Monday, october 7, 2013

States domestic debts rise to N1.47trn

New owners won't take over DISCOs till next year –Investigation N111bn revenue lost in six months –NERC

Rising overheads account for huge budget deficit

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he total domestic debt of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has risen

Okonjo-Iweala

Vol. 3 N0. 694

to N1.233trn in 2013 against N1.47trn in 2012 The debt profile indicates an increase of N238bn or 19.34 per cent over the preceding year.

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UDEME AKPAN AND CHIDI UGWU

Nebo

Monday, October 7, 2013

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here are indications that the physical takeover of the elec-

tricity distribution companies, DISCOs, by their new owners may be extended till January 2014 following the hiccups posed by the labour related issues in CONTINUED ON PAGE 4>>

Crash: Severity of burns complicates DNA tests Families besiege hospital to provide samples

N150

Again, NCAA grounds Dana Air P.12

Survivors moved to private wards as doctors resume strike Plane manufacturer begins probe Fears as death toll hits 15

OLUSEGUN KOIKI, HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, ABIODUN NEJO, MOJEED ALABI AND MURITALA AYINLA

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he severity of burns suffered by the victims of last Thursday's ill-fated Associated Airline crash has compli-

cated the Deoxyribonucleic Acid, DNA, tests, to ensure proper identification of the corpses.

Our correspondents gathered that the situation has led to the Lagos State government to look towards the United Kingdom to carry out the tests.

This is due to the availCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

BUSINESS SECTION Wema Bank ready to secure national banking licence –MDD THE

Customs misled Minister of Transport on port congestion P.A4, A6

Free ree insi inside ide

President Goodluck Jonathan welcoming Kenyan special envoy, Ambassador Amina Abdalla to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Tukur plans to falsify party records –New PDP

P.5

L-R: Regional Director/Co-Producer, All Africa Music Awards, Mr. Michael Strano; Managing Director, PRM Africa and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Co-Producer, Mrs. Petra Seseli and Director, Brands Communication and Sponsorship, Matlou Tsotetsi, at the unveiling of the host country of AFRIMA 2014-2018 in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Presidency insists on today's meeting with G-7 govs

Nwabueze pulls out of confab committee

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News

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Air crash: Severity of burns complicates DNA tests CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ability of advanced facilities in their country.

It was further gathered yesterday that the relatives of the deceased victims have provided samples to the Pathological Department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja, for the conduct of the tests.

It will be recalled that Embraer 120 airplane, carrying the remains of former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, some family members and friends crashed on Thursday immediately after takeoff in Lagos, killing 13 people on board on the spot.

As at Saturday, the crash had claimed 15 victims out of the 20 passengers and crew members with the death of two survivors.

Some of the relatives of the crash victims, including the Agagus, were seen at the hospital yesterday.

Lagos State Chief Pathologist, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, described the DNA as the test for genetic blueprint that determines a person’s biological characteristics because 13 victims of the air crash were burnt beyond recognition.

Sources close to the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale

Hammed, revealed that the state had received assurances from a UK company to conduct the test and that the results would be out about three weeks after the samples were submitted.

As at yesterday, the remaining survivors, including the son of the late Agagu, Feyi, were still being monitored at the private wing of the BT Ward A in LASUTH where a police officer was on guard to ward off intruders.

A notice pasted on the door of the private room reads: “No visitors please”.

It was gathered that Agagu’s wife was uncomfortable with the rate at which visitors besieged the place, saying the callers were not giving the survivors the needed rest as prescribed by the doctors.

At a time, a visitors' book was provided to enable the visitors register their names.

However, a medical personnel who spoke with our correspondent said Agagu was in stable condition, stressing that he constantly rang the bell whenever he needed attention.

“Others are equally doing fine but Feyi is very stable. He rings the bell each time our attention is needed. He just sustained injury to the neck and leg.

Also he has some fractures suspected to be from the impact of the crash.”

But resident doctors in the hospital have again joined their colleagues in the ongoing nationwide strike after suspending the decision to down tool to treat victims of the crash.

At the hospital yesterday, only nurses were seen attending to patients in wards, just as some of the patients complained of neglect by doctors to National Mirror.

One of the patients in the orthopaedic ward adjacent the room where Agagu’s

son was being managed, said no doctor had attended to him since last Wednesday.

“We have been abandoned here by the doctors and nobody is giving us information whether we would be discharged or not.

In fact, since last Wednesday no doctor has visited this ward,” he said.

The death of Samson Hassan, one of the victims of the crash on Saturday night after efforts to save his life failed, has sent jitters down the spine of relatives of other survivors still receiving treatment at LA-

SUTH. Our correspondent gathered that the late Hassan was kept under close watch at the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, of LASUTH before he died.

A medical personnel, who did not want his name mentioned, said: “It is unfortunate that Hassan could not make it. We did our best but the degree of injuries he sustained in the crash was serious. There was nothing more we could do.”

His death was said to have been confirmed in a statement by Mrs. Bolanle Okusanya-Feyita, on be-

half of the Magbamawo Industrial Company, MIC, Royal Ltd, where Hassan was a member of staff.

With his death, the company has lost six of its staff, including its Chief Executive, Mr. Olatunji Okusanya; his son, Mr. Olatunji Okusanya (Jnr.) and three others - Mr. Akeem Akintunde, Mr. Chijioke Duru and Mr. Kingsley Amaechi.

Relatives, who spoke with National Mirror, said they were disturbed about the fate of their loved ones with the news of the death of one of the survivors.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi (left) and Commissioner, Mrs. Mary Awolokun, at a workshop on the challenges of the privatisation era in Abuja on Saturday.

PHOTO: NAN

States domestic debts rise to N1.47trn

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According to the 2013 Report of the Annual National Debt Sustainability Analysis, DSA, published by the Debt Management Office, DMO, the increase was attributable to accumulation of arrears and new issuance of bonds in the capital market by some state governments.

The Federal Government’s securitised total domestic debt outstanding amounted to N6.53trn at the end of December 2012 compared to N5.622trn at December 2011, indicating an increase of 16.27 per cent.

Of the amount, Federal Government’s bonds accounted for N4.08trn or 62.41 per cent, the Nigerian Treasury Bills was N2.12trn or 32.47 per cent, while treasury bonds accounted for the balance of N334.56bn of 5.12 per cent.

The growth over the years, based on the figures in the report, was attrib-

uted to rising government’s expenditure due to increase in public wages bills, overheads and other recurrent expenditures, resulting to huge budget deficits required to be funded through domestic borrowing.

The total domestic debt service at the end of December 2012 stood at N720.55bn, indicating an increase of 34.08 per cent over the level in 2011. The total domestic debt service as a percentage of the total domestic debt stock outstanding was 11.02 per cent in 2012, which was higher than the 9.56 per cent recorded in 2011.

The significant rise in 2011 and 2012 was due to the increase in the cost of borrowing occasioned by the contraction in monetary policy regime, particularly the upward review of the benchmark Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in 2011 from 6.25 to 12 per cent; the MPR remained

unchanged in 2012 at 12 per cent.

The total external debt service was $293m in 2012, lower than the $351.61m paid in 2011 by $58.61m or 16.67 per cent. The decrease was due to the repayment of principal on multilateral creditors and non-Paris Club commercial loans in 2012 and full redemption of some IBRD/ADB loans in 2011.

Total public debt service (external and domestic debt service of FG and states) rose to $5.550bn or 24.25 per cent in 2012 from $4.467bn in 2011.

Of the total debt service in 2012, the Federal Government and state domestic debt service accounted for 94.72 per cent, while the balance of 5.28 per cent went to external debt service. This indicated a reduction in external debt servicing while that of the domestic debt increased significantly.

The decrease in the ex-

ternal debt service was largely attributable to full redemption of some IBRD and ADB loans over the years and the reliance on the domestic bond market to largely meet the FG's borrowing requirements since 2002.

Total external debt stock outstanding grew by $860.49m or about 15.19 per cent in 2012 over the $5.66bn recorded in 2011.

The growth is attributable to additional disbursements on existing loans and marginal net adverse cross exchange rate movements between the different currencies in the external loan portfolio. Trends in Nigeria's external debt stock over the five year period ending 2012 showed a gradual increase with the highest annual increment of 24 per cent occurring in 2011 due to the issuance of the $500m Eurobond.

To ensure efficient utilisation of borrowed funds,

the DMO advised that efforts should be aimed at ensuring that new borrowings (external and domestic) were project-tied and should be sustained and such projects should have significant multiplier efforts that would provide long-term benefits for the economy.

“As a way of reducing public sector expenditure and the rate of debt accumulation, government should sustain the policy measures aimed at incentivising the private sector to lead investment in the critical sectors of the economy.

“As a way of reducing public sector expenditure and the rate of debt accumulation, government should sustain the policy measures aimed at incentivising the private sector to lead investments in the critical sectors of the economy, and development of infrastructure.

“The current policy

thrust of using sinking fund as a means of redeeming maturing obligations, which was introduced in 2012 should be sustained. The authorities should also consider increasing the amount being set aside, in view of the quantum of maturing obligations (FG bonds Eurobonds), which require bullet redemption in the near to medium term,” the report stated.

Similarly, the DMO noted that the current debt management strategy of gradually reducing domestic debt accumulation in favour of relatively less expensive external debt was desirable in order to allow for more borrowing space for the private sector in the domestic debt market, reduce the overall cost of borrowing and attain an optimal mix between external and domestic debt in the portfolio should be effectively implemented.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, October 7, 2013

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Photo News

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: First Vice President, Institute of Credit Administration, Mr. Andy Ojei; Managing Director/CEO. Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya and Registrar, ICA, Dr Chris Onalo, during the presentation of ICA 2013 Credit Personality Award in Lagos on Saturday.

L-R: Representative of the Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Cathrine Ezeilo; Director Oando Foundation, Ms. Tokunboh Durosaro and Secretary for Education, Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Kabiru Usman, during the Launch of Oando Foundation’s Teachers Training and Award of Scholarship in Abuja at the weekend.

L-R: Representative of the Plateau State Governor, Mr. David Zoyong Jang; representative of the Minister of Mines and Steel, Prof. Ibrahim Madugu; Director General, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri and the representative of Chairman/Minister, National Sports Commission, Barr. Gregory Iyegun, at the One Day Stakeholders’ Conversation on the Mid-Term Report of President Goodluck Jonathan in Jos at the weekend.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama , SAN and the Apostolic Nuncio in Nigeria Most Rev. Augustine Kasujja, during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Issele-Uku Diocese /Dedication of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Issele-Uku on Saturday.

National News

New owners won’t take over DISCOs till next year –Investigation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. President Goodluck Jonathan had last Monday handed over the certificates and operating licences to buyers of 10 DISCOs and five generation companies, GENCOs. But a source close to the government said that the “ceremonial” handover was meant to fulfil due diligence requirements as spelt out in the contract, saying the actual handover might be extended till January next year.

“The handover performed by Mr. President was just to follow due diligence. Government’s position for physical handover is January next year,” a source told National Mirror.

The source, who did not want his name mentioned, said there were still outstanding entitlements which government ought to pay to PHCN workers before handing over to private investors.

There is palpable tension among the workers following the preparation

by the Federal Government to physically handover the DISCOs to the buyers of the PHCN successor companies.

The government had said the lingering labour issues had been successfully resolved by the implementation committee and promised that before weekend, over 38,000 workers would have had the payments effected.

But some of the workers told National Mirror yesterday that they were yet to get their entitlements, vowing to resist any attempt to eject them out of their duty posts without their full entitlements paid.

National Mirror investigations revealed that the new owners of the DISCOs are yet to resume work in the offices of the PHCN in Abuja.

A visit to the offices in Wuse 2, Garki and district showed no sign of the new investors as PHCN officials were seen going about their normal businesses.

One of the workers told our correspondent that the core investors would not take over until they had paid their entitlements.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr. Godknows Igali, had told journalists, last week after a meeting with VicePresident Namadi Sambo that the physical takeover of PHCN by the successful bidders would be preceded by a symbolic presentation of the ownership documents to them.

Igali said he was optimistic that the future remained bright for Nigerian electricity consumers because power supply would improve as it was being witnessed in the telecommunications sector.

His words: “There is progress; we are in the last stages. There will be formal ceremony to hand over the documents to the new owners but there will be no physical handover until towards the end of this year.

“We are starting with handing over of the formal documentation, that is the protocol ceremony for Mr. President to preside over after which, we have one month to undertake all other issues, for example, labour matters.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory

Commission, NERC, has disclosed that over N18.5bn is being lost by the GENCOs every month.

This amount, which adds up to N111bn in six months, NERC noted, has resulted in revenue shortfall in the industry leading to inability to pay the value chain participants.

The Deputy General Manager, Market Competition and Rates, Shettima Abdulkadir, who made the disclosure in Abuja at the one-day seminar with Energy Correspondents, said the commission has engaged the services of a consultant to determine the loss profile.

He also noted that the issue of gas supply to power generation plants will address itself since the new operators are equipped with resources and business plans to pay for the gas supplied to power the plants.

He urged operators in the gas supply chain to unlock the gas tariff even as he charged them to provide efficient facilities for gas transportation.

Also, an official of NERC’s Market Competi-

tion and Rates, Mr. Roland Achor stated that the design of the Multi Year tariff Order (MYTO) 11, gives long-term view of industry tariffs that allows for the long gestation and investment recovery periods that are a key feature of the Nigerian electricity Supply Industry, NESI, stressing that the new order enables recovery of costs and allows reasonable profits.

Notwithstanding the challenges surrounding the takeover of the privatised companies by new investors, National Mirror has learnt that over 100 foreign firms have indicated interest to invest billions of dollars in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

The firms from Europe, United States and Asia, are already in the country and have started engaging relevant government agencies, organised private sector and financial institutions on possible areas of investment.

The foreign firms include Zhuhai Pilot Technology Company Limited, Yueliang Commercial Company Limited, Yamuna Power & Infrastructure

Limited, Wilson Cables Pvt Limited, Westinhouse, Voltamp Energy SAOG, Tongun Electric, The Motwane Manufacturing Company Pvt Limited, The Faraday Centre Limited, Tag Corporation and Sterling & Wilson Limited.

The Business Development Manager of Secure Meters Limited, which pioneered solid state electronic metering in India, Mr. Amit Gupta said: “We are presently looking for indigenous firms to partner with us because electricity distribution companies need meters in order to provide electricity to consumers in all parts of the country.”

Some potential investors who preferred not to be named said they were not impressed with the relatively low level of indigenous participation in the sector.

But the National President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi, attributed the situation to the fact that the electricity market, and by extension the sector is still in a pre-transition stage.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, October 7, 2013

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Tukur plans to falsify party records –New PDP OBIORA IFOH AND ROTIMI FADEYI

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he new Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called for immediate appointment of Alhaji Abubakar Baraje as the National Chairman of the party just as it

is also demanding the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the party’s helmsman.

The Baraje-led faction insisted that Tukur was not a registered and card-carrying member of the PDP. The renegade group said Baraje, who was a former acting national chairman of

the party, erroneously handed over to Tukur, thinking he was a member of the party.

In a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday, the new PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze, said that the handover would enable Baraje to organise a

proper, unified convention that would usher in a duly elected National Working Committee, NWC, of the party to enable the PDP face the business of positioning itself as the ruling party in 2015.

The statement said that the development would also pave the way to restore

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (left) and Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda during Sambo’s condolence visit to the governor over the death of his younger sister, Ummi, in Bauchi yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

PDP’s past glory based on the vision of the founding fathers of the party.

According to the aggrieved faction, “Alhaji Tukur was expelled from the PDP in 2006 with nine others following disciplinary action taken against them for anti-party activities.

Since then, he has not officially returned to the party.

“All the records at our disposal show that Alhaji Tukur has not followed due process for his readmission into the party. He neither applied for nor obtained the requisite waiver by the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party before offering himself for election into the office of national chairman in 2012.

This makes his membership incurably defective and his emergence as PDP’s national chairman null and void and of no effect whatsoever since he is the product of a flawed process.

“Consequently, all the actions he has taken as the chairman of PDP since his

purported election in March 2012, including the illegal, contentious convention of August 31, 2013, are null and void and of no effect.”

The breakaway party members said that reliable information available to them from the PDP national secretariat indicates that Tukur was desperately seeking a way out of his predicament and had set about falsifying party records to revalidate his membership through the backdoor.

The PDP faction stated that they were putting Tukur on notice “that this is criminal and that they hope he understands the consequences of his actions.”

The Baraje-led PDP said: “In this regard, Alhaji Tukur’s continued occupation of the office of PDP national chairman is clearly fraudulent, illegal and unconstitutional.

“We hereby urge Alhaji Tukur to toe the path of honour and throw in the towel.

This is the best option open to CONTINUED ON PAGE 7>>

Air crash: Severity of burns complicates DNA tests CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

They appealed to LASUTH management to save their relatives’ lives.

A relative of Toyin Samson, recuperating at the private ward in the hospital, said: “The medical doctors on duty really tried their best here. I commend their efforts. They are very good people but we are still afraid, you see this is not a vehicle accident, this is plane crash, some parts of their body have been badly affected.

They should examine them very well. If possible, the government can fly them overseas for better treatment.”

Also, as part of the efforts to unravel the probable cause of the plane crash, the aircraft manufacturer, Embraer S.A. of Brazil, will arrive in the country any moment from now.

A source close to the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, told National Mirror that the manufacturer’s visit was necessary to assist the agency in unravelling the cause of the crash.

This is the tradition in the global aviation industry.

When a major crash occurs, the aircraft manufacturers are usually involved in the investigation of the crash,

which they believed may help avoid such accidents in the future.

National Mirror gathered that the Brazilian plane maker had immediately after the crash sent a formal request to the Federal Government to be part of the investigation.

The source added that investigation would commence this week with the decoding and readout of the Cockpit Voice Recorder, CVR, which was one of the black boxes recovered from the crash site.

The source said that officials of the airline would first come to Lagos before proceeding to Abuja where investigation was expected to start.

The source said: “The Embraer Company, the makers of the Embraer 120 airplane had indicated their interest to be with investigators to conduct investigation into the accident. They will be here with us.”

In the wake of the illfated Dana air crash of June 3, 2012, Boeing, the makers of MD 83 from the United States and the US National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, visited the country to be part of the

investigative team.

Besides, AIB said it had commenced investigation into the crash of the Embraer 120 ER aircraft.

The AIB Commissioner, Capt. Muktar Usman, told journalists that the flight recorders of the ill-fated aircraft have been recovered and would be downloaded at the bureau’s newly installed flight laboratory at its Abuja headquarters.

He said: “The readout of the recorders has commenced. The aircraft, which crashed less than three minutes after take-off from Runway 18L of the airport had 20 souls on board including seven members of the airline. There were six survivors as at 05 October, 2013.

“Associated Aviation Limited is a Nigerian registered domestic airline, which operates chartered and scheduled flights in the country.”

Meanwhile, former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has applauded the immediate ban imposed on Associated Airlines from the nation’s airspace following the loss of lives in its crashed Akure-bound plane.

Bejide, however, said the Federal Government should

not hesitate to prosecute anyone indicted to have compromised professionalism in the ill-fated incident, adding that such would help check the recurring air mishap in the country.

The former envoy, who is a governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, spoke in Ado Ekiti at the weekend.

Bejide, who blamed the incessant air crashes in Nigeria on sharp practices on the part of airline owners, called for “a serious clampdown on those who are sabotaging the Federal Government's efforts and putting the lives of innocent and brilliant Nigerians at risk”.

He described the latest crash as national tragedy, which could be averted if there was sanity in the aviation sector.

In a related development, the Ondo State government yesterday sent a high-powered delegation to Lagos to commiserate with the wife of the late Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Deji Falae, who died in last Thursday’s illfated plane crash.

The government’s representatives also visited Mr. Feyi Agagu and the late Agagu’s son -in-law, Femi Akinsanya; Queenet Owolabi, an air hostess; Akin-

tunde Taiwo, orderly to Feyi and Fatoye Felix Friday, all survivors of the crash.

The team also visited the Lagos Island office of MIC Casket to commiserate with the family and staff of the Managing Director, Tunji Okusanya, who died in the air crash along with his son and four other members of staff of the company.

The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the state governor, Dr. Kola Ademujinmi, include the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Gboye Adegbenro; Mr Akin Adaramola (Budget and Economic Planning); Mr. Remi Olatubora (Adult Technical and Vocational Education); Mr. Kayode Akinmade (Information); Chief Sola Ebiseni (Environment); Mrs. Yemi Mohmood (Women Affairs) and Mr. Ademola Olorunfemi (Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture) with wives of members of the State Executive Council.

At the Dolphin Estate, Lagos home of the late Falae, the delegation described the late Falae as a jolly good fellow whose contributions at the state executive meetings

were laced with intellectual flavour and depth.

He said: “He will be greatly missed by all of us.

You are not alone in this grief and sorrow, we pray that God should give us the grace to bear the irreparable loss.”

He, however, pledged that the state government would ensure that the family did not suffer.

Ademujimi said that Governor Olusegun Mimiko had promised that the education of the children would not suffer.

At LASUTH, the delegates met with Feyi, who after receiving Mimiko’s message, thanked the government for the support and kind gesture.

Femi Akinsanya also thanked the governor for raising such a powerful team to visit them.

The governor’s message was also delivered to Agagu’s orderly who was still in critical condition.

Head of Surgical Emergency at LASUTH, Dr. Mustapha, led the delegates to the bedsides of the survivors.

The delegates later met with other survivors, including Fatoye Felix at the Gbagada General Hospital.

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National News

MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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he National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, will today consider the suspension of its seven-day-old strike.

The decision to end the strike is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of over 14 hours, meeting between NARD and the Federal Government in Abuja at the weekend, which was made available to journalists by the Head, Press/Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Samuel Olowookere, yesterday.

The decision is expected

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Doctors may call off strike today to bring to an end acute shortage of manpower which has marred medical services in public hospitals, since October 1, Independence Day anniversary, when the doctors resolved to down tools.

According to the communiqué, the suspension of the strike was made possible following intervention

by Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, while the meeting had in attendance the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chuckwu; Executive Chairman, National

Salaries Income and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Ebule and the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health among others.

The communiqué reads in part: “In a resolution signed at the end of the meeting, the issues of agitation by the striking doctors were resolved as follows: following the meeting, the resident doctors would remain on the IPPIS programme but the problems identified by members of NARD in the programme should be addressed and resolved.”

It added that a committee to be chaired by Chukwu was put in place to address the challenges identified by NARD on the implementation of IPPIS. Membership of the committee includes Permanent Secretaries, Federal Ministry of Health and Labour; Accountant General of the Federation; Chairman, National Salaries Income and Wages Commission; Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation; Director, Finance and Accounts/IPPIS Coordinator, NMA and NARD representatives.

On funding of local and overseas training of resident doctors, the meeting, the communiqué noted, adopted the provisions of the resolution reached on the subject at the meeting held from September 9 to 10, between the government and the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in which NARD was in attendance.

Additionally, it was resolved that the Chief Medical Directors, CDMs, should come up with the list of resident doctors as well as the amount of arrears owed each of them for necessary action by the minister of health within four weeks.

The communiqué added:

“That ARD, FMC Owerri should suspend their ongoing one-month-old strike and appeal to the minister of health for the non-compliance to Section 43 of the Trade Disputes Act, CAP T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“On the failure of Enugu State Government to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, for NARD members at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, it was agreed that the ultimatum issued to the Enugu State Government

by NARD should be stepped down, and that NARD should subsequently write to inform the Enugu State Government of issues of concern to its members in the spirit of social dialogue.

Nigeria, US, UK, others hold joint training on counter-terrorism

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L-R: Secretary of Conference, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Raphael Opoko; Prelate-Emeritus, Dr. Ola Makinde; Prelate, Most Rev. Samuel Uche and conference Lay President, Sir Jimmy Coker, during Uche’s investiture as the prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria in Lagos, yesterday.

‘NNPC not owing FAAC N2.3trn’ CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has refuted a statement credited to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that it owes the Federation Accounts N2.3 trillion.

The NNPC Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Tumini Green, said in a statement yesterday that the corporation was dismayed at what he described as the increasing unwarranted and unfounded accusations against it by otherwise informed persons in the polity.

Green described Oshiomhole’s statement as an

unfortunate attack, adding that “it is part of a sustained campaign against the corporation and its leadership in recent times, which aims at distracting it from the dogged pursuit of the transformation of the oil and gas industry for the general good of the nation”.

She said: “We wish to state without any equivocation that we do not owe the Federation Accounts any money as at today, taking into account outstanding subsidies and other associated costs of operations and loses. We have consistently paid all monies due to the FA into its Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, account as we receive them.”

According to her, not all revenues collected by NNPC are paid directly into the accounts of FA with the CBN; some are paid into the accounts of the relevant government agencies, like the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, with the CBN. But eventually all these payments are credited to the accounts of the FAAC. Green said another important issue which was not taken into account by critics reeling out figures without cross-checking, was the outstanding debts owed NNPC by the Federal Government, especially from subsidy.

She said: “Nigerians

may wish to recall that in the wake of January 2012 subsidy saga, there was no budgetary provision for subsidy to NNPC and again in 2013 there was no budgetary provision for subsidy to the corporation.

“NNPC has not received one kobo from the Federal Government in the name of fuel subsidy. Yet, Nigerians also know that NNPC has been the major supplier of petroleum products to the nation during this period and before.

“Indeed, for the whole period that the subsidy saga continued, NNPC was the sole supplier of PMS across the country, and we never failed to ensure that every nook and corner of Nigeria was wet with PMS.”

Fixed broadband: FG to seek EoI in January TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND KUNLE A ZEEZ

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he Federal Government would in January call for Expression of Interest, EoI, from interested investors that would participate in driv-

ing fixed broadband deployment in the country.

The government said Nigeria was currently making inroads in the deployment of mobile broadband services but that similar progress had not been made in the fixed broadband.

Speaking at a press con-

ference held in Abuja yesterday, the Executive ViceChairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said the government was prepared to develop fixed broadband.

At the conference held ahead of the 2013 edition of

the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, CTO, Forum, which started today in Abuja, Juwah said effective broadband strategy would be to incorporate fixed strategy alongside the mobile broadband.

He said: “We have come a long way in mobile broad-

he Nigerian military and Special Forces from the United Kingdom, United States, Spain and Netherland, have begun a joint training to enhance the military capacity to combat terrorism in Nigeria’s maritime environment.

The Naval Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Babalola Ogunjimi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja yesterday.

Ogunjimi said 150 military personnel were drawn from units of the Nigerian Armed Forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - while 739 were from the foreign Special Forces.

He said the training tagged: “African Winds,” began on October 3 and was expected to last for 14 days, adding that it would be followed by a four-day exercise to be conducted by Mobile Training Teams, MTTs, of the Special Forces in Lagos and Calabar.

Ogunjimi said the African Winds training and exercise would further improve the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to deal with numerous security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, including crude oil theft and attacks on merchant ships.

He explained that the programme was in fur-

therance of the Chief of Defence Staff ’s drive to promote effective joint services’ operations among Nigerian Armed Forces and friendly military from other countries.

The exercise in Lagos is expected to take place between October 15 and 18 at Ibeshe Beach and the Navy Ordinance Depot, NOD, Waterfront.

“The exercise that will be conducted in Lagos include Amphibious Raid, Maritime Counter-Terrorism, Vessel Boarding Stopand-Search in an opposed environment and Hydrographic survey,’’ Ogunjimi said.

The Naval Chief of Operations disclosed that the Calabar exercise would hold between October 21 and 24 at the Tinapa and Muddy Beach in the state and Oron Beach in Akwa Ibom, adding that “other exercises to be conducted in Calabar include Riverine and Jungle operations which would be carried out by a combined force from U.S., UK and the Netherland marines”.

Ogunjimi said an amphibious raid exercise planned and executed by troops from the Army, Navy Special Boat Service and the NNS Jubilee would be conducted at Oron Beach to end the exercise.

band services but our fixed instractrutuem remains straits. So, by January, 2014, Federal Government will come up with fixed broadband deployment strategy.

“As part of that, we shall be holding a stakeholders’ forum before the end of the year where we would discuss

the way forward on fixed broadband deployment.

“And by January also, we would come up with Expression of Intention, EoI, for potential bidders who will help in driving the process because it will be a multi-stakeholders approach.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, October 7, 2013

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Rights commission probes Rivers Police Commissioner ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is probing the incumbent Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Joseph Mbu, over twin allegations of insubordination to the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi and fuelling of crises in the state.

The probe is to ascertain whether, by his conduct in the state, he is still a fit and proper person to lead the police formations in the state or any other part of the country.

Governor Amaechi personally invited the commission to investigate the

allegations vide a petition written by him and dated October 1, 2013.

Director of Public Affairs and Communication in the commission, Mr. Muhammad Nasir Ladan, confirmed the receipt of the petition and disclosed that the commission had already swung into action.

In the petition, Governor Amaechi accused Mr. Mbu of carrying out his duties without recourse to necessary constitutional and legal standards.

Amaechi said: “The Rivers State Commissioner of Police is presently led by Mbu, whose pattern of actions and public utterances are manifestly contrary to

basic standards of behavior for a person occupying his very sensitive office.

“Also, his utterances and actions are contrary to basic standards of behavior and the constitutional framework for controlling the security structures of a state, the unique security challenges, formations networks and infrastructure of Rivers State.”

He also alleged that Mbu’s comportment is at variance with the mission statement of the Nigerian Police which requires police officers to ensure the creation of a safer and more secure environment conducive to meaningful socio-economic development through crime

prevention and control.

“Mr. Mbu’s mode of exercising his duties without recourse to necessary constitutional and legal standards is creating an environment rife with fear, distrust of security operatives and public institutions, strife, impunity, criminal behaviors and brigandage, factors which were all implicit in the build up and escalation of the crisis in the Niger Delta.

“Currently the state commissioner of police barely acknowledges official communications from the governor - not to mention other principal agents of Rivers State.

“The avenues for giving him lawful directives

L-R: Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Abdul Nasiru Isahaku; Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; Governor, Bank of Ghana, Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah and First Deputy Governor of the Bank, Mr. Millison Narh, during the visit of UBA management to the Bank of Ghana in Accra, on Friday

Nigeria wins right to host first AFRIMA ADENRELE NIYI

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istory was made yesterday, October 6, when Nigerian won the right to host the maiden edition of the All Africa Music Award, AFRIMA, a continental showpiece that will reward talents in the culturally rich African music industry.

Nigeria was unveiled as the host country at a world press conference held before an appreciable turnout of members of the Nigeria me-

dia and the full complement of the eight-man International Committee of AFRIMA in attendance Speaking to journalists at the event, AFRIMA’s Brand Communication and Sponsorship Director, South Africa’s Matlou Tsotetsi, said after months of intensive deliberations, Nigeria was selected among four other countries namely: Gabon, South Africa, Namibia and Kenya, to host the highly anticipated pan-African music award.

According to Tsotetsi, one of the factors that worked in Nigeria’s favour is the booming business of music in the country and its growing entertainment and eventhosting infrastructure. “We took a lot of factors into consideration before Nigeria was eventually considered and nominated. Nigeria presently has the biggest music industry on the continent and we cannot overlook that.”

With the nomination, Nigeria would host the award consecutively for three years,

while countries bidding to host after Nigeria would be announced in 2015. With a pay off-line, “For Hope, For Celebration”, the award ceremony is expected to hold on Saturday, October 25, 2014, preceded by a two-day PanAfrica Music Summit.

Also as part of the buildup to the ceremony, a road show tagged; ‘On the way to AFRIMA’ will be held in three major cities of the world New York, London and Paris and four cities in four regions of Africa.

AIB commences investigation into Kabo airplane incident OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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arely 48 hours after the Kabo Airlines’ aircraft incident at Sokoto Airport, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) yesterday said it has commenced full investigation into the cause of the incident.

A Boeing 747-300 aircraft that was Saudi-bound crash landed in Sokoto on Friday night when it destroyed the Instrument Landing System (ILS) on the runway of the airport. There were over 500 passengers and crew members onboard when the incident happened.

The aircraft was believed to have burst tyres on land-

ing.

An online statement signed by the spokesman for the agency, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, said that the AIB investigators have been dispatched to conduct investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident with a view to determining the probable cause.

“AIB is charged with the responsibility to investigate aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the country and where Nigeria interest is represented.

“AIB’s investigation is not to apportion blame or liability but to prevent future reoccurrence of such incident and improve air safety,” he said.

in my constitutional role as the Chief Security Officer of the state have been unilaterally and unlawfully precluded by Mr. Mbu. “Mr. Mbu has joined an unprecedented disposition to publicly ridicule the person and office of the principal members of a state government,

including the governor by a state police commissioner with unilateral and unreasonable actions made to undermine inter-agency security collaborations, democratic activities of elected and appointed public officers and the operations of whole units of government,” he added.

Tukur plans to falsify party records –New PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

him. “However, since one man cannot hold the party and the entire nation hostage, should he fail to heed our advice, we would have no other option than to appeal to both the Presidency and the PDP leadership to ease him out of the party in the most diplomatic way to avoid hurting him so much, considering his age, zeal and commitment to serve the party by offering a ministerial post to him. “This is a good opportunity for the Presidency to demonstrate if it is serious about restoring peace and unity to the party.”

But the PDP said it would not dignify the Baraje faction with a response.

National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, declined comment on the demand and accusation of the new PDP. In an earlier interview with National Mirror, Metuh had clarified the status of Tukur’s membership of PDP, saying that the reconciliation committee headed by former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme had given waiver to all members expelled by the party.

“Anybody that is knowledgeable about history of our party and is truthful will stop talking about whether Tukur was expelled in the past or not. I am not aware of it and it is immaterial to me because all that happened in the party before the setting up of the Ekwueme Panel had been overtaken by the recommendations of that panel.”

The Presidency yesterday insisted that it would go ahead with today’s meeting with the aggrieved seven PDP governors.

It stated that beyond newspaper reports, the Presidency had not been officially notified of the decision of the new PDP contingent not to attend.

The party added that it would go ahead with the preparations for the meeting, which was expected to take place at the First Lady Wing of the Presidential Villa.

The Special Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, told National Mirror yesterday that President Jonathan was ready to receive the governors today.

He said that even though the Presidency had seen the new PDP statement in the media, it was yet to be officially informed.

Gulak said: “The meeting is supposed to hold tomorrow (today). Let’s wait for tomorrow before you begin to ask questions.”

Reminded that the new PDP had said the aggrieved governors would not be available, Gulak added: “That’s the report we are reading in the newspapers but the best thing is to wait for tomorrow whether the meeting will hold or not so that if the meeting doesn’t hold, you can call me (to find out) why it hasn’t held and if we have any reason to give, we can then give you.

“But as of today, I don’t work on speculations on the papers, I have not seen their formal letter of request to postpone the meeting. I just read it on the pages of newspapers. So, maybe by tomorrow, we will know the correct position.

“Well, as far as we are concerned, the president is waiting. Anytime anyday.”

But last night, the new PDP said it has mandated Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) to meet with President Jonathan so as to seek permission for a shift of the October 7 meeting date to a more convenient date when all “our leaders may have come back from the Hajj.”

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Agagu: We didn’t hire Associated Airlines plane –Family T he family of the late former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, yesterday cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the choice of the Associated Airlines plane which crashed in Lagos on Thursday.

The family said con-

tracts for the purchase of the casket, the hiring of the hearse, arrangement for the flying of the corpse from Lagos to Akure, the stage for the lying-in-state as well as the transportation to Iju-Odo were between Ondo State Government and MIC, as part of the plans to give the former

governor a state burial.

The late politician’s younger brother, Mr. Femi Agagu, dismissed media reports that the family chose the airline as false, wicked and deliberate distortion of facts.

In a statement on behalf of the Agagus, Femi said the family knew noth-

ing about how the airline was contracted.

He said: “We appreciate the immense support of the state government since the demise of Dr. Olusegun Agagu. But we would like to state here that we were only invited to point to the type of casket we wanted.

“Every other arrangement, including the flight, lying-in-state and even transportation to Iju-Odo were made by the state government and MIC. “For anybody to say we chose Associated Airlines is total falsehood and we believe such report couldn’t have come

from the state government quarters.

“While we commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in the plane crash, we also urge Nigerians to focus more on them rather than wasting time on baseless speculations and false media reports.”

779 criminals arrested in Ogun FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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olice in Ogun State said at the weekend that 779 suspected armed robbers, cultists and kidnappers had been arrested in the last four months.

The police also recovered about 98 arms, 976 ammunition as well as 94 vehicles stolen from the state and other neighbouring states from June till date.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this to journalists after returning from an operation where a patrol team intercepted four suspected pipeline vandals at Omu-Ijebu in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

The PPRO explained that the total value of property recovered from suspected criminals between June and September was N44,817,800.

Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, also gave names of the suspected petroleum pipeline vandals as Omololu Oseyemi, Ogunsola Adekunle, Adewale Eyienle and Lekan Emiloju.

The police image maker said items recovered from the suspected vandals included a Volkswagen Golf car marked Lagos KTU 49 BE, a pumping machine, sledge hammer, drilling machines, long hose being used to siphon the product, hand gloves, cutlass and shovels.

He said: “The suspects

KENNY ODUNUKAN

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Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Samuel Kanu, has sued First Bank of Nigeria Plc for N162 million for negligence and actions capable of damaging his business and reputation before his international trade partners.

Kanu, who is the Chairman/Chief Executive of Ikcobs Nigeria Limited, is

were intercepted ostensibly on their way to carry out vandalism operation. We are not going to leave any stone unturned in checking crimes and criminalities in the state.”

Adejobi added that the Commissioner of Police, Ikhemefuna Okoye, had ordered the suspected vandals to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, adding that they should be charged to court after the investigation had been completed.

A breakdown of the achievements of the command between June and September shows that 106 armed robbery suspects were arrested while 32 suspected bandits were killed.

The PPRO said 17 rape suspects and 39 cult members were nabbed while three people were arrested for alleged kidnapping during the period under review.

He said 206 suspects were charged to court out of which 189 suspects were prosecuted with the conviction of 24 criminals.

Adejobi appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in the state by volunteering necessary information to check criminals.

He said: “The police command and other security agencies cannot handle the task of security alone. We need the support and cooperation of the people in tracking and unmasking criminal elements in the society.”

