26.01.15
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
MONDAY
No. 2,333
N150
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Jonathan’s Advance Team Trapped As Army Repels Boko Haram Attack On Maiduguri The presidential convoy that conveyed members of President Goodluck Jonathan’s advance team, including
security personnel and other key workers attached to his office, is trapped in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State
US Opposed To February Polls Shift > Page 5
capital, following an attack by Boko Haram. The insurgent group had launched an offensive in some parts of the state ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 5
OUR STAND
Don’t Mess With February 14 Date
J
ust 19 days to the commencement of the 2015 general elections, calls for their postponement have become more strident. Coteries of voices are converging, once more, on a road to damnation. And Nigeria democracy is, yet again, being attacked at the roots. What are the reasons for these calls? Non-distribution of a substantial number of the permanent voter cards (PVCs), terrorist attacks in the north-east, fear of violence in many other parts of the country, the tension-soaked atmosphere, and perhaps non-readiness of some politicians that are now dangling yet-invisible legal hurdles. Every round of elections in the country has always been preceded by tension and seeming lack of preparedness to conduct them. This one is obviously not different. And none of these fears is one that the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has recognised. Although some 30million out of 68.9million PVCs had not been distributed by a fortnight ago, INEC has stated that the number has reduced drastically and will become insignificant as Election Day approaches. INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega has confirmed that money for the procurement of materials and other logistics has been made available. Even displaced people will have a chance to vote, he noted. As for the fear of violence, it is not really the business of INEC but that of the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies that are sustained by public
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
funds. INEC has had four years to prepare for this year’s polls. A storm foretold cannot take the cripple by surprise. The National Assembly has had four years to put in place enabling legislations that could have removed all hurdles to free, fair, transparent and credible elections. The executive and judiciary arms have had four years to do what is right. We are aware that there are many out there that are working hard to use the judiciary to scuttle the polls. Pressure is being mounted on striking judiciary workers to resume so the anti-democracy forces could approach corrupt judges for injunctions and possibly attempt to render any elections that may be held “illegal”. While we are also uncomfortable with the lingering strike, judiciary workers should not allow themselves to be used by those who do not wish the country well to destroy democracy. Some people may have been sincere in expressing fears: Pastor Tunde Bakare who cited insecurity across the land for warning against “walking into a disaster”; Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, immediate past national chairman of the Labour Party, who wants an allowance made for people to collect their voter cards and not be denied the right to vote; Governor James Ngillari of Adamawa State who is worried that terrorists have seized seven out of 21 local government
areas of his state; and perhaps the national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), who, citing non-distribution of PVCs, believes that INEC is not yet prepared for the polls. Patriotic as their ideas may be, sincere proponents of postponement ought to understand that they cannot rob Peter to pay Paul. The nation faces a far greater danger in postponing the polls than in trying to right all wrongs before calling for polls. Shifting of the polls is bound to put the democratic structure in serious threat. We therefore agree with the official position of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and all other views clearly against postponement under any guise. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been inexplicably silent, even as there is a clear signal that an extension by six months or even one year would be attractive to many incumbent officeholders that are already sure of not returning to their seats. If the polls were to be postponed by two months because of Boko Haram in the north-east, for instance, what is the assurance that the insurgent group will be routed before May? Why can’t all parties work with INEC to use the PVCs along with the Temporary Voter’s Card, if it is necessary to do so? Need we remind Nigerians that the current hysteria is a throwback to 1993? There were similar calls for the postponement of the presidential election of that year. A nebulous group named As➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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chibok diary 287
Monday, January 26, 2015
DAY
Chibok TweeTs DAY280 of OUR #ChibokGirls. WE cannot STOP! WE cannot RELENT!! Though the DAYS be long..#BringBackOurGirls!! @Bukkyshonibare Day 280 of abduction 26 days to Presidential Election #BringBackOurGirls @writegiftson Imagine! And we are still shouting #Bringbackourgirls for almost a year now.*Sigh* #GEJOUT @PremiumTimesng: Cameroon “frees” 24 of the 80 @gina_din Let's protect children so that they never have to recover from their childhood #OccupyPlayGround #BringBackOurGirls @AishaYesufu It's 280 days that #ChibokGirls were abducted and all President Jonathan can concern himself with is jogging with Buhari #BringBackOurGirls
@Ibrahemist What if Nigerians Decide That There Won't Be Any Election Until They #BringBackOurGirls & BOOM! The Girls Returned. That Would Speak Volume.
@MAGICAL_ZEUS #udonforget ? Today is the 280th day since Chibok girls were abducted. #BringBackOurGirls
Compiled by Ugochukwu Iroka
Members of the #BringBackourGirls (BBoG) group in a village square meeting at Maitama amusement Park in abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO.
External Forces Hindering Chibok Girls Rescue – Jonathan By Chika Mefor and ejike ejike,
Abuja President Goodluck Jonathan has attributed the inability of his government to rescue the Chibok girls to interferences from external forces which are sabotaging the federal government’s effort. Jonathan, who made the assertion while speaking to the Shehu of Borno, blamed the non-rescue of the 219 girls abducted from Chibok on April 14
to external forces (which he did not define) and promised to do everything possible to end insurgency in the nearest future. Speaking on the menace of insurgency in the state, the president noted that through initiatives like the Victim Support Fund, Presidential Initiative for North-east and Safe School Initiative, his administration would rebuild the areas affected by the insurgency after the government ends it. He also vowed that his ad-
ministration would rebuild and redesign Borno State in such a way that children will have access to education and better future, while budgetary allocation to the affected states will also be increased. “We feel the pain of Borno people. I personally feel more pained when people accuse me of of being involved in the problem for some political advantage. ”I have said it many times that my ambition is not worth
the blood of any Nigerian. And I don’t think any president or human being can do what they accuse me of doing. The Boko Haram problem is what I thought we would have ended long ago but may be external influence or interest is affecting us,” the president said. The president, however, assured the Borno people that it will not take more than a few months to end this insurgency, restore peace to Borno and get the Chibok girls back.
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our stand Monday, January 26, 2015
Don’t Mess With February 14 Date FROM FRONT PAGE
We must stand and resist those who wish to exploit the provisions of Section 64 (2) and Section 135 (3) of the 1999 Constitution to their sinister advantage. Is it the reason why the fighting power of our gallant troops has been weakened in the war on Boko Haram? In any case, there is no National Assembly to debate any proposal to this effect and pass a resolution before February 14; the legislators are on recess and hope to resume on February 17.
sociation for Better Nigeria (ABN), led by then Senator Arthur Nzeribe, procured a midnight judgement, hours before the election was to take place, ordering that it should not hold. But the electoral chief then, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, promptly intervened by explaining how the electoral law had nullified moves like ABN’s to stop the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from conducting elections. The forces of darkness continued their onslaught. Nigeria has yet to recover from that annulment. Now, they have come Editor again – those who thrive Sadiq Abdullateef only in crisis but would not Deputy Editor hesitate to migrate to safer Kazeem Akintunde climes after waging war on Editorial Board their nation. After nearly Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman 23 years, they are pushing Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards the country, once again, to ’Lara Olugbemi, Director the precipice. Unnecessarily. Wickedly.
Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah
As a newspaper, we vote for peace in these elections because we consider the precarious condition to which ordinary people would be subjected as a result of prolonged political instability. Nigeria has yet to recover from the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Anyone who values peace should now give INEC all the support it needs to conduct these elections in February. Statesmen are urged to speak up now and not wait until the political train is derailed. Jega and his INEC should not allow themselves to be distracted. The electoral body, security agents and the government in power have ample opportunity to chip off any envisaged rough edges in the next two weeks. Let the elections hold on February 14. There is no going back on the INEC timetable.
Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Abdulmumin Balogun Zipporah D. Tanko
Leadership Holdings
Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase
LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital. We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed. We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!
4 news extra
Monday, January 26, 2015
Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo IGP Directs AIGs, CPs To Investigate Politicians, Sponsors The inspector general of police, IGP Suleiman Abba has directed all zonal assistant inspectors general of police (AIGs) and commissioners of police (CPs) to thoroughly investigate all acts by political actors, their sponsors and agents that contravene the laws of the land. Abba gave the directive yesterday in a statement signed by the police spokesman, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu and made available to LEADERSHIP in which the IGP said any politician found culpable would be made to face the full wrath of the law. The police boss who expressed concern over the recent reports of violence and use of thugs and other miscreants to disrupt political campaigns, said the police would not allow anybody to endanger the unity, peace and orderly progress of the nation. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Police will apply the full weight of the law on any political actor, sponsor, associate or foot soldier who resorts to hate speech or the use of violence to advance his or her political agenda,” he warned, adding “The unity, peace and orderly progress of this nation cannot be mortgaged to suit or oil the ambitions of a few”. By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja
NSA’s Excuse For Election Postponement Flimsy – Nigerians In UK Nigerians in the United Kingdom have condemned the call by the national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) for the postponement of the February general elections. Speaking with newsmen at the weekend in Lagos, the president of Nigeria Renaissance and executive director, Blackwell Security Services Limited, UK, Mr Francis Okoemu, said the reasons advanced by the national security adviser were partisan and an embarrassment to Nigeria. He said, “We Nigerians in the UK totally reject this call. This is a great disservice to Nigeria. It is disingenuous, flimsy and partisan. The timing is very wrong. I don’t know why a highly placed security expert like the NSA should say this to the whole world and dash the hopes of Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora, the international community who are earnestly watching developments in Nigeria few weeks to the general elections. “As the past president of the Nigerian Students in Manchester, United Kingdom, the students that paid courtesy visit to my office last week were very upset about the development and rejected the call as well. We are really worried about our great country, how things have turned upside down.” By George Okojie, Lagos
L-R: United States Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry and President Goodluck Jonathan during their meeting in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.
Agriculture Will Soon Overtake Oil – Adesina
By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja
The minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has boasted that the agricultural sector would topple the nation’s oil sector in no distant time. According to him, this is feasible because the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) which is a brainchild of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, is geared towards ushering in agricultural sector-led economic growth. Speaking on the AGRIFEST 2015, an international Agriculture Exhibition organised by his ministry to aid the sector in achieving green revolution, Adesina said that as the price of crude oil plummets, he is convinced that agriculture will be
the new mainstay of the nation’s economy. The minister reeled out the achievements of his ministry to include the recent disbursement of N122million grant to 27 Nagropreneurs across the six geo-political zones as a measure of boosting agricultural production and also promoting its newly established project, the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP). Noting that Nigeria’s greater future for inclusive growth lies in agriculture, he said food production had risen massively and as a nation, Nigeria has produced additional 21 metric tons of food within the last three years. Adesina listed other milestones of the ministry under him to include the establishment of Marketing Corpo-
ration, nationwide census of farmers and supply of subsidised fertilisers to 14million farmers. Explaining that the elaborate event is aimed at creating a distinct platform that will further boost the country’s agriculture, he added that it will also keep Nigerians abreast of the latest evolution in technologies and food production. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan commended the minister at the event, saying agriculture is now the lifeline for Nigeria. He said, “As crude oil prices decline, we must create new wealth from the richness of our soils, the vastness of our rivers and the abundance of our cheap labour. We will produce more, and we will industrialise the agricultural sector.
“When I appointed Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the minister of agriculture, I charged him to turn agriculture around. My vision was clear - turn agriculture away from being a sector for managing poverty to one for creating wealth. We now see agriculture as a business, not as a development programme”. Noting that the rice revolution is taking place across the country, the president said while high quality Nigerian rice is now competing favourably with imported rice in the markets, rice importers cannot hold the country hostage. He said, “Nigeria, our dear country will not be held hostage by rice importers. There will be no sacred cows under my watch. All those owing Nigeria on rice import duties must pay.”
I’m Alive, Healthy – Katsina College Principal By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina
The principal of the famous Government College, Katsina, Alhaji Isyaku Bello has debunked rumours of his murder, describing it as the handiwork of mischief makers. He was reacting to a posting on the social media that he had been murdered. Isyaku Bello is the principal who released the School Certif-
icate result of APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari following the hue and cry by the ruling PDP presidential campaign team that the General had no school certificate. Few days after the school released the result, there was a posting on the social media that the principal had been murdered. The posting went viral in the social media, prompting sever-
al enquiries from different quarters. But addressing newsmen yesterday, Bello said he was hale and hearty, describing the rumour of his murder as baseless. “As you can see, I am alive and not under any threat from anybody”, he said, adding that he was surprised at the report of his death, describing it as laughable. He urged his well-wishers to disregard the posting in the so-
cial media.
Bello
NEWS 5
Monday, January 26, 2015
Jonathan’s Advance Team Trapped As Army Repels Boko Haram Attack On Maiduguri FROM FRONT PAGE
barely 24 hours after President Jonathan rounded off his campaign rally on Saturday. LEADERSHIP gathered that the members of the president’s advance team in the convoy, which was billed to return yesterday (Sunday), were currently taking refuge at a safe place in the state. At the time of writing this report, they were still taking solace at their hiding place with no inkling that the might leave the town yesterday. The convoy was said to have been escorted on Friday by about 10 heavily armed soldiers from Bauchi and was scheduled to return to Abuja on Saturday after the Jonathan’s campaign rally held at Ramat Square. The advance team, however, could not make it to Abuja following security alert given to them by both the military and officers of the DSS. “We are taking cover at the DSS state command office after getting wind of information that there is serious fighting going on between the insurgents and security forces. Security men are battling to repel the insurgents,” one of the officials in the convoy told our correspondent. The personnel, who preferred not to be named in print, later told LEADERSHIP that normalcy was gradually being restored in Maiduguri by security operatives who, at the time of filing this report, were still working to clear the roads and villages. He said, “They said they had to comb the bushes to get rid of the insurgents and they said they might not finish today - meaning that we cannot leave today (yesterday). “The security information at our disposal has it that the entire convoy of the president remains a major target of the insurgents who are bent on attacking the team in order to embarrass the presidency. Those trapped in the president’s steam are members of the media crew, medical and security personnel. Members of the protocol team took a risk and left on their own; that was before the terrorists started advancing. “We wanted to join them but we were warned by the security agents. The protocol vehicle believes it’s riskier to join the convoy because it will attract the attention of the Boko Haram terrorists. We are now regretting not following them,” he added. When our correspondent contacted the official in the advanced team again at about 5:30pm, he said that the state was under some measure of control at the moment. “We were able to get food in a nearby bus park. We are still in the neighbourhood of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) office. The security people said they have chased the insurgents out of town. They (insurgents) also attacked Konduga which has now been reclaimed with heavy casualties on the part of Boko Haram,” he noted. Since the Maiduguri airport is yet to be thrown open to commercial flights, the presidential convoy was said to have embarked on a 10-hour trip to Maiduguri. 24-hour curfew imposed on Maiduguri The attempt by the insurgents to take control of Maiduguri and some other parts of the state compelled the military authorities to impose a 24-hour curfew in the state capital. It will, however, be lifted today following the troops success in repelling the insurgents. Maiduguri had been under 12-hour curfew for the past one year now
Scores killed as Boko Haram attacks Maiduguri, Monguno hours after Presidential visit Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, came under attack less than 24 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan visited the city and made a campaign promise that he would soon crush the terrorists if re-elected in next month’s presidential poll. Sources in military circles confirmed that both soldiers and Boko Haram terrorists died in the deadly battle for the control of Maiduguri. As the fighting was going on, the insurgents were simultaneously attacking Monguno, another major town in Borno, located 180 kilometres northwest of Maiduguri. Boko Haram terrorists had attempted to invade Maiduguri town at about midnight on Saturday but the troops put up a stiff resistance and engage them till dawn yesterday. A top security officer, who confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP but wished not to be quoted in this report, said the terrorists attempted to invade the town from several directions. “We had a sleepless night,” he said. “The terrorists wanted to gain entry into Maiduguri around Dalwa axis but our forces repelled them after hours of engagement. They also made another attempt around the outskirts of Limanti and they met another resistance. This (yesterday) morning they now took the major route that leads into Maiduguri and we are still engaging them at Njimtilo Jimti, and our soldiers are doing well given the situation report we have received as at 7am.” Njimtilo is less than 20 kilomtres west of Maiduguri. Residents living around Njimtilo were forced to flee in their hundreds into the city’s downtown. An air force jet was seen hovering over the town at about 9am. Though many residents of Maiduguri from the city centre were not aware of the happening at the outskirts until about 8am, the soldiers had barricaded major roads of the city, which forced residents to return to their homes while some restricted their movement to nearby offices and business premises. Details of casualties have not been ascertained for now, but witnesses in the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital said dozens of wounded soldiers were brought to the hospital at about 10am. “We are still receiving injured soldiers but we haven’t recorded any dead soldier yet said a hospital worker who begged not to be quoted. A ranking soldier who spoke to LEADERSHIP from the scene of the attack near Njimtilo confirmed that many soldiers as well as Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the intense fighting. “We were able to repel some of the terrorists and things have calmed for now. People who fled their houses are now returning but on foot because the curfew does not permit vehicular movement,” he said. As the gun battle was going on in Maiduguri, at the time the people of Monguno, a town 180km northwest of Maiduguri, were also being attacked by the militants. A local vigilante official, Abbas Gava, confirmed that “all is not well in Monguno; we have just heard that the town may have been seized by the Boko Haram terrorists. They attacked the town at midnight and soldiers ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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US Opposed To February Polls Shift By Raliat Ahmed-Yusuf and George Agba, Abuja
With just 20 days to the 2015 polls, the United States of America has said that it would not support any form of postponement of the already scheduled date of February 14, 2015, for elections in Nigeria. The United States made its position known through its secretary of state, John Kerry, who was in Lagos yesterday to meet with the two flag bearers of the two major political parties, President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC respectively. The meeting took place at the instance of the US in Lagos, though reasons for that are not clear at press time. LEADERSHIP recalls that the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki had recently suggested the postponement of the elections, a decision that received heavy criticism from the public. President Jonathan was said to have assured Kerry of Nigeria’s commitment to working with the U.S. government in ensuring that next month’s general elections are free of violence. Kerry, who was in the country to discuss issues bordering on the 2015 general elections, had separate meetings with Jonathan and Buhari. An APC chieftain who was at the meeting disclosed to LEADERSHIP that while the U.S. was particular about violence-free polls, it was also interested in who will end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. More than 5,000 people have been killed in Boko Haram-related violence, and three hundred thousand have been displaced since 2009. At the meeting between Kerry and President Jonathan, he assured Mr Kerry of Nigeria’s readiness to work with America to ensure that the Boko Haram terrorist
activities are contained in the country. The meeting between Kerry and the two presidential flag bearers is said to be an indication of the U.S.’ deep concerns about post-election violence in the country. Mr. Kerry’s brief visit is a departure from the U.S. policy that disallows its senior officials from visiting countries about to hold elections, to avoid the perception of supporting one candidate against another. This is the first time a chief American diplomat is visiting the country since 2012. Jonathan told journalists after meeting with the U.S. scribe that he was grateful to the U.S. for standing with Nigeria and its people in the fight against Boko Haram. On what he told Kerry, the president said, “I reaffirmed our strong commitment to working together with the United States to put an end to global terrorism and, particularly, Boko Haram. Nigeria will also work to deepen and consolidate our bilateral relationship with the United States. “I emphasized to Secretary Kerry that I am deeply committed to ensuring that our forthcoming election is free, fair, and credible. It is especially critical that all political parties abide by the Abuja Accord, which commits each to non-violence before, during, and after the election,” he said. The president noted that, while it was a pleasure to welcome Mr. Kerry to Nigeria, the two of them had a candid and constructive discussion about a broad range of issues. He said, “I made it absolutely clear that the May 29 handover date is sacrosanct. In addition, the government will provide all resources that are required by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the election goes smoothly. I also emphasized that INEC is an independent body, which makes its own decisions without any interference from the government.” ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
6 news extra Jonathan Visits Winners Chapel, Calls For Prayers President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday made a surprise appearance at Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), Ota, Ogun State. LEADERSHIP gathered that his appearance stunned the worshippers because they least expected him. A worshipper at the service noted that Jonathan said he came to thank the church for their prayers for him and the country. The worshipper added that Jonathan solicited for more prayers from the church, saying Nigeria needs prayers at this critical moment. He said, “Yes, it is true, President Jonathan worshipped in one of our services today (Sunday).” “He did not say much. He thanked the church for their prayers for him and the country as whole. By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta
PDP Faults APC Over Attacks On Jonathan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation yesterday said it was shocked by the claims of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that members of the PDP masterminded last week’s attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign convoys in Katsina and Bauchi states. Spokesperson of the Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, described the allegation by the APC as ridiculous, adding that the lies of the APC were unbelievable. He however warned the opposition party to be ready for grave and far-reaching consequences if anything untoward should happen to Jonathan during the course of this campaign. By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja
APC To PDP: Enough Of Mudslinging, Let’s Dwell On Issues The All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the PDP to tell Nigerians how it plans to move from the near zero governance of the past six years of the Jonathan Administration to good and purposeful governance, instead of engaging in perpetual and tiring mudslinging. The party stated this in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The APC said, “We believe that elections should be about issues that will be beneficial to the electorate, not about throwing everything but the kitchen sink at a particular candidate simply because of his soaring acceptability.” By George Okojie, Lagos
Monday, January 26, 2015
L-R: United States Secretary of States, Mr John Kerry and the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhamadu Buhari during their meeting in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN
Jonathan Has No Record Of Good Governance – Soludo By Muyiwa Oyinlola, Abuja
A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Charles Soludo, has advised the presidential flag bearer of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, to stop campaigning about the record of the outgoing government, saying it has no testimonial to parade. Soludo, a former governorship candidate of the party in Anambra State, gave this position in a document entitled ‘Buhari vs Jonathan: Beyond election’, and made available to LEADERSHIP newspaper. The document, which emphasized the technocrat-cum-politician’s passion for the country and concern about the forthcoming general election, stressed the need for the country to improve on its economy especially considering the dwindling price of crude oil in the international market, among other economic challenges. He said, “My advice to President Jonathan and his handlers is to stop wasting their time trying to campaign on his job record. Those who have decided to vote for him will not do
so because he has taken Nigeria to the moon. His record on the economy is a clear ‘F’ grade. “As one reviews the laundry list of micro interventions the government calls its achievements, one wonders whether such list is all that the government could deliver with an unprecedented oil boom and an unprecedented public debt accumulation. I can clearly see why reasonable people are worried. “Everywhere else in the world, government performance on the economy is measured by some outcome variables such as: income (GDP growth rate), stability of prices (inflation and exchange rate), unemployment rate, poverty rate, etc. “On all these scores, this government has performed worse than its immediate predecessor-- Obasanjo regime. If we appropriately adjust for oil income and debt, then this government is the worst in our history on the economy. All statistics are from the National Bureau of Statistics”. While comparing Jonathan’s administration to that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo where he (Soludo) served,
he noted that “despite presiding over the biggest oil boom in our history, it (present administration) has not added one percentage point to the growth rate of GDP compared to the Obasanjo regime especially the 2003- 07 period. Obasanjo met GDP growth rate at 2% but averaged 7% within 2003- 07. “ The current government has been stuck at 6% despite an unprecedented oil boom. Income (GDP) growth has actually performed worse, and poverty escalated. This is the only government in our history where rapidly increasing government expenditure was associated with increasing poverty”. While assessing the economic and development policies of the two major political parties in the February election, the ruling PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), he declared that “So far, neither the APC nor the PDP has a credible programme for employment and poverty reduction”. “The APC promises to create 20,000 jobs per state in the first year, totalling a mere 720,000 jobs. This sounds like a quota system and for a country where the new entrants into the la-
bour market per annum exceed two million. If it was intended as a joke, APC must please get serious. “On the other hand, President Jonathan targets two million jobs per annum but his strategy for doing so is a Job Board--- another committee of sort. Sorry, Mr. President, a Job Board is not a strategy. The principal job Nigerians hired you to do for them is to create jobs for them too. You cannot outsource that job, Sir. Creating 3 million jobs per annum under the unfolding crisis would task our creativity and audacity to the limits”.
Soludo
JUSUN Suspends Strike In Federal Courts Nationwide Meets AGF today on State High Courts, others By Kunle Olasanmi and Michael Oche, Abuja
Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), last night partially suspended the ongoing strike in federal courts.
LEADERSHIP had exclusively reported yesterday that the union was under pressure to call off the strike on Sunday. After the meeting of the union at the Supreme Court Complex yesterday, the union decided to discontinues the strike at the Federal High Court divisions nationwide. The court to be re-opened include the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal,
Federal High Court and National Industrial Court (NIC). A decision whether to open other states and lower courts will be taken today. The National Executive Council of JUSUN which had about 95 members in attendance suspended the strike after a meeting that lasted till very late yesterday night in Abuja. The executive council of the Un-
ion will today meet with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN) as part of moves to resolve the pending issue. JUSUN had on January 2 embarked on an indefinite strike to press for the implementation of January 13, 2014 judgement of a Federal High Court which granted autonomy to the judiciary.
news NATIONAL 7
Monday, January 26, 2015
Insecurity: WFP In Need Of $11m For Nigerian Refugees’ Feeding The World Food Programme has said it is urgently in need of $11million to meet the foods needs of over one million refugees displaced by Boko Haram in Nigeria. In the UN daily briefing from Geneva made available to LEADERSHIP over the weekend, it said It not that the situation in NorthEastern Nigeria remains tense and highly volatile. According to Elisabeth Byrs, of the World Food Programme (WFP) “There were more than 13,000 refugees in the region according to UNHCR. She said the WFP rations of 159 tons had started today in the border region in Baga Sola. Adding that WFP was planning a first round of distributions for 10 days to more than 7,800 refugees.
Why Nigeria Improved In Eliminating Polio In 2014 – NPHCDA By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja
The sustained oral polio virus immunization coverage within the past two years is probably responsible for the significant reduction in Wild Polio Virus transmission in the country last year, the federal government has said.
Executive director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency(NPHCDA) Dr. Mohammad Ado disclosed this recently at the 29th Expert Review Committee Meeting on polio eradication and routine immunization in Nigeria saying that only six cases of polio was
recorded in 2014, compared to 51 and 103 in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Dr Ado said “Federal government has earmarked N2.568 billion for polio eradication, and this week Rotary, one of the biggest funders of polio globally, announced it would commit N1.5
trillion in grants to be used by WHO and UNICEF to help Nigeria in “its final push” to eradicate polio.” Speaking, the country representative of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Jean Gough, said Nigeria was on track to eradicating polio by 2017.
short news Coalition Demands Justice For 2011 Post-election Violence
By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja
Feb 14: Mamora Warns Campaign Coordinators Against Bickering, Distractions The deputy director-general of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (APCO) Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, has urged the state coordinators of Buhari Campaign Organisation to stay away from bickering and ensure an all inclusive approach in their endeavour to reach out to all critical stakeholders to achieve success at the forthcoming election. Mamora made the call in Abuja yesterday during the inaugural meeting of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) coordinators of the campaign organisation of the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja
Elections: Minority Tribes Sad Over Inflammatory
Comments
Conference of Minority Tribes in Nigeria have expressed displeasure over inflammatory comments and activities of some politicians ahead of the 2015 general elections. The organisation condemned plans by various groups to make the country ungovernable after 2015, if their candidate fails to win the forthcoming election. It said the act is not only antidemocratic but a total contradiction of free, fair and transparent elections anywhere in the world. The leader of the group Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi Shagari, condemned recent attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan. By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja
A coalition of civil society groups has called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to expedite action for the trial of all those indicted in the violence which erupted shortly after the 2011 general elections. The coalition which demonstrated with placards yesterday L-R, Business mogul, Chief Femi Otedola; former director general, securities and exchange commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, and in Abuja, under managing director, First City Monument Bank, Mr Ladi Balogun during the Oteh’s 50th birthday celebration in Abuja, on Saturday. the auspices of the Northern Coalition for Good Governance and Justice said unless By Hauwa Mahmud, Abuja the instigators of sentence, some cannot even write sweeping in the Wuse Market, which the 2011 violence their names. Standards have fallen was meant to represent the sweeping The National Women Committee of so painfully such that it has become away of corruption and restoration of were brought to the All Progressives Congress (APC) an urgent necessity that measures family values in the country. book, there was has presented free school kits to pri- are taken to remedy the situation.” no guarantee that Also in attendance was the wife mary school pupils at the APC Naworse violence She gave the assurance that the of the APC chairman, Mrs. Victoria tional Secretariat in Abuja over the APC if elected, would put an end to Oyegun, the first lady of Nassarawa would not be weekend. unleashed on the the decaying structure. “We are com- State This according to the APC Wom- mitted to ensuring that we restore nation after the Hajiya Mairo Tanko Al-Makura, an Leader, Hajiya (Dr) Ramatu Tijj- our educational system to enable our Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, and the 2015 elections. ani Aliyu, became necessary against children realise their potentials in a former first lady of Kwara State, Mrs. The leader, Dr. the backdrop of decaying education- nation of limitless opportunities. Ibrahim Baba, Toyin Bukola Saraki. al infrastructure in the country. She spoke with jour“Success does not come by mere One of the pupils who was a recipsaid, “For too long, our education- wishful thinking, no problem is ient of the school kit expressed her nalists during the al system has been on a steady de- solved by just being concerned. It re- delight, “I am very happy that the demonstration. cline. Most of our children in schools quires solutions to solve them.” APC gave me and my friends free By Chika can no longer make a simple, correct The event began with a symbolic bags, books and writing materials. Otuchikere, Abuja
APC Women Present Free School Kits To Pupils
‘We’ll Complete Ofosu-Ajibandele Section Of Benin-Ore-Shagamu Expressway’ By patrick ochoga, Benin City
Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen has assured Nigerians that ongoing rehabilitation of the Ofosu-Ajibandele section of Benin-OreShagamu expressway, will be completed by first quarter of 2016. The minister who fielded questions from newsmen shortly after project inspections in Benin City commended the efforts of the con-
tractors on the dualization of Benin-Auchi-Lokoja road, saying the drainage works on Aduwawa axis in Benin city will give residents “peace of mind” from the perennial flooding during rainy seasons. According to him, the Diamond Interchange at Aduwawa Bypass was introduced to facilitate the flow of traffic and eliminate the gridlock currently experienced in that part of City.
He disclosed that the drainage has been effectively channeled to Ikpoba River. On the ongoing rehabilitation of Benin-Ore-Shagamu road, the minister noted the Ofosu-Ajibandele section will be completed next year. Commending the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan in transforming the road sector, Onolememen also mentioned that federal government recently approved N11
billion to Edo State for all tertiary institutions including Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma and Federal Polytechnic, Auchi. The minister during the inspection thanked President Jonathan for extending Almajiri schools to Etsako. in Edo state while urging the state government to meet its obligation by paying its counterpart fund to enable it access the N1.7 billion UBEC funds provided by FG for primary schools in the state.
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PMS Pump Price Reduction And The Economy – My Take-Away FROM BACK PAGE
volatility; and this is the relevance of the Honourable Minister’s point about “parity”, which I will come to later. But the quick additional point to make is that Diesel has not enjoyed any subsidy for a long time and there is a loud silence on this product, as far as pricing policy is concerned; and nothing is said about Kerosene. So, if this was really meant to bring relief to the people, I think Diesel, which impacts on production costs, power costs in homes through generators, and Kerosene, which ordinary Nigerians use to cook, would have been the place for Government to demonstrate that it understands the plight of the people. This would have afforded some cushion against the austerity measures indicated by the Honourable Minister of Finance. My take-away This price reduction is not far reaching enough. It demonstrates a knee-jerk reaction to a serious economic issue where the majority of ordinary Nigerians are concerned. When we factor the fact that the majority of Nigerians generate their own power at 4
(four) times the cost of public power, and they mostly use diesel, a reduction there would have reduced the pressure on their disposable income.
to get to $70 and the Petroleum Minister says we have “achieved parity,” there seems to be inherent contradictions within the same Government.
