Leadership wednesday

25.06.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

WEdnesday

No. 2,211

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Chibok Diary

DAY 72

Group Decries Continuous Abductions > Page 2 In Borno

Big Bank Failures: IMF Issues Fresh Guidelines

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos with agency reports

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked policy makers and central banks around the world to agree on the legal and

financial measures to ensure failures of big cross-border banks are managed in an orderly way to minimise losses and protect

global financial stability. The new rules contained in IMF’s Financial Stability Board’s Key Attributes for Effective

Resolution of Cross-border Bank Crisis are to be implemented by ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

World Cup Nigeria Vs Argentina: No Mercy For Messi > Page 54

Gunmen Kill 58 In Kaduna Village 40 suspected Boko Haram members arrested in Cameroon

5

His Royal Highness, the emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, visiting victims of the School of Hygiene, Kano bomb blast at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, yesterday.

Photo by Musa sagagi

Terrorism, Corruption, Rigging Biggest Impunity In Nigeria – Uwais > Page 7

2

chibok diary 72

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets @pos_theatre Why do we have to beg the media to talk about 200 plus missing girls @rescueourgirls #YesAllWomen #BroThatsNotOK #pos @LAkintobi God is still in the business of miracles. I hope he'll intervene & let these girls find their way back to their families #BringBackOurGirls @MaxAbrahms The international media have gone from ignoring the #BringBackOurGirls campaign to not even reporting on new mass kidnappings in #Nigeria. @Joikar Wait, is this how we are going to keep chanting #BringBackOurGirls and they'll stay missing while Shekau abducts more?

Haba! @musaibnabdul Girls missing for almost 3 months no concrete news from govt, and they expecting to be re lected TUFIAKPA. #bringbackourgirls @batmanien i don't want #bringbackourgirls to be just like every other major event in the world, one that gradually dies out @Kirinyaga_ #DAY71 REFUSE TO SPEAK FOR THEM TODAY, WHO WILL SPEAK FOR YOU/ YOUR DAUGHTER/SISTER/ MUM TOMORROW ? #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS @omojuwa Others continue to remember. People whose societies value the girl child #BringBackOurGirls @DanteB4u #BringBackOurGirls - How can you not have the courage to right this wrong President Jonathan? The eyes of the world are upon you #StandUp

Blame FG Over Failure To Rescue Schoolgirls – US

By Abdullahi Umar and Halima Tiffi, with agency report

The United States has said that Nigerians should hold the federal government responsible for the seeming lack of progress in rescuing over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State on April 14, Premium Times reports.

The US is among several Western countries assisting Nigeria in the search for the girls and the battle against Boko Haram, sect.

Reacting to questions about

Group Decries Continuous Abduction In Borno

BY Chika Mfor, Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The BringBackOurgirls group has decried the continuous abductions of male and female members of some communities in Borno State.

The group, which decried the inability of the federal government to rescue the over 200

Fresh Abduction: Gov Shettima Orders Probe

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Abuja

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has ordered a probe into Monday’s alleged fresh abduction of over 60 persons including women and young boys in Damboa local government area of the state.

Shettima gave the order in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Isa Gusau and made available to LEADERSHIP. Isa said the governor viewed the reports on the fresh abduction with serious concern.

The statement reads in part, “Governor Kashim Shettima has read with serious concerns, media reports about yet another abduction in part of Damboa local government area of Borno State.

“The governor has since directed the chairman of the affected local government area and other government officials from the affected areas to make very urgent but accurate enquiries from communities and report to him as soon as they can even as security agencies take appropriate actions.”

“While the governor views the reported abduction with all the seriousness it deserves, he is also worried that weighty developments such as information concerning the abduction of 60 persons requires careful enquiry in order to obtain information that is comprehensive and beyond any reasonable doubt.”

City, USA

COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA

while more people are been abducted and killed?.

The group, which resolved to continue with its sit out protest, despite the challenges ahead, further called on the federal government to rescue the Chibok girls and stop the incessant killings of innocent lives around the country.

was declared in some parts of the area.

The group said, “We are getting information from our people back home and we are no longer comfortable. How can the government say the security operatives are securing lives and properties in the North east and even declared a state of emergency,

Schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, said it was regrettable that more men, women and young girls had been recently abducted and nothing is being done about it.

It also lamented the inability of the security operatives to secure lives and properties in the North East, even after the declaration of state of emergency

NIGERIA PIPELINE AND STORAGE DEPOTS

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

PIPELINES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING THE NEEDED FUEL FOR POWER GENERATION, HEATING SUPPLY AND TRANSPORTATION. NIGERIA HAS FIVE OPERATIONAL ZONES (PORT HARCOURT, WARRI, MOSIMI, KADUNA AND GOMBE OPERATIONAL ZONES) FOR PIPELINE AND STORAGE DEPOTS Operational Area Product Loss(in MT) In The Last Decade

3,035.62MT

KADUNA

63.27MT

The quantity of petroleum products, valued at N191.8bn lost by five operational zones in the last one decade

Valued at N4.9bn

MOSIMI

1,295.54MT

GOMBE

Valued at N86.9bn

30.21MT

WARRI

P/HARCOURT

Valued at N20.8bn

Valued at N77.7bn

344.91MT

Valued at N1.5bn

1,301.69MT

The loss in the operational zones can be attributed to the following:

CHIBOK TRENDING

Rupture

Vandalism

Fire

10 Years Summary Of Pipeline Vandalism/Rupture 8,000 6,000

Upcoming Events Friday Rally in New-York

mours that the US government is leading any operation in Nigeria. Carter said AFRICOM’s core engagement with Nigeria includes locating the girls and improving the Nigerian security forces’ capacity to manage information.

He said, “AFRICOM is not leading Nigerian soldiers to do anything. We are not putting any equipment on the ground. We are only to support them. That is the directives of President Barack Obama and the request of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

Ghana, explained the existing partnership with the Nigerian government on efforts to rescue the girls.

He said, “We were asked by the leadership of Nigeria to provide help to the Nigerian government to deal with the horrible phenomenon, Boko Haram.

We have an inter-agency, intergovernment effort with the Nigerian government run through our embassy in Abuja under our ambassador.”

According to the online, the ambassador also debunked ru-

how useful the collaboration has been, Ambassador Phillip Carter of the US African Command (AFRICOM), said the US government is only assisting the Nigerian government on the kidnap that has sparked protests across the globe.

He said, “Fundamentally, the question of what this is achieving, that is a question you should pose to the Nigerian government and not AFRICOM.” Carter, who spoke during the 6th US Africa Command Academic Symposium in Accra,

Pipeline vandalism Pipeline rupture

Research findings also show that pipeline failure was caused by:

MT

4,000

Members of #BringBackOurGirls campaigners in a village square meeting at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

42%

2,000

P/H MOSIMI WARRI KADUNA GOMBE

18%

24%

10%

Mechanicaly Corrosion Third-party Operational -induced Activities Error

6% Natural Hazards

3

our stand Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Donate Blood, Save Lives

O

n a daily basis, about 800 women die from pregnancyor childbir th-related complications, reports claim. Severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth is believed to be a major cause of mortality, morbidity and longterm disability.

It has been estimated that Nigeria has a blood deficit of over 206,000 units and requires between 1.5 and 2 million units of blood to become self-sufficient. The deficit in the amount of blood, experts say, has resulted in numerous preventable deaths especially among women and children.

This came to the fore, recently, when Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the World Blood Donor Day. The focus of this year’s campaign is “safe blood for saving mothers” and the goal of the campaign, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is to increase the awareness about why timely access to safe blood and blood products is essential for all countries as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths. Health authorities on the occasion expressed concern about the prevailing

shortfall in the number of voluntary blood donors and appealed to healthy Nigerians to come forward to enable the country bridge the need gap.

We note with sadness that, despite the huge population of Nigeria, the country is in short supply of people willing to donate blood to save lives. There have been several reports of people losing their lives due to unavailability of blood in hospitals’ blood banks.

If ever there was a time Nigeria needed blood in the blood banks, that time is now.

Apart from the lives of children and women who account for a large percentage of those who need blood, the emergency situations that arise in parts of the country now and

Editor Sadiq Abdullateef Deputy Editors Kazeem Akintunde Christian Ochiama Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

again underscore the urgency to make blood available in the banks. We are persuaded to join the Safe Blood for Africa, Federal Ministry of Health and all other stakeholders to call on all Nigerians who are healthy enough to donate blood to save the lives of their fellow countrymen. Experts estimate that if 2 per cent of the country’s adult population committed themselves to regular, non-remunerated blood donation, there would be enough to meet the nation’s requirements. While making this appeal, we also urge the hospitals to ensure that all blood collected from donors is properly screened before transfusion in order to prevent solving one problem only to create a more complicated one.

It is necessary to point out the prevalence of blood racketeering in hospitals – staff sell blood donated freely to them at exorbitant prices. This, we think, might be one reason for the reluctance of people to donate blood, as they suspect it will be sold with profit-making in mind. Are the relevant government agencies awake?

They should investigate this allegation and put the offenders to shame.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser Julianne Omofuma Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Salisu Alhassan Bichi Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu General Managers Joy Adekanye Aminu Abubakar Sule 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 Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

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

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo UI Expels 78 Students Authorities of the University of Ibadan have expelled 78 students for their failure to obtain the minimum academic requirements for the 2012/2013 session.

The institution’s registrar, Olujimi Olukoya said in Ibadan yesterday that the Senate of the university had approved the expulsion of the affected students.

The expelled students were at various levels ranging from 100 to 400 levels and came from 13 faculties in the institution.

A breakdown of the expelled students indicated that six of them gained admission into the university via the Direct Entry mode, 66 through University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while six entered the university through UME. The institution has also vowed to uphold the highest standards in global scholarship.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

ICPC Drags Pension Thieves To Court 42-year-old pure water seller turns pensioner The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday arraigned some civil servants in the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHSF) before an Abuja High Court for allegedly diverting pension funds into private accounts.

According to the charge sheet filed against them, the accused persons, Mr Abiodun Osagie, his wife, Mrs Regina Osagie and Mr Oladimeji Bello diverted pension funds into their private accounts, using various banks and fake identities in violation of the provisions of the ICPC Act 2000.

Also arraigned before the court is Mr Osagie’s sister-inlaw, Mrs Philomena Ayodele, a 42-year-old housewife and pure water seller who has been enjoying pension for six years without serving for one day in the Federal Civil Service.

Mrs Ayodele was arrested on July 19, 2013 at Keystone Bank, Mararaba branch while trying to withdraw her monthly ‘pension’.

She was alleged to have confessed that it was Mr Osagie who approached her and requested for her bank account details to enable them pay monthly pensions into her account.

She said she had been collecting and enjoying the pension money from her account, adding that the proceeds were usually shared by them.

By George Agba, Abuja

L-R: Executive director of Eagle Hills, Mohammed Al Abbar, secretary to the federal government (SFG), Sen Anyim Pius Anyim, President Goodluck Jonathan, chairman, Centenary City, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ethiopian prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, his wife, Roman Tesfaye and first lady, Patience Jonathan, during the groundbreaking and unveiling ceremony of the Centenary City, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Defection: Court Throws Out PDP’s Suit Says court process on 5 APC govs improper

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared as improper, the service of the process of the court on five governors, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congres (APC).

Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and those of

Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi; Adamawa, Murtala Nyako; Sokoto, Aliyu Wamakko; and Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the PDP to the APC last year.

Shortly after the governors defected, the PDP approached the court for an order to declare the seats of the governors vacant.

But since the case was instituted, the PDP had found it extremely hard to effect service on the defendants.

Justice Kolawole, in his ruling on whether the defendants

were properly served with the process in the case, declared that PDP failed to follow the procedures allowed by law in reaching the defendants since December 10 when the court action was instituted. The court agreed with lawyers to the governors that they have not been served with court papers and as such, the court could not assume jurisdiction until the plaintiff (PDP) has done the needful by putting its house in order on the effective service of court summons.

The purported service of

court process allegedly effected at No. 40 Blantyre street, being the new office of the APC was declared illegal, invalid, defective and was dismissed by the court for not having the court’s endorsement.

Justice Kolawole held that the issue of service of originating summons by the plaintiff on the defendants was fundamental before any court can take further action against any defendant, adding that in the instant case, the service done

by PDP was not in conformity with the procedure of the court.

Tambuwal, Soldiers’ Face-Off, An Onslaught Against Reps – Osagie

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Following the encounter of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal with soldiers in Kaduna who insisted on searching his convoy on Monday, the minority whip, Hon Samson Osagie, yesterday described the action of the federal government-controlled agents as “undermining the authority of the House and an onslaught against its members.”

An angry Osagie told journalists in Benin that “ It is no longer secret that the authority of the

7th House of Representatives of the National Assembly under the leadership of Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is being seriously undermined by the agents of the state.

“On the 23rd of June, 2015, the Rt. Hon Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal CFR, was subjected to a most embarrassing treatment by soldiers acting supposedly on ‘orders from above’ to stop and search the speaker’s official car carrying the flag and other insignia of the office of the number four citizen of the country.

“Ordinarily, this would not attract any reaction as Mr Speaker, all Nigerians can attest, is a humble public officer who will lead by example under such circumstances.

“But the fact that his car alone was flagged down for stop and search speaks volumes of a possible attempt to begin to tag the speaker as a security risk, thereby rubbishing the leadership of the Nigerian House of Representatives.

“Furthermore, coming at a time when ministers are beginning to obtain injunctions

to prevent the Committees of the House from carrying out investigations in line with section 88 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, one cannot but be alarmed at this naked show and unreasonable use of power and influence by some agents of state against the Legislature.

“In the last media chat, we all recall that Mr President had averred that the administration has issues with the House of Representatives as he considers the activities of the House as amounting to legislative dictatorship.”

Mixed Reactions Trail Service Of Impeachment Notice On Nyako, Ngilari Via Media

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Mixed reactions have trailed the substituted charges of impeachment against Adamawa State governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Barrister James Ngillari.

The state House of Assembly had on Monday passed a resolution to serve Governor Nyako and his deputy the impeachment notice through the print and elec-

tronic media as they alleged that both leaders have evaded service of the notice.

While reacting to the development, a stalwart of APC in the state, Hon Mijinyawa Umar Kugama threatened to file a contempt suit against the state legislators following the Assembly’s defiance of a court order stopping them from publishing impeachment notice in newspapers, saying

that the move was antithetical to democratic norms and procedures.

The threat came at the time a group under the umbrella of “Adamawa Concerned Citizens” also petitioned the speaker to take over the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

But in his reaction to the impeachment move, a legal luminary and secretary to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), A. T. She-

hu said the process was in order as the governor and his deputy have evaded being served the impeachment notice.

When contacted for comments, the public relations officer of the APC in Adamawa State, Mr Phineras Padio, said the action of the legislators amount to nullity as there is no provision in the constitution to substitute the format of service of impeachment notice.

NEWS 5

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100 LIVING

One health tip daily Time to Exercise: Any Time!

We all know that exercise can prolong our lives, but many people say they simply don’t have the time. In our busy routines, it may be difficult to find an hour or two every day to go to the gym or take a fitness class. I tell them that there are many opportunities to exercise throughout their day. My advice: take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car a few blocks away from where you’re going. Cut the lawn with a manual mower. Sweep the floor with a broom instead of a vacuum. Wash dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher. Walk to get your newspaper don’t have it delivered to your door. Every bit of physical activity adds up!

Big Bank Failures: IMF Issues Fresh Guidelines FROM COVER

Emefiele

end of 2015.

Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, a deputy director in the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department, who with the Legal Department produced the report, said the collapse of the U.S. investment bank, Lehman Brothers in 2008 demonstrated that when one of these institutions was in trouble, the impact reverberated around the world.

“These banks have a global reach and when they fail they have global consequences.

We now have internationally agreed principles on the resolution of global banks and systemic institutions, and this is important progress, but we are not there yet. If a cross-border financial institution were to fail tomorrow, it would not be possible to resolve it in an orderly manner.

“What was agreed must be implemented in practice, and more work is needed to make sure that countries can— and have the incentives to— act cooperatively to resolve a failing cross-border bank,” said Pazarbasioglu explaining the developing the strategy and tools for dealing with these big global banks was part of the solution to the “too-big-to-fail” problem.

In a recent speech in London, the IMF’s Managing Director Christine Lagarde said taking further steps towards an effective framework for the resolution of cross-border banks was a top priority. “This is a gaping hole in the financial architecture right now, and it calls for countries to put the global good of financial stability ahead of their parochial concerns,” said Lagarde.

In the wake of the global crisis, policymakers from finance ministries, central banks, and banks supervisory agencies agreed on the necessity of having a set of principles and best practices to deal with the failure of big banks that operate across borders.

Assets of some of the largest cross-border banking groups are several times their home country’s gross domestic product (GDP) with some of the banking groups typically having over half of their credit risk exposures and staff in other countries or operations. The new measures noted that to avoid the need for a bailout with public funds, big banks needed to carry enough financial capacity to absorb the losses without damaging ripple effects on the financial system and the economy. The IMF issued its last review of progress on bank resolution in August 2012.

Less Than 30% Nigerians Are Registered At Birth – NPC Boss

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Less than thirty percent of births in Nigeria are registered by the population authority.

This was made known yesterday by the Director of the National Population

Commission (NPC) in Ogun State, Mr. Ayodeji Olude while on a courtesy call to the speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Suraj Adekunbi in Abeokuta. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Gunmen Kill 58 In Kaduna Village

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna And Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have again murdered 58 villagers in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State early yesterday.

Sanga, a local government in Southern part of Kaduna State, shares borders with Nasarawa, Bauchi, Plateau and Niger states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Residents also alleged that the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen, who killed 21 at Kabamu – Fadan Karshi village and 17 in Nandu villages all in Numana Chiefdom.

A resident of Fadan Karshi, Habila, told our correspondent that the gunmen went to the villages with sophisticated weapons.

He said, “They came to our area with dangerous weapons shooting and setting our houses ablaze. Last weekend, some couples who went to farm were also killed. We were able to kill one of the attackers and arrested one other person. That is why we know that the attack was carried out by Fulani.”

He said the attack affected some communities in Kabamu in Karshi District and Ankpong in Nandu District all of Numana chiefdom.

Another resident, Victor, also disclosed that “Women and Children were the major casualties of the attacks. We don’t know the mission of this people.”

“The Fulani stormed the village at about 11p.m on Monday night with sophisticated weapons.

They started shooting and killing human beings like animals.

“They killed 17 people, mostly children and women and injured several people in Nandu village and Kabamu in Fadan Karshi all in Numana chiefdom. They burned several houses,” said Victor.

Confirming the killings, the Sanga Local government Chairman, Hon Emmanuel Adamu who visited the scene of the attack described it as barbaric.

Adamu also confirmed the number of those killed, saying the attack started at about 10 p.m. on Monday up to the early hours of yesterday.

“The attack lasted for several hours claiming the lives of 21 people at Kabamu village and 17 at Ankpong villages in Nandu district,” Adamu said.

According to the council Chairman, “Fulani men carried out the attack. The soldiers were able to shoot two of the gunmen; one died immediately, while the other sustained injuries.