L-R: Chairman, National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Vice Chairman, NCCN, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Chief Kola Jamodu and CEO, NCCN, Mr. Chika Mordi, during a press briefing on the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer for the council, in Lagos, on Friday.

Prevent cholera outbreak, Lagos warns residents MURITALA AYINLA

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agos State Government has called on the public to maintain adequate personal and environmental hygiene at all times in order to prevent an outbreak of cholera epidemic.

The warning came on the heels of reported outbreak of cholera in parts of the country.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who made the call in Lagos over the weekend, noted that the need to ensure high standard of hygiene at all times could not be overemphasised.

According to him, cholera is acquired through the ingestion of an infective dose of contaminated food or water and can be transmitted through many mechanisms like direct or indirect contamination of water or food by faeces of infected individuals.

Urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspected case, dead or alive, to the nearest health facility and the Directorate of Disease Control in the Ministry of Health, Idris explained that cholera is an acute contagious bacterial disease that is characterised by severe form of sudden onset of profuse painless watery stools, nausea

and profuse vomiting.

He said: “Cholera should be suspected in any person who develops diarrhoea with or without vomiting, weakness, restlessness, irritability, dry mucous membrane, low blood pressure, leg cramps, excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) or dies from frequent stooling, hence, adequate measures should be taken in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.”

The commissioner listed measures to be taken to include washing of hands with soaps and water frequently and thoroughly; boiling of water before drinking if the source of

Man slams N162m suit on bank for negligence asking an Ikeja High Court to declare that First Bank Plc (defendant) breached its contractual duty by being negligent towards him.

Kanu is praying the court for an order for payment of N109.2 million being loss of profit on three cycles of the utilisation of the £200,000 interest free credit facility which he lost

on account of the gross negligence or wilful mischief of the defendant.

Apart from this, the claimant also wants the court to order the defendant to pay N50 million being general damages for the loss of goodwill and earnings suffered by him, and £10,000 being exemplary and aggravated damages

for the defendant to have used his £5,000 and £3,700 to trade for six weeks and three weeks, respectively.

The claimant’s company, a market leader in the business of trading in chemicals for over two decades, in 2009 decided to deepen its stake in the chemical industry by building an ultra-modern factory for the purpose of

manufacturing chemical products alongside its trading in chemicals.

According to Kanu, in the course of building the factory and office complex and on account of the existing healthy relationship between his firm and one of its UK partners, ACP Chemicals Limited, the UK company sent one of its of-

the water is in doubt; washing of fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating; cooking of food thoroughly before eating; disposing of waste material properly and keeping of water containers clean.

Idris pointed out that in the case of suspected cholera, the public should prepare oral rehydration solution (10 level teaspoonfuls of sugar and one level teaspoonful of salt in two 35cl bottles), “give the suspect a lot of fluids to drink; keep giving the suspect food as soon as it can be tolerated; and thereafter visit the nearest hospital whether the condition of the suspect improves or not”. ficers to Nigeria to inspect the factory.

“Based on the goodwill the claimant (Ikcobs Nigeria Limited) had garnered from its relationship with ACP Chemicals Ltd and the good impressions made on the officer from UK Company as regards the claimant’s plans for the factory, the UK company granted the claimant a revolving interest-free credit line of £200,000.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, October 7, 2013

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Lagos to enforce 75-metre setback on highways MURITALA AYINLA

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ard times await owners of shops or companies close to major highways in Lagos State as the state government yesterday said it would commence massive clamp down on offenders in order to maintain the mandatory Right of Way (RoW) on major roads in the state.

Hence, owners of fairly used cars, also known as Tokunbo cars, used furni-

ture, mechanic workshops, roadside vulcanizers and car wash joints and other business located within 75 metres from the roads, will have their shops and goods either confiscated or cleared by the state government.

Areas to be affected include Maryland, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ojuelegba/Stadium, Surulere and other major

highways in the metropolis.

According to the Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, who made this known to journalists, the move becomes crucial in order to ensure sustainability of the highways.

He said: “It is disheartening to see how our major roads and highways like Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ojuelegba/Stadium,

Surulere etc have been converted to auto marts, mechanic workshops, furniture workshops, vulcanizer workshops, among others.

“It is so embarrassing to see how our road setbacks have been turned to mobile markets and auto marts, which is completely against the state’s Environmental Laws as well as the Federal Highway Act. “Globally, expressways constitute an important link in the economy chain of a nation. They are also

conceived primarily to safely carry large volumes of traffic between two locations in the various cities.”

The commissioner said according to international standard, a Right of Way (ROW) is a statutory corridor through which the road passes. For this class of roads, 75 metres is measured from the outer edge of the road on both sides.

He continued: “This corridor is usually demarcated from its surroundings, by fencing and landscaping or deliberate vegetation along its entire length. The aim is to make it impossible for vehicles, human and stray animals to enter the road from both sides and thereby prevent hazard or impediment to prevent free flow of traffic.

“Ironically, what we have

today is the exact opposite along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Agege Motor Road etc; which have now become a big market for all and sundry.

“What we have today is chaos and massive abuse and degradation of our major road setbacks, which have now been turned into illegal markets of “Tokunbo” cars and trucks.

“A cursory count from Maryland to Jibowu on both sides of the road has nothing less than 70 car selling points, defacing the entire landscape and the aesthetics of the road.

“Actions arising from this abuse have denied residents the right of walkways, while the 75 metres setback stipulated by law has been seriously violated.”

Ex-Head of Service warned against untenable criticisms ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

T L-R: Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Due Process, Mrs. Folake Akinleye and Managing Director, UAC Property Development Corporation, Mr. Akeem Ogunniran, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the re-development of existing government residential quarters in Ibadan, at the weekend.

Osun 2014: Police ask politicians to comply with INEC rules ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

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sun State police command yesterday read the riot act to all registered political parties in the state, warning them to strictly adhere to regulations and guidelines guiding the activities of political parties in the country or face the wrath of the law.

State Police Commissioner, Mrs. Dorothy Gimba, in a statement made available by the state Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Mrs. Folasade Odoro, advised politicians to comply with the warning in the interest of the state, saying failure to do so may cause problem for them.

The police commissioner also warned political thugs to stay off the state for the command is battle ready to go against untoward acts that would disturb and hinder electoral process in the state.

She said; “The command is ready to ensure that political parties comply with

the law and order regulating the rules of the game, for the peace of the state is paramount to the command and it will deploy all machineries to ensure peace and protection of lives and property.”

According to statement; “Osun State police command wishes to warn all registered political parties

within the state to comply with INEC guidelines on party activities as the command will no longer condone any infraction in the breach of the regulations guiding the activities of register political parties.

“In the interest of peace, all political parties should strictly adhere to section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010

as amended.

“The command urged all the parties to always verify their facts from the state police command regarding crime reports before publication.

“Any infraction in breach of the above stated provision will not be condoned by the state command.”

he Forum of Permanent Secretaries in Osun State yesterday warned the former Head of Service (HoS) and now the gubernatorial aspirant of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the state, Elder Segun Akinwusi, to stop raising untenable criticisms against the state government.

The forum said Akinwusi should remember that as a former head of service, it was a privilege for him to serve the state in that capacity.

The forum, which rose from a meeting in Osogbo, said the former head of service has bitten the finger that fed him by launching attack on the present ad-

Ekiti 2014: Elders caution APC, PDP against trouble ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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lder statesmen in Ekiti State have appealed to the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to toe the line of peace in the conduct of their affairs ahead of the forthcoming governorship and other elections in the state.

The senior citizens, under the auspices of the Council of Elders said the leadership of the two major political parties needed to be cautioned against actions capable of igniting crisis

and destabilising the state.

Standing Committee Chairman of the 75-member council, Chief Deji Fasuan, said at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, at the weekend, that among the council’s efforts at ensuring peace in the state, included a plan network with the traditional rulers to check the desperate actions of some politicians.

Fasuan said the leadership of the two parties would also be summoned for a peace parley soon to resolve their crises in the interest of all, threatening that it would not hesitate to incite the people against

any party that defies the peace plan.

He said: “As elders and major stakeholders in the society, we have decided not to sit back to watch our state sink into chaos.

We have noticed a trend in the two main parties APC and PDP to physically disturb or assault the other or cause disruptions.

“We do not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of any party, but we will not shirk our responsibilities as senior citizens to advise, warn and correct actions that are likely to plunge our society into abyss once again.”

They spoke in reaction to the crises that had attended the two major political parties, including the standoff between Governor Kayode Fayemi of the APC and the consensus headache in the PDP’s bid to select its governorship candidate.

The elders, who advised the parties to use their internal mechanisms to resolve their differences in the interest of the state, said: “What should be our main concern in Ekiti is how to combat unemployment to enable the younger ones develop programmes that will enhance their standard of living and reduce poverty.

ministration in the state.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olusegun Aduroja yesterday, the forum also asked him to stop denigrating the civil service in the name of politics.

“Akinwusi’s action has compromised the integrity of the whole civil service he has contributed immensely to build. The body of permanent secretaries in Osun State is worried about the current development whereby the former Head of Service, Mr. Segun Akinwusi, has been raising some untenable criticisms against the current administration in which he was given the opportunity to serve as the Head of Service.

“We recall that as the head of service, he was a bona fide member of the State Executive Council which formulated and executed the programmes of the current administration.

“We are aware that as the then head of service, he taught us the ethos and mores of the service in respect of integrity, loyalty and unflinching support for the government of the day.

“We are surprised that his current ambition, culminating in sending out weird messages to canvass for support through the social media, compromises the integrity of the service, which he contributed immensely to build. It is equally a moral burden for him.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ASUU: FUTO may apply FG’s no-work no-pay rule CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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rked by the lingering face-off between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the governing council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has said that

it may be forced to apply the Federal Government’s no-work, no-pay policy.

While the governing council joined other stakeholders in appealing to striking university lecturers in the country to return to classes without further delay, it said failure to do so may force it to adopt the policy.

Rise in neighourhood kidnapping worries police commissioner CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State police command yesterday said that the rise in the rate of neighbourhood kidnapping in the state has become worrisome.

The command said it is now being confronted by the activities of teenage kidnappers in some parts of the state.

According to the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, some suspects within the age bracket of eight to eleven years are already in police net for stage-managing the abduction of their relations and collecting money to set them free.

At an interactive session with reporters in Owerri, Katsina lamented that kidnapping had of recent assumed another dimension involving international connections while youth’s involvement in cultism and armed robbery has become the order of the day.

Specifically, the police commissioner said while a young suspect (name withheld) who callously stagemanaged the abduction of his father, had been arrested and another who masterminded the kidnap of a Reverend Sister, is also cooling his heels at the state police headquarters, Owerri.

The police boss castigated members of the public, who he said, in spite of their knowledge of such crimes, refuse to report same to the police merely because of sentiments.

As part of measures to contain the incidence of car snatching, the police boss said a biometric system had been adopted by his men just as an “inch system” mechanism is now in vogue to detect forged and altered vehicle particulars by hoodlums.

Katsina disclosed that the system had assisted the command to recover four stolen vehicles which he said had been returned to their original owners.

Enugu to enjoy N2bn Bank of Agriculture facility DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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he Bank of Agriculture (BoA) has proposed a N2 billion collaboration facility with the Enugu State government to support the state’s growing commercial agriculture and development project.

In the proposal, BoA is offering Enugu State government a collaboration fund of N2 billion to provide lending resources to support its commercial Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) farmers and other agricultural value chain entrepreneurs.

Part of the fund could also be used to target youths and/or women in agriculture or any crop or

value chain point the state government may choose based on its intervention priorities.

For the scheme, BoA is offering the state up to N1billion on counterpart and matching fund basis, which means that the state government would also invest equal amount of N1billion to finance different agricultural and agro-allied interests of the state and its people.

The proposed scheme would provide agricultural credits to about 6, 000 farmers and agribusiness activities in the state; create direct employment for over 12, 000 residents of the state and another 5, 000 people along the agricultural value chain.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the institution, Dr. Emmanuel Enemuo, during a parley with journalists in Owerri, said there was no reason to continue the strike as the Federal Government has demonstrated enough faith and a strong commitment in addressing the concerns of ASUU. He said the funding of universities generally have been enhanced by the

release of the initial N100 billion for infrastructural development and another N30 billion for the payment of the earned allowances of university staff.

Enemuo said apart from the N30 billion released, the Federal Government has also promised to pay the shortfall, if any, after due verification by the councils of the various universities, which would be captured through subsequent budgetary provisions.

The funds already released, he said, were sourced from different agencies of government such as the CBN, NNPC, MCC TETFund and other establishments as there was no provision for the expenditure in the 2013 Appropriation Act before the lecturers embarked on strike.

“Furthermore, the government has promised to make provision for further intervention in the 2014

Appropriation Act and solicited in advance the cooperation of the National Assembly in this regard,” he pointed out.

The pro-chancellor said TETFund is poised to release the 2013 normal intervention to universities now that the boards of the institutions have been reconstituted, adding that the amount contributed

by TETFund did not affect the annual normal intervention by the agency.

Ebonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi (middle), after voting at Echialike Ward 1, Ikwo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ebonyi LG poll: PDP wins in 13 council areas GODWIN ALIUNA ABAKALIKI

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was yesterday declared winner in the local government election held in Ebonyi State.

Altogether, the party won in 13 local council areas and in 215 wards in the councillorship election.

Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission

(EBSIEC), Chief John Nkwuda, who announced the result said the elections were free, fair and were devoid of violence and other forms of irregularities.

He said the PDP, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) fielded candidates in the elections.

According to him; “The APC fielded only one chairmanship candidate in Ezza South Local Government Area, APGA also fielded only one councillor-

ship candidate in the same council area while the PDP fielded candidates in all positions across the state.”

Nkwuda gave the results of the elections as follows: “Mr. Bartholomew Ottah (PDP) Abakaliki LGA: won all the 62, 518 votes cast, Anthony Ekoh (PDP) Afikpo North: won all the 178, 222 votes cast, Ogbonnaya Orji (PDP) Afikpo South: won all the 51, 461 votes cast and Paul Iganga (PDP) Ebonyi: won all the 70, 402 votes cast.

“Jeff Ogbu (PDP) Ezza North: won all 73, 528 votes

FG urged to meet 26% UNESCO recommendation on education DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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he Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, has urged the Federal Government to meet up with the recommended 26 per cent budgeting for the education sector.

Moghalu, who blamed most of the challenges facing the country on an ailing education sector, said the country could make a turnaround for better in

her economy and other sectors if it gets its education sector right.

Moghalu stated this at the weekend at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in a lecture he delivered at the golden jubilee ceremony of the first graduates of the university and the 53rd founders’ day celebration.

In his lecture entitled; “The Human Capital Dimension of Economic Transformation,” Moghalu observed that despite all endowments, both in the area of population and nat-

ural resources, Nigeria’s economic performance has been rather weak and does not reflect the country’s endowments.

He stated that about 50 to 70 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty level of $1.25 in income, adding that other emerging economies particularly Malaysia, South Korea, China and India, were behind or at the same economic pace with Nigeria in terms of growth in industrial production in the 1960s and 1970s.

cast, Lazarus Ogbee (PDP) Ezza South: won 55, 770 votes out of a total votes cast of 55, 803; Moses Nwekoyo (PDP) Ikwo: won all 102, 967 votes cast and Obinna Nwachukwu (PDP) Ishiellu: won all the 72, 752 votes cast.

“Joseph Obasi (PDP) Ivo: won all 72, 752 votes cast, Godwin Nwogbaga (PDP) Izzi: won all the 111, 279 votes cast, Enekwachi Akpa (PDP) Ohaozara: won all 53, 273 votes cast, Mrs. Chinyere Elom (PDP) Ohaukwu (PDP): won all 101, 502 votes cast and Mrs. Chinyere Nwanoke (PDP): won all 64, 505 votes cast,” he announced.

The chairman said the APC chairmanship candidate in Ezza South, Francis Nweke, scored 33 votes while the APGA councillorship candidate in Nsokara ward of the same council, Boniface Ofunne, scored 17 votes in the councillorship contest.

Also the PDP won the 18 councillorship wards of Abakaliki LGA, 14 wards in Afikpo North, 14 wards in Afikpo South, 16 wards in Ebonyi, 14 wards in Ezza North, 14 wards in Ezza South and 24 wards in Ikwo.

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South South

Monday, October 7, 2013

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JTF arrests 26 suspected oil thieves in N’Delta EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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he Joint Task Force, JTF, yesterday disclosed that it had arrested 26 suspected oil thieves and impounded two illegal oil vessels in the creeks of Rivers, Delta and Edo states.

It said the suspects, among them a Ghanaian, were arrested during a week-long raid and were currently being quizzed in Port Harcourt as preliminary investigation was going on before they would be handed over to other security agencies for prosecution.

The task force added that the two oil vessels, christened MILANDROS and EBBA, were arrested for

alleged illegal bunkering around Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State with 20 crew members.

The JTF media coordinator, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement that the task force in a dawn raid operation destroyed a camp belonging to sea pirates at Orlukiri, near Abissa in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State where it recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, GPMG, one AK47 rifle, 615 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two AK47 magazines and a bunch of disintegrated GMPG links abandoned by the suspects.

Nwachukwu said the troops overpowered the suspected sea pirates after a gun battle before overrun-

ning the camp.

Giving the breakdown, he said operatives of 146 Battalion and Sector of JTF covering Bonny axis arrested 12 crew members comprising 11 Nigerians and one Ghanaian on board MILANDROS over illegal oil bunkering.

He said: “At the time of arrest, the vessel which was registered to sail under flagship of Sierra Leone, was flying a Nigerian flag to deceive security operatives and was anchored along the West bank of Bonny Anchorage where a 6 inch diameter hose over a distance of 1,000 metres from the vessel had been connected to pipeline.”

Nwachukwu said efforts were ongoing to arrest the

lead agent of the vessel, Mr. Tumini Brown, who allegedly absconded from the Island on hearing the arrest of the vessel.

He said: “In the same vein, a tanker vessel christened EBBA, belonging to PWS Integrated Service Limited, was also arrested along Bonny Anchorage with eight crew members on board.

“The vessel, which was laden with 282 tons of suspected illegally distilled Automated Gas Oil, AGO, was operating in the waterways without relevant registration documents.

“The suspects on board the vessel are currently undergoing preliminary investigations at the Headquarters of Sector 2 in Port

L-R: Former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio; Mr. Rohan Mehta; MD, Prime Electric, Mr. Veejay Sarpal; ED, Prime Group, Mr. Nick Tareyat, Mr. Christain Boubiei and Mr. Affrisio Giovani, during a visit to the governor, on Saturday.

National Conference: There mustn’t be restrictions –NMA SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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he Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has expressed support for the national conference being proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

It, however rejected any restriction that may be attached to the national dialogue when it is eventually convoked.

Speaking in Benin at the weekend after a visit to Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole at the Government House, the NMA National President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, advised that there should be no restrictions attached to the agenda for discussion.

Enabulele also said Nigerians and groups from all walks of life should be

given the opportunity to “freely participate in the discussions irrespective of political, ethnic and cultural persuasions.

“We cannot afford to bungle this opportunity especially as Nigeria prepares to celebrate her centenary anniversary”.

While the state government agreed during the meeting to host the 2014 Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the NMA, Enabulele commended Oshiomhole for rebuilding the Central Hospital in Benin and urged the governor to assist the association to discourage unprofessional advertisement of “various spurious claims to cure” in the media, especially those owned by government to help tackle quackery.

In his remark, Oshiomhole criticised the ongoing

strike by the Association of Resident Doctors in Nigeria, saying it negated their professional ethics.

He said: “Part of the problem of Nigeria’s medical practice has to do with resident doctors. I was watching television and I learnt that resident doctors are on strike.

“Resident doctors are considered as student doctors in other environment. As student doctors, they cannot be behaving as if they have become experts already.

“And because they are students, they are supposed to go through certain routine that is rigorous. In the U.S., the resident doctor, even if he becomes a chief resident, his or her pay may be about half until when he becomes a consultant.

When apprentice resorts to strike, there are other

issues, issues of ethics and commitment.

“If a man were to take ill, now that resident doctors are on strike, the man will wait until the strike is called off before he goes to the hospital.

“Somebody told me that in some countries it borders on treason if a doctor watches a patient die on account of his or her personal welfare.

“If he chooses to read medicine, you have offered first and foremost to save lives, compensation will follow. Issues of appropriate compensation cannot be an excuse why a man should be allowed to die.

“I think all of us have to begin to do something differently. Nigeria is becoming famous or infamous, more from the days we don’t work rather than the days we work.”

Harcourt.”

The spokesman said JTF operatives arrested six suspects at an oil distillation site where four distillation tanks, an oil-laden Cotonou boat and seven live rounds of 70mm cartridges were recovered at Ugbokoko, Delta State.

In another raid, Operation Pulo Shield uncovered and scuttled three illegal oil distillation camps and 13

Cotonou boats used for conveying illegally acquired crude oil in Abutu, Ugbokoko and Ologbo in Orhionwon council of Edo State and Warri South and Warri North local government areas of Delta State.

The Cotonou boats were intercepted while illegally siphoning crude oil from three oil wellheads into 70 drums in Ugbokoko community of Delta State.

Reject out-of-court settlement, FIDA urges rape victims

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he Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa chapter, Mrs. Pere Egbuson, has called on rape victims to reject out-of-court settlement.

Egbuson made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Yenagoa.

The FIDA chairperson said out-of-court settlement of rape cases was counterproductive and against the global efforts to check sexual abuses of women and minors.

She said: “In pursuing rape cases, accepting outof-court settlement will give room for would-be offenders to continue to commit the crime against children and women in society.’’

Egbuson said rape cases had been on the increase, and expressed regrets that many victims were reluctant to prosecute the matter in court due to fear of stigmatisation.

The chairperson urged the victims to speak out without fear or favour, and contact FIDA when faced with challenges of rape.

She said: “Here in FIDA, we provide free legal services for victims who cannot afford the services of a lawyer.”

According to her, FIDA, as an organisation of professional lawyers, will continue to protect rape victims to prosecute offenders.

She urged parents and guardians to always report rape cases to the police, and assured that when notified, FIDA would pursue the case to a logical conclusion.

Egbuson advised parents and guardians to be more vigilant and watchful of their children, especially the girl-child.

The FIDA chairperson pointed out that the constitution had prescribed life imprisonment for offenders, and urged judicial officers to treat rape cases with all seriousness.

Maritime Academy will boost foreign exchange earnings –Bayelsa

B

ayelsa State Government said yesterday that the proposed Maritime Academy would generate foreign exchange earnings for the country and boost the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state.

It also said when completed, the academy would be managed by the Polish Government to enable it recoup its 60 million Euros Development Support Facility, DSF, released for the project.

Dismissing the claim that the fund is a loan, the Commissioner for Finance, Duate Iyabi, said in a statement made available to journalists in Yenagoa, that it was a tied-aid-credit from the Polish Government.

Iyabi noted that the issue

was raised during a bilateral meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the visiting Polish President in Abuja, recently.

Allaying the fear over the repayment of the DSF, the commissioner said the project was structured to generate sufficient cash flows to meet future repayment of principal and also to cover operational costs.

He said: “Our involvement with the Polish Government is to ensure that appropriate structures of international standard are put in place to enable the school run professionally devoid of government bureaucratic excesses and to reposition Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a maritime nation.”

12

North

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG lacks will to fight Boko Haram –US official PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

A

s the Nigerian Army continued in its war against the incessant attacks of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, in parts of the north, a top United States official has faulted the Federal Government’s lack of political will to end the carnage.

Head of the United States’ Commission on International Religious Freedom, Robert P. George, has said that the Nigerian government has the capacity to wage a successful war against Boko Haram, but

that the government does not have the political will to do so.

George, whose organisation published a report last year on the activities of the Islamic insurgents, reiterated some of the recommendations in the report. He said the Boko Haram insurgency was a real and growing threat to the future of Nigeria, which the country must confront head-on.

He said the sect seeks to introduce ‘pure’ Shariah law in northern Nigeria and that the group is responsible for many deaths and destructions in reli-

gious and educational institutions and other public places in the country since the last two years.

“In an attempt to tackle the threat posed by the sect, the Federal Government has imposed emergency rule in three North-East states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, which are the hotbeds of the group’s rebellion.

The emergency measures have recorded some successes even though the killings by Boko Haram have largely continued.

But George stated; “In our view, Nigeria’s government has the capacity to ad-

dress the violence successfully. The problem appears to be one of will, not ability.

“Clearly, Nigeria’s establishment, including President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders, needs to muster the political courage to protect the innocent and prosecute those who are guilty of unleashing violence against their fellow Nigerians.

“Simply stated, Nigeria’s failure since at least the turn of the century to protect Nigerians from religious-related assaults - or prevent or punish such violence - must be addressed.

“Every effort must be

L-R: Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed; Vice-President Namadi Sambo and supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, at the presentation of an award for outstanding performance in the education sector in Abuja, on Saturday.

Again, NCAA grounds Dana Air

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

F

or the second time after resuming operations in January this year, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday announced the grounding of Dana Air. NCAA said Dana Air was grounded in order to conduct operational and mechanical audits on the airline, following an air return it had on its Port Harcourt-Lagos route yesterday.

It said that the incident raised safety concerns over the airline’s operations.

The spokesman for the agency, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, said the aircraft was about 30 miles out of Port Harcourt Airport when it developed faults and had to make an air return.

He added that the circumstances surrounding the air return appeared to be “grievous” and calls for

further investigations by the regulatory authority.

The Special Media Assistant to the Aviation Minister, Mr. Joe Obi, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said the airline whose aircraft crashed in Iju-Ishaga Lagos on June 3, 2012 killing more than

153 souls on board have been having series of incidents within the “past few months and weeks”.

He said the grounding of the airline’s operations was to carry out an audit on the operations of the airline.

It will be recalled that Dana Air MD 83 aircraft

crashed into a residential area, killing more than 153 passengers on board.

A few weeks after it resumed flight operations in January, the ministry announced the grounding of the same airline, but was later lifted to continue flight operations.

Sultan announces Oct 15 as Eid-el-Kabir

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he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday announced Tuesday October 15 as Eid-elKabir.

A statement in Sokoto by the Chairman of Sokoto Sultanate Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali, said this followed the sighting of the moon in the country on Saturday.

“This is sequel to the declaration of Sunday, October 6, 2013, as the first day of Zul-Hijja, 1434 AH, by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad

Abubakar III. “The sultanate advisory committee on religious affairs at its meeting on Saturday, Oct. 5, received reports from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new Moon of Zul-Hijja,1434 AH, on Saturday, which was the 29th day of ZulKi’ida,1434 AH,’’ the statement said.

NAN reports that Eidel-Kabir is celebrated worldwide on the 10th of Zul-Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, and is marked by

the slaughtering of ram after a special morning prayer.

It comes a day after pilgrims from across the globe converge on mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.

made to bring perpetrators of this violence, regardless of their faith or position in society, to justice. It is the only way the country will have any chance of a stable future.”

George, however, said military force alone would not overcome the insurgency, stressing that an effective law enforcement system and adherence to

the rule of law are crucial in the attempt to beat the menace of the Islamic sect.

“But overcoming the Boko Haram challenge will take more than a military response - it also requires an approach that addresses Nigeria’s tolerance of long-running sectarian violence, protects religious freedom and enforces rule of law,” George stated.

Assembly crisis: Sacked Kaduna Speaker, 16 others head for court he crisis rocking the Kaduna State House of Assembly deepened at the weekend as the impeached Speaker, Hon. Mu’azu Usman Gangara and 16 other lawmakers dragged the new leadership to court.

The sacked speaker along with his loyalists initiated a court case against the 18 other members loyal to the new leadership at the Kaduna State High Court, challenging the legality of the purported impeachment of Hon. Gangara and his deputy, Hon. Dogara Matoh Dary.

The 18 members of the House of Assembly, who formed the new leadership under the new Speaker, Hon. Shehu Usman Tahir, were served with originating summons.

The originating summons, copies of which

journalists obtained in Kaduna, contained four issues for determination before the court.

It was gathered that the defendants have 21 days to respond to the originating summons from the date of service.

The 16 lawmakers were asking the court to determine; “Whether there is any provision for the position of “Speaker Protempore” in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The group also wanted to know whether such ‘speaker protempore’ has the power to preside over the purported removal of the elected Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

“Whether the 1st to the 18th defendants formed the constitutionality stipulated quorum of 2/3rd majority of all the 34 members of the House of Assembly, among others.”

CHANGE OF NAME Edeh: formerly known as Miss Edeh Chidinma Vivian now wish to be known as Mrs. Okonkwo Chidinma Vivian. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Oyadina: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyadina Oluwatosin Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinola Oluwatosin Mary. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

A ZA MSUE KADUNA

T

PUBLIC NOTICE

COURT MATTERS This is to warn members of the public that the plots of land measuring approximately 4634.155m2 situate along Elizabeth 11 Road between GENESIS PRIVATE AND SHILOH PRY SCHOOL and GLOBAL MISSION BOARD’S Land and occupying a two-storey building belonging to Prince Kunle Sijuwade is a subject matter of Suit I/994/13 Between Chief Akinbayo Allen & 3 ors Vs. Prince Adekunle Sijuwade now pending at the Oyo State High Court.

Anybody who buys the land while the case is subjudice buys a law suit. You should beware.

Abubakar

Further Enquires, contact: The Claimant’s Solicitors Kolawole Famakinwa & Co., Barristers & Solicitors, 81, Iwo Road, Ibadan. 08033182213,07029190593

The oth are whet

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Why North is not favourable to confab –Sani

14

Nwabueze pulls out of National Conference committee AYODELE OJO

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oremost constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), has pulled out of the 13-member Advisory Committee on National Conference.

The committee, billed for

inauguration today, will establish modalities for a national dialogue.

In a letter dated October 2 and addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Nwabueze said that his health status would not allow to participate actively in the committee.

Yoruba Forum applauds President on national conference leader and a champion of SINA FADARE

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he Yoruba Unity Forum, YUF, has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for constituting an advisory committee to advice government on the modalities of organising a national conference.

The group in a statement signed by its chairman, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, and made available to National Mirror, noted that such a bold step that will eventually lead to the people’s constitution will address the grievances of all the ethnic nationalities in the country.

The group said: “This action has demonstrated that Mr. President is a listening

democracy. Many of the crises plaguing the country are better addressed in a national dialogue.

“The Forum therefore supports the setting up of the advisory body to create the framework for convening a national dialogue and shall work with all patriotic Nigerians to ensure that the goals of the national dialogue remain to strengthen existing democratic structures and institutions, negotiate and agree on the terms of living together on the basis of mutual knowledge, mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual love, mutual cooperation and trust and install true federalism in our dear country.”

He, however, nominated, Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN) as a replacement.

His words: “I am presently in London for medicals and may be away from Nigeria for some time.

“I will be glad if I could be replaced in the Presidential Advisory Committee on national dialogue/conference by Mr. Solomon Asemota (SAN) who is a member of The Patriots.”

In another letter dated October 2, Nwabueze commended the president for the bold step.

He said: “We write to congratulate Your Excellency for the indisputable bold step you have taken towards ensuring that a National Conference is convoked before 2015.

“The Patriots regard this

development as epochal and reaffirms the support which we conveyed to you on the occasion of our visit on August 29, 2013.

“It is our fervent hope that nothing would be allowed to stand in the way during the preparation for and execution of the National Conference that would finally bring every Nigerian into the mainstream of governance.

“Please be assured of our highest esteem Your Excellency.”

President Jonathan had announced the list of committee members on October st shortly after his Independence Day broadcast.

The 13-member committee, which has one month to submit its recommendations, is headed by Senator

Femi Okurounmu. Other members are Prof. George Obiozor, Nwabueze, Senator Khairat Gwadabe, Senator Timothy Adudu, Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd), Prof.

Funke Adebayo, Dr. (Mrs) Mairo Ahmed Amshi, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Dauda Birma, Mallam Buhari Bello, Mr. Tony Uranta and Dr. Akilu Indabawa (secretary).

The committee is mandated to consult expeditiously with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed national dialogue/conference. The committee is to also make recommendations to government on structure and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference.

Other responsibilities of the committee are: to make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the national dialogue/conference will be determined; to advise on a timeframe for the national dialogue/conference; to advise government on a legal framework for the national dialogue/conference; to advise government on legal procedures and options for integrating decisions and outcomes of the national dialogue/ conference into the constitution and laws of the nation.

The committee is to also advise government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference.

APGA expresses shock over plane crash …condoles with Agagu family

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he National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has expressed shock and sadness over the plane crash of October 3, 2013, which claimed 13 lives.

In a condolence message through his Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Stan Okeke, Umeh said the party sends its deep condolences to the families of the victims, and prayed for the repose of their souls.

The APGA National Chairman called for full investigation into the crash and handing down of appropriate sanctions to the airline, to prevent future occurrences.

He charged airline operators in the country to first put the safety of their passengers uppermost in their

considerations.

Umeh recalled that so many lives had been wasted through similar crashes in the past, citing the case of Dana Airline which has since resumed operations.

The party, he said, therefore calls for the weeding out of unserviceable aircraft from the Nigerian airspace.

Umeh said that the party regrets that despite the efforts of the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, to reposition the aviation sector, some operators in the industry have continued to sabotage her efforts.

Umeh stated that the unfortunate incident is more painful.

He also, on behalf of APGA, conveyed the party’s heartfelt condolence to the government and people of Ondo State.

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Chris Ngige, presenting his running mate, Ralph Udenze Okeke, two-time member of the House of Representatives, at a function in Awka, the Anambra State capital, at the weekend.

2015: APC accuses Jonathan of using Rivers crisis as test ground SINA FADARE

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the Presidency of using Rivers State as a testing ground for the ‘rule of man’ ahead of the 2015 elections.

The party stated this yesterday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

APC said it regrets the worsening impunity and the violation of constitutional provisions, including the freedom of association and freedom of movement, in the state against those

perceived to be against the President.

Mohammed said: “The arrowhead of these grave acts is none other than the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, a malleable police officer who has put himself above the laws of the land and is now, undoubtedly, the Alternate Inspector-General of Police, who can neither be queried nor redeployed because his puppeteers are in the Aso Rock.

“While we may think this madness is restricted only to Rivers State, the danger is that if those behind the Rivers crisis can get away with their impu-

nity, what prevents them from extending it to other states? What prevents them from raising lickspittle police officers like Mbu to the rarefied ranks of Alternate IGPs where they take orders only from their masters? What will be the implication for the 2015 elections if men like Mbu take charge of all states?

These are the questions that should agitate the minds of all Nigerians.”

APC said it decided to take the issue to the court of Nigerians because it is apparent that even the system of checks and balances set up by the country’s constitution is not enough, hence

a resolution of the National Assembly demanding the redeployment of Mbu has been shredded by the powers that be.

The party said: “When the resolutions of the National Assembly, where the true representatives of the people hold sway, are no longer worth the paper on which they are written, something is definitely wrong.

“If Mbu’s reign of the jungle and President Jonathan’s testing of fascism are allowed to continue in Rivers State, it is only a matter of time before the entire country will become their playground, with deadly consequences for all.”

14

Politics

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL CONFERENCE DEBATE

Why North is not favourable to confab –Sani Anthony Sani is the National Publicity secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF. In this interview with AYODELE OJO, he speaks on the planned National Conference and why the North is not well disposed to the idea. Excerpts:

the challenges as a collective, and not as if the people are not in the same country.

What do you think should be done to the outcome of the dialogue?

We cannot say at this stage. I believe as things unfold we will be in better position to comment more reasonably from more informed positions.

What is your take on the setting up of an advisory committee on National Conference by President Goodluck Jonathan?

There is nothing deserving of reactions in the setting up of the Advisory Committee on the conference, since it is a mere internal working mechanism of the government to recommend the name, the content, the scope, the shape and direction of the conference. In short, to recommend the nature of the conference.

What are your expectations from the committee and the proposed conference?

We never canvassed for the conference and so should not be expected to have a preconception on the conference.

More so that we do believe the problems of Nigeria has more to do with the collapse in our national ideals, collapse in moral values and fall in social contract among groups and among individuals to the extent that our sense of what is right and what is evil has been affected at our collective peril. As a result, there have been failure of leadership inspired by the distorted societal values.

Do you think the committee is well constituted?

The concern of ACF is not on the committee but on real issues of real concern to Nigerians. And that is why we said when the report of the committee on the nature of the conference is submitted and made public, ACF will reasonably react, if there will be need to do so.

What is your assessment of the committee members?

No purpose will be served in any assessment of the members of the committee, since we shall concentrate on the issues raised and not on who raise them.

Would you suggest the priority areas for the advisory committee?

Since we do not believe the problem of Nigeria has to do with the structure of the country, with form of government and soundness of the laws, we hope the committee should concentrate on how to rewire the politics, reengineer our sense of justice, on how to make mercy smarter and hope more strategic by changing the ways Nigerians do things.

How about the agenda for the National Conference?

The agenda should be on how to inspire national solidarity that comes with relative pluralism, instead of promotion of insular particularism along ethnic lines.

ACF has disagreed with Ohanaeze over representation at the conference. Do you think representation should be on equal basis per state or the six geo-political zones?

Any representations on equality, be it by state or geopolitical zone or ethnicity, violates Aristotle’s concept of justice. Aristotle has since thought humanity that injustice is not only when equals are treated unequally, but also when unequals are treated equally. There can be no justice in equal representations by say, Ibos and Idomas in Benue State, or equal representations by South-East and North-West, or equal representations by Bayelsa and Kano states.

Considering the differences in sizes of ethnic nationalities, states and geopolitical zones, I believe those hankering on equal representations by ethnicity, or by state or by geopolitical zone, are trying to reinvent the wheel and redefine democracy to mean minority instead of majority should prevail. This would be outside the precinct of democratic tenets of liberty, justice and common decency that are driven by majority prevails.

Sani

Should there be no-go areas for the conference?

I believe that the national goals are sacrosanct. The only areas open to debates are how to attain such national goals.

Actually, we are in this mess because our party politics is not being played well. For example, because there are national consensus on national problems, solution to which there are no similar national consensus, political parties are expected to represent the different approaches to solving the national problems, whereas elections produce the preferred choice through majority.

