggested essential care during childbirth and in the postnatal period for every mother and baby, including antenatal steroid injections (given to pregnant women at risk of preterm labour to strengthen

the babies’ lungs), kangaroo mother care (when the baby is carried by the mother with skin-toskin contact and frequent breastfeeding), and antibiotics to treat newborn infections.

It also underlines the crucial importance of research for addressing the causes of preterm birth, as well as improving treatment and care of babies, mothers and their families.

It further stated that improved understanding of preterm birth will assist in advancing the development of solutions which could help to end preventable deaths.

Stop victimising our members, APC warns Ondo Assembly OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has warned the State House of Assembly to desist from victimising its two members in the House, Gbenga Edema and Fola Olasehinde-Vincent.

The party said in Akure, during the weekend that it was ready to take a legal action against the Assembly over the unfair treatment of the lawmakers.

The two members, who represent Ilaje 11 and Ose state constituencies respectively, defected from the Labour Party, LP, to the APC, shortly after Governor Olusegun Mimiko joined the PDP.

The State Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, accused the Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, of taking instructions from Mimiko to direct the affairs of the House, describing her as the “puppet” of the executive arm.

Kekemeke, who expressed disappointment in the Speaker, said he expected her to display equitable behaviour as a lawyer, emphasising that she would eventually account for her deeds.

The former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, said: “We are dragging the State Assembly and its Speaker to conventional court and that of the public opinion.

“Princess Akindele has turned the Ondo State parliament to a personalised

assembly. All the benefits and privileges due to the two opposition lawmakers have been denied them unlike other PDP lawmakers.”

The chairman stated that the two lawmakers had been removed as committee chairmen since they decided not to follow Governor Mimiko to the PDP. Apart from being removed as committee chairmen, Kekemeke added that they were also exempted from membership of any committee.

He said: “In any legislative house, opposition lawmakers are always appointed chairman, Public Accounts, to guarantee transparency. But the story is different here in Ondo Assembly. It is a matter of winner takes all.

“Even at the plenary and parliamentary sessions, our members are not recognised whenever they signify their intention to contribute to debates. This is outright victimisation and strange to logical minds.

“I am only praying that this 7th Assembly under Princess Akindele will not go down in history as the worst ever in Ondo State to carry out legislative duties.

“We in the APC will not be silent on this apathy in the parliament; we will continue to shout until the present anomaly is checked.

“We are using this medium to appeal to the Speaker and other principal officers in the Assembly not to put the state in flames because of political intolerance.”

esidents of OkeAdo area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital have cried out over alleged police harassment, arrest and persecution as a result of last Friday’s bloody encounter between some political thugs and security agents.

It will be recalled that one policeman was shot dead, while over 23 others were wounded during the attack by the rampaging thugs.

However some residents of the area yesterday rose against the alleged persecution of innocent people by the police who were accused of visiting their anger on residents by entering homes, business areas and mechanic workshops to effect indiscriminate arrest since the bloody attack.

During a visit to the area, residents claimed some homes have been deserted while all the mechanic workshops were empty as workers have fled over fear of arrest which started on Saturday.

One of the elders in the area, Pa Adeogun Ezekiel,

called for the intervention of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to help prevail on the police to stop the alleged persecution of the innocent residents and device other means to apprehend the culprits.

Others, who would not want their names in print said since the bloody attack, many have been forced to leave the area, while innocent youths were being picked up on the streets and in their homes by policemen.

But the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Olabisi Ilobanafor, denied the allegation of harassment and persecution of the residents of the area.

She said: “Police did not just do mass arrest, we didn’t enter home, those that were arrested were arrested in the crowd.

They should not entertain any fear. He that his hands are clean should not entertain any fear.

“They should feel free.

Activities are going on at Oke-Ado as people are opening for businesses. It is just a mischief. We visited there this morning, and people are going to churches.

Osun hosts investors from Latin America BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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delegation of investors from some Latin American countries have held talks with officials of the Osun State government as part of efforts to diversify the economy of the state to mitigate the effects of the dwindling revenue from the federation account.

The investors, who are from Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, were led to the state by the Nigeria Ambassador to Brazil, Chief Chive Kaave.

During the discussion held at the weekend in Osogbo, the state capital, both parties resolved to partner in areas like agricultural mechanisation, egg, rice and fish production, cassava processing, cooling storage and processing.

The Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnership, Dr. Charles Akinola, who led the state delegation to the

session in his address, explained the economic plans of the government under the leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and how investors from the three countries can key into the Six Point Integral Action Plans of the government meant to banish hunger, poverty and engendered massive employment of the youths.

Akinola, who also spoke on the availability of favourable climate conducive for many agricultural produce, stressed the importance of rail line to support industrialisation of the state. He added that the present administration is interested in establishing mid regional market at Dagbolu to further industrialise the state through agriculture.

He said: “We are interested in all season farming and we need to do so because the state government plans to supply at least 10 per cent of the food consumes in Lagos and we need to go into commercial agriculture to be able to achieve this.

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South East

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmir-

FG sets up 52 e-libraries at N13b …Spends N8.6bn for UBEC in Imo

Chris Njoku OWERRI

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inister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, has said the Federal Government established and equipped a total of 52 ultra-modern e-library blocks across the country, each costing N250 million as part of its transformation agenda to salvage the nation’s education sector and to promote reading culture among students.

Mrs. Onwuliri, who disclosed this while commissioning two of such facilities at Federal Government College Okigwe and Federal Government Girls College, Owerri all in

Jonathan

Imo State, said the central government also had so far sank N8.6 billion on universal basic education in the state while over N20 billion on iconic priorities had been invested in the church in the past three years.

Additionally, she said the Federal Government is establishing entrepreneur-

ship centres across the country while efforts had been intensified to move about 7.5 million Almajiri kids in the northern parts of the country back to school before the year runs out to stop them from begging for alms on the roads.

Accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Alhaji Suleiman Dikko, and some officials of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Onwuliri commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his passion, honesty and sincerity to move the country forward. She stressed that his vocational education which is in line with his

result-oriented transformation agenda places value on all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic background, religious or political inclination.

The minister, who had earlier inspected ongoing construction works of UBEC projects with vocational schools at Mgbee, in the Orlu council area, said: “The PDP-led government does not discriminate against any part of the country because we believe, in one Nigeria and we need to train those kids no matter where they come from and all interventionist projects earmarked in UBEC will be extended to Imo State.”

She therefore charged the students of the schools to always take their studies seriously and to shun acts that could frustrate them from realising their lofty careers.

Responding, the prin-

cipals of the schools, Mrs. Kelechi Agupusi of FGC Okigwe and Mrs. Etobi Petesina of FGGC Owerri commended the president for his commitment towards providing qualitative education in the country.

300,000 rally for Jonathan in Ebonyi Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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ver three hundred thousand people from across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State have staged a mega rally in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 second term ambition.

Addressing the supporters at the Abakaliki township stadium at the weekend, Governor Martin Elechi commended them for their effort to keep the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s flag flying, but warned them to disregard some Abuja politicians’ attempt to thwart the party structure in the state.

Elechi, who also accused one of the governorship aspirants of plotting to thwart PDP in the state,

added that President Jonathan is known for peace and that it was wrong for the aspirant to juxtapose his photography with Jonathan.

According to him, “We are here for a unique purpose to rally for our dear President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. People of Ebonyi as well as all Nigerians are calling, requesting, appealing for one man to come out and lead this great country.

I say in a unique way that we thank God for giving us a good leader in the person of President Jonathan.

“I hear the people of Ebonyi talking about what President Jonathan has done for our Ebonyi people.

The President is a true Nigerian and we are happy with him. He is known for peace but unfortunately some of us are pretending to be working with him.

Child rights: Unicef seeks more investments L-R: Wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano; former President Grand Order of Knights, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Engr. Okeke Eruba, and former governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba at the Delegates’ Conference of the Joint Council of Knights in Onitsha at the weekend.

Catholics mark Corpus Christi in Anambra Francis Ekpone ONITSHA

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atholic faithful in Anambra State yesterday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the feast of Christ the King, otherwise known as Corpus Christi.

Thousands of Catholics marched through the streets singing praise and worship songs, even as the catholic choir, Knights of the church, Catholic men and Women Organisation, clad in their uniformed attires, heralded the solemnity of Christ the King.

Some youths were busy throwing fire works among

the mammoth crowd while the Men of Order and Discipline, MOD, and Boys Scouts were sighted controlling the youths.

At Onitsha, some commuters and road users were trapped in traffic gridlock for over an hour as different parishes in the Archdiocese of Onitsha marched through the road to their designated centre.

At Awka, the popular Aroma junction was temporally shut down as parishes from St. Thomas Aquinas parish, St. Anthony’s parish, St Joseph the worker parish among other parishes headed to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for

benediction by the diocesan bishop.

While addressing the congregation, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor reminded Christians of the supremacy of Jesus Christ over every other king, stressing that no matter what happens Jesus remains the redeemer of the world.

The catholic prelate further explained that the actual period for the celebration was in June every year, but due to excessive rainfall in Nigeria at the time, the universal Church decided to shift it to November when the rain

must have been subsided, adding that it was done to remind the people of God about Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem.

“In other parts of the world, the Corpus Christi procession is done in June but because of the rainy season in Nigeria, the universal Church said no, let us remove it because it is something we do in the open ground and it involves movement of people.

“You know Christ came into this world suffered, died and was buried and then he rose again and the Church continues,” he explained.

Dennis Agbo ENUGU

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he United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, has called on governments at all levels and other partners to ensure more investments in education and health sectors in order to prepare children for a better future.

The UNICEF Chief field officer in Enugu, Mr. Charles Nzuki, made the call at the weekend during the commemoration of 25 years of the Convention on Rights of the Child, CRC, organised by UNICEF and Enugu State Ministry of Information at Federal Government College, Enugu.

Nzuki said UNICEF is celebrating the achievements and the realisation of rights of children, pointing out that there have been

tremendous improvements in the areas of education, healthcare and protection in Nigeria, but called for more attention to rights of the child.

Nzuki stressed that the convention is all about every child having the right to quality education, survival, health and protection among others, to enable them develop their potential.

He noted that it is the commitment of government, partners, communities and the parents to ensure their children achieve and receive maximum support in terms of reaching their full potential.

Nzuki said the commemoration of 25 years of CRC is a landmark that would continue to provide them a platform to make better progress in terms of promoting children’s rights.

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Lagos 2015: Hurdles confronting Obanikoro T

he aspiration of the immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, to succeed the incumbent governor of Lagos State, Mr Raji Fashola, of the ruling All Pogressives Congress, APC, got a bit distracted by fellow members of his party, the PDP when, three of them penultimate Friday went to an Ikeja High Court and sought an interim injunction to prevent him from being presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as PDP’s candidate.

The court action was instituted as Obanikoro and other gubernatorial aspirants of the party in Lagos State were rounding up their grassroot mobilisation for the gubernatorial primaries of the party, scheduled for December 8.

Before this court action, Obanikoro and Mr Jimi Agbaje are the leading gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the party and they are receiving high rating from political analysts and political watchers in the state.

However as if putting cog in the wheel of Obanikoro’s ambition, the three PDP members approached a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja to stop him from participating in the forthcoming gubernatorial primaries of the party.

The three applicants, Babatunde Ogun, Sulaiman Saheed and Wasiu Adeniyi Odusan brought the originating summons through their counsel,Wahab Shittu and prayed the court among others, for order of perpetual injunction restraining Obanikoro from offering himself for screening for the PDP gubernatorial primaries in Lagos State.

The three applicants are contending that Obanikoro is not eligible to vie for any elective post in Nigeria on account of alleged double nationalities.

The applicants are therefore praying the court to determine among other questions: “Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of section 182(1) (a) of the Constitution of 1999 (as amended), the 1st respondent (Obanikoro) having voluntarily acquired the citizenship of the United States of America in addition to the citizenship of Nigeria, without a renunciation of the former and a declaration of allegiance to Nigeria, is eligible to present himself for nomination as a candidate in the gubernatorial primaries of the PDP or any other registered political party for the purpose of contesting the 2015 elections in Lagos State or any subsequent election.” Listed as co-respondents in the suits are: INEC and his party, the PDP. Aside from praying the court to stop Obanikoro’s participation in the December 8 PDP primaries, the applicants also seek from the court an order of perpetual injunction restraining PDP from nominating him for the purpose of contesting the 2015 governorship election.

The applicants in their application said by the effects of the extant relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the PDP, Obanikoro is disabled from offering himself for the party’s screening slated for November 22 to November 25 and the primaries fixed for December 8.

Filed along with the suit was a 16-paragraph affidavit of urgency deposed to by a legal practitioner, Alayo Akanji and a 35-paragraph affidavit in support, deposed to by the first applicant, Babatunde Ogun, who averred that Obanikoro’s American citizenship has been evidenced in his American passport No. 025317195.

However, a group within the Lagos PDP, The Patriots, TP, has said that Obanikoro is capable of winning the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

The convener of the PDP group, Chief Jide Damazio, said that Obanikoro would defeat any candidate presented by the APC for the election.

Damazio said having been in active partisan politics

AYO ESAN examines the legal hurdle before one of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial aspirants in Lagos State and immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

Obanikoro

THE THREE APPLICANTS ARE CONTENDING THAT

OBANIKORO IS NOT

ELIGIBLE TO VIE FOR ANY ELECTIVE POST IN

NIGERIA

ON ACCOUNT OF ALLEGED DOUBLE NATIONALITIES since 1989, Obanikoro was the only aspirant capable of wresting power from the APC, which had been in power in the state since 1999.

He said: “Having served as a local government chairman, a senator, an ambassador and a minister, it is obvious that Obanikoro is superior to all other aspirants and, hereby, receives our full support to contest.

Another group, Concerned Lagosians, CL, a political advocacy group, in a statement by its coordinator, Olayinka Sotade, while reacting to the lawsuit instituted by some

party faithful seeking to bar Senator Obanikoro from the polls based on allegation that he had a dual citizenship said that “it was now a common knowledge that the duo of George and Ogunlewe were hell bent on derailing the success of the party in Lagos in the 2015 gubernatorial polls, with their insistence on producing the party’s candidate by hook or crook.

However the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Taofiki Gani, has said that there was no reason to believe that George was supporting anybody and reaffirmed George as the leader of the PDP in the state.

Gani said: “The Lagos PDP is reading the Riot Act to all those who are out to foment trouble in the name of any aspirant or group. Issues that are meant to be resolved within the party should not be discussed on the pages of newspapers. Let it be known that the activities of the aspirants and their groups in the open or secret are being noted by the party. Elections are approaching and this is not the time to be seen as disunited.

“We are not precluding that people can agitate for rights and privileges but they should not be overambitious. We particularly condemn any aspirant or group that has come to put a bad label on Chief George, he remains the leader of our party but that is not to say that his opinion will always be final. Anyone that continues to attack him will not only suffer punishment but may lose some privileges and will be labelled a mole of the APC and Tinubu.”

However, probably as a fallout of the crisis emanating from the court case, Obanikoro absented himself from a meeting convened by George last Wednesday to address the internal crisis of the party. Apart from Obanikoro, another aspirant, Adedeji Doherty, was also absent from the meeting which lasted for about four hours.

Aspirants present at the meeting were: Agbaje, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Adegbola Dominic, Tokunbo Kamson and Ms. Modupe Chukwuneke.

At the meeting, it was gathered that Chief George urged all the aspirants to work together before and after the primary. He said that anyone that continued to help the party even after losing out at the primary would not be neglected.

He also gave a warning to moles in the party that if they did not leave, he would not only expose them but ensure that they were disgraced.

Will the three party members have their way in disqualifying Obanikoro from participating in the PDP primary?

Or will Obanikoro scale the hurdle placed before his ambition? Time will tell!

Lagos PDP hold delegates’ congress today OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

I

n line with the directives of the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lagos State PDP has confirmed the rescheduling of its cancelled delegates’ congress to

hold today, November 24.

In a statement by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, the congress is to take place from 12 noon till concluded at all the 245 wards of the state at the usual place of their meetings or as confirmed by the state secretariat.

Gani said: “This confirmation is to serve as notice to all card carrying members of the party and to particularly debunk the rumours that the delegates’ congress has been postponed.”

Wishing all PDP members happy congress, the party leadership admonished

members to “participate in the process as law abiding citizens and loyal members of PDP,” warning detractors and opposition sponsored thugs to steer clear of the congress venues as any intruder or agent provocateur shall be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

14

Politics

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GUBERNATORIAL UPDATE

Adamawa guber: Clearance confirms my ability to lead PDP to victory –Gov. Ngilari OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

A

damawa State Governor Bala James Ngilari, has said that the clearance granted him to contest the 2015 governorship primaries by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was a sign of confidence in his capacity to lead the party to victory in the 2015 general elections.

Reacting to the latest position of the PDP na-

tional leadership, Ngilari said the development would further assist him to deliver dividends of democracy to “the long suffering people of the state.”

He told journalists that his clearance was victory for the party, saying the PDP would go into the primaries united and come out stronger as opposed to the earlier position of those who wish the party “ill luck.”

Ngilari said: “If the

party had stopped me, there would have been a backlash that would have affected the fortunes of the party in the 2015 general elections. And that was what has been averted by the party’s matured handling of the issue.”

There were doubts over the screening of Ngilari

by PDP following the controversial zoning of the governorship position to

the Central senatorial district of the state, followed by the sudden sack of the party’s State Executive Committee, SEC, a move believed to be targeted at Governor Ngilari.

But following strong “protests by some traditional rulers, PDP Governors’ Forum, Chief Tony Anenih and Gen T.Y. Danjuma, Governor Ngilari was granted the “right of

first refusal,” accorded governors of Bayelsa, Kaduna, and Gombe states, just as the sacked SEC was also recalled, even though the chairman and secretary were suspended for one month.

He further said: “Many Muslims from within and outside the state and Christians took up my matter because they saw an injustice about being

meted out to me. The only way I can repay everyone is to be fair, and ensure justice to all.”

On his plans for the state if elected, he said his programme of “Restoration” will cover all areas –education, health, infrastructure and security, adding that his administration shall give legal backing to the activities of the vigilantes.

Desist from acts that can subvert democracy, says Tukur OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

F

ormer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has advised political players, security operatives, government officials and Nigerians in general to be wary of conducts capable of subverting Nigeria’s hard earned democracy, which he said is currently being rocked to its very foundation.

Tukur said every Nigerian entrusted with sensitive public positions must learn to first place national interest above every other consideration in his or her service to Nigeria, adding that doing so at this critical phase of Nigeria’s history will assist in preventing the perceived drifting of Nigeria towards the edge of a cliffhanger.

He said he has always been moved to tears with the manner Nigeria is being gradually pushed to a state of chaos amid the crass display of lack of depth, wisdom and national interest required of public office holders in managing situations in the country.

He said this in a press statement against the backdrop of reported chaos in the National Assembly involving security operatives as well as the perceived breakdown of confidence between political party leaders and members, on electoral matters.

Tukur urged Speaker of the House of Representatives, Waziri Tambuwal and the Police to be mindful of national interest as they attempt to address their differences, adding that a pang of depression ran through him, while watching federal legislators scaled high barricades to gain access to their offices with video clips of the event going viral in the social media, while many television stations across the globe gleefully feasted on the incident.

While calling for a probe of the ugly incident, with a view of making amends, Tukur said: “People should not bring partisan politics into the journey we started so well, so far,” calling on the leadership of the PDP not to discountenance the complaints by contestants within the party that they were being short-changed during the delegates congresses held across the nation by the party.

Members and supporters of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bauchi State calling for the removal of Bauchi State APC chairman in Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Tambuwal: PSC should query IGP –Aspirant FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

A

n All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial aspirant in Ogun State, Otunba Seyi Oduntan, has called on the Nigeria Police Service Commission, PSC, to query the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, over last week’s police invasion of the National Assembly complex where lawmakers were tear-gassed.

Oduntan, made the call at the weekend while featuring at the “Open Forum” programme organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of Ogun State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ. He explained that the clarion call became necessary in order to see the police as truly serving Nigerians and not anybody’s interest to witch-hunt members of the opposition political parties.

Emphasising that the po-

lice invasion of the National Assembly complex which resulted in firing tear-gas at the lawmakers loyal to the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal was against the law, Oduntan stressed that the place is a hallowed ground which ought not to be treated with disdain.

He said: “In any civilised country of the world, they would query him. Even the Senate would normally invite him and query him properly. In some other coun-

tries, they would ask him to resign. He is a policeman; he cannot be interpreting the laws. That belongs to the judiciary.”

Oduntan, however, explained that his decision to vie for the Senate was to raise the bar of representation for his senatorial district, vowing to pursue the Olokola project and ensure provision of healthcare delivery, potable water, good education and developmental projects for his constituents.

PDP warn Aregbesola against using state fund to defend case at tribunal BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

O

sun State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday warned the state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, against using state fund for his defence at the ongoing trial of PDP petition by the election petition tribunal, saying: “Every kobo taken out of state treasury will be properly accounted for

•Allegations unfounded, arrant nonsense –APC when the baton of governance eventually changes.”

It also claimed the governor is on the verge of paying witnesses lined up by him and All Progressives Congress, APC, to testify before the tribunal a combined sum of N1.2 billion.

Describing the move as “insensitive and reckless”, PDP alleged that the required amount is allegedly being

raised “from N2 billion loan being processed from Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.” PDP Director of Media and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, in a statement made available to newsmen, explained that apart from the N1 million each being demanded by the over 500 witnesses, many of whom were used by defunct Action Con-

gress, AC, and Aregbesola to testify against Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in 2007, they are demanding extra 1 million as compensation for the risk they took in 2007.

But the APC, through its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barr Kunle Oyatomi, described the allegations as “unfounded and arrant nonsense,”

stressing that PDP was synonymous with lies, sheer fabrication and falsehood.

He said: “It is never our style and tradition to dignify utter lies with a response.

They have a gargantuan task of proving their case at the tribunal and should face such task instead of peddling lies and spreading baseless information about.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, November 24, 2014

15

The stomach infrastructure conundrum Mirror of the moment ABDUL-WAREES A SOLANKE korewarith@yahoo.com, 08090585723 (SMS only)

G

overnment, given the development challenges confronting most countries of Africa now, is about innovation, about modernization and development through the right mix of policies and strategies that are sustainable, addressing the critical needs of citizens, even if the citizens do not recognize those needs. It is about inspiring the citizens to discover what is in their best interest and building the necessary platforms to achieve the vision. Government is a serious business that should not be conducted with grandstanding.

Scholars agree on four approaches or styles public managers adopt in the pursuit of their goals or execution of their mandates: Directive Approach; Adaptive Approach; reactive Approach; and Generative Approach. The first is akin to authoritarian or autocratic system suitable for emergency scenarios, where there is little room for wide consultation or needing fast or urgent decision making. On the other hand, the adaptive style is more of a bureaucratic approach lacking originality or innovation but just flowing with ‘how it is done before’.

The reactive approach is a situational or fire-brigade way of doing things as it is emergency or problems that force managers to act, while the generative approach is a participatory style in which leaders or managers think and work with all the stakeholders to identify issues or problems, consider all the options and alternatives, decide on the best choice and push through to solve their problems.

However, for the purpose of meaningful appreciation of public management or service by all public managers in our milieu, there is the need to contextualize stomach infrastructure and critical infrastructure provisioning which Fayemi and Fayose anchor their agenda of government within these four approaches. As experienced governors of a rural economy like Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and Olukayode Fayemi are passionate about Stomach infrastructure and critical infrastructure. May we therefore invite them to a round table for further exposition on this theme to sharpen our perspectives on government and public management? Such discourse will of course be interesting to x-ray in a promising economy like Nigeria, First, let us attempt to uncloak idea of stomach infrastructure and robe it in the garb of the first of the UN eight millennium development goals, eradication of poverty and extreme hunger, that all countries of the world are supposed to achieve by next year.

Poverty eradication or elimination of extreme hunger consists of not mere provision of palliatives or tokens to satisfy immediate yearning for food, but of robust economic

ONCE HUNGER IS ADDRESSED, POVERTY IS VIRTUALLY

VANQUISHED, A YORUBA ADAGE TRANSLATES empowerment programmes and comprehensive infrastructural provisioning.

It also entails putting in place protectionist measures for SMEs, mitigation of harsh economic or development policies, creation of social safety nets, access to loans, grants and necessary inputs to stimulate local production, market and price facilitation and stabilization instruments through establishment of commodity boards and storage facilities. If we rationalize provision of stomach infrastructure as a strategy for eradicating poverty and extreme hunger, one can only encourage managers of the nation’s public affairs to critically evaluate our success at the attainment of this fundamental MDG. Secondly, let us reflect on some past initiatives or dimensions that stomach infrastructure and critical infrastructure resemble. Although these were not sustained and that is because of the insincerity of the managers of the programmes or lack of understanding and appreciation of their philosophy, they still offer some case studies in development initiatives modernization in Nigeria. About three decades ago. there was a programme called DFRRI, that is the Directorates of Food Road, and Rural

Infrastructure Many rural communities were opened up through roads and electricity connection, provision of bore holes and deep wells and construction of new markets. But politics, corruption and compromise soon set in in its implementation and its relevance or essence eroded.

There was also a programme called MAMSER, or mass mobilization for self reliance and economic recovery. We will always remember Professor Jerry Gana as the persuasive driver of mamser whose do it well messages would have created the needed revolution for Nigerians to be focussed, enlightened, liberated and empowered. We also know of the National Directorate of Employment created in the same period. There was Peoples Bank, then the Community Bank initiative. The microfinance banks have replaced them. We have also accepted SMEs as critical actors in national productivity.

The nation can still recollect ideas and themes like Operation Feed the Nation or the Green Revolution of the 70s and the 80s which if were scrupulously pursued and implemented, no state will be talking of stomach infrastructure now. The totality of these is the arsenals with which we could have battled and banished poverty and hunger in the land if they were well managed and sustained.

Once hunger is addressed, poverty is virtually vanquished, a Yoruba adage translates. But of utmost significance is the provision of critical infrastructure as the needed fulcrum to erect and sustain the stomach infrastructure on a permanent basis.

IT’s all about me, me, me (narcissism?)

SANDRA A KUOMA

N

arcissism is a pattern of traits and behaviours which signify infatuation and obsession with one’s self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one’s gratification, dominance and ambition.

The term originated from the Greek mythology, where the young Narcissusfell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water.

A potential narcissist normally portrays the following traits: SELF IMPORTANCE: exaggerates achievements and talents to the point of lying. Feels superior to everyone without having lots of achievements under their belt. Some of them can be described as “Altruistic Narcissist”, they make a huge effort with volunteering and charities in an effort to gain approval. Likes to call attention to their Altruistic efforts typical examples Ice bucket challenge posted of Facebook, church donations just to mention but a few.

Obsessed with fame:a name for this type is cerebral narcissist like the word cerebral implies, they have a profound belief that they have a superior intellect, that

O FTEN

SOCIAL

CLIMBERS AND THEY THINK NOTHING OF STEPPING ON OR OVER ANYONE IN THEIR QUEST FOR FAME AND STATUS their intelligence far exceeds that of ordinary folk. They have a vast array of knowledge on just about any topic. They tell stories (real or made up) exemplifying their colossal brilliance. They are quick to point out the failings of others, often showing a great amount of disdain for those of lesser intelligence. Their narcissistic supply is generated through their intellect. Their audience admires their wit, stories and superior intelligence.

Obsessed with physical appearance or sexual performance: a name for this type is somatic narcissist. Somatic Narcissists are consumed with their physical beauty and prowess. You will often find somatics working hard at the gym, or on their appearance in some fashion or another. Somatics derive their Narcissistic supply

from the reactions of others to their appearance, or sexual conquests.

You will often find a long list of sexual partners in their repertoire.

Obsessed with their uniqueness: they are convinced that they are so unique and special and only be understood and treated by people who are special, unique, high status people or institutions. Excessive need to have high status friends or status symbols to impress others…

Lots of name dropping…

Obsessed with admiration: Requires excessive admiration, adulation, attention and affirmation – expects special treatment because they feel they are better than others, demands their expectations have to be met. Consumed with finding romantic love.

Interpersonally exploitative: They useothers to achieve their own ends… Devious and exploitative..Narcissists often turn relationships into competitions or contests, whether they are work relationships, friendships, or even love relationships. Here the goal is winning, no matter what the means or cost, in order to prove to others (and themselves) their incomparable superiority. Often social climbers and they think nothing of stepping on or over anyone in their quest for fame and status.

Devoid of empathy: Is unable

or unwilling to identify with or acknowledge thefeelings and needs of others… Cannot relate to others feelings and desires, Behave in a selfish and uncaring manner.

Constant Envy: Constantly envious of others or believes that they feel the same about him or her when there is no reason to feel that way.

Chances are you have encountered a narcissist: might know a friend who loves to hug the stage, always reverting the conversation back to themselves… the colleague who is always bragging about having the latest, greatest … blah, blah. Blah, the family member who thinks she is hotter, smarter and just generally better than you at everything and the guy who keeps breaking girls heart….

Which one are you or which one have you met?

Sandra Akuoma (Life Pointers) Email: sanlifepointers@hotmail. com Phone no: 081-655-38376 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.

16

Editorial

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

SUNDAY OLAJIDE

DEPUTY MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY

AYO OLESIN

GENERAL EDITOR

BEN MEMULETIWON

GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

GABRIEL SUNDAY

ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Nigeria and 2015 AFCON: Time to take stock

T

he flip-flop dogging Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations’ (AFCON) tournament to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea climaxed on a sad note, Wednesday last week with the country’s 2-2 tally with South Africa in a crucial Group A qualifier at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium. All hopes that the Super Eagles would book a place in AFCON 2015 crashed that day.

South Africa clinched the first position in the group with 12 points, while Congo snatched the second position with 10 points, leaving Nigeria with just eight points that could not see her through. A win over South Africa in Uyo on the ill-fated Wednesday would have seen Super Eagles finish behind Bafana Bafana and qualify.

The latest development has no doubt taken the shine off the excitement and celebration Nigeria and Nigerians basked in following Super Eagles overall victory in the 29th edition of the tournament which held in South Africa between January 19 and February 10, 2013.

Nigeria won the cup for the third time that year with a 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso in the final. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not be in Equatorial Gunea to defend the crown. At best, it will quietly hand over the cup to the Confederation of African Football

(CAF) for onward relay to the eventual winner of the competition next year.