The soldiers arrested him. The Fulanis gunmen were wearing Mobile Police uniform; they disguised as Police.”

Minimah

“The attack is uncalled for, and one cannot even describe an attack that killed many people.

We lost about 21 people at Fadan Karshi, and in Nandu district 17 people were killed. We lost 38 people in one night attack. This is condemnable in every sense of the word. We recorded lots injuries. It was a massacre in the land,” he added.

He condoled the affected families and appealed to the people of the local government to remain calm as security measures were being put in place to forestall recurrence.

As at the time of filing this report, villagers were sighted relocating to unknown destinations for safety.

It would be recalled that, in May 2014, seven people including two gunmen were killed during an attack on a police post at Fadan Karshi.

Another attack claims 20 lives in Kaduna village The Chairman of the Sanga local government area in Kaduna State, Mr. Emmanuel Adamu has confirmed the killing of 20 people in another attack on one of his communities by Fulani gunmen.

The council chairman said the attackers stormed Kobin village still in Numana chiefdom killing children, women and older men in broad day light.

He said, the attackers stormed the community at about 1 pm yesterday afternoon killing anybody on sight.

He added that the fresh killing of the 20 people in Kobin Village raised the tally of those people killed in just one chiefdom to 58.

“I am speechless, I do not know what to do again; this is heartless; how can people derive pleasure in killing small children and women?” he asked in tears.

A resident of Kobin village, Timothy who narrowly escaped death told our correspondent many people were killed in their farms and the dead bodies had been deposited at a small mortuary in Gwantu.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the attacks on the three communities, but put the number of casualties at 18 people which is different from the figure ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Badeh

6

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

conference By joe dudun, amina alhassan and BODE GBADEBO

Delegates Urged To Rename Nigeria To ‘Naijiria’

L-R: Hajiya Mariyatu Iliyasu; Emir of Ilorin, HRH Sulu Gambari; Alayemore of Ido Osun, HRH Oba Aderemi Adedapo; and Dr. Halliru Mohammed at the National Conference on Monday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Confab To FG: Resettle Bakassi People Nigeria to push for ECOWAS standing force, common currency Delegates want agency to regulate donations to NGOs

The National Conference has made a resolution asking the Federal Government to provide a resettlement plan for Bakassi indigenes, since the country has lost the ownership of Bakassi Peninsula through the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The resolution was unanimously adopted by delegates during the consideration of the report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters chaired by renowned diplomat, Prof Ibrahim Gambari at plenary yesterday.

It was also agreed that there should be a clear cut agenda to guide the implementation of the nation’s foreign policy goals and objectives at the levels of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Lake Chad Basin Commission, Africa Union/ECA and the United Nations Organisation and other platforms.

Delegates however turned down a proposal that Nigeria should review the Green Tree Agreement (GAT) it entered into in respect of the ICJ’s

ruling on Bakkasi Peninsula in order to reclaim the ceded portion back to Nigeria.

Also, conference resolved that Nigeria as the ‘Giant of Africa’ should use its position in the continent to encourage the establishment of the much-touted ECOWAS Standing Force to take care of uprisings within the sub-region.

It was also the decision of delegates that Nigeria should work towards early introduction of a single currency in the ECOWAS region in order to ensure better economic transactions in West Africa through promotion of trade and investment.

Meanwhile, delegates have also resolved that the National Assembly be encouraged to conclude its work on the Bill to create Diaspora Commission so that the president can assent it on time.

The commission is to facilitate the engagement and accrual of full benefits including social capital remittances in the form of knowledge and experience and other dynamic benefits from millions of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

In addition, conference at plenary proposed that Nigerians in the Diaspora should be included in all relevant state affairs depending on their knowledge and expertise for the development of the nation and not only for cash remittances purposes.

The conference also proposed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs develop and publish travel guides for Nigerians travelling to some volatile countries either for business or pleasure.

The National Conference also wants the federal government to regulate donations by foreign agencies to non-governmental organizations in Nigeria, hence it opted for the creation of an agency for external aid that will coordinate all aid-giving processes in the country. The agency, which would be a parastatal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will have representatives from the ministries of Finance; National Planning; Defence; Trade and Industry; Justice as well as Central Bank of Nigeria on its board.

Delegates however turned down a proposal that Nigeria should review the Green Tree Agreement (GAT) it entered into in respect of the ICJ’s ruling on Bakkasi Peninsula

The founder of Okali Seminal Ideas Foundation for Africa (OSIFA), Dr Agwu Ukiwe Okali, has called on the delegates at the ongoing national conference to do the country and posterity a favour by initiating a change of name for the country from Nigeria to ‘Naijiria’ in order to spare the country further “setbacks and embarrassment” in the international arena. Okali made the request during a press briefing at the venue of National Conference in Abuja yesterday.

He said Nigeria is being badly hurt in the international arena by the constant and recurring confusion between the country’s name and that of Niger Republic. He added that there is confusion also between what is ‘Nigerian’ pertaining to Nigeria and what is ‘Nigerien’ pertaining to Niger.

Okali said this confusion, often coming to the fore at major international events, manifested again at the ongoing FIFA world cup in Brazil where Niger was mistaken for Nigeria during the opening ceremony.

“As reported by Yahoo Sports, the flag of Niger was displayed in place of that of Nigeria, thereby subjecting us to acute embarrassment, if not humiliation, at this mostwatched and most-anticipated event on the planet,” he said.

He further said the confusion is not the only problem with the name ‘Nigeria’ as it can be associated with the racially derogatory term “Nigger” and also unAfrican with colonial connotation.

“Distinguished delegates of the National Conference, as you grapple with weighty issues of great political and practical consequence, especially on the domestic front, you also have the opportunity and - dare we suggest - the responsibility to solve some serious practical problems for our nation in the international arena.

“We at OSIFA call on the National Conference to do the country and posterity a favour, and in the process enhance its own legacy, by initiating this much-needed change that will spare the country further setbacks and embarrassment in the international arena,” Okali said.

news extra 7

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

How Jonathan Saved My Guber Ambition – Fayose Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has declared that but for President Goodluck Jonathan’s insistence on party primaries, he would have been defeated by the consensus arrangement among the partymen.

Fayose, who was received at the national headquarters of a party group, PDP Reloaded, in Abuja yesterday, declared also that the ego of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be bruised in the oncoming Osun governorship election scheduled for August 9.

This comes as ministerial nominee, Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo withdrew his name from ministerial list after the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua penciled his name for a ministerial position in 2007.

Fayose, who was accompanied by minister nominee, Sen Adedayo Adeyeye, and Sen. Ayo Arise, said: “If not for Jonathan for standing on his feet, consensus would have defeated me.”

He further pledged to work for Jonathan ahead 2015, warning also that “we will bruise the ego of the opposition. In Osun we will bruise their ego. We will make Jonathan and PDP proud.”

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja.

Frank Mba, Others Decorated With New Ranks The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday decorated the force public relations officer, FPRO, Frank Mba with the new rank of assistant commissioner of police, ACP Mba who had been a chief superintendant of police, CSP, was among over 210 senior officers recently promoted by the Police High Command • A statement by the Deputy Force Public relations Officer, CSP Abayomi Shogunle, said prominent among the decorated senior officers include AIG Grace Chita Okudo, CP Elias Okafor Wayemeru, CP Henry Adebayo Fadairo and ACP Yusuf Chiromawa Usman.

“In line with the present Police Administration’s strategy of boosting the morale of police officers through rewarding merit and excellence in law enforcement and other mandates of the Force, the, IGP M.D. Abubakar, has decorated some newly promoted senior police officers.

Abubakar urged the newly decorated officers to justify their elevation by re-dedicating themselves to their core mandate of policing and advancing positive image for the force.

He harped on the need for greater commitment to the current fight against terrorism and all forms of crimes and criminality.

Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

L-R: Board of Directors, Capital Hotel, Mr Oluwale Makinde, Mr Victor Oyolu and Dr Ngozi Olejeme, during Capital Hotel’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI.

Rep Raises Alarm Over Threat To Gov Amaechi’s Life

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Andrew Uchendu (Rivers/APC), has raised the alarm over series of threats to the life of the Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi.

Citing three incidences of widely reported cases of harassment against Amaechi, the third-term Rivers federal lawmaker described that attacks

as “truly an aberration in governance”.

According to Uchendu, “in all these three incidents, those carrying out the orders are said to be acting on “orders from above”.

LEADERSHIP recalls that on May, 2013, Amaechi’s aircraft was impounded in the Ondo State capital, Akure, in controversial circumstances. Again, June 9, 2014, another chartered aircraft conveying Amaechi was impounded in Kano. June 19,

2014, Amaechi was prevented by soldiers from driving into AdoEkiti to attend the final rally of the APC. His aircraft was also impounded.”

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Uchendu stated: “The 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amend) Chapter iv subsections(40) and (41) guaranteed every Nigerian the freedom of association and movement.

But events of the recent weeks around Amaechi, which have

come in rather very quick succession, have cast a pale of fog on my vision that I am wondering what might become of the life of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi if the attention of Nigerians and the government of Nigeria are drawn to these unsavoury events.

“Can all these be said to be politics? I am worried and I am concerned. I want to believe that there are more to all these than meet the eyes.”

Terrorism, Election Rigging, Corruption Biggest Forms Of Impunity – Uwais

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria [CJN] Justice Muhammadu Uwais has described terrorism, corruption and election rigging as the forms of impunity which must be tackled towards ensuring the development of the country.

The former CJN made the assertion in his remarks at the formal opening of the National Summit on Impunity in Nigeria and the public presentation of three publications by the Stop Impunity Campaign (SIN) with the theme: “Impunity in Nigeria:

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception,” which started in Abuja yesterday.

Uwais listed the major forms of impunity in Nigeria to include terrorism, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping, theft of public fund, election rigging, thuggery and rape, while government institutions concerned with detecting such include the Nigerian police, the EFCC, ICPC, Ministry of Justice, security agencies, Code of Conduct Tribunal and the Judiciary, among others.”

The CJN who declared the summit open asserted that “the

summit is concerned with the punishment of all offences, but especially the major offences.”

Executive Director, Human Development Initiative, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, speaking on the publications, said they were from a national survey on impunity aimed at investigating the manifestations, trajectories and dynamics of impunity in Nigeria with a view to developing data-driven programmes towards their amelioration.”

The don remarked that years of military dominance in governance had created and entrenched the culture of impuni-

ty which had persisted despite over a decade of democratic governance in Nigeria.

Owasaniye stated that “impunity has acquired its own unique Nigerian meaning, and states bedeviled by impunity are characterized by infrastructural decay, debt burden, poor welfare and inefficient public institutions.

“These acts of impunity have resulted in a low level of public trust and confidence in state machineries and resulted in a Negative Doing Business Perception Index (NDBPI) for Nigeria,” she said.

Osun Guber: We’ll Improve On Ekiti Election – Jega ByChibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday declared that the forthcoming Osun State governorship election would be an improvement on last Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.

Jega, who stated this while speaking at the second quarterly meeting with political parties, also urged all political parties to commit themselves to abiding by all the provisions of the political parties code of conduct.

The meeting further discussed the issue of scheduling of party primaries and draft guidelines for campaigns as well as the approved guidelines for political party registration/de-registration.

The chief electoral officer further told the parties that the successful conduct of last weekend Ekiti governorship election was a challenge for all to ensure a better performance come 2015.

He said, “The successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful election in Ekiti is a good omen for the subsequent elections to come and indeed, for the satisfaction of

the aspiration of Nigerians for a consolidated demoracy.

“We must therefore not rest on our oars; but continue to do our best collectively, to sustain and keep on improving on this achievement.

“The coming election in Osun state, God willing, should on all counts be better, and the 2015 general elections must be the best .”

This task, he said, is one all stakeholders must come together to achieve.

He also commended all stakeholders involved in the success-

ful conduct of the Ekiti election.

Chairman Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yinusa Tanko, however called for the involvement of political parties in the voter registration process, noting that the voter register is the foundation of any credible election in the country.

He advocated that Continuous Voter Registration be made automatic for anyone who gets to the 18 years.

“Political parties are interested in voter register as this is the foundation for any credible election in any country,” he said.

8 NEWS

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Gunmen Kill 58 In Kaduna Village FROM PAGE 5

released by the chairman of the local government.

The State Police Commissioner, Umar Shehu, as at the time of filing this report, said 18 persons had been confirmed dead while several others sustained various degrees of injuries, just as he disclosed that three persons had been arrested with AK47 riffle and about 158 rounds of ammunition.

CP Shehu however said that the situation was under control following the deployment of more security personnel to the troubled area.

“I can confirm the death of 18 persons and several others wounded; we have also arrested three persons in connection with the crisis; they were arrested with AK47 and about 158 rounds of ammunition.

“We have deployed more security personnel to the area and the situation is under control as I speak to you now”, he said.

He said, investigation into the remote cause of the crisis had commenced while those arrested were being interrogated to get further details on their involvement in the fracas.

Meanwhile, he urged citizens to go about their lawful business and remain law abiding as the police remained committed to

provide security for the good people of the state and their property.

Declare state of emergency in southern Kaduna - Group tells FG Reacting yesterday, Concerned Realists of Southern Kaduna called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The group in a statement signed by its convener, Dr John Danfulani said the world should know there was a monumental failure in handling security issues in Southern Kaduna by the Federal and Kaduna state governments.

“We make bold to state that the government of Kaduna state is inciting crisis like we saw in Chawai Chiefdom where two persons lost their lives at the weekend, following forceful appointment of a traditional ruler while a case is pending in court. Similarly, four persons, incidentally couples were killed on Sunday in two locations before Tuesday’s massacre.

Yero Condemns Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero who condemned the attack at Fadan Karshi village, Sanga Local Government, described the act as a “provocative attempt by some unpatriotic people to cause confusion and unrest”.

The governor in a statement

by his spokesman, Ahmed Maiyaki, condoled with families of victims of the unwarranted attack on innocent citizens in the area.

Governor Yero said: “We call on people in Fadan Karshi and other parts of the State to remain calm as security forces have already been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. We should remain united and resolute in resisting obvious attempts by agents of darkness to create confusion and sow seeds of discord in our state.”

The Governor said security agencies had already been directed to commence investigation into the matter and were on the track of the criminals adding that “no stone shall be left unturned in our resolve to bring perpetrators of this attack and all other criminal assaults on our people in the past to justice.”

The Governor called on the entire people of Kaduna State to continue to live in peace with one another and to become more vigilant in observing happenings in their areas with a view to assisting security agencies with relevant information on suspicious persons and movements within and around their communities.

40 suspected Boko Haram members arrested in

Cameroon Meanwhile, Cameroon’s military has arrested 40 suspected Boko Haram militants in the north of the country.

Soldiers have also sealed off a market where they suspect Boko Haram may be hiding arms for use in the insurgency across the border in Nigeria.

“A gendarme [military] raid on the Maroua Central Market has led to the arrest of over 40 people,” a state radio broadcaster announced. “The arrests are in connection with ongoing investigations into the activities of the Boko Haram group in the far north region of the country.”

In an interview with the private Danay FM radio station, Maroua businessman Wanika Baba, said many of the arrested were his peers and there was confusion in the community.

He added that he did not understand what was happening as the military had the market sealed for two days and had arrested so many people. He said children and women were suffering from the closure and no one knew the fate of those arrested.

Colonel Nyemeck Pierre, who led the military raid, told VOA that the central government ordered the military action as part of its fight against Boko Haram incursions into Cameroon.

“It is the duty of the military to filter the population so that enemies do not infiltrate into Cameroon,” he said in French, adding that the matter was complicated because along the border there were Nigerians and Cameroonians who belonged to the same families and soldiers had to try to distinguish who was a militant.

This is the first time Cameroon’s military has carried out an operation on such a large scale in a single day.

Security officials confirm abduction of women, but not certain about number Top security sources in Borno State yesterday confirmed the abduction of women and girls by suspected Boko Haram gunmen who attacked remote villages in southern part of the state.

But the security source, an officer at the Department of Security Services (DSS) who would not want to be named, contended the “over 60 women” were abducted, figures that was being quoted in the media, as he said “no one is certain about the number for now”.

He explained that the abduction, following a thorough investigation by his office in Maiduguri, actually took place on the 14th, 15th and 16th of June this year and not last Saturday as reported in the media.

2015 Polls: US Tasks INEC, Political Parties On Credible Elections

By Abiodun Oluwarotimi, New York

The United States Department of State in Washington, DC yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and security agencies in Nigeria to ensure credible elections in the country in 2015.

Ms. Marie Harf, the Deputy Department Spokesperson, who made this known in a press statement obtained by LEADERSHIP’s correspondent in New York, also urged the electoral body as well as politicians in Osun State to ensure a credible, free and fair governorship elections in the state on August 9, 2014.

The United States spokesperson added that all stakeholders in Osun state and Nigeria as a

Obama

Jega

whole should take a clue from the outcome of what she called ‘a very peaceful’ governorship election that took place in Ekiti state last Saturday.

She said that the way the election was conducted and its outcome was an indication that democracy was working in Nigeria, stressing that the American

government believed that credible elections could be conducted in the country by the INEC under the watch of the various Nigeria’s security agencies..

The statement reads: “As we look towards the August 9 Osun State gubernatorial election and the national elections in February 2015, the process in Ekiti should

lend confidence to the Nigerian public and the international community that INEC, the security forces, and the political parties have the capacity to conduct themselves in a manner that strengthens Nigeria’s democracy and gives political voice to its population.

“The United States commends the people of Ekiti State, Nigeria, who turned out to vote in the June 21 gubernatorial election. US Embassy and international observers assessed that the process was credible and efficient, and that security forces collaborated effectively in providing a safe environment free of major incidents. We congratulate Mr. Ayo Fayose on his election, and commend Governor Fayemi on graciously accepting the results. We urge

all parties to accept the outcome as representing the will of Ekiti’s voting public” Meanwhile, the United States envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador James F. Entwistle, has also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

In a statement posted on the website of the embassy in Abuja, Ambassador Entwistle said: “We congratulate the many electoral stakeholders for the successful conduct of the June 21 Ekiti gubernatorial election.The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) oversaw a credible, efficient process, and by all accounts the result reflected the will of Ekiti’s voters.

Less Than 30% Nigerians Are Registered At Birth – NPC Boss FROM PAGE 5

He said that the NPC was currently engaged in vital registration of birth, death and still birth, saying that the realisation that birth registration coverage is currently estimated at less than 30% across the nation

prompted the commission to restrategize on the current mode of operations.

He added that NPC had devised new strategies to meet the fundamental challenge of registering all events and generate statistics of international standard for use in development planning.

The NPC Director assured that the vital registration system was being made more people-oriented and friendly, while seeking the state government’s support in the provision of logistics and other infrastructure to capture all vital events in the state.

The speaker thanked the NPC

boss for his call, describing registration of birth and death as vital.

Adekunbi said the commission needed to partner with stakeholders in education, transportation and health sectors amongst others in order to achieve success in birth and death registrations preparatory

to the next census.