Unfortunately, the political parties do not represent clear choices of approaches to solving the problems. And because we operate a political economy where government determines who gets what, why, where, how and when, the choice have been reduced from which party can perform and deliver on the promise of democracy to which political party has the capacity to win elections.

What will be your input for the success of the confab?

No suggestions yet until we know the nature of the conference. All I can say is that Nigerians should not allow transient national challenges to set our national agenda.

We should shape events, and not allow events to shape us.

And that is why we have maintained that national challenges should bring about national grandeur, bring about purposeful leadership and the best in everyone. No nation thrives by victory of its faction but through ultimate reconciliation. Adversity can be cathartic and constructive as well, and not to make us begin to reconsider our living together. After all, we are not the only country crafted together by other powers. For example, only Ethiopia has not been colonized in Africa. Also, Nigeria is not the only diverse country, nor the only one going through security and socio-economic challenges. But what makes the difference between the other countries and Nigeria is the fact that those countries bring their people together and confront

THE NORTH HAS NOT BEEN FAVOURABLY DISPOSED TO CONFERENCE OUT OF GENUINE CONVICTION THAT THE

PROBLEMS OF NIGERIA HAVE MORE TO DO WITH HOW WE DO THINGS THAN ANYTHING ELSE

There is this thinking in some quarters that the North is afraid of conference out of fear that it can result in disintegration and put the North at disadvantage. How far is that true?

No, the North has not been favourably disposed to conference out of genuine conviction that the problems of Nigeria have more to do with how we do things than anything else. Consider the level of corruption – that steals the empowerment, the opportunity and future of most Nigerians – could not possibly be due to structure of the country, or due to form of the government or due to soundness of the laws.

When you consider that even our students do not see the value of knowledge and believe they can buy knowledge through exam malpractices and fake certificates, then it is hard to avoid the conclusion that our problems need cultural renaissance more than anything you can imagine.

How do structure and form of government account for how our judges are so pedantic in their interpretation of the laws in favour of technical justice against the desired substantive justice?

As I talk to you now, most of the oil producing communities are agitating that their share of derivation be given to them directly because their state governments use the whole money for derivation to build flyovers, to build airports and to build five-star hotels in state capitals. What has structure of the country or form of government got to do with that?

Now, instead of addressing such concerns as to why despite all the money to Niger Delta by way of derivation, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta, Amnesty Programme, Petroleum Trust Development Fund, PTDF, etc, which make a state in Niger Delta collect what a whole North East zone collects, the living conditions of the people in Niger Delta have not improved, there is this plan to introduce Host Community Fund in the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. Would you say the managerial imperfections are due to structural defects in the country? I dare say no.

And finally, I want to submit that there are many countries which survive without oil. The North will not sink if the oil suddenly dried tomorrow. As a matter of fact, if the oil dried up tomorrow, all the states of the federation, except Lagos, will be affected.

In any case, the oil will not last for ever. Hear what The Economics August 3rd 2013: “The world’s thirst for oil could be bearing a peak. That is bad news for producers, excellent for everyone else”. More so that over the long history of nations and the long lives of individuals, the powerful and the powerless, the rich and the poor, often change places. So, oil cannot be allowed to shape the North’s vision of Nigeria.

Is that not why the North is opposed to resource control?

The North cannot reasonably oppose derivation as long as it is to reward effort or compensate for degradation of the environment. What the North is not happy with is the factoring of revenue from offshore into derivation. This is because offshore activities are not effort of littoral states nor do they degrade any environment.

There is no country in the world where its natural resources are distributed evenly across the country. That is why the concept of nationhood presupposes that the country’s resources are used to develop the whole country and not only where such resources are exploited. This is because reduction of disparity among groups and among individuals across the globe, not just within a country, is not just about good politics but also about good economics.

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A minister’s endorsement of impunity OUR LEADERS ARE NEVER SEEN TO

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ermit me to engage in rhetorical flourish and make light a very disturbing development which has grave implications for the stake holding of the poor in the Nigerian project. How much is a life worth in Nigeria? When is state’s taking of life justified? Is morbid paranoia by state security institutions an excuse for extra judicial killings? A state is adjudged normal and healthy if it seeks the happiness of the greatest number of the people irrespective of their social class and circumstances of birth.

“Apo 10’ or “Apo killings” is a new coinage, which has entered the Nigerian media lexicon. It emanates from the last September 20 wasting of 10 occupants of an uncompleted building in Apo Village, Abuja under very hazy circumstances by a combined assault team of the military and operatives of the Department of State Security. The ‘hazy circumstances’ arises from the confusion over the true status and identity of the victims. While the security community labelled them members of Boko Haram and thus celebrated their death, some groups and individuals fault such labelling, claim-

A

t the marriages of the glamorous, wine flows endlessly. Uncountable bottles of champagne are popped.

Aso ebi comes in different shades, shapes and colours. Dishes range from the exotic to the continental and traditional. The bridal train is stupefying and long. The photo session is tiring. Music bands are in competition. There is not just ‘naira rain’, there is ‘dollar deluge’, and there is ‘pounds and euro avalanche’. The honeymoon is metaphorically in the moon.

The bride must have imported her fabulous gown from perhaps, the best fashion house in Paris or London. The groom’s suit is customized. The latest limousines or exotic cars of the royalty and the state are on parade. Saving for the wedding is inestimable. Dubbed fairy tale, it is so expensive that matches are rare.

But too soon after the world literally stops for such once a century celebration of love; we are regaled with tales of marital indiscretions. The marriage becomes a facebook affair. Soft sells make huge sales. Gossip columnists have field days.

Romance publishers get good stuffs for their print shops. Like a pack of cards, the marriage crashes. And we are faced with a stark reality that that the matrimonies of the glamorous are the most insecure, most threatened.

I was a secondary school student in the 1980s when the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana was beamed from London to the rest of the world. I savoured every moment of the wedding on

OF THIS COUNTRY ing that the victims were innocent homeless Nigerian tricycle drivers using the targeted uncompleted building as temporary abode. Those who know Abuja will be used to legalised illegal tenants in Gwarimpa Federal Housing Estate and elsewhere.

This confusion over the status of the victims dictate one imperative: circumspective investigation to set the record straight so as to properly locate the burden of guilty, if any, or absorb the security agents from any blame. If there is one issue Nigerians are agreed it is that there is a high level of impunity on the part of government functionaries, especially the security agents. In theory the security institutions are designed to safeguard and realize the full panoply of human rights in the country; but the truth is that they constitute the greatest violators of human rights in Nigeria. Their records of human rights abuses are horrible. This should have dictated that all stakeholders tread softly on the Apo 10 saga so that

the puzzle about the true identity of the victims should have been rationally revolved.

The two chambers of the National Assembly were thus on the right track when they instituted different probe of the killing. Particularly edifying is the promptness they approached the assignment.

Penultimate Thursday, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, appeared before the House of Representatives’ Committee on National Security and Intelligence where he was grilled. Similarly, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which cast the first serious doubts on the explanations of the security agents, saying they could have attempted to cover up the extra-judicial killing of the dead by planting arms in the building to justify the official claim that it was a Boko Haram’s ammunition dump, equally resolved to pursue the link it had.

It is therefore, strange that the FCT Minister and even the Presidency jumped the gun by absorbing the security agents of wrong doing even before the results of the investigations initiated were written.

In sane societies, the actions of government institutions must have been seen to be dictated by the pursuance of higher national interests, and the processes involved in accomplishing this must conform to cherished societal values and not self serving interests of government functionaries masquerading as national interests.

Since the unfortunate convulsion,

emotions have flowed, and both the weak and strong voices have assailed the Federal Government for what is generally seen as another extra judicial killing.

The emotion-laden effusion of Mallam Abdullahi Funtua, father of Muhammad Mashkur, one of the victims, who mourning his son had said: “My son has never seen what a Boko Haram member looks like, even in photograph. He only went to Abuja to eke out a living and now they have murdered him... They have cheated me”, is system disruptive.

The popular imagination that anything that affects the poor of this country would not attract the needed attention of the federal authorities should have made President Goodluck Jonathan to show circumspection in his handling of ther saga. He should have empathised with the victims. Doing so would have neutralised any attempts to politicise it.

Our leaders are never seen to establish strong emotional links with the pauperised and dispossessed people of this country, even when they constitute the biggest bloc of voters. I know you might chip in the fact that the voting power of the biggest voting bloc must have been diminished by the propensity of the members of the bloc to fall for such cheap vote catching inducements like money, salt and rice, but you and I know that political leaders do not help matters by refusing to play the roles of agents of value change simply because doing so might deny them cheap victories during elections.

Matrimonies of the glamorous the tube. I was an assistant editor on the foreign desk of the defunct National Concord when Lady Di crashed with her lover boy Fayed in a tunnel in Paris, while trying to avoid paparazzi trail of her stormy love life. Her end is the classic tragedy of the matrimonies of the glamorous.

In the music and movie industry, it is a rarity for the glamorous to keep a home, to sustain a marriage. In the sporting world, the family life of many stars is something else. The so-called yuppies and yummies are nothing more than show boys and party girls without stable mates. Many upwardly mobile career men and women are hardly successful at keeping partners. For each party or outing, there is a different partner. In my Reflections at Fajr, I realize it is almost a futility for the glamorous to settle down to happy matrimony. A relationship that is profanely celebrated on the newspaper glamour pages is usually a fake show, not built on deep love.

The failure of marriages of the glamorous, or the turmoil that characterizes their union is not surprising. First, matters of the heart that is ordinarily private is not so in their case. Each of their glances, their body languages and everything concerning their lives is a public affair. Often their odious past and relationships are headline items. But they also undo themselves in many instances to break their own homes consciously or unknowingly. They still want to live in their past.

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IS A RARITY FOR THE

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GLAMOROUS TO KEEP A HOME, TO SUSTAIN A MARRIAGE The glamorous are almost always engaged for one public show or the other. As much as they want to keep a home, they never really have the time. So they abandon their kitchens for their maids. They may also abandon their beds for the comfort of First Class cabin on air as they are regular travellers. Living Five Star lives in exotic hotels around the world as show stoppers, they forget that such a life is not natural. It does not last.

The relationship of the glamorous is not helped by the society or the environment, not helped by friends and well wishers. There are those whose love lives are woeful that would not want a success in that of the fellow glamorous.

They have tale bearers as friends. The bride’s maid may be a silent competitor. Some of the groom’s men may have eyed her too, or might have kept intimacy with her before. So, large room for suspicion is usually available in the affairs of the glamorous.

But many of the glamorous too are not natural home makers. As they are

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bred on the Mr. Biggs, and the Tantalizers, they are fast food babes. They are good only on the Red Carpet. They may be experts of the dance floor.

They may have very good dress sense.

They are excellent on fashion magazine covers or as models. But few of them have the patience to keep the family together.

My wife of about 20 years always singles out Omotola Jalade Ekehinde as a glamour woman who is a success in her matrimony. She also thought Funke Akindele would surpass her and shame those of us who think marriages of the famous and glamorous are mostly fake. She is disappointed with the recent crash of the marriage.

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Sacking of New PDP secretariat: Matters arising

O

n Saturday September 7, 2013, armed riot policemen invaded and sealed off the Abuja secretariat of the Abubakar Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (the New PDP) at Plot 4, Oyi River Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, thus scuttling access into the building. From the brazen way the security operatives carried out this assignment, one could be misled into thinking they were executing an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. But alas, the police, centrally controlled by the Federal Government through the Inspector-General of Police and Minister of Police Affairs, acted their own script. It will be recalled that the crisis rocking the mainstream PDP had already been referred for judicial resolution. Justice E. Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had mandated the parties to maintain the status quo ante; an order that appeared a reinforcement of an earlier one handed out by a judge of the Lagos High Court, Justice Ganiyu Salami.

However, a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP, Olisah Metuh, defended the police action. “No person is authorised by law to open a secretariat or operate under the name, colour and flag of the PDP other than the one led

by Tukur”, Metuh reportedly said. But

MOHAMMED

ABUBAKAR SHOULD BE WARY OF THE ACTIONS OF HIS OFFICERS AND MEN IN THE INTEREST OF THE IMAGE, CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE INSTITUTION ENTRUSTED TO HIS CARE this defence seems hardly convincing.

Since the matter was already pending in court, the lawful path any aggrieved party ought to have trodden was to revert to the court for appropriate order (s), instead of taking the law into its own hands using the instrumentality of the police.

Sadly, impunity has eminently begotten series of other lawless excrescences. About the same period under reference, the governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, whose state has been engulfed in alleged sponsored anarchy and restiveness to undermine his authority and executive powers, had another bitter taste of police persecution and calculated embarrassment when he was reportedly prevented by policemen from entering his office.

The governor was returning from an engagement when he was blocked on his way into the Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Despite the fact that he alighted from his official vehicle to identify himself, the police officers, who claimed to be acting on the instruction of the state’s Commissioner of Police, refused him passage to his office. Amaechi was consequently forced to make a U-turn and navigate his way into his office through another route.

The eventual, puerile defence of the police that they never intended to bar the governor from entering his office sounds ridiculous; especially when the development is placed side-by-side with the FG/Ameachi war of attrition dating back to the Nigerian Governor’s Forum election crisis. The police action shows that the rule of law is far from being entrenched in Nigeria, though the country is said to be a democracy.

Power, as even some of those abusing it have agreed, is a delicate weapon that the wise wields with tact and restraint. It goes with enormous sense of responsibility. Power needed not be deployed impulsively and capriciously for it to make the desired impact. The police in Nigeria have a long history of challenges with neutrality as they often fall into the trap of partisanship by acting the script of the government

of the day. One can easily recall the way the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN)-led Federal Government almost absolutely hijacked the police machinery in the Second Republic.

Such was the partisanship of the police under the then Inspector-General, Mr. Sunday Adewusi, that the institution was putatively adjudged to be another organ of the NPN! There is no doubt that many politicians who have no fixed ideological leaning, save their self-serving political ambitions, do engage in the promiscuous antics of deserting the party on whose popularity they rode to power by taking invidious steps to undermine such party’s internal cohesion. Unbridled fractionalisation as a deliberate political strategy to gain bargaining powers and wrest concessions for personal aggrandisement occurs in politics most times. But while it may be morally reprehensible, it is not an illegality, since freedom of association is a fundamental human right guaranteed under the country’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). Therefore, the operational head of the police in the country and Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, should be wary of the actions of his officers and men in the interest of the image, credibility and integrity of the institution entrusted to his care.

ON THIS DAY October 7, 1960 Nigeria joined the United Nations (UN). The UN is an intergovernmental organization whose stated aims include promoting and facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, political freedoms, democracy, and the achievement of lasting world peace. It was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations.

October 7, 2001 The United States’ invasion of Afghanistan began with an air assault and covert operations on the ground. The War in Afghanistan (2001–present) refers to the intervention by the North Atlantic Treat Organisation (NATO) and allied forces in the Afghan political struggle, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to dismantle the alQaeda terrorist organization and to remove from power the Taliban government, which hosted al-Qaeda’s leadership.

October 7, 2003 A historic recall election took place in the US State of California in which the sitting Governor Gray Davis, a Democrat, was overwhelmingly voted out of office. The Republican candidate, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was elected to become the 38th Governor of California over fellow Republican, Tom McClintock and Democrat’s Cruz Bustamante who at the time was the sitting Lieutenant Governor of California.

Cross section of 14 seater buses manufactured at INNOSON Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Co. Ltd, Nnewi, Anambra

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In what many have seen as the first comprehensive master plan for the development of the automotive industry in the country, the Federal Government last week gave its nod to the Automotive Industrial Policy Development Plan, an all inclusive policy to transform the industry and ultimately outlaw the importation of fairly used cars into the country.

By Biodun Alade

L

ast week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) adopted the Automotive Industrial Policy Development Plan, a broad policy plan to develop Nigeria automotive industry, which was part of the ministry of trade and investment’s larger industrial revolution plan.

The plan, according to the trade and investment minister, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, was aimed at ensuring increase flow of investments to stimulate manufacturing of cars and ultimately phase out gradually, the importation of secondhand cars, popularly known as Tokunbo.

As a prelude to the full implementation of the plan, the government has also approved that government should direct that all vehicles purchased by

government should be from the local assembly plants unless it is specialised nature and that National Automotive Council (NAC) has certified that it is not produced in Nigeria.

Aganga believed that “a transformed automotive industry will realise its potential as a major driver of economic growth and diversification, job creation, local value addition, and technology acquisition.”

These recommendations, he said, were adopted at various fora, conferences and consultations with stakeholders, including some original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

He said that the policy is also expected to revive, expand and develop the petrochemical and metal/steel sectors, and facilitate the return of tyre manufacturing industry to profitability to support the sector, adding that the policy was drawn over

a period of nine months with the input of the National Automotive Council (NAC) and some foreign car manufacturing giants.

Major highlights of the new policy include the establishment of three automotive clusters across the country and the revival of the metal/steel sector and the tyre manufacturing industry to support the sector.

The government, he said, has identified and designated automotive clusters in Lagos/Ogun; Kaduna/Kano; and Anambra/ Enugu states as the locations for the manufacturing of the new vehicle to enable them share resources and reduce cost of investments.

The minister disclosed that Nigeria currently spends about N550 billion on the importation of cars into the country annually, adding that this showed that car importation takes the biggest share of the country’s foreign reserves, followed by

machinery.

Aganga argued that the industry is capable of creating more than 700, 000 jobs and that the government through the policy is ensuring “the reduction of importation of what it can produce locally by making it unattractive to import manufactured products,” he said, adding that Nigeria and Bangladesh were the only top countries in the world that did not have a successful automotive policy.

While assuring that the government would work on tariff to encourage local manufacture and discourage importation of vehicles, he said the current administration would take a cue from the various factors that led to the failure in the implementation of similar policies in the past.

Aganga listed some of the pitfalls of such policies in the past as the non-implementation of policies, lack of infrastructure, and inappropriate

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tariff regime, assuring that his ministry had taken note of what led to the collapse of similar policies in the past and had taken measures to avoid the same fate for the new policy.

Already, the minister said the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was working with carmaker, Cena of Brazil, to open automotive training centres while two universities have agreed to start degree programmes in auto mechanical engineering to provide adequate local manpower for the industry.

The policy, he said had the input of foreign car manufacturing giants like Toyota and Nissan, which are expected to soon announce their specific investments in the country. “Banks will be encouraged to operate vehicle purchase schemes to enable Nigerians purchase cars on easy terms and the FRSC will kick off a new vehicle car registration/ tracking system in the next two weeks to check the smuggling of used cars into the country,” he said.

While allaying the fears that the policy would mean an immediate ban on “tokunbo” cars, Aganga noted that, the policy will only focus on promoting investments in affordable madein-Nigeria vehicles that will in future, minimise the importation of vehicles.

According to him, the phasing out second hand vehicles was a gradual process, what the government had done was to raise tariff on importation with a view to discourage the influx of used vehicles into the country while also encouraging local manufacturing.

He said that no responsible government would ban importation of used cars without putting in place viable alternatives even as he argued that the con-

Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

tinued importation of “tokunbo” cars will not jeopardize the plan. “The importation of tokunbo cars will not be a major threat to the plan. Production of vehicles is in stages and involves a long process. You do not remove a thing without providing a viable alternative,” he said.

The director general of NAC, Aminu Jalal, said the policy would help to open up the industry to many international auto manufacturers, adding that automobile companies like Toyota, Nissan, Renault and GM have all indicated interest to invest in Nigeria. This, he said, followed the articulation of a comprehensive automotive development plan, stressing that the companies are now conducting feasibility studies on assembling vehicles in Nigeria.

“The elements of the plan, which will ensure competitiveness and increased productivity of the sector, include industrial infrastructure improvement, skill development, standards, investment promotion, market development and anti-smuggling measures,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), Ibrahim Boyi, lauded the Automotive Industrial Policy Development Plan of the Federal Government but admonished the government to map out strategies for the gradual banning of importation of used vehicles.

Boyi, who held that the importation of used cars had been a great challenge to the industry, said there must be a strict regime on the importation of fairly used vehicles, adding that most of the imported “tokunbo” cars are below the stipulated standard and constitute a major health and environmental

hazard.

“It is something that we have been clamouring for and something we have been hoping for. When you look at the performance of the industry, it has been a very unfortunate situation for the country.

Apart from the environmental effects, importation of used cars had remained a great challenge to the industry.

Most of the vehicles shipped into the country fall short of the stipulated environmental standards of the exporting countries”, he said.

However, some people are already kicking against the policy, insisting that its wholesale implementation will compound the problems of the majority poor and further enrich the few rich. They argued that “tokunbo” car is the luxury of the poor and also a major business for the middle class citizen in the country.

Dr. Peregrino Brimah, a social critic and the founder of Every Nigerian Do Something (ENDS), said that the policy is another wicked attempt by the government to further tie the future of Nigerians to the same cabals that have held the country hostage for a long time.

“A responsible government gives incentives to potential manufacturers to encourage them to venture into valuable and competitive production.

Not Nigeria. In Nigeria, the government compresses the masses and phases out the middle class to entice the cabal and potential investors in the cabal’s firms. Effectively creating an elite monopoly who, unregulated can and will then take advantage of the oligopoly to peg prices for equal or substandard goods at values as high as they choose. This is an ‘enticement’ system,” he said.

In enticing the oligopolists,

Brimah said that the government either purposefully allows the dilapidation of Federal Government industries, to encourage and assist the cabal establish with guarantees of insane profits; or the government, as is in this case and in the case of the Nigerian cement industry, bans importation by competitors, raises tariffs or ‘removes subsidies’ to forcefully entice the cabal into venturing into manufacture while simultaneously shooting up the worth of their investment value.

He insisted that it is not by force that Nigeria must manufacture. “What people need for growth in a global-village new market, is the most competitive price for quality product. Nigeria only needs to manufacture what it has a comparative advantage over. Development can only be achieved by promoting healthy competition in Nigeria,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan had way back in 2010 at the commissioning of an indigenous car manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), in Nnewi, Anambra State, had expressed satisfaction that Innoson was not just assembling parts that are imported from other countries and stressed that stressed that government economic policy was in line with development of private industry and private enterprise.

The chief executive officer of the motor industry, Innocent Chukwuma had stated then that “with adequate encouragement, we can go beyond our present level of operation, and when we operate fully, the auto plant alone can employ as many as 3,200.

He stated that the Nigerian government needs to make a

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serious decision on moving forward with its iron and steel industry by privatisation and giving chance to superior technical and management expertise from the private industry.

“To improve automobile industry in the country, engine blocks must be manufactured in the country. With improvement in the electric power sector and iron-steel industry, Nigeria will join the rest of the productive vehicle manufacturing countries,” he said.

The automobile industry in Nigeria dates back to the early 1960s, when private companies pioneered the establishment of local automobile assembly plants using completely/semi knocked-down parts. The Federal Government became involved in the local auto-mobile production 10 years later after concluding agreements with automobile manufacturers in Europe. Installed capacities of the Nigerian automobile plants were to produce 108,000 cars, 56,000 commercial vehicles, 10,000 tractors, 1,000,000 motorcycles and 1,000,000 bicycles annually.

Given that the industry works at full capacity, it could provide over 300,000 different jobs. However, as the country grew into an oil-dependent economy in the late 1970’s, and the government policy on importation became flexible, automobile manufacturing became difficult and local manufacturing plants could not bear the growing, high cost of production. As a result, capacity utilization in the automobile industry over the years dropped below expectation with vehicle manufacturing below 10 per cent.

In order to revive the automobile industry, the government introduced several importation policies and established the National Automotive Council (NAC) to ensure the survival and growth of the Nigerian automobile industry using local, human and material resources. The overall goal was to enhance the industry’s contribution to the national economy. Vehicle importation however continued to thrive due to the infinite duty evasion techniques by the grey market dealers and sloppy importation policy enforcement, despite the government’s efforts to boost local production.

Analysts are of the opinion that the potential for growth of the Nigerian automobile industry remains enormous. “In a country of over 160 million people, there are approximately eight million vehicles bringing the ratio to 16 passenger vehicles for every 1000 persons.

This does not compare favourably with South Africa which has a ratio of 159 passenger vehicles for every 1000 persons.

This gap creates a unique opportunity for players in the industry,” an analyst said. BC

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Domestic debt market initiative has increased foreign exchange flow – DMO

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO) has said that its domestic debt market initiative had helped to increase inflow of foreign exchange.

It said that this had also contributed to the growth of external reserves and stability of the naira exchange rate.

Dr Abraham Nwankwo, the Director General of DMO, disclosed that “As at the end of December 2012, foreign investors hold in the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) securities amounted to 5.112 billion dollars compared to about 500 million dollars as at end of January 2012.’’

Abraham said that other benefits included increase in the relative share of foreign investors’ holdings in FGN securities, adding that foreign investors accounted for zero per cent in the first quarter of 2012.

According to him, the foreign investors’ shares have increased to 19.52 per cent as at the end of 2012.

He said that the initiative had significantly reduced government’s cost of borrowing and further diversification of investor-base of FGN securities.

On the external debt market initiative, he said that the establishment of Nigerian sovereign bonds in the international market had provided foreign investors with requisite market information for investment decisions.

He said that the DMO had created windows of opportunities for private sector to raise long-term capital for the development of the real sector and infrastructure.

Nwankwo said that some private sector firms had explored and exploited these opportunities both in the domestic bond market and in the International Capital Market (ICM). ``Twenty Nigerian corporates have raised long-term capital of over N200 billion from the domestic debt mar-

ket between 2005 and 2012 to fund the development of the real sector. ``In response to the creation of a sovereign benchmark in the ICM, four Nigerian corporates have taken due advantage to issue Eurobonds between January 2011 and July 2013, amounting to 1.45 billion dollars.’’

He named the organisations to include the Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and First Bank.

Nwankwo said that the ICM, in March 2013, issued a naira dominated debt instrument worth 76 million dollars in the domestic debt market.

This, he said, had established a benchmark for other international bond issuers to tap the growing naira bond market.

Nwankwo assured that the DMO would continue to encourage more Nigerian organisations to leverage on the existing sovereign benchmarks to raise long-term capital in the domestic market and ICM.

involve group of farmers and local communities in climate risk planning, implementation, evaluation of project interventions to strengthen the capacity, enhance adoption of new technologies and practices that reduce climate vulnerability.”

The statement said further that the project would place emphasis on community-level infrastructure projects, such as small-scale community-level flood control, diversion structures, small-scale irrigation schemes and water reservoirs.

Umar

AfDB approves $38m for Zambia to combat climate change

T

he African Development Bank has said that it had approved $38 million to help smallholder farmers in the southern African nation respond to the effects of climate change.

The funds will strengthen the capacity of 800,000 rural communities who depend on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources to better respond to the consequences of climate change.

The project is designed to support the country’s Strategic Programme for Climate Resilience by helping foster sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty and enhance food security, according to a statement released by the bank’s office in Zambia.

The project will respond to the consequences of climate change such as floods and droughts and strengthen the climate resilience of rural roads that link farmers to markets, the statement added. ``The development will

Michael Sata, Zambian President

Customs misled Minister of Transport on port congestion

By Francis Ezem

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in Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) Limited at the weekend took a swipe at the Nigeria Customs Service over its complicity in the current congestion rocking the Tin Can Island Ports Complex (TICT),Apapa in the last one month.

TICT is the concessionaire in charge of Tin Can Island Container Terminal made up of Ashaye and other terminals at the Tin Island Ports Complex.

Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, had two weeks ago visited the port in company of the Controller of the Tin Can Island command of the service; Zakari Jibrin, when the minister alleged that the most cogent cause of the congestion was the lack of equipment and other logistics by the terminal operator.

Managing Director of TICT, Yehuda Kotic, who spoke in an exclusive interview in Lagos at the weekend, disclosed that the company has the best stock of equipment among all the concessionaires currently operating in Nigeria.

According to him, apart from being a global firm with two major shareholders from China and France, Kotic revealed that the company was the first to acquire Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes in Nigeria, which are noted for efficiency and safety in the handling of containers, most of which are currently under-utilised.

He, however, noted that the impression of the minister

on the possible cause of the congestion was based on the information given to him by the controller in charge of the Tin Can Island command of the service, Mallam Jibrin, who accompanied the minister to the port.

“With due respect, he is the Minister of Transport and there is no doubt about that but it is not every details about the operations of the ports that he knows and his decision to visit the ports to assess the extent of the congestion was in order but they did not tell him the root cause of the congestion”, he insisted.

According to him, the mode of operation of the service largely contributes to the build-up of containers at the ports, noting that as the terminal operator, his company does 24- hour operation all through the seven days of the week while Customs works within the regular working hours Mondays-Fridays.

He also said: “We operate 24/7 all through the week including weekend and public holidays while customs officers report for work only MondayFriday. There was one particular public holiday for about four days including weekends and we were here working and Customs was not here, why will there not be congestion?”, he questioned.

In terms of plants and equipment, he disclosed that the company has in its fleet over 150 pieces of refer plugs, more than seven units of mobile harbour cranes, 15 units of rubber tyre gantry cranes and also operates Terminal Operating System.

It was also gathered that the terminal which is fully automated has over 13 pieces of reach stackers, four units of top loaders, about 47 pieces of tug masters, three forklifts and over 51 units of yard trucks.

In addition to the inefficiency of the service, Kotic noted the state of common user infrastructure around the terminal does not make for efficient delivery of cargo.

He cited the example of the Nigerian Ports Authority access gate, which he said had remained two lane since the conclusion of the reform while the gate into the terminal is a six-lane gate with three for those coming in and three for those going out.

He regretted that when trucks move out successfully out of the terminal, it becomes a big problem leaving the ports because of the nature of the NPA gates, which causes lots of bottleneck at that point, a development that is worsened by the presence of multiple government security agencies extorting money from the truckers with the attendant hiccups on movement.

Kotic, who scored the port

reform programme of the government high however regretted that corruption, bureaucracy on the part of the agencies of the government have made a mess of the entire system.

The minister had inked the cargo build-up with inadequate logistics supply by the concessionaire, TICT. The minister who questioned the unprofessional transfer of cargo from the terminal to the scanning site had noted that the congestion would have been averted if the delays associated with feeding the scanning facilities with containers were identified early and checked.

Adeseyi Sijuade, NRC Boss

6,000 applicants jostle for 295 vacancies in Railways

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o fewer than 6, 000 applicants have applied for 295 vacancies at the headquarters of the North Western District of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Minna.

The NRC District Public Relations Officer, Sheriff Razaq, who said this stated that the district would short list the names of qualified candidates soon while the date of the interview would be communicated to them. ``We have received a total of 6, 000 applications for 295 job vacancies advertised,’’ he said.

The spokesman said successful candidates in the interview would work in the three states of Niger, Kaduna and Kwara which were all under the district.

Razaq said out of the 295 vacancies, the Operations and Commercial Department of the corporation would absorb 82 new staff with a minimum qualification of secondary school certificate and maximum qualification of National Diploma.

He said the Administrative Department of the corporation would employ 10 new staff with minimum of secondary school certificate and maximum of National Diploma certificate as qualifications.

The Signal and Telecommunication Department would also absorb 28 new workers with minimum of Trade Test and maximum of National Di-

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News ploma as qualifications.

Razaq said the Mechanical Engineering Department of the corporation would get 15 new staff with minimum qualification of Trade Test and maximum qualification of National Diploma certificates.

He also said that the Civil Engineering Department would engage 160 new staff with minimum qualification of primary school certificate and maximum qualification of secondary school certificate.

IFAD-assisted programme creates 20, 000 jobs in Niger Delta

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he Community-Based Natural Resource Management Programme (CBNRMP) has so far created 20,000 jobs, according to Irene JumboIbeakuzie, the National Programme Coordinator.

Jumbo-Ibeakuzie made this known in Asaba while making a presentation during the working visit of Dr Kanayo Nwanze, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to Delta.

The programme, which is being financed with a loan from IFAD, is being implemented in the nine Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

She said that the jobs were created in the rice, cassava, palm oil, fisheries and livestock value chains in addition to vocational schemes.

According to her, 1,277 enterprises have been established by women and youths through the programme’s capacity building efforts, technical assistance, mentorship, starter-kit provision and service market linkage, leading to the creation of a total of 20,000 jobs.

“Success recorded by the programme also reflects in the overwhelming influx of women and sin the ownership of the various crops, livestock, fisheries and processing enterprises, to increase their income and improve their standard of living.’’

She said that the programme also recorded ``tremendous’’ increase in the production of commodities such as rice and cassava.

According to her, vegetables, yam, plantain and pineapple all witnessed increased production just as poultry, piggery and goat-keeping.

“Over 150 per cent increase in fish production was recorded from about 0.7kg fish at baseline to 1.8 kg fish and over 250 per cent increase in artisanal fish production from about 10 kg to 35 kg per fishing cycle.’’

Jumbo-Ibeakuzie said that partnership with some groups, including the Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN), Micro Finance Institutions and Micro Finance Banks, resulted in more than N21 million credit to farmer groups while over N751 million income was generated.

She explained that the programme promoted various quick-win economic enterprises in fish production and processing, poultry, snailery, piggery, rabbitry, and small ruminant fattening.

Jumbo-Ibeakuzie said that the programme impacted on agricultural diversification and food security as it recorded dry season vegetable production with indigenous sprinkler irrigation, dry-season rice production, yam mini-set technologies and snailery production. ``The use of indigenous sprinkler irrigation is benefiting over 60 women who make an average of over N120,000 each per annum from vegetable enterprise.’’

On counterpart funding, she said that the Federal Government had paid more than N1.2 billion out of the outstanding N1.7 billion while the benefiting states had paid only N2.3 billion out of N4.7billion.

She further said that Ondo State paid the highest amount representing 77.9 per cent with Imo contributing the lowest at 4.75 per cent, adding that out of the N4.92 billion counterpart funds for the local government councils, only N790.8 million had been paid.

Joseph-Kabila, DR Congo President

this opportunity to reaffirm the bank’s willingness to support the Republic of Congo in its efforts to diversify its economy and manage its natural resources. ``The government’s decision to identify the mining sector as a priority sector is a very important one because the Republic of Congo can effectively become a major power in the mining industry both on the African and world stage and significantly stimulate the nonpetroleum economy,’’ she said.

The bank’s representative said that the eventual strategy of promoting the mining sector would contribute towards development and reduce poverty in the country.

Kouame urged the Congolese government to revise its legal and taxation laws on the mining sector.

This, she said, would help to consolidate the progress achieved since the coming into force of the mining code in 2005.

Regarding negotiations in the mining sector, the World Bank official pointed out the need for the state to have the necessary expertise when negotiating contracts with mining companies.

The two-day conference was organised by the Republic of Congo’s Mines ministry in partnership with Ametrade Ltd., to bring together participants from Africa and elsewhere to promote opportunities in the Congolese mining sector.

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Jumbo-Ibeakuzie

Don blames food production decline on climate change, cellophane bags

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World Bank to support Republic of Congo in mining development n an effort to diversify the economy, the World Bank is set to support the Republic of Congo in the development of the mining sector, the bank official, Sylvie Dosso Kouame, said.

Kouame made the statement in Brazzaville at the opening of the first international conference on mines in Congo. ``It is an honour to have

has decried the low enrolment of students for agricultural programmes in the universities and colleges of agriculture.

The chamber expressed the concern in a communiqué issued in Enugu at the weekend after its Fourth National Agricultural Exhibition and Symposium.

The communiqué, signed by the Director General of ECCIMA, Emeka Okereke, and the resource analyst, Prof. Peter Nnabude, said the situation indicated that the agricultural transformation agenda had yet to impact on the youth.

It called on the agencies charged with agricultural development to carry their crusade to the youth through the universities and colleges. ``We want to call on the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Agriculture to sponsor model agricultural farms in universities and colleges to encourage skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in agriculture among the youth. ``We invite relevant ministries, departments and agencies involved in agriculture transformation to explore avenues to collaborate with ECCIMA to promote the agrarian revolution,’’ the communiqué said.

It, however, appreciated the efforts of the federal government toward revamping the agricultural sector, adding that it was necessary for the development of the economy.

The communiqué also commended the Raw Materials Research and Development Agency (RMRDA) for its consistent participation and support for agricultural programmes and called on other MDAs to emulate it.

Okereke

ECCIMA decries low enrolment of students in agric programmes

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he Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA)

university lecturer has blamed the decline in food production on climate change, the use of inadequate technologies and the menace of cellophane bags in the environment.

Prof. Abayomi Omotosho of the University of Ilorin made this assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin.

Omotosho, a professor of Agricultural Economics, noted that the climate change phenomenon, which had continued to trigger irregular rainfall patterns, was a major concern for the agriculture sector.

According to him, the irregularities of the rains and their intensity have increased damage on farm lands through flooding.

He also said that the indiscriminate disposal of cellophane bags was a menace to the environment. ‘’Cellophane bags have reduced the quality of life in Nigeria. I think using them in this country is the biggest mistake we have ever made because we do not know how to use them effectively. ‘’Cellophane bags do not biodegrade and the way we use them, apart from agriculture, they clog the drains and pose a huge environmental hazard. ‘’Biodegradable materials decay naturally without any scientific treatment but this is not the case for cellophane; it does not decay. ‘’They also affect the roots of crops on farms. Going back to packing foods in leaves is more environment-friendly than cellophane bags,’’ he said.

Cellophane is transparent cellulose-based material that can contribute to the formation of ground level ozone which is considered an air pollutant.

It is produced using carbon disulfide which is a volatile compound that occurs naturally in the atmosphere.

Carbon disulfide can react with other volatile compounds in the air to form smog; it can also irritate the respiratory and nervous systems and damage the eyes.

The don, therefore, urged the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to institute policies that encourage the recycling of cellophane bags.

This, he said, would not only reduce its drastic effect on the society, but also create employment opportunities for the people. ‘’If people know that they can make a little money from the collection of used cellophane bags from households, they will take good care of these bags.’’

Professor Omotosho also observed that the country was lagging behind in the usage of modern agricultural technologies which enhance agricultural productivity. ‘’We are relying on millions of small-scale producers but we don’t need many people in agriculture if the facilities are there in terms of production technology, harvest technology and storage technology.’’