This will be the second time Nigeria failed to defend the cup after winning same. Recall that the country won the 1994 AFCON, the 19th edition, hosted by Tunisia. During the 1996 edition, the 20th, hosted by South Africa, Nigeria withdrew from the tournament at the eleventh hour, not because it couldn’t qualify for the tournament as is at present, but because of the hostile posture of the international community against the human rights record of the then military junta led by the late General Sani Abacha. The kangaroo trial and execution of rights activist and Ogoni leader, Ken Saro Wiwa and eight of his kinsmen the previous year, among other atrocities committed by that regime, were still fresh; and the then president of the host country, the late Dr. Nelson Mandela, was among the powerful voices that condemned the Abacha dictatorship. In response, the Nigerian leader’s office in Abuja announced that it would not be sending Super Eagles players to a country where their safety could not be guaranteed; and that was it. As a result Nigeria was banned from the next AFCON competition, the 21st edition hold in Burkina Faso in 1998.

But there is no denying the

THE AFCON HARM HAVING BEEN DONE, THEREFORE, THE LEAST EXPECTATION

NIGERIANS IS THAT THE NFF

OF

WOULD PUT ITS HOUSE IN ORDER fact that Nigeria’s woes in its failed bid to make the list for next year’s AFCON fiesta partly had its roots in the 3-2 defeat the Super Eagles suffered in the hands of the Red Devils of Congo last September. It was a setback the Eagles’ subsequent 3-1 victory over Sudan in Abuja and recent 2-0 win over the Congolese national team in Point Noire, Congo could not sufficiently avenge. From that September to when the Eagles were finally humiliated last Wednesday, Nigeria’s football house, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the national team have been in turmoil. The NFF was destabilised by avoidable litigations, while the Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, was sacked in one breath, and reinstated through presidential fiat in another. Shamefully, too, the nation’s perfunctory and panicstricken approach to preparing for crucial football events has

ON THIS DAY November 24, 1963 In the first ever live televised murder, Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged killer of President John F. Kennedy of the United States, was in turn murdered two days after Kennedy’s death by Jack Ruby in the basement of Dallas police department headquarters. Ruby (March 25, 1911 – January 3, 1967) was a nightclub operator in Dallas, Texas. A Dallas jury later found Ruby guilty of murdering Oswald and sentenced him to death.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 24, 2012 A fire at a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killed at least 117 people and injured over 200 others, making it the deadliest factory fire in the country’s history. The fire broke out in the Tazreen Fashion factory in the Ashulia district on the outskirts of Dhaka. It was initially presumed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suspected deliberate arson and an act of ‘sabotage’.

persisted. Like critics rightly observe, year-in-year-out and from one competition to another, shoddy preparations; late arrival of invited players, late payment of match allowances and bonuses; indiscipline in teams and grave corrupt practices in sports administration hold sway.

As at April 1994, the Super Eagles ranked 5th in the FIFA World Rankings, the highest ranking achieved by an African football team at the time.

They were also the first in Africa. At present, however, the team is 34th, courtesy of its performance and eventual qualification for the Round of 16 at the World Cup in Brazil lately. Before the latest ranking, Nigeria occupied an unflattering 44th place. In Africa football, Nigeria now ranks 3rd, trailing behind Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire. Nonetheless, Nigeria has been and still remains a sports-loving nation. The affection of the citizenry for football especially is also exceptional.

But the managers of the nation’s football have been a huge disappointment over the years. The AFCON harm having been done, therefore, the least expectation of Nigerians is that the NFF would put its house in order, purge itself of the ills that are holding the nation’s football administration down and raise a solid senior national team and coaching crew for the country.

x November 24, 2013 Iran signed an interim agreement with the ‘P5+1’ countries, limiting its nuclear program in exchange for reduced sanctions. The P5+1 are a group of six world powers which, in 2006, joined the diplomatic efforts on Iran’s nuclear programme. The term refers to the P5 or five permanent members of the United Nation’s Security Council, namely United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France, plus Germany.

A2 18

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

Naira: The road to As the Naira continues to fall in its value against the dollar, Business Courage peeps into the possibility of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN devaluing the Naira as the unavoidable last monetary policy decision.

Reports, Tayo Elebijo

E

verything seems to be falling; the Naira is falling, the price of oil is falling, and shares are falling. What do these tells one about the state of the economy that was recently rebased and said to be the biggest and the best economy in Africa? The demand for the dollar is getting higher by the day.

Apparently, investors and the domestic importers are scurrying to keep the value of their investments and the value of their cash intact by putting their monies in the Dollar. After all, the Dollar has always been the fort where every investors or the domestic importers take refuge. Although, the naira had gained a 2.5 percent amid high demands for the dollar partly by foreign investors and by the domestic importers who did not want to continue to risk leaving their cash in the local currency for fear of devaluation. It initially touched new intraday lows of 173.02 about two weeks back. It jumped to N173.35 to the dollar as at Wednesday last week and by Friday some banks were selling at $177.9 others were selling at $180 to the Dollar even though the CBN sold for $158.5 last week Monday to Bureau De Change operators. Traders said the dollar sales by the central bank coupled with flows from the state-owned energy company NNPC had initially strengthened the local currency against the dollar in one of the defending efforts of the CBN. But the naira is still falling.

In its hope to counter the huge demand for the dollar, the CBN had increased the quantity of the dollars put for sales at the interbank market, a move, it had hoped would reassure the market of its intention to continue to defend the naira. But the Naira has continued to fall. However, how long would the CBN continue to defend the naira when at the same time it will also continue to lose it reserves of the precious international currency is the question.

Some traders however said the rush to buy the Dollar will sub-

side by the middle of December by this time, the Naira position will become clearer. The CBN may decide to increase the interest rate in the coming days as one of its tightening measures. This may further stifle the emerging sectors as they will now find it difficult to access bank loans as a result of the high interest rate. A research carried out by the Ecobank Research, states that “without a larger cushion of reserve to rely on, the CBN is under pressure from the fall of oil price. It is possible that the CBN can hold rate at N55 to the Dollar until after the election in February 2015 with the use of indirect monetary policy tightening by raising the private sector reserve ratio or liquidity ratio. However, a significant fall in the price of oil to around USD60 per barrel would undermine this position and without a relatively large rise in the Monetary Policy Rate MPR of around 200bd or more, it is not clear how the CBN would be able to maintain the current exchange rate band”. More so when the main stay of the country’s revenue; crude oil price is also falling. To make it worse, the US who happens to be Nigeria’s biggest crude oil customer has stopped buying the crude from the country due to its Shale gas discovery.

As it is, the apparent lack of best practices in the system, which is one of the reasons why the country has found itself in this disappointing position seemed to have been over. Patriotism is now being preached in some quarters as if all the earnings from the Foreign Direct Investments FDI and the crude oil exports have all been used judiciously to the benefits of the Nigerian people. Nobody knows the actual total earnings from oil or how the money was expended. The Nigeria manufacturing industry is presently in limbo which is why there are over 50m Nigerians according to a World Bank report, without jobs. These are young, energetic men and women who could have been contributing their quotas to the de-

velopment of the country. But because electricity which everybody knows would grow the various sectors of the economy could not be provided by the various leaders the country has produced. Government has also not been able to stop oil theft in the Niger Delta There is no doubt that the time has come for the country to do more by diversifying its economy and make it less dependent on oil.

One wonders why the leaderships have continuously failed to do this with all the resources accruing to the country from the export of crude oil.

However, the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Okonjo-Iweala told the press recently that the anxiety of Nigerians was quite understandable but that government was doing everything possible to address the situation. She said the situation calls for some belt tightening measures and that government might cut its expenditure. In terms of real policies, projects and plan to meaningfully address the volatile oil market, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala stated that the ministry’s able macro-economic management and government’s efforts towards diversifying the economy by steering it away from the dependence on crude oil, have yielded some remarkable dividends. She pointed out that non-oil revenue has been increasing. She gave plenty facts and figures to buttress her assertion that all was well with the Nigerian economy. But as she herself said at some point, it is not about the money and it is not

about the numbers but it is essentially about making a real difference in the lives of the people.

In her bid to douse the tensions of Nigerians, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said that our foreign reserves and the money in the Excess Crude Account are enough to sustain over nine months of imports. But going by the independent analysis of the Ecobank Research report, this may not be true as the country do not have enough reserve to cushion the volatile economic surge more so when the oil price has continued to fall and with no any other tangible earnings from exports.. One thing is certain, the Nigerian leaders seem to have come to term that they would always leave between $38bn and $40bn as the peg for foreign reserve. For many years, it has never been above these figures. One wonders why it so.

The Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCC&I, Muda Yusuf has warned that “if the naira continues to fall, it will have profound implications on the operating cost, production cost and impact on the

inflation in the country”. According to him, “companies would be affected as the profit margins of many companies will be eroded because the country is import dependent; we import a lot of consumer goods”. He said as the situation unfolds, the CBN would come up with stiffer monetary policy that will tighten the economy which will lead to higher interest rate and going to the interbank would be much more expensive.

“Import duties and taxes would also increase which will consequently affect the welfare of the citizens”. He said Consequently, in 2015, unless there is a sudden reversal in the prevailing oil price to say $105 per barrel , many companies may be forced to retrench their staff to enable them continue in business minimally until the economy gets back on better footing. Prices of imported items would be prohibitively high. But companies which is import based may survive the economic harsh weather as their prices will even be lower than the domestic products. The Chinese government is known to

Business Courage A Publication of GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER TAYO ELEBIJO

EDITOR

ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI OLUSEGUN DADA

STAFF WRITER CORRESPONDENT

SEYI OKUMODI

SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, November 24, 2014

devaluation Emefiele

encourage the exports from its country through financial supports to manufacturers by asking them to lower the prices of their produce with the hope of encouraging high turnover for the different products being exported to get huge foreign exchange to the benefit of the country. The prices of items are more expensive locally in China than the exported ones.

Unknown to Nigerians, many of the imported items are manufactured by Chinese families in what could be described as SMEs and Cottage Industrial systems. In Nigeria, the regulatory bodies are only too concerned with collecting bribes through the harassments of the cottage system thereby discouraging them with fright rather than certify and monitor them to enable them engage the many unemployed hands in the country.

Generally, the falling value of the Naira will bring with it a higher inflationary era in the economy. Salary earners and others with fixed incomes will be worse hit but traders will just be better off. Many of the remaining manufacturing companies in the country will be forced to reduce their production capacity due to high interest rates. Good manufactured in Nigeria will be much more expensive in 2015.

Successive Nigerian leaders have been carried away by the huge revenue accruing from crude oil export. And have therefore neglected other sectors. Somehow, Though, some have claimed to have heavily invested in the cash crop agricultural produce, these investments now seemed to have fell short of the desired financial input that would have steadied the economy when the prevailing economic situation began. The reason why respective state governments for many years have

Okonjo-Iweala

not thought it worthy to invest in cash crop agricultural produce is a question they must answer. At least, the country was known for the cultivation and productions of cocoa, groundnut, and palm oil in the past. What is happening to these crops now. Ghana, Cote Devoir and some African countries are still exporting cocoa and are raking huge revenues from the exports.

According to a World Bank report, “declining oil revenues have placed increasing pressures on government budgets. As of the second half of the year, total federation revenues available for sharing by the three tiers of government fell short of projections by 21 percent. The balance of the fiscal reserve of the country (Excess Crude Account) declined from over $9bn in early 2013 to $5bn by mid-year. The implementation of the capital budget has been adversely affected as only a little over half of the federal capital budget has been made available to line ministries as of the end of September for the implementation of investment projects. Early indications from the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) point towards a significant fiscal contraction in 2014 although the MTEF is still under consideration by the National Assembly. However, the forthcoming presidential elections would also make compressing budgetary expenditures quite difficult in 2015.

The weaknesses in the oil sector have increased macroeconomic risks. Oil accounts for close to 90 percent of exports and roughly 75 percent of consolidated budgetary revenues. The decline in oil output, together with somewhat weaker oil prices, can be associated with a weakening of the balance of payments and shortfalls of

budgetary revenues. The balance of payments surplus registered from October 2011 to April 2013 has disappeared; official foreign reserves declined slightly from almost $49bn in end-April 2013 to $46bn on September 19, 2013.

There is also the issue of short term portfolio capital inflows that reportedly reached more than $17bn in 2012. These inflows have been targeting primarily the government bond market, with interest rates at 12-14 percent and a rather stable exchange rate relative to the US dollar. These short term capital flows have added another potential source of volatility to the country’s macroeconomic situation. On the positive side, Nigeria still has significant room to borrow to meet possible macroeconomic challenges. In light of the recent Paris Club restructuring, foreign debt is now only 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) while domestic debt is 16 percent of GDP. Although, oil production has picked up in the second half of the year. The country is now faced with problem of falling oil price which now seems

Yusuf

to be weakening the confidence of the investors”.

However, in an exclusive interview with Business Courage the President of the Nigerian Spanish Association NSA Chief (Dr) Olusola said “whether we like it or not, if the source of our income from external source, is dwindling by the day, definitely, it will affect the value of the Naira, vis-à-vis the foreign exchange. This is so because when we were earning enough revenue as a nation, it was easy for us to say that okay, let’s maintain the Naira even at par value, but things are getting bad by the day.”

He recalled that “Just last week, the Coordinating Minister for the economy, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said that they have to review the budget and cut it down drastically, because the expected revenue for the Year 2015 cannot be realized. The oil revenue has fallen down. And we’re not improving other sources of revenue. So, we’re a nation that needs to brace up. Otherwise we’ll be in trouble.

Speaking further, Dada advised that that “we have to create employments, and we have to ensure that most of the things we are consuming in Nigeria are produced locally in Nigeria. We should depend less on imported items. If we are not importing consumable items, and if we rely more on our own products and we are spending our own foreign exchange on importing machineries, and spare parts for our factories, and raw materials. That will help us. But if we have to be importing even toothpicks, rice and all the things that we’re currently importing, that’s why we find ourselves in this mess. I mean, when I was a young boy, I was eating made in Nigeria rice. Now we have all manner of Thai Rice and what have you. And these are not helping the economy. And these are the things that are taking away our money”.

If anything, the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Okonjo Oweala may have erred in the breaching of the revered status of “policy” which is sacrosanct to many respectable countries in the world. Investors look out for it too.

They look out for firm consistence.

A government that says one thing today and withdraw it tomorrow cannot be counted as serious.

That is why it is called “policy statement”. Twice or so, the budget have been publicly adjusted.

The price of oil is still on the decline. This means that the budget will have to undergo several public adjustments if the oil prices continue to fall. Nigeria had assumed an oil price of $78 per barrel for its 2015 budget, up from $77.5 per barrel in 2014, but had to be readjusted to $75 due mainly to the falling prices of oil.

“We expect the naira to remain

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strong and give foreign investors the clarity to guide future investment decisions,” he said, adding that in the area of financial system stability, the CBN hoped to sustain the effective management of potential threats and avoid systemic crisis.

He said fiscal deficits had continued to decline from 1.4 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product in 2013 to a projected 1.03 per cent in 2014 and 0.99 per cent in 2015.

“I am aware that crude oil prices are dropping and no doubt this presents some form of challenges to Nigeria. I can assure you that the fiscal and monetary authorities are taking action to ensure that we take steps that will enable Nigeria to withstand the shocks that we see,” he said.

Emefiele added, “A number of actions will be unveiled; in fact, some have already been unveiled and more will be unveiled in the next few weeks by both the monetary and fiscal authorities to ensure that Nigeria continues to remain strong and healthy to be able to support growth and development.”

Noting that the country had become a leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment in Africa, he said Nigeria had received direct investment of over $67bn since the return to democratic governance between 2000 and 2013, compared to an average of $41.5bn in the 1990s.

“Despite this impressive and consistent investment inflows, the myriads of inherent opportunities for high returns in the Nigerian economy remain largely untapped,” he said.

The CBN governor further said that with a Gross Domestic Product of over N80tn, average growth rate of about five per cent between 2010 and 2013, and economic expansion that was being driven by the non-oil sector, it was obvious that the Nigerian economy was not only growing, but was diverse with opportunities across multiple sectors such as services, e-commerce, arts and crafts, manufacturing, entertainment and agriculture.

But during the recent boom years the government has persistently used the ECA, dividing out the proceeds among the 36 states in the federation, which are constitutionally entitled to their share.

Nigeria also holds foreign reserves equivalent to $39billion.

Nigeria’s ratio of non-oil tax revenues to GDP, at 4.5 per cent, is among the lowest on the continent.

Generally, in 2007, Nigeria experienced a crash in the financial system. Although, this was the period of the World economic meltdown. Dr Okonjo Oweala was then the Minister of Finance. At the time, the Naira also fell against the Dollar. Oil prices fell too. Market shares fell as well. As we move into 2015, with the seeming devaluation of the Naira steering us in the face, the Naira is falling, oil prices are falling, and the shares are also falling. She is also now the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

Truly, she means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

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News FG to reward 100 companies

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he Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, said recently that the Federal Government had identified 100 companies to be rewarded for contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Aganga told newsmen in Abuja that the private sector was behind the country’s ranking as number one economy in Africa and one of the top 10 economies in the world.

According to him, over the

last three years, Nigeria has attracted more foreign direct investments and more local investments than any other economy in Africa. ”Earlier this year, the prestigious Wall Street Journal Frontier Market Settlement index which surveyed blue chip companies in developed economies ranked Nigeria number one country of global interest to investors.

“We are proud of these achievements because it is investors that create jobs for our people, wealth, facilitate economic growth and generate income for the government.

“Behind Nigeria’s success are real companies which do business every day. These companies create jobs, employ our people and they keep the economy growing,” he said.

The minister said that the government was aware that private investors were driving the economy, adding that “that is why we are organising the top 100 companies’ event for the first time.

“These companies have built considerable scale in Nigeria and continue to show strong commitment to invest more,” Aganga said.

He said the event had been deliberately planned to coincide with the country’s centenary celebration.

Aganga said that the 100 companies were involved in a variety of endeavours cutting across oil and gas, telecommunication, construction, food materials and others.

He said that companies that could not make the honours list would be motivated to do more in order to be recognised in subsequent editions.

He said that the companies were selected based on their level of investment, jobs created and value they added in the communities where they operate.

Aganga said the event would he held annually and expressed hope that the

L-R: Director, Africapitalism Institute, David Rice; Founder/CEO, Dunn Loren Merrifield and Director, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc, Sonnie Ayere; Managing Partner, Perchstone and Graeys, Osaro Eghobamien and Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mustapha Chike-Obi, at the Legal Business Summit christened ‘Waking up dead capital,’ held in Lagos

next edition would be more competitive than the 2014 edition.

FG awards N272m contract for Abuja light rail mass transit

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he Federal Government last week approved a N272m contract for consultancy services for the feasibility study and conceptual design of Lots Four, Five, and Six of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System.

This was the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over

by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Supervising Minister of Information, Nurudeen Mohammed, who briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said the contract was awarded to Ladiom Associates with a completion period of 12

Mohammed

months.

• ``The Federal Capital Territory Rail Mass Transit system is designed primarily as a mover of people within and between the satellite towns and the different phases of the city. ``There is a provision of N280 million in the 2014 FCT Statutory Appropriation for the project. ``The projects, upon completion, will reduce traffic congestion, shorten journey distance and reduce pressure on existing public transport services. ``The project will also provide employment opportunities for about 5,000 skilled and unskilled workers, while about 4,500 skilled workers will be engaged in the direct operation of the system on completion.`` The supervising minister said the FCT Rail Mass Transit System would be integrated with the planned national rail network.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, who also briefed newsmen, said that everything about the project was on course in terms of the financial plan. ``Lot Four will carry passengers from Kuje to Karshi; Lot 5 from Kubwa to Bwari because there must be some provision for crisscrossing of commuters within the city. ``Lot 6 will carry people from the airport to Kuje and Gwagwalada up to Dobi, a satellite town that is far off Gwagwalada. That will complete the feasibility studies that we are set to do. ``You are aware we are

executing the Lots One and Three and we have gone 60 per cent. Everything about the project is on course in terms of the financial plan. ``What we are doing now is to start building the stations - 13 in number - that are going to be used by the passengers. So, everything about the light rail is on course. ``Lot Two is the most viable one. Already, we have gotten expression of interest from the organised private sector to do it, which is very significant to us as a government as a mark of confidence shown in Nigeria and in Abuja because it is a bankable project and the passengers are there because it is going to provide rail transportation from Nyanya to the city centre up to Kubwa. ``In fact they (investors) are struggling for that. ``For the Lots Four, Five and Six, that is why we are doing the feasibility study.

We want to run away from the previous practice where contracts were awarded on the basis of conceptual design.

Emefiele promises CBN’s facility will boost power supply

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he Governor CBN Godwin Emefiele, said that the Apex Bank’s Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility NEMSF would improve power supply nationwide.

Emefiele stated this while signing a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with

the Ministries of Petroleum Resources, and Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC and other stakeholders, on accessing the NEMSF. According to him, the facility will kick start the electricity market in a way that it will ensure that the CBN delivered tangible improvements in power supply.

“We see this facility as a major initiative to reset the economics of the power sector.

“In partnership with the banking sector, the CBN will provide this facility to address shortfalls in power sector revenues caused by adjustments in electricity tariff and legacy gas debt,’’ he said.

Emefiele added that “in exchange for this intervention, we expect parties that are signing this agreement today to ensure that funds are paid as at when due.

“They should ensure that all input into the generation of power are wrapped up in a consistent manner and still invest the fund and ensure improvement in generation plant maintenance.

“The parties involved in this deal should also ensure upgrade of transmission and distribution networks, including transformers.’’

He said that the only way to make the populace to appreciate the efforts being made in the power sector was to guarantee improved power supply.

The CBN boss said that the bank had earmarked N213bn for the NEMSF, adding that the fund would be disbursed at 10 per cent interest per annum with a tenure that would not be more than 10 years.

He said that the facility would be administered through deposit money banks while NERC would reset the Multi-Year Tariff Order MYTO to accommodate the repayment of the loan.

NHIS to launch National Mobile Health Insurance Programme for Nigerians

I

n its efforts to increase health insurance penetration in Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) plans to launch Na-

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tional Mobile Health Insurance Programme (NMHIP) for Nigerians .

Dr Femi Thomas, the Executive Secretary, NHIS, made the disclosure recently in Abuja while briefing newsmen during the first anniversary media score card of his tenure.

He described the NMHIP as a `novel concept’ aimed at providing subscribers of mobile network operators a platform for easy health access.

He said the platform would enable subscribers register, and select Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and choose payment options from their mobile phones.

To implement the programme, Thomas said the management of NHIS had engaged mobile technology and business aggregator, Salt and Einstein Ltd to interface with stakeholders to manage the process.

He said that the pilot run of the programme was launched in Lagos on July 21on the platform of MTN. He added that other network operators including Glo, Etisalat and Airtel had made preparations for roll out.

The Executive Secretary said that NHIS also plans to implement a new initiative to be known as Public Primary Social Health Insurance Programme (PPPSHIP). ``The initiative is designed to provide cover for 24 million pupils of public primary schools nationwide,’’ he said, adding that 20 states had made provision for the programme in their 2015 budget.

Thomas said that the scheme was negotiating with the management of the National Youth Service Corps to roll out a social health insurance programme for graduates undergoing national service.

He said that during the year in review, the scheme had completed the first ever reaccreditation of Health Maintenance Organisations

Thomas

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

(HMOs) ``Of the 61 HMOs, 38 were reaccredited while 15 new HMOs were exempted, as they were newly registered and due for reaccreditation,’’ he said.

Enugu govt promises improved budget to curb open defecation

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he Enugu State Government plans to improve its budgetary allocation for sanitation to eradicate open defecation in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Mike Nwachukwu, announced the plan at an event to mark the World Toilet Day in Enugu on Wednesday.

Nwachukwu said the government had since 2007 budgeted more than N2.7 billion to the Enugu Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EN-RUWASA) to maintain hygiene and sanitation in the rural areas.

According to him, open defecation poses a threat to human living and development. ``The state government shall continue to play its role to achieve the targets set in basic sanitation of 90 per cent access in both urban and rural areas by 2025. ``The water situation is dependent on availability of power. Even when you have all the infrastructures in place, the kind of system we run is power dependent and Enugu is growing at a tremendous rate bringing stress to the utilities. ``We have our facilities being rehabilitated and in the midst of the rehabilitation, power cuts have challenged our work. We need a 24-hour power supply,’’ Nwachukwu said.

He said the government was working out something, especially in the impending dry season, to provide water to every household to reduce open defecation. ``We know what the problem is and we are tackling it and to have alternatives to surmount the challenges.

Before the end of the year, water issue will be a thing of the past,’’ he said.

In a welcome address, the Managing Director of ENRUWASA, Micheal Oguamah, said the agency was collaborating with the state task group on sanitation, trade unions, motor parks and market unions to eliminate open defecation.

Oguamah, who said that open defecation infringed on human safety and dignity, regretted that women and girls risked being raped and abused through the practice.

He said the theme of the day tagged `Vote for Wash, Vote for Life’ was to reduce assault and violence on women and girls.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Programme Support Manager of WaterAid Nigeria, Jude Emesim, called for improved investment to maintain adequate sanitation and hygiene in the state. ``We should take the WASH campaigns to the rural areas to save lives,’’ he said.

In her message, the Executive Director of CHI Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, Janet Ngene, said that sanitation played a significant role in the achievement of all the Millennium Development Goals.

Ngene said improper hygiene could lead to the spread of infectious diseases including cholera, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.

She called on the government and other stakeholders to institute measures to fight open defecation.

Make Naira stronger by strengthening local industries, Micro Finance Bank chief tells FG

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he President, National Association of Micro Finance Banks (NAMB), Valentine Whensu, last week said the Federal Government could shore up dwindling value of the Naira by strengthening local industries.

Whensu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that strengthening the industries would make them to increase their output and make the economy less dependent on importation.

According to him, when a country consumes more than it produces there is bound to be capital flight with its attendant depreciation of the currency.

“When this happens, a lot of money is going over to foreign economies and you are reducing the strength of your own currency.

“But if we strengthen our local industries and improve on agricultural production this will make us to become an exporting nation.

“If we export our products abroad what comes to our re-

Whensu

serve is the foreign currency and that is one of the ways that our naira can appreciate.

“In my opinion, I want the government to strengthen our local industries through incentives; encouraging them and ensuring that they get the funds needed to produce,’’ he said.

Whensu called on the Federal Government to improve investment in the micro economic sector so that they could effective play their role in developing the nation’s economy.

According to him, it is estimated that micro economy forms 79 per cent of every economy, and a country’s economy stands to benefit immensely from potentials in this sector.

“The continuous drop in oil price in the international market is an indication that every country that is mono-economy should begin to make concerted efforts towards economic diversification.

“What we should do is to inject more funds through the micro finance banks so that micro business owners will have funds to improve their productivity.

“Let us fund that subsector; let us allow them have access to affordable financing; let us make things easy for them so that they can produce more.

“Let us also invest in technology, research, on ideas so that we will not depend entirely on oil,’’ Whensu stressed. (NAN)

Nigerians caution on 7,000 megawatts projection from solar energy

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ixed reactions on Wednesday trailed Federal Government’s projected generation of 7,000 megawatts of electricity from

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solar and renewable energy by 2020.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had in its presentation at the Nigeria Photovoltaic Energy Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, announced the projected electricity generation.

Some residents of Abuja told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that rather than spend resources in pursuing the new power sources, the government should concentrate on making existing energy sources functional.

A building contractor, Aniele Ugochukwu, welcomed the idea, saying that if government could attain the projection, the populace would have no reason to rely heavily on generators for their power needs.

According to him, most countries have resorted to solar and renewable energy for their power supply.

“Countries, worldwide, have adopted solar and renewable sources of energy and Nigeria should tow same line,” he said.

Ugochukwu said that if government must achieve the target, it must immediately begin to put the required infrastructure in place.

He, however, expressed fear that inconsistency in government policies may jeopardise the ambition.

“Unless successive administrations continued with the idea of the previous ones, projects such as this will continue to be abandoned,” he said.

Mathew Onje, a civil servant, who commended government on the planned project, said it was achievable if there would be the political will.

Onje said that there had been many laudable projects of that nature that were abandoned by because of lack of commitment.

“There is no task that is hard to accomplish if there is the will and commitment on the part of the initiator of such projects,” he said.

On her part, a shopkeeper, Maimuna Haruna, said that government was engaging in too many projects when it could not solve the current power situation in the country.

She said that instead of announcing such projections, government should begin work on them before let out information on it to the public.

“I don’t think it is proper for government to begin to announce to the public a project it is yet to begin work

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

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News on,” she said.

Jibrin Ahmed, a theatre art practitioner, said that if government would focus on the project it would go a long way in solving the lingering power problem in the country.

According to Ahmed, with the abundant sunlight in the country, sourcing electricity from solar will not be a difficult task if the right infrastructure were in place.

“I think the problem will not be the availability of sunlight but the materials that will be needed for the project to succeed,” he said. (NAN)

Cement prices still high

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rice of cement, especially Dangote brand, has remained high in the market in spite of substantial slash announced by Dangote Cement Company recently.

In the announcement, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls, Dangote, the leading cement manufacturer in the country, said it had reduced the price of its 50 kilogramme of the commodity from about N1,700 to N1,000.

But investigation by NAN on Wednesday revealed that no change has been recorded in the price of the product anywhere in the country since the announcement was made.

Solomon Obabur, a distributor of the product at the Nyanya cement market in Abuja where Dangote has one of its depots, told NAN that the new price announced by the company, had caused much confusion in the market.

Obabur said that as a distributor, he still sold the 50kg bag of the product at N1,400 to retailers.

According to him, the price we obtain a bag of the product at Dangote’s Obajana plant currently is N1, 358 as against the reported N1,000 retail price.

He said that the depot price for the distributors was exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).

“We do not even buy the product at N1000 at the plant. We buy at N1, 358 and after adding the cost of transporting the product, we sell to retailers at N1400,” he said.

Another distributor, Obutu Aghimien, said that retailers who bought the commodity from them sold at different prices depending on their location and cost of transportation.

“There are some areas that trailers do not get to; so,

retailers have to transport the cement to such locations and that increases the cost of the product,” he said.

Also responding, Oleghe Godwin, another distributor, said that the only relief they were enjoying from the company was N125 discount on a bag of the product from the price of N1.685.

He said that the discount encouraged him and his colleagues to buy the product in large quantity for storage, adding, however, that they were surprised to hear of the price slash shortly after buying large consignment of the item.

“I had over eight trucks of cement in my warehouse before the announcement. The announcement landed me in the hospital.

“It was a huge loss for me because now I am selling at a new price of N1,400 per bag,” he said.

A retailer of the product in the area, Mr Uche Murphy, told NAN that the new price as announced by Dangote had not taken effect.

“The announcement is creating a lot of confusion here as customers who have heard about the reduction come with the mind to buy at the new price,” he said.

Don Chris, another retailer, said “because of the reported new price regime, retailers have been forced to sell a bag of cement now at N1,600 as against N1800”.