He assured the NPC of the state government’s readiness to partner with it to give the nation an acceptable census figure, emphasising that there was need to ensure comprehensive public enlightenment and mobilisation to achieve the desired result in vital registration.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR BDCs The Central Bank of Nigeria, in a bid to correct observed deficiencies in the operation of Bureaux de Change (BDCs) in Nigeria which have led to gross inefficiencies and sharp practices in the foreign exchange market, has taken steps to check the growing incidence of rent-seeking, depletion of external reserves, financing of unauthorized transactions and dollarization, among others.

Consequently, the following circular shall henceforth guide the operation of Bureau de Change business in Nigeria: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPERATION OF BUREAU DE CHANGE IN NIGERIA Background: In line with the powers vested on it by the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 17 of 1995 and the BOFI Act of 1991, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licenses and regulates Bureaux de Change (BDC) operations in Nigeria to achieve the following objectives: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Provide access to foreign exchange to small-scale end-users; Serve as tools for the management of exchange rate; Assist in the fight against illegal financial activities; Facilitate economic activities; and Provide economic data for policy decisions.

However, the CBN has observed with grave concern the deficiencies in the operational effectiveness of BDCs, which runs counter to the aforementioned objectives. In particular, the Bank has observed the following unintended outcomes: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

vii.

Avalanche of rent-seeking operators only interested in widening margins and profits from the foreign exchange market, regardless of prevailing official and interbank rates; Weak and ineffective operational structure, resulting in the subsector completely abandoning the objectives for its establishment; Depletion of the country’s foreign reserves, in view of the unusually large number of BDCs; Potential financing of unauthorized transactions with foreign exchange procured from the CBN Window; Gradual dollarization of the Nigerian economy with attendant adverse consequences on the conduct of monetary policy and subtle subversion of cashless policy initiative; and Inadequate level of minimum paid-up capital. The required minimum paid-up capital of BDCs is set at N10 million. While the capital requirements of all other CBN-regulated entities have been reviewed upwards over the years, the one for BDCs has remained the same; and Prevailing ownership of several BDCs by the same promoters in order to buy foreign exchange multiple times from the CBN Window,

which is clearly related to the low level of capital requirements for licensing BDCs. Expected Role of BDCs: The CBN’s expectation is to have BDCs that are properly structured, effectively regulated, and well-capitalised to meet the objectives for which operators are licensed. In particular, the CBN envisages the following: i. The emergence of well-capitalised and structured entities that can effectively perform the roles of Bureau De Change in the economy; ii. Partnership between BDCs and renowned companies engaged in inward and outward money transfers in Nigeria. It is in expectation of this collaboration that the CBN as at 18 June 2014, approved the “Guidelines for International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria”.

Under the Guidelines, Western Union, Monegram and RIA Financial Services have been authorised to carry out inward and outward money transfer services in Nigeria. iii. Creation of robust and sustainable business franchises that are not dependent on rent-seeking activities but are properly situated to compete in the foreign exchange market, and deliver superior values and returns.

New Requirements: In view of the background and vision provided above, and in order to ensure that only genuine companies operate as BDCs in Nigeria, the CBN makes the following modifications to the “Bureaux De Change Guidelines”: i.

The minimum capital requirement for the operation of BDCs in Nigeria is reviewed to N35 million;

ii. The mandatory cautionary deposit is reviewed to N35 million and shall be deposited in a non-interest yielding account in the CBN upon the grant of Approval-in-Principle; iii. The following fees shall apply to the licensing of BDCs: Application Fee—N100,000.00; Licensing Fee—N1 million; and Annual Renewal Fee—N250,000.00; and iv. Ownership of multiple BDCs is not permissible, and would be punishable if detected.

All existing BDCs and those currently operating with a Final Approval Letter are required to comply with the requirement on mandatory cautionary deposit by 15 July 2014 while all current applications are expected to comply with these new requirements.

Furthermore, the compulsory membership of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) is no longer a requirement for the licensing of BDCs.

Signed:

KEVIN N. AMUGO

Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department

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stories of the Wednesday, June 25, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

NABBED: Police Arrest Suspected Female Kidnapper, 3 Others

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Nemesis has caught up with a notorious female kidnapper, one favour Okonkwo, with her gang members, one James Aleato, lkechukwu Abua and Efe Ono. They were arrested by the police in Asaba, Delta state capital after they abducted one Mrs. Ibezimakor Chinelo, an official of the state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

The hoodlums immediately put a call across to members of her family to prepare the sum of N10 million ransom, if they must release her unhurt.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who paraded the gang at the command headquarters in Asaba, said operatives closed in on them along Asaba/Benin expressway by Oshimili South Local Government Secretariat, Asaba.

She said, “As the team was closing in on the criminals, they attempted to push the victim down. In the process, the four suspects, namely, Favour Okonkwo (f), James Aleato (m, aged 62), Ikechukwu Abua ( ‘rn’ aged 35) and Efe Ono (m, aged 33) were arrested by Kia Motors near Summit Junction, Asaba.”

According to the PPRO, the gang sandwiched her in their Delta state taxi coloured Jetta car and was whisking her to their hideout when police pounced on them.

FORGERY: UCH’s Cashier Bags 7 Years For Stealing

A staff bus of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation in a Flooded road at Pyakasa village in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY OGOH JOSEPH

DEFILEMENT: Man, 28, Lures, Defiles 2-yr-old Girl With Nursery Rhymes

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City A Magistrates’ Court in Egor, Benin City, Edo state, has ordered one Chukwudi Nawkor, 28, to be remanded in prison custody for allegedly defiling a two-year old girl.

Chief Magistrate Igho Braimoh, gave the order following a plea of not guilty by the accused person, who is facing a one -count charge of defilement.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Aburimen Akhere, told the court that the accused committed the offence in May 24 at No. 13, Egharevba Street, Off

Uwelu Road, Benin City.

Akhere alleged that the accused did have unlawful carnal knowledge of the minor.

According to the prosecutor, the minor was drawn to children’s song (nursery rhymes) playing in the accused room which he used to lure the minor to his room before defiling her.

He said when the child came out from the accused room, her body was full of sperm.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 218 of the Criminal Code.

If found guilty, he is liable on conviction, to life imprisonment, with or without option of fine.

Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

A cashier with the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Temitope Anifowose (30), was yesterday sentenced to seven years imprisonment for forgery and stealing.

He was arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan.

The Chief Magistrate, Alhaja Fatima Badrudeen, convicted Anifowose after he was found guilty on a three-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and stealing.

The magistrate sentenced him to two years imprisonment for conspiracy, three years for forgery and two for stealing.

Badrudeen, however, gave the convict the option to pay a fine of N30, 000 on the first count, N40, 000 on the second charge of forgery, and N30, 000 fine for stealing.

Anifowose was convicted after he was found guilty of forging payments receipts of the University College Hospital, Ibadan totalling N87,000 while serving as cashier in July 2012.

The prosecutor, ASP Grace Akinsehinwa, had told the court that the offences contravened Sections 390 (9) 467 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap. 38, Vol. 11, Laws of Oyo State 2000.

Detained: Court Remands Dislodged Islamic Group

Violation: Court Sentences Father Of 4 For Impregnating Minor

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

A middle aged-man, Ndagi Mohammed, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by a Minna Magistrate Court six for impregnating a 12- year-old girl.

He was convicted for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor yesterday by the court for the offence which run contrary to section 18(8) of the Niger state Domesticated Child Right Act 2010.

A senior Magistrate presiding over the court, Hajiya Amina Lamude Musa, sentenced Ndagi based on the reported case that he (Ndagi) had sex with the girl, a primary five pupil of Zurumai Primary School in Minna, unlawfully, after luring her to his room in the same compound before committing the act.

The First Information Report (FIR) of the case, revealed that one Ahmed Zakariyau of Okada street in Minna, reported the

case on 22nd of June 2014 at the GRA police station that the suspect, Ndagi who has a wife and four children has impregnated his sister after having sexual intercourse with her.

Ndagi pleaded guilty to the charges and prayed for leniency. But the prosecutor, Inspector Alfred Auta , insisted that the court should try the accused summarily in accordance with the relevant sections of the penal codes.

The senior Magistrate, Hajiya Musa, who expressed dismay at the action of the accused who has four children, said it was disheartening that he could be so heartless to impregnate a minor .

Hajiya Musa therefore ruled that the court would not be doing justice if the accused was not sentenced maximally to serve as a lesson and deterrent to people of his kind who indulge in negative acts in the society .

Niger State government has arraigned eight leaders of an Islamic group, Madinatu Muheenu Hamdallah Nibrassa, dislodged by the state government in Lapai area of the state recently before Chief Magistrate Court II. The sect leaders who were earlier arrested by the Department of the State Services, Niger State Command, were arraigned for unlawful preaching and illegal operation of Islamic school in the state.

On this premise, they were yesterday arraigned on two count charge under section 23 of the Islamic Preaching of the State Sharia Law that makes it mandatory for Islamic school and preaching to operate with licence .

The leaders of the arraigned group who pleaded not guilty ,were Mohammed Abubakar, Musa Hamza, Yusuf Usman, Aliyu Mohammed, Abubakar Hamza, Umaru Mohammed, Alfa Mohammed and Aliyu Abubakar .

The state counsel,Barrister Sulieman Buhari was against bail of the leaders of the group, arguing that investigation on the source of funds for the group was on going and they are likely to interfere if granted bail.

The lawyer argued that it was imperative for the DSS to investigate the source of the funds in their accounts because of prevailing security situation in the country.

Earlier,the defence counsel, Barrister Aliyu Ebo, had applied and argued for the bail of the accused persons, insisting that the offence for which they were charged was bailable in accordance with the law.

In her ruling on the bail argument, the Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Maimuna Talatu Abubakar ordered that the suspects be remanded in Minna prison.

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STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

photo news

BUILDING COLLAPSE: 1 Killed, Others Injured

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

An uncompleted building at Okegbo village in Ikorodu area of Lagos State has collapsed yesterday, killing one person and injuring several people.

A man who identified himself as Kamoru, said the building was for a poultry farm, before its owner decided to construct a story building on it.

Kamoru said six people were allegedly working on the site when it caved in.

Another source who did not disclose his name alleged that three of the construction workers, Olaoluwa Olayinka, Mubarak and Yaya ,were trapped in the debris.

He said Mubarak and Yaya have been rescued while Olayinka died.

Policemen attached to Shagamu Road police station and other rescue workers, including officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Lagos State Fire Service, were at the scene to assist.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad; minister of works, Arc Mike Onolememen; former minister of national planning, Dr. Shamusudeen Usman and Alhaji Ali Kumo during their vist to the minister in Abuja, yesterday.

Death: Auto Accident Claims 4

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Four persons were feared dead in Ilorin, Kwara state when a tipper lorry crushed them in a multiple accident.

According to an eyewitness account, the accident occurred around Olorunsogo, Danialu area of Upper Gaa-Akanbi at about 5pm yesterday, following the tipper lorry’s brake failure.

It was learnt that the brake failure resulted in multiple crash as other vehicles on the road were badly damaged.

Similarly, two tricycles were said to have been completely damaged.

Our reporter also gathered that four persons including two commercial motorcycle riders, one passenger and a pedestrian were crushed at the spot.

Some passersby were also said to have

been trapped and sustained injuries.

The injured, our reporter gathered, were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital where they are currently undergoing medical treatment.

The tipper driver, it was learnt, upon realizing the gravity of the accident and possible consequences, fled the scene to avoid mob attack.

It was gathered that the damaged vehicles and the tipper were taken to A Division of the Kwara State Police Command for necessary investigations into the immediate and remote cause of the incident.

When contacted, the spokesman of the State Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident, but clarified that only one person died while four persons were injured in the incident.

L-R: Director of Information, Directorate of State Services (DSS), Ms. Marilyn Ogar; Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba; spokesman of Defence Headquarters, MajorGeneral, Chris Olukolade and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar during the decoration of Mba with his new rank of assistant commissioner of police in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE

VANDALiSation: Police Arrest 4 Suspected Cable Vandals, 1 Escapes

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The Police in Warri metropolis, Delta State, have arrested four suspected cable vandals while one of the gang of five persons escaped.

Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, who disclosed this to journalists, said the police surveillance patrol team received a distress call from a member of Enerhen vigilante group informing them that they sighted five suspected armed criminals carrying a heavy armoured cable wire along the road.

Based on the information, she said the team swiftly moved to the scene and arrested one Julius Iburhe, Solomon Odafenre, Goodluck Okubiero and Destiny Stephen while one escaped.

The Police PRO said the items recovered from them include; armoured cable wires and a cable cutter.

She said investigation was in progress while efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspect.

The suspects, according to her, would be made to face the full wrath of the law at the conclusion of investigation.

L-R: Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike; Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu; Registrar/Chief Executive, JAMB, Prof. ‘Dibu Ojerinde and Abia State governor, Theodore Orji at the commissioning of the new JAMB state office building in Umuahia. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

Cannabis: Female Lawyers Weep As Accused Bags 3 Years Osa Okhomina,Yenagoa

There was mild drama at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday, following the shedding of tears by female lawyers over the sentencing of a 26- yearold man, Peter Okoh, to 30 months in imprisonment for illegal possession of two kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa popularly known as Indian Hemp.

Okoh, from Delta State, who changed his plea from not guilty to guilty yesterday, received open sympathy from the female lawyers, when the judge was reading the

provided minimum sentence of 15 years for such crime as illegal possession of drugs.

Justice I.E.Ekwo,who was not moved by the tears from the female lawyers and the accused, conducted an accelerated hearing into the charge with the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) presented as witnesses.

The key witness of the NDLEA and staff officer, A.Edwin, told the court that the accused was arrested on the 26th of February,2014 by two operatives of the agency identified as Ebitah Courage and Wellington Emmanuel.

L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Anthony Dike; legal adviser, Prof. Abiola Sanni and council member, Justina Okoro, during a meeting of the members of the institute in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by OGOH JOSEPH

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

News north-central 13

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

2015: Nasarawa APC Delighted Over Maku’s Candidacy

By DONATUS NADI, Lafia

There is suppressed delight in the camp of the Nasarawa State chapterof the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the possibility of the emergence of Mr. Labaran Maku as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the gubernatorial race in the forthcoming general elections.

This is coming on the heels of the reports that the PDP in the state had zoned its governorship slot to the northern senatorial district where Mr. Maku comes from with the intention that he emerges party’s flag come 2015.

A cross-section of APC chieftains who spoke to LEADERSHIP were of the opinion that Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura, who is the anointed flag bearer of the APC, would have a smooth sail given the low pedigree of Mr. Maku’s acceptance among the electorate coupled with his recent per-

short news 100 Lives Lost To Auto Accidents Weekly –FRSC The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has disclosed that 100 lives are lost weekly to road accidents in Nigeria.

The commission blamed the avoidable carnage on the nation’s high ways on human error.

Deputy Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi made these disclosure while featuring on a radio programme in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital .

He added that most of the fatal crashes on Nigerian roads occurred between noon and four o’clock in the evening which is the peak period at which motorists ply the roads .

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

ceived public image as a champion of tribal politics.

In his analysis, Alhaji Abubakar Sandaji, who is the special adviser to Governor Al-Makura on revenue generation, said Maku is yet tocarve a niche for himself in the political ecosystem of the state, noting that he has always rising to political renown through the singular efforts of his political godfather, Senator Solomon Ewuga.

He stressed that even his kinsmen were always irked by his insistence to contest against Senator Ewuga at any given chance given Ewuga’s pedigree as the most acceptable politician who is regarded as representing the aggregated interest of the Eggon man.

Alhaji Abubakar Gada Mohammed, on his part, said it would be a welcome development for Maku to use his closeness with the president to secure the PDP’s ticket because it will invariably brighten the chances of the APC.

Wada Joins Campaign For Sickle Cell Eradication

short news

Wife of Kogi State governor Hajia Halima Wada has urged everyone to break the sickle cell cycle by encouraging their relatives, friends and wards to ascertain their genotype status before entering the institution of marriage.

Mrs Wada, who was represented by Lareity Abubakar, the coordinator of Kogi Women Empowerment Network (KOWEN), stated this during the celebration of World Sickle Cell Day in Lokoja.

She said as the grand patron of Hope Aglow for Life and Children Health Initiative, the only sickle cell organisation in the state, she joins the association to celebrate 2014 World Sickle Cell Day and advised everyone to join the association’s campaign to break the sickle cell cycle all over the world.

The director of the organisation, Dr Patricia Medupin, who is the organiser of the World Sickle Cell Day in Lokoja, said a sickle cell disease-free Nigeria is possible but it begins with everyone getting involved.

The director said her key message to mark the 2014 World Sickle Cell Day is that all should join the race to break the sickle cell cycle, by ascertaining their genotype before getting involved in a relationship, and by showing love to people with sickle cell disease.

Ahmed Reshuffles Cabinet, Appoints Ayeni As Deputy Chief Of Staff

Sam Egwu, Lokoja

The Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the appointment of Hon. Christopher Ayeni as the new Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House in a minor cabinet reshuffle.

The Secretary to State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who announced the changes in a statement issued in Ilorin, said Ayeni, the former Senior Special Assistant, Agriculture, replaces Mr. Leke Ogungbe who is now the Special Adviser, Budget Monitoring.

Ayeni was a one time deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

L-R: Kogi State first lady, Hajia Halima Ladi Wada, receiving an award for her commitment to society from Hajia Rekiya Momoh Abaji, in Lokoja, Kogi State. PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE

NSA Orders Probe Into Tambuwal’s Harassment

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) yesterday ordered a panel to investigate the alleged harassment of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, on Monday, by some soldiers in Kaduna when he was on his way to attend a seminar his office was organising.

According to reports, the speaker had arrived at Hotel Seventeen, venue of an ongoing international conference on security and development at 9:16 am ahead of other VIPs, and was stopped from gaining immediate access into the ho-

tel premises by the soldiers with his official car.

All attempts made by his security details to convince the soldiers to stop the embarrassment were futile and this reportedly forced the speaker to leave his car and walk to the venue, leaving behind his official car with the full complement of the speaker’s flag and insignia of his office.

An informed security source disclosed to our correspondent that the NSA has apologised to the speaker and has set up a threeman panel from his office to investigate the matter.

“The NSA was not happy with

the embarrassment of the speaker. He apologised to him and promised to investigate the matter with a view to sanctioning those who were involved, and to fulfil this promise, he has set up a three-man panel to investigate the incident, and on or before Friday, the panel is expected to submit its report,” the source disclosed.

According to the source, “The panel is expected to see the GOC in Kaduna to know if the so-called order originated from him or and those soldiers on duty at the spot where the speaker was embarrassed would face the panel as well.”

Pankwal Bogghom Stool: Death Penalty: I40 Minors Get Moratorium Court Nulifies Jang’s Request

By BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi,

The Head of Office of the Advocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) and Lawyers Without Borders France, Angela Uwandu said yesterday that over 140 minors and detainees have their death penalty put on hold.

Uwandu stated this yesterday in Makurdi during the fourth practical workshop by the Saving Lives Project organised for judicial actors on abolition of capital punishment.