On research, Omotosho said: If research institutes are adequately funded by the government, more research results would be achieved. ‘’If we did not have oil, many things would have been better in Nigeria because we would have been forced to look for solutions and take other sectors seriously. ‘’If you look at Cocoa House and the former University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), they were built from cocoa money and you would

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News see commitment to this crop back then. ‘’Those buildings were products of thoughts of different people, it wasn’t easy money, they worked for it and it was worthwhile.’’

The In-House Review Meeting is an annual event that provides a forum for scientists to discuss and exhibit the results of their works.

It is with a view to ensuring that relevant technologies reach the end users in line with the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

It is also an avenue for stakeholders to brainstorm on the various ways to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food security and sufficiency in the country.

The meeting attracted about 100 participants drawn from research institutes, universities, Ministries of Agriculture, Agricultural Development Projects and NGOs, farmers’ associations as well as agro-allied and chemical companies.

Its theme was ‘’Food Preservation Research Transformation through Competitive Technology Development’’.’’

Create enabling environment for new automotive policy, FG told

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he Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Jacob Fayeun, has urged the Federal Government to create enabling environment for manufacturing of vehicles in Nigeria.

Fayeun who spoke in Lagos against the backdrop of the new national automotive policy approved by the Federal Executive Council last week, urged the Federal government to put in place a suitable environment before the implementation of the new automotive policy.

“An enabling environment for local manufacturing of vehicles should first be provided

to avoid new challenges. The plan to ban imported vehicles is laudable as it will attract investors into the country. ``It will also challenge our youths in technical colleges to make career in motor manufacturing and mark the beginning of a new regime of development. For the technicians, it will mean a higher level for us as we have also been receiving training in global best practises in automobile technology and will continue to do so,” he said.

Fayeun said that the association needed the assistance of Lagos State Government to provide lands for the establishment of befitting mechanic villages.

He said that the incessant demolition of mechanic villages in the state had made work difficult for automobile technicians.

Fayeun commended the Federal Government for initiating the development that would upgrade mechanic villages in Nigeria.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, said that the policy would not merely result in outright banning of imported second hand vehicles.

He said that it would focus on promoting investments in affordable Made-in-Nigeria vehicles that would reduce importation of vehicles.

Nigeria now produces 20million tonnes of cement annually – MAN

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Adegbenro

tonnes by next year if the ban was maintained.

Adegbenro said he was optimistic that Nigeria would become a net exporter of cement in the West African sub-region ``if government will adequately protect the sector’’.

He said the protection would enable new generation of Industries to thrive. ``China locked its doors against foreign imports for decades, until its industries became strong enough to compete globally,’’ he said.

The DG noted that the ban on other imported products like fruit juice had created employment opportunities as well as attracted more investors into the country. ``If you produce locally, you will employ more young Nigerian graduates. MAN mounted pressure on the government to ban the importation of fruit juice. Today, there are more than 40 companies producing fruit juice in the country,’’ he said.

Adegbenro called on the Federal Government to also ban the importation of produce in other sectors of the economy.

asheed Adegbenro, the Acting Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), on Friday said that local production of cement increased from 2.3 million metric tonnes in 2003 to 20 million metric tonnes in 2013.

Adegbenro, who disclosed this In an interview attributed the increase to the ban on importation of cement.

He said that production could rise to 40 million metric

Ibrahim Geidam, Yobe State Governor

Yobe awards N6bn contract for reconstruction of highway

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Oloketuyi

Wema Bank ready to secure national banking licence – MD

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A local Automobile Manufacturing Company

bank had successful completed its N40 billion special placement and allotment of the shares as approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

He said that 26.68 billion ordinary shares of 50k each valued at N40 billion were allotted to successful institutional and private investors at N1.50k per share in two tranches.

“With this development, the share holding structure of the bank remains diverse with no single investor having controlling shareholding in the bank,” he said.

The managing director commended all its stakeholders for their support in ensuring the success of the capital raise drive which began few months ago.

He said that the board and management would remain committed to ensuring that the bank regained its pride of place in the industry without compromising on values and standards.

egun Oloketuyi, Managing Director of Wema Bank, says the bank will soon secure a national banking licence following successful completion of N40 billion special placement.

Oloketuyi who disclosed this in a statement said that the bank would, in the next couple of days, commence the process of securing a national banking licence.

Oloketuyi also said that the

he Yobe Government has awarded a N5.9 billion contract for the rehabilitation of the 77-kilometre DamaturuBiu highway.

The state’s Commissioner for Works, Shettima Lawan, who signed the contract on behalf of the State Government, said the road, constructed 40 years ago, had been reduced to a death trap.

“Government is investing on this road to provide relief to people and promote economic activities among communities and neighbouring states.

“Work will commence from the Gujba road roundabout to the state’s university gate and will proceed with a single carriage way from the university to our borders with Borno State.”

Lawan who said the project would be executed within 24 months, assured government’s commitment to fulfilling its contractual obligations as at when due.

He charged the contractors,

Ric Rock Construction Company, to adhere to the agreement.

The Managing Director of the construction firm, Joseph Ezekiel, assured the State Government that the project would be completed within the stipulated time.

“We assure you of quality work in accordance with specifications in the bill of quantity with hope to complete the work before the 24 months time frame,” he said.

NAFDAC warns distributors of dairy drinks against unwholesome practices

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doekpo Ekpo, Chief Regulatory Officer, NAFDAC Aba office, on Friday warned distributors of dairy and fruit drinks in the town to desist from distributing unregistered products.

Ekpo gave the warning in Aba at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by NAFDAC for members of the Dairy and Food Drinks Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (DAFMAN) and their distributors.

“Any regulated product, which is the ones that are packaged and labelled, without NAFDAC number is a fake product no matter the quality it may claim.

“This is because it has not passed through any verification process.

“Do not sell or distribute such because it is against the law. We are sensitising you to keep you from the hands of the law. Desist from distributing or selling unregistered products.

“If after this programme, you are caught, you will have yourself to blame. Please do what is right so that together, we will advance our society,” Ekpo said.

He urged members of the association and their distributors to always protect their products and to follow standard procedures, to ensure that their products were safe for consumption.

According to him, dairy products are prone to contamination by microbes hence the need to handle them carefully and hygienically to ensure the safety of the consumers.

Ekpo charged the members of the association to involve the waste disposal agency in the state in disposing their wastes.

He said it was only by doing so that they would not contaminate the environment with industrial waste products.

The Vice Chairman of DAFMAN, Dennis Chidi, said that the association was happy that NAFDAC arranged the programme for members of the

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News association.

He said many manufacturers of dairy products were operating illegally hence the need to educate them on best practices.

Chidi said that from Oct. 4, everybody should ensure that steps should be taken to meet the standards set by the authorities in dairy production and distribution.

Anyim

FG urges private sector to partner with SON

By Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

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n its quest to bolster investments, deepen trade and capacity of local industries, the Federal Government has called on the organised private sector to partner with the Standards organization of Nigeria (SON) in the setting up accredited testing laboratories across the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, who stated this at ground-breaking ceremony of SON’s ultra modern laboratory complex at Ogba in Lagos, stated that the enormous responsibility of implementing the Federal Government’s policies to curb the worrisome influx and distribution of substandard products has been placed on SON. “All these activities rely to a large extent on results of relevant tests and analysis from well equipped and accredited laboratories. I therefore seize this opportunity to call on stakeholders and other development partners particularly the organised private sector to continue to support and collaborate with SON for the greater benefit of the Nigerian consumers,” he said.

Anyim who was represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Jamila Shuara, stated that the provision of better equipped laboratories for SON was part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, to encourage foreign direct investments, SME growth as well as industrial cluster sectors to strengthen the purchasing capacity of the average Nigerian consumer.

Underscoring the enormous capital outlay for the imple-

mentation of the unique project and assured government support, the SGF stated that it was pertinent that SON and the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment continue to explore public-private-partnerships to upscale infrastructural development.

The director general of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, stated that the completion of the project comprising of facilities for testing 22 various activities and the training of its staff will increase the agency’s efficiency in delivering its mandate to the Nigerian public which is primarily to rid the country of substandard products.

“There is no internationally accredited laboratory in the country and in the sub-region presently but with this edifice, the name of Nigeria will be written among those countries with accredited laboratories,” he enthused.

He noted that setting of accredited laboratories would ensure self-sustainability, in that without the help of government in the next 5-10 years, the agency could afford to train its staff and keep the laboratories running very well.

He added that the SON will continue to ensure products’ traceability through its e-product registration initiative and that full enforcement will commence from month of October, warning that any product found wanting will be immediately removed from the market.

Chairman, governing council of SON, Abubakar Mustapha, noted that the agency requires stable funding to enable it really work. He also pledged the unflinching support of the council to the DG’s campaign of zero tolerance to sub-standard products and the recent e-product registration exercise.

A representative of the manufacturers association of Nigeria (MAN) Adeyemi Foluonsho, congratulated SON on the laudable initiative and pledged manufacturers’ total support and cooperation in complying with the new e-products registration exercise.

The group managing director of Wempco Nigeria limited, Lewis Tung, noted that the development was good for the country’s image as it would send a strong signal to other countries that products bearing made-in-Nigeria were up to international standards.

development of the sub sector of the economy.

The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Amina Katagum, who stated this during a courtesy visit on the Director General/CEO of SMEDAN, Bature Umar Masari, said that all the necessary machinery has been set in motion to inaugurate the State Council on MSMEs. This she said is in line with the Federal government’s drive towards propelling MSMEs to serve as a veritable vehicle for job creation, wealth generation and poverty alleviation. ”The state already had its local committee on MSMEs, whose current membership cuts across the 20 local governments of the state and some other stakeholders,” she said Hajiya Katagum thanked the Director-General for the support which Bauchi state government has been receiving from the agency, stressing that the state would key into SMEDAN’s One Local Government One Product (OLOP) programme.

She solicited the Agency’s support to leverage on the comparative advantage the state has in Bee-farming.

The Commissioner also revealed that the State Governor, Isa Yaguda has approved the renovation of the Industrial Development Centre (IDC) located in Bauchi, so as to boost the MSME sector in the State.

She called on the DirectorGeneral to assist the State in utilizing the centre for the benefits of small entrepreneurs in the State.

Umar Masari in his remarks expressed happiness that the Bauchi state government was going to upgrade the IDC located in the state, adding that there was an ongoing initiative by the Federal Government geared towards rehabilitating all the 23 IDCs in the country, so that by the end of 2014 all of them would be functioning, either by individuals, States or even by concessionaire.

The Director-General appreciated Bauchi State Government for always standing out and pledged the Agency’s support all the way, more especially on the Bee-farming.

Bauchi plans to inaugurate MSME council

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auchi state government is set to inaugurate a micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in line with its vision to promote and sustain the

Isa Yuguda, Bauchi State Governor

had allowed subscribers to migrate to other networks of their choice and still maintained their original numbers.

He said the scheme would further motivate operators to improve on service delivery, tariff reduction and improved bandwidth services.

Ogunbanjo

Telecoms subscribers want additional base stations

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eolu Ogunbanjo, President of National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), has advised telecom operators to erect additional Base Transceiver Station (BTS) to improve the quality of their services.

Ogunbanjo said in Lagos that erecting more infrastructures would effectively reduce the number of dropped calls and improve the Internet speed.

According to him, telecom operators should ensure they erect additional masts to meet up with the increasing number of subscribers in the country.

Ogunbanjo decried the wilful destruction of base stations and advised state governments to do everything possible to protect telecom infrastructure in their areas.

The NATCOMS official said the telecoms operators were still facing some challenges in the deployment of base stations.

He urged government to look into these challenges with a view to providing lasting solutions to them, adding that about 150 base-stations were lost in 2012 due to bombing and flooding.

He also said that many of these base stations were also affected by natural and manmade disasters, stressing that the low telecom tariff regime in the country was a welcome development as this had encouraged subscribers to make more calls.

The association president said that the low tariff regime would impact on the economy in the long run from the additional revenue that would accrue to government. ``Low tariffs from the operators have increased the number of calls frequency, hence the current BTS cannot accommodate effective service.

With more base stations to accommodate the volume of voice calls, I am very optimistic that all telecoms operators will further reduce their tariffs,” he said.

Ogunbanjo said that the Number Portability Scheme

Organic farming boosts production by 80% – Expert

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n agricultural expert, Samuel Ayodele, has said that organic farming was less expensive and could increase the level of production by 80 per cent.

Ayodele, a consultant with Zenith Energy Enzymes Ltd., a manufacturer of agro-allied products said in Jos that crops produced using organic fertiliser enjoyed greater patronage in the market than those cultivated with inorganic fertiliser.

According to him, organic farming relied on ecosystem management, including the use of pesticides and fertilisers derived from plant, animal wastes and minerals. “Research has shown that inorganic fertiliser has harmful effects on crops, whereas organic fertiliser less harmful and environmentally friendly.

“Organic fertiliser which is very affordable, helps to boost the nutrients on the ground, and therefore, allows the soil to absorb them, which makes the production of crops very high and does not waste much time.

“For instance, planting maize with chemical fertiliser takes up to four months for the maize to be ready for harvest, while with organic fertiliser, you will harvest your maize in two months.’’

He noted that most developed nations were promoting organic farming. “In the US for instance, organic farming is rapidly one of the fastest growing sectors of their economy today. ``In 2006, organic food sales reached 16.7 billion dollars, reflecting an increase of seven billion dollars against the 2001 figure. Japan and Europe are also recording tremendous improvements in that regard.

“Today, in most developed countries, food produced organically are specially labelled and sold at higher prices,’’ he said, while urging Nigerian farmers to adopt organic farming.

He said that the less time, energy and resources farmers invested, the more qualitative products would be realised to make farming at all levels profitable.

He called on the government to encourage farmers to go into organic farming to attract more Nigerians into farming. BC

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Williams

Twitter plans to raise $1bn in IPO

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ocial networking company, Twitter has said it plans to raise $1bn (£619m) in its stock market debut in documents filed with US regulators.

In the filing, the seven-yearold company said that it now has 218 million monthly users and that 500 million tweets are sent a day.

It made a loss of $69m in the first six months of 2013, on revenues of $254m and will be the largest Silicon Valley stock offering since Facebook’s listing in 2012.

Analysts said that the offering was likely to get a good response.

“Social media is red hot,” said Internet analyst Lou Kerner. “Twitter is front and centre benefiting from market enthusiasm for all things social and remarkably strong metrics.”

The filing also revealed Twitter’s finances for the first time.

While the company has never made a profit, its revenue has grown from just $28m in 2010 to $317m by the end of 2012.

Around 85 per cent of Twitter’s revenue last year came from ad sales; the rest was from licensing its data.

The company takes in a significant portion of its ad revenue from mobile devices, an important metric often tracked by analysts.

As of 2013, over 65 per cent of the company’s advertising revenue was generated from mobile devices. More than 75 per cent of Twitter users accessed the site from their

mobile phone during that same time period.

Some analysts said that the decision by the firm to raise capital indicated that it was keen on improving the way people enjoy content on its platform and how advertisers connect with its users.

“Users should be happy about this,” said Zachary Reiss-Davis, an analyst with Forrester.

“It looks like Twitter is looking at how to enrich the experience and it understands that to build a successful service, they have to create something people like and want to come back to and spend time on.”

Peter Esho from Sydneybased Invast Financial Services, added that Twitter’s ease to use had seen it increase its user base, making it an attractive option for advertisers.

“I think what Twitter has working in its favour is that it’s very easy to use: it doesn’t eat up too much bandwidth for the average user in places where broadband penetration is low,” he said.

The filing also revealed that two of the company’s co-founders, Evan Williams and Jack Dorsey, own significant stakes in Twitter, and could stand to take in significant sums from the company’s stock market listing.

Twitter indicated three weeks earlier that it had filed for a public stock market offering.

However, under a new law passed by Congress in 2012, it did not have to reveal its financial documents because it had revenue of less than $1bn.

But by releasing the documents publicly, it gave an indication that it hopes to complete its stock sale soon.

The company plans to list under the stock symbol TWTR, but it did not reveal which stock exchange, the Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange, it had chosen.

Swiss regulator investigates banks over foreign exchange deals

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Dorsey

witzerland’s financial regulator is investigating possible manipulation of foreign exchange rates at several Swiss financial institutions.

The regulator, FINMA, said several banks, including some from outside Switzerland, could be implicated.

It is coordinating the investigation closely with authorities in other countries but would give no further details on the investigations or the banks potentially involved.

Swiss Banking, the group that represents the nation’s

Patrick Raaflaub, Head of Swiss financial regulator FINMA.

banks, said it had no further information.

The Swiss announcement follows reports in June that the British regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), was looking into whether traders manipulated benchmark foreign-exchange rates to increase profits.

This followed an investigation by Bloomberg News that found that dealers shared information and used client orders to move the rates.

The FCA, which does not announce its investigations, only its enforcement actions, said: “We are aware of the allegations and we have been speaking to relevant parties.”

London is by far the world’s biggest market for foreign currency trading, with 41 per cent of global turnover, according to the Bank for International Settlements.

New York has a 19 per cent share, followed by Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Switzerland accounts for 3.2 per cent of foreign exchange trading.

Samsung forecasts record profits

S

amsung Electronics, the world’s biggest mobile phone and TV maker, has forecast record profits for the July-to-September quarter.

It expects operating profit of 10.1 trillion won ($9.4bn; £5.8bn) for the quarter, a 25 per cent jump from a year ago.

The profit guidance beats many analyst forecasts.

Samsung has enjoyed tremendous success with its Galaxy range of smartphones, but there had been concerns recently that its growth rate may be slowing.

“The company is doing a phenomenal job of continuing its growth rate,” said Andrew Milroy, an analyst with consulting

firm Frost & Sullivan.

“One would have expected that its growth rate may be hit by the emergence of other cheaper mobile phone makers.

But it doesn’t seemed to have happened, at least not yet,” he added.

The success of its Galaxy range of smartphones has seen Samsung become the leading player in the global mobile phone market.

Analysts say the company’s policy of catering to the low and high-end segments of the market has proved particularly effective.

Samsung has launched top-end products such as the Galaxy S4 in a bid to take on the likes of Apple’s iPhone.

It has also introduced lowcost smartphones targeted at customers in emerging markets such as India and China.

Many mobile phone operators in those markets do not subsidise phones, making low-cost devices a much more attractive option for many consumers.

“Samsung realises that growth opportunities in emerging markets are key to overall success of their business, and they have been smart enough to tap into it,” said Milroy.

Last month, Samsung said that it is planning to launch handsets with curved displays.

It exhibited prototype products with bendy and extendable screens in January this year, but there are doubts as to how this technology can be mass-produced cheaply and reliably.

The firm also launched a smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, last month - beating Microsoft, Apple and Google in the race to bring this type of technology to market.

The smartwatch has a colour screen that can show alerts, be used for voice calls and run apps.

Exxon secures extra $1.5bn financing for PNG LNG

E

xxon Mobil has secured an additional $1.5 billion in debt financing for its $19 billion Papua New Guinea liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, its project partner Oil Search (OSH.AX) said on Friday.

The $1.5 billion in supplemental financing will help cover overruns at the 6.9 million metric ton (1 metric ton = 1.1023 tons) per year LNG development, where costs climbed to $19 billion from $15.7 billion late last year.

PNG LNG remains on track to deliver its first LNG cargoes in 2014, Oil Search said.

Partners in PNG LNG,

Michael Somare, PNG Prime Minister

led and operated by Exxon Mobil subsidiary Esso Highlands Ltd, include Oil Search, National Petroleum Company Papua New Guinea (NPCP), Santos (STO.AX), JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration, Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Resources Development Company and Petromin PNG Holdings Limited.

The PNG LNG project is Papua New Guinea’s biggestever resources development and could lift GDP by 20 per cent.

Obama,, US President

Oil steady at $109 as US govt. shutdown continues

B

rent crude edged above $109 a barrel on Friday as stakeholders expressed concerns over a prolonged US government shutdown.

The shutdown was triggered by a row over state spending were offset by a tropical storm curbing supply in the Gulf of Mexico.

The US Gulf basin provides nearly a fifth of daily US oil output.

Energy companies in the Gulf of Mexico started shutting in production and evacuating some workers on Thursday.

The US shutdown, hits its fourth day on Friday, was expected to hurt demand in the world’s largest oil consumer as nearly a million government workers are home without pay.

But with energy companies shutting in production as Tropical Storm Karen headed towards the gulf basin, supply disruptions supported prices.

Brent crude rose from 25 cents to $109.25 after settling 19 cents lower in the previous session. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

A9 25

He is one of the founding fathers of Advertising practice in Nigeria.

Indeed, his contributions, along others like Ifeanyichukwu Moemeka, Olu Falomo, May Nzeribe, Bel-Molokwu and Sylvester Nwobu-Alor, to a very large extent, laid the foundation upon which the industry is built.

Today, several years after he rose to become the chief executive of arguably the best and biggest advertising agency in Nigeria at the time, Lintas, he still holds a commanding influence in modern advertising practice, particularly in the area of training which he currently devotes most of his time to. He is Dr. Christopher Awusa Doghudje.

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

T

oday, from whichever perspective that one decides to assess him, he is no doubt an accomplished authority on advertising and public relations, both in theory and practice.

Born on July 8, 1939, in Usiefrun, in Ughelli South of Delta State to a poor, illiterate and peasant farming family of late Michael and Cecelia Doghudje, Christopher’s over 46 years of remarkable practice in the advertising industry, has not only clinically lifted the name of his poor family, it has also positioned him as one of the major pillar upon which this critical sector is

built.

Indeed, Awusa Doghudje’s years of dutiful services in the advertising industry in Nigeria will for long remain indelible, just as his three-year tenure as the Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, has remained one of the watersheds in the industry.

Popularly referred to as Chris, he is the first son and the third child out of five children. He attended the village school until he was 10 years old in 1949, when the young Chris moved to Sacred Heart Primary School 1, Warri to finish his primary education in 1953.

In 1954, he enrolled at a commercial school known as United College of Commerce

Doghudje

and in 1958; he obtained the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) certificate, which qualified him to sit for the GCE a year later.

After his GCE in 1959, the

young Chris started a teaching career in a Catholic Model School, Warri and after two years during which his brilliance and dedication to work were noticed, he was moved

to the secondary school where he taught mathematics.

In 1960, he decided to have a change of environment and seek greener pasContinued on pg A10

Business Courage

ture. He moved down to Lagos where he later taught at Yaba Academy owned by Dr. S.O Onipede.

After his A level certificate, he had wanted to go to Foray Bay College in Sierra Leone in 1962, but because he could not raise the required fees, he had to forgo the ambition and returned to the classroom as a teacher, which he did for two more years until 1964, when he gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the present day Enugu State.

However, his admission to UNN was circumstantial. He had actually wanted to go to the University of Ibadan.

Having had his A level in History and English Literature, as well as five subjects in O level, as it was the practice then, he was qualified for a direct entry into the University. Hence, he applied to the University of Ibadan and University of Nigeria, Nsukka and got admission from both universities.

However, while the University of Ibadan gave him admission to read a Diploma in Educational drama with the possibility of allowing him to read English later, UNN offered him automatic admission to read Journalism.

Then, Chris found himself in a dilemma of which of the two choices to take but after seeking advice, he decided against the choice of Educational drama and opted for Journalism not only because he considered it a profession, but because he considered the UI’s admission as provisional while that of UNN was a solid one.

However, the outbreak of the civil war terminated his romance with UNN and he, along with some of the other students were transferred to the University of Lagos to continue their studies from where he graduated in 1967.

For Chris, growing up experiences was in two phases.

While he had to face a tough and boring life for the first ten years of his life in the village, he had a rather challenging and interesting life in Warri where he had relocated to further his education. “I finished my primary school in Warri, finished secondary school in Warri, and then taught again for two years in Warri. Of course, you know what it is like staying in Warri, the Waferian city, and the city of the comedians. It is a city whose name is bigger than its size, because when you hear the

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Monday, October 7, 2013

For instance, while one could at least speak in Pidgin English, in Lagos, the language is Yoruba.

Hence to a Warri man, you regard Yoruba as native while the Warri man sees himself as superior because he was already speaking something related to English language and that is the stupidity about being a Warri boy

‘

A10 26

name, Warri, you think it is another small London as far as we the Waferians are concerned,” he told the Business Courage in an interview last week Interestingly, when he relocated to Lagos, Chris recounted that Lagos life, compared with that of Warri, was just like living a larger than life, just thinking that you are even more civilised than the Lagosians. “For instance, while one could at least speak in Pidgin English, in Lagos, the language is Yoruba.

Hence to a Warri man, you

regard Yoruba as native while the Warri man sees himself as superior because he was already speaking something related to English language and that is the stupidity about being a Warri boy.”

He recalled that when he newly came to Lagos, before he joined Yaba Academy as a teacher, “I went to Apapa to look for a job and after the interview; I didn’t know where to get bus back home. But the Warri pride in me prevented me from asking people. I told myself ‘how can I ask somebody for my way when I am

from Warri? I didn’t t bother to ask anybody, so I kept moving around. You know Apapa, you can move from Whalf road to Marine road and turn back again.. So, I kept on moving up and down until I was very tired. At that time, I had to swallow my pride and asked someone, ‘how do I get to Surulere?’

While growing up, Chris says he didn’t really have anyone in mind as a model but he admitted that he had some form of respect for the late Nnamdi Azikwe whom he claimed every young man at that was attracted to as a result of his big grammar.

“Then, when the era of politics came and there was one man who was blowing big grammar, everyone wanted to be like him, and that’s in the person of Zik. His West African Pilot as well as Weekend Catechism had a lot of influence on many. Even my own teacher, there was no day, he wouldn’t buy a copy of the West African Pilot. So as a child, I read the West African Pilot from Primary school to secondary school. So then, we used to ask ourselves, ‘can one ever be like Zik?” In 1967, after leaving Unilag as a Mass Comm graduate, Chris, along with many of his colleagues had looked forward to working as jour-

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nalist in different media houses in the country then. But things took another dimension as he instead started his professional career at Lintas Advertising Company.

“As you can see, I am a trained journalist but I didn’t practice. Shortly before graduating from the Unilag, the school registrar, Chief A. Y Ekeh wrote to newspaper houses, radio stations as well as all other media houses including advertising agencies to consider us for employment. However, surprisingly, Lintas wrote me to come for an interview. Oglvy Benson and Mathers (OBM) also wrote that I should come for interview. But my contemporaries like Tony Momoh didn’t apply for job and he went back to Daily Times since he had left Daily Times for the University, hence he had to go back to work there. Tunji Oseni went to Skecth, and all these were based on the letters written by Chief Ekeh,” he said.

When Chris got to Lintas in 1967, little did he know that the agency would prepare the ground for him to becoming one of the commanding voices in the advertising industry.

Today known as Lowe Lintas, which was the first advertising agency in Nigeria and indeed West Africa started out as a small poster service in 1928 with the name West Africa Publicity Limited. It first changed its name in 1964 from West Africa Publicity to Levers International Advertising Services [Lintas], emphasising its role as an in-house agency of Unilever.

Lintas worldwide became independent of Unilever and with the indigenisation decree in Nigeria, Lintas passed into wholly Nigerian ownership with Sylvester Moemeke as its first Nigerian Managing Director, and subsequently the first and present chairman.

In line with the trends toward global advertising, networks,-Lintas has seen a number of name change. In 1995, it merged with Ammirati Puris Lintas and four years later, in 1999, it merged with Lowe, a highly creative agency that Frank Lowe floated in 1981, with $15 million billings that has grown to about $15 billion billings. In 2002, the Lintas name gave way to the Lowe blue box logo, with the new name Lowe Worldwide.

Lintas has since 1950 serviced OMO detergent and has been servicing Star Larger since the brand came to Nige-

ria, Maltina’s sales have been on the increase since 1976 when it came under Lintas’ watch while the much talked about award winning Pears Baby lotion was as a result of its relationship with Lintas since 1971.The key soap and Panadol accounts are few of other many brands Lintas had nurtured as mega and premium brands.

For Chris Doghudje, starting out as client service executive effectively puts him in charge of the Unilever account which was then known as Level brothers. “Whether you like it or not, Unilever was home of marketing, many people who became executive directors or marketing managers were trained by Unilever,” he said.

During the time he was working on the Unilever account, he got so much exposed to marketing that he admitted that “If you are working on the Unilever account, your exposure to marketing is very high.

Working in the Client Service Department, my experience came from rendering service to companies such as Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, Cadbury, Guinness, First Bank, and WAMCO among others.”

Apparently having observed that he was performing very well on the Unilever account, in 1972, OBM, another big advertising agency in the country then poached him from Lintas to run the Cadbury account. However, Chris, stay at OBM was cut short in 1988 when he had to be recalled back to Lintas to run the same Cadbury account when it moved back from OBM to Lintas. But when he got back to Lintas, due to his tested competences on the job, he was not only given the Cadbury account to run, he was also given back the Unilever account he was running before he left the agency.

Chris’ coming back to Lintas yielded fruits as he started rising until he became managing director in 1985. “I actually had the highest number of accounts as a client service director. Two-third of the accounts in Lintas was under me,” he said.

As the managing director of Lintas, he is reputed to be one of those who had strived hard to nurture the Lintas brand to its present enviable position in Nigeria.

Today, Chris seems to have shifted his pursuit away from core advertising to career advancement through educa-

Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

Doghudje

tion. Interestingly, his interest in the educational aspect of advertising did not just begin.

It dated back to his days in Lintas.

As he recalled, while he was employed by Lintas, as an advertising man, he became interested in the educational side of advertising.

He had served as a secretary to the education committee of the then Advertising Agency Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN) now known as Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, (AAAN) for over 12 years, up to the level of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) from where he earned his alias ‘The Professor.’

“Since the time I started working at Lintas, I showed interest in the educational side of advertising. And if you show interest in something, then the onus is on you to read more about it. Otherwise, it was just journalism that we did. We didn’t do any advertising. The nearest to advertising that we did was in Public Relations and we were taught by practicing PR people. We were taught by the number one person in PR called Sam Epelle.

“Then, Epelle, who authored the only public relations book available as at that time, was the public relations manager of Nigerian Railways.

From the side of government, Pen Malafa the director of federal information services was also at hand to teach us

‘

And if you show interest in something, then the onus is on you to read more about it. Otherwise, it was just journalism that we did. We didn’t do any advertising.

The nearest to advertising that we did was in Public Relations and we were taught by practicing PR people. We were taught by the number one person in PR called Sam Epelle

‘

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Public Relations, while an experienced Englishman from the United States Information Services handled Public Relations Theory. He was a graduate of Cambridge University and had been in the diplomatic service for more than 30 years,” he recalled.

He remains one of the few of Lintas brands whose prowess and respect for ethics can hardly be faulted when it come to advertising and has been the most respected judge of advertising, advertisers and advertising agencies.

Chris was appointed by the Federal Government to head APCON, the umbrella body that regulates the practice of advertising in Nigeria between October 2007 and July

2010, the appointment which was viewed by most of his colleagues as well deserved. A fellow of APCON, Chris became the third Lowe Lintas alumni to head the body after the likes of Sylvester Moemeke, Olu Falomo, and late May Nzeribe.

Chris tenure as APCON chairman witnessed a watershed as he constituted a Debt Reconciliation Committee known as ASCOMDI following accusations and counteraccusations spanning nearly a decade by media owners - Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), and Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) - that the Association of Advertising Agencies

A11 27

of Nigeria (AAAN) owed them over a billion naira.

Doghudje, a veteran and Fellow of the industry had stepped into the fray forming the all-parties stakeholders’ reconciliation committee made up two representatives each from all sectoral bodies in APCON. The committee’s term of reference was straightforward: determine the total debt profile in the industry, investigate the claims of all parties with a view to identifying the true debtors and true creditors, and design an amicable solution acceptable to all parties.

The committee toiled night and day, sieving through documents dating as far back as year 2000 and after four extensions and postponements of the deadline for the submission of claims, ASCOMDI wounded up its sitting; then followed several months of collation, compilation, verification, and clarification of ambiguity.

On Thursday, May 27, 2010, APCON held a press conference to present the report of ASCOMDI to all sectoral bodies, the media, and general public. Of interest was the report by ASCOMDI that N766.6 million (out of the claimed N1.145 billion debt) was traced to non-AAAN member agencies! For better understanding, it was discovered that there are media buyers and independent producers and marketers who go directly to media houses to buy slots, spots and spaces.

The ASCOMDI Report of 2010 proved that 75 per cent of media debts are traceable to non-registered Advertising Agencies As a matter of fact, three years down the line, while the issue of debt still abound, many have been calling for the resurrection of the ASCOMDI, a legacy left behind by Chris Doghudje.

After he resigned from Lintas, he set up Zub Bureau Limited, publishers of Adnews, a monthly publication spreading advertising knowledge and information. The first edition of the publication, which today is an authority in the advertising world, appeared in February 1993. For about 20 years now, he has been publishing Adnews.

Doghudje is an adjunct faculty member of the school of media and communication, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, where he teaches Advertising Planning. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs The story of Adekunle Adebayo can best be described as that of the refinement of a raw talent to a finished product. His rascality was refined by his music teacher in his secondary school days and today, he is a multiinstrumentalist, voice trainer, a school proprietor and a musician with a flair for writing.

By Biodun Alade

G

old and diamond are precious stones and a major source of income desired by many people and countries. Artifacts from either gold or diamond are highly sought after and appreciated in the society; it is indeed, a show of class. However, in its raw form, it is not adore or desired. It needs to go through refinement to bring out the beauty in it.

Literally speaking, Adekunle Adebayo went through “fire” just like gold to become who he is today. Brilliant, intelligent and brave were few of his adoring characteristics from childhood but he had the other part of him that almost tarnished these attributes. “I was a rascal, though brilliant and always ahead of my class; it was the other part of me that friends and teachers always complained of,” he said with a smile during an interview with Business Courage.

However, his rascality did not last long as he was tamed by his music teacher, Tifase of CMS Grammar School who took special interest in him and advised him to channel his energy towards a more meaningful path. With the counseling, he developed his passion in music with which he engaged himself during his leisure. He learnt the rudiments of music- from singing to playing of instruments to composition of lyrics and within a short time; he abandoned rascality and was fully embroiled in the beauty of his new found love-music. “Mrs. Tifase helped in grooming me and I am always grateful to her. With my interest in music, I had no time to engage in other things and most importantly, it placed more responsibilities on me and a bright future before me,” he said with fond memories.

With the rascality gone, Adekunle became a toast in his school and his academic prow-

ess became obvious; little wonder, he was made the labour prefect and also given other leadership responsibilities in the school. It was the dawn of the rebirth Adekunle.

Today, Adekunle is a multiinstrumentalist, a gospel singer and a teacher of music.

Determined to raise the bar of his chosen career path, he proceeded to the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta and later, the then Ondo State University, now Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko where he studied Business Administration.

After graduation, Adekunle, whose other passion, outside music was teaching, secured a teaching appointment where he taught English language, diction, poetry, literature and music.

However, the offer from one of the leading fast food companies-Sweet Sensation took him away from the teaching profession where he worked and also composed a jingle for the company. After a brief spell at Sweet Sensation, another offer came from Chicken Republic where he was made a manager but his passion to groom and help shape children led him to resign his appointment with Chicken Republic to return to the classroom which he had left six years earlier.

“Working with a reputable company like Chicken Republic was fulfilling but I had the passion to teach which propelled me to return to a schoolElkanah Home School. It was a Nursery and Primary school because I wanted to learn the nitty-gritty of education, especially in the training and teaching of children. My initial plan was to be there for a month and start mine but I had a cordial working relationship with the proprietress and ended up spending a year; she was reluctant to let me go after a year but I have to move on,” he said.

The move was one that was criticised by many who could not fathom the rationale be-

hind his decision to quit the exalted position of a manager at a leading fast food company in order for him to start a school with a future that seems uncertain. If quitting the job was odd, his decision to start the school with his three children was weird. Many advised him to let go of the idea of starting the school as they could not see the future in it. Others were of the opinion that it will lead to regret in the future but he remained undeterred stuck to his dream.

“Many people had their views about my decision to start a school; it was something they could not comprehend but I am the one that carried the vision and knew where I was going. It is important to always remain focus and faithful to your dream, not minding what others might say because they don’t see the same vision with the carrier of the vision.

When I decided to withdrew my three kids from their school to start the new school, it was strange to many people. But to me, it was the bold step I took

Adebayo

and it was a strong message that the establishment of the school was based on the principle of hard work, diligence service and giving the best to the pupils. Within a term, we had more than fifty pupils,” he recalled of the establishment of Crowning Glory Schools.

He noted that Crowning Glory Schools was not established for the financial gains but with his desire to set a distinction and help in contributing to the education standard. He argued that the school aimed at raising a total child that will be academically

Management Principles

What every manager should know about their employees

M

anagers spend at least one-third of their time with employees. They provide guidance, coaching and training, as well as observation and evaluation of their employees’ job performance. Consequently, a manager-subordinate or employer-employee relationship develops throughout the natural course of working together. Managers should be familiar with their employees’ work habits, performance, schedules, and communication and feedback preferences and, to some extent, information about employees’ personal goals in relationship to their professional development goals.

Work Habits “Which of your employees need constant supervision to ensure they stay on task and remain focused on their job duties?” and “Does your employee show initiative and motivation in performing challenging assignments as well as routine job duties?” are questions managers should be able to answer without second-guessing their employees’ work habits.

Performance Managers must be familiar with their employees’ job performance; especially because many managers use performance rankings to determine who gets the plum job assignments. Questions such as “Does your employee have a consistent record of exemplary performance?” and “How would you rate your employee: In the top 20 per cent of the typical workforce of top performers,

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Business Courage

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs sound, morally upright and spiritually forthright. “The motto of the school is raising a total child which I believe is important in the development of the individual and the country.

“Most of the challenges and threats that we face in the society today would have been avoided if every individual was raised in the proper way.

Although, many mushroom schools abound in the society but my desire is to raise the total child that will be useful to himself, his family and the society. Crowning Glory Schools should be top on the lips of people when schools that redefined the education sector are mentioned. It is imperative for parents and the society as a whole to ensure that the younger generation are properly tutored and mentored,” he added.

The school offers teachings in crèche, playgroup, nursery and Basic classes; it runs British and Nigerian curricula priming it as a school of first choice. Within a short time, the school has grown and stands out among others within its locality so much that he is currently planning an extension in the border of Ogun and Lagos state in order to accommodate more pupils.