(ii) Achieved parity My understanding of the Honourable Minister’s use of these words is that Government now believes that oil prices will hover around the current prices of $50 per barrel, so that, according to her, “the entire country will benefit immensely from this reduction.” If this is correct, then who are we to believe? If we go back to the statement of the Honourable Minister of Finance, NgoziOkonjo-Iweala, on December 17, 2014 when, while defending the oil budget benchmark of $65 for the 2015 budget which some observers felt was too ambitious, she said: “This is what we have done by proposing a benchmark of $65pb. We recognise that prices might still fall further but we do not intend to revise the price further down as price intelligence indicates that prices might average between $65 and $70pb in 2015.” If the Finance Minister expects oil prices
My take-aways a. Are Government departments talking to themselves? b. Who is co-ordinating the economy? c. Why was the Honourable Minister for Finance not part of this major Pricing Policy briefing? d. Was this price reduction provided for in the 2015 budget? P.S. As I concluded this intervention, my attention was brought to a response by Governor Peter Obi to a contribution I had made, in which he said in This Day Newspaper that: “The president showed that the sound economic policies of his government have brought about macro-economic stability. This has been acknowledged by the renowned economist and former Chairman of the Asset Management Division of Goldman Sachs Group, Dr. Jim O’Neill, who coined the term BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China)
and MINT (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey), recognising these countries as the world’s fastest growing economies.” I have no issue with Governor Obi, because his role in Government and policy making is still unclear to me. If he speaks as a party man, it is a measure of credit to him that he knows more about the programmes of a party he joined a few weeks ago, than those he met there. But for the record, the same Jim O’Neill, whom he quotes in support of this Government’s policy and the leadership of President Jonathan, said: “If he (Jonathan) doesn’t get re-elected, and it’s because of Nigerian people wanting something different and something better, I think the markets would be happy with that. Foreign investors are pretty negative about Nigeria, so I don’t dismiss the possibility that if he lost, people actually might react positively.” My take away I think Jim is right. Nigerians want “something different and something better.” They want CHANGE. – Fashola, SAN is governor of Lagos State.
Jonathan’s Advance Team Trapped As Army Repels Boko Haram FROM PAGE 5
of the 21 Armored Brigade engaged them, but we were not sure if they were able to repel or defeat them.” Spokesman of the Nigeria Defence headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade, had in his twitter handle announced that a 24-hour curfew had been imposed on Maiduguri. He tweeted: “Troops are repelling a simultaneous attack on Monguno and Maiduguri. Coordinated air and land operations are being conducted now. Curfew has been imposed in Maiduguri with immediate effect.” Maiduguri had been under 12hour curfew for the past one year now. Scores killed as Boko Haram attack Adamawa border villages Several people have been reportedly slaughtered by Boko Haram insurgents when they raided some border villages of Michika local government, local and security sources disclosed. Fleeing residents disclosed that many of the border villages have suffered intense attacks by insurgents who raided the areas in their attempt to encroach further into the state. A resident of Garta, in Michika LGA who preferred to be called Sini Zira, said his village was among the places recently attacked by the insurgents. According to him, the insurgents arrived around 6pm, shot sporadically and razed homes and shops. They also slit the throats of many residents who were trapped in their houses. Zira disclosed that the insurgents carefully looted many residential houses and shops before finally setting them ablaze and killing whoever they came across. They
abducted an undisclosed number of young men and women. Confirming the attacks, the lawmaker representing Michika in the state House of Assembly, Mr Adamu Kamale, said that the insurgents are still holding sway in Michika villages, killing and maiming residents at will. Borno elder blames FG over Maiduguri attack Borno elder and former head of the state’s civil service, Bulama Mali Gubio, yesterday claimed that the attack on Maiduguri and Monguno towns by Boko Haram was a political vendetta taken too far by the federal government-controlled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He asserted that the central government cannot pretend about not having a hand in the incident that claimed the lives of over 200 and dislodged yet another local government area in the state. Gubio, who said he was speaking in his own capacity as a concerned citizen of the country, declared the attack by Boko Haram was allowed to happen in order to prevent the former military head of state and presidential candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) from coming to campaign in Maiduguri. The Borno elder, who spoke to journalists yesterday in Maiduguri, said the federal government had been playing lip service to the issue to tackling Boko Haram in order to achieve a selfish political end. “It is very surprising to see that the Boko Haram (insurgents) move around in thousands freely with their weapons and choose their targets, kill people, burn places, loot shops and houses and take away people’s children and do whatever they want to do with them within this country,” said Gubio.
“They are being watched by everybody, including the government and her agents. It is enough for one to say that they have the backing of the government of the federation; otherwise, I cannot see why millions of Nigerians cannot move freely and are subjected to hardship, while a few thousands of Nigerians and their foreign collaborators have been crisscrossing this country at will at any place and time they want, and they go back safely. I think this is highly questionable.” Noting that the latest attack came immediately after the visit of the president, he said: “If you remember, the governor of Borno State was on television and radio pleading with the people of Borno State to give maximum respect to the person of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He told the people of Borno that Jonathan was not coming only as a candidate of the PDP but also as the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria; therefore, he deserves our loyalty, respect as our leader. This appeal was carried out to the letter by the people of Borno State. Mr President came in safely, conducted his affairs peacefully and safely and left Maiduguri. “The following midnight of the day the president left Maiduguri, Boko Haram struck around Dalwa in their thousands and have been engaged the armed forces from midnight to the early hours of this morning; up to 9-10am, there were exchanges of fire. Gubio insisted that the only reason the insurgents were so daring was “because they have the backing of some people who do not want peace. And as political activities are going on, we all know earlier that there was a time table released by the APC which shows
that General Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC, will visit Maiduguri on the 24 of this month. That time table came out much earlier than that of PDP, but PDP hurriedly said the president will be in Maiduguri on the 24, the same day Buhari was meant to be in Borno.” Maiduguri attack: Gov Shettima commends military, calls for calm Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, yesterday bemoaned the simultaneous attacks by Boko Haram on Maiduguri and Monguno towns even as he hailed Nigerian soldiers for saving the state capital. The governor also called on all residents to be more patient and prayerful so as to earn the mercies and intervention of God. Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri, the governor said he would remain resolute in his commitment by supporting the Nigeria armed forces currently prosecuting the war against Boko Haram insurgency. He said he also feel pained by the attack in Monguno, headquarters of Monguno local government area in northern part of Borno State, “which might have resulted in loss of lives and the exodus of many citizens that are now taking refuge in different parts of the state, with some of them sustaining gunshot injuries in addition to losing property. “Our armed forces gallantly repelled attacks on parts of Borno State today (yesterday). We must commend their patriotic efforts. We are very much in touch with the leaders of the security forces and we will continue to accord them all the support they need as we have always done from our first day in office till date.
US Opposed To February Polls Shift FROM PAGE 5
Jonathan also said he underlined Nigeria’s commitment to winning the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria and West Africa. “Our security forces have been working tirelessly and courageously to achieve this goal,” he said. “So long as we have the resources, we will continue to regard the efforts to reclaim peace our number one area of commitment. I want to reassure the good people of Borno State that we will never abdicate our responsibility as those they entrusted with leadership.” Many civilians at grave risk in Borno – Amnesty International The failure to protect hundreds of thousands of civilians could lead to a disastrous humanitarian crisis with reports of two large-scale attacks in major northeastern city of Maiduguri as well as the nearby town of Monguno, Amnesty International has said. Amnesty International’s Africa director, Netsanet Belay, said that attacks by Boko Haram were significant and grim news. “We believe hundreds of thousands of civilians are now at grave risk,” Belay said. “People in and around Maiduguri need immediate protection. If the military doesn’t succeed in stopping Boko Haram’s assaults, they may be trapped with nowhere else to turn.” — By George Agba, Abuja; MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola; Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri and Abdullahi Umar, with agency report
Monday, January 26, 2015
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N192.6 bn
the total premium rebate granted to all deposit money banks by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation between 2012 and 2014
NDIC Commences New 0.35% Insurance Premium For Banks BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has implemented its reduced 0.35 per cent deposit premium rate for all deposit money banks (DMBs) operating in the country. The new premium would lead to further reduction in the total amount paid as premium to the corporation by banks. Between 2012 and 2014, the NDIC granted a total premium rebate
of N192.6 billion to the DMBs, following the gradual reduction from 0.5 to 0.4 per cent within the peroid. The NDIC, in September 2014, announced the planned reduction of the premium from 0.40 per cent to 0.35 per cent as part of efforts toward contributing to financial system stability and promoting public confidence in the banking industry. The managing director/ chief executive, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, during the corporation’s 25th anniversary press briefing in
September had disclosed that the board of the corporation had granted further relief to the DMBs at its last meeting held in September 2014. Also speaking during the last Financial Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) workshop held in December 2014, in Katsina State, Ibrahim added that the board had reduced the new insurance premium rate which would take effect from January this year. The NDIC, said in a statement at the weekend, signed by Hakeem Bakare for its
head, Communication and Public Affairs, that the new premium rate became effective from this month. This premium reduction was initiated to consolidate on the gains achieved by the corporation’s migration from the Flat Rate Premium System (FRPS) to the Differential Premium Assessment System (DPAS). The DPAS approach takes into consideration the risk each bank poses to the system and encourages banks to adopt sound risk management practices.
BUSINESS QUOTE There are are three ways to make a living in this business: Be first, be smarter, or cheat. John Tuld, Character in margin Call (feature film, 2011)
Kero-correct Scheme Will Eliminate Kerosene Black Market – NNPC By Juliet Alohan, Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the kero-correct scheme initiated due to the agitation of citizens over difficulties in getting kerosene at the approved price of N50 will eliminate black marketers who have hijacked the process. The group managing director of the NNPC, Dr Joseph Dawha, stated this while declaring the commitment of the corporation to eliminating the arbitrage system in the distribution and sale of kerosene that has created the black market during the flag-off the Kero-correct scheme at the NNPC mega station in Abuja, at the L-R: Minister of agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and managing director, Bank of Industry, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa at the weekend. He said the scheme is in interactive forum with President Goodluck Jonathan in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN
“response to the yearnings of consumers, particularly our mothers, sisters, fathers and brothers who constitute the good people of Nigeria. “The Kero-correct scheme is aimed at making kerosene available, accessible and affordable in all NNPC mega and affiliate stations across the country. It is our expectation that this scheme will enable citizens access this essential commodity at the right price at all times,” he stated. Speaking further he said, “We are committed to ensuring the elimination of the Kerosene ‘Black Market’ so that Nigerians can buy kerosene at the correct price of N50 per litre. We know this will be challenging but we are confident that the objectives of this laudable scheme will be achieved.”
‘No 5-Year Negotiated Buy Out For NITEL/MTEL Former Staff’ By Abu Nmodu, Minna
The Association of Former Telecoms Employees of Nigeria (ATEN) has stated that the reports alleging that the staff of the Nigerian Telecommunications Company (NITEL) and its subsidiary, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) had been fully settled through a 5-year negotiated buyout plan by the Bureau of Public Entreprise (BPE) is not true. According a press statement signed by
the secretary-general of the association, Comrade Olusegun Micheal Makinde, and made available to journalists yesterday in Minna, the ATEN said that it was not possible that pensionable staff would accept a 5-year buyout plan when they are entitled to it for life. The ATEN said, “Apart from the authority that was conferred on the BPE to settle the NITEL/MTEL as at 2005, which residuals are still lying with the BPE, any settlement of entitlement owed by the federal
government to the NITEL/MTEL retired, pensionable/disengaged and casual staff are to be settled by the liquidator, Otunba Senbore Olutola, to whom the ownership of the NITEL/MTEL have been legally transferred by the government through a competent court of law with reference to the CAMA 1990.” Mankinde explained further that the same liquidator has successfully sold the companies to a preferred bidder, the National Telecommunications Commission
(NATCOM) consortium, an indigenous firm under the supervision of the BPE, hence, he said the BPE should stop misinforming staff on the matter. He noted that though the N45.36 billion which the NATCOM consortium purchased the two companies from the liquidator was grossly inadequate to pay all the benefits of the creditors, other avenues could be explored to settle all the benefits. He further said that such sources included “the several billions of naira in the hand of the liquidator, Otunba Adekanola,
the about N120 billion pension fund of the NITEL/MTEL illegally liquidated by the BPE and its accomplice, money realised from the sales of non-core assets, such as the NITEL/ MTEL landed properties, staff quarters, offices, training schools, cables, obsolete equipment, and staff buses.” Other areas of sourcing for funds that he listed were debts owned by federal and state government agencies, individuals and corporate bodies like the military, paramilitary, among others.
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Nsitf Partners Neiti On Employees’ Compensation Scheme By Ejike Ejike, Abuja
The managing director (MD) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Umar Munir Abubakar, has called on the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to assist in enforcing compliance with the employees’ compensation scheme (ECS) in the country. He made the call when he paid a courtesy call to the executive secretary, NEITI, Zainab S. Ahmed, . The NSITF MD stated that as an agency that controls transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, the NEITI is in a strategic position to ensure that employers in the sector register their employees in the no-fault social security scheme. Abubakar, who assured Ahmed that the agency is already covered by the scheme since the federal government has paid for all its workers, appealed
to her to provide the fund with a detailed information of industries under her agency’s control so that the NSITF could ensure that all categories of employees are covered by the scheme. He further urged her to insist that contractors comply with the ECS before they are awarded any contracts by her agency. He explained that in the interest of the Nigerian worker, the federal government had passed the Employees’ Compensation Act in 2010 enabling the NSITF to implement the ECS which effectively took off in July 2011. According to him, “the ECS is the federal government’s initiative that replaces the obsolete Workman Compensation which was run by private insurance companies and replete with many problems.” He added that the ECS is a social security scheme which takes care of any injuries or death in the course of work.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Fuel Price: DPR Seals Off Fuel Stations In A/Ibom by Bernard Tolani Dada , Uyo
Irked by the non-compliance of some petrol stations with the new price regime, the monitoring unit of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), yesterday, sealed off five filling stations in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. The DPR operations
controller in the area, Victor Antai, who led the team, told newsmen that the stations were closed following their failure to comply with the federal government’s directives on the new price. He decried the dubious and unwholesome attitude of some petrol dealers in the state who, according
to him, claimed that they could not sell at the new price simply because the products currently in their underground tank was an old stock, wandering what would have happened if government had increased the pump price. “The marketers gave so many reasons for not complying with the price
regime but we have told them that their reasons are not tenable. If government had increased the pump price as we have observed over the years, these shylock dealers would have adjusted their meter overnight and made terrible gains; they wouldn’t say let us wait until we sell our old products,” he stated.
eCollection In MDAs, Banks Kicks-off By March 1 By Chima Akwaja, Lagos
The electronic collection (eCollection) and payment platform for the federal government will kick-off in government ministries departments and agencies (MDAs) and deposit money banks (DMBs) effective March 1, 2015. The platform is aimed at checking theft, diversion of collected revenue and all sorts of corrupt practices associated with revenue collection. The electronic revenue collection platform owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is powered
by an indigenous software Remita, developed by a Nigerian software company, SystemSpecs. The eCollection platform is now connected to about 4,000 bank branches nationwide. The managing director, Systemspecs Ltd, Mr John Obaro, said at the weekend in Lagos, that the new collection system will be a game changer on how governments, organisations and individuals collect funds. The beauty of the platform, according to him, is that it removes paper-based invoicing, ensures transfer and payments of funds electronically, and eliminates frauds.
“The eCollection makes it possible to make payments and have all the details of the transactions intact instead of just having the account details only,” he said. He said the platform brings probity, accountability, transparency and efficiency in the collection of payments, be it in the public or private sector or both. “You can imagine a government with about 1,000 MDAs and each of them have at least 10 accounts. Some of these accounts have positive balances while some have negative balances,” Obaro said.
Keith Richards Emerges Chairman, L&Z Integrated Farms By NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja
The board of L & Z Integrated Farms has announced the emergence of the former managing director of Promasidor, Mr Keith Richards, as its new chairman. The announcement was made at the end of the company’s board meeting in Kano, the company said in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP. Richards, a British national, is also the chairman of Promasidor Nigeria. L & Z Integrated Farms was the pioneer beneficiaries of the Federal Government Fund for Agricultural Finance Initiative in Nigeria (FAFIN). As part of the financing deal, the fund manager, Sahel Capital, acquired a 25 per cent stake in the company and its board reconstituted to include Mr Richards and Mr A. B. Mahmoud as independent directors. Richards was the managing director of Promasidor from 2007 to 2014 and is credited with
substantially improving respect for the brand across the country. He stepped down from the position in May 2014 to assume the office of the non-executive chairman and it is expected that the wealth of experience he will be bringing into L & Z Farms will see the company metamorphose into a highly competitive global brand. Among other decisions taken at the board meeting include the confirmation of Alhaji Muhammad D. Abubakar as the company’s substantive managing director while Mrs Rakiya Abubakar was also confirmed as executive director of the company. Two members of Sahel Capital’s team also joined the L & Z board as part of the deal, Sahel’s managing Partner, Mezuo Nwuneli, and Olumide Lawson as well as Mr A. B. Mahmoud and Mr Zubaidah D. Abubakar were also confirmed as substantive directors. The announcement of the investment in the company was made during
Richards
the public launch of the FAFIN at a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on December 16, 2014. The L & Z Integrated Farms was selected after a rigorous operational review of dairy farms across Nigeria. It has an integrated facility which produces yoghurt, fresh milk and ice cream from its dairy operations, and eggs and poultry from its poultry operations under the L & Z brand. Backed by a strong management team, the company has established itself as a key player in the yoghurt and fresh milk segment of the agricultural sector.
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THE CAMPAIGN FALLOUTS, THRILLS & FRILLS
www.election2015.leadership.ng
How Do You Intend To Tackle Our Problems, Rights Group Asks Jonathan, Buhari
The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) has challenged politicians in the country seeking elective offices to specifically tell Nigerians how they intend to tackle some of the problems bedevelling the country. In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, HRAN said all the politician seeking the votes of Nigerians, especially, the Presidential Candidates and the Gubernatorial Candidate are yet to tell Nigerians in concrete terms how they hope to better the lots of Nigerians. The statement signed by Chino Obiagwu and Melissa Omene, Chairman and Coordinator of the network respectively challenged the candidates to specifically addressed the issues of unemployment, the wrath in the petroleum sector, human security, protection of minorities – religious, tribal and
economic minorities as well as persons living with disability, corruption, power sector, women’s rights, international obligations and justice sector reform HRAN said, “The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) being a network of over 303 registered members who are Non-Governmental Organisations and human rights activists across Nigeria, issues this open letter due to concerns that key human rights and livelihood issues have not been addressed by the Presidential, Gubernatorial and other political candidates during the lead up to the 2015 general elections. “Democracy demands that politicians set concrete agenda upon which the electorate can select a suitable leader who can be held accountable using the concrete agenda promised”. By Kunle Olasanmi Abuja
Democracy demands that politicians set concrete agenda upon which the electorate can select a suitable leader who can be held accountable using the concrete agenda promised
FaCTCHECKER
Jonathan
According to the final report of a research by Nigeria Survey and Corruption Survey Study, Institute for Development Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2003, the most corrupt agencies and institutions of government were the Nigeria Police, political parties, national and state assemblies, local and municipal governments, federal and state executive
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APC Sensitises Youths On Election Monitoring, Campaigns
Unite Against Electoral Violence, Ekweremadu Urges Nigerians
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N
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has called on Nigerians to unite against electoral violence. He made the call during the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) degree on him at the 44th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka at the weekend. This was even as he called on the nation’s higher institutions of learning to rise up to the task of restoring the dignity of man through quality researches that address the nation’s security and development challenges. Speaking during the event, Senator Ekweremadu who also holds a PhD in Law, stressed the need for rigorous advocacy to keep the youth away from electoral violence. He charged well-meaning Nigerians to rise up in defence of the national interest and in condemnation of acts of electoral violence irrespective of political, ethnic, and religious leanings. In a statement issued by his Special adviser Media Uche Anichukwu, he warned: “Election is not a do-or-die affair. We are worried about the attacks on some political actors by people in parts of the country other than their own. —By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has organised a oneday sensitisation programme for various youth groups of the party and non-governmental organisation (NGOs) on election monitoring, mobilisation and campaigns ahead of the February 2015 general elections. The programme was in order to equipped participants with strategies to mobilise other youths at the grassroots for the victory of the party’s presidential candidate, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, in the February 14 election. Addressing APC youth leaders and NGOs present over the weekend, the APC national Youth Leader, who also doubled as the director, youth mobilisation in the party’s presidential campaign council, Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo, said there was the need for synergy among the youths to ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the wishes of the electorate. For his part, the deputy directorgeneral of the APC Campaign Council, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, acknowledged that the youths, women as well as persons with disabilities remain the most critical agents of change in the society. —By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja
Mamora
Corruption Now Happening In Higher Places Of Government Than It Was 10 Years Ago councils, traffic police and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). In a twist, between 2013 and date, corruption has been reported in higher institutions and corridor of power. There are cases of pension scam, petroleum sector fraud, fuel subsidy fraud and other running to multiple billions of naira at federal and
state levels with no conviction recorded yet. Instead, charges against some of the alleged kingpins were controversially dropped. Anti-corruption campaigners say President Jonathan has failed in the fight against corruption by refusing to sanction officials proven to have misused public funds. Last year, Jonathan said what most Nigerians call corruption were cases of
stealing and that stealing was not the same as corruption. “Over 70 per cent of what are called corruption (cases), even by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies, is not corruption, but common stealing,” the president said on national television. He said most corruption claims were politically motivated.
14 NIGERIA DECIDES NUMBERS 3 ➊ Number of states where
Monday, January 26, 2015
Seeking For Votes
QUOTES
elections will not hold in some parts because of insurgency
2 Number of clergymen that All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, has picked as vice-presidential candidate. He picked Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly as his running mate in 2011 and presently has Prof Yemi Osinbajo, a pastor in Redeemed Christian Church of God, as his running mate for February polls.
➋
4 ➌ Number of times General Bu-
hari has contested for the post of president at the general elections. He contested in the 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 elections
15 ➍ Number of states under op-
position governors in Nigeria.
21 ➎ Number of state under
governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party 1 ➏ Number of open letters
written by former president, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, to President Goodluck Jonathan, criticising his governance.
Daughter of the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Halima Muhammadu Buhari (right) with her friend , Maryam Shettima, during the inaugural meeting of the APC Women Presidential Campaign Initiative in Abuja at the Weekend. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI
4 Hoodlums Arrested For Burning Jonathan Campaign Vehicles In Suleja Four of the Hoodlums that burnt to ashes two vehicles belonging to the President Goodluck Jonathan campaign organisation in suleja have been arrested and man hunt for others has began by the combined team of security agents in the area. It was gathered that the Hoodlums attacked the campaign vehicles a bus and Hilux meant for Ogun state office of the campaign organisation and went inside the old garage of Suleja area for yet to be disclosed reasons. It was learnt that the hoodlums who usually hang around the notorious garage set the vehicles ablaze after
INECWATCH
engaging in argument with the drivers of the vehicles. An eye witness account revealed that “after the brief argument with the Drivers of the vehicles which was a usual occurrence in the garage, we suddenly saw the vehicles in flame and we took to our heels for safety” It was gathered that some thought the vehicles, since it has PDP emblem might have been those who were in suleja for the Governorship campaign rally that took place in the area earlier but was later discovered to be President Goodluck Jonathan campaign vehicle meant for Ogun state. It was gathered that the
After the brief argument with the Drivers of the vehicles which was a usual occurrence in the garage, we suddenly saw the vehicles in flame and we took to our heels for safety
hoodlums who normally hang around the garage could go violent with or without any provocation and that they may be irked by some unknown reasons that could be trivial rather than for political reasons. The Police Public Relation Officer Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari DSP confirmed that the vehicles burnt belong to the campaign organisation in Abeokuta and that four of the hoodlums have being arrested. He stated that the combined team of the police and other security agents have brought normalcy to the area even as the interrogation of those arrested was on going to ascertain the reasons behind the attack.
➔ President Goodluck Jonathan “I made it absolutely clear that the May 29th handover date is sacrosanct. In addition, the Government will provide all resources that are required by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the election goes smoothly. ”I also emphasized that INEC is an independent body, which makes its own decisions without any interference from the Government”.
➔ Mrs Aisha Buhari “When my husband is elected as the president of this country, he will rule the country within the rule of law based on the constitution of the country. If the office of the first lady is constitutionally recognised, he will not tamper with it, but if it is not that is okay. For me, I will perform my duties and roles as the wife of the President of Nigeria traditionally”
Multiple Registrants Will Be Prosecuted – Jega
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has assured that multiple registrants who were weeded out from the voters register, would be prosecuted. Jega, who put the number those caught committing multiple registration at 4million, noted that they can all be accounted for and that at the appropriate time they would be tried for committing
electoral offence. Although he admitted that it was a herculean task, he said it was possible. Jega said “Multiple registration is an electoral offence and those who commit that kind of offence should be prosecuted as the law requires. As you have seen, we have cleaned the data base and the register and we have over 4 million Nigerians that have done multiple reg-
istration. And we have this information. We can account for every one of those 4 million people. But how can INEC begin to prosecute 4 million people while we are preparing to conduct election. “It is a herculean task and almost humanly impossible. Luckily in our law there is no statute of limitation of offenders. It is not statue barred. You cannot say after certain number years they
cannot be persecuted. You can persecute them at any point of the year. So hope hope and we have been recommending that to the national assembly is that the election offences commission should be created so that the burden of prosecuting electoral offenders can be handled by an agency that will devote full time to doing that.” By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja
NIGERIA DECIDES 15
Monday, January 26, 2015
APC Can’t Pose Threat To PDP In Niger – Ndayebo
voices
2015: Accord Party Moves To Adopt President Jonathan
Danladi Ndayebo is the Niger State’s Commissioner for Information, Communication and Integration. In this interview with ABU NMODU in Minna, Ndayebo speaks on the achievements of the Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu-led PDP administration, expectations and preparations for the February general elections. Excerpts:
Ndayebo
Did you say Mass Movement? Well, I haven’t seen that in Niger State but I know for a fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is an amalgam of some opposition parties that we in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are very familiar with. The APC is the product of the merger of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) , Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and some PDP dissidents. And don’t forget that these are parties that we have defeated individually in the past. So, if you ask me, i say that the APC as presently constituted in Niger State does not in any way pose a threat to the chances of the PDP in Niger State. Members of the APC are
people we have defeated in previous elections and we will defeat them again at this round of elections. A lot has been said about the possibility that the popularity of General Muhammadu Buhari, the APC presidential flag bearer would rub-off positively on the opposition party’s candidates; especially APC’s governorship candidate in the state. What is your take on this?
Honestly, i prefer that reporters or whoever is making such analyses should base them on concrete evidence and not on mere conjectures. Elections are not won through hypothesis that are formed on speculations, rather, party faithful and supporters vote their preferred candidates based on evidence that is on the ground. For instance, the good people of Niger State have been voting PDP because of the good work that we are doing. The electorate have been voting for us consistently because of our robust policies and programmes. The ruling party has become
The recent defection of the Deputy Governor, Hon Ahmed Musa Ibeto to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is said to have ruffled feathers in the PDP. Don’t you think that the development can affect your party’s chances at the polls?
This question has already been addressed by the Chief Servant himself. His immediate reaction to the defection of his deputy is that the development will not change anything; both in terms of their relationship and the fortunes of the PDP at the upcoming polls. But having said that, let me re-iterate that Niger State is a PDP state and that nothing will change that. Suffice it to say that the party has a formidable structure; the type that no any other party has. ANSWERS
QUIZ TEST YOUR POLITICAL IQq 1. How many aspirants contested for APC’s 2015 presidential ticket? 2. Who was the
first chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body? 3. How many years has President Jonathan been
president of Nigeria? 4. Gen Buhari has contested for president of Nigeria how
many times? 5. How many aspirants vied for PDP’s 2015 presidential ticket?
1. 5 2. Chief Eyo Esua 3. 6 4.4 5. 1
The 2015 General elections are around the corner, amid anxiety of a growing support for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).Observers say there is mass movement against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).How prepared is your party?
a house hold name because the Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu administration has left developmental imprints that are difficult to ignore. Our priority areas of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and social security have seen progressive achievements in the last seven and a half years. Also, our Ward Development Projects (WDP) which ensures that each of the 274 wards in the state receives N1m monthly is also a huge success story. Under the initiative, each ward takes full responsibility for proposing to the state government, development projects that the ward consultative forum feels deserves priority attention. These are all the good things that will continue to make PDP the preferred choice of the people of Niger State and not any band wagon effect that you think the candidature of General Buhari will create. The people of Niger State will vote for the PDP in all the elections.
Jonathan
Accord Party of Nigeria yesterday under the umbrella body of National Unity Group, (a group comprising of members from different political parties) began talks with the Peoples Democratic Party PDP towards adopting President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the February 14 Presidential poll. While speaking at the NUG meeting in Abuja, the National Deputy Chairman of Accord Party, Oke Sikiru Adeposi said the party was on a working friendly meeting with PDP. “We do not have
Presidential candidate, this is not the first time our party is adopting PDP candidate as our own. Today we are kick starting the process we usually adopt with PDP”, Adeposi stated. Responding, the National Co-ordinator of the group who is also the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed said members of the PDP within the group had not taken over the responsibility of the PDP National Working Committee as everything discussed will still be subjected to the approval of Adamu Mu’azu led executive council. Mohammed added that the NUG is working with the PDP towards the re-election of Jonathan in the forthcoming general elections in an environment void of violence, tribalism, among others. By Kunle Olasanmi
trending Doyin@doyinokupe: “There 3 issues in dis election, Integrity, corruption &Perfomance.” This Okupe’s tweet resulted in a heated debate on Tweeter OchinanWata 1 @mr_ ochonogor @seanblade @doyinokupe show proof of corruption! Or keep shut
d govt to make d govt ungovernable for him. GEJ brought d pension scam to d public and gave d judiciary freedom.
Wole @woleotegbade @doyinokupe accepted,but in d case of corruption, this govt. Is d most corrupt in the history of Nigeria
Babatunde Tayo@ iBeTayo1 @doyinokupe you are so right. The opposition fought against everyone that tried to put an end to insurgency, including the Army
OchinanWata 1 @mr_ ochonogor @woleotegbade @doyinokupe how is it corrupt? So Tinubu is a Pope? @nuelnonny @nuelnonny @rubi_tt @doyinokupe he should also not tell you your Presidential candidate is a cheat & corrupt since he lied about his WASC #Power @GbengaFalusi @doyinokupe they promised
Alfreddy @drealfred @GbengaFalusi @mr_ ochonogor @doyinokupe I see who’s ignorant. The truth is there for the world to see! Adeyemi Gbolaga @ gbola9ade @doyinokupe.. I agree with u..insurgency is not part of it so the opposition should stop using that as an excuse for change of government..
16
Monday, January 26, 2015
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES LIMITED
c
(A SUBSIDIARY OF LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS GROUP)
2015 ANNUAL
CONFERENCE & AWARDS CEREMONY Chairman PRINCE JULIUS ADELUSI-ADELUYI Former Minister of Health and Chairman, Juli Pharmacy Plc.
