Wednesday, april 9, 2014

Stakeholders condemn planned merger of aviation agencies

Lamido Adamawa advocates 100% resource control

NCAA grounds Overland aircraft OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Ortom

Vol. 4 N0. 826

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takeholders and professionals in the aviation industry yesterday condemned the Federal Government over

the planned merger of some aviation agencies.

Those who spoke with our correspondent said CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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Military kills scores of terrorists in Borno air raid ‌ confirms loss of officer, soldiers

PRISCILLA DENNIS AND UBONG UKPONG

Lemu blames insurgency on wrong teachings T

he Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday said that troops, in the ongoing military offensive in the North-East, have killed scores of Boko Haram insurgents and lost five soldiers in air and land assaults.

The DHQ in a statement in Abuja signed by the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force repelled attempts to attack communities by hungry terrorists who besieged the communities around the Lake Chad CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Students of Yaba College of Technology in a solidarity protest with members of the Academics Staff Union of Polytechnics over non-implementation of ASUP demands by Federal Government in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

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Senate passes Pension Reform Bill

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Again, FG stops Lagos’ projects with soldiers

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Defaulters liable to 10-year jail

Chukwu

LUTH resident doctors begin strike P.4

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News

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Senate passes Pension Reform Bill GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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he new Pension Reform Bill passed by the Senate yesterday prescribed serious penalties for defaulters of the bill, including a 10-year jail term.

The bill, which was passed by unanimous decision, also imposes a fine of N10m on any pension fund administrator who fails to meet the obligations of the contributors while each of the directors of the firm will pay N5m each as fine.

In addition to payment of fines and serving the required jail terms, the Act prescribes that anyone who misappropriates pension fund to forfeit any property,

asset or fund with accrued interest on the stolen money to the Federal Government.

The defaulters are also liable to refund three times the amount misappropriated.

According to the bill, such monies received as penalty from defaulters by the Pension Commission shall be paid into the Pension Protection Fund, which will be established under Section 82 of the Act. Also, the new bill, which repeals the Pension Reform Act 2004 and replaces it with the Pension Reform Act 2014, has enlarged the participation of Nigerians who contribute to the fund.

The new scheme now covers private organisations

with at least three or more employees.

“Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the commission may, in addition to the penalties stipulated under this Act, impose additional sanctions on the board, any director, management, manager or officer of a pension fund administrator or pension fund custodian that violates any of the provisions of this Act,” it added.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Aloysius Etok, while briefing journalists after the session, said: “With the enactment and passage of this bill today and its assent by the President, all

the penalties and all the prescriptions contained in this Act would be followed strictly by the various agencies.

“We have penalties ranging from 10 years imprisonment. For even failing to give proper information, you have to pay N500, 000 daily by any agency. And if you embezzle pension funds now, you will pay not less than three times the amount of funds you embezzled.

That is how serious this Bill has treated pension funds.

“If you embezzle N10,000, you are bound to pay a minimum of N30,000 and in some circumstances the presiding judge has the right to make you refund and even go to prison.”

Commenting on the contentious issue of the quali-

fication of the head of the commission, Etok said: “When the committee report of a fit and proper person got to the chamber on the first day of presentation of the report, it was rejected and 15 years of post- qualification was adopted.

“So the post-qualification experience for the one who would be DG of PENCOM is 15 years.

“In Nigeria, professional pension administration would be about 10. And this is because we are talking about cognate experience not post-qualification experience. Because if you are talking about post-qualification experience, what about somebody who has 30 years post- qualification experi-

ence with two years cognate pension experience. Is he better than someone with 10 years cognate experience in pension administration?

“So, having realised that we have slightly below 10 years professional pension administration experience possessed by anybody in this country, we decided if somebody must have had 5 years somewhere else and then have additional 10 years cognate experience in professional pension management.

“That would be a fit and proper person to serve as DG. So, the current situation as contained and accepted is 15 years post- qualification experience for the post of DG PENCOM.”

1.6 million candidates to write JAMB MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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total of 1,606,753 candidates who applied for this year’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s, JAMB, examination will sit for it in 392 towns across the country and other designated centres across the world.

The examination will hold on Saturday and May 17.

JAMB Registrar, Dibu Ojerinde, stated this during a briefing with journalists in Abuja yesterday.

He said application and writing of the examination is in three modes namely Computer Based Test, CBT, Dual Based Test, DBT, and Paper Pencil Test, PPT. The PPT and DBT, he said, are scheduled to hold next Saturday while the CBT comes up on May 17.

He said 990,179 candidates applied for the PPT; 25,325, for the DBT; while 616,574 candidates applied for the CBT, bringing the total applicants for the 2014 UTME to 1,606,753.

The examination, he said, will be written in seven foreign countries namely: Accra, Ghana; Buea, Republic of Cameroun; Cotonou, Republic of Benin; London, United Kingdom; Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa; and, Abidjan, Cote d’Voire.

According to the registrar,

1,865 centres will be used for the conduct of the PPT examination; 133 for the, DBT, and about, 153 centres will be used for the CBT. He disclosed that 174 visually impaired candidates registered for this year’s examination, while 196 inmates registered for the exam from both the Kaduna and Lagos prisons.

Ojerinde said as part of measures to expand access to university education in the country, government had approved the commencement of e-learning degree programme, which he said would take effect on May 19 this year.

He also recalled that 1,735,892 candidates registered in the last UTME. “The figure for the 2014 UTME shows a decrease of 129,139 applicants when compared with last year’s figure of 1,7835,892,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, the registrar accused Nigerian varsities of offering admission to only 50 per cent of qualified candidates into their institutions, and rendering those not given admission hopeless and making them to reapply for the examination.

This is even as he threatened to name such schools, if forced to do so by the culpable institutions.

The Registrar, who stated that the universities were mainly those run by the Federal Government, informed that the institutions were CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right) being assisted by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, in unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the Nigeria Police Force International Peacekeeping Centre and the Force Museum in Abuja yesterday.

Military kills scores of terrorists in Borno air raid CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

area in search of food.

It also disclosed that cordon-and-search operations for stranded terrorists was ongoing in those communities adding that arms abandoned by the fleeing insurgents were recovered.

The DHQ said that the repelling of the attacks was successful due to the timely distress call to the troops on patrol around the area, who quickly responded and saved the communities.

Part of the statement reads: “The terrorists who were said to be heavily armed scampered for safety on sensing the approach of troops before they could carry out their mission.

“The troops of the MultiNational Joint Task Force on patrol of the area have so far recovered some arms and ammunition left behind

by the fleeing terrorists.

“Cordon-and-search of the area is continuing with a view to apprehending any of the terrorists that could be lurking around.

“Meanwhile, the assault on terrorists’ enclaves in Sambisa forests and surrounding locations is continuing.

“Operational activities around Wala, Gwoza, Pulka and environs have been intensified.

Encounters resulting from air and land strikes and an ambush of troops on patrols in the area have resulted in the death of scores of terrorists and loss of five soldiers, including an officer.”

In a related development, the DHQ yesterday accused a group, Jama’atul Nasril Islam, JNI, of compounding the security problems in the country.

JNI Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, according to the DHQ, had alleged in a statement that the military was engaging in the extra-judicial killing of Muslims and the Fulani.

But in a statement by Olukolade, the DHO said the allegation was “spurious and inflammatory.”

The DHQ said that much as the military was reluctant to take issues with a respectable religious organisation like the JNI, it had to set the record straight that the military was unbiased and that no religion, ethnic group or individual, was the target in the anti-terrorism campaign.

“The Nigerian military remains non-partisan, nonsectarian and will continue to be the symbol of patriotism and a unifying factor in the face of threats to na-

tional sovereignty.

“If this wild allegation was meant to cause disaffection or brew disharmony within the military, then it has woefully failed as the Nigerian military does not operate along religious or ethnic lines.

“Contrary to the false claims, no law abiding individual, faith, ethnic group or organisation is being targeted as alleged by JNI. “It is unfortunate that the unjust imputation is coming from respectable and responsible organisation like JNI. “We urge the body not to join in the fray of propagandists bent on discrediting genuine efforts at finding solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

“The military will continue to be driven by patrioCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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Photo News

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

L-R: Director of Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abimbola Ajayi; Nutrition and Health Manager, West Africa, Unilever, Mr. Victor Ajieroh and President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, during NSN Nutrition Education Programme in Lagos, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Head, Population and Nutrition Office, USAID, Dr. Nancy Lowenthal; Acting Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Adamu Nuhu and Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammad, during a press conference on 2014 Africa Vaccination Week in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

L-R: National President, Association of Non-Bank Microfinance Institutions of Nigeria, Mr. Hamid-Giwa Afolabi; National President, Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe; Vice-Chairman, African Confederation of Cooperative Saving and Credit Association, Mr. Bless-Kwame Darkey and Executive Director, Retail Banking, Unity Bank, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, during the Cooperatives Summit and Leadership Forum in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Prof.Gbadegesin Adeniyi; former National President, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief John Odeyemi; Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof. Bamitale Omole and Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Oshunkeye, at the first yearly lecture organised in honour of Odeyemi by the Natural History Museum, OAU, Ile Ife recently.

National News

LUTH resident doctors begin strike FRANKA OSAKWE

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he Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, yesterday began a three-day warning strike.

This followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the management to address its demands.

The protesting doctors, dressed in their clinical coats with black arm bands,

began a peaceful demonstration from the dental to the medical wards.

They expressed their displeasure with the management for inabilitytoresolve theirissues.

The association’s president, Dr. Omojowolo Olubunmi, had in a telephone interview with National Mirror said that the association resolved to embark on the strike as a result of the management’s non-implementation of the rectified CONMESS scale.

He added that nonchalant attitude of the management towards the demands and gross negligence of patients through a new policy of ‘payment before surgery’ also triggered the strike.

In a communiqué signed by the association’s president, the resident doctors demanded that the contentious letter of employment, with all the clauses given to new resident doctors, be withdrawn immediately and a new one issued.

FAAN relocates airport car park OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, says that the public car park at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, has been relocated to a temporary facility situated between the church and the mosque along the airport access road.

A statement signed by the General Manager,

Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the park, which is about 800 metres from the terminal, became operational this week.

Dati stated that the relocation became necessary to pave the way for the construction of a new international terminal, a five-star hospitality facility and an ultra-modern multi-storey car park.

The site, he added, was facility formerly occupied by car hire and bus opera-

tors.

“The new car park features 1,000 parking bays, 24/7 free shuttle buses and security surveillance, six standard restrooms, a dedicated bus route, two pedestrian walk ways, pickup and drop off zones, among other amenities.

“To minimise the inconvenience of having to walk to the new car park, shuttle buses are provided to convey passengers to and from the terminal free of charge,” he said.

They also insist that the implementation of the rectified CONMESS should commence immediately and letters of skipping of CONMESS 2 be issued to all doctors immediately, as directed by the circular from the Federal Ministry of Health.

While expressing concern about the recent hike in hos-

pital fees and the new policy stating that patients must pay before surgery, even in emergency situations, the doctors insisted that the management should revisit the decision.

Also, the association stated that the issue of six months post-fellowship, which they insisted should be automatic and non- nego-

tiable as practised in other climes, be addressed.

The ARD had given the management of LUTH a 21day ultimatum following the warning strike, to embark on an indefinite strike if it failed to address the issue of gross shortage of working materials and consumables, and other issues.

Fani-Kayode meets Jonathan

...says every Nigerian has right to visit Villa ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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ormer Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode yesterday met with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa.

After the meeting, Fani Kayode declined to disclose his mission.

He said that as a Nigerian, he had the right to come and meet with the President when the doors are opened.

Fani-Kayode said: “This is a Presidential Villa, the President is a president of Nigeria and every Nigerian is entitled to come here from time to time when the

doors are open and pay their respect to the wonderful people here. As a Nigerian, I have done that today and I’m delighted to be here.”

The former minister said he believed that every Nigerian, regardless of the sides of the political divide, needed to join hands to move the nation forward.’’

“As a Nigerian, I believed that we may disagree on issues from time to time, but the most important thing is for us to be able to resolve these issues, come together and move the country forward.”

On whether the visit has to do with plan to leave the All

Progressives Congress, APC, Fani-Kayode said the step he would take would be made known at the right time.

“The step that I will take will be made known to Nigerians at the right time. The most important thing is that I cannot and I will not be associated with a situation whereby any group of people is promoting a religion above another.

“I think all of us have gone past the stage of religious politics in this country.

We must treat the Muslim community with utmost respect and we must treat the Christian community in the same way,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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Stakeholders condemn planned merger of aviation agencies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that the government was ill-advised on the move and predicted that the merger, if implemented, would collapse in two years.

The Federal Government had on Monday accepted the recommendation of the Steve Oronsaye Committee, which says the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority, FCAA. It also said that the enabling laws of the agencies would be amended accordingly to reflect the merger.

President, Aviation Round Table, ART, Capt.

Dele Ore, said that what the government was planning

to do was wrong.

He said the implementation of the recommendation would further take back the industry to the 1995 era, positing that the agencies would be demerged within the next two years.

Ore insisted that there was nowhere in the world where a regulatory body is merged with service providers like NAMA and NIMET. He emphasised that the move was at variance with the laid down rules of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, and other relevant international bodies around the world.

Ore queried the expertise of the committee members in the global aviation practices, maintaining that the implementation of the

report by the government would be a disgrace to the nation.

Also, the former Airport Commandant, Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said that whosoever advised the government to merge the three agencies was not well-informed about the industry.

He insisted that the move would return the industry to the era of self-regulation, alleging that the Oronsaye committee must have been wrongly briefed by some bad eggs in the system.

Ojikutu added that the merger completed the move by the former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, to bring the industry under the jackboots of the government.

“Whoever advised government to merge NAMA,

NIMET and NCAA must be from another planet. He probably forgot to include the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in the appropriation to further take us back to the era of self-regulation.

“How do you merge operators of the industry with the regulator? This merger completes what Oduah started; bring the industry under the jackboots of the government. Must the government drive the policy, regulate and operate the industry? We must be in a world of our own and out of the earth planet.

“When we should get the private operators to invest more on the industry or commercialise government operators like FAAN and NAMA as recommended in the prvatisation and commercialisation Act of 2000,

L-R: Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Senate President David Mark being fed by his wife, Helen, during his 66th birthday in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Military kills scores of terrorists in Borno air raid CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

tism and commitment to the cause of the nation and its law abiding citizens.

“All responsible organisations are requested to cooperate in the efforts at addressing the nation’s security challenges rather than compound the problem.

“Individuals with similar prejudices are advised to abandon such biases as the challenges at hand call for prayers and support of all well-meaning organisations and groups instead of trying to turn the public against the military.

“Rather, all responsible organisations should be more interested in seeking solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

“It must be noted that the Armed Forces comprises Nigerians from all religious persuasions and cannot be

used against any particular religion as purported. The military will not be distracted by unfair imputations from any quarter.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian military and other security agencies do not have any policy, agenda or plans to perpetrate massacre or extra judicial killing of law abiding citizens.

“The authorities have no reason to take side or shield anyone from justice. Individuals apprehended in the course of counter-terrorism campaign will continue to have access to justice as provided by law,” the DHQ stated.

Meanwhile, a member of the Boko Haram Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, has blamed the insurgency being witnessed the NorthEast on wrong teachings

from the clergymen of the two major religions.

He said only a few believers of the two religions actually had the knowledge and practice the contents of their holy books (the Bible and the Qu’ran), resulting in the Boko Haram insurgency.

Terrorists’ activities rocking the North- East have claimed many lives and destruction of properties worth billions of naira.

Lemu stated this during a thank you visit to the Niger State government for the support given him, leading to the success of the award ceremony that took place last week in Saudi Arabia.

He told clerics to teach the authentic messages of their religions, stressing that what they were teaching to their followers, par-

ticularly the youths, were misleading.

The 84-year-old Islamic scholar, who is also the Chairman of the Federal Government Nigerian Inter-Religious Committee, NIREC, promised to use the remaining part of his life to preach the correct message of Islam, the way it should be preached.

Governor Aliyu Babangida hinged part of the heightening tension in the nation to the activities of some clerics using their pulpits to criticise governments, highly- placed individuals and other religions to attract undue attention for their own selfish gains.

He also said the state had continued to enjoy relative peace because the present administration did not discriminate against persons of any religion as they were all treated fairly.

government instead is appropriating the industry to itself alone. “Surely, the government officials and political office holders can not remove their eyes, mind and souls from the hidden or sleaze funds in these agencies.”

Also, the General Secretary, Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association, NAPA, Abdulrazaq Saidu, recalled that such move by the government had failed in the past.

Saidu maintained that the current one would not be different from others, saying that “the aviation industry is internationally regulated”.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has grounded the ill-fated Overland Airways aircraft that had its windshield cracked mid-air on Monday.

A source close to the agency confided in our correspondent yesterday that the aircraft had been grounded by the NCAA and would not resume operations until it was cleared.

The source said, “The aircraft has since been grounded by the authority.

Our engineers need to check the aircraft properly before it can be released to return to the air. If it is found airworthy, it would be released to return to the air.”

NCAA Deputy General Manager, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, in an e-mail statement yesterday stated that the ATR 72 aircraft with the registration 5N-BPE on scheduled service from Ibadan to Abuja departed as scheduled in the morning of Monday.

He explained that 15

minutes after take-off, the Pilot-in-Command, Capt.

Modalitso Kadzeya, heard a pop sound on the right windshield at an altitude of 14,000ft.

Adurogboye said that the windshield heater was on at that time, adding that the pilot, according to Standard and Recommended Practices, SARPs, promptly switched it off.

The DGM added that at the altitude of 15,000ft, it was noticed that the crack had widened and the pilot immediately descended to 12,000ft and the crack stopped progressing.

Adurogboye added that to uphold the rule of safety as demanded by the NCAA, Kadzeya made a professional air return to Lagos where all the 38 passengers and four crew on board disembarked safely.

“While on ground, the maintenance engineer made an on-the-spot physical assessment of the damage.

He noted that only the outside and middle layers of the windshield were affected. The defect was instantly entered into the Tech Log and subsequent to regulations, he was directed to forward a Mandatory Occurrence Report, MOR, to the authority.

“The NCAA wishes to reiterate that the regime of zero tolerance on safety is still subsisting and want to assure all the passengers that our airspace is safe and secure.

“We have provided an enabling environment for all our air operators to pursue their flight operations by ensuring comfort for passengers while full compliance with the rules will not be compromised,” he said.

1.6 million candidates to write JAMB CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

falling short of their responsibility of carrying capacities as approved for them by the National Universities Commission NUC. He said the situation had forced his institution to send the table of the approved carrying capacities to each of the federal universities to enable them tell Nigerians their challenges and why candidates who pass JAMB examination could not secure admission into available spaces in the universities.

Ojerind said: “About 30

percent are being given admissions annually. For example, out of 1.6 million that wrote JAMB examination last year 2013, only 745, 000 spaces were available.

“Let me also now say, unfortunately, I have the statistic of what is happening, very painful that our institutions are not responding to these carrying capacities.

They are not responding to them to the extent that as I’m talking today, most of the universities, especially federal universities, they have not fill up to 50 percent of their carrying capacities.

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Wednesday April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kill 10, burn 20 houses in Taraba

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L-R: Son of Ijaw national leader, Ebikeme; his father, Chief Edwin Clark and Senator Stella Omu at a briefing on Ebikeme’s release by kidnappers in Abuja, yesterday.

he Taraba Police Command has confirmed that gunmen yesterday killed 10 people in Jibu village in Wukari Local Government Area of the state.

Its spokesman, ASP Joseph Kwaji, told newsmen in Jalingo that the suspected assailants also burnt more than 20 houses.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that at about 5 a.m. today, a group of Jukun youths stormed Jibu village, opened fire at the inhabitants and killed 10 people,” he said.

According to him, the suspected gunmen killed everyone they

Reps approve $1.5bn loan for NNPC Tordue Salem ABUJA

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he House of Representatives yesterday approved a proposal by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to access a loan of $1.56bn from government coffers to finance some of its operations.

Joint House Committees of Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream), Loans and Debts, and Justice headed by Upstream Chairman, Hon. Ajibola Muraina, presented a report detailing the proposed borrowing to a Committee of the

Whole yesterday.

The report on the NNPC proposal urged the House to approve the loan, but with a caveat.

It said: “The House does approve the proposed U$1.56bn forward sale agreement.”

The House, however, stated “that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC should forthwith forward details of the composition and structure of the Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, PSF Funding Limited, to appropriate committees of the National Assembly.”

It warned the corporation to devise ways of paying off its growing

debts.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, should, in conjunction with various stakeholders, develop a roadmap for offsetting its huge indebtedness.

“There is a need to streamline operations within the NNPC to eliminate waste, increase operational efficiencies and offer more degree of transparency,” the House said.

It also warned the NNPC to follow procedure in dealing with Federal Government assets, but rejected a clause advising committees to improve their oversight of

the energy sector.

The report was considered by a Committee of the Whole presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Public Accounts reviewing allegations of N10bn expenditure on the charter of a private jet by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has accused the NNPC of delaying investigations of the case.

A member of the committee told journalists yesterday that both the minister and the NNPC were yet to respond to a memo sent to them by

the committee.

He said a one-week ultimatum was given to the minister, the corporation and other agencies involved in the deal to provide the committee the necessary information to enable it commence work, but none had been received.

The member, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, explained that the committee which was expected to be completing its assignment by now was yet commence the public investigation as a result of the failure of the minister and the NNPC to respond to the memo sent to them.

House alleges fraud in kerosene subsidy Tordue Salem ABUJA

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he House of Re p r e s e n t a t ive s committee investigating the kerosene subsidy regime yesterday said it found out that about 27,000 metric tonnes of the product was unaccounted for by fuel marketers on delivery.

Chairman of the Petroleum (Downstream) Committee, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, stated this as he claimed a document presented before

the committee revealed how a vessel’s papers claimed to have shipped in 37,000 metric tonnes of DPK, but actually discharged only 10,000 metric tonnes.

The committee subsequently directed one of the Petroleum Product Marketing Company, PPMC’s contracted cargo inspection companies, General Marine and Oil Services Limited, GMO, to furnish it with all documents showing similar vessel discharge discrepancies within the 2011-2013 period under

investigation.

Representative of GMO, Sam Obasi, told the committee that his company was just one of the many vessel surveyors of PPMC, adding that it had been able to superintend 106 import vessels within the period.

Obasi said GMO’s standing contract with PPMC allowed it to inspect vessels on only two areas; Lagos offshore and Apapa Jetty.

Peterside also claimed that the committee discovered that

where Aviation Turbine Kerosene, ATK, was reported to have been imported, DPK was discharged by vessels.

He asked the GMO representatives about the quality differences between ATK and DPK that necessitated the deliberate misrepresentation of the two products at the inspection point.

Obasi clarified that DPK was more qualitative than ATK, and therefore the DPK would be heavier than ATK. The committee advised other invited

agencies yet to appear before the committee to do so and defend themselves today or risk sanctions.

NNPC’s GMD, PPMC Managing Director, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, as well as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, are among the agencies expected to appear today for their presentation on the allegations.

saw in the area, irrespective of the person’s ethnicity and region, including Jukuns.

“I can also confirm to you that 15 people are badly injured and about 20 houses were set ablaze,” he said.

Kwaji, however, disclosed that a joint patrol of mobile policemen and soldiers had been deployed to intensify security in the area.

The spokesman, therefore, appealed to people in the area to stay calm, saying security personnel were on top of the situation.

He assured members of the community that the perpetrators of `this dastardly act’ would be brought to book.

Mark, at 66, regrets killings George Oji ABUJA

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enate President, David Mark, who turned 66 yesterday, said the best birthday gift he wished for himself was an end to the senseless killings in the country.

“Somebody asked me this morning what I would like for my birthday gift and I told him a complete end to these needless and senseless deaths that we experience in the country today.

“If there is any birthday gift that I would want, it is for us to end this needless and senseless deaths that we have in the country today,” Mark said while appreciating the kind words said about him by his colleagues in a plenary.

He said: “I appreciate your comments. First, let me say that I do not take your support and cooperation for granted. I appreciate it, I value it and I am extremely grateful that you have given me the support.

“That I have achieved any success as the President of the Senate, it is because you have given me maximum support and corporation. Whatever I have earned in politics today in terms of leadership, it is because you have given all the encouragement and support to me and I value and appreciate it.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Wednesday April 9, 2014

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Killings: Reps summon security chiefs •Call for barracks in Nasarawa Tordue Salem ABUJA

D and

isturbed by resurgent killings in Benue, Nasarawa Benue states, the

House of Representatives yesterday summoned the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar and the De-

fence Minister, Lt.-Gen. Mohammed Gusau, to appear before it.

The invitation was to avail the security chiefs the opportunity of telling the lawmakers the situa-

tion about recent attacks by alleged Fulani herdsmen in the states.

The House also asked the Presidency to construct a military barracks in Doma, headquarters of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to accommodate a battal-

L-R: Representative of the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Commodore Kayode Beckley; Chief of Policy and Plans, AVM James Gbum and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, at a media briefing on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja, yesterday.

Sanusi knows fate May 20 Ise-Oluwa Ige

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Federal high court sitting in Abuja yesterday fixed May 20 to decide on whether or not to issue an order reinstating the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole fixed the date yesterday after taking arguments from parties in the case.

The Federal Govern-

ment had on February 19, announced Sanusi’s suspension from office.

The government claimed it acted on reports by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN, which indicted him of involvement in financial recklessness.

Sanusi, who was aggrieved by his suspension, had gone to court to challenge his removal through his counsel, Kola Awodein, SAN. He also prayed the court for an order of re-

instatement.

Joined in the suit are President Goodluck Jonathan, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and the Inspector General of Police, as first to third respondents.

The respondents had earlier brought a preliminary objection, praying the court to dismiss the suit.

Arguing the originating summons, Sanusi’s counsel, told the court that the CBN Act effectively prohibited the President from suspend-

ing a CBN governor.

He argued that the intention of the legislature which enacted the Act was not to give powers to the executive to suspend.

But the counsel to President Jonathan, Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, in his response to Sanusi’s argument, said that the CBN governor was suspended for awarding contracts beyond his approval limit.

He argued that for the suspended governor to be properly investigated, he must step aside.

Jonathan gave the charge yesterday while commissioning the Nigeria Police Force International Peace Keeping Training Centre at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The president said many Nigerians are unaware of the sacrifices being made by security forces, explaining that as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he was constantly abreast of the supreme sacrifices made by security operatives in defence of the country.

While recalling that the exploits of the police began with its maiden foray in the Congo in the 1960s, the president hailed the force for maintaining the same tradition of excellence in other regions where it had embarked on peacekeeping.

Expressing optimism that God would help Nigeria overcome its security challenge, he said the government would continue to fight terrorists as their activities were inimical to national development.

Jonathan said that as the lead agency in maintaining internal security, the police must play an active role in combating terrorism.

On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said the centre would serve as a training hub in the West Africa sub-region for police officers being deployed for peacekeeping operations.

He commended the president for repositioning the Police Air Wing through the injection of 13 new fully equipped helicopters.

Jonathan tasks police on terrorism Rotimi Fadeyi and Omeiza Ajayi

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has tasked officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to rise up to the challenge posed by the growing insurgency in some parts of the country, as well as tackle other organised criminal gangs terrorising the country.

He said the defence of the ordinary Nigerian remained the most compelling role of the force.

ion to boost security in the southern senatorial district of the state.

The House based the summons and appeal for the barracks after adopting separate motions of urgent national importance from Hon. Mohammed Onawo (PDP-Nasarawa) and Hon. Ibrahim Gusau (Zamfara-PDP).

The two lawmakers had argued that the attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen was a matter of concern, hence the presence of a military battalion was required to tackle the crisis, as well as get explanation from the security agencies.

Presenting his motion, Onawo noted that though N150m had been appropriated in the 2014 budget for the construction of the barracks, the project was yet to be executed.

He explained that the essence of the project was to boost security in the zone and the neighboring towns of Guma, Gwer West and Agatu in Benue State, which at the moment are threatened by frequent insurgent attacks.

The attacks, he said, had resulted in loss of lives, property and other casualties, compounding refugee and humanitarian situation in the state.

Onawo expressed concern that the essence of the project might be defeated if urgent measures were not taken to facilitate its execution.

According to him, “the appropriated funds may be wasteful if action is not taken by parliament to ensure timely implementation of the project, and that non-implementation may facilitate poor development, governance and security of the people and the state.”

Consequently, the House directed its committees on works and army to investigate the circumstances behind the non-implementation of the project, recommend appropriate measures to overcome the challenges and report back to the House within one month.

The House also invited Gusau and Abubakar to appear before its committee on national security to shed light on recent indiscriminate killing of over 200 people in Maru and Zurmi local government areas of Zamfara State.

The House directed the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to immediately deliver relief materials to the distressed citizens of the affected communities.

Lagos sets up panel on boat mishaps Francis Suberu

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he Lagos State Government yesterday set up an 11-man committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the Ikorodu-Lagos Island boat mishap in which a pregnant woman and an intending couple died.

Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, who revealed this in a statement yesterday, said the state government was deeply saddened by the accident.

“We have set up an 11man Inter-Ministerial Fact Finding Committee to ascertain and determine the immediate and remote causes of the 2nd April, 2014 boat mishap at Ikorodu and such other

similar incidents in the past.

“The committee will ascertain and confirm details of the accident, including the roles of all concerned persons, institutions and agencies.

The committee would also make such recommendations as may be considered necessary to avoid a recurrence of such incidents, promote safe practices and adherence to safety standard in water transportation in the state,” the statement added.

According to Opeifa, the committee headed by the Director, Public Transportation and Commuter Service, Mr. Olajide Tairu, was charged with the responsibility of ascertaining the cause(s) leading to the accident and prevent such from occurring in the future.

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Court declares Ojora Ruling House owner of Ijora/Iganmu land WALE IGBINTADE

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Lagos High Court has declared that the Ojora Ruling House has statutory right of occupancy of vast parcel of land in Ijora Badia, large part of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) land in Ijora, Iganmu, Ebute-Meta, Orile-Iganmu and part of expressway and container Terminal in Ebute Metta and Iganmu.

The court held that NRC was wrong to let out part of the family land acquired for public use by the Federal Government.

In a 21-page judgment, Justice Kazeem Alogba also restrained the defendants and others from trespassing on the land.

Oba Ojora and two others had prayed the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Chief Ogunyemi, Fredrick Orokoto and Dunni Olasehan from trespassing on the disputed land.

The claimants also sought a declaration that the Ojora Ruling House is entitled to the statutory right of occupancy of all the disputed land, more particularly, those delineated and edged Red on Survey Plan No BAL 192, dated 25 October, 2001.

Besides, the claimant urged the court to set aside

the purported sale of part of the land to the other defendants by the Nigeria Railway Corporation.

In addition, the claimants prayed for a declaration that the defendants are trespassers on the land.

Consequently, they asked for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further trespassing on the land.

Justice Alogba noted that all documents tendered by the defendants were photocopies and they were not certified.

“It is trite that only certified true copy of a public document is admissible in court proceedings,” Justice Alogba held.

Justice Alogba further held that the defendants never denied the statement of the claimants that they (defendants) were trespassers on their land in exhibits tendered in court.

The court stated that the defendants did not disprove this except to say they purchased part of the plan from NRC. Justice Alogba held that NRC was wrong to let out part of the family land acquired for public use by the Federal Government.

The judge said: “Consequently, the purported letting of the said portion to 3rd and 5th defendants by NRC was ultra-vive, null and void and at no effect and I so hold.”

Kumuyi asks politicians to see politics as service HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

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eneral Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has urged politicians not to see politics as a means to enrich themselves, but as a service to humanity.

Kumuyi stated this yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a press conference to herald a three-day programme organised by the church tagged: “Divine Visitation.”

The cleric, who noted that politicians tended to take governance as the quickest means to enrich their pockets, said the country would develop if the perception and orientation of politicians about governance could be ad-

dressed.

He urged politicians to see their involvement in politics as a call to be carried out with the fear of God, saying: “There is nothing wrong for Christians to be involved in politics, those who have the calling should do it with fear of God.” Kumuyi, however, said the challenges facing the country, especially security and development, would soon be a thing of the past if Nigerians are united.

He commended churches for their consistent prayers for the nation and urged them not to relent as the nation is approaching an election year.

Kumuyi urged the people of the state to attend the crusade slated from April 8 to 10.

Flooded part of Apapa-Oshodi Expressway after a downpour in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Again, FG stops Lagos’ projects with soldiers FRANCIS SUBERU

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oldiers yesterday invaded the site of the ongoing construction of the multi-storey building and park that is expected to accommodate 850 cars at Ikoyi area of Lagos and ordered workers to immediately vacate the place.

The soldiers, who are attached to the Presidency Task Force, said they were acting on instruction of the Federal Government’s Implementation Committee which they said mandated them to stop the execution of the projects.

It was gathered that when custodians of the project, the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LS-

DPC) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), rushed to the site to demand reasons for the soldiers’ actions, they were told to provide proof of ownership to the land in which the projects are sited.

According to LSDPC Legal Adviser, Mr. Babajimi Benson, the Lagos State Government had mobilised contractors to the site since 2010, saying the project had reached about 40% completion level before the unsolicited interruption.

Benson said: “The LASDPC and LASWA are developing a large parcel of land opposite the NNPC building in Ikoyi. We are building three structures; one is a multi-story park that is expected to accom-

modate 850 cars. The car park has facility to accommodate physically-challenged people. In that same building, we are building offices that will accommodate LASWA’s head office and also a world class jetty that will be used by Lagos residents.

“But at about 10am this morning (yesterday), we got a distressing call from our partner, unfortunately our partner is funding the project and has spent about N7 billion on the project. The taxpayer’s money of Lagos State is not involved at all.

“When we received the call, we rushed to the site and saw soldiers in their uniform asking us to show proof of ownership and title to that land.

We have been on this land

since 2010; no one has ever come to us. Now, they ordered everybody out and sealed it up.”

Corroborating Benson’s claims, Managing Director of LASWA, Mr. Yinka Marinho, said the Lagos State Government has in his possession, the Certificate of Occupancy to the land before embarking on the project.

He said: “It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation because a lot of work has gone into it. We have, however, put a temporary jetty at Falomo pending the building of a new jetty.

It happens to be a major stop for most commuters who use waterways and for workers who work around Ikoyi and Obalende areas.”

Nigeria’s problems not insurmountable, says ex-Georgian President FRANCIS SUBERU

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ormer President of Republic of Georgia, Mr. Mikhail Saakashvil, yesterday said the problems confronting Nigeria were not insurmountable.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 7th Lagos Economic Summit tagged:

“Ehingbeti 2014: Powering Lagos Economy: Real Opportunities, Endless Possibilities” held at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Saakashvil, who said Nigeria and Georgia had many similarities, added that with the right political will, Nigeria could move from nearly a failed state to an economically viable

country.

The former president, who resigned willing from office in 2013, said Nigeria could easily overcome its challenges with commitments and leaders who know how best to annex the country’s rich human capital.

He said: “Some of Nigeria’s problems, like corruption, poor power supply,

terrorism and so on were not different from our experiences years ago, but with great political will we were able to overcome them.

“At a time in Georgia, more than 52 per cent of the population lived below poverty line and about 80 per cent had no access to electricity because of our electricity deficit.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

NDLEA nabs food vendor over cocaine O LUSEGUN K OIKI

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said it has arrested a food vendor at the Murtala Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, for inserting cocaine in her private part.

The suspect, Chinelo Okorom Lynnette, 36, had attempted to bring in the prohibited drugs weighing 685 grammes from Ethiopia.

An online statement signed by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that the suspect was arrested during inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian airline flight from Addis Ababa.

“The suspect tested positive for drug ingestion and vaginal insertion. She however expelled a total of 685 grammes of substance that tested positive for cocaine while under observation at the airport,” he said.

Ofoyeju stated that

the suspect lamented that she was deceived into drug trafficking under the guise of importing female bags.

She allegedly confessed, “I am a food vendor at Ajangbadi, Lagos and have never been involved in crime. I am a victim of man’s cruelty to man.

“My husband abandoned me with four children two years ago.

I work hard to pay their fees and ensure their proper upkeep. The last straw that devastated me was when the landlord forcefully ejected me.”

She added: “I had nowhere to turn to for solace. I was crying like a baby when a man came to console me. I have never met him in my life. He asked me to wipe my tears and promised to introduce me to importation business.

“I felt he was Godsent, until he sponsored my trip to Addis Ababa.

When I got to Ethiopia, he told me to take cocaine to Nigeria. Initially I disagreed, but

he threatened to recover his investment at all cost.”

The Chief Executive of NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, said that drug traffickers always change routes and tactics.

“Going to Addis Ababa to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria is one of the tricks employed by drug trafficking syndicates. Cocaine is not known to come from Addis, but we were able to detect it because of our vigilance.

“We are prepared to counter the activities of drug kingpins and bring them to justice.

We look forward to fruitful progress in our investigation,” Giade stated.

He urged members of the public to be cautious of the tricks employed by dr ug syndicates, adding that the suspect’s action was shameful.

The suspect, the NDLEA chief added, would soon be charged to court.

LP moves to halt Ilaje/Ese-Odo supplementary poll OJO O YEWAMIDE AKURE

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he Labour Party, LP, is planning to halt the supplementary election to determine the winner of last Saturday’s by-election in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State.

The party is considering a legal action to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from conducting the poll.

It was gathered that the LP is afraid of losing the election since it would take place in areas considered strongholds of the PDP. Sources said the party had concluded arrangements to approach an Akure High Court to

seek an order to compel INEC to declare its candidate, Kolade Akinjo, winner of the by-election.

The LP candidate polled 23,926, while Adewale Kukute of the PDP scored 22, 628 in the poll, according to INEC, which last weekend declared the by-election inconclusive.

The commission said the difference between the votes polled by the two leading candidates was less than the number of registered voters in the areas where the election were cancelled or did not hold.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Akin Orebiyi, said the winner would be announced after the conduct of the supplementary election.

Voting did not take place in Arogbo Ward

Two on Saturday because some thugs allegedly blocked the waterways to prevent the supply of ballot materials and arrival of INEC officials to the ward.

The LP has insisted that its flag bearer won the by-election, calling on the INEC to declare him the winner.

A source said: “The truth is that Labour Party is afraid of participating in the supplementary election. We don’t need anybody to tell us that the PDP will erase the slim lead and go ahead to win the seat.

“That is why LP is planning to approach a court to stop INEC from conducting the supplementary election, if it fails to declare Kolade Akinjo winner within the next 48 hours.”

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Enugu airport ready in September –Ortom OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has said that the ongoing construction works at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Terminal, Enugu, will be ready by the third quarter of this year.

The airport is estimated to cost N11.6bn on completion by the Federal Government.

Ortom, who disclosed this yesterday after inspecting the airport, expressed delight at the level of work done at the site by the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC. The engineers handling the project promised the minister and his entourage that they would do everything within their power to ensure the airport is ready

on deadline.

Ortom also inspected the remodeled old terminal, pilgrims’ terminal, pilots’ lodge and the general aviation building.

He said: “I want to say that I am impressed with what I have seen. This is the whole essence of coming here since I resumed office.

I have looked at what I have seen today on paper, but had to come to see things for myself so as to talk as an authority.

“You can see that the old terminal has been completed and commissioned.

The new terminal building, which is going to cost the Federal Government N11.6 billion, the work is progressively going on. I want to say here that local content of this project is unimaginable. Over 400 Nigerians have been provided jobs for this terminal project alone.

“On the quality of work done, I am also impressed.

Elechi berates APC over opposition to N15bn bond ALIUNA GODWIN ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, yesterday berates the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress APC, over its opposition to the planned N15bn bond by his administration.

He lambasted the opposition party for accusing him wrongly of attempting to secure another bond after a N16.5bn one in his first tenure for which, the APC said, Elechi was unable to

execute any project.

The governor disclosed this in Abakaliki at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in the state comprising senators, House of Representatives and state house of assembly members, founding fathers, among other politicians.

He said the bond was aimed at assisting the state government to complete its numerous projects.

According to Elechi, it was the federal government that advised him to borrow to complete the projects.

Orji inaugurates tax committees GEORGE OPARA UMUAHIA

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overnor Theodore Orji has inaugurated two committees on fees and levies, as well as state revenue summit in Abia State.

The committees are to regulate and harmonise all legitimate fees and levies, payment and collection in the state to forestall friction, extortion, maltreatment and multiple taxation.

Yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital, Orji appointed Mr. Udochukwu Ogbonna as the chairman of the 15-member committees on fees and levies and Hon. Felix Nto to head the

13-member panel on revenue summit.

The governor charged the chairmen of the committees and members to perform their assignment with integrity, advising them to collaborate with other state institutions and personnel to ensure efficient and optimal results.

He also admonished them to execute their task without self-aggrandisement, warning that any defaulter on the blueprint would have himself to blame.

Orji added that the harmonisation stabilise the payment and collection of taxes and levies.

Some of the operators of the baby factory discovered at Amuzi Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, paraded by the police yesterday.

Man arrested for killing woman, baby snatching • Doctor quizzed over theft of toddler CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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32-year-old man, Chidi Egeolu, from Umuobidike, Owerri Ebeiri in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, was yesterday arrested by the police for allegedly killing his wife.

Twenty-four-year-old Chikaodiri Nzerem, of Njaba Local Government Area, was gruesomely murdered in her parents’ house and her three months’ old baby boy taken away by some hoodlums who were allegedly hired by her husband to commit the atrocity.

During his parade at the state police command head-

quarters, Owerri, Egeolu claimed that he wanted to marry the deceased but the parents refused.

Infuriated by the refusal, he disclosed that he went to her parents’ house, traced the woman to a room, murdered the woman and took her baby away.

According to the Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, who spoke to newsmen, Governor Rochas Okorocha, who has an interest in the matter, has ordered the police to find the missing baby.

Meanwhile, the man has been remanded in police custody while investigation continues.

In a related develop-

ment, one Njoku Franklin, 18, of Ohekelem in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state was also arrested in connection with the murder of a fouryear-old girl, Gloria Eze at Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise.

The suspect was said to have gone to the village where a fake exam centre is situated.

Answering reporters’ questions during parade, the suspect said that the little girl he hanged on a palm tree was the daughter of his landlord of the house he rented to sit for examination.

The police also paraded one Dr. Alex Ejiogu, the proprietor of Rosanna Hos-

pital and Materity, Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area, in connection with a case of baby theft.

According to police report, the medical doctor delivered one Mrs Eberechukwu Peter of twin baby boys on March 2, 2014 and allegedly sold one of them.

In another development, one Dominic Anejuonu of Amuzi Ahiazu, Mbaise was arrested by the command’s monitoring unit for illegally operating a maternity in his home.

Four pregnant teenagers, who were believed to have given birth to babies for sale, were arrested at the house.

Obiano nominates 19 commissioners, 10 advisers CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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nambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has submitted a list of 19 nominees for commissionership and 10 others as special advisers.

The commissionernominees, whose names were submitted to the State House of Assembly for confirmation are Anali Chude (Justice and Attorney-General), Callistus Ilozumba (Works), Greg Obi (Finance), Florence Chinwuba (Housing), Prof. Solo-

mon Chukwu, (Economic Planning and Budget) and Ifeatu Onejeme (Trade and Commerce) Others are Mrs. Lelian Azuka Enemuo (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters), Dr. Vicky Chukwuelu (Women Affairs), Dr. Chinedu Emeka (Public Utilities and Water Resources), Anthony Umerah Onyima (Information), Chukwuma Mbonu (Transport) and Evaristus Ubah (Environment).

The rest are Stella Onuorah (Lands, Survey and Urban Development), Prof.

Kate Omenugha (Edu-

cation), Tony Nnacheta (Youths and Sports), Nobert Obi (Special Duties), Dr. Josephat Akabuike (Health), Chief Nnamdi Meko (Agriculture) and Obi Nwankwo (Science and Technology).

The ten nominees for the special adviser position are Joe Martins Uzodike (Political Matters), Barrister Alex Ejesieme (Legal Counsel and Litigation), Mrs. Tonia Tabansi-Okoye (Special Duties), Barrister I.O. Udemba (Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters) and Mr. Amechi Okume (Town Planning and Ur-

ban Development).

Others are Mrs Vivian Nwandu, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mrs Amaka Ilobi (Public Works), Mrs. Ngozi Okonkwo (Internally Generated Revenue, 1GR), Chief Chikodi Anarah (Security) and Dr. Onyeka Ibezim (Youth Empowerment).

Reading out the names at the plenary of the Assembly yesterday, the Speaker, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, urged the screening committee to ensure that they conclude the assignment in a short time.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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Lawyers task police over colleagues’ killing THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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he Warri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday said that the Delta State Police Command has questions to answer on issues relating to the killings of two of their colleagues recently at Ozoro in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at a rally to protest what they described as deliberate assassination, the lawyers said the Delta State Commissioner of Police should not be in a hurry to absolve his men from the incident until a thorough investigation is concluded.

Warri NBA Chairman, Mr. Ben Oji, while answering questions from journalists at a press conference in Warri, said the rally was organised to condemn the killing.

Oji said that the police must explain what transpired where the two lawyers

and one suspect were killed in two separate incidents on March 27, 2014.

The slain lawyers, Mr. Horace Eguono Dafiaghor and Samuel Ekwuaghanju, were engaged as counsel to some accused persons in charge No. HCZ/9C/13 STATE VS Sunday Ugbebo and Omovigho Odioko in which the accused persons were standing trial for the alleged abduction of the son of Mr. Ovuozuorie Macaulay, Secretary to the Delta State Government.

The Warri NBA boss said: “I saw a statement by the Commissioner of Police. I don’t want to go into the details of that statement, but looking at its content, I will say it is very unfortunate that the police came up with such a statement.

“Because we are aware that they have not commenced investigation and we are aware that from the scenario, the police have questions to answer. Inves-

tigation must start from them.”

“Incidentally, when two of our colleagues were killed, we understood their bodies were discovered by policemen guiding the location. So, we can say that the bodies were discovered.

But in case of the suspect, he died in police custody, so the police should answer for what transpired and what happened.

“And if we are convinced as we are that the two in-

cidents are related, then tackling the killing of the suspect will be in a way to unraveling the murdered of our colleagues.”

While calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to set up a high power investigation team to unravel the unjustly killing, NBA vowed to follow the case to its logical conclusion as well as fish out of their colleagues’ killers.

The association also said it would send a petition to

the National Human Rights Commission asking for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The police have, however, declared five suspects wanted in connection with the killing.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, the police said the suspects would help the command in its investigation into the killing.

Aduba: “Following in-

vestigations that have been stepped up in connection with the recent gruesome murder of two lawyers - Mr. Haorace Eguono and Mr. Samuel Ekwuaghanju - on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at about 1455hrs in a lonely Oil Company Service Road at Ozoro, the command had deemed it necessary to declare wanted the under listed persons who are required to aid the police in furtherance of their investigation.”

Abduction: Delta denies paying N500m ransom on Ebikeme

Okah brothers behind my son’s abduction –Clark OBIORA IFOH AND THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN

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he Delta State Government has denied paying N500 million ransom to secure the release of Ebikeme, son to the Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

It rebuffed claim by Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) that it spent N500 million to secure Ebikeme’s release from his abductors.

In a statement signed yesterday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozuorie Macaulay, the government said it never parted with any money to ensure Ebikeme’s freedom.

The statement reads: “It is the policy of the government not to pay or encourage the payment of ransom by families as this encourages more kidnappings.

The state government has had previous cases of high profile kidnappings that the victims have been kept much longer than that of Ebikeme. The government did not pay any ransom.

What then is so special about Mr. Ebikeme Clark that will make the state gov-

ernment pay ransom?

“Secondly, the volume of money being mentioned, N500 million, makes the allegation foolish for anyone who knows how government runs and the logistics of that volume of fund movement, considering the fact that there were only two working days during the period.”

Meanwhile, Chief Clark said jailed leader of MEND, Henry Okah and his brother, Charles, were behind his son’s abduction.

Clark told journalists yesterday in Abuja that his son’s release was secured without ransom.

On the allegation that he connived with his son to contrive the kidnapping, Clark threw barbs at Okah and Charles, who he said wanted him to team up with them to sustain the campaign of sabotage against the incumbent administration.

It said: “The Delta State Government wishes to advise the people of the Niger Delta, especially those still hiding under the umbrella of MEND that the tactics of blackmail, falsehood, rumour mongering and intimidation are gone.”

NBA members during a rally to protest the killing in Warri, yesterday

Rivers 2015: Group wants coastal area to produce governor DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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head of the 2015 general elections, all political parties in Rivers State have been called upon to field candidates from the coastal area of the state.

A socio-political

group, the Rivers Liberation Alliance, made the call yesterday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The group’s president, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, said it was the turn of the coastal area to produce the next governor,

claiming that rotation of the state governorship position in the past had been between the upland and coastal areas.

Inko-Tariah pointed out that former Governor Peter Odili and the incumbent, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, would end the turn of the up-

land area on May 29, 2015.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) further said that contrary to claims in some quarters, the rotation of the governorship position in Rivers State was not through senatorial districts.

Navy destroys 10 illegal refineries in Delta THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

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he Nigerian Navy yesterday destroyed 10 illegal refineries and other property worth several millions of naira at Isaba forest, near OgbeIjoh town in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Addressing journalists after the destruction in Warri, Commanding Officer of the NNS Delta, Navy Captain Musa Gemu, said the operation was in furtherance of the command’s commitment to tackle cases

of oil theft in Niger Delta.

Gemu said that the command would continue to intensify its operations in the waterways with a view to effectively eradicate crude oil theft and other forms of criminal tendencies.

Aside the 10 illegal refineries, 31 drums of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were also destroyed while one welding machine was recovered during the operation.

Gemu said: “We went out for a routine patrol and we ran into more than 10 illegal refineries at Isaba in Warri South Local Government

Area. We destroyed them and from our last operation, which occurred three weeks ago, we reliably informed you that the aspect of bunkering through illegal refinery has reduced drastically.

“You will recall that three weeks ago, we destroyed over 100,000 metric tonnes, but just yesterday, a little above 30,000 litres. We are confident that with synergy from other security agencies, it will continue to go down, but basically what we are doing now is trying to nip it in the bud because some of those places we

destroyed are being reconstructed. So, we shall continue to nip them in the bud and by so doing, we shall be able to either stop it or reduce to the barest minimum.”

He said for oil theft to be completely eradicated in Niger Delta, there should be involvement local communities where oil installations were stationed.

The Commanding Officer, however, warmed those sabotaging the economy to desist from the act, assuring that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

12

North

Wednesday April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Katsina NBA boycotts court over police assault James Danjuma KATSINA

K

atsina State chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) yesterday directed lawyers to boycott court sittings.

The association took the decision following alleged assault by the police on one of its members.

The police were alleged to have assaulted a member of the association, Mr. Bassil Essien.

A statement signed

by NBA Chairman and Secretary General, Murtala Kassim and ABK Nasir, said the boycott was for one day.

The statement said the boycott was part of the legal practitioners’ way of registering their grievances and displeasure over the dehumanising, illegal and unconstitutional detention of Mr. Essien by the police.

The association vowed to use all legal means to ensure justice is done to the af-

fected lawyer.

“The issue will not be settled until justice is done to our colleague,” NBA said.

Earlier addressing journalists on the issue, the NBA chairman said Essien had gone to the Sabon Gari police station to secure bail of his client, but a misunderstanding ensued between him and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Aduroja Moses.

According to the NBA chairman, the DPO arrested, detained and humiliated Essien and that the police “ordered thugs to beat him up following which the lawyer sustained injuries.”

When contacted, the police spokesman, Mr. Aminu Abubakar, neither denied nor confirmed the assault, but said Essien obstructed the police from doing their job.

Abubakar said: “The lawyer obstructed the police from searching his client; he insulted the DPO and even slapped the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO).”

Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Al-Makura (middle) with members of the Governing Board of the state university during their inauguration in Lafia, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Southern Kaduna rejects ceasefire with Fulani herdsmen A za Msue KADUNA

M

any Southern Kaduna-based groups yesterday rejected the ceasefire agreement purportedly signed with Fulani herdsmen.

Addressing a news

conference in Kaduna, the Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum, and Southern Kaduna Development Associations Forum among others said the Fulani herdsmen who signed the agreement should be arrested for prosecution because they were behind the ongoing

Some retired judicial officers are perverting justice –Salami Wole Adedeji ILORIN

F

ormer Court of Appeal President, Justice Ayo Salami, yesterday said that corruption is real in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Justice Salami spoke while delivering a lecture at this year’s BiEnnial Law Week of the Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), saying however

that not all judicial officers are corrupt and dishonorable.

He said: “There are some that are clearly identifiable as corrupt, but they are protected by the system. There are those who lack courage and their timidity is exploited to pervert the course of justice. The lack of courage of these ones are exploited by either their colleagues or retired senior judges.”

Justice Salami added that the retired senior judges “practice as consultants in fixing judgments,” pointing out that they “take money from litigants to give judges or intimidate judges to pervert justice.”

He added: “It is my respectful view that appeal should be made to retired senior justices to leave the despicable role of bribing or intimidating judges.”

Justice Salami, however, urged Nigeria to borrow a leaf from Kenya, which in an attempt to rid its judiciary of corruption, suspended all judges and set up a body to investigate them.

He said: “The method was simple. Judges were asked to explain their controversial judgments. If they fail to do so, it meant that they were compromised.”

New Appeal Court panel rules on Oloffa tussle tomorrow Wole Adedeji ILORIN

A

newly constituted panel of justices of Court of Appeal in Ilorin will tomorrow rule on a notice brought before it by the Olugbense Ruling House of Offa.

The Olugbense Ruling Houses is asking the court to stay proceedings in the applications connected to the appeal between it and

Anilelerin Ruling House, Offa kingmakers and the Kwara State Government.

The Annilelerin Ruling House and the Offa kingmakers had applied for a stay of execution of judgment delivered by a sister appeal panel of the court which dethroned Oba Muftau Gbadamosi and ordered that Olugbense Ruling House should produce the next monarch of the town.

However, the Olugbense House applied before the Supreme Court for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal to which the Annilelerin House and the kingmakers applied for stay of execution.

It was on the ground of this motion at the Supreme Court that the Olugbense Ruling House brought before the appeal court its notice titled “Notice of Pendency of An Application

before the Supreme Court The new panel of justices headed by Justice A.G. Mshelia allowed hearing on the notice yesterday after lead counsel to the kingmakers, Yusuf Ali, had informed the court of his preliminary objection to the notice.

Lead counsel to the Olugbense Ruling House, Toyin Oladipo, said the notice was for information of the court.

genocide in the area.

Jonah Kyom and Zwahu Bonnat spoke on behalf of the coalition, calling on the government to implement the past reports of peace and reconciliation meetings held rather than embarking on fruitless peace dialogue.

They said: “We want to state that we were aware of the meeting yesterday and that the meeting dragged out because people waited and waited and the meeting did not take place. The key stakeholders, the traditional rulers and our community leaders waited there and were humiliated for about three hours and left and somebody will now come up and say they held a meeting and that SOKAPU President was there and that the Fulanis were there.

“Secondly, are they telling us that the Fulanis that were there and purportedly signed the ceasefire agreed that they were the ones killing our people? Did they agree that they are the ones killing our people?

“Therefore, the question of signing a ceasefire does not arise. It is just another round of politics as far as we are concerned. You don’t call a community of people and first class traditional rulers and keep them wait-

ing for many hours after some people said they signed something.

“We don’t believe that there is anything to sign any way. If the Fulanis that purportedly signed such a statement agreed that they have been attacking our people, killing them and massacring them, we demand that the government should take steps immediately to prosecute them.

“Southern Kaduna is not the only place where they have signed such peace agreement.

In Benue State, they did that and the following day, what happened?

“You can’t abandon your basic responsibility as security forces and rely on peace and mediation to take over the constitutional role you are supposed to play. If I were at the meeting, I would have asked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police what guarantee he is giving the people to fall back on.

“How are we sure that if we sign this, worse things will not arise the following day like it happened in other places?”

Others members of the coalition are Southern Kaduna Women’s Forum, Southern Kaduna Farmers Forum, Gurara Forum, Southern Kaduna Youth and Students Forum (SKYSFORM).

Wednesday April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

RICHARD NDOMA x-rays the efforts being put in place by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the opposition All progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State to ensure that a credible and acceptable candidate succeeds the incumbent governor, Senator Liyel Imoke.

A

s the political tempo in Cross River is gradually rising as the race to 2015 gathers momentum, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All progressives Congress, APC are making frantic efforts to ensure that they outdo each other in the race to the Cross River State Government House.

While each of the parties are busy strategising to have the upper hand, some youths in the state have vowed to ensure that cash and carry politicians are frustrated in the race to the Government House.

It was towards this end that both the ruling and opposition parties have zoned the governorship slot to the Northern senatorial zone of the state, to redress what they termed the high degree of injustice that has been meted to the Northern district by the state’s kingmakers, despite the huge human and material resources that the senatorial district endowed with.

The APC and the PDP at different fora unanimously agreed that the first criteria for anyone to qualify to fly the banners of the two parties for governor in 2015, is indigeneship of the northern senatorial district.

However, a frontline female politician and a gubernatorial candidate under the platform of the PDP, Mrs. Filia Henshaw, who hails from the South senatorial district has faulted this criteria of the two parties, saying such arrangement was not in tandem with democratic principles as such arrangement was an ideology of the incumbent governor of the state.

She said: “I am consulting and I have gone this far, if there is any thing like merit, I think I should be given an opportunity. I am the most qualified amongst all the aspirants because they are intending to come, while I have been in before. I was persuaded by the party to step down, I thought then that the people were genuine and I stepped down. It is different now. I know what I can offer for my state now that the opportunity has presented itself again.’ The North zone is made up of five local government areas, namely: Ogoja, Yala, Bekwarra, Obanlikwu and Obudu. Despite the big names in different fields with track records in the field of medicine, academic, business, the armed forces, the zone was yet to be given an opportunity to control the affairs of governance of the state.

Agba

Henshaw

Bullem

sue of the age-long Calabar-Ogoja accord became rife, which further fuelled speculations that the permutation was still realisable.

However, with the consistent reiteration and repetition at different fora of Imoke’s position on power shift and the subsequent move to ensure that the aspiration became a reality, it is no longer news that the PDP’s candidate will emerge from the North.

Perhaps, it was for political expediency that the APC also pronounced that its governorship candidate will emerge from the North.

But while the PDP seems to have taken far-reaching steps to ensure that it matches its words with actions, the APC on the other hand, is yet to come out with visible action plans, although, insinuations are rife that the APC was poised to springing a surprise in the election.

It was in fulfillment of the promise to give the northern zone a chance that the PDP recently inaugurated the party’s caucus in each of the three senatorial districts. The caucuses are meant to streamline the number of aspirants that will contest for the governorship under the party’s umbrella from the Northern district in the 2015 election.

Specifically, Imoke said the emergence of his successor would be based on a clean and credible process, adding that the position of a governor was too important and sensitive for one person to decide.

He said: “I do not know who will be governor come 2015, but I know my successor will be someone who has knowledge about the people and he must be a family member of the PDP and not an outsider. For a governor to emerge, his capacity, integrity and background must be above average. I will not support someone outside the PDP family to

become the next governor of the state.”

Imoke denied insinuations from different quarters that he had anointed a successor who would cover his tracks when he leaves office in 2015, stressing that his accusers were not very good students of history, adding that inauguration of the caucuses was to satisfy the constitutional framework of the PDP. While appealing to the Northern caucus to synergise with the other caucuses from the two other senatorial zones, to ensure that there was free flow of information, particularly when it borders on issues of interest to the PDP. Imoke said this would help the party head towards a resounding victory in 2015 and wipe away erroneous beliefs made by critics of the PDP that the party was sinking.

Already, those jostling for the gubernatorial position on the platform of the PDP have indicated overt and covert interest in the plum job, with the very desperate ones flaunting intimidating credentials and achievements to prove to the people that they are capable for the plum job.

Aspirant jostling to rule the state in 2015 includes a seasoned banker, farmer and entrepreneur and a business mogul, Chief Francis Bullem; Mr. Joe Agi, SAN; Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Mr. Fidelis Ugbo; the General Manager (Crude), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Jeddy Agba; Commissioner for Works, Mr. Legor Idagbo, a former Minister of the Environment, Mr. John Odey; Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Larry Odey and a former acting governor of the state, Mr. Frank Adah.

A top PDP chieftain from the South-

C’River 2015: In search of Imoke’s successor THE FIRST CRITERIA FOR ANYONE TO QUALIFY TO FLY THE BANNERS OF THE TWO PARTIES FOR GOVERNOR IN

2015,

IS INDIGENESHIP OF THE NORTHERN SENATORIAL DISTRICT Cross River State comprises 18 local government areas which spread across three senatorial districts. The southern senatorial district has seven councils, the central has six, while the north has five local government areas.

At the inception of the Fourth Republic, Donald Duke, who governed the state between 1999 and 2007 hailed from the Southern district while his successor whose tenure will lapse in 2015 is from the central district.

Imoke, with the backing of the state leadership of the PDP, has sounded loud and clear that the next governor of the state must emerge from the Northern zone and this pronouncement has upped the ante of political shenanigan in the state.

Before and after the governor’s pronouncement, there were insinuations that the position could still be hijacked by the Southern district because of the numerous political heavy weights from that zone. Besides, the is-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14

Politics

Wednesday April 9, 2014

Why did you declare interest in the race for the governorship of Cross River State in the 2015 general election?

Thank you very much, I don’t know if ‘declare’ is the appropriate word to use here. I think the word that is more appropriate at the moment is ‘consult’ because I am actually consulting by way of sharing my thoughts with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, family and the leadership of the party. I have tried to do this since December 2013 and have limited my consultation within the PDP because like you know, ours is a democracy that is platform or political party based. So one’s interest must first be generated within that platform. So the first thing I thought important to do was to express my desire to the leadership of the party and that is what I have done up till now. I have been sharing my thoughts and expressing my aspiration to succeed Senator Liyel Imoke, our governor, if it is the will and interest of the people of the state. Like. I said, aspiration must be promoted from within a platform and mine is the PDP and that is why am starting with the family.

I’ve the pedigree, capacity to succeed Imoke –C’River Speaker Larry Odey, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. Is among the array of politicians contending for the Government House immediately Liyel Imoke’s tenure elapses in 2014. Odey said he has the pedigree and enormous capacity to succeed Governor Imoke in 2015, just as he speaks with RICHARD NDOMA on how he intends to realise this ambition. cure the position for the North, that one will not embarrass the people of Cross River State. That to me is what is paramount; every other thing is immaterial.

What has been the response from the PDP family with whom you have been consulting?

Well, the PDP like you know will always allow a level playing field. This is what they have done so far. Like you said yourself, quite a number of us are in the field so to speak. Though we know eventually that we will all be subjected to some form of criteria and assessment which, I believe too, will be done at the level of the family. So for now, in terms of response, I can tell you that I have received quite some encouragement, because I think that I have been able to clearly articulate my vision to the extent that those I have spoken to are convinced that if given the opportunity, I will discharge that responsibility creditably.

So, the response has been quite encouraging.

What do you think should be done to address the disparity in federal appointments between Yala, where you come from and the other local government areas from the North senatorial district where the governorship has been zoned?

I must confess that I haven’t pull it down to that level because I see the vision as larger than looking at it from that micro level, so to speak. However, that is not to say that one would not be making a case that fair representation should also trickle down within the North senatorial district. But for now, I haven’t done that but rather; I am looking at the bigger picture, which is what should be taken at this point.

The big picture is yes, we have been able to make a good case and the leadership of our party in terms of the enlarged caucus of the PDP has agreed that the position should go to the North senatorial district and anywhere in the North zone, as a matter of fact, is North zone, don’t you think so?

So basically, what we should be looking at is capacity, pedi-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Odey

I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CLEARLY ARTICULATE MY VISION TO THE EXTENT THAT THOSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO ARE CONVINCED THAT IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY,

I WILL

DISCHARGE THAT RESPONSIBILITY CREDITABLY gree and the ability to discharge this responsibility the way and manner that one will not embarrass the people of the Northern senatorial district, that one will not embarrass His Excellency, the governor who has done so much to se-

Quite a number of aspirants are jostling for the Government House, have you tried to form a synergy among your co-aspirants to forestall any ill-feeling when one person finally emerges?

Yes, I have and that is truly borne out of my personal initiative and the reason I have done that is that I feel that we have to build confidence in one another. I feel that we should build confidence and I have taken the initiative to meet a few of them, I actually haven’t gone round all of them to say look, it is important that we talk so that we can build confidence to the extent that if Mr A emerges eventually, Mr B will still feel to be part of the system. When we don’t talk and build that confidence, the tendency is that Mr B can say ‘oh my God, my own is finished for the next eight years; let me look for somewhere to go earn a living’. But I don’t think that is the Cross River State, we are looking for or the Cross River State that our leaders that brought us up want to see. I think we should be able to sustain the good relationship that exists among us, no matter our aspiration.

Aside from politics, we like to know what is happening to the Bebi airstrip. Last year, when the Good Governance Tour came to Cross River State we heard that flights will start landing there, but it’s a year now and nothing is happening?

Well, I would not say am speaking from position of authority. However, I will not say I don’t know what is happening there.

I am part of government and the extent I know is that the efforts are in place to make the place functional. For example, the Internal Landing System, ILS that was a problem has been imported from Italy and the delivery of that has been made. The next thing is to procure an airline in terms of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, that would handle the flights. You know we are a state that is low on finance, so we try to handle and apply them in such a way that will not leave us stranded.

C’River 2015: In search of Imoke’s successor

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 ern senatorial district, Mr. Gershom Bassey, is also speculated to be interested in taking over the mantle of leadership from his age-long political friend, Imoke, although he is yet to openly declare his intention to the people. But recently, stickers bearing different inscriptions conferring prestige on Gershon’s personality flooded Cross River State.

If he eventually throws his hat in the ring, then aspirants from the North would have to put their house in order to collectively produce a formidable aspirant that will slug it out in the primaries with Bassey, otherwise it would be byebye to their dream to govern the state.

Meanwhile, there are speculations that Imoke, having settled for a Northern candidate, might have given tacit approval to some aspirants to enter the race while he keeps the choice of his

‘anointed’ candidate close to his chest.

Jeddy Agba The emergence of the Obudu-born oil worker, perceived in some quarters to be independent-minded, caused a stir within the leadership of the PDP. Many, especially on the governor’s camp have vowed not to support his ambition, because they claimed that he has done little or nothing in terms of empowerment and employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

ity to manage the state even as he said he was very prepared to carry all along irrespective of the senatorial district he comes from, adding that his government was going to be purposeful with greater percentage of women in positions.

Bullem said that having being in the private sector all through his live, the wealth of experience he has garnered would be used to for the betterment of the state, adding that as a major player in the private sector, he knows the kind of push to exert in order to drive the economy of the state to a greater pedestal.

Francis Bullem The one time best regional manager of the Sky Bank Plc, claimed to have the right character, right attitude and right integrity to sustain the pace of development of the incumbent administration, if given the mandate to serve as governor in 2015. He stated that he has the capac-

Larry Odey The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Odey, who represents Yala 1 state constituency, said he was in the race basically to sustain the tempo of development set by Imoke and thus accelerate the growth of the state in all sectors.

Emmanuel Ibeshi Another Obudu-born aspirant, he was the first elected National Publicity Secretary of the ruling PDP.

Tanko Ashang Abuja-based lawyer from Obanliku, Ashang, has stepped out to declare his intention to take the top job in the state.

Although, there are other aspirants, whose ambitions have not been made public, it is yet unclear where the PDP governorship primary pendulum will swing, but political watchers are of the opinion that the upcoming governorship race in 2015 would be keenly contested as the APC, which is fast gaining acceptability across the federation, is watching and scheming to upstage the ruling party by producing a credible and acceptable candidate.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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From The Civil Service FG receives reports of Gurara, Kafin Zaki Dam projects 16

Celebrating Nigeria’s civil service at 60 T

he Federal Civil Service Commission recently marked its 60th anniversary with the theme: ``Civil Service Core Values: The Sine Qua Non for National Development.’’

The Federal Civil Service Commission, came into existence on April 1, 1954 under the provisions of Section 174 of the Nigeria Order-in-Council of 1954.

It has the mandate to employ, promote and discipline civil servants.

President Jonathan, who spoke at the celebration, called on public servants to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation by becoming agents of change and models of unity.

He said that public servants should uphold love for humanity in the discharge of their duties. ``We must ensure that the civil service goes beyond its traditional roles and optimally become active agent of change and good governance,” he said.

Jonathan said that over the years, the commission had assisted in policy formulation, supported implementation of policies, provided continuity in government and also served as model of unity, integrity and patriotism. ``The commission is a large instrument in furthering merit and due process in the nation’s public personnel management. ``Whenever our country is moving in the right direction, the role of the civil service must be acknowledged, if things are not working as expected, the service must look in-

ward on how best to step out,” Jonathan said.

On his part, Vice President Namadi Sambo called on public servants to be focused and responsible in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, civil servants should be able to carry out their duties effectively in the area of policy formation and implementation, and also advise the government on budget preparation and implementation.

Alhaji Bukar Aji, the

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), said that as part of the reforms going on in the service, 1,050 civil servants that are in the service illegally have been identified.

He said that they were identified through the screening done by Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), adding that they would soon be retired from the service. ``Through the IPPIS, we are able to screen those

who are supposed to have retired long time ago and they will leave the service soon,’’ he said.

Mrs Joan Ayo, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, said that the commission employed 8,541 persons from 2011 to date.

The chairman explained that the civil service had contributed a lot to the growth and unity of the country. ``If not for the public service, Nigeria would have broken up many

years back; it was the public officers that held Nigeria together at a time when we did not anticipate the civil war,” she said.

Ayo said that the commission had remained consistent in its activities; focused attention on reorientation of workers and strict adherence to rules and regulations. ``We want to ensure efficient civil servants that are patriotic, highly cultured and committed to the sustainable development of Nigeria.’’

She said that `meritocracy’ was the key factor in recruiting workers into the service, adding that the commission did not tolerate any form of political interference or interest. ``We ensure that only the best from every state is chosen and we also consider gender balance; the commission does not create vacancies, rather we fill vacancies declared by Ministries, Departments CONTINUED ON PAGE41

L-R: Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Reginald Ikpeawujo; representative of the Minister, Mr. Joe Kwanashie; Project Consultant, Mr. Musa Ayanwola and Head Engineer, S.C.C. Ltd, Efim Frank, during the diversion of water at Kashinbila Multi-Purpose Dam in Taraba, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

Borno drops information commissioner

T

he Borno State Government has dropped the Commissioner for Information, Mr Inuwa Bwala, from its cabinet.

This is contained in

Minister’s aide lambasts Immigration spokesman over recruitment tragedy

P.16

a statement issued by Hajiya Maryam AbbaIbrahim, Permanent Secretary (Administration) Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The statement reads in part, ``Gov. Kashim Shettima has approved the removal of Mr Inuwa Bwala from his position as the Commissioner for Information.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bwala had also served in the same portfolio under former Gov. Ali Sheriff.

``The former commissioner has been directed to hand over government property to the permanent secretary in the ministry with immediately effect.’’

Yero tasks MDAs LG boss promises car gift on full budget implementation for brilliant students P.42

P.42

16

Civil Service

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSCDC parades four suspected well head thieves in Bayelsa E MMA G BEMUDU YENAGOA.

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday paraded four suspected oil well head thieves in Yenagoa,Bayelsa State.

It said the suspects ,Derateidei Burutu,Tam E m i a k p o, E p u m o k u m o Timidise and Jeremiah Isong were arrested yesterday by NSCDC operatives at Korokorosei and Ondewari communities in Southern Ijaw local government e while dismantling three well heads in the area.

But, the leader of the gang ,Derateidei Burutu ,who is 43 years old blamed his action on poverty as he claimed to remove the wellheads as a protest against government’s failure to provide jobs for them.

Burutu,who hails from Sagbama in Sagbama local government area of the state pleaded with the security agency to set free his cohorts and hold him responsible.

The suspect who said he had wanted to use the well heads for his personal oil drilling ,insisted that he had

done no wrong ,adding that politicians use and abandon them after the elections.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Desmond Agu said the suspects were arrested at about 3:30am by the anti-vandal unit of his command,stressing that the command was currently prosecuting eight suspects in court over alleged pipeline vandalism.

According to Agu, the latest arrest by the NSCDC operatives was based on a tip-off from a good citizen in the locality.

He said: “Let me sound it as a note of warning that these sabotage must stop. These pipelines when cut spew oil into the environment and destroy farmlands, pollute water and sometimes lead to fire outbreak that can destroy the entire community”.

In an interview, a second suspect,Epumokumo Timidise ,who claimed to be a student of Agriculture and Environmental Administration at the Niger Delta University ,Amassoma ,Bayelsa State ,claimed he was involved in the theft of the wellhead to enable him raise his school fees.

L-R: General Manager (Sports), Nigeria Television Authority, Mr. Akinloye Oyebanji; representative of the Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Moses Aba and Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, FCT, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, during a public lecture on “Do the Right Thing, Keep Sports Alive” at a forum in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Council boss declares 3 days free medical services for aged persons ALIUNA GODWIN EBONYI

T

he co-ordinator of Ubeyi development centre Barr Nnachi Egwu has declared 3 days free medical services to reduce health problems facing the aged persons, children living in the rural areas and students of

federal polytechnic Uwana community in Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi state.

Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, Barr Nnachi called on the people to support the government of Ebonyi state and urged them to be law abiding and shun violence.

He added that time has

FG receives reports of Gurara, Kafin Zaki Dam projects

V

ice President Namadi Sambo has received the progress reports on the Gurara Phase I and Kafin Zaki Dam Project from the Ministries of Power and Water Resources.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja

by Malam Umar Sani, the Vice President’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publiciy..

It said the vice president expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, and urged for speedy completion of the projects. ``At the briefing session the Project Officer in the Ministry of Water Resources informed the vice president that a total of 309 transmission towers were being constructed and then they are at various stages of completion.

``He stated that the road from the Dam to Kaftari will be completed this year, while the bridge currently under construction will cut across the Gurara River to avoid unnecessary access to the dam,’’ the statement said.

On irrigation, the statement said Sambo was informed that they were employing five types of

irrigation methods that included irrigation by gravity, irrigation with fixed sprinklers, drip irrigation, mobile irrigation with sprinkler and pivot irrigation system.

It stated that the projects were categorised in lots A & B and that both lots were at 97 per cent and 98 per cent completion stage, and promised that the project

would be completed soon.

On the graduate farmers’ irrigation l scheme, he said that substantial progress had been attained in that regard.

The statement said those at the meeting, included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, and other top government officials. (NAN

gone when the health of the people are forgotten by the government they voted into power.

He said “I declared three days free medical services to improve the health of the people especially the aged persons, children and students in this development centre.

“The healthcare program,which was held in designated areas in all the wards that make up the development centre, featured counseling,eye tests, laboratory tests, distribution of free drugs for treatment of hypertension, diabetes, malaria and thyphoid.

Barr. Nnachi recalled that the most important challenge the people of the area are facing is lack of access to quality healthcare service and declared his readiness to always

make available to the people quality health facilities.

In a remark, the leader of chiefs in Uwana community Ichie Ibiam Osuu said the program will continue to put on hold the health problems the aged persons and students are facing but called on political leaders in Afikpo local government area to emulate this good gesture of the co-ordinator.

According to him “the health of the people should be paramount to all politicians in the state” but urged the co-ordinator to ensure that the program is frequent so as to show the people the sense of belonging.

“This program should be frequent preferrably on quarterly basis” he noted.

The program was held at Enohia itim primary school.

Minister’s aide lambasts Immigration spokesman over recruitment tragedy OMEIZA AJAYI

T

he Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior on Immigration Affairs, Mr Ime Unawo Nta has lambasted the spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Emeka Obua over his recent outburts in the media in which he said the immigra-

tion service recruitment was programmed to end in disaster.

Nta, a Chief Superintendent of Immigration also drew the attention of the Senate Committee on Interior to the interview, stressing that going by Obua’s submissions in the said interviews, the powers of the Committee put in place by the Senate has been usurped

by Mr Obua on an issue still pending before the Senate Committee on Interior.

He urged the senate to force Obua to retract his submissions, saying that would serve as a deterrent to others who may be waiting in the wings to undermine the powers vested in the committee.

“Obua’ s interviews has completely undermined the

powers of the highest law making body on an issue that is still pending before a committee set up by the Senate. He should be called to order by retracting those submissions”, he said.

Nta also noted with disdain, Obua’s comments against the person and office of the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro maintaining that his com-

ments were morally reprehensible and totally unbecoming of an officer under a para-military outfit within the Interior Ministry.

Moreso to have gone ahead to say that the NIS recruitment was programmed to fail, Nta, then asked Obua to tell Nigerians the role he played in the said exercise as an observer who was posted to Ogun State.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

17

The sedition charge against Ebere Wabara MICHAEL JEGEDE

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n Friday, March 28, 2014, I was taken aback when I first read about the Gestapo-like arrest of Mr. Ebere Wabara, a veteran journalist with The Sun on the facebook wall of a Port-Harcourt based media consultant and writer, Odimegwu Onwumere. According to Onwumere, who spoke with the wife of the senior editor and language expert, police officers from the Abia State Police Command stormed the Lagos residence of Wabara in the early hours of the day and arrested him supposedly on the order of Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji.

Wabara was said to have been first taken to Sholoki Police Station in Aguda, Surulere, then later to Oyingbo Police Station, both in Lagos, before he was eventually whisked away to Umuahia, Abia State, where he was detained. He was, however, released late Saturday night on bail, after the intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

Expectedly, Nigerians reacted strongly to the development. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) took exception to the arrest and ordered for his unconditional release.

Similarly, human rights activists likes Barrister Femi Falana, Richard Akinola, Igho Akeregha and Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Deputy Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Media and Publicity, all added their voices in knocking the action of the

policemen, describing it as undemocratic, unlawful and appalling.

Akinola particularly likened Wabara case to his own abduction in 1996. According to him, “Wabara’s abduction reminds me of October 13, 1996, when I was similarly abducted by Abacha men. It is despicable that this is happening under a democratic government. There is no rationale for the abduction.”

Wabara was later arraigned in absentia by the Abia State Police Command and slammed with a 10-count charge bordering on seditious publications against Abia State governor at an Umuahia Magistrate Court.

He was alleged to have committed sedition with his articles in The Sun and other local media between January and March 2014.

Speaking with newsmen after the court proceedings, Governor Orji’s counsel, Chukwunyere Nwabuko had said: “Freedom of expression is not a licence to disparage a sitting governor. That is not our law. It is very terrible thing when people throw caution to the wind in the name of journalism.”

However, some legal pundits have argued that the law of sedition under which Wabara was arrested and is being tried, is a relic of colonialism that died with independence. Commenting on the status of the law of sedition in Nigeria, foremost constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), said the Court of Appeal repealed the law over two decades ago. Similarly, human rights lawyers, Fred Agbaje and Festus Keyamo, in separate submissions, totally agree with Professor Sagay. Ag-

IT IS DESPICABLE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING UNDER A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT.

IS NO RATIONALE FOR THE ABDUCTION baje for instance said: “The law of sedition, which is grounded in Section 61 of the Criminal Code, is one of the colonial heritages Nigeria has inherited. Under the law, any publication that brings the government into disrepute is actionable. But in the State vs. Nwankwo in 1983, the Court of Appeal in Enugu declared the law as not only contrary to the constitution of Nigeria, particularly the provisions on freedom of expression, but also one law that can no longer stand the test of modern jurisprudence…The Court of Appeal has placed a nail on the coffin of the law. Where a writer exceeds his bounds, there should be a resort to the law of libel. Criticism is an indispensable right in a democracy.”

In 2006, a similar incident had occurred where two journalists, Gbenga Aruleba of African Independent Television (AIT) and Rotimi Durojaiye of Daily Independent were charged for sedition over a presidential jet story during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Durojaiye had published a piece on June 12, 2006 with the caption: “Controversy over age, cost of presiden-

Thinking with Osun pensioners DANIEL A KINKUNMI

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he Federal Republic of Nigeria is not in a war situation. Yet, the present condition of its economy as evident in the continuously dwindling allocations to states since last August suggests otherwise. Well, where incompetent persons are saddled with responsibilities larger than their natural endowments, avoidable social and economic crises akin to those feasible in war situations will always atrociously make living a lot more hellish for the people. This is a fact that media reports from across the states of the federation prominently highlight.

It is against this backdrop that one must really sympathise with the pensioners in Osun State, who media reports in the last few weeks capture their ringing laments, poignant frustration and freezing angst in their protests against the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration over unpaid pensions.

These are people who had devotedly given their all in service to the state.

They had laboured in the morning of their lives so that at twilight they would not be sorely buffeted by the fatal blows of privations. These elderly citizens deserve their pensions without any excuse. And every reasonable person with the ounce of human feeling will agree that no effort must be spared in ensuring that these people collect their dues.

AND EVERY

REASONABLE PERSON WITH THE OUNCE OF HUMAN FEELING WILL AGREE THAT NO EFFORT MUST BE SPARED IN ENSURING THAT THESE PEOPLE COLLECT THEIR DUES However, what is a bit worrisome is the near-total absence of understanding that the Osun pensioners demonstrate in their protests against the state government. The actions and comments of these retirees, as reported in the media, show that they are of the conviction that the state government deliberately refuses to pay them. One gets the impression that these people believe that the government does not consider it has a duty to, without let or hindrance, pay them their pensions monthly. As such, they reason that the only way to force the hand of government is to stage image-denting protests and throw the bricks of embarrassing comments at its principal officials.

The government, in their view, is their enemy and they need to rally public support in pitching poisonous

THERE

arrows at it.

But all that people of understanding need to have laden in their minds are the actions the state government had taken in the recent past for the benefit of the pensioners. The automation payment system which ensures that each pensioner captured in the system gets their money directly could not have been introduced by a government willing to subject retired persons to hardship. If anything, that arrangement frees the retirees from the insufferable burden of having to go from one office to another in search of their entitlements. Some even yield up the ghost in the process while a number of them ended up without any dime for years.

With the automation payment order, transparency, efficiency and orderliness have replaced bureaucratic holdups, fraud, delays, and leakages.

The protesting Osun pensioners also seem not to understand that the 40 percent shortfall in the monthly allocations to all states is one excruciating burden that weakens the financial strengths of the states. While some of the states have cut salaries and many more now owe their workers many months’ salaries, Osun is among the very few states that still manage to meet their statutory obligations and keep projects going. One is of the opinion that the Osun pensioners need to reason with government on how to solve this unpleasant event. Surely, if the

tial jet.” Durojaiye, who is now the Daily Editor of the newspaper said research by his paper showed that the government had bought a five-year-old aircraft from the German carrier Lufthansa and not a new jet directly from Boeing, as it claimed.

Aruleba was joined in the sedition charge for making the Daily Independent article the subject of discussion the following day in his national talk show programme on AIT. In a publication headlined: “Who is afraid of sedition?” written to condemn the action of Obasanjo administration, Dr. Reuben Abati, the then Editorial Board chairman of The Guardian, wrote: “Sedition, the law under which two journalists and two media houses, Gbenga Aruleba with the African Independent Television and Rotimi Durojaiye of the Daily Independent Newspapers are currently being tried at an Abuja Federal High Court is a relic of colonial rule, a tool of tyranny, and a dead law, duly pronounced so by the courts, whose reinvention is a comment not on the practice of responsible journalism but on the growing resort of the Obasanjo administration and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to a culture of intolerance that is completely antithetical to democratic norms...”

It is important for those in charge of governments at all levels in the country to know that we are now in an era where citizens are very much free to exercise their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.

Jegede, a journalist and public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

government meets certain obligations in spite of the heavy cut in allocation, it will soon fulfill its responsibility to the pensioners. Abuses, insults and all forms of embarrassment are not the appropriate response to this present ache. Maybe this is fitting for irresponsible governments; the ones committed to the wellbeing of the citizens like the Osun government do seriously need to be engaged constructively. That will solve many problems.

The appeal to the state government is to do all within its powers to make these retirees happy again – yes, in spite of the financial trouble the Goodluck Jonathan administration is subjecting Nigerians to. But the Osun pensioners must not forget that they also have the responsibility to show understanding. As that profoundly deep mind, Thomas Paine, once said, these are the times that try citizens’ souls.

They call for understanding, reason, and patience. May the present adversity bring sweetness in the end.

Akinkunmi wrote from Odeomu, Osun State.

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

18

Editorial

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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

KAFILAT OGBARA

MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO

BANKOLE MAKINDE

DEPUTY MD/CEO

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

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SATURDAY EDITOR

KAYODE FASUA

ACTING EDITOR, SUNDAY

AYO OLESIN

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GENERAL EDITOR

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COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

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EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, S/SOUTH

KING ODODORU

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Redeeming Nigeria’s dying humanity

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panoramic view of recent developments in Nigeria is quite revealing in the cheapness human life has become in the country. For example, the sight of a corpse by the roadside no longer holds any fear for Nigerians or evokes that chilling feeling of humanity from which the people were associated in the past. Domestic violence in the form of wife or husband bashing, including inhuman treatment of children and domestic servants, and child abuse on a very large scale, have equally combined to discount human life in the country. And new assaults have come in the forms of Boko Haram-induced carnage in the North East region, which has morphed into an asymmetric guerrilla warfare with innocent non-combatant bystanders being frequently caught in the crossfire or deliberately and routinely searched and killed by the insurgents, and the senseless wasting of lives by Fulani herdsmen in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states in North Central region of the country.

Nigeria has indeed become a huge killing field where natural and non-natural factors compete for victims. It is not a recent phenomenon. Cheap deaths were one of the dark sides of military governments, but Nigerians shrugged them off because of the

THE MORBID STATISTICS EQUALLY EXTEND TO INSURGENCY WHERE THE COUNTRY RANKS VERY HIGH ON GLOBAL DEATHS FROM IT IN 2014

apparent non-accountability nature of such regimes and the violence that accompany them. However, with the enthronement of democracy since May 1999 the national optimism of a more open governance process and the concomitant consensual politics with its high level of tolerance among the members of the political class has not materialized. Rather 15 years of democratic governance have seen the nation sunk deeper in the mire of unwholesome deaths from ritual killings, political assassinations, domestic violence, road and air mishaps, in addition to those enumerated above.

Though Section 14, sub-section (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria expressly states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”, the three levels of government in the country have not upheld this statutory and constitutional responsibility. There are signs of palpable failure of governance

everywhere, and they manifest in deficit infrastructure provisioning, high level of unemployment, pervasive poverty and privations in the land, and general insecurity.

These severe governance deficits have engendered all manners of unwholesomeness in the polity.

Deficit social infrastructure provisioning has affected the quality of road and air travels.

Nigeria accounts for over 85 per cent of global deaths from road crashes. The Head, Policy, Research and Statistics Department of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Kayode Olagunju, recently revealed that between 1960 and 2012, some 1,060,507 crashes were recorded in the country, with 322,427 deaths and 1,016,299 injuries. In 2012 alone, a total of 4,260 deaths from road accidents were recorded, giving an average of 12 daily. The nation’s airspace is not better. Between 2002 and 2012, Nigeria recorded 522 deaths from five major air crashes, one of the highest in the world.

The morbid statistics equally extend to insurgency where the country ranks very high on global deaths from it in 2014. Recently, Amnesty International reported that over 1,500 Nigerians were killed in the first three months of this year. Statistics recently computed by the Borno-Yobe Peoples Forum, a coalition of elder states-

men from Borno and Yobe states, put at about 17,000 the numbers of lives lost so far to the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast region since 2009. And when you add the fatalities from kidnappings, armed robberies, ritual killings and political violence, Nigeria approximates the archetype of Hobbesian state of nature.

It is very obvious there is governance challenge in the country to which the three tiers of government must rise to address. President Goodluck Jonathan has the onerous responsibility to secure the country; and aggressively develop the right template to ameliorate the growing social insecurity in the country. A multi-prong approach, whose fulcrum would be on counterinsurgency measures and robust socio-economic intervention, would do the expected magic of reducing the scale or ending the crippling insecurity in parts of the North. It is the expectation of all Nigerians.

And we dare add that the centralized policing system in the country has become an anachronism that we should do away with, and state police is an idea whose time has come. We could go a step down by calling community policing system.

This would help to communalise crime detection and prevention.

ON THIS DAY

April 9, 1963 The United States of America’s leader, President John F. Kennedy, at a ceremony in the White House, bestows on Sir Winston Churchill, a two term former Prime Minister of Britain, a honorary US citizenship.

The first of such honour on a foreign national, the ceremony was watched by several hundred guests, including three sons of Franklin Roosevelt with Randolph Churchill and his son, Winston representing the Churchill family.

April 9, 1992

Panama military strongman General Manuel Antonio Noriega Noriega is found guilty on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering and sentenced to 40 years imprisonment, marking it the first time in history that a U.S. jury had convicted a foreign leader of criminal charges. He remains in prison in Miami, Florida. In February 1988, Noriega was indicted by federal grand juries in Tampa and Miami, Florida and his criminal trial began in 1991.

April 9, 2005 The Prince of Wales, Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles have finally become husband and wife - more than 30 years after their romance first began. Over 20,000 people cheered as they arrived at Windsor’s Guildhall for their small private civil wedding, after which they returned to Windsor Castle for a service of blessing led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

About 800 of the couple’s family and friends including the Queen and Prince Philip attended.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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19

Health & Wellbeing Late diagnosis of TB poses death threat 22

World Health Day: 21 WHO, NMA call for vector control measures

Many Lagos PHCs can’t manage excessive bleeding after delivery FRANKA OSAKWE

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shocking report of an indepth analysis of 20 Primary Health Centers in Lagos state by the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) and Innovation Matters Limited, has revealed that most PHC in the state lack facilities to manage excessive blood loss by women after delivery, a condition referred to in medical parlance as post partum haemorrhage (PPH).

PPH is a leading cause of maternal death in Nigeria and other developing countries and any woman who gives birth could be at risk.

Presenting the report at a recent workshop on maternal health organized by Development Communication Limited (DEVCOM), the Managing Director of Innovative Matters, Mrs Dede Kadire disclosed that the study discovered that some PHC in the state have no functional ambulance to refer patient to General hospital in case of bleeding.

Some functional facilities such as emergency delivery equipment, laboratory kits, ambulance services, power supply and portable water supply, needed for provision of quality maternal health services were also discovered to be non-existent at some of the PHCs. The report further revealed that some centres do not have qualified health practitioners on call. PHC like Seme, Agboju and Ketu do not have available health practitioners on call while at Agboju PHC, only youth corpers were on call.

Regarding some basic delivery equipment, some PHCs had oxytocin, antibiotics and anticonvulsants on sight, but others complained that they lacked sufficient skilled staff such as midwife. For instance,Ilasamaja PHC has only

Gov. Fashola

A nurse attending to a patient at a Primary Health Centre

anti-shock garments, while Ifako Ijaiye PHC has no anticonvulsants.

Further discoveries revealed that only 15 PHCs has Laboratories and ambulances in Lagos, while 5 others do not. Even though Olojuwon PHC has a functional laboratory, it was observed that their malaria and test kits were expired as at the time of the survey.

Some ambulances were discovered to be non functional, for instance, Sura and Ilasa maja ambulances do not have drivers while PHCs such as Epe, IkotunIgando, Agboju lacked imprest and require patients to bear the cost if an ambulance is to be used on their behalf.

Also, it was discovered that Labour room power supply back-up is rare in most of the health centres. Only 8 out of the 20 centres

THE REPORT FURTHER REVEALED THAT SOME CENTRES DO NOT HAVE QUALIFIED HEALTH PRACTITIONERS ON CALL in the study had this privilege while others use the central general set or nothing/.

According to the study report, 8 out of 14 PHC of those who have generating sets claim that the sets were not fully functional as a result of lack of imprest to purchase fuel. In Agboju PHC, gen-

erators are fuelled by patients/ women in labour or on admission while at Ojodu PHC staff uses their personal income to supply back-up provided by MTN Nigeria, the report claimed.

For water sources at the PHCs, 22 PHC claimed to have portable water supply and 7 do not have any running water at all. Out of those that claimed they had water, it was found out that only 6 (27 percent) of them had access to tap water supply from the Lagos water corporation, others sourced their water from borehole and well water. The PHCs without water include; Ashoghon, Iwaya, Ikota, Seme, Olojowon, Badore and Akere PHCs. On specific health conditions being managed by the centres, the report stated that only , 6 out of the 20 sampled PHCs were qualified to deal with convul-

sions, 8 PHCs lacked protocols for acute abdomen, while 8 could not deal with severe anaemia as they lacked the required equipment.

Mrs Kadiri noted that access to health care services is limited for persons with disability (PWD) since none of the PHCs has a disability health specialist.

“They will likely seek maternal support from cheaper, accessible or risk prone health facilities care such as traditional birth attendants (TBAs),” she observed.

She advised on the need for the inclusion of persons with disabilities on health care facilities stressing that they contribute to the maternal mortality rate since they make up 10 percent of our population.

Also, emphasised the need for qualified obstetrician and Midwife to be accessible in all the PHCs in the state.

20

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

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balanced diet is one that provides an adequate intake of energy and nutrients for maintenance of the body and good health. A diet can easily be adequate for normal bodily functioning, yet may not be a balanced diet. An ideal human diet contains fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, water and fibre all in correct proportions.

A balanced diet ensures that the body gets all the essential nutrients it needs to sustain energy levels, protects the body from certain diseases and also promotes overall health. Eating a balanced diet includes eating a variety of foods every day from each of the foods groups to ensure the body gets a healthy proportion.

A well-balanced diet also includes drinking enough water to replenish the water that is lost throughout the day through normal bodily processes such as sweating, breathing, and waste elimination. Any food can fit into a healthy diet. Additionally, it is important to choose a variety of foods, since a persons’ overall diet is what matters. A balanced diet that is made up of: 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 10 to 20 percent protein, 25 to 35 percent fat, 38 grams of fibre per day for men and 25 grams of fibre per day for women. Research shows diet plays a role in helping to prevent diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, and obesity. A healthy, balanced diet reduces the risk of diabetes and studies also show that food has a direct impact on energy and mood. Those who eat a balanced diet that includes food from all

food groups may find it easier to maintain or lose weight.

In order to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, studies have stated that, foods should be base on starchy foods; eat lots of fruit and vegetables, eat more fish; cut down on saturated fat and sugar; try to eat less salt not more than 6g a day; get active and try to be of a healthy weight; drink plenty of water and do not skip breakfast.

Foods are often categorised into five main groups based on their nutrient content. These are vegetables, breads and cereals, fruit, dairy and meats/alternatives. Each different food group provides unique nutrients to our diet, so it’s important to eat a variety of foods from each of the

major food groups every day. It is wise to eat moderate portions of all foods, with the exception of vegetables where we can generally eat a lot. (Except the starchy veggies such as potato, sweet potato and corn, which are higher in kilojoules than other veggies should be eaten in moderate quantity). Choosing smaller, frequent meals and snacks will help keep the variety in the diet.

When ever meal is been taken, always enjoying your meal because this is the key to being able to sustain healthy eating habits in

Letters My son’s teeth not well formed Good day Dr, I have a son; He is eight years old now.

He hit one of his upper front teeth on the ground and the injured teeth looks as if it will fall off. Recently another tooth has grown on top of the one that is shaking. His teeth are not well set now. What should I do?

Fisayo, Ibadan.

Dear Fisayo, From your description, your son is having retained deciduous teeth, the front teeth or incisors, in this case. There are two sets of teeth in an individual’s life, the first set is called deciduous teeth because it lasts for a period of time before it gets exfoliated and re-

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Why you need a balanced diet

Chizoba Nwobu chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08065651922 (sms only)

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

the long term, so a healthy balanced diet can include an occasional treat.

While eating a variety of foods is important to a wellbalanced diet, it is vital to note that calorie count is also important especially when trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight.

The amount of calories a person needs depends on a variety of factors including height, weight, age, gender, and those who are physically active will need more calories than individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle.

The key to a healthy balanced diet is therefore, not to ban or omit any food or food groups but to balance what we eat by consuming a variety of foods from each food group in the right proportions for good health. Always bear in mind that adequate fluid intake is very important and should not be left out.

ORAL HEALTH CARE placed. The teeth that will replace them, the second set of dentition is called permanent dentition, they stay with the individual for the rest of their lives. The teeth are replaced at various stages and ages. usually, all between the ages of six years and up till twenty one years of age.

For some reason or the other the deciduous teeth may sometimes not fall off at the expected time, the adult or permanent teeth will then erupt into the mouth at a position in front or behind or sideways , literarily displaced. The deciduous teeth or milk teeth as they are sometimes called, could become infected and in the process this infection may affect the adult one in which case, it will be removed by the dentist to avoid any infection. It could also lead to other permanent teeth erupting in positions that are not

right, hence the teeth are mal-aligned, a condition called malocclusion.

You need to visit the nearest dentist at your location, where you will receive attention; most likely the mobile deciduous teeth will be removed to give way to the adult teeth, as the adult permanent incisors should have erupted around the age of eight years.

There is a dental de-

partment at the university college hospital, Ibadan, there are state hospitals, general hospitals with dental sections, and there are a number of private dental centres too. Most dental centres accept the national health insurance scheme or other insurance if you have cover for you and your family.

I hope I have been of some help.

Dr. Samuel Awosolu Samawosolu@yahoo.co.

08108155239

Concerned by mouth odour Dear Doctor, Many thanks for your article, please can you give me the solution to this problem? I perceive some odour

I secret thick saliva

Dear Dr Awosolu I am very happy to read your column regularly. The oral health column is a welcome development as we generally care very little about our teeth. Doctor, my problem is that I have thick saliva that is disturbing me greatly.

The doctors and the dentists I have seen have not been able to offer any solution to it. Please advise me, I am eighty one years old.

Olajide Akure.

Dear Pa Olajide, I must first complement you for still taking time at your matured age of eighty one to read

the column. This should be something our younger people should do, I mean read seek useful knowledge and not block their ears with loud music all the time or sag their trousers and argue about football from other land. Saliva is produced by the glands in the head and neck. They are described mostly as the Parotid, Sub-mandibular and Sub-lingual salivary glands. There are several hundred minor saliva glands scattered all over the mouth , lips, cheek and the soft palate.

The type of saliva produced depends on the kind of foods. Dry Mouth may also be a result of symptoms or pathology hence a sign or symptom, It could be a result of some drugs being used. Some people complain of dry mouth and in reality have sufficient saliva.

When there is dry mouth

there is a higher likelihood of infection and dental caries (tooth decay).

On the other Hand, production of a lot of saliva is known as siallorrhea, it is characterised by drooling of saliva at the corner of the mouth , and these are usually due to inflammatory conditions.

Do you wear dentures, artificial teeth. Sometimes neurological disorders may inhibit swallowing.

Rabies is another rare cause , Mercury poisoning is another. The repositioning of the ducts of the major salivary glands may be necessary.

Foods that lead to the production of thick saliva may be avoided , is there a possibility to see an oral health specialist at your nearest federal medical centre or teaching hospital?

from my mouth which gives me great concern. At the corner of my mouth I have some decayed teeth and some are broken.

Please I need your help.

Dear reader, Thanks for your letter. Let me first say that you have not given me a name and location I could only advise that you get to a dentist as soon as you can, If you had given a location I would have referred you to a registered dental personnel or direct you to many of the several dental centres nearest to you where you could obtain treatment. Halitosis has a lot of causes, your dentist will be able to determine your own cause. The decayed teeth may need urgent attention, in which case, should there be pain it may be refilled with amalgam or glass ionomer cement or even composite, whatever is best as determined by the dentist. If the decay is quite bad the tooth may have to be extracted. I will encourage readers writing in to include their names and location and possibly e mail addresses where possible.

Thanks for your letter

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

21

World Health Day: WHO, NMA call for vector control measures FRANKA OSAKWE

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s Nigeria joined the world to celebrate the World Health Day 2014 on Monday, with the theme, “protection against vector borne diseases (VBDs)”, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for an environmental management program against vectors.

In a statement to mark the day WHO called for a renewed focus on vector control and better provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene following key strategies outlined in WHO’s 2011 Roadmap for the control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases, targeted for the period 2012–2020.

While highlighting the serious and increasing threat of vector-borne diseases, with the slogan “Small bite, big threat”, the organisation has emphasized that Vector-borne diseases affect the poorest populations, particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation.

The organisation said that malnourished people and those with weakened immunity are especially susceptible but added that these diseases are entirely preventable, “A global health agenda that gives higher priority to vector control could save many lives and avert much suffering. Simple, cost-effective interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying have already saved millions of lives,” says

Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General.

“No one in the 21st century should die from the bite of a mosquito, a sandfly, a blackfly or a tick.”she further says.

The organisation however, suggests vector control as the most important tool in preventing outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.

Meanwhile, the NMA has called on government for vector control measures.

In a communiqué signed by the association’s national president, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, NMA noted that Vectors are most commonly found in areas and habitations charac-

terized by scarcity of potable water, poor housing conditions, poor environmental hygiene and abject poverty.

The association stated that until an aggressive, well-funded and supervised environmental management program is instituted, Nigeria may not heave a sigh of relief against the menacing unsolicited advances of the disease laden organisms which have undoubtedly contributed to the huge disease burden in Nigeria.

While applauding government on laudable health achievement, the association expressed their concern

over the poor fund allocation to the health sector saying that this has hindered some important public health programs. The communiqué says, “Aside from the fact that Nigeria is yet to implement the 2001 Abuja declaration of African Heads of State, which prescribes an allocation of a minimum of 15% of the national budget of African countries to the health sector, the budget for health is sadly on the decrease, with inexplicable poor budgetary releases for health programs. The poor fund allocation has greatly hindered some important

NAFDAC, others strategize to meet WHO demands on Yaba Drug Lab MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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Experts advocate quality health delivery services FRANKA OSAKWE

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quality control expert, Mr. Adebowale Ojekale has challenged health practitioners to always provide quality health care services. Mr. Ojekale stated this recently during a forum on quality management in Healthcare practices in Nigeria organized by Bridge clinic.

According to him, the importance of quality in health industry cannot be over emphasized. “In the health industry and also in IVF practice, error is not allowed since lives are involved. Quality management practice assures that patients get the value for their money” While explaining on quality practice by Bridge clinic, the head embryologist, Dayo Yusuf said the clinic has been able to prevent risks through quality practices. “For IVF such as ours, this assures clients of safety (of their gametes), that there will not be mix up of gametes and there is a system in place to mitigate any risks involved. Also, there is a procedure we follow daily to ensure that there is quality in the lab” Mrs. Yusuf noted that Bridge clinic, over the last 14 years of inception has been able to deliver over 1500 babies, a feat which has put smile to the faces of hundreds of families. She added that the clinic has voluntarily fol-

lowed every quality management procedures, which has led to the award of ISO 9001: 2008 by Quality Australia.

Meanwhile, a consultant gynaecologist at Bridge clinic, Dr. Babatunde Ogunkinle, has called for a legislative guideline and quality monitoring for IVF practice in Nigeria adding that lack of guideline has lowered the standard of practice of some clinics.

“Right now, people open and operate IVF without license and this has given room to a lot of wrong practice” he said According to him, Bridge clinic is presently the only ISO certified IVF in Nigeria and probably West Africa, “Bridge clinic has been able to meet international standard in quality practice having been certified from Quality Australia, they are monitored and audited every year so that best medical practice is ensured” Also speaking on causes of infertility, he mentioned that this is largely caused by toxins and infection in the body saying that infertility in women are mainly due to abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, infection, stress, toxins and of cause blocked tubes. He mentioned that chances of conception are higher for a woman if she is young and the sperm is ok, but these chances are reduced as the woman gets older, has fibroid, has done previous operation or has structural complication.

public health programs like active disease surveillance, epidemiological studies, research activities and mass media campaigns” The Association therefore urges governments at local, state and federal levels to scale up their public health enlightenment and environmental management strategies. “We expect them to enforce strict implementation of enabling public health and housing laws; institute measures for proper waste/ sewage disposal and other preventive measures, construct roads with standard, well maintained drains”

L-R: Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Ebea; Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu; Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Chris Okaeben, during the 12km “Walk for Life” keep-fit exercise in Benin City, recently.

Post MDGs: Nigeria lists water priorities for UN MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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takeholders, comprising government and non-governmental organizations, at a meeting in Abuja yesterday, recommended areas of water priority for the United Nations to form part of its post 2015 water plans.

Nigeria’s meeting and recommendation followed the Rio+20 United Conference on Sustainable Development where the United Nations began an open consultation process to identify priorities from citizens around the world for the post 2015 development agenda, as the Mil-

lennium Development Goals reach their target date next year.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, represented by Mr Bassey Efiong, said the global consultation process was organized around 11 thematic areas and that water was chosen as one of the thematic areas.

“Given the important of water, especially due to the fact that water undergo most of the other MDG’s and any future goals, it’s become critical that there is an insightful and informative debate on the role of water in the post 2015 development agenda.

“The National Consultations is aimed at obtaining

views from countries on the post 2015 development for water and sustainable development. To build awareness and examine the country relevance and applicability of the options and recommendation presented in the UNWater paper on a dedicated goal for water.

“The National consultation will take place on a sample of 26 selected countries, which Nigeria is one, as facilitated by the Global Water Partnership. Ochekpe added that the national consultation will be particularly focusing on Wash Waster resources management, waste water management and water quality,” the Minister added.

Nutrition columnist wins investigative journalism fellowship

N

utrition columnist, Chizoba Nwobu, and five other journalists have emerged winners in the second round of the Tobacco Control Investigative Journalism Fellowship.

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) jointly announced the names of the

six successful journalists in the second set of their Tobacco Control Investigative Journalism Fellowship funded by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK).

ERA/FoEN and CISLAC said as in the previous exercise, entries from the successful journalists in the second set were picked after a rigorous screening process by a panel of vet-

eran journalists.

The six journalists are: Chizoba Nwobu, also a health reporter with Newswatch Magazine, Franklin Alli of Vanguard Newspaper, Nkoli Omohudu of Africa Independent Television, Ndubuisi Ozilo of Metro FM Lagos, Chinyere Joy Opia of Hot FM Abuja, and Dayo Aiyetan of International Center for Investigative Reporting.

he National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and its partners, are strengthening efforts to meet the demands of the World Health Organization, WHO, on the agency’s Central Drug Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos State.

WHO had directed NAFDAC to meet certain demands that will culminate in making the laboratory the first in Nigeria to be certified by the global health body as National Quality Control Lab. Briefing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, National Coordinator of one of the partners, Mike Egbo of PATH2 Nigeria said it was embarrassing for the country not have a certified laboratory by the WHO since it was recognized as a nation.

“One thing is for a country like Nigeria not to have a certified laboratory. For me, it is a shame. As a Nigerian, I don’t feel good about it, and that is why those of us who are working on it are very passionate about it,” said Egbo.

According to him, the partnership is to ensure that the WHO certify the lab by the end of next year. “A lot of work needs to be done, which means that we have to look at the role of individual partners in this project, which means that NAFDAC has to make that commitment,”he stressed.

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Health & Wellbeing

Late diagnosis of TB poses death threat Over 300 in 100,000 population in Nigeria may be living with tuberculosis; and the disease, though curable, kills more than AIDS when persons living with it fails to present themselves for treatment said Dr Ronke Agbaje, Associate Director for Global Fund (on tuberculosis) at the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, IHVN, in this interview with Health Reporter, Marcus Fatunmole. Excerpt: What is TB? TB, also known as tuberculosis, is a bacterial infection; caused by an organism called mycobacterium tuberculosis. The way it is commonly spread is through what we call air droplet. The most common form of manifestation is that the patient is coughing. If is the patient has active tuberculosis infection and either coughs, sneezes or does anything that can cause some air exchange and cause air droplet to enter the atmosphere, it can cause droplets to affect other people. There are other forms of manifestation like you have pulmonary tuberculosis. It goes into the chest and causes all these things that have to do with cough and all that. It also causes weight loss because it is a chronic disease, that is, a disease that lasts for long if it is not treated. It could also cause fever of unknown cause; the person will just be having some low-grade fever, feel unwell and then starts losing weight with the cough.

The other forms of manifestation are in people with TB meningitis, which is the TB that affects the brain. You have spinal TB; the organism goes into the spine and affects the bone of the spine. At times, you see people, when they cough, they don’t sit straight up.

You have TB osteomyelitis that goes into the other bones of the body etc; that is the general overview of tuberculosis.

How would you differentiate tuberculosis from other forms of cough?

There are many things that cause cough and tuberculosis is one of them. When people are coughing for a very long time, they need to go and check, if they are producing sputum, they need to take the sputum to the laboratory and check if that micro-bacterium is there.

Other things can cause it such as people that are asthmatic; it could just be normal viral flu for example. But, once that cough is prolonged, especially the one caused by viral infection actually resolve within two weeks on its own or just with vitamin C. Once it doesn’t respond to those minor treatments, then you need to check if the person has tuberculosis.

Of course, there are other things like weight loss or low-fever that come with it.

Is there any group that is vulnerable to it?

For example, as we are in a room, you or I may be coughing. If either of us has tuberculosis and the other inhales, the person who inhales may not necessarily come down with the disease. You could inhale it, if your immune system is strong, that is, you are eating well,

you have good immunity, you don’t have any other sickness like HIV or diabetes or cancer; you may not develop the disease. It is just that you can inhale the organism and just lie low, no problem. People that have low immunity like children are prone to having tuberculosis.

Pregnant women, because pregnancy causes a state of low immunity, but, those that have low immunity may be affected.

Given your knowledge of the prevalence of this disease in Nigeria, would you say the cases are rising or coming down in the country?

Well, we have unofficial information.

Initially, what we learnt from World Health Organization, because the organization is a partner to Nigeria on TB matter; it is part of the group called “Stop TB Partnership” which is a global group that looks into TB. They give what is called annual tuberculosis report. We had thought that our TB prevalence was around 154 per 100,000 people are likely to have TB. However, we carried out what we called national prevalence survey.

That means people actually came and scientifically looked at TB in Nigeria. It appears, the reports are not out yet officially, and we may have double or triple of what we had thought. Now, it may be as high as over 300 in a 100000.

So, it is going up higher than what we thought; and we think that things that can be driving it include diseases like HIV, which of course is also on the rise.

Recent HIV report in Nigeria showed a decline in prevalence. Does this also translate to reduction in tuberculosis, since TB is caused by HIV/ AIDS? Not necessarily because that is not the only cause of tuberculosis. When you say there is prevalence, it means all the people at that point in time

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 that have the disease. There is also what we call incidence; that is the rate of new infection. So, the fact that HIV prevalence has dropped a bit does not mean tuberculosis has gone down. Our population has also grown larger, when you talk about the population as well. For example, when our population was 120 million, for example, and you say the prevalence was 4.3 percent, you expect that about five million people will have HIV in terms of actual number. Now, we are saying we are 160 million; that is the projection. The prevalence now, I think, is 3.4. You have 5.4 million people. You have to relate the prevalence to the real population of actual number of people with the disease.

That is why the whole world is worried about disease burden in Nigeria; whether it is HIV, TB or malaria because we have a huge population. We are as large as ten African countries; there are countries that are like ten million people. If their prevalence is 80 percent, it can’t still be as high as Nigeria because they don’t have a large population.

Is TB curable?

Yes, that is the wonderful thing about TB. If it is straightforward TB, once the patient starts taking what you call ‘anti-tuberculosis drug’ and I think in Nigeria now, for the noncomplicated TB, we use about four drugs.

They come in one combination. Unlike before that patients had to swallow four different drugs, maybe like three tablets of each which was so tedious. At a point in time, the patients had to swallow about 16 tablets; now, it just comes in caplet; everything is pack-

WHEN PEOPLE ARE COUGHING FOR A

VERY LONG TIME, THEY NEED TO GO AND CHECK

Agbaje

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

aged in one or two tablets that the patients can swallow. So, those anti-tuberculosis drugs are taken for six months. For the first two months, we take about four drugs. Then, for the remaining four months, which is the new regimen, you just continue with two drugs; and you are ok. After six months, you are cured once you take your drug regularly; you are keeping your regimen, you will be ok after six months, if it is straightforward tuberculosis.

There are instances whereby people have attributed tuberculosis to witchcraft. How true is this?

Information is very important; that is why we need to continue to sensitize people, we need to inform people; we need to let people know that it is not caused by witchcraft; it is just an infection, that is transmitted from one person to another; the human body is the vector; that is where the organism stays. It is not witchcraft. That is why enlightenment, sensitization, education come in. We need to tell people that when you are coughing, you go to the nearest treatment centre, and you get your sputum tested. If it is positive for TB, start treatment; the treatment is free. You don’t have to pay for it; it is available free in at least every local government in this country.

Adhere to your treatment and you will be ok.

As you are on treatment, if you are not ok, it is possible that what you have is the resistant strain. That is, it is not responding to the usual antibiotic. There are other drugs that they will give you, which are called second line anti-tuberculosis drug that they will give you. That is very key and it is the message we need to pass across.

How do you manage cases of HIV/AIDS patients who live with TB? The fact that someone is HIV positive does not necessarily mean the person needs to take drug immediately. At least, the normal CD4, that is the cell that protects your body immunity, if they’ve fought to a certain level, then, you need to start taking medication.

But, because TB is so dangerous in people that are HIV positive, a lot of them even die of the TB rather than HIV. So, that is an indication for immediate treatment; and the usual step for it is called co-infection because HIV and TB are domiciled in a single individual. The person needs to start treatment immediately.

How long can a TB patient who doesn’t present himself for treatment live?

It is difficult to tell.

But, most time, within a year or two, it is mostlikely that the person w i l l die; depending on h o w weak the person is.

National Mirror Mirror National www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, June April12, 9, 2014 Wednesday, 2013

23

Arts Lounge

Persistence, trust important for location managers - Eboh

Asia in my life

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Empowering creative sector to stem unemployment Nollywood’s mention as one of the critical sectors considered in the rebasing of Nigeria’s economy (which is the now the biggest in Africa) is a clear indication that the current soaring unemployment situation could be stemmed by empowering the arts sector.

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

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any people are quick to point towards the super-saturated labour market as the source of the security problems plaguing Nigeria, especially in the northeast part of Nigeria.

But the frightening dimension is the fact that over 60% of the unemployment cases involve youths under the age of 45! The reality that more than half of the population brimming with energy cannot find a platform to express themselves makes the situation very deplorable. So much that predictions are rife that if the ugly trend is not stemmed, a possible implosion looms in the country, which is imaginable from the ugly outcry that trailed the Nigeria Immigration Service job test which left a couple of youths dead.

However bad the situation may appear, the truth is that a lot could be achieved by looking the way of arts and culture for rescue, especially amongst the youths. While it is not possible for offer jobs to every Nigerian adult leaving the tertiary institutions or secondary schools, looking inwards into what makes Nigerians unique as a people can get the country started into ameliorating the unemployment trends.

If well-harnessed so much could be explored in the several areas of arts like visual arts, dance, movies, music, stage drama, story-telling, writing and tourism which can engage the youth meaningfully.

The case of a Lagos-based dance group, ‘Stepryders’ is typical of how skills in art can generate employment. Six years ago, this group of 6 united with a simple and single mission: refining creativity in dance. Today members of the group, who cut across university graduates and undergraduates, earn money doing shows and also appearing in music videos. A member of the group, Emmanuel Iheanacho told ‘Arts Lounge’ that, while they are in dance to satisfy their passion, it also generates money to take care of immediate expediencies. “Since we started dancing, we have been on shows in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and even Ghana. And we get paid for this. We actually got together because of our interest in dance, but along the line, we realised this could help us solve some little problems. We hope it would get better as time goes.”

The same is obtainable in the area of home movies. Estimates put the number of people employed by Nollywood at over 20,000, while having a net worth of N52b, but the truth is that even with this figure, the industry is greatly understaffed in the area of technical hands. While majority of those seeking employment in the industry look in the direction of acting and directing which are usually competitive, several

ESTIMATES PUT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED BY

NOLLYWOOD AT OVER 20,000, WHILE HAVING A NET WORTH OF N52B, BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT EVEN WITH THIS

FIGURE, THE INDUSTRY IS GREATLY UNDER-

STAFFED IN THE AREA OF TECHNICAL HANDS

Nollywood films on display

Dance troupe

job openings abound in areas like ‘Location Management’ (saddled with the duty to arrange for shooting locations); ‘Props’ (person responsible for getting things required for the movie project like cars, guns, laptops, phones and other accessories needed by the characters), ‘Costuming’; (responsible for getting all the fashion accessories that would be worn); ‘Continuity’ (making sure that shots are accordingly sequenced); ‘Editor’ (who sits in the studio and arranges all the rushes brought in from the location.); ‘Make-Up’ (creating physical attributes of movie characters as well as ‘Lighting and Sound’ aside other behind-the-scene roles.

In visual arts, the same great hopes lie in the horizon. According to an Abujabased artist, Mr Gbenga Sentoris, artwork, if properly harnessed by the government, can generate about two million jobs. He described it as a lucrative venture which requires a lot of patience. atience. “I am surprised when I see some of my colleagues in the profession ending g up as teachers; you must endure to make e a breakthrough.

Nigerians appreciate artwork twork if they are good and would not mind d paying for them as good artwork sells faster”. ter”.

This is why the Society y of Nigerian Artists, SNA according to its ts national president, Oliver Enwonwu iss enjoining Nigerian youths with talent in visual arts to register with the society y so that they can benefit from the immense nse opportunities inherent in the visual arts community.

“So many opportunities are available for the youths who are willing ling and talented enough; which is why I always enjoin them to be part of whatt we are doing in order to benefit from the he various opportunities abound in the visual arts.

We have decided to embark bark on training programmes so o they can understand the abundant dant openings for their workss beyond our shores”, he told ‘Arts Lounge’.

For all these to be realised, the government att all levels must be aware of the need to put infrastructural ural facilities in place, because use that is the role of governn-

ment, according to painter, Sam Ovraiti.

“The role of the government is to make infrastructures available. This will naturally create employment and wealth, because all aspects of arts require very conducive environment to thrive.”

‘Arts Lounge’ however notes that while government at the various levels have been trying, their efforts need to be doubled.

While the government of Akwa Ibom has successfully completed construction of a world class cinema which will serve as an outlet to screen Nigerian home videos, some stakeholders in the movie industry believe that greater employment would be generated if this idea is replicated in the 36 state capitals and 776 local council headquarters in Nigeria. Award winning director, Lancelot Oduwa-Imasuen said that is one aspect the government has downplayed the potentials of the movie industry in Nigeria. g

Dancer, Maobong Oku

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Asia in my life NGUGI WA THIONG’O

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he links between Asia and Africa and South America have always been present but in our times they have been made invisible by the fact that Europe is still the central mediator of Afro-AsianLatino discourse. We live under what Satya Mohanty in his interview in Frontline (April 2012), aptly calls the long intellectual shadow of the Age of European Empire.

In my case, I had always assumed that my intellectual and social formation was tied to England and Europe, with no meaningful connection to Asia and South America.

There was a reason. I wrote in English. My literary heroes were English. Kenya being a British colony, I had learnt the geography and history of England as the central reference in my widening view of the world.

Even our anti-colonial resistance assumed Europe as the point of contest; it was we, Africa, against them, Europe. I graduated from Makerere College in Uganda in 1964, with a degree in English; then went to the University of Leeds, England, for further studies, in English. Leeds was a meeting point of students from the Commonwealth: India, Pakistan, Australia, and the Caribbean. We saw each other through our experience of England. Our relationship to England, in admiration, resentment or both, was what established a shared space.

After I wrote my memoir of childhood, Dreams in a Time of War, published in 2006, I looked back and saw how much India had been an equally important thread in my life. I had not planned to bring out the Indian theme in my life: but there it was, staring at me right from the pages of my narrative. The thread starts from home, through school, college and after.

I did not grow up in a Christian home, but we celebrated Christmas, everybody did, it was a time of carnival, with children, in their very best, trooping from house to house to indulge their fancy in terms of food. We were vegetarians through out the year, though not out of choice, and to many, Christmas day was the first time they would taste meat. For me Christmas meant the oc-

casion for eating g toero, a curried broth of potatoes, peas, beans, and occasionally a piece of lamb or chicken, but the centerpiece of the dishes was cabaci sometimes called mborota. Even today, Christmas and feasts in Kenya mean plentiful of cabaci, thambutha and mandathi, our version of the Indian chapati, paratha, samosa. The spices, curry, hot pepper and all, so very Indian, had become so central a part of Kenyan African cuisine that I could have sworn that these dishes were truly indigenous.

It was not just Christmas: daily hospitality in every Kenyan home means being treated to a mug of tea, literally a brew of tea leaves, tangawizi, and milk and sugar, made together, really a massala tea. Not to offer a passing guest or neighbor a cup of tea is the height of stinginess or poverty; and for the guest to decline the offer, the ultimate insult. So African it all seemed to me that when I saw Indians drinking tea or making curry, I thought it the result of African influence. Where the Indian impact on African food culture was all pervasive, there was hardly any equivalence from the English presence; baked white bread is the only contribution that readily comes to mind.

This is not surprising. Imported Indian skilled labor built the railway line from the Coast to the Great Lake, opening the interior for English settlement. Every railroad station, from Mombasa to Kisumu, initially depots for the building material, mushroomed into town mainly because of the Indian traders who provided much needed services to the workers initially but in time, to the community around. If European settlers opened the land for large-scale farming for export, the Indian opened the towns and cities for retail and wholesale commerce.

Limuru where I come from had a thriving Indian shopping centre built on land curved from that of my maternal grandfather’s clan. The funeral pyres to burn the bodies of the Indian dead were held in a small forest that was also under my maternal grand father’s care. Cremation is central to Hindu culture: it asks Agni, the fire god to release the spirit from the earth-

Ngugi Wa Thiong’o

LIMURU WHERE I COME FROM HAD A THRIVING INDIAN

SHOPPING CENTRE BUILT ON LAND CURVED FROM THAT OF MY MATERNAL GRANDFATHER’S

CLAN.

THE FUNERAL

PYRES TO BURN THE

BODIES OF THE INDIAN DEAD WERE HELD IN A SMALL FOREST THAT WAS ALSO UNDER MY MATERNAL

GRANDFATHER’S CARE ily body to be re-embodied in heaven into a different form of being. The departed soul traveled from pretaloka to pitraloka unless there were impurities holding it back. My mother did not practice Hinduism, but to her dying day, she believed and swore that on some nights, she would see disembodied Indian spirits, like lit candles in the dark,

MEMORABLE READS

Stella Dimoko-Korkus Blogger

Which book has had the most profound impact on you and why?

I don’t really have a book I can put in that category. If there is anything close to this, I will say it is the Bible. But I don’t see the Bible as a mere book Who is your favourite author and why?

It is John Grisham. I like the way he manages to take us inside the minds of people and convinces us that in everyone resides the inherent ability to do evil.

What are you reading currently?

I am reading ‘50 Shades of Grey’.

How big is your personal library and what is your annual expenditure on books?

I don’t have lots of book because once I read, I give it out as a gift to someone; the memory is stored inside me. I have spent a lot of books

ve and magazines though, and I have never calculated What is your view on the reading culture in Nigeria? ia The reading culture in Nigeria ly is dead and has been monstrously nover taken by technology. The inor ternet and phones now make up for books.

If you author a book at the moment, what would be your theme? d If I authored a book I would y focus on the Nigerian celebrity and their inability to handle whatt fame dishes out to them Which issue do you think Nigerian authors have been dormant about highlighting in their works?

The issue of the girl-child and how educating her is the most important factor in any society; empowering the girl-child to empower the society is important.

wandering in the forest around the cremation place. She talked about it as a matter of regular material fact and she would become visibly upset when we doubted her.

It was not all harmony all the time. The Indian community kept to itself, there was hardly any social interaction between us, except across the counters at the shopping center. Fights between African and Indian kids broke out, initiated by either side.

The Indian dukawalla, an employer of Africans for domestic work and around the shops, was, more often than not, likely to hurl racially charged insults at his workers. Some of the insults entered African languages. One of the most insulting words in Gikuyu was njangiri. A njangiri of a man meant one who was useless, rootless, like a stray dog. Njangiri came to Gikuyu from Jangaal, the Sanskrit/Hindi word for wild: it would have been what the Indian employer was likely to call his domestic help. In the colonial times, in my area at least, I do not recall the tensions ever exploding into inter-communal violence.

The post-colonial scene presents a different picture. Time and again Indians and Indian owned stores have been targets of violence especially in times of crisis, mostly victims of looting.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o is a renowned African author who teaches at the University of California, USA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

25

MIDWEEK JUMP

Report on 6th World Arts Summit Released Dozie on the set of one of his films

Persistence, trust important for location managers - Eboh A number of professionals work behind the scene to bring to reality, what is seen as the final production. Dozie Eboh, a location manager (he sometimes produces and directs) is one of those.

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

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film is a collective effort amongst a collage of professionals, beginning from a writer to the producer, through the actors and directors. Somewhere on the chain of film production, is situated a location manager, whose primary duty is to organise and arrange shooting sites in a film. That aspect of Nollywood is where Dozie Eboh, stands out, probably above his peers, because he is the name that comes to mind when such services are needed in Nollywood. But he did not start out as a location manager. “I started as an actor sometime in 1991, when the industry was just taking off. My first movie is ‘Diet of Lies’, where I played a policeman. You know the way it is in Nollywood with type-casting. I played a policeman in a couple of movies until the role I got in ‘Evil Passion’”.

‘Evil Passion’ is one of the early blockbusters in Nollywood. Dozie Eboh, who hails from Isiala Mbano in Imo State, would ultimately diversify into other areas in Nollywood. He tried his hands in props, continuity and eventually location management, from where he advanced to areas like producing and directing.

But location management remains close to his heart.

“The location manager”, he explains, “is the interface between the film crew and the immediate community. It requires a lot of public relations ability and trust. It is not just to explain to the owner of a mansion that you want to use his place, you also need to make a pledge to him that his place would be safeguarded. That is where the trust comes in. Even after that, you will also have to stick out your neck to make sure that nothing ugly happens. I mean like theft”.

One would wonder if such happens on movie locations. “They happen and it is inevitable, because on every set you will

have all shades of people who are adults and subject to misdemeanours. When it happens, you would be so embarrassed and on some occasions, you do not need to even explain to the owners of the house.

You will just go and buy the missing item and replace it”.

While it seems the job of a location manager starts from the field, Dozie Eboh, explains that it actually starts with the movie script. “The work of the location manager starts from the script. When I get a script, I read it and that explains what I should do. The script will tell you the kind of location s you need to get, and

CERTAIN PLACES AT THE AIRPORT AND SOME EMBASSIES

COULD BE DIFFICULT.

SOME OF MY FRIENDS WERE ONCE WORKING NEAR AN EMBASSY AND THE SECURITY PERSONNEL AT THE EMBASSY CAME OUT AND ALMOST SEIZED THE RUSHES

With Actor Tom Njemanze on set

ultimately you will have an idea of how much it will take to get that. Like I said, it is usually a matter of persistence, trust and goodwill”.

Of course, managing a location has its challenges different from the periodic cases of theft. According to Eboh, the challenges are also inherent in how difficult it will be to get such sites for recording. He said getting a film crew into ‘high-security locations’ can be challenging and often leaves film crews improvising. He explains what ‘high-security locations’ are: “By this I mean places that have high military relevance. A script with such could be difficult. Certain places at the airport and some embassies could be difficult. Some of my friends were once working near an embassy and the security personnel at the embassy came out and almost seized the rushes. So the job is beyond getting a palatial mansion where an actor would act. When you write a script with so many high-security locations, it poses a challenge for the film crew and also adds to the cost of the production.”

How are prices of locations determined?

“It is not about money. Sometimes, rich people who own beautiful mansions do not charge money but people, who live in squalors, are usually the ones asking to be paid. The rich men just want to be acknowledged and they also want to see the film when it is released. Most of all, they want to make sure their security is guaranteed after the filming.”

The quest for diversification has however taken Dozie Eboh into producing which saw the movie, ‘Adopted Child’, amongst others. But lately his attention has been shifted to the ‘New Nigerian Diva’, which holds annually. Organised by his company, View Trend Productions, the pageant which is in the third edition this year avails the participating ladies a chance to own a land in Lagos, various sums of cash prizes as well as the opportunity of featuring in a Nollywood film, usually shot with the finalists of the pageant.

T

he report on the 6th World Summit on Arts and Culture, held in Santiago de Chile in January this year, has been released

by IFACCA and the Consejo Nacional de la Cultura y las Artes (CNCA).

The 40-page illustrated report includes an introduction from Programme Director Magdalena Moreno Mujica, a statement from IFACCA’s Executive Director, Sarah Gardner, a description of the Working Methodology by the Research Department of the CNCA, the Rapporteur Presentation by Enrique Vargas Flores and rapporteur notes for the Keynote Sessions.

The report is available in Spanish and English from the World Summit website, where you will also find copies of speaker presentations, videos and photos from the Summit.

Entries needed for Shnit Short film festival

F

ilmmakers from around the world may enter their film projects to be screened at the Shnit Shortfilm festival.

The Shnit International Short film festival is now accepting submissions for its 2014 festival.

Films up to 40 minutes long and of any genre are welcome to participate. This year’s festival will take place from October 8 to 19, and films will be screened at venues in eight different countries: Argentina, Costa Rica, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and the United States. The submission deadline is June 1.

Films accepted to the festival will be notified in July.

26

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Belong comes on stage for Easter OLAYIWOLA AWAKAN

A

s part of the plans to rekindle the tradition of live theatre, the producer of the Live Theatre on Sunday (LTS) Shola Adenugba, has announced that this year’s Easter celebration will be enjoyed more in Lagos by theatre lovers. He said this at a press conference to unveil the plans, cast and crew of ‘Belong’, a stage play written by Bola Agbaje, a UK based Nigerian playwright and winner of the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliated Theatre.

The maiden edition of LTS Easter Showcase Presentations is starting on a good note with stage and film veterans being arranged to go on stage for ‘Belong’. The play being directed by Tosan Ugbeye and produced by Oluwanishola Adenugba will be showcased for three days; Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 18, 19 and 20 respectively, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Is-

The Director addressing journalists

land by 2pm, 5pm and 7pm, three shows daily. Audiences will surely be treated to the diverse antics of a rich dramatic presentation featuring some of Nigeria’s finest thespians and celebrities including Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Bimbo

Akintola, Tunji Sotimirin, Toyin Oshinnaike, O C Ukeje, Dolapo Oni, Opeyemi Dada and Emeka Nwachukwu.

‘Belong’ is, to all intents and purposes, a light comedy about identity, stations in life and poli-

tics. The 75 minute-long piece tells of the challenges of being a ‘diasporian’, deals with love, and explores the theme of gained and missed opportunities. Furthermore, it questions the notions of identity as many people go

LBHF: Children’s creative talent rewarded

Final hours of Hollywood icon, Mickey Rooney

Mickey Roone

Creative kids at work

T

he 2014 Vision of a Child Competition holding from April 14 through 21, 2014 will set the stage for the reward of talented children through a partnership between the Lagos Black Heritage Festival and Diamond Bank.

Speaking at a press conference which held prior to the painting competition, the bank’s representative, Mr. Victor Ezenwoko, disclosed that the bank has maintained a strong relationship with the Vision of The Child competition as it is a demonstration of its commitment to developing the future of the Nigerian child. According to him, the bank has supported the project since 2012.

He said: “We are pleased to partner with the Lagos Black Heritage Festival on the Vision of the Child Competition. As a corporate organisation that believes in investing in human capital, we realise that we need well groomed people to take up leadership positions in the future. This partnership is part of our efforts at building the capacity

of the Nigerian child so they are well positioned for success in the 21st century. From history we know that when children are not engaged creatively, they are more readily drawn into other activities with negative consequences for both their future and the society.”

According to the coordinator of the Vision of a Child Project, Mrs. Foluke Michael, “A total of 620 schools in Lagos were invited for the project. Out of this number, 420 students emerged as winners from 102 schools. The winners were invited to meet with a panel for further screening after which 32 finalists from 26 schools emerged. The Voice of a Child appreciates Diamond Bank PLC for being the exclusive sponsor of the project since 2012.”

The Vision of the Child competition is part of activities marking the Lagos Black Heritage Festival. Targeted at school children, the competition is designed as an interactive activity to test participants’ interpretation of national discourse through artistry.

through life questioning where they truly ‘Belong’.

The story begins with a couple Kayode (Toyin Oshinnaike) and Rita (Dolapo Oni) who reside in London. They are at a low point as Kayode has failed in his attempts to achieve election to Parliament after an embarrassing Twitter episode. As if the depression isn’t enough for a man who has sacrificed his career to misguided allegations about the racism of his equally Black political opponent, in the course of it comes Fola (Bimbo Akintola), the first of a pair of truly overpowering Nigerian women. Her job is to sell the country to émigrés and persuade them to come back “home”.

Belong is supported by EbonyLife TV, MTN, Mansard Insurance, Myne Whitman, 96.9 Cool FM, 95.1 Wazobia FM, 99.3 Nigeria Info, Y!Naija, Timeless Magazine, Bella Naija, 99.9 Beat FM, 97.3 Classic FM, Maestro Media, City People Magazine, Entertainment Express, Maestro Media, OnoBello.com, eStar TV and RealstarTV on Startimes.

L

egendary Hollywood actor Mickey Rooney has died at 93. He passed on in the early hours of Sunday April 6 at his Hollywood home while in the company of his family. Rooney, died of natural causes, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office told the Associated Press.

The colourful, diminutive actor was known for his consummate performances in more than 200 films across eight decades, making him one of the most successful child actors cum movie stars in the history of cinema. Rooney’s notable roles include his portrayal of Andy Hardy in ‘20 Hardy Boys’ films. He also acted alongside Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and more recently with Amy Adams and Jason Segel in ‘The Muppets’.

Rooney’s life was consummated in cinema even in his later years: in 2003, Rooney and his wife began their association with Rainbow Puppet Productions, providing their voices to the 100th Anniversary production of ‘Toyland!’, an adaptation of Victor Herbert’s ‘Babes in Toyland’. He created the voice for the Master Toymaker while Jan provided the voice for Mother Goose.

Since that time, they have created voices for additional Rainbow Puppet Productions in-

cluding ‘Pirate Party’, which also features vocal performances by Carol Channing.

On May 26, 2007, he was grand marshal at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.

Rooney made his British pantomime debut, playing Baron Hardup in Cinderella, at the Sunderland Empire Theatre over the 2007 Christmas period, a role he reprised at Bristol Hippodrome in 2008 and at the Milton Keynes theatre in 2009.

In 2008, Rooney starred as Chief, a wise old ranch owner, in the independent family feature film ‘Lost Stallions: The Journey Home’, marking a return to starring in equestrian-themed productions for the first time since the 1990s TV show ‘Adventures of the Black Stallion’. Even though they acted together before, ‘Lost Stallions: The Journey Home’ was the sole film in which Rooney and Jan portrayed a married couple on screen.

In December 2009, he appeared as a guest at a dinner-party hosted by David Gest on ‘Come Dine With Me’.

In 2011, Rooney made a brief cameo appearance in ‘The Muppets’ and appeared in an episode of ‘Celebrity Ghost Stories’, recounting how, during a down period in his career, his deceased father appeared to him one night, telling him not to give up on his career. He claimed that the experience bolstered his resolve and soon afterwards his career experienced resurgence. In 2014, Rooney returned to film scenes to reprise his role as “Gus” in ‘Night at the Museum 3’. It is currently unknown whether he completed his scenes and whether his death will affect the film’s production.

Rooney died surrounded by his family at his home.

24

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Asia in my life NGUGI WA THIONG’O

T

he links between Asia and Africa and South America have always been present but in our times they have been made invisible by the fact that Europe is still the central mediator of Afro-AsianLatino discourse. We live under what Satya Mohanty in his interview in Frontline (April 2012), aptly calls the long intellectual shadow of the Age of European Empire.

In my case, I had always assumed that my intellectual and social formation was tied to England and Europe, with no meaningful connection to Asia and South America.

There was a reason. I wrote in English. My literary heroes were English. Kenya being a British colony, I had learnt the geography and history of England as the central reference in my widening view of the world.

Even our anti-colonial resistance assumed Europe as the point of contest; it was we, Africa, against them, Europe. I graduated from Makerere College in Uganda in 1964, with a degree in English; then went to the University of Leeds, England, for further studies, in English. Leeds was a meeting point of students from the Commonwealth: India, Pakistan, Australia, and the Caribbean. We saw each other through our experience of England. Our relationship to England, in admiration, resentment or both, was what established a shared space.

After I wrote my memoir of childhood, Dreams in a Time of War, published in 2006, I looked back and saw how much India had been an equally important thread in my life. I had not planned to bring out the Indian theme in my life: but there it was, staring at me right from the pages of my narrative. The thread starts from home, through school, college and after.

I did not grow up in a Christian home, but we celebrated Christmas, everybody did, it was a time of carnival, with children, in their very best, trooping from house to house to indulge their fancy in terms of food. We were vegetarians through out the year, though not out of choice, and to many, Christmas day was the first time they would taste meat. For me Christmas meant the oc-

casion for eating g toero, a curried broth of potatoes, peas, beans, and occasionally a piece of lamb or chicken, but the centerpiece of the dishes was cabaci sometimes called mborota. Even today, Christmas and feasts in Kenya mean plentiful of cabaci, thambutha and mandathi, our version of the Indian chapati, paratha, samosa. The spices, curry, hot pepper and all, so very Indian, had become so central a part of Kenyan African cuisine that I could have sworn that these dishes were truly indigenous.

It was not just Christmas: daily hospitality in every Kenyan home means being treated to a mug of tea, literally a brew of tea leaves, tangawizi, and milk and sugar, made together, really a massala tea. Not to offer a passing guest or neighbor a cup of tea is the height of stinginess or poverty; and for the guest to decline the offer, the ultimate insult. So African it all seemed to me that when I saw Indians drinking tea or making curry, I thought it the result of African influence. Where the Indian impact on African food culture was all pervasive, there was hardly any equivalence from the English presence; baked white bread is the only contribution that readily comes to mind.

This is not surprising. Imported Indian skilled labor built the railway line from the Coast to the Great Lake, opening the interior for English settlement. Every railroad station, from Mombasa to Kisumu, initially depots for the building material, mushroomed into town mainly because of the Indian traders who provided much needed services to the workers initially but in time, to the community around. If European settlers opened the land for large-scale farming for export, the Indian opened the towns and cities for retail and wholesale commerce.

Limuru where I come from had a thriving Indian shopping centre built on land curved from that of my maternal grandfather’s clan. The funeral pyres to burn the bodies of the Indian dead were held in a small forest that was also under my maternal grand father’s care. Cremation is central to Hindu culture: it asks Agni, the fire god to release the spirit from the earth-

Ngugi Wa Thiong’o

LIMURU WHERE I COME FROM HAD A THRIVING INDIAN

SHOPPING CENTRE BUILT ON LAND CURVED FROM THAT OF MY MATERNAL GRANDFATHER’S

CLAN.

THE FUNERAL

PYRES TO BURN THE

BODIES OF THE INDIAN DEAD WERE HELD IN A SMALL FOREST THAT WAS ALSO UNDER MY MATERNAL

GRANDFATHER’S CARE ily body to be re-embodied in heaven into a different form of being. The departed soul traveled from pretaloka to pitraloka unless there were impurities holding it back. My mother did not practice Hinduism, but to her dying day, she believed and swore that on some nights, she would see disembodied Indian spirits, like lit candles in the dark,

MEMORABLE READS

Stella Dimoko-Korkus Blogger

Which book has had the most profound impact on you and why?

I don’t really have a book I can put in that category. If there is anything close to this, I will say it is the Bible. But I don’t see the Bible as a mere book Who is your favourite author and why?

It is John Grisham. I like the way he manages to take us inside the minds of people and convinces us that in everyone resides the inherent ability to do evil.

What are you reading currently?

I am reading ‘50 Shades of Grey’.

How big is your personal library and what is your annual expenditure on books?

I don’t have lots of book because once I read, I give it out as a gift to someone; the memory is stored inside me. I have spent a lot of books

ve and magazines though, and I have never calculated What is your view on the reading culture in Nigeria? ia The reading culture in Nigeria ly is dead and has been monstrously nover taken by technology. The inor ternet and phones now make up for books.

If you author a book at the moment, what would be your theme? d If I authored a book I would y focus on the Nigerian celebrity and their inability to handle whatt fame dishes out to them Which issue do you think Nigerian authors have been dormant about highlighting in their works?

The issue of the girl-child and how educating her is the most important factor in any society; empowering the girl-child to empower the society is important.

wandering in the forest around the cremation place. She talked about it as a matter of regular material fact and she would become visibly upset when we doubted her.

It was not all harmony all the time. The Indian community kept to itself, there was hardly any social interaction between us, except across the counters at the shopping center. Fights between African and Indian kids broke out, initiated by either side.

The Indian dukawalla, an employer of Africans for domestic work and around the shops, was, more often than not, likely to hurl racially charged insults at his workers. Some of the insults entered African languages. One of the most insulting words in Gikuyu was njangiri. A njangiri of a man meant one who was useless, rootless, like a stray dog. Njangiri came to Gikuyu from Jangaal, the Sanskrit/Hindi word for wild: it would have been what the Indian employer was likely to call his domestic help. In the colonial times, in my area at least, I do not recall the tensions ever exploding into inter-communal violence.

The post-colonial scene presents a different picture. Time and again Indians and Indian owned stores have been targets of violence especially in times of crisis, mostly victims of looting.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o is a renowned African author who teaches at the University of California, USA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

25

MIDWEEK JUMP

Report on 6th World Arts Summit Released Dozie on the set of one of his films

Persistence, trust important for location managers - Eboh A number of professionals work behind the scene to bring to reality, what is seen as the final production. Dozie Eboh, a location manager (he sometimes produces and directs) is one of those.

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

A

film is a collective effort amongst a collage of professionals, beginning from a writer to the producer, through the actors and directors. Somewhere on the chain of film production, is situated a location manager, whose primary duty is to organise and arrange shooting sites in a film. That aspect of Nollywood is where Dozie Eboh, stands out, probably above his peers, because he is the name that comes to mind when such services are needed in Nollywood. But he did not start out as a location manager. “I started as an actor sometime in 1991, when the industry was just taking off. My first movie is ‘Diet of Lies’, where I played a policeman. You know the way it is in Nollywood with type-casting. I played a policeman in a couple of movies until the role I got in ‘Evil Passion’”.

‘Evil Passion’ is one of the early blockbusters in Nollywood. Dozie Eboh, who hails from Isiala Mbano in Imo State, would ultimately diversify into other areas in Nollywood. He tried his hands in props, continuity and eventually location management, from where he advanced to areas like producing and directing.

But location management remains close to his heart.

“The location manager”, he explains, “is the interface between the film crew and the immediate community. It requires a lot of public relations ability and trust. It is not just to explain to the owner of a mansion that you want to use his place, you also need to make a pledge to him that his place would be safeguarded. That is where the trust comes in. Even after that, you will also have to stick out your neck to make sure that nothing ugly happens. I mean like theft”.

One would wonder if such happens on movie locations. “They happen and it is inevitable, because on every set you will

have all shades of people who are adults and subject to misdemeanours. When it happens, you would be so embarrassed and on some occasions, you do not need to even explain to the owners of the house.

You will just go and buy the missing item and replace it”.

While it seems the job of a location manager starts from the field, Dozie Eboh, explains that it actually starts with the movie script. “The work of the location manager starts from the script. When I get a script, I read it and that explains what I should do. The script will tell you the kind of location s you need to get, and

CERTAIN PLACES AT THE AIRPORT AND SOME EMBASSIES

COULD BE DIFFICULT.

SOME OF MY FRIENDS WERE ONCE WORKING NEAR AN EMBASSY AND THE SECURITY PERSONNEL AT THE EMBASSY CAME OUT AND ALMOST SEIZED THE RUSHES

With Actor Tom Njemanze on set

ultimately you will have an idea of how much it will take to get that. Like I said, it is usually a matter of persistence, trust and goodwill”.

Of course, managing a location has its challenges different from the periodic cases of theft. According to Eboh, the challenges are also inherent in how difficult it will be to get such sites for recording. He said getting a film crew into ‘high-security locations’ can be challenging and often leaves film crews improvising. He explains what ‘high-security locations’ are: “By this I mean places that have high military relevance. A script with such could be difficult. Certain places at the airport and some embassies could be difficult. Some of my friends were once working near an embassy and the security personnel at the embassy came out and almost seized the rushes. So the job is beyond getting a palatial mansion where an actor would act. When you write a script with so many high-security locations, it poses a challenge for the film crew and also adds to the cost of the production.”

How are prices of locations determined?

“It is not about money. Sometimes, rich people who own beautiful mansions do not charge money but people, who live in squalors, are usually the ones asking to be paid. The rich men just want to be acknowledged and they also want to see the film when it is released. Most of all, they want to make sure their security is guaranteed after the filming.”

The quest for diversification has however taken Dozie Eboh into producing which saw the movie, ‘Adopted Child’, amongst others. But lately his attention has been shifted to the ‘New Nigerian Diva’, which holds annually. Organised by his company, View Trend Productions, the pageant which is in the third edition this year avails the participating ladies a chance to own a land in Lagos, various sums of cash prizes as well as the opportunity of featuring in a Nollywood film, usually shot with the finalists of the pageant.

T

he report on the 6th World Summit on Arts and Culture, held in Santiago de Chile in January this year, has been released

by IFACCA and the Consejo Nacional de la Cultura y las Artes (CNCA).

The 40-page illustrated report includes an introduction from Programme Director Magdalena Moreno Mujica, a statement from IFACCA’s Executive Director, Sarah Gardner, a description of the Working Methodology by the Research Department of the CNCA, the Rapporteur Presentation by Enrique Vargas Flores and rapporteur notes for the Keynote Sessions.

The report is available in Spanish and English from the World Summit website, where you will also find copies of speaker presentations, videos and photos from the Summit.

Entries needed for Shnit Short film festival

F

ilmmakers from around the world may enter their film projects to be screened at the Shnit Shortfilm festival.

The Shnit International Short film festival is now accepting submissions for its 2014 festival.

Films up to 40 minutes long and of any genre are welcome to participate. This year’s festival will take place from October 8 to 19, and films will be screened at venues in eight different countries: Argentina, Costa Rica, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and the United States. The submission deadline is June 1.

Films accepted to the festival will be notified in July.

26

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Belong comes on stage for Easter OLAYIWOLA AWAKAN

A

s part of the plans to rekindle the tradition of live theatre, the producer of the Live Theatre on Sunday (LTS) Shola Adenugba, has announced that this year’s Easter celebration will be enjoyed more in Lagos by theatre lovers. He said this at a press conference to unveil the plans, cast and crew of ‘Belong’, a stage play written by Bola Agbaje, a UK based Nigerian playwright and winner of the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Affiliated Theatre.

The maiden edition of LTS Easter Showcase Presentations is starting on a good note with stage and film veterans being arranged to go on stage for ‘Belong’. The play being directed by Tosan Ugbeye and produced by Oluwanishola Adenugba will be showcased for three days; Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 18, 19 and 20 respectively, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Is-

The Director addressing journalists

land by 2pm, 5pm and 7pm, three shows daily. Audiences will surely be treated to the diverse antics of a rich dramatic presentation featuring some of Nigeria’s finest thespians and celebrities including Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Bimbo

Akintola, Tunji Sotimirin, Toyin Oshinnaike, O C Ukeje, Dolapo Oni, Opeyemi Dada and Emeka Nwachukwu.

‘Belong’ is, to all intents and purposes, a light comedy about identity, stations in life and poli-

tics. The 75 minute-long piece tells of the challenges of being a ‘diasporian’, deals with love, and explores the theme of gained and missed opportunities. Furthermore, it questions the notions of identity as many people go

LBHF: Children’s creative talent rewarded

Final hours of Hollywood icon, Mickey Rooney

Mickey Roone

Creative kids at work

T

he 2014 Vision of a Child Competition holding from April 14 through 21, 2014 will set the stage for the reward of talented children through a partnership between the Lagos Black Heritage Festival and Diamond Bank.

Speaking at a press conference which held prior to the painting competition, the bank’s representative, Mr. Victor Ezenwoko, disclosed that the bank has maintained a strong relationship with the Vision of The Child competition as it is a demonstration of its commitment to developing the future of the Nigerian child. According to him, the bank has supported the project since 2012.

He said: “We are pleased to partner with the Lagos Black Heritage Festival on the Vision of the Child Competition. As a corporate organisation that believes in investing in human capital, we realise that we need well groomed people to take up leadership positions in the future. This partnership is part of our efforts at building the capacity

of the Nigerian child so they are well positioned for success in the 21st century. From history we know that when children are not engaged creatively, they are more readily drawn into other activities with negative consequences for both their future and the society.”

According to the coordinator of the Vision of a Child Project, Mrs. Foluke Michael, “A total of 620 schools in Lagos were invited for the project. Out of this number, 420 students emerged as winners from 102 schools. The winners were invited to meet with a panel for further screening after which 32 finalists from 26 schools emerged. The Voice of a Child appreciates Diamond Bank PLC for being the exclusive sponsor of the project since 2012.”

The Vision of the Child competition is part of activities marking the Lagos Black Heritage Festival. Targeted at school children, the competition is designed as an interactive activity to test participants’ interpretation of national discourse through artistry.

through life questioning where they truly ‘Belong’.

The story begins with a couple Kayode (Toyin Oshinnaike) and Rita (Dolapo Oni) who reside in London. They are at a low point as Kayode has failed in his attempts to achieve election to Parliament after an embarrassing Twitter episode. As if the depression isn’t enough for a man who has sacrificed his career to misguided allegations about the racism of his equally Black political opponent, in the course of it comes Fola (Bimbo Akintola), the first of a pair of truly overpowering Nigerian women. Her job is to sell the country to émigrés and persuade them to come back “home”.

Belong is supported by EbonyLife TV, MTN, Mansard Insurance, Myne Whitman, 96.9 Cool FM, 95.1 Wazobia FM, 99.3 Nigeria Info, Y!Naija, Timeless Magazine, Bella Naija, 99.9 Beat FM, 97.3 Classic FM, Maestro Media, City People Magazine, Entertainment Express, Maestro Media, OnoBello.com, eStar TV and RealstarTV on Startimes.

L

egendary Hollywood actor Mickey Rooney has died at 93. He passed on in the early hours of Sunday April 6 at his Hollywood home while in the company of his family. Rooney, died of natural causes, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office told the Associated Press.

The colourful, diminutive actor was known for his consummate performances in more than 200 films across eight decades, making him one of the most successful child actors cum movie stars in the history of cinema. Rooney’s notable roles include his portrayal of Andy Hardy in ‘20 Hardy Boys’ films. He also acted alongside Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and more recently with Amy Adams and Jason Segel in ‘The Muppets’.

Rooney’s life was consummated in cinema even in his later years: in 2003, Rooney and his wife began their association with Rainbow Puppet Productions, providing their voices to the 100th Anniversary production of ‘Toyland!’, an adaptation of Victor Herbert’s ‘Babes in Toyland’. He created the voice for the Master Toymaker while Jan provided the voice for Mother Goose.

Since that time, they have created voices for additional Rainbow Puppet Productions in-

cluding ‘Pirate Party’, which also features vocal performances by Carol Channing.

On May 26, 2007, he was grand marshal at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.

Rooney made his British pantomime debut, playing Baron Hardup in Cinderella, at the Sunderland Empire Theatre over the 2007 Christmas period, a role he reprised at Bristol Hippodrome in 2008 and at the Milton Keynes theatre in 2009.

In 2008, Rooney starred as Chief, a wise old ranch owner, in the independent family feature film ‘Lost Stallions: The Journey Home’, marking a return to starring in equestrian-themed productions for the first time since the 1990s TV show ‘Adventures of the Black Stallion’. Even though they acted together before, ‘Lost Stallions: The Journey Home’ was the sole film in which Rooney and Jan portrayed a married couple on screen.

In December 2009, he appeared as a guest at a dinner-party hosted by David Gest on ‘Come Dine With Me’.

In 2011, Rooney made a brief cameo appearance in ‘The Muppets’ and appeared in an episode of ‘Celebrity Ghost Stories’, recounting how, during a down period in his career, his deceased father appeared to him one night, telling him not to give up on his career. He claimed that the experience bolstered his resolve and soon afterwards his career experienced resurgence. In 2014, Rooney returned to film scenes to reprise his role as “Gus” in ‘Night at the Museum 3’. It is currently unknown whether he completed his scenes and whether his death will affect the film’s production.

Rooney died surrounded by his family at his home.

Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Our pre-occupation is to focus on listing agenda –SEC DG

28

Ehingbeti 2014: Why Lagos needs power for transportation –Opeifa

Indegenous oil firms move to close production gap with multinationals

S

many of them to close shop.

“The European debt crises gave birth to the decrease in LNG, many of their industries have closed down, and so the demand for our product was low”, the report says.

In addition to the European crisis, it was also gathered that the discovery of an alternative means of production in the Middle East led to a sharp decline in the demand for LNG, which, used to be their only means of production before now.

The NPA report also says that the liberalisation of petroleum products, growth in Gross Domestic Product GDP and the Federal

Government’s transformation agenda resulted in an increase in construction works, which also had unprecedented positive economic impacts on the port industry.

Details of the 2013 port report also show that a total of 5,185 ocean going vessels with a total Gross Registered Tonnage GRT of 131.7 million gross tonnes called at the various seaports in Nigeria in the course of the year.

Lagos Ports Complex LPC accounted for a GRT of 34. 5 million gross tonnes, indicating an increase of 9.4 per cent over the comparative period of 2012 which stood at at 31.5 million gross

tonnes even as a total of 1,498 vessels were handled in the period under review.

Tin Can Island Port, the nation’s second largest recorded a GRT of 42.8 million gross tonnes, which represents a 23.2 per cent increase over the corresponding period of 2012 which was 34.7 million gross tonnes, even as 1,725 ocean going vessels were handled at the port.

Calabar Port Complex recorded a total GRT of 2,792,488 gross tons, showing a marginal decline of 2.8 per cent compare with 2,871,622 gross tons, leaving the port with 197 Ocean going vessels in the period under review.

trong indications emerged that the debt crises that engulfed most European firms and the attendant declining profitability is currently taking its toll on Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas LNG, export, which recorded a 13 per cent decline as at the close of economic activities on December 31, 2013.

There were media reports towards the end of last year, indicating a sharp decline in the volume of LNG exports, which the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited NLNG, erroneously blamed on the face–off with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, over NLNG’s refusal to pay the three percent freight levy.

Meanwhile port statistics released by the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA for the year ended 2013 shows that LNG shipments handled at the ports stood at 19.3 million metric tonnes.

This represents a 12.7 per cent decline when compared to the 22.2 million metric tonnes handled in the comparative period of 2012.

The report signed on behalf of the General Manager Public Affairs by Mr. Musa Iliya, an Assistant General Manager Public Affairs blames this decline on L-R: Executive Director, Investment & Corporate Banking,Skye Bank, Mr.Timothy Oguntayo; Partner, Constant Capital, Ms.Barbara Iyayi; Head, Developing Markets, Atlas Merchants Capital, Mr. Jyrki Koskelo, and Group the debt crisis that engulfed most Managing Director/CEO, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, during a business visit by Atlas Merchants firms in Europe, which also forced Capital Partners to Skye Bank in Lagos.

Over 500 Nigerian licensed pilots are unemployed –Meggison OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he grand patron of Nigerian Professional Pilots, NPP, Capt. Nogie Meggison on Monday in Lagos revealed that no fewer than 500 Nigerian licensed pilots are unemployed.

He however called on the Federal Government to put in a place a proactive policy that will address the sordid situation.

Meggison explained that the number of unemployed pilots will increas from the current 200 to an astronomical number when

the over 100 student pilots’ sent to Jordan by the Kano State government would graduate later this year.

He explained that the number is in addition to the 52 youths trained under the Federal Government Amnesty programme as well as the fresh batches 100 graduating from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria and the 40 from International Aviation College, IAC, in Ilorin, Kwara State .

Meggison said unless something fast is done, such development constitutes a disincentive

to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry.

He urged the Federal Government to put in place an employment policy that would ensure that aviation professionals are engaged by both indigenous and foreign carriers operating in the country.

Meggison said though, some domestic carriers have done well and are engaging some of the pilots, but there still room for improvement.

He also called for the creation of an enabling policy that would check the influx of foreign pilots

33

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Nigeria’s LNG export declines 13% over EU debt crisis FRANCIS EZEM

27

and engineers in the industry, stressing that there are no fewer than 1,000 foreign pilots engaged by both local and foreign registered airplanes in Nigeria.

He stated that apart from the 1,000 foreign pilots, there are over 500 foreign aircraft engineers employed in the country.

He said, “The government should compel foreign carriers to set up a line station for aircraft maintenance in the country and employ local engineers to assist in turning around the growth of the sector’’.

FLIGHT

SCHEDULE Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40, 10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri); 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (MonFri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (MonFri/Sat)08.56, 12.10 (Sun) BeninAbj:09.55,13.30

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. AbujaYola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00.

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

28

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our pre-occupation is to focus The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, has over the past few years been trying to reposition the Nigerian capital market on the path of sustainable growth by adopting global best practices in all aspects of its operations. In this interview with TOLA AKINMUTIMI, she speaks on past and recent steps by the Commission to consolidate on the gains recorded so far in rebuilding the capital market. liquidity issues and our infrastructure.

We have taken a holistic reform agenda in that respect and I hope that what we are seeing today is sustained. At the beginning of 2010, stock market recapitalization was at N4.99 trn today it is give or take N12.5trn, and rising in fact it hit a peak of N13trn. What our pre-occupation going forward is really to focus on listing agenda because we believe more companies need to be listed on the NSE so that they reflect the economy. We would like to see the telecom companies list, we would like the see the companies that would be transferred to the private sector list, we would like to see large companies come to the market so that Nigerians can participate in the success that they are enjoying because of the growth in Nigeria, because of rising middle class, because of rising incomes for Nigerians. That is an agenda we want to focus on going forward.

Aruma

Few years ago, Nigerian investors lost a lot of money in the market such that their confidence was completely eroded in the capital market and what it symbolises. How would you rate your efforts to stabilize the market?

I have been at this job for four years.

First and foremost is the point I made that please don’t go into something you are not familiar with, the financial literacy agenda is big. Second and more importantly is that as the apex regulator, we will not permit wrong doing in our markets; we will take the necessary steps to ensure that people who do the wrong things are brought to book.

There were a lot of things that were done wrong in the past and that is a signal, so those who are in this market to-

day know that you cannot do the wrong thing. Third is going back to the financial literacy agenda. It is to really make sure that people understand that investing particularly in the stock market is not something you do with money that you need to feed tomorrow. It is what you do with savings that you are going to use in the future and therefore there will always be volatility in the markets,

you will not feel as hurt as if you understood that this money is not money that we need immediately. The other thing is just to make sure that the market is deeper, that there are many more companies listed, that there are other instruments other than equity, so the bond market is one of the things that we have supported. The fourth is to make it easy for you to come in and exit the market,

At the beginning of 2010, stock market recapitalization was at N4.99 trn today it is give or take N12.5trn, and rising in fact it hit a peak of N13trn.

Recently, there have been controversies surrounding the plans to raise the new minimum capital requirement for stock broking firms. What are the issues involved in this new initiative by SEC? The SEC is very comprehensive when it does anything. Many of you may know that in 2007, I had not joined but I read some of what journalists written. The SEC had asked for capital requirement to be raised and that was foiled. When I joined in 2010, as fallout of the global financial crisis, the SEC staff felt that we need to raise the capital requirement primarily because there were accusations of people selling customer shares without authorization, people holding on to the proceeds of sale and all kinds of accusations. So, my colleagues were like we need an immediate response. But because I was new, I wanted to study the issues; I also wanted the circumstance to be much easier for all of the market participants, whether brokers, fund managers or in whatever sector. So I took some time myself to study the issue, after doing that, I then set up a committee that was chaired by our then Commissioner for Operations and had representations from the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, from the Owners of Association of Stock broking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, had representations from the NSE and others. And they came up with a proposal. They completed their work at the end of 2012, we studied the work that they did, and we also had an international expert who was Deputy CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange comment on that work. We reviewed it internally, and then made proposals on the basis of that work. Essentially, the issues are first we want our institutions in Nigeria to be as strong as institutions everywhere. As the market is evolving and we are building a world class, you

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Executive Discourse

29

on listing agenda –SEC DG

Look at how to intelligently leverage the financial market. We are recommending mutual funds. Mutual funds allow you to invest a small amount, but to have the opportunity of investing that amount in several companies or several types of products.

First and foremost, what I tell everyone is that investing is very critical. If

you are going to invest, you must have some level of familiarity on what you are

going to invest in.

Even if you have

an expert that is helping you, you

must be able to ask the right questions to that advice.

are not going to be world class if you do not build institutions. You do not want people to come from outside Nigeria and take the benefits of what is happening in Nigeria because our own firms are not prepared. But our primary mandate is to protect the investor, we do not want the kinds of circumstances that happened in the past where people were taking proceeds of customer shares and using them to fund themselves. Our approach has been inclusive; our approach has been to make sure that we think about what would be appropriate. My understanding was that in 2007, the request was actually to raise it to N1billion, for brokers, the maximum is N300million so as a result of those consultations and the work that we did, the level is actually lower than what was proposed in 2007.

What is important to us is that we are fit and proper market participants brokers, fund managers, registrars; trustees etc because this market can do better and are the place that everyone wants to come to. But we are not going to do it if we are not ready to do the right thing that is our perspective.

The board has made this decision, the Minister of Finance by virtue of the law, when the board makes a decision it is submitted to the Minister of Finance and if there is no feedback from the minister of Finance it is considered done. This is where we stand today on the issue, but I think most importantly is making sure that we are truly building a world class market, that we have firms that understand the risks that they face, they can manage those risks and then ultimately will protect the investor. And we don’t want what happened in 2007/2008-2009 to ever happen again in Nigeria.

You said that SEC will work with CAC on some regulations that have to do with

having more women directors of companies. What format will it take?

It is important to have more women on boards. We have about 190 listed companies today, 73 of them have no woman on their boards, 10 percent have 20 percent women on their boards and I think there are only 15 female CEOs of the 190 listed companies. What we have found recently is that there is now some link between the performance of companies and the number of women they have on their board. And that linkage is very positive that the more women we have on the board, the more likely their performance would rice. There is a catalysts organizational study that companies which had more women on their board, at least 19 percent of their board members being women did better in terms of ROI, in terms of other profitability indicators. My suspicion is that the reason for that is that first if you have got women on the board,. It opens up the market to the broader range so when you are crafting your policies, when you are reviewing how you are doing as a board the questions would point you to some things that may not have come out if you had just one gender, if you had a board that is solely men.

The other thing is that diversity inspires innovation; there is a linkage between diversity and innovation because people come from different directions.

So we think that something should be done. The Companies and Allied Matters Act was last reviewed in 1990.

There was a recent amendment which was very specific. We think that one of the things which should be looked into is certainly having a clause that encour-

ages greater participation of women.

We are the custodian of the SEC code of corporate governance, so through that we can also somewhat influence that issue. But I think that the best ways is that the companies themselves look at that issue as something that is most beneficial to them because it opens up their space for them and their market. So we will probably report in a more granular fashion on this issue of having more women on boards.

How can women tap into the capital market for investment opportunities?

First and foremost, what I tell everyone is that investing is very critical. If you are going to invest, you must have some level of familiarity on what you are going to invest in. Even if you have an expert that is helping you, you must be able to ask the right questions to that advice. So first and foremost, my advice to people is to focus on building their knowledge because it is a skill that you will need through your life because saving and investing helps you to raise your standard of living, to save for your retirement, to save for any health challenge you may face or to save for the education of your children. So it is a skill that people should learn about. In fact at the SEC, we have broadened our financial education to include all kinds of tools, so we are working with Nollywood, we have the movie Breeze, and we have short documentaries like Easy Money, Mutual Benefits that was recently released in that respect.

But we at SEC are saying that don’t expect to understand the market the way that financial experts understand it.

The NSE is getting advisers for demutualization. What role is SEC playing in the process?

On demutualization, we agree with you about the importance to Nigeria and that is why we started very early.

If you remember in 2011, we set up an industry committee on demutualization chaired by Mr. Asue Ighodalo a well known corporate lawyer; they did an excellent work which they made a submission to us. They came and presented to the board and we hired a consultant who was a deputy CEO and was involved in reviewing our recapitalization guidelines, the Deputy CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange who had advised countries around the world on demutualization. What did we do?

We invited him to work with us in developing guidelines. So we took the work of the industry wide committee, got this man who was involved in the demutualization of Toronto Stock Exchange to work with us and we developed guidelines. Our board considered those guidelines and we submitted it to the Ministry of Finance for review and guidance. At the same time, the Stock Exchange because they are really the only operational exchange that this would affect, is also doing their work to prepare themselves. I am very proud to hear that they have brought in financial advisers to advise them, both the CEO of the Stock Exchange and the Chairman of the board of demutualization Committee of the Stock Exchange. We put them on that committee that we set up in 2011, so I think it is a good thing that they are also preparing themselves so that when these guidelines are finally out, they too will be ready. I believe also that the Ministry of Finance is reviewing to make sure that public interest is not affected by this issue and that is why they are being diligent and taking their time to make sure that they consider all options, after all it was government that set up the Stock Exchange in Nigeria. Both the Ministry of Finance and the CBN helped at the time, so I believe that the government is aware of the importance of public interest.

It is guidelines for anytime that there is any demutualization exercise and not just focused on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Another thing that was important for me in 2010 when we started was that if ever there was a demutualization exercise, let it be that the owners get more value and the exchange that we inherited in 2010 is not what it is today. If going forward you sell the exchange today, it will bring more value to the owners than it would have brought in 2010.

30

Business News

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Lafarge, Holcim merge to form global cement giant AYO OLESIN

WITH AGENCY REPORT

H

olcim and Lafarge, the world’s largest cement makers, set out their proposed 39bn merger on Monday, raising the prospect of a swath of takeover activity across the building materials industry.

Revealing details of a deal styled a “merger of equals”, the partners said Holcim of Switzerland would take over Lafarge of France, offering one Holcim share for one Lafarge share, to create a global cement giant with combined sales of €39bn and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of €6.5bn.

Shares in Lafarge rose four per cent, the top gainer on France’s blue-chip CAC 40 index, while shares in Holcim were up 5.4 per cent in early morning trading yesterday.

The merger, under discussion since January, is set to trigger a wave of disposals worldwide and competition issues in at least 13 countries, ranging from Madagascar to France, Spain and the Czech Republic, the Finacial Times of London said yesterday.

Ian Osburn, analyst at Cantor

Fitzgerald, declared the sector “open” for mergers and acquisitions. “This is normally the most attractive time to do it at the start of the upswing and some of the other global majors may be feeling in a weakened position trying to compete with a combined Lafarge/Holcim,” he said.

Potential deals could involve Dangote Cement in Nigeria, Votorantim in Brazil or Vulcan Materials, analysts said.

Both partners said they expect the divestment programme to be completed by the time the deal closes in the first half of 2015, with two-thirds of the sales in Europe, where there is significant overcapacity in the cement market.

“We have had strong signals of interest of different kinds, although we could not yet open specific negotiations,” Rolf Soiron, the outgoing Holcim chairman, told the Financial Times. “The interest is more than hope.” He added that they were targeting asset sales of 10-15 per cent of ebitda and had already opened discussions with the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU. Bruno Lafont, chief executive of Lafarge, will take up the same role in the combined group, while

Holcim’s chairman designate Wolfgang Reitzle, will become group chairman.

Management said the move was not defensive but a side effect is likely to be accelerated margin recovery on cost savings. “When margins and cash flows are booming large mergers rarely look good compared to other growth investment but management and major shareholders are clearly impatient for improvement,” said Mr Osburn.

The global cement market is already heavily consolidated with four top cement producers – Holcim, the largest, with total sales of $22bn; followed by Lafarge, with sales of $20.8bn; HeidelbergCement of Germany, at about $18bn; and Mexico’s Cemex with $15.2bn.

All have faced a series of competition investigations worldwide, including an investigation by the European Commission for cartel behaviour and price-fixing since 2008.

Christian Stadler, associate professor of strategic management at Warwick Business School, said there were question marks as to whether a merger on this scale will work.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Planning Commission, FEPAR task stakeholders on public policy gap TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he National Planning Commission, NPC, and the Federal Public Administration Reform Programme Nigeria, FEPAR, on Monday urged civil servants and other stakeholders in the polity to improve the performance of public sector policies through coherent and consistent policy development management system at all levels of governance in the country.

Giving the charge in his keynote address at the Workshop on Policy Development in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies,MDAs, in Abuja, the Secretary of the NPC, Mr Fidelis Ugbo, said civil servants in the Ministries, Department and Agencies ,MDAs, should demonstrate greater commitment to policy implementation as a strategic step required to close the increasing gap between policy targets and achievements.

Citing the findings in the study conducted by the FEPAR team and developments in the international environment to justify his submissions, Ugbo said it had become imperative for senior government officials to take more interest on how policy implementation is impacting on growth and development and expressed the hope that knowledge gained

through the training would help in empowering them to achieve improved performance of policies across the broad spectrum of all sectors in the public service.

He said: “I am informed that the Federal Public Administration Reform ,FEPAR, team has recently concluded a study on diagnostics assessment of public officials policy skills. The findings of the study reveal that there are capacity gap in the area of policy formulation and plan implementation at the federal level.

“The findings also corroborates the results of a similar study on states conducted by the commission in 2013. I trust that this workshop will assist in proposing policy measures to bridge the identified policy gaps in the public service. The report of the workshop is expected to feed into a national skills building curriculum to be developed by the National Planning Commission in close collaboration with FEPAR before the end of the 2nd quarter of 2014’’, Ugbo added.

The National Programme Manager, FEPAR in Nigeria, Mr Ben Arikpo, stressed the need for Nigeria to have sound public policies that would address public needs, adding that FEPAR is working with the NPC towards building institutional capacity for producing such sound policies and to link policies with plans and budgets.

ITU recognises ex-NCC boss, Ndukwe KUNLE AZEEZ

T L–R: Managing Director/CEO, Central Securities Clearing System, Mr. Kyari Bukar; Nigeria High Commissioner, United Kingdom, Dr. Dahatu Sarki Tafida and Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema at the Nigerian Capital Markets 2014 forum in London recently.

he International Telecommunications Union, ITU, has recognised the Former Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission and Chairman of the Openmedia Group, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, for his contribution to global information and technologies and the work of the ITU. The recognition was conveyed to Ndukwe in a letter signed by

Cassava growers seek improved support for Bank of Agriculture TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, NCGA, has urged the Federal Government to sustain its support for the Bank of Agriculture to enable it provide improved financial assistance to farmers by accessing funds from the capital market.

Making the case for improved support for BOA during the commissioning of the association’s national headquarters and launching of its website and Guest House in Abuja, the NCGA President,

Pastor Segun Adewumi, said such funds sourced from the capital market should be guaranteed by the Federal Government, adding that the association will ensure judicious disbursement and pay back of loans if given the opportunity of involvement in the disbursement.

Adewumi, who commended President Goodluck Jonathan, and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina on the transformational changes that had been witnessed in nation’s agricultural sector under the ATA, also listed

the establishment of Cassava Development Corporation proposed by the Cassava Transformation Team and availability of mechanisable cultivable land as key to the achievements of the Cassava value chain goals in the long run.

He also canvassed a shift from the current subsidies for fertiliser, herbicides and other inputs for farmers to provision of funds as the money being used for subsidies could be used to mitigate interest rate on agricultural loan that would be sourced by BOA and reduce interest on bank credit to farmers to five per cent or below

as is the case with agricultural credit to farmers in the developed economies.

The NCGA President said the association decided to open its National Office, a website and a Guest House in Abuja as part of its proactive steps aimed at repositioning the body for improved coordination of cassava farmers nationwide, increase their productivity and by implication fulfil its mandate of making Cassava productivity the hub of the current drive for food security and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

the Secretary-General of the ITU, Hamadoun Toure, which underscored the leading role he has played at home and abroad, but specifically for his immense contribution in the global sphere of information and technology.

The ITU is a specialised agency of the United Nations that was created to encourage international cooperation in all forms of telecommunication.

Its activities include maintaining order in the allocation of radio frequencies, setting standards on technical and operational matters, and assisting countries in developing their own telecommunication systems.

The recognition of Ndukwe by the ITU therefore speaks volume of the landmark of his achievement in the Nigeria’s telecoms industry particularly for organising a hitched-free Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, license auctioning in 2001, an event which ushered in the much cherished telecommunications revolution in Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, Ndukwe noted that the recognition is indeed a further call to crystalise the development of ICT in Africa and greater service to humanity.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

31

Ehingbeti 2014: Why Lagos needs power for transportation –Opeifa BABALOLA YUSUF

T

he Lagos State Government has cited the need for a sustainable, efficient and reliable transportation system as one of the reasons it is seeking investors in the power sector of the state economy.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, while speaking on the power requirements for the sector as one of the focal areas for the 7th Lagos Economic Summit, said adequate electric power was imperative to boost integrated public transportation in the state.

According to him, the quality of transportation system and the

level of socio-economic development were dependent on efficient power infrastructure because movement of persons and goods from one location to another was one of the activities commonly engaged per second and on a daily basis.

“Like many economic activities that are intensive in the use of infrastructure, the transport sector is an important component of the economy that impacts on other aspects of socio-economic development and the welfare of the population”, he said.

Opeifa added that transportation was one of the four key sectors which the state government has spotlighted to stimulate growth by attracting investors that could assist in achieving an

efficient power system.

He noted that ultimately, the state government intended to leverage efficient power as a catalyst for stimulating growth in other sectors namely agriculture, transportation and housing.

The commissioner also said the socio-economic benefits of an efficient transport system include accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments.

Analysing the transportation structure of the state, he explained that Lagos currently has a total of about two million vehicles on its roads out of which 1.2 million were registered in the state.

“The total number of these vehicles constitutes between 25 to 30 per cent of the vehicles on Nigerian roads, which is a clear indica-

tion that the majority of vehicles in this country are definitely in the state”, he noted.

He further said that with an efficient power, “we will be able have assembly plants to produce our own vehicles.”

Opeifa informed that aligned to the theme of this year’s economic summit, there were endless possibilities when power and transportation were juxtaposed.

The theme of the summit is ‘powering the Lagos Economy: Real Opportunities, Endless Possibilities’, and it will hold April 8th to 10th.

He said the essence of the sum-

Oyo State proffers solutions to house deficit BABALOLA YUSUF

I

L-R: Group Head, Strategy and Communications, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Shina Atilola; Guest, Mr. Femi Olubanjo; MD, DGV Academy, Ibadan/Guest Speaker Mrs. Ronke Olubanjo, and COO, Bluebird Communications, Mr. Kayode Ebatimehin, at the 2014 ‘Get Ready for Work’ Concert organised by Sterling Bank Plc and held in Ibadan, recently.

NIA says FG not supporting insurance sector MESHACK IDEHEN

T

he Nigerian Insurers Association has said attempts by other institutions in the financial sector as well as government agencies to take over businesses that should have been done by underwriters is capable of killing the insurance industry.

Chairman of NIA, Mr. Remi Olowude, told journalists that the association is not pleased with the move by the Ministry of Aviation and other government agencies to undertake insurance business illegally, saying the situation had negatively affected the place of insurers in the financial sector.

Olowude said it is an open secret that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority under the Ministry of Aviation is planning to establish an insurance fund for aviation passengers’ liability. All over the world, according to him, aviation passengers’ liability is subject to international conventions and the risks are covered by conventional insurance policies; Nigeria cannot

be an exception.

The NIA chairman complained that the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority also wants to establish a fund for nuclear damage insurance, instead of seeking conventional insurance cover for the risks, which are covered in international insurance market.

He said NIA is condemning the decision of the Federal Government to split the pension business between the insurance industry and the Pension Funds Administrators when it assigned the business to the National Pension Commission and the PFAs, while lamenting that the Federal Government also moved health insurance away from the insurance industry and put it under the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS. He added that the Federal Government has withdrawn the Workmen’s Compensation insurance business from the industry and transferred it to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund under a new name, Employee Compensation Scheme, ECS. Another critical issue that is of

concern to the operators, according to him, is the refusal of the government to bail out insurance companies that lost substantial volume of their assets as a result of the 2008 and 2009 global financial meltdown and crash of stock market.

“Many institutions and enterprises all over the world benefited from bailout plans by their governments after the economic crises and the financial meltdown of 2008. In Nigeria, the banking, aviation and manufacturing industries benefited from the bailout by the Federal Government. Many insurance companies are still groaning from the losses suffered as a result of the crash in the stock market,” Olowude said.

He noted that recovery has been difficult and returning to profit for the concerned underwriters has been a herculean task, adding there is a need to amend the Companies Income Tax Act, 2007 with a view to correcting the absurdities in the provisions that made the law inimical to the growth and development of the insurance industry in the country.

mit was to increase participation and investment through publicprivate participation in transportation, considering the huge capital outlay of projects in the transport sector.

He further revealed that, “with the transportation sector currently consuming 50 per cent of the world’s oil production, the implication is that transportation will continue to be a major player in green house gas pollution; and if the transport sector consumes that much, all other sectors of the economy will have to grapple and that will impact the cost of oil in the global market.”

n other to meet the housing deficit in Nigeria, the government of Oyo State has urged all critical stakeholders in the built industry including state and federal governments, along with the private sector to come together to bridge the nation’s huge housing deficit This had made the government announced plans to develop lowcost housing schemes across the state for its indigenes.

Speaking over the weekend at the official dedication, handing over and foundation laying ceremony of CEDARHAUS Court Estate, Bodija, Oluyole, Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Survey, Mr Isaac Omodewu said that the government will go into partnership with private developers in the state.

He also said that that partnership would ensure that government provides a discount on the land for the project, while the developer provides the funding, adding that the profit derivable by the government will be invested in the construction of social housing scheme.

His words, “The Governor is committed to make life comfortable for the masses and they must have shelter on their head. The government is ready to partner with any developer that is ready to develop his land in the state. It depends on what you want to do with the land, we have percentage for agriculture, manufacturing, housing and others.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the state government in collaboration with some developers has began the construction of low cost housing schemes at Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan/Oyo road, Agodi, Jerico, Onireke.

Diamond Bank, MoneyGram collaborate on money transfer

D

iamond Bank Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with MoneyGram International, for the provision of money transfer services.

At the partnership signing ceremony which held at the Bank’s corporate head office in Lekki, Lagos, Executive Director, Retail Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, said the partnership was an important milestone in providing secure and accessible money transfer services to meet the needs of the Bank’s customers.

According to him, “When we began money transfer services, the initial focus was to provide efficient transfer services to our customers trading across Nigeria so we spent about sixty percent of our equity in building a convenient and accessible platform. Today, we are taking it to a different

dimension and widening the platform to embrace Nigerians in the Diaspora.”

Executive Vice President, US & Canada, Peter Ohser, who led the team from MoneyGram International, noted that the partnership was a great occasion for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

“Nigeria is a big market and records from the World Bank show that about N20bn naira comes into the country annually. Most of this money is required to meet important needs such as healthcare, school fees and other challenges.

Customers from all over the world want to send money to Nigeria and MoneyGram considers it a privilege to enter into this partnership with Diamond Bank Plc to help Nigerians meet their money transfer needs even to the remotest parts of the country,” Ohser said.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Global ad spent growing faster than expected –forecast DAVID AUDU

G

lobal advertising spent forecast for 2014 has shown remarkable increase over that of the previous year with upward rise for the third consecutive time of 5.5per cent in 2014 to $537 bn. The forecast further noted that growth is also set to increase to 5.8 per cent in 2015 and 6.1 per cent in 2016 According to ZenithOptimedia’s new advertising expenditure forecasts, this represents 0.2 percentage points improvement on forecasts made only in December last year, after stronger than anticipated growth from the Americas and Asia Pacific.

The new forecast follows global growth of 3.9 per cent last year which predicted that global adspend would be boosted by the three “semi-quadrennial” events

– the Winter Olympics, the football World Cup, and the mid-term elections in the US, which will benefit television in particular.

Of these, the world cup and the US election are still up-coming, and are expected to raise substantial revenue to advertisers.

While conclusive figure for ad spend in Nigeria may not be readily available, recent pronouncements by Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria, AAAN, has indicated similar expectations for growth as the election year 2015 approaches.

The Publicity Secretary of AAAN, Dr. Celey Okogun while speaking on the industry outlook for the year 2014, recently noted that politics, telecom and banking will dominate advertising spend, particularly as electoral activities heightens in the coming months.

Analysts have projected that

political campaigns in 2014 will greatly increase advertising spend, while figures for telecom and banking sectors are expected to increase over last year’s.

According to the Association, over N20bn will be spent on political campaigns, even as such huge expenditure may not pass through the organised private sector.

Dr. Celey Okogun, also added that business analysts have projected increase in the banking sector spend due to new banking regime and rebranding exercises.

Expectations, he said, are that the successful takeover of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria ,PHCN, successor companies by private sector operators, would increase advertising spend in the energy sector, just as fast moving consumer goods and small and medium enterprise sectors will equally play major role in 2014.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Glo deepens awareness on 10 services KUNLE AZEEZ

O

ne of Nigeria’s telecoms operators, Globacom, has deepened awareness about 10 of its new products and services through the live demonstration to the media.

The demonstration covered a broad spectrum of the operator’s offerings aimed at improving the way its subscribers ‘live, work and play’.

The live demonstration of the products and services which took place in Lagos recently was graced by Glo ambassadors and other key stakeholders from private and public sectors.

Some of the services demonstrated included Glo Family and Friends Finder, Glo Game Store, Glo Medicare, Glo Mobile Newspaper, Glo Directory, Glo Borrow Me Credit, Glo Security Tips, Glo Love Zone, Glo Property Tips, Glo

Keystone Bank partners Dominic on women empowerment

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L-R: Out-going President, Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Elder Dimeji Fawore; in-coming President, Prince Bimbo Makanjuola, and former President, Chief Wole Akinwande at the Annual General Meeting and Installation of New Executive Council Member Ibadan, recently.

ANLCA challenges FG to review Customs documentations OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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ssociation of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, has charged the Federal Government to review the series of documentation in the clearing of goods at various airports in the country by the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, to make it in tune with international standards.

The association said that the review was important to alleviate the suffering of agents and importers operating within the country’s airports.

Speaking with aviation journalists in his office at the Murtala Mohammed International Arport, MMIA, Lagos, the Chairman of ANLCA, MMIA chapter, Mr. Nze Aloysius Igwe said the evaluation unit of the Nigerian Customs service should device means of deter-

mining documents on imported good.

Igwe informed that about 80 per cent of goods into Lagos Airport were informal arriving from Dubai and China where receipts were issued on goods purchased instead of invoices.

Igwe insisted that the demand for original invoices from Dubai and China traders were making it cumbersome for the clearing of their goods on arrival at the airport, adding that this leads to frustration and capable of sending out traders from business.

He said, “The procedure now is no more destination base, customs is really responsible. The new idea is that before the arrival of your shipment all the necessary documentations must be ready and customs will prepare your documents for payment. This ought to quicken the clearance of goods, but we are having challenges here.

“Customs are trained to look at imports, evaluate them and collect duties for the government, so the essence of the series of documentations and bottleneck will not help us. They are supposed to examine all these from their data bank and appraise value so that some of these Nigerians that have seen this as an avenue for existence will not be thrown out of job.”

He further condemned the blackmailing of agents by customs anytime illicit drug was discovered in consignment handled by them.

He insisted that agents had no business with the content of the goods being packaged by the exporter or importer as they were not allowed to examine them, stressing that rather than arresting and detaining agents, the owners of the cargoes should be invited for questioning by the service.

Daily Inspiration and Glo Legal Adviser.

Speaking at the event, Marketing Coordinator, Globacom, Mr. Adeniyi Olukoya, said the various offerings came out of rigorous research that spanned several months.

Olukoya said that Glo Family and Friends Finder is a new security service that makes it easy for friends, family, employers and employees to locate one another anytime, anywhere around the country.

Commenting on the product, Divisional Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos, Mr. Sunday Olaiya, who was also a guest at the event, said commended Gobacom for introducing Glo Family and Friends Finder, noting that it will provide tremendous assistance to security officials tracking criminals, especially kidnappers in the country.

ward-winning actress, Rita Dominic, will be the face of Keystone Bank’s soon to be launched exclusivelyfor-women account, the Keystone Bank Pink Account.

Head, Brand Management, Keystone Bank, Omobolanle Osotule, said this in a statement.

According to her the Keystone Bank Pink Account is a current and savings account for women that are resourceful, innovative and glamorous.

“The account is primarily designed for the empowerment of women with entrepreneurial drive and career inclination, to actualise their financial independence, lifestyle &domestic needs.

“The Pink Account will cre-

ate avenues for women to network and share ideas through periodic networking events, seminars and workshops, which will be anchored by Rita Dominic as the ambassador of the project,”Osotule said.

She explained that the choice of Rita Dominic as the face of the Pink Account, “was predicated on her profile as a thoroughbred professional, a dedicated and consummate actress, and a celebrity with role model credentials and of course, because of her entrepreneurial drive.”

Speaking on the project, Rita Dominic said she was excited about the idea of an account for women to make them financially independent as entrepreneurs, mothers and caregivers.

Sterling Bank to support entrepreneurship among youths

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o checkmate the rising trend of unemployment in the country, Sterling Bank Plc has assured of its continued support to youths who are poised to develop their entrepreneurship skills and become employers of labour.

Group Head, Strategy & Communications Mr. Shina Atilola, who represented Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman at the 2014 ‘Get Ready for Work’ Concert organised by the Bank at Ibadan explained that such support will be in terms of soft loans and grants.

Atilola noted that with the alarming increase in unemployment rate in the country, “our youths must begin to change their mindset about being employed in the banking, oil or telecommu-

nications sectors and now begin to think of how they will become self-employed and even employers of labour thereby contributing meaningfully to the economic growth of the country.

Also, the various speakers at the event charged Nigerian youths to begin to see themselves as world changers and make necessary impact in their environment.

Speakers at the event which held at Are Lanre Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan include Mrs. Ronke Olubanjo, the Managing Director of DGV Academy, Ibadan; Mrs. Iyaduni Olubode, Executive Director, LEAP Africa; Mr. Muyiwa Afolabi of Frontiers International Services; Mr. Obinna Ekezie of Wakanow.com and Mr. Awoyemi Opeyemi of Jobberman.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, April 9, 2014

OPEC daily basket crashes to $101.57 per barrel 35

FG promises additional 295 mscf/d of gas 36 in June

33

NERC may sanction DISCOs as electricity consumers agitate 37

Indigenous oil firms move to close production gap with multinationals

The upstream sector of the nation’s petroleum industry, involving exploration and production was dominated mainly by the multinationals. UDEME AKPAN reports that the indigenous operators have started to make much impact.

Oil drilling

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he upstream sector of the nation’s petroleum industry, involving exploration and production was dominated mainly by the multinationals. UDEME AKPAN reports that the indigenous operators have started to make much impact.

The International Oil Companies, IOCs have always been the ones determining the pace of exploration and production in Nigeria for some reasons. First, the IOCs, including Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Agip Oil Company and Addax Petroleum pioneered the exploration and production in the nation.

Second, the IOCs have the technologies and specialised human capital. Moreover, they also have huge funds to invest in the technologically demanding and capital intensive investments.

But the indigenous firms have started to make meaning impact. Take the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC

as an example. The firm which is a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has concluded plans to increase the output at oil Mining Lease, OML 42 by additional 30,000 bpd.

The plan is expected to increase the total output of the OML from the present 30,500 bpd to over 60,000bpd. The NPDC took over the operatorship of OML 42 assets from SPDC in January 2012 when the station was producing 25,500 barrels per day, bpd from 11 strings.

The firm which made this known in a recent presentation stated, “Six months after successful takeover of operatorship,

NPDC raised the production level to 30,500 bpd from 13 strings. This milestone production was unprecedented in the history of Batan production even when SPDC was operating.

NPDC stated that the key achievements on OML 42 since the takeover of operatorship included the accomplishment of a zero lost time incidence. It stated that the milestones included concluded engagements with the host communities in OML 42 for Freedom to Operate (FTO) and another engagement of operations and maintenance contractor for Batan flow station.

The firm stated that they also included

The NPDC took over the operatorship of OML 42 assets from SPDC in January 2012 when the station was producing 25,500 barrels per day, bpd from 11 strings

putting in place over 40 service contracts for the sustenance of Batan Flow station operations and the SPDC contract for the rehabilitation of Oil and Gas Facilities and Installation of Power generation facilities at Odidi Node by Lee Engineering and Construction Company. It stated the repair of Ajuju 1S flowline to secure about 1,200bopd crude oil production, repair of Ajuju 6T flowline to secure about 1500bpd crude oil production and sustained Batan Flowstation production at about 30,500blpd (13,800bpd) from 13 strings.

The firm listed the hook up of Batan Flow station Houseboat to the flow station Gas Generator to reduce diesel consumption by 500litres per day as another accomplishment. It stated, “The next phase will be opportunity maturation through the commencement of Odidi and Jones creek Re-entry Projects. The firm stated, “These projects have several modules in phases with Phase 1 geared towards additional CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

Energy Week

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Indigenous oil firms move to close production gap with multinationals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 30,000 bpd and 45mmscfd gas from Odidi field and about 48,000bpd production increase from Jones creek.”

The investment is said to be part of a $5.2 billion, four-year investment plan aimed at raising oil production to 300,000 b/d mainly from assets acquired from foreign oil companies including Shell. The Managing Director Mr. Victor Briggs stated, “The investment plan will kick off with capital expenditure of $1.8 billion this year, which we expect will increase production from 140,000 barrels per day now to 160,000 b/d by end of this year, and to deliver 600,000 Mcf/d of gas by year-end.

The NPDC is not alone. Another firm that has made much impact is SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company Plc. The firm took a bold step to acquire a 45per cent participating interest in three onshore producing oil and gas leases located in the western Niger Delta basin of Edo and Delta states (OMLs 4, 38 and 41) in July 2010.

These include the Oben, Ovhor, Sapele, Okporhuru and Amukpe fields. SEPLAT was the first indigenous oil company to acquire such assets and be awarded operatorship. Since then the firm has increased oil and gas production in each year of operation. The firm stated, “From a gross operated oil production of 14,000 barrels per day at inception, the company has maintained a remarkable production growth trajectory; rising to current gross production from operated assets is circa 60 Mbopd.

It stated, “The total working interest production in 2013 was 8.4 MMbbls, representing a 56% increase from the 5.4 MMbbls achieved in 2012. On 1 June 2013, SEPLAT (through its wholly owned subsidiary) entered into an agreement with Pillar Oil to acquire a 40per cent, participating interest in the Umuseti/Igbuku Field.

The Umuseti Field is currently producing circa. 2,500bopd with net share to Seplat of 1,000bopd. These provide a strong platform for significant potential growth.

Available data showed that the JV oil production from these blocks has grown from 18,000 barrels per day at inception in 2010 to 60,000 barrels per day before hitting the present 70,000 bpd record.

Besides oil, the firm has also made impact in gas production which stands at about 110MMscfd. Production is mainly from 5 Fields (Amukpe, Oben, Okporhuru, Ovhor, and Sapele Fields) with plans to bring additional fields on-stream in the future. The firm stated, “The block covers an area of 267 square kilometres, and some 78 kilometres North East of Warri, Delta State. Oben field is situated in OML 4 and it is the only producing field in this OML. The field has a 60,000bpd capacity flow station, a 90MMscfd capacity Non-Associated Gas Plant. Production operations of this field and its facilities are supported by Oben Field Logistics Base (FLB). This field is key to the future gas expansion of SEPLAT. Another firm that has made impact is Amni Petroleum. The company was incor-

Madueke

Avuru

The progress we have notice may be affected without

the PIB. The PIB should be passed

into law. It is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the PIB should

become law as soon as possible

Yakubu

porated in 1993 and granted Oil Prospecting Licences (OPL) 469 and 237 in 1993 and 1994 respectively for a term of five years by the Federal Government. Amni which started exploration and drilling activities in early 1995 initially had Liberty Technical Services, a subsidiary company of Abacan Resource Corporation of Canada as its technical partner.

The firm which started production in December 1996 stated, “During the first year, a total of 6,271,723 barrels of oil was produced and 6,181,790 barrels was exported. As a result of the successful implementation of its work programme, OPL 469 was converted to Oil Mining Lease OML 112 for a term of 25 years in 1998, while OPL 237 was converted to OML 117 in 1999.

It stated in one of its reports, “An initiative to bring more accountability to operations in mid 1998 resulted in the dissolution of the partnership between Amni & Abacan. Amni assumed sole operatorship of the concession. During this period the company faced enormous challenges, mostly financial. These vicissitudes strengthened the company giving it the

experience advantage.

The firm stated, “Amni entered into Agreements with TOTAL through its subsidiary TOTAL E&P Nigeria Limited (formerly Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited) in 2005, under which TOTAL acquired a 40% interest in OMLs 112 and 117. TOTAL relinquished its rights to the crude oil from the current developed reservoirs in Ima Field effective from April 2007.

Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum has not been left out. It is presently working to install production facilities in its Aje field. The campaigns of the firm in the past few years would likely culminate in commercial oil production next year. A source who confirmed the development stated that, “The field is currently in the development planning stage, with first production expected in 2015.

The feats of these firms and others, including Amni Petroleum and Niger Delta Petroleum are expected to reposition the indigenous firms in the exploration and production segment that was previously monopolized by the IOCs. In other words, the indigenous firms would begin to some extent close the huge gap between them the multinationals.

However, these feats would not have been accomplished without the conscious

efforts. An energy analyst, Mr. Bala Zaka stated, “These accomplishments would have been difficult to make without conscious efforts. It should be noted that the impact of the firms has become a reality because previous governments made bold step to introduce policies and programmes that were targeted at increasing the capacities of indigenous operators to explore and produce commercial crude oil and natural gas.

Bala who identified the local content the nation’s local content Act as one of the major drivers of the development regretted that the pace of progress may be slowed if the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB is not passed into law without much delay.

He stated, “The progress we have notice may be affected without the PIB. The PIB should be passed into law. It is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the PIB should become law as soon as possible.

Investigations showed that although the PIB has gone through a few stages, not much has been done to pass the PIB. The Spaces for Change, a non-governmental organisation partly attributed the delay to disagreement over major issues in the PIB. For instance, it stated, “The environmental laws as documented in the PIB are weak and not capable of making much impact in the industry.

It stated, “Asking operators in consultation with the Ministry of Environment to come up with an environmental plan does not deal with questions of the gap between the policies and practices which has been the problem. The provisions relating to gas flares gives by one hand and takes from the other. After banning gas flaring from end of this year, it creates room for exceptions to be granted by the minister. That is not effectively different from what is happening under the current regime.

Spaces for Change stated, “It turns gas flaring into discretionary permit granting. Environmental justice advocates believe that the gas ban should be absolute.

They also insist that operating companies should not only be made to get insurance covers to cover cases of environmental disasters arising from their operations and this should be a condition precedent to the operation of any license.

It also stated, “The report noted that the new PIB vests enormous powers on the Minister of Petroleum Resources, especially by placing all the newly created agencies and regulatory institutions under the control and supervision of the minister. Section 5 of the bill provides that the Minister of Petroleum Resources shall be responsible for the coordination of the activities of the petroleum industry and shall exercise general supervision over all operations and all institutions in the industry.”

Some stakeholders, including the Chairman of Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Ledum Mitee noted that these are not insurmountable issues. They therefore called on the National Assembly to pass the PIB into law so as to encourage indigenous firms and others to invest in the petroleum industry.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

UDEME AKPAN

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he price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC basket of 12 crudes has crashed from $101.72 to $101.57 per barrel, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

But the price was still in excess of $100 per barrel, meaning that many member states, including Nigeria would still be in a position to generate adequate foreign exchange for the execution of their 2014 budgets.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

The cartel stated in its current market report that the oil market would likely remain stable for a greater part of the year.

The report stated, “The OPEC Reference Basket edged up 70¢ to settle slightly above $105/b in February, as cold weather, supply disruptions and geopolitical factors helped to push oil markets higher.

It stated that the Nymex WTI frontmonth gained $5.82 to average $100.68/b and ICE Brent futures rose $1.72 to $108.84/b.

The report stated, “World economic growth for 2013 and 2014 remains at 2.9per cent and 3.5per cent, respectively. The 2014 forecast for the OECD is unchanged at 2.0per cent, compared to 1.3per cent in 2013.

OPEC daily basket crashes to $101.57 per barrel It stated, “In contrast, China’s growth for 2014 has been revised down slightly to 7.6per cent, just below estimated 2013 growth of 7.7per cent. India’s forecast remains at 5.6per cent for 2014 and 4.7per cent for 2013.

The report stated that the ongoing trend of accelerating economic growth in the OECD amid a slowdown in emerging economies has been confirmed by the latest data.

It stated, “World oil demand growth for 2013 was revised up by 70 tb/d to stand at 1.05 mb/d. upward revisions were seen in OECD Americas and Europe, reflecting stronger-than expected seasonal demand for 4Q13. Africa was also higher due to baseline effects.

The report stated, “For 2014, global oil demand is seen rising by 1.14 mb/d, following an upward revision of 50 tb/d. NonOPEC oil supply is expected to increase by 1.31 mb/d in 2014, following estimated growth of 1.33 mb/d in 2013.

It stated, “Growth is seen mainly coming from the US, Canada, and Brazil, while Norway, UK and Mexico are seen declining. In February, OPEC crude production, according to secondary sources, averaged 30.12 mb/d, up 259 tb/d from a month ago.

The report stated that the product markets in the Atlantic Basin received support in February from re-opened gasoline arbitrage to the US East Coast, which allowed European margins to rebound sharply.

El-Badri

It stated, “In the US, refining margins weakened as the decline in middle distillates and fuel oil cracks offset gains in gasoline. In Asia, refinery margins recovered further as markets temporarily tightened due to refinery disruptions and the start of seasonal maintenance.

The report stated, “Demand for OPEC crude for 2013 and 2014 was revised up by 0.1 mb/d to stand at 30.0 mb/d and 29.7 mb/d, respectively. Compared to the previous year, demand for OPEC crude is expected to decline by 0.3 mb/d in 2014, following an estimated drop of 0.5 mb/d in 2013.”

PIB will halt oil industry mismanagement –NEITI

Mitee

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he Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB will assist to check mismanagement in the oil and gas industry when passed into law.

The Nigerian Extractive industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI which made this observation also stated in

its report that the PIP will also bring about transparency and more accountability in the industry.

The agency stated, “It is the hope of NEITI that its submission will provide crucial facts, information and data required by the National Assembly to

make best decisions on the Bill as outlined in our recommendations.

It stated, “NEITI considers the PIB as a very important Bill which must be guided to provide solid foundation, sound regulatory, structural, commercial and fiscal frameworks for optimal operations in the oil and gas sector.

The agency stated, “NEITI’s expectation is that, the PIB when it becomes a Law should be in a position to halt mismanagement, inefficiency and lack of transparency which has characterized the sector over the years.

It maintained that, “NEITI is therefore pushing for the emergence of a Petroleum Industry Law that will promote good governance, fiscal regime that meets international standards as well as guarantee increased revenue flows to the federation.

The agency stated that it looks forward to a Petroleum Industry Law that reflects the principles and spirit of openness, fair play, healthy competition, efficiency, professionalism and prudent resources management.

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

100.66

-0.48

-0.47%

15:58:31

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

105.99

-0.73

-0.68%

15:58:20

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

65,400.00

+120.00

+0.18%

14:59:31

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

4.47

+0.03

+0.77%

15:58:34

Source: Bloomberg

35

Source: Oilprice.com

It stated, “Our expectation is that the new Law should help Nigeria overcome the resource-curse syndrome common to most resource richcountries and move Nigeria from oil exporting-importing to an oil producing, processing and exporting country.

The position of NEITI on the PIB now before the National Assembly stands firmly on this premise.

The agency stated, “NEITI) welcomes with excitement the commencement of deliberations on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly.

It stated, “NEITI notes with interest that while the Bill has passed the first, second readings and has progressed to the Committee stage at the Senate, the House of Representatives has also shown equal commitment by setting up a special ad-hoc committee to facilitate legislative proceedings on the Bill.

The agency also noted, “As an agency set up to, among other things, enthrone transparency, accountability, and good governance in the extractive sector, especially the oil and gas industry, NEITI has a legitimate interest in the PIB in view of the strategic importance of the Bill to implementation of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Nigeria in particular and execution of NEITI mandate under the NEITI Act 2007 in general.”

36

Energy Week

AEDC plans to improve power supply

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he Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has mapped out plans to improve power supply in Abuja and its environs.

This disclosed this during a courtesy call on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in Abuja.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Neil Croucher said the major aim of the visit was to intimate the Commission on the company’s vision in the light of the expectations of electricity customers and the industry at large.

Croucher disclosed that the company was in the process of establishing a call center to deal with consumer related issues.

The delegation also informed the Commission of its desire to change the name of the company and also rebrand it for better and efficient performance.

Shareholder and Managing Director of CEC Africa, Michael Tarney revealed that it was financing the Abuja Disco up to 99 per cent in collaboration with the United Bank for Africa.

He affirmed that the Nigerian environment was accommodating to private investors and commended the Nigerian government for making it possible for foreign investors to invest in the country.

He also disclosed that the company was operating on loses at present due to gas constraints and the challenge of getting paid for power they supply to customers. He informed the Commission that they are working on improving on their collections and reducing the losses.

Tarney further revealed that it has not been easy getting the financial support of international institutions as it has to show evidence of financial strength to win their confidence. He said that CEC Africa and UBA envisage increased collection in the shortest possible time.

NERC Chairman/CEO, Dr Sam Amadi noted that the involvement of UBA as debt provider as highly commendable, but cautioned on the utility failing in its operations which may in turn affect the bank, even as he stated that UBA’s involvement is indicative of Nigerian banks capacity to finance the sector.

The Commission’s helmsman noted that as the AEDC makes efforts to improve on both cash collection and revenue increase, it should see to it that the money is injected into metering.

“Metering needs to be improved upon because it will enhance data gathering and revenue collection’’ he suggested.

He advised that sub-stations should be properly fenced to stem the activities of vandals, which was another way of saving cost. He told the visiting utility investors that the Commission’s stance on tariff is that it should be cost reflective.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG promises additional 295 mscf/d of gas in June STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

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he Federal Government has promised to provide additional 295 million standard cubic feet, scf of gas in order to boost power generation in the nation.

The Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo who held a retreat in Enugu to review developments in the sector partly attributed the poor state of supply to increased vandalism of the nation’s gas pipelines.

He said that the frequent vandalism of Gas pipelines has become an albatross on the nation’s journey to deliver stable power supply to many parts of the country.

Nebo stated that the situation has become worrisome to the extent that there is obvious drop in power supply across the country mainly due to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants.

He said, “There is no reason whatsoever for any right thinking person to embark on destruction of gas pipelines the result of which is to throw him into even worse darkness.

Nebo stated that patriotism places the burden on one to think of what one can do for the good of country and not how to

destroy it.

He said, “A cursory look at the constraints against sustainable power supply across the country leaves no one in doubt that vandalism of gas Pipelines remains the most obvious of the challenges preventing the power sector from achieving its full potential.

Nebo stated that the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System was out for over 7 months with a loss of 200 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and generation capacity of about 800mw He said the Trans-Forcados pipeline is currently out with a loss of 200 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and generation capacity of about 800MW. Nebo stated that the Alakiri-Onne LBVS was blasted in March adversely impacting on gas supply to industries. There have been similar attacks on Trans Niger pipeline with a loss of 120 million standard cubic of gas per day and a loss of 500 MW from the Afam VI IPP. He assured Nigerians that positive steps have been taken on the right path to close the gaps created by the gas shortage.

He projected that additional 295 mmscf/d of gas would be available by June 2014 and an-

Nebo

other 370 mmscf/d by the end of the year.

He said, “In order to actualise the generation targets provided in the strategic plan for the power sector, the Minister announced President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval for the reconstitution of the Inter- Ministerial Committee on Gas to Power.

Nebo said, “The Committee would be charged with responsibility of identifying and ensuring that all the enablers and interventions required to deliver adequate power to the nation’s power plants are delivered on time.”

He said the committee would align the projections of generation capacity with required projects, investments and other conditions precedent required to deliver the necessary quality and quantity of gas.

Nebo said it was heartwarming to observe that the issue of security of pipelines is receiving the attention of the government.

He said not long ago, President Jonathan pledged a sum ofUS$1 Billion towards addressing the challenge of vandalism of pipelines and theft of crude oil.

Nebo said, “Such education will help to introduce a new value system that abhors destruction of oil/gas pipelines or electricity infrastructure with the aim to attract public empathy or government attention.

He also stated, “Increased security and surveillance around the troubled areas should be accorded priority. In this direction, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, the International Oil Companies and security agencies should be encouraged to come up with combined strategies to significantly curtail, if not eliminate, occurrences of vandalism of public infrastructure.”

Afren plans to boost oil production in three fields

A

fren Plc plans to start oil production in three of its oil fields, a development expected to boost the nation’s output in the coming years.

The firm stated in its latest report that three of the four wells (Aje-1, Aje-2 and Aje-4) drilled on the field, had encountered oil and gas in various intervals, while two (Aje-1 and Aje-2), have great potential to produce oil at commercial rates.

It stated: “The Joint Venture partners estimate the mean contingent resources to be 167 mmboe, principally related to the Aje field, with an additional 205 mmboe of mean prospective re-

Igbert Immoh

sources on the block.”

The firm stated that the Field Development Plan, FDP, for the Aje field had already been approved by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR. “The FDP was approved in March 2014 and is primarily focused on the development of the oil reservoir. The first phase of development includes two subsea production wells, tied back to a leased FPSO. “These wells will most likely comprise the recompletion of the existing Aje-4 well, and a new well drilled to the Aje-2 subsurface location. The FDP envisages first oil commencing in late 2015 with mid-case reserves of 32.4 mmbbls, a Final Investment Decision, FID, is expected to be taken by the JV Partners shortly,” it said.

Afren stated that it has commenced an extensive 2,716 km² 3D seismic across the two licence areas to better define prospectivity in both licences, and in particular the full extent of the structure encountered at the Ogo discovery.

“The seismic programme will also assist in the future development of OML 113. The Aje field by topography is situated along the plateau which has the capacity of production between 50,000

and 80,000 barrels per day, while the water depth level is in the local and region of 3,000 feet,” the release said further.

The OML 113 was allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum in 1991 as part of the Federal Government’s quest to increase indigenous participation and local content in the petroleum industry.

The position of Lagos would be greatly enhanced by the expected production of OPL 310 which Afren also has 40 per cent interest.

The OPL, which has Optimum Petroleum Development Limited and Lekoil Limited as operator and partner respectively, is expected to produce commercial oil.

Afren stated in its report that OPL 310 extends from the shallow water continental shelf to deep water in an under- explored basin with a proven working hydrocarbon system.

It stated that on 14 May 2013, Afren announced the completion of a farm-out agreement with Lekoil Limited, subject to Nigerian Ministerial Consent, in the OPL 310 licence.

The firm had earlier stated that it planned to boost oil production through increased investment in the nation.

It stated that it would commit about 70 per cent of its investment to Ebok, a promising oil project in Nigeria.

The company expects to produce about 40,000 barrels of oil a day, net to the business, down from 47,112 barrels last year, partly as it installs a platform at the Nigerian oilfield.

Capital expenditure will be “comfortably covered” by this year’s cash flow, Morgan Stanley wrote in a report. Bank of America and Morgan Stanley serve as brokers for Afren Afren Plc, a U.K. explorer of oil in Africa and northern Iraq, rose the most in more than two months in London after making tax savings in Nigeria that will help fund increased investment at the Ebok oilfield in the country.

Afren climbed as much as 5.7 per cent, the biggest intraday gain since Nov 19, and rose 4.7 per cent to 151.70 pence by 9:32 a.m., the best performance on the FTSE All-Share Index.

“We expect to benefit from a significant improvement in terms covering historical liabilities and those arising through to mid-2016” after clarification of the tax position at Ebok, the London-based company stated in a statement.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC may sanction the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs as a result of poor services and increased complaint of consumers in different parts of the nation.

Investigations showed that the complaint levels about energy companies have continued to increase following the reluctance of the aaaDISCOs to fully implement the pre-paid metering system.

The Metering Committee set up by NERC accused the successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) of indulging in high degree of estimated billing system occasioned by the inability of its various distribution companies to effectively provide metering facilities for its customers.

The Committee chaired by human rights lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, also discovered a wide metering gap in the distribution of electricity amongst Nigerians by the PHCN successor companies, thus, necessitating the corrupt practice of overestimated billing system by the companies.

Although details of the findings by the committee were not made known, the committee

Energy Week

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

promises NERC may sanction DISCOs as PHCCIMA support for group electricity consumers agitate P said information from customers across the country revealed shoddy dealings by PHCN distribution companies.

It noted that the practice of estimated billing system

by PHCN had been prevalent across the four geo-political zones where it held public hearings on metering. The Metering Committee kick-started its public hearing in Lagos, followed by Enugu, Port Harcourt, Yola, and Kaduna.

“Consumer frustration and dissatisfaction is something that we hear about every day over the estimated billing system” said a staff of Abuja Disco, who did not want his name mentioned.

A group known as PowerUpNG, which advocated for fair electricity distribution and billing, has condemned the high electricity bills being imposed on Nigerians by the various DISCOs in the country, saying they were exploiting the peopl.

The group, though in support of privatisation of electricity distribution for better performance, also condemned the system of estimated billing being used by the DISCOs.

Amadi

It also frowned on and condemned the resulting exploitation of consumers, in the name of Maintenance Service Charge or Fixed Charge and unreasonable estimated billing, causing so many families untold pains.

Already, the National Assembly stated that it would investigate the management and distribution of electricity in the country after getting a deluge of complaints from post-paid electricity consumers about worsening billing problems which make some Nigerians feel short-changed.

Specifically, Senate had asked the managers of electricity to discard what it described as estimated billing in charging consumers, saying the method was not in the best interest of Nigeria and its people.

It asked that the electricity companies should instead provide pre-paid metres to meet up with modern day challenges in electricity sector.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Philip Aduda, gave the charge during an oversight visit to some independent power station project sites in Kaduna on last Saturday.

Also, the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole recently criticised the arbitrary energy tariff and fixed charge by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Oshiomhole said in Benin at a tripartite meeting between the government, civil society groups and management of BEDC that the charges were ``exploitative”.

He said that irrespective of who generates tariff or distribute energy, the fixed tariff and estimated charges by the BEDC was ``irresponsible and exploitative” to consumers.

Seven Energy acquires East Horizon Gas Company UDEME AKPAN

S

even Energy Limited, a subsidiary of Seven Energy International Limited, the integrated oil and gas development, production and gas Distribution Company with interests in Nigeria has completed the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of East Horizon Gas Company Limited for a total consideration of US$250 million.

The firm stated in a statement that, “EHGC is a gas distribution and marketing company that operates the 128 km East Horizon gas pipeline through Akwa Ibom State and Cross Rivers State in south east Nigeria.

It stated, “EHGC also has a gas sales agreement with an industrial offtaker to supply up to 25 Million cubic feet of gas per day, increasing to 50 MMcfpd upon completion of the planned expansion of the offtaker’s existing plant, under a 20-year gas sales agreement expiring in 2032.

The firm maintained that this acquisition enhances Seven Energy’s position as a leading gas marketing and distribution company in south east Nigeria.

Specifically, it has expanded the reach of its gas pipeline net-

37

work in this growing market to over 260 km, diversifying its customer base across key sectors of the Nigerian economy and increasing long-term contracted gas sales volumes to 200 MMcfpd.

The firm stated in a statement that the aggregate consideration of up to US$250 million will be payable by way of an initial payment of US$100 million Gas plant in cash.

The company stated, “it will also be payable by way of the assumption of existing liabilities of EHGC, including approximately US$62 million of bank indebtedness; and deferred payments due on achievement of certain operational and contractual conditions that are expected to enhance the long term profitability of EHGC. The firm stated that it is expected that these operational and contractual conditions will be satisfied during first half of 2014.

It stated that the cash component of the Consideration is being funded using a new Accugas Limited medium-term loan facility of up to US$170 million and from SEIL’s internal cashflows.

The Chief Executive of the firm, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho, said, “This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Seven Energy as we continue to deliver on our strategy to become the market leading independent gas distribu-

tor in south east Nigeria.

He said, “The East Horizon pipeline is an important component of the energy infrastructure of the region and we are pleased to add this asset to our portfolio.”

resident of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Emeka Unachukwu has assured executives of the Junior Chamber International, (JCI) Trans Amadi chapter that PHCCIMA will henceforth support its activities by working closely with the organisation to achieve its set objectives.

Unachukwu made this declaration when executives of JCI paid a courtesy call on him at the chamber office in Port Harcourt.

He said he was impressed that a body of this nature committed to creating impact in their communities, developing skills, knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions and take action are in existence.

However, he wondered why the body has chosen to work in isolation and take the back bench in terms of publicizing its activities to a greater percentage of the people.

He observed that the group has a robust objective that affects both the community and youths even as he advised them to make public their activities so that more youths and other stakeholders can get to know and buy into their various programmes.

Unachukwu explained that one of the cardinal objectives of Port Harcourt chamber of commerce is to ensure that businesses thrive in the city where the chamber is established and beyond.

He assured the delegation that having taking the bold step to visit, PHCCIMA shall henceforth identify and support all their programmes especially in the area of community service, charity to the less privilege, among others geared towards sustaining and moving the society forward. He disclosed that PHCCIMA is also involved in charity as part of her corporate social responsibility.

The President of JCI, Amb. Josephine A. Osigbeme expressed gratitude to the president for identifying with the body, she disclosed that the two bodies share similar objectives and the visit will hopefully open vistas of opportunity for JCI and PHCCIMA to jointly contribute their quota in moving and impacting on society.

She noted that JCI is a body is a nonprofit organisation of young active citizens, age 18 to 40 who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities, reminding the president that active citizens are individuals invested in the future of the world, hence JCI gathers active citizens from all sectors of society to render selfless service.

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Energy Week

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Expro wins Subsea UK award for global exports

SMEFUNDS Green Energy promotes domestic cooking

eading international oilfield services company, Expro, has won the Global Exports Award at the Subsea UK Business Awards 2014.

The Award, which was presented last night at the AECC, Aberdeen, recognises a company’s successful exploitation of, and export to a global subsea market.

The firm stated in a statement that the judges based their decision on Expro’s Subsea product line’s export strategy, adaptability to foreign markets and demonstrable success.

It stated that the components of Expro’s Subsea Safety Systems ensure well integrity throughout the commissioning or intervention phases of a subsea well.

As subsea wells are located in deeper water environments, fast response systems were developed by the company meet new market requirements.

The engineering and manufacture of this product is undertaken in the UK, and exported to the major subsea regions including Sub Saharan Africa and Asia.

In response to its strong growth throughout the deepwater regions, Expro set up subsea-specific hubs in Norway, USA, Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, Angola, China, Malaysia, Ghana and India, with potential future expansion into Azerbaijan.

Colin Mackenzie, Expro’s Subsea Director said, “Our international investment is driven by a combination of customer and technology demand.

“Our engineering and delivery teams work tirelessly to provide tailor-made technical solutions for the most challenging environments.”

“This includes working with a range of operators in deepwater and frontier areas. This strategy has seen us achieve leadership in West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico and Asia.

“We take pride in our export strategy and adaptability to the changing subsea markets and are thrilled to receive this prestigious award. Our success is in part due to the recognition of global leadership in this sector, and this award will reinforce our position and help perpetuate the success that our teams have built.”

Expro was shortlisted alongside ROVOP and Subsea Innovation Limited within the Global Exports category, and was awarded due to its retained leadership in subsea landing strings, providing evidence of continued product development through its market leading Subsea Safety Systems.

Expro’s mission is well flow management. We provide services and products that measure, improve, control and process flow from high-value oil and gas wells, from exploration and appraisal through to mature field production optimisation and enhancement.

UDEME AKPAN

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MEFUNDS Green Energy has provided over 700,000 liters of cooking gel and 120,000 ethanol gel stoves in the nation.

The founder of the group, Mr. Femi Oye who confirmed the development at the recent second anniversary of the group stated, “We took research straight from the laboratories in some of the best universities in the world and started applying it practically in our country.

He stated, “Over the last two years, we built our operations from the ground up, and to date, we have sold over 700,000 liters of our cooking gel and 120,000 of our patented ethanol gel stoves. In the longer term, our aim is to become a dominant player in both cooking fuels and automotive fuels market.”

Oye stated that women, youth and communities can develop ‘Clean development Mechanism’ (CDM) projects, own it and receive voluntary market - Gold standard carbon credits for small and medium-size projects.

He stated that Carbon Credit Network has evolved as the single and only private society working with United Nations using Social Network Marketing model to distribute wealth for the active poor at the base of the pyramid (BoP) especially in developing nations.

Oye stated, “We need to change the way energy is generated, distributed and used.

Millions of lives are lost every year due to indoor Air pollution globally, a new research revealed also that dangerous and harmful gases from petrol, kerosene and LPG will be the cause for paralyses, respiratory problem, cancer, partial blindness, loss of memory tomorrow - 99 per cent of

Femi Oye

our population is exposed to these daily.

He noted that the world has started to take notice: In October, Green Energy & Biofuels was named the best clean energy investment opportunity in West Africa and overall winner at the West Africa Forum for Clean Energy Financing Business Plan competition in Accra.

Oye disclosed that they were judged by representatives from major international organizations such as Leo Blyth (IFC, Lighting Africa Initiative), Musa Salah (EcoBank), Godfrey Mwindaare (Acumen Fund West Africa), Professor Joseph Adelegan (Ecowas Bank for Investment and Development), and Sander Smits van Oyen (SOVEC).

He said, “Early 2014, a partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative (SE4ALL) and Partners for Euro-African Green Energy (PANGEA), was announced at the 7thWorld Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Oye said that this partnership, under the SE4ALL High-Impact Initiative for Sustainable Bioenergy in Africa (African HII), is created in order to support the scale-up of SMEFunds’ Carbon Credit Network existing bio-ethanol production and clean cook stove business in Lagos, Nigeria.

He stated, “Carbon Credit Network continues to strengthen partnerships, broker relationship and enhance cooperation between local and international organizations to bring energy loans, education grants and green technology solutions to the people that need them most.

Oye stated, “Our appreciation goes to; Energy in Common, Bank of Industry (BOI), UNDP, UNF, UNEP, WAWA, Lagos State Government, Chevron, Principle for Social Investing (PSI), UNGC, Small World Carbon, Young people we care, Peace Child International, Global Alliance for Clean cook Stoves, Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), GEF, Bawuro Group, STEMS, HEDA, Youngsters foundation, Federal Ministry of Environment, Delta State Government, R20 and many other organizations that time and space will fail us to mention. Your support and belief in our innovative project has humbled us.

He stated, “Carbon Credit is a brain Child of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which Nigeria is a signatory.

“The network was set up as a follow up response strategy aimed at bringing together multi stakeholder-groups from the rural and urban poor to policy-makers and managers in the public and private sectors to help build a better understanding, align interests, break barriers and promote small and big environmental projects in developing nations.”

JMG partners Mitsubishi, engine Europe B.V to support investors

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MG has partnered Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe B.V. (MTEE) to support the Privatisation of the Power Sector in the country.

He said, “During this time we have invested heavily in equipment, training and personnel in order to be well and truly recognized as a favored supplier of power generation equipment and maintenance services.

MazenJubaili said, “This acclaimed status has been achieved through continuously delivering quality products and professional efficient after sales services to our respected clients.”

He said the power sector in Nigeria is undergoing positive reform, paving the way for significant economic growth in all industries.

The Managing Director said, “Advanced power solutions will be required to meet Nigeria’s growing demand.

“The recent partnership with MTEE has extended JMG’s reach in providing high capaci-

Transformer

ty power generation equipment.

This enables us to provide uncompromised and cost effective power suitable for all applications including Cogeneration and Tri-generation. Turnkeypower plants for industrial applications or to supply the national grid are now available from JMG. Not forgetting emergency standby sets that will always remain an integral part of our services “said Mr. Rabi Jam-

mal, JMG’sHead of Sales.

Mr. Morten Brix, Sales and Marketing Manager of Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe B.V. states: “Working closely together with new local power generation dealers has proved highly cost-effective and fits our needs like a glove.

To kick off and celebrate this new partnership, we have participated with success at the Nigeria Oil & Gas exhibition 2014

and we are very pleased of its outcome.”

JMG’slaunch pad for this exciting new venture was the Nigerian Oil and Gas Exhibition from the 18th to the 20th of March in Abuja.

The Honorable Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo and Mr. Andrew Yakubu, the Group Managing Director of NNPC visited JMG’s stand.

Experts from JMG, Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe B.V. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd met with all visitors and were delighted to answer all questions.

JMG which is said to have an extensive knowledge of the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector stated, “Our experience with internationally renowned brands in the power generation industry enables us to welcome Mitsubishi Turbocharger and Engine Europe B.V. and participate in the dynamic changes of a rapidly developing Nigeria.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Industry & SMEs

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

39

‘We’ll influence government’s policies on economy to sustain competitiveness’ To the capitalists, it is a blockage to wealth creation, to the monopolists, it is a burden to their business, but to the free-market economists, it is a blessing and a fast-track to the economic and industrial growth. The free-market economists, like the CEO of National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, NCCN, Chika Mordi, see competitiveness in business as a veritable tool that can quickly turn around the economy of any country to the status of other world economy. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO engaged him in chat during the weekend.

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or the purpose of positive changes in the Nigeria economy and industrialisation, the Federal Government established a private-public non-partisan entity - National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, NCCN, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment with support from the Tony Elumelu foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Department for International development (DFID) and in consultation with the World Bank group, Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (MICO) and Michael Porter, a leading authority on competitive strategy and the competitiveness and economic development of nations, states, and regions. The council has just commenced operation last December.

The Chief Executive Officer of NCCN, Mr. Chika Mordi, has declared that the council would take all efforts with support from all stakeholders and private business ownership to influence any unfavourable government’s policy on economy.

According to him, any government’s policy that supports monopoly of any aspect of the economy is anti development which, the council stands to change towards establishment of competitiveness in the mar-

Jonathan

Aganga

Chika Mordi

ket.

According to Mordi, “Competitiveness requires a functioning, transparent government that implements policies which allow business to open and function efficiently, leading to increased returns and eventually a sustainable economy.

For the people of Nigeria, increased competitiveness means more jobs and an improved quality of life.”

On how to tackle infrastructure problem including epileptic electricity being the major hindrance to Nigeria economic development, Mordi said the council has already strategised methods to confront various as-

pects of its targets.

“To be successful and for the NCCN to meet its targets over the next four years, we have

identified three broad areas for intervention which include, reformation of public and private institutions, including infra-

WE WILL FOCUS ON NIGERIA’S PERFORMANCE ON THE WORLD BANK’S DOING BUSINESS REPORT, THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM’S GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX, TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL’S CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX, AND THE SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX

structures, technological readiness, human capital (health, education, skills and training); benchmarking with international comparators on enhancing our national competitive strategy; and liaising with the World Economic Forum and other similar organisations in learning best practices for enhancing national competitiveness,” he said.

He also promised that within the time stipulated to achieve its target, the council will incisively deal with iniquitous system of tax in the country.

The issue of multiple taxation has also been an ogre which many industrialists have bemoaned as a cog in the wheel of Nigeria economy.

With all the strategies put in place, the council is working toward improvement of Nigeria’s performance on the World Banks Doing Business Report which has placed the country at 147 out of 189 countries.

“We will focus on Nigeria’s performance on the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, and the Social Progress Index,” Mordi assured.

How to increase industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, by Isemede ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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or many years, the contribution by industrial sector to Nigeria Gross Domestic Products, GDP, has been relatively low, but the recent GDP rebasing has shown that the sector, with its contribution being below its expectation in 2013 unlike Agriculture sector, has to be more focused to improve its performance and contribution to GDP, certain things have to be put in place.

The focus in 2013 was that Industrial sector would increase to N20trn against its N18trn in 2012 but ended up with N15trn in 2013.

The Director General of Nigeria Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture, NACCIMA, John Isemede has

highlighted the reasons for the failure of the sector to increase its contribution to GDP beyond four per cent over the past 14 years.

Isemede, in an interview with National Mirror, declared that the economic environment in Nigeria has not been conducive for the sector to flourish.

He said between 1980 and 1990, manufacturing sector alone was contributing 10 per cent which has drastically dropped to two per cent, while it is 17 per cent in Brazil, 25 per cent in Malaysia, and 35 per cent in Thailand from where Nigeria imports rice.

Isemede noted that many manufacturing companies have left the country due to unfavourable working environment brought about by government policies, high

taxation, lack of infrastructure and incentives.

He cited lack of railway linkage among industrials in the country as another reason for the poor performance of the sector. He put the tax charge in Nigeria at about 20-30 per cent while it is just about three per cent in Ghana.

He also attributed the phenomenon to the culture of raw materials exportation and lack of processing capability in Nigeria. “We produce raw materials for other countries to come and take and as a result creating jobs for them in their own country. We are number one producer of yam, cassava, melon but we don’t have power to process them. We take our raw materials out for processing and import them back at higher price rate. We export wealth and

import poverty. We still import rice which we can produce in abundance,” he said.

Isemede berated Ondo State Government for not having a big cocoa processing plant in the state despite being the largest cocoa producing state. He said Nigeria cannot continue to be a consumer country.

He further bemoaned high cost of production in the country as another failurefactor as he said this is why imported products such as soap would be cheaper than those produced in Nigeria.

He also condemned the way some companies operate within the country without been registered by the Nigeria Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, the act not allowed in other countries.

“In Francophone countries, you are not allowed to operate without being registered by the chambers, but not in Nigeria, everybody can do as they are pleased, and that is why our economy is not regulated.

The NACCIMA boss advocated regional autonomy in the manufacturing sector if the sector would increase its contribution to GDP. He noted that former leaders like Obafemi Awolowo were able to develop their regions built the house in the western region, gave people free education all from the proceeds from cocoa as a result of regional autonomy they enjoyed.

“If we have allowed each region to grow on their own, some regions by now would have been producing aircrafts,” he said.

40

Cocktail

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

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Fraudster wins new job, steals again, runs

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Czech fraudster on the run from prison got hired as a chief economist at a museum, where he stole some 10 million Czech crowns ($500,000), media reported.

Police came on Thursday to arrest Vladimir Prokop at his office at the National Agriculture Museum, close to the Interior Ministry. He fled through the exhibition halls of the museum, an emergency exit staircase and then hailed a cab, television Nova reported late on Friday.

“He was an ordinary, even compliant man, nobody thought he would turn out to be a world-class trickster,” the museum spokesman Lubomir Marsik said.

The money stolen amounts to roughly a third of the annual budget of the museum. Most of it was found in plastic bags at Prokop’s flat.

Prokop got the job at the museum under a false identity, presenting himself as a trained economist. Calls to his phone number, still listed on the museum’s website on Saturday, went unanswered.

He escaped last June from prison where he was serving time for embezzling 10 million Czech crowns from the Prague branch of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, where he managed its foreign donations, Czech news agency CTK said.

Home intruder turns out to be a duck

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olice in Massachusetts responding to reports of an intruder in a woman’s home quickly quacked the case.

A North Reading (REH’ding) woman called police Saturday from her upstairs bedroom to report that she heard loud banging noises downstairs and feared someone had broken into

her home.

Officers who responded found no sign of a break-in.

But during a quick search of the home, police found a soot-covered wood duck.

Police say it appears the duck got in through the chimney.

An officer caught the duck and released it into a nearby pond.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Building goes up in flames moments after bride, groom say ‘I do’ K iss the bride, but make it snappy.

Immediately after a man and woman exchanged their vows at a Boston-area wedding on Saturday, the couple — along with everyone in the building — had to rush for the exits to escape the beginnings of what would turn out to be a three-alarm fire.

Jerry Cibley, the justice of the peace who was performing the wedding, spoke to CBS Boston about the fire.

“I just finished pronouncing the young couple husband and wife when we started the recessional, walked out followed by the groom’s people and bridesmaids, then we looked up, and I thought it was fog from a fog machine. It was kind of nice and then I took a closer look and there was a smell to it that didn’t smell like

a fog machine.”

No one was injured in the blaze, though the popular Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, Mass., will have to be demolished, accord-

ing to reports. Investigators believe the fire started when someone tossed a still lit cigarette onto some mulch that then ignited nearby vinyl siding,

Fire-fighters trying to put out flames from the building

ABC News reports.

The building, open since 1906, did not have a sprinkler system and was not required by law to have one.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

41

L–R: Secretary, Mr. Mutiullah Aremu and the Waali, Mr. Raji Abdul Hakeem (middle), both of The Muslim Congress (TMC) Abuja presenting their organization’s programme of events to the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri during a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja recenly

Retired permanent secretary denies involvement in fraud HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

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ormer permanent secretary for bureau of local government pensions board in Benue State and governorship contender under the umbrella of People’s Democratic Party Mr. Andy Uwouku has debunked the claim of embezzlement of 150 million naira funds meant for the payment of arrears of local government pensioners.

Addressing jounalists yesterday in Makurdi, just as the state government has started the process of constituting a probe panel to investigate the scandal, Mr Uwouku claimed ignorance

and further stated that the allegations were unfounded and attributed the insinuation as handiwork of his detractors who have resulted to character assassination to smear his reputation.

The just retired permanent secretary denied involvement in the scandal.

It could be recalled that staggering funds meant for payment of pensioners who retired from local government in Benue State three years ago were reportedly swindled and accusation fingers trailed the immediate past permanent secretary of the board .

He, however added that people should stop looking for something to vilify

those who have served the state meritoriously. He spoke further when I resumed at the board the first thing I did was to computerize and update the records of pensioners for quick accessibility and also captures the names of others on data base who were collecting monthly pension but were not initially on the list” For instance cases of missing document of retirees were rampant but it has reduceD drastically with the Internet facilities provided for the storing of records of pensioners at the third tier of governance in the state one is now free to go anywhere and access information needed on re-

tirees in the state which none in existence.

The Governorship Contender further expressed dismay and noted that people should desist from casting aspersions against others with intent to cause disaffection and generate bad blood for no apparent and justifiable reasons..

The retired permanent secretary added that the allegation is a form of character assassination which will not achieve the desired intention as he said he has no skeletons in his cupboard and described the allegation as a figment of the imagination which does not hold water.

Aliyu urges civil servants to see their postings as a blessing PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA.

Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has urged civil servants in the nation to see postings from one office or department to another as a blessing, not a punishment as percieved by many.

The governor, who stated this during a visit by the newly posted TRADOC Commander, Major General, Salisu Uba during a courtesy visit on the governor in Minna, said many view posting as a form of

punishment on the persons affected by such development.

He recalled how as a pernament secretary then serving with the federal Ministry of Transport and posted from there to the Cabinet and Security office, and later to the National Planning office and how they were seen by people as a form of punishment metted out at him, probably over an offence he committed, which was not so.

He noted by the time he left the National Planning to enable him contest the

governorship seat of Niger state, the story was different, as many people struggled to be posted to the two places, he left.

The governor explained that people saw the offices then as ‘ dry’ as compared to that of the ministry of Transport that they viewed as juicy, while urging the new TRADOC Commander to see his posting as a blessing, and not a punishment.

He told the commander, “ Dont see your posting to Niger state as punishment. My postings from the Ministry of Transport to the Cabi-

net and Security office and to the National Planning were seen as a punishment, but by the time I left, people were fighting to be posted there. So I want you to see your posting to the state as a blessing.”

Earlier, the new TRADOC Commander, Major General Salisu Uba said the TRADOC command is saddled with work of evaluation of polices for the Nigerian Army, and comes up with proposals that assit to move the Army forward in the discharge of its duty to the country.

Celebrating Nigeria’s civil service at 60 CONTINUED FROM 15 and Agencies through the Head of Service. ``Anybody who has a job with the public service must be politically neutral and this encourages impartiality in the service,” Ayo said.

Malam Adamu Fika, former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said there was need to reposition the public service to conform to the norms and ethics of the founding fathers of the country.

Fika said that the repositioning could only be achieved by restoring a merit based civil service devoid of corruption, patronage and inefficiency . ``It has been observed that the absolute dearth of merit and independence in the public service are the catalysts of the collapse of national institutions at all levels. ``Therefore, for Nigeria to take its rightful place in the comity of nations and to compete favourable in this global age, we need to revive, reorient and adjust our public service; more importantly, to have it protected from political influence and interference.’’

According to him, there is need for attitudinal change in the running of the country’s public affairs. ``In order for us to begin the process of change, the future of this nation

must be entrusted, as it was in the past, into the hands of selfless peoplepoliticians and civil servants. ``Those who will lead by example in word and deed and through selfsacrifice; those who will always exhibit leadership qualities in the discharge of public responsibilities and purely for public good,’’ he said.

However, notwithstanding all the reforms in the service, civil servants still lament over poor housing, salary and lack of uniformity in the service.

Mr Peter Adebayo, a civil servant, complained of disparity in the salary structure in the civil service. ``There is a big disparity in salary structure of civil servants, for instance our colleagues in NNPC, CBN and other organisations get more than us in some MDAs,” he said.

Adebayo said that civil servants have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, but many have nothing to show for their hard work, patriotism and commitment.

Stakeholders say that the Federal Civil Service has come of age, but want the government to institute an equitable and non discriminatory salary regime.(NANFeatures)

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Civil Service

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Zonal Commander, RS 9HQ, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Kehinde Adeleye; Enugu Sector Commander, Mr. Fumibi Olawoyin and representative of FRSC Academy, Mr. Victor Jegede, during the training for accidents emergency management in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

NYSC DG moves to mend broken relationship JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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YSC Director General, Brig-Gen Johnson Olawunmi has taken steps to mend the broken relationship between residents of Funtua council area in Katsina State and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The relationship had gone sour when a corps member was alleged to have set an examination question that was offensive to members of the Muslim community in the area.

Irate youths had taken to the streets when the question leaked, and they went about burning tyres and shouting anti NYSC slogans.

They also set two churches ablaze and burnt part of a private school where the corps member was serving.

But Director General NYSC, later had discussions with traditional leaders from the area and the state government as a way of cementing the broken relationship.

Olawunmi said NYSC would increase cultural orientation among corps members to foster increased unity and understanding in the country.

He said at the palace of the District Head of Fun-

tua, Alhaji Sambo Idris, adding that it was routine exercise to educate corps members on religious, cultural and related values.

The NYSC DG however lamented that despite the kind of investment on culture and value education on NYSC members, such an incident could still occur.

He said investigation would be conducted by the NYSC on the matter even as he commended the state government and traditional leaders for handling the matter the way they did.

He, therefore, appealed for harmonious relationship between communities and NYSC members, and for communities to give NYSC members the necessary support and encouragement.

The District Head of Funtua, Alhaji Sambo Idris, in his response said he and other stakeholders would do what was needed to strengthen existing relationship between NYSC and the community members.

Sambo said normal activities had been restored within a short period after the incident occurred, and that interactions among corps members and members of the community remained cordial.

Yero tasks MDAs on full budget implementation AZA MSUE, KADUNA

K

aduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has tasked Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the need to immediately commence full implementation of the 2014 approved budget to enhance the life ofcitizens.

Yero said: “the major problem with implementation is that we all relax as soon as the budget is passed and we wait until the last quarter before we begin to rush to award contracts. We have to begin

implementation as soon as the budget is passed.”

Yero stated this during a one day retreat on implementation of the approved 2014 budget organized for government functionaries held in Kaduna, the Governor said oversight functions of state legislators should not be perceived as witch-hunting but a necessary legislative activity that ensures probity and accountability in public sector expenditures.

He further urged members of the State House of Assembly to intensify action on their oversight function in order to ensure

efficient budget implementation in the State.

Governor Yero said “oversight function should be seen as partnership between the executive and legislative arms not as witch-hunting. Personally I want regular oversights because there is no way you can have a good executive without a good Legislature.

“I don’t look at oversight as witch-hunting and even if that is the case, I have no fear because the records are there. The House should make oversight more consistent and not only when a budget is pre-

sented that you begin to go for inspection, you have to go at all times and if you find any problem please correct us.”

Governor Yero said the budget estimates can only be achieved when projected revenue is realized adding that “the biggest challenge is on how we can meet up with the revenue.”

The 2014 budget of Kaduna State tagged “Budget of Peace and Continuity” has a total revenue projection of N200, 975,754,421.

The budget comprise 63% as capital expenditure and 37% recurrent expenditure.

LG boss promises car gift for brilliant students INUSA NDAI

MAIDUGURI

T

he caretaker Chariman of Gubio local Government area of Borno state, Alhaji Zannah Modu Gubio has pledged to give a brand new car to students from the area who got 9 credit in the on going 2014 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

Alhaji Zannah Gubio made the pledge in Gubio the headquarters of Gubio local government area

while seeing off the students of Government Secondary School Gubio.

It would be recalled that in 2011 SSCE, only two students passed English and Mathematics at credit level in the whole of Northern Borno Senatorial District, and even these lucky students, according to investigation, were not Borno indigenes, as their fathers were military personnel posted to Monguno Barracks.

The council Boss said, government will shoulder

the responsibility of their transportation to and from Maiduguri where they will go to write their final year examinations, following the insecurity by Boko Haram terrorists which led government and the ministry of education to relocate some troubled centres including Gubio to Maiduguri.

The chairman also promised to purchase Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination form to any student who passes 5 credits including mathematics and English and

sponsored him/her to any university of their choice across the nation.

He then donated 140 mats, 140 buckets and 150 plastic Kettles to the students and charged them to work hard to pass their exams and get the reward awaiting them.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Ali Garba thanked the chairman for the gesture and promised not to fail the council, but work hard to win the awards promised by the chairman. End

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday April 9, 2014

43

Lamido Adamawa advocates 100% resource control WOLE OLADIMEJI AND OMEIZA AJAYI

T

he Lamido Adamawa, His royal Highness, Dr Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha has advocated for a 100 per cent control of resources, saying the North too would be interested in a total control of its land resource.

The traditional ruler spoke in support of various delegates, who had called on the conference to allow the regions a control of their distinct resources.

He spoke for the second

time yesterday. In his first speech days ago, he had threatened that his kingdom would secede and join the Republic of Cameroun.

He listed several challenges facing the country and advised delegates to be moderate, tolerant, considerate and magnanimous in their agitation.

“I have observed that some people have started jumping the gun by commenting on issues like resource control, resource ownership and so on.

“In this case, let me also

jump the gun and say that states who do not have oil should allow states which have oil to take 100 percent revenue. And states that do not have oil should take 100 percent land resource. That means all lands should revert to those states,” he said.

He maintained that anybody who wants to use the land or the structure on the land must pay rent to those states or the traditional owners of the land.

He said for example, in the case of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the original inhabitants of the land would take full

control of their land.

“I will like to advise us once again to take a cue from Mr President and not the so-called civilised people from the West, who always tell us there are no permanent friends but permanent interest and who advocate same sex marriages,” he added.

Immediately some delegates raised a point of order, which was ignored by the conference chairman.

On assigning constitutional roles to traditional rulers, the Lamido said: “As for traditional rulers, I don’t

11 support the idea or opinion to give us any role in the constitution; our roles are conventions, like the British constitution and we have been performing them for a number of years and in some places, for more than 1,000 years.”

He stated that what traditional rulers in Nigeria want is recognition, adding: “So, I urge this conference to please, include in the constitution, a provision that will entrench the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, whose membership will be three traditional rulers from each state, including the President of the traditional council from that state.

“We should not listen to

these ethnic chauvinists because if we agree with their argument, we will end up in a situation in Nigeria whereby every ethnic group will demand that the next President, governor, emir, obis, obas, ministers, chairmen of local government must be from their area.”

Asked to react to the Lamido’s comments about him, Chief Adebanjo simply said the behaviour of the traditional ruler only goes to show that there is a lot of problem in the country and that the conference is designed to tackle such problems, adding that he will not join issues with the Lamido.

...says Ayo Adebanjo rants

L-R, Barr Chris Agbonwangbe, Senator Azu Agboti and Chief Olabode George at the National Conference in Abuja yesterday PHOTO: ROTIMI

Nwuanyanwu advocates death penalty for corrupt officials OMEIZA AJAYI

D

elegate to the National Conference and Labour Party National Chairman, Barr.

Dan Nwuayanwu yesterday advocated the death penalty for all corrupt serving or former public office holders in the country.

This was just as fiery Christian preacher and former vice presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC in the 2011 elections, Pastor Tunde Bakara, for the second time cautioned the conference chairman Justice Idris Kutigi against reciting prayers in Arabic as part of his introductory speech at the plenary.

Corruption has for many days taken the centre stage at the discourse with Nwanyanwu calling for the execution of all former governors who are participating in the

•As Bakare cautions Kutigi against speaking in Arabic confab.

The LP chairman said the only way to move the country forward is to identify all those who stole from Nigeria and execute them.

Tunde Bakare yesterday raised an objection to the chairman’s resort to reciting a prayer in Arabic as part of gis introductory sentence at the plenary session.

On March 18, Kutigi had, while beginning the day’s proceedings recited an Islamic prayer in Arabic saying; “Bismillahi-rahmoni-rahim,” meaning, “In the name of God, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful”.

Bakare had referred to the Biblical admonition

by Apostle Paul charging Christians who speak in other tongues to also interpret themselves so that listeners can understand.

Yesterday, Mr. Kutigi

recited the same prayer in Arabic, forcing Bakare to again to raise a point of order.

“I have never seen you laugh like you have done in this conference. I pray that you laugh last and live long for all of us. The Rules of the Proceedings of this conference says everything will be conducted in English language.

“On March 18, I made some observations and one of them was what you said in your opening remarks. I want to make an addendum to that.

“In a bid to build bridges and not war, Mr. Odumakin had raised the same objection and the deputy chairman overruled.

“I have since realised that it is not intimidation on your part. It is just your way of opening the conference. When my brother representing the

Islamic Council finished his speech, I went there to embrace him for building bridges. I also went to the Lamido of Adamawa to ask him for my own passport to Cameroon in case there is trouble.

“Mr. Chairman, let us speak the language that everyone understands. Let us stick to what somebody did yesterday when he said ‘In the name of God, the Most Gracious, and the Most Merciful.”

Curiously, unlike the first time, Kutigi ignored the point of order raised by Bakare, a situation which caused some level of grumblings among delegates.

Also speaking, a former Minister of Health, Prof.

Alphonsus Nwosu, said the power wielded by the central government is one of the biggest challenges to national development and therefore called for the devolution of power to zones and states.

M

eanwhile, the Lamido of Adamawa, Mustapha, has for the second time caused a stir at the ongoing National Conference with his diatribe against an elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Although he was slated to comment on the inaugural speech of President Goodluck Jonathan, the traditional ruler veered off when he admonished his fellow delegates not to behave like Pa Adebanjo, who he said was still ranting at 86.

After clearing his throat, adjusting his flowing royal gown, he hit the microphone twice apparently to be sure it was working and then proceeded to say: “Mr. Chairman, speaker-afterspeaker have said almost the same thing I wanted to say. Therefore, I will just commend Mr. President for convoking this conference.

“He said in his speech that we should be moderate and considerate in our discussions. We should take a cue from Mr. President and observe what he has laid down.”

After his reference to Western democracies again, accusing them of promoting homosexuality, the Lamido immediately proceeded to launch his diatribe against Pa Adebanjo.

He said: “The so called civilised people of the West will only tell us things about same sex marriage.

That is why people like Ayo Adebanjo, even in his prime age of 86, is still ranting.”

Despite the uproar generated by his statement, the conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, with his inaction, passively ruled other delegates out of order.

A delegate from Imo state, Bob Njemanze however berated the conference chairman for giving too much attention to the Lamido, cautioning that such undue attention to the traditional ruler must be cancelled.

He also picked on the president’s speech, saying there was nothing extraordinary about it, adding that he would rather praise those who sat down to write the speech for the president.

44

Politics

GBENGA OGUNBUFUNMI

U

neasy calm now pervades the two leading political parties in River States, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressive Congress, APC, over how the parties’ machineries in the state are being run.

Feelers from the state PDP said many stakeholders were not so much happy over the ways and manner the political pressure group run by the supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, the Grassroot Development Initiative, GDI, has suddenly hijacked the party structure in the state.

Wednesday April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Uneasy calm in Rivers PDP, APC •Stakeholders say party has been hijacked Speaking to National Mirror on the situation,n Rivers PDP Third Force Movement, one of the major groups that made up the party in the state said things are not done properly the way it should within the party in River State and that this is coursing disaffection among members.

Secretary to the group, Mr Oprite Amachree said: “For us as members of PDP in Rivers State, we believe that things are not done properly in the party.”

Amachree said since the

exodus of some members to the APC, the PDP has not been run by any known party organs but by the GDI, a creation of Wike.

He said the normal thing after the exodus was for the party to hold congresses at all levels to fill those vacancies that existed as a result of the exodus and not for Wike to single handedly fill those vacancy with his GDI supporters.

“Wike does not have the right to fill those vacancies alone, it must be done in conjunction with other stakeholders in the party, it is not

GDI party or Wike’s party,” the Rivers PDP Third Force Movement said.

Amachree said things are so bad in the party today that for one to be a recognised PDP member, one need to be a member of the GDI, adding: “What we have on ground is that the GDI is growing more than the PDP.” Another contentious issue in the PDP was which zone produces the next governor of Rivers State.

A stakeholder in the party told National Mirror

that right from the time of Governor Peter Odili down to Celestine Omehia and now Rotimi Amaechi, River State has been governed by people from the upland zone and that come 2015, people would like to see a governor coming from the Southern part of the state for the purpose of fairness and justice.

Meanwhile, Rivers PDP Third Force Movement alleged that Wike has been building structures in all the local government council areas preparatory to garner support for his 2015 governorship ambition contrary to the widespread view that the next governor of the state should be from the south.

The group said if Wike succeeded by arm-twisting Abuja to make him the governorship candidate of the PDP come 2015, the party should be ready for a revolt vote from the people of the state.

Similarly, River State APC is also facing the same

challenge as some member of the legacy group that merged to form the APC are said not to be comfortable with the total hijack of the party structure by the group loyal to Governor Amaechi.

Members of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and a section of All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP that formed the APC are said to be bitter with the takeover of the party by Amaechi group.

Concerned about the development, Rivers State APC interim chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said the party leadership is looking into issues raised by some members of the legacy parties regarding arrangements for the congress.

“As a matter of fact, the state APC leader, Governor Amaechi, is currently meeting with the legacy members to address whatever their problems are once and for all,” Ikanya said.

Police arrests four PDP members with arms WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed with members of the National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, Kwara State branch during NANS Unity Rally in support of the governor at Government House, Ilorin, yesterday.

BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

T

he first executive governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, yesterday said he will remain in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, just as he pleaded with his supporters to remain call.

Adeleke, who was one of the four aspirants in the race for the PDP governorship ticket, until less than 24 hours to the state congress when he announced his withdrawal from the race, said he had already petitioned the national leadership of PDP about the irregularities noticed in the governorship primaries held last Saturday.

I will remain in PDP -Adeleke Speaking during a meeting with his supporters from across the 30 local government areas of the state in Ede, Adeleke maintained that he would seek redress from the national secretariat of the party, saying that last Saturday’s governorship primary of the PDP was marred with irregularities.

He explained that he decided to boycott the primaries to save the lives of his supporters, adding that the way forward for the PDP is genuine reconciliation of all aggrieved parties.

According to him, the decision to shun the primaries was taken after due consultation with leaders of the party loyal to him at both the state and national levels, stressing that he would challenge the results of the primary election at the appropriate quarters.

Recalling how he was attacked allegedly by some people loyal to the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, Adeleke said

he was already talking to his lawyers and may press charges against Adesiyan.

In his reaction, spokesperson of the party’s governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore, Mr Diran Odeyemi, in a statement obtained in Osogbo yesterday, said Senator Adeleke may be considering defecting to the Labour Party, LP, insisting that he was being used

by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to disrupt the peace in

the PDP, having allegedly received the sum of N300 million from the governor.

He however advised Adeleke to remain in the PDP in his own interest, as Omisore had extended an olive branch to him, or in the alternative, he should leave the party if he is no longer comfortable, saying: “Omisore will emerge the next governor of Osun state come August 9.”

T

he Kwara State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested four persons believed to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for allegedly being in possession of firearms illegally.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP), Zanna Ibrahim, who disclosed this to newsmen said they were arrested yesterday morning in the residence of a top official of the PDP. A source said that a PDP member of the state House of Assembly was invited and interrogated by the state police command yesterday in connection with

Controversy trails Bayelsa APC ward congress EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

I

ndications emerged yesterday that the harmonised ward congress of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State was generating controversy among party faithful in the state.

There are 105 electoral wards in the eight local governments of the state.

National Mirror gath-

ered that the party leaders and supporters in the state had met on Monday on the harmonised system of electing ward officials of the party to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the local governments.

A party source who pleaded anonymity said that the initial plan by the interim executive of the party to purchase expression of intent form for aspirants was rejected as

chairmanship aspirants accused the party leadership of attempting to subvert the process to enable it consolidate as substantive state executive of the party.

Some of the ward congresses monitored in Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa local governments of the state were trailed with heated argument over the harmonised list which CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

the allegation.

His words: “Four suspects were arrested in Oyun area of the metropolis on Tuesday morning.

One of the suspects, Olorunfemi Sola, was caught with a locally made gun and one live cartridge.”

The DCP, who said investigation on the matter was still going on, added that further investigations would categorically reveal the identity of other suspects.

In his reaction, the caretaker chairman of the PDP in the state, Hon. Solomon Edojah, disclosed that the lawmaker was invited by the police only to explain what he knew about the matter.

He said: “Some hoodlums were sited outside the premises of my lodge this morning and we discovered that about 90 percent of them were people masquerading as PDP members, whose mission was to foment trouble.

“When police arrested one of them and searched him thoroughly, he was caught with life ammunition and you will agree with me that it is typical of hoodlums to mention names of prominent persons when they found themselves in trouble”, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Nigerian Breweries posts N43.1bn profit, decries crisis in North JOHNSON OKANLAWON

N

igerian Breweries yesterday announced a profit after tax of N43.1bn for the financial year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 13.2 per cent when compared to N38bn recorded in the same period of 2012.

The company revenue rose 6.3 per cent to N268.6bn in 2013, from N252.7bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2012, while taxation increased to N19.2bn in the review period, from N17.6bn recorded in 2012.

Analysis of the result

showed N69.2bn realised from the company’s operating activities in 2013, from N64.6bn in 2012, while profit before tax was up 7.1 per cent to N62.2bn, from N55.6bn recorded in 2012.

Speaking on the result in Lagos, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, said the total brewed products market recorded a modest growth in 2013 with the value for money segment playing a significant role.

He explained that the investments in the company over the years and most recently with the acquisitions and subsequent merger of the acquired

companies, has placed it in the best position to compete.

“Despite the difficult operating environment, we recorded growths in all segments of the market and indeed out-performed the market. We sustained our enviable leadership position in the market.

“The operating environment is expected to remain challenging in 2014 but we remain confident that we will continue to maintain our market leadership as well as take advantage of any growth opportunities that occur,” he added.

On the distribution network in the North, Vervel-

Capital Market

de said there was general sense of insecurity in the North, which has never been helpful and supportive.

According to him, people are reluctant to go out or invest in stock for distribution, but we paind full attention on non-alcoholic drinks, which has paid off.

The Chairman of the company, Mr Kolawole Jamodu, added that one of the reasons for its success over the years is innovation.

He said, “During the year under review, we again raised the bar with the introduction of Maltina in pet bottles, Fayrouz and Star Magnum.”

Equities regain vigour, index up 0.7%

T

he benchmark index of equities turned green on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took positions on companies with good earnings records.

Specifically, the All Share Index appreciated 0.66 per cent to close at 38,881.76 points, as against the decline of 0.22 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 38,626.11 points.

Market capitalisation rose N82bn to close at N12.5trn, in contrast to the decline of N27bn recorded the preceding day to close at N12.4trn.

Fidelity Bank Plc led the gainers’ table with 16 kobo or 8.21 per cent to close at N2.11 per share, followed by Sterling Bank Plc with 12 kobo or 4.80 per cent to close at N2.62 per share.

Continental Insurance Plc added four kobo or 4.21 per cent to close at 99 kobo per share, while UAC-Properties Plc gained N1.00 or 4.17 per cent to close at N25.00 per share.

Wema Bank Plc appreciated four kobo or 4.17 per cent to close at N1.00 per share.

Conversely, BOC Gas Plc dropped 33 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N6.33

per share, while Red Star Express Plc dipped 22 kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N4.25 per share.

Ikeja Hotel Plc lost three kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at 60 kobo per share, while Presco Plc fell N1.90 or 4.52 per cent to close at N40.10 per share.

Oasis Insurance Plc depreciated two kobo or 3.33 per cent to close at 58 kobo per share.

A total of 359.4 million shares valued at N4.94bn were exchanged in 4,655 deals.

However, the equities market has suffered in 2014, losing 6.54 per cent year-to-date, as the re-

Skye Bank profit rises 27% in 2013 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

S

kye Bank yesterday announced a profit after tax of N16.02bn for the financial year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 26.7 per cent when compared to N12.6bn posted in 2012.

According to the International Financial Reporting System’s (IFRS) compliant result submitted to the Nigeria Stock Exchange, profit before tax stood at N17.1bn, an increase of 3.79 per cent from N16.5bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2012.

The bank’s total assets rose from N1. 073trn in 2012 to N1.116trn in 2013, while its deposit liabilities also increased from N966bn to

N996bn in the period under review, reflecting a growth of three per cent.

The bank’s total equity appreciated from 106.8bn in 2012 to N120bn in 2013, indicating the bank’s financial stability and solidity. The bank’s loans and receivables also rose to N549.8bn in 2013, from N540.3bn recorded in 2012.

As a measure of its growing good loan portfolio, the bank’s net interest income was up 38 per cent to N61.7bn, from N44.5bn recorded in 2012, while earnings per share also rose to 121 kobo, as against 101 kobo in 2012 financial year.

Speaking on the result, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, noted that

2013 was beset with various regulatory headwinds on the backdrop of monetary policy tightening with attendant impact on liquidity, cost, fees and overall earnings.

“Having recorded gross earnings of N127.3bn, we grew our interest income by four per cent year-onyear, from N101bn in 2012 to N105bn, while our interest expense reduced by 23 per cent to close at N43.6bn, from N56.5bn.

“This reflected our focus at replacing relatively expensive term deposits with low-cost funding and the continuous use of our branch network to mobilize less costly deposits,” he said.

Durosinmi-Etti ex-

duced participation by foreigners has hit hard.

Analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, an investment firm noted that great gains of 2012 (35.45 per cent) and 2013 (47.19 per cent) truly belong to the past.

“The likely rebound of the market has a low probability of being higher than the current T-Bill rate for a 91-day maturity (11.82 per cent), with the rate also surpassing the current 1-12 month deposit rate. The time may be nigh to head for safety and higher return of fixed income instrument,” the firm added.

plained that the bank’s increased its net operating income year-on-year from N56.7bn in 2012 to N68.5bn, representing a 21 per cent increase.

He said,“Our operating expense increased 28 per cent, from N40.2bn in 2012 to N51.4bn in 2013, as a result of increased statutory payments and other operating costs.

“We are confident about the successful implementation of our Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital Raising Project within the year as planned, which would enable us deepen our penetration in existing markets, while also providing the avenue for exploring uncharted segments and other opportunities.”

45

Source: NSE

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 38,881.76 points Market capitalisation 12.50trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

FIDELITYBK

1.95

2.11

0.16

8.21

STERLNBANK

2.50

2.62

0.12

4.80

CONTINSURE

0.95

0.99

0.04

4.21

UAC-PROP

24.00

25.00

1.00

4.17

WEMABANK

0.96

1.00

0.04

4.17

PZ

31.00

32.18

1.18

3.81

ZENITHBANK

21.00

21.75

0.75

3.57

INTENEGINS

0.58

0.60

0.02

3.45

TRANSCORP

3.56

3.68

0.12

3.37

NESTLE

1,124.35

1,160.00

35.65

3.17

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

BOCGAS

6.66

6.33

-0.33

-4.95

REDSTAREX

4.47

4.25

-0.22

-4.92

IKEJAHOTEL

0.63

0.60

-0.03

-4.76

PRESCO

42.00

40.10

-1.90

-4.52

OASISINS

0.60

0.58

-0.02

-3.33

FIDSON

2.99

2.90

-0.09

-3.01

UBN

10.44

10.15

-0.29

-2.78

AFRIPRUD

2.90

2.82

-0.08

-2.76

UBCAP

2.57

2.50

-0.07

-2.72

NAHCO

5.08

5.00

-0.08

-1.57

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

90-Days

49,874.02

14.08

17-Jan-13

91-Days

97,481.64

14.10

17-Jan-13

-

-

-

-

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$120m

N/A

$108.4m

16-Jan-13

$50m

N/A

$11.8m

14-Jan-13

46

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

46

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 8, 2014 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror Of all theories being alleged in connection with the Boko Haram, the most dangerous as Lagos plans emission far as I’m concerned is to raise such grievous suspicion around our security forces. test for motorists

48

49

BORNO STATE GOVERNOR, KASHIM SHETTIMA

Hoodlums attack police, set van ablaze DARE AKOGUN

T

he police have arraigned 11 suspected hoodlums before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos for allegedly conspiring with others now at large to attack policemen from Area ‘A’ Command, Lagos Island, and setting their patrol van on fire.

The accused, Lekan Abolomo, 33, Milky Jaji,

29, Uchenna Innocent, 20, Aigbe Ekosua, 32, Olasesan Azeez, 25, Adonde Gbenupo, 50, Tope Hassan, 32, Joshua Akinola, 27, Goodwill Agba, 18, Patrick Felix, 29 and Waziri Dada, 22, were arraigned on a three-count charge of felony to wit, arson, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

It was learnt that trouble broke out between the police and suspects when the police at Area A com-

mand responded to a distress call that hoodlums were fighting at a party in front of Ahmed Tinubu Multi-Purpose Hall, Adeniji Adele with dangerous weapons.

On sighting the police team, the rampaging hoodlums attacked with bottles and cutlasses and attempted to disarm them.

The police team however managed to escape and called for reinforcement.

It was gathered that

before the reinforcement team arrived, the hoodlums had set fire to the police patrol van and escaped, but the police were able to arrest 11 of the suspects.

The prosecuting officer Supol Chidi Okoye, said the offences contravened Sections 409, 339 and 166 (D) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge and the Chief Mag-

istrate, Miss A. O. Awogboro, admitted them on bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum,even as they were however taken

to the Ikoyi Prisons pending when they meet their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till April 23rd, 2014 for mention.

Erosion destroys road in Imo CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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esidents of Obinugwu, Ntueke and Umuogbom communities in Ideato South Local Government area of Imo State, have been cut off from their neighbours as the only road linking the three communities has been destroyed by erosion following heavy down pour.

The communities near the country home of Governor, Rochas Okorocha had suffered neglect over the years which have led to the present state of devastation.

Conducting newsmen round to the erosion site, the traditional ruler of the Ntueke autonomous community, Eze Kerian Uchenna Chinedo, expressed his peoples’ regret over their plight as they cannot have any contact with their kith and kin in the neighbouring communities.

The royal father who thanked the government for awarding the road contract two years ago, however, disclosed that the contractor, Messrs Gasser Enterprises, abandoned it as soon as some red earth was excavated, saying that due to poor performance, a second contractor was assigned to the road, but unfortunately it has constructed only 100 metres of drainage since July last year.

He said “while other contractors had returned to site in other areas, that in our community has been left to erosion as houses and electric poles have been destroyed.

The erosion has gone out of control and the remaining portion has been washed off, rendering it impassable for both pedestrians and vehicles, thereby making it impossible to harvest our farm produce,” he said.

Police assault commercial motorcyclist, passenger DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE A destitute converting a bus stop shelter to a home in Lagos

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

NSCDC parades suspected pipe oil vandals in Bayelsa EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has paraded four suspected crude oil vandals in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

It said the suspects, Derateidei Burutu,Tam E m i a k p o, E p u m o k u m o Timidise and Jeremiah Isong were arrested by NSCDC operatives at Korokorosei and Ondewari communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government,

while dismantling three well heads in the area.

But, leader of the gang, Derateidei Burutu , blamed his action on poverty claiming to have engaged in the act to protest government’s failure to provide jobs.

Burutu,who hails from Sagbama pleaded with the agency to free his accomplices and hold him responsible.

The suspect said he had wanted to use the well heads for his personal oil drilling, adding that poli-

ticians use and abandon them after elections.

The state commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Desmond Agu, said the suspects were arrested by the antivandal unit of the command, stressing that it was currently prosecuting eight suspects in court for pipeline vandalism.

According to Agu, the latest arrest by operatives was based on a tip-off from a citizen in the area.

He said: “Let me sound a note of warning that these sabotage must stop.

These pipelines when cut spew oil into the environment and destroy farmlands, pollute water and lead to fire outbreak that can destroy the entire community”.

In an interview, a second suspect, Epumokumo Timidise ,who claimed to be studying Agriculture and Environmental Administration at the Niger Delta University ,Amassoma , said he was involved in the theft to enable him pay school fees.

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ight Mobile Policemen in Gombe yesterday assaulted a commercial motorcyclist and a passenger for alleged violation of traffic regulation.

According to eye witness accounts, the incident occurred when the motorcyclist violated a traffic light signal at a junction close to the Government House.

It was gathered that trouble started when the commercial motorcyclist was stopped by the traffic warden for not observing the traffic light and attempted to resist arrest by police officers.

Following the arrest, a team of mobile policemen on patrol arrived at the scene and started beating the motorcyclist and his passenger According to the account, immediately the armed policemen arrived they started beating the motorcyclists and his passenger without enquiring their offence.

The passenger, Mohammed Bello was said to have suffered injuries as the police used tea-gas on his eyes.

They said it took a long time before the man could open his eyes, stressing that there is urgent need for the government to intervene and call the police to order.

Community Mirror

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos plans emission test for motorists FRANCIS SUBERU

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he Lagos State Government has said it will soon commence emission tests for vehicles plying routes in the metropolis.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, who disclosed this at a stakeholder’s meeting with truck/articulated

vehicles owners at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, noted that the government would have perfected the plan before the end of the year.

He said the exercise will be part of the road worthiness test to be carried out on vehicles, saying that government has engaged the services of experts to CHANGE OF NAME

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UDUAFEME: Formerly known and addressed as Uduafeme Richard Omotayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Memhekhimemhe Richard Eshimikhi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABAKU: Formerly known and addressed as Abaku Adebayo Joseph, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Adebayo Joseph.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

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OJEOGWU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojeogwu Philomina Somawina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fashuyi Philomina Somawina.

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CHIEDO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chiemeka Dolorosa Chiedo, now wish to be known as Mrs Chiemeka Dolorosa Princess Ikechukwu. All former document remains valid. N.Y.S.C. and general public take note.

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KAKANFO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebunoluwa Mary Kakanfo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ebunoluwa Mary Adebayo. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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LAWRENCE: Formerly known and addressed as Mr. James Obasi Lawrence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. James Obasi Ihejiamatu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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ACHUGBU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidiebere Sarah Achugbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chidiebere Sarah Offoregbunam.

All former documents remain valid.

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EWULU: Formerly known and addressed as Benjamin Ekene Ewulu, now wish to be known and addressed as Benjamin Ekene Offoregbunam. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AHMAN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ahman Queeneth Ojoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs John Queeneth Ojoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ASOGWA: Formerly known and addressed as Asogwa Sunday Henry, now wish to be known and addressed as Ugwu Sunday Henry. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AGBRO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Queen Elohor Agbro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Etienajirhevwe Queen Elohor.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oke Taiwo Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oladele Taiwo Florence. All former documents remain valid. Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), AdoEkiti, Ekiti State and general public take note.

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NNATUANYA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnatuanya Nkemakonam Divine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwokike Nkemakonam Divine.

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Generel public take note.

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IKWECHEGH: Formerly known and addressed as Ikwechegh Nnanna Onyekachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Nnanna Godwin Onyekachi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IZHA YOUTH ASSOCIATION (AWKA BRANCH) Motto: PEACE AND LOVE

This is to notify the general public that Izha Youth Association is registering its association in Anambra State.The general public should take note of the registration.

carry out the test.

Opeifa stated that the experts will come with their equipment to Lagos very soon, as government was ready to ensure that vehicles not road worthy were kept off the highway.

According to him, the government would have got the database of all commercial vehicles operating in the state

by September, 2014, saying that CHANGE OF NAME

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OJO: Formerly known and addressed as Ayodele Adebamigbe Ojo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayodele Adebamigbe Olamijulo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLAJIDE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olajide Funmilayo Comfort, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunyemi Funmilayo Comfort.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANOCHILI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anochili Geraldine Nonyelum, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akarukwe Geraldine Nonyelum. All former documents remain valid. Nike Lake Hotel Enugu, Union, Zenith Bank and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMEt

I, Ilesanmi Gbenga Peter is the same and one person as Ilesanmi Gbenga Oluwatemidayo. That, I now wish to be known and addressed as Ilesanmi Gbenga Peter Oluwatemidayo. All former documents remain valid. Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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Evang. Asaolu Ezekiel Olajide Pastor Bello Oluwaniyi Sesan Prophet Akorede Aduragbemi Zacchaeus Rev. Asaolu Samuel Sunday Evang. Olulade Juasegun Pastor Akindejoye Joseph Oluwasina Pastor Bodunde Martins Ibikunle Pastor Ilesanmi Michael Olusola Mrs. Asaolu Olufunke Omolola

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of the Lord.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHANGE OF NAME

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ADEOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Adeola Adeshina Adigun, now wish to be known and addressed as Godwin Adeshina Adigun. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

ROTIMI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Rotimi Omolara Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Owolabi Omolara Victoria. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Hospitals Management Board, Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTSt

This is to inform the general public of lost of Irrevocable Power of Attorney Registered as 43/43/81 and certificate of occupancy Registered as 21/21/02 are parcel ‘B’ at old Enugu Abakaliki Road Paxson Nigeria company Ltd registered office situate at No 80 Limca Road Onitsha if found contact the Ministry of lands and Urban Development Enugu.

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ATUNWA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Atunwa Olabisi Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olabisi Funmilayo Agboola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OTOKOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Otokola Titilope Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oladipo Titilope Christianah. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS BELONGING MISSION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evangelist Innocent Nkwocha 2. Bro. Victor Uzowuru 3. Sis. Chioma Nkwocha 4. Sis. Monica Ukaegbu

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General Overseer Member Treasurer Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Bring soul to Christ 2. To raise great men and women in righteousness 3. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 4. To help humanity

new spate of accidents involving articulated vehicles and we felt that we need to speak with the regulator, owners and operators. And that is why we have brought all the stakeholders in the transport sector.

“This is the second meeting in the last three months and is meant to discuss how we can reduce the rate of accidents caused by articulated CHANGE OF NAME

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NNABUCHI: Formerly known as Miss Nnabuchi Eunice, Miss Onuorah Henry Eunice, now wish to be known as Mrs Onuorah Henry Eunice. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Immigration Service and General public please take note.

SANGOWAWA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Gladys Modupe Adesola Sangowawa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gladys Modupe Adesola Ogunnowo. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Ministry Of Health and general public take note.

ABIMBOLU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abimbolu Omoni Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajila Omoni Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. WEMA Bank Plc and general public take note.

AWOSEMO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Awosemo Iyabode Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adejoke Olubobokun. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

AJILA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajila Abiola Elizabeth, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Abiola Abiola Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

vehicles”, he stated.

Opeifa said as result of the meeting with the national Petroleum Tanker Driver, PTD officials; they had decided to send 400 tanker drivers to the Lagos Drivers Institute, LASDRI for certification, saying that at the end of the training, Lagos State would have successfully trained 700 tanker drivers.

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ADEDAYO: Formerly known and addressed as Adedayo Christiana Monisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Aladekoba Christiana Abeke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ODUSINA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odusina Moriamo Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olusan Moriamo Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

ADEGBOYEGA: Formerly known and addressed as Adegboyega Abdullahi, now wish to be known and addressed as Agboola Abdullahi. All former documents remain valid.Manager GTB PLC, Sagamu and general public take note.

ADISA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adisa Ajoke, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Kayode Ajoke. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

OGUNLEYE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunleye Modupe, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Olasehinde Modupe Joy. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

EMMANUEL GOD’S FAMILY CHERUBIN AND SERAPHIN CHURCH, ISSELE - UKU, DELTA STATE. Notice is hereby given to the general public that above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affair Commission for Registration under ACT 1 Part C of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Most Senior Apostle Peter Ugo Unwuamaeze 2. Senior Apostle Seigha Porbeni 3. Senior Apostle (Dr.) Andrew Odozi 4. Evangelist Maxwell Ugochukwu 5. Mother-In-Israel Mary Chinda.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To preach the gospel of Christ 2. To preach salvation to all.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED:TRUSTEES

CHRISTIAN EJE, 07030297370

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

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EZIKEANYI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezikeanyi Cynthia Chiemezie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Imachi Cynthia Chiemezie. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Signed:

PUBLIC NOTICE GLOBAL REVIVAL FIRE MINISTERS’ FELLOWSHIP

the need to begin emission tests was arrived at the last national council on transportation meeting in Lagos.

At the stakeholder’s meeting,the commissioner decried the rate at which articulated vehicles get involved in accidents, adding that government was putting machineries in place to put the situation in check.

“We have noticed some

PUBLIC NOTICE ASSOCIATION OF IJEBU PETROLEUM TANKER DRIVERS, OGUN STATE, No. 20, Italapo Street, Porogun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘ C ‘ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. H.R.H Adesina Adetoye 2. Chief Dokun Ajidagba 3. Hon. Tokunbo Babatunde Oshin 4. Chief Adebiyi Odugbesan

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster unity, peace and love among its members 2. To create a conducive environment where members meet, interact and discuss the problems, challenges and welfare.

3. To promote and encourage peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit between members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SOLICITOR.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DOMINION CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST INTL.

Notice is hereby given to the general public that above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affair Commission for Registration under ACT 1 Part C of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Saboth Vincent Enuagu 2. Jocob Afam Ugbomah 3. Ewoterai Ogheneovo Jonah.

-General Overseer

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To propagate the gospel of the kingdom of our father and Lord Jesus Christ to mankind.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED:TRUSTEES

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

“I defend that Catalonia should remain in Spain because I can’t conceive of Spain without Catalonia nor of Catalonia outside of Spain and Europe” - SPANISH PRIME MINISTER, MARIANO RAJOY

Ukraine: NATO warns Russia against further intervention

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ATO has warned Russia that further intervention in Ukraine would be a “historic mistake” with grave consequences.

Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Moscow must pull back troops it has massed on the Ukrainian border.

Yesterday, Ukraine regained control of one of the government buildings occupied by proRussian activists in the east of the country.

Moscow has said that using force to end the protests could lead to civil war.

However, in Luhansk, officials said “radicals” occupying the state security building had placed explosives and were holding about 60 people against their will. Activists in the building denied having explosives or hostages but said they had seized an armoury full of automatic rifles.

Kiev says the unrest in the east is being fomented by Russia following its annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

Russia took control in Crimea - where Russian-speakers are in a majority - after a disputed referendum.

The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet senior officials on Wednesday to discuss economic ties

have grave consequences for our relationship with Russia and it would further isolate Russia internationally.”

The US and the EU have already imposed targeted sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian individuals over the annexation of Crimea.

Rasmussen added: “We call on Russia to pull back the tens of thousands of troops it has massed on Ukraine’s borders, engage in a genuine dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities and respect its international commitments.”

US Secretary of State John

Kerry, addressing a Senate panel yesterday, said Russian special forces and agents had been “the catalyst behind the chaos of the last 24 hours”.

He said recent events “could potentially be a contrived pretext for military intervention just as we saw in Crimea”.

As tensions rose on Tuesday, Russian Senator Viktor Ozerov, chairman of the defence and security committee, said President Putin could “theoretically” send troops anywhere in Ukraine under the powers given to him by parliament that allowed him to move forces into Crimea.

Pistorius recounts moment of killing his girlfriend

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outh African athlete Oscar Pistorius has described the moment he fired the shots which killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home.

He told his trial in Pretoria he had heard noises from the toilet and thought an intruder was coming out.

“Before I knew it, I had fired four shots at the door,” he said.

The trial of the athlete, who could face life imprisonment if convicted of murder, was adjourned until today after he broke down crying.

Shortly before Oscar Pistorius described in court how he had shot Reeva Steenkamp, his lawyer asked him to demonstrate his height without his prosthetic legs.

Gasps were heard in the over-

flow courtroom as he slowly walked on his stumps over to the mock-up of the toilet door. His confident demeanour changed - on his stumps he seemed selfconscious. Very few people have seen him like this and it is not an image visible to the world as his testimony is not being televised.

The court heard for the first time that the athlete had spoken to Steenkamp shortly after waking up, to bring in some fans from the balcony. She had asked if he was having trouble sleeping. Another revelation was how he had whispered to her to get down and phone the police after hearing the sound in the bathroom - but there was no mention of her replying.

Australian ship seeks signals from missing jet An Australian ship which picked up possible “pings” from the black box recorders of a missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner has been unable to detect any further signals and time is running out to narrow the massive search, officials said yesterday.

Angus Houston, head of the Australian agency coordinating the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, said the month-long hunt in the Indian Ocean was at a critical stage given the batteries in the black box beacons had already reached the end of their 30-day expected life.

A U.S. Navy “towed pinger locator” onboard Australia’s Ocean Shield picked up two signals consistent with black box locator beacons over the weekend - the first for more than two hours and the second for about 13 minutes.

Ukrainian police sealed off the regional government building in Kharkiv

with Ukraine - including energy supplies.

The International Monetary Fund says Russian growth this year is likely to be “subdued” partly because of tensions with Ukraine and warned of further damage if sanctions are intensified.

“I urge Russia to step back and not escalate the situation in east Ukraine,” Mr Rasmussen said in Paris where he was attending a seminar on NATO reforms.

“If Russia were to intervene further in Ukraine, it would be an historic mistake. It would

WORLD BULLETIN

Egypt jails four men for gay acts A court in Egypt has sentenced four men to up to eight years in prison for committing homosexual acts.

The men were accused of attending or arranging “deviant” sex parties, and dressing in women’s clothes and wearing make-up.

Egyptian law does not explicitly ban homosexual acts, but prosecutors have used legislation banning debauchery to try homosexuals.

The verdict has been condemned by human rights campaigners.

One of the men was jailed for three years with hard labour by the court in Cairo.

US-based Human Rights First group said it was “alarmed and disappointed” at the verdicts.

Ebola death toll in Guinea surpasses 100

Oscar Pistorius (l) arriving for yesterday’s proceedings in Pretoria

He also did not mention having an argument with his girlfriend that night, rather describing a quiet, couple’s night in. The prosecution argues that he killed her in a fit of rage and neighbours have testified to hearing “loud voices” prior to the four shots Pistorius fired.

The 27-year-old double amputee denies deliberately shooting Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day last year.

On his first day on the stand, on Monday, he made a tearful apology to Steenkamp’s family.

The prosecution alleges that Mr Pistorius killed his girlfriend after an argument with her.

The number of people believed to have been killed by the Ebola virus in Guinea has passed 100, the UN World Health Organization said.

It was “one of the most challenging Ebola outbreaks we have ever dealt with” and could take another four months to contain, the WHO said.

The virus had now killed 101 people in Guinea and 10 in Liberia, it said.

Ebola is spread by close contact and kills between 25% and 90% of its victims.

Many West African states have porous borders, and people travel frequently between countries.

Southern Guinea is at the epicentre of the outbreak, with the first case reported last month.

50

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

CHANGE OF NAME t SALAKO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sidikat Bose Salako, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bose Usoh. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t OSENI: Formerly known and addressed as Oseni Mariam, now wish to be known and addressed as Taiwo Olubukola Opeyemi Mariam. All former Documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

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OLATUNJI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunji Elizabeth Moromoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dairo Elizabeth Moromoke. All former Documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AUCTION ! AUCTION

The Nigerian Police Anambra State is calling on the owners of these vehicles,motorcycles parked at Uli Police Station for collection before it will be auction on 28/04/14.the items include ,One scrap accidented Toyota Cpende Reg. No KJA 523 BD,Scrap handsets, 11 Motorcycles,One scrap abandoned truck vehicle Reg. no XB 834 ATN . The Commissioner of police hereby directs the general public to go to Uli Police Station to claim their Vehicles,properties and motorcycles with proof of ownership before it will be auctioned on 28/04/14.

Signed: CSP Emmanuel Madu, Divisional Police Officer, Uli Division

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PWAJOK: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Magdalene James Pwajok, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Magdalene Vov Adeniji. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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DAMIAN: formerly known and Addressed as Mr Damian Ezenagu Onuorah Now wish to be known and Adressed as Elder Luke Ezenagu Onuorah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IWUCHUKWU: Formerly known as Miss Iwuchukwu Blessing Ogbeshia, now wish to be known, called, and addressed as Mrs Onuchukwu Blessing Ogbeshia. All former documents remain valid. NIGERIA EMBASSY and the public take note.

ONWUKA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onwuka Uzoamaka .H., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okeke Uzoamaka .H. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

EZULIKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezulike Hilda Akunnaya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ukaegbu- Ezulike Hilda Akunnaya. All former documents remain valid. Federal College of Education (FCE) Obudu and general public take note.

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ADEDIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adediran Mary Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okunola Mary Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. Local Government Service Commission, Ekiti State and general public take note.

SALMON: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salmon Yusrah Iyabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fatai Yusrah Iyabo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGBONNA: Formerly known in my first school leaving certificate as Ogbonna Lawrence, now wish to be known and addressed as Kanu Lawrence Chinatu Uche. My First School Leaving Certificate bearing my former name remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and the general public to take note.

OZOANI:Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ozoani Ifeoma Abigail, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ugwu Ifeoma Abigail. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

OLADOKUN: Formerly known and addressed as Oladokun Gbenga Oluwakorede, now wish to be known and addressed as Oladokun Olugbemiga Oluwakorede. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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ADESANYA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Atinuke Bamitale Adesanya, now wish to be known as Mrs Atinuke Bamitale Osunlade. All former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE DIVINE FOTRESS EVANGELICAL CHURCH.

This is to notify the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja,for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1 of 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Dr. Favour Chinasa Nkelem 2. Pastor Peter Nkelem Chukwu Mmaduneme 3. Blessing Udechukwu 4. Bro. Cletus Sunday Ajekwene

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

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AFOLABI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolabi Sakirat Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Seteolu Sakirat Adenike. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODUNADE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odunade Folashade Titilope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jeremiah Folashade Titilope. All former documents remain valid. Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) State of Osun and general public should please take note.

OKORIE: Formerly known and addressed as Okorie Kyrian, now wish to be known and addressed as Okororie Kyrian.

All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

EZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze Nkechinyere Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Urama Nkechinyere Juliet. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

OTU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Otu Mercy Ibidam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajayi Mercy Ibidam. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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UNFUNTEA: Formerly known and addressed as Deganon Martina Unfuntea, now wish to be known as Deganon Martina Eunice Zansi.

All former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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DORIS: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofoegbu Doris Chika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oparah Doris Chika. All former documents remain valid. GTBank and general public take note.

SALAKO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olusola Temitope Salako, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Martins Olusola Temitope. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OKOME: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okome Rosemary Emeterhire, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ngorka Rosemary Emeterhire.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AYENI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedoyin Adeyanju Ayeni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebayo Adedoyin Vivian.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADEBAYO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo Mojisola Funmilola Aderonke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebulehin Ronke Funmilola.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OKAFOR:Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Chinelo Doris, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okere Chinelo Doris. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IGINLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Iginla Jumoke Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwafemi Jumoke Sarah. All former documents remain valid. UNICEF Enugu and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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 day of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. GLORIA AKABOGU. 08064476767.

SIGNED: ADEOYE . N . AMOSU GENERAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CHURCH INCORPORATED

NATIONAL COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLE AND TRICYCLE OWNERS & RIDERS ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for the change of its Trustees and amendment of its constitution to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE NEW MEMBERS OF TRUSTEES ARE:

Chairman Secretary Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

Any objection to the above names of the association Trustees should reach the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja with 28 days of this publication

SIGNED: CHIEF EZEKIEL O. OLADAPO BOT CHARIMAN

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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JOSEPH: Formerly known and addressed as Joseph Andrew, now wish to be known and addressed as Joshua Andrew Gwana. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education Kaduna and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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ONUIGBO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kelechi Chisom Onuigbo, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs. Kelechi Chisom Nwachukwu. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, IMSU Owerri, Diamond Bank and general public take note.

AJOKU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajoku Nkeiruka Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osuji Nkeiruka Nneka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FAMILOYE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Familoye Bolatito Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oni Bolatito Eunice. All former documents remain valid. general public should please take note.

ELUSOGBO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Elusogbo Omowunmi Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojerinde Omowunmi Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm that Alex Akintayo and Oyedeji Alex Akintayo is the same one person as Oyedeji Alex Akintayo. that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Oyedeji Alex Akintayo.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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NZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nze Esther Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chigbo Esther Nkechi. All former documents remain valid. Local government Service Commission, NYSC and general public take note.

ANYA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anya Augustina Onyinye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Agu Augustina Onyinye. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEGBOLA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adegbola Adedoyin Funke, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Bello Adedoyin Funke. All former documents remain valid. Lautech Teaching Hospital,Ogbomoso and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The General Public is hereby informed that Peju Nursery And Primary School has applied to the Ogun State Ministry of Education for its name to be changed from Peju Nursery and Primary School to Master Key Unique Schools.

This Publication is required for record purposes and for the information of Authority concerned to take note.

Signed:

Mrs. Esther Olapeju Oladele Proprietress

1. Prince Femi Ade Egbodofo 2. Adeoye . N . Amosu 3. Otunba Segun Timi 4. Dr Foluso . L.. Shittu 5. Alhaji Abdulazeez Oteju 6. Chief Michael K. Adekunle 7. Elder Emmanuel . O. Howells

- General Overseer.

- Secretary.

- Treasurer.

- P.R.O.

1. Chief Ezekiel Olayele Oladapo 2. Alhaji Mohammed Sani Hassan 3. Comrd Adetunji Rafiu 4. Chief Adeosun A. Egunjobi 5. Alhaji Sidi Abubabkar 6. Comrd Daramola Rotimi Williams 7. Chief Adewole Adekunle Fatai 8. Chief Comrd Solomon Ordu Chukwu 9. Hussain Alhaji Isa 10. Ugochukwu Nwankwo Okoli 11. Mr. Emmanuel Bassey

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THE TRUSTEES ARE:

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 day of this publication.

(Retained) (Retained) (Retained) (Retained) (Removed) (Removed) (Retained) (Removed) (Removed)

CHANGE OF NAME

AMODU: Formerly known and addressed as Amodu Rashidat Alaba, now wish to be known and addressed as Olonade Rashidat Alaba. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME t AKINOLA: Formerly called Miss Akinola Olabisi, henceforth wish to be addressed as Mrs Alabi Olabisi. All former documents remain valid. NECO and the general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja,for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1 of 1990

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Chief Ezekiel Olayele Oladapo 2. Chief Adetunji Rafiu 3.Chief Adeosun A. Egunjobi 4. Alhaji Sidi Abubakar 5. Alhaji Sanni Musa 6. Mallam Umoru Aliyu 7. Mr. Emmanuel Bassey 8. Mr. Chukwuemeka Okoye 9. Mr. Ebenezer Oyenkwere

CHANGE OF NAME t MFON: Formerly called Miss Joy Ekaete Mfon henceforth wish to be addressed as Mrs Joy Ekaete Uzonwanne. All former documents remain valid.

NECO and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE HOTELIERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA OGUN STATE CHAPTER

1. To preach the word of God and spread the gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2. To further the work of evangelism in the World.

3. To proclaim in all Lands and to gather the peoples of all races into the fellowship of Christ.

4. To Inculcate good Morals into people.

THE FORMER TRUSTEES ARE:

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JIBODU: Formerly known and addressed as Jibodu Oluwakemi Olabisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajayi Oluwakemi Olabisi.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MR. EMMANUEL BASSEY BOT SECRETARY

1. To promote hotel hospitality and tourism 2. To unite members 3. To provide for members need and other matters

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the above mentioned Church which has lost its Certificate of Incorporation with No. 1579 dated 12th July, 1996 has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for the issuance of a Certified True Copy of the said lost certificate.

ANY OBJECTION to this application for a Certified True Copy of the said certificate should be forwarded within Twenty-Eight (28) days of this publication to the RegistrarGeneral of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

SIGNED: F. O. UDOKPOROH ESQ. FRANCIS PHILLIPS & CO, (SOLICITORS)

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CHURCH INCORPORATED

NOTICE is hereby given that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for a change/appointment of additional Trustees.

NAMES OF OLD TRUSTEES: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Edmund Anyaiwe Grace Anyaiwe Joy Okaro Friday Udoh Williams Umeobi Timi Andrew

(To be removed) (To be removed) (To be removed) (To be removed) (To be removed)

PROPOSED TRUSTEES 1.

2.

3.

4.

Elder Ifenkwe Nwankwo Mr. Donatus Obioma Uzoegbu Deaconess Augustina Chukwuka Mrs. Eunice Joseph

ANY OBJECTION to this application should be forwarded within Twenty-Eight (28) days of this publication to the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

SIGNED: F. O. UDOKPOROH ESQ. FRANCIS PHILLIPS & CO, (SOLICITORS)

Wednesday April 9, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Barcelona is out of the equation for now. I am very, very happy at Stamford Bridge –Chelsea defender, David Luiz

Rooney boost st for Red Devils ils 52

NFF settles issues with Keshi

…pays 4 months salary arrears JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared that there is no rift between it and the Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, contrary to any information available to the public.

Speaking yesterday through its Media and Publicity Committee Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama, the NFF, however, admitted that though Keshi was recently queried for failing to appear before its technical committee for a scheduled meeting and for previously travelling before the approved date for his leave, the federation had received a reply from Keshi which finally rested “perceived” wrongs.

Inyama announced that to underline its goodwill, the NFF has paid the four months salary arrears of Keshi and his assistants.

Recent Media reports were filled with several issues between Keshi and his employers, the most recent being that the NFF was planning to relieve the former Mali and Togo Coach of his job immediately after the World Cup in Brazil in July.

The NFF Executive Committee spokesman appealed to the press to join hands with the federation and avoid reporting issues that raise dust in the public.

“We have a very cordial relationship with Keshi and we are proud of him because he has done and is still doing well. He remains the head coach of our team. Cur-

rently, he is one of the best coaches in the world,” Inyama said.

On whether the federation is interested in players Keshi invites for World Cup, Inyama said, “I don’t decide who Keshi invites because it is his work to invite players to the World Cup according to his prerogative. And it is the technical committee of the federation who calls him for a meeting and discuss about any player who they think is important, but not in the list.

“At the end of the day, it is still left for the coach to choose his final 23-man players who will be at the World Cup.” Inyama said that Keshi and his assistants would be paid yesterday or latest today and that all other salaries owed former coaches would be cleared before the end of next week.

“As I speak to you, the four months salaries of Super Eagles’ coaches including Keshi are being processed for payment. The mandate has been given for them to receive their salaries and they will get the alert by today (yesterday) or tomorrow (today).

I’m a fighter, says Onazi S

Onazi

uper Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, says he is a fighter. Sitting on the pews at the Estadio Olimpico in Rome, Onazi gazes at the stands where thousands of Lazio fans cheer the team each time they play.

“I’m a fighter. I play to help my team win, “he told supersport. com.

The diminutive midfielder was also a key component as Nigeria defied the odds to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by South Africa. Onazi has been through a lot to get to where he is today. Growing up on the streets of Jos, he honed his skills in youth tournaments where he was highly rated in those circles alongside the likes of Terry Envoh (whom he later played with in the 2009 U-17 World Cup) and Peter Gyang.

Onazi, who has 19 senior caps to his name, has been an integral part of the Super Eagles team since the Nations Cup triumph and is expected to be part of Keshi’s 23-man team to Brazil.

Already rumors have been flying in the media of purported moves to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Tottenham tracking the combative midfielder.

Onazi, however, insists Lazio remain his primary focus for now.“I don’t dwell on rumours, I always concentrate on the issues at hand,” he stated when asked about the rumors.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Champions League...

s ture td x i f ay’svs Man Ulona d o T ern arce

Rooney boost for Red Devils T

he camp of Manchester United was yesterday lifted after injured striker, Wayne Rooney, trained with the rest of the squad ahead of the trip to Munich for tonight’s second leg quater final clash with Bayern.

The England forward picked up a toe injury during the first leg at Old Trafford last week, and missed last weekend’s win over Newcastle United.

United had confirmed last week that Rooney was a doubt for the crucial meeting at the Allianz Arena as Manager David Moyes said he would give Rooney right up to kick-off today to prove his fitness.

Moyes is desperate to have Rooney available for the crucial clash, especially as Robin

Bay co vs B lts ti G u Atle Res - 0 PS adrid 2 M l lsea 0 Rea e h C d2mun t Dor

van Persie is already out through injury whilst Juan Mata is ineligible to play.

Left-back Patrice Evra also took part in training, and he appeared set to feature in Germany having missed the first leg through injury.

However, defender Rafael, who has been out with a hamstring injury, and Marouane Fellaini who suffered dizziness did not feature in the work-out.

The odds remain against United as the Red Devils take on the European champion, despite the former’s astoundingly creditable performance in a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Costa doubt for Atletico

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either Diego Costa nor Arda Turan took part in Atletico Madrid training yesterday as they prepared for their Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

The duo both missed Saturday’s 1-0 League win over Villareal through injury and it remains to be seen whether they will be fit for today’s match.

Costa is still recovering from a thigh injury and is said to be the more doubtful of the two but Arda, who today underwent physiotherapy for a hernia problem, is expected to be available. Raul Garcia will definitely return after serving a European suspension, as will club captain Gabi who missed the Villareal match for the same reason.

Barcelona’s main injury concerns are at the back where Gerard Pique is missing with a hip injury so Marc Bartra could again deputise with Carles Puyol out long term. Barca also have to finish the season with veteran goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto after Victor Valdes was ruled out with a knee ligament injury.

Meanwhile, Barcelona has not lost a match in the Champions League quarter finals since April 2003, winning eight and drawing seven of its games at this stage since.

Atletico has also conceded only five goals in their nine Champions League games this season; and no side in the competition has conceded fewer.

Barca’s talisman, Lionel Messi, has scored 19 goals in his last 20 Champions League appearances away from the Camp Nou. It is also to be noted, however, that no side has scored more goals from setpieces than Atletico this season after netting nine strikes in the process.

Arsenal set for Giroud offload

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atest reports said Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, is prepared to ensure that misfiring striker, Olivier Giroud, is sold off after this season.

According to the reports, Arsenal will listen to offers for the France striker from all suitors.

Giroud has been criticised for his performances in recent weeks, and it is understood Wenger privately feels let down by the inconsistent forward, following allegations of an extra-marital encounter while on club duty.

It is also believed that the London club will hunt for at least two new strikers this summer, sugggesting that should Giroud remain at the Emirates, he is likely to fall down the Gunners’ pecking order.

Ibrahimovic

Rooney

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday April 9, 2014

Glo League:

Nembe aim to thump Rangers N

embe City head coach, Gabriel Umunna, has said his side will challenge Enugu Rangers for the three points in the rescheduled Nigeria Football Premier League Match Day 1 tie today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Nembe made their delayed appearance in the ongoing 2013/14 Glo Premier League season losing 0-2 to leaders, Akwa United, in Match Day 5 game last Sunday at the Uyo Township Stadium.

However, Umunna who downplayed the defeat at Akwa United to cloudiness that surrounded the encounter insisted that his wards are in a better frame of mind to go all out to contest for the points against the Coal City side.

“It would’ve been simply a miracle if we had won the tie at Akwa United given the uncertainty that preceded the match.

“I think we’re not disgraced, but gave good account of ourselves in the game by pulling our weight to keep the score line as low as 0-2,” he said.

He added, “We’ve decided to put behind us the trauma and focus on winning matches which is the reason we’re in the league,”

Auto crash: Club owners empathise with Heartland officials

How we beat Enyimba –Babangida

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hairman of FC Taraba, Tijani Babangida, has said his team overcame inferiority to defeart top side Enyimba last weekend in Jalingo.

The newly-promoted Taraba sits second on the Nigeria Premier League table with nine points after the famous 1-0 home win over six-time champion Enyimba.

A 36th minute strike by Bobby Abel was enough to earn the Jalingo club the maximum points and condemn twotime African champion Enyimba to its second defeat in a week.

“It was a hard earn victory, but you must give it to the boys as they were determined to get something out of the game considering the pedigree of Enyimba,” the former Super Eagles winger said.

“We simply told them before the game not to show any respect to Enyimba and approach the game like we have done in our other matches.

“The fact that we have two former Enyimba players in our current squad also helped us to win the game.”

Injured: Ndubuoke

Ayalogu

Taraba FC boss, Tijani Babangida

Queens TM bemoans Uyo loss AFOLABI GAMBARI

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eam Manager of Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja, David Ayo Owolabi, has described his side’s 3-0 defeat to Ibom Angels of Uyo in the Week Six of the Nigeria Women Premier League, NWPL as shocking, even as he pledges to ensure adequate amendment soon.

“I have never lost with such margin to Ibom Angels,” Owolabi, who reckoned that the loss was abnormal, told National Mirror yesterday.

“Surprises do happen, and we had a chance to play better in the match because we had excellent officiating. We can only look forward to bounce back against Pelican Stars in the next game,” he added.

Ibom Angels’ Bessy Obot had scored two goals

in the 37th minute e and later convertted a penalty in the he 69th minute after ter Blessing Afangide gide had doubled the lead in the 57th minute. e.

Spokesperson of Confluence Queens, ns, Tosin Ojo, said the players have shaken off the he defeat and are ready to o win the maximum pointss as they host Pelican Starss of Calabar on Sunday.

“I think we have worked hard at leaving g nothing to chance in ensuring ing victory in this game,” Ojo said. aid.

Governor Wada

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op officials of the Club Owners Association of Nigeria (COAS) have visited injured officials of Heartland FC at the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri, following a near-fatal auto accident that involved Chairman, Chief Fan Ndubuoke and the Club Coordinator/Secretary, Mr. Oscar Keke.

The duo were reportedly on official assignment last week when the incident occurred.

A COAS delegation led by the Acting Chairman, Barrister Isaac Danladi, was received by a top official of the Owerri club, Mr. Tonnex Chukwu, who accompanied the visitors to the recuperating officials.

The visitors extended the sympathy on behalf of their members while praying for the quick recovery of the Heartland officials.

Ndubuoke, who spoke briefly, thanked the club owners for their concern.

“We owe our survival to God,” Ndubuoke said.

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Politics

Wednesday April 9, 2014

Abia APC conducts congresses at ward, LG, state GEORGE OPARA UMUAHIA

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he Abia State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, is currently conducting congresses in the state to elect ward executives, local governments and state executive officers of the party.

Chairman of the fivemember congress committee and Osun State Commissioner for Information, Hon.

Sunday Akere, told newsmen that the committee has been in the state for the past six days for the assignment, adding that it was instructed to consult with the Independent National Election Commission, INEC, and the state stakeholders to ensure a credible and acceptable exercise.

Forms have been collected and filled by aspirants to the various elective positions and regulatory activities for

the successful conduct of the said congress were in progress in the 184 wards and 17 council areas of the state simultaneously.

Akere had expressed optimism that the outcome of the congresses would be transparent and credible to deepen and uphold the principles of internal democracy in the party.

Election for the ward executive was conducted yesterday. Next Saturday

would be for the local governments’ congress while state congres would hold next Wednesday.

With the peaceful manner the congress activities were going, Akere and Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, interim state chairman of APC told newsmen that they have confidence that APC was poised to take over power from the ruling Peoples Democratic party, PDP, in the state come 2015.

Voting during the APC Congress in Benin yesterday.

Rights groups, INEC strategise for Ekiti governorship elections GLORIA USMAN ABUJA

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head of the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election civil society groups and the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, con-

73 DAYS TO GO

verged in Abuja to strategise on successful conduct of the elections.

The civil society groups, under the aegis of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room were on hand as the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alh Hussaini Pa,i gave details of INEC’s plans and preparations for the poll.

He explained that efforts have been made to put in place a credible voters’ register which is critical to any successful election, saying: “So, as far as we are concerned, I think the register that we have now is really credible enough.”

“The process pruned down the state registration figure to 688,950 having detected 77,609 duplicates. The process removed a total of 31,694 incom-

plete registrations from the database leaving the final of registrant in Ekiti State database at 657,256.

“We believe in INEC, that the credibility and success of any election depend largely on the credibility of the voters’ register. And it is in view of that that the commission has gone through several processes to ensure that first the voters register in Ekiti State is cleaned up’ second, to ensure that every eligible voter in Ekiti State is not disenfranchised.”

Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, said the meeting was put together to know how much INEC has put in place, in terms of ad-

dressing the concerns that have risen from previous elections; the voters register, collation of vote, announcement of results, to indicate how much it has put in place to ensure that with Ekiti and hopefully Osun, all would be well.”

Also, Executive Director, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, said; “We actually saw what happened in Anambra State election where an INEC official compromised the electoral process, so we are saying that if INEC is sincere to conduct election in Ekiti state all things should be put on ground.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

...Crisis rocks party in Akwa Ibom as members shun state congress ANIEFIOK MACAULEY UYO

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risis arising from lack of transparency and undue influence by some prominent members of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, is tearing the party apart as members have shunned the congress rescheduled to hold yesterday in Uyo, the state capital.

Speaking to National Mirror, one of the aspirants for the post of the state chairman, Dr. Anny Asikpo, said they have lost confidence in the congress because due process was not followed by the chairman of the Congress Committee.

Asikpo, a former aspirant for the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district in the 2011 elections on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, said they have passed a vote of no confidence on the Engr. Ezenwa led committee because he failed to follow due process.

According to him, members of the legacy parties in the APC, the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, and others, have been left in the dark in the running of the party.

Asikpo said such disposition was not good for a party with a mandate to give the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a strong challenge in the upcoming contest.

Asikpo, who is fighting the cause of effective administration of the party with other aggrieved members, flayed lack of transparency and due process in the party, adding that they would not

hesitate to seek redress in court, if things were not properly harmonized.

“We are monitoring the process to see where they will fail so that we can have some good evidences to call them to order. We will follow all legal processes to ensure all these anomalies are corrected because if the party is not opened up, nobody will join and the essence of forming the alliance will not be achieved,” he said.

But the interim state secretary of the party Comrade David Ekanem said he was not aware that there was a problem in the party, adding that he saw the congress committee holding meeting with Asikpo but was not privy to it since he is not a member of that committee.

Asked to speak further on the allegations that most of the members of the former ANPP, CPC, and ACN were not carried along and were denied registration in the new party, Ekanem said: “There are some issues I should discuss with you and there are others I should not as an interim secretary of the party.”

Speaking further he said everything pertaining to the primaries should be directed to the secretary of the congress committee as they have taken over all responsibilities of the party in the state.

Meanwhile, Dr. Amadu Atai, the interim chairman of APC, dismissed all the allegations, saying the APC was beyond the sentiments of some individuals.

Atai, a former ACN chairman said: “I am contesting to become the next Chairman of APC, so anybody who wants to contest should buy the form and I will defeat them.”

Controversy trails Bayelsa APC ward congress CONTINUED FROM 44

rendered the congress inconclusive.

Party faithful called for caution and advised the party leadership not to be hasty in accepting harmonised lists from any local government.

A chieftain of the party and state chairmanship aspirant, Sunday Frank-Oputu, pleaded with aggrieved aspirants to wait for the outcome of tomorrow’s sitting of the Appeal Commit-

tee of the party.

He said: “We are a party of focused people and will not accept inconclusive lists of delegates.”

National Mirror was reliably informed that the meeting was presided by the Interim State Chairman of the party, Tiwei Orunimighe and was supervised by a twoman ward delegate committee headed by Prof.Ottis an indigene of Cross River state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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kiti State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its governorship candidate, Mr Ayodele Fayose, yesterday denied the claim that Fayose’s supporters attacked the convoy of Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

Fayose, the PDP and a former governorship aspirant, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said rather, it was the All Progressives Congress, APC, members in the governor’s convoy that opened fire on the PDP candidate’s campaign office at the Adebayo area of the state capital A statement by Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr Yinka Oyebode, had claimed that Fayemi’s convoy was attacked in Ado-Ekiti, around 6pm on Monday by suspected thugs working for Fayose.

Oyebode had said that Fayose’s thugs hurled stones and bottles at the governor’s vehicle and other vehicles belonging to APC members on the entourage while returning to Ado-Ekiti after a campaign rally in Ekiti East

Politics

Wednesday April 9, 2014

55

PDP condemns attack on Fayose’s campaign office •As Fayemi, opposition party differ on attack on gov’s convoy Local Government Area of the state.

He added that but for the governor, who restrained his security aides and party supporters from retaliating, there would have been casualties in the attack in which he said some APC loyalists sustained minor injuries, while some vehicles had their wind screens smashed.

But the spokesperson of Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said that Fayemi’s campaign train was returning to Ado-Ekiti from Omuo-Ekiti when an aide of the governor started shooting at the premises and subsequently led some armed youths in and wreaked havoc.

The office windows of the campaign office were shattered with bullets and three vehicles: a Honda car marked Lagos EE 908 APP, another

Honda Legend car and a campaign vehicle of Fayose damaged with bullets.

While two eyewitnesses, Ariyo Afolabi and Sunday Adepoju said they narrowly escaped being killed, a victim of the attack, Olumide Gabriel, said it was divine intervention that saved him.

The PDP state Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday that when the governor’s convoy was driving past Fayose’s campaign office, some APC thugs shot at the cam-

paign office without being provoked.

Oluwawole explained that after a few minutes, about 10 of suspected thugs later moved to the campaign office and shattered the building window glass and vehicles parked within the premises with bullets.

While appealing to PDP members and supporters to remain calm, Oluwawole called on the security agencies to call the governor and his supporters to order.

Adeyeye described the attack on Fayose’s campaign office “as animalis-

tic, barbaric and condemnable”, saying: “Governor Fayemi should be held responsible for political violence in the state.”

The Afenifere chieftain said that it was disheartening to see thugs open fire at law-abiding citizens of Ekiti State from a governor’s convoy, adding that it was unbelievable that the governor was at the scene of the incident, expressing surprise that the governor and his supporters still wanted the world to believe that it was PDP supporters that attacked the governor’s convoy, “even when there are more than

73 DAYS TO GO enough evidences of damaged cars, belonging to PDP supporters.

Although the spokesperson for the police in Ekiti State could not be reached, security has been beefed up at the campaign office, as two patrol vans loaded with policemen have been detailed to keep watch.

Bamidele assures of diversifying economy ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

T

he Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the June 21 election in Ekiti State, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured that the state economy would be diversified through harnessing the vast natural resources the state was endowed with.

Bamidele, who spoke at the palace of Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, during his campaign tour of Ijero council area, said that Ijero was noted for high deposit of kaolin and gypsum minerals, which he said, if harnessed, were capable of transforming the economic fortunes of the state.

Pledging that his government would diversify the economy of the state from its monolithic civil service structure, through heavy investment in industrial development, agriculture, robust healthcare system and massive employment for Ekiti youth, he said: “I am not going to be a governor that would under-employ the youth. I will give them permanent and well paid jobs, where they can have career progression and build their future rather than

mere volunteering that cannot guarantee prospect for our future leaders.”

Also in a statement in Ado Ekiti, Bamidele appealed to striking doctors in the state to shelve the action in the interest of Ekiti people, saying: “We express regret over the hardship and trauma that the present administration has made Ekiti residents to pass through while displaying naked powers.”

He averred that the present administration displayed extreme level of insensitivity to the medical practitioners with the way it treated their demands with disdain, stressing that the government’s action had further confirmed the fears that a second term for Governor Kayode Fayemi would be catastrophic to Ekiti workers.

He said: “It is so disappointing that Governor Fayemi could allow a critical sector like health to be paralysed by workers who are demanding legitimate rights. Today in Ekiti, people can no longer receive medical attention in the health centres, general hospitals and likewise the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.

L-R: One the beneficiaries of Ekiti State Social Security Scheme for the Elderly Citizens, Mrs. Rachael Ogunsakin; Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Governor Kayode Fayemi; Interim Chairman, All Progressive Congress, APC, Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe and chairman, Ekiti East Local Government, Rotimi Ajidara, during the JKF Re-Election Campaign Rally, at Araromi OkeEkiti, in Ekiti East Local Government Area, yesterday.

Expect more democracy dividends –Fayemi ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

E

kiti State governor and All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirant, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has urged the people of the state to expect more dividends of democracy if he wins re-election in the June 21 governorship election.

Fayemi, who made the promise yesterday during the second leg of his campaign tour to Ekiti East council area, promised to work harder to improve the standard of living of Ekiti people, adding that the various projects executed and commissioned by his administration were having positive impact on the lives of the benefiting communities.

Fayemi stressed that his administration had touched all parts of

the state and the need to consolidate on the achievements recorded in the last three and half years formed the basis for a quest for a fresh term in office.

The governor, who held rallies to drum support for his re-election bid in communities including Omuo, Eda-Ile and Isinbode, was received by traditional rulers, community leaders, interest groups and teeming supporters.

He urged the people to be vigilant as the election day approaches to prevent anti-democratic elements from stealing their votes, which he described as “very sacred”.

He expressed confidence that old people receiving monthly stipends, youth empowered through the Volunteer Corps scheme and beneficiaries of free health programme in government hospitals would use their

votes to keep his government in office for the good work to continue.

Addressing the people of Omuo, Fayemi said that his administration had done a lot for the community, adding that the Omuo General Hospital has received a massive renovation and equipped with a new ambulance and stocked with drugs to boost healthcare delivery.

He added that a new transformer, which happened to be the sixth in the community, had just been installed to boost power supply while the community also benefited from the five-kilometer road projects carried out by the local council.

Saying that more dividends of democracy were still in the offing, Fayemi said work had commenced on the OmuoIsinbode-Agbado road while a new ultra-modern market

was under construction in Omuo to boost the economy of the area.

Revealing that the town’s water project, which is one of the major demands of the residents, has been incorporated into this year’s budget, he said: “Keep your voter’s card, don’t forget it at home on Election Day. Our aged receiving monthly stipend, youth receiving stipend under the Volunteer Corps, pregnant women and others I believe will keep their voter’s card ahead of the election.

“We are ready to work harder, remain resolute and I know you will not let us down. You have enjoyed dividends of democracy from a progressive government and I know you want this to continue.

“We are ready to offer ourselves to work harder to improve the standard of living of our people.”

WORLD RECORD

Longest screen kiss in a TV show The longest screen kiss in a TV show is 3 min 47 secs and was achieved by Da-

Vol. 04 No. 826

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

N150

vid Barger and Amy Barger (both USA) on the Valentine’s Day episode of “Good

The travails of citizen Wabara

Day Tulsa” (KTUL TV) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, on 14 February 2013.

O

n Friday, March 28, 2014, at 6.30 am, something devious and sinister happened in Surulere, Lagos. At that hour, a detachment of 20 fierce looking policemen from the Abia State command stormed the residence of veteran journalist, Ebere Wabara, and virtually abducted him. And before anyone in the neighbourhood could figure what was happening, the goons handcuffed and bundled him into a waiting van for a tortuous 10 hour journey to Umuahia. While still trying to recover from the shock, he was hurriedly slammed with a 10-count charge of sedition by the police, acting under the instructions of the state government.

Unfortunately, the police action was coming at the time Wabara was hospitalised resulting from the tortures and pains inflicted on him while being dragged like

Okay Osuji (okayosuji@nationalmirroronline.net) 08034729256 (sms only)

a common criminal from Lagos to Umuahia. The charge by the police was that he wrote some articles that maligned and defamed the person of Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji and members of his family with intent of causing dilemma in the state, whatever that meant. Even when the governor and his hangers-on are making all the noises trying to deny any knowledge of the police action, one cannot but be scandalised at the audacity of the enterprise, especially coming from a civilian governor in a supposedly democratic dispensation. The Gestapo tactic employed by the governor and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adamu Ibrahim should be condemned by all right thinking citizens as it is an affront on human dignity and civilization; especially coming at a time when the freedom of speech has become a mantra even in the most autocratic countries of the world.

Who ever told Theodore Orji that Ebere Wabara has no right to speak up his mind on any issue, especially when it has to do with the questionable behaviours of those in public office? If the governor has nothing to hide, why did he send what looked like a hit squad to arrest someone who has not committed any violent crime against the state? We all know there is no love lost between Theodore Orji and Ebere Wabara for the simple fact that the latter works for Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State. Definitely, Theodore Orji’s mailed fist against Wabara can be seen as a collateral action aimed at his onetime mentor and godfather, Orji Kalu. It is public knowledge that the relationship between the two

JOURNALISTS SHOULD NOT BE MADE SCAPEGOATS FOR THE INABILITY OF ANY GOVERNOR TO DELIVER ON GOOD GOVERNANCE TO THE PEOPLE has since hit the rocks. Without going into details on what led to their estrangement, one cannot but acknowledge that without the efforts of Orji Kalu, the incumbent stood no chance of becoming governor. But that is a story for another day.

Curiously enough, the court now entertaining the sedition charge in Umuahia, has not seen anything untoward and illegal in the manner of arresting Wabara. As far as it is concerned, the legal system must be made to serve the purpose of the administration and its mission of silencing any voice of dissent on the way and manner in which governance has been personalised in Abia State. It beats the imagination that some people want to enjoy the unlimited privileges of office without regard to the criticisms that follow their every footstep, especially when they are indulging in malfeasance. Curiously, Theodore Orji and his foot soldiers are still unaware that the sedition law has ceased to be relevant in Nigeria for more than 20 years now.

It was a barbaric colonial law used to

suppress opposition and repress the freedom of speech and the press. For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal declared it unconstitutional, illegal and unjustifiable in a democracy. Surprisingly, this is the weapon of choice being employed by the Abia State governor to deal with critics and political opponents. This now brings the issue of police competence and professionalism to focus.

Question is, can a police officer in a state order personnel into another one for an assignment without the prior knowledge of his opposite number there? The action of Governor Orji is a throwback to the jackboot days of military dictatorships when journalists became the victims of their deranged behaviours and monumental misrule.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) should in no uncertain terms condemn this resort to barbarism by the governor in settling political scores. It should be sounded out clearly that no incumbent must be allowed to hide under cover of immunity to abridge the rights of fellow citizens to hold opinion or disseminate information of public interest. Anyone aggrieved of an action should take proper recourse to the law and seek redress in court, rather than illegally employing public resources for achieving private ends as demonstrated by the Abia State government.

Journalists should not be made scapegoats for the inability of any governor to deliver on good governance to the people. They attained their present positions through the electorate, and as watchdogs of the society, it is imperative that journalists keep an eye on the activities of those entrusted with looking after the welfare of the citizens.

That is what Ebere Wabara is doing.

Therefore, the governor, police and courts in Abia do not hold the moral high ground to dehumanise him. Nigeria must not be allowed to go back to the Stone Age due to the actions of those who see themselves as the personification of the state.

Sport Extra

U

S Open champion, Justin Rose, believes history will be against debutantes Stephen Gallacher, Victor Dubuisson and Joost Luiten when the Masters tee off in Augusta next week, as the absence of

Golf: ‘No way for first-timers at Augusta’

world number one Tiger Woods seems to thrown the event open.

Fuzzy Zoeller was the last man to win on his first appearance at Augusta National in 1979, and the only

other debut victories were recorded by Horton Smith and Gene Sarazen in the first two years of the tournament.

Gallacher, Dubuisson and Luiten have earned their places in the field with

excellent performances worldwide and are also flying high in qualfying for the Ryder Cup in September.

But Rose has warned them that they face a tough task merely to complete 72

holes at Augusta.

“The learning curve at Augusta is steep, very steep,” Rose, who has never finished outside the top 40 in eight Masters appearances, said yesterday.

Rose

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