The situation is the same across the country as the Dangote brand, like others, has continued to sell at between N1,600 and N1,700 in places like Umuahia and Aba, in Abia, Asaba in Delta, Minna, Niger.

Yuguda

FG, states, councils share N593.33bn for October

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he Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, last week announced that

federal, states and local governments had shared N593.33 billion revenue that accrued to the nation in October.

Yuguda made this known in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.

He said that the shared amount comprised statutory revenue of N484.32 billion, N35.55 billion Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds and N6.33 billion refunded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Other component of the money, according to him, is Value Added Tax (VAT) amounting to N67.14 billion.

Giving the breakdown of the distribution of the revenue among the three tiers of government, Yuguda said the Federal Government received N224.26 billion representing 52.68 per cent, and states, N113.75 billion, representing 26.72 per cent.

The local governments, he said, received N87.69 billion, amounting to 20.60 per cent of the distributed revenue.

He also disclosed that N47.12 billion, representing 13 per cent derivation revenue was shared among the oil producing states.

On VAT, he said that the gross revenue collected for the month increased by N2.03 billion to N67.13 billion as against N65.1 billion recorded in the preceding month.

The minister said that the nation generated N420.03 billion as mineral revenue during the period as against N374.74 billion generated in September, adding that the performance indicated a “marked increase” of N45.29 billion between the two months.

“The non-mineral revenue for the month of September is N116.66 billion, which when compared to the N127.36 billion generated in August shows a decrease of N10.7 billion.

“FIRS received N2.47 billion, the Nigerian Customs got N3.83 billion and DPR received N5.17 billion as their cost of revenue collection for the month of September ,’’ he said.

In his comment, the Chairman, Finance Commissioners Forum, Timothy Odah, said that the states were asking for two billion dollars from the Excess Crude Account to enable them complete ongoing projects.

Odah lamented that the states and the local governments were suffering from dearth of fund to carry out meaningful projects at the local levels, adding that there was need for them to create jobs for the people.

He also said that state governments were still clamouring for total removal of fuel subsidy, according to him, is not necessary considering the fact that there is “no enough money”.

“There is no reason giving out what you do not have,” he said.

Nebo

FG signs MoU with 9 oil companies on power

T

he Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nine oil companies for the supply of gas for power generation in Nigeria.

They are Chevron, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, SEPLAT Petroleum, Agip, Oando, Pan Ocean, Total and Nigeria Gas Company.

The electricity distribution and generation companies were also involved the ceremony.

The Ministers of Power, Petroleum Resources, Group Managing Director of NNPC, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Federal Government, on Sept. 13, announced a N213 billion facility to help offset gas debts and address the revenue shortfall in the power sector.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said the ministry had developed an operator platform to ensure that transparency was maintained in the market.

He said the ministry was working assiduously to make

sure that all the conditions precedent to the declaration of the Transitional Electricity Market were fulfilled.

The minister said that the country had generated between 4,000 and 4,500 continuously for six weeks.

Nebo noted that before and after the handover of the power sector to private investors, the market continued to accrue a lot of debts due to non-payment for gas and power supplied.

He added that that was why government came up with the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Fund.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke, said the legacy gas debt of N36.9 billion owed gas suppliers by the power sector was being settled by the CBN-led intervention scheme. ``With this intervention, all undisputed claims are hereby settled’’, she said.

She said that in order to move the sector forward, appropriate security mechanisms would be put in place to ensure payment of the gas sold to the power sector to create a viable and sustainable sector.

The minister said that the intervention was complemented by a reciprocal commitment by the gas suppliers.

She added that the intervention by the gas companies would add 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas to the grid.

Diezani said that more than 80 per cent of the gas would go to the power sector supplying additional five to six giga watts.

She assured that with the combination of projects, the target of 5,000 mega watts by December would be achieved. ``I believe that these interventions will cumulatively bring permanent closure to the challenge of undersupply of gas in the domestic market’’, she said.

The agreement will be followed by the disbursement of the intervention fund and monitoring its implementation. BC

Alison-Madueke

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

A7 23

Global News

Commerzbank to charge fees on biggest depositors

G

ermany’s Commerzbank is to charge big corporate clients fees if they hold “substantial” deposits at the bank.

Commerzbank is the first major bank to make such a move and says it will encourage big clients to move cash into alternative investments.

Private savers and small and medium sized businesses will not be affected by the policy.

In June the European Central Bank ECB said that banks would have to pay to park money at the central bank.

That negative interest rate was an effort to spur banks and other financial institutions to lend money rather than leave it on deposit.

In September, it made holding money at the ECB even less attractive by cutting the rate on overnight deposits to minus 0.2 percent.

Commerzbank says that policy from the ECB has driven its decision to charge fees to some of its own clients.

“In the case of certain large corporate clients with substantial deposits as well as corporations or institutional investors we reserve the right, in individual cases, to charge a fee for large deposits of surplus liquidity parked with us,” the bank said in a statement.

China cuts interest rates to spur growth

T

he headquarters of China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China China cut interest rates unexpectedly on Friday, stepping up efforts to support the world’s second-biggest economy as it heads towards its slowest expansion in nearly a quarter of a century, saddled under a mountain of debt.

But the central bank, keen to show it was not backtracking on economic reforms, twinned the move with a slight liberalisation of the rates banks pay to borrowers in a bid to ensure millions of savers do not

see their incomes hit.

Beijing’s first rate cut in more than two years comes as factory growth stalls and the property market, long a pillar of growth, is weak, dragging on broader activity and curbing demand for everything from furniture to cement and steel.

Many companies have also been struggling with debt, as slowing sales crimp their ability to pay back loans racked up in a nationwide frenzy of borrowing from 2008-2010 when Beijing used economic stimulus to offset the effects of the global financial crisis.

“It will obviously reduce financing pressures for bank borrowers. Typically those are larger companies, state-owned companies, so they’re the main beneficiaries of this,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist at Capital Economics in London.

The People’s Bank of China said it was cutting one-year benchmark lending rates by 40 basis points to 5.6 percent.

It lowered one-year benchmark deposit rates by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent. The changes take effect from Saturday.

European shares and other growth-sensitive commodities all leapt as China’s move to cut rates gave markets a welcome lift after a week where data has shown its giant economy faltering.

While the move acknowledged the risks to growth and marks a stepped-up effort to ensure the economy stays on track even as it is expected to slow to a 24-year low of 7.4 percent this year, the central bank took pains to signal that it was not simply moving towards a looser monetary stance.

In a break with earlier practice, it issued a long statement accompanying the announcement explaining the rationale for the policy step, which included giving banks more leeway in setting their own interest rates for depositors and borrowers.

“The problem of difficult financing, costly financing remains glaring in the real economy,” the PBOC said, adding that it was especially keen to help smaller firms gain access to credit.

For one-year deposits, banks may now pay depositors 1.2 times the benchmark level, up from 1.1 times previously. It also scrapped limits on interest rates for long-term deposits of five years, and simplified its system of benchmark rates for loans.

“They are cutting rates and liberalising rates at the same time so that the stimulus won’t be so damaging,” said Li Huiyong, an economist at Shenyin and Wanguo Securities.

Recent data showed bank lending tumbled in October and money supply growth cooled, raising fears of a sharper economic slowdown and prompting calls for more stimulus measures, including cutting interest rates.

But many analysts had expected the central bank to hold off on cutting interest rates for now, as authorities have opted instead for measures like more fiscal spending.

The jury is still out on how much the rate cut will actually prompt more lending. The PBOC uses other levers such as reserve requirement ratios to limit the amount of cash banks have on hand to lend out.

However, even simply reducing the debt burden on companies will ease the pressure on many, which could help avert one of the biggest potential risks to the economy - that of bad loans leading to a debt crisis.

While the asymmetrical cut in interest rates - the fall in the lending rate is more than that in the deposit rate - will shave banks’ net interest margins, many of the country’s lenders appear to be in a position to weather that challenge.

Net interest income after

loan-loss provisions at Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China grew by 12 percent or more during the first nine months of the year, compared with a year earlier.

China’s rate move comes after the Bank of Japan sprang a surprise on Oct. 31 by dramatically increasing the pace of its money creation, while European Central Bank President Mario Draghi shifted gear on Friday and threw the door wide open to quantitative easing in the euro zone.

“There is definitely more concern around about the state of the global economy than there was a few months ago, you see that not just when you talk about Europe,” British finance minister George Osborne told an audience of business leaders in London on Friday

M&A deals cross $3 trillion for first time

M

ergers and acquisition deals announced so far this year have topped $3tn, the highest since 2007, helped by mega deals in the healthcare, energy and power sectors.

The total value of deals globally jumped about 48 percent to $3.06tn as of Nov. 20, compared with the same period last year Goldman Sachs Group Inc retained its No. 1 position as M&A adviser with deals worth $877bn, followed

by JPMorgan Chase & Co with $651bn and Citigroup Inc with $633bn.

Morgan Stanley slipped to the fifth position from third last year.

The M&A market, which was the doldrums following the financial crisis, got a lift from a resurgent stock market and growing confidence among cash-rich companies.

The $66.4 billion bid for Allergan Inc by Actavis PLC this week more than doubled the total value of deals in the healthcare sector to $364 billion.

Halliburton Co’s plans to buy smaller rival Baker Hughes Inc for about $38.5bn raised the value of deals in the energy sector by 68 percent to $516.3bn.

Other notable deals include Comcast Corp’s $45.2bn bid for rival The United States led the way with about $1.41tn worth of deals, up 58 percent compared with last year.

Aereo files for bankruptcy China’s central bank

A

ereo Inc, the video streaming company backed by media mogul Barry Diller, has

Kanojia

filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Chapter 11 filing on Thursday night came five months after the U.S. Supreme Court said Aereo violated broadcasters’ copyrights by capturing live and recorded programs on miniature antennas and transmitted them to paying subscribers. That decision effectively forbade Aereo’s business model.

Aereo Chief Executive Officer Chet Kanojia said the decision created “regulatory and legal uncertainty” that proved insurmountable for the New York-based company, which is privately held.

“A little over three years ago, the team at Aereo set out to build a better television experience for the consumer,” Kanojia said in a blog post. “We knew we had touched a nerve, had created something special, and had a built something meaningful for consumers.”

Ultimately, he said, “the challenges have proven too difficult to overcome.”

In a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan, Chief Financial Officer Ramon Rivera said Aereo sought protection from creditors to obtain “necessary breathing room” to sell its assets, recapitalize or restructure.

Aereo has been trying to persuade federal regulators to declare it eligible for a license available to cable systems, but Rivera said the timing was “uncertain.”

Lawton Bloom, a principal at Argus Management Corp in New York who specializes in restructurings and crisis management, was named Aereo’s chief restructuring officer.

Kanojia owns 42.32 percent of the company, and Diller’s holds 23.3 percent, according to Aereo’s bankruptcy petition.

Aereo had raised about $95.6m in equity financing.

IAC did not immediately respond on Friday to a request for comment.

The 6-3 Supreme Court decision was a victory for broadcasters such as Comcast Corp’s NBC, Co’s ABC and Twenty-First Century Fox Inc’s Fox network.

Aereo suspended its streaming service soon after the decision. On Nov. 12, it laid off 74 employees, leaving 14. BC

A8 24

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brand Watch

Online shopping gathers momentum The shortcomings notwithstanding, Nigeria’s online retail space has continued to grow significantly, as more customers embrace e-shopping

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

W

hen it was first introduced, many feared to purchase on-line, but statistics has continued to show that e-shopping, otherwise known as online shopping has come to stay.

Today, online shopping has continued to gain unprecedented boom in the country, as consumers are conveniently moving away from the traditional markets and shopping malls to a new way of purchasing goods and services just by sitting in front of a PC or even more likely, via tablet or smart phone.

Online shopping in Nigeria is changing the way Nigerians buy and sell as it is not just products but services being sold on the internet. The online shopping websites allow people to pay in Naira, get a home delivery or do the pickup themselves.

Nowadays, customers in Nigeria who want to shop online no longer need to make payments with Paypal, have a US shipping address or make use of a US credit card before their orders are executed. No, they could simply order online and even pay on delivery afterwards.

There has indeed been a strong positive sentiment towards online shopping in the country, at least amongst Nigeria’s over 45 million internet population, many of who live in the urban centres. Online sales grew 25 per cent in 2011 to N62.4 bn, up an additional N12.5 bn from N49.9 bn in 2010. Presently, the total investment in the sector is estimated at about N200 bn with huge potential for growth.

The trend is said to be fuelled by deepening internet penetration and an uptick in purchases made with mobile phones.

E-shopping offers a level playing ground for large businesses, as well as small and medium-scale enterprises, SMEs, to operate in the global marketplace and for regional businesses and communities to participate in social, economic and cultural networks seamlessly across international boundaries.

It equally fosters direct access to distant markets and promotes globalisation of commercial activities and blurs many of the current distinctions between domestic and foreign companies to an extent that it becomes practi-

cally impossible to determine the origin of products.

Hitherto, multinationals that operated in a number of countries had to adjust their products and services to accommodate the diverse operating environments at a relatively high cost, which the virtual marketplace has reduced.

With the paradigm shift in their mode of operation occasioned by the advent of the Internet, global corporations now operate with much consistency and at reduced cost of transactions as if the entire world were a single entity.

The list of shopping websites in Nigeria has been growing rapidly on daily basis.

The growing list of online shopping where consumers conveniently buy their products include Jumia, Konga, Kaymu, Taafoo, Sunglasses, DealDey, Kara, Mystore among others.

Practically, Jumia and Konga are setting the pace when it comes to online shopping websites in Nigeria.

Jumia, for instance, located at jumia.com.ng and an office at Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, has a great platform that allows users to register for free, order for items they want and even pay on delivery.

Jumia seems to have the highest number of listed products for sale.

It sells a lot of products which include fashion, mobile phones, computers, electronics, home accessories, books, movies, tickets and wines. Jumia Nigeria has about 293,000 pages of content indexed by Google presently.

For Konga, another leading online shopping site, it has a website located at Konga. com and no office address listed but has three pick up addresses available in Surulere, Ikeja and Victoria Island.

Konga is another great shopping website that has a great delivery service which covers most Nigerian cities. Konga is a general shopping website that lists items relating to computers, electronics, clothing, home accessories, books, movies, mobile recharge, food and drinks.

With an office address located at Oregun Lagos and a website at Taafoo.com, Taafoo is into selling items relating to fashion and gadgets. Taafoo has over 280,000 pages of content indexed by Google as at this time.

For walahi.com, with an office address at Ikeja Lagos, it is a niche shopping webiste that is devoted to book lovers. They offer books in lots of educational categories from Accounting to Tourism. They offer home or office delivery and accept payments in form of cash, bank deposit and online card payments. The website has over 270,000 pages of content as at this time.

Hellofood is another favourite online shopping destination.

Interestingly, this is one of the few local websites where you can order for food and receive it same day. From local dish like ofe Akwu, Fufu or other dish like cakes, to spaghetti and Pizza, Hellofood has a wide chain of restaurants that they can link you with and all it basically takes is having a free account with them and then pay on delivery.

Analysts are optimistic that the upward growth trajectory in online sales will not recede.

This is based on evidence which confirms that online retailers are increasingly channelling their energies and resources towards providing locally-relevant solutions to Nigerian customers.

The MasterCard Worldwide Online Shopping Survey, released earlier, which corroborated this, reveals that 92 per cent of Nigerians surveyed had shopped online three months before the survey was conducted.

Fifty-seven percent of them, according to the survey, indicate that they will continue to make purchases online over the next six months. The survey, which measures consumers’ propensity to shop online, reveals that 59 percent of Nigerian Internet users shop on international websites.

Adeola Kudoro, a PR practitioner, is one of the shoppers who have successfully been lured by online retailers away from brick and- mortar stores due to its perceived convenience.

“I have continued to fall in love with the e-transaction since the first time I used it to purchase my son’s football jersey,” says Kudoro, who adds that she shops online once or twice a month while spending an average of N16,000.”

For most Nigerian online shoppers, in the face of cyber crime and trust, one area where most Nigerians seem to find more attractive is the aspect of being able to pay cash on delivery.

Most Nigerian online shoppers prefer to pay cash on delivery, although electronic payments are growing. To show Nigerians’ enthusiasm towards online shopping, last year, Konga. com’s website crashed for an hour, as demand for its Black Friday sale went through the roof. By the end of the day, however, Konga, a major player in Nigeria’s e-Commerce industry, had broken its largest single-day sales record.

“We had more sales on our website last Friday than in all of December last year,” a source within Konga.Com, recalled.

Dr. Victor Alaofin, Chief Executive Officer, Ryte Internet Technologies Limited, the company behind Rytedeals.com believes that online shopping is here to stay especially bearing in mind that it aids convenience which most people crave for.

“I think one key thing that is driving this is that every human being wants convenience. Nobody wants to go through stress if there is obviously a less stressful alternative available.

For a long time, we have all tolerated the Lagos traffic because we did not have an alternative. But as alternatives pop up, there is initial question of trust. But once people test and see that it works, they would prefer to call or go online and have their order delivered at their home instead of spending hours driving to a mall.”

According to him, convenience has been one key thing that has been driving the eshopping in the country. “If you look at the average man, we are probably busier today than we were 20 or 10 years ago.

Then many people could afford to leave their offices for three hours during lunch to go buy something or do something.

But today, the way the jobs are structured, you cannot even stand up, you don’t have breathing time.

As lifestyles become more

hectic, people tend to actively seek convenient means of doing things.”

Accordingly, many are of the view that there are many things that can be done without disturbing their daily schedule which has been the reason the timing has been very appropriate for online business.

However, many Nigerians believe that the operators of online shopping really need to improve on their services.

For instance, speaking on her experience, Habibat Sanusi noted, “Their return process is unduly cumbersome and their customer service interface is unfriendly. They employ all forms of delay tactics to ensure that you have a very difficult time returning an unwanted item. I find it quite shameful that I reside in Nigeria and I get superb service from an online store not based in Nigeria.

“Their return policy states that you can return items (with a few exceptions) as long as they are in the original state within 14 days of delivery. But the minute you try to return an item, they turn very unfriendly and query you intensively. Even after a return, they will rather put the money in your wallet than give you back the cash you paid, forcing you to use their crappy business one more time. I honestly hope this will be my last time ever shopping with Jumia or Konga (don’t even let me start with that one). Amazon and Asos offer great deals at great prices with minimal stress.

To Nneka Amos, “It is a good thing that online shopping is developing in Nigeria. It is still new, but I am very sure that it will grow with time if they are honest with it. For online to move fast in Nigeria, I think we need to borrow a leave from international best practice.”

Dozie Joseph told this medium, “My experience with Jumia is particularly disappointing. My order took eight days to process, after which they told me it was out of stock. I am yet to try Konga. My experience has shown that newer e-commerce shop tend to offer better services.”

Speaking furiously, a lady who simply gave her name as Amy said, I have tried Jumia and they gave me what I desired. As for kaymu and konga, I will never look their way again.

Kaymu is even the worst. There is no originality with them. I paid for 4 clothing (tops), it was delivered after three weeks.”

Speaking further, she noted, the worst part was that what they sent to me was actually sown here locally and it was badly sown. I later saw the tops I bought from them on eBay site.

It was then that I realised that they get their sample from the internet.” BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

A9 25

Brand Watch

Coca-Cola gets “A” rating C oca-Cola HBC AG (CocaCola HBC), the world’s second largest bottler of products of The Coca-Cola Company and the parent company of Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has been awarded an A rating by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and a place in the CDP Global Climate Performance Leadership Index 2014.

This is a further achievement for the company as it has also recently been named the global industry leader amongst beverage companies in the 2014 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). This is the seventh consecutive year that Coca-Cola HBC has been included in the indices and for the first time this year it leads both the World and European indices.

CDP is a not-for-profit organisation which provides the only global system for companies to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information, motivating them to disclose their impact on the environment and take action to reduce it.

This year CDP has also upgraded Coca-Cola HBC to an A rating, from last year’s B rating, and awarded the company a place in the UK’s FTSE 350 Leadership Index, in addition to its place in The A List: Global Climate Performance Leadership Index, which for the first time looked at all climate leader companies around the world, not just the global 500 companies.

Coca-Cola HBC provided comprehensive information about the measurement and management of its carbon footprint, climate change strategy and risk management processes and outcomes, which clearly defined and quantified the risks and opportunities around climate change and resulted in a number of initiatives including: supporting the expansion of the capacity of the Russian sugar beet industry, which will eliminate the need to import sugar

L-R: Project Lead, Social Media Awards Africa, Femi Aderibigbe; Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman and Marketing Consultant, SMAA, Adebiyi Fashoyin, at a Press Conference to announce the commencement of voting for the social medial Awards Africa in Lagos recently

MultiChoice excites subscribers with ‘super cruise’ promo I

n keeping faith with its promise to always reward its subscribers, leading pay-tv content provider for DStv and GOtv, MultiChoice Nigeria has launched another initiative tagged MultiChoice Super Cruise Promo.

The promotion allows intending subscribers and existing subscribers to buy or subscribe their way to winning one of 20 Kia Rio cars, 100 Plasma TV screens, or 30 DStv Exploras decoders.

Addressing the media at the launch of the promotion, Martin Mabutho, general manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, said MultiChoice is committed to consistently rewarding its loyal customers.

He emphasized that apart from the 20 Kia Rio cars, MultiChoice is also giving away 100 Plasma TV screens, or 30 DStv Exploras decoders to DStv and GOtv subscribers.

Mabutho explained that to enter for the promotion, all the subscribers need to do is to buy a DStv decoder which comes with a dish, pay three months subscription on either Compact,

for the company’s operations by 2015.

Others include, working with suppliers in introducing HFC-free coolers, meaning all new equipment will be hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-free by 2015 as well as an investment of €3 million in 2013 in energy saving programmes throughout the company’s plants.

These initiatives contributed to a reduction in total absolute carbon emissions (direct and indirect) of 5.3 per cent compared

to the previous year.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices assess over 2,500 of the world’s largest publicly traded companies on financially relevant economic, environmental and social factors. Following an evaluation, the top 10 per cent of companies within each industry are selected for inclusion.

In the DJSI, Coca-Cola HBC was ranked first in the beverages sector out of 30 companies in DJSI World and 10 companies in DJSI Europe. The company’s overall score was 89 per cent up from 81 per cent last year,

Family or Access Bouquets.

“It’s so simple, once you buy the decoder and pay three months subscription, you automatically qualify for the weekly draw where you could win any of the amazing prizes” he remarked.

Existing DStv subscribers can also enter the competition by ensuring they remain connected for three months.

“We are giving our existing subscribers a chance to also cruise away in a Kia Rio, simply by staying connected to DStv” Mabutho said.

Accordingly, a GOtv subscriber who gets to buy GOtv decoder which was formerly N5,300 but now sells for N2,900 with one month subscription and makes an additional two months subscription with the GO-recharge card, stands a chance to cruise home in one of the 20 Kia Rio cars.

The promotion which runs from November, 2014 – 6 February, 2015 will select winners from both existing and new subscribers, in a weekly draw from the duration of the promo.BC

N

igeria’s largest online mall, Konga.com recently announced the opening of its new engineering center in Yaba, Lagos.

The company’s expansion to the new office was necessitated by the growth of Konga’s massive engineering team.

Today, Konga.com has one of the most remarkable teams of software engineers in Nigeria comprising over 100 engineers.

Most of these engineers are now located in the new Lagos office with a smaller hub opening soon in Cape Town, South Africa.

Konga’s team of highly selfmotivated and driven tech gurus work on developing the cuttingedge software and applications which Konga.com runs on today.

With a keen focus on innovation, some impressive software developed by the tech team range from the actual Konga.com website, to other platforms such as the ‘SellerHQ’ – a trading Platform which allows sellers all around Nigeria to upload pictures of their merchandise, manage stores and actively trade on the Konga.com.

Konga.com’s engineering team also created the Konga Shopping App which runs on Android and iOS, Konga’s Konga’s SellerHQ App on Android as well as several Logistics Applications and inter-

and it achieved industry-best scores across the environmental and social dimensions. Best progress was made in the areas of brand and customer relationship management, health and nutrition, supply chain management, talent attraction and retention and human capital development.

In the environmental dimension, packaging and water risk management were awarded the maximum 100 points. Dimitris Lois, Coca-Cola HBC CEO said: ‚We are delighted to be recognised as an industry leader by these two benchmarks of corporate sustainability performance.

Our substantial improvement this year in the DJSI, and our rating upgrade from B to A by CDP demonstrate that sustainability is at the heart of our business, and these two awards are a firm endorsement of the good work we are doing.

Commenting on the companies that made it to the CDP’s Climate Disclosure Leadership Index Paul Simpson, CEO of the Carbon Disclosure Project, said: ‚Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and we face steep financial risk if we do not mitigate them. The need for data on corporate climate change impacts and strategies to reduce them has never been greater. For this reason we congratulate those businesses that have achieved a position on CDP’s Climate Disclosure Leadership Index. These companies are responding to the ever-growing demand for environmental accountability and should inspire others to follow suit. BC

Konga launches engineering center nal operational tools.

The company’s Director of Products and Enterprises-Technology, Olatokunbo Fagbamigbe expressed his delight with the growth of the engineering team.

He remarked that, “Konga hires the finest multidisciplinary engineers in Nigeria to design and develop the core systems for our online customer experience today; ranging from the actual e-retailer site to other back-end systems. Our team is driven by the challenge to engineer world class systems to help Konga be the engine of trade and commerce in Africa”.

The company’s CEO and founder, Sim Shagaya com-

Shagaya

mented on the role of technology in firmly establishing e-commerce as a major industry in Nigeria saying, “The growth potential for e-commerce in Nigeria is astronomical. We recognize that to be successful in this industry, every point in the consumer’s online shopping experience on Konga must be first-rate. From providing ease when placing orders, to the moment the consumer holds the product in his hands, our proprietary technology follows through to ensure that the experience is as satisfying as possible”.

The amazing thing about Nigeria is that we have millions of vibrant youth, providing a large pool of great technical talent to choose from for the development of this technology. As a company founded in Nigeria, we believe that we must play our part in developing the country. We firmly believe in building capability and this is one of the reasons we recently launched a peer training programme for our engineers called the Konga Tech University.

In addition to this, we will established a knowledge exchange programme with the experts from our South-Africa hub. BC

A10 26

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wheeler dealer ‘princess’

Isabel dos Santos

…how her fortune grew from $500m to $3bn dominated by South African banking giants such as First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank.

Banco BIC is the largest bank in Angola with an estimated 200 branches in Angola and operations in Portugal. Its largest shareholder is Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, Africa’s richest woman, whose fortune pegs at $3.5 billion.

Just about a week ago, she increased her stake in the commercial bank from 25 percent to 42.5 percent after acquiring additional shares from Portuguese billionaire businessman Americo Amorim.

In November 2012, Forbes listed the net worth of Isabel dos Santos, the eldest daughter of Angola’s president, at $500 million. In an article published on Wednesday, we estimated her net worth at $3

‘

billion. Did her fortune really grow six-fold in less than a year? The short answer: No. ires really Some billionaires do skyrocket at that rate over the course of a year.

In Isabel dos Santos’ case, it was a matter of coming up with evidence that she owned the asple had sets various people gossiped about. For the 2012 Forbes listt of Aft, she rica’s 40 Richest, n the owns stakes in le TV Portuguese cable company ZON Multico BPI, media and Banco which together were 00 milworth about $500 lion. By January 2013, with help from Angolan journalist Rafael rais, I Marques de Morais, nough had gathered enough evidence to call her a

she owns stakes in the Portuguese cable TV company ZON Multimedia and Banco BPI, which together were worth about $500 million

‘

A

ngola’s largest commercial bank, Banco BIC, which is 42.5 percent controlled by the Africa’s richest woman, Isabel dos Santos, has reportedly been granted a provisional license by the Central Bank of Namibia to launch a local subsidiary which would operate as a banking institution in the country and trade under the name, Bank BIC Namibia Limited.

According to the Bank of Namibia’s spokesperson, Ndangi Katoma, the provisional authorization to the Angolan bank was effective from October 3, but it comes with limitations.

The license only permits Bank BIC Namibia to conduct business in the country for a provisional period of six months only. During that period, the bank will not be allowed to engage in any actual commercial banking activities with Namibians, such as soliciting deposits or offering loans.

“After this period, the bank may issue a certificate of authorization to this entity to conduct banking business, provided that it satisfactorily fulfils the readiness requirements before commencing with banking operations,” Katoma explained.

Nambia is a country in southern Africa with a small population of only 2.3 million people. At the moment, Namibia’s banking industry is

billionaire, adding stakes in a bank in Angola and a low estimate of her chunk of UNITEL, the country’s leading mobile phone network. By the time Forbes published our annual billionaires’ list in March, we counted the full value of her 25 percent in UNITEL –worth $1 billion– which helped push her net worth to an estimated $2 billion.

For the recent Forbes magazine article, Angolan journalist Rafael Marques de Morais connected the dots between Angolan state oil company Sonangol, Portuguese billionaire Americo Amorim, a Swissregistered holding company called Exem Holding, and Isabel’s estimated 6.9 percent stake in Portuguese oil company GALP. That asset, combined with some dividends and a rising stock price at ZON, pushed Isabel dos Santos’ estimated net worth up by another $1 billion to $3 billion. She may have even more assets that could push up her net worth. If we find more, we’ll make that clear.

A spokesman for Isabel dos Santos insisted t h a t s h e paid f o r t h e as-

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

sets in all the companies she owns pieces of using proceeds from her earlier business ventures, but he would not provide specifics. “Mrs. Isabel dos Santos is an independent business woman, and a private investor representing solely her own interests.

Her investments in Angolan and or in Portuguese companies are transparent and have been conducted through arms-length transactions involving external entities such as reputed banks and law firms,” the spokesman said.

Despite years of combing public documents in Angola, my co-author Rafael Marques de Morais could not find public records showing how much Isabel dos Santos paid for her stakes – records that are typically published in the government’s Daily Gazette.

Watchdog organizations like Global Witness have written about missing assets and murky dealings in Angola in the past. “The looting of the Angolan state by a corrupt elite is a tragedy for the Angolan people. The country’s oil and mining sector continues to be opaque and riven with corruption,” says Global Witness campaigner Barnaby Pace. “In deals for the state’s natural resources it must be clear exactly what payments are being made, to whom and for what; also, who won the deal, how they won it, and who ultimately stands to profit. Only when this is achieved will Angolan citizens be able to hold their leaders to account.”