However, there were challenges at the initial stage of the establishment, especially in acquiring the desired premises for the school; it took the third attempt before a venue was secured at Shasha, Alimosho local government area of Lagos state.

“The first challenge we faced was in the location of the school. The landlord of the first property I acquired returned the money I paid few days to the commencement of the school. He said he was not willing to give the property out for the establishment of a school; it was a big challenge because I had acquired furniture and other equipment

Personal Finance How to manage disrespectful employee(s)

M Crowning Glory Schools pupils

needed before his disclosure,” he said.

Adekunle remained unperturbed as he sought for another which did not work out as well, until, he finally settled at Oba Ketu, Bammeke Shasha. Although, Oba-Ketu, Shasha was not the initial venue he desired, it amazingly turned out to be a vintage and serene environment; often described as the home of learning by most parents. The other challenges he faced, he recalled, are the “common ups and downs witnessed during the establishment of a new school but with time and the quality of service offered, we overcame.”

As an entrepreneur, Adekunle said he is driven by the principle of decision making, determination and discipline, stressing that the principles are necessary in the attainment of purpose in life. “My keywords are what I termed the 3Ds, which are decision, determination and discipline. It is important for the individual to always take a decision and be determined to see to its fulfillment while the place of discipline cannot be overemphasized

in the middle 70 per cent of the typical workforce that consists of average performers or at the bottom 10 per cent of the workforce that usually has performance issues?” are simple questions for astute managers.

Schedules Accountability is one of the reasons managers are in their positions.

Managers hold their employees accountable for the time employees spend working, and they should be aware of employee schedules for attendance and record-keeping purposes. Therefore, managers should know the answers to questions such as “Does your employee work a traditional Monday through Friday schedule, generally from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day?” and “Does your employee have the option to telecommute or adjust her hours on a flexible schedule?”

Communication Preferences Managers who work with a multigenerational or diverse workforce must be able to communicate in ways that the employees understand and appreciate.

Questions about employee preferences that managers should know the answers to include “When you provide feedback, does your employee prefer faceto-face interaction or is he comfortable with exchanging emails?” and “Does your employee take advantage of the company’s open-door policy by initiating conversations about suggestions for improvement and workplace issues?”

Career Plans Through performance evaluations, constructive feedback sessions and the process of getting to know their employees, managers should be able to answer questions about their employees’ career aspirations. Questions such as “Does your employee consider her position with the company a job or a career?” and “Have any of your employees expressed an interest in professional development or training to prepare them for more responsible roles with the company?” are ones managers should have no problem answering. BC

if dreams are to come true,” he noted.

He advised parents to do all within their power to train their children/ ward, noting that education remains the best legacy parents can bestowed on their children.

He said that though educational standard has fallen considerably, its restoration will start with the individual who must be willing to rise above odds to the attainment of set goals. He added that parents and administrators in the education sector must insist on quality and merit and not aid the child in examination malpractices. He lamented that, “it is disturbing to note that some parents are ready to help their children in the act of examination malpractices and some administrators are always ready to compromise the standard of education because of material gains, blaming it on the harsh economic condition in the country but if standard of education must improve, everybody and not just the government must play his role”.

Adekunle’s wife compliments his work as a musician and a teacher. His wife is also a teacher and importantly, she comperes at events, especially wedding ceremonies. “It helps having a partner that compliments what you do. It makes it easier because two good heads are better than one; it gives room for brainstorming because she is also into what I do. Most often, people are amazed at our performances during event but it is what we have rehearsed and perfected,” he submitted.

He enjoined young entrepreneurs not to let go of their dreams because of challenges, noting that challenges should not be seen as problems.

In a world where many laboured to no avail, the gifted hands of Adekunle have made ways for him.His caring heart has made him a teacher and mentor in grooming the younger generation while his melodious voices has made him associate with some of the bigwigs in the society. Without ado, the story of Adekunle, also a motivational speaker and a budding author can be likened to a seed sown, nurtured, trimmed and watered which has fully grown and now provide shade for many. BC

ost employees, eager to make a good name for themselves, demonstrate respect and decorum in the workplace. Some workers are not so respectful, which creates a challenge for management. If you are tasked with reining in an employee who has an issue with respect, you will likely have to dedicate much time to altering his attitude and forming a strong, mutually respectful bond with him. By doing so, you may make it easier to manage the employee and are likely to improve his chance of success at your workplace.

Step 1 Discuss the issue with the employee. Do not assume that he knows his behaviour is disrespectful.

Instead, talk to him and tell him that you are concerned with some of his behaviours. Because it is possible that he does not realise how disrespectful he is being, do not jump to the conclusion that his disrespect is intentional.

Step 2 Try a gentler leadership style.

Some people do not function well with strong leaders; as a result, they act disrespectful. Although you certainly cannot allow an employee to run free, you can be a little less forceful with him. In doing so, you may potentially have an impact on the way that he reacts to you.

Step 3 Document the disrespect. If blatant disrespect continues, create a paper trail. Write up an account of each incident and place these accounts in the employee’s file to ensure documentation of inappropriate behavior should you need to take more severe action.

Step 4 Create an employee improvement plan. Meet with the employee and outline the issues you see in his behaviour. Ask him to suggest ways in which you can work together to change his behaviour. Combine these ways to create a plan for improvement. Keep this plan on file and check back with the employee regularly to make modifications to the plan.

Step 5 Praise the employee for positive efforts. When he demonstrates respect, make it clear that you appreciate his positive attitude and encourage him to keep it up. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Like a cat with nine lives, the moribund NITEL might come back to life again if the resolution of the House of Representatives for a $1 billion bailout as against commercialisation or privatisations is accepted by the Federal Government

By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

Ngama

T

he ailing Nigeria Telecommunications Limited, NITEL and its sister company, the Mobile Telecommunications Company, MTEL, may rightly be considered to be companies with nine lives.

After the many failed attempts to sell off the companies, the Federal Government had announced plans to finally liquidate the two moribund companies.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama had few months ago, announced the appointment of Olusola Senbore and Co. as liquidator for the two ailing companies, stating that liquidation of NITEL/ MTEL would be done within the next six months.

“We are also happy to announce that at last liquidator has been appointed for NITEL/ MTEL and this liquidator was reached after several bids were collected. About eight companies that bided to be considered, at the end of the day, five qualified and then after a lot of analysis, we came to the successful liquidator who is Olusola Senbore and Co.” he noted.

Ngama had expressed the hope that “this time around, we expect the sale of NITEL to be a success”.

According to him, government expects the two firms to be sold off as ongoing concerns to continue in the same line of business, assuring that “there will be no dismembering of the assets of the firms and then selling them differently, but the process will be similar to the sale of national fertiliser company in Onne, Rivers State, to global fertiliser giant, Notore.”

To Ngama, liquidator and interested investors are expected

to carry out due diligence on NITEL and MTEL after which preferred prices will be set by the BPE ahead of the privatisation process.

However, things seems to have taken another turn as members of the House of Representatives last week passed a resolution that the moribund NITEL and MTEL be bailed out by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with $1 billion.

The resolution was passed following deliberations on the report of the House committees on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Finance, Communications, Public Procurement and Information Technology.

The House approved the recommendation of the committee that instead of selling NITEL and MTEL, the CBN should give it a lifeline with the recommendation of the National Council on Privatisation that is refundable in five years.

“The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) should recommend to the Federal Government to include Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and the Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) bailout intervention fund with a total sum equivalent to $1 billion to be refunded with interest over a period of five years,” the

House resolved.

According to other recommendations of the House, “the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) should immediately direct the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) to stop the on-going process of liquidation of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) under the circumstances.”

“That the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) direct Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) to commence the process of conducting technical and financial audit of the two companies as approved by the board.

“That the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) should direct their records office to eliminate the existing over N170 billion variance under the supervision of the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

Besides, the House also recommended “That the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) should direct the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) to comply with Federal High Court judgments in favour of the 3000 ex-staff of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) treated as casuals and the other one in favour of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) arid ‘Mobile’ Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) pensioners.”

And “That the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) should consider the proposal for revamping the companies while the privatisation process is as submitted by the ex-staff, consultants and others as an alternative to outright liquidation of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL).”

The House also directed that “NCP should consider Public Private Partnership (PPP) as a privatisation strategy of the companies and maintain the national carrier status for security reasons.”

It also directed “That the Federal Government should direct the Ministry of Finance to comply with the agreement between the Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to deduct from source the reconciled N6.2 billion and remit to Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) for immediate settlement of outstanding staff salary arrears/other fringe benefits and resuscitation of the company.”

Other recommendations directed that benefits of NITEL workers be duly paid with the Presidency’s intervention.

“The Federal Government should plead with the state governors to reconcile the N4 billion NITEL debt and pay accordingly and that the Federal Government should direct Nigerian Communication Commis-

sion (NCC) and NITEL management to determine the fees due to the new regime from single to double tandem that was unfair to Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL),” the report stated.

While issues around the controversial sales of the moribund NITEL had lasted, despite its state of near non in existence as virtually all its properties have continued to rot away, somehow, it has continued be a cash cow for the Federal Government.

Last year, former Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Bolanle Onagoruwa disclosed that it has generated the sum of N101.38 billion in the past six years.

Speaking during a two-day investigative public hearing on the operational activities of Mtel/NITEL present management board; present status of its investment as well as revenue generation from ongoing service rendered to other telecommunication companies in Nigeria, Onagoruwa had noted that notwithstanding, NCP was favourably disposed to adopting “guided liquidation” against the injection of $1 billion for the reactivation of the two telecoms companies as alternatives as recommended then.

The session was held by the joint House committees on privatisation, finance, communications, public procurement and information technology.

However, Onagoruwa and the chief executive officer of NITEL Illyasu Sa’ab had presented conflicting figures on the debt profile of the company. While the ex- BPE DG argued that the debt profile stood at N354 billion, IIlyasu-Sa’ab put the total

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Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

Technotalk

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

Keeping your iphone/ipad data private

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Onagoruwa

debt profile at N182 billion, out of which NITEL owes N79 billion while Mtel owes N103 billion.

Onagoruwa disclosed that the sum of $3,668,561.70 was generated from SAT-3 submarine cable, $2,855,091.81 remitted in the domiciliary account, $521,990 generated from British Telecoms, $290,230 from cable and wireless services while $1,249.84 was realised from interest.

According to her, the companies’ liabilities include N65,227,595,681 on equipment vendors; N81,711,196,994 on bank claims; N183,403,439,256 for government agencies and N24,504,836,126 for others.

She added that the federal government raised the sum of N68,248,884,000 through the Debt Management Office (DMO) to offset outstanding salaries totalling N54.2 billion, leaving a debt profile at N122,448,884,000 with the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

It would be recalled that chairman of the House Committee on Privatisation, Hon. Khadijah Bukar Abba-Ibrahim, had while querying the NITEL management over the N172 billion differential in the debt profile compiled by both parties had expressed concern over the unsuccessful six privatisation exercises conducted by the BPE, and the eventual collapse of the companies, wondering why the “Federal Government cannot put money into NITEL and Mtel and resuscitate it.”

It would be recalled that after Transcorp which had initially bought NITEL had back out, an attempt to sell to New Generation Telecom, a Chinese company that won the bid for the sale of NITEL and Mtel since February 16, 2010 suffered setback as it was said to have failed to abide by the terms of the deal in spite of several extensions of the payment deadlines.

New Generation Telecom of China, a consortium of China Unicom of Hong Kong, Minerva Group of Dubai and Nigeria’s GiCell Wireless Limited had

Omobola Johnson, Communication Minister

won the bid on an offer of $2.5 billion for a 75 per cent stake in NITEL/Mtel, while the reserved bidder, Omen International Consortium, offered $956.9 million. The third on the list is Brymedia, which offered $550 million.

Although New Generation Consortium emerged the preferred bidder during the opening of financial bids for the privatisation of NITEL and Mtel which was held since February 16, 2010 in Abuja, government however cancelled the sale and redirected BPE to conduct fresh due diligence on all bidders.

Government action was sequel to the denial of China Unicom, a member of New Generation Telecom Consortium who claimed in a letter to BPE that it had no knowledge of the bid for NITEL. New Generation was said to have failed to abide by the terms of the deal in spite of several extensions of the payment deadlines. According to the government, New Generation Company had before the December 23, 2010 deadline given by BPE to make payment, secured foreign financial documents showing proof of financial stability of the company to pay the initial 30 percent of the $2.5 billion (N375 billion) it bided for the acquisition of NITEL, insisting that as soon as the money was cleared, payment would be made.

When BPE declared New Generation Telecom the preferred bidder, many Nigerians had risen to condemn the sale, saying it was not possible for any company to pay a whopping $2.5 billion for NITEL whose existing infrastructure is obsolete and could not match with modern telecom infrastructure. They insisted that no serious buyer would want to invest such amount on NITEL that had gone moribund.

But in a swift reaction, former President of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, Titi Omo-Ettu had said the new buyer of NITEL would justify the whopping N375 billion ($2.5 billion) it is offering for the acquisition of NITEL and

its mobile arm Mtel. According to him, “no operator will want to invest such huge amount without full conviction that fortunes will come out of the business.”

Omo-Ettu had in 2009, valued NITEL at $2.2 billion, insisting that the offering of New Generation Consortium was a good deal, regarding the worth of NITEL. Blaming the travails of NITEL on greed, Omo-Ettu said graft remains the most notable reason why the privatisation of the company had been consistently troubled leaving it distressed while its workers remained unpaid so far for thirtythree months at a stretch.

In 2002, government tried selling 51 per cent stake in NITEL to Investment International Limited of London (IILL) for $1.2317 billion, but at the point of payment, the National Assembly queried the process of sale, a situation that forced lending banks to have a change of thought, after accepting to offer loan to IILL, and the company eventually lost out and forfeited its initial deposit, having been unable to pay the balance money.

Again was the contractual agreement reached between government and Pentascope of Netherlands to manage NITEL for some years before government gets credible buyer. Pentascope eventually mismanaged NITEL and plunged it into a more deteriorating condition.

Government realised it and terminated the contract.

In 2005, government, through the BPE, tried again to sell NITEL through a bidding process that eventually saw Orascom Telecoms of Egypt wining the bid, but because government was not satisfied with the $225 million it was offering, government decided to cancel the process and began yet another bidding process, but ended up reaching a negotiated bidding with Transcorp who paid $500 million to acquire 51 per cent stake in NITEL in 2006.

How soon would Nigerians see NITEL back to its feet? The waiting game continues. BC

hile it can be super convenient to keep photos, videos, phone contacts, and other content on your iPhone/ipad, privacy can pose particular problems on your device.

Literally, billions of people from around the world are now active on services like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, and countless other social networking apps. The reason these services have become so popular is because it is easy to access and you can manage your online accounts from anywhere using an iPhone/ iPad that is connected to the Internet.

As these services have quickly evolved, countless new ways to share information and photos have been introduced.

However, when using an iPhone /iPad with online social networking services, here are few tips that can help you maintain your privacy on social networking apps from your iphone or ipad.

Information sharing: You need to understand what information is being shared and control the flow of the Information and then customize the various apps you use to interact with services like facebook and twitter, you could easily share information (such as your location, home address, or age) every time you update your account, send a message, or share a photo. You could end up sharing personal photos with strangers, or send a message to someone that you think is private but ends up being seen by all your online acquaintances, as well as everyone linked to the recipient’s online account.

Set up pass code feature: Setting up your pass code prevents intruders from accessing your iphone / ipad and prevents them from accessing your various online accounts to publish information without your knowledge and approval. To set up the passcode feature means that every time the lock screen appears, the user needs to enter a four-digit code to unlock the device.

Adjust your iPhone or iPad’s location services functionality If you want to prevent facebook and twitter from automatically sharing your location each time you post a message or publish content from your mobile device, you can turn off location services to prevent the iPhone or iPad from automatically detecting your location. If you do this, however, certain commonly used apps, such as weather and maps, won’t function properly but you can leave the master virtual switch for location services turned on, but turn off the virtual switches on the privacy menu screen associated with twitter and facebook.

Customise the social networking apps to share only the information you want Each online social networking app has its own menu settings that enable you to customise your privacy settings. Be mindful of what information you publish online and understand how apps can freely share data with each other and then potentially publish some of that information online. To keep certain information’s private; settings need to be adjusted because your private posts could accidentally end up being public once it is published.

Advertising Advertising companies can track your movement around the web and what ads you see. They do this both to get information about how to sell to you and to give you ads that are more likely to be things you are interested in. You may or may not want them to do this. If you want to reduce the amount of ad tracking that happens to you, move the slider to off/white in the limit ad tracking option.

In conclusion, nothing beats having access to all your files, e-mail, and contacts by being mobile and productive almost anywhere you go but maintaining your privacy should be your outmost concern as it will give u piece of mind. BC

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Business Courage

Kurian

Cashless: E-PPAN, CBN set for 4th e-Fraud conference

(NEFF) and Deputy Director, Banking and Payment Systems, CBN, Dosunmu Olabiyi.

According to the E-PPAN CEO, “The Conference will be opened officially by the president of ECOWAS, Kadré Désiré OUEDRAOGO, while the keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy Governor Operation, CBN, Tunde Lemo. The Chief Judge, Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Adeyoola Phillips and the Director General, Consumer Protection Commission, Dupe Catherine Atoki, will be attending the conference as special guests.”

Stories by Kunle Azeez

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he Electronic Payment Providers Association of Nigeria, EPPAN, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is set to host the 4th Annual Payment Systems and Fraud Conference for West Africa 2013.

The Chief Executive Officer of E-PPAN, Onajite Regha, who announced this, said that this year’s conference has been endorsed by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems (NIBSS).

The event is being sponsored by key players in the nation’s electron payments landscape such as Interswitch Nigeria Limited, SecureID Limited, Diamond Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc. According to Ragha, the conference holding on Tuesday November 5, 2013 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos also has the support of Citiserve Limited and Itex Integrated Services Limited.

With the theme: “Contemporary Fraud Issues with Cashless Society: The Way Forward,” Regha said E-PPAN already had a list of confirmed speakers at the conference including Trustree, E-PPAN, Adedotun Sulaiman; Director, Operations, Economic and Financial Crime Commission CSP Olaolu Adegbite. Others are Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja, Barrister Ubani; Director, Banking and Payment Systems, CBN, Dipo Fatokun and Managing Director, FITCN Lucy Newman.

They also include Executive Director, Nigeria InterBank Settlement System; Christabell Onyeiekwe; Chief Information Officer, Diamond Bank Plc; Abiye Koko; Managing Director, SecureID Limited, Kofo Akinkugbe; Chief Risk Officer, Interswitch Nigeria Limited, Osioke Ojior; Group Head, E-Business Department, Stanbic IBTC Plc; Thambo Makoko; Chief Operating Officer, Digital Encode, Seyi Akindehinde and Head, Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum

Brown

Nokia, Etisalat partner on Lumia 1020 preorder promo

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lobal phone manufacturer, Nokia in partnership with Etisalat Nigeria and Etihad Airways, has announced a pre-order promo for its latest Windows smartphone, the Nokia Lumia 1020 which will be available in Nigeria as from October 2013.

The pre-order promotion announced at theTEDxLagos conference which began from October 1, 2013 will end by October 15, 2013.

Nokia West Africa, General Manager, Chris Brown, said the pre-order promo will give customers the opportunity to purchase the devices online before it finally arrives in Nigeria in October. Brown added that all customers who preorder and pay for the device from Etisalat’s website will be entitled to special discounts on airfares to several destinations on Etihad Airways.

Describing the device, Chris explained that, the Lumia 1020 is an improved version of the Nokia 808 smartphone launched in 2012. The Nokia Lumia 1020, running on windows 8 operating system is the ultimate camera phone.

“It boasts a whopping 41-megapixel camera sensor combined with a Xenon flash, focus assist light and Nokia’s Pro Cam app, which makes it the most advanced and powerful camera Smartphone.

The device is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 4.5-inch 1280x768 (334 ppi) AMOLED display, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage and a 2000MAh non-removable battery. It also

Monday, October 7, 2013

supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and support for 4G LTE networks.”

He also explained that Nokia was creating better smartphones that allow both lifestyle as well as business consumers capture important moments in pictures with our Pureview technology.

“To enable our customers have seamless experiences while using this device, we have partnered with Etisalat Nigeria to enable our consumers can leverage their great 3.75G network services.”

Director of Business Segments at Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, said, “With the growing demand for Smartphones in Nigeria, we decided to collaborate with Global phone manufacturer, Nokia and United Arab Emirates flag carrier, Etihad Airways in a first of its kind strategic partnership.

“These organisations share our vision of developing and growing the Nigerian market as well as offering customers best value for every kobo they spend. To this end; our partnership with Nokia for the launch of the Lumia 1020 Smartphone bundled with our easyflex5000 2 for 1 offer is yet another evidence of our commitment to revolutionize the broadband space.”

According to him, customers who purchase the Nokia Lumia 1020 Smartphone will enjoy the easyflex 5,000 with the buy 2 and get 1 free offer which will give them N37,500 airtime to use for voice, data and SMS to any network upon a recharge of N10,000.

Oracle adds 10 new services to cloud porfolio

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s organisations of all sizes move more of their information systems to the cloud, Oracle said it is expanding the number of Oracle Cloud services to strengthen its position as the industry’s most comprehensive public cloud.

Oracle Cloud offers a broad range of modern, functionally rich and integrated services running in a secure, enterprise and standards-based cloud platform.

With new Application, Platform, and Infrastructure Services announced today,

Oracle is helping customers and partners further capitalize on the power of cloud computing.

Extending the industry’s broadest and most advanced cloud portfolio, Oracle introduced 10 new Oracle Cloud services for its customers and partners.

According to a statement from the company, the new services expand Oracle’s comprehensive portfolio of Application, Social, Platform and Infrastructure Services and are all available on a subscription basis.

“Unlike other clouds that offer services in one or two layers, Oracle Cloud is the only cloud that delivers a broad portfolio of integrated services across applications, social, platform and infrastructure.

“Oracle Cloud provides the industry’s most complete suite of modern, enterprise SaaS applications including Human Capital Management, Customer Experience, and Enterprise Resource Management, with built-in business intelligence, social and mobile capabilities,” the statement said.

Oracle, in the statement further stated that it offers customers and partners choice and flexibility in where they deploy Oracle software: in traditional on-premise data centers, private clouds, Oracle Cloud and other public clouds.

“Oracle Cloud continues to show strong adoption, supporting 9 million users and 19 billion transactions each day, running on 7,000 servers and 200 petabytes of storage in 13 data centers around the world.

“Oracle Cloud partners will be able to refer and resell the new Oracle Cloud Platform and Infrastructure services through the existing Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) Cloud programs, enabling them to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of Application, Social, Platform and Infrastructure cloud-based services to their customers,” it said.

Commenting on the new products, Vice President, Product Development, Oracle, Thomas Kurian, said, “To realise the true benefits that cloud computing offers, organizations need access to flexible, reliable and secure cloud services that are designed to meet their specific business needs.”

Airtel set to expand connectivity frontier in Nigeria, others

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Kurian

arthi Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, today announced the launch of its Africa Connectnetwork aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s and by extension, Africa’s connectivity with the rest of the world and add to the

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data carriage capacity in the Continent.

Africa Connect is expected to contribute to growth of internet and data services in the Continent, which is home to some of fastest growing telecom markets in the world.

Africa Connect has an integrated fiber and satellite network with 42 Points of Presence (PoP) spread across 17 African countries.

The network will offer a variety of integrated telecom applications and solutions. The suite of products in the area of Global Transmission and IP Services include Subma-

Chitkara

rine Capacity, Global leased circuits, Ethernet and Backhauls, Global and regional IP Transit.

Others are Managed Internet, Bandwidth on demand for customers, a comprehensive suite of Satellite and Managed Services portfolio to enterprises and carriers in the region. The network is supported by infrastructure built by other regional carriers.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer, Global Business, Bharti Airtel, Ajay Chitkara, said Africa Connect was in consonance with our underlying theme to serve one of the fastest growing data markets in the world.

According to him, Africa is also emerging as an economic hub and we are uniquely poised to connect the continent to the rest of the world and fully serve the growing bandwidth demand.

“Our full-suite of integrated telecom offerings together with our end to end service modules will help expand our access to high growth markets in the region and consolidate our efforts of making India as a hub for global internet traffic,” he said.

In the same vein, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa, Andre Beyers, said, “With Africa seeing a significant jump in the growth of data and connectivity this initiative will help us in meeting the bandwidth requirements and diverse needs of our customers.”

According to Beyers, the Africa Connect network will be a major catalyst as the continent moves into the next phase of digital growth and enhance the growth of internet and data services. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

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Perspectives

Banking industry reformation and national transformation

By Roberts Orya

J

uly 2014 will make it ten years since Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, a brilliant academic-cumdevelopment expert and former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), initiated the banking industry consolidation agenda.

The following month will make it five years that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, an accomplished banker and current CBN Governor, launched the most audacious intervention and reform of the Nigerian banking industry.

Over this period, Nigerian banks have shown considerable abilities to raise capital, compete fairly and sometimes unprofessionally, become flag-bearers of the resurging Nigerian economy locally and internationally, inflate incredible bubbles in the capital market, and provide a platform for talented Nigerian professionals to express their skills. What’s more; Nigerian banks, since the introduction of the reforms, have increased credit to the private sector. They have demonstrated weak capacity for good corporate governance, disclosure and risk management. And their directors and senior management have continued to hobnob with the-powers-that-be, in continuation of the time-tested strategy for winning public sector deposit.

The aggregate effect of the good, the bad and the ugly sides to the banking landscape since July 2004 is that the industry has been positively transformed.

Nigerian banks are way ahead of where they used to be ten years ago.

Regulatory reforms have not been solely responsible for the significant change in the banking industry. Technology, product innovation, new approaches to service delivery and international framework agreements around access to financial services, especially by the unbanked and under-banked, have all contributed to this transformation. But without the interventionist reforms, it is doubtful Nigerian banks would have been able to seize the new opportunities that have emerged, or attracted the partnerships that have revolutionised delivery of financial services in the country today.

Thus, the Nigerian banking industry provides important evidence that institutional and industrial transformation can occur in Nigeria, even if the pace is rather slow and the magnitude still yearning for up-scaling.

Some of the manufacturing projects which Nigerian Export – Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) has funded are part of the larger industrial transformation that is happening in the country today.

It will take strong indifference or outright disinformation, for whatever reason, to insist that these things are not happening.

Sanusi

Soludo’s Vision The recapitalisation-cum-consolidation programme was powered by a bold vision and commitment to deliver on the economic potentials of the country. Significantly, the two epochal regulatory regimes that have brought about the transformation of the Nigerian banks have asserted the virility of the domestic economy, with the banks being important fronts for expressing this.

Today, quite unlike what it was ten years ago, the Nigerian banking sector commands attention anywhere..

In January 2007, Guaranty Trust Bank successfully issued $300 million Eurobond and later became the first African bank to list its security on the London Stock Exchange.

Against previous lack of access to the international capital market, several Nigeria banks have raised funds and are planning to do so in the global markets. Nigerian banks are now very strategic to the distribution of retail credit products by multinational financial institutions, especially card issuers. Even at current levels of integration into the global payment system, Nigerians are tapping into global eCommerce; the payment subsector has been transformed and has provided the impetus for the CBN to launch the Cashless Policy.

The 2004 consolidation agenda envisioned and targeted certain outcomes. The more generally known was the N25 billion minimum capital base.

Embedded in the regulatory capital requirement was the consolidation of the industry from 89 banks to preferred 25 maximum.

The two objectives were achieved, by and largely. On the minimum capital requirement, most of the surviving banks basically used

it as a stepping stone and now have ten-fold the baseline capital.

Whereas the existing 89 banks in 2004 had struggled to meet N2 billion mandatory capitalization, the shareholders’ fund of Nigerian banks grew to N2.37 trillion in 2012.

The debate is welcome and ongoing as to whether or not the policy target that the banks would use their bigger capital bases to leverage funding of real sector growth has been achieved.

This debate ensues not because bank credit to manufacturing and agriculture has stagnated at the levels they were before introduction of the reforms. But expectation on the scale of the impact the reforms would have on real sector funding is what has been at issue.

Of all the gains of the 2004 reforms, it was the unforeseen benefit that became most significant in global context. Two years after the programme, a debilitating financial crisis, which later turned into an economic crisis, broke out on the global market.

Those who prognosticated that the crisis would not affect Nigeria simply got it wrong. Their analyses focused on the distribution channels of the toxic credit assets that emanated mainly from US banks which threatened to drag global market to the abyss with the institutions that conned the world through manipulative financial wizardry.

But linkages through the commodity market transmitted the shock to Nigeria. The price of crude oil dramatically collapsed from $147 per barrel in July 2007, to under $40 per barrel in January 2009. The effect on the fiscal terrain in Nigeria was predictably negative. It could have been worse; but for the prudence which saw creation of a domestic savings buffer and increase in the

country’s foreign reserves during the golden era of fiscal management in Nigeria before the crisis.

And Nigerian banks seemed to have been primed to withstand the crisis. They had raised their capital base and made some progress with mobilisation of low-cost deposit. Therefore, when through worsening domestic fiscal terrain and the international trade links, Nigerian banks became exposed to the crisis, yet they were able to hold their ground for some time.

While the global financial crisis lingered, and irrespective of the amelioration of its effects on the Nigerian banking industry through direct and indirect external linkages, the domestic capital market bubble which was inflated by speculative foreign portfolio investment and margin lending by the banks went burst. Following this, the bubble in the credit market, which was built by risk concentration in oil and gas lending and sheer delinquent credit behaviour by senior management of some of the banks, worsened the effect of poor risk management practices, and all this combined to bring the Nigerian mega banks into precarious conditions.

It may as well be taken as part of the crisis management framework. No central bank governor around the world came clean on the level of impact the crisis was having on their economies and banks. For our own dear Soludo, full disclosure on the shape of the mega banks he midwifed would be self-negating, and therefore, a dilemma.

Many observers alleged coverup of the rot in some of the banks, particularly because Soludo was seen to be quite close to the bank CEOs. The kind of very sensible policy option Soludo took with regard to management of the local currency – allowing gradual depreciation of the naira instead of devaluation of it as part of the crisis response – was seen to be lacking when it concerned the required intervention to clean the banking system and rein in the excesses of some of the bank CEOs. It was in the middle of this dilemma that Soludo’s term of five years expired in 2009. His successor, with insider knowledge of the undercurrent of the banking system (himself chief executive in one of Nigeria’s biggest banks), wasted no time in choosing to save the banks from systemic collapse, instead of preservation of the legacy of his predecessor.

Sanusi’s Bravery In one brave move, Sanusi intervened in nine banks, sacked their CEOs and a bunch of other directors. The audit he commissioned necessitated that N620 billion was propositionally injected into the intervened banks at the first instance while he worked

with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that bank directors who had been indicted with criminal infractions were prosecuted.

He insisted shareholders’ value was eroded by the malfeasance in the banks. With this, he quite rightly refused to accept “privatisation” of profit by bank directors and dumping losses on taxpayers. His approach to the bailout of the banks was quite unlike the circumstantial redefinition of capitalism in the West whereby their bailout programmes imposed serious moral hazard on the system. CEOs of imperiled institutions in the US nevertheless flew into Washington DC in their private jets to receive bailout fund for their badly run, failed institutions. Sanusi’s stance was antithetical to this.

Instead of a bogus interventional benevolence, his approach seems to be more credible and quite capable of deterring future bad behaviours by bank directors.

Widening the scope of his intervention from merely addressing capital impairment, he went on to accentuate risk management. Introduction of macroprudential frameworks for risk management addressed the psychology of the market to the reality that individual banks, especially the ones big enough to be of systemic importance, were not islands unto themselves. They also posed systemic risks to the entire banking system. Had dissolution of such big banks including Intercontinental Bank, Oceanic Bank and Afribank been uncontrolled, they could have dragged down the entire banking system, and thus push much higher the cost of resolution of the crisis.

Philosophically, the Sanusiled CBN intervention simply chose to do what had to be done.

It facilitated the “bad bank”; the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, to purchase bad loans from the banks and thus help clean their balance sheets and protect their mega bank status.

Conclusion There is absolutely no question that the size of a bank, as with the size of a country, defines its strength and influence.

However, scale that is expressed in negativity is a threat to a financial system as it is to a country. While Soludo facilitated the emergence of Nigeria’s mega banks, Sanusi preserved their status by ensuring they operate by the norms of safety without which they could never leverage their mega status.

Thus, we have a transformed banking system. The core principles of the banking reforms are scalable for national transformation. BC Orya is the MD/CEO, Nigerian Export – Import Bank

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Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

By Emmanuel Ogbonnaya with Agency report

T

he all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class exists for one simple reason: A great many consumers desire the elegance and prestige associated with the Mercedes brand, but simply can’t afford the high price of admission. The C-Class sedan has long been the company’s entry-level model in the United States, but these days, a nicely equipped one runs well past $40,000.

The 2014 CLA-Class marks a departure for the German automaker: It’s a front-wheeldrive sedan infused with the premium furnishings of a traditional Mercedes-Benz, but priced far lower than the reardrive C-Class.

The CLA is actually longer and wider than the current CClass sedan (which is due for a redesign). Its sleek, aerodynamic shape brings to mind the larger CLS four-door “coupe” and Mercedes says that the CLA is more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius, which should benefit fuel economy. The CLA-Class sedan’s curvy roof line does impede on passenger space, however. Anyone over 6 feet tall shouldn’t bother trying to get comfortable in the backseat.

Of course, the big question surrounding the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sedan is whether you’ll see it as a genuine Mercedes-Benz or a half-hearted budget alternative.

The CLA certainly feels like the real thing from the cockpit, as premium materials and a suite of safety and multimedia features check all the boxes for Benzness.

With a strong turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a quickshifting transmission and sure-footed handling, the CLA drives like a proper Mercedes, too, though the 2.0-litre engine can sound rough at times. If that’s an issue for you, the ripsnorting CLA45 AMG should

right most of the base CLA250’s wrongs with its incredibly swift straight-line performance.

With the launch of the 2014 CLA-Class, Mercedes brings an early offence to a budding class of compact luxury sedans. The Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series are its closest German rivals, but for the moment neither is offered as a sedan (though both are slated to get a sedan body style in their 2015 redesigns).

With a base price around $30,000, though, the CLA is an interesting alternative to a wide range of competitors. The BMW 3 Series and Cadillac ATS are of similar size but cost a great deal more. The 2014 Acura ILX and Buick Verano cost considerably less, but unless it’s equipped with a manual gearbox, the Acura can’t keep up with the CLA250 in any contest of speed, while the Buick lacks the Benz’s overall interior refinement. The 355-horsepower CLA45, on the other hand, has few peers. The BMW 135is offers equivalent performance but only two doors, and if you want something with four doors, you’ll have to look at disparate models like the Subaru WRX STI or Chrysler 300C SRT8.

Given the selection in this price range, you’re wise to shop around before making a decision, but there’s no doubt the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a compelling choice for a compact entry-level luxury sedan.

Body styles, trim levels, and options The 2014 MercedesBenz CLA-Class is available in CLA250 and CLA45

AMG trim levels. The all-wheeldrive CLA250 4Matic arrives later in the model year.

The CLA250 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, cruise control, eight-way power front seats, driver memory settings, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Electronics features include a 5.8-inch central display, the COMAND interface, mbrace2 telematics/smartphone integration, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a sound system with a CD player. The CLA45 AMG is equipped similarly but features 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard along with 18-inch wheels, larger brakes and firmer suspension tuning.

Both models are eligible for the optional Premium 1 package, which provides autodimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate

control, heated seats and a Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface. The Multimedia package adds a larger 7-inch central infotainment screen with Mercedes’ COMAND interface, a rearview camera, a 10-gigabyte music server, a six-disc CD changer and a navigation system with voice commands.

Additional safety aids including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and blind spot warning are available via the Driver Assistance package.

The Sport package for the CLA250 adds 18-inch wheels, a more aggressive-looking front fascia and grille, and upgraded brakes. Stand-alone options for both models include summer performance tires, bi-xenon headlamps, a rear spoiler, a panoramic sunroof, leather

upholstery, heated seats, wood interior trim, a lower-cost navigation system for cars with the standard 5.8-inch display, and parking sensors combined with an automated parking system.

Exclusive options for the CLA45 include 19-inch wheels, interior and exterior carbon fiber trim, sport seats, an AMG steering wheel and red-painted brake calipers.

Powertrains and Performance The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 208 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automated manual transmission (with shift paddles) routes power to the front wheels, but all-wheel drive is available on the CLA250 4Matic. A front-drive CLA250 takes 6.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, according to Mercedes.

The CLA45 AMG has an

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

A19 35

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Autocare How to maintain your car’s fluid levels (2)

B

rakes Like the transmission, the braking system is a sealed network. If it repeatedly gets low on fluid, you need to locate the source of the problem, either by yourself or with the help of a mechanic. A leaky braking system is nothing to play around with.

To check the fluid level, locate the brake fluid reservoir. It’s usually in the engine compartment. If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual. Remove the lid and check the level. It should be at least two-thirds full.

If not, fill to the “full” line with brake fluid.

upgraded version of this 2.0-litre engine that features a twinscroll turbocharger and fortified internal components. The result is an amazing 355 hp and 332 lb-ft. A quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission drives all four wheels through the 4Matic AWD system. Launch control is also included. The CLA45 AMG will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

Both the CLA250 and CLA45 AMG feature an automatic stopstart function that turns off the engine when the car stops to save fuel.

Safety The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, a driver knee airbag, front seat side thorax airbags, front seat side pelvic airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The CLA45 AMG has a three-mode stability control system that allows drivers to tailor the level of intervention.

Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 emergency telematics is standard, as are Collision Prevention Assist, which uses radar to identify potential collision situations and intervenes with braking as necessary, and Attention Assist, which monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness and inattention. Rear seat side airbags are optional. Other safety-oriented options include a rearview camera, parking sensors bundled with an automated parking system and the Lane Tracking package, which adds a blind-spot warning system and a lane-departure warning system.

Interior design and special features Even though this is the bargain Benz, the CLA-Class sedan’s interior largely escapes the cost-cutting knife. Quite simply, the cabin looks and feels like a traditional Mercedes. Big analog gauges, a clean center stack design, and tight fit and finish impart the same classic, premium feel shared across the Mercedes lineup.