Royal Father Of The Day HRH. ALHAJI (DR.) YAHAYA ABUBAKAR CFR Etsu Nupe
Keynote Speaker PROF. IBRAHIM GAMBARI
Former Nigerian Permanent Representative To The United Nations
Theme: “Reclaiming Nigeria: A Pathway” STAR AWARDS 2014 LEADERSHIP PERSON OF THE YEAR Chief Olusegun Obasanjo LEADERSHIP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Alh. Kashim Shettima
LEADERSHIP POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR Gov. Tanko Al-Makura LEADERSHIP BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Adewale Jubril Tinubu
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LEADERSHIP PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Innoson Vehicle LEADERSHIP MICROFINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc. LEADERSHIP PUBLIC OFFICER OF THE YEAR Gimba Ya’u Kumo MD/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria LEADERSHIP BRAND OF THE YEAR Brains and Hammers LEADERSHIP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Ali Nuhu LEADERSHIP YOUNG PERSONS OF THE YEAR The Chibok Girls LEADERSHIP SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR Asisat Oshoala
Venue: Sheraton Abuja Hotel Time: 9:00am Date: February 5th, 2015
17
Monday, January 26, 2015
This advertisement is published in compliance with the Rules & Regulations of the Securities & Exchange Commission and the Listing Requirements of The Nigerian Stock Exchange
Access Bank Plc
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Acceptance List Opens: Monday, 26 January 2015 Acceptance List Closes: Wednesday, 4 March 2015 The Rights being offered are tradable on the floor of The Nigerian Stock Exchange for the duration of the Issue. Please read the Rights Circular and where in doubt, consult your Stockbroker, Fund/Portfolio Manager, Accountant, Banker, Solicitor, or any other professional adviser for guidance before subscribing. COMPLETED ACCEPTANCE/RENUNCIATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH PAYMENT / EVIDENCE OF PAYMENT FOR THE FULL AMOUNT PAYABLE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, 04 MARCH 2015 TO ONLY THE RECEIVING AGENTS LISTED IN THE RIGHTS CIRCULAR PROVISIONAL ALLOTMENT One (1) new Ordinary Share for every three (3) Ordinary Shares of 50 kobo each held by shareholders whose names appeared on the Register of Members and transfer books of Access Bank Plc (the “Bank”) as at the close of business on Thursday, 23 October 2014
ACCEPTANCE/RENUNCIATION Acceptance/Renunciation of rights must be made on the official Acceptance/Renunciation Forms (“Forms”) and in accordance with the instructions set out on the Forms. Care must be taken to follow these instructions as applications which do not comply will be rejected. The completed Forms must be lodged, together with payment/evidence of payment, with any of the Receiving Agents listed in the Rights Circular not later than Wednesday, 04 March 2015. The receipt of the duly completed Form along with the shareholder’s evidence of payment will constitute acceptance of all or part of the Provisional Allotment on the terms of the Provisional Allotment letter as contained in the Rights Circular, subject to clearance by the Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”). If payment is not received by Wednesday, 04 March 2015 the provisional allotment will be deemed to have been declined and will be cancelled. Where the amount payable exceeds N10 million, payment must be made electronically (RTGS or NEFT transfer). Kindly consult with your bankers in this regard.
TRADING IN RIGHTS The provisional approval of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (“The NSE”) has been obtained for trading in the rights. The rights will be tradable between Monday, 26 January 2015 and Wednesday, 04 March 2015.
at prices quoted from time to time on the floor of The NSE. Shareholders who wish to renounce their rights partially or in full, may trade such renounced rights on the floor of The NSE between these dates. Shareholders who wish to trade their rights may contact their stockbroker for guidance.
ALLOTMENT OF ADDITIONAL SHARES Shareholders who wish to acquire additional shares over and above their provisional allotment may purchase renounced rights and/or apply for additional shares by completing the appropriate section of the Form. Ordinary Shares not taken up and paid for by Wednesday, 04 March 2015 will be allotted on a prorata basis to existing shareholders who applied and paid for additional shares over and above their provisional allotment under the terms of this Issue. Ordinary Shares not taken up by shareholders after allotment of all valid applications will revert to the unissued authorised share capital of the Bank. E-ALLOTMENT/SHARE CERTIFICATES The Central Securities Clearing System (“CSCS”) accounts of shareholders will be credited not later than 15 working days from the date of allotment. Shareholders are hereby advised to state their CSCS account number, the name of their respective stockbrokers and their Clearing House Numbers in the relevant spaces on the Form. Certificates for Shareholders that do not provide complete CSCS account details will be dispatched by registered post not later than 15 working days from the date of allotment.
Rights Circulars have been sent directly to all shareholders. Any shareholder who does not receive his / her Rights Circular by Monday, 02 February 2015 is advised to contact the Registrar, United Securities Limited 10 Amodu Ojikutu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos (+234 1 271 4566, +234 704 620 5221, customerscare@unitedsecuritieslimited.com), any of the Issuing Houses, or any branch of Access Bank Plc nationwide
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18
Monday, January 26, 2015
BUSINESS/insurance 19
Monday, January 26, 2015
Insurers Collaborate With Lagos State On Launch Of Database StorieS By Chika izuora, Lagos
The Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) said that it is planning to launch the Nigerian Insurance Industry database (NIID) monitoring device in Lagos. The association said it hoped to engage the services of law enforcement agents and other stakeholders, which include the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Vehicle Inspection officers ( VIO), and Ministry of Transport, the supervisory ministry in this regard. The corporate affairs manager of NIA, Mr Davis Iyasere, said that contrary to recent media reports that the Lagos State Government was frustrating the insurance industry database
monitoring scheme, the industry is enjoying the cordial relationship and full cooperation of the state government and its transport and road law enforcement agents. Davis said, “We must state that the commissioner for transport, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, has been most supportive of our efforts to see that the device is launched in the state.” According to him, to turn around and accuse the state government of frustrating the launching of the device will be most unfair. He added that the senior officials of the Lagos State governor have shown tremendous support for the project and were fully convinced that it remains a veritable mechanism for wiping out fake insurance certificates. Davis
maintained that the story was a misrepresentation of the state of affairs as it concerns the relationship between the state government and the NIA. Speaking further on the relationship between the NIA and the state government, Davis stated, “The association views the state government as a critical stakeholder in the battle against fake motor insurance certificates and would continue to seek the support and collaboration of the state to win the war. The association acknowledged the fact that the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, has been in the forefront of efforts to promote insurance culture in Nigeria and has taken advantage of every available opportunity to propagate the gospel of insurance.
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A South African insurer controlled by the Standard Bank Group Limited, Liberty Holdings Limited, said it might conclude a deal in Nigeria by the end of January. “We have an opportunity we hope to conclude at the end of the month,” the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Jo h a n n e s b u r g - b a s e d company, Thabo Dloti, said in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We are not doing an outright purchase. We are looking for partners,” he said. Liberty said in August last year that it was in talks with both insurers and asset management companies in the West African nation. The insurer’s investment plans had been slowed by deadly bombings and kidnappings in Nigeria, Dloti said in May. It bought Standard Bank Investment Management Services, Ghana, in October, giving it a presence in 17 African countries. “We are targeting both these countries as an entry point in to West Africa,”. We are going through a short list,” Dloti said.
United Capital Releases 2015 Financial Report
Lagos Douala
Depart Lagos
Liberty Holding Concludes Insurance Deal In Nigeria By January
15/01/2015 15:14:09
United Capital Plc, whose activities are driven by its investment banking, asset management, trusteeship, securities and insurance subsidiaries and affiliated companies, has released its anticipated Nigerian Economy and Financial Markets 2015 report. The company is African financial services group, providing services to its clients and is recognised regionally for its strategic role in helping African governments and citizens (both individual and corporate) achieve their economic objectives through a robust suite of financial and investment banking service offerings. The report provides a detailed review of the Nigerian market in 2014 with projections for 2015, commencing with a global perspective and review of key African markets.
20 BUSINESS/insurance
Monday, January 26, 2015
Inspenonline Names 2014 Industry Awardees StorieS By Chika izuora, Lagos
The management of one of the insurance and pension online media, Inspenonline, has released the names of nominees for the 2014 Nigerian Insurance and Pension (Inspen) Award. A statement by the editor, Chuks Udo Okonta, said the yearly award which is in eight categories will be contested by underwriting firms, pension fund administrators, broking firms and individuals who distinguished themselves in 2014.
He noted that nominees for the Insurance Man of the year category are the managing director, Mansard Insurance Plc, Mrs yetunde Ilori; managing director, Leadway Assurance Limited, Mr Oye HassanOdukale; group managing director, Custodian and Allied Plc, Mr Wole Oshin; managing director, AIICO Plc, Edwin Igbitiand; and former president, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Fatai Lawal. Those for Insurance Company of the year are Mansard Insurance
Plc; AIICO Plc; Leadway Assurance Limited; Custodian and Allied Plc; Royal Exchange Plc and Sovereign trust Insurance Plc while those nominated for the Excellence Award are Mr Oladipo Bailey; Professor Joe Irukwu and Mr Osaka Ogala. He said the institutions nominated for Best Professional Group Award are the Nigerian Insurers Association; Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers; Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria and Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.
NAICOM Restates Commitment To Industry Growth The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) said it is fully committed to give a boost to the insurance industry through implementation of its three-year transformation agenda. The regulator acknowledged that a buoyant insurance sector would result to greater contribution to the country’s gross domestic product and lead to a robust economy for Nigeria. The assistant director, Corporate Affairs, NAICOM, Mr Salami Rassaq, who raised the hope of the industry with the promise, said that with the support of the federal government, the commission would achieve its planned goal. According to him, there is no contractor today in this country that can do any contract without having a tax clearance or without the office asking for a certificate in compliance to the NAICOM Act. When this is implemented, it will generate a lot of premium for the industry and we are hoping this will take effect from this year as already promised by the minister of finance and cordinating minister for the economy (CME), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. As part of plans to grow the industry, he stressed that the commission has set up an internal committee to ensure that the commission achieves its transformation agenda. Members of the committee, he said, were drawn from across strategic directorates and units of the commission and with the mandate to ensure that the commission maintained ownership of the agreed initiative. The committee will also ensure that all stakeholders performed their assigned responsibilities as well as deliberate and make input on how the agenda would be achieved, he noted. He said that the committee, which was inaugurated by the commissioner for insurance, Fola Daniel, would be headed by the NAICOM deputy commissioner, technical, Mohammed Kari. Rasaaq said, “The internal committee was set up to ensure that there is effectiveness and that all the aspirations and plans on the transformation agenda were achieved by the industry. Apart from monitoring, they will make input and deliberations of both the subcommittee and the steering committee. They will also ensure that whatever goal assigned to the NAICOM in the next three years is done efficiently and effectively and in a seamless manner.” The three-year transformation agenda was proposed to triple the size of the insurance industry. It is expected that in the next three years, the gross written premium of the industry will rise from 300 billion to one trillion.
Anchor To Underwrite Micro Insurance The managing director/chief executive officer (CEO) of Anchor Insurance Plc, Mr Mayowa Adeduro, said the company has received approval from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to commence transaction for micro insurance business in the country. He said the company also received approval to underwrite the loss of employment income insurance and noted that with the two approvals agents of the company now have opportunity to sell other products of the company, thereby meeting the needs of the insuring public. He noted that there are about six compulsory insurances in Nigeria which give opportunities to agents to generate more money for themselves, their companies and the industry in general. On the performance of the company and agents in 2014, he said that as at 2013, the company had less than 15 branches but as at December 2014, the company’s branch network has risen to 23. Adeduro also said that agents’ contribution to the company’s income as at the end of December 2014 was 1/3 as against the 10 per cent they contributed in 2013, adding that the contributions of the agents was significant to the company’s growth. On human capital development, he said that the company, this January, had shortlisted 10 agents for special training within the country to further develop them in the business of insurance.
money market/BUSINESS 21 money MARKET REPORTS
Monday, January 26, 2015
Create Conducive Environment, Polices For SMEs To Thrive – Wigwe
L-R: Chairman, Networks Limited, Mr Ernest Ebi; pastor, RCCG City Of David, Idowu Iluyomade; and group managing director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe; at the Nigerian Business Outlook 2015 event in Lagos.
Pressure Continues To Mount On Naira Despite CBN Measures Stories By Bukola Idowu, Lagos
Analysts believe the exchange rate pressure has become too strong for the CBN and are envisaging a further devaluation of the naira at the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
This is not the best of times for the naira as the currency is currently being battered by the pressures of increasing demand which has outweighed supply and the recent moves by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) seems to fuel the pressures. The naira which has hovered around the N185 band at the interbank and N190 at the parallel market since the beginning of the year took a dive last week, hitting an all time low of N207 to the dollar after the CBN took steps that were to supposed to ease pressure on it. Although the pressure eased a bit over the weekend as the naira sold for N200 at the bureaux de change (BDCs), it was not after it sold at N207 to the dollar on Friday. Also interbank rates reached an all time high of N190.78 to the greenback at the close of business last week as against the official price of N168 to the dollar. The apex bank last week stopped banks from selling foreign exchange to BDCs even as it increased the net open position of banks and its maximum weekly sales to BDCs. The net foreign exchange position of banks had been moved from 0.1 per cent to 0.5 per cent, the third review
within a month. Also, it raised its weekly foreign exchange sales to BDCs to $30,000 per BDC from $15,000 with effect from January 28. With the number of registered BDCs in the country now at 2,544, the apex bank will increase its sale of foreign exchange to the BDCs to $76.32 million dollars as against $38.16 million which it used to sell. With the external reserves down to $34.4 billion, the CBN’s weekly offerings at the retail dutch auctions had dropped to $400 million as against an average weekly offerings of $700 of last year. However, the acting president of the BDCs operators, Aminu Gwadabe, who noted that the implication of the new regulation of the CBN is that the BDCs will no longer source for dollar from the banks to meet the demand in the street market said that relying only on the weekly sales from the apex bank will not be enough to meet the market demand. He also blamed the unprecedented drop of the naira against the dollar to the actions taken by the CBN, warning that the value of the naira could hit N250 to the dollar before the end of February, if care is not taken. Currency dealers in Nigeria had met and agreed last week to halt trading if there are more
than two per cent intra-day slide in the naira. This is because of the dealers’ fear that the naira will hit N200 to the dollar, creating extreme volatility and adding to deteriorating liquidity conditions if steps are not taken to curb the slide of the local currency. Like other emerging market currencies, the naira is also under pressure as the dollar strengthens on the expectations that the United States will soon raise interest rates. Analysts believe the exchange rate pressure has become too strong for the CBN and are envisaging a further devaluation of the naira at the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting which will be held in March after the general elections. According to analysts at the FBN Capital, the gap between foreign demand and supply is too large for the CBN to maintain exchange-rate stability. We see a policy rate increase from the MPC, another devaluation and probably some more administrative measures but also an end-year interbank rate of N200 per dollar. At its last meeting, the MPC had left the benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), at 13 per cent, private Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 20 per cent, public CRR at 75 per cent and liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.
The chief executive of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, has called on the government and policy makers in the country to create an enabling environment and effective policies that would help grow the nation’s small and medium industry. Speaking in Lagos last week, Wigwe stated that entrepreneurs are having a hard time surviving in the country and emphasised the need for government to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Wigwe, who was represented at the Africa Sustainable chief executive officers (CEOs)’ Business Roundtable forum by the executive director, Personal Banking Division of Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, noted that some “policy makers do not know what it takes to be an entrepreneur and so cannot formulate effective policies that would be of benefit to the micro, small and medium enterprises.” Speakers at the forum had emphasised the need for government to provide the right infrastructure and formulating policies that would not only boost business operations but also grow the nation’s economy even as they decried the level of infrastructure in the country and government’s attitude towards it and policy formulation. The chief executive of Safaricom Limited, Robert Collymore, said, “Governments’ primary purpose is to ensure that they are re-elected, but companies have the right to push policy makers to make the right decisions that would encourage businesses to thrive and in general grow the economy.” On her own, part general manager, Corporate Services of MTN Nigeria, Funmi Onajide, who represented the telecom’s chief executive, Micheal Ikpoki, lamented the state of the country’s infrastructure. Noting that the company spends almost 22 per cent of its operating cost on buying diesel, she added that what the company spent on fuel was what it spent on building its base stations across the country. She stressed that the lack of infrastructure has been a major setback for business growth in the country, saying, “What companies spend on infrastructure could have been used to focus on their businesses. Businesses are not supposed to provide infrastructure, but we can in one voice address this issue with the government.” In a related development, the bank also noted that the finance barrier that entrepreneurship in Africa is facing remains unchanged due to structure of the African society, especially that of the Nigerian system. To tackle this, the bank has expressed its preparedness to support entrepreneurs in Africa. Etuokwu, who also spoke during a forum organised by the United Nations Global Impact, in conjunction with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Network Nigeria in Lagos, said there are lots of opportunities for entrepreneurs in Africa. “The barriers to entrepreneurship in Africa are mostly access to finance which hasn’t changed because of the structure of the society and the structure of the Nigerian system,” he said. He also noted that there is sheer lack of adequate knowledge about the market which he said is posing has problems. “Apart from that, there is the issue of lack of knowledge of the market place and that is still a problem. Of course, the environment has it effects and also we have the effects of policy inconsistency. We found out that those who write the policies don’t have an idea of what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” Etuokwu said.
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24 CAPITAL MARKET/BUSINESS
Monday, January 26, 2015
CAPITAL MARKET REPORTS
NSE Names Stanbic IBTC Best Dealing Member In 2014
Removal Of Technical Suspension Frustrates Rights Issue participation Stories By OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
Market operators noted that the lower price at the secondary market could spell doom for the offers as many investors
Stock market operators have attributed the weak participation of investors in rights issue exercises on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to the current share offloads in the secondary market and removal of placing securities of listed company on technical suspension during capital raising exercises. Ordinarily, rights issues are supposed to be issued at a discount, meaning that the price at which the offering is made to the existing shareholders should be less than its current market price at the secondary market. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in September 2009 directed the NSE to discontinue the practice of placing securities of listed companies on technical suspension during a capital raising exercise as it is against best practices. A look at companies raising rights issue shows that Oando Plc, which is currently issuing 2.217 billion shares at N22 per share by way of rights issue offer to existing shareholders, has its share trading in the secondary market at N16.20, having dropped by N5.80 as at January 23, 2015, while the United Bank for Africa (UBA) is offering the rights at the ratio of one new ordinary share for every 10 previously held by its shareholders as at October 15, 2014, at N4 per share with its share price trading at N3.56 as at
January 23, 2015. Market operators noted that the lower price at the secondary market could spell doom for the offers as many investors would prefer to buy the shares on the secondary market where the shares are cheaper. According to the managing director of Alangrange Securities Limited, Mr Samson Amedu, with the many uncertainties seen in the market, subscription levels for any initial public offer (IPO) will depend largely on the timing and strength of the issuer. He noted that the falling crude oil price, the weakening of the naira, uncertainty in the coming election and insecurity have affected investors and had led to the withdrawal of investors, especially foreign investors, from the Nigerian capital market. He said that companies planning offers with the state of stock prices now will face the difficult choice of having to issue more shares for less proceeds, saying, “Timing is critical in coming out with a rights issue, considering the market situation with market being down for almost six months. “Given the factors affecting market downturn, it will not be proper coming with a right issue with high price. For example, who will buy Oando’s shares at N22 when its market price is around N17. Some element of market timing was not fully considered.” He added that the same goes for the UBA, fixing its price at N4 when its pricing in the open
market is far less than its rights issue price. It is either they defer it or it will be a total failure. The managing director of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr David Adonri, said that the policy of not placing stocks on suspension should be revisited, saying that the capital market exists because of the primary market and rights issue is a principal primary market activity that forms capital for companies. If that is almost becoming impossible then that policy needs to be reviewed notwithstanding the abuses of the past. “We have to find a way of striking the balance to make sure that rights issue succeed and offer for subscription also comes up in the market. Generally, the primary market is still completely moribund. The secondary market is a volatile market and it can be in favour of the issuers or not depending on the state of the market. But we should have a balancing policy so that whether the market is up or down the issuers can still successfully raise finance,” Adonri said. Comparing the Nigerian capital market to other markets, he said that markets are not the same in different jurisdiction, some are mature markets while others are volatile, less volatile or stable markets, saying that the environment under which the various capital markets operate are completely different. “One must situate its policy around what it is happening in its environment,” he said.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has named Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited as the leading market operator in the capital market in 2014. The stockbrokerage firm won the NSE’s chief executive officer (CEO) Award for excellence and exceptional performance by market operators in a given year as the best dealing member firm on the exchange in 2014. . The award reinforces Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers as the largest stockbroking firm in Nigeria in both volume and value of total transactions handled in 2014. The market data for the year under review showed that the Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited achieved a turnover in excess of 24 billion units of shares which represented 11.42 per cent volume of shares valued at over N472 billion to lead both the volume and value tables. Speaking on the award, the CEO, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Oladele Sotubo, said the company validates the appetite and growing capacity of the stockbroking firm, leveraging on the expertise of the Stanbic IBTC Group, to provide robust services in the capital market.
Mansard Insurance Acquires 60% Stake In Penman Insurance Mansard Insurance Plc has announced the completion of its acquisition of 60 per cent stake in Penman Pensions. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in its release over the weekend, said, “the company had notified the NSE that it has completed its acquisition of 60 per cent of Penman Pensions Limited. “The company states that this acquisition extends its subsidiaries to four, having already made significant inroads into Asset Management, Health Insurance and Property segments through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Mansard Investments Limited and Mansard Health Limited as well as its majority holding in the property joint ventures, APD Limited. Speaking on the acquisition, the chief client officer, Tosin Runsewe, said, “this acquisition brings us a step closer to achieving our growth plans hinged on exploring the significant synergies across our businesses and franchise. On his part, the chairman of Penman, Umaru Kwairanga, said, “we are excited to have Mansard Insurance take a majority stake in Penman Pensions.”
Stock Market Gains 2.68% The Nigerian stock market rebuffed negative sentiments to close upbeat last week as the market gained 2.68 per cent. The All-Share Index increased by 777.16 points or 2.68 per cent to close at 29,812.05 as against the 29,034.89 achieved the previous week. Equally, the market capitalisation appreciated by N259 billion to close at N9.930 trillion when compared with the N9.671 trillion posted the previous week. Analysis of the price movement chart for last week indicated that the United Africa Company of Nigeria (UACN) topped the gainers’ table by 19.43 per cent to close at N37 per share. Guaranty Trust Bank came second on the activity chart with 17.32 per cent to close at N21 while Mansard Insurance appreciated by 10.53 per cent to close at N3.15 per share. On the other hand, Dangote Flourmills led the losers’ chart for the week by 18.41 per cent to close at N3.19 per share. R.T. Briscoe trailed with a loss of 16.67 per cent to close at 70 kobo while Ikeja Hotel declined by 12.90 per cent to close at N2.70 per share.
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Monday, January 26, 2015
INEC: A Miracle in 19 Days? 68,833,476 54,341,610 38,774,397
54,341,610
Permanent Voters Card (PVC)s printed
14,491,866 15,567,213 PVCs not yet collected
The following groups of people are disenfranchised as they will NOT be able to vote: 1) Internally Displaced People not in Adamawa, Yobe or Borno. What happens to those in Abuja, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, Gombe? 2) Voters who wanted to transfer their registration according to the Electoral Act’s 30 day rule. Transfer was closed in 2014 unannounced. 3) Voters accidentally deleted from INEC's database (zero Polling Units) who were misinformed by INEC personnel. They have TVCs but they are NOT in INEC's database and PVCs will not be printed for them. You can now pick up your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) at your WARD from 8:30 – 5:30 pm DAILY.
Don’t know where to go? Visit www.govote.ng/pickup
Questions for INEC?