In Angola, Isabel dos Santos has the reputation of a more serious business person than some of her siblings do, says Marissa Moorman, a professor at Indiana University and an expert on Angola. The siblings are known for being involved with lighter-weight endeavors –glossy magazines o r

mus i c p r o j e c t s ,

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she paid for the assets in all the companies she owns pieces of using proceeds from her earlier business ventures

rather than Isabel’s stakes in the leading mobile phone network, a large bank, the country’s cement company and, previously, the Angolan diamond business. “She’s both respected and feared as a business person,” says Moorman, who lived in Angola for 10 months in 2010 and 2011.

Isabel dos Santos is known for having good people skills, and even went on the Angolan equivalent of the Jay Leno show, Moorman added.

Africa’s richest woman Isabel Dos Santos has reportedly made a $1.5 billion bid for Portugal Telecom (PT) SGPS SA, a company that owns a 25.7% stake in Brazilian telecom operator Oi. According to Reuters, Terra Peregrin, a Portuguese-registered investment company that Dos Santos owns, is offering shareholders 1.35 euros ($1.68) for each of the 896 million shares of the Portuguese company, an 11% pre-

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mium to Friday’s closing price of 1.2170 euros per share on the Lisbon stock exchange.

Last week, Altice, which is controlled by French billionaire Patrick Drahi made an offer to pay 7 billion euros ($8.7 billion) for PT Portugal, excluding its business in Africa, Oi treasury shares and Portugal Telecom’s Rio Forte debt securities. Terra Peregrin’s offer is seen as an attempt to scuttle Altice’s bid.

While Altice owns two cable companies in Portugal, it is looking to buy the assets of Portugal Telecom so as to compete with rivals Optimus and Vodafone in the market.

Oi, which agreed to merge with Portugal Telecom last year, is considering selling its Portuguese assets to pay off part of its $18 billion debt burden.

Terra Peregrin said in a filing published on the website of Portuguese securities

A11 27

regulator CMVM that the success of the offer is contingent on acquiring more than 50% of Portugal Telecom’s shares, and that it may withdraw PT SGPS from the Lisbon stock exchange if it succeeds in acquiring 90% or more of the companyAfrica’s Richest Woman Acquires Additional 17.5% Stake In Angolan Bank Africa’s richest woman, Isabel dos Santos, has increased her stake in Angolan Bank Banco BIC to 42.5%, according to Portuguese newspaper, Publico.

According to the paper, Isabel dos Santos and Banco BIC Angola’s CEO, Fernando Teles acquired a 25% shareholding owned by Portuguese billionaire businessman Americo Amorim. The duo also acquired another 10% stake in Banco BIC Portugal, an offshoot of Banco BIC Angola owned by another shareholder, businessman António Ruas. Isabel dos Santos and Teles split the 35% equally, each taking 17.5%. Santos previously owned 25% of the bank, bringing her current shareholding to 42.5%. Ruas now owns 37.5%. The deal was closed on Thursday last week, though it is not clear how much they paid to acquire the shares.

Banco BIC Angola and Banco BIC Portugal have an identical shareholding structure. The bank was established in Angola in 2005 before expanding to Portugal in 2008. It is currently Angola’s largest bank, with more than 200 branches across the country, 3,000 employees and about 1 million customers.

With this deal, Isabel dos Santos, who is worth approximately $3.5 billion by FORBES’ estimates, is now Banco BIC’s dominant shareholder and has cemented her position as one of the biggest stakeholders in Angola and Portugal’s financial system.

Isabel dos Santos, 41, is the daughter of Angola’s president, and was profiled

by Forbes in 2013 in a piece titled “Daddy’s Girl: How an African ‘Princess’ Banked $3 billion in a Country Living on $2 a day.” Leveraging on her father’s position, Isabel dos Santos has acquired large stakes in blue-chips like Angolan mobile phone operator Unitel, media giant Zon Optimus and Portuguese oil and gas firm Galp Energia. BC Source: Forbes magazine

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

Twice a failure now a sought after Eleven years ago, Adessy Adeola took a decision to quit paid employment and pursue his passion for farming. This was in a bid to realise his childhood dream of creating jobs for people in a country, where jobs are scarce and graduate unemployment rate is very high. Severe setbacks compelled the Higher National Diploma holder in Chemical Engineering to take a job of driving a commercial bus popularly called ‘Danfo’. This has now paid off tremendously, as those early failures have become the testimonials for a thriving consultancy service for both public and private sector organisations

By Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

A

dessy Adeola, Chief Executive Officer, Green Focus Global Services, a child of farmer –parents was raised in the South-West of Nigeria. He attended United Missionaries College in Ibadan and later went to Oke Ado High School for his Secondary School Certificate before proceeding to Ilara Technical College Ilara Remo where he studied Automobile Engineering for three years before obtaining his trade test certificate 1-3 and City and Guilds of London. Later he was admitted into Ogun State Polytechnic and was subsequently awarded a HND in Chemical Engineering.

Passion for agriculture came naturally to him, having being exposed to farm life and business from childhood and so he enjoyed tending to crops and animals as he stressed “it has been a family thing and something I love doing”.

However upon graduation, the young Adeola did nothing about his passion rather he got employed with SCOA Motors Igbosere, before moving to Ibadan for his National Youth Service for one year and from there, he moved to the American Embassy in Kaduna to head the mechanical department for three years before returning to Lagos where he worked for Nigerite Ltd for just one year and then resigned to pursue his dream.

He recalls that the issue of scarcity of jobs today was not a new phenomenon as it already existed when he was in secondary school and so instead of thinking about how he was going to be part of the problem he was calculating how he would become a solution by providing

jobs for others.

“When I was in secondary school I had this determination that I was not really going to work for anybody instead, I will have people working for me.

My second year in polytechnic I discovered that not many people wanted to be self employed as the majority had preferences for white-collar jobs,” he said Even then, he said he believed that one is not supposed to be restricted to his professional training alone but can also engage in other enterprise endeavours.

“Also I was passionate about changing the orientation of our youths, who do not believe in agriculture as a means of amassing wealth but in order to do that effectively I had to lead by example which I did by quitting my well paid job for farming,” he said.

So he decided to go and set up a farm where his desire of employing people would find full expression”, he said.

He also observed: “Not that I was not well paid by all these organisations I had worked with you can imagine working with the American Embassy, Nigerite and Peugeot Assembly Nigeria PAN, which were very good entities when it comes to employee remuneration packages but somehow my desire to give something back to the society propelled me to take a bow from paid employment and pursue my dream,” he said.

Today he has successfully trained theoretically and in practice a lot of young people who have gone into successful agricultural ventures with a number of thriving farms to their credit.

“I have a number of successful people who I trained that now own farms that are even

Adeola

bigger than mine just because I took the step of leaving an office job for farming in the exquisite outdoors of nature,’ he reflected.

More importantly what gives him more satisfaction is the ripple effect of his decision as those he trained have also trained

and provided employment for others thereby expanding the circle of wealth creation beyond his immediate influence.

And so fully set to achieving his desire, Adeola left Nigerite to practice agriculture but first he sought and obtained relevant information before setting

up his farm and his quest took him all the way to Port-Novo in the Republic of Benin where he spent one year specifically at the Shonga Farms studying animal husbandry and livestock generally.

He came back and immediately established a poultry farm in Lagos and that was when the true tests of entrepreneurship came knocking to prove his resolve of staying on course with his dream.

Indeed it was tougher than one could have imagined, given the initial training he underwent in the Republic of Benin as he lost about 450 birds out of the 500 birds with which he started his farm.

“At that point a friend of mine told me that I was not ready yet and that I had better go back to Nigerite or the American embassy and re-apply and I said no this is what I wanted.

I sourced more funds and got another 300 birds and lost the whole 300 again that was when I backed out a bit because I did not have any more funds to commit into the business,” he recounted.

Bravely Adeola approached a friend of his who owned a commercial bus popularly known as “Danfo” in Lagos to contract the bus out to him, and for the next six months he became a commercial driver plying the IkejaCMS route in the evenings.

He saved just enough money driving the commercial bus and like a man possessed by his

Management Principles

Principles of Fraud Risk Management

F

raud, be it in a private or public enterprise is one denominator that company/organization managers must strive to contain. While incidences of fraud may not be out rightly avoided, it is pertinent to ensure that its occurrences and consequences are minimized.

Discussed below are five basic principles of managing fraud related risks as put together under “Managing the Business Risk of Fraud: A Practical Guide” jointly by the Institute of Internal Auditors, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

The guide suggests that organisations follow five principles which can be adapted both by the private-sector businesses and government entities.

Fraud Risk Governance: As part of an organisation’s governance structure, a fraud risk management programme should be in place, including a written policy (policies) to convey the expectations of the board of directors and senior management regarding managing fraud risk.

Management must set the tone for the rest of the organization and make fraud risk management a priority Organizations should have a formal fraud risk management programme, including written policies and procedures. Management should adjust their fraud risk management program to fit the specific characteristics and needs of their organization.

Fraud Risk Assessment: Fraud risk exposure should be assessed periodically by the organization to identify specific potential schemes and events that the organization needs to mitigate Fraud risk management is not a one-time development. An organization’s plan should be reevaluated and updated regularly.

A fraud risk assessment should include an evaluation of the incentives, pressures and opportunities to commit fraud within the organization.

Evaluating the risk of fraud should also include an examination of management, including

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

A13 29

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

consultant passion he bought another 250 birds and re-opened his farm.

“I worked on the mistakes I made on my first and second experiences and by the fifth month I had sold most of the 250 birds recording only minimal losses this time around. And I got more birds and repeated the process and over time I can now stock over 8000 birds at a time,” he narrated.

He kept his hope alive after suffering losses twice, which form part of his experience, which he relates to those who come to his institute or visit his farm to encourage them.

“I put my pride aside because I had a big dream which I believed in and so it was not so difficult for me to make sacrifices towards actualising them, like leaving a comfortable job and suffering assaults as a commercial bus driver from passengers who see the job as an undignified one,” he said.

Adeola today advises young entrepreneurs that in order to avoid costly mistakes and maintain their chosen course as entrepreneurs, they should have a clear set of goals and vision before embarking on or setting up a business of their own. He said,” be sure of what you are out to achieve and how you want to achieve it and never take financial planning for granted, from the scratch plan everything to the last detail and stick to your plan.”

He stressed that failing

to put adequate financial plan for one’s business was a clear indication that that business might go nowhere; adding that being greedy was another factor that can ruin a start-up.

“Trying to do everything alone is another reason why some entrepreneurs fail because most try to handle every aspect of their business alone and there is no way that can work. Try to bring in people who are proficient in other areas seek for professional advice from those who have trodden the path before you and succeeded and learn especially from their mistakes,” he advised.

He believes that failure is not something that entrepreneurs should be afraid of because if you fear from the outset you will find

internal controls and segregation of duties.

Fraud Prevention: Prevention techniques to avoid potential key fraud risk events should be established, where feasible, to mitigate possible impacts on the organization.

Not all fraud is preventable. However, preventive techniques are an organization’s first line of defense against fraud.

Financial controls are not fraud controls; therefore, an organization should develop a specific set of preventive measures designed to address fraud risk. The success of preventive techniques is reliant on awareness and reinforcement.

Fraud Detection: Detection techniques should be established to uncover fraud events when preventive measures fail or unmitigated risks are realized.

Detection techniques are not designed to prevent fraud, but they do work as a check to ensure prevention techniques are working as intended.

Detection techniques will act as a deterrent against fraud, but only if they are properly designed, visible and effective.

Detection techniques should be flexible and adaptable to meet changing Risks of fraud.

Investigation and Corrective Action: A reporting process should be in place to solicit input on potential fraud, and a coordinated approach to investigation and corrective action should be used to help ensure potential fraud is addressed appropriately and timely.

A documented and timely investigative and corrective action process can improve an organization’s Chances of recovering loss, minimizing exposure to litigation and lessening damage to reputation. Management should establish a specific protocol for receiving, evaluating, tracking and investigating Fraud allegations.

The investigation and corrective action process must be a coordinated effort between management and other areas of the organization, including legal, human resources and others. BC

yourself already defeated.

“If you think you will fail because of the risks associated with your planned venture, then definitely your venture will fail,” he said.

He advised every farmer to use their time outside the farms very well to find out what is happening out there. He said, “even if you can’t go to places to research you can at least connect to the internet via your device and google up relevant information that can boost what you are doing.”

He suggested that sometimes it was important to visit other farms within Nigeria or even in neighbouring countries to learn new and better ways of doing what one is doing.

Today apart from helping to set up farms, securing capital for enterprises from the Bank of Industry BOI and the Bank of Agriculture BOA which leverages his strategic partnership, his farm serves as a model learning centre for other farmers in the areas of Snail and grass-cutter rearing, aquaculture and poultry.

But he maintains a sense of modesty as he insists that Green Focus is still learning, while his vision is to look back in the future and see that more people have passed through the establishment and are succeeding.

“Presently we are on a project across the six geo-political zones in partnership with the Bank of Industry. Plans are also on the drawing board to go and train dairy farmers in Tanzania as well create adequate awareness among our own Fulani herdsmen who are really not getting it right for now.

As a private entity we also want to complement federal government’s effort in sustaining agriculture so ensure that agriculture is in every household in Nigeria because agriculture will never fade in relevance whereas the same cannot be said of crude oil in the next few years.

When I look back in those days the constraints and reins of being an employee are no longer there.

Whereas I used to run around to build an empire for another person, I now enjoying seeing the impact of my vision around me as those who passed through my establishment are all doing well.

Recently we were able to sensitise all farmers in Lagos state on the accessibility of profitable loans and importance of agricultural insurance because the awareness on insurance for agriculture is very poor whereas insurance is a key element of agriculture.

Like in those early days when I first lost about 400 birds and didn’t have anything to fall back on if only I had insured my farm then at least I would have had some cover for my losses. My story is similar to what a lot of small scale farmers go through which tends to discourage a lot of first time farmers from agriculture causing them to channel funds into other sectors,” he said. BC

Personal Finance

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

Preparing yourself for the challenges of raising capital

A

ccording to Robert Kiyosaki, “Getting rich begins with the right mindset, the right words and the right plan.”

Raising capital for your startup or funds for your small business expansion plans is no doubt one of the most challenging aspects of starting or growing a business.

This is why you must be adequately prepared for the task.

Seriously, raising money for your business is not a piece of cake; as you almost have to practically beg and convince potential investors or lenders to trust you with their hard earned money. There are more-thancountable stories of entrepreneurs and small business owners becoming discouraged and frustrated by the harsh challenges they are faced with while trying to raise funds for their businesses.

These challenges include the amount of time it takes to secure the required funds, the crippling terms and conditions, the paper work involved, the rejections, and the lack of linearity and progress checkpoints over the course of the fund raising process. Now, let us go into more detail on some of the commonest challenges entrepreneurs face during the fund raising process.

“Never worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow, you might inherit a million dollars or be run over by a truck. Or inherit a million dollars and be run over by a truck.” – The Mafia Manager 1. The “maybe” situation It is very common for a prospective investor, either an individual or a venture firm to show great interest in an entrepreneur’s idea after the initial review, only to leave the entrepreneur guessing afterwards by not giving any definitive feedback (positive or negative) on the investment proposition. No entrepreneur would find this an easy experience.

Because they “have the gold” and “make the rules,” investors demand that you, being the entrepreneur, provide a very specific timeline in regards to growth metrics and return on their prospective investment.

But they usually don’t reciprocate this by making quick and specific investment decisions. Why should they be hasty about investing in your business, when there are other promising business opportunities out there.

2. Lack of urgency Another great challenge in raising funds for a new or existing business is the lack of natural urgency. This is usually because the number of entrepreneurs seeking to market their ideas by far exceeds that of ready investors. And so, investors have their tables filled with several investment proposals and usually need enough time to go through them and scrutinize the opportunities that each one presents.

“The rich invest in time, the poor invest in money.” – Warren Buffett Also, most investors / lenders are busy individuals with many corporate and personal issues to attend to; thus leaving them with less time to go through the numerous business plan they receive daily. So get their attention, your business plan and email pitch must be exceptional and attention grabbing.

With the above in mind, let’s now look at the qualities you must have in order to cope with the various challenges involved in the fund raising process. These following qualities will help you level the playing field, mitigate the balance of power, and accelerate the fundraising process. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs BUSINESS

The Acts of a Business Leader

KLINIC

With Mamora Victor Mamora is a system thinker and advisor whose belief and activator leadership strengths are directed towards improving workers perspective for city and enterprise development.

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

cause it diminishes the moral authority of leadership.

Manipulation of business process in the attempt to prove success and increase business balance sheet is a bad example of business leader for the society. The implication is that the followers pick an example of achievement and social applaud by circumventing the appropriate due processes. When the business ethics is broken, it spread immorality and destroys the soul of the society by promoting disregard for the core values such as honesty, accountability, love, faithfulness, trust just to mention five. If one will be successful in business then it is important to imitate the purposeful and not by default.

Dear friend, who do you imitate in business? Who are your counselors? Who are your friends?

You must get your mentor and that is an example of your future. As a business leader, you need to sharpen your intuition, call it internal teaching or simply say spiritual intelligence, to select whom you pick as example in business communities. Whoever you pick, you magnetised their values unconsciously and that influences your action later on.

It becomes easy for some-

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As business leaders, we can be deliberate about the organisation culture by creating the right environment for everybody working in the business team to learn great values and be good examples for one another

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he tendency to copy behaviour among workers and the business leaders is the root of business culture. If you have two people seated, working, and relating with each other, then one must copy another. Right now, someone is copying you.

As a business leader, what behaviour are you exhibiting in the work place for workers to copy?

You can be deliberate about your organisation culture by being the vital business leader example.

There is a reason why some people though successful in business, do not want the public to know about their business success because they are not proud of it.

Usually when people manipulated their way up, they hide to avoid people pry into how they got there.

When people do not understand leadership in business, they set bad example for the workers who copy wrong values, later start business and continue the culture of bad leadership in the new venture. Poor business leadership when allowed, expand the circle of poor values that breeds poor business culture and negatively influence on the city economy and society.

The consequence of bad action of any leader in business is greater and very damning for any city. A leader must be insecure to have leaned on bad values because of the need to sustain business.

In addition, insecurity is a factor for dissonance leadership acts in business. When a business leader is insecure, then persecution of performing subordinate becomes his preoccupation. The lack of fundamental value for human development is the beginning of insecurity that forces leader to become a bad example.

Although leadership in business is tough, challenging and put phenomenal pressure on business leader’s character, yet CEO must pass the test of great values. As a leader, one should not manipulate the system for personal gain be-

one to build a great personality and be a great example in business community. If one understands the “Law of Attraction;” this law works based on that all human beings are living magnets. We have the power to attract and repel. We can attract people, opportunities, favour, wealth, and behaviours. Obviously, every magnet has a magnetic field created by the magnet itself called radiation. Therefore, whatever the values one radiates, determines what one attract. Some CEOs radiate positive vibes and values and

attract greater talents and better success. Every business leader’s radiation is a sum total of organisational work ethics, workers attitude and culture in a work environment.

As business leaders, we can be deliberate about the organisation culture by creating the right environment for everybody working in the business team to learn great values and be good examples for one another. I believe everybody has the potential to be a good example. Take example from a farmer who knows that the potential of one seed in a forest, value chain, and ultimately wealth creation. The most important factor for the activation of any farmer’s seed is environment.

As business leaders, it is important to create an enabling environment for greater values to thrive in the organisation. It is also important for the business leader to reward the values that align with corporate success. Values such as business excellence; respect for ideas; accountability; love for humanity; truth; support; growth; giving; learning just to mention a few. These great values can predict business success in any society.

The truth is that, it starts with the business leaders such as the CEO, top executives, mid

Motivational Business Quotes

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If there is such a thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example. – Ingvar Kamprad

The good or ill of a man lies within his own will. – Epictetus

Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.

– Steve Jobs

he competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time.

– Henry Ford

I have known not a few men who, after reaching the summits of business success, found themselves miserable on attaining retirement age. They were so exclusively engrossed in their day to day affairs that they had no time for friend making. – B.C. Forbes The cynic says, “One man can’t do anything”.

I say, “Only one man can do anything.” - John W. Gardner I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity. – Oprah Winfrey

You’ve got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It’s called perseverance. – Lee Iacocca The desire of knowledge, like the thirst for riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it. – Laurence Sterne Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you’re not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were.

– David Rockefeller BC

line managers and every head of departments.

In addition, a business leader must ask; is the business environment I have created, help workers grow in values or limit it? You can reduce the circle of failures and poverty in the society by deliberately becoming an example of great business values and towards building great social system.

One of the critical responsibilities of business leader is to develop an environment for workers to thrive by providing room for value development and training for value application in decision-making.

I know that, it is very difficult for any leader to give what he does not have. For a business leader to become some one that others can copy her success values and principles, then it is important for the leader to do personal assessment and be deliberate about building the vital values required for the business success. This is achievable by also identifying with other business leaders that exhibit the values and associate through mentoring, learning from their materials and listening to their presentation.

As you step out for business today, do not forget that workers will not seek your permission to cheat on the company time, resources and money if that is what you do as business leader. Conversely, your workers do not take permission to maximise office time for corporate success, help business save cost, and judiciously use resources if that is what they see you do.

My encouragement for you is to be deliberate about the permission you give; a permission to copy success values from you. Personally, I believe in your potential for success and today I am fulfilling my commitment to make sure you succeed, build great system, help our cities develop and for people to enjoy freedom through your service. We need you to be more courageous, be a good example and offer great values today and always. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

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Unsolicited messages:

Subscribers Clamour for privacy, benefits With the spate of unsolicited text messages being received by telephone users in Nigeria, a new survey has shown that majority of Nigerians are demanding permissionbased mobile marketing. Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports

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or Bamidele Jolaoso, a Lagos Island based-telecom subscriber, if there is anything he loves so much about his Global System for Mobile Communications, generally referred to as GSM, it is the art of sending and receiving text messages through the Short Message Service (SMS).

To him, as a very busy man, rather than engage in voice calls, he prefers communicating with friends, family, colleagues, as well as customers through SMS. Jolaoso said he does that for record purposes.

Hence, he is always eager to pick his telephone set to read or send SMS. “The reason I prefer using SMS is that apart from the fact that it is cheaper and convenient for me over voice calls, SMS enables me to keep a record of our conversations.” He told Business Courage.

But, for some weeks now, Jolaoso’s love for SMS seems to have waned considerably. According to him, lately, rather than receiving the usual SMS from friends, colleagues or customers as he used to do, his SMS box has been filled up with what he called unsolicited text messages especially from

unknown sources as well as his telephone service providers. “I hate such text messages. They just deliver it to you without requesting for it. At times, in a day, I receive up to 50 of such messages.

“When I get them, especially at a time I am expecting an important SMS from someone, it irritates me and I wonder why mobile networks have continued to do this unabated.”

Jolaoso is not the only one facing this situation. Many Nigerian telephone subscribers are daily complaining about the torrential SMS marketing messages from companies they never expected could know their cell-phone numbers.

Voicing their displeasure at one of the Telecom Consumer Parliament in Lagos recently, some subscribers said that unsolicited SMS constitute invasion of their rights to privacy.

Commenting on the development, the President of the National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers, NATCOMS, Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, urged telecommunications regulator to discourage sending of unsolicited messages by operators, especially those sent for lottery activities.

Juwah

Ogunbajo, while arguing that sending of unsolicited messages to subscribers was an encroachment into their privacies, added that “This illegal practice is becoming frequent

and unbearable as subscribers have been taken for a ride.”

According to a new survey conducted by Ifop in South Africa and Nigeria on consumers’ perceptions of mobile market-

ing, 83 per cent of respondents consider and demanded that mobile marketing should be permission-based and 90 per cent want to be able to easily identify the sender.

The findings revealed that although 80 per cent of respondents are put-off when unsolicited messages are received. However, the same proportion could be won back by operators and brands if they implemented best practices to improve customer engagement.

According to Gemalto, a world leader in digital security, the survey clearly highlights that consumers in Nigeria and South Africa share the same desire to be in control of the mobile marketing campaigns they receive: 83 per cent of respondents consider and demanded that mobile marketing should be permission-based and 90 per cent want to be able to easily identify the sender.

They also want messages to be relevant to them and there is room for improvement in this respect as nearly 70 per cent said they received promotional messages not in line with their interests. Consumers also Continued on pg A16

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Business Courage

want tangible benefits: 53 per cent of South Africans expect, in order of preference, immediate discounts, loyalty benefits, and the possibility to collect points and gifts.

In conclusion, the survey indicates that there is a clear and strong potential for mobile marketing in Africa, provided mobile operators and marketers implement the golden rules: right person, right message, and right moment. If the end user is given control to opt in, opt out and select the frequency; and if messages are relevant and provide value, then 80 per cent of those surveyed in both countries would become “connected ad lovers.”

In the South African market, mobile end users can be won back by adopting best practices which are more respectful of their wishes. As for Nigeria, where mobile marketing is still in its infancy, those golden rules can be implemented right from the onset.

Recently, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), in its bid to check the ever increasing spate of unsolicited text messages being experienced by over 100 million active subscribers in the country, it came up with a database of all Value Added Service (VAS) providers, together with the short-codes to be used by them.

NCC said the strategy is aimed at ensuring direct engagement and monitoring of the activities of each licensed VAS providers.

In its efforts at checkmating the menace, the commission directed that VAS providers could only send all unsolicited messages on the networks between 8.00am and 8.00pm.

The directive was contained in the `2013 2nd Quarter Enforcement Activities Report’ posted on the NCC Website.

The regulatory body said that sending such messages or telemarketing on their networks, during the stipulated hours, was in line with existing guidelines. NCC also said that sticking to the stipulated period was necessary to ensure good service quality in the industry.

The telecoms umpire said that there had been increased consumer complaints regarding unsolicited SMS from the VAS providers marketing their various services.

To regulate the system, the regulatory body said it had developed a database of all VAS providers together with the Short-Codes used by them.

“This is a strategy to ensure direct engagement and monitoring of the activities of each licensed VAS provider,’’ NCC said.

NCC said it was compelled to develop the database, follow-

Ogunbanjo

ing increased consumer complaints regarding unsolicited SMS from Value Added Service (VAS) providers marketing various services to unsuspecting consumers.

Upon identifying three VAS providers as operating illegally without necessary regulatory authorisation, NCC added that it has commenced the enforcement process on these identified illegal VAS operators in line with Section 31 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and the Enforcement Processes Regulations 2005.

It could be recalled that the House of Representatives, in February 2013, commenced the process of empowering consumers of telecommunication services to challenge “the invasion of privacy “by telecom service providers.

The bill sponsored by Abiodun Abdul Balogun sought to prohibit any service provider from posting any unsolicited advertisement for any called party.

The bill is also seeking to prohibit any service provider from calling any residential telephone line using an artificial or pre-recorded voice to deliver text messages (SMS) without the prior consent of the called party.

Online telemarketing was not spared as it was also prohibited except with the consent or application of a subscriber.

They also proposed a fine of N5million for anyone convicted for engaging in unsolicited marketing through telemarketing.

The commission listed MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Upstream Ltd and Adnol Multimedia Ltd. as some of the service providers sending unsolicited messages.

Others included Fun Mobile, Terragon Ltd, Rancard Mobility, Mtech Ltd, Elseji, Starfish Ltd, Next Generation Tele Solutions, One Communications Ltd., Cloud and Mobilexcetera.

Three VAS providers – Upstream Limited, Next Generation Tele Solutions and One Communications Limited – were, however, identified as op-

Monday, November 24, 2014

erating illegally without necessary regulatory authorisation; The commission said it had commenced the enforcement process on the three identified illegal VAS operators in line with Section 31 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and the Enforcement Processes Regulations 2005.

At an interactive session with the VAS providers and MNOs on the regulatory framework for the VAS segment of the Nigerian Telecoms Industry in Lagos, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah had expressed the intentions to sanction any VAS, Providers and Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, who derive pleasure in exploiting consumers on unsubscribed products without their consent.

He recalled that the commission has witnessed high level of Telemarketing, especially unsolicited messages by Mobile Network Operators and Value added service providers soliciting for subscription for their services which most times constitute nuisance to consumers.

However, providers seem to be in the belief that the commission should not over regulate the industry because VAS providers were also in the system for business.

For instance, one of the providers, representing Wireless Association Service Providers of Nigeria, WASPON, Simeon Aderinola, advised the commission not to over regulate the telecom sector, because it would prevent innovation and competition among firms.

Aderinola further said that VAS providers who have acquired licenses through the NCC, should also be allowed to do business, develop and promote Local Content in the industry.

Operators argued that messages are targeted at product information. According to a senior manager with Etisalat Nigeria who would not want his name in print, the messages from Etisalat always come with opt-out choice, allowing subscribers to quickly opt not to receive future messages.

Meanwhile, aside from the SMS, another area where most Nigerians are feeling the heat of the unsolicited messages from the mobile marketers is the e-mail. Daily, many who spoke with Business Courage, said they were always infuriated with the arrays of unsolicited mails that they always wondered how those sending them gained access to their emails. And now that the Independent Electoral Commission INEC has flagged- off the 2015 election campaigns, one could only be sure to be bombarded with political messages. BC

Technotalk

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Why your company needs a security programme

N

o matter how large or small your company is, you need to have a plan to ensure the security of your information assets.

Such a plan is called a security program by information security professionals. Whether yours is five or 200 pages long, the process of creating a security programme will make you think holistically about your organisation’s security.

A security programme provides the framework for keeping your company at a desired security level by assessing the risks you face, deciding how you will mitigate them, and planning for how you keep the programme and your security practices up to date.

The key asset that a security programme helps to protect is your data and the value of your business is in its data.

Protecting your data means protecting its confidentiality and integrity. The consequences of failure to protect your data include business losses, legal liability, and loss of company goodwill.

The following are common threats to most information systems: 1) Unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of information.

2) Misuse of authorised access to information.

3) Accidental alteration or destruction of information.

4) Malicious software programmes (viruses/worms/trojans).

5) Misconfigured or poorly designed information systems allowing too much access.

6) Social engineering.

7) System or communications disruptions (denial of service, hardware failure).

8) Improper handling of information.

9) Physical theft of information 10) Environmental hazards (flood, fire, earthquake, etc).

Having a security programme means that you have taken steps to mitigate the risk of losing your data and also defining a life cycle for managing the security of information and technology within your organisation. However here are some components of a security programs: Risk assessment: This component identifies and assesses the risks that a security program intends to manage. This is perhaps the most important section because it makes you think about the risks organisation faces, so that you can then decide on appropriate, cost-effective ways to manage them. Remember that you can only minimise, not eliminate, risk, so this assessment helps us to prioritise them and choose cost-effective counter measures.

Policies and Procedures: Policies and procedures help to decide what to do about them because without it, chaos rules and day-to-day operations are inconsistent and ineffective. It also clarifies what the organisation wants to do, why it should be done, and how to do it.