One of the few exceptions is the optional navigation system’s display, which looks like an aftermarket addition as it’s perched high on the dash. On the upside, the screen is easy to read. It also takes some time to get used to selecting gears with a column-mounted stalk rather than a traditional console shifter. Various trim options, including walnut, ash, aluminum and carbon fiber (CLA45 only) allow you to create a cabin aesthetic that’s either cool and modern, or classic and refined.

Unfortunately, the CLA’s rear quarters aren’t nearly as luxurious. Although the rear seats are well-shaped and supportive, the sloping roof line that gives the CLA its distinctive character also translates to tight headroom for 6-footers, and the knee room situation isn’t much better. Small rear doors make it tough to get little ones in and out of their car seats, too.

Mercedes hasn’t released the CLA’s cargo space specifications yet. But as the CLA is longer and wider than the current C-Class, expect about 11 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

Driving Impressions Most consumers will find the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 quite agreeable to drive on their daily commutes. Even if you’ve owned rear-wheel-drive Mercedes sedans in the past, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell that the CLA250 is front-wheel drive, as it accelerates and steers with the precision of more elite Benz models. Ride quality is on the firm side, but it’s not uncomfortable. Part of the CLA’s athletic character comes from the quick-shifting automated manual transmission, which offers three driver-adjustable shift patterns and a manual shift mode via its steering-wheelmounted paddle shifters.

At highway speeds, the CLA’s aerodynamic shape helps neutralize wind noise, but it can’t muffle the four-cylinder engine’s occasional diesel-like clatter or the exhaust system’s wheezy rasp when you’re accelerating hard. These are among the few unfortunate reminders that you’re driving an entry-level Mercedes-Benz.

Meanwhile, the 355-hp CLA45 AMG is far from a base Benz. In addition to its sizzling acceleration, the CLA45 has plenty of personality. Select Sport mode and you’ll hear crackles and pops from the exhaust during downshifts.

Around turns, the CLA45 isn’t quite as sharp as the typical high-performance four-cylinder all-wheel-drive rally car like Mitsubishi’s Evolution. But there’s still a huge amount of grip available, giving the driver supreme confidence when exploring the CLA45’s limits. BC

Battery Some cars have what is called a “maintenance-free battery.” This means the battery is sealed and should not be tampered with. You’ll be able to tell right away, since the battery has a flat top with no openings.

Most cars, however, still utilize traditional battery design, with six cells that need occasional refilling. Access to the cells comes through six screw caps, or, more commonly these days, two rows of plastic caps that pressure-fit over three cells each. Either pry the caps off with a flat-head screwdriver, or unscrew the six caps.

It’s best to fill battery cells with distilled water, since it lacks contaminants and trace elements that can cause a corrosive buildup around the battery terminals.

The battery cells should be filled to the bottom of the fill hole, no further.

Caution: Battery acid has sulfuric acid in it, which is highly caustic to skin and eyes. Wear eye protection and gloves when doing this procedure.

Window washer Some newer cars and trucks now have a light that comes on to indicate when this receptacle needs refilling. It’s typically located in the engine compartment, underneath the windshield. It looks a lot like the coolant overflow reservoir, but will be located closer to the rear of the engine compartment. Also, both of the caps will be labeled “coolant” and “windshield,” or something similar, to distinguish one from the other.

Some vehicles, such as SUVs and minivans, may have a second receptacle, located in the rear of the vehicle, to supply the rear wipers.

If you’re unable to locate these fluid reservoirs, consult your owner’s manual.

Many people will augment the water in these receptacles with Windex or some other glass cleaner, to increase the cleaning power of the fluid. This is a particularly good idea in summer, when dead insects on the windshield can reduce visibility.

Air Conditioner The average home mechanic doesn’t have the tools or know-how to check this fluid level (which is actually a gas, not a fluid). We mention it here because it should be checked. It is best to find a certified air conditioning mechanic to have this done.

Remember, maintaining proper fluid levels insures safe and trouble-free driving. It takes only a few minutes, and can often catch a problem before it becomes a crisis. BC

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Business Courage

Conoil assures shareholders of better dividends

By Johnson Okanlawon

N

otwithstanding the growing challenges in the downstream sector of the petroleum Industry and the economy in general, the Chairman of Conoil Plc, Dr. Mike Adenuga has assured shareholders and the investing public that the outlook and future of the company remains bright.

Speaking at the company’s 43rd annual general meeting at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, Adenuga reiterated that the company remained committed to maintaining its leadership position in the downstream petroleum sector by growing its business and creating an enduring value for its shareholders and other stakeholders.

“We are building stronger financial position and creating enduring value for our shareholders. We will constantly develop strategies to sustain our position as the only marketer that always goes the extra mile for our ever growing customers, with total commitment to excellent service delivery.

“We firmly believe that such a robust strategy will ensure continued growth and stronger position in our core markets”, Adenuga said.

Although the company recorded revenue of N149.99 billion while operating profit on ordinary activities before taxation and exceptional items stood at N1.15 billion, Adenuga assured the shareholders that the outlook and future of the company remains bright.

According to him, there are already pointers to the promising fortunes of the foremost oil marketing company and an enhanced shareholders’ value as captured in its 2013 half year unaudited results submitted on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Adenuga

The company posted 255 per cent increase in profit after tax from N450.9 million in 2012 to N1.6 billion in 2013, while profit before tax rose by 199 per cent from N663.1 million to N1.98 billion. Earnings per Share (EPS), which measures the net income for every shareholder, increased from 65kobo to 230 kobo.

As part of the strategy to shore up its bottom-line, he said that the company has strengthened and consolidated its leadership position in the aviation business with investment in the acquisition of new world-class equipment to meet the demands, on real time basis, of the company’s ever-growing local and international clientele.

“Our strategy in retail is to provide top quality products and services that will make customers want to always patronize us for their fuel and nonfuel needs. We are not resting on our oars on our aggressive acquisition and expansion drive that aims at increasing, substantially, the number of our retail outlets nationwide,” Adenuga added. BC

A

Oscar Onyema , NSE Boss

points, as against 36, 831.03 points recorded a day earlier, as market turnover recorded a turnover of 536,937,747 Ordinary Shares valued at N2.53 billion in 3,817 deals.

The price movement chart displayed 28 gainers and 21 losers at the close of business.

Air Services Nigeria Plc led on the losers’ table by 9.69 per cent or N0.41 kobo per share to close N3.82kobo per share.

The company was trailed by Prestige Assurance Nigeria Plc that shed five per cent or N0.03 kobo per share loss to close trading for the day at N0.57 kobo per share and RTBriscoe Nigeria Plc fell by 4.86 per cent or N0.07 kobo per share to close at N1.37kobo per share.

FO led 28 other stocks on the gainers table by 4.9 per cent or N1.87 kobo per share to close at N1.39kobo per share, Betaglas Nigeria Plc gained 4.97 per cent or N0.59 kobo to close at N12.46kobo per share and Costain gained 4.63 per cent or N0.05kobo to close at N1.13per share. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s automotive industry development plan

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NSE index up 0.25 per cent, as FO, Betaglas, Costain gain ctivities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed Friday on a positive note, as 28 companies recorded gains while market gained N30 billion.

Specifically, Market Capitalisation, which opened the day’s trading at N11.731 trillion appreciated by N28 billion, representing 0.25 per cent to close at N11, 761trillion.

The All Share index appreciated by 0.25 per cent to close at 36, 925.82

Monday, October 7, 2013

ast week, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga outlined the broad aspects of a new plan of action geared towards developing the nation’s automotive industry, which is undergoing a rebirth of sorts mainly due to private sector efforts many years after the collapse of the likes of Volkswagen of Nigeria, ANAMMCO many other local car assemblies that sprung up in the 70s.

These companies that would have laid the foundation for the development of high-tech manufacturing capabilities in-country and tremendous opportunities for support industries such as part suppliers, went under largely due to a combination of inconsistent government policies, high operational costs and lack of patronage even from the government that had a stake in them.

In sum, it was about a lack of vision, and while we were wasting our time groping in the dark, content with importing anything on four wheels from Europe, Japan and the US, other emerging economies including India, China, South Korea, Brazil and South Africa had with two or three decades developed their own respective auto industries and are now manufacturing their own local brands or playing host to assembly plants of the established global brands.

The current plan being put forward is aimed at placing Nigeria within this league with all the attendant benefits including job and wealth creation, skills development, technology acquisition and paying the way for other manufacturing activity.

As the minister pointed out, an automotive industry will create significant, good quality employment and a wide range of technologically advanced manufacturing opportunities. This industrial base can then form the foundation for other modern advanced manufacturing activities such as commercial vehicle production will lead to the manufacture of agricultural, mining and railway equipment, military hardware and transport.

Indeed, the current demand profile, which the minster put at one million vehicles a year (fueled by a middle class population of some 38 million) is enough to support our local industry and create a big dent on the current vehicle import bill of N550 billion Aganga also said the manufacture of vehicles would enable Nigeria acquire the technologies of mass production, quality control, lean manufacturing, computer aided design, manufacturing and engineering, which the country could use to develop other sectors of the economy and also industrialise.

All these sound nice and fine, but how do we go about this?

Aganga has said that the focus will be on the manufacture of inexpensive cars that would be affordable for Nigerians (a strategy similar to what Tata did in India) which will gradually substitute imports.

However, the core strategy according

to the National Automotive Council is how to ensure competitiveness and increase productivity of the sector through the improvement of industrial infrastructure improvements, such as manufacturing clusters, automotive supplier parks and skills development, standards, investment promotion, market development and anti-smuggling measures.

According to the Director-General, National Automotive Council, Mr. Aminu Jalal, some international automotive manufacturers, in particular, Toyota, Nissan, Renault and GM, have already shown interest in investing in Nigeria and are now conducting a feasibility studies on vehicle assembly in Nigeria, “assuming that a comprehensive automotive development plan will be in place.”

While the outlook for the automotive sector appears rather positive with already one local firm, Innoson Group, taking a huge gamble in the assembly of passenger and commercial vehicles, the actualisation of the current plan will require a lot of determination to see it through even beyond the life of this administration.

For, one the incentive regime for local manufacturers needs to be strengthened considerably to lower costs and stimulate demand.

This also provides another opportunity to establish the proper linkages between the iron and steel sector, petrochemicals, and other industries to the automotive sector by addressing the critical issues that have stymied the development over the years.

How can we boast of a truly made-inNigeria vehicle if the base components such as engine blocks, gearbox casings and chassis are not made here? Already, we have many companies in Nigeria manufacturing car parts such as bearings, brake pads and some plastic components that had supplied PAN in Kaduna, more can easily spring up if we create those right conditions for investors.

However, it all boils down to being able to walk the talk. Are we truly ready?

This takes me to that clearly ill-advised plan to hike tariff on car imports as from next year. I think the NAC, which is pushing this, is taking things too far.

How can you increase car import tariff, when you have not started to roll off cars from yet-to-be established plants? How many vehicles are assembled in Nigeria yearly presently compared with demand?

It would have made sense if a huge tariff was imposed on an imported Toyota, if it had a plant in Nigeria.

In any case, how many Nigerian can buy new cars? Most of the car ownership is courtesy of used car import trade that is getting bigger by the day as mentioned previously in this column and driven largely by the poor public transport infrastructure within the cities.

While one would commend the effort to revive the auto industry, government should refrain from putting the cart before the horse, as it were. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Naira firms against dollar amidst strong demand

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he naira on Friday strengthened against the US dollar gaining N1.05k at the interbank market to close at N160.50/$ compared to N161.55/$, data from the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) indicates.

Analyst said that although there was inflow from the sale of dollars by oil companies, there

Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

was increased demand for the greenback by investors trying to position on treasury bills auction.

The local currency also appreciated at the parallel market, gaining 50kobo as it closed at N163.50/$ as against N164.00/$ the previous day.

Naira remained stable at the

A21 37

official market and bureau de change closing at N155.75/$ and N163.00/$ respectively.

During the week, demand for foreign exchange had fell by $113.01million after the CBN held the first Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS).

The CBN offered $300 million but sold $186.99 million to dealer banks at N155.75/$ at its first twice weekly RDAS. Analysts are of the view that the CBN’s forex policy measures targeted at fighting against money laundering is beginning to have positive impact BC

Foreign investors plan $16bn investment in Delta

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he Delta State government says it has attracted more than $16 billion worth of investment for its export free zone, which is expected to create some 500,000 jobs The state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, said in Warri, Delta State that investors from Saudi Arabia and India are ready to invest in petrochemical and fertiliser plants.

Uduaghan also said that the Koko Export Free Zone had been approved by the Federal Government and the issue of approval for Warri Export Free Zone was still being pursued.

He said that it was the nature of Koko as an export free zone that attracted the investors since the Federal Government/NNPC Master plan approved three states, namely, Rivers State, Delta State and Akwa Ibom State for such projects.

The governor said that the location of the state and the approval of Koko as an Export Free Zone helped it in securing the approval. Uduaghan further said, “Every investor is very much interested in the tax regime and there are some tax relief for companies in the export free zones.”

Uduaghan

The governor said that the Delta State government has done much in Koko by ensuring the approval of its status as an export free zone, ensuring peace and following closely the gas master plan.

He said that already, the state government has prepared grounds for the free zone by putting in place the Asaba Airport, which would assist investors to fly their equipment into the state.

Uduaghan said that AsabaUghelli dual carriage way project is being implemented to offer easy and fast transportation from Asaba Airport to the Koko

Export Free Zone.

He said that the strategic location of Koko also would assist cargo shipping through the Benin River. Uduaghan said that the Federal Government would tackle the dredging of the Benin River to allow bigger vessels to get to Koko, adding, “‘transport infrastructure is very critical”.

On provision of constant power supply, he said that the state’s Independent Power Plant (IPP) project was progressing as the turbines were presently on test-run. The governor, however, said that the important aspect of the investment was the creation of direct and indirect jobs that would bring down the unemployment rate in the state.

Uduaghan, who described the petrochemical and fertiliser plants as one of the heaviest investments in the country, said that the plants would prop up other large and medium-scale industries in the state.“‘With the cooperation of everyone, the future is very bright,” he said The governor, however, said that fund was the major challenge facing the state and that this would make the state government to embark on vigorous, aggressive revenue drive in the state. BC

Huge investment opportunity exists in Nigeria’s power sector – Experts

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nita Mathews, Director, Informa Energy Group, a Dubai-based organisation, says there is huge opportunity for investment in Nigeria’s power sector.

Mathews made the observation in Lagos in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of an exhibition tagged: ‘Power Nigeria’ organised by the group.

According to her, the huge demand for power in the Nigerian manufacturing sector and the ongoing privatisation process in the power sector

will create influx of foreign investments to both sectors.

She said that the exhibition was organised for international organisations involved in power generation and distribution to showcase their products and develop sustainable business partnerships with Nigerian entrepreneurs. “The exhibition will create a platform for foreign Investors to form partnerships with Nigerians in order to improve the power sector of the nation.

“Local entrepreneurs, who

want to know about new products and new technologies, will get answers to all their questions at this exhibition,” she said.

“International experts in the energy sector will be talking on innovation, energy conservation, energy demands, latest technologies and their usages,“ she said She said that products enhanced by renewable sources of energy were on display at the exhibition in order to encourage energy conservation in Nigeria. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 04-10-13 All-Share Index 36,925.82 points Market Capitalization N11,761,403,942,625.16 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

FORTE OIL

37.51

CLOSING PRICE 39.38

CHANGE 4.99

BETAGLASS

11.87

12.46

4.97

COSTAIN

1.08

1.13

4.63

JOHNHOLT

1.09

1.14

4.59

WEMABANK

0.98

1.02

4.08

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

AIRSERVICE

4.23

3.82

PRESTIGE

0.60

0.57

-5.00

RTBRISCOE

1.44

1.37

-4.86

ETERNA ASHAKACEM

-9.69

2.90

2.76

-4.83

20.90

20.00

-4.31

Inter-Bank Rates TENOR

RATE%(PREV) 26-Sept-2013

RATE%(CURR) 02-Oct-2013

CALL

12.0000- 14.0000

10.7500 - 11.0000%

OBB

10.0000 - 14.0000

9.0000 - 14.0000%

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Days

31838.51

10.85

26-Sept-13

182-Days

33783.25

11.69

26-Sept-13

364-Days

59081.14

11.75

26-Sept-13

Open Market Operation TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

182-Days

100000

91-Days 182-Days

RATE (%) 12.75

DATE 05-Sept-13

22970.71

10.9

05-Sept-13

40000

12.34

05-Sept-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$300m

MARKET DEMAND $300m

$300m

30-Sep-13

$400m

$300,154,695.86m

$300,154,695.86m

25-Sep-13

38

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, October 7, 2013

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, Oct 04, 2013 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 42.15 PRESCO PLC 34.70 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. NT Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 3.90 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.65 CHELLARAMS PLC. NT JOHN HOLT PLC. 1.14 TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 1.89 U A C N PLC. 61.20 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 5.05 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. 95.49 Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 1.13 G CAPPA PLC NT Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 78.50 ROADS NIG PLC. 8.46 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 15.80 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC NT UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV NT UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 10.50 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC NT Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. NT GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. NT GUINNESS NIG PLC 249.64 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 20.40 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 3.78 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 173.00 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC NT Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 68.00 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 9.05 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 11.30 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 83.00 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 2.95 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NT N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NT NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 12.09 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NT U T C NIG. PLC. 0.61 UNION DICON SALT PLC. NT Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 48.00 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 998.50 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. NT VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 4.08 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. NT Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 38.00 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 61.01 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 10.61 DIAMOND BANK PLC 6.21 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 13.61 FIDELITY BANK PLC 2.68 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 25.60 SKYE BANK PLC 4.15 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.25 U B A PLC 7.45 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 10.21 UNITY BANK PLC 0.56 WEMA BANK PLC. 1.02 ZENITH BANK PLC 20.18 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC NT AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.78 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 1.20 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. 0.50 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 1.50 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. NT GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC NT GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC NT GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. NT INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC NT INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC 0.71 INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. NT LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. NT LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC NT MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 2.13 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.70 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NT OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.57 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC NT SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC NT STACO INSURANCE PLC NT STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. NT UNIC INSURANCE PLC. NT UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC NT UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC NT WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 0.85 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NT NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NT Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC NT ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC 0.50 RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC 0.5 Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS 1.87 CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC NT FBN HOLDINGS PLC 16.56 FCMB GROUP PLC 3.82 NIG SEW. MACH. MAN. CO. PLC. NT NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND NT ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.51 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 19.20 UBA CAPITAL PLC 1.50 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. NT UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC NT Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. NT Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 3.45 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 1.97

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 04-10-13

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

Previous

196,000 303,253 273,968

0.64 107.81 41.14

0.50 20.92 8.24

2,200,000,000 476,955,000 1,000,000,000

0.10 2.29 7.55

N/A -12.28 4.20

0.50 48.05 33.30

NT

4.26

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

NT

492,000

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

0.00

3.90

298 1,000 75,242 256,338,821 163,022

2.08 6.43 5.89 1.96 71.10

0.71 4.36 1.07 0.50 28.00

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

0.11 0.16 1.09 0.09 4.38

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

1.65 NT 1.09 1.55 58.50

500 120

26.00 95.49

5.05 95.49

148,500,000 196,876,000

0.33 4.50

N/A N/A

NT NT

76,553 NT

2.66 14.46

0.72 14.46

920,573,765 125,000,000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

1.01 NT

1,182,136 16,657

83.75 10.60

19.86 6.61

1,200,000,000 20,000,000

6.74 1.69

1.96 N/A

76.99 8.46

NT 98,652

7.28 18.00

7.28 8.82

1,375,000,000

0.00 2.20

N/A -3.36

NT 16.35

1,000 NT 1,820

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

NT NT NT

43,595

0.50

0.50

4,772,528,415

0.00

N/A

0.50

50,000 NT 148,709 177,825 1,250 1,372,212 3,000

19.48 0.68 297.41 28.67 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 -1.72 N/A N/A 5.49 N/A

NT NT 254.00 19.05 4.38 164.00 0.74

12,599

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

66.00

NT 841,798 1,210,633 207,451 604,393 735,207 NT 982,501 NT 94,636 NT

0.50 10.68 12.85 109.24 3.74 1.21 29.70 14.00 5.94 0.93 4.22

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 4.63 0.00 2.08 N/A N/A 0.75 N/A 3.39 N/A

NT 9.05 10.80 83.00 2.89 NT NT 12.00 NT 0.59 NT

416,799 47,928

64.53 1088.00

8.33 400.00

3,129,188,160 792,656,250

1.57 28.34

5.49 0.86

45.50 990.03

NT NT 177,425 495,200

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 2.00 N/A

NT NT 4.00 1.88

162,699 1,125,577

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

3,176,381,636 3,783,296,250

1.34 1.42

0.00 0.66

38.00 60.61

NT

0.97

0.57

843,284,027

0.00

N/A

NT

8,020,047 887,995 16,103,404 3,752,406 NT 6,432,029 4,863,548 1,084,666 32,441,715 267,399 12,116,165 2,242,381 6,789,950

12.39 7.66 16.01 3.47 8.30 29.99 7.05 3.05 9.60 15.30 1.16 1.88 22.80

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

5.78 1.80 1.11 4.28 #VALUE! 1.99 1.22 -2.17 0.68 0.49 0.00 7.37 1.41

10.03 6.10 13.46 2.57 NT 25.10 4.10 2.30 7.40 10.16 0.60 0.95 19.90

1,000 1,728,726 NT 50,000,000 90,000 1,971,850 2,040,208 NT NT NT NT NT 82,561 NT 10,000 2,000 380 1,000 100 165,000 9,440 300 165,000 200 4,300,000 NT 1,000 NT 1,000 3,066,000 88,064,902

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 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.55

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 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

4,100 2,000

6.60 1.22

0.00 0.72

100 50,000 3,000 1,000

1.65 0.50 0.50 0.99

1.37 0.50 0.50 0.50

63,834 NT NT 9,540,528 654,361 NT NT 131,562 1,150,904 1,999,683

2.1 0.61 2.02 21.50 5.70 0.15 552.20 1.33 20.72 1.70

0 0.50 2.02 8.57 2.90 0.15 555.20 0.50 10.64 0.00

100 100

5.05 0.50

4.32 0.50

498,600,908 3,553,138,528

0.13 0.00

N/A N/A

NT 0.50

NT

10.54

7.39

152,178,750

0.00

N/A

NT

37,765 987,394

4.80 2.50

0.50 0.61

486,473,856 1,500,000,000

0.58 0.24

4.86 -1.01

3.29 1.99

N/A=Not Avialable

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

0.00 0.19 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 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.07

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 -0.93 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A -5.00 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.18 0.19 4,200,000,000 8,679,148,676 13,175,732,404 7,812,500,000

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

0.03 0.02 0.30 0.00 0.63 0.00 0.15 2.45 1.23 0.00 12.68 0.13 1.53 0.29

NT 0.80 NT NT 1.15 0.50 1.43 NT NT NT NT NT 0.59 NT 0.50 NT NT 2.15 0.50 0.70 NT NT 0.60 NT NT NT 0.50 NT 0.50 NT 0.85 NT NT

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

N/A N/A 0.98 N/A N/A N/A 0.00

NT NT 0.50 NT 1.87 NT NT 16.40 3.80 NT NT 0.52 19.20 1.39

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 64.00 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 2.20 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.20 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. NT PHARMA-DEKO PLC. NT ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.61 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC NT Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. NT TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 2.07 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC NT E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC NT Telecommunications Carriers STARCOMMS PLC 0.50 Telecommunications Services IHS NIGERIA PLC PREF SHARES NT IHS PLC 2.81 MTI PLC NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. NT ASHAKA CEM PLC 20.00 BERGER PAINTS PLC 8.70 CAP PLC 37.00 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 9.00 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 190.00 DN MEYER PLC. 1.90 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC NT IPWA PLC NT LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 99.00 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 2.30 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 5.60 PREMIER PAINTS PLC. NT Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC NT CUTIX PLC. 1.90 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. 0.50 NIGERIAN WIRE IND. PLC NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS NT BETA GLASS CO PLC. 12.46 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. 6.50 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. 0.95 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.50 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 10.50 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors AFROIL PLC NT BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.50 CONOIL PLC 28.80 ETERNA PLC. 2.76 FORTE OIL PLC. 39.38 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 110.05 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 36.14 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 157.00 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC NT Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. NT Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 1.37 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 4.49 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.26 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. NT Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC NT IKEJA HOTEL PLC 0.80 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. NT TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC NT Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. 1.80 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.86 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NT UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 3.99 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.81 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC NT SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC NT Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 3.82 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 6.30 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS 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 OIL AND GAS Petroleum & Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC. NT CAPITAL OIL PLC 0.50 RAK UNITY PET. COMP. PLC. NT UNION VENTURES & PET. PLC NT SERVICES Apparel Retailers UDEOFSON GARMENT FACT. NIG PLC NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. NT ETF’s Sector ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND NT

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

220,539 83,652 3,025 100 250

69.00 3.38 1.76 8.59 3.50

18.97 1.23 0.58 7.36 1.83

956,701,192 980,000,000 1,925,717,268 153,786,012 100,000,000

3.07 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00

-7.25 0.00 4.35 N/A N/A

69.00 2.20 1.15 7.36 NT

359,408

0.96

0.50

2,960,000,000

0.11

0.00

0.68

1,000

0.50

0.50

2,941,789,472

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT

0.91

0.91

4,966,666,668

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 4,200

18.70 2.94

13.12 2.07

108,000,000 492,825,600

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

NT 2.07

NT NT

0.50 4.97

0.50 4.04

4,620,600,000 4,200,000,000

0.04 0.04

N/A N/A

NT NT

1,000

1.47

0.50

6,878,478,096

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 2,256,300 NT

2.25 3.79 0.50

0.00 1.70 0.50

4,400,000,000 4,893,594,400

0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A

NT 2.80 NT

2,500 759,024 33,600 6,341 22,742 584,746 45,000 NT 145,492 169,190 121,000 7,000 NT

2.86 29.98 12.20 67.50 12.99 210.01 3.54 0.75 1.34 110.00 2.41 7.22 10.93

2.86 8.01 6.82 13.78 4.00 102.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 39.80 0.50 2.27 10.93

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

0.07 0.80 0.91 1.66 1.12 5.77 0.06 0.00 0.00 6.83 0.36 0.43 0.00

N/A -4.31 0.00 0.00 -0.99 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 0.51 N/A N/A N/A

NT 20.90 8.70 37.00 9.09 190.00 1.90 NT 0.99 98.50 2.24 5.60 NT

NT 18,000 10,100 NT

2.00 2.39 0.73 2.58

2.00 1.20 0.50 2.58

510,396,608 2,220,000,000 15,000,000

0.05 0.19 0.00 0.00

N/A 4.97 N/A N/A

NT 1.81 0.50 NT

NT 659 521,011 NT NT NT NT

3.98 5.94 13.18 15.03 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 1.71 9.04 13.28 1.60 1.05 0.63

N/A N/A

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

0.00 0.00 3.23 0.90 0.24 0.22 0.00

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

NT NT 11.87 NT NT NT NT

NT 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

QUANTITY

25,000,000 683,974,528

MOV. (%)

Previous

16,611

9.35

5.68

393,120,000

0.76

#VALUE!

NT

NT NT

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75,600,000 100,000,000

0.00 0.24

N/A N/A

NT NT

2,000

0.50

0.50

4,058,989,226

0.01

N/A

0.50

NT 4,000

3.22 1.38

3.22 0.67

50,000,000 220,000,000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT 0.99

1,200,331

1.02

0.50

6,262,701,716

0.00

0.00

0.50

5,201,719

24.80

9.32

2,262,711,568

1.24

-2.78

10.80

NT 29,000 6,200 171,720 116,277 70,282 425 18,950

20.71 0.70 33.67 4.87 43.95 146.00 59.00 190.01

20.71 0.50 16.96 1.32 7.73 106.00 16.20 118.75

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

0.00 0.00 2.69 0.61 1.43 9.93 1.04 12.91

N/A N/A 0.00 -1.43 10.31 2.85 N/A 0.31

NT NT 28.80 2.80 35.70 107.00 NT 156.51

4,035,497,307

0.00

N/A

NT

0

N/A

NT

NT

0.72

0.50

NT

3.48

3.48

287,197

2.45

1.00

980,294,400

0.00

-4.86

1.44

40,000 22,000

5.10 3.45

2.19 0.73

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

9.51 N/A

4.10 1.28

22,000

1.64

0.85

865,808,912

0.00

N/A

0.50

5,000

0.75

0.50

3,211,627,907

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 55,045 NT NT

8.00 1.72 4.53 1.95

3.00 0.64 4.08 0.50

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

0.23 0.00 0.00 0.22

N/A 0.00 N/A #VALUE!

NT 0.80 NT NT

5,000

0.51

0.50

8,000,000,000

0.43

N/A

NT

53,000 87,186 100 195,630

4.10 3.09 2.78 5.77

1.57 1.39 2.52 3.00

403,200,000 771,450,000 425,641,111

0.22 0.00 0.00 0.61

N/A N/A N/A 5.00

1.87 1.95 NT 3.80

451,571

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.74

NT NT

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236,699,511 5,631,539,736

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

1,475,110 193,467

5.90 8.81

1.27 5.08

634,000,000 1,230,468,750

0.50 0.43

N/A 3.28

4.23 6.10

NT

1.43

1.04

45,000,000

0.12

N/A

NT

NT

1.02

1.02

201,885,335

0.00

N/A

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

0.50

0.50

6,650,000

0.00

N/A

NT

NT 60,000 NT NT

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

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

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

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

NT NT NT NT

NT NT NT

0.50

0.50

20,000,000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194,700,000

0.00

N/A

NT NT NT

NT

2,706

2,422

#VALUE!

NT

40

Monday, October 7, 2013

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Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27 41

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

“Judges are no respecters of persons and stand between the subject and any attempted encroachment on his liberty’’ - RETIRED CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, DAHIRU MUSDAPHER

Lawyers demand overhaul of Lagos Customary courts Customary Courts in the South and Area Courts in the North are the lowest in the hierarchy of courts in the country. They are inferior courts and they usually rely on unwritten customs and practices of the people in administering justice. KENNY ODUNUKAN writes that some lawyers have called for reforms in the operation and system of the courts in Lagos State.

We’ve struck off names of nine lawyers from S’Court Roll –Okutepa 42

How Jesu Oyingbo operated strange spiritual enclave 45

A.F.D Kuti: Revolutionary jurist 46

C

ustomary law is the organic law of the indigenous people, regulating their lives and conduct in the country. It is said to be a mirror of accepted usage that is flexible and adapts itself to changes in the sociological patterns of life in the society.

A court, for instance, will not apply a rule of customary law if it offends against customary rule of natural justice.

Former Dean of Law, Faulty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Imran Smith in his book “The Law of Real Property writes, “Customary laws are unwritten laws generally and they lack precision, they are not easily ascertainable and are difficult to administer or apply.’’

Renowned authors have, however, argued that customary law can be ascertained before the courts in two ways; by proof and by judicial notice.

A university lecturer, Prof. A.D Badaiki in his book, “Development of Customary Law’’ states that ‘’The modes of proof of customary law by adducing evidence include oral testimonies, expert opinion, non-expert opinion, assessors, use of textbooks and manuscripts. ‘’ For a court to observe and enforce a rule of customary law, such a rule must pass the three tests of repugnancy, public policy and incompatibility. Otherwise, the rule would be repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

The celebration of customary law marriage by proxy is usually condoned in some communities, especially for those residents abroad. The practice has however been criticised as fraudulent and described as an aberration of customary laws of a majority of local communities. The inescapable conclusion one can reach that the is that the celebration of customary law marriage by proxy is incompatible with the Marriage Act and contrary to public policy, and is therefore an invalid customary practice.

Be that as it may, the improper conduct of some Customary Courts in the Southern part of the country, especially in Lagos has come under severe attacks in recent times.

It is interesting to note that the courts are regarded as grassroots contact of justice with the people. They are inferior courts and not courts of record in that they do not adhere to common law doctrine of stare decisis.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips

A SPECIFIC RULE SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT ALL

PRESIDENTS OF CUS-

TOMARY COURTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST A MINIMUM OF

LAW DEGREE

Indeed, no visible remarkable reforms have been carried out in the operation of the customary courts in the state beyond the fact that 29 new customary court judges were sworn –in last July bringing the number of the courts in the state to 203.

Investigations have shown that some of its personnel are not sufficiently equipped to administer justice in the state.

A Lagos Lawyer, Mr. Olanrewaju Ajanaku in an interview with the National Mirror said although the ‘’Customary Courts are designed to administer quick dispensation of justice at the primary level’’ the presidents of some courts are not living up to expectations.

According to him, ‘’What I have noticed recently is that some presidents of the customary courts run their courts as if they are in their living rooms. One has been able to find out that there are no clear rules and modalities in which some of those courts

Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye

are run.’’

He noted that most local government councils also employed the customary courts ‘officials to deal with their perceived enemies in the name of tax and levies default.

Ajanaku suggested that as a way towards correcting the obvious lapses in the system, a specific rule should be made to ensure that all Presidents of customary courts should have at least a minimum of Law degree.

Besides, he said members of the court should possess a minimum of diploma in law to enable them serve on the panel adding that ‘’more reforms should be carried out in terms of facilities and training of the court personnel.’’

He also advocated that the customary courts should exist independently of Local government control in order to overcome the abuses in the system.

Another lawyer, Mr. Adekunle Oke agreed that the most customary courts have been abused by the political party in control of the state and local government.

His words, ‘’ Some local government chairmen just appoint people who will be under their control as members of the customary courts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

42

Law & Justice

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’ve struck off names of nine lawyers from S’Court Roll –Okutepa Mr. Jibrin Okutepa, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who practices in Abuja and Makurdi. He is also a lead prosecutor of the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). In this interview with EMMANUEL ONANI, he speaks on corruption in the country, indiscipline at the Bar and President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid to contest the 2015 Presidential election, among other issues. Excerpts:

Okutepa (SAN)

Opinions have remained divided over the constitutionality or otherwise of President Goodluck Jonathan contesting in 2015.

Which side of the divide do you stand?

The argument of the President not qualified, is not borne out of any political sentiment, but borne out of my understanding of the Nigerian Constitution. First point you must understand, is whether or not President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has taken oath of office twice.

It is settled and even a blind man can testify to the fact that he has done so. Second point you must know, is that no one can become President of Nigeria, without having his running mate that is qualified to be President. Now, why did we have that provision? Now, there are several decisions of our courts, including the Supreme Court, where it was held that when you stand election as Governor and Deputy Governor, the both of you are standing election. Like one entity. But, upon being elected, you acquire different rights.

That was why former President Olusegun Obasanjo, could not sack his Deputy, Atiku Abubakar, when he crossed over to the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.There are precedents; when Abubakar chose to relinquish his gubernatorial mandate in Adamawa state, Boni Haruna, without standing any other election, was swornin as governor. The reason being that he stood election with the Governor, as Deputy Governor. So, he stood election. Now, President Jonathan stood election with late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua.

Now, Mr. President did not stand another election; he was sworn- in. This is in tandem with the provisions of the constitu-

WHERE WE ARE NOT

two years is 10. In this case, it is difficult for us to come to conclusion that the two years he spent in office as president, do not count. And, the Supreme Court made it very clear in the five Governors’ case, in the case of (Buba) Marwa against Governor (Murtala) Nyako. That period must be taken into account. It is the intendment of our lawmakers that you can’t do more than eight years. My understanding as a lawyer, and a senior lawyer for that matter, is that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had a good luck on his side; spent two years. But it is now a bad luck on the constitution that he cannot extend his good luck beyond the limit of the constitutional provision.

SUPPOSED TO BE AT

Does this not contradict the judgement of

’I THINK THE GREATEST PROBLEM WE HAVE IN THIS COUNTRY, IS

OUR INABILITY TO RESPECT THE

LAW, AS WELL AS OUR INORDINATE AMBITION TO BE

ALL COST.

tion. My argument is that, if we say that you can be president of Nigeria for a term of four years, and run for another term of four years, put it cumulatively, you have eight years. Now, Mr. President had done two years as president of Nigeria, he stood election in 2011 and won for four years, by 2015, Mr. President would have spent six years as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If our constitution said you cannot be President of Nigeria more than eight years, the question that any rational being should ask is, if he wins election in 2015, as he is bound to win, because I have not seen a sitting African President losing election, except on few occasions., then he will win another four years. If you put four plus four, I know it’s eight, with the initial

Okutepa

an Abuja High Court which held that the President was eligible to run for another term of office?

I have not had the privilege of reading the judgement of the Abuja High Court you referred to, but if what I heard and read in the newspapers, is anything to go by, then we must make a distinction between what is called obita dictum of the judgement of the court and the ratio decidendi of the case. Obita dictum is the passing statement of the judge. For instance, if you sued me and I come to court to say you have no locus standi to sue me. What I’m saying in essence is that the court of law, has no jurisdiction to decide the merit of the matter. Now, if in the course of the judge deciding that issue of your locus standi, he makes a passing comment and says, after all, I have seen from the facts before me, that the man has some issues to settle with me, that issue does not decide the merit of the matter. Because, what I read and what I know is that, the person who filed the case, no objections were brought, and it was said he had no locus standi and the judge agreed that he had no locus standi. So, the issue that was before the court was not whether or not the President was qualified, but whether or not the plaintiff in that case, could maintain the case against the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, if in the process of deciding that issue, the learned trial judge, made a passing remark, but does that mean that that can stand in the face of the decisions of the Supreme Court?

Because, the decision of the Supreme court in Marwa against Nyako, was based on the interpretation of our constitution, particularly as to how many years a governor must remain office, and whether or not the impeached period of the governor can be taken into account, in calculating the eight-year period. When you also look at the case of ex-governor Rashidi Ladoja, who was kept out of office for about 11 months, and he was reinstated by the Supreme Court. He came back to the same Supreme Court to say, the eleven months that he was out of office, should not be part of his tenure. But, the Supreme Court disagreed and said he could not do more than four years in office. And so, he was

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, October 7, 2013

’IF EFCC IS A CONSTITUTIONAL ESTABLISHMENT,

I DOUBT, THE FIRST THING TO DO, IF WHICH

WE WANT TO STAMP OUT CORRUPTION,

IS TO START FROM

ASOKORO.

Okutepa

not reinstated to do the eleven months that he was not in office.

In effect what is your position?

All I’m struggling to say is that the judgement of the Abuja High Court, is neither here nor there. When the chips are down, that is when the president and everyone that may decide to field him, will come to the reality of the point I’m making. But, in Nigeria, anything is possible.

In Nigeria, a man can be a woman and vice versa. I think the greatest problem we have in this country, is our inability to respect the law as well as our inordinate ambition to be where we are not supposed to be at all cost. That is the problem we have. If you look at it critically, at the period President Yar’ Adua died, he had not finished his two years in office; Mr. President was, under the Doctrine of Necessity, sworn-in as acting President and later as President.

Then, he won election and was eventually sworn-in. So, if we draw our inspiration from the American constitution, then what is the intentment from the American constitution from the 22nd amendment, section one thereof ? It is that, if you have acted as a President of America, even concluding the tenure of another person, and for two years, you cannot come again to be re-elected more than one time into that office. And, President Ebele Jonathan has been elected once more, after spending the remaining part of the tenure of the late Yar’ Adua. The question I keep asking is what will Mr. President do in the next four years that he has been unable to do in six years? Nigerians should ask questions.

Would the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, continue to be on strike?

Or, would the N92 billion naira be given to them? Would roads be tarred? The reason why Nigeria is going down the drain, is because no one is accountable to us.

When I took the oath of office on the 26th of August, 2011, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I swore to defend Nigerian constitution, and that is what I’m doing. I swore

to achieve the cause of justice in arriving at justice. I have nothing personal against Mr. President except that, when I took my oath of office as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I swore to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that is what I’m doing.

The continuous clamour for a Sovereign National Conference, SNC, where all ethnic nationalities will sit to discuss the future of Nigeria, has met stiff opposition from National Assembly members. Do you think convoking an SNC will nullify the “sovereignty” of the National Assembly?

Is there any sovereignty in the National Assembly? When you talk about sovereignty, same belongs to the people.

And, what that means is that your vote and mine count; that there must not be any imposition, whatsoever. When we talk about sovereign national conference, what is the modality of convening it? Who is to convene it? Who is to elect the representatives of the people? Who, for instance, will represent the Igala nationality? Is it the expired politicians that have been leading us since. Or, my generation? Or, those people who, instead of sitting down to read, engage themselves in cultism and thuggery?

First and foremost, people clamouring for sovereign national conference, should define the modalities of who goes there. Two, when you are talking about sovereign national conference, how does my illiterate mother, who does not appreciate the ABC of law, appreciate what is being talked about? What is making us talk about sovereign national conference is the criminality inherent in all of us to do what we are doing. We have acquired sophisticated western education, without appreciating our cultural background. There is now a general distrust even within particular ethnic nationality. How do we aggregate the people together, to discuss the unity of Nigeria? I think what is making us think that Nigeria does not have unity, is

because of the primitive acquisition of wealth. There are no leaders; all we have in Nigeria, with respect to all of them, are rulers. A leader leads by example. It is because we have not had leaders, that is why everybody is talking about sovereign national conference. It is the mentality of “my people must rule”, that is bringing about this agitation for a sovereign national conference. I’m neither in support or against sovereign national conference; I’m only in support of the existence of a Nigeria, that is built on a very sound footing, nationalistic and patriotic tendencies; where you and I can die for Nigeria. The problem is that nobody is prepared to die for this enterprise called Nigeria. There are very few patriotic Nigerians. A lot of us – 99.9 per cent of us, with respect, are born corrupt. In the first republic, you could not point to property and say they belonged to the elder statesmen of the time. Today, however, the first target of any politician is how to build mansion in Abuja. If EFCC is a constitutional establishment, which I doubt, the first thing to do, if we want to stamp out corruption, is to start from Asokoro. Section seven of the EFCC Act, gives it power to go there and ask owners of the buildings, questions on where they got money to build the houses.

There are so many petitions pending before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, (LPDC). Is it right to say the Bar is on trial?

There is no profession in Nigeria, that is not on trial, and I have the privilege to be the lead prosecutor on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. Without attempting to blow the trumpet of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA,Chief Okey Wali, SAN, I can tell you that one of the cardinal campaign promises he made to us, is that if he will restore discipline to the Bar, he will go home as a happy man, after his two-year tenure.

And, the first thing he did when he came

43

on board was to re-organise the prosecuting team at the LPDC, and I have the privilege of leading nine other lawyers in the prosecution. And, since we commenced our business, we have been able to delete the names of about nine lawyers from the roll of the Supreme Court. This feat is unprecedented, as it hasn’t happened before.

And, if you look at even the entire history of the legal profession, in 1960, only one person had his name removed. The Justice Umaru Eri-led panel also did its job. But, within a space of less than one year, we’ve been able to handle not less than 36 petitions, and we have been able to delete, or put it in a more proper legal metaphor, we have been able to get directions from the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, directing the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, to strike out the names of these lawyers, for conducts unbecoming of lawyers, or what we refer to as “infamous conduct”, in professional respect. Some of the offences range from land speculation, misconduct of embezzling clients’ money to a point of financing litigation and benefiting from the proceeds of that litigation, as well as denying the person, who was used as plaintiff the fruits of his litigation. So, the legal profession is on trial, no doubt about that.

This is because the Nigerian society itself is corrupt and lawyers also train in this society, where corruption is deeplyrooted. Some of them engage themselves in the societal vices that have permeated all facets, including religion. All that I’m struggling to say is that even other professions are also facing the same challenge of deep-rooted corruption and the culture of impunity. For those of us who have the privilege of travelling out, you will never see on the streets of London, the United States, Canada or Australia, stern-looking officers wielding guns and intimidating everybody. All I’m saying is that, the lawyer gets called to the Bar in Nigeria, breathes the Nigerian air, drinks Nigerian water and walks on Nigerian soil. We are not Americans, and so, the crooked behavior in the society, has crept into the Law School. Otherwise, it was more honourable in those days for you to be a lawyer.

Today, no lawyer wants to go to court for you, even when your liberty is at stake, until you part with a lot of money. What is the reason for this? If you become a lawyer, a greater societal expectation of you, is that you must drive. For instance, as a lawyer I trekked for 10 years. But today, how many young lawyers want to trek? Somebody graduates with a degree that is less than marketable, he wants to drive the best of cars in this country. Then, he enters into primitive acquisition of property.

He does so many unholy things, in order to acquire that. And, when you acquire this property, you will be the first person to be given chieftaincy title. That is why some of us feel very strongly, that Nigeria, including the legal profession, needs prayers. And, such prayers must be said by somebody may be not resident in Nigeria; perhaps, those who have a relationship as close as to Moses, Abraham and God. A lot of things are wrong with Nigeria. God will help us. I have always advocated that all of us should be corrupt, steal until there is nothing left to steal. When we are hungry, then we can sit down and think aright; that the resources should be used for the betterment of all of us.

44

Law & Justice

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Customary court administration deserves reform’ IT IS A SHAME TO OUR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 He alleged that they often use the customary court personnel for the party interests and even jail perceived adversaries. ‘’My take is that the entire customary courts should be overhaul. Sometimes you will find a person who knew nothing about the law leading prosecution. I also suggest the president has a strong law background and knowledge.’ He added.

Former Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Adekunle Ojo said ‘’I have said in the past that our customary courts are not operated the way customary courts are practised through the world. It is a shame to our judicial system that customary courts are run by people who knew nothing about the rule governing court proceedings.

Many of them have little knowledge of the law.;; Ojo said the time has come for the state government to stop appointing retired civil servants as presidents of the courts.

According to him, ‘’It is high time we stop appointing retired Permanent Secretaries as the Presidents of the Customary courts. Government in power appoints retired permanent secretaries as form of compensation for their long years in services.

The ex-NBA boss said ‘’My arguments is that the decision taken by this

JUDICIAL SYSTEM THAT CUSTOMARY COURTS ARE RUN BY PEOPLE WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE RULE GOVERNING COURT PROCEEDINGS court affect peoples’ lives directly and it must be tackle in accordance the law governing local people .so, customary court administration must not be taken with levity and disdain. It must be handled with all sense of seriousness.

Ojo said had personally advocated that the president of the court should be a lawyer, so that his influence would have a strong bearing in the direction of the administration of justice.

If Justice is to the accused and defendant, it would be fair to have a presiding head who knows little about the law. He added.

Mr. Sunday Martins observed that most people do not take the customary court as serious court adding that this ‘’ is as a result of the way the court is often run. We need a serious reform process in our customary courts. More attention needs to be directed to that court.

Besides, he said the stakeholders in justice administration have called for review of the court systems, especially

Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Mr. Ademorin Kuye

‘’on work on the personnel being employed in those courts.’’.

Badaiki however recommends among others, the unification, and integration, and restatement, codification of customary laws in the country.

But the argument against codication is that the country is made up of multiethnic societies of about 250 groups and to attempt to codify the customary laws was practically impossible.

Despite the inadequacies of the courts, they are known to often handle and adjudicate on matrimonial issues such as divorce and custody of children, assault, theft and breach of public peace among others.

A.F.D Kuti: Revolutionary jurist Judicature FRANCIS FAMOROTI HEAD, JUDICIARY

J

ustice Abdul-Fatai Demola Kuti is a retired judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

During his active years, he was an author, a jurist, poet, diplomat and scholar.

He was sworn-in during the tenure of the former late Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Bello and he retired from the Bench after a successful career in April 2002 on attainment of the retirement age of 65. He, however stunned his colleagues when he shunned the valedictory court session organised in his honour by the FCT judiciary on April 16, 2002.

Consequently, the then Attorney- Justice Kuti General of the Federation and Min- was an act of protest of 17 years of ister of Justice, Godwin Kanu Agabi frustration he received while in ser(SAN), the then FCT Chief Judge vice. It was clear that the judge was Mohamed .D. Saleh and other emi- not on the best of terms with his imnent jurists present at the venue of mediate boss, Justice Saleh while on the ceremony were kept waiting for the Bench. hours before the decision to proceed Kuti had declared that the organwith the event was finally reached isers of the ceremony did not conby the leaders of the cream of the sult him at all stages of the planning Bar and Bench. and he found that very unfair.

As a jurist who resented malice, it Despite his revolutionary stance, was on record that he explained the Kuti was a sound jurist and prolific following day after the session that writer who believed that a strong, his absence at the special sitting virile and coherent Bar was the

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji

foundation upon which the edifice of a functional Bench rests. He also holds the view that a Bar judge is a disaster to human society.

Indeed, a cursory look through the books he had authored shows clear demonstration of his sparkling brilliance, innovative ability and his acknowledgeable fascination for intellectualism.

By his writings, he has enriched the developments in legal thought and philosophy.

Born on April 16, 1937, Kuti read Law in London and Hull Universities. Member of the Middle Temple, London, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964. He has been a member of the Society for Reform of Criminal Law in Vancouver, Canada since 1986 and is also a fellow, American Biographical Institute, North California, United States.

The jurist is a one-time visiting Professor, Enugu State University of Technology; Member, Governing Council, Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peace Advocacy of Nigeria, 1997. He is also a fellow, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England. To show his zeal for philanthropic activities, he is a fellow of Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary International.

He has written no less than 16 books which included among others ‘Biography of Judge T. O. Elias’’ and ‘’Mohammed Bello- Honourable Gentleman, Eminent Jurist’’.

Ojo

LEGAL TIPS POWER OF POLICE TO SEARCH PEOPLE The Search of the person When a Police Officer makes a lawful arrest, he also has power to search the body of the person so arrested. *Note that in searching the body of a woman, the search shall be carried out by another woman.

The Search of premises *Usually before a premises is search, there must be a search warrant, authorising the search. If not, such search will be unlawful. *A search warrant may be issued on any day including Sunday or a public holiday. *A Magistrate or judge has the authority to issue a search warrant. *By Section 109(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), Section 76(1) Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) , a superior police officer also has the authority but only in certain circumstances , (a ) namely when the thing to be recovered from the premises searched is a stolen property ; (b) The premises have been, within the preceding 12 months, in the occupation of any person who has been convicted of receiving stolen property or of habouring thieves or any offence punishable by imprisonment. *Although the law in Nigeria empowers law enforcement agents to conduct search and seizure in the performance of their respective functions, it should be noted that this power is not absolute.

Written by Francis Famoroti, Head, Judiciary.

We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationalmirrorlaw@ yahoo.com

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Law & Justice

Monday, October 7, 2013

45

How Jesu Oyingbo operated strange spiritual enclave Barely a year after the death in 1988 of Pa Olufunmilayo Immanuel Odumosu, the self-styled Jesu Oyingbo, his disciples were locked up in legal duel with his children over the control of the vast estate and businesses left behind by the controversial religious leader. After the prolonged litigation, Odumosu’s children won and eventually evicted the disciples from their father’s Maryland spiritual enclave in Lagos. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head Judiciary recaptures the proceedings.

FAMOUS CASES

I

n the beginning, there lived a man whose real names were Olufunmilayo Immanuel Odumosu, but he fondly called himself “Jesu Oyingbo”. He was highly revered, adored and venerated by his disciples and followers, who believed that he loomed larger than life. He taught his adherents that he was the real Jesus Christ and his presence on earth was his second coming.

Indeed, many of Odumosu’s adherents had to sell their properties, forsake their families and joined the religious leader to build a spiritual enclave.

Although the self-styled religious leader proclaimed himself Jesu Oyingbo, he never shared any trait with Jesus Christ who resurrected the third day. In actual fact, he failed to resurrect the third day as he had prophesied.

Sources claimed that after Odumosu’s primary school education, he started a vocational training in carpentry with his uncle, Pa Odubela who eventually took him along to Lagos.

After his apprenticeship, Odumosu worked briefly as a carpenter at the Post and Telecommunications (P& T) Department of the Ministry of Communications in Lagos and thereafter he founded the Universal College of Regeneration (UCR) in the early 1950s. After the close of work at his carpentry shed, he would, on a daily basis, assemble his adherents under a tree and lectured them on the Bible, giving them spiritual speeches. Thus, his Oyingbo residence at the time gave him his lasting name. He then moved to Awoyokun Street, Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove and later Immanuel Street, Maryland, Ikeja.

He sharpened the concept of religion as a private business, an idea that seems commonplace now in Lagos and Southern Nigeria. More than 500 followers lived on his compound and worked in his businesses: a bakery, a restaurant, a barber shop, a construction company, and a printing plant.

His business acumen also covered areas such as property development, equipment leasing, among others.

Jesus Oyingbo was religiously tolerant, mixing, for example, Christian statues with Islamic and pagan symbols on his compound. But he was, perhaps too tolerant, in ways that drew accusations that he was operating a cult.

Passers-by would notice that some of his buildings on Immanuel Street, Maryland had the inscriptions such as ‘’Merciful and Mighty’’ and ‘’Everlasting Father,’’ surrounded by statues of Christ, caterpillar tractors, sculptures of lions and mermaids with water spurting from their mouths.

Other inscriptions on the buildings included “Prince of Peace”.

A section of the vast estate of Jesu Oyingbo in Maryland

ALTHOUGH THE SELF-STYLED RELIGIOUS LEADER PROCLAIMED HIMSELF JESU OYINGBO, HE NEVER SHARED ANY TRAIT WITH JESUS CHRIST WHO RESURRECTED THE THIRD DAY. It was an empire befitting the man who mixed Christianity, paganism and profit and rationalised his belief that he was the Saviour of the world. People often traced his power and charisma to attract followers to a cane he allegedly used to convert new adherents through supernatural means.

But a source claimed that the cane was bequeathed to him by his grandfather.

It was also alleged that the books written by “Jesu Oyingbo’s” grandfather on herbalist practices were also passed on to him especially the books known as “IWE IWOSAN”, “IWE EGBOGI”, “IWE ISOJI” and “IWE ALA”. It was rumoured at a time in Lagos that these books were the sources of his powers.

After Odumosu’s death at the age of 73 in 1988, the centre could not hold, and the enclave disintegrated into factions.

There were squabbles over the man’s legacy and money and this pitted longtime members against Jesu Oyingbo’s children, wives and relations.

Specifically, attempts by some of the deceased’s children to enter the commune and take over the control and management of their late father’s property and businesses were resisted by Odumosu’s disciples.

The disciples, led by Olufemi Ayo, had gone to an Ikeja High Court in Lagos and secured an order restraining the late Pa Odumosu‘s eldest son, Olukayode, and his siblings from entering the commune.

Olukayode was a wealthy businessman whose company is based in Opebi, Ikeja.

Also named as a defendant was Olukayode’s younger sister, Funke.

Ayo, “Jesu Oyingbo’s” closest disciple and other plaintiffs through their lawyer, Chief G.O.K Ajayi (SAN), had brought an application before the trial Judge, Justice Samuel Omotunde Ilori, who granted the order sought and barred Odumosu’s chil-

dren from entering the commune.

What was supposed to be an interim injunction later turned out to be an interlocutory injunction that lasted for a number of years even as the court failed to discharge the order until the delivery of its judgement in 1994. Prof. Alfred Kasumu (SAN) was the lead counsel to Odumosu’s children, who were united and presented a common front against their late father’s disciples.

During the trial in the early 1990s, the disciples contended that they were co-founders of Immanuel Brothers and other businesses floated by the late Odumosu, but his children argued that their father was the sole promoter of his multi-various businesses.

As the matter became prolonged in court, a lot of revelations were made through the testimonies of the plaintiffs, the defendants and their witnesses.

These involved testimonies such as sexual perversion and large-scale incest that allegedly took place in the commune.

In fact, Ayo had told the court that most of the disciples, including himself, had chosen to adopt Immanuel as their surnames, adding that after Pa Odumosu’s demise, he inherited three of his wives. He saw nothing wrong in this act as it was the practice in the commune.

It was also in evidence that indeed, the late Odumosu not only founded the UCR, he was also a husband to more than 30 women and father of dozens. Among other testimonies in evidence were that inmates of the commune “slept with one another’s wives”. Other mind-boggling evidence adduced at the trial was that the late Pa Odumosu would direct that the wife of an errant member of the enclave be taken over by another man and put in the family way.

There was a testimony of how the late Pa Odumosu took over and married the

Late Jesu Oyingbo

wife of one of his disciples in a bid to punish the woman’s former husband for the treatment meted out to her.

After the close of the testimonies, Chief Ajayi and Prof. Kasumu addressed the court on behalf of their clients. On the day of the judgement, there were high expectations as both sides stormed the court with retinue of supporters.

In his judgement, Justice Ilori held that the late Odumosu’s children had established that the businesses and property in Maryland were owned by their father. The court came to this conclusion because the memorandum of association of the companies established by Jesu Oyingbo revealed that the late founder of UCR and few of his children were co-directors of the business concerns.

The judge further declared that there was large-scale incest that had persisted in the commune for several years. The judge gave judgement in favour of Olukayode and his siblings and he also directed the Lagos State Government to take over the commune and rescue those who were under hypnotism in the enclave.

The court also lifted the order of injunction restraining the children of the late Pa Odumosu from entering the commune.

After winning the case, Olukayode, immediately levied execution of the judgement and he evicted the adherents of his late father and other squatters occupying the premises of the UCR. As court bailiffs, in company of policemen got to the gates of the commune, some of the inmates hurriedly packed their personal belongings and left the compound. The inmates were eternally hopeful that Jesu Oyingbo would resurrect one day. But it appeared that they were living in illusion.

46

Law & Justice

Book: The man, the law and the state Author: Segun Onakoya Reviewer: Olanrewaju Onadeko Price: Not stated

Book Review Introduction IN this book, Mr. Segun Onakoya (Life Bencher) takes the reader through the history of the legal profession from orators of ancient Athens, to its adoption in Nigeria from our colonial past, to what now operates, including our court system and how well we have fared.

This publication is not written solely as an autobiography, but an admixture of it and other related issues to its title – The Man, The Law and The State. After over forty years of legal practice, Mr. Onakoya, a past General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association takes stock of what the profession was when he joined it and where it has moved.

Of interest are his comments on corruption in the Bar and ethics within the Bar, including the desirability or otherwise of an incumbent President of the Nigerian Bar Association accepting to serve as Attorney-General of the Federation, during his tenure as President.

The book takes on issues from the fundamental duty of a lawyer, through ethics in legal practice, to client/ counsel relationship. It also traverses the preparation for a case, settlement out of court; and what advice to give a client when the case is lost. The author shows a mastery of the profession as a thorough legal practitioner.

Of note is the acknowledgement of some quintessential members of the profession, who had straddled our legal landscape, in some cases almost, unnoticed.

Mention is also made of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria controversy, which he observes now to be more of a “project” than “honour;” and seeks a remedy in the form of reform.

The ever increasing number of new lawyers is also addressed, with exhortation that the Nigerian Bar Association should be pro-active in the awareness drive of what lawyers do; and can do in diverse fields, by constructively engaging the general populace.

He is of the view that law should be a graduate course; and admission to the Nigerian Law School should be by competitive entrance examination. This, he believes, is the way to ensure reasonable control of entrants into the profession.

The Book The book: “The Man, The Law and The State” contains a prologue, eight chapters, a photo gallery, and sixteen appendices. For free flow of thoughts and ideas, the main chapters go thus: The Man in the Law (chapter two); the Law in the Man (chapter three); Other men in the Law (chapter four); Preserving our Native Laws and Custom (chapter five); The Law and the State (chapter six); The Man on the State of the Nation (chapter seven); and Extras (chapter eight).

The Appendices are in the main, speeches, newspaper interviews and publications of the author; in appendices two to twelve. The after dinner speech of Hon. Justice Ishola Oluwa (rtd) at the tenth anniversary re-union of the author’s class-set at the Nigerian Law School (appendix one). There is also appendix thirteen, which is the speech (advice) of the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola to the people of Nigeria on June 12, 1994. This is followed by appendix fourteen – the five count indictment on which the late Chief M.K.O Abiola was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja for the offence of treason. The last appendix is the list of Lawyers who had worked in the author’s Law Firm of Segun and Segun Legal Practitioners.

Chapter one aptly captioned – “My Roots,” contains details of the early life of Mr. Onakoya, (a true native of Ishasha, Ijebu-Ode), from birth at Imodi Ijebu in 1940.

His early education was at Wesley School, Ijebu-Ode, and later Olu-Iwa College, Ijebu-Ode, now Adeola Odutola College, a School with the famous motto of ” “Aitan oko le kile” “(a dunghill does not reject any refuse). He clari-

Monday, October 7, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The law and the state fies the well known corrupted addition to that motto” Olu-Iwa o komokomo,” meaning Olu-Iwa does not reject any child. This chapter also contains the exposure of the author to three religious faiths – Christianity, Islam and traditional religion, an exposure that gave him the opportunity to author four series of the book: “Jesus Christ through the Qu’ran.”

In chapter two, “The Man in The Law,” Mr. Onakoya gives detailed account of how he proceeded to England in 1963 to study Law at Holborn College of Law, London, as well as his attendance of Nigerian Law School, Lagos in 1971 and Call to the Bar in 1972.

This is followed by his years of practice of law, at the Bar. It is his view that there is a lot more to do in ensuring the unity of the Bar. For good measure, he is of the opinion that the status of the Attorney-General of the Federation has changed from being the Lawyer of the Government to the Lawyer of the President. This is a consequence of our Presidential System of government which makes the Attorney-General an employee of the President. His analysis and conclusion on this issue is a food for thought.

Reference is made to his contribution to the growth of the Bar, with special mention of the mentoring of aspirants to the Bar (Students of Nigerian Law School), during their placement period at his Law Chambers.

In chapter three – “The Law in The Man,” the author dwells on the practice of Law, especially the congestion in our courts, concluding that even with the positive efforts so far made; we are still far away from the solution.

From the fundamental duty of a Lawyer as a Minister in the Temple of Justice, to the Ethics in Legal Practice, the first of which is that you do not fabricate facts for your client, the author takes the reader through the Client/Lawyer relationship and preparation for a case.

Other areas covered include settlement out of court, disagreement between Lawyers and Clients, as well as Legal Fees and payment of costs. His opinion on the appointment of Judges of superior courts of record is quite revealing. The author – displays a mastery of law and practice as an active participant in the legal process.

In chapter four – “The Law in the Man”, the author pays tribute to those members of the Legal Profession who inspired him and made their mark, attracting admiration from those following in their trail. Of note are Otunba Adeyanju Osijo, late Chief M. Ola Yusuf, Mrs. Hairat Balogun, O.O.N., (Life Bencher) late Chief T.O.S Benson, S.A.N., Hon. Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (rtd).

He acknowledges the “Big names in the Bar,” including late Chief F.R.A Williams, C.F.R., S.A.N., late Mr. Kehinde Sofola, C.O.N., S.A.N., late Mr. Tanni Molajo, S.A.N., late Mr. Kehinde Onafowokan, S.A.N., and late Mr. Harry Lardner, S.A.N. Among the living are Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, S.A.N., Chief R.O.A. Akinjide, C.F.R., S.A.N. and Chief B.O. Benson, S.A.N. Chapter five is on: “Preserving our Native Laws and Custom;” wherein he strongly advocates the establishment of the Customary Court of Appeal in the South Western States. He listed ten advantages of the proposal, including the reduction of incidences of miscarriage of justice.

In chapter six: “The Law and the State,” the author discusses the Legal Profession through the years, the Body of Benchers – Body of Distinction, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria controversy, and employment opportunity for teeming Lawyers among others. He advocates the inclusion of senior members of the Bar (some of whom might have held offices of the Nigerian Bar Association in the past), in activities and affairs of the profession. He notes that officers of the Nigerian Bar Association in the past, respected elders and that enured to the Association’s advantage, and strengthen the Bar. Chapter seven: “The Man on the State of the Nation,” discusses the nation including politics and the role of the author in national politics.

Chapter eight tagged: “Extras,” is an account of the author’s involvement with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) – the Premier Chamber of Commerce in West Africa. It was at L.C.C.I. that the author had the privilege of being the Chairman of its

Professional Practice Group, through which a Code of Ethics was formulated for L.C.C.I. members.

Conclusion As it is with autobiographies, the author may be “accused” and even found “guilty” of being subjective in places. This is not a surprise because it can hardly be otherwise. The positive side of an account of this nature is its ability to put on record the facts of one’s life, views on topical issues (including professional involvement) as we have in this case; and opinions about others as he has carefully appraised in this book. All these are the inconvertible addition of an autobiographer to knowledge and discourse, even if controversial.

Mr. Segun Onakoya deserves to be congratulated for his bold contribution to knowledge via this publication for posterity. Bold in the sense that he did not shy away from any area of necessary coverage, even where seemingly complex on diversity of views.

This is a book to read for its authoritative contents, current appraisal and diversity of topics. Indeed it is a compendium of history, autobiography and considered views of the author. It is written in simple prose for enjoyable reading. Without doubt, there is a lot to learn from this well written account of a committed legal practitioner.

In his words in chapter two, Mr. Onakoya noted with passion.

“Forty years ago, I saw and we fought the good fight.

Now I prepare to slow down from the legal scenery on the stage gallantly… Even now that I am no longer on active service on the field, the passion still runs thickly in my veins. The profession cannot be extricated from my blood.”

These can only come from a Lawyer in the true sense who also stated that: “I left for the United Kingdom in 1963 – to read my dream course, law.”

It is our prayer and hope that he will live long in good health to publish the second volume of this book to mark fifty years of his presence at the Bar.

THE AUTHOR DWELLS ON THE PRACTICE OF

LAW, ESPECIALLY

THE CONGESTION IN OUR

COURTS, CONCLUDING THAT EVEN WITH THE POSITIVE

EFFORTS SO FAR MADE; WE ARE STILL FAR AWAY FROM THE SOLUTION.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, October 7, 2013

Defamation on the internet THE ADVOCATE OLUGBEMI FATULA

08037213732 (sms only) E-mail: afribic@yahoo.com

T

here must be publication of defamatory statement before an action in defamation will accrue. It is the act of making the defamatory statement known to any person or person other than the plaintiff himself.

In order to constitute publication, the defamatory matter must be published to a third party. However, one who utters a slander or writes and publishes a libel is prima facie not liable for voluntary and unauthorised repetition or republication by a person to whom it was published by him.

The traditional distinction between libel (in written form) and slander (spoken words) does not translate readily to all aspects of Websites. There are a number of problems.

In a case of libel, once it is determined that the communication is defamatory, there are presumptions against the author or publisher. These presumptions are often critical to the viability of the lawsuit.

In slander, there is often a requirement of proof of special damages or actual damages. The distinction is significant and critical in establishing that the law of libel applies, as opposed to the law of slander.

Websites may, and indeed do, communicate by means of the spoken word.

However, such “Internet radio” will probably not qualify as “broadcast because of the definitions in the Libel and Slander Act. Section 2 of the British Columbia Act deems words in a broadcast “to be published and to constitute libel”. Under section 1 of the Act: “Broadcasting” means the dissemination of writing, signs, signals, pictures, sounds or intelligence of any nature intended for direct reception by, or which is available on subscription to, the general public (a) by means of a device utilizing electromagnetic waves of frequencies lower than 3 000 GHz propagated in space without artificial guide, or

(b) through a community antenna television system operated by a person licensed under the Broadcasting Act (Canada) to carry on a broadcasting receiving undertaking, and “broadcast” has a corresponding meaning; On the strength of this definition it has been suggested that since “Internet radio” does not utilize electromagnetic waves propagated in space without artificial guide, nor does it usually utilize, typically, an antenna it may not qualify to be called broadcasting.

The court will then be faced with the problem of the determining which law to apply-libel or slander particularly considering the fact that courts in Canada, the United States and Britain have ruled that television broadcast, in the absence of deeming legislation, is slander on some authorities and libel on others.

Would the courts will apply libel law or slander law to given content, which may be a combination of visual and spoken information transmitted by “Internet radio”? It is submitted that British Columbia’s Libel and Slander Act is out-ofdate. Spoken word has been treated as libel if the words are apparently read from a script. It has also been held that televised speech is slander because of the impermanence or transitory character shared by both broadcast, on the one hand, and the personally spoken word, on the other.

In these situations in British Columbia, the deeming sections of the Act prevail.

But what happens where the deeming does not apply, as with Internet Radio or TV? This issue makes a very big difference to out-

comes.

The general tendency however is toward application of the law of libel to any technology tending to permit or facilitate permanence and widespread dissemination.

The same problem enunciated above could also be encountered in Nigeria.

The issue would boil down to: is website defamation libel or slander.? By sec.

2(1) Defamation Law of the Eastern States, broadcasting includes publication for general reception by means of wireless telegraphy. Sec. 3 Defamation Law 1961, now Sec. 3, Defamation Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2003, provided that, “For the purpose of the law of libel and slander, the broadcasting of words by means of wireless telegraphy shall be treated as publication in permanent form”.

The Law enacts in its Sec. 2(2) thus, “Any reference in this law to words shall be construed as including a reference to pictures, visual images, gestures and other methods of signifying meaning” This means that defamatory works contained in a radio broadcast are also in the ambit of the section.

However the question is: Does Internet communicates by means of wireless telegraphy? If the answer is in the positive then Internet defamation would constitute libel and be treated as publication in permanent form. On the other hand if it does not then Internet defamation would constitute slander. Whichever way the question is answered would not matter to the determination of the issue at stake, as the issue appeared settled by virtue of section 2(2) above mentioned. On the strength of the section Internet defamation would constitute libel.

The artificiality of the dichotomy can be seen in the case of Echo v. Interbetonby(1980) Imo SLR 560 where it was assumed without argument that dictation to a secretary was slander.

EVENT

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita and the celebrant, Justice Charles Archibong.

L-R - Retired Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Rose Ukeje and the Presiding Justice of Court of Appeal, Lagos division, Justice Amina Adamu- Augie at the 60th birthday lecture in honour of Justice Charles Archibong (Rtd).

Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN and Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos

IN A CASE OF LIBEL, ONCE IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE COMMUNICATION IS DEFAMATORY, THERE ARE PRESUMPTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHOR OR PUBLISHER.

47

Mr. Tani Molajo, SAN and his wife, Erinu

48

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror I was looking forward to seeing Deji take over from me, because I have reached the peak of my being in politics. I will miss him so much.

FORMER FINANCE MINISTER, CHIEF OLU FALAE

Family sues pastor for disobeying court order WALE IGBINTADE

F

our chieftaincy family members of Offiran and Aiyeteju villages on LagosEpe Express Road, Lagos State have commenced committal proceedings against Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo for allegedly disobeying the order of a Lagos High Court.

The proceeding started in March 2013, when Meridian Properties Limited allegedly owned by Ashimolowo sued a military of-

ficer, Captain G. E. Ugoh before a Lagos High Court alleging the defendant encroached on his land.

In a statement of claim, the company alleged that the land in dispute measuring 26.486 hectares situated at Offiran village was acquired in phases by the company from various land owing families of the village since 2003.

The claimant alleged that in February 2013 when work started on the land, the defendant drove away its workmen; consequently, the claimant petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police

on the activities of the defendant.

Consequently, the claimant claimed the sum of N100 million as specific and general damages for the demolition and destruction of its properties.

In his defence, Captain Ugoh while denying almost all the averment of the claimant, averred that he is owner of the piece of land measuring 10.136 acres located at Alamo, Aiyeteju village, on Lagos-Epe Expressway, Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area,having taken over the land from his late father Nze Vitalis Ugoh who ac-

quired the land from the owing families.

The defendant averred that sometime in January, 2013, he was notified by his agent that some hoodlums led by a surveyor had forcibly entered the land uprooted his crops and destroyed the boundary pillars.

Consequently, he inquired from the owing family if the land had been re-sold to another person, the family denied re-selling the land to anyone.

Thereafter, he petitioned the Commissioner of Police and Assistant Inspector General of Police who invited the concerned families from Offiran village from whom the claimant bought the land in dispute.

The said families made statements to the effect that they have no land on the Lagos-Epe Expressway Road where the land in dispute is located.

Thereafter, the defendant urged the court to dismiss the

claimant suit with substantial cost same been frivolous, gold digging and without merit.

However, four families including the Baale of Ofiran village, Chief Ganiyu Raji through their counsel, Barrister Ade Oyebanji filed an application before the court to join the suit as defendants, In an affidavit sworn to by a member of the families of Offiran village, Alhaji Adio Shittu, he averred that the family has no land on Lagos-Epe Expressway.

When the matter came up before the court, the defendant said that despite the fact that the claimant initiated this suit, it had started construction on the properties while the suit was still pending.

Consequently, the court ordered construction work to stop forthwith as that would amount to self help while its case was still pending, but in defiance of the order, the claimant continued unabated with the construction.

Amosun’s wife donates items to pregnant women, others

T Health officials immunising children at the commencement of nationwide immunisation against measles at OmuAran in Kwara State on Saturday.

Expert urges enhanced security in schools FRANCIS SUBERU

A

security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has advised the federal and state governments to target-harden schools in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in order to forestall future terrorist attacks on schools under emergency rule.

He also advised that schools in Border States of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba should receive enhanced physical security as displaced Boko Haram terrorists might select and mount spectacular attacks on them.

Reacting to the recent killing of 40 students of the College of Education Gujba, Yobe State, Ekhomu who is President of the Association of Industrial Secu-

rity and Safety Operators of Nigeria, AISSON, said the attack was an unacceptable and unfortunate active-shooter incident by a bunch of cowards.

He urged the Federal Government to stop lamenting over the intentional attacks on schools

by Boko Haram. He said they should be strengthened against surprise terrorist attacks through improved physical security measures, even as he advised that multiple layers of concentric security measures be deployed to protect each school in the states.

Ekhomu said the government must reliable preventative physical security measures, such as school lockdown protocols, metal doors in dormitories and classrooms, skill drills for students, faculty and staff in reacting to

active-shooter/terrorist incident, use of security dogs to patrol and detect imminent attacks, installation of air raid sirens which may be activated when under attack is underway to alert the students and attract military patrols to the school in distress.

He explained that the physical security measures were cost effective and would save lives, saying that when churches were consistently targeted by Boko Haram, the policy response was to target-harden them with concrete bollards, remote parking, use of metal detectors, increased security surveillance, among others. “It is my considered professional opinion that providing layered security measures for schools would deter, delay and deny future Boko Haram attacks on schools.”

he wife of governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun has donated food items to more than 2,000 elderly citizens and pregnant women in Ogun West Senatorial District through her Uplift Food Outreach initiative.

At the ceremony which took place at the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Secretariat, Ota, Mrs. Amosun said the initiative was in continuation of the programme inaugurated early this year at Ijebu-Ode, where 2,000 food packages were distributed to needy aged and pregnant women of the Ogun East Senatorial district.

She said it was aimed at reducing hunger and poverty among the less privileged whose physical strength was failing and needy pregnant women who needed nutritional support, noting that the gesture would further improve their living standard+.

“I believe pregnant women and the senior citizens are vulnerable and will need all assistance they can get. As part of support to lessen their burdens, I selected 500 of them across the state to receive monthly stipends which are redeemed through their UPLIFTing Welfare ATM

cards. Today’s programme is another way of supporting those not benefiting from the monthly stipends,” she explained.

Mrs. Amosun expressed appreciation to partners like Dangote Company, May & Baker and Mimee noodles that have contributed to the success of the initiative, calling on other corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to support the cause of the less privileged in the state.

Also speaking, Chairman of Ado-Odo, Ota Local Government, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon, lauded the government and Mrs. Amosun for the developmental projects embarked on in the state, saying it had improved the lots of the less privileged, especially the aged and pregnant women.

He noted that the food outreach would further reduce hunger among needy senior citizens and pregnant women who had hitherto depended solely on their children, husbands and other family members for survival. He thanked Mrs. Amosun for the opportunity giving the people of Ogun West Senatorial district to benefit from the project.

Various food items like noodles, rice, beverages, milk, salt, sugar, juice among others were distributed at the event.

Monday, October 7, 2013

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49

World News

Destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons begins

“We have collaboration with the world and with neighbouring countries in the battle against al Shabaab”

50

PAUL ARHEWE,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

L

ibya’s prime minister has called on Washington to explain a special forces raid on its territory, one of two

by US commandos in Africa on Saturday.