0700-2255-4632 0700-CALL-INEC
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ISSUES 29
Monday, January 26, 2015
Buhari vs Jonathan: Beyond The Election Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR
I need to preface this article with a few clarifications. I have taken a long sabbatical leave from partisan politics, and it is real fun watching the drama from the balcony. Having had my own share of public service (I do not need a job from government), I now devote my time and energy in pursuit of other passions, especially abroad. A few days ago, I read an article in Thisday entitled “Where is Charles Soludo?”, and my answer is that I am still there, only that I have been too busy with extensive international travels to participate in or comment on our national politics and economy. But I occasionally follow events at home. Since the survival and prosperity of Nigeria are at stake, the least some of us (albeit, non-partisan) must do is to engage in public debate. As the elections approach, I owe a duty to share some of my concerns. In September 2010, I wrote a piece entitled “2011 Elections: Let the Real Debate Begin” and published by Thisday. I understand the Federal Executive Council discussed it, and the Minister of Information rained personal attacks on me during the press briefing. I noted more than six newspaper editorials in support of the issues we raised. Beside other issues we raised, our main thesis was that the macro economy was dangerously adrift, with little self-insurance mechanisms (and a prediction that if oil prices fell below $40, many state governments would not be able to pay salaries). I gave a subtle hint at easy money and exchange rate depreciations because I did not want to panic the market with a strong statement. Sadly, on the eve of the next elections, literally everything we hinted at has happened. Part of my motivation for this article is that five years after, the real debate is still not happening. The presidential election next month will be won by either Buhari or Jonathan. For either, it is likely to be a pyrrhic victory. None of them will be able to deliver on the fantastic promises being made on the economy, and if oil prices remain below $60, I see very difficult months ahead, with possible heady collisions with labour, civil society, and indeed the citizenry. To be sure, the presidential election will not be decided by the quality of ‘issues’ or promises canvassed by the candidates. The debates won’t also change much (except if there is a major gaffe by either candidate like Tofa did in the debate with Abiola). My take is that more than 95% of the likely voters have pretty much made up their minds based largely on other considerations. A few of us remain undecided. During my brief visit to Nigeria, I watched some of the campaign rallies on
television. The tragedy of the current electioneering campaigns is that both parties are missing the golden opportunity to sensitize the citizenry about the enormous challenges ahead and hence mobilize them for the inevitable sacrifices they would be called upon to make soon. Each is promising an El-Dorado. Let me admit that the two main parties talk around the major development challenges— corruption, insecurity, economy (unemployment/poverty, power, infrastructure, etc) health, education, etc. However, it is my considered view that none of them has any credible agenda to deal with the issues, especially within the context of the evolving global economy and Nigeria’s broken public finance. The UK Conservative Party’s manifesto for the last election proudly announced that all its programmes were fully costed and were therefore implementable. Neither APC nor PDP can make a similar claim. A plan without the dollar or Naira signs to it is nothing but a wish-list. They are not telling us how much each of their promises will cost and where they will get the money. None talks about the broken or near bankrupt public finance and the strategy to fix it. In response to the question of where the money will come from, I heard one of the politicians say that the problem of Nigeria was not money but the management of resources. This is half-truth. The problem is both. No matter how efficient a father (with a monthly salary of N50,000) is at managing the family resources, I cannot see how he could deliver on a promise to buy a brand new Peugeot 406 for each of his three children in a year. Even with all the loopholes and waste closed, with increased efficiency per dollar spent, there is still a binding budget constraint. To deliver an efficient national transport infrastructure alone will still cost tens of billions of dollars per annum even by corruptionfree, cost-effective means. Did I hear that APC promises a welfare system that will pay between N5,000 and N10,000 per month to the poorest 25 million Nigerians? Just this programme alone will cost between N1.5 and N3 trillion per annum. Add to this the cost of free primary education plus free meal (to be funded by the federal budget or would it force non-APC state governments to implement the same?), plus some millions of public housing, etc. I have tried to cost some of the promises by both the APC and the PDP, given alternative scenarios for public finance and the numbers don’t add up. Nigerians would be glad to know how both parties would fund their programmes. Do they intend to accentuate the
Jonathan
huge public debt, or raise taxes on the soon to-be-beleaguered private businesses, or massively devalue the naira to rake in baskets of naira from the dwindling oil revenue, or embark on huge fiscal retrenchment with the sack of labour and abandonment of projects, and which areas of waste do they intend to close and how much do they estimate to rake in from them, etc? I remember that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was asked similar questions in 1978 and 1979 about his promises of free education and free medical services. Even as a teenager, I was impressed by how he reeled out figures about the amounts he would save from various ‘waste’ including the tea/coffee served in government offices. The point is that at least he did his homework and had his numbers and I give credit to his team. Some 36 years later, the quality of political debate and discourse seems to border on the pedestrian. From the quality of its team, I did not expect much from the current government, but I must confess that I expected APC as a party aspiring to take over from PDP to come up with a knock-out punch. Evidently, from what we have read from the various versions of its manifesto as well as the depth of promises being made, it does not seem that it has a better offer. Let me digress a bit to refresh our memory on where we are, and thus provide the context in which to evaluate the promises being made to us. Recall that the key word of the 2015 budget is ‘austerity’. Austerity? This is just within a few months of the fall in oil prices. History repeats itself in a very cruel way, as this was exactly what happened under the Shehu Shagari administration. Under the Shagari government, oil price reached its highest in 1980/81. During the same period, Nigeria ratcheted up its consumption and all tiers of government were in competition as to which would out-borrow the other. Huge public debt was the consequence. When oil prices crashed in early 1982, the National
Buhari
Assembly then passed the Economic Stabilization (Austerity Measures) Act in one day--- going through the first, second, and third readings the same day. The austerity measures included the rationing of ‘essential commodities’ and most states owed salary arrears. Corruption was said to be pervasive, and as Sani Abacha said in that famous coup speech, ‘unemployment has reached unacceptable proportions and our hospitals have become mere consulting clinics’. General Muhammadu Buhari/Tunde Idiagbon regime made the fight against corruption and restoration of discipline the cardinal point of their administration which lasted for 20 months. I am not sure they had a credible plan to get the economy out of the doldrums (although it must be admitted that poverty incidence in Nigeria as of 1985 when they left office was a just46%--- according to the Federal Office of Statistics). We have come full circle. If the experience under Shagari could be excused as an unexpected shock, what Nigeria is going through now is a consequence of our deliberate wrong choices. We have always known that the unprecedented oil boom (in both price and quantity—despite oil theft) of the last six years is temporary but the government chose to treat it as a permanent shock. The parallels with the Shagari regime are troubling. First, at the time of oil boom, Nigeria again went on a consumption spree such that the budgets of the last five years can best be described as ‘consumption budgets’, with new borrowing by the federal government exceeding the actual expenditure on critical infrastructure. Second, not one penny was added to the stock of foreign reserves at a period Nigeria earned hundreds of billions from oil. For comparisons, President Obasanjo met about $5 billion in foreign reserves, and the average monthly oil price for the 72 months he was in office was $38, and yet he left $43 billion in foreign reserves after paying $12 billion to write-off
Nigeria’s external debt. In the last five years, the average monthly oil price has been over $100, and the quantity also higher but our foreign reserves have been declining and exchange rate depreciating. I note that when I assumed office as Governor of CBN, the stock of foreign reserves was $10 billion. The average monthly oil price during my 60 months in office was $59, but foreign reserve reached the all-time peak of $62 billion (and despite paying $12 billion for external debt, and losing over $15 billion during the unprecedented global financial and economic crisis) I left behind $45 billion. Recall also that our exchange rate continuously appreciated during this period and was at N117 to the dollar before the global crisis and we deliberately allowed it to depreciate in order to preserve our reserves. My calculation is that if the economy was better managed, our foreign reserves should have been between $102 --$118 billion and exchange rate around N112 before the fall in oil prices. As of now, the reserves should be around $90 billion and exchange rate no higher than N125 per dollar. Third, the rate of public debt accumulation at a time of unprecedented boom had no parallel in the world. While the Obasanjo administration bought and enlarged the policy space for Nigeria, the current government has sold and constricted it. What debt relief did for Nigeria was to liberate Nigerian policymakers from the intrusive conditionalities of the creditors and thereby truly allowing Nigeria independence in its public policy. How have we used the independence? Through our own choices, we have yet again tied the hands of future policymakers. This time, the debt is not necessarily to foreign creditor institutions/ governments which are organized under the Paris club but largely to private agents which is even more volatile. We call it domestic debt. But if one carefully unpacks the bond portfolio, what percentage of it is held by foreign private agents? And I understand the Government had removed the speed bumps we kept to slow the speed of capital flight, and someone is sweating to explain the gyrations in foreign reserves. I am just smiling! In sum, the mismanagement of our economy has brought us once more to the brink. Government officials rely on the artificial construct of debt to GDP ratio to tell us we can borrow as much as we want. That is nonsense, especially for an economy with a mono but highly volatile source of revenue and forex earnings. The chicken will soon come home to roost. Today, the combined domestic and external ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Buhari vs Jonathan: Beyond The Election ➔ CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
debt of the Federal Government is in excess of $40 billion. Add to this the fact that abandoned capital projects littered all over the country amount to over $50 billion. No word yet on other huge contingent liabilities. If oil prices continue to fall, I bet that Nigeria will soon have a heavy debt burden even with low debt to GDP ratio. Furthermore, given the current and capital account regime, it is evident that Nigeria does not have enough foreign reserves to adequately cover for imports plus short term liabilities. In essence, we are approaching the classic of what the Shagari government faced, and no wonder the hasty introduction of ‘austerity measures’ again. Fourth, poverty incidence and unemployment are also simultaneously at all-time high levels. According to the NBS, poverty incidence grew to 69% in 2010 and projected to be 71% in 2011, with unemployment at 24%. This is the worst record in Nigeria’s history, and the paradox is that this happened during the unprecedented oil boom. One theme I picked up listening to the campaign rallies as well as to some of the propagandists is the confusion about measuring government “performance”. Most people seem to confuse ‘inputs’, or ‘processes’ with output. Earlier this month, I had a dinner with a group of friends (14 of us) and we were chit-chatting about Nigeria. One of us, an associate of President Jonathan veered off to repeat a propaganda mantra that Jonathan had outperformed his predecessors. He also reminded us that Jonathan re-based the GDP and that Nigeria is now the biggest economy in Africa; etc. It was fun listening to the response by others. In sum, the group agreed that the President had ‘outperformed’ his predecessors except that it is in reverse order. First, my friend was educated that re-basing the GDP is no achievement: it is a routine statistical exercise, and depending on the base year that you choose, you get a different GDP figure. Rebasing the GDP has nothing to do with government policy. Besides, as naira-dollar exchange rate continues to depreciate, the GDP in current dollars will also shrink considerably soon. We were reminded of Jonathan’s agricultural ‘revolution’. But someone cut in and noted that for all the propaganda, the growth rate of the agricultural sector in the last five years still remains far below the performance under Obasanjo. One of us reminded him that no other president had presided over the slaughter of about 15,000 people by insurgents in a peacetime; no other president earned up to 50%
of the amount of resources the current government earned from oil and yet with very little outcomes; no other president had the rate of borrowing; none had significant forex earnings and yet did not add one penny to foreign reserves but losing international reserves at a time of boom; no other president had a depreciating exchange rate at a time of export boom; at no time in Nigeria’s history has poverty reached 71% (even under Abacha, it was 67 -70%); and under no other president did unemployment reach 24%. Surely, these are unprecedented records and he surely ‘outperformed’ his predecessors! What a satire! One of those present took the satire to some level by comparing Jonathan to the ‘performance’ of the former Governor of Anambra, Peter Obi. He noted that while Obi gloated about ‘savings’, there is no signature project to remember his regime except that his regime took the first position among all states in Nigeria in the democratization of poverty---- mass impoverishment of the people of Anambra. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, poverty rose under his watch in Anambra from 20% in 2004 (lowest in Nigeria then) to 68% in 2010 (a 238% deterioration!). Our friend likened it to a father who had no idea of what to do with his resources and was celebrating his fat bank account while his children were dying of kwashiorkor. He pointed out that since it is the likes of Peter Obi who are the advisers to Jonathan on how to manage the economy (thereby confusing micromanagement which you do as a trader with macro governance) it is little wonder that poverty is fast becoming another name for Nigeria. It was a very hilarious evening. My advice to President Jonathan and his handlers is to stop wasting their time trying to campaign on his job record. Those who have decided to vote for him will not do so because he has taken Nigeria to the moon. His record on the economy is a clear ‘F’ grade. As one reviews the laundry list of micro interventions the government calls its achievements, one wonders whether such list is all that the government could deliver with an unprecedented oil boom and an unprecedented public debt accumulation. I can clearly see why reasonable people are worried. Everywhere else in the world, government performance on the economy is measured by some outcome variables such as: income (GDP growth rate), stability of prices (inflation and exchange rate), unemployment rate, poverty rate, etc. On all these scores, this government has performed worse than its immediate predecessor--Obasanjo regime. If we appropriately adjust for oil income and debt, then this government is the worst in
Obasanjo
our history on the economy. All statistics are from the National Bureau of Statistics. Despite presiding over the biggest oil boom in our history, it has not added one percentage point to the growth rate of GDP compared to the Obasanjo regime especially the 2003- 07 period. Obasanjo met GDP growth rate at 2% but averaged 7% within 2003- 07. The current government has been stuck at 6% despite an unprecedented oil boom. Income (GDP) growth has actually performed worse, and poverty escalated. This is the only government in our history where rapidly increasing government expenditure was associated with increasing poverty. The director general of NBS stated in his written press conference address in 2011 that about 112 million Nigerians were living in poverty. Is this the record to defend? Obama had a tough time in his re-election in 2012 because unemployment reached 8%. Here, unemployment is at a record 24% and poverty at an all-time 71% but people are prancing around, gloating about ‘performance’. As I write, the Naira exchange rate to the dollar is $210 at the parallel market. What a historic performance! Please save your breathe and save us the embarrassment. The President promised Nigeria nothing in the last election and we did not get value for money. He should this time around present us with his plan for the future, and focus on how he would redeem himself in the second term—if he wins! Sadly the government’s economic team is very weak, dominated by self-interested and self-conflicted group of traders and businessmen, and so-called economic team meetings have been nothing but showbiz time. The very people government exists to regulate have seized the levers of government as policymakers and most government institutions have largely been “privatized” to them. Mention any major government department or agency and someone will tell you whom it has been ‘allocated’ to, and the person subsequently nominates
his minion to occupy the seat. What do you then expect? The economy seems to be on auto pilot, with confusion as to who is in charge, and government largely as a constraint. There are no big ideas, and it is difficult to see where economic policy is headed to. My thesis is that the Nigerian economy, if properly managed, should have been growing at an annual rate of about 12% given the oil boom, and poverty and unemployment should have fallen dramatically over the last five years. This is topic for another day. So far, the Government’s response to the self-inflicted crisis is, at best, laughable. They blame external shocks as if we did not expect them and say nothing about the terrible policy choices they made. The National Assembly had described the 2015 budget as unrealistic. The fiscal adjustments proposed in the 2015 budget simply play to the gallery and just to pander to our emotions. For a $540 billion economy, the so-called luxury tax amounts to zero per cent of GDP. If the current trend continues, private businesses will come under a heavy crunch soon. Having put economics on its head during the boom time, the Government now proposes to increase taxes during a prospective downturn and impose austerity measures. Unbelievable! Fortuitously, just as he succeeded Shagari when Nigeria faced similar situations, Buhari is once more seeking to lead Nigeria. But times have changed, and Nigeria is largely different. First, this is a democracy and dealing with corruption must happen within the ambit of the rule of law and due process. Getting things done in a democracy requires complicated bargaining, especially where the legislature, labour, the media, and civil society have become strong and entrenched. Second, the size, structure and institutions of the economy have fundamentally altered. The market economy, especially the capital market and foreign exchange market, impose binding constraints and discipline on any regime. Third, dealing with most of the other issues--insecurity, unemployment/ poverty, infrastructure, health, education, etc, require increased, smarter, and more efficient spending. Increased spending when the economy is on the reverse gear? If oil prices remain between 40- 60 dollars over the next two years, the current policy regime guarantees that foreign reserves will continue the precipitous depletion with the attendant exchange rate depreciation, as well as a probable unsustainable escalation in debt accumulation, fiscal retrenchment or taxing the
private sector with vengeance. The scenario does not look pretty. The poor choices made by the current government have mortgaged the future, and the next government would have little room to manoeuvre and would inevitably undertake drastic but painful structural adjustments. Nigerians loathe the term ‘structural adjustment’. With falling real wages and depreciating currency, I can see any belated attempt by the government to deal with the bloated public sector pitching it against a feisty labour. I worry about regime stability in the coming months, and I do not envy the next team. The seeming crisis is not destiny; it is self-imposed. However, we must see it as an opportunity to be seized to fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s political economy, including its fiscal federalism and mineral rights. The current system guarantees cycles of consumption loop and I cannot see sustainable long term prosperity without major systemic overhaul. The proposals at the national conference merely tinker at the margins. In totality, the outcome of the national conference is to do more of the same, with minor amendments on the system of sharing and consumption rather than a fundamental overhaul of the system for productivity and prosperity. President Jonathan promises to implement the report of the national conference if he wins. I commend him for at least offering ‘something’, albeit, marginal in my view. I have not heard anything from the APC or Buhari regarding the national conference report or what kind of federalism they envisage for Nigeria. In Nigeria’s recent history, two examples under the military and civilian governments demonstrate that where the political will exists, Nigeria has the capacity to overcome severe challenges. The first was under President Babangida. Not many Nigerians appreciate that given the near bankrupt state of Nigeria’s finances and requirements for debt resolution under the Paris Club, the country had little choice but to undertake the painful structural adjustment programme (SAP). I want to state for the record that the foundation for the current market economy we operate in Nigeria was laid by that regime (liberalization of markets including market determined exchange rate, private sector-led economy including licensing of private banks and insurance, de-regulation, privatization of public enterprises under TCPC, etc). Just abolishing the import licensing regime was ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Buhari vs Jonathan: Beyond The Election ➔ CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
a fundamental policy revolution. Despite the criticisms, these policy thrusts have remained the pillars of our deepening market economy, and the economy recovered from almost negative growth rate to average 5.5% during the regime and poverty incidence at 42% in 1992. Under our democratic experience, President Obasanjo inherited a bankrupt economy (with the lost decade of the 1990’s GDP growth rate of 2.2% and hence zero per capita income growth for the decade). His regime consolidated and deepened the market economy structures (consolidation of the banking system which is powering the emergence of a new but truly private sector-led economy and simultaneously led to a new awareness and boom in the capital market; telecommunications revolution; new pension regime; debt relief which won for Nigeria policy independence from the World Bank and Paris Club; deepening of de-regulation and privatization including the unbundling of NEPA under PHCN for privatization; agricultural revolution that saw yearly growth rate of over 6% and remains unsurpassed ever since; sound monetary and fiscal policy and growing foreign reserves that gave confidence to investors; establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation which is leading infrastructure finance in Africa; backward integration policy that saw the establishment and growth of Dangote cement and others; established ICPC and EFCC to fight corruption, etc). The economy roared to average yearly growth of 7% between 2003 and 2007 (although average monthly oil price under his regime was $38), and poverty dropped from estimated 70% in1999 to 54% in 2004. Obasanjo was his own coordinating minister of the economy and chairman of the economic management team-- which he chaired for 90 minutes every week. I met with him daily. In other words, he did not outsource economic management. We expected that the next government after Obasanjo would take the economy to the next level. So far, we have had two great slogans: the 7-point agenda and currently, the transformation agenda. They remain empty slogans without content or direction. Let me suggest that the fundamental challenge for the next government on the economy can be framed around the goal of creating twelve million jobs over the next four years to have a dent on unemployment and poverty. The challenge is to craft a development agenda to deliver this within the context of broken public finance,
and an economy in which painful structural adjustments will be inevitable if current trends in oil prices continue. Most other programmes on corruption, security, power, infrastructure, etc, are expected to be instruments to achieve this objective. So far, neither the APC nor the PDP has a credible programme for employment and poverty reduction. The APC promises to create 20,000 jobs per state in the first year, totalling a mere 720,000 jobs. This sounds like a quota system and for a country where the new entrants into the labour market per annum exceed two million. If it was intended as a joke, APC must please get serious. On the other hand, President Jonathan targets two million jobs per annum but his strategy for doing so is a Job Board--- another committee of sort. Sorry, Mr. President, a Job Board is not a strategy. The principal job Nigerians hired you to do for them is to create jobs for them too. You cannot outsource that job, Sir. Creating 3 million jobs per annum under the unfolding crisis would task our creativity and audacity to the limits. I heard one politician argue that once we fix power, private sector would create jobs. Not necessarily! Well, this government claims to have added 1,700MW to the national grid and yet unemployment soars. Ask Greece, Spain, etc with power and infrastructure and yet with high unemployment. Structural dislocations play a key role. For example, currently in Nigeria, it is estimated that more than 60% of graduates of our educational system are unemployable. You can understand why many of us are amused when the government celebrates that it has established twelve more glorified secondary schools as universities. I thought they would have told us how many Nigerian universities made it in the league of the best 200 universities in the world. That would have been an achievement. Surely, creating millions of jobs in this economy would, among other things, require ‘new money’ and extraordinary system of coordination among the three tiers of government plus the private sector. Unfortunately, from what I read, the CBN is largely likely to be asleep at this time the country needs the most revolutionary finance. This is a topic for another day. Only the President can lead this effort. Moreover, we are waiting for the two parties/candidates to spell out HOW they will create jobs, whether it is the 20,000 jobs per state by APC or 2 million per annum by President Jonathan. Let us know how you arrived at the figures. Whichever of the two that is declared winner will have his job cut out for him, and I expect him to
Peter Obi
declare a national emergency on job creation. Surprisingly, none of the parties/candidates has any grand vision about African economic integration, led by Nigeria. There is no programme on how to make the naira the de facto currency of ECOWAS or the international financial centre that can attract more than $100 billion per annum. Where is the strategy for orchestrating the revolutionary finance to power the economy during this downturn? For President Jonathan, I find it shocking that the most important initiative of his government to secure the future of the economy by Nigeria refusing to sign the ruinous Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union is not even being mentioned. President Obasanjo saved Nigeria from the potential ruin of an ECOWAS single currency while to his credit Jonathan safeguarded our industrial sector/economy by refusing to sign the EPA. Or does the government not understand the import of that? It will be interesting to know the APC’s strategy for exploiting strategic alliances within Africa, China, and the world for Nigeria’s prosperity. If Buhari wins, he will ride on the populist wind for “change”. Most people I have spoken to who have decided to vote for Buhari do not necessarily know the specifics of what he would offer or how Nigeria would be different under him. I asked my driver, Usman, whom he would vote for President. He responded: “If they no rig the election, na Buhari everybody go vote for”. I asked him why, and his next response sums it: “The man dey honest. In short, people just want to see another face for that villa”. But if he wins, the honeymoon will be brief and the pressure will be immense to magically deliver a ‘new Nigeria’ with no corruption, no boko haram or insecurity, jobs for everyone, no poverty, infrastructure and power in abundance, etc. As a first point, Buhari and his team must realize that they do not yet have a coherent, credible agenda that is consistent with the fundamentals
of the economy currently. The APC manifesto contains some good principles and wish-lists, but as a blue print for Nigeria’s security and prosperity, it is largely hollow. The numbers do not add up. Thus, his first job is to present a credible development agenda to Nigerians. The second key challenge for Buhari and his team will be to transit and transform from a group of what I largely refer to as aggrieved people’s congregation to build a true political party with a soul from the patchwork of political associations. It is surely easier to oppose than to govern. This should not worry us much. After all, even the PDP which has been in power for 16 years is still an assembly of people held together by what I refer to as dining table politics. I am not sure how many members can tell you what their party stands for or its mission and vision for Nigeria. The third but more difficult agenda is cobbling together a truly ‘progressive team’ that will begin to pick the pieces. The lesson of history is that the best leaders have been the ones who went beyond their narrow provincial enclaves to recruit talents and mobilize capacities for national transformation. In Nigeria’s history, the two presidents who made the most fundamental transformation of the economy, Babangida and Obasanjo, were exceptional in the quality of the teams they put together. I therefore pray that Buhari will be magnanimous in victory – if he wins—to put together a ‘team Nigeria’ for the rescue mission. If Jonathan wins, then God must have been magnanimous to give him a second chance to redeem himself. Most people I know who support Jonathan do so either out of selfinterest or fear of the unknown. As a friend summed it: the devil you know is better than the angel you do not know. One person assured me that we would see a ‘different Jonathan’ if he wins as he has been rattled by the harsh judgment of history on his presidency so far. I just pray that he is right. In that case, I would just draw the President’s attention to two issues: First, beside the coterie of clowns who literally make a living with the sing-song of transformation agenda, President Jonathan must know that it remains an empty slogan. His greatest challenge is how to save himself from the stranglehold of his largely provincial palace jesters who tell him he has done better than God, and seek out ‘enemies’ and friends who can help him write his name in history. Propaganda won’t do it. Second, Jonathan must claw back his powers as President of Nigeria. He largely outsourced them, and must now roll his sleeves for a new beginning. I take liberty to tell you this brutal truth: if you are not reelected, there is little to remember
your regime after the next few years. On 7th January 2004, I made a special presentation to an expanded economic management team to set agenda for the new year (as chief economic adviser). The focus of my presentation was for us to identify seven iroko trees that would be the flagship markers for the administration as well as how to finance them. I use the same framework to evaluate your administration. What I say to you, Mr. President, is that your record of performance so far is like a farmland filled with grasses. Yes, they are many but there is no tree, let alone any iroko tree, that stands out. Think about this. The beginning of wisdom for every President in his second term is to admit that he is racing against time to cement his legacy. So far, your report card is not looking great. You need a team of big and bold thinkers, as well as with excellent execution capacity. So far, it is not working! Under the executive presidential system, Nigerians elected you to manage their economy. You cannot outsource that job. Our constitution envisages a federal coordination of the economy, and that function is performed by the National Economic Council (NEC) with VicePresident as chairman. Indeed, the constitution and other laws of Nigeria envisage the office of the VP as the coordinator on the economy. All major economic institutions of the federal government are, by law, chaired by the Vice-President including the national planning (see functions of the national planning commission as coordinator of federal government economic and development programmes), debt management office, National Council on Privatization, etc. As chairman of National Planning (with Ministers of Finance, Agriculture, CBN governor, etc as members), the VP oversees the federal planning and coordination. Then the Constitution mandates the VP as representative of the federal government to chair the NEC, with only CBN governor and state governors as members— to coordinate national economy between federal and states. No minister is a member of NEC. Many people do not understand the logic of the design of our constitution and the role of the VP. Of course, the buck stops on the desk of Mr. President. Only the President and VP have our mandate to govern us. Every other person is an adviser/ assistant. I bet that you will only appreciate this article AFTER you leave office. Now that you are in power, truth will only hurt! Be assured that those of us who are prepared to die for Nigeria will never spare you or anyone else this bitter truth. – Nigeria must survive and prosper beyond Buhari or Jonathan!
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Monday, January 26, 2015 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY
Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888
KANO STATE GOVERNMENT
185th KANO STATE EXECuTiVE COuNCiL MEETiNG PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO MBBS,Pharmacy; Marine Engineering; Aircraft Piloting/Engineering; for the Release of the Cleared Former Refuse Dump Site etc. are involved and the number of beneficiaries exceeds 5,000. along Court Road for Use as Football Pitch:• Provision of access to acquisition of employable skills; Over eighteen (18) of the twenty four (24) established tertiary institutions are on provision of access to training for employable skills and granting of take – off capital free of charge. Conduct of series of empowerment schemes for the unemployed youth of both genders were granted approval for execution under the supervision of the State Community Reorientation Council; the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; etc.
ENGR. RAbi’u MuSA KwANKwASO, FNSE Executive Governor, Kano State
Time waits for no one. It is continuous and dynamic of which only frames and properly designed schedules for activities can be utilized. As such, the present administration in Kano State under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in his second (2nd) term does not wait for but pursues time vigorously so as to meet its four (4) – year time frame in the execution of properly scheduled activities inherent in the services delivered by MDAs across all sectors. “Four (4) years is a long time”. Unquote. Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE ever stated this. He submitted that a lot can be achieved within four (4) years given the will and commitment which is currently proven beyond doubt. Kano State is transformed for the better in all aspects and ramifications, only continuity/maintenance of the trend is required. Available records on achievements so far attest to this. Characteristically, the Kano State Executive Council held its number one hundred and eighty fifth (185th) sitting on Thursday 22nd January, 2015 (1st Rabi’ul Thani, 1436AH). Thirteen (13) MDAs submitted thirty nine (39) memoranda for deliberation of which Council approved the execution of twenty five (23) cutting across five (5) sectors with an expenditure of Three Hundred and Forty Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty Five Naira, Forty Nine (N347,765,965.49) covering seventeen (17) projects while the remaining six (6) are on policy issues. Thus; 1. THE EMPOWERMENT SECTOR Self reliance connotes independence and signifies the capacity of the individual to produce reliably for personal consumption/upkeep, that of the Community and the Nation at large. Efforts exerted to actualize this by the present administration in the State is unparalleled by any other at Local, State and National Level.
• Provision of access to capacity building for serving civil servants; Though statutorily, this aspect of the empowerment sector enjoys prominence in the series of approvals granted. • Provision of support to the needy; The copious magnanimity of the present administration towards provision of support to the needy transcends quantification since the series of approvals are selflessly granted as the requests emerge. The commendable trend was maintained by the Kano State Executive Council at its one hundred and eighty fifth (185th) sitting. Five (5) memoranda were approved for execution under the empowerment sector which can further be sub – divided into three (3). Viz; provision of access to professional/academic education = 1; provision of access to training for acquisition of employable skills = 2 and provision of access to support for the needy = 2. • Provision of Access to Professional/Academic Education:Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Financial Assistance to Fifteen (15) Members of French Students Association, Bayero University Indigenous to Kano State:This request was channeled through the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration. Council was politely notified, through contents of this memorandum that, it is mandatory for all students of French Language of Bayero University, Kano to undergo a one (1) year course (two semesters) in an approved University/Institution in a French Speaking Country. The Republic of Togo is earmarked for the 2014/2015 academic session. Fifteen (15) Kano State Indigenous French students at Bayero University, Kano are involved. Details were submitted along with request for the release of the sum of N4,740,000.00 at N316,000.00 each. Council noted, considered and approved as requested.
From inception (29th May, 2011) to date, this administration granted approval for the execution of multitude memoranda under the Empowerment Sector which center on activities undertaken by various MDAs towards empowering the citizenry in the State for self actualization/reliance.
• Provision of Access to Training for Employable Skills:Request for Funds to Enable Procurement/Distribution of Equipment/Materials; Payment for Office/Workshop Rent for the Fourth (4th) Batch of the Kiru Reformatory Institute, Kano (KRIK):-
These cut across all segments of the society as they encompass provision of access to professional/academic education; provision of access to capacity building for serving civil servants; provision of access to employable skill acquisition and provision of take – off capital; provision of support to the needy; etc. Reliable authentic records are kept on this from which only excerpts can be presented in this medium. Viz;
It is a fact that, the Kiru Reformatory Institute Kano (KRIK) does not only reform the drug addicted youth but also rehabilitate, reorient and empower them for re – entry into the society as useful and responsible citizens.
• Provision of access to professional/academic education; Unequaled number of achievements is recorded under this sub – section of the Empowerment Sector. Series of approvals were granted for the sponsorship of Kano State Indigenous Qualified Students to undergo studies at under and/or post graduate levels in Colleges/Universities in Nigeria and abroad. Most especially, professional and applied required courses such as
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Kano Entrepreneurship Institute (KEDI) provide the employable skills acquisition training required on six (6) different trade clusters which include Computer Operation, Tailoring, Welding, Carpentry, Building (POP) and Electrical Works. Details were presented along with the request for the release of the sum of N9,791,925.00 for the stated purpose. Council acknowledged and approved as requested. - Presentation on the Introduction of Tarauni Local Government Council Area (LGCA) Football Clubs and Request
Authorities at the Tarauni Local Government Council submitted this presentation for consideration by Council. Contents of this memorandum introduced eight (8) football clubs that solicit for the release of the stated site for use as football pitch. The clubs include Tornadoes FC Gyadi – Gyadi; Morning Stars FC Gyadi – Gyadi; Liverpool FC Unguwar Gano; New Generation FC Darmanawa; Berger FC Darmanawa; Marcel FC Darmanawa; Court Road FC and Dangi FC. Council noted considered and approved as requested but with the following specifications; i. The Kano State Government owns the site. ii. The Tarauni Local Government Council to manage the site. iii. The itemized clubs to utilize the site as football pitch. iv. This approval to be Gazethed. 2. THE EDUCATION SECTOR General improvement and positive transformation of the education sector under the present administration in Kano State with the conscientious guidance of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE deserve commendation and outright accolades especially from the unbiased observer. The seemingly impossible declaration of the provision of education free of charge in public (Government owned) schools and financed schemes/programmes/projects is the pinnacle. Progressively, two (2) memoranda were approved for execution under the education sector at the one hundred and eighty fifth (185th) of the Kano State Executive Council as follows; a) Presentation of Report and Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Outstanding Allowances to Three (3) Committees on Islamiyya Schools:The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request and presented it to Council for consideration. Accordingly, the three (3) Committees are; the Steering Committee; the Publicity Committee and the Inspection Committee which exceeded the period granted for their assignment with three (3) months due to the enormity of the assignment. In this regard, nineteen (19) highlights, nine (9) observations and seven (7) recommendations were presented. The details presented can be summarized as follows; i. Islamiyya Schools Pupils = 2,207,454 (1,117,457 male, 1,090,007 female). ii. Islamiyya Schools Teachers = 26,511 (post graduates; graduates, NCE, ND, grade II, etc.). iii. Infrastructure = 18,058 classrooms available; 17,561 more required. iv. 5,489 toilet cubicles available; 4,784 more required. In the light of the above, the three (3) Committees comprising fifteen (15) members requested for the release of the sum of N1,410,000.00 as outstanding allowances due to them for the months of March – May, 2014. Council appraised the request and granted approval for the release of the trimmed sum of N1,000,000.00 for the stated purpose. b) Presentation of Update Report on Activities of the Taskforce on Private Schools:The Chairman of the cited Taskforce submitted this report which was endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration. Seven (7) highlights and five (5) notations were presented to Council for consideration most important among which are the following; i. That the Taskforce Committee registered 2,500 Private Schools in thirty six (36) to operate in Kano State. ii. That theTaskforce generated the sum of N500,000,000.00
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Monday, January 26, 2015 as revenue to Government in thirty six (36) months. iii. That the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) contributed immensely to the success recorded by the Taskforce. In this vein, Council approved the selection of twenty (20) outstanding Private Schools in the State for the award of Honours by the State Government. 3. THE HEALTH SECTOR Akin to the education sector, the health sector enjoys priority consideration by the present administration for the tangible achievements recorded in its positive transformation for the betterment of the lives of the citizenry in the State. Only appreciation can be expressed and accolades chanted for the enviable feat tirelessly accorded in line with which three (3) memoranda were approved for execution under the health sector at the one hundred and eighty fifth (185th) sitting of the State Executive Council as follows; a) Presentation on the Need to Employ Health Personnel for Kano State Government Owned Secondary Health Facilities:Cognizant of the vital need to reduce infant and maternal death; morbidity; HIV/AIDs Prevalence; etc. in all the thirty six (36) Government owned Hospitals in the State, the Ministry of Health submitted this request for consideration by Council. The details presented prompted Council to approve for the immediate employment of one thousand (1,000) Health Professionals especially in the areas of X – Ray Technicians; Dental Therapists; CHEWs; JCHEWs; etc. b) Request for Funds to Enable Implementation of Five (5) Rounds of Polio Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) Campaign in Kano State:Contents of this memorandum notified Council that five (5) rounds of the National Polio Immunization Campaign are scheduled to be conducted between January (now) and July, 2015 with the first (1st) round to be conducted within 24th to 27th January, 2015. Details on the genesis, history and ample reasons that instigated submission of this request for consideration by Council were submitted for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N30,245,000.00 budgeted for the project at this stage. The routine nature of the request prompted Council to approval as requested. c) Presentation on the Resurgence of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Kano State and Request for Funds to Enable its Containment:The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources intimated Council, through contents of this memorandum, of the confirmed resurgence of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Kano State. Primarily a Zoonotic disease of poultry famously known as Bird Flu, the disease also affects human being which makes it necessary to contain its spread. Details on the requirements estimated to cost the sum of N3,696,000.00 which was requested for release were presented to Council for consideration. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum for the commitment. 4. THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT/MAINTENANCE This sector is the main custodian of the general/physical developmental improvement/achievements recorded by the present administration under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The commendable performance cut across all sectors which affords Kano State a new look and value especially with the urban renewal/beautification policy. The first ever flyover named Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso flyover bridge at Kofar Nassarawa, was completed and finally Commissioned on January 20, by the Presidential candidate of the APC Gen Muhammadu Buhari. Similarly the Senate building of Northwest University named after Gen Muhammadu Buhari and naming of Kabuga-Katsina road named after him as well in the Metropolis was performed on this day. Continuing with the unparalleled commendable trend, Council approved the execution of thirteen (13) memoranda under the infrastructural development/maintenance sector at its one hundred and eighty fifth (185th) sitting which can be sub – divided into three (3). Viz; public utilities = 9; roads and related structures = 3 and residential housing =1. • Public Utilities:i. Council approved the release of the sum of N96,999,925.23 to enable the State Ministry of Health procure and install Modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) equipment, instruments, furniture and drugs for the new Intensive Care Complex at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.
ii. The sum of N13,524,368.00 was approved for release to enable the Ministry of Water Resources address the challenges/ problems of water supply at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso. iii. One (1) Unit of D8K Bulldozer was approved to be released from the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to the Ministry of Environment for use by REMASAB. iv. Approval was granted for the release of the sum of N15,810,251.86 to enable construction of proper perimeter wall fence at the cleared former Refuse Dump Site along New Court Road on Contract Basis to be supervised by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. v. The Sports Complex at Shagari Quarters was granted approval for the construction of a perimeter wall fence at the Contract sum of N15,044,684.45 to be supervised by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. vi. The sum of N9,922,624.58 was approved for release to enable construction of Dwarf perimeter wall fence with decorative steel grilles at Government Technical College (GTC), Kano on Contract Basis to be supervised by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. vii. Council granted approval for the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism; the Kano State Fire Service Department and 2TOC Solution on the adoption of fire alert system at Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (Sabon Gari) , Kurmi and Kantin Kwari Markets. The details presented were considered. viii. The Magaga newly developed Irrigation Scheme was approved to be provided with necessary requirements estimated to cost the sum of N4,252,075.74 approved for release. ix. The approved site for the establishment/construction of Government Technical College (GTC), Gwale was granted approval for the release of the sum of N3,502,122.58 to enable construction of a perimeter wall fence on Contract Basis to be supervised by the State Ministry of Education.
Council noted, considered and approved execution of the Standing Order monthly as requested. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES AT THE 185TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING 1. COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST (1ST) FLYOVER BRIDGE AND THE SENATE BUILDING OF THE NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE Council noted with delight the successful commissioning of the first (1st) ever flyover bridge with five (5) clovers at Kofar Nassarawa constructed by the present administration under the leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE on Tuesday 20th January, 2015. Similarly, Council further noted the commissioning of the Northwest University Senate Building on the same day by the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate General Muhammad Buhari (Rtd). In a related development, the State Executive Council has approved the naming of Kabuga Underpass nearing completion after General Muhammad Buhari (Rtd). 2. CONDUCT OF ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN THE STATE Council noted the successful conduct of Presidential Campaign Rally in the State by the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Tuesday 20th January, 2015 where its Presidential Candidate General Muhammad Buhari (Rtd) and his Deputy Professor Yomi Osibanjo, Chief Host Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE, National Working Committee as well as other party faithful graced the occasion. In the same vein, the party flag – bearers who were vying for various political offices where presented with their certificates. Furthermore, Council wishes to express its appreciation on the general public for coming out en – mass to support the rally.