According to her, ASF is funded by the European Union with the objective of strengthening the role of lawyers to fight against death penalty, torture and other inhuman, cruel or degrading pun-

ishments.

She noted that the law was sacrosanct and explicit on the restriction of minors to capital offenses and death penalty, stating that the issue which is contravened in the country, requires urgent redress.

Speaking on the lawyers’ competence to defend capital punishment cases, Uwandu explained that the organisation had engaged legal practitioners who are seriously working to provide legal and free judicial assistance to prisoners faced with death sentences. She added that the moratorium on the execution of death sentences was imposed in 2004 and meant to pave way for an abolition of the death penalty and that it is still in place.

By ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

Plateau State High Court on March 27, 2013, quashed the purported suspension and nullification of the appointment of Pankwal Bogghom, Alhaji Shehu Suleiman, by the Plateau State governor Jonah David Jang.

Jang, on resumption of office in 2007, suspended the chiefdoms in all the 17 local governments created by an edict of the Plateau State House of Assembly during the reign of his predecessor, Chief Joshua Dariye.

All other chiefdoms af-

fected by the announcement resigned to their fate but Alhaji Shehu Suleiman and the President of the Bogghom Development Association (BDA) summoned the courage and approached the court seeking declaration that the governor’s action was wrong and that his suspension be lifted with all his entitlements paid to him.

Among the reliefs sought by the plaintiff included a declaration that the cancellation of his selection as Pankwal Bogghom by the governor of Plateau was unlawful, null and void.

14 NEWS/BUSINESS

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

business news

NSE Market Capitalisation Rises By N54bn

BY Olushola Bello, Abuja

Transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday closed on a bullish trend with the market capitalisation appreciating by N54 billion.

It rose by N54 billion or 0.39 per cent to close at N13.783 trillion against the N13.729 trillion achieved on Monday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index, which opened at 41,577.47, appreciated by

163.05 points to close at 41,740.52.

Nigerian Breweries led the gainers’ table, appreciating by N4.98 to close at N175 per share. MRS trailed with N3 to close at N70, while Dangote Cement rose by 75 kobo to close at N228.25 per share. Lafarge Wapco garnered 64 kobo to close at N110.65, while Guinness gained 60 kobo to close at N180.60 per share.

Conversely, Seplat led the laggards’ chart dropping N9 to close at N675 per unit. CAP lost N1.50 to close

at N40.50, while GlaxoSmith and Okomu Oil dropped by 99 kobo each to close at N65.01 and N32.26 respectively. Ashaka Cement depreciated by 93 kobo to close at N29 per share.

Transcorp was the most active stock with a turnover of 203.85 million shares worth N1.14 billion, followed by Oando with 83.30 million shares valued at N2.84 billion while Wapic Insurance traded 45.8 million shares worth N34.17 million.

CBN Rolls Out Cashless Policy July 1

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

As part of preparation towards the roll out of the cashless policy throughout the 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) from July 1, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has waived charges on excess withdrawal for both corporate and individual customers in 30 states. The charges are on excess withdrawal of N50,000 for individuals and N3million for corporate bodies.

The CBN also notified all stakeholders and the general public that the phase three of the policy’s implementation will commence as scheduled on July 1, 2014, in the remaining 30 states of the federation, having successfully completed phases one and two in six pilot states and the FCT.

The apex bank noted that as was the case in the pilot states, a oneyear waiver has been granted on the application of withdrawal charges in the 30 states slated for rollout in phase three. “This means that withdrawal charges will continue to apply to transactions above the specified limits in Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“But charges on withdrawals for both individual and corporate account holders will only take effect in the 30 states from July 1, 2015. This waiver is to allow ample time for the deployment of adequate infrastructure needed to support the policy as well as additional sensitisation of various stakeholders on the merits of the policy,” the statement read.

Court Stops PENGASSAN From Holding Delegates’ Conference OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The National Industrial Court (NIC) sitting in Lagos has restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from holding its delegate’s conference scheduled to hold yesterday and today.

Justice Kenneth Amadi granted the interim injunction following a suit filed against the PENGASSAN by two members of the Chevron branch of the association, John Nwanosike and Jonathan Omare, over alleged breach of their rights.

Specifically, the court barred the PENGASSAN from holding any delegates conference until the substantive suit is determined.

Joined as defendants in the suit are: the PENGASSAN, its Chevron Branch, Esanubi Frank and Ayanate Kio. The plaintiffs are urging the court for an order restraining the defendants from holding any delegates’ conference, pending the determination of the suit. They had initially filed the suit before a Federal High Court in Lagos, but had filed a notice of discontinuance, following an objection raised by the defendants.

The defendants had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the suit which they claimed was labour related. The plaintiffs then instituted a fresh suit before the NIC by way of ex-parte application, seeking similar reliefs.

The court had adjourned the case to June 30, for hearing of the motion on notice. In their affidavit in support of the suit, the plaintiffs averred that they were duly elected as delegates to the PENGASSAN conference, adding that their tenure was valid for a term of three years. They averred that the defendants, cancelled their names as delegates before the expiration of their tenure, thereby denying them the right to vote and be voted for at the conference.

They averred also that in a bid to prevent them from exercising their franchise, the second and third defendants set up a disciplinary committee to try them after they expressed the fear that their rights were been trampled on.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Special assistant to the General Counsel, US Department of Commerce, Julie Wenah; project manager, Energy USAID, Emeh Okon, and senior counsel, US Department of Commerce, Nnamdi Ezega during the Power Africa Workshop held in Abuja. Photo By ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

FG approves transfer of PHCN pensioners to PTAD

BY Chika Izuora, Lagos

The federal government (FG) has approved the transfer of the management of over 20,000 PHCN pensioners from the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Ltd/Gte (NELMCO) to the Pension Transition Arrangement Department (PTAD) established under the Pension Reform Act, 2004.

The FG, under the previous arrangement, owed the pensioners under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners NUP (Electricity Sector) N4.5 billion monthly pension since March, while some were not paid since February.

The managing director, NELMCO, Mr Sam Agbogun, who revealed this yesterday at the NELMCO/PTAD/ NUP stakeholders’ workshop on the “Transition of the NELMCO NUP Pension Obligation (Electricity Sector) to Pension Transition Arrangement

Department (PTAD)” held in Benin, Edo State, affirmed that the pensioners are also owed gratuity, death benefits, outstanding electricity rebate, monetisation arrears, etc, running into billions of naira.

He attributed the challenge of late and delayed pension payment of the PHCN pensioners to capitalisation of PHCN pension’s provision as opposed to recurrent and inadequate budget appropriation.

He said the federal government came up with the transfer plan from the NELMCO to the PTAD to put an end to the irregular payments to the pensioners. The NELMCO was set by the federal government under the ministry of finance to aggregate all non-core assets of the PHCN, dispose of them and use the proceeds to pay liabilities.

“They are to aggregate all PHCN liabilities, verify and pay, manage the PHCN pensioners in the interim

and situate them in the appropriate special purpose vehicle among others,” Agbogun said.

The PTAD was established under the Pension Reform Act, 2004, to manage the payment of pensions under the old pension scheme, the Defined Benefits Scheme. According to the Act, the PTAD will exist and operate up till the last person under the old scheme dies.

According to Agbogun, huge finances deployed by the FG to fighting insurgency and other security challenge in the country affected pension payments to pensioners.

While allaying their fears, Abogun explained that following the reoccurring challenge that has led to inability to promptly pay the PHCN pensioners, the Board of NELMCO in its last board meeting resolved and directed that their payment and management obligations be transferred to (PTAD) within three months.

CBN To Auction N135bn Treasury Bills Today BYFriday Atufe, Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will today issue a total of N134.57 billion treasury bills in 91-day, 182day and 364-day instruments.

The auction is coming on the heels of the maturity of treasury bills worth N134.57 billion.

The auction will be done for a total of N21.538 billion, N31.838 billion and N81.190 billion in the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day instruments respectively.

Speaking on the outlook on yields, analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, a dealing member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange said, “We analyse the current yield environment in light of the outcome of the previous auctions on the respective instruments.”

They observed that since the last auction on June 18, yields on fixed income instruments have declined by 0.25 per cent across instruments and tenors.

They held that while yield on the 91-day instrument has advanced by 0.03 per cent, yields on both the 182-day and 364-day instruments have declined by 0.21 per cent and 0.17 per cent, adding that demand for treasury bill instruments has persisted since the last auction despite the shrinking liquidity position in the market precipitated by the CBN’s resumption of the OMO auctions coupled with increased RDAS volumes.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

15

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

We Handed Over Missing Plane To Cameroon – NAMA

Abuja Centenary City To Gulp N2.4trn

BY NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos with agency

The Abuja Centenary City Project will gulp N2.4 trillion ($18.6 billion).

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Eagle Hills, the official developer of the city, Mohammed Al-Abbar, who disclosed this while speaking at the ceremony, also hinted that the city is expected to be completed within 10 years.

Speaking at the event, President Goodluck Jonathan, who performed the ground breaking ceremony, noted that the centenary city will kick off with a 10-storey building and added that the concept of the city will include

report

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said it has no further information regarding a four-seater plane flying from Nigeria to Gabon via Cameroon which disappeared yesterday, according to report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The plane, owned by the United States company, Global Aviation, took off from

JAIZ Bank Donates N10m Items To Boko Haram Victims

BY Kareem Haruna, Mai-

duguri

JAIZ Bank has donated relief materials worth about N10 million to victims of Boko Haram in Borno state.

The donation, which came through the bank social responsibility outreach called the JAIZ Foundation, was presented to the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, yesterday at the Government House Maiduguri.

The donation would be the second major corporate donations made to Borno State government in support of Boko Haram victims.

The branch manager, JAIZ Bank in Maiduguri, Alhaji Baba Ali Bukar Petrol, said the materials are part of the corporate social responsibility of the bank. He said the bank was impressed by Governor Shettima’s courage in leading the state despite the daunting challenges posed by insurgency.

Items donated comprised 200 bags of grains, 1,600 pieces of clothing materials for both men and women, 660 gallons of groundnut oil among others consumables and domestic items.

Governor Shettima, who took delivery of the items on behalf of the targeted group, said the Borno State Government would not forget corporate organisations like the bank and Dangote Foundation for identifying with the people of the state in their time of need.

Kano at 1800 hours on Monday en route Libreville, in Gabon, where it was scheduled to arrive at 2300 hours, after a stopover in Douala, Cameroon.

However, the station said that the plane, with only the American pilot on board, did not make it to Douala.

It said the last contact the plane had with the control tower was in Mongo, which is two hours flight from the Cameroonian economic capital.

BY George Agba, Abuja

presidential archives.

“It will be a city of elegance, unity and hope. We want Nigerians to appreciate our journey of 100 years,” Jonathan said.

He expressed delight that what started as a dream was now becoming reality, adding that “we are developing the city for security, and to be free trade zone.”

Also speaking, the chairman of the Centenary City Plc, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the project will create 69,000 jobs and 250,000 construction jobs.

He noted that the city is being designed in a way that ranks it among the big cities in

the world and that the model unveiled was in line with that vision.

According to him, “The board had worked diligently in concluding the first phase of the project,” adding that the issue of compensation of the indigenes was still ongoing.

Abubakar added that Sterling Partners was appointed as legal advisers, Price Waterhouse Coopers as financial consultants, while the official marketers for the centenary activities is Messrs DDB, Lagos.

On his part, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, said

his ministry would be working hand-in-hand with the the group to ensure high quality infrastructure in the area. It will also maintain five per cent equity share in the project.

Bala said while all certificates of occupancy have been issued, the administration does not expect any hitches in the execution of the project.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, noted that the city is not a housing estate but an economic project which Eagles Hill properties has the sole responsibility to fund at no cost to government.

17

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

W

e the undersigned heartily felicitate with you on your ascension to the throne of your ancestors as the 14th Emir of Kano.

We are conďŹ dent that considering your innumerable record of positive achievements, this appointment would further drive you to foster the much needed peace,unity and overall development of the Emirate, it's people and the nation in general.

We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Household of Ibrahim Dabo and the entire people of Kano Emirate over the loss of our father, The Late Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero (CFR, LL.D, JP). May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdausi.

Once again, congratulations.

His Royal Highness

Muhammad Sanusi II, CON Emir of Kano

Signed: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Usman Ndayako (Madamin Nupe) Mustapha Kabir (Yeriman Katagum) Mohammed Yusuf Lere (Sa’in Lere) Ahmed Abdullahi Mohammed Musa Saulawa Dahiru Ado Ahmed Rilwan Mohammed Lawal Inuwa Dahiru Baba Hamidu Ahmadu Sule Katagum

11 Mohammed Kashim (Shettiman Borno) 12 Murtala Aliyu (Matawallen Gombe) 13 Idris Mohammed (Madakin Jen) 14 Shehu Abubakar 15 Mouftau Baba Ahmed 16 Shehu Usman Dikko 17 Senator Sanusi Daggash 18 Lawal Yusuf Aboki 19 Aliyu Ahmed Joda 20. Kabiru Dankabira Suleiman

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Dr. Tajuddeen Umar (Ciroman Katagum) Mohammed Ahmed (Sarkin Yaki) Hon. Umar Kibiya Gen. Abdulkadir Gummi Gen. Usman Abdulkadir Mallam Abdullah Sada Mallam Aminu Nabegu Yusuf Pam Aminu Dikko Usman Abdullahi

18 INTERVIEW /BUSINESS There seems to be increased attention on the SMEs by Nigerian banks, what has prompted this?

SMEs are the backbone of any economy and the largest employer of labour. In most economies, SMEs contribute well over 50% of the GDP. In Nigeria, the contribution of SMEs is not more than 10% based on available statistics and as such the SME market has not contributed optimally to the development of the economy.The implication of this is that there is a large room for growth. Hitherto, there has been a major focus on the upper segment of the market by banks. Given the apparent saturation in the upper segment of the market, banks are beginning to look at the growth areas which are of course, the retail segment of which the SME sub-segment is a major component.

Are banks doing enough to help SMEs in the country giving the huge number of SMEs not captured in the formal sector of economy?

I believe a lot has been done but a lot more needs to be done by all stakeholders. On the part of government, Ibrahim I believe that an enabling environment should be created so that SMEs should thrive. Enabling environment in terms of regulation, policies and the necessary and critical infrastructure that would help them thrive. On the part of banks, it is largely around the provision of financing, financial advisory services, and capacity building in general. On the part of SMEs, they should organize themselves along their respective sub-segments with a view to boosting their individual and collective capacities.

Specifically, what provisions have FirstBank made to assist SMEs? On our part, we have reconfigured our engagement model with the SME segment. We have created a segment that is manned by relationship managers with the right skills and the right mindset to enable them to serve this segment of the market.We have set up SMEs’ Desk in all branches.

Also on the social media, we have a platform on which customers and indeed prospective customers can engage the bank in seeking and receiving information. We also provide funding under a structured arrangement to various segments in the SME market.

Are there specific segments in the SME market the bank is focussing on?

We focus on a wide range of subsegments. If you take the oil & gas sector for example, we support that sector in view of the tremendous

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

interview

SMEs Should Be Aware Of Banks’ Facilities For Growth – Ibrahim

One of the biggest challenges Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is accessing funds. In this interview, the group Executive, Retail Banking North of First Bank Nigeria Ltd, Abdulllahi M. Ibrahim, explains how his bank is assisting SMEs overcome some of these challenges.

EZRA IJIOMA was there.

opportunities brought about by the policy on local content. We also support agricultural activities such poultry, fish farming, and arable farming, services, education, light manufacturing and so on.

I believe a lot more should be done by all stakeholders for us to achieve the desired objective of strengthening the contribution from the SMEs to the GDP of this country

What has been the response of the different segments of the SME market to accessing funds and other financial services?

The responses have been very overwhelming. A key challenge though remains, which is that of awareness as to what is available and possible. We are addressing this by rolling out our SME conferences nationwide. We have already done one in Lagos, Ibadan and Prot Harcourt, and we are working on one in Kano this week, which will be followed by Kaduna and Abuja. With that, we believe we will create the much needed awareness for SME operators to understand that FirstBank has a lot to offer to help them grow their businesses.

What have been the tangible achievements of these conferences towards addressing the challenges facing SMEs in the country?

The conferences give the entrepreneurs the opportunity and platform to engageand interact with themselves, share ideas about what works and challenges experienced in the market. We also invited successful

indigenous entrepreneurs to come and share their ideas and experiences with other operators of SMEs that came for the conferences. We also took them through a session on identifying opportunities, writing business plans, strengthening their marketing activities including e-commerce, book keeping, human resource management etc. In addition, we showcased our product offerings to them in terms of credit products, in terms of other services that they would require. We also introduced our SME Toolkit to them which is available on our website. Overall, it is creating the much needed awareness that First Bank is indeed a partner in their activities.

Any initiative towards achieving financial inclusion?

Our wide network of branches has facilitated our efforts in supporting the drive towards enhanced financial inclusion. We are still rolling out branches in remote locations to enable the banking public to have access to banking products and services.

We have also introduced a product on mobile banking, branded as FirstMonie.

It is a product aimed at enhancing financial inclusion.

People without bank accounts can have e-wallets which they can use to transact business. We also have a programme of engaging schools and educating young

children on financial issues so that right from that stage, they begin to understand banking and financing.

Why should an SME operator choose FirstBank over other banks in the country?

First Bank has over the years worked with and supported the SME segment. As such, we have a lot of experience in supporting SMEs. To strengthen our presence in this segment we have rolled out a new SME engagement model.

The objective of this model is to ensure that we have an even better understanding of the segment so as to develop the appropriate financing products, financial advisory as well as other services.

Our wide branch network which gives us the required reach is also an important factor for consideration.

How has the bank increased access to funds for SMEs giving the general difficulty in accessing funds from banks?

In First Bank, we appreciate the fact that funding is a major challenge to growth and development of SMEs. Some of the reasons for this challenge are that the risk profile of a typical SME is high and the risk of default of repayment of loans may be high.

To lend to SMEs, you must be a lot more creative in designing lending products. To achieve this, we have come up with a number of credit products that typically will not require landed property.

A number of these products are aimed at supporting SMEs that are in the manufacturing sector for example to enable them acquire production equipment or operating vehicles, same with distributors of fast moving consumer goods and contractors of major companies and public sector principals.

What about interest rates on credits advanced to SMEs? We have products that have differentiated interest rates depending on the type of segment, the tenor of the loan, the nature of off-take arrangement etc.

Explain the differentiated interest rates.

In agricultural lending, we partner with the Central Bank to provide credit products, under structured arrangements. Pricing could be below ten percent. Others are at commercial rates which are variable as highlighted earlier.

Tell us more about the SME Connect website of your bank.

The SME Connect gives you access to the SME Toolkit which is a platform that enables SMEs to organise their business from the structure in terms of management, governance issues, raising of capital, record keeping, tax issues, business planning and other issues.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Environment

Feature

Adopting Stringent Environmental Measures To Curb Rising Sea Level

Mastering Technicalities In Cement Application As Panacea For Building Collapse

Page 21

Page 22

News FCTA Reconstitutes Urban And Regional Planning Tribunal Faulty Govt Policies, Bane Of Sustainable Infrastructural Devt - Experts Public Private Partnership Needed To Meet Housing DeficitMinister

20 HOMES & PROPERTY

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

home decor Dining Tables: Why Use Table Mats ?