Organisational security awareness: The security community generally agrees that the weakest link in most organisations’ security is the human factor, not technology which is often overlooked in security programmes.

Every employee needs to be aware of his or her roles and responsibilities when it comes to security. Even those who don’t even touch a computer in their daily work need to be involved because they could still be targeted by socialengineering attacks designed to compromise your physical security.

Audit compliance plan: This component of your security programme dictates how often you will audit your IT security and assess its compliance with your security programme.

Periodic security assessments are important for finding out whether your security has already been breached. They help you to stay on top of new security threats with the right technology and staff training.

Finally, everyone needs to have a security programme because it helps you maintain your focus on IT security, helps you identify and stay in compliance with the regulations that affect how you manage your data. It keeps you on the right footing with your clients and your customers to ensure that security is continuously adapting to your organisation and the ever-changing IT environment we live in. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ICT to end traditional banking in 2025 Stories by Adejuwon Osunnuyi

T

echnology experts have predicted that between year 2025 and 2030, the era of traditional banking as we have known them today might come to an end as a new market economy could readily emerge without banks.

To this end, they urged banks to embrace technology and redefine their operations models to meet the emerging demographic and social change or lose relevance, as more core banking services would be delivered outside the regulated banking industry.

The experts warned that the current shape and makeup of the banking industry in Africa and particularly in Nigeria is inevitably going to change.

The sheer scope and speed of evolution in customer behaviour, technology, changing market dynamics and aggressive non-bank competitors such as telcos and technology companies mean banking in the future cannot simply be a continuation of banking as it has been.

Scores of industry stakeholders including bankers, financial analysts, media, risks analysts and financial technologists who gathered in Lagos at the eNNovators Breakfast Series (EBS) 10, organised by Financial Technology magazine agreed that for banks to continue to be relevant, management of the banks should invest heavily in technology, rediscover and reassert their roles in society and connect with millennial generation aspirations.

Experts at the interactive knowledge-sharing EBS, which has as its theme 2025: the End of Banking as We Know IT, agreed that Central Banks across Africa require a radical orientation.

They noted that Central Banks need to change their mindset and approach, as currently banking regulators appear to be focused on tactical responses and their strategic objectives for the future of banks and banking are clouded by political expediency and the ‘too big to fail’ debate.

CEO of Innovectives, an epayment company, Emmanuel Agha, who presented the lead paper, which is a summary of PricewaterHouseCoopers’ research on “The future shape of banking - time for reformation of banking institutions”, explained that banks are facing rapid and irreversible changes of which the current models are no longer sustainable into the future.

According to him, while the PwC paper did not look at the end of banking as a grouping of services focused on meeting financial needs, it is imperative to look at the end of banking

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

Atanda

and banks as we currently know them.

Agha warned that a failure to adapt could also mean the end of some regulatory bodies and instruments.

He explained that the substitution of non-bank providers of banking services is a challenge, which does not reflect in banking regulatory frameworks, or yet – fully at least – in policy and regulatory change agendas.

He further argued that, “the challenges and dilemmas posed by the parallel changes in technology, customers and revolution are not confined to the incumbent banks or even the non-bank pretenders. Banking policy and regulatory community would face its own challenges and struggle for relevance”.

Quoting from the research, Agha painted a future with three fundamental hypotheses.

The first, he said, is a future in which core banking service delivered outside of the regulated banking industry, while the second, according to him, is a situation where banks still have advantages but – to be part of the future – they need to invest heavily, rediscover and reassert their core role in society, and secure the ongoing support of policymakers The third, he explained, harped on regulators, regulation and the need to radically change orientation, realignment “from policing to protecting and with public policy shifting its focus – to some extent – from institutions to markets and services”.

Managing Partner, Grand Central, Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, who presented supporting paper noted that bankers today are challenged intellectually and managerially to respond to a socio-economic formation undergoing radical change.

According to him, “A banker is challenged to claim a role in the emerging dispensation or be shunted aside by the more professional group outside the sector.

He faces the task of redefining his roles and relationship; his competition and alliances; his goals and mission. His key resources in this new dispensation are information technology”.

He stated that one might state unequivocally that the extent to which “a financial institution commits to, and implement a pervasive deployment of IT tools and strategies will be the primary

indices for accessing growth and longevity in the new dispensation”.

He therefore identified several drivers of the new dispensation to include convergence, ubiquity, omniscient, elastic, infinite and speed. Others are diversity, personalization, free, fragility and openness.

In his reaction, Executive Director, SystemSpecs Limited, ‘Deremi Atanda argued that technology will continue to be a major disruptor across all industries, particularly in banking.

He said technology itself now rides on social trends as against technology leading social trends as it was largely before now. He also warned the regulator that technology innovation especially those that emerge based on social trends can hardly be legislated.

NCC laments under-utilisation of bandwidth

W

ith the paradigm shift from voice to data gathering momentum, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has stressed the need for improved data service delivery by the operators and service providers.

Lamenting the poor data consuming activities among Nigerians, the telecoms regulator said there is need to spur on activities, which are legal through the upsurge in bandwidth capacity in the country.

To this end, the commission called for increased smart phones penetration in the country.

Though, there are over 130 million active mobile connections in Nigeria, the country is said to be home to just about 12 million smartphones.

Speaking at the 76th Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP) with the theme: “Data Service Delivery: The Way Forward”, recently in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah stressed that the path to an efficient broadband service in Nigeria has been a long and difficult one, noting that Internet connectivity has come a long way from a single international submarine cable system with 340GB total capacity installed in 2001 (SAT3) to four cable systems with international bandwidth capacity of over nine Terra bits in 2012 by service providers including Main One, MTN, Glo, WASL, among others.

Juwah said despite progress made, Nigeria is still a far cry from achieving what is considered global broadband standards even among other developing countries. According to him, it has become more worrisome the kind of services most service providers sell to their subscribers, all in the name of 3G, while some even canvassed to have 4G but nothing has changed in data

services.

“Consumer’s experience is nothing to write home about”, he stressed.

Juwah said the commission has taken some steps towards realizing effective deployment of broadband services in Nigeria, stressing that the world is now a global village and Nigeria cannot afford to be improperly integrated into it.

“On consolidation of progress made so far, we have increased Teledensity from 63 per cent in 2010 to more than 90 per cent in 2014.

The NCC is targeting a 30 per cent increase in broadband Internet penetration by 2018. The increase from its current level of six per cent is expected to come from the planned historic auction of the 2.6 gigahertz spectrum band”, Juwah stated.

In her presentation titled: “Data Service Delivery: The Way Forward”, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Maryam Bayi defined data services as the distribution of Internet service on demand to the user regardless of geographic or organisational separation, adding that it is also the ability of network operators to provide it to consumers on demand.

Mobile subscriptions in Africa near the billion mark

T

he latest edition of the Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) Mobility Report, a comprehensive update on mobile trends leveraging big data from lluv networks worldwide, has revealed that proliferation of mobile technology has continued at a rapid pace.

Africa topped the chart with 880 million in mobile subscriptions for Q3 2014, whilst 90 per cent of the world’s population over six years old is predicted to have a mMobil phone by 2020.

Furthermore, by 2020 smartphone subscriptions are forecast to top 6.1 billion.

Ericsson also predicted that 85 per cent of Middle East and Africa mobile subscriptions will be 3G/4G by 2020.

Fredrik Jejdling, President & Regional Head of Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa said: “The increased availability of low-cost smartphones in sub-Saharan Africa will lead to a rapid increase

Jedling

A17 33

of smartphone subscriptions in the region.However, GSM/ EDGE-only subscriptions will remain the most common subscription type for the next five years due to the high numbers of lower income consumers using2G-enabled handsets.”

Despite the increased rate of sales, which will see the addition of an estimated 800 million new smartphone subscriptions by the end of 2014, the report finds there is still plenty of room for growth in the sector.

Smartphones currently account for just 37 per cent of all mobile phone subscriptions, meaning that many users are yet to make the switch to the more feature-rich, internetfriendly option.

The report predicts a strong uptake in the coming years as the number rises from 2.7bn smartphone subscriptions today to the forecasted 6.1bn in 2020.

According to the report, Video has continued to dominate mobile networks especially in 4G-dominated networks.

It currently constitutes 4555 percent of mobile traffic, driven largely by increased usage of video streaming and improvements in the mobile video experience.

“Video is increasingly appearing as part of other online applications such as news and adverts, and on social media platforms. At the same time, growth in video streaming is being driven by access to overthe-top (OTT) services and content, such as those provided by YouTube.

Devices used to watch video are also evolving. Many have larger screens, enabling higher picture quality for streamed video, which results in video being consumed on all types of devices and in higher quantities, both at home and on the move.

In terms of future outlook, Ericsson estimates that mobile video traffic will increase tenfold by 2020, ultimately constituting around.

In 2020, 5G is expected to be commercially deployed as the technology is predicted to have a faster uptake than 4G LTE, just as 4G had a faster uptake than 3G. The difference here is that, in addition to new radio technologies, 5G will also encompass evolved versions of existing radioaccess (such as 3G and 4G), cloud, and core technologies to cater for the thousands of new ways that mobile technology will be used.

5G growth will be driven to a large extent by new use cases, especially in machine-type communications.

This is the seventh issue of the Ericsson Mobility Report, which shares forecast data, analysis and insight into traffic, subscriptions, and consumer behavior to provide insight into current traffic and market trends.BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Autocare Don’t fear the check engine light

A

I

n case 435 horsepower isn’t enough, Texas-based Hennessey Performance is building a supercharged, 717-hp version of the new 2015 Ford Mustang.

The high high-performance performance tuner plans to build only 500 units of its HPE700 Mustang for the 2015 model year, founder John Hennessey said in a recent phone interview. He said the company is taking orders.

Suggested retail starts at $59,500, including the cost of the base 2015 5.0-liter Ford Mustang GT. Suggested retail for the 2015 5.0-liter Ford Mustang GT starts at $32,925, including $825 destination fee, Ford said.

Hennessey said extras on his version such as carbon-fiber body work – a front “splitter,” side sills, a rear diffuser and a rear lip spoiler – plus upgraded wheels, heels, tires and brakes boost the e price to the “mid-$70’s.”

Hennessey Performance said

c u s t o m ers s can order new 2015 Hennessey-tuned ennessey-tuned Mustangs

through 37 Ford dealerships around the country that belong to AutoNation Inc. In September, Hennessey Performance, Sealy, Texas, announced a marketing and sales agreement with AutoNation, the biggest U.S. auto retail group, to be rolled out in 2015. AutoNation is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to Hennessey Performance, the 2015 HPE700 Mustang will hit 60 mph from a standing start in 3.6 seconds, or a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds, reaching 131 mph – on a test track, presumably.

John Hennessey said the firm’s version of the Mustang is meant to

be a Hellcatfighter, referring to the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. He said his car is expected to be lighter than the Hellcat, which he said should spell better performance numbers.

According to Dodge, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has a supercharged, 6.2-liter Hemi engine that produces 707 hp.

The company says the car can sprint a quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat. The 707-hp V-8 is the highest rating for any V-8 engine in the Chrysler Group’s history. Top speed is 204 mph, the company said.

Dodge said production is scheduled to begin in early 2015. BC

lthough the check engine light may look scary lit up on the dashboard, there is nothing to fear.

A glowing check engine light doesn’t mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible, says the Car Care Council.

“Motorists should not get spooked when the check engine light comes on,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “When illuminated, the check engine light usually means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly.”

Some common malfunctions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic converter damage.

“Even if the vehicle appears to be running normally, ignoring the warning light could result in more costly repairs,” continued White. “At the very least, the light could be alerting you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy and costing you money.”

When scheduling service, make sure the repair shop that examines your vehicle has professional technicians who are trained and certified in OBDII diagnosis and repair. The technician will connect your vehicle’s computer system to a diagnostic scan tool, which will provide trouble codes indicating why the check engine light was activated. While the diagnostic tool is connected, the technician can analyze data streams such as the idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other key indicators. Once the problem is identified and the repair is made, the car’s computer is reset to initiate the computer’s release process.

7 Signs you need to observe about your brake

It is imperative that motorists be reminded that routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintenance of their vehicles.

“When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.”

Motorists should watch out for these 7 signs when driving that will inform them that their brakes need to be inspected: 1.

Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.

2.

Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.

3.

Low Pedal:brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.

4. Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.

5. Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.

6. Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.

7. Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle and they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

A19 35

Momentum stocks to buy for high profits

By Dennis Okonne (dennis.okonne@yahoo.com)

A

mong the week’s hottest investments, there are 3 stocks to buy for high profit and sell even higher.

The proper valuation of these stocks and the challenges to profitability makes the stock very attractive. The parameters employed for these choices are prior prices, volume data, dividend payout and other fundamentals which include company’s growth, revenues, earnings, management and capital structure: 1. MRS Oil Plc: MRS Oil Nigeria reported revenue of N69.243bn in its third quarter of 2014 result, compared with N69.713bn posted in the preceding year 2013, translating to a marginal decrease of -0.67 percent. However, its profit before tax rose by +865 percent from N129.311m to N1.248bn and profit after tax leapt by +528.84 percent to N577.237m from N91.794m previously. With this trend, it might be able to sustain its current dividend payout of 75 kobo per share or surpasses it at the end of the year.

Its Net Assets rose by +2.14 percent from N19.629bn to N20.049bn.

The Company was incorporated as Texaco Nigeria Limited (a privately owned Company) on 12 August 1969 and was converted to a Public Limited Liability company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1978. The Company’s name was changed to Texaco Nigeria Plc. In September, 2006, its name was changed to Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc. On 20 March, 2009 there was an acquisition of Chevron Africa Holdings Limited. The new management of the Company announced a change of name of the Company from Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc to MRS Oil Nigeria Plc (“MRS”) effective 2 December, 2009. It’s issued share capital consists of 253,988,672m share of 50 kobo each.

In its audited result, revenue grew from N79.727bn in the preceding year to N87.786bn, translating to an increase of +10.11 percent. Profit before tax rose from N378.755m previously to N1.407bn, an increase of +271.52 percent. Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt by +209.29 percent

Sayyu Idris Dantata, Chairman MRS Oil

from N205.121m previously to N634.418m. Earnings per Share (EPS) grew by +208.39 percent from N2.50 last year to N0.81. Dividend pay-out was 75 kobo per share as opposed to 23 kobo per share last year, an increase of +226.09 percent.

2. Portland Paints Plc: This is one of the leading paint manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Its price resurgence was as a result of its profitability in the third quarter financial profile. Its revenue grew from N2.014bn in the preceding year to N2.049bn, translating to an increase of +1.7 percent. Its profit before tax also rose by +62percent from N122.324m previously to N198.195m. Similarly, its profit after tax leapt by +57.6 percent from N90.475m in the preceding year to N142.570m.

Paul Bissohong, MD MRS Oil

These improvements in profitability were as a result of increase in volume and margins caused by the acquisition last year, by UAC Nigeria. From the result, it reflected that the company has benefited immensely from UAC Nigeria’s vast experience and operations in the Nigeria’s real estate and building materials sector.

The company is a subsidiary of UAC Nigeria Plc, which acquired 60 percent share of the company last year. This strategic acquisition not only projected it as a leading brand in the industry but has turned its fortune around as it returned to profitability. The acquisition provides UAC Nigeria Plc the opportunity to diversify its paints revenues by gaining entry into mid-tier decorative and marine paints market where Portland Paints

has a leading position. It issued and fully paid up capital consists of 400,000,000m ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

In its audited report, it recovered from a loss of N223m in 2012 to a profit of N108m in 2013. Its revenue dipped marginally by -3.3 percent from N2.865bn in the preceding year to N2.771bn. However, its gross profit rose from N1.181bn in the preceding year to N1.308bn, translating to an increase of +10.8 percent. Its working capital adjustment went-up by +367 percent to N565.602m from N121m. Its Net Assets also grew by +13.8 percent from N776.565m previously to N884.039m.

3. Flour Mills Plc: In its second quarter financial profile, its turnover dipped marginally by -1.45 per-

cent to N165.540bn from N167.983bn in the preceding year. Its gross profit slumped from N17.903bn in the preceding year to N17.438bn, translating to a decrease of -2.60 percent. Its profit before tax depreciated by -21.26 percent from N7.332bn previously to N5.773bn. Similarly, its profit after tax also nose-dived from N5.831bn to N4.368bn, a decrease of 25.09 percent.

The company is experiencing a bitter taste of declining earnings and rising cost.

These adverse developments constitute the challenges that the company need to overcome this year. Unless it succeeds in either increasing its turnover or pegging costs before the end of the year, shareholders should expect a year of inability to improve their lot and the company will not be able to sustain its last dividend payout. With current ownership structure of 55.65 percent overseas shareholders and 44.35 percent Nigerian and Institutional investors, there is a broad ownership base of over 78,000 shareholders. The Group employs over 8,000 direct and indirect employees.

It was incorporated in September 1960 as a private limited liability company, and commenced operations in 1962 with an installed capacity of 600 metric tons per day.

It was converted to a public limited liability company in 1978, and its shares were subsequently listed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange. It is primarily engaged in flour milling; production of pasta, noodles and edible oil; livestock feeds; farming and other agro-allied activities; distribution and sale of fertilizer; manufacturing and marketing of laminated woven polypropylene sacks and flexible packaging materials; cement manufacturing.

In its audited report, its revenue grew from N258.268bn in the preceding year to N301.941bn, translating to an increase of +16.91 percent. Profit before tax slumped from N11.803bn previously to N11.165bn, a decrease of -5.40 percent. Similarly, its profit after tax also dipped by -0.45 percent from N7.761bn to N7.726bn. It appropriated a dividend of N2.00 per share as opposed to N1.60 kobo per share last year, translating to an increase of 25.00 percent.BC

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Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock Market report Market exhibit sell pressure as ASI dipped by -4.11% in the week, stock market sustains loss during the week By; Dennis Okonne (dennis.okonne@yahoo.com)

Trading activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange was on for 5 days as the market sustained losses during the week. There was a massive sell-off as stock prices began to tumble as opposed to last week’s bargain trading. The market opened on a positive note as the bulls dominated market. However, the uptrend was not sustained in the second, third and fourth sessions as the Bears’ dominates market. In the fifth session, the Bulls’ returned to the market but the overall market index remained negative with a loss of -4.11% in the week. The All Share Index depreciated from 35,381.02 basis points at the beginning of the week to close at 33,926.18 basis points recording a loss of 1,454.84 basis points, translating to a loss of -4.11% in the process.

Similarly, the market capitalization of equities equally lowered to N11.241tn from N11.718tn last week. The depreciation of the Index was as a result of losses recorded in stocks of Seplat, Mobil, Forte Oil, PZ, Flour Mills, Guaranty Trust Bank and Cadbury.

Number of Deals stood at 4,007 and the volume of transactions was 399.080 million units, valued at N2.527bn.

Top of the gainers’ on Friday are Dangote Cement Plc

which appreciated by N9.00 kobo, followed by Okomu Oil Plc which went up by N1.10k; Ashaka Cement Plc rose by N1.04 kobo; Wapco cement Plc grew by N1.00 kobo while Oando Plc crept up by N0.52 kobo.

The laggards are led at the close of trading on Friday

by Seplat Plc which slumped N15.99k, followed by Mobil Oil Plc which dipped by N7.83k; Flour Mills Plc went down by N4.47kobo, Forte Oil Plc shed N3.00kobo while Cadbury Plc depreciated by N2.21kobo.

High volume transactions on Friday were in stocks in Stocks of AIICO Plc traded 75.190 million shares. Sterling Bank Plc followed with 73.270 million shares changing hands. On UBA Plc, 53.356 million shares were traded; FBN Holdings Plc traded 47.981 million shares while FCMB Plc traded 18.645 million shares on Friday.

(Corporate Results): 1. Sterling Bank Plc: recorded an impressive third quarter financial profile where it’s Gross Earnings grew by +12.1 per cent from N65.120bn in the preceding year to N73.005bn. Similarly, its profit after tax leapt by +39.2 per cent from N5.074bn previously to N7.063bn. Its Net Assets rose by +21.3 per cent from N644.339bn to N781.677bn.

2. Okomu Oil Plc: In its third quarter result, its revenue rose by +1.65 per cent from N6.787bn in the preceding year to N6.899bn. Similarly, its profit before tax also leapt from N1.612bn previously to N2.077bn, translating to

an increase of +28.85 per cent.

3. Dangote Cement Plc: in its third quarter result, its turnover grew by 7.3 per cent from N288.984bn in the preceding year to N310.214bn.

However, its profit after tax dipped significantly by -10.0 per cent from N156.128bn previously to N140.476bn.

4. Flour Mills Plc: In its half year result, its revenue dipped marginally -1.45 per cent from N167.983bn in the preceding year to N165.540bn.

Similarly, its profit after tax also slumped significantly from N5.831bn previously to N4.368bn, translating to a decrease of -25.09 per cent.

5. Conoil Plc: In its third quarter result, its revenue dropped by -14.43 per cent from N121.803bn in the preceding year to N104.223bn. Similarly, its profit after tax slumped from N2.088bn previously to N1.427bn, translating to a decrease of -31.66 per cent.

6. Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc: In its third quarter result, its revenue grew by +3 per cent from N58.735bn in the preceding year to N60.717bn.

Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt from N2.549bn previously to N5.995bn, translating to an increase of +135 per cent.

7. ETI Plc: In its third quarter result, its revenue rose by +16 per cent from N231.890bn in the preceding year to N268.951bn. Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt from N39.968bn previously to N52.491bn, translating to an increase of +31 per cent.

8. 7UP Nigeria Plc: In its half year result, its revenue grew by +12.76 per cent from N33.825bn in the preceding

year to N38.142bn. Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt from N2.155bn previously to N2.480bn, translating to an increase of +15.08 per cent.

9. Oando Plc: its second quarter result, its revenue dropped by -30.6 per cent to N194.557bn compared to N280.327bn same period in 2013. Profit before tax increased by +103.6 per cent to N12.532bn compared to N6.155bn previously and Profit after tax increased by +110.3 per cent to N8.980bn compared to N4.271bn recorded in 2013. An interim dividend of 70 kobo per share was approved and qualification and payment dates are November 17th 2014 and December 15th, 2014.

10. Nigerian Breweries Plc: in its third quarter result, its turnover grew by 2.3 per cent from N190.303bn in the preceding year to N194.739bn.

Profit before tax also rose by 10.5 per cent from N38.530bn previously to N42.583bn. In the same vein, its profit after tax leapt from N26.801bn to N29.826bn, translating to an increase of 11.3 per cent. an interim dividend of N1.25 kobo per share was appropriated.

Closure of register is 13th November, 2014 while payment date is 20th November, 2014.

11. UBA Plc: In its third quarter result, its gross earnings grew by +12.07 per cent from N188.021bn in the preceding year to N210.715bn.

However, its profit after tax slumped significantly from N37.371bn previously to N33.628bn, translating to a decrease of -10.02 per cent.

12. CAP Plc: in its third quarter result, its turnover

rose by +14.6 per cent from N4.412bn in the preceding year to N5.054bn. Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt from N946.176m previously to N1.126bn, an increase of 19 per cent.

13. PZ Plc: In its first quarter result, its gross earnings dropped marginally by -0.3 per cent from N15.066bn in the preceding year to N15.019bn.

Similarly, its profit after tax also slumped significantly from N920.790m previously to N641.698m, translating to a decrease of -30.3 per cent.

14. Forte Oil Plc: in its third quarter result, its turnover rose by +33.1 per cent from N92.125bn in the preceding year to N122.580bn.

Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt from N2.737bn previously to N4.015bn, translating to an increase of 46.70 per cent.

15. Access Bank Plc: In its third quarter result, its gross earnings grew by 17.3 per cent from N155.026bn in the preceding year to N181.798bn.

Similarly, its profit after tax also leapt from N27.597bn previously to N35.346bn, translating to an increase of +28.1 per cent.

16. Oando Plc: In its audited result, its revenue slumped significantly by -30.85 per cent from N650.565bn in the preceding year to N449.873bn.

Similarly, its profit after tax dipped from N10.786bn previously to N1.396bn, translating to a decrease of -87.05 per cent. Consequently, a dividend of 30 kobo per share was appropriated. Closure date is from 30th September, 2014 while Payment date is 17th November, 2014.BC

Access Bank partners Airtel on mobile money service

T

he Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, on Wednesday restated the bank’s commitment to capture more unbanked Nigerians into the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) financial inclusion programme.

Wigwe said this in a statement signed by the bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs Unit, Abdul Imoyo in Lagos.

He said that the bank had collaborated with Airtel to develop and launch a mobile money service to capture more unbanked Nigerians.

It is revealed that the Access Money powered by Airtel allows customers to perform

simple, secure and instant financial transactions using their mobile phones.

It also allows customers on the mobile network to send and receive money, make deposits and withdrawals, pay their utility bills and buy airtime for their lines.

The platform provides customers with the ability to receive money through agents nationwide or through cardless withdrawals from any Access Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Wigwe said, “Through Access Money, we will provide financial access to more and more people and small businesses and create an easier

Wigwe

channel for the distribution of financial aid. ``It also makes it easier

for government to receive taxes and deliver welfare payments”.

According to him, Access Bank and Airtel agreed to introduce Access Money into Nigeria’s financial landscape in line with the financial inclusion initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN. Also the Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said that it was in strategic partnership with Access Bank to create an enabling avenue for millions of Nigerians to gain financial inclusion. ``We are indeed proud of our partnership with Access Bank and hope that many Nigerians will take advantage of this product,” Ogunsanya said. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

A21 37

Sterling Bags ‘Agric Bank of the Year’ Award Stories by Olusegun Dada

B

arely three months after it was conferred with an Award as the Best Bank in Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme CACS, Sterling Bank last weekend, bagged yet another Award in the Agriculture sector as it received the “Agric Bank of the Year 2014 in Nigeria” Award.

The Award which was powered by the Agriculture Policy Research Network APRNet and AgroNigeria Limited was presented to the Bank at a Dinner and conferment ceremony where the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan also received the Award of the Grand Transformer of Nigerian Agriculture.

According to a member of the Organizing Committee for the Awards, Richard-Mark Mbaram Sterling Bank was conferred with the Award in recognition of its critical role in the dispensing of financial services to actors in the Nigerian agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola thanked the organizers of the Award for recognizing the various contributions of the Bank

Adeola

to the continuous growth of the Agriculture sector in the country.

Adeola who was represented at the event by the Bank’s Group Head, Agriculture Finance, Mrs. Bukola Awosanya said: “Sterling Bank is particularly delighted to receive this Award as the Best Agric Bank in Nigeria in recognition of its commitment to the growth of the Agric Sector. Let me assure all that the Bank will continue to support the sector to ensure that it takes its pride of place in the nation’s economy”.

The commitment of Sterling Bank, a leading commercial bank in Nigeria and one of the country’s fastest growing banks to the growth of agri-

culture in Nigeria is legendary.

Despite the fact that the Bank ventured into agriculture finance barely three years ago, the Bank has received a lot of accolades for its involvement in the sector, where it currently ranks among the top three banks.

Sterling Bank Plc has continually restated its commitment to the strategic growth of the Agricultural Sector by providing adequate funding in alignment with the ongoing reforms in the sector aimed at repositioning it as an attractive business proposition, an input provider for the manufacturing sector and a key foreign exchange earner.

To demonstrate its commitment to the growth of the sector, Sterling Bank in 2014 devoted five percent of its loan portfolio to the sector with a plan to increase this to 10 percent in the coming year.

The Bank’s portfolio cuts across the whole agricultural value chain.

The presentation of the Award as the Best Bank in Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme CACS to the Bank

by President Ebele Jonathan earlier in the year is a confirmation of its soaring pedigree in the business of agriculture finance in the country. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 21-11-14 All-Share Index 37,550.24POINTS Market Capitalization N 12,436,971,298,260.61 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

Dangote Cement Plc

Nigerian banks raise $3bn for power sector

S

ome Nigerian Banks have come together to raise a wooping sum of $3bn as acquisition finance in the ongoing privatisation of the power sector in the country.

Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs Sola DavidBorha, who disclosed this last week at the West African Power Industry Convention WAPIC in Lagos revealed that the amount was used in the acquisition of assets to facilitate the transformation of the sector, to boost power supply in the country.

According to her, the banks’ participation in the power sector had been in the area of electricity and renewable energy, both across the country and cutting across the african continent.

“Stanbic IBTC was the only foreign bank involved in the project that was widely regarded as risky.” She noted, adding that “The banks also supported the industry during post–privatisation, which is seen as the most critical aspect of the process,’’

The World Bank, she revealed, has projected that 1000 mega watts is the required wattage need of one million people. And based on this, Nigeria will need no fewer than 170,000 mega watts for its population, compared to its present paltry 3,000 mega watts.

David-Borha pointed out that the development called for huge financing, to close up the gap and for the power sector to come on board. Calling on all stakeholders to come together to address the challenges of effective power supply through access to capital that would close the supply gap.

“Banks as financiers will always take into consideration options that will attract more investment into the country,” she stated, stressing further that “However, at the present stage, the power industry has been encouraging investors to show interest in terms of dollar value, which makes investment in the industry, which is still calculated in naira value, more profitable,’’ she said.

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

180.00

189.00

Okomu Oil Plc

25.70

26.80

+9.00 +1.10

Ashaka Cement Plc

21.85

22.89

+1.04

Wapco Plc

77.00

78.00

+1.00

Oando Plc

19.87

20.39

+0.52

COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

Seplat Plc

442.00

426.01

-15.99

Mobil Oil Plc

156.75

148.92

-7.83

45.98

41.51

-4.47

Forte Oil Plc

202.00

199.00

-3.00

Cadbury Plc

44.30

42.09

-2.21

LOSERS

Flour Mills Plc

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

Inter-Bank Rates TENOR

David-Borha

Speaking further, The Banker identified the need to ensure that there were requirements for running capital and reduction in tariff, for service not enjoyed by the customer.

She also predicted that Nigeria’s power, in the next five to ten years, was expected to wax stronger and be listed at the Nigerian Stock Exchange NSE. A scenario which she stressed would also make power projects to be more bankable. BC

RATE%(PREV) 20-Nov-2014

RATE%(CURR) 21-Oct-2014

CALL

10.5000 - 10.5000%

10.5000 - 10.5000%

OBB

10.5000 - 12.0000%

10.2500 - 10.5000%

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%) 9.95

DATE

91-Day

21538.34

24-OCT-14

182-Day

33783.25

10.1

24-OCT-14

364-Day

59081.14

10.35

24-OCT-14

Open Market Operation TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

167Day

40000

11

RATE (%)

13-NOV-14

DATE

169Day

50000

11

20-NOV-14

170Day

70000

11

19-NOV-14

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$500m

US$ 804,102,803.13m

US$ 499,939,154.55m

20-NOV-14

$350m

US$ 349,977,055.35m

US$ 349,977,055.35m

15-NOV-14

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Innovation drives Zenith Bank profit in nine months

By Johnson Okanlawon

D

espite regulations by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, that is the slowing bottom-line performance of most banks, Zenith Bank has declared a net profit of N71.04bn for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014, an increase of 1.8 per cent when compared to N69.8bn recorded in the same period of 2013.