3. CONDUCT OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIN IN THE STATE • Roads and Related Structures:Council noted the successful conduct of Presidential Campaign Rally in i. Approval was granted for the release of the sum of the State by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday 21st N34,163,438.82 for the construction of road network with January, 2015 where its Presidential Candidate President Goodluck Kwankwasiyya – Type Drainage at Dan’ Ujile Market, Dala Ebele Jonathan, GCFR and other stakeholders of the party witnessed Local Government Council Area on Contract Basis under the the occasion. supervision of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. ii. The Koki – Daurawa Road was approved for construction on The party flag – bearers seeking for various political offices were Contractual arrangement under the supervision of the Ministry presented with mandate certificates. of Works, Housing and Transport at the cost of N33,284,785.74 approved for release. 4. BAZAAR/EXHIBITION OF THE FINISHED PRODUCTS iii. Council approved the release of the sum of N57,781,366.25 Council noted the scheduled/organized exhibition of the finished to enable payment of outstanding claims in the continuation products by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development of Road Maintenance Works within the metropolis. by Women trained on various skills/trades. The Bazaar was a clear iv. Approved the release of the sum of N11,395,898.00 for the celebration of the successes achieved under the empowerment expansion of outer lane at Abdullahi Wase Road by IBB Way programmes of the present administration. Kantin Kwari. 5. REPORT ON VISIT TO BILL AND MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION • Residential Housing:Council acknowledged the Successes achieved so far on the Tripartite Council approved the sale prices of three categories of Funding Arrangement on routine immunization exercise among the residential housing units of new designs recommended by the Kano Kano State Government, Dangote and Bill/Melinda Gates Foundations State Housing Corporation as follows; 3 – Bedroom with Green Roof [BMGF] in an effort to checkmate Polio occurrence in the State. = N25,592,425.57; 4 – Bedroom with 3 – Bedroom attached GW= N47,107,561.64; New 4 – Bedroom Type = N40,783,584.88. 6. CONDOLENCE MESSAGE Council solemnly acknowledged the death of an Elder Statesman/ 5. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION/PROTECTION SECTOR stakeholder in the All Progressive Congress (APC) in person of The prevalence of heaps of refuse around Kano Metropolis is of the Ahmad Musa Anka who served the nation meritoriously and until his past currently replaced by the aesthetically valuable, renewed and death he was a Member of the Judicial Service Commission. Council beautified urban settlement of international status continually cleaned commiserates with the bereaved family and the entire citizens of the and hygienically safe for the wellbeing of the citizenry courtesy of the State over the irreplaceable loss and prayed for the Almighty to grant commendable efforts by the present administration. the deceased eternal bliss in Jannatul Firdausi. 7. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE 1. Two (2) Awards to the Governor by the Newswatch Magazine that conducted an independent survey to identify the person of the year among Nigerian leaders especially Governors who impacted positively on the lives of their citizenry in Education and Rural Transformation. 2. An Award of Appreciation to the Governor by the ALUMNI Association of National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru Request for Monthly Release of Funds to Enable Procurement Kano State Chapter in area of service transformation among the civil of Equipment and Chemicals Required for Vector and Mosquito service of the State. Control for the Period of January – December, 2015:USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY REMASAB plans to collaborate with the Kano State Ministry of Health Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security in the conduct of its routine fumigation exercise throughout the year agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan 2015 ( ) estimated to cost the sum of N14,500,000.00 every month to roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: total up to N174,000,000.00 in one (1) year. The fund is proposed to Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/ be contributed monthly between the Kano State Government and the Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be eight (8) Metropolitan Local Government Councils as follows; contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State i. State Government Contribution – N2,500,000 x 12 = Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888. N30,000,000.00. Issues related to the Environment are among those given preference by the present administration especially the ones connected to the activities of REMASAB which are continuous, time/capital intensive and impact on all and sundry as exemplified by the only memorandum approved for execution under the environmental sanitation/protection sector at the one hundred and eighty fifth (185th) sitting of the State Executive Council. Thus;
ii. Eight (8) Metropolitan Local Government Councils – N1,500,000.00 x 8 x 12 = N144,000,000.00. Total = N174,000,000.00.
Signed:
Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture
34
for the record
Monday, January 26, 2015
Christians, Beware Of Dogs! ➔ CONTINUED from yesterday By Sharon Faliya Cham
And it only annoys and insults our sense of propriety and morality when such a promoter of the professional and expert in breaching pacts or agreements is talking about politics being ‘’about the welfare of the people’’ and that it should be ‘’played with honour and integrity’’ when, in actual fact, dishonouring any other agreement cannot be in any way moral with another act of dishonour considered moral and honourable. And Prince Chibudom Nwuche and all the persecutors of Governor Amaechi probably have a strange philosophy that says what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. And the major sticking point out of Prince Chibudom Nwuche’s statement is the fact that they were ready to create friction for Governor Amaechi for daring to go against their own agreement to help President Jonathan go against another agreement, which also means that, at the national level, they were ready to create another friction for anybody that wants to help President Jonathan honour agreements, and, could this be the possible reason why a ragtag ‘’Boko Haram’’ is increasingly defying a national military establishment of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, SSS and NIA by continuously and steadily killing northerners and uprooting their towns and villages and turning them into millions of refugees without anything being done to crush the ‘’terrorists’’? Looking back, one can conveniently say that it was this mutually agreed pact that made all the northern PDP Governors and their other stakeholders to help rig the 2011 presidential election in northern Nigeria so that Jonathan could get the much sought for 25 percent in each of the northern states they knew he couldn’t get in that region considering the palpable anger among the voters over the way and manner he arrogantly denied and breached the presidential zoning agreement. And it was through this rigging he was able to get figures like 440, 655 votes in Kano state, 309, 057 votes in Sokoto state, 258, 404 votes in Bauchi state, 508, 314 votes in Adamawa state, 282, 477 votes in Katsina state, 419, 252 votes in Jigawa state, 408, 997 votes in Nassarawa state, and 238, 980 votes in Zamfara state. This is just a few examples for the purpose of this
argument (figures picked on page 23 of THE NATION newspaper of Friday, November 23, 2013). It is doubtful if there is any plausible social theory that could make Jonathan score such hefty figures in these key northern Muslim states in the light of the fact that Jonathan ran his campaign purely on anti-northern and antiMuslim sentiments. In the case of Kaduna state, the home state of his Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, where he got 1, 190, 179 votes, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai stated in his book, THE ACCIDENTAL PUBLIC SERVANT, that Vice President Namadi Sambo ordered the inclusion of 800, 000 fraudulent votes and then quickly rushed out of town, and up till now, no one has disputed Mallam el-Rufai’s claim or taken him to court for defamation, and we are left with the tragic situation of having very light-fingered people at the very apex of our country’s rulership, and little wonder there is massive corruption and stealing of public wealth than ever before. And if it could be argued that the figures demonstrated the level of maturity and tolerance of northern Nigerian Muslims, then shouldn’t it be asked whether tolerance in such a heated election as that of 2011 was, or should be, a one-way affair in the light of the fact that a whole General Buhari who has been a national figure since before 1983 scored votes like 691 in Bayelsa state, 1, 794 votes in Ebonyi state, 3, 743 votes in Abia state, and so on? And isn’t it because these figures cannot be defended that Professor Attahiru Jega and his National Electoral Commission shockingly told the world in court that subjecting the votes to forensic analysis could
cause a breach of national security? And that fraudulent poll was even preceded by a much bigger fraud when Jega and his INEC deceived Nigerians that they were ready for the polls a bit earlier, but when it was obvious that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) were sweeping the parliamentary votes in northern and southwestern Nigeria respectively, Jega and his INEC cancelled the votes midway citing logistics problems, but which could have been a ploy to help the PDP perfect an alternative rigging plan. And, of course, the PDP swept the rescheduled polls. So, what changed in the popularity of candidates and parties within one or two weeks if it was not rigging? In any case, the fact that the PDP is a huge vote robbing machine can be confirmed from the PDP itself. The page 3 of DAILY TRUST newspaper of Thursday, July 22, 2010 reported the PDP national chairman at that time, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, saying to the party’s stakeholders that ‘’I as the National Chairman will not take this party to disgraceful elections. I will not take PDP to an election where they feel that the only way they can win is to go to INEC and have result written for them....’’ Did you see that? The PDP has always asked INEC to write electoral results for them, which significantly confirms that INEC has always been at the beck and call of the party, and which also confirms that the PDP is just a band of bandits marauding the nation of Nigeria! Another confession that confirms the PDP is a lawless and immoral party came from a former chairman of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu. On page 11 of THE NATION newspaper of Thursday, August 27, 2009, the paper reported that ‘’The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu yesterday revealed that he resisted pressure from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cancel the 2007 Lagos State Governorship election results....’’ You will recall that the election was won by Mr. Babatunde Fashola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but, as confirmed by the electoral chair, the PDP had wanted the result compromised in their favour as they have always done, and only God knows in how many places they have succeeded in such robbery. And how do they usually get their false electoral results validated by the courts? Well, a story titled How PDP tried to bribe me, by exjudge on page 53 of THE NATION newspaper of Tuesday, February 5, 2013 gives us a hint of how the party bribes judges to subvert electoral cases. The story reported a retiring Edo State High Court judge, Justice Roland Amaize saying some members of the PDP attempted to bribe him when he headed the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal in 2008. He said some of those who approached him included a former member of the National Assembly, a former Deputy Governor, a former AttorneyGeneral who allegedly took N10 million to a judge to give him. According to the judge, ‘’The dispute in the three local governments was an intra-party feud. “In each case, we had a split decision of two to one and as Chairman, I was on the side of the majority decision. “Before the judgment, there were overtures from the side of those we eventually removed from office, which I turned down. “A former lawmaker met me in my official residence and said he was sent by their leader. He mentioned the name of their leader and quoted him as saying that ‘’my panel should please consider not removing the chairman’’. “I told him to tell their leader I do not take dictates from anyone on how I conduct cases in my court.’’ The judge said because he refused their immoral overtures, they wrote seven petitions against him to the National Judicial Council (NJC), and even accused him of collecting ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
FOR THE RECORD 35
Monday, January 26, 2015
Christians, Beware Of Dogs! ➔ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
N92 million. But when they did not succeed with their bogus allegations against him, they took the extreme step of setting his official residence on fire! Can you see how deficient in character these people are? And can you see the extent at which they go to pervert justice? Well, here is another confession from another judge. In a story titled ‘Oshiomole’s Court Victory Cost Me Promotion, Says Retired Judge’ published on page 14 of the THIS DAY newspaper of Tuesday, July 13, 2010, Justice Olabanji Orilonise, a former High Court Judge, told a conference of All Nigerian Law Students that ‘’he was victimised by the powers that be to serve as punishment for his role in the nullification of the election of former Governor of Edo State, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor.’’ According to the newspaper, retired judge was ‘’denied promotion to the Appellate Court based on his role in the landmark judgment that finally nailed the political coffin of Osunbor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.’’ And the newspaper quoted the retired judge saying these words by himself: “When we were handling the case, there was a screaming headline in the National Observers Newspaper that the PDP was putting several millions of naira together as a package for the Tribunal Judges and that very day, we made it clear that our conscience was not for purchase. “I quickly told those that were sitting in the court on that day that the money should rather be used to develop the poor masses in Edo State, who are yearning for good governance...’’ Of course, the PDP didn’t just stop there in their quest to fraudulently obtain and retain the mandate they initially stole from Governor Adams Oshiomole. As is their custom, they created all manner of crisis against the governor in June 2014, including inducing some members of the Edo State House of Assembly with 50 million naira each to defect to their party and then impeach the governor from office. This much was revealed by the Governor himself on page 11 of the DAILY SUN newspaper of Tuesday, June 10, 2014, and the crisis generated news headlines as thugs in alliance with policemen were unleashed by the PDP against members of the House of Assembly even into their residential quarters. And you need to read a story titled ‘4 Killed in Delta runoff election’ on page 11 of the DAILY SUN newspaper of Friday, November 14, 2014 to really grasp the fact that the PDP believes in, and uses, violence to rig
elections. The story, as reported by Emmanuel Ogoigbe, says ‘’At least four persons were shot dead and six others critically wounded during a run-off election conducted yesterday in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. “Trouble started when a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain allegedly stormed the venue of the exercise with thugs armed with pump action machine gun, rifles and other dangerous weapons and snatched voting materials. “Daily Sun gathered that the voting materials kept at the police station in Isiokolo headquarters of the local government were allegedly snatched under the watch of policemen at the station. “The armed youths, who came in about five vehicles, were said to have shot severally into the air and at Samagidi, where voting was taking place, and went away with the election materials just as they shot dead three members of Labour Party, who attempted to stop them..... “It was alleged that the PDP chairmanship candidate, Chief Faith Majemite, was later declared winner, even though the exercise was alleged to be inconclusive.....’’ Nigerians that are very current with news stories may have noticed that since this ugly incidence occurred and was reported in the news, the federal government and its security agencies have not arrested anyone involved in this deadly mayhem, in spite of the fact that there are leads to follow to pick them up, which only means the perpetrators had government’s wink of approval. That has been the pattern of the party on a national scale since 2003 when they enthroned violence and thuggery as means of ‘’winning’’ elections, and, of course, the first civilian governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, attested to the violent disposition of the party on page 9 of the LEADERSHIP Sunday newspaper of June 1, 2014 that the ‘’PDP is a party of violent people’’, and, of course, a combination of armed thugs and other armed persons wearing military uniforms attacked his home in Oshogbo on the eve of the Osun State gubernatorial election on August 9, 2014 and sprayed it with bullets in an attempt to assassinate him along with other major APC leaders in the state, and this tendency to employ and deploy violence by the party was confirmed by none other than a former national chairman of the party, Chief Audu Ogbeh. In an exclusive interview with the SUNDAY TRUST newspaper of December 15, 2013, which was also the lead story on the paper’s front page, Chief Audu Ogbeh said that because of his stance against President Obasanjo’s Third Term Agenda, an agenda
Oritsejafor
being vigorously pursued by the party at that time, killers were sent by a PDP big shot to kill him. He said ‘’They tried to kill me unsuccessfully twice. I was to be kidnapped and assassinated on August 11, 2005. They came at 6pm and 11pm and I was not around. Five men, three in police uniforms and two in plain clothes, came in two unmarked vehicles, sent by a big shot in the PDP. I was to be taken, wasted and dumped in a pit. “That was why I talked about the mafia. And what was my offence? I was arguing against third term. And it got to a level where there was serious crisis between conscience and convenience, so I told myself that I needed to quit.... “I saw signs that the party was gradually degenerating into the state of mafia. There were too many powerful people in the party who could not be questioned or challenged, one of them was the former president himself. The truth is that we built the party before he came out of the prison....’’ Another example of how the PDP loves using the backdoor to get what it wants can be gleaned from a story titled ‘PDP offered me N3bn to impeach Okorocha – Uwajumogu’ on page 10 of DAILY SUN newspaper of Wednesday, April 17, 2013. The newspaper reported the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, saying that the elder brother of the state’s impeached deputy governor Jude Agbaso and some chieftains of the PDP had offered him N3 billion to facilitate the impeachment of the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha. The Speaker in his own words said ‘’Sometime in August, 2012, the elder brother to the former deputy governor, invited me for a meeting to assist me in the attempt by the PDP hierarchy to remove me from office. “I attended the meeting with
him in Anambra State in the house of a businessman, with other high ranking PDP members in attendance including the current South East national vice chairman of the PDP in attendance. “I was jolted at the meeting when I was told that the Presidency had directed that impeachment proceedings be initiated against Governor Okorocha to remove him from office, so that the then deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso could take over. “The sum of N3 billion was offered to me and adequate protection. I now asked them to give me the evidence that was required to impeach the governor and up till today they have not given me any required evidence....’’ The allegation by Speaker Benjamin Uwajumogu cannot be dismissed in any way as ridiculous or far-fetched in the light of the gale of attempts by President Jonathan and his PDP to impeach opposition governors, which is a signpost of the measure of their desperation to win the 2015 general elections by all foul means, which further confirms that the PDP is peopled by people of poor moral quality and substance. This much was confirmed by a former national chairman of the party, Dr. Ekwesilieze Nwodo. In a story titled ‘Nwodo launches global campaign to reform PDP’ on page 14 of the DAILY TRUST newspaper of Friday, November 19, 2010, the national chairman of the party at that time said “In my acceptance speech on June 17, 2010, I bemoaned a situation where the party has been handed over to godfathers who, with reckless abandon, impose candidates with questionable character and no leadership qualities whatever and clear the way for them to run for elections under our party flag. — To read the full article, visit: www.leadership.co.ng ➔ TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW
36 OPINION
Monday, January 26, 2015
How The Youth Can Promote Peaceful Elections By olalekan babatunde
As the countdown to the February 14 and 28 2015 general elections in Nigeria begins, it is time to call on the youth to make it violencefree. This is a golden opportunity for them to participate freely and support a free and credible election. Their involvement to be vigilant and promote peace building activities before, during and after the elections is crucial to having violentfree elections. So much fear and apprehensions have been expressed regarding an impending violence and possible disintegration of Nigeria. Some early warnings and manifestations have already been recorded in Port Harcourt and Jos and these incidents call for the Nigerian youth to stand up and maintain law and order in the election periods. Remember election period in Nigeria are often crisis time. The youth must not allow history to repeat itself. The 2007 and 2011 general elections witnessed loss of lives and destruction of property. Statistics show that more than 800 Nigerians, including 11 youth corpers were killed in 2011 elections. The youth are Nigeria’s greatest asset and therefore are well placed to mainstream peace because of their energy and enthusiasm. All the political campaigns are being targeted at them because of their ability to mobilise and deliver. Ages 15-35 constitute 38% percent of the total population of Nigeria. They form the fulcrum of the society and thereby are often vulnerable to issues such as unemployment, lack of education, crime, terrorism and other social malaise. The way the elections are conducted will shape their future. Therefore their role in these elections is necessary for a peaceful, democratic, united and progressive Nigeria. Remember some of the younger generation have been used as pawns for political violence, but this time they must ensure they volunteer as agents for promoting peace and security in the community they
Jega
live. There are countless ways the youth can accomplish this feat. One of such ways is to be at peace with themselves, i.e they must try as much as possible not be aggravated with issues before them; they must keep calm and exercise understanding with political issues during this period. This is because they cannot help to build peace in the community without being at peace with themselves. By now, they should have collected the Permanent Voters Card (PVC); if they haven’t, they must go and collect it now as there is still time. It will empower them to exercise their civic responsibility by voting. The second is to start to talk and connect with like-minded and inspiring peers to foster peace and renounce violence. Let them engage in conversations and discussions in such a way as to promote peace. The youth must make commitment that will not involve illegal actions such as bribery, intimidation, victimisation, obstruction of political process, rigging, incitement, rumour, propaganda and reprisals. Thirdly, mobile telephones, the internet and social media provide veritable platforms for preaching peace and to create awareness of the need to conduct and mobilise for positive actions during the elections.
The youth are Nigeria’s greatest asset and therefore are well placed to mainstream peace because of their energy and enthusiasm
They can communicate messages of peace effectively and efficiently on WhatsApp, Facebbok, Twitter, blogs, short message services (sms), radio, television, etc. These media have strong youth following. They can use the media to educate, inform and mobilise young people about why, when and how they can be involved in the elections. The artistic among them can write messages of peace on free walls, sides of buses and stadiums. These are efforts to discourage violence. Fourthly, as the election is approaching, the youth can organise themselves into groups at the community level. They can come together as vanguards of peace and embark on some peace building initiatives such as talking about their willingness to have crisis-free elections in rallies, town-halls, viewing centres, sport arenas, motor parks and other places, by specifically emphasising on peace. Youthful adherents of religious organisations can also join in this effort in their activities including prayer sessions. This step does not necessarily need money to accomplish. Creativity and willingness to speak out is what matters. During the election, they should use their numbers and form themselves into vigilance and monitoring groups. Their lawful conduct at this time is very important as any sign of violence or rascality would negate their goal. By this, they should monitor their community of potential areas and colleagues where violence could occur. In all, they must demonstrate they are committed to the ideals of democracy by shunning violence and other acts capable of derailing the political process. Their duty is not only promoting peace during this election, but also building lasting peace in Nigeria. –Babatunde is a research fellow at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja
Delta: The Case For Okowa By Emeka Nwankpa
As the general elections draw closer, the excitement in the air is expectedly strong. The parties are geared up and by all appearances this would be the most competitive elections in Nigeria ever. Good for our democracy and the institutions managing the process. But for me and many residents of Delta State, our excitement is because of the PDP candidate in Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. His candidacy best represents what Delta State requires at this point: competence, integrity and level-headedness. Too often our state has been controlled by a few people whose interests do
not often align with that of the majority. Now through a rigorous, free and fair process, we have a PDP candidate who holds his election as party candidate not to the whims and caprices of the few, but to the wishes of the majority. I agree not every Deltan shares this optimism. In fact, when the PDP gubernatorial primary results were announced, there were skepticisms about the winner, especially from the Delta South and Delta Central Senatorial zones. But being a unifier that he is, Okowa has worked very hard to heal the rifts caused by the primary. In fact, he started his campaign in the heartland of the Urhobo
land, at Oghara and has been visiting major Urhobo kings, seeking their blessings and even more unveiling his blueprint for our people. He has also worked hard to carry everyone along, selecting a competent running mate and lawyer, Kingsley Otuaro, from among the Ijaw, a major ethnic group in the state that has never held a top elective position before. This act portrays Okowa as a man sensitive to need for unity and balancing, and also shows him as someone who is willing to bend back to accommodate every group. That’s the kind of man we Deltans need at this time. A candidate who’s truly a democrat
campaigning on the strength of his ideas; not uppity, thinking that his nomination by a major party is enough to guarantee him victory. I would have been surprised if Okowa had acted differently, considering his records and competences. That’s the quality of the man who God-willing will become the governor of our state. A man of great depth, who is working with other respected leaders from the state such as Chief Government Ekpemupolo to continue with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s plan of establishing a prosperous Delta even without oil. – Omonisa wrote in from Warri, Delta State
Guest Columnist By Philip Agbese
2015: Avoiding The Gathering Storm
B
ayelsa State recently played host to a meeting of ex-militants with some stakeholders to discuss issues that participants find pressing. Among these issues are the follow up on post amnesty, peace of the country, anti-poverty agenda for the region, progress of the Niger Delta region and securing the environment in the face of dwindling oil revenue accruing to the country. The state governor, Seriake Dickson must be commended for this initiative of bringing the ex-warlords together in an atmosphere of dialogue. It is a departure from the past where things are allowed to go pear shaped before efforts are made at restoring peace with the attendant human and material cost of any crisis as well as the rebuilding that must follow. The recent threat to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan by the Mangrove Boys of Bayelsa, Bayelsa Youth Vanguard via sms and press briefings is an indication that there is need to continue engaging the youths of the region in the aftermath of a government amnesty to militants. Dickson must thus be commended for giving a local touch to the programme with this latest round of engagement through the meeting he hosted. However, the calibre of attendees of the meeting should be of interest to anyone who is keen on monitoring development in the region once known for its volatility that was then driven by these ex-militants who made the creeks a no-go area to operative of the Nigerian state. While the Yenagoa meeting discussed progressive issues, one should rightly be worried about the other potentials that such gathering can be put to. Given the ceaseless fireworks of divisive and inflammatory comments that have been flying around the February general elections, one should ask if this meeting of ex-warlord signals a kind of regrouping of the fiery men, who not too long ago laid down their arms to embrace a federal government amnesty programme. The likes of the leader of Niger Delta Volunteers Force, Mujahid Asari Dokubo have been engaged in war of words with the north with constant threat of instability to the nation if President Goodluck Jonthan, one of their own, is thrown out of Aso Rock even through an election. The widespread response has been for people to dismiss Asari’s position as mere ranting but this could prove to be a costly mistake. It will now be a costly mistake going by the calibre of ex-warlords like Tompolo, Ateke Tom, and all the high profile names in the creek who came out to attend this meeting at the instance of Gov Dickson for anyone to think that they cannot unite in one second at any call for brouhaha. Those, particularly my siblings from the north, angling to cause trouble in this case should beware of the existing armies in the Niger Delta. Our rhetoric around the election would suggest that we are kind of geared for a showdown but we must not delude ourselves into thinking that any one region has the monopoly for violence. It is certain that the ex-militants handed over their arms for the amnesty programme, but no effort was spared to confirm that in a country of mutual suspicion and unfortunate alliance of diverse ethnic groups. But we must not forget that these warlords already have experience with arming their militias so it could be easier for them to do it again.
Monday, January 26, 2015
37
38 ISSUES
Monday, January 26, 2015
Certificate Saga: Echoes From The Past By Akin Oyegoke
The reference to the legendary Zik of Africa is not in any way meant to diminish his widely acclaimed status by this disproportionate comparison neither is it an attempt to equate Buhari’s northern populism to that of Malam Aminu Kano, the emancipator of the downtrodden (the talakawas). It is rather to recreate and play up, similar scenarios in the political carriers of these eminent Nigerians and give a measure of value to the extant political discourse . In 1979, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, then the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) and Aminu Kano, the flag bearer of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were disqualified by the Michael Ani-led Federal Electoral Commision (FEDECO) for allegedly not meeting up with income tax requirements. Dr. Azikiwe had submitted his income tax papers based on the tax of the shares from the companies he had interest in while Aminu Kano paid a poll tax of Six Naira and submitted that he had no other taxable income. These frontline Nigerian leaders had to secure the judgement of competent courts to forge ahead with their aspirations. This was two months to the 1979 election in which Zik later won the old Anambra, Imo and Plateau states while Aminu Kano won convincingly in the old Kano State. An interface between the road to the 1979 presidential election as it affected Zik and Aminu Kano and the ongoing academic certificate controversy surrounding
the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the February 14 2015 presidential election, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari tables a lot of issues for discussion. One is that due diligence, scrutiny, and character on the part of political parties as well as the national and state electoral bodies have progressively retarded. And this is not unconnected with the furiously degraded societal mores. Post modernism in our clime appears to have eroded so much of the ethical fabrics that erected integrity to the front post. The truth is that a lot of water has passed under the bridge. A friend asked me few days ago: “ When last did you hear that INEC disqualified a candidate of a political party or is it that there are no more certificate forgeries, non compliant tax papers or other related matters?” In various elected positions today and among those seeking to be elected, are persons with deficiencies in INEC requirements, yet were given a clean bill of heath. Flash back to 1999 and ask if the self-styled leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu was not screened by the defunct Alliance For Democracy and INEC before contesting and emerging as Lagos State governor? Was Salisu Buhari not screened by the PDP and the INEC before winning a seat in the House of Representatives and subsequently emerging as Speaker? Now, why was INEC unable to discover the ‘discrepancy’ in General Buhari’s certificate since 2003 when he first contested for president? This is the fourth time. How come that his various political platforms did not raise issues about this?
Jega
If INEC had done what it ought to on Buhari’s matter months back, this unnecessary distraction and overheat on the fragile polity wouldn’t have come up
Would the certificate scandals that blew open while both Tinubu and Salisu were in office not have been conclusively settled before their elections? Though the case of Dr. Azikiwe was a well planned and orchestrated hurdle laid on his way by the opponents who felt his entry had altered their calculations, it would be safe to assert that the then FEDECO was bold and more scrupulous to have thrown that wedge in the way of the mighty Zik. If INEC had done what it ought to on Buhari’s matter months back, this unnecessary distraction and
overheat on the fragile polity wouldn’t have come up. It is surprising therefore that INEC has abandoned this critcal aspect of its responsibilities to the civil society groups and the media. Now that the APC presidential candidate has caused his Government College, Katsina to produce his school certificate, a nagging question still revolves around the validity of the result and its process of procurement as has been raised by the PDP. I have no doubt that a former Head of State who rose to the rank of Major General
in the Nigerian Army must have attended several courses whose educational value far outstrip the secondary school certificate, the fact however remains that this basic requirement is an overriding stratum without which other structures easily collapse and rendered nullity. For those who castigate the Peoples Democratic Party for seeking to get to the end of the certificate matter and leaving the crunch of the campaign, a lot of issues are being forgotten here. A controversial basic academic requirement for a leading opposition presidential candidate, in the background of a much vaunted incorruptibility of the same candidate, is a very large chic in the armory of the opposition that only a politically naive PDP would let matters go. There is no politician that knows his onions that will fail to take this advantage if only for its destabilising component. The tide has changed so fast. The APC has for long been on the rampage. The opposition has far too long been on the onslaught, using all manner of tenuous issues to malign and denigrate the person and the office of the president as well as leaders of the PDP. Many an enemy of the APC are no doubt enjoying this unending drama. The APC is no doubt feeling the heat. Its pervasive propaganda vessel has caved in to the “Buharigate” as it is incapable of more answers. If the APC has a manifesto, programme and now reason to explain away this certificate brouhaha, there is no oratory neither in its presidential candidate nor in its apparatchiks to convey such. – Oyegoke lives in Abuja
That Jonathan’s Campaign In Bauchi By Emeka Nwankpa
The People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan and his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari have been criss-crossing the country wooing Nigerians for votes on February 14, 2015 in an election which the world awaits with bated breath. On the stump, the president has steered the debate around PDP’s legacy achievements centered mainly on the successful transformation of the economy into Africa’s biggest
and largest; its radical agro – revolution, rejuvenated power and local automotive sectors and the expanded educational infrastructure. There are the modernised healthcare (that successfully tackled the dreaded Ebola virus), revamping the transportation industr y particularly the visible railway resuscitation programme. What about the better-organised elections in the country which the world has acknowledged? These are no mean feats if you ask me. While Gen. Buhari deliberately continues to side-
step these giant strides, he keeps talking about tackling insecurity and corruption which President Jonathan insists he is successfully fighting without jailing people for 300 years! Now that President Jonathan’s campaign has moved to Bauchi, the capital of the wartorn North-East zone, will the narrative change especially after the ‘Abuja Accord’ and the president’s surprise visit to Maiduguri? The zone has Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and three other states, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe under a state of emergency.
Re g re ttably, insurgenc y has robbed the latter of development. Bauchi however is the most stable and peaceful. From Misau, Darazo to Dass, it is the exciting story of giant strides of the PDP-led administration of Governor Isa Yuguda. A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Economic Survey in 1999 once rated Bauchi as one of the poorest in Nigeria. That verdict is now history, courtesy of Yuguda’s pragmatic transformation programme that has turned it into a leading
investment-friendly state, according to the World Bank. On assumption of office in 2007, the governor met a state traumatised by thugs and drug addicts, the Yan Sara Suka. He mobilised, rehabilitated and integrated them into the society. Early last year when the president’s plane flew into the new Bauchi airport, he described it as a showpiece of the excellent governance of the PDP by one of its leading lights, Mal. Isa Yuguda. –Nwankpa, a public affairs commentator sent this piece from Abuja
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Power Will Shift To Nasarawa North In 2019 – Al-Makura BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia
Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has promised to ensure that the governorship position of the state moves to the northern senatorial zone in 2019 if he is re-elected for second term of office. Al-Makura made the disclosure at a press conference held at the Lafia Square, saying the move would ensure equity, justice and fairplay in the political system of the state since the zone has not produced a governor since the creation of the state. The governor also stated that his second tenure in office would focus on human capacity building, popularly referred to as “stomach infrastructure”. He added that, although priority would be accorded stomach infrastructure, it would not be to the detriment of the cardinal principle
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We’re Not Leaving PDP – Niger Deputy Chair The deputy chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State Tanko Beji has described as ridiculous the insinuations that he and other members of the party will be leaving the party in the on-going defection that saw the deputy governor Ahmed Ibeto leaving the party for opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) . He said in a statement over the weekend that such rumours were spurious and propaganda by the opposition to misled the electorate that the PDP is going down in the state. By Abu Nmodu Minna
of his administration, which is the provision of basic amenities for the citizenry. “I don’t want people to place much emphasis on stomach infrastructure, I am thinking of creating avenues for commercial activities, agriculture and others to flourish so that people can take care of themselves,” he said. Promises To Leave No Debt For Successor Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has promised not to leave any outstanding debt owed by the state government before the end of his tenure on May 29. Al-Makura made the pledge during a chat with newsmen weekend in Lafia. He pointed out that his administration inherited a debt of over N37 billion in 2011, which according to him constituted a huge setback to the development agenda of his administration.