Table mats are useful items both in the kitchen and dining room. Whenever you serve a meal, whether in the living room, dining room or that rare cozy breakfast in bed, a table mat will allow you to serve it in style while incorporating décor at the same time.

Without the table mat, your wooden tables will start looking dull and old too soon and your beautiful glass table tops will wear out due to constant scratches. The heat from hot plates and bowls will easily stain and ruin your table over time if there is no layer of insulation. Table mats will also protect your table cloth from getting dirty often, saving you the hassle of regular washing which contributes to wear and tear. In any case, it is easier to wash half a dozen mats than a whole table cloth.

A table mat will help to separate individual spaces on a large table, making it easier for you to arrange your plates, bowls and other cutlery. For formal arrangements that require specific setting of spoons, forks and knives, use table mats to help you arrange more accurately. Get that extra elegant appearance on your table by using mats.

Also, bring focus to your dining room by getting mats to incorporate décor. They come in different shapes, colours and textures to suite various tastes and can be used to brighten up a plain table or emphasise the colour scheme you have used in the room.

When purchasing your table mats, get the colours that will match with the table cloth, the furniture or the curtains.

You can decide to keep two sets of table mats – plain mats and patterned or colored mats. The former can be for everyday use while the latter can be saved for special occasions like wedding anniversaries, birthday parties, or simply when you are entertaining.

tips for decorating with table mats

Make mats the focus of your table decoration.

Use colours that match the table cloth.

Use colourful an or patterned mats for extra effect.

Place mats by each chair on the table, according to the number of chairs.

Use mats made from easy-to-clean material.

HOMES & PROPERTY 21

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Facts about RISING SEA LEVEL

Current sea ➊ level rise is about 3 mm/year worldwide.

Thirteen of the ➋ world’s 20 largest cities are now located on a coast.

Nearly 25% of the ➌ world’s popula-

tion lives within 62 miles (100 kilometers) of a shoreline, and this figure is likely to increase to 50% over the next 25 years as people flock to coastal cities.

Two-thirds of the ➍ world’s cities have

populations of five million or more living in at-risk areas that are less than 10 meter above sea level.

Some island nations ➎ risk the danger of

losing their freshwater supplies as sea level rise pushes saltwater into their aquifers.

With sea level pro➏ jected to rise at an

accelerated rate for at least several centuries, very large numbers of people in vulnerable locations are going to be forced to relocate. If relocation is delayed or populations do not evacuate during times when the areas are inundated by storm surges, very large numbers of environmental refugees are likely to result.

Edited by Catherine Agbo

Adopting Stringent Environmental Measures To Curb Rising Sea Level

By George Okojie, Lagos

Faced with major changes in the environmental, physical and terrestrial structures, global concerns seem to have been shifted to rising sea levels and other negative effects of climate change.

Thus, the 2014 World Environment Day with the theme, “Small Island Developing States and Climate Change,” celebrated recently brought to the fore the need to adopt proactive measures to tame the scourge of climate change manifesting in various forms.

Experts whose contributions were based on adaptation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) noted that the effects of climate change are already occurring on all continents and across the oceans.

Despite conferences held across the globe on climate change the panel observed that the world in many cases is illprepared for risks from a changing climate. They also reasoned that there are opportunities to respond to such risks though the risks would be difficult to manage with high levels of warming.

Tackling the issue at the World Environment Day forum organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Prof Ayo Omotayo of the Lagos State University said the current and future climate-change related drivers of risk for small islands during the 21st century include sea-level rise, tropical and extratropical cyclones, increasing air and sea surface temperatures and changing rainfall pattern.

He posited that the future risks associated with these drivers include loss of adaptive capacity and ecosystem services critical to lives and livelihood in small islands.

“Sea level rise poses one of the most widely recognised climate change threats to low lying coastal areas and islands. It

is virtually certain that global mean sea –level rise rate are accelerating,”Omotayo said, adding that adaptation to climate change generates larger benefits to small Islands when delivered in conjunction with other developmental activities such as disaster risk reduction and community based approaches to development.

“Adaptation and mitigation on small islands are not always trade-offs, but can be regarded as complementary components in the response to climate change. Examples of adaptation-mitigation inter-linkages in small islands include supply and use, tourism, infrastructure and activities, and function and services associated with coastal wetlands.

“The alignment of these sectors for potential emission reduction, together with adaptation, offer co-benefits and opportunities for a few of the identified small islands,” he emphasised.

He added that the ability of small to undertake adaptation and mitigation programmes and their effectiveness can be substantially strengthened through appropriate assistance from the international community and that there is also need to ensure that such assistance is not driving the climate change agenda in small islands.

Aware of the threats rising sea level poses to its environment, the state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello charged the residents to embrace the state environmental renewal programme aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

Bello stressed that it is sad that environmental challenges have been trivialised for long until the world began to witness unprecedented ecocatastrophes which has resulted in cyclones, tsunamis, global warming, flooding, diseases and other natural disasters.

Fun seekers by the beach side

“The consequences of the long neglect have however brought global leaders together from around the world in seeking for solutions to prevent future disasters,” Bello emphasised and urged Lagosians to desist from acts such as open defecation, burning of waste, discharge of spent oil in drains, dumping of refuse in drainages/channels, indiscriminate waste water discharge, building on drainage channels among other and embrace the state environmental renewal programme.

“Lagos state has continuously made the environment relevant through rigorous application of both adaptive and measures such as tree planting, climate change advocacy, drainage/channel construction and dredging, and zero tolerance for environmental nuisances.

“The dire consequences arising from the long neglect of the environment have therefore brought global leaders together from across Europe to America, Asia and Africa in the quest for seeking panaceas necessary for averting further disasters,” the

commissioner added.

Corroborating this line of thought the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duty, Dr. Wale Ahmed said, “the reality before us is that no nation, however large or small, developed or underdeveloped, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline. More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent.

“Drought and crop failures deepen hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive. This in turn affects productivity of the population and thus economic recession. The problems may seem daunting, but they are not insurmountable.

“The choice is ours, to form a global partnership to care for earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and diversity of life. The current reality of unsustainable pattern of development is largely threatening human existence and this has become a major source of worry to discerning minds around the world.”

22 HOMES & PROPERTY

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

11

the project ia an 11-storey building comprising a 5-star 89 apartments/ rooms and 23

2.2bn

the cost of the project has been estimated at N2.2 billion.

Mastering Technicalities In Cement Application As Panacea For Building Collapse

By George Okojie And Olushola Bello, Lagos

Although cement standardisation in Nigeria has recently become a vexatious issue that has pitched the product manufacturers and regulatory agencies against each other, experts have described developments in the sector as good.

As far as they are concerned, it has succeeded in drawing attention to grey areas hitherto neglected in the nation’s quest to find lasting solution to problem of construction failures and building collapse.

Apart from the standardisation issues, questions are currently being asked about technical application of the staple construction materials in order to discover the pitfalls in the entire system.

Interestingly, findings have shown that the bulk of the problems could be traced to the block moulders and masons who in a bid to maximise profit produce substandard blocks LEADERSHIP checks showed that 60 per cent of blocks manufacturing industries in Lagos and Ogun State use one 50 kg of cement irrespective of the product to produce between 38 9inches and 45 6inches vibrated blocks.

Rafiu Badejo, a mason in Olowora–isheri, a Lagos–Ogun states suburb said, “we use 50kg bag to make 38 or 45 blocks, sometimes 50 for 6inches if we mix the cement with sharp sand together very well, especially in the morning when the body is still very strong. But if it is soft sand, it is 45 blocks maximum.

If we use machine, it is still 45 of 6inches of vibrated block and 38 inches of 9inches.”

Probed on the right number

of blocks that can be produced from the ubiquitous 50kg bag of cement, Davidson Ifedayo, a professional builder said everything is wrong with the current number of blocks produced by the block industries that produce such high number of blocks from a 50kg bag of cement.

He said, “in our professional associations and even when we come together on site for building production process, we agree that the maximum number of good and load bearing blocks that can be made from a 50kg bag of cement irrespective of the maker of the product should not be more than 30 6inches and 25 of 9inches.

“In a situation where the block industries decide to do something else to please their pockets, what you have is a case of building collapse. Whether you mix the blocks with sharp, soft or erosion sand, the cohesive capacity of cement should not be overstretched.”

The foregoing appears to have informed statements by the management of Dangote Cement that the type of sand used in mixing cement to mould blocks is a major challenge in the industry.

Regional Manager, marketing services of the company, Johnson Olaniyi said the company knew about it while training block moulders nationwide.

He said the type of sand used does affect the quality of blocks moulded for building houses, as well as those on display for people to buy.

“We discovered that the type of sand used by moulders determines the quality of blocks being moulded. This is very challenging because there are good, fairly good and bad sand in different locations.

A block industry

“Unfortunately, majority of those involved in block molding feel that they do not need training on their job,” Olaniyi said, emphasising that block molders need to be trained on the best way to use cement, to make quality blocks and that controlling and organising this segment of the industry would help to verify the quality of cement being produced in the country.

While noting that the quality of cement as widely claimed is not the cause of building collapse, he attributed the problem to how those using the cement apply it, explaining that most people do not know that apart from the quality of sand, the type of water used in mixing cement for concrete works or block moulding could also reduce its strength when eventually produced.

Olaniyi noted that this was the reason block moulders, masons, builders, homeowners, contractors and developers are always advised to use only drinking water in mixing cement.

On his part, an official of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, (LSTML), Michael Oyeweso, said the first point of correcting the pitfalls inherent in the value chain of cement usage was for the consumers and professionals using the product for block moulding or whatever purpose to know the quality of good cement before insisting on the grade.

“The obvious implication is that when you insert your hand

in a cement bag, it should give a cool feeling, it should be greenish-gray in colour and there should be no lumps or dust in the cement.

“There is also a simple process of knowing fake cement, if you throw a small quantity of cement in a bucket of water, the cement should float for a few minutes before it sinks. The immediate sinking of cement indicates the presence of impurities,” he explained.

He also pointed out that even though people purchase the best quality cement, it’s necessary to ensure proper storage to avoid the destruction of quality, saying such measure it is important that cement bags are placed close together to reduce air circulation.

For the Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc, Mr. Joe Hudson there is no substandard cement in the country.

He said, “In alignment with all relevant professional bodies and agencies, including Standards Organisation of Nigeria, I say categorically that there is no sub-standard cement in production in Nigeria.”

Hudson said there was need to be cautious on the clamour for the ban of the 32.5 grade of cement in the country, saying the 32.5 grade of cement had its usefulness and could not be classified as substandard, adding that cement is only a component of concrete and therefore, cannot be the root cause of building collapse.

In a situation where the block industries decide to do something else to please their pockets, what you have is a case of building collapse

news

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

23

Faulty Govt Policies, Bane Of Sustainable Infrastructural Devt Experts

A building under construction

FCTA Reconstitutes Urban Regional Planning Tribunal

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The Federal Capital Teritory Administration (FCTA) has reconstituted its Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal, to be headed by TPL Ebenezer O. Lufadejun.

FCT Minister, senator Bala Mohammed while addressing members of the tribunal during their swearing in by Hon. Justice Salisu Garba of the FCT High Court, said one of the reasons for the reconstitution was to protect

the Abuja Master Plan and encourage harmonious development in the territory, noting that the Abuja Master Plan was developed to serve as a comprehensive framework for the orderly development of a new capital territory and there was the need for concerted efforts to preserve its sanctity.

While noting that one of the success stories of Abuja was its ability to attract people across the globe, he lamented that the resultant effects such as unauthorised developments,

changes in land uses, traffic congestion and inadequacy in waste management which had exerted a lot of pressure on the city infrastructure and the maintenance of the integrity of the master plan.

“The functions of the Tribunal are essentially to adjudicate on matters of contravention of the land uses between developers and the FCT Development Control Department, to assist in enforcement of standards/ regulations, settle disputes arising from resettlement

issues and act generally as an alternative dispute resolution institution in development matters,” Mohammed added.

Responding, the Tribunal Chairman said, “we are fully aware that the Tribunal would work to complement the efforts of the FCT administration in the enforcement of standards and regulations in line with the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act,” and promised that members will discharge their duties without fear or favour.

Public Private Partnership Needed To Meet Housing Deficit – Minister

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi has said that public private partnership is the key at bridging the 17million housing deficit plaguing Nigeria.

Speaking during the opening of the 8th Abuja housing show and housing development award with the theme, “Accelerating Ho u s i n g / I n f ra s t r u c t u ra l Development Through Public Private Partnership For Job Creation and Economic

Fortification”, the minister explained that the rapid rate of population growth and limited resources had affected the ability of successive administrations to adequately address the problem, also taking into consideration that other sectors apart from construction and housing compete for the revenue of the nation.

She said it was imperative that funds be mobilised from the private sector to complement government efforts at bringing the widening gap.

Eyakenyi informed the

gathering that major reforms are taking place in housing delivery and infrastructural development, adding that one of such reforms is to boost the performance of the public sector through public private partnership.

“This policy recognises that partnership between public and private sector is a key means of encouraging the private sector to participate actively in housing provision and infrastructural development.

The ministry is collaborating with all states government to

provide an enabling regulatory and financial environment that would facilitate optimum performance of the private sector in housing and infrastructural development.

The ministry will ensure that a sound legal framework protecting the interest of both parties in the partnership is provided, the source of finance is assured, accessible and sustainable and the facilities are efficiently and effectively costed, taking into consideration all the risks involved,” the minister added.

Engineers under the auspices of Nigerian Academy of Engineering have fingered faulty government policies as the reason for the decay of public infrastructure that dots the nation’s landscape and inability to sustain development of new ones.

This is just as they said such policies must be reversed in order to reposition the country for economic growth.

Immediate past president of the academy, Prof Ayo Ogunye stated this at the 2014 academy lecture and investiture of Prof Rafiu Salawu as the new president of the academy, held at the University of Lagos.

He also described as a paradox, the nation’s optimism about becoming one of the world’s largest economies through its industrial and manufacturing sector like China, while failing to recognise the role engineers play in sustainable infrastructural development.

“The truth of the matter is that engineers are able to work out a long-term strategy for what is best based on scientific rationale to analyse problems, evaluate means and alternatives and formulate achievable goals. This has resulted to the growth in the economy of China at 10 per cent a year for two decades. For Nigeria to develop it must depend on engineers, they have the best potentials to transform the nation’s economy,” Salawu emphasised.

George Okojie, Lagos

Again, Luxury Roof Tiles Bags Best Roof Company Award Abuja-based roof tiles company, Luxury Buildings and Accessories has again beaten other companies to bag the award of best roofing company at the 8th Abuja Housing Show.

This is the second time in a row the company will emerge winner, having bagged the same award at the 7th edition of the show held in 2013.

The company is reputed for its Feroof brand stone chip coated roof tiles and has won several other awards for the product, including the African Product Award, in 2013.

Managing Director of the company, Mr Sylvester Obinna who disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP said the award to be presented today, is an indication that property developers had come to accept the products as one of the best among its competitors.

“This award means a lot to us as a budding roof tiles company. It goes to show that builders especially in Abuja now know that we are one among, if not the best in the business.

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

24

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

NEWS/BUSINESS 25

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

FG Playing Pranks With Actual Subsidy Figures – PENGASSAN

By Michael Oche, Abuja

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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has said the federal government (FG)’s promises to create jobs through the efforts of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) has not yielded much dividends.

The union also said it is curious to note that two years after the FG dissolved the board of the Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) it is yet to reconstitute the board, stressing that what this means is that the FG has decided to run the agency alone without stakeholders input, thus, making it impossible to ascertain the amount of subsidy it claims for petroleum products.

Speaking in Abuja during its 4th triennial national delegates conference in Abuja, the president of the PENGASSAN, Babatunde Ogun, also said the actions of the federal government do not appear to engender confidence from the Nigerian people on its sincerity in the fight

against corruption.

He said, “Unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing the nation today as many graduates and skilled youths are roaming the streets in search of jobs. All the promises of government to create jobs through the efforts of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) has not yielded much dividends. It is a shame that the programme has not been well funded to make any meaningful impact.

Instead, government is politicking with the unemployment situation by releasing spurious figures of jobs they have created only on the pages of newspapers.

“The recent tragedy and death of job seekers in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment excercise is a sad commentary on government’s uncaring attitude to employment generation and youths empower ment.

Government needs to be focused on its economic diversification programmes and develop other sectors of the economy, stimulate

food security and alleviate poverty as well as reduce crimes by getting many youths to work.

“The actions of the federal government do not appear to engender confidence from the Nigerian people on the sincerity of the government in the fight against corruption.

Some have argued that the anti-corruption war is only fought on pages of newspapers while government carefully shields those perceived as ‘friends’ from prosecution.

Our call is for government to allow the independence of these anti-corruption agencies to enable them carry out their function without fear or favour.”

Speaking on the security situation in the country, Ogun said the sheer barbarity of attacks by killing innocent school children in their sleep and burning their school cannot be condoned by any nation.

He said, “The security situation in the country today is so abject that we seem to be in a perpetual state of war. Everywhere you turn, there are safety and security challenges.”

26 news north-East, north-west

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Kebbi Agog As New Emir Of Kano Visits State

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, was agog on Monday as the new Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi visited the city.

There was excitement in the air as residents of Birnin Kebbi thronged the Abdullahin Gwandu’s Palace to catch a glimpse of the new emir.

The emir and his entourage arrived the Emir of Gwandu’s palace in Birnin Kebbi around 3:30pm and were received by the emir of Gwandu, Maj. Gen.

Mohammadu Illiyasu Bashar, emir of Zuru, Maj. Gen. Sani Sami, Gomo II, representatives of emirs of Argungu and Yauri, emir of Gwandu’s councillors, district heads, traditional title holders as well as other dignitaries.

In his remarks at the palace, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said he was in Kebbi to pay homage to the emir of Gwandu after performing a similar exercise in Sokoto. He stressed the long existing cordial relationship between the two emirates of

Gwandu and Kano, promising to continue in the footsteps of the late Emir Ado Bayero. ‘’We are here to pay homage to the emir of Gwandu after doing so in Sokoto yesterday; this can be traced to history; the late emir of Kano, Sulemanu was handed the flag of authority by late Sheik Uthman Fodio, and since then, it has been the tradition for all my predecessors to pay homage to Sheik Uthman of Sokoto and his brother Abdullahin Gwandu. The visit is also meant to strengthen our rela-

tionship’’, he said.

In his own remarks, the emir of Gwandu, Maj. Gen. Mohammadu Illiyasu Bashar expressed profound happiness over the visit and averred that the visit reminded him of the cordial relationship and trust between the late emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi and the late emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Haruna.

Bashar prayed for the new emir to succeed and called on the people to be devoted to their religion, maintain peace and be loyal to their leaders.