Though the tightening policy of the CBN and regulatory induced costs of 0.5 per cent sinking fund contribution to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, impacted on the bank’s profit, it’s interest income rose 11.47 per cent to N213bn in the review period, from N190.1bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2013, while interest expense increased by 34.55 per cent to N69.6bn.

Further analysis showed net margin, a measure of efficiency and profitability, decline to 25.95 per cent in 2014, from 27.32 per cent recorded in the same period of 2013, while cost to income ratio remained unchanged at 56 per cent.

Despite a 29 per cent increase in personal costs that eroded cost savings, analysts are upbeat about the bank’s cost to income ratio.

“We see headroom for improvement in the cost to income ratio of Zenith Bank, especially as its corporate market focus,” said Abiola Rasaq of the research and strategy unit of Associated Discount House Limited.

“The leverage on technology as well as scale economies should drive home cost efficiency and higher branch/ staff productivity for the bank,” said Rasaq. The bank is aggressive about lending as loan to deposit ratio spiked to 65.80 per cent in 2014, from 54.58 per cent last year.

Loans and advances to customers increased by 38.18 per cent to N1.52trn in the third quarter, from N1.10trn recorded the preceding year, while deposits from customers up 13.79 per cent to N2.31trn, from 2.03trn in 2013.

Total assets appreciated19.30 per cent to N3.40trn, compared with N2.85trn the preceding year, while return on average equity stood at 19.19 per cent in the review

period, while return on average assets stood at 3.09 per cent.

For the half-year 2014 results, it declared a profit after tax of N46.7bn for the bank, up 18.13 per cent from N39.5bn recorded in the same period of 2013.

The result, which the bank filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, showed that it grew its profit before tax by 19.67 per cent to N55.5bn, from the N46.4bn it recorded in the first half of 2013. The bank’s gross earnings for the half year ended June 30, 2014 was 14.21 per cent higher than the N152.8bn declared in the same period of last year.

Liquidity For the financial year ended December 31, 2013, the bank’s shareholders fund appreciated eight per cent to N472bn, from N438bn it stood in 2012, indicating investors’ interest in the bank despite dwindling confidence among local investors.

Total deposits also increased to N2.08bn, up 15 per cent from N1.80bn recorded in the same period of 2012, while total assets stood at N2.88trn, an increase of 18 per cent when compared to N2.44trn recorded in the corresponding period of 2012. Loan and advances to customers increased to N1.13trn, a rise of 26 per cent from N895bn it stood in 202, showing the bank’s leverage on core banking services and support for Small and Medium scale Enterprises, SMEs, in the country.

The liquidity of the bank has however ensured its success in $500m Eurobond, which was oversubscribed.

The bank said recently that its weeklong investors’ roadshow, co-ordinated by Goldman

Sachs and Citibank, received an overwhelming endorsement by a diversified group of global investors from Europe, the United States, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The investor’s perception of Zenith’s domestic market leadership and its strong balance sheet defined by its liquidity, asset quality and capital adequacy are among the major factors driving the overwhelming acceptance of the bank’s first ever debt issue.

Strategy Zenith International Bank has set strategies that will enable it make more profit and surpasses the expectations of the bank’s stakeholders.

The main thrust of the bank’s strategy in the last couple of years was the expansion of its business beyond the shores of Nigeria, starting with expanding into the West Africa subregion while consolidating its position as a leading financial services provider in Nigeria with branch network expansion from about 100 in 2004 to over 330 in 2012. The planned integration of African states under the proposed African Union provides a unique opportunity for the bank to build a strong banking franchise based on its experienced and local expertise.

The strategic objective of the bank remains the continuous improvement of its capacity to meet the customer’s changing and increasing banking needs as well as sustain high quality growth in a volatile business environment through constant investment in training and retraining of workers.

The bank also planned to maintain strong risk management and corporate governance practices as well as sustain its prof-

Peter Amangbo, MD

itability and ensure adequate return on equity.

The capital adequacy of the bank is reviewed regularly to meet regulatory requirements in order to adopt and implement the decisions necessary to maintain the capital at a level that ensures the realisation of the business plan with a certain safety margin. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requires each bank to maintain a certain ratio of total regulatory capital to the riskweighted asset at or above the minimum of 10 per cent. Zenith Bank Plc has consistently met and surpassed this requirement. Most of the bank’s capital is Tier 1 (Core Capital), which consists essentially of share capital, retained earnings and reserves.

Corporate profile Zenith Bank Plc was established in May 1990, and commenced operations in July of the same year as a commercial bank. The bank became a public limited company on June 17, 2004 and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on October 21, 2004 following a highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO). The bank currently has a shareholder base of about one million and is Nigeria’s biggest bank by tier-1 capital.

In 2013, it listed $850m worth of its shares at $6.80 each on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The bank blazed the trail in digital banking in Nigeria; scoring several firsts in the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to create innovative products that meet the needs of its teeming customers. Founded by the chairman of the bank, Mr. Jim Ovia in 1990, it has since grown to become one of the leading financial institutions in Africa.

It has over 500 branches and business offices nationwide, with a presence in all the state capitals, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), major towns and metropolitan centres in the country.

Outlook The bank now focuses and channels resources only on its core corporate and retail banking activities. It also focuses on international subsidiaries’ businesses and its pension and custodian services business.

However, in line with the new banking model, Zenith Bank is poised to transform into a commercial bank. While pursuing the attainment of set business objectives, the bank continue to fund major projects targeted at developing much needed infrastructure and expediting the sustainable growth and development of key industries and sectors including power, agriculture, telecommunication, real estate and manufacturing. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, Nov 21, 2014 SECURITY AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CHELLARAMS PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. SCOA NIG PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC U A C N PLC. CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC UACN PROPERTY DEV Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Food Products BIG TREAT PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. U B A PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH BANK PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD TRUSTASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC Medical Supplies

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 21-11-14

PRICE (=N=)

0.50 33.00 32.05

QUANTITY

93,830 37,150 813,078

52 WK HIGH

0.64 107.81 41.14

52 WK LOW

0.50 20.92 8.24

SHARES OUTSTANDING

2,200,000,000 476,955,000 1,000,000,000

EPS

0.10 2.29 7.55

MOV. (%)

N/A -2.94 -14.53

Previous

0.50 34.00 37.50

NT

70

4.26

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

NT

2.95

511,645

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

-1.34

2.99

1.45 3.95 NT NT 5.00 54.02

110,583 200 1,000 3,600 20,073,190 138,745

2.08 6.43 5.89

0.71 4.15 1.07

2,191,895,983 963,900,300 389,151,408

0.11 0.16 1.09

-5.84 N/A N/A

5.89 71.10

0.50 28.00

821,666,666 1,600,720,323

0.09 4.38

N/A N/A

1.54 NT 1.08 4.67 5.79 58.00

NT NT

375 3

26.00 95.49

5.05 95.49

148,500,000 196,876,000

0.33 4.50

N/A N/A

NT NT

0.93 14.46

364,928 10000

2.66 14.46

0.72 14.46

920,573,765 125,000,000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

0.90 NT

67.20 NT

86,183 25,000

83.75 10.60

19.86 6.61

1,200,000,000 20,000,000

6.74 1.69

0.00 N/A

67.20 NT

NT 14.00

NT 129,844

7.28 20.90

7.28 8.82

1,375,000,000

0.00 2.20

N/A -11.67

NT 15.85

NT NT NT

5,000 100 5,150

100.00 50.00 10.50

100.00 50.00 0.00

20,000,000 250,019,781

5.82 0.19

N/A N/A

100.00 NT NT

NT

6,125

0.50

0.50

4,772,528,415

0.00

N/A

0.50

14.94 0.88 182.00 31.82 NT 170.00 3.98

3,333 50,000 3,770,765 2,026,434 33,224 1,618,898 11,087

19.48 0.68 297.41 30.00 9.09 179.40 0.97

3.13 0.68 209.10 5.34 0.81 91.10 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 0.00 8.66 0.63 0.00 5.03 0.00

N/A N/A -7.00 N/A N/A -3.77 N/A

12.35 NT 195.70 30.90 NT 176.66 4.40

162.86

79,018

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

147.73

NT 6.55 7.70 61.40 3.99 NT 21.99 9.00 NT NT 13.41

NT 44,555 673,421 132,002 139,758 100,000 25,000 569,100 2.08124,000 10,000 100,000

0.50 10.68 12.85 109.24 4.11 1.21 29.70 14.00 5.94 0.93 13.31

0.50 3.85 3.26 50.00 1.83 0.50 17.51 3.65 5.35 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 40,000,000 1,233,375,004 360,000,000

0.00 0.00 0.81 3.38 0.34 0.00 0.00 1.05 0.08 1.13 0.00

N/A 0.00 -5.75 -0.97 -0.25 N/A N/A -3.95 N/A #VALUE! N/A

NT 6.55 8.17 62.00 4.00 NT 21.99 9.37 NT NT NT

49.89 999.00

842,400 39,682

64.53 1250.00

8.33 400.00

3,129,188,160 792,656,250

1.57 28.34

-7.08 -4.86

53.69 1,050.00

NT NT 4.30 NT

25,333 100 370,895 14,900

15.58 36.19 5.54 2.88

10.03 32.27 2.91 0.57

63,360,000 819,000,000 300,000,001

3.90 13.92 0.71 0.00

N/A N/A 0.70 N/A

NT NT 4.27 1.42

26.99 40.00

1,536,523 215,904

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

3,176,381,636 3,783,296,250

1.34 1.42

-16.05 -16.65

32.15 47.99

NT

NT

0.97

0.57

843,284,027

0.00

N/A

NT

8.60 6.30 18.26 1.95 NT 27.30 2.75 2.23 5.66 9.06 0.50 0.94 22.59

12,492,060 2,209,267 3,662,513 1,046,865 NT 29,017,815 1,122,478 19,185,130 13,232,270 223,168 5,158,100 2,424,482 15,687,721

12.39 7.85 17.51 3.47 8.30 29.99 7.05 3.05 9.60 15.30 1.16 1.88 27.40

4.70 1.92 9.90 1.13 3.04 13.02 2.65 0.80 1.64 2.34 0.50 0.50 11.96

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

1.61 1.71 3.67 0.68 0.60 3.08 0.97 0.63 1.70 0.44 0.18 0.00 3.30

-4.66 0.80 -2.35 -4.88 #VALUE! -9.03 -4.18 -3.04 -14.89 -3.51 0.00 -1.05 -7.04

9.02 6.25 18.70 2.05 NT 30.01 2.87 2.30 6.65 9.39 0.50 0.95 24.30

NT 0.81 NT 0.50 0.92 NT NT 0.50 NT NT 0.50 NT 0.52 NT 0.50 NT NT 2.98 0.54 0.76 NT NT 0.50 NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50 0.65

250 521,138 NT 1,000,000 1,055,541 456,127 9,054,578 145,200 NT 1,000 40,000 NT 50,530 NT 160 4,771,900 50,685 1,207,028 1,177,700 2,004,443 20,055 1,654,611 885,641 12,000,000 1,000 600 5,000 3,774 100 1,182,550 4,303,775

0.50 1.42 0.64 0.52 1.45 0.72 2.44 0.50 0.69 0.60 0.50 2.50 2.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 2.87 0.63 1.01 1.11 0.50 1.24 0.53 0.59

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.58 0.50 1.08 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.06 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

0.00 0.19 0.00 0.05 0.15 0.02 0.24 0.01 0.00 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.25 0.00 0.37 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.09

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 2.76 N/A -3.80 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.55

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

8,493,173,450 2,581,733,505 13,000,000,000 16,000,000,000

0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.07

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

NT 0.80 NT NT 1.00 0.50 NT NT NT 0.50 0.50 NT 0.59 NT 0.50 0.50 NT 2.90 0.54 0.79 NT NT 0.50 NT NT NT 0.50 NT NT NT 0.74

NT 0.97

10,000,000 767,000

6.60 1.22

0.00 0.72

1.18 0.19

NT NT

1.30 NT NT 0.50 0.5

300 300 5,000 200,000 40,522

1.65 0.50

1.37 0.50

4,200,000,000 8,679,148,676

0.03 0.02

N/A N/A

0.50 0.99

0.50 0.50

13,175,732,404 7,812,500,000

0.30 0.00

N/A N/A

3.2 4.00 NT NT 12.32 4.09 0.51 31.00 2.00

1,361,199 50,919 500 3,000 11,878,966 4323419 700,000 9,360,409 2,122,515

2.1

0.5

0.61 2.02 21.50 5.70 1.33 20.72 1.70

0.50 2.02 8.57 2.90 0.50 10.64 0.00

3,778,005,975 1,333,333,333 32,632,084,358

0.00 0.15 2.45 1.23 0.13 1.53 0.29

NT 0.50

170 600,000

N/A=Not Avialable

5.05 0.50

4.32 0.50

0.63

3,608,657,661 18,750,000,000

498,600,908 3,553,138,528

0.13 0.00

N/A N/A -8.61 N/A -11.43

N/A N/A

NT NT NT 0.50 1000 3.3 4.09 NT NT 13.48 4.51 0.59 35.00 2.18

NT NT

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. NT Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 1.95 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 3.33 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 54.00 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.71 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.11 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. NT PHARMA-DEKO PLC. NT ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.57 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC NT Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC 4.8 NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 12.83 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. NT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC NT Telecommunications Services MTI PLC NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. NT ASHAKA CEM PLC 32.25 BERGER PAINTS PLC 8.08 CAP PLC 41.00 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 14.49 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 215.00 DN MEYER PLC. 1.05 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC NT IPWA PLC 0.50 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 115.93 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC NT PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 5.01 Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC NT CUTIX PLC. 1.75 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.59 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 20.00 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 NT STOKVIS NIG PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. NT Metals ALUMACO PLC NT ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. NT MINING SERVICES MULTIVERSE PLC 0.50 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 0.50 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 23.56 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC NT CONOIL PLC 49.23 ETERNA PLC. 3.80 FORTE OIL PLC. 219.00 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 169.25 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 56.00 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 173.00 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVT. CO, LTD. 574.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC NT Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. NT Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 0.84 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 4.15 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. NT Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. NT Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC NT Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL NT IKEJA HOTEL PLC 3.12 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS NT LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.45 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NT UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 4.14 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.69 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC NT SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC NT Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 1.83 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 5.01 SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS CAVERTON OFFSHORE GROUP PLC 4.21 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC NT OIL AND GAS CAPITAL OIL PLC NT NAVITUS ENERGY PLC NT Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC NT Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. NT HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. NT ETF’s Sector ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 1,964.00 VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF 17.63

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

Previous

92

10.54

7.39

152,178,750

0.00

N/A

1.82

74,500 95,417 1,226,438 252,273 397,345 46 1,000

4.80 2.50 69.00 3.38 1.76 8.59 3.50

0.50 0.61 18.97 1.23 0.58 7.36 1.83

486,473,856 1,500,000,000 956,701,192 980,000,000 1,925,717,268 153,786,012 100,000,000

0.58 0.24 3.07 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00

-4.88 0.00 -13.75 -0.58 4.72 N/A N/A

2.05 3.33 62.61 1.72 1.06 NT 2.49

4,403,634

0.96

0.50

2,960,000,000

0.11

0.00

0.52

24,000

0.50

0.50

2,941,789,472

0.00

N/A

NT

NT

0.91

0.91

4,966,666,668

0.00

N/A

NT

10 694 200

18.70 2.94

13.12 2.07

108,000,000 492,825,600

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

NT NT NT

1,000,000 5,000

0.50 4.97

0.50 3.13

4,620,600,000 4,200,000,000

0.04 0.04

N/A N/A

0.50 NT

400

0.50

0.50

4,893,594,400

0.00

N/A

NT

2,000 1,671,056 16,226 458,360 73,217 672,671 2,000 38,000 11,000 1,444,136 650 5,000

2.86 29.98 12.20 67.50 12.99 210.01 3.54 0.75 1.34 110.00 2.41 7.22

2.86 8.01 6.82 13.78 4.00 102.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 39.80 0.50 2.27

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

0.07 0.80 0.91 1.66 1.12 5.77 0.06 0.00 0.00 6.83 0.36 0.43

N/A 0.78 -6.05 5.13 -8.00 -2.63 N/A N/A N/A -8.72 N/A N/A

NT 32.00 8.60 39.00 15.75 220.80 NT NT 0.50 127.00 1.60 NT

70 250,200 100

2.00 2.39 0.73

2.00 1.20 0.50

510,396,608 2,220,000,000

0.05 0.19 0.00

N/A -2.78 N/A

NT 1.80 NT

NT 15,341 135,155 100 NT NT NT

3.98 5.94 13.18 13.28 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 1.71 9.04 12.68 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 0.00 3.23 0.90 0.24 0.22 0.00

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

NT 1.59 20.00 NT NT NT NT

1,200 NT

8.69 0.14

8.26 0.14

265,409,280 2,918,000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

25,000,000 683,974,528

28,255

9.35

5.68

393,120,000

0.76

#VALUE!

NT

10 100

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75,600,000 100,000,000

0.00 0.24

N/A N/A

NT NT

950,000

0.50

0.50

4,058,989,226

0.01

N/A

0.50

NT 100

3.22 1.38

3.22 0.67

50,000,000 220,000,000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

2,599,332

1.02

0.50

6,262,701,716

0.00

0.00

0.50

1,781,446

24.80

9.32

2,262,711,568

1.24

-10.66

26.37

10000 112,677 84,115 111,017 15,748 100 33,978

76.00 4.87 115.64 146.00 59.00 190.01

16.96 1.32 7.73 106.00 16.20 118.75

693,952,117 1,249,162,828 1,080,280,628 300,496,051 253,988,672 339,521,837

2.69 0.61 1.43 9.93 1.04 12.91

4.72 1.60 -2.67 -2.21 N/A -3.89

NT 47.01 3.74 225.00 173.08 56.00 180.00

1,537

28,677,671

200

0.72

0.50

640.00

4,035,497,307

0.00

N/A

NT

100

3.48

3.48

0

N/A

NT

317,660

2.45

1.00

980,294,400

0.00

#VALUE!

NT

97,500 14,654

5.10 3.45

2.19 0.73

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

-5.68 N/A

4.40 1.35

10,515

1.64

0.85

865,808,912

0.00

N/A

0.50

30,500

0.75

0.50

3,211,627,907

0.00

N/A

NT

69200 3,191,600

1.72

0.64

2,078,796,396

0.00

56.00

NT 2.00

650,000

0.51

0.50

8,000,000,000

0.43

N/A

NT

1 115,855 75 53,899

3.09 2.78 5.77

1.39 2.52 3.00

771,450,000 425,641,111

0.00 0.00 0.61

N/A N/A 0.98

1.32 1.32 NT 4.10

83,723

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.68

54,281 1,000

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236,699,511 5,631,539,736

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

4.66 0.5

820,000 265,724

5.90 8.81

1.27 5.08

634,000,000 1,230,468,750

0.50 0.43

N/A 0.60

2.01 4.98

47101

5

60

1.43

1.04

45,000,000

0.12

N/A

NT

103,000

2.26

1.02

201,885,335

0.00

N/A

NT

30 1000

NT NT

30000

NT

NT

0.60

0.60

30,000,000

0.00

N/A

NT

NT

0.50

0.50

24,898,850

0.00

N/A

NT

NT NT

1.88

1.63

125,005,250

0.00

N/A

NT NT

NT NT 1,000

0.50

0.50

6,650,000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194,700,000

0.00

N/A

2,706

2,003

62 595072

2.94 49467

NT NT NT

1,908.00 18.73

A24 40

Business Courage

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

41

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Our co constitution does not provide for a holding charge to be held like a Sword of Damocles on a person –JJust ustice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court xx

Let’s restructure our educational system –Layonu 42

New CJN, Justice Mohammed

Justice Mukhtar

Lawyers set agenda for new CJN, Mohammed As Justice Mahmud Mohammed succeeded Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) last Thursday, some notable lawyers have spelt out their expectations from the new helmsman of the country’s judiciary. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary reports.

How Ojukwu reclaimed Villaska lodge 45

Four bags death sentence for murder 46

J

ustice Mahmud Mohammed is the 14th indigenous CJN. He stepped into office after the exit of Justice Mukhtar who attained the mandatory retirement age of 70. Few hours after he assumed office, some lawyers have begun to set agenda for the new CJN. Notable among the lawyer are; a former Second Vice-President of NBA, Mr. Adekunle Ojo, the Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Yinka Farounbi, Messrs. Dapo Oduwole and Segun Fatoki.

Mr. Adekunle Ojo urged the new CJN to ensure the sustenance of continuous trainings for judges of lower courts in order to improve them on daily basis.

He advised Justice Mohammed to also secure the services of the quality court assistants especially in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal respectively.

The Chairman, NBA Ikeja branch, Mr. Yinka Farounbi, while wishing Justice Mukhtar a wonderful retirement, enjoined Justice Mohammed to improve on the

good legacies left behind by his predecessor.

He said the independence of the judiciary must be pursued to a logical conclusion adding that ‘’ the new CJN must ensure that the confidence of the people is absolutely restored so that Nigerians will not at any time doubt the integrity of the judicial system.’’

The NBA boss also said the welfare of judiciary workers should be improved upon so as to have harmonious working system among the court workers in the country.

Another Lagos lawyer, Mr. Dapo Oduwole urged the new CJN to improve on the performance of his predecessor.

According to him, ‘’the expectation on the incoming CJN is high because we can’t afford to do less.

He is a disciplinarian and hardworking Judge and all we expect from him is to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor in office. ‘’ A former Assistant General Secretary, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Segun Fatoki, also asked the new CJN to leave up to the expectations of Nigerians especially as the general election approaches, adding that he should not allow the judiciary to be politicised.

He also enjoined him to put in place a good structure capable of dealing with crises such as the at-

THE NEW CJN SHOULD LEAVE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF NIGERIANS ESPECIALLY AS THE GENERAL ELECTION APPROACHES, AND HE SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE JUDICIARY TO BE POLITICISED

tack on judges in Ekiti state and others threatening the judiciary in the country.

Last November 12, President Goodluck Jonathan had approved Mohammed’s appointment as Mukhtar’s successor after the former’s name was forwarded to the presidency by the Federal Judicial Service Commission. The National Judicial Council (NJC) has also earlier approved Mohammed’s nomination as the second most senior justice of the Supreme Court next in line to Mukhtar.

Justice Mukhtar, the first female CJN retired last November 20 when she clocked the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. Consequently, Justice Mohammed being the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court was appointed to the office of CJN whose succession has always been based on seniority.

Interestingly, Justice Mohammed, who appeared before the Senate where his nomination was confirmed last Tuesday has supported the call for the separation of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation from that of the office of the Justice Minister.

In a brief remark after Mohammed’s confirmation, Senate President, David Mark charged him to uphold the tenets of the judiciary as the last hope of the common CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

42

Law & Justice

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Let’s restructure our educational Dr. Abiodun Layonu, a versatile lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN is the son of a first Republic politician, the late Chief Saka Layonu. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, the London School of Economics and Political Science trainedscholar speaks on the constitutional issues impacting on legal development in the country among others. Excerpts.

The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed has advocated for the separation of the office of Attorney- General of Federation from that of the Justice Minister. What is your take on this?

It is not a bad idea but to achieve it might entail a constitutional amendment or tinkering. Generally, I think specifically Section 174 of the Constitution will have to be amended for the AGF and Section 211 of the constitution for that of the states. The only cabinet position stated in the constitution is that of the Attorney- General.

How will you react to the woeful results of the last Bar examinations and what do you think is responsible for the poor performance of the students?

I had previously expressed an opinion on this when the results came out. If true, then something is wrong with the system. A two third failure rate is an indictment even of the authorities. It must mean the examinations are a departure from what is being taught.

What can you say about law faculties in many universities in Nigeria? Do you think they have what it takes run law degree?

The faculties are fed by the products of the system so it all becomes a vicious cycle of dwindling standards. Solution is to go back to the foundation and begin to rebuild from there. We need to rebuild the foundation of our educational system.

NBA plans to hold legal summit, to deliberate on the dwindling standard of education in the country. Do you think it’s necessary?

Deliberations are always useful especially when geared towards improvements. So, there is nothing wrong with it, if it’s for the benefit and growth of the legal profession.

Some of your colleagues have suggested that some senior lawyers be appointed as justices of the Apex Court.

Do you think we have credible lawyers to fill such position?

We do have such lawyers and I can tell you that there was a meeting of senior advocates, one of the issues being considered is that issue you just asked about. It is about getting very senior lawyers, who are still in practice to go to the appellate courts or even in some instances take people from the academics.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but I think the appointment process should be robust to be able to search for and persuade suitable persons who practicing lawyers or in the academics to the appellate courts. It is done in other jurisdictions.

Layonu SAN

THE FACULTIES ARE FED BY THE PRODUCTS OF THE SYSTEM SO IT ALL BECOMES A VICIOUS CYCLE OF DWINDLING STANDARDS

How will you describe the criminal justice system in the country?

The criminal justice system is not working, there is more injustice and the issue of awaiting trial is a very serious issue. There was a time; I think it was during the tenure of Chief Bayo Ojo as the Attorney- General of the Federation that a programme was set up to decongest the prisons. Even my law firm was involved in it and so many firms of lawyers were briefed to try and decongest the prisons but somewhere along the line the whole thing was not concluded, it was abandoned mid-field. That programme needs to be resuscitated and brought to completion.

How will you react to the call for abolition of death penalty?

I think some crimes are cruel enough to deserve death penalty. Some countries have abolished it, some have not. Generally, for murder cases I do not agree that the punishment should be death penalty.

I think there should be an amendment to the law in such a way that judges will have discretion. Or maybe a committee should be set up after conviction to make a recommendation whether a particular case deserved death penalty or otherwise. I think we have come to a stage where there should be some discretions either given to the judge or to some sort of committee to determine whether a death penalty should be imposed or not.

Ho do you view the concept of plea bargaining. Is it alien to our law?

I think we can safely leave aside the issue of the origin of plea barging. It might be that it’s rare in Nigeria but certainly there are many countries in the world where the concept is not unusual in their jurisprudence. The more significant issue in Nigeria is its application.

Our experience in Nigeria generally about matters like this where the issue of discretion comes into play, it is not so much about the concepts but the abuse

such concepts are usually subjected to in application. In Nigeria the concept of plea bargaining has been abused.

But, we should not say because of that we are not going to ever going to consider it or in appropriate circumstances we will not apply it. I can give you examples where it might even be in the greater interest of the society if plea bargaining actually applied and correctly applied.

For instance you could use plea bargaining to enable you to get serious offenders.

It could be that you need the evidence of a person who has a far less participation in a crime in order to be able to convict the ‘big fish’ behind the doors.

That cooperation could either be secured by giving total immunity to a person with less participation in order to secure conviction of the ‘bigger fish’ or you make a plea bargaining arrangement with a ‘lesser fish’ to plead guilty to a lesser offence and yet you will be able to use him as a witness against the ‘bigger fish’. Sometimes it could be for the protection of even the victim of the crime.

You might have serious difficulty in proving that particular offence that you desire. The victim might for one reason or the other be reluctant. The readily example I can give is that of rape. Some many rape victims are even reluctant to come out openly and give evidence against the perpetrator. You could have

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, November 24, 2014

43

system –Layonu the offender tried for something lesser which the victim would readily cooperate with or may even secure conviction without the victim coming to give evidence. So, there are instances where the concept of plea bargaining can be used positively in the interest of the society or victims of certain offences.

We can also make sure that plea bargaining is not left solely to the discretion of the State or the prosecuting agency but to ensure that the judge who is hearing the matter will have a role to play in it. If it is not sanctioned by the judge even if it is agreed between the offender and the prosecuting agency, the judge would still have to sanction it, these are checks we can [put so that the concept will not be abused.

I must say that the concept is not statutory, but I think it is part of the prosecutorial power of the state, it is part of the discretion that the State enjoys in even determining whether to prosecute or not. The Attorney General Constitutionally has the power either to prosecute or even enter a nolle prosequi even when prosecution had started. I do not think we should remove that discretion but provide checks. We can say for a plea bargaining to go through, the AttorneyGeneral should personally endorse it before the court even consider whether to sanction it or not . If anybody is going to be held responsible or criticised where there is an abuse it will be Attorney General, who represents the State and who Constitutional is empowered to use his discretion always in the public’s interest.

What is your disposition to merger of law firms?

We cannot have a forced merger of either law firms or individuals. Service to a very large extend is personal. But, it should be encouraged. I think people have realised that the idea of a solo practitioner to a large extent is gone. The big-

ger the better.

The security situation in the country is becoming alarming with the menace of the Boko Haram sect. What would be your advice to the Inspector- General of Police?

I will only wish him well, he is coming in at a very difficult time and he has to deploy all his human and personal resources. I believe he is a capable officer; his record over time should be an attestation to his suitability for the position he now occupies. He knows why his predecessor in office was removed. The issue of security is the most paramount to all Nigerians now, especially, the issue of Boko Haram and the evil that is being done by this group. As far as I am concerned they are not Muslims because everything they are doing is against all tenets of Islam. The main job of the IG is to curtail this group. But I think the Northern elders should rise up not only to condemn but to do everything in their power to cooperate with government in making sure that Boko Haram is destroyed.

If there is one factor that is inimical to the integration of Nigeria today and that can actually lead to the disintegration of the country, it is the menace of Boko Haram. The implications are quite clear for all of us to see. It would only take a reprisal attack from any particular ethnic group for us to be back to the era of 1966. No country has ever survived two civil wars and Nigeria cannot survive it. If we are lucky, we will end up like Czechoslovakia, but if we are very unlucky and we do not curtail the menace of Boko Haram and other similar groups elsewhere, Nigeria will go the way of Yugoslavia and that will be terrible indeed.

I see everyday what is going on and I fear for this country.

How can law be used to shape the society?

THE ISSUE OF SECURITY IS THE MOST PARAMOUNT TO ALL NIGERIANS NOW, ESPECIALLY, THE ISSUE OF BOKO HARAM AND THE EVIL THAT IS BEING DONE BY THIS GROUP Law is an instrument of social engineering. Law can be used to either engender any particular norm in the society or encourage a particular way of behaving. Ultimately, law itself is to reflect the norms of the society or their beliefs. If you make a law and it is not accepted by the people, it will just be in the books because it has not enjoyed the acceptance of the greater majority of that community. If the law does not command societal acceptability it would be ineffective.

amended, but we should not say that anytime there is a change in government we have to amend the Constitution. Long and short of what I am saying is that the fact that the 1999 Constitution was prepared under a military government does not make it defective. But it does not take away the argument in some quarters that some sort of constitutional assembly be set up to look at the entire structure of the country itself, the concept of federalism, the way we practice it and so many other things.