Vote Experience, Not Experiment, Jang Urges Women Plateau State governor Jonah Jang has charged women in the state to consider the “long experience” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the “similarly long experience” of its presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and vote for him in the forthcoming presidential election. Jang who gave the charge at Plateau North Zonal Women Rally of the PDP in Jos, said while President Goodluck Jonathan could be trusted with the experience of democratic leadership, All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari would only be coming to experiment with power, which he said would not be good enough for the country. “Nigeria needs experience now, not experiment. Jonathan has the experience to move Nigeria to even greater heights,” Jang said. In her own address, the Plateau State first lady, Ngo Talatu Jang urged the women to vote for PDP candidates at all levels. “From the presidential down to the House of Assembly candidates, all of you should vote PDP.” By Achor Abimaje, Jos
short news Navy Has Made Water Transport Business SafeOperators The Nigerian Navy, (NN) has made water transport in Nigeria a lucrative business for those in that sector through the proactive efforts of arresting criminals on the waterways. Several illegal products and criminals were arrested by the Navy and were handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further investigations and prosecution in 2014, it was disclosed. The NN has been keeping 24 hours surveillance on the waterways to ensure that it was free and safe for those who make their living through water, which has diversified the economy and reduced over dependence. on one particular By Sam Egwu, Lokoja
A medical personnel, Miss Obande Rebecca (middle) attending to some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), during the Tina Bawa Ministries International free medical treatment at IDPs camp in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN..
Ahmed, Saraki Challenge Jonathan Over Projects President visits Kwara today By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin
As President Goodluck Jonathan takes his campaign train to Kwara State today, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and former Governor Bukola Saraki have challenged him to point to a federal project he commissioned in the state in the past six years. The two leaders therefore urged the people of the state, especially the youths not to be deceived by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s chieftains sweet talks.
Ahmed and Saraki spoke in Ilorin, the state capital yesterday during a campaign rally in Iponrin, Ilorin East local government area. Saraki, who is the leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, therefore urged the youths to cast their votes for all the APC candidates at all levels. The senator representing Kwara central in the National Assembly said, “I urge you all to vote for General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) at the presidential polls. He will not embezzle our funds. “The retired general will bail us out of our current endemic cor-
ruption, insecurity and economic woes. “All these are the problems we saw coming then that made us call it quit with the sinking PDP. PDP’s engine has knocked down. “Buhari is the only president if elected that can retrieve our stolen funds for the creation of jobs for the country’s unemployed youths.” Saraki said President Jonathan government has failed Nigerians in all ramifications. “Currently, judiciary and health workers are on strike on reasons that border on non fulfilment of agreement.
APC Chides Niger Govt For Accusin BY Abu Nmodu, Minna
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe on Niger State government, for accusing the party of violence saying that the position of the government was borne out of frustration and many failings. The party in a statement signed by the state publicity secretary, Mr Jonathan Vatsa yesterday stated that “ APC
wants to assert that the statement released from Government House , Niger State that the party should be held responsible for any violence in the forthcoming election, is a product of despair from a failed government”. The statement pointed out that “As usual the statement is coated with lies, stress, frustration and theatric realisation that the Government House has
been turned to the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to the extent that they use all kind of tactics in reacting to issues which should be done by the party. Their mission is simply to save their face from the fact that their mission to rig the forthcoming election is being uncovered”. It stated that the mass defection heating the party is making the PDP government jittery.
Benue Guber: I’ll Turn Agriculture Into Crude Oil – Tarzoor BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor has stated that agriculture is a major source of wealth creation and employment opportunities, saying if elected, his administration would make agricul-
ture relevant just like crude oil. Speaking at the weekend during the PDP statewide campaign rally in Buruku LGA of the state, Tarzoor assured to introduce special micro-credit scheme targeted at economic empowerment of women. He added that he would give priority attention to the welfare of workers, particularly
school teachers. Describing agriculture as “our own crude oil,” the PDP flagbearer however said his administration would not try to replicate the famous groundnut pyramid type of agriculture for which the old Northern region was known for, but would concentrate on processing the abundant fruits.
40 news north-East, north-west
Monday, January 26, 2015
Katsina Guber: No Room For Violence – PDP By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State said it was confident of sustaining its grip on power insisting that violence-prone politicians would never assume power in the state. Addressing newsmen in Katsina yeaterday, the director general of the PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, Bature Umar Masari said the PDP was
not shaken by the antics of the opposition. “We are determined to ensure that developments in Katsina State are sustained. We will not allow novice or people prone to violence assume leadership of our dear state.” “This election is between competence and incompetence, truth and falsehood and the people of Katsina will no doubt vote the ruling PDP which has enormous re-
cord of good governance to show,” Masari added. Masari said the ruling PDP will use all strategies within the ambit of the law to defeat APC in the state insisting that “the PDP candidate is the best among all the gubernatorial candidates”. “The PDP has ruled Katsina since 1999 and had delivered the dividend of democracy to the people. Since people of Katsina appre-
ciates good work, they will vote PDP for sustainable development” The DG said that the campaign train would go round the 34 local governments to canvass for votes from the electorate. Masari said that the PDP would not use political thugs to harass or intimidate anybody during their campaign and condemned some political parties for allegedly using thugs during their campaigns.
L-R: Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Abdu Bulama with Malama Lami Suleiman, one of the Internally Displaced Persons from Yobe State who received a grinding machine manufactured by the National Board for Technology Incubation in Kano over the weekend.
short news Group Launches 1m Buhari Support Cards In Taraba The Buhari Support Organisation in Taraba State yesterday launched one million cards to be sold to all those that want to support General Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections. State co-ordinator of Buhari Support Organisation, Ahmed Zakari Nguroje, said at the launch that the support cards were meant to raise funds from supporters and enthusiasts of General Buhari in the state. He said the cards are printed in various amounts. By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo
100 Days In Office: Nggilari Lists Curb Of Boko Haram Among Achievements By Mohammed Ismail,Yola
As the administration of Governor Bala James Nggilari of Adamawa State reaches 100 days in office, the state government has listed its achievements to include the containment of Boko Haram activities. Other achievements of the administration during the period under review as published by the state owned weekly
newspaper “The Scope” include the administration’s success in tackling Boko Haram insurgents, strengthening of government’s institutions and containing victimisation across the state. The report reads in part, “He has taken away fear of Boko Haram. Has reduced noise making and lies in public office to the barest minimum and has strengthened government institutions to a level that now
governance is more felt and louder than individual political idols. “He is correcting abuse of public office and flagrant victimization of the previous administration”. The paper noted that despite the daunting challenges faced by the governor occasioned by the dwindling federal allocation, he was able to give a good account of himself in the last 100 days in office.
Guber Election: Sabo Kente Vows To Transform Taraba By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship flag bearer in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente has said that his administration would provide Tarabans with infrastructure and other development programmes if voted into office in the forthcoming election. Kente, who stated this yesterday in Karim-Lamido local government area of the state during the flagging off of his campaign urged the electorate to ensure
that they vote for the right candidates who would do justice by providing services and development for them. “Despite the fact that the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is working out modalities to rig the forthcoming February general election in the state, I urged you the electorate to vote the right candidate that would take us to the Promised Land,” he said. Kente stressed that his level of grassroots followership has proved to his opponents that the
people of the state have fully accepted him to govern the state. He added that his party, SDP would win the February election since the party stands for justice. According to him, if voted into office next month, he would construct 20 kilometres road from Lau to Karim-Lamido to ease their transportation problem. “I am assuring you that if you vote for me, I will work hard to ensure there is change in all sectors of the economy in the state,” he stressed.
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Political Broadcast: NBC Sues For Restrain The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Kaduna Zonal Office, has warned politicians against making attempts to use the broadcast media to over heat the polity. In a press statement in Kano , the commission stressed that electioneering exercise was a game of rules, likewise, the broadcasting profession adding that it was essential that the rules of the game are adhered to by all players. By Abubakar Salihi, Kano
Gov Yero Committed To Yakowa’s Legacies – Peters A former state secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and chieftain of Southern Kaduna Winning All (SOKWINA) Hon. Katung Peters has advanced facts and reasons why the Southern Kaduna people should not abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election, stressing that Governor Ramalan Yero has upheld the legacies of late Sir Patrick Yakowa. In a press statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Kaduna, Katung said, it is only wise and ideal for the Southern Kaduna people to ensure that they remain in the PDP as only by doing so will they continue to enjoy all that they had enjoyed in the past 16 years and should not be deceived to abandon the PDP. “I speak to you as an opinion leader so as to conscientise, sensitise, inform, mobilise, educate and advice the people of Southern Kaduna just as other opinion leaders are doing. It has become very necessary and urgent to remind us and the good people of Kaduna State at large that the Southern Kaduna people had gotten its full share of appointments. By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna
el-Rufai Is Best Choice For Kaduna – Utomi A former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress party and founder of Centre for Values in leadership (CVL) Professor Pat Utomi has urged the people of Kaduna State to give former FCT minister, Mal. Nasir el-Rufai the chance to transform the state. Prof. Utomi described Mallam Nasir el-Rufai as the kind of leader that can implement good policies and secure premium return on investment. Utomi, who was speaking as guest lecturer at the el-Rufai Support Group Interactive Dinner held in Kaduna weekend, highlighted what he described as the variables of progress such as policy choices, strength of institutions, human capital, entrepreneurship and culture. Mr. Isaiah Mohammed, the chairman of the occasion, said the group organised the dinner because its members know that they have a stake in the future of Kaduna State. He said that the excellence of el-Rufai is unmistakable, and that the people look up to him to lead Kaduna to greater heights. Speaking at the event, el-Rufai reminded them that Kaduna is the second most indebted state in the country. By Midat Joseph, Kaduna
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Feb 14: Akinjide Rallies Oyo Bigwigs’ Support For Jonathan Determined to ensure victory for President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections, the minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has rallied eminent members of the PDP including two former governors, a former minister, seven former governorship aspirants and top professionals in her native Oyo State to work for the success of Jonathan’s re-election bid. An electronic statement by the director of communications, media and publicity directorate, Kehinde Olaosebikan, made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, said Akinjide, who is also the state coordinator for the PDP Campaign Organisation, has consequently created six directorates headed by top politicians with clearly defined goals and deliverables. By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja
Why I’m Supporting Buhari – Bamidele By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti
A member of the House of Representatives and Labour Party chieftain, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that his decision to support the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is to enable him to be part of the change the party is about to effect in the country. He explained that his resolve to support the APC is not about him but about Ekiti and Nigeria in general. Bamidele who spoke to reporters
yesterday in Ado-Ekiti on the rumour that he had already returned to APC, said the matter would be discussed after the February elections. The federal lawmaker dumped the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria for Labour Party in September 2013 following the disagreement between him and former Governor Kayode Fayemi over who gets the party’s governorship ticket for the June 21, 2014 poll. The Labour Party chieftain said he led his teeming supporters to support Buhari’s candidature for the February
14 presidential poll during his electioneering campaign in Ado Ekiti on Saturday because of his belief in his capacity to deliver, if elected president of the country. He said as a progressive, the task of joining other like-minded Nigerians to rid the country of corruption, insecurity and unemployment is his priority for now. He urged Nigerians to use the present opportunity offered by Buhari’s candidature to disentangle themselves from the clutches of socio-economic crises bedevilling them.
Oodua Festival: Aregbesola Laments Nonchalance Of Yorubas To Promoting Culture
Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has lamented the nonchalant attitude of Yoruba people towards promoting their rich cultural heritage. Speaking at the grand finale of this year’s edition of Oodua Festival, held at Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, Aregbesola, who was represented by Mr Sikiru Ayedun, former state commissioner for home affairs, culture and tourism, said the Yoruba culture is so rich that others from different cultural backgrounds are embracing it. He, however, called for proper packaging of the Yoruba culture to make it attractive to more people outside the race, adding that if all privileged Yoruba men and women had been contributing to the promotion of the race’s culture, there would have been better understanding of the race by other people. By Joshua Dada, Osogbo
Bankole Moves To Join LP In Ogun Indications have emerged that former speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole may have settled for Labour Party after his failed bid to run for governorship at the February election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State. A credible source within Dimeji Bankole Movement told LEADERSHIP that Bankole’s father, Chief Alani Bankole had held a meeting with the leaders of the Labour Party in the state last week at his residence in Abeokuta. By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso (middle), flanked by the aged to cut his 57th birthday cake at the fourth edition of Uplifting the Aged, an initiative of the governor’s wife in Abeokuta, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN
Ambode Hinges Plans For Lagos On Four Pillars By George Okojie, Lagos
The governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised to hinge his plans for the continuation of rapid economic development in Lagos State on four pillars. According to the University of Lagostrained former Accountant General, the blueprint of his economic agenda will be anchored on Economic Development, Infrastructural Development; Social Development and Security as well as Sustainable Development and Environment. In a release signed by his Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Steve
Ayorinde, Ambode’s four-pronged approached to sustainable economic development was unveiled to a rich array of captains of industry, entrepreneurs and corporate players at an event tagged An Evening with Akinwunmi Ambode, which held on Friday evening at the Oriental hotel in Lagos. The release quoted Ambode as saying that under his Economic Development pillar, “we will create jobs, provide skillbased trainings, pursue investment relentlessly, embark on innovations and new technologies, broaden the economy, and pursue the Project T.H.ESE.” Project THESE is Ambode’s innovative approach to harnessing the potential in Tourism,
Hospitality, Entertainment/Arts and Sports to achieve Excellence in job creation and social development. Under his Infrastructural Development pillar, Ambode, a Fulbright Scholar with specialty in Public Finance Management, said: “We will seek to provide reliable power and energy, integrated transportation system, including tapping into the potentials inherent in our waterways.” He added that his Social Development and Security Pillar will ensure the provision of good and quality education as well as to improve on provision of technical and vocational skills to shore up the labour gaps in the market.
short news LP Flays Nwanyanwu’s Call For Poll Shift Following the call for the postponement of the February 14 election by the chairman, Board of Trustees of the Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, has distanced the party from such statement, saying it was a personal opinion that did not represent the position of the party. Addressing a press conference on the matter at the weekend in Akure, Ondo State capital, Abdulsalam said Nwanyanwu did not have the right to speak for the party, adding that such sensitive statement should only emanate from the office of the chairman. Nwanyanwu had last week advised INEC to postpone the forthcoming general elections to enable eligible voters collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). But the LP chairman, who was flanked by the national secretary of the party, Barr. Kayode Ajulo, stated that the LP is a party of principle and that only the national executive council can decide the position of the party, and not an individual. By Tope Fayehun, Akure
APC, Fayose Disagree Over Ecological Funds By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of allegedly lodging the state ecological fund from the federal government last December in a foreign account. It said that though the governor had on many occasions denied
the claim, facts available suggested that he had actually collected the money, asking the governor to explain to Ekiti people how he spent the money. A statement signed by the APC state publicity secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said that available facts suggested that N10billion ecological fund
was released to five states among which was Ekiti State. Reacting to the allegation through his chief press secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Governor Fayose described the allegation as a product of a twisted mind and an advertisement of ignorance. According to him, ecological fund, just like every other fund accruing to Ekiti State is not given in
secret, adding that once it is given out, it will be advertised in the dailies by the dispensing authority. “It is this their poor grasp of governance and inexperience that made Ekiti people to chase them out of office. Governance is not run on rumour; APC thrives on manufacturing fables and rumours. We are too busy to be distracted by their rumour machine”.
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stories of the Monday, January 26, 2015
...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE
MURDER: Suspects Nabbed Over Death Of Pharmacist BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi
The Police Command in Benue State has arrested some suspects over the murder of a renowned pharmacist in Gboko town of Gboko local government area of the state. Gunmen believed to be hired assassins had last Wednesday, at about 8pm, shot and killed Pharmarcist Ternenge Labeh, owner of LABET pharmacy located around the Bristow roundabout in Gboko towm. He was in his pharmacy attending to customers when the unknown gunmen arrived, shot him in the head and fled without taking away his property and or money. The situation sparked crisis in Gboko town as thousands of angry youths took to the street in protest over what they described as “unjust assassination of the philanthropic pharmacist.” They halted commercial activities, destroyed vehicles and damaged several houses. Maximum tension is mounting because there are wide speculations that it is the deceased’s colleagues, out of envy, that sent the gunmen to kill him. The obvious fear is that those arrested may reveal to police the sponsors of the evil act.
HEMP SMOKING: 2 Drown In Escape Attempt by Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa
Two youths from the Obunagha Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State yesterday jumped into a river and drowned while attempting to evade arrest over illegal smoking of cannabis, popularly known as India Hemp. While the corpse of one of the youths, identified as 32-year-old Meipor Ebinimias, a native of Obunagha and father of three, was discovered on Saturday evening by a search party from the community, the corpse of the other victim, who was identified as a visitor to the community and Igbo by tribe, has not been found. One of the residents of the community, Preye, told LEADERSHIP that the two deceased youths were suspected to be smoking cannabis in one of the classrooms of the community primary school when the incident occurred. According to Preye, “the youths usually gathered at the community primary school to smoke hard drugs. Sometimes, the chiefs of the community had in the past alerted the police on the activities of these youths and accused them of using the community to launch violent crimes in the state capital.”
A boy pounding yam at Wuse Market, Abuja.PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE
RITUAL KILLING: 2 Teenagers Killed In Ondo by Tope Fayehun, Akure
There was pandemonium at Iju community in Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, over the death of two young girls who were allegedly killed by some suspected ritualists at the weekend. The community had since been thrown into mourning following the mysterious death of the young girls, Oyinkansola Owoeye and Folasade Bello, aged 12, who had gone to the farm on Saturday but did not return that day. According to a source, after waiting for several hours and the girls did not return, their parents and other relatives began to
search for them and in the farm but their lifeless bodies were later found by the road side. LEADERSHIP gathered that there were machete cuts all over their bodies and their blood had been drained, indicating that the duo must have been murdered by ritualists . Confirming the incidents, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO ) in the state, Mr Wole Ogodo, said he was yet to confirm whether the deceased were killed by ritualists but rather explained that they were killed by unknown assailants in the town. Ogodo said, “We received information that the two girls, Oyinkansola and Folasade, went to the bush to fetch fire wood
where they met their untimely death last Saturday. “Our detectives have visited the scene of the crime where photographs of the corpses were taken while the bodies were later removed and deposited at the mortuary of the State Specialists Hospital for autopsy. He said that no arrest had been made on the incident by press time but that the command had commenced investigation. “We hereby appeal to the people of the state to supply the command any useful information that can lead to the arrest of the criminals. Such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Ogodo appealed.
ROBBERY: Robbers Attack Textile Bizman, Steal N.7m BY Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa
A businessman believed to be an Igbo textile merchant was weekend confirmed shot by armed bandits at the popular ultra modern Swali Market in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, dispossessing him of N.7million. The attack, according to the leadership of the market, signposts the worrisome rise in cases of armed attacks on customers and traders in the state. LEADERSHIP gathered that the textile merchant was shot in the neck and dispossessed of N.7million while another Igbo trader was reportedly shot dead and dispossessed of valuables. The chairman of the Swali Ultra Modern Market Traders Association,Comrade Famous Odumba, while confirming the development during an interactive session
with the leadership of the State Information Management Committee led by Dr. George Fente in Yenagoa, said the security in the state government-owned market had deteriorated, and armed hoodlums were having their way. Odumba told the Information Management Committee that the operations of the ultra modern market had been hampered by poor sanitary condition, security threats, poor drainage system, road side trading, bad roads and political influence in the running of the market. He said though the market leadership had filed series of complaints to the authorities of the Joint Military Task Force, the Nigerian Police, NSCDC and the security officials of the state government, the refusal of the security agencies to save the traders from the clutches of the hoodlums has led to dangerous attacks against traders at will.
“The ultra modern market is 80 per cent completed but it has been taken over by hoodlums. The market is where they stay. They attack traders and customers on daily basis. Some customers and traders have lost their lives. These hoodlums come in large numbers and collect millions at gunpoint. We now pay police to protect us,” he said. Earlier in his speech, the chairman of the State Information Management Committee, Dr George Fente, gave the assurance that the Governor Seriake Dickson administration was already tackling most of the problems listed by the traders including, poor drainage, sanitation, traffic congestion and the activities of hoodlums. He explained that the new market project under construction at Kpansia, Yenagoa, is aimed at decongesting the approach to the Swali Ultra Modern Market, ownership of stalls and drainage amongst others.
STORIES OF THE DAY 43
Monday, January 26, 2015
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Photo News
Drug Trafficking: NDLEA Arrests 53-year-old Woman,12 Others BY Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa
Operatives of the Bayelsa State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last weekend announced that its operatives have arrested a 53–year-old woman, Madam Sinoroba John, and 12 others over alleged possession and sale of 20.9 kg of Cannabis Sativa and other illicit drugs in the state. Also arrested by the men of the NDLEA are, one Ebi Famoh, Onyebuchi Umenze, Madam Sinoroba John, Erekefe Okparate, Benedict uju and Odiu Benjamin. The Bayelsa State Commander, NDLEA, Mr. Frank Hanachor, while confirming the development through a statement sent to LEADERSHIP via email, said the arrest of the suspects were effected at various locations in the state. According to him, the Madam Sinoroba John, from Opokuma in Kolokuma/
Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was arrested on January 7 at her residence and 20.9 grams of cannabis was discovered. Also arrested was one Onyebuchi Umenze, a native of Anambra State who was discovered to be engaged in alleged sales of 1.4 grams and 1.1 grams of cocaine along the Etegwe/Tombia bridge in the Bayelsa State capital. NDLEA commander, Frank Hanachor, described the seizures as a success and said the command also secured 25 convictions in court in the last few months and recorded over 185 arrests of drug suspects in the state with a total seizure of 247.495kg of hard substances. According to him, some of the suspects were arrested while his men were on duty and suspects handed over to them by the Men of the Nigerian Police, including the arrest of one Erekeji along the East/West with 58kg of cannabis.
CHOLERA OUTBREAK: 60-year-old Woman,19 Others Killed by Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa
There is rising panic in Bayelsa communities of Sagbama and Southern Ijaw Local Government areas following the reported outbreak of Cholera that has led to the death of 20 persons, including a 60-year-old woman in the state. While the woman was confirmed dead at Tungbo community of Sagbama yesterday morning after excessive stooling and vomiting at the farm, others were reported dead in two communities of Osiama and Ekede in the same Sagbama local government area. Also affected were some communities in Southern Ijaw local government areas of the state. Some community health workers, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the spread of the epidemic has assumed a worrisome dimension, which is mostly caused by the inges-
tion of contaminated water and food. The disease, according to the health workers, is known as vibrio chlolerae bacterium and causes victims to vomit and stool frequently, later resorting to death. LEADERSHIP gathered that the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayiabatonye Owei ,had visited the two affected communities and approved the distribution of drugs. In a terse text message to LEADERSHIP on the development, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayiabantonye Owei, described the development as “stale.” “Thee issue of cholera outbreak in some communities is stale news. The outbreak was reported two weeks ago and our ministry immediately swung into action to effectively curtail it.” “And it is not true that the record of death is 20. An official statement from the ministry will soon be made available.”Owei insisted.
L-R: Programme coordinator, STEFANOS Foundation, Mr Mark Lipdo, representative of executive Secretary, Plateau Emergency Management Agency, Mr Biser Longnan and representative of Sterling Bank Staff, Mr Augustine Okwuagwu, during the official presentation of relief materials donated by the bank officials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO BY nan
President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) arriving at Living Faith Church, Cannan Land, Ota, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN
L-R: Former Osun State governor, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, and deputy chairman, APC North, Mr Lawal Shuaibu, during Buhari/Osinbajo fundraising in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE
L-R: Director/federal controller of works in Edo State, Engr Dennis Oji; works minister, Arc Mike Onolememen and director of Highways, South-South zone, Engr Chukwuma Uzo, during the minister’s inspection of ongoing work on the dualisation of BeninLokoja Highway, weekend.
A cross-section of APC female stalwarts in a campaign rally organised by the APC National Women Committee, tagged ‘Sweeping Away Moral Decadence and Corruption’, in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE
44 news south-South south-East Polls: APC Calls For Removal Of Enugu REC The leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State chapter has appealed to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, to as a matter of urgency remove the state resident electoral commissioner (REC), Prof Eze Onukaogu. Speaking over the weekend during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Correspondents Chapel’s “FORUM”, the chairman of the party in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye, said they were not comfortable with Onukaogu because of the last controversial governorship election in Anambra where he was REC. “In an ideal society, the Enugu REC, Prof Onukaogu, ought not to be part of any electoral process, because of his terrible antecedents during the Anambra State governorship election in 2013,” he stated. The APC chieftain, therefore, called on the leadership of INEC to remove the Enugu REC before the general polls, adding that allowing the likes of the Enugu REC to remain in the nation’s electoral system would do more harm than good to the growth of democracy in the country.
Monday, January 26, 2015
TY Danjuma Foundation Donates 6 Apartments To Lepers In Edo By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City
In line with its commitment to improving the quality of life of Nigerians especially the less privileged, the TY Foundation has officially handed over six well-furnished selfcontained apartments to six families affected by leprosy at a ceremony at Ogan Leprosorium in Ossimo, Ovia South West local government area of Edo State. Speaking at the commissioning
ceremony, the state coordinator of the foundation in Edo, Miss Oluwatoyin Ajayi, expressed the determination of the foundation to give out grants to non-governmental organisations, and commended the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul for its support in ensuring the completion of the project. She said: “We had to do a lot of waiting because of the heavy rainfall in Edo. There was also a lot of modification to ensure that the
building comes out the best for the beneficiaries, as you can see from what is here today that each of them has a standard apartment that is well-furnished and all they need is to move their things in.” “We are still ready to continue to support projects in the areas of health and education to improve the lives of the people as our mission is to have a Nigeria where people have access to good health services and quality education.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Oyana, commended the philanthropic gesture of the donor, adding that he and his family never thought they could live in a decent accommodation in their lifetime. “I feel happy because I never thought I will live in this kind of wonderful apartment. It is just like a miracle as I used to live in a shack where I could not keep myself and my family warm and dry when it rained.
short news Pastor Kumuyi Storms Enugu For Another Harvest Of Miracles
By Benard Tolani Dada, Uyo
Election: Buhari Promises Igbo Youths 1m Jobs The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has promised to create one million jobs for Igbo youths in the South East when he becomes the president. Buhari, who made this promise at Enugu West APC zonal rally held in Orie Awgu Market, Awgu local government area of the state, said he would create the jobs by revamping huge coal deposits in Enugu State for generation of electricity and export. The presidential hopeful who was represented by the state chairman of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Osita Okechukwu, explained that coal would be revamped with the objective of generating electricity to serve the entire South East, thus boosting the economy of the zone. He assured that he would award the contract immediately he is sworn into office to avoid the mistakes of the PDP, alleging that the ruling party squandered over N2 billion voted for 3D Seismic Study for the coal to power project between 2012 and 2014. “We are banking on huge coal deposits located at Amasiodo, Inyi and Leje axis of Enugu Coal belt. We are going to award contracts for mining and construction of coal-fired power plant, unlike PDP that since 1999 promised to revamp the coal fields and 16 years after, nothing has been done”.
L-R: Corps marshal/chief executive, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi; wife of the minister of aviation, Mrs Chidinma Chidoka; her husband, Chief Osita Chidoka; guest lecturer, Prof Benjamin Ozumba and vice chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Mrs Chinelo Ozumba, at UNN 44th convocation lecture held at the university’s main hall in Nsukka, Enugu State at the weekend.
Rivers Govt To NUJ: You Are Responsible For Crisis In Judiciary BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State government has accused the National Judicial Council (NJC) of being responsible for the deadlock in the State Judiciary that culminated in an indefinite strike action embarked upon by judiciary workers on July 10, 2014. The state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Worgu Boms, who made the accusation at the weekend when a group of lawyers, under the aegis of Lawyers Network for Change (LNC) paid him a courtesy call in Port
Harcourt, said the State House of Assembly had amended the Rivers State High Court Law to enable the chief registrar to assign cases to judges. Boms wondered why the NJC was desperate to appoint Justice Daisy Wotube Okocha as the chief judge of the state from the back door by making her an administrative judge when it is the state governor that has the constitutional right to appoint a chief judge. He said, “We will resist any attempt by the judiciary to become politicised. Law is law. Politics is politics. As far as
we remain in government, we will not allow some influential lawyers and politicians to drag our judiciary into the political arena. We will do all we can to protect the Rivers State Judiciary from the claws of politicians. “The crisis in the judiciary has lingered because there is a sustained effort to politicise the judiciary. There is a strong move to allow politics to rule over law and we are saying that will not happen in Rivers State. Very soon, you will hear from us. We are working quietly to amicably resolve the logjam.”
The general superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church worldwide, Pastor William Kumuyi, will be storming Enugu tomorrow for a crusade. The renowned cleric stormed Enugu six months ago for a crusade where scores of depressed people, including the blind, lame, deaf and barren women received healing. He is expected to pray for a violencefree general election next month. Speaking on the crusade, Enugu State overseer of the church, Pastor Godson Ezenwajiofor, said “what we saw in August 2014 was just a tip of the iceberg in comparison to what we are expecting this month.” By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu
APC Planning Post-election Violence – Presidency BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The Presidency has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to instigate political crisis in the country if President Goodluck Jonathan wins the February 14, 2015 presidential election. It also vowed not to allow the opBy Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu position party to actualise its threat
to form a parallel government in the country, if any political crisis should erupt after the announcement of the February 14 election. Special adviser to the president on Niger Delta affairs and chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon Kingsley Kuku, stated this yesterday in Port Harcourt, while speaking at a summit for eth-
nic nationalities. Addressing the leadership of the various youth organisations drawn from the Niger Delta region, Kuku said the Presidency has resolved to ensure that the 2015 election would be free and fair, but regretted that the APC has been threatening to form an alternative government if it loses the presidential election.
He wondered why APC should now resort to threats if it is confident that it would win the presidential election, stressing that Nigeria is too big for any group of people to contemplate the idea of forming an alternative government when there already exists a legitimate administration voted into office by Nigerians.
news Lagos 45
Monday, January 26, 2015
IYC Warns Igbo Youths Against Political 'Hooliganism' The Igbo Youth Congress (IYC) has frowned at reports of youths who engaged in violence especially during political campaign rallies. The group particularly condemned attack on the campaign train of President Goodluck Jonathan in Bauchi and Katsina states respectively. Reacting to unfolding events in the country's political landscape as the general election approaches, president of the IYC, Bright Ezeocha, in an interview with our correspondent also dismissed calls for election postponement saying that the political atmosphere is over-charged and that efforts should be concentrated on how to organise the elections. By Chika Izuora, Lagos
Lagos Guber: APC, PDP Candidates Seek Enabling Business Environment By Olushola Bello, Lagos
Lagos State gubernatorial candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Akinwumi Ambode and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Jimi Agbaje have promised to turn around the economic environment of the state by cutting down the cost of doing business if elected as
the governor of the state in the forthcoming election. The duo made this promise over the weekend at the Lagos State Governorship Pre-Election Forum organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), tagged “Private Sector Interactive Forum with Governorship Candidates of Lagos State." While speaking, the PDP
candidate said he would create a business-friendly state, where everybody would be able to do their business without fear or favour. To be able to do that, Agbaje said he would cut the cost of doing business to affordable rate at every level of the economy. He also promised to focus on the development of specialised economy as a way of economic
diversification in the state. According to him, in developing the economy of the state, "we shall look at Ikorodu-Epe and Badagry axes and see how we can develop the axes for economic purpose." Agbaje said Lagos is the most difficult state to do business in term of cost of doing business having been rated 137 out of 140 states surveyed in Africa.
short news Lagos To Host South West HOS Summit
JAF, Others Hold Mass Protest, Call For LASU VC's Resignation The Joint Action Front (JAF) and other civil society groups plan to hold mass protest on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in support of the students of Lagos State University (LASU) over what it described as victimisation of students by the vice chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa. This was contained in a statement signed by the JAF general secretary, Comrade Abiodun Aremu over the weekend. The statement reads, "JAF declares support for LASU students, lecturers and non-academic workers to demand that Obafunwa must go and to resist plots by Lagos State government to hike fees in LASU. "Stop Obafunwa's victimisation of students, lecturers and non-academic workers. By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos
L-R: Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; deputy president of Kenya, William Ruto; prime minister of Côte d'Ivoire, Daniel Duncan and president of Mali, Boubacar Keita, discussing the energy deficit in Africa during the 'Closing the Energy Gap in Africa' panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Rights Group Petitions Lagos CP Over Political Poster Crises By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos
The Centre For Right And Grassroots Initiative (CRGI) has petitioned commissioner of police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Kayode Aderanti over political poster crises rocking the state. In the petition obtained by our correspondent and signed by the executive director of CRGI, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, the rights group sought immediate intervention of the police boss to avert imminent anarchy in the Lagos metropolis. The petition reads in part,
NLC Election: Achese Woos Nigerian Workers President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Comrade Igwe Achese has promised to improve the condition of service for Nigerians if he becomes the next president of Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC). He disclosed this in Lagos at a press conference held over the weekend. He noted that the new lease of life would entail a well-articulated action that would strengthen the NLC as well as improve conditions of service for Nigerian workers. Achese explained that his position as the helmsman of NUPENG puts him in vintage position to pilot the affairs of the Nigeria Labour Congress. By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos
“We wish to bring to your notice for urgent redress, threats to the constitution, public peace, health, democratic and economic rights of Lagosians by the indiscriminate and unregulated pasting of posters and billboards of political parties, ahead of the 2015 general election. “We are concerned about the indiscriminate and unregulated pasting of posters by political parties, which are nauseating, offensive, constitute environmental nuisance, degradation, hazardous to health and is a strong potential for breakdown
of law and order.” The group pointed out that their investigation revealed that the act of lawlessness and impunity has resulted in the termination of two outdoor agencies advertisements by their sponsors and economic loss to the tune of over N350 million to the national economy. They reasoned that such act should not be encouraged in the face of the nation’s already comatose economy , urging the law enforcement agencies not to take side but to ensure that the rule of law prevails.