Ali Zeidan’s office said he had asked for clarification and stressed Libya was “keen on prosecuting any Libyan citizen inside Libya”.

The raid captured al-Qaeda leader, Anas al-Liby, whom the US says is “currently lawfully detained outside of Libya”.

The other raid was in southern Somalia but failed to capture its target.

The commando raid there was believed to have focused on a leader of the al-Shebaab militant group, which says it carried out last month’s attack on the Westgate shopping centre in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, leaving at least 67 people dead.

When asked yesterday whether Somalia had been aware of the raid, Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid said: “Our co-operation with international partners on fighting against terrorism is not a secret.”

A press release posted on an official Libyan government website read: “The Libyan government is following the news about the Libyan citizen wanted by the US government.

“Since we’ve heard, we have been in touch with the US government and have asked for clarification on this matter.

“The Libyan government is keen on prosecuting any Libyan

–SOMALI PRIME MINISTER, ABDI FARAH SHIRDON

Libya seeks US’ explanation for commando raids •Al shabaab says no senior member arrested

Anas al-Liby

citizen inside Libya, no matter what the charges are... the accused are innocent until proven guilty.”

The statement raises questions about how much, if anything, Libya knew in advance of the raid.

Meanwhile, Somali Islamist militants al Shabaab said yesterday there was “no senior official” present at a house raided by U.S. forces south of the capital yesterday.

U.S. forces conducted raids in Libya and Somalia on Saturday, two weeks after the attack on a Nairobi shopping mall which was claimed by al Shabaab, capturing an al Qaeda figure in Tripoli wanted for the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.

The raid on Barawe failed to take its target.

“The U.S. claim that a senior Al Shabaab official was in the house

is false. No senior official was in the house,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s military operation spokesman, told Reuters.

“Normal fighters lived in the house and they bravely counterattacked and chased the attackers. The apostate Somali government is nothing in Somalia, no one asked them for permission to carry out the attack.”

A US official had earlier been quoted by CNN as saying that the raid was conducted with the knowledge of the Libyan government.

Liby, 49, is believed to have been one of the masterminds behind the 1998 US embassy attacks, which killed more than 220 people in Kenya and Tanzania.

He has been indicted in a New York court in connection with the attacks.

Liby - whose real name is Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai - has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for more than a decade with a $5m (£3.1m) bounty on his head.

A Pentagon statement on Sunday said he was “currently lawfully detained under the law of war in a secure location outside of Libya”.

It said: “The successful capture operation was made possible by superb work and coordination across our national security agencies and the intelligence community, and was approved by President Obama.”

Italy boat disaster: Divers recover 49 more bodies

D

ivers in Italy have been recovering more bodies from the boat of African migrants that sank on Thursday.

Forty-nine bodies have been brought out yesterday so far, bringing the official death toll to 143. More than 200 people are still

missing and 155 have survived the accident off Lampedusa Island.

The authorities have denied allegations that they were slow to mount a rescue.

France has called for an urgent EU meeting after Italy requested help to deal with the influx of mi-

Italy’s coastguard rescuing a survivor from the sea after their boat sank off the island of Lampedusa.

PHOTO: GUARDIA COSTIERA

grants.

The BBC’s reporter said the migrants had almost made it to the coast, sinking just 800m away Tens of thousands of migrants attempt the perilous crossing from North Africa to Sicily and other Italian islands each year, and accidents are common - but this week’s shipwreck was among the deadliest on record.

Divers resumed their search on Sunday morning, after 48-hour delay due to bad weather.

Many bodies are believed to be trapped in the wreck located in deep water, about 1km (half a mile) off Lampedusa.

The survivors are to be placed under investigation for “clandestine immigration”, as provided

for by a controversial immigration law pushed through by rightwing parties in 2002.

The offence carries a 5,000-euro (£4,230; $6,780) fine.

Italy has said it will amend immigration laws. Members of parliament have complained that some of its provisions discourage people from helping migrants in distress.

The fisherman who arrived first at the site of the accident, Vito Fiorino, has accused the coast guard of wasting time by filming footage of rescue efforts.

“They refused to take on board some people we’d already saved because they said protocol forbade it,” he was quoted as saying

by Ansa news agency.

WORLD BULLETIN

44 die in clashes amid rival demonstrations in Egypt

At least 44 people have been killed and 240 injured in Egypt in clashes between police and supporters of the deposed Islamist President, Mohammed Morsi.

More than 200 members of the Muslim Brotherhood were reportedly arrested in connection with the violence in Cairo.

Supporters of Morsi marched in several cities, as the military-backed government feted the 40th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

Earlier, a Muslim Brotherhood supporter was killed in clashes with police.

At least two other people were injured in the fighting in the town of Delga about 300km (190 miles) south of Cairo, according to reports quoting a medical official and witnesses.

Security forces used tear gas and fired in to the air to stop thousands of supporters of Morsi from entering Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

The street battles raged for hours with small fires burning and black smoke rising in several parts of the capital, according to reports.

14 killed in clashes in Central African Republic

Fourteen people have been killed in violent clashes between Christians and Muslims in an isolated town in eastern Central African Republic that began last week, police and a senior Catholic official said yesterday.

The mineral-rich but impoverished nation has descended into chaos since northern Seleka rebels seized the capital, Bangui, and ousted President Francois Bozize in March.

U.N. officials and rights groups say both sides may have committed war crimes, prompting calls for outside intervention to end the violence.

Residents of Bangassou, around 750 km east of the capital Bangui, said Seleka fighters had backed the town’s Muslims during the clashes, which saw four people killed on Saturday.

South Africa union ends auto components strike

South African trade union NUMSA said it had reached a deal to end a four-week strike in the auto components sector that has crippled production.

It said workers will return to factory floors on Monday.

Union officials told a news conference on Sunday that workers would receive a 10 percent pay increase in the first year of the accord and wage hikes of eight percent in the second and third years covered by the agreement.

The strike in an industry that accounts for 6 percent of GDP is one several this year threatening to hamper growth and further dent investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.

50

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

German embassy employee shot dead in Yemen

Gunmen shot dead a German security guard employed by the German embassy in Yemen’s capital Sanaa yesterday as he was leaving a supermarket, Yemeni security officials said, in an attack they said bore the hallmarks of al Qaeda.

The guard was gunned down in Sanaa’s Hadda district, where the embassy is also based, the latest in a series of attacks on foreign and local officials in the U.S.-allied state which is battling one of the most active branches of al Qaeda.

“He was leaving the market to go to his vehicle,” one source said.

Pan-Arab news channel al-Arabiya reported that the guard had been shot dead as assailants tried to kidnap the German ambassador Carola MuellerHoltkemper, who escaped.

Embassy employees in Sanaa and the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin declined to comment.

Mueller-Holtkemper had only recently arrived in Yemen and presented her credentials to Yemeni authorities less than a week ago, a statement on the embassy’s website showed.

Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has attempted to attack several large Western targets, including airliners, and is believed to have been behind a series of killings of foreign and local officials in the country since 2011.

In November last year gunmen shot dead a Saudi diplomat and his Yemeni bodyguard in Sanaa in an attack believed to be the work of the group. A month earlier, masked gunmen shot dead a Yemeni man who worked in the security office of the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa.

Israel indicts suspected Iranian spy

Israel yesterday indicted a Belgian-Iranian man on charges of spying for Iran, saying he had been sent to the Jewish state to set up a business as a front for intelligence gathering.

Ali Mansouri, whose September 11 arrest in Tel Aviv was disclosed a week ago by Israel, did not enter a plea ahead of a public reading of the indictment in court in two weeks’ time.

News of his detention coincided with a visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States that focused on Iran’s nuclear program. Some Israeli analysts questioned the timing of the affair, suggesting it was being showcased as part of efforts to discredit Tehran’s new opening to Washington.

In a speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, Netanyahu said an Iranian agent had been arrested trying to collect information for possible attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The indictment against Mansouri, while noting he had taken photographs of the exterior of the beachside embassy, said the 55-year-old suspect’s main mission was to set up a folding windows firm in Israel as a cover for espionage activities.

“He hoped to sign business contracts that would enable his handlers to establish a company that would be used in the future

by Iranian intelligence,” said the charge sheet, released by the Justice Ministry.

Monday, October 7, 2013

T

he destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons has begun, international monitors have said, in a report from the BBC. The operation is being overseen by a team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The mission was established under a United Nations resolution, which was passed after agreement between Russia and the US. The resolution followed international outrage at a chemical weapons attack near Damascus in August.

So far so good. Syria has joined the Chemical Weapons Convention. It has made its declarations about what it has in the way of munitions and infrastructure.

The first target is to eliminate equipment for producing chemical agents and for filling munitions.

These two categories of equipment must be destroyed by November.

While chemical processes will ultimately be used to neutralise Syria’s large stocks of precursor chemicals - the building blocks for militarised chemical agents - brute force may be all that is required for this first stage.

Key components of production facilities can be smashed or otherwise put out of action. So, too, can filling sites for munitions.

The empty bomb or shells can simply be run over with a heavy vehicle. But this is all still uncharted territory - an unprecedented and accelerated programme to rid a country of its chemical weapons arsenal in the midst of a hot civil war.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons begins

U.N. vehicles carrying a U.N. chemical weapons investigation team arrive in Damascus, yesterday.

No wonder then that many experts remain sceptical. The real test of the Syrian authorities’ willingness to implement this agreement is only just beginning.

In an interim report, UN chemical weapons inspectors confirmed that the nerve agent sarin had been used in the attack in Ghouta on the outskirts of the city on August 21.

It was estimated to have killed hundreds of people and was blamed by the United States and other Western powers on the regime of Bashar al-Assad. But he accuses Syrian rebels of being behind it.

“Today is the first day of destruction, in which heavy vehicles are going to run over and thus

destroy missile warheads, aerial chemical bombs and mobile and static mixing and filling units,” a source with the inspection operation told a news agency.

It is not clear at which of the chemical weapons sites declared by the government, thought to number about 20, that Sunday’s operation is taking place.

The destruction of the stockpile, being carried out by the Syrians, is not expected to be straightforward, as some sites are in combat zones.

It is the first time the OPCW - based in The Hague - has been asked to oversee the destruction of a chemical weapons armoury during a conflict.

The Syrian government gave

U.S. on path to default if Obama won’t negotiate –Boehner

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epublican House Speaker John Boehner vowed yesterday not to raise the U.S. debt ceiling without a “serious conversation” about what is driving the debt, while Democrats said it was irresponsible and reckless to raise the possibility of a U.S. default.

“The nation’s credit is at risk because of the administration’s refusal to sit down and have a conversation,” Boehner told ABC’s “This Week,” adding that there were not enough votes in the House of Representatives to pass a “clean” debt limit bill, without

Boehner

any conditions attached.

Asked if that meant the United States was headed towards a default if President Barack Obama does not negotiate, Boehner said: “That’s the path we’re on.”

The comments appeared to mark a hardening since late last week when Boehner was reported to have told Republicans privately that he would work to avoid default, even if it meant relying on the votes of Democrats, as he did in August 2011.

Republicans and Democrats also traded blame for a shutdown that has brought much of the government to a standstill for nearly a week. With no end in sight, the battle over funding the government looks like it will merge with the one over the debt ceiling, which must be raised by October 17 to avoid default.

Republicans are seeking concessions in exchange for raising the nation’s $16.7 trillion debt limit. If the borrowing cap is not increased, the United States could go into default, with what officials and economists say would be seriously damaging consequences for the U.S. and global economies.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew warned of serious consequences “if we were to have the unthinkable happen, to have the United States default.”

“It is irresponsible and it is reckless to take that chance, which is why Congress needs to act,” he told Fox News.

Pressed on Obama’s vow not to negotiate over the debt limit, Lew said: “The president has always been looking for a way to negotiate, to find that reasonable middle ground, with a bipartisan group of members and senators to do the right thing for the American people ... He put out a budget that actually took an enormous step to do that. So the president is open to negotiation. The question about the debt limit is different.”

Senator Ted Cruz, who has been the standard-bearer for Republican opposition to funding the government without measures to undercut Obama’s landmark 2010 healthcare reform, also known as Obamacare, told CNN that Congress frequently in the past had attached curbs on spending to votes to raise the debt ceiling.

PHOTO: REUTERS

details of its chemical weapons arsenal last month to the OPCW under the Russia-US agreement which also provided for Damascus to join the Chemical Weapons Convention.

That arsenal is thought to include more than 1,000 tonnes of sarin and the blister agent sulphur mustard among other banned chemicals.

Lebanese asylumseekers home after deadly sinking

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ighteen Lebanese asylum-seekers who survived when their boat sank off Indonesia last week returned home yesterday voicing anger at the government’s failure to provide them with jobs and security.

They wept as they embraced relatives at Beirut’s international airport but also railed against the state, accusing it of indifference towards the insecurity plaguing Lebanon and rising unemployment, made worse by an influx of Syrian refugees.

In total, 68 Lebanese, mostly from poor areas in the north of the country like the Akkar region, were on board an Australiabound boat when it sank on September 27 off the coast of Java.

Between 80 and 120 people, most of them from the Middle East, were on board the boat.

Twenty-eight bodies, many of them women and children, were recovered but 22 people are still missing.

The survivors looked tired and some were clearly upset as they were welcomed by tearful family members.

One of the survivors fainted and had to be helped by a relative to get back on his feet while a woman welcomed he son by shouting repeatedly “God be praised” before breaking down in sobs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, October 7, 2013

51

Mishap: Aliyu bans old ferries on River Niger Wada kicks off N1bn road PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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iger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has banned the operations of old boats ferrying passengers across the River Niger.

The first incident that occured in Malale on Friday, 27 September, claimed 26 lives and barely a week later, another fatal ferry ac-

cident killed 18 lives on 3rd of October in Kokoli not too far from Malale village.

This follows the two boat accidents on River Niger which claimed 44 lives in Malale and Kokoli in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, the governor said: “The action is intended to ensure that old and rickety boats do not

continue to kill valuable lives in the riverine communities.”

The statement said the Ministry of Transportation had already been directed to ensure full compliance with all safety standards, including the use of life vests by all passengers.

The governor assured the people, especially those involved with water transportation, that every pos-

sible effort would be made to ensure that the right lessons were learnt from the tragic loss of valuable lives and other measures would be taken to ensure safe water transportation in the state.

Aliyu then prayed God to grant the families of the victims of the boat mishap the courage and fortitude to bear the irreparable losses and to grant the deceased eternal rest.

L-R: Acting Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, Kaduna State, Dr. Mohammed Khalid; Treasurer, Dr. Luwa Sofeme and Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bappa, at the State Executive Council meeting in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Katsina’ll soon recruit 1,000 teachers –Commissioner JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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atsina State Government is planning to recruit about 1,000 graduate teachers to teach in secondary schools across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aminu Kurfi, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists, said the figure was part of 3,000 additional teachers required by secondary schools in the state.

Kurfi said the state currently had 5,400 secondary schools and that 3,000

teachers were needed to be posted to some of the newly constructed schools.

He said to ensure quality teachers and teaching, university graduates would be employed, adding that they would be posted to schools before the end of the year.

The commissioner said government, in collaboration with the National Teachers Institute, NTI, had introduced programmes for training and upgrading of Grade II teachers.

He said the state also sponsored Grade II teachers to acquire degree and Higher National Diploma,

HND, in different institutions across the country.

Kurfi said the training and retraining of teachers in the state had improved quality of teaching as well as improved performance of students in the National Examinations Council, NECO, and the West African Examinations, WAECconducted examinations.

He, however, expressed concern over the proliferation of private schools, saying that government had put machinery in place to ensure that only approved private schools existed in the state.

construction WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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overnor Idris Wada of Kogi State has kicked off the construction of over N1 billion road projects in Kogi East Senatorial District.

They are the Okura township road in Dekina Local Government at the cost of N263 million and Ojoku Okaba/OdagbaOtukpa junction road at the cost of N713 million in Ankpa Local Government.

Speaking while kicking off the construction of the Okura township road at the weekend, Wada said the road would be completed in the next four months.

He explained that the road project was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N263 million while about N78.9 million was paid to the contractors to enable them commence work in time, stressing that once the project was completed and satisfied by the government the balance would be paid without delay.

The governor assured

the people of his commitment in providing dividends of democracy particularly to the people in the rural areas, noting that with the little resource available, his administration would try to meet the needs of the people, if not all.

He urged the people to be law-abiding so that development could come to them.

The governor also kicked off the construction of Ojoku-Okaba/OdagbaOtukpa junction road in Ankpa Local Government.

Wada said when the road was completed it would assist in moving coal mined from Okaba and also improve the economy of the town.

The governor called on the contractors to complete the projects within six months they had promised.

Wada also commissioned electricity project at Akatapia in Ankpa council while he visited Ogane-Aji erosion site at Aynigba where construction work was going on to control the erosion.

Marginalisation: Christians, Kwara reach a truce WOLE A DEDEJI ILORIN

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he Kwara State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, at the weekend suspended its protest against the government over alleged marginalisation of its members in the state.

The association had two weeks ago declared, among others, a general boycott of government activities including refusing pilgrimage slots to Jerusalem and pulling out of this year’s

prayer service for the Independence anniversary involving the state government.

However, the state CAN Chairman, Rev. James Folaranmi, said in a statement that Christians took the position “to correct the incontrovertible marginalisation” by the government and not to create disharmony in the state which, according to him, brought about discussion with the government.

He said: “Consequent upon the discussions

with the government and the commitment given by the Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, to kick start the process of correcting the scandalous marginalisation of Christians in the state, we hereby announce the suspension of all actions already embarked upon.”

Folaranmi, however, expressed the hope that “nothing will be done by the government against the spirit of reconciliation that would compel us to resume the suspended actions”.

Kogi secondary schools need 2,167 additional teachers –ASUSS

T

he Academic Staff of Senior Secondary Schools, ASUSS, has called on Kogi State Government to arrest the decline in education in the state by recruiting new teachers to fill the 2,167 vacancies in its secondary schools.

The state Chairman of ASUSS, Mr. Ranti Ojo, who made the call in a statement in Lokoja yesterday, said the figure represented the number of those retired over the

past 10 years.

Ojo said the government was yet to fill those vacancies.

He added that the vacancies were mainly in the core subjects like English Language, Mathematics and other sciences.

The chairman said presently, a number of public secondary schools in the state depended on the ParentTeacher Association, PTA. and youth corps members to augment the shortfall in the

number of qualified teachers.

He noted that this was not good enough for the state’s educational development.

Ojo, therefore, appealed to government to recruit teachers to shore up the performances of the students in public examinations like West African School Certificate, WASC, and the National Examination Council, NECO-conducted examinations.

He called the attention of

government to the dilapidation of secondary school buildings in the state, saying that many of them also lacked instructional materials.

The ASUSS chairman urged government to commence the implementation of the Act establishing the National Secondary School Commission and re-instatement of the payment of 27.5 per cent to teachers in the state.

He said his union used

this year’s Teachers’ Day celebration to honour 247 secondary school teachers who retired from service in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 academic sessions.

Ojo asked government to harmonise the monthly pensions of those that retired before the introduction of new minimum wage to enhance their welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mrs. Christiana Agamah, thanked the leadership of the association for

the gesture and the gift of a set of power generating set to each of them.

Gov. Wada

52

Monday, October 7, 2013

CHANGE OF NAME

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– Founder –Secretary –Member

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Taking care of the less privilege ones.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: UGBAJA MATHIAS ENDY, Founder

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JESUS POWER DYNAMIC OUTREACH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: Rev.Dr Charlie-kasi Azike Mrs victoria Ifie- Azike ElderBenedict chukwudi Ofili Pastor Bridget Ikedieshi Pastor Timothy kantozuka Pastor Ruvel Abila

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To propagate the gospel of jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: REV. DR CHARLIE-KASI AZIKE

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CHANGE OF NAME

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PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

1.

2.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

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RACE-COURSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION JOS

HAMALI AND RUTH DUMBILI FOUNDATION

1. Ugbaja Mathias Endy 2. Nnaduife Onyeduchi Annie 3. Felicia Anomnankili Mordi

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Alh. Sani Shehu Engr. Kabiru M. Adamu Alh. Sabo Moh’d Inuwa Alh. Sabo Ismaila Alh. Habibu Nakande

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Mr Joseph Sanda Mal. Ibrahim idris Hon. Aminu Baba Col Rtd. Salihu Yunusa Pastor. Padunu Bamidele

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1. To foster unity peace and development for the community 2. Educational empowerment for the less privilege within the community 3. To facilitate developmental projects for the betterment of the community.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

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Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Festus Ugwu 2. Eng. Silas Omeje 3. Mr. Ugwu Chidi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster unity and love among members 2. To promote the welfare of members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

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SEED OF FIRE REVIVAL SUPERNATURAL BIBLE MINISTRY

Notice is hereby given to the General Public that the above-mentioned MINISTRY has applied to the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under the Companies and Allied Matters, Act, Law of the Federation 2004, Part C.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. CHUKWUDI OBIDIKE 2. MRS CHIKA IGBOANUGO 3. EVANGELIST JOHN EZEME 4. MR. SUNDAY OBINWA 5. MR. JONA EZEOGBO

– Overseer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world 2. To draw souls to Christ through witnessing 3. Teaching and instituting the knowledge of the Bible (Word of God) Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja Within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: REV. CHUKWUDI OBIDIKE

Monday, October 7, 2013

Djokovic wins China prize, loses world crown

55

Sport

-SUPER EAGLES DEFENDER, ELDERSON ECHIEJILE

Dedevbo gets Falconets job

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…Ayinla is assistant coach A FOLABI GAMBARI

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Kenneth Omeruo during his last match for Nigeria at the FIFA Confederation Cup in June in Brazil

Omeruo aims Ethiopia’s scalp

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday named former Flamengoes coach, Peter Dedevbo, as Head Coach of the U-20 Women’s team, Falconets.

Dedevbo was an assistant coach of the firstever Flamengoes team which featured at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in New Zealand in 2008. He was later appointed Head Coach of the team and led the girls to quarter finals in Trinidad and Tobago and Azerbaijan in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

He will be assisted by former Nigeria international, Toyin Ayinla, who also captained the defunct Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta before featuring for the old Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Africa Sports of Cote d’Ivoire. Haruna Uche will be goalkeeper’s trainer.

Meanwhile, Dedevbo has invited 30 players to camp for screening as the race for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Canada in August 2014 gets underway this month. Falconets, runners-up at the World Cup in Germany in 2010 and semi finalists in Japan in 2012, are up against the U-20 Women’s Team of Burkina Faso in the African first round fixtures, with the first leg coming up in Nigeria in three weeks.

Spokesman of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, told National Mirror learnt yesterday that the team’s camp would open today in Abuja.

…sets Calabar return date AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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Ogu

53

I think the match with Ethiopia will be tough and I would like us to approach it in that strict sense

Antelopes can’t stop Eagles –Ogu

uper Eagles midfielder, John Ogu, has said Nigeria will weather “all storms” in Addis Ababa on Sunday to overcome Ethiopia in their first leg final round play off for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Reports said Ethiopia had brought the game to an early kick-off and the high altitude in Addis Ababa could also work against the African champions.

The Walya Antelopes will also be counting on a massive home support to galvanise them to only their second win over Nigeria inside the National Stadium.

But Portugal-based midfielder Ogu told MTNFootball.com yesterday that nothing would stand between Nigeria and the World Cup ticket.

“I am aware of the weather and I am sure my team mates too are,” Ogu said.

“That will not be an excuse for us as we are looking forward to getting a favourable result from the game,” he added.

“I am focused and nothing is distracting me, I keep working hard and preparing my mind towards that game and getting the World Cup ticket is my biggest target now.

“As a Super Eagles player, my goal is to help my country qualify for the World Cup in Brazil. We are on course and we have only Ethiopia to go past, which I am sure we will.”

The Eagles will begin training for the epic clash tomorrow in Abuja when all 18 Europebased professionals would have arrived.

The Nigerian contingent will depart to Ethiopia on two special chartered flights on Saturday, arriving in the East African nation just hours to kick-off of the crucial game.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

uper Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has said he will be available for the 2014 World Cup return leg play off against Ethiopia on November 16.

Nigeria will be guest of Ethiopia on Sunday but Omeruo is not listed after initially being ruled out of action until end of this month.

The hardworking Chelsea rear guard, who has made a sensational recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since June, said yesterday that he would be fit and ready to face the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in the Brazil 2014 World Cup scheduled for the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

“Kenneth is back training with Chelsea as expected,” the player’s adviser,

Chika Akujobi, told MTNFootball.com yesterday.

“He has also expressed full confidence he will be fit for next month’s return leg match against Ethiopia in Nigeria,” Akujobi added, stressing, “If allowed, he believes he can even play against the Ethiopians on October 13.

But I think it’s best to believe he will be okay for the return match.”

The 19-year-old Omeruo last featured for the Eagles during the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in June, when he dislocated his shoulder in a group match against Uruguay.

Meanwhile, Akujobi has said that the decision to retain Omeruo in Chelsea or send him on loan in January rests with Manager Jose Mourinho.

“The signals are looking very good for Kenneth,” the adviser said, although he gave no further details.

Falconets Coach, Dedevbo

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Sport

Monday, October 7, 2013

Chess Classics: Organisers earmark N3m prize

How to stop age cheats –NASCOM

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T

he Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the Lagos Sports Classics has announced N3.5million as prize money for the Lagos International Chess Classics.

Organisers of the event said yesterday that players’ registration for the four-day tournament closes today, even as Serbia’s grand master, Dejan Antic, also arrives today for the tournament which begins tomorrow at the Molade OkoyaThomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Tournament Director, Babalola Adebayo, described players’ turnout for the competition as overwhelming, with most of Nigeria’s top players confirming their participation.

“We are looking forward to an exciting tournament as we look forward to being good hosts to our visitors,” Adebayo said, adding that the organisers would ensure a world-class championship.

Aside the Serbian grand master, international masters within Nigeria including Bunmi Olape, Fola Akintola, Odion Aikhoje and Oladapo Adu will also jostle for honours at the championship.

As one of the series in the Lagos-organised Sports Classics, the Lagos International Chess Classics has been approved by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) as a ranking event.

Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC), Barrister Wahid Oshodi, said the tournament would help to improve the skills of Nigerian players.

“We have taken every step to ensure that we maintain the high standards we have set for this series of events,” Oshodi said.

Chess Master, Olape

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Veteran Segun Toriola was the star attraction at the recent Lagos Classics

T/tennis: Lagos Classics gets World reckoning STORIES: YEMI OLUS

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he International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has listed the Lagos Classics in its 2014 World Tour after awarding the hosting right to Nigeria to stage the maiden Africa Top 16 Cup. President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Khaled El-Salhy, confirmed the development yesterday in Lagos, attributing it to the Chief Executive Officer of ITTF, Judit Farago.

“The confirmation means

the event will be treated as part of the top professional circuit of ITTF which is GAC Group World Tour, as an ITTF sanctioned event,” ElSalhy said.

“This will ensure better attraction from the top players to participate and gain more points and also to qualify for World Tour Finals,” the ATTF boss added.

National Mirror learnt that the tour will hold in Lagos on June 23 to 26, while the Africa Top 16 Cup will follow on June 27 to 28 as part of the 21 World Tour events in 21 countries next year.

According to the ITTF,

the main goal for the world’s best players on the tour is to gain enough points from the 21 events to qualify for the $1million World Tour Grand Finals to be held at the end of the year.

The GAC Group 2014 World Tour is divided into the Super Series, the Major Series and Challenge Series, as officials said the highest tier would attract more prize money and rank points.

Australia, Philippines, Nigeria, Chile and Argentina are the new faces in the Challenge Series, signifying the growth and demand of table tennis across the world.

he National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) has said that organising age-grade competitions within the school system will check the menace of age cheats in sports.

NASCOM Chairman, Mr. Yemi Idowu, who made this assertion while unveiling the committee’s calendar for 2013/2014 in Lagos at the weekend, called for a concerted effort to check the age cheating menace.

“We plan to have age grade competitions undertaken by school children and they should be domiciled in schools,” Idowu said.

“We must avoid organizing age grade competitions outside the school system and as well as we should avoid open competitions for age grade competitions, we also need students who have a verifiable track record which can stand the test of scrutiny,” he added.

Idowu reiterated that NASCOM was instituted to complement the efforts of NSSF and YSFON. “There will no conflict with the great work already done by NSSF and YSFON,” the NASCOM boss stressed.

“Rather, NASCOM will be the umbrella body which will be used to jointly raise awareness and funds for the promotion of schools sports and improvement of age grade competitions at the school level,” he explained, adding, “Ours is not to stage competitions but to support the component bodies in all their activities.”

Taekwondo: CCSF Open targets Euro athletes

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hief Executive Officer of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF), Chika Chukumerije, has said that the organisers intend to invite athletes from Europe for subsequent editions to CCSF International Taekwondo Open.

The Beijing Olympic bronze medalist made this disclosure yesterday ahead of the N2.8m prize two-day tournament holding on October 19 and 20 in Abuja.

“Our goal is to get endorsed by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) in 2015,” he said.

“The Phase one is to target the entire taekwondo community in Nigeria, which we achieved last year. We will improve next year by invited European competitors after which we will seek world recognition in 2015.”

Organisers said yesterday that gold medalists in eight events made up of male and female categories will get N150, 000 each, eight silver medalists will get N100, 000 each

Chika Chukwumerije (in blue helmet) wants action like at the CCSF Open 2013

while 16 bronze medalists will also get N50, 000 each. About 200 athletes who registered for the championship will also get uniform, kicking pads and skipping ropes valued at N1.7million.

Some of Nigeria’s national champions that will compete in Abuja are Michael Obiorah, Vivian Ndu, Sunday Onofe, Segun Olushola, Omoowa Omoregie, Ezekiel Obazi and Chimaobi Igwenyere.

Among the foreign athletes confirmed for the tournament are current African champion and 2011 All Africa Games gold medalist, Mali’s Ismael Coulibaly as well as 2012 All Francophone Champion, Abdoul Razak Alfaga, from Niger Republic.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Monday, October 7, 2013

55

Djokovic wins China prize, loses world crown D espite overtaking Novak Djokovic to assume the numero uno of world tennis, Rafael Nadal yesterday succumbed 6-3 6-4 to Djokovic in the final of China Open 2013 championship.

But the Serb, who broke in each set on his way to winning, sensationally said: “I needed this. I wanted to win against Nadal, who has been the best player so far in 2013. It’s important for my confidence.”

Djokovic, who won the China Open for a fourth time, started strongly and set the tone for the match by breaking Nadal’s first service game as he raced into a 3-0 lead.

The break proved crucial as the immediate past world number one produced some impressive tennis, with the timing and depth of his strokes not allowing Nadal the chance to get his game going.

Djokovic dragged Nadal out wide with his serve and struck a powerful forehand into open space to wrap up the opening set after 35 minutes.

The start of the second set saw Djokov-

ic immediately break the Spaniard again and he continued to hold the initiative in commanding style.

He took the following game to love and, as Nadal struggled to put pressure on his serve, went on to secure an emphatic win.

“It’s been an incredible week again at the China Open and I still haven’t lost a match here as I just love the conditions, the court and the atmosphere that goes around the tournament,” Djokovic added.

“I managed to stay tough and not drop my concentration, which I think happened in both Montreal and at the US Open in the important moments.

“I’ve learnt my lesson from a few very tough and close matches that I lost against Rafael on hard courts, especially the last one in the US Open final.”

Nadal, however, conceded that Djokovic’s serve made the difference.

“I was not able to have any chance when I was returning through the whole match,” the Spaniard said, add-

Novak Djokovic savouring the China Open trophy after putting Rafael Nadal (above) through severe pressure

ing, “When that’s happening against a player like Novak, you are dead.”

Yet, Nadal seemed to put the setback behind him in light of an extraordinary comeback season that sees him returning to the top ranking for the first time since July 2011.

“I am back at the number one, something I really thought that I would never have the chance to be back there,” he said, stressing, “I’m playing one of the best seasons of my career, probably

Serena clinches tenth title

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orld number one, Serena Williams, easily dismissed the challenge of Jelena Jankovic yesterday to win the China Open in Beijing, her 10th title of the outgoing year.

Williams, who registered her 73rd win of the calendar year, dominated en route to a 6-2 6-2 victory against the for-

mer world number one.

There was, however, a slight scare for Williams in the second set, as she pulled up clutching her back and was promptly broken by Jankovic. But after Jankovic bizarrely took an injury timeout immediately following that break, Williams rattled off five consecutive games to win the event for

the first time since 2004.

“I’m really excited although I didn’t think I’d win this tournament,” Williams said.

“I really love tennis so much and fans like the ones here in China are so exciting to come to. The fans make me want to play, and they are so great here, so coming here is such a great opportunity.”

Serena Williams posing with her prize

one of the more emotional years, if not the most for so many facts.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic has brushed aside its impact of the bad pollution in the Chinese capital on the event.

“It’s not ideal in terms of pollution,” Djokovic admitted.

“Yes, we’ve been talking about the weather conditions, but it is what it is, it’s something that has been the same for the last few years that I’ve been coming back here.”

WORLD RECORD

Most expensive picture by Degas Vol. 03 No. 694

N150

Monday, October 7, 2013

H

as it ever occurred to you that you are after all just one person? As the great humourist and philanthropist extra-ordinary MKO Abiola used to say: “No one is a ‘four-man” [foreman]. “It is sheer flattery to call a man ‘four man’”.

And really and truly, no one is ever more than one.

People who hold offices and find themselves surrounded by a retinue of servants and hangers-on get so carried away that they hardly ever have time to reflect on their positions in life. When a man gets down from his car and about a dozen people jostle to carry his handbag, he thinks that he is greater than the rest of the world put together. He gets so swollen headed and gets himself puffed up like a balloon. In that cir-

Danseuse au repos (c.1879), a pastel of a ballet dancer by the French artist Edgar Degas (1834 - 1917) sold for £17,601,500 ($27,868,455) at Sotheby’s, London, UK on 28 Jun 1999.

You’re just one person Guest Columnist

Tola

Adeniyi

cumstance, he imagines himself to be more than what he really is: one person!

This piece has become necessary in view of the nauseating display of opulence by the privileged few in the society, who believe, wrongly though, that life is a straight line and there would never be fluctuations in their life situation.

People elected into offices or appointed into positions get so carried away that in their daily dealings with their subordinates they exhibit an air of ‘I know it all’. In discussions on any subject under the sun, they parade themselves as if they are masters of all disciplines. A governor, who was a school drop-out a few years back, would be talking about aviation as if he was professor of aeronautical engineering.

A governor would be talking down members of his cabinet which may include professors and Senior Advocates as if he was an authority on electricity, engineering, medicine, hydro-dynamics and even molecular science. At that point in time, the governor sees himself as a compound of all those disciplines. He no longer sees himself as one person limited by the natural matter of being just a human being. One person!

Traditional rulers who see themselves as representatives of deities on earth really behave as if they are individually more than just one individual. No single person is two persons whatever the enormity and scope of the powers possessed by that individual.

The case of traditional rulers is very peculiar in the sense that but for a serious misdemeanour, a king knows that he may hold his inherited position for life. And because he is

THERE IS ETERNAL WISDOM AND ATTENDANT JOY IN REALISING THAT WE ARE ACTUALLY NOT MORE THAN WHAT

NATURE MEANT US TO BE blind to a consideration that his exalted position may change, he continues to behave as if he is more than one person. In fact, because he is addressed in the third person, he himself is deluded to the extent that he uses the plural noun or pronoun for himself. In speeches he talks of himself as ‘we’.

I believe it is important for every mortal to carry out the following simple exercise every morning: Go into your bathroom and strip yourself naked. Look around you.

What do you see? If there is a giant mirror in your bathroom, for those who worship vanity, look at every anatomical detail in your physique. Look at your belly. Look at your buttocks. Look at your legs that are either swollen or are like the legs of a mosquito. Look at the structure of those legs.

Now you know you are alone with your two eyes and two lobes of ears. See how lonesome you are.

In that moment, you are stripped of power and importance. You are just a lump of

flesh mounted on a collection of bones architecturally put together by the Almighty Supreme Intelligence. It is just you; the lone you. Let your mind quickly race through what you have done in the last 24 hours and what you intend to do in the next 24 hours.

Remember how you came into the world stark naked. Remember how you are pulled out of the womb or got pushed out by your mother’s powerful breath. What do you see?

At the end of the day, that is all you are: One person in his natural ordinariness.

Nothing brings forth the reality of just being one person than the situation a 4-star general in the military finds himself when he is retired or retires from active service.

A once dreaded, heavily mustached firespitting top military officer is now a powerless individual queuing up in the bank or at a gas station like every other common individual.

It was like the situation of some emperors of old who considered themselves to be the state. To them, they were the state, and the state was them.

But this was a false and self-serving idea.

And by the time such emperors crashed, it was too late for them to come to terms with the reality of their absurdity. Either they got their heads chopped off or got seriously disgraced and humiliated as they were cut to size.

There is eternal wisdom and attendant joy in realising that we are actually not more than what Nature meant us to be.

Power, position, influence and affluence are mere decorations to the body. They are all temporary acquisitions that are not skin deep. They do not make a person to grow into two persons, let alone to make him feel that he is bigger than a whole city, community or country.

When power leaves you, and position relocates to the man next door, you will discover to your chagrin that the multitude milling round you, and which made you think that you were more than what you were, would disappear.

Sport Extra

Boxing: Khan’s Camp insists on December’s Alexander bout

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he camp of British boxer, Amir Khan, has dismissed reports that the pugilist has pulled out of his fight against Devon Alexander in order to face pound-forpound boxer Floyd May-

weather.

Khan is set to face Alexander for the IBF welterweight title on December 7 with the venue yet to be decided.

Amidst reports that the Khan’s camp had scrapped

the fight in favour of a more lucrative match-up against the undefeated Mayweather, Team Khan has dismissed the claims, insisting that the 26-year-old is fully focused on taking on Alexander before the end

of the year.

“We would like to dispel recent reports that Amir has pulled out of a potential match-up against Devon Alexander on December 7, taking up a fight against Floyd Mayweather in May of 2013

instead,” a statement read.

“On the contrary, Amir in training camp in San Francisco preparing for the fight with Alexander once an agreement can be reached,” the statement NFF President, Aminu Maigari added.

Khan

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