Some eminent lawyers have described the 1999 Constitution as a military document, do you agree with this view?

Don’t forget that the military while they were in power, they have lawyers.

Those who actually drafted this Constitution are civilians and not military men. If the Constitution turns out to be inadequate in certain respect, it is not necessarily because it was given to us by the military. Even the 1979 Constitution, yes there was a Constituent Assembly but that Constituent Assembly was even set up by the military. Essentially, the 1999 Constitution in so many respects is a rehash of the 1979 Constitution. In any case the experiences we have had since 1999 revealed some of the defects or inadequacies in the Constitution and that is why we have the National Assembly there and that is why recently they have been able to do some constitutional amendments. The Constitution is not a rigid document that cannot either be

Why were you attracted to the law profession?

For me honestly, in a way I have always known that I will be a lawyer. Principally, my father has always wanted me to be one and as far back as I can remember even in my secondary school days my father was always saying I would be a lawyer. He had even at that time tried to put me in touch with some very well- known lawyers. I remember one of his contemporaries, Chief Richard Akinjide; they were together in politics in the first republic. I also remembered one young lawyer then in his chambers, who later became my only principal, Dr. Ahmed Kusamotu. Occasionally, I used to go there, looked at the settings, the dashing young men and the way they dress and I was fascinated by it all. I remember asking Dr. Kusamotu what I need to do to become a lawyer. What he said stuck in my head. He said I should engage myself in reading generally and widely. So, I engaged myself in reading.

44

Law & Justice

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Attorneys rate Mukhtar high on judicial integrity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 man in the country.

Justice Mohammed was born on November 10, 1946 in Jalingo, Taraba State. He attended Government College, Kaduna from 1960 to 1964 and Rumfe College, Kano, between 1965 and 1966.

He studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between 1976 and 1970, bagged his Bachelor degree in Law (LL.B) and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School from 1970 to 1971.

After his call to Bar and enrolment in 1971, Justice Mohammed joined the public service of the North Eastern State as a pupil counsel and left as Solicitor-General in 1981. He was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice by the Abubakar Barde government in 1981, left with the Great Nigeria Peoples Party, GNPP government in 1983.

However, two years after, the military sacked the civilians, Justice Mohammed was appointed a judge, and he became the Acting Chief Judge in 1988.

On creation of Taraba State in 1991 he was again appointed Chief Judge in acting capacity. Later that year, his appointment was confirmed and he was, a year later, moved up the Appeal Court.

Justice Mahmud Mohammed was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2005. He is due for retirement in 2016.

In addition to his legal qualifications, he also holds a certificate in legislative drafting from the Commonwealth Institute of Legislative Drafting; a certificate in human resources planning and management from the National Institute of Public Management, Washington USA; a certificate of Administration of Justice in a presidential system of government from the Institute of Judicial Administration, University of New York, USA; and a certificate in government Legal Advisers’ course from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, UK. While in the public service, he has served as a member of several committees and panels on national assignment. He received

Alegeh, SAN

Ojo

JUSTICE MUKHTAR WAS ABLE TO BRING THE JUDICIARY BACK TO THE HONOURABLE PATH; LOTS OF JUDGES WERE SANCTIONED WHILE SOME WERE REMOVED OR ASKED TO RETIRE AS A WAY OF SOFT-LANDING

national recognition with the awards of the Commander of Order of the Niger (CON) as well as Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR).

Justice Mohammed has attended several workshops and seminars; he has also presented papers at different judicial workshops. He is a member of the Bar Council, Council of Legal Education, and the Body of Benchers.

Mukhtar’s scorecard Members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA have rated the retied CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar high even as she expressed satisfaction over the implementation of various reform measures she initiated during her tenure.

She said when she stared with her reform programme not everyone was satisfied with

Fair Trial

Bar

Jokes

My daddy is a lawyer

While two families were waiting in line to see the Washington Monument, their two five-year-old boys were getting acquainted.

“My name is Joshua. What’s yours?” asked the first boy.

“Adam,” replied the second.

“My daddy is a doctor. What does your daddy do for a living?” asked Joshua.

Adam proudly replied, “My daddy is a lawyer.”

“Honest?” asked Joshua.

“No, just the regular kind,” replied Adam.

Farounbi

A judge enters the courtroom, strikes the gavel and says, “Before I begin this trial, I have an announcement to make. The lawyer for the defence has paid me $15,000 to swing the case his way. The lawyer for the plaintiff has paid me $10,000 to swing the case her way. In order to make this a fair trial, I am returning $5,000 to the defence.”

Injustice in Hell

A man died and was taken to his place of eternal torment by the devil.

As he passed sulphurous pits and shrieking sinners, he saw a man he recognized as a lawyer snuggling up to a beautiful woman.

‘That’s unfair!’ he cried. ‘I have to roast for all eternity, and that lawyer gets to spend it with a beautiful woman.’

‘Shut up,’ barked the devil, jabbing the man with his pitchfork.

‘Who are you to question that woman’s punishment?’

Culled from Active Jokes, C.C Jokes.com

her steps but majority of those who were not comfortable with her initiatives later embraced them.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adekunle Ojo, who is also a one-time NBA Chairman, Ikeja branch described retired CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, as a force to reckon with in stamping out corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric wall of the judicial system in the country.

Ojo said that history would not forget the retired jurist for putting in place the basis to access judges across the country and also determine their promotion.

In his contribution, Mr Segun Fatoki, said that Mukhtar zero tolerance among lawyers and her discipline among judges had placed her on a very high pedestal.

Fatoki said that reading through the judgements of the past CJN; one could see how a judge should be fair on the assessment

on the issues before her. ‘I can boldly say that I am not disappointed in her“.

Mr. Oduwole observed that prior to her appointment as the CJN there have been several allegations against her predecessors in office.

His words ‘’You would recall that it was in the time of L. M. Uwais, CJN that a legal practitioner accused the CJN in open court of corrupt practices, although the counsel failed to ventilate his grievances in the permissive way which led to his name being struck out from the roll. The embarrassing and public altercation between Justices Aloysius Katsina-Alu, CJN and Ayo Salami, PCA which was eventually politicized, threatened and dented integrity of the judiciary. In fact, many of the justices were intimidated and tacitly punished. ‘’ Oduwole said that however, the appointment of Aloma Mukhtar as CJN in 2012 was a blessing to the failing judicial system. ‘’ She was able to bring the judiciary back to the honourable path; lots of Judges were sanctioned while some were removed or asked to retire as a way of soft-landing.

She has restored the dignity of our courts but it’s unfortunate that she has attained the retirement age and had to vacate the office. ‘’ he added.

LEGAL TIPS Importance of Power of Attorney *A Power of Attorney is a formal instrument by which one person empowers another to get for him or act in his stead for certain purposes. *The person giving the power is called the donor, while the person to whom the power is given is called the donee. *Power of Attorney is a written document in which one person (the principal) appoints another person to act as an agent on his or her behalf, thus conferring authority on the agent to perform certain acts or functions on behalf of the principal. *Powers of attorney are routinely granted to allow the agent to take care of a variety of transactions for the

principal, such as executing a stock power, handling a tax audit, or maintaining a safedeposit box. *Powers of attorney can be written to be either general (full) or limited to special circumstances. A power of attorney generally is terminated when the principal dies or becomes incompetent, but the principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time.

A special type of power of attorney that is used frequently is the “durable” power of attorney. A durable power of attorney differs from a traditional power of attorney in that it continues the agency relationship be-

yond the incapacity of the principal.

With a durable power of attorney, a principal can appoint someone to handle her or his affairs after she or he becomes incompetent, and the document can be crafted to confer either general power or power in certain limited circumstances. Because no judicial proceedings are necessary, the principal saves time and money and avoids the stigma of being declared incompetent.

Written by Francis Famoroti, Judiciary Editor. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationalmirrorlaw@ yahoo.com

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Law & Justice

Monday, November 24, 2014

45

How Ojukwu reclaimed Villaska lodge When the late ex-Biafra warlord, Chief Emeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu, returned to the country from an exile in Ivory Coast in 1982, he settled down in his father’s Ikoyi home. But three years after, the military administration forcibly evicted the Ikemba Nnewi from the house otherwise known as Villaska lodge’, prompting him to challenge the legality of the executive acts in the law court.

FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary, recaptures the proceedings.

FAMOUS CASES

T

he ex- Biafra warlord, Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, during his lifetime is seen by his Igbo kinsmen as the symbol of resistance to an attempt by the greater majority of Nigerians to decapitate the Igbo race in Nigeria. He was also regarded as a man that inspires conflicting emotions in the people. Ojukwu, then a Lt. Col proclaimed the former Eastern Region as the Peoples’ Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967. When it appeared to him that the civil war (1967-70), which he led, had failed, he fled the country to Ivory Coast where he lived in exile for about 12 years.

The Oxford- trained ex-military leader came back to Nigeria in 1982, after he had been granted a full pardon by the Federal Government. Hardly had he settled down in the Ikoyi residence of his late father, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, when the Lagos State Government forcibly evicted him from the premises. The late Sir Ojukwu was a millionaire business mogul, whose 29, Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi residence is known as “Villaska Lodge”. The building also has the inscription “Beware of Snakes” at the entrance. The late Sir Ojukwu was the first and founding President, Nigerian Stock Exchange as well as the President, African Continental Bank (ACB).

The businessman resided in his Ikoyi home till his demise in 1966 and the property was bequeathed to Emeka Ojukwu.

But due to the latter’s revolutionary role during the civil war, the military government had used the excuse of rebellion against the Nigerian state to confiscate the building, described as “an abandoned property.”

The controversy started on August 12, 1985 when a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Government wrote Ojukwu a letter No LSG/589/S.2 258, asking him to vacate the premises or face ejection. The state government had already concluded arrangements to let out the property to G.Cappa.

Ojukwu challenged at the Lagos High Court the constitutionality of the action of the state government to eject him from his residence. On October 10, 1985, an ex-parte application filed

Emeka Ojukwu

by Ojukwu came before the High Court seeking an interim injunction restraining the military Governor of Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State and the Attorney General of Lagos State, from ejecting him and members of his family from the Ikoyi home.

He swore to an affidavit that the house belonged to his father after whose death; he became the owner of the property. The Ikemba Nnewi (the strength of Nnewi) deposed that during the period of the civil war from 1967 to 1970, the house remained unoccupied. Ojukwu said he moved to the house having paid the sum of N90, 000.00 to the Lagos State Government for “expenses incurred by the state government in keeping the house.”

Ojukwu contended that all the members of his family had been residing in the house before they were evicted. The trial judge, Justice Roseline Omotosho, granted the interim injunction on the grounds of Ojukwu’s ownership of the house and impending threat to evict him.

The judge however refused equitable relief of injunction against the state government on the premise that the property was an abandoned property.

Interestingly however, Ojukwu

LET THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT PURGE ITSELF OF THIS SERIOUS CONTEMPT OF THIS APPARENT VIOLATION OF THE

CONSTITUTION.

THE ESSENCE OF RULE OF LAW IS THAT IT SHOULD NEVER OPERATE UNDER THE RULE OF FORCE OR FEAR

Late Sir Louis Ojukwu

Transport Company brought an application to be joined as a party interested and for leave to appeal against the ruling of the high court.

The ex-Biafra warlord also sought to be “reinstated in his Ikoyi residence.”

At the Court of Appeal, one serious issue brought to the attention of the court was that since the notice of appeal was filed and served on the state government, the government had resorted into what they termed ‘self-help” and as a result, it evicted Ojukwu notwithstanding the fact that his application was pending before the Appeal Court.

It was on record that the state government deployed “some 150 armed men” to evict Ojukwu, and threw him into the streets, even when his suit was pending in the High Court.

The revolutionary blood still pumping through Ojukwu’s veins ensured that he did not give up. He defied the rain, stayed in his vehicle in front of the building and continued with his legal battle.

The Appeal Court in its ruling on November 13, 1985, consequently ordered that Ojukwu should be reinstated into the property. However, the state government refused to comply with this order of the Appeal Court.

Rather than comply with this order, the state government appealed on November 22, 1985, against the decision to the Supreme Court. The Lagos State Government contended that Ojukwu was a trespasser at 29, Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, while legal luminary, Chief F.R.A Williams (SAN), who represented Ojukwu, emphasised the deliberate disobedience of the order of the Court

of Appeal by the state government. He also insisted that the government was in contempt of the Court of Appeal.

There were exhaustive arguments

by Williams and the then SolicitorGeneral of Lagos State on the issue.

The panel of Supreme Court justices that heard the appeal comprised Justices Andrew Obaseki, Kayode Eso, Muhammadu Uwais, Saidu Kawu and Chukwudifu Oputa.

The lead judgment was read by Eso, who declared that “I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout a positive order of a court and proceed to taunt the court further by seeking a remedy in a higher court while still in contempt of the lower court. It is more serious when the act of flouting the order of the court, the contempt of the court is by executive.”

Eso continued that ‘indeed, there will be no Federal Government, I think, for organ, and more especially the executive, which holds all the physical powers, to put up itself in sabotage or deliberate contempt of the order is to stage an executive subversion of the constitution it is to uphold. Executive lawlessness is tantamount to a deliberate violation of the Constitution.”

The jurist said with the contempt of the Appeal Court by the state government “still subsisting”, it would be inequitable for the apex court to give a consideration to the application of the state government.

“Let the Lagos State Government purge itself of this serious contempt of this apparent violation of the Constitution. The essence of rule of law is that it should never operate under the rule of force or fear. To use force to effect an act and while under the marshal of that force, seek the court’s equity, is an attempt to infuse timidity into court and operate a sabotage of the cherished rule of law.

Justice Obaseki, who presided over the panel, concurred with Eso’s verdict, which was unanimously supported by the other justices.

For Ojukwu, a man that attracts extreme, fanatical devotion as well virulent dislike across Nigeria’s political spectrum, he emerged victorious in the end and he reclaimed his property from the state government. The Ikemba who holds several chieftaincy titles, including the Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu (the maximum ruler of the whole Igboland) is today a prominent politician and leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) that has its firm root in Eastern Nigeria. However, Ojukwu died at the age of 78 on November 26, 2011. Obviously, his Ndigbo kinsmen is expected to celebrate his remembrance on Wednesday.

46

Law & Justice

Monday, November 24, 2014

Seminar report: Top attorneys counsel young lawyers

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Events

The Young Lawyers’ Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA (Ikeja Branch) was imparted with knowledge by some seasoned lawyers on how to surmount professional challenges in legal practice at an interactive Seminar in Lagos recently. SEGUN AWODEIN, who participated at the event writes.

A

bout 40 young lawyers under the auspices of the Young Lawyers’ Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA (Ikeja Branch) converged at the Bar Centre, Ikeja recently, to learn some of the fine points of the legal practice. The event which was the third Annual Interactive Seminar of the Young Lawyers’ Forum attracted resources persons such Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, , Director of Research, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun and a number of notable senior lawyers among others.

At the seminar with the theme, ‘Surmounting Professional Challenges for Young Lawyers in Legal Practice:’ The Way Forward’, the Vice Chairman, NBA, Ikeja Branch, Mrs. Gloria Nweze in her welcome address told the participants that the forum was set up to aid young lawyers between one and seven years post- call advance their legal practice and also help overcome any challenges that they might encounter.

In his keynote address, Prof. Fagbohun, dwelt on the various skills necessary to meet the challenges of practising law in Nigeria especially for the young Lawyer. He noted that the landscape of the legal profession was changing and urged the young lawyers to change with the trend and thereby advance in their legal practice.

The don stressed the growing importance of Information Technology in the modern age and

that it was a necessity in the present legal terrain.

He also explained that in order for law firms to survive, it was necessary that ‘’there is an innovative rethinking of strategies and that there is collaboration which is necessary for advancement.’’

According to him, ‘’ every lawyer should have a specialty and collaborating partners on aspects he does not specialize in. It is important for legal practitioners to maintain the core values of the profession which are confidentiality, comportment and a willingness to learn.

He concluded by saying that lawyers must follow the path of development in society.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Norrison Quakers, who spoke on Maritime Law focused on the prospects for Maritime Law in Nigeria and stated that Maritime is a huge earner for the Nigerian economy. He also stated that corruption is a major problem in the Nigerian Maritime sector.

The Deputy Director, LMDC, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun in her lecture on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) took the participants through the ADR window at the trial and appellate courts.

Stressing the need for ADR mechanism, she stated that the system seeks to supplement litigation where Judges have the option of referring matters to the multi door courthouse where each case is screened and decided according to the ADR method.

Aroyewun stated that ‘’ Order 3 Rule 11 of the

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR LEGAL

PRACTITIONERS TO MAINTAIN THE CORE VALUES OF THE PROFESSION WHICH ARE CONFIDENTIALITY, COMPORTMENT AND A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN

High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2012 provides for the screening of cases for determination of suitability for ADR.’’ She also stated that one of the major challenges of the application of ADR in the courts was the reluctance of lawyers and parties to subject themselves to the process.

She concluded by stating that there is a need for the legal community to embrace ADR as a part of the legal process and seek to use it more.

In her remarks, Mrs. Funmi Falana highlighted the challenges confronting women in legal practice in the country. She cited some pertinent cases where women’s rights in the legal community were addressed.

She posed the question: What is keeping women from legal practice? She answered that women have to raise children and this affects their private legal practice. She also stated that women have to work twice as hard as men to have success. She provided some strategies for women to succeed as: mentoring, learning from errors, staying visible and being someone that works so much she is termed a workaholic.

Justice Buba in his goodwill message to the participants spoke about some of his personal experiences as a young lawyer. He discussed the challenges and issues he encountered as a young lawyer and encouraged participants to persevere in their chosen area in the legal field.

There were also presentations made by organisations seeking to aid young lawyers with case and file management.

Shortly before the conclusion of the seminar, there was a question and answer session where some participants made contributions.

L-R: Partners of Aelex firm, Anga Fubara; Theo Emuwa; Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN ; DapoTunde-Olowu; Soji Awogbade, and Sina Sipasi, at the company’s 10th anniversary dinner in Lagos recently.

The immediate past Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips and Justice Ibironke Harrison at the dinner.

Former President, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Chief OCJ Okocha, SAN and NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) at the Bar’s National Executive Committee, NEC meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, recently.

Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN and Mr. Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, at the NEC meeting.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 24, 2014

47

Office of the President

ANNOUNCEMENT The first privately owned Polytechnic in the Northern states of Nigeria, Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko invites you to her first combined convocation/fund raising for the centre for Entrepreneurial Development studies under the distinguished Chairmanship of Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume.

The convocation events will take place at the Polytechnic premises as follows: DAY ONE Wednesday, 3rd December, 2014, 1) Arrival of graduating students and Registration @ 10:00am.

2) Holy Mass @ 5:00pm DAY TWO Thursday, 4TH December, 2014, 1) Convocation Lectures @ 10:00am 2) Registration Continues DAY THREE: Friday, 5TH December 2014.

Convocation Proper 1) 10:00am – Graduating Students seated 2) Other students seated.

3) 10:15 am – invited guests arrive.

4) 10:30am – March past for students and staff. f.

V Very Revd R d Fr. F Chris Ch i I. I Utov Ut PhD. PhD President, Fidei Corporate Institute

48

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror And you say this card will last 10 years. Then my prayer is God should please let me outlast this card FORMER PRESIDENT ,OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Day old baby abandoned in Niger PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA.

T

he corpse of a day old baby girl has been found abandoned at Tunga Area of Minna, capital of Niger State.

Residents said the baby was believed to have been abandoned by the mother.

When our correspondent visited

the scene yesterday, sympathizers were seen discusiing the incident in hushed tones.

She was covered in white powder and black polythene bag.

Most of the residents who spoke expressed shock that a mother could abandon her child to die in the open.

A resident, Malama Ladidi Musa said, “ We

only saw the baby this morning and everyone was afraid to come close. But, later we saw a policeman stationed arriving at the scene. The sad thing is that many couples are looking for children while some are dumping theirs at the mercy of the elements. It is really sad.”

When asked, the policeman said he has

been there since 9am, and that the baby had already died before he got to the scene. .

When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ibrahim Gambari said the commissioner has ordered investigations and every legal means would be adopted to ensure that the culprit is brought to justice.

Vigilante groups seek enhanced skills JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

A

total of 30 vigilante groups have met in Jos, Plateau State to enhance their skills.

Organised by BEGE Foundation, the meeting was aimed at strengthing the capacity of the groups towards effective community policing.

During the meeting at Dogon Dutse,the vigilantes drawn from 20 communities in Jos North Local Government area discussed problems hampering their effectiveness.

They also discussed the importance of synergy between them and conventional security operatives in the state.

According to Director of BEGE Foundation,Ms Blessing Omaga,enhancing

the skills of groups is critical to their effectiveness in security provision, as well as conflict transfor mation,peace building and community cohesion She said,”Security has a lot to do with understanding conflict early warning signals,early response and assessment; resillient skills,community security networking,mediation and community dialogue.

We believe that the vigilantes need to be trained to enhance their effectiveness in community policing”.

She said the NGO was committed towards peace building, social justice and human development in the communities and as such will soon begin the training of the vigilantes in line with their core objectives.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CROSS RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CHAPEL OF LIVING WATERS

This is to notify the general public that the above named Chapel has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

Motorcyclists trying to meander through a collapsed portion on Isolo Road, Mushin, Lagos.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Traders laud return of peace to market DARE AKOGUN

T

raders at Odunade market have lauded the chairman, Cyricus Dike and the entire executives of the traders association for the restoration of peace in the market.

Normal trading activities have now returned to the market which is known for building materials. Until recently, the market has been in a lull following the road construction and expansion of the rail lines which runs through

it. Moreover, peace at the market has been in limbo due to quarrels among factions in the market.

But all this seems to have been resolved under the current Odunade Elders Forum,OEF, under the leadership of Cyricus Dike. Under the current administration, the union has built a new elders forum hall for meetings and other activities.

The union liaised with property owners in the market to provide public toilets for their building and this has reduced open defecation and pollution in the market.

Following the return of peace at the market, all plans to relocate to other building materials market at Satellite Town and Okota has now been shelved.

One of the traders, Chukwudi Mbegu, praised the return of normalcy at the market, even as he lauded the efforts of the executive to see that law and order prevail.

This is not unconnected to the fact that for several years, there was no effective union to regulate activities in the market.

So it was therefore easier for intruders to invade the

market, leaving in its wake bloody confrontations, robberies and general breakdown of order.

Secretary to the union, Chika Mbonu said the executive has achieved so much, especially in the area of security and market cleanliness.

The problem of touts molesting and extorting customers, are now things of the past.

Another trader, Samuel Ojelabi, praised the union for accountability and transparency,saying that is the reason the traders are very supportive of the union.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

Rev. Ofonime Joseph Ndom Engr. Mfon Taiwo Enobong Essien Pastor Peter Lifon Igbaji Barrister Anietie Peter Udoh Dr (Mrs) Abasiama Iquo Edeghe Mrs. Evelyn Thomas Agan Engr. Ndifon Mbeh Agbiji Mr. Akabom Effiom Enebong

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

- Chairman - Member - Member - Member - Secretary - Member - Member - Member

1) To build/unite the body of Christ in Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA).

2) To provide a place of worship for the Christian Community in CRBDA. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: REV. O.J.NDOM CHAIRMAN CHANGE OF NAME

AGBO: Formerly known and addressed as as Miss Agbo Ekwutosi Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nsude Ekwutosi Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

NWADIRIOHA: Formerly known and addressed as as Miss Nwadirioha Mgbechi Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwaduru Mgbechi Chioma. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Babarinde Rebecca Folasade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alagbe Folasade Rebecca.

All former documents remain valid.

Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Eladiya Funmilayo Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajayi Funmilayo Grace.

All former documents remain valid. general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the bearer of these names Francis Job Itoro and Job Itoro Dickson refers to one and the same person. All documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the bearer of these names Otukpu Blessing and Otukpu Blessing Oyintari refers to one and the same person. All documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and the general public should please take note.

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

Our fight against Ebola in west Africa is one of Britain’s biggest responses to a disease outbreak.

– UK’S INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY, JUSTINE GREENING

Kenyan bus attack: Military kills 100 Shabaab militants PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

T

he Kenyan military has killed more than 100 al-Shabaab militants linked to a deadly attack on a bus, Kenya’s deputy president said.

William Ruto said the armed forces had carried out two operations in Somalia, destroying equipment and a camp from which the bus attack was planned.

In Saturday’s attack, gunmen pulled non-Muslims passengers from a bus in northern Kenya, killing 28 of them.

A local governor said a total security overhaul was needed.

Al-Shabaab has carried out a series of attacks in Kenya since 2011, the year that Kenya sent troops into Somalia to help battle the Islamist group.

Ruto gave details of the military operation after attending a Sunday service at a church in Nyahururu.

“I can assure you that those behind the attack did not even take their supper,” he was quot-

The driver of the bus tried to accelerate away from the militants, but the vehicle got stuck in wet mud.

ed as saying by the Standard newspaper.

“They were killed by our officers who we sent out immediately after the attack. They did not find time to celebrate their heinous crime.”

He said security officials were in “full control” and urged other leaders to co-operate with the government rather than criticise it.

In Saturday’s attack in Man-

dera county, close to the Somali border, witnesses described how passengers were asked to recite passages from the Koran and those who failed were made to lie on the ground before being shot in the head.

Afterwards, at least one local official said that pleas for extra security in the area had gone unanswered.

Yesterday, Mandera Governor Ali Roba called on the

government to “reshuffle” its entire security team in the region, saying that officers did not follow up on cases and that a state of insecurity was considered normal.

“Many suspects who are apprehended are released from cells under unknown circumstances, even when there is evidence of their involvement in crime,” Roba told Kenya’s Daily Nation.

228 migrants rescued off Cyprus’ north coast

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bout 228 migrants, apparently refugees from Syria, have been rescued after their damaged ship drifted for hours in rough seas off Cyprus’ northern coast, an official said yesterday.

Hasan Tacoy, transport minister of the Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in Cyprus’ north, told The Associated Press that the migrants, including 25 children, have received medical check-ups and are now housed in a sports hall in the coastal town of Girne.

Apart from sea sickness during their 14-hour ordeal, the migrants are in good health, Tacoy said. Authorities are checking the identities of the migrants, who say they are Syrian and want to go to Italy. Their cases will be handled according to international norms regarding migrants, the official said.

Meanwhile, the Italian coast

guard rescued nearly 600 migrants in Libyan waters in five operations in recent days, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa. The operations were carried out after Italian authorities received distress calls via satellite phones from the migrants’ boats.

More than 150,000 migrants have arrived in Italy after being rescued at sea in unseaworthy boats as they risk their lives to flee war and conflict in the Middle East and Africa.

Regarding the Cyprus rescue, Tacoy said authorities received a distress call from the Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship Haj Zaher late Saturday, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) off the coast. The ship had set sail from the Turkish port of Mersin, but the migrants apparently boarded it in open waters via small boats.

Strong winds and rough seas prevented coast guard vessels

from approaching the Haj Zaher, which was left stranded after experiencing mechanical problems. The crew then abandoned the vessel, according to the migrants. Tacoy said authorities are searching for another vessel

on which the crew may have gotten away.

The Haj Zaher then drifted to within 300 meters (1,000 feet) from shore where another vessel towed it to the port of Girne, also known as Kyrenia in Greek.

Migrants settling into a sports hall, after being rescued, in the Turkish Cypriot breakaway northern coastal city of Kerynia or Girne, yesterday

WORLD BULLETIN Tunisia holds first postrevolution presidential election Tunisians are voting in the country’s first presidential election since the 2011 “Arab Spring” that triggered uprisings across the region.

More than 25 candidates are in the race, but incumbent Moncef Marzouki and anti-Islamist leader Beji Caid Essebsi are widely seen as the favourites.

The poll forms part of a political transition after the revolution that ousted Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. A parliamentary vote was held in October.

Tunisia - seen as the birthplace of the Arab Spring - is considered to have had the most successful outcome, with relatively low levels of violence.

Suicide bomber kills 45 Afghans Dozens more were wounded when the bomber, who was on foot and mingling with the crowd, detonated his explosives, said Mokhis Afgha, the spokesman for the governor of Paktika province.

He said the attack happened during an inter-district volleyball tournament attended by large crowed in Yahyakhail district late Sunday afternoon.

“There were too many people gathered in the one place to watch the game. Dozens of others are wounded and we have reports that many of them are in critical condition,” Afghan said.

“We need urgent help from the central government because we might need to transfer wounded people to Kabul for treatment,” he added.

Islamic State group recruits, exploits children Teenagers carrying weapons stand at checkpoints and busy intersections in Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul. Patched onto the left arms of their black uniforms are the logos of the Islamic Police.

In Raqqa, the Islamic State group’s de facto capital in Syria, boys attend training camp and religious courses before heading off to fight. Others serve as cooks or guards at the extremists’ headquarters or as spies, informing on people in their neighbourhoods.

Across the vast region under IS control, the group is actively conscripting children for battle and committing abuses against the most vulnerable at a young age, according to a growing body of evidence assembled from residents, activists, independent experts and human rights groups.

50

South South

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Return mission schools to original owners —Catholic archbishop charges govt Richard Ndoma CALABAR

T L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Godwin Oshodin; Chancellor/Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Musdafa, and recipient of Honorary Degree in Doctor of Law, Senator Daisy Danjuma, during the 39th and 40th convocation ceremony at Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, at the weekend.

2015: Bayelsa elders intervene in Jonathan, Dickson’s feud Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

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trong indications have emerged that political leaders and elders of Bayelsa State have resolved to intervene in the seeming breakdown in the relationship between the state governor, Seriake Dickson and the family of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Both parties have maintained that all is well in spite of obvious strain in their relationship even as signs to the contrary manifest on a daily basis.

The real reason for the nose dive in the once cordial brotherhood was said to have reared its head three weeks ago when the governor declared that he would not “bow to any individual, no matter how big”.

Governor Dickson was reported to have made the statement on November 2 at

the annual state Thanksgiving Ceremony held in Yenagoa, the state capital.

President Jonathan, who was billed to be special guest of honour, was said to have avoided the ceremony even though he was in the state.

The president’s absence, which was preceded by the exit of his wife, Dame Patience, reportedly angered the governor, who could not hide his feelings at the church service.

Literally making reference to the absence of the first family amid reports of a frosty relationship, Governor Dickson said; “I only fear and respect God, it is only God I can bow down for, I will never bow down for anybody no matter who the person is.”