Lagos State government said it has concluded plans to host Heads of Service (HOS) from the South-West geopolitical zone of the country. According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, HOS from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo will converge on the state for the summit. The statement revealed that, the theme for the summit which is “Deepening Capability: Innovations in Service Delivery” is tailored to take civil service to the next level in the region. The statement added that the summit would be declared open by the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. By George Okojie, Lagos
FIWON Demands Action Plan On Petroleum By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos
The Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON) has demanded realistic action plans from current political contenders on their policy responses to the obviously terribly governed oil and gas sector. It also expressed worry that none of the political parties is
addressing the challenge of fashioning out new approaches in the management of the oil and gas sector at a time when all the indications show that the downwards trend in pricing would continue in the foreseeable future as the US and other major importers of Nigeria’s crude now depend on their own shale oil. This was contained in a statement signed by the secretary of
FIWON, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe over the weekend. The statement reads in part, "China and other Asian countries currently importing Nigeria’s crude are also furiously developing their own technologies for producing shale oil. FIWON demands realistic action plans from current political contenders on their policy responses to the obviously terribly governed
oil and gas sector. "FIWON is equally concerned that none of the major political parties is expressing firm commitments to redress the obviously failed reforms in the electricity sub-sector. "One year after the complete privatisation of Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution plants, electricity power production has only declined.
46 THE NATION’S CAPITAL
Monday, January 26, 2015
Jiba Nominated Interim Chair Of ALGON By Igho Oyoyo
The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, has been nominated as the Interim Management Committee (IMC) chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), with Hon. Wilson Chubby as his deputy. Recall that the association’s secretariat was put under lock and key, as a result of the internal crisis that rocked the association some months ago which led to the stalling of the inauguration of two parallel management committees announced by the reunited factions at the close of the last quarter of 2014. A statement signed by the two factional chairmen of the association, Hon. Emmanuel Loman and Hon. Sahabo Aliyu respectively, and made available to LEADERSHIP at the weekend, said the decision to appoint Jiba as the interim chairman became necessary in order to restore sanity and progress in the association and also move the nation forward. Other members of the committee include, Hon. Shittu Bamaiyi Yakmut, who retained the post of general secretary, while Hon. Emmanuel Loman and Hon. Sahabo Aliyu to serve as vice chairman (North Central) and national treasurer respectively. It further said that Hon. Cornelius Nnaji emerged vice chairman of the South East region; Hon Maina Gana, North East; Hon. Idris Gobir as the national vice chairman, North West; Hon. Rotimi Ramon, the publicity secretary; Hon. Itohan Osahe Ogbeide emerged the new national legal adviser while Hon. Amodu Okandeji is the financial secretary; Hon. Adebusyi I.P., vice chairman South West and Hon. Bello Dankande Gamji, as the association’s new organising secretary.
Elections: Tete Urges Youths To Shun Violence By Igho Oyoyo
The chairman of Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Shaban Tete, has called on youths in the area to shun electoral violence and seek peace during and after the upcoming general elections. Tete, who condemned violent practices by youths as means of expressing their grievances, said such actions hinder peace and development in the country. He urged youths to work towards using their votes to elect credible leaders that would work for the benefit of Nigerians, urging them to avoid violence as noted that as the February 14, 2015, elections draws near. The council boss called on Kuje, and Nigerian youths, in general, to engage in productive activities that would foster economic growth. He said, “We must shun violence instead of fighting over political interests and ethnic interest, let us embrace peace. “Consider the number of people that have lost their lives, especially in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, let us join forces against violence that is destroying our nation today. We must come together and work closely with one another, that way we can enthrone peace. It is by so doing that we will be able to evolve a development agenda and chart the way forward for the country.” He commended the smooth and peaceful conduct of the FCT Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ongoing campaigns, urging the youths to avoid reckless driving and violent acts during campaigns to avoid fatal mishaps that may result in the loss of lives.
L-R: Oba Francis, Aikulola of Jiwa; Oba Owolabi, Musbau of Apo; Oba Samuel, Adigun of Kubwa, and Oba Lasis Ibikunle of Kabusa, during the inauguration and fundraiser ceremony of Omo Oodua Yoruba community at Gbessa village, at the weekend.
Yoruba Community Raises Fund To Construct Borehole, Town hall In Gbessa By Bukola Ogunsina
A group known as Omo Oodua Yoruba community in Gbessa Village in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has held its inauguration and fund raising ceremony for the construction of a borehole and community town hall in the community. In his address, the group’s chairman, Alhaji Maye Quadri, said they have been able to secure the needed plot of land for the project, the construction of the bore hole and community town hall, for the people.
Quadri said the aim of the group is to unite Yoruba people in the Gbessa village, promote unity and peace for everybody, and contribute towards community development. Quadri commended the dignitaries present at the inauguration for being part of the project, already underway for the Yoruba community, saying that they are committed to the progress of Yoruba people in the FCT. The president of the group, Prince Adewale Adelabu, who was the chief host
of the event, inaugurated the units and executives, urging them to maintain peace and order among the Yoruba’s, and to see to the welfare of its members, while empowering members both financially and morally when deemed necessary. He further said that the group intends to collaborate with security agents and other ethnic groups in the community to make Gbessa Community crime free, with the aim to unite with other Nigerian ethnic groups, in order to live in peace and harmony among themselves.
Minister Okays Resettlement Of Yaba Flood Victims By Nkechi Isaac
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed, has okayed the resettlement of victims of the flood-ravaged Yaba, a community in Abaji area council. This was disclosed by the director of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Alhaji Abbas Idriss, who represented the minister, during the distribution of relief materials to victims in the council. Idriss said the minister has already set up a committee to find out the immediate and remote causes of the flood and proffer lasting solutions to forestall reoccurrence. The director revealed that some of the committee’s major
recommendations includes the provision of relief materials, resettlement of affected persons, and construction of embankment along the river bank and rehabilitation of the access road leading into Yaba amongst others. Presenting the items to beneficiaries, Idriss commended the Estu for his exemplary leadership, saying the administration acted promptly and swiftly because of the timely information of the Etsu. He said, “The timely information by the Etsu enabled the administration to act promptly. The information prompted my staff and I to mobilise to site to see the damage caused by the floods firsthand.” Earlier in his welcome address,
chairman of the council, Alhaji Yahaya Garba, said, though farmlands and properties were destroyed, the council is grateful to God that no life was lost during the incident. Garba thanked the FCT Administration for taking prompt action to ameliorate the suffering of the people. He, however, cautioned residents against farming and living along the flood plains to desist from such acts, even as he urged them to take advantage of the minister’s magnanimity and meet with Estu of the community, Alhaji Abdulahi Adamu, to provide them with an alternative. “We do not want to experience food shortage in this community due to destruction of farmlands by floods,” he added.
ISSUES 47
Monday, January 26, 2015
Doctrine Of Domination By ERAHODU OSEGHALE
Considering the current crisis situation plaguing the political climate as we head towards the 2015 general elections, it is necessary to recall certain significant episodes in the past, which almost miraculously diffused tension and provided a systematic solution, in place of the debacle of deadlocked diatribes that threatened our unity and stability. There can be no denying that the supposedly democratic contest for the Presidency of Nigeria in 2015 has instigated a despotic desperation to literally confiscate the tenure of the incumbent among those who never genuinely recognized his right, nor that of a “minority” for that matter, to rule. Yet, even the most virulent vector of “Jonathanian” jaundice cannot justifiably declare that any Nigerian should be hounded out of an entitlement, purely on the basis of his tribe and tongue which is clearly the case today, albeit camouflaged as frustration with “non-performance”. Our nationhood has always been tethered on the doctrine of unity in diversity and the notion of the nation belonging to us all. If these principles had been dutifully upheld as they should have, our country would have
been the more strengthened to prevent and withstand the ethnoreligious quakes that have instead remained permanent perils on the path to our collective development and progress. Arguably, the initial emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as acting President exposed the sinister underbelly of the patriotic posturing of our political leadership elite in spite of the oaths they swear and the legitimate expectations of innocent, peace-loving and incredibly integrated Nigerian commoners. In fact even the established statutes of the Nigerian Constitution which unambiguously stipulated the order of succession in a vacated Presidency had to be vigorously backed up with a hurriedly harnessed consensus on “doctrine of necessity”! All these issues highlight the vulnerability of our nationhood when confronted by the recurring reticence of the political leadership elitewho have no qualms about putting their selfish/clannish interests above all else especially in the inordinate pursuit of power and privilege. It is a pity to observe that barely four years after securing the strategic consensus to conceive a doctrine of necessity with which to uphold constitutional provisions and retrieve our nationhood from nakednepotism, here we are again faced with the
same uncompromising threats from dominant ethnic groups intent on imposing a supremacist stranglehold on an incumbent minority President. In analysing the current crisis of leadership which has overwhelmed the routine of general elections we cannot shy away from the regrettable reality of an unholy alliance between the core-north (again!) and the south-west to wrest the settled entitlement of two-term presidency from the incumbent south-south minority President Goodluck Jonathan with such reckless abandon that callously canvasses “civil disobedience” and “alternative government” as the only alternative to election defeat. The ulterior motives of the so-called opposition parties is glaringly paraded in the opportunistic gathering of strange bedfellows and allied incompatibles united in a rabid scramble for power at all costs. It does not augur well for democracy or nationhood that the inherent weaknesses of a marginalized minority in the longstanding lop-sided competition for power are seized upon by the hawkish heroes of majority rule to victimize and demonize the very first Nigerian President from the south-south to the extremist extent of portraying
the providential emergence of an Ijaw President as abomination of treasonable proportions. Even the unprecedented undeniable landmark achievements of a humble and comparatively hardworking President are buried under the barrage of blanket condemnation orchestrated with the deceptive cruelty of Goebbels. Without dwelling too much on the unfairness and overzealousness of those currently campaigning so viciously against the merited and settled right of President Goodluck Jonathan to a second term of four years, suffice it to emphasize that, as far as the fanning of ethnic embers for political leverage is concerned, there will be no end to it even if the core-Hausa/ Yoruba tribal champions hoodwink their way to power in 2015. Apart from the lingering threat of a retaliatory response from the justifiably enraged ranks of the Niger Deltans being persecuted out of Aso Villa which has the proven potency for strangulating the economic jugular of the entire country, the noose of nemesis will not spare the conspirators of today from the consequences of their opportunistic onslaught on the fabric of unity in diversity the population of everyday Nigerians have been striving to knit for decades.
As things stand today, those who are riding rough shod on the unity, security and stability of Nigeria just to reclaim an obnoxious “divine right” to rule which they have severally monopolized and abused under various guises for most of our decades as an independent nation, must be ready to return to power under even more destabilizing environment than the Boko Haram insurgency which has a very limited if any economic repercussion on their part of the country. President Goodluck Jonathan and the south-south minorities could not possibly have contemplated a tenurein the Presidency in this millennium given the might of majority tyranny deployed to make leadership the exclusive right of majority tribes in general and the Hausa-Fulani in particular. But when Almighty Allah ordained the immaculate succession of an Ijaw to the Presidency of Nigeria after the pre-destined death of a Katsina President, it had to happen and will remain so until He otherwise determines. The last has not been heard of the contest for power between mortals claiming divine rights to rule and God Almighty who gives and takes power to whom He pleases !To God be the glory ! – ErahoduOseghale writes from Benin
THE PEOPLE REVIVAL MISSION The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Godson Chukwuemeka Chukwuebuka - General Overseer 2. Rev. (Mrs.) Theresa Chika Chukwuebuka - Asst. General Overseer 3. Rev. Patrick Ikenna Robert 4. Sis Miracle Chioma Chikere - Secretary 5. Pastor Jude Ikechukwu THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the word of God to the world. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARy
THE COMMITTEE OF FCT IMAMS INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Sheikh Dr. Tajuddeen Muhammad Bello Adigun 2. Mal. Is’haq Yusuf Zango 3. Imam Sufyan Abdullahi Malumfashi 4. Imam Idris Shuaibu 5. Imam Abduljalil Dabo 6. Imam Idris Adam Donga 7. Imam Shehu Ibrahim Zaria THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To achieve unity of the Muslim Ummah through the unity of Imams. 2. To enlighten and educate the Imams to the best Imams practices and sound scholarship. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARy
JINADU
I formerly known as MISS ONANUBI OLAIDE OLUWAyEMISI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JINADU OLAIDE OLUWAyEMISI. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
GOODNESS
I formerly known as MISS AGWU GOODNESS NMA now wish to be known and addressed as GOODNESS AZU NMA. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
UMA
I formerly known as MISS ASONTA CHINWENDU JULIET now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UMA CHINWENDU JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
AMENZE
I formerly known as MISS SUNDAy VICTORIA EBERECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMENZE VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
ITSEGOK
I formerly known as ITSEGOK JONATHAN GIMBA now wish to be known and addressed as ITSEGOK MARKUS AJANG. All former documents remain valid. Jos East LGA, Plateau State and the General public note.
ANGEL
I formerly known as MISS ANGEL CHINEDU NOBIS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANGEL CHINEDU NWAEZIKE. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State University of Science & Technology College of Medicine and general public to please take note.
OLAWUMI
I formerly known as OLAWUMI CHRISTIANAH OSHUNSANyO now wish to be known and addressed as OLAWUMI CHRISTIANAH AJAyI. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
UKOGO
I formerly known as LAZARUS UKOGO ADANMA EUNICE now wish to be known and addressed as UKOGO ADANMA EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
48
Monday, January 26, 2015
HEALTH 49
Monday, January 26, 2015
Nigerians Are Gradually Embracing Voluntary Blood Donation–Uwodi
Dr. Alabi Steven Uwodi has been the state coordinator of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Lokoja Centre in Kogi State since March 2013. In this interview with WINIFRED OGBEBO, he talks about the procedure adopted to ensure safe blood is made available to patients and the fact that Nigerians, particularly the youth are embracing the culture of voulntary blood donation. Where is the country with regard to voluntary blood donation?
short BIO OF
Dr Alabi Steven Uwodi
Uwodi gained admission to University of Jos in 1980 and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree. On graduation, he worked in various places mainly outside Kogi State andreturned to the state to take up appointment with the state government in 2001 as a Senior Medical Officer . He rose to the present rank of Chief Medical Officer in 2013 and was posted to the NBTS in October, 2012 as Head of Clinical Services until March 2013 when he became the State Coordinator.
The term voluntary blood donation otherwise known as voluntary non remunerated blood donation means that the blood donor voluntarily and altruistically donates blood to save the life of a patient without being paid to do so. Before the coming of NBTS, blood donation was mainly through either commercial (paid) donors or family replacement donation. Commercial donation constituted about 25 percent while family replacement was 75 percent in the public sector while in the private sector we had 75 percent for commercial (paid) donors and 25 percent for family replacement. Voluntary blood donation was insignificant. Today, voluntary blood donation has come to be appreciated with the establishment of the NBTS. Voluntary blood donors are the safest source of blood for transfusion as the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infection among this group is very low. Hence, any blood obtained from NBTS guarantees a remarkable level of safety in terms of transmission of infections. Lives have been saved. Through the voluntary blood donations, detailed records of rare blood groups are obtained and kept. It has also ensured a sustained availability of safe blood for patients of all blood types in our hospitals and clinics. There is a remarkable shift in attitude as people are now moving towards voluntary blood donation than paid donation. One of the greatest successes here is the fact that the highest response to the call for voluntary blood donation is from the youths. This undoubtedly will guarantee the
Surgeon’s Turf Dr Biodun Ogungbo MBBS, FRCS, FRCSEd, MSc. Consultant Neurosurgeon
08122221616 (SMS only)
Let Us Save A life: Love Ofia
Uwodi
sustainability of the programme. Private establishments, faith based organization, NGOs are also buying into the programme. These achievements give us good reasons to celebrate. How many units of blood did NBTS receive last year?
The NBTS has collected 47,241 units of blood nationwide between October 2013 and September 2014. In Kogi State, the NBTS Lokoja centre has collected 1,735 units of blood during the same period. These collections are from new and regular voluntary blood donors. Did it meet the set target and if not, how do you intend to get more blood?
The WHO set a target of 10 units of blood per 1000 population per annum for the African region. If we consider the population of Nigeria which is about 167 million people, our target will be to collect 1.67million units of blood in one year while Kogi State with a population above 3 million will need about 30,000 units of blood per annum. Though the data on blood collections in public and private hospitals and clinics in Nigeria are not readily available, it is obvious that total number of blood collections by NBTS and other sources fall far short of the target. To increase our blood collection we have outlined a number of strategies. Firstly, we shall embark on aggressive advocacy to the mass media; improve on our partnership with organizations like NACA/SACA/LACA to create awareness on blood safety at the grassroots as an integral part of HIV/AIDS control effort. Also, we will engage more youth organizations to promote voluntary blood donations. We just inaugurated Club 25 in the
Federal University, Lokoja. Club 25 is a youth organization committed to voluntary blood donation. We shall commence the community blood drive programme especially among the rural population. Beyond that, we plan to increase partnership with faith-based organizations on blood donation drives. We are confident all these will translate into increase in total blood collection. What factors are still militating against the drive for blood donation?
In Africa as whole, there is apathy to blood donation compared to developed countries. There might not be obvious reasons(s) for this. No matter the level of awareness, you may meet a brick wall. One other challenge is mysticism. People believe blood collected is used for ritual purpose. This is very untrue – NBTS is an organization that is well recognized worldwide, her activities are open and documented even the discarded blood units are documented before they are incinerated. Superstition: some people believe that if they donate blood, they will not be able to bear children. This is not correct at all. People who donate blood live healthier life physically and psychologically. They can have as many children as they want until they choose to do family planning. Phobia: Some people are afraid of the pain of needle prick. If you consider the benefits of donating blood to yourself and to the recipient you will not mind the momentary inconvenience. Some people go as far as saying that they will die if they donate blood. We have not recorded any death arising from blood donation because the health status of prospective donors is properly ascertained before he/ she is allowed to donate.
Love Ofia is a grandmother who has a large brain tumour in her head. She started with a complaint of headaches which has now become severe and her condition has become complicated. She has slowly gone deaf in the right ear and her face draws to the left when she smiles. Walking is also difficult as the tumour is pressing on her brain and is slowly killing her. This tumour is on the right side and causing significant injury. The tumour has already damaged the nerves for hearing and the nerve for moving the right side of her face. She smiles with a grimace and talks with a frown as the face gets pulled to the left side. She rarely smiles of course, with this deafness and weakness of the right side of her face. It is also large such that it is causing pressure on the part of her brain that controls balance. She cannot walk straight and falls over at the slightest provocation. She has to be supported and held up straight to walk. This is very disturbing and she cannot even go to the toilet by herself. This tumour will continue to grow slowly but surely and end up killing this poor woman. Well, not if we can help it. She needs serious brain surgery and we are preparing to do this for her in Abuja. We need to operate on her tumour and remove all of it or as much as we can. The tumour is likely to be a type of tumour called an acoustic neuroma. Acoustic because it often grows from the nerve that controls hearing. It is often a benign tumour and not cancerous so removing all of it could lead to permanent cure and freedom from this tumour for the rest of her natural life. This operation is pretty expensive from the point of view of managing possible complications and the need for a few days in the intensive care, if necessary. We are prepared to assist the family in the costs of the operation as part of our social corporate responsibility. But we still need to raise as much as N2.5M (Two and a half million Naira) for this operation. The family are completely tapped out of funds and need your help. If there is someone to help this year and bring a smile back to their face it is Mrs Love Ofia. Therefore, please help donate to this very worthy cause. I am hoping that individuals will contribute their widows’ mite and organisations make a solid commitment to help with the cost of this operation. Of course, your contributions will be acknowledged and your rewards certainly in heaven! The account details Please kindly pay into the account number of her son, ‘Ifeanyi Ofia’. Account held at Diamond Bank with account number: 0031403529.
50
Monday, January 26, 2015
SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES SUPREmE cOUNcIL OF ObOT AKARA LOcAL GOvERNmENT INDIGENE
DELTA cULTURAL FAIR & mUSIccOmEDY FESTIvAL INITIATIvE
DIvINE AcHIEvERS YOUTH FOUNDATION
The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1of 1990.
This is to notify the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.
The General Public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Moses Uwem Sylvanus Udoudoumoren 2. Mr. Eno Tom Akpan 3. Prince Famous Dennis Otuekong 4. Elder. Imoabasi Isong Usukuma 5. Prince Peter John Udo 6. Mr. Innocent Fidelis Atangadi 7. Mrs. Eno Peter 8. Mr. Anthony Emmanuel Udo (ACILRM) 9. Mr. Kufre Innocent Umoefon 10. Prince Itoro Raymond Jacob
- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Member - Financial Secretary - Member - Protocol Officer - Member - Treasurer - Secretary - Information Officer
THE AImS AND ObjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To eradicate poverty among our people by engaging them in Agricultural activities, tourism, seminars, workshops and award presentation. Any objection to the registration of the above named Church should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Atuyota Akpobome - President 2. Agbaka Oghene-Robo - Vice President 3. Ubredi Ejiro - Secretary AImS AND ObjEcTIvES: 1. To create a platform where deltans and friends of delta come together and set a stage for cultural renaissance celebrating our past and present through music comedy with a rainbow theme that never again would we be agents of our own destruction. Any objection to the registration of the above named Church should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED SEcRETARY
SIGNED: bARR. EmmANUEL O. IHEKE 08100979725, 08023751417
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Malize Celestina Njideka - Chairman 2. Charles Okafor 3. Nobel Col. Chief Steve Nwoju 4. Fr. Basil Anunobi - Secretary 5. Okwuchukwu Okechukwu 6. Barr. Obunike Ohegbu 7. Mrs. Maudlyn Udeze AImS AND ObjEcTIvES 1. To assist the youths with necessary incentives to enhance their creativity by aspiring them to be sucessfula nd useful to their society. Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SEcRETARY
PUbLIc NOTIcE
NANAWE’S HOPE FOUNDATION
THE OFFSPRING DELIvERANcE mINISTRY INT’L
THE FEDERAL REPUbLIc OF NIGERIA
This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION 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 general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTES ACT LFN 2004 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP SETRA ASPHALT LIMITED RC 635763
NOTIcE OF vOLUNTARY WINDING-UP AND APPOINTmENT OF LIQUIDATOR PURSUANT TO SEcTIONS 457,458 & 491 At an extra ordinary general meeting of Setra Asphalt Limited duly convened and held on the 31st December, 2014 following the statutory declaration of solvency dated the 30th day of December, 2014, IT WAS RESOLVED; “That Setra Asphalt Limited be and it is hereby voluntarily wound-up and that ADEBOLA OLUBANJO of Adebola Sobanjo & Co. (Chartered Accountants) of 12th Floor, Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja be and he is hereby appointed the Liquidator for the purpose of the winding-up”
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Philip Gbasin - Chairman 2. Arubere Sunday Ibenate - Secretary 3. Abigail Gbasin 4. Mrs. Sarah Gbasin
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Woghiren Obamwonyi Sampson 2. Mr. Obamwonyi Michael - Secretary 3. Pastor Daniel Obamwonyi
THE AIm AND ObjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To provide health awareness in rural community. 2. To provide scholarship for the less privileged.
THE AIm AND ObjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of the kingdom of heaven.
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 twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.
Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
SIGNED: cYRIL OKPOGORO ESQ 08069259045
Signed: SEcRETARY
dated this 31st December, 2014
ADEbOLA OLUbANjO LIQUIDATOR cOmPANIES AND ALLIED mATTES AcT LFN 2004 cOmPANY LImITED bY SHARES mEmbERS’ vOLUNTARY WINDING-UP SETRA ASPHALT LImITED Rc 635763
NOTIcE OF APPOINTmENT OF A LIQUIDATOR PURSUANT TO SEcTION 491 NAME OF COMPANY:
Setra Asphalt Limited
REGISTERED OFFICE:
Plot 192, Block 11, 10, Makeni Street, Wuse zone 6, Abuja
LIqUIDATORS NAME:
ADEbOLA OLUbANjO ADDRESS: ADEbOLA SObANjO & cO. 12th Floor, Labour House, central business District, Abuja
ASmADE EvANGELISTIc mINISTRY INTERNATIONAL
bOOKS ON mISSIONS INTERNATIONAL INITIATIvE
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.
TRUSTEES: 1. Evang. (Mrs.) Asmade Amaka Precious 2. Mrs. Nkechi Evelyn Favour Eze 3. Barr. Fredrick Obiejesi 4. Jeff Previous Okonkwo
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Miss Ojochide Achimugu 2. Mr. Adeyinka Olanrewaju 3. Miss Adebanke Oyebade
- Chairman/G. O. - Secretary - Legal Adviser
THE AImS AND ObjEcTIvES ARE 1. To impact lives communities by making evangelical literature available to people to develop their faith.
AImS & ObjEcTIvES: 1. To preach the gosple of our Lord Jesus Christ. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.
DATE OF APPOINTmENT: 31st December, 2014 DATE THIS 31st december, 2014 Signed:
ADEbOLA OLUbANjO LIQUIDATOR
- Chairman
SIGNED: SEcRETARY
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: SEcRETARY
WIDOWS AND ORPHANS EmPOWERmENT ORGANIZATION (WEWE) cAc/IT/NO. 33132
cELESTIAL REFORmERS ASSOcIATION
cOmPUTER ARTS DEvELOPmENT AND ENLIGHTENmENT SOcIETY
The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for the change of trustees under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.
This is to inform the General Public that the above named Association has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act. 1990
The general public is hereby notified that the above named SOCIETY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.
NAmE OF TRUSTEES: 1. Egwuonwu Joseph Chinwendu (Old) Retained 2. Odoemena Benjamin Chuks Okey (Old) Removed 3. Nosike Ego Ann (Old) Appointed 4. Akeredolu Mercy (New) Appointed 5. Moses Adebiyi Ofeoshi (New) Appointed 6. Okereke Anthony (New) Appointed 7. Odela Bawa Elayo (New) Appointed 8. Dike Eleazar Chiemezie (New) Appointed 9. Gloria Nyiowho (New) Appointed AImS AND ObjEcTIvES REmAINS THE SAmE Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: SEcRETARY
For booking or inquiry call
> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944
> AUGUstINE 08032325988
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Tosin Olorokun 2. Yetunde Faleti 3. Alabetutu Oluwagbenga 4. Ibukun Oni 5. Samson Akhigbe
- President - Secretary - Treasurer - Vice President - P.R.O
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Nnadozie Ekwuribe 2. Igboajuchi Paul Ekwuribe 3. Sandra Chinonyerem Ekwuribe 4. Comfort Silas
- Chairman - Member - Member - Secretary
THE AImS AND ObjEcTIvES ARE 1. To promote computer arts knowledge 2. Increase computer arts enlightenment. 3. Promoting basic understanding and usage of computer. 4. Creating a computer artist community. 5. Encourage and nurturing computer arts and enlightenment in young ones.
THE AImS AND ObjEcTIvES 1. To foster peace and unity among its 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.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed: SEcRETARY
SIGNED: SEcRETARY
> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368
> ABIGAIL sAMBO 08064382438
> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519
> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851
> GRACE OJO 08035054444
51
Monday, January 26, 2015 ODI UKO NA MBA FRIENDS CLUB
THE ANCIENT LANDMARK DELIVERANCE BIBLE CHURCH
Community Reformation & Integration Development Initiative
The general public is hereby notified that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Pst Dr James Oluwadare Ige - (General Overseer) (2) Pst Mrs Magret Olufunke Ige (3) Pst Oluwasola Oyebode - (Secretary) (4) Engr Kolawole Alo (5) Pst Babalola Gbenga (6) Pst Oluwafemi Dare (7) Lady Evang Grace Folasade (8) Dr Alaba Oluwasola (9) Pst Samuel Deji Ige (10) Evang Iyiola Caleb Ige.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Engr Ismail Tunji Musa 2. Alhaja Mufuliat Desola Fijabi 3. Mr Kazeem Balogun 4. Dr Alabi Taofiqat Ikeoluwa 5. Mrs Abiodun Ayoola 6. Mr Alabi Tolulope Fatai
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Asogwa Celestine C. Chairman. 2. Agada Charles O. Secretary. 3. Agu Tochukwu J. Fin Sec. 4. Tabugbo Amandianaeze A. Treasurer. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To ??? Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: chudy Igwe
The aim and Objectives are: 1. FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND REORENTATION PROGRAMMS 2. ENLIGHTENMENT ON GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The aim and Objectives are: 1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD 2. TO ESTABLISH THE CHURCH OF GOD Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
SIGNED: SECRETARY
SIGNED: SECRETARY
ZENITH EMPOWERMENT AND GROOMING CENTRE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLUSOLA OLAGUNJU 2. OLUBUSOLA OLAGUNJU 3. FOLASHADE ADEWUNMI 4. MODUPE OLAGUNJU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO ENGAGE THE POOR AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN SKILL ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES TO ENABLE THEM BE SELF EMPLOYED. 2. TO GROOM THE YOUTHS IN ORDER TO MAKE THEM MORE PRODUCTIVE TO THEMSELVES AND SOCIETY. 3. TO PROVIDE MICRO CREDIT FUNDS TO THE POOR AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED. 4. TO PROVIDE FUNDS TO THE POOR AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED TO THE POOR TO ENABLE THEM IMPROVE THEIR LIVING STANDARDS. 5. TO ASSIST YOUTHS AND WORKERS IN ACQUIRING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. 6. COLLABORATE WITH OTHER NGOS AND AGENCIES IN ASSISTING THE LESS PRIVILEGED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.
Benjamin Idiahi Ministry The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Benjamin Idiahi 2. Benjamin Idiahi 3. Benella Idiahi 4. Bernard Idiahi The aim and Objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ 2. To reach the world with the gospel of power 3. To be an ambassadors of Christ. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY
SIGNED ORJI GODWIN O. ESQ.; 08035444684
NEW DIMENSION GOSPEL CENTRE
THE CENTRE FOR APPLIED RESEARCH ON SEPARATION SCIENCE
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. JULIE UEBARI BRIGHT 2. PASTOR LEONARD AKPAN 3. PASTOR NNENNA ROLLAND
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IBUKUNOLUWA JOHNMARTIN AFOLAMI 2. CHIMEZIE ANYAKORA
- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE UNDILUTED GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO RAISE DESCIPLES FOR JESUS CHRIST FROM ALL NATIONS. 3. TO WIN SOULS FOR GOD.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROFER SOLUTIONS TO CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL TOWAREDS SEPARATION.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.