Hajiya Maryam Umar, a housewife in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, is one of the beneficiaries of the empowerment package by a House of Reps member, Engr Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, for women groups in Zamfara State.

short news NGO Donates Drugs, Foodstuffs To Sokoto Leprosy Patients A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Give Care To Young Lives, yesterday donated foodstuffs, drugs and over N500,000 to leprosy patients in Sokoto State.

The donations, which included bags of rice, beans, essential drugs as well as cash, were handed over to the benefitting patients at the Amanawa Leprosy General Hospital.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

Shema Tasks Stakeholders On Peace

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Katsina State governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema has enjoined religious and traditional rulers to support the propagation of messages of peace as this is all that the nation needs to douse the tension created by the current security challenges.

Shema gave the charge during a oneday workshop on “Peace as Catalyst for Development” organised by Katsina State chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel of NUJ. He stressed the need for the rulers to preach the message of love and peaceful coexistence, and assured that his ad-

ministration will continually support security agencies in the discharge of their duties.

Shema, who spoke through the state commissioner of information, Husseini Garba Yanmama, urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies.

New Polio Case Discovered In Kano As Immunisation Continues

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

On what could be described as a major setback to several efforts by the relevant stakeholders in the health sector to end the spread of polio virus in Nigeria, a fresh polio case has again been discovered in Sumaila local government area of Kano State.

The new case puts the number of Wide Polio Virus (WPB) discovered this year in Kano at three, as the state government had in its first quarter review announced the discovery of two cases of polio disease in Gaya and Tarauni local government areas.

Disturbed by the development, the state government tagged some of the troubled local governments including Sumaila, Tarauni, Gaya, Minjubri, Tudunwada, Faggae, Bichi and Rogo as high risk areas needing special attention.

On factors to be considered before tagging a local government as a high risk

area, the state immunisation officer, Dr Sherrif Yahaya Musa, while speaking with a delegation of Journalists Against Polio (JAP) in Kano, listed the presence of WPB, Hard to Reach Area (HRA), higher number of non-compliance and border settlements as part of the conditions.

He attributed the new case discovered in Sumaila local government to the resistance of the parents, who according to available records, denied their wards access to both the house-to-house polio immunisation campaign and the routine immunisation exercise since January this year.

According to him, the situation made the child vulnerable to the polio virus and also poses serious risk to others within the environment.

When asked whether there is sanction for the technical personnel who failed to report or act on the persistent rejection of polio vaccine by the affect-

ed parents, Dr Sherif who is also a member of the fact-finding committee set up by the state government to investigate the matter, said the investigation is still going on and the recommendations of the committee will determine the next line of action.

He added that relevant stakeholders have engaged the traditional rulers in some areas where the problem of border settlement is still affecting the routine immunisation exercise.

“There are some settlements especially Rogo and Ikara between Kano and Kaduna states where they are having boundary issues; this does not enable us to know who is responsible to cover those areas. We also considered this as part of the major challenges, but now we do preimmunisation campaign to cover those areas with the support received from the traditional rulers in the areas,” he said.

Kano Govt Disburses N1bn Car Loan To Workers – HoS The Kano State head of civil service, Umar Shehu Minjibir has disclosed that the present administration in the state has disbursed N1billion car loan to workers in an attempt to ease their mobility problem.

In a press briefing held at the Conference Room of the Office of the Head of Service in commemoration of the 2014 Public Service Day, the head of service expressed gratitude to the state government for coming to the aid of the workers.

According to him, the Kwankwaso administration is the most labour-friendly considering the fact that there was never a strike action in the state in the past three years, arguing that it was as a result of its open door policy and consultation rather than confrontation with workers.

The Garkuwar Minjibir noted that transparency and accountability which are the cardinal principles of the Kwankwaso government are obvious considering weekly publications of the resolutions of the executive council meetings.

He also added that the state government was on the front line in paying the N18,000 minimum wage and in the prompt payment of workers’ salaries between 24th and 25th of every month.

Dr Minjibir commended the government for selling GP houses to workers and setting aside 500 newly constructed houses for interested workers to purchase.

He said that over 7,000 workers were recruited in the last three years by the present government, which also enhanced the salaries of the state health workers and increased minimum pension from N135 in the last administration to N5,000.

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

Katsina To Spend N6.5bn On Dams Katsina State government is to spend the sum of N6.5billion on the dredging of dams.

The amount which is less than the N7.1billion allocated for the same purpose in 2013, is part of the N9.4billion allocated to the water resources sector in the state’s 2014 budget.

Although details of the dams earmarked for dredging were not captured in the budget, observers have said that the amount would be spent on the dam projects under the urban water supply scheme.

A breakdown of the budget showed that the sum of N459, 464,986 is earmarked for rural water supply with N100million set aside for the improvement of sanitation and hygiene.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Imo Lawmaker’s Seat Threatened As Court Dismisses Case Against Predecessor An appeal court sitting in Owerri yesterday struck out case filed

by Professor Chudi Uwazurike, representing Okigwe south federal constituency in Imo State against his predecessor, Austin Nwachukwu, who prayed the court to discontinue hearing the earlier prayer by Nwachukwu claiming victory at the 2011 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the House of Reps.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, R.C Agbo struck out the case, insisting that the federal court is competent to continue the hearing the case.

Briefing journalists after the ruling at the court, counsel to Nwachukwu, Barrister Kelvin Nwufo described the ruling as good for the judiciary, stressing that his client is hopeful to get a fair judgement.

By Stanley Uzoaru , Owerri

news south-South south-East 27

Islamic Leader Berates CAN Over Attack On JNI

Says some of the 486 arrested Muslims are his tenants

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

Vice President-General of the Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Abubakar Orlu, has berated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for condemning the body’s reaction to the arrest and detention of 486 northern Muslims suspected to be Boko Haram members by the army in Aba, Abia State.

CAN, through its National Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, had condemned the claim by JNI

that the arrested Muslims were innocent and that they were going about their normal businesses while one of the wanted terror suspects was allegedly found to be among them, saying the claim is hasty and preposterous, and urged it to hands off security matters.

But, Orlu, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital yesterday, said the attack on JNI by the leadership of CAN was unwarranted and unnecessary, adding that a majority of those arrested are only Muslims that have nothing to do with Boko Haram.

The Islamic leader insisted that most of those arrested were traders and farmers who had lived with him for more than 20 years and urged security agencies to carry out their investigations and allow them to go.

He said, “So many of those arrested have been with me for more than 20 years as I speak.

I can identify them; they are no Boko Haram; they are purely Muslims and northerners. They are people who come here to do business, and when it is time for farming, they go back home and do their farm ing.

“After farming season, they

come back here; that is how they move. I have assured the country, especially South-South and South-East, that anywhere we have Boko Haram, we will fish them out. We cannot assume all Hausas today, or all Muslims today, are Boko Haram.

“We are pleading to the authorities; if you get a group of people suspected outside that zone, North-East, you have to search and let them identify themselves and then leave them to go. By saying that every Hausa man in this country is Boko Haram, it is annoying and that will bring bad image to this country.”

short news Fishermen Lament Incessant Pirate Attack

2015: Why Rivers South East Should Produce Amaechi’s Successor – Group A group, the Rivers SouthEast Renaissance Movement (RSERM) has said the clamour by the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District of Rivers State to produce a successor to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in 2015 is borne out of the fact that the district remains the only one that has not produced a governor in the history of the state.

The group said it would be right and equitable for the people of Rivers West and Rivers East senatorial districts of the state to support the quest by the people of the Rivers South-East, since they had produced governors at various times in the state.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Ekiti Guber: South-East Group Vows To Sweep Okorocha Out In 2015 As reactions continue to trail the outcome of the just concluded governorship elections in Ekiti State which was won by Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, the SouthEast Amalgamation for Jonathan/Sambo 2015 has vowed to use the same broom to sweep out the Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha next year.

In a press statement yesterday in Abuja, signed by its National Coordinator and former Commissioner of Information in Imo State, Nze Elvis , the group congratulated Fayose on his victory in the polls and said that by voting out Governor Kayode Fayemi, the Ekiti people had shown that they cannot be deceived by fake leaders.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

L-R: Former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, his wife, Mercy and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, during the thanksgiving service of the Secretary of conference, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Chibuzor Opoko, at All Saints Methodist Church, Nkata Ibeku in Umuahia. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA.

Ogonis Applaud London Court Ruling Against Shell

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

The people of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have hailed what they described as ‘landmark decision’ of the London Technological and Construction Court against multi-national oil giant, Shell.

The Bodo community in Gokana local government area of Rivers State had dragged Shell before the Technological and Construction Court over the oil spills of 2008 and 2009, which devastated their environment.

Justice Akenhead of the court,

in his ruling, held that Shell would be liable for the damage inflicted on individuals and communities even if the cause of such damage was sabotage done to its infrastructure, if it has failed to take enough steps to protect the assets including pipelines from vandalism as well as tampering.

In a press release issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, president of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, said the decision of the court was a new judicial movement towards holding Shell ac-

countable for all its decades of ecological war in the area.

Pyagbara said, “The ruling is not only courageous and relieving but also represent a new judicial movement towards holding Shell accountable for its decades of ecological war on our people.

“The decision is unambiguous and passed the message that Shell can no longer mask behind sabotage to deny the Ogoni and other oil bearing communities of the Niger Delta of their inalienable right to safe and clean environment, and compensation.”

Fishermen in the coastal communities of Ibaka, Ebughu Unyenge ,and Effiat in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State have raised the alarm over incessant attacks on them by hoodlums suspected to be pirates.

The fishermen said the attacks had caused them loss of properties and other valuables, such as boats, outboard engine and fishing nets.

They urged both the state and federal governments to stop the activities of the pirates.

One of the fishermen, Edet Amba, who said he lost two of his outboard engines to the pirates few days ago, told our correspondent who visited the area that the piracy, if not checked, would deny the fishermen and their family their source of livelihood.

By Bernard Tolani Dada Uyo

NDLEA Arrests 200 Drug Traffickers In Akwa Ibom

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 218 persons for drug trafficking in the last six months.

The state commander of the Agency, Mrs Comfort Obi, made this known yesterday in Uyo while briefing journalists on the activ-

ities marking this year’s World Drug Free Day. Obi revealed that out of the 218 suspects arrested, 203 are male while 15 were female. He also said that the agency seized assorted hard drugs weighing over 99.49kg.

She urged the people to always partner the agency in its quest to rid the state of drug abuse.

“The prevalence of illicit drugs across the globe has assumed a frightening dimension and the horrific effect of its consequence requires the collective effort of all and sundry.

“A major fall-out of the illicit trade and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic is the physical and physiological consequences of these drugs.

The lives and zest of able-bodied men and women who ordinarily should be the pride of the nation, their family and the nation are cut short or tragically compromised to the extent that they burden to their families and the society,” she stated.

Obi who commended the state governor Chief Godswiil Akpabio for his support to the agency.

28

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

29

30

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 31

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Apo Traders Protest Delayed Permanent Site Allocation

By Nkechi Isaac

Traders, under the auspices of Apo Traders Association, yesterday, held a peaceful protest at premises of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) to register their grievance over the delayed allocation of a permanent site for their business activities.

Speaking to journalists, the president general of the association, Chief

Chimezie Ife, said the traders closed down their shops and marched to the council to get answers on the delayed allocation which has dragged from 2011 till date.

Ife said, “we built shops in Apo which was demolished within 24 hours by the council in 2006 and since then they have been promising to relocate us to a permanent site. In 2011, we wrote to the FCT minister about the issue; he approved it

and directed the urban and regional planning department of the AMMC to provide a site for us.

Unfortunately they have not given us a tangible answer since then.

“We went to protest at the National Assembly on June, 2013, and they asked us to give them three months to get the papers for the land ready. The time elapsed September last year and we’ve not heard from them hence the protest.”

After a meeting between leaders of the association and officials of the council, the visibly relieved president general said they are happy with the outcome of the meeting.

He said, “we just came from a meeting where officials of the council have shown us some documents and how far they have gone with the new permanent site. They asked us to give them time to collaborate with other relevant FCTA agencies to

get the documents ready.”

According to him, “the protest was as a result of a breach in communication with the officials. If we were informed of the processes and the progress they have been able to make we wouldn’t have come out here to protest.”

In her remarks, the head of public relations unit of the council, Mrs Grace Zamani, said the protest was as a result of miscommunication.

She said, “It was a

communication gap. They kept coming and we were giving them updates but the person that came to us failed to relay the message properly to them. In actual sense everything is under process. it has to pass through the right channels and when we will make it available to them as soon as it is ready.”

She assured the traders that their shops will not be demolished until they are relocated to their permanent site.

FG Commissions Staff Housing Estates

By Nkechi Isaac

The federal government has commissioned five estates built for public servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its corporate social responsibilities.

The Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, during the commissioning of five housing estates financed by the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for fulfilling his promise of providing additional funds for public servants to complete their housing projects.

He said the completion of the project was made possible through the establishment of Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company.

The minister, who was represented by Engr. U.J. Jibril, encouraged the board to explore the new housing policy for more funding for the public servants housing scheme.

He used the occasion to appeal to the Head of Service of the Federation, Ahaji Bukar Goni Aji to ensure that he secured a large expanse of land along Kubwa road provided by the FCT in 2011 for the provision of mass housing which was highly beneficial to public servants in the FCT. Speaking earlier, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji thanked President Jonathan for the giant strides in the promotion of welfare of public servants which is a major component of the priority areas of his administration.

He noted that several housing policies had been instituted in the past by successive administrations, but could not achieve the desired result.

32 OPINION

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

online

reactions

Impeachment: Adamawa Lawmakers Defy Court Mohammed Iman Dirty politics! Nigerians must be careful!

25/06/2014 Soldiers Harass Speaker Tambuwal In Kaduna Abdullahi Abba Abubakar Nobody is above the law!

Raymond K. Okonne What do we stand to benefit from impeachment. May God deliver us from all these evil politicians.

Sulaiman Abba There is nothing wrong with checking Tambuwal’s car, especially in view of the insecurity in the country.

Abiodun Popoola If the allegations are true, something must be done.

Sulaiman Abba We are moving slowly into anarchy in this country, where the president can do anything he

Bello Haruna He must be impeached!

Keep up with updates on these stories @ www.leadership.ng You Can Follow Us On Twitter: @LeadershipNGA Facebook: Leadership Newspapers Google+: Leadership.NG Linkedin: Leadership Newspaper Blackberry PIN: 7530EC8C

Gumen Kill 39 In Kaduna Village

Godstime E. I concur, if they are not performing, they should be impeached!

Terwase Kpaakpa Politics of sentiments!

Emmanuel Ikegbunem With the allegations levelled against the duo, they should honourably resign and not wait until they are impeached and disgraced out of office.

‘100 Lives Lost To Auto Accidents Weekly’ Gov Nyako

Another 60 Women Abducted In Borno

Tambuwal

wants or wishes.

Aminu Momodu As far as I am concerned, checking Tambuwal’s car is not a harassment. Nobody is above the law. Good work, our soldiers.

Abiodun Popoola Security personnel should act without fear or favour.

Obama

UN, US Condemn Egypt For Jailing Of Al Jazeera Journalists Abdullahi Araga Injustice perpetrated by the very institution established to promote justice. What an irony!

Reuben Ayegba If the ‘order’ from above could do this to the speaker, their own party member, what will they not do to the opposition? If a crocodile could eat its own eggs, what will it not do to that of chickens.

Gov Shettima of Borno State

Chidi Ebere Goodluck Jonathan should be held responsible, while the state governor should be spared, right? Was it only GEJ took oath of office to protect lives?

Sulaiman Mallumbe Jonathan, bring back our girls.

Shekarau Salihu Maikeffi This is what loyal and good men get in return in Nigeria.

Jude Oriakhi God help Nigeria!

Luke Edemeraro Let the security do their jobs!

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issues 33

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

The Nigerian Equation And The Categorical Imperative Of National Ideology from one action to another. This applies to all Countries or Earth

By Yusufu Ameh Obaje as the citizens are beings and not things. Nigeria, therefore is not an The Nigeria of our collective exception and as a matter of fact, dream has remained a partial she cannot realize the dreams of mirage, characterized by endless being a Nation without a clearly struggle of one step forward and defined National ideology to two steps backward. It has been project the realization of the a Country of wasted natural dreams. and human endowments, Being as existence or essence unimaginable corruption, compels a country or Nation shattered hopes of largely of people to have an ideology confused citizenry, who are in order to develop her natural generally lavishing in abject resources and the overall poverty in an atmosphere of selfenvironment. Even the people inflicted insecurity, and in the themselves can only develop in midst of overwhelming God-given ideological mileux informed by resources. their ontological nature.

Our response to this challenge c. Its Anthropological Nature must include the development of National ideology is a product a most viable National ideology of humanity. It is an expression that will serve as the springboard of our individual and collective for all regional ideologies to take humanity. Human beings have off from and assist in fulfilling the no capacity to act or behave in goals of the region and the entire an ideological vacuum. All our Obaje Country as a whole. In this case, actions are based or rooted in we must advance our reflection on ideas, whether such ideas are national ideology creates restless the subject matter of the ongoing sound or weak. This applies also spirit of discordant notes among presentation to the examination to a body of people inhabiting citizens and consequently erodes of the imperativeness of National a country or a nation. It is the unity and peaceful co-existence. ideology. ideology of the people within In consequence of the spiritual a given geographical location nature of national ideology, The Categorical called country that determines a profoundly formulated one Imperativeness Of National the overall behavioural pattern has the capacity to unite our Ideology of the people. In the absence of a dear country, Nigeria. Our a.

Its Divine Nature clearly defined national ideology, seriousness and commitment to National ideology is people within a particular a well-defined national ideology categorically imperative because country or nation drifts from will undoubtedly go a long way of its divine nature. It is a product one extreme to another without to reunite our common spirit of divine initiative. God himself genuine transformation of lives and usher in a new era of our takes the first step to create ideas and society. There has to be a togetherness as Nigerians, in all creatures ultimately and that qualitatively defined ideology rendering selfless service and all actions of all creatures must be to guide the people and inspire celebrating our God-given predicated on ideas which inspires them to give their best for the country of abundant resources and drives their activities. The development of their country. and holistic transformation. foundation of any Nation is There is dire need for such an e. Its Religious Nature rooted on divine ideology or an ideology for Nigeria now if we National ideology has a idea which informs its creation. are to realize the birth of a New religious nature. It is always In other words, Nations exist on Nigeria of our collective dream. inspired by the fundamentals ideas which define what they are d.

Its Spiritual Nature of our religious beliefs. Human and what they are expected to live National ideology has a beings are by nature religious for in order to fulfil their National spiritual foundation. The spirit in a sense that there is always goal or destiny. Nations must in us inspires ideas. As a matter a conscious and unconscious discover and define what God of fact, we are not capable of response to the presence of the intends them to be or realize as building or rebuilding a nation Supreme owner and Lord of all their collective mission on Earth. without ideas inspired by our creation called the Almighty The absence of such a clearly spiritual nature as psychophysical God. Even the so-called atheist defined mission guarantees individuality. We are both spirit expresses the idea of unbelief underdevelopment in all areas of and body as humans and all our as an element of doubt and life. activities are informed by ideas frustration and not a denial of the b. Its Ontological Nature or ideology. But the truth of the One and Only God who cannot National ideology is a product matter is that ideologies that be genuinely denied by creatures of ‘being’ as against a ‘thing’. Here, are not consciously defined or that he created in his own image. we refer to ‘being’ as existence or critically carved out or specifically God himself impinges upon the essence. .It is within the nature formulated do not serve our consciousness of all creatures of ‘being’ to operate on ideas. ultimate interest or goal. Such that he is the ultimate Reality All actions of ‘being’ are dictated undefined ideas give birth to behind all creation. Religion is a by a body of beliefs or doctrines unexamined speculations, trials product of a divine idea, sustained which define, motivate, inspire, and errors in our attempts to by an idea and driven by an idea, guide or direct the movement of arrive at conclusions which will received by an idea which in turn being from one place to another, command or dictate certain contributes to the formulation from one level to another, from practical steps in life. of an ideology for living by a one position to another and The absence of well-articulated particular people. National ideology is fundamentally a of the religious faith of It is an expression of our individual and collec- product the people, who have vowed to tive humanity. Human beings have no capacity live a life of utmost submission to the Almighty God in love to act or behave in an ideological vacuum and selfless service to him and humanity as one family. from yesterday

f.

Its Political Nature National ideology is an imperative for a country because of its political nature.

Government is a product of ideas and the political world itself is ruled by ideas. It is the quality of ideas as enumerated by the people and applied by political leaders that guarantees the emergence of a great Nation.

There is no country without ideas and none can advance from being a country to the pinnacle of being a nation without quality ideas. The ideas or beliefs that are embodied in what we call national ideology define genuine politicians, reveal authentic political parties and drive the nation forward in the process of realization of a true transformation agenda for the people.

One can therefore understand why the political class in Nigeria is finding it so difficult to move the country forward. We lack the necessary ideology to guide and inspire them for more positive action on behalf of the people of this country. Politics without a clearly defined ideology is a game of political gamblers and there can be no meaningful coherency and consistency in political leadership and consequently no sustainable transformation. g.

Its Economic Nature National ideology has an economic nature. As a matter of fact, the economic development of a country is largely dependent on the quality of the country’s national ideology and the will to actualize the dreams of the ideological position. Ideas inspire our economic programmes and their implementation in view of the fact that every economic policy is a product of our proposition, concept or objective.

Our ideas dictate and drive

our production activities, our supplies, our consumption and our management of our resources.

Our national budget must be rooted in our national ideology and its implementation must also be inspired by it. Indeed, it is the absence of a critically formulated national ideology that has largely contributed to the weakness of our annual budgets and their half-baked implementation over the years. If we must do justice to the positive development and sustainable growth of our national economy, we must give priority attention to the development of a viable and authentic national ideology which will guide our struggle for economic emancipation of our people.

Its Social Nature h.

National ideology is imperative on account of its social nature.

It is rooted in the nature of our multidimensional relationships as it defines our relationships, sets the goal of our connectivity, guarantees the benefits of our association, energizes the bond of our links, sustains the cord of our interdependence, promotes the interests of our togetherness, inspires the spirit of our belonging and drives the united spirit of our relationships to its logical conclusion.

Obedience to societal rules and regulations are inspired by national ideology. One implication of this understanding is that maintenance of law and order in a country is virtually unrealizable without ideological foundation. The people of any given country require sound national ideology to create a culture of nationalism, patriotism and law-abiding citizenry. This is perhaps one area of our critical need today in Nigeria. As a matter of urgency, we must formulate our national ideology which will assist us in the promotion of our individual and collective loyalty to both God and our country, Nigeria. i.

It’s Cultural Nature National ideology can never be developed in a cultural vacuum, partly because culture itself is the sum-total of human behaviour. As such, national ideology must emerge out of a given culture of the particular people who constitute the citizens of a given country. At the same time, national ideology defines people’s way of life, directs the transformation of culture, inspires and drives culture to its desired destination.

Our cultural values are sustained by our national ideology as the contents of our ideological position not only demand the best from us but encourage us to live our lives accordingly.

TO continue TOMORROW

34

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Advertorial

NEWS!

Chibok Abduction: 'Presidential Fact-finding Committee clears Borno Government of blame'

I

n case you didn't, see cover story of yesterday's edition of ThisDay Newspapers, Tuesday, 24 June,2014, Vo l . 1 9 . N o 7 0 0 0 o r c l i c k o n http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/with56m-people-in-1970-nigeria-had-a-militarystrength-of-250-000-and-the-arsenal-in2014-with-170m-people-the-country-has100-000-troops-and-a-depleted-armouryhow-do-we-expect-to-defeat-boko-haram/181761/ What ThisDay investigations revealed as published: "...THISDAY gathered, that the Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the abduction of the schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in its report submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan last Friday indicted the military for the kidnapping of 276 female students from their school.

According to a source on the committee, the report by the committee led by BrigadierGeneral Ibrahim Sabo (rtd), came down heavily on the military for not responding to intelligence reports before the attack on the Chibok community and the abduction of the schoolgirls over 70 days.

The committee, which advised the federal government to keep its report classified for the sake of national security and so as not to jeopardise the release of 219 schoolgirls who remain in captivity, also said in the report that the military also failed to respond to the attack on Chibok because the soldiers were illequipped and ill-motivated.

Also, contrary to expectations, the factfinding committee absolved the Borno State Government of complicity in the kidnapping of the schoolgirls and failure to provide security at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, on the day of the attack as it was one of the five designated centres in Borno State for the West African Examination Council School Certificate (WAECSC) that was holding at the time.

The source on the committee further revealed that the report stated that apart from the 219 girls that remain in captivity, 57 who had at different times escaped, two policemen were also kidnapped on the night of April 14.

He said the report, however, stated that the two policemen who were kidnapped alongside with the girls had since regained their freedom when security forces attacked a village said to have been occupied by the Boko Haram sect.

When contacted on the issue, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, refused to discuss the report of the fact-finding committee, stating that it was a classified document and could not be commented on.

He explained that he was unaware of the findings of the committee report and as a result,

could not deny or confirm THISDAY inquiries.

However, a presidency source denied that two policemen were kidnapped alongside the girls, stating that the report of the committee never made a reference to policemen.

The committee was inaugurated by the president a few weeks after the abduction of the schoolgirls.

Its terms of reference included to liaise with the Borno State Government and establish the circumstances leading to the school remaining open for boarding students when other schools were closed; and to liaise with the relevant authorities and the parents of the missing girls to establish the actual number and identities of the girls abducted and to interface with the security services and the Borno State Government to ascertain how many of the missing girls had returned" ThisDay reported.

At last: The Fact-finding committee, made up of highly respected Nigerians that include serving

security officials that represented the military, police, SSS, security experts, representatives of international community, Nigerian based civil liberty organizations, journalists and other professional bodies as well as representatives of the National Council of Women Societies, Chibok community, the Federal Government and Borno State Government among others in the committee) has unveiled the truth as reported by the highly respected ThisDay Newspapers.

Now that conspiracy theories have been laid to rest, we expect a robust relationship between the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan and the Borno State Government under Alhaji Kashim Shettima to come together as a formidable team to work towards the rescue of our stolen daughters and combine efforts to defeat the REAL ENEMY, which is BOKO HARAM and not chase shadows. Both leaders should regard anyone that seeks further crisis between their interdependent Government as a deputy Boko Haram if not worse than the rreal Boko Haram.

Chibok

Signed:

National Movement in Defence of Boko Haram Victims and Peaceful Nigeria.

35

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA In furtherance of the transparency and full disclosure stance of the Central bank of Nigeria, the Monetary Policy Committee has decided that henceforth the lending rates obtainable in all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) be made public to guide business decisions. Consequently, find below the applicable rates for each of the DMBs as at June 20, 2014. The rates will also be available on the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Average Deposit and Lending Rates as at June 20, 2014 Deposit Rate S/N

NAME OF BANK

Demand Savings Deposit Deposit

Lending Rate

Time Deposit

Agriculture

Ave.Int Rate

Ave.Int Rate

Ave.Int Rate

Mining & Quarrying

Prime

Max.

Prime

Max.

Oil & Gas Prime

Max.

Manufacturing Prime

Max.

Real Estate & Const Prime

Max.

1

Access Bank

-

3.60

8.21

7.00

25.00

-

-

13.00

25.00

7.00

25.00

11.00

25.00

2

Citi Bank Nigeria

2.25

3.60

8.58

16.00

21.00

16.00

21.00

16.00

21.00

16.00

21.00

16.00

21.00

3

Diamond Bank

1.05

3.60

10.70

14.00

22.00

17.00

25.00

17.00

25.00

17.00

25.00

17.00

25.00

4

Ecobank Nigeria

0.01

3.60

9.97

19.00

30.00

19.00

30.00

17.50

30.50

15.00

30.00

17.50

30.00

5

Enterprise Bank Ltd

0.20

3.60

7.13

25.00

29.00

25.00

29.00

25.00

29.00

25.00

29.00

25.00

29.00

6

FCMB

1.05

3.60

12.25

17.50

26.50

17.50

10.55

17.50

25.50

17.50

25.00

17.50

25.50

7

Fidelity Bank

2.00

3.60

11.00

6.00

26.00

17.00

26.00

17.00

26.00

17.00

26.00

17.00

26.00

8

First Bank of Nigeria

-

3.60

9.14

9.00

24.00

20.00

26.00

20.00

26.00

20.00

26.00

20.00

26.00

9

Heritage Bank

-

3.99

11.48

22.00

27.00

22.00

27.00

22.00

27.00

22.00

27.00

22.00

27.00

10

Guaranty Trust Bank

0.50

3.60

7.40

7.00

25.00

22.00

25.00

15.00

25.00

4.00

25.00

10.00

25.00

11

Keystone Bank Ltd

1.41

3.24

7.98

n/a

n/a

19.00

24.00

19.00

24.00

19.00

24.00

19.00

24.00

12

MainStreet Bank Ltd

0.10

3.60

9.58

16.28

27.00

16.28

27.00

16.28

27.00

16.28

27.00

16.28

27.00

13

Skye Bank

-

3.60

10.26

14.00

14.00

25.00

28.00

25.00

28.00

25.00

28.00

25.00

28.00

14

Stanbic IBTC Bank

1.95

3.60

9.81

5.50

28.00

16.00

27.00

16.00

27.00

12.50

27.00

16.00

26.00

15

Standard Chartered Bank

-

3.60

7.50

13.00

16.00

13.00

16.00

15.00

19.00

16.00

20.00

13.00

16.00

16

Sterling Bank

1.25

3.60

8.37

7.00

26.00

16.00

28.00

16.50

27.00

16.00

27.00

15.00

28.00

17

Union Bank

0.50

3.60

8.24

20.00

20.00

22.00

25.00

22.00

25.00

22.00

25.00

22.00

25.00

18

United Bank for Africa

0.09

3.60

9.80

7.00

24.00

20.00

24.00

16.50

24.00

16.50

24.00

20.00

24.00

19

Unity Bank

0.5-1.00

3.00

3.5-11.00

24.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

20

Wema Bank

1.67

3.74

9.24

25.00

24.00

25.00

23.00

25.00

22.00

25.00

22.00

25.00

24.00

21

Zenith Bank

3.60

3.60

8.50

17.00

18.00

17.00

23.00

17.00

24.00

17.00

24.50

17.00

24.00

S/N

l 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

NAME OF BANK

Demand Deposit Ave.Int Rate 2.25 1.05 0.01 0.20 1.05 2.00 0.50 1.41 0.10 1.95 -

19

Access Bank Citi Bank Nigeria Diamond Bank Ecobank Nigeria Enterprise Bank Ltd FCMB Fidelity Bank First Bank of Nigeria Heritage Bank Guaranty Trust Bank Keystone Bank Ltd MainStreet Bank Ltd Skye Bank Stanbic IBTC Bank Standard Chartered Bank Sterling Bank Union Bank United Bank for Africa Unity Bank

20 21

Wema Bank Zenith Bank

16 17 18

Deposit Savings Deposit Ave.Int Rate 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.99 3.60 3.24 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60

General Comm.

11.00 16.00 17.00 15.00 25.00 17.50 17.00 20.00 22.00 13.00 21.00 16.28 25.00 13.75 13.00

25.00 21.00 26.00 33.00 29.00 29.50 26.00 26.00 27.00 25.00 26.00 27.00 28.00 28.00 16.00

14.00 17.00 11.00 25.00 17.50 17.00 20.00 22.00 8.00 19.00 16.28 25.00 16.00 17.00

25.00 25.00 30.00 29.00 19.95 26.00 26.00 27.00 25.00 24.00 27.00 28.00 26.00 20.00

15.00 16.00 17.00 15.00 25.00 17.50 17.00 20.00 22.00 12.00 19.00 16.28 25.00 16.00 13.00

25.00 21.00 25.00 30.00 29.00 25.50 26.00 26.00 27.00 25.00 24.00 27.00 28.00 27.00 16.00

15.00 16.00 17.00 17.00 25.00 17.50 17.00 20.00 22.00 16.00 21.00 16.28 25.00 13.75 13.00

25.00 21.00 25.00 30.00 29.00 25.50 26.00 26.00 27.00 25.00 26.00 27.00 28.00 27.00 15.00

13.50 17.00 15.00 25.00 17.50 17.00 19.00 22.00 7.00 21.00 16.28 25.00 14.00 -

19.00 23.00 30.00 29.00 25.50 26.00 26.00 27.00 19.00 26.00 27.00 28.00 24.00 -

Prime

Max.

Mortgage

Lending Rate Transp. & Comm.

Time Deposit Ave.Int Rate 8.21 8.58 10.70 9.97 7.13 12.25 11.00 9.14 11.48 7.40 7.98 9.58 10.26 9.81 7.50

Prime

Max.

Prime

Max.

Fin. & Ins. Prime

Max.

Govt.

Prime

Max.

1.25 0.50 0.09

3.60 3.60 3.60

8.37 8.24 9.80

16.00 22.00 20.00

27.00 25.00 24.00

16.00 22.00 24.00

25.00 25.00 26.00

15.00 22.00 20.00

27.00 25.00 24.00

16.00 22.00 16.50

26.00 25.00 24.00

14.75 22.00 20.00

22.00 25.00 24.00

0.5-1.00

3.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

22.00

30.00

1.67 3.60

3.74 3.60

3.511.00 9.24 8.50

25.00 17.00

25.00 27.00

25.00 17.00

24.00 23.00

25.00 17.00

22.00 25.00

25.00 18.00

22.00 24.00

25.00 17.00

23.00 24.00

These are the interest rates banks charge the public on loans and advances. It reflects the cost of borrowings and also includes all charges and commissions levied by banks.

Signed:

Management

36

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE AFRICAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (AUST), ABUJA Support to Capacity Building Initiative of AUST in Science and Technology

NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY 26/28, MARINA LAGOS

CORRIGENDUM The Nigerian Ports Authority hereby wish to draw the attention of all intereted Bidders and General Public to an earlier advertisement published in the Federal Tenders Journal, Guardian and Leadership Newspapers of Monday 16th June, 2014 as well as the NPA web site in respect of the following project: “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EoI) FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANTS FOR THE VALUATION OF NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY ASSETS – LANDS AND BUILDINGS (PUBLIC NOTICE NO: 3846 LOT 1- 4)” All Interested Bidders are advised to take note of the following ammendments :Section 3.0 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS Under “MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS” Items number 1 and 7 1. Evidence of Company Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Memorandum and Article of Association and 7. Firm’s/partnership and personnel’s registration with appropriate professional bodies To Read 1. Evidence of Company Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 7. Firm’s/partnership and personnel’s registration with Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) Please also note that closing date for submmission of “Expression of Interest” documents is now on or before Wednesday 9th July, 2014 not later than 11:00 am. Bids received are to be opened immediately the same day. All other information on the last advert remain valid.

We regret any inconveniece this might have caused you.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY

Project

DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF FIBER OPTICS LAST MILE AND PROVISION OF INTERNET SERVICES TO AFRICAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ABUJA

NCB NO.: AUST/06/2014/01

NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING

1. The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja has received a grant from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), towards the cost of the Support to Capacity Building Initiative of AUST in Science and Technology Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grant to cover eligible payments under the contract for the Supply and Installation of Fiber Optics Last Mile and Provision of Internet Service to AUST. 2. The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja now invites sealed bids from prospective bidders for the contract, Supply and Installation of Fiber Optics Last Mile and Provision of Internet Service to AUST. The scope of the project primarily include: (1) the supply and installation of fiber optics as last mile to AUST for internet delivery connectivity linked to the Bidder's existing Point of Presence (POP) of Tier-1 Internet Circuit optic fiber backbone and (2) the Provision of Internet Service of 15MB download and upload bandwidth speed through a dedicated fiber optics or microwave last mile.

Bidders are required to bid for all the above items as a single lot.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the ACBF's Procurement Guidelines for ACBF grant recipients guidelines: (July 2011) and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below from 0900 hours to 1600 hours each working day at the address below.

5. Qualifications requirements include (i) Evidence of Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (ii) Evidence of Licensee from the Nigerian Communication Commission (iii) Point of Presence (POP) of Tier-1 Internet Circuit Optic Fibre Backbone (iv) Audited Balance Sheet (v) Documentary evidence of having executed at least two similar contracts in the last three years (vi) Liquid assets and or access to lines of credit of at least 25% of the bid price and (vii) Annual Turnover of at least twice the bid price. A margin of preference for certain goods manufactured domestically shall not be applied. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. A Complete sets of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on submission of a written application to the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Km 10, Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of N25,000.00 payable in a Bank Draft to African University of Science and Technology, Abuja The Bidding Documents will be sent by courier on request..

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 12.00 noon, 16th July, 2014 (local time). Electronic bidding will not be permitted.

Late bids will be rejected.. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders' representatives who chooses to attend in person at the th address below at 12.00 pm, 16 July, 2014 (local time). All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 1 Million Naira or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.

8. The address referred to above is: Office of the President, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Km 10, Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja

politics today Wednesday, June 25, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Fayose

Fayemi

Fayose: Re-constructing A Former Governor In this report, Chibuzo Ukaibe writes on the sojourn of governor elect in Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, the hurdles he had to face and his triumph.

H

But his most daring remark to the PDP establishment, going into the election, was when he declared that he should not be given any political appointment if he loses last Saturday’s election

e has since become the toast of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a study type on how to defeat an incumbent governor in huge numbers in modern day Nigeria.

Like him or not, former Ekiti State governor now governorelect, Ayo Fayose, has by his victory and return to office assumed the position of a political colossus, (perhaps in the mould of Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso) in the state having, with his grassroots brand of politics, beat down a perceived elite gang up of sorts against his emergence to office.

Perhaps it is his brash boasts, daring disposition and little regard for elite politics that gets him in their bad books.

Still, in the build up to the election, Fayose, so sure of his political capacity, made boasts which were frighteningly excessive, bordering on political arrogance, especially when defeating incumbents are not just herculean but near political suicidal in

regions considered the fortress of the opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

For instance, on a visit to the PDP headquarters, Fayose, so sure of his political fan base among the grassroot- who are the actual voters in the countrystated “I have beaten the god father of the incumbent governor, beating the god-son won’t be a problem.”

But his most daring remark to the PDP establishment, going into the election, was when he declared that he should not be given any political appointment if he loses last Saturday’s election.

Alas, the outcome of the election told it all as he trounced his opponents, especially the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, by polling 203, 090 to Fayemi’s 120,433. While the Labour Party candidate and infant terrible, Hon Bamidele, came a distant third by scoring18, 135 votes.

But just like every successful political story, Fayose’s journey to the throne was a stiff as it was

daunting. While his ambition to return as governor after he was ousted in October 2006 in controversial circumstances was always public knowledge, opposition to his ambition started right from his party, the PDP. First, the fact that he at some point after his forceful exit from office as governor, worked for the emergence of Fayemi, was always an issue that his fellow party opponents raised against him, despite the fact that he had returned to the party. For them such acts are simply unpardonable.

But from the benefit of hindsight, it would seem that such position was a reflection of a fear of his large political followership in the state essentially among the grassroots.

When he scaled that hurdle and his ambition to govern the state became more forceful, the issue of consensus candidacy and zoning emerged last year.

At this time, serving minister of police affairs, Capt. Caleb Olubolade, regarded as a confidant of President Jonathan, was tipped for the top job. Fayose however considered his chances slim if a consensus arrangement was adopted and canvassed for primaries as stipulated in the party’s constitution. But the 16 other

aspirants had taken a joint position that they support consensus candidacy to produce the flag bearer for next year’s gubernatorial election.

The back and forth soon deteriorated into a free for all at one of the state party meeting, resulting in a suspension of Fayose who was accused of instigating the violent eruption. Fayose denied the allegation.

But the then National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, intervened as he told the leadership of the Ekiti State chapter of the party in clear terms that it must reinstate the former Governor of the State, Ayo Fayose, who was pronounced suspended two weeks earlier.

Tukur also told the leadership of the party in Ekiti State that the national leadership would not accept consensus candidacy for the primaries that would produce the governorship candidate for next year’s election in Ekiti State.

The meeting, which ended at about 7pm, saw the national chairman reading the riot acts to the state executive committees. ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Fayose: The Making Of A Governor-elect ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Tukur told the state executive of the Ekiti chapter to immediately lift the suspension on Fayose and issue a statement to that effect.

He said the state chapter does not have the right to suspend any aspirant. He said the party would not support consensus candidacy unless the aspirants step down for themselves.

By then, President Goodluck Jonathan at two meetings with stakeholders and aspirants of Ekiti PDP, admonished them to as feasible as possible get a consensus candidate to avoid internal wranglings that followed fiesty primaries.

The President however maintained that all the candidates must agree to the consensus arrangement, failure of which primaries must be conduct. However the desire of the President and the party to win Ekiti was clearly and forcefully conveyed.

However, upon the resignation of Tukur and emergence of Adamu Mu’azu as national chairman of PDP, the other aspirants resumed the clamour for consensus candidature, while Fayose insisted on primaries.

One of the 18 governorship aspirants then, Senator Gbenga Aluko, warned that the conduct of primaries to pick the party’s candidate will create crisis that will divide the party in the state, which will lead to the party’s loss. He predicted the emergence of five candidates if consensus candidature option was not adopted.

His concerns which was the aggregate view of other aspirants was perceived by some analysts as either their disguised fear of Fayose’s political might or their intent on cashing in on the premium place on the Ekiti election

by President Jonathan and PDP as a launch pad for making inroads in the South West.

Mu’azu, however towed the part of his predecessor who insisted on party primaries since all the aspirants were not agreed on it. As such, Fayose became the sore thumb of the bunch.

Shrugging off subtle threats of defections and implosion, the party on March 22 conducted primaries in the state, which saw Fayose emerge winner with a huge margin; much like a forecast to last Saturday’s governorship election.

Expectedly, rumblings emerged. Amidst hues and cries of foul play, some aggrieved leaders of PDP in Ekiti State gave a five-day ultimatum to President Jonathan to intervene in the emergence of former Governor Ayo Fayose and Senator Gbenga Aluko as the gover-

Mimiko

norship candidates of the party.

The other aspirants who were soundly beaten by Fayose, appointed Sen. Aluko their candidate based on what they called peer rating. However, Sen. Adeyeye having read the hand writing on the wall pulled away from Sen. Aluko’s faction and joined forces with Fayose. But the chairman of the PDP Congress and Primaries in the state, Peter Odili, maintained that the primaries and congress was free, fair and credible, a position the national PDP adopted and stood by.

Sensing the end of the road the aspirants opted for negotiation, and truce, part of which was to have the N11 million they paid for the purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms refunded.

With the issues resolved, governor Fayemi, perhaps in a show of fret, cried out that President Jonathan rigged the party’s primaries for Fayose. He also raised the murder allegation against Fayose as well as the pending corruption case the former governor has with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But the concern of Fayemi was clearly drawn from his understanding of how crucial a role Fayose played in his (Fayemi’s) emergence into office even though the courts had to certify his victory.

But reacting through his spokesman, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said: “Picking Fayose by the PDP is purely internal affairs of the PDP and the party has the right to pick who it feels can win the election..

“On the issue of murder raised

by Fayemi, the police have since 2008 cleared Fayose. On EFCC

Bamidele

case, I can’t talk on that because the matter is in the court and by the grace of God the law says I am innocent until court proved otherwise. Therefore, the cries of Fayemi are meaningless. We are going to meet in the ring on June 21 and will know that I am his master.”

From thereon, Fayose stormed the state, campaigning vigorously, reconnecting and consolidating with the grassroots in ways only he can.

His campaign was however halted when days to the presidential flag off of the campaign, a bomb explosion occurred in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja.

But after the President and PDP stormed the state for the campaign, it assumed a new vibrancy as he coasted to victory.

The Unsung, Unseen Magic Wand Though the result of the Ekiti governorship election has been widely applauded as reflective of the collective wish of the people of the state, there is an unavoidable, clearly discernable angle to the victory of the former governor, Fayose over the incumbent, Fayemi.

Without any ambiguity, while it is clear that a combination of the total votes cast by both Fayemi and Bamidele could not have presented a potent force to re-direct the outcome of the poll, the likely collaborative (though not empirical) front of both Fayose and Bamidele, the LP candidate could not be wished away.

The LP candidate, ostensibly propped by the Ondo state governor, Olusegun Mimiko who is a close ally of President Jonathan went into the election from a two-point perspective. To win, he may argue; but the ultimate

and perhaps the most formidable which the LP has achieved with the outcome of the election, was to stop Fayemi.

For a disenchanted Bamidele, the adoption of Fayemi by the leadership of the APC led by Tinubu was undemocratic hence the need to move ahead, if only to make a point.

Although there were reports that Bamidele was billed for the PDP initially, it took the intervention of Mimiko and some of Jonathan’s key men outside the PDP to plant the lawmaker as the LP’s candidate.

Curiously, a few days to the election, reports were rife that Bamidele had stepped down for PDP’s Fayose. The deal to step down was said to have been struck by the Ondo state governor in conjunction with the national chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu in Abuja.

Expectedly, denials by Bamidele flew in some quarters but LEADERSHIP gathered that having ex-rayed the chances of the LP candidate, Mimiko had covertly instigated a switch of allegiance by some leaders of the LP to the PDP. “The whole thing was a master-stroke; even if they deny, we know what they did in Abuja and how it was carried out 24 hours to the election proper. All those leaders of the LP mobilised for the PDP instead of their party because they did not want their party to spoil the ‘remove Fayemi project’.

“Apart from that, you should know that both Mimiko and Fayose are one in terms of party politics; remember Fayose was in LP up till 2012, so the understanding is there between them”, a source in the LP confided in our correspondent.

The LP candidate, ostensibly propped by the Ondo state governor, Olusegun Mimiko who is a close ally of President Jonathan went into the election from a two-point perspective

POLITICS TODAY 39

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

National Confab Is A Child Of Necessity – Waziri Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, a former Minister of Police Affairs and two-time gubernatorial aspirant under the PDP in Yobe State blames former PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur for the woes of the party in the state. In this interview with newsmen at his Abuja residence, he opens up on more issues as they affect his state and Nigeria at large. ONJEWU DICKSON was there for LEADERSHIP. Excerpts: As a member of the national confab, and a political leader from the North East, are you satisfied with the recommendations from the Committees?

It is too early for anybody to say that he is satisfied. The task does not stop with the recommendation of the Committees. It would require the conclusion of the majority at the conference plenary.

Let us put this conference in its proper prospective; the conference is a child of necessity; meaning that there are certain controversies in the polity that necessitated the conveyance of the conference.

There was a lot of orchestrated demand for a sovereign national conference. The President, working within the laws of the constitution, could only convene the national conference.

Certain issues, not all issues of people that have different ideas of how the country should be, have been raising controversies about issues. We did plenary, to Committees and now again we are in plenary to discuss the Committees’ reports.

Every one of us has his own idea about the fundamental reasons of the conference. While some people feel the conference will strengthen Nigeria, there are some of us who feel the conference will not necessarily strengthen Nigeria.

With the heterogeneous nature of the country and mutual suspicion between the regions do you think it is possible?

I am a student of political science, there is nothing like ‘true federalism’. In political science, it is federalism and quasi federalism

Yes! It is very possible, when you look along the lines of your questions; I also want you to look along the basic human needs of Nigerians. Poverty doesn’t know north or south.

The human needs of an average Nigerian doesn’t know north or south, doesn’t know Muslim or Christian or ethnic nationality, or coloration, it has no political affiliation; insecurity cuts across everything. It is along these unifying basic human needs that a leader will emerge and unify the country.

Waziri Are we going to reaffirm the status quo at the constitution or we are about to shift grounds at this national conference?

This is where people err, the opening statement of the constitution says we the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not we the people of the United States or England. Are you saying that 492 of us could represent Nigeria? Chosen not through electoral process, but nomination? Are we saying that if we draw a constitution 492 of us will be better than the preceding constitution? Are we saying that the 492 of us will now bring another phrase that will not say “we the people of Nigeria?

Look! All nations start from imperfection and strive to attain perfection. It is even possible for someone to say because we say we the people of Nigeria, the constitution is not acceptable.

Professor Nwabueze who was a proponent of this was the author of decree 34 for Ironsi. He was also the author of the transitional government of Shonekan.

He has no moral right to come and say now he wants a Nigeria based on his antecedent. How many people lost their lives from decree 34? You were too young then. Yes! Go and look.

If his overseeing of the transitional constitution that brought Shonekan was so perfect, we shouldn’t have had the 1999 constitution. And now he is dangling a paper that he will draft a constitution for Nigeria. How can an 80-year-old person come and tell me that he is a panacea to the problems of Nigeria when he should be tried for treason?

Where do we go from here?

This is where you go from here, you move forward. You cannot make progress by going backward. It has never happened anywhere in the world. Look at the Soviet Union, United Soviet Socialist Republic, their disintegration was almost peaceful. There were no wars. But the fault lines are emerging now.

Look at India and Pakistan that were created along religious lines, up till today they are in perpetual state of war. Look at Rwanda, what happened in Rwanda, that crisis was predicated on two, only two ethnic groups, the Hutus and Tutsis not the 500 or some more ethnic groups like we have in Nigeria, it cost them 800,000 lives.

Are these not enough to tell you that this irresponsible proposition made by people will not take Nigeria to the Promised Land? Even people are saying some countries have crisis before and we can see the consequences. But we have also seen the consequences of trying to weld a nation out of heterogeneity.

It has happened.

Do you think true federalism as being proposed by some would help in moving Nigeria forward?

I am a student of political science, there is nothing like ‘true federalism’. In political science, it is federalism and quasi federalism.

Those are the two. All those things that you consider iniquity of federalism that makes you to call for true federalism are not federal practices.

What is your take on the dissolution of the PDP Exco in your state, Yobe?

Well it is true that the PDP took the right step in giving notice to the dissolution of the executives at all levels of the state PDP leadership.

Because there were no congresses as stipulated in the constitution of the party to elect executives at the wards, local government and state level, when held in 2012.

It can be recalled that there were subsistence serious insecurity challenges at that time in Yobe and Borno States when the President, in exercise of his constitutional powers imposed state of emergency in those states.

Against that background, the PDP congresses in the other states were held but specifically postponed congresses in those two states because of the state of

emergency.

However, the then minister of state for finance, being the leader of the party, found his way and selected leadership of the party at all levels and brought it to the national secretariat under the then transitional leadership of former chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje and it was accepted.

The party under Bamanga Tukur, in his selective gestures decided to re-conduct a special national convention to mitigate the flawed processes of some of the national officers whose elections were affirmed by a convention that was not in line with the constitution of the PDP, and refused to heed the same INEC’s contention that there were nine other states where the congresses were flawed.

It is because of this realization that notices are being given to all those states where INEC is insisting that the position of the party and democratic practices must be applied that Yobe is now facing. I am sure that the party will now be vibrant.

Unfortunately, the security challenges that bedeviled the environment in 2012 is still subsistent. In fact, it has even gone beyond Borno and Yobe, and now engulfing Adamawa State.

The important thing to note is that with this development, the party must stake-hold in Yobe, to produce an all-inclusive leadership that will now secure the party to participate as one formidable and united party in the 2015 general elections by restoring internal democracy, complying with Ahmed Mua’zu’s all inclusive philosophy so that our party would be able to face very credible and strong national opposition, emerging national opposition like the APC. It is my hope and belief that with this level playing ground, the path to restoring sanity, cohesiveness, inclusion and democratic practice, the PDP will be positioned nationwide for the democratization process, not only in PDP, but in Nigeria to be strengthened.

40 OPINION

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Why PDP May Fail In Rivers By anabs sara-igbe

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must ensure that the party does not fail to deliver all the elective offices including the presidency, governorship and the various positions in the National and state legislative chambers in the elections that will take place in Rivers State.

The PDP is presently nosediving due to the bad leadership that is piloting the affairs of the party. Rather than consolidating on the success of the party in the state, they are scattering the membership with their doctrine of suspension and expulsion.

Party meetings at the ward, LGA and state levels are no longer held, as the present leadership is afraid of the reactions of members to their evil plans. The state chapter of the party is currently facing stiff opposition from the APC which is determined to disgrace Mr. President and the party.

The APC is doing everything to actualise their plans, which they know will be very difficult to achieve, if the leadership of the PDP is up and doing what is right by mobilising its membership across the state.

Despite the presence of APC in the state, the PDP will win most of the elective positions in Rivers State, if they abide by the zoning arrangement in the state, but should we fail to respect it and produce another Ikwerre son as our flag bearer, the APC will definitely win because of protest votes from the other ethnic nationalities, who will do everything to resist the imposition of another Ikwerre son on them.

The APC will also use the imposition of another Ikwerre son on Rivers State by the PDP as one of their campaign tools.

Wike

They will further impress on Rivers people that Mr. President and the PDP do not love and respect the views of the people.

Hence, the need to change the leadership of the party in the state and the rejection of another Ikwerre son/daughter as the flag bearer of the party in the 2015 gubernatorial election.

The Arguement That Chief Nyesom Wike Has Worked Yes, some persons have advanced reasons why Chief Nyesom Wike should contest the 2015 gubernatorial elections, as the state flag bearer of the PDP. They said if not for him, the president might not be able to visit Rivers State or he would have been disgraced by Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Let us critically look at the issues. The fire that is burning between the president and the governor were the political manipulations of Chief Nyesom Wike. That single action that

If Chief Wike has worked, let the people of Rivers State acknowledge it and include his name in the book of honour and that of elder statesmen

brought the opposition to Rivers State and also strengthened the APC at the national level.

The entire scheme is to create confusion and wrestle the power structure from the governor and put in place his cronies for his political ambition.

Now that his plot seems to be working in his favour, he should not forget the idiom that says; “Those who destroy others to succeed will meet destruction at the door post of their success”.

Let us say Chief Wike actually worked, has he worked more than the likes of late Major Isaac Adaka-Boro, His Highness late Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, late Chief (Dr.) Nabo Graham Douglas, late Dr. Obiwali, late Chief (Dr.) Ken Saro Wiwa, late Chief Wemike Briggs, late Chief P.G Warmete, late Chief Ibuluya, Rear Admiral Festus Fingesi, late Dr. Marshall Harry, late Aminasoari Dikibo and my humble self, amongst others?

Did any of the persons named above become governor or do I contest for the governorship because I had worked and took risk for the benefit of the Rivers man?

If Chief Wike has worked, let the people of Rivers State acknowledge it and include his name in the book of honour and that of elder statesmen.

Chief Wike did what he did because he is a serving minister and he has the responsibility to protect his master and his job.

He cannot become governor after his brothers. Rivers State belongs to all of us and not to one ethnic nationality.

In the light of the above, may I appeal to my dear friend, Chief Nyesom Wike to forget this dream of succeeding his brother because it will not be possible.

– Chief Sara-Igbe wrote from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

Insurgency And Matters Arising by ike willie–nwobu

The insurgency and unrest plaguing Nigeria at the moment are real and too ferocious to be denied just as they are too dangerous to be ignored. It may have predated President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency; he may be doing his best, but the intensity of this war is such that he must take a more radical and pragmatic approach in dealing with it lest we shall all be consumed.

The urgency of this agitation is predicated on the devastating stealth with which the enemies of this country, by whatever

name they call themselves, operate. In the last 10 days, they seemed to have gleefully exposed the nation’s vulnerability by carrying out orgies of bloodletting in quick succession, killing scores in Taraba, Plateau, Yobe and the climax of which was the bombing of the Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja, and the abduction of more than 100 school girls in Chibok local council of Borno State.

If the abductions do not reflect poorly on the tactical prowess of Nigeria’s security organisations, they at least reflect on the impotence of the nation, and in particular the impotence of the Jonathan

presidency.

No pacifying rhetoric can negate the barrage of hostilities currently hitting the country. The massacres, either from Boko Haram or other insurgents, are becoming so routine, abductions are carried out with scandalous audacity; and bandits masquerading as herdsmen sack villages and mow down helpless persons as if they are clearing weeds. Amidst this ongoing carnage, a mesmerising state of perplexity seems to envelope the seat of power.

Nigeria is in a state of war, and the president, commander-inchief must not only lead but be seen to be leading the charge.

The president must excuse us if we blame him wholly for these abductions. He was elected to ensure the country’s safety and wellbeing. If in the process of executing the mandate given him to rule over the affairs of the country he encounters a vicious insurgency, it is entirely his responsibility to devise means of battling it, including knowing how to energise the country’s security network, inspire confidence in his methods and ability to rally the people to the last man to counter the worst bestiality Nigeria has ever seen.

– Nwobu contributed this piece from Abuja

Rights Watch Emmanuel Onwubiko www.huriwa.blogspot.com

The Abacha Loot Conundrum

A

friend who hails originally from the south-west Nigeria