The thrust of the strained relationship has been the second term ambition of Governor Dickson

whose desire to return has been put under challenge by the rumoured ambition of presidential aide, Hon Waripamowei Dudafa, who is allegedly being bankrolled by the first lady.

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees (BoT) from one of the South-South states confided in our correspondent that the deepening cold war was disturbing to elders of the party, especially in Bayelsa State.

“The cold war has been disturbing most leaders from the state; we have even tried to ensure that all feelers relating to the strained relationship are blocked so that we avoid this mess because it is disturbing to all of us.

“Some of us had thought of intervening before now but for the unfortunate statement credited to the governor that he does not

bow down to any human being except God. It is as if any human is equal to God but there are some statements one does not need to make in the face of some circumstances.

“As it is, we have to make more efforts to stop this flopping relationship before it degenerates because we cannot continue to present Bayelsa as a state replete with political inconsistency; if you recall, no governor has ever made a second term whether by accident or by default,” he said.

It was learnt that the soured relationship between the governor and the Presidency took a new twist a few months ago when against the wish of the president, associates of the governor embarked on a zoning arrangement that shut out the president’s men from the race to the National Assembly.

he Catholic archbishop of Calabar Diocese in Cross River State, Joseph Effiong Ekuwem at the weekend urged government at all levels to return all mission schools to their original owners.

Briefing journalists on the activities lined up to mark the silver jubilee of Catholic Church, Bishop Ekuwem stated that one of the greatest ‘irresponsible’ decision ever taken by policy formulators in Nigeria was the takeover of mission schools from their original owners, describing government as an “armed robber”, who robed missionaries of their schools.

Navy begins compulsory training, says most personnel can’t swim Dennis Naku PORT HARCOURT

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n a bid to improve operation at sea and waterways, the Nigerian navy said yesterday that it has begun compulsory training in swimming for its officers and ratings across the country.

The navy expressed surprise that majority of its personnel, including senior and junior cadre do not know how to swim.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Goddy Anyankpele made this known during its ongoing “First Annual In-

Lawmakers who scaled fence deserve national award —Abe Dennis Naku PORT HARCOURT

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member of the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe has said that the lawmakers who defied security barricade and scaled the fence of the National Assembly deserved national awards.

Abe who represents the Rivers South East in the Senate stated this at the grand finale of the Yoruba Week, 2014 and formal launching of the N500m Yoruba House,

held in Port Harcourt.

Describing the action of the security operatives, who blocked the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal as a national embarrassment, Abe expressed happiness that the legislators acted as true defenders of the independence of the legislature.

He recalled how he and his supporters were tear gassed and how he was shot during the political crisis in Rivers State, saying it was tantamount to what happened at the National Assembly last

Thursday.

Abe said: “There is no controversy. Spin doctors have appeared on the scene to try to colour what is a national embarrassment to this National Assembly “You remember that similar thing was happening here in Rivers State; a reign of impunity and I almost lost my life.

“If you remember, I wrote a letter then to the Senator David Mark, the President of the Senate to say that, today, it is Senator Abe, nobody is saying anything.

Tomorrow, it may well be Senator Mark. And as you can see, all of us were tear gassed right inside the National Assembly Complex.

“People were talking about lawmakers who scaled the fence. I want to say that those lawmakers are the true defenders of the independent of the legislature.

“They should be given national awards for what they did because if as elected representatives of the Nigerian people, we go to our place of work and people have

“One wonders why government should continue to hold tight to schools belonging to missionaries and that is why I often call government armed robbers who robbed my church of our schools by force.

“For three years running, Anambra State has been the best in the national result in WAEC and this is because of the return of all catholic and mission schools; secondary and primary to their original owners.

“Those who have come to see reasons have returned them and those who don’t see continue to languish in their ignorance.

If we want to grow even in our state here, let the government recognise the singular place of good quality education,” he said.

brought force from outside to prevent your representatives from sitting and they said no power can stop them from sitting on your behalf, if they have to scale the fence, they will scale it and they did, so the Nigerian people could meet to discuss the problems of Nigeria.

How can anybody say they have not acted honourable?”

The lawmaker pointed out that were he to be at the Assembly complex early enough, he would have joined his colleagues to scale the fence.

tra Command Swimming Competition, FAICSC”, in Onne, Rivers State.

He said the move at instituting mandatory swimming for its service members was germane to reduce potential accidents and personnel casualties during operations.

Anyankpele said the navy would sustain the training program until all service members and trainees’ were adequately trained.

The navy personnel competed in freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and medley swimming events.

In a related development, the navy yesterday took delivery of two brandnew sailing boats for the training of personnel at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, NNBTS, in Onne.

The President of the Navy Officers Wives Association, NOWA, Mrs. Lami Jibrin, said during the commissioning that the boats would afford trainees, the opportunity to put into practice naval theories learnt in classrooms.

According to her, the sailing boats will greatly enhance the quality of training whilst improving sailing and seaman skills of trainees.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, November 24, 2014

51

Niger APC flays appointment of new perm secs Priscilla Dennis MINNA

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State has accused the state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Aliyu, of appointing 13 new permanent secretaries without consideration for competence, competitiveness and experience in their appointment.

The APC said it considered the exalted office of a permanent secretary as not a job for “the boys,” but a position where qualified career civil servants are appointed to occupy, hence the appointment contravenes the civil service rules.

“The recent appointments of 13 permanent secretaries is lacking in all these processes; it is (not a) job for political loyalists and jobbers. We believe that for the state to move forward appointment of unqualified people to such positions should be condemned and totally rejected. He used it as a political patronage.

We will not keep quiet and watch our state grind to a halt.

“We therefore condemn

these appointments in their entirety and call for regard for excellence and competence in appointments, including that of permanent secretaries. We consider the appointments as a deliberate move to destroy the state civil service that should be the engine room of service delivery.”

The statement stated that it is not a secret that one of those appointed led a political group to obtain a senatorial nomination form for the governor few weeks ago, and was now being appointed a permanent secretary.

So, who is fooling who?” they queried.

But the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Israel A. Ebije, expressed concern over the reasoning of the state opposition, saying the party lacks the administrative competence to understand the importance of the action.

Ebije said the opposition cannot direct the ruling party on how to govern as the decision of the governor to appoint permanent secretaries is to reinvigorate the civil service and promote service delivery.

Ribadu’s ambition threatening Adamawa PDP’s survival —Stakeholders Livinus Menedi YOLA

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takeholders within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Adamawa State have condemned the National Working Committee, NWC’s suspension of the party chairman and secretary in the state.

The stakeholders, who met in Yola over the weekend arose from their consultative forum with the decision not to condone interference from any quarters inimical to the survival of the fortunes of the party in the state.

The meeting followed the crisis rocking the party in the state which has also factionalised the party members.

Most stakeholders at the meeting expressed dismay over what they saw as a subtle ploy by the party leadership to foist Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, an aspirant for the governorship, on the party at all cost, not minding the consequences.

The crisis rocking the state PDP has been linked to contention over the delegate

list to be used ahead of the primaries to elect flagbearers for the state and National Assembly elections as well as the standard bearer of the party in next year’s gubernatorial election.

Chief Joel Madaki, the embattled chairman of the party in the state, had told stakeholders that the dissolution of the entire state executive which was later rescinded and commuted to his suspension, along with the state party secretary, followed their protest to the presidency about the alteration of the state delegate list by the Adamu Mu’azu led national leadership of the NWC, apparently to favour the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC chairman, Mallam Ribadu who is one of the strong contenders for the governorship race and Mu’azu’s perceived choice for the office in the state.

Ambassador Wilberforce Juta, a PDP board of trustee member in the state at the consultative meeting, warned the NWC against throwing the party in the state into turmoil.

Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima (3rd left), inspecting feeding facilities at an Internally Displaced Persons camp during a visit in Maiduguri yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Tambuwal’s personal ambition, threat to Nigerian unity —Suswam Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

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overnor Gabriel Suswan of Benue State has called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to set aside his personal ambition and spare the country the unnecessary political tension resulting from his insistence on retaining the speakership position.

According to Suswam, the Speaker should resign from his office without further delay.

The governor, in an exclusive interview with National Mirror recently also warned the political class against making unguarded, careless and reckless comments that have the potential of disuniting the coun-

Aza Msue KADUNA

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he Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, on Sunday said it is making headway towards holding talks with Boko Haram sect, just as it said Muslims would no longer take serious the federal government’s assurances of calm given the sustained attacks by the insurgents on people in the north.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna, the JNI Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Ali-

try.

The governor also said that the Boko Haram insurgency grew unabated because of the connivance with the political class, particularly, those opposed to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said: “People are playing politics with everything.

Tambuwal himself is a lawyer, he is a very close friend of mine and we have operated very closely. I would expect naturally as a man of honour knowing that on moral grounds if he decides to defect to a minority party in the House, he should honourably step down as Speaker and keep his integrity and honour intact.

“I find it very unfortunate that we are playing politics that will destroy the country because if this

country goes down, it is not only PDP that is going down, each and every one of us will go down.

“It is an unwritten law that the party with the majority is the one that keeps the leadership of the house.

For any person to cling unto it knowing that he is staying with the minority just because of that confusion that we are able to successfully create within that system is destroying that institution.

“We need to set precedent, we need to live above our own selfish interest and that is what I expect from him because Tambuwal is a gentleman and a young man that has a lot before him. I think and I believe that reason will prevail eventually and he needs to step down and allow the in-

stitution to grow.

“I am very worried at the prospect of what will happen to our democracy because we have become so selfish, it has become more about me; it is no longer about us or about the country. That is very unfortunate and I think we should live above that.”

Suswan expressed the need for the political class to operate with caution to avoid disastrous consequences.

“We need to as practitioners, operate with some level of maturity. People are so immature by some of the comments they make; comments that have the potency of disuniting this country.

People engage in actions that are capable of destroying the country and nobody frowns at it.

yu, who represented the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, maintained that government should as matter of urgency ensure the security forces get all they need for effective operations to end insurgency in the north.

The JNI further called on government to step up the dialogue process with a view of ending the insurgency and de-radicalising the insurgents.

The Muslim group advised that as an ameliorating measure, the funds

collected following the launching of the support fund for victims of insurgency should be supplemented with government grants and judiciously utilised with dispatch to ensure the support reaches the victims.

According to JNI, it would no longer consider federal government’s assurances, adding that Muslims are tired of empty promises.

“We don’t have facts now and because we are not satisfied with government’s empty assurances, I can tell you that we are

already making headway with the insurgents for dialogue. Muslims are tired of empty promises; we can no longer take accept the assurances and promises of the government.

“As in painful previous cases, JNI President-General and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on behalf of Nigerian Muslims, condemns these unabated acts of terror being unleashed on innocent citizens and calls for concerted introspection and sincere commitment by government,” the group stated.

52 CHANGE OF NAME

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PUBLIC NOTICE BETHESDA HEALING MINISTRY IKERE EKITI Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Apostle Jayeola Olawumi Joseph 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Jayeola Emily Bola 3. Pastor Olagunju David Adedayo 4. Mrs. Olagunju Kemi Jayeola 5. Pastor Adedara Taiwo Oluwole

- Gen. Overseer - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.

2.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 24, 2014

To establish a Church for God. To preach the word of God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE NEW GIDEON HOUSE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Egunjobi Adesina Abiodun 2. Rev. Egunjobi Monsurat Omotunde.

3. Engr. Egunjobi Oluwaseun Adewunmi.

4. Barr. Afolabi Oluwanisola Monsurat 5. Bro. Egunjobi Martins Oreoluwa.

- President - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the word of God

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Oghenekome Wilson Iruoghene is the same person as Ogenekeme Wilson and Ogenekome Wilson Irou. As wrongly spelt in NECO result 2012 and NDU Admission letter. That henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as Oghenekome Wilson Iruoghene. All former documents remain valid N.D.U Amasoma and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME OKEH: Formerly known and addressed as Chigozie Okeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezike Chigozie.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Akowei Ruth John is the same person as Ruth James. A. which appears my Age declaration and LG Identification. That henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Akowei Ruth John. All former documents remain valid N.D.U , Amasoma and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the General Public of Loss of Certificate of occupancy belonging to Mrs. Chinelo Ona with REG NO LEN/26586 Residing at Plot CR/13A/ Emene Industrial/Residential Layout Enugu. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the General Public of Loss of Certificate of Occupancy belonging to Mr Egbo Nnamani got lost with Reg No Len/26590 Residing at Plot CR/17A/Emene Industrial/ Residential Layout Enugu. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

CHANGE OF NAME

OWHEROH: Formerly known and addressed as Owheroh Sharon Jamila, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Abdullahi Sharon Jamila. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Hannah Ifeoma, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Orji Ann Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid First Bank,Aba North LGA and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Joel-Bamigboye Monisola Margaret now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Omosanya Monisola Margaret.All formal documents remain valid.Ekiti State Government and general public note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolara Temitope Akande,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolara Bayonle Odeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKANJI: Formerly known and addressed as Akanji Olubunmi Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Afobaje Olubunmi Abosede. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the General Public of Loss of Certificate of Occupancy belonging to Mrs. Adizua Ada got lost with Reg NO LEN/26589 Residing at Plot CR/16A/Emene Industrial/ Residential Layout Enugu. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAIKPA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaikpa Maryjane Lewechi Daniela, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okonofua Terryson Maryjane Lewechi Daniela.

All former documents remain valid. Imo State University Owerri, NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Pricilia Oluchi Eboegbulem now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Pricilia Oluchi Uzodinma.

All former documents remain valid.

UNN Nsukka, A.I.F.C.E Owerri, NYSC and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

COOL: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Cool Tunde Sikiru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Oduwole Tunde Sikiru.

All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Moshood Afolashade Rukayat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bello Afolashade Rukayat. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Omoyayi Oluwayemisi Afolashade now wish to be known and addressed as Abejide Oluwayemisi Afolashade. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NOTICE OF MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

This is to hereby announce that Ms. Ijeoma Mirian Ogidi and Mr. Ndubuisi Anyaeleuwa Dede have agreed to marry. The families of Mirian and Ndubuisi are aware of the marriage arrangements. The wedding will take place at a future date in the United States of America.

Signed Ndubuisi Anyaeleuwa Dede

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIVING HOPE AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE:

1.Ajayi Akinlade 2.James Adah Edoga 3.Ajayi Salma Esther

- Chairman - Secretary - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To help or Assist in educating the orphans both Academically and spiritually.

2.To cater for the mentally challenged orphans.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: AJAYI AKINLADE CHAIRMAN.

Monday, November 24, 2014

I am not bothered on what people say about my form. I am just focused on my job

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

AFCON ticket miss shocks 55 Lawal

–CHELSEA MIDFIELDER, EDEN HAZARD

Enyimba edges Dolphins, wins Fed Cup ADEOLU JOHNSON

E

nyimba Football Club of Aba yesterday defeated Dolphins Football Club of Port Harcourt 2-1 to cart away the 2014 Federation Cup trophy and earn a ticket to represent Nigeria at next year’s CAF Confederation Cup. Globacom Premier League’s

highest goal scorer with 23 goals, Mfom Udoh, replicated his form when he put Enyimba ahead in the 51st minute to send the club’s fans at the stadium to ecstacy.

Udoh got a fine pass that beat Dolphins keeper Rotimi Sunday easily.

Sunday gifted Enyimba a second goal in the 78th minute after he misdirected a throw to

the path of a lurking Chinozor Okonkwo who capitalised on the blunder to increased the score as Dolphins struggled to come back to reckoning.

Two minutes later, however, respite came for Dolphins when Super Eagles’ new invitee, Emem Eduok, reduced the deficit off a cool finish.

The situation looked like redemptive for the trailing

side who threw all into play but lacked the cutting edge upfront.

But Enyimba did well to curtail the several onslaughts that threatened to breach their rear guard for the desperately needed equaliser.

Enyimba’s Coach, Khadiri Ikhana, told National Mirror after the encounter that his wards had played to his in-

structions.

“The match was executed according to our game plan and I praise the players for carrying out the plan to detail,” Ikhana said.

“Our focus will now shift to the continent where we hope to re-enact the form that made us champions in the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004,” the veteran gaffer added.

Players of Enyimba FC celebrating their Federation Cup win over Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos yesterday PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

…Angels lift Women’s trophy PAUL EREWUBA

R

ivers Angels of Port Harcourt produced two moments of stunning quality to seal part one of a domestic double by lifting the Women’s Federation Cup against Sunshine Queens at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos yesterday.

Super Falcons’ sensation Asisat Oshoala, and Stella Mbachu scored spectacular second-half goals in the interesting final.

Oshoala struck a brilliant opener after 66 minutes and Mbachu unleashed a strike twenty minutes later to clinch Angels’ victory.

The win ensured that the Edwin Okon-coached Port Harcourt side made it five consecu-

tive Federation Cup winners’ medal and puts the club on the brink of total domestic domination as it currently stands just one match away from the Premier League title.

Losing Sunshine Queens were left devastated and reflecting on a game they gave a lot in terms of taking the match to their highly fancied opponents.

The Queens’ technical bench

predictably restored goalkeeper Funke Okewole in place of Elizabeth Johnson, while overlapping Adeola Aminu also got the nod to start.

It was a moment of excitement in a first half of explosive football action with some of the big names like Adeola Aminu, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Oshoala, Mbachu, Funke Okewole, Funsho Ogunrinola and Ebere

Ngozi in action.

Aminat Yakubu should have put Angels ahead in the 43rd minute, while Yetunde Aluko missed a good chance to put Sunshine Queens ahead in the 45th minute.

The Angels effectively got their hands on the trophy when the ageless Mbachu scored a goal that topped even Oshoala for quality.

54

Sports

Monday, November 24, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Messi’s

record unassailable’

B

Messi

arcelona Coach, Luis Enrique yesterday insisted that Lionel Messi’s goal scoring record will never be beaten.

Telmo Zarra’s 251 goals had been the record since 1955 but Messi, 27, is now up to 253 La Liga strikes following Saturday’s hattrick in the 5-1 win over Sevilla.

“Leo is a unique player and there’ll never be anyone like him and we’re lucky to enjoy his presence here,” Enrique said.

“I think he will leave the record unreachable for anyone else.”

The next highest La Liga scorer still playing is Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo with 197, although he is two years older than Argentina forward Messi.

Van Gaal downplays ‘surge factor’

M

anchester United Manager, Louis van Gaal, has played down the significance of his side’s first away win of the season at Arsenal that propelled the Red Devils into the Premier League topfour.

It was achieved amid United’s lengthening list of injured defenders, with Luke Shaw withdrawn in the first half because of a knock to his ankle.

“It was a fantastic victory. We have a lot of injuries and despite that we won a difficult away match at a very good time,” the Dutch gaffer said.

“They are a great attacking team and I knew that in advance, and that’s why I chose this counter-attacking strategy. I can laugh now but it could have been a different game.

“It’s the first away victory and the players are very excited but

Van Gaal

it’s just one victory and we have to confirm it by winning the next two home games.

“Then we can say we have the spirit and we can look up, not down, in the table.”

United has taken seven points from four games that have included clashes with unbeaten league-leaders Chelsea, champion Manchester City and a trip to the Emirates.

“We have finished the test with the top clubs now and it’s fantastic to be in the top-four,” he added.

Why Arsenal falters –Analyst

Souness

A

rsenal’s vulnerability to the counter-attack is costing the Gunners, according seasoned analyst, Graeme Souness.

“We spoke about confidence before the season and now Arsenal are going away with even less than what they started with after this,” Souness said yesterday.

“United had to rely on their

goalkeeper on Saturday but they grew into the game and became threatening in the second half, while again we come back to Arsenal’s vulnerability.

“When Arsenal get on the front foot, the empty spaces they leave behind them make them so vulnerable.

“It happens all the time. At 1-0 you’re still very much in the game. You must play like that, until the last minute when you have to go for it.

“You have got to have someone who is willing to sacrifice themselves and fill spaces. If they had someone thinking like that a lot of their problems would be eliminated.”

Toure

gets manager’s plaudit M

anchester City Manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has praised midfielder Yaya Toure for what he calls the player’s personality and character, following the latter’s performance in City 2-1 home win

over Swansea on Saturday.

The Citizens came from behind to seal a crucial victory, with the 31-year old scoring the winner just past the hour-mark.

Toure’s international teammate Wilfried Bony put the visi-

Yaya Toure

tors ahead after 9 minutes of play, well assisted by Nathan Dyer.

But it only took the Citizens ten minutes to level matters, thanks to Stevan Jovetic following good work by Toure and Jesus Navas.

“Yaya played for his national side on Wednesday but still had the personality to continue playing until the end,” Pellegrini said.

“I think he played very well but we can’t analyse him on how many goals he scores as he is a midfielder and not a striker.

“It’s important for him to play well and I think he’s improving every game.”

Manchester City remains on third place on the Premier League log, trailing leader Chelsea by eight points.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, November 24, 2014

55

We’ll shun Morocco 2014 –COSAFA

C

OSAFA member nations have resolved to turn down the invitation of ex2015 Africa Cup host Morocco to grace the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup next month.

This is after Morocco’s earlier standoff with CAF to have the 2015 Africa Cup postponed due to the Ebola epidemic.

The FIFA Club World Cup will be held from December 10-20.

COSAFA said in a statement that it found Morocco’s stance over the Ebola issue unfortunate and thanked CAF for standing its ground over the staging of the tournament in January.

“Nothing also that the Federation Royale Marocaine de Foot-

ball has indicated its intention to host the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup despite its claim that the risk of importing the Ebola virus is high as it pertains to the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations Final Tournament,” COSAFA stated.

“COSAFA deems it necessary that One: To express its view that the reasons advanced by the

Federation Royale Marocaine de Football are not acceptable to it and its Member Federations and is an affront to the dignity of all Africans.

“Secondly, to advise its Members and the African football family not to accept the said invitations from the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football to attend

the opening of the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for December 2014.

“Thirdly, that a letter must be written to the CAF President to thank him for his resolute and principled stance not to agree to a postponement of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Final Tournament and not to accept the reasons for the proposed postponement.”

Africa will be represented at the FIFA Club World Cup by Entente Setif of Algeria while Morocco will field its domestic champion Moghreb Tetouan.

CY Cup: Fanfare marks quarter finals

T

. The pain depicted on the face of Super Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile (in green shirt) typified Nigeria’s struggle in the failed bid to defend the 2013 AFCON title

AFCON ticket miss shocks Lawal

PAUL EREWUBA

F

ormer Nigeria international, Garba Lawal, has expressed shock over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations

(AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea.

“Nothing can be shocking than the reality that the African champions will not be in Equatorial Guinea in January,” Lawal said.

“It’s sad, very sad and regretful,” he added.

Lawal, who was a harsh critic of Keshi, posited that his criticisms were in the team’s best interest.

“I am disappointed that he took the criticism personal.

“I was helping him to change because the national team is for

all of us. At least I tried to advise from the little knowledge I have in the game.

“At the end of the day, I have been justified although I am not happy that Nigeria’s reputation in African football has been dented.”

he Owoseni Primary School Mafoluku, Lagos venue of the CY Unity Cup 2914 quarter final matches was still in ecstasy hours after the matches were concluded.

Winning teams jubilated late into the night on Saturday, even as the losing sides joined the fray in a spirit of togetherness.

One of the spectators at the games, Tunde Adeyemi, who works in a new generation bank said: “The competition is one that is eagerly looked forward to by the youths of Maluku. There is a dearth of competitions in this area and the organisers have done well on this edition so far.

“The kind of football that these grassroots teams play is of much better and of sterner stuff than even what the Super Eagles have been putting up since the World Cup. It is not surprising that while the national leagues have not dislodged football fans from the viewing centres, this competition has.”

The next round of matches for the competition continues next weekend at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Benson FC of Mushin caused a major stir in the quarter finals of the competition when they beat tournament favourite Jogo FC 2-1 to book a place in the semi finals.

Tennis: Michael wins Governor’s Cup trophy AFOLABI GAMBARI

M

oses Michael of Nigeria became a hero of the Governor’s Cup sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria and a host of other companies when he defeated Duncan Mugabe of Uganda in a Men’s Singles final that ended 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan on Saturday.

Michael’s final performance was applauded by dignitaries who included Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Director, PMO & Operational Strategy, Etisalat Nigeria, Ms. Ndidi Okpaluba, Vice President, Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) Mr. Yemi Owoseni, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade

Okoya-Thomas, and others.

The winner described his victory as one of the finest moments of his tennis career while dedicated the success to his coach who he simply called Abbey, for his motivation and encouragement.

The Women’s Singles match was won by Madagascar’s Zarah Razafinmahatratra, who beat Nigerian Sarah Adegoke in straight set of 6-0, 6-1.

World\s 162-ranked Razafinmahatratra, 20, said: “I was marveled by the support I have received since the tournament started and I am happy that my dream has come true.

“I look forward to attending the 15th edition next year.”

Special Guest of Hounour, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who attended the last of the Governor’s Cup in his administration which ends in

May next year, applauded the Nigerian winner of the tournament who he said “demonstrated the real Nigerian spirit”.

“I commend the organisers, referees, officials and all personnel involved in the organisation of this tournament,” the Governor said, adding, “I will continue to support the competition when I am no longer the Lagos State Governor.”

WORLD RECORD Largest game ofmile If You’re Happy and You Know It Fastest fireman’s carry The larg est g ame of If You’ re Happy and You Know It consisted of 1,128 par ticipants and was achieved at Lister Park, Manningham, Bradford, UK on 7 July 2011.

N150

Vol. 04 No. 989 Monday, November 24, 2014

That Oshiomhole’s assessment of Jonathan I n Nigerian politics, there appears to be a new definition of “opposition” which, in absolute terms, admits of nothing good or positive. By this definition, a government in power is never given any credit by opposition politicians, even when the government’s policies and actions have been confirmed to be beneficial to the people and society. Call it extreme cynicism or what you may, but that, unfortunately, is the bizarre reality of the current political firmament in the country.

The kind of reports that came from the gathering of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benin City, on Wednesday, 12th November, 2014, in celebration of the 6th Anniversary of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, was to be expected. The event was an endless recitation of what opposition politicians referred to as the failures of the administra-

Guest Columnist

tion of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The list of celebrants included Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, General Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and APC’s new found hero, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

To massage Oshiomhole’s ego, Bola Tinubu, the self-acclaimed Leader of the Yoruba race, called on President Jonathan to resign for having “failed Nigerians in every respect.” Tinubu also seized the occasion to lash out at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which he accused of being “an arm” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As if it was of any consequence, he, then, threatened President Jonathan that he would sweep him away with the APC broom, should he refuse to leave office voluntarily. And, to complete the circus, Hon. Tambuwal and some other opposition chieftains, including the party National Chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, added their voices to the Jonathan bashing.

The highlight of the celebration was the Oshiomhole show! Those familiar with the Comrade Governor know very well that he would not let such a golden opportunity pass, without rehashing what had been his past-time for many years, as a trade unionist. In his usual theatrics, Oshiomhole tried to discredit the Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the guise of criticising his administration. Oshiomhole’s disingenuous craft of trying to separate the person of Jonathan from his administration was all too hypocritical, and too obvious to hide. In fact, he has always sold the impression that politics aside; he is a friend and supporter of President Jonathan. That way, he has

Francis

Ehigiator DOES OSHIOMHOLE HAVE THE MORAL AUTHORITY

TO CRITICISE PRESIDENT

JONATHAN, GIVEN

THE WIDE GAP IN THE

SCORECARDS OF THE TWO? been eating from Jonathan as well as from his political enemies.

The tragedy of Oshiomhole’s assessment is his utter disrespect for facts. It was convenient for him not to mention the on-going 450MW Azura Power Plant in Edo State; he also found it convenient to gloss over the N4.4bn Edo/Delta Link Bridge which Vice President Namadi Sambo commissioned this year. In March 2014, Oshiomhole, commended President Jonathan for the completion of the Ukpoke irrigation project in Benin-City. Juxtapose these with his claim that the Jonathan administration has done only one thing in Edo State and you will appreciate his dishonesty. Now, take a look at the Governor’s own record of performance across Edo State for the 6 years he has been in power. It is obvious that in the areas, constitutionally covered by the Governor’s mandate, there has been no appreciable improvement in physical infrastructure, or development in social amenities.

In contrast to the acclaimed achievements at the celebration event, Edo State today remains a story of massive underdevelopment. In Benin, most roads are still impassable while many areas lack the

rudimentary infrastructure of modern urban existence. Of course, the story is far worse in most of the rural towns of the State. The people of the state know about these massive failures of Oshiomhole, but they have been manipulated into silence by his powerful propaganda of development.

The question, then, is: Does Oshiomhole have the moral authority to criticise President Jonathan, given the wide gap in the scorecards of the two? Well, it might be argued that in a liberal society, everyone is entitled to freedom of speech. However, what is worrisome to many Nigerians is Oshiomhole’s lack of decency and decorum in his manner of criticising President Jonathan, who is the number one citizen of the country. He deserves the respect of us all, including Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole’s penchant for boasting in the most insipid manner is a familiar trait, but that should not be an excuse for him to peddle falsehood such as: “The PDP Federal Government controls 52.8 percent of declared federal collections and all they have to show in 16 years is the resurfacing of Ofosu-Benin old carriage way.” Not only is this statement blatantly false, it is misleading, mischievous and deliberately calculated to incite the peace-loving people of Edo State against the Federal Government.

But why would Oshiomhole, play such an ignoble role? Two quick answers offer themselves: First, Oshiomhole knows that he has failed people of Edo State; he is aware that sooner, he will be called to account for the billions he has drawn from the national treasury in the name of the people. So, he is desperately searching for scapegoat. He seems to be doing this by deploying methods that tarnish and disparage the President. Second is that the APC has zoned the Vice-President to the South and Oshiomhole seems determined to beat his competitors - Babatunde Fashola and Rotimi Amaechi - in the race for the number 2 position though the APC. Mr Ehigiator sent this piece from Benin City

Sport Extra

w

Davis Cup: Federer leads Swiss to record win

A

master class performance by Roger Federer yesterday helped Switzerland clinch its first Davis Cup title as the 17-time grand slam champion defeated

Richard Gasquet to hand his country an unassailable 3-1 lead over host France.

The 6-4 6-2 6-2 win helped the 33-year-old Federer secure the his-

toric decisive point and land the last big prize in tennis missing from his collection to rapturous applause by both sets of supporters in front of another world record crowd

of 27,488 on the indoor clay court in Lille.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was initially set to face the world number two but was sidelined with an elbow injury and Gasguet

took his spot for France but failed to cope with Federer’s fire power.

“It’s an enormous pleasure for me as I’ve waited 15 years for this,” Federer said.

Federer

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