SIGNED: BARR. PAUL OSASUMWEN EBOIGBE 08036886373
LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS This is to inform the general public of the loss of original a acknowledgement of recertification and re-issuance of C of O of plot No. 541 cadastral zone A03 dated 03/24/97 with file No. KG 12010 belonging to alhaji ibrahim husunu. All efforts made to recover this missing document proved abortive, if found, please return to the nearest police station. Oluwakemi
I formerly known as Miss Oluwakemi Ajasa Oluwa now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluwakemi Ehilebo. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
TOLUWASE
I formerly known as TIFASE AYOMIDE OLUWAFEMI now wish to be known and addressed as TOLUWASE AYOMIDE OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. University of Ilori Kwara State, West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), Command Secondary School (COMJOS), Jos and the general public note.
ALAMEZIE
I formerly known as MISS CHUKWUEZI JOVITA ONYINYECHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALAMEZIE JOVITA ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri and the general public note.
TOLUWASE
I formerly known as TIFASE ANUOLUWAPO AYOTUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as TOLUWASE ANUOLUWAPO AYOTUNDE. All former documents remain valid. Asacs International Staff College Bwari Abuja, West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the general public note.
AUC TION! AUC TION!!! LOSSAUC loss OF TION!! of DOCUMENT document
This is to inform the general public that KAMBARI & SONS NIGERIA is embarking on mass sale/ auctioning of unserviceable items of National Planning Commission Plot 421 Constitution Avenue Central Business District Abuja, on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 by 9:00 am prompt. FOR ENQUIRY: 08098196164, 08066521210, 08027458706 ANOKA
GODGIFT
I formerly known as OJUOLA AMOS DIVINE now wish to be known and addressed as GODGIFT DIVINE. All former documents remain valid. F.U.T Minna and the general public note.
jesus christ b eloved gospel church The general public is hereby notified that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev.Moses Ajayi Giwa -Founder/G.O 2. Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Oluwamodupe Giwa -Asst.G.O &Co. Founder 3. Prophet. (Mrs) Precious Oluwatomisin Omojeminiyi -Member 4. Snr. Pastor Emmanuel Oluwamodupe Giwa -Secretary 5. Elder Ebenezer Akinola Olagundoye -Member 6.Deacon Ebenezer Ojo Ademulegun -Member The aim and Objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. TO MINISTER HEALING,DELIVERANCE AND RESTORE FREEDOM TO THE CAPTIVES. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SNR. PASTOR EMMANUEL OLUWAMODUPE GIWA (SECRETARY)
THE REDEEMED MOUNT ZION MISSION INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Bishop John Obiosio 2. Elder Etim Daniel Ekot 3. Evang. Glory Godwin Umoh 4. Apostle Josephine Obot Nseobot 5. Sister Iniobong Godwin Umoh
OKEKE
I formerly known as MISS IHEDERO CELESTINA CHIKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKE CELESTINA CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public note.
CHRISTIANA
I formerly known as CHRISTIANA IMANI WOODMAN now wish to be known and addressed as CHRISTIANA IMANI NISKALA. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
- President - Member - Member - Member - Member
The aim and Objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To safe mankind from destruction. 3. To help the less privilege and orphans. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: BARR. ROBIN A. UMIOM ESQ
Sulaiman
Signed: SECRETARY
I formerly known as MISS ONUOHA PATIENCE NKIRU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANOKA PATIENCE NKIRU. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
I formerly known as Suleiman Aminu, now wish to be known Sulaiman Aminu. All former documents remain valid. Federal High Court Jalingo and the general public to please note.
Yetunde
I,Formerly known as Miss Yetunde Munirat Allison now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Yetunde Munirat Awosika. All document remains valid and the general public to please take note.
ONWUZURUIGBO
I formerly known as MISS NNADI JOY UGOCHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONWUZURUIGBO JOY UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri and the general public note.
Rebecca
public notice
We, formerly known as Lina Drugs Company Ltd. Jalingo, now wish to be known as Dimex Phamrmaceutical Services Nig. Ltd. All former documents remain valid. the general public to please note.
ABDUL
I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MADA MANGA,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ABDUL MADA ADAMU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.
AMINA
I formerly known as AMINA ISMAIL now wish to be known and addressed as AMINA ISMAIL-HAMZA. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
AWONIYI
I formerly known as Mrs Rebecca Olulayo Olalekan Adegunwa-Peace now wish to be known and addressed as Rebecca Olulayo Olalekan. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
I formerly known as MISS OGUNTUASE FUNMILAYO ADESOLA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AWONIYI FUNMILAYO ADESOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
I formerly known as MISS NWOKOCHA EMMANUELA CHIMARAOKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ETIONWU EMMANUELA CHIMARAOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
I formerly known as AMAKA OGOCHUKWU OKOYE-EZE now wish to be known and addressed as AMAKA OGOCHUKWU EZEKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
ETIONWU
AMAKA
52
Monday, January 26, 2015
world
news ➊
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Exit polls suggest a clear victory for anti-austerity Syriza party in Greece’s general election. Two exit polls show Syriza with a 12.5 percentage point lead over nearest party, New Demoracy. It is still unclear whether Syriza has enough votes to govern the
country alone. Far-right Golden Dawn and centrist The River came joint third in both exit polls. Syriza says it wants to renegotiate Greece’s debt arrangement with international creditors.
➏ ISIL Offer To
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has reportedly demanded the release of an Iraqi woman detained in Jordan in exchange for a Japanese national they are holding captive, following the group’s apparent killing of
another Japanese citizen. In a video recording generally deemed credible, Kenji Goto, a journalist abducted while reporting on Syria’s civil war, is shown holding a picture of what appears to be the body of Haruna Yukawa .
➐ Zambia Defence
Zambia’s presidential election has been won by Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front. Mr Lungu won by a 48.3% majority, the election commission said, after an election race marred
by delays. His rival, Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development, who earlier denounced Tuesday’s election as a sham, came close with 46.7% of the vote.
➌ ➏ ➎
➐
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➎ Greek Exit Polls Suggest Syriza Win
➊Thousands March ➋ Dozens Of Police Against Venezuelan Commandos Killed In Philippines President Thousands of protesters have marched in the Venezuelan capital banging pots and pans over shortages of food and demanding an end to President Nicolas Maduro’s term in office. Demonstrators poured on to the streets of Caracas on Saturday rallying against skyhigh inflation and shortages of food and consumer goods.
More than 30 Philippine police commandos have been killed in a clash with fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while hunting a top criminal suspect in the country’s south, a local official has said. Tahirudin Benzar Ampatuan, the mayor of Mamasapano, town told the AP news agency that dozens of police special action force members entered the village of Tukanalipao at dawn on Sunday to capture a bombing suspect.
Swap Japanese Hostage For Iraqi Woman
A health official testing a mother and her daughter at the African Cup of Nations football tournament in Bata, Equatorial Guinea
➌ Haitians Protest
➍ New Horizons Probe
Haiti has sworn in a provisional election council just hours before the arrival of members from the United Nations Security Council. It is a key step towards avoiding a constitutional crisis. But as protests against the president continue, the country is still locked in political crisis.
A Nasa probe is to start photographing the icy world of Pluto, to prepare itself for a historic encounter in July. The New Horizons spacecraft has travelled 5bn km (3bn miles) over nine years to get near the dwarf planet. And with 200m km still to go, its images of Pluto will show only a speck of light against the stars. But the data will be critical in helping to align the probe properly for what will be just a fleeting fly-by.
Election Delay Amid UN Visit
Eyes Pluto For Historic
Minister Lungu Wins Presidential Election
Business/WORLD NEWS 53
Monday, January 26, 2015
Egypt: At Least 15 Killed In Protests Marking Uprising
Mourners carrying the body of activist Shaimaa al-Sabbagh in Alexandria after she was shot during a march on Saturday
At least 10 people have been killed in clashes between police and protesters in eastern Cairo, officials said. One policeman was among the dead and dozens of protesters were also injured, health officials confirmed. The clashes follow the death of an activist in a march in Cairo on
Saturday. The protests were staged to mark the fourth anniversary of Egypt’s 2011 uprising, which toppled longtime leader Hosni Mubarak. Security in major cities was tightened ahead of the anniversary, and key locations in Cairo were blocked off. Dozens of people were killed in
similar protests last year. The police officer was killed during protests in Cairo, the interior ministry said, while protesters were killed in Cairo and the northern city of Alexandria. Police said two militants were also killed as they tried to plant an explosive device in the Nile Delta. On Saturday, activist Shaimaa al-Sabbagh was shot dead during a march by the socialist Popular Alliance party in central Cairo. The party blamed police for her death. She was buried amid angry scenes in the northern city of Alexandria on Sunday. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into her death. Since ousting the elected president Mohammed Morsi in July 2013, the new Egyptian authorities have cracked down on political dissent. – BBC
India, US Seal Nuclear Deal As Modi Hosts Obama
The US and India have announced a breakthrough on a pact that will allow American companies to supply India with civilian nuclear technology. It came on the first day of President Barack Obama’s visit to India. The nuclear deal had been held up for six years amid concerns over the liability for any nuclear accident. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nations were embarking on a “new journey” of co-operation, with stronger defence and trade ties. Mr Obama said that the nations had declared a new friendship. Security is intense in Delhi, with Mr Obama to be the guest of honour at Monday’s Republic Day celebThe nuclear pact had been agreed in 2008 but the US was worried about Indian laws on liability over any accidents.
Now, a large insurance pool will be set up, without the need for any further legislation. US ambassador Richard Verma said: “It opens the door for US and other companies to come forward and actually help India towards developing nuclear power and support its non carbon-based energy production.”rations. Thousands of security personnel have been deployed in Delhi. Earlier, Mr Modi stressed the importance of the visit by breaking with protocol to receive Mr Obama personally at Delhi airport. After his arrival, the US president travelled to the presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan, for an official welcoming ceremony. Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and planted a tree. At a joint press conference, Mr Modi said the two countries were “starting a new journey” based on “renewed trust and sustained attention”. He said of Mr Obama: “We have forged a friendship, there is openness when we talk.” He said the two nations would increase cooperation on defence projects and on “eliminating terrorist safe havens and on bringing terrorists to justice”. Mr Obama said the countries “had declared a new friendship to elevate our partnership”, which “commits to more meetings and consultations across governments”. – BBC
Aer Lingus ‘To Accept’ Bid From IAG Irish airline Aer Lingus is set to approve a new takeover bid by British Airways owner IAG, the BBC understands. IAG, which also controls Iberia in Spain, has submitted a fresh offer - which could be approved this week - of around €2.50 (£1.87) per share. The deal, which values Aer Lingus at about €1.3bn (£971m), could face political hurdles as the Irish government owns 25% of the airline. The firm, in which Ryanair has a 29.8% stake, rejected two IAG bids last year. By acquiring Aer Lingus, IAG would gain more take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport - valued at around £30m
per pair - allowing it to operate more flights. Aer Lingus is the fourth busiest operator at Heathrow behind BA, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic. However, opposition Irish MPs have called on the Irish government to veto any takeover bid, which might cede control of the national carrier. A senior government source told the BBC: “The issue of landing slots at Heathrow airport is crucial for the Irish government and was discussed at a parliamentary party meeting on Weds. “You have to have flights from Dublin and Cork into a major hub and the Irish government
would drive a hard bargain.” The Irish cabinet is due to hold its weekly meeting on Tuesday, where the issue is likely to be discussed. Aer Lingus employs almost 4,000 people, with about 2,100 of these based in Dublin. On Sunday, the Impact trade union, which represents many Aer Lingus staff, wrote to the government urging it to keep a stake in the airline to preserve job security. A takeover “represents a significant risk to the security of employment for Irish workers employed directly or indirectly by Aer Lingus,” said Matt Staunton, Impact’s national secretary. – BBC
A man walking past an unexploded missile on the streets of Mariupol yesterday
Ukraine Conflict: Poroshenko Vows To Calm Fighting Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has vowed to “calm” fighting with pro-Russia rebels in east Ukraine after 30 people were killed there on Saturday. Speaking after an emergency meeting of Ukraine’s security council, Mr Poroshenko said that a peace deal signed in September in Minsk was the only solution to the conflict. Russia’s foreign minister also urged “comprehensive political dialogue”. Both sides blame each other for the continuing fighting. More than 5,000 people have been killed in fighting since the rebels seized a large swathe of Donetsk and Luhansk regions last April, UN officials say. More than a
million people have been displaced. Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of arming the rebels and sending its troops into Ukrainian territory. Russia has denied directly arming the separatists, and blames Ukraine for the upsurge in fighting. Rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko said that his troops had begun an offensive to retake the strategic city, but denied that they were responsible for the deaths. Mr Poroshenko said that intercepted radio and telephone conversations proved that separatists were behind the attacks. The authenticity of the messages has not yet been independently verified. – BBC
EBOLA: WHO Vows Reforms After Ebola ‘Shocks’ The World Health Organization (WHO) has set out plans for reform, admitting that it was too slow to respond to the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa. At an emergency session in Geneva, director-general Margaret Chan said Ebola had taught the world and the WHO how they must act in the future. She said the corner had been turned on infections but warned over complacency. More than 8,500 people have died in the outbreak, the vast majority in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Dr Chan said: “This was West Africa’s first experience with the virus and it delivered some horrific shocks and surprises.
“The world, including WHO, was too slow to see what was unfolding before us. Ebola is a tragedy that has taught the world, including WHO, many lessons about how to prevent similar events in the future.” Dr Chan said that although disease outbreaks would continue to deliver shocks, “never again should the world be caught by surprise, unprepared”. The reforms announced included a “dedicated contingency fund to support rapid responses to outbreaks and emergencies”. There would also be improvements in international co-ordination and greater support for countries that needed to respond quickly to emergencies. – BBC
AirAsia QZ8501: Fresh Bid To Raise Fuselage Fails The Indonesian admiral in charge of operations to recover AirAsia flight QZ8501 has told the BBC the fuselage may be too fragile to be lifted. Rear Admiral Widodo’s comments came after a renewed attempt to raise the wreckage from seabed failed when it kept breaking into pieces. Ropes around the fuselage snapped during an initial failed effort to raise it on Saturday. The plane crashed into the Java Sea last month killing all 162 on board. It was flying from Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore. Four bodies were recovered on Saturday, taking the total recovered to 69, with more thought to
be inside. A preliminary report on the crash is expected to be filed next week , although the full investigation will take months. Rescuers have been using inflatable balloon bags capable of lifting up to 10 tonnes to raise the 13-metre long section of wreckage from the sea bed and onto a flat boat. But on Saturday, with the wreckage seven metres (22ft) from the surface, strong currents and the sharp edges of the aircraft’s emergency door cut the rope connecting a bag to the fuselage. The sharp edges had to be padded with rubber material before another attempt could take place. – BBC
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Amuneke Hails Ace After Eaglets’ Draw BY ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja
Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has thumbedup Ace Football Academy of Kaduna after they forced his wards to a 1-1 drawon Saturday at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project in Abuja. Christian Charles gave the Golden Eaglets a first half lead when he converted a penalty after Suleiman Muhammed ‘s goal-bound shot washandled in the box by Ace’s captain, Hassan; who later brought
both sides on equal terms in the second half as he nodded home a corner kick beyond Eaglets’ goalkeeper, Amos Benjamin. The Golden Eaglets actually started with a possible line up complete with many youngsters recruited from the national Under-15 team but it was there for all to see that some still need some catch up days leading to the team’s opening match against host (Niger) at the forthcoming Niger 2015. “I intentionally started this
match with many of our fringe players in order to see how they can collectively cope,” Amuneke said afterwards.” But Ace really gave us a good test and we can now judge some of these youngsters better.” While Ace practically dominated the first stanza of the match but lost several opportunities, the Golden Eaglets were better towards the end of match following the introduction of their tried and tested legs.
Basketball Skills Helped Me In Real Estate – Akiga BY ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja
Felix Akiga is best known for his basketball skills which saw him playing for Benue Braves and ultimately Nigeria in his very active days as player but many years after calling it quits on the court, he has found for himself a new lease of life in real estate. With his hands on the hospitality industry and a chain of hotels in Makurdi, Benue State, Abuja, Obudu and Dubai, his Royal Choice Inn seem to be on the expansion drive as he has taken a step further to go into partnership in a private partnership
with universities in the country. Beginning with his Alma Mata, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Akiga has built a new 100 bedroom hotel for the institution in a build, operate and transfer deal that will see him hand over the facility in 18 years. Despite the eight months of full school activities in fund generation, Akiga notes that he saw the need for the school having the facility given the fact that there is a dire need for it. “Royal Choice Inn, Samari with the Ahmadu Bello University complex will be run by us
and transferred after 18 years according to the MoU signed to that effect. The reason for this partnership is to create educational, sports and medical tourism for people who come there for different purposes. ABU is known for best cancer treatment in Nigeria and those who undergo surgeries can stay at the hotel for easier check-ups, research teams and others. “I was in ABU Zaria on a business trip and stayed in one of the guest houses but fell ill because of the poor sanitary condition and it occurred to me to do something about it.
Vice chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Mustapha Abdullahi cutting the tape to commission the newly built Royal Choice Inn, Samaru, ABU Zaria.
2nd Oba Aromolaran Soccer Tourney Gets Record Entries BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja
As the city of Ilesa prepare to host the Oba Adekunle Aromolaran National Under-17 Soccer Competition which entered its second edition this year, organizer of the tourney have recorded a record entries of 35 teams from virtually all states of the federation. The organizer, A Square Sport in a press briefing organized at the palace of Owa Obokun, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, the donor of the cup and financier of the tourney said virtually all the states of the federation
Donor and financier of the soccer tourney, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran presenting a trophy to Edo State, the winner of last edition of Oba Aromolaran National U-17 Unity Cup.
would have a representative in this year’s edition of the competition instituted by Oba Aromolaran to help grassroots football in Nigeria. “Going by the entries received after the zonal preliminaries played in various states precluding this year’s tournament, we are going to have team from every state in Nigeria coming to Ilesa on 7th of March for the commencement of second Oba Aromolaran National U-17 Cup”, said Akinpelu Akinkunmi, the coordinator of the tourney. The organizer said His Roy-
al Majesty, Oba Aromolaran has reiterated his commitment to contribute his quota to the development of sports at the grassroots by increasing the incentives for participants and winners of the competition this year. They added that good accommodation and facilities had been secured for all the teams and officials that would be coming for the tourney, while the Ijesa people are also ready to give the visitors warm and accommodating reception when the tourney gets underway.
Australian Open: Murray Beats Dimitrov To State FA Elections: Oyo Inaugurates Electoral Make Quarters Andy Murray won a gruelling latenight contest with Grigor Dimitrov to reach his sixth consecutive Australian Open quarter-final. The British number one came through 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-5 in three hours and 32 minutes. A fifth set had looked likely but Murray won the last five games in row, sealing victory with a forehand that clipped the net and dropped over. He goes through to face Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in the last eight. Murray will be playing in his 16th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, having lost to Dim-
itrov at the same stage at Wimbledon last year. Kyrgios made his first and only major quarter-final to date at the same tournament after a stunning win over Rafael Nadal. The 19-year-old won a five-set thriller against Andreas Seppi on Sunday that dominated Melbourne Park to such an extent that the cheering from Hisense Arena could be heard on Rod Laver Arena. When the result was clear and the home favourite had won, Murray and Dimitrov were forced to wait until the excitement subsid-
ed. By that point Murray had already taken the first set from 3-0 down, seizing control after a blistering opening from the Bulgarian 10th seed. The Scot, 27, was returning superbly and creating chance after chance on the Dimitrov serve, twice going a break clear in the second set only to hand the advantage back. An increasingly tentative Murray failed to serve out the set at 6-5, double-faulting on break point, and was on the back foot in the ensuing tie-break.
Committee BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja
In preparation for the state’s Football Association election as directed by the Nigeria Football Federations (NFF), Oyo State Football Association has inaugurated a five-man election committee to be chaired by Dr. Abiodun Salami. Other members of the committee include Tunde Adedeji, Ibiwumi Ishola and Adewale Omoshalewa while the present Oyo FA secretary, Kehinde
Ojelowo would serve as secretary. A three-man appeal committee was also inaugurated with Barrister Adewole Adegoke as Chairman, Ojo Olusoga and Adeyemi B.A as members. The outgoing Chairman, Barrister Leye Adepoju who chaired the event charged the election body to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible election which would make other states to learn from Oyo State reputed for its pace-setting status.
Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports
sports 55
Monday, January 26, 2015
Super 4 Will Generate Excitement For Football League – Glo BY ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja
Eguma
Glo Super 4: Eguma Blames Defeat On Poor Tactics BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja
After seeing his team go down 2-0 to Kano Pillars in the opening fixture of the Glo Premier League Super 6 in Abuja during the weekend, Stanley Eguma, the Manager of Dolphins FC has blamed lack of match fitness and poor marksmanship for the defeat. While admitting that his former forward, Emem Eduok would have madean impact in the match if he was available, he promised that Dolphins will produce another quality player of same if not higher stature. Dolphins could not score after mustering 12 attempts at goal and Eguma was to admit, “Yes, I missed Emem Eduok today but Dolphins is known to produce star players, Ajagu Aaron in the Super Eagles and now Eduok. We will produce another Eduok”. Eguma would
prefer not to dwell on some other administrative challenges the team has been facing but said he was proud of the recovery spirit of the players which showed in their not conceding further goals after the early goals scored by Samuel Tswaya and Christian Obiozor in the first ten minutes of play. Speaking at the post-match conference, Eguma admitted the defeat was painful but saluted the courage of the players to keep the goals tally at two after conceding early. “There is no way Coach will lose a match and be satisfied but I can only attribute it to late preparations...we have only trained for four days and arrived here yesterday evening. I salute the courage of the players who after initial loss of concentration recovered to hold and I know we will improve as the game goes on”.
Election: Skate Coalition Set February 7 For Peaceful Rally
Nigeria Skate Coalition coordinator, Olajide Taye with young skaters. BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja
Nigeria Skate Coalition (NSC) FCT has said that it intend to reach out to all the leader of the nation’s political parties for a violence free 2015 general elections in the country. The skating also known as roller blading is planning a skate rally on February 7 to create masses oriented awareness towards violence free and peaceful elections in the country. A professional skaters’ club with desire to skate for the benefit of the society under the umbrella of the Coalition of Inline Skate Clubs in
the FCT has identified the need to join voices and make a bold statement alongside other NGOs to demand for peaceful 2015 elections in the country. The coordinator of the group, Olajide Taye said they have decided to stage a violence-free election rally from Area 10 to Eagles Square before the February 14th general election. The secretary of club Onyeoghani Godfrey however called on corporate organizations, government and well-meaning Nigerians in and around FCT to identify with skaters to bankroll the all-important rally.
Title sponsor of the Glo Premier League and National Telecommunications Company, Globacom, has enjoined teams participating in the 2015 Super 6 tournament to re-ignite fans’ interest as the new season approaches. The Super 6 which started in Abuja on Saturday, January 24 and will be rounded off by January 31, 2015 have premier League champions Kano Pillars, runners-up Enyimba, Federation Cup runners-up, Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Warri Wolves, while the national Under-23 and Under-20 teams who are participating in the competition for the first time complete the list. “We look forward to witnessing a great competition among the teams, especially with the inclusion of the junior national teams,” Globacom said in a statement in Lagos on Saturday. We believe it will also enable the Glo Premier
Okey Emordi, Kano Pillars coach
League clubs to test their new signings and blend them with the old players in their squads ahead of the new season. “For Kano Pillars and Eny-
imba, it will provide ample opportunity for them to prepare for the CAF Champions League preliminaries which kicks off next month.”
Glo Super 4: Consolidation Or Make Good Match Day After a breathless Match Day One in which we saw three victories, sevengoals and one red card, the Glo Premier League Super-4 enters its Second Match Day with some mouth-watering clashes. For the opening day winners, it provides an opportunity to consolidate on a fine work while for the losers, it is a chance to bounce back and prove that they are aware of their forthcoming continental tasks. While the Glo Premier League Super 6 basically provides teams a platform to assess their game plan ahead of the season, no Coach would also want his side to be the whipping boys of the competition. *Enyimba Int’l vs Warri Wolves1pm* Last season’s Super-4 tournament winner and the runners-up will set the ball rolling on Monday. Both sides who were both on the losing side in their first games will be keen to make amends this time. Judging from last season’s meetings in the League, Enyimba looks to have the edge having beaten Warri Wolves in Aba and forced them to a draw in Warri but the Super-4 is a different competition and the varying fitness levels of the teams will be the determining factor. From their performances in the first games, Warri Wolves looks the better side in terms of fitness and preparation for the tournament but neither Paul Aigbogun nor Kadiri Ikhana have had the amount of time they would have loved to have with their players prior to this competition nor have their new signings
gotten used to their new teammates just yet. But both will welcome this duel knowing they have an opportunity to test their lads with Premier League opposition.
midfield show between Rabiu Ali and Abdullahi Alfa? Can Enahoro and his defenders successfully stop Gambo Mohammed and Christian Obiozor? We shall see.
*Kano Pillars vs Flying Eagles3pm* Without doubt, the star match of the Match Day between sides who glided effortlessly past their opponents in their first encounter. The League Champions are on a mission to win the prestigious CAF Champions League and have been in camp almost all through the holiday period, their superior fitness levels bearing witness in how easily they dismantled Dolphins with less than a quarter played. Now they face a side who might be younger age wise but have garnered understanding among themselves from playing regularly. The ease with which they went behind the Enyimba defence time and time again will be something Okey Emordi must have answers to as he readies his team to face some of the best club sides in the continent. And to fend off a first defeat, Emordi would have to work on the recovery rate of his midfield and backline. For the Flying Eagles, the number of chances that went begging against Enyimba should constitute some worry for Manu Garba and even though they won comfortably, the Pillars back line may not be as generous as Enyimba was. Will the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Usman Sule take their chances as they come? Who will steal the
*Dolphins vs Dream Team5pm* The Under-23 National side play in the third game of the day again on Monday but this time against last season’s Federations Cup finalists, Dolphins of Port Harcourt. They beat Warri Wolves in the first game in a far-from-convincing manner having taken the lead twice but held on bravely to nick all three points. Dolphins on the other hand never really got going against Kano Pillars and gave away two first half goals in that first game. Losing a player like Emem Eduok will hurt any team and the pressure is on Stanley Eguma to show that he has capable replacements. The likes of Omo Johnson and Ifeanyi Egwim will need to prove to the coach that they can do a good enough job otherwise the club could be forced to delve into the market in search of strikers. Their chance begins with this game against the Dream Team V. For the opponents, It is possible to see a completely different starting eleven in this one as Samson Siasia and Fatai Amoo have 35 players for this tournament but whatever eleven they field, expect an energetic showing from these lads who want to make the final cut for the forthcoming All African games.
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The cost of energy, fuel, gas, electricity for transport, cooking, heating and manufacturing is a direct determinant of the cost of living and how far people’s wages can take them before the next pay day
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PMS Pump Price Reduction And The Economy – My Take-Away
By Babatunde Fashola
t is no longer news that the Federal Government has announced a reduction in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol. While I have made my position known on my Twitter handle that ‘a little over 10% reduction in cost of the final (crude oil) product (PMS) in response to an over 50% drop in the cost of the raw material is a good try and that Nigerians can get a better deal’, I am constrained to make this further intervention for a few reasons. 1. There is a sense in the public space that this reduction is politically motivated, given the reactions that have followed it. To the extent therefore that there is a political nexus, it deserves further interrogation because it is an ECONOMIC issue and this is a major issue in the elections as canvassed by both parties,especially at the Presidential candidacy level. General Buhari had seized the moment and the importance of the economic issue earlier this month. Through his campaign council he said: “Stop stealing from Nigerians and allow them enjoy the relief that has come to consumers of petroleum products globally. “For the Nigerian consumers, unfortunately the collapse of crude oil price since October 2014 has not translated into any change in diesel, kerosene and PMS prices across the country.” 2. The second reason for my intervention is also economic, and it goes to interrogate POLICY, particularly this PRICING POLICY, and the consistency of the party in Government Vis-aVis their credibility before the Nigerian public.
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— Ambrose Bierce
elections is the way people’s lives have fared during the tenure of the incumbent. The question, sometimes spoken, sometimes not, but never forgotten, is this: - Has my life been better in the last few years or not? This question always involves an examination of the record of service of the incumbent and many have lost their seats in a bad economy. So, the present government must defend its record on the economy and this involves its management of prices and consumer indices. The cost of energy, fuel, gas, electricity for transport, cooking, heating and manufacturing is a direct determinant of the cost of living and how far people’s wages can take them before the next pay day. It is not therefore surprising that in the last decade and a half, many western countries have gone to war “in order to make peace”, especially in the Middle East, so that there is no scarcity of petroleum (crude oil) supply. The reason is simple. Scarce crude means high prices of crude oil, translating to high fuel, gas and production costs, leading to restive domestic population,which can translate to electoral defeat. If one remembers Iraq, Libya and Egypt; in spite of the democratic masks that those military interventions wore, it is difficult to dismiss a domestic,political (electoral) self interest in them. In the aftermath of these interventions and investment in shale oil as an alternative, leading to the crash of crude oil prices, what have these western countries done at home for their people in terms of oil price management? Let us look at a few examples: i. U.K Drop in Price (dollar per litre): 0.52 Percentage of price drop: 23.75% ii.U.S.A Drop in Price (dollar per litre): 0.39 Percentage of price drop: 36.57% iii.Singapore Drop in Price (dollar per litre):
1.79 Percentage of price drop: 21% v. Nigeria Drop in Price (dollar per litre): 0.03 Percentage of price drop: 10.3% My take-aways a) It is poor economic management to import the final product of a commodity whose raw material (crude oil) we produce in abundance. b) A refinery in Nigeria, such as the 400,000 barrel refinery we are supporting by providing land for the Dangote Group in the LekkiFree Zone will keep jobs at home, (instead of in foreign refineries), create income for the Nigerian Government by way of companies income tax, and give us better control of pricing by eliminating subsidies and demurrage charges by port delays paid to ship owners in dollars against a weak Naira; and it will eliminate many other charges that are passed on to ordinary Nigerians. c) Clearly, an inefficient Port Management that escalates shipping costs, a devalued currency, and an exorbitant interest rate on borrowing, which are economic failures of the current Government, are part of the reasons why Nigeria cannot get a better deal from an over 50% drop in Crude Oil price. Interrogation of policy In announcing the reduction of fuel pump price, the Honourable Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, stated the reasons for the Government’s decision in her own words as follows: “As you may be aware, there has been a lot of volatility in the price of petroleum products, particularly crude oil, over the last few months. Invariably, this has meant that the price of the product in Nigeria has also been greatly impacted.” When addressing journalists she added: “After watching the price per
barrel drop over the last few months, we have finally achieved parity… therefore this would be the best time to actually reduce the price. We have been watching very carefully over the last two weeks to ensure that the volatility did not destabilize this reduction in price and we think it’s safe to implement it at this time.” Please note she used the words (1) “price per barrel drop” and (2) the“achieved parity” in the oil price regime to justify the reduction. (i) Price per barrel drop As I have pointed out, I doubt that a 10% reduction is the best that we can get in response to a 50% drop in oil price, and this is simple common sense. If a product is manufactured at X price and the price of the raw materialdrops by Y%, I think it is simple economics to reflect that Y% drop in the price of the final product without doing any damage to the cost of packagingor transporting the product. And this should happen vice versa if the price of the raw material heads in the opposite direction. But let me be quick to acknowledge that these price changes may not necessarily be effected overnight in a period of ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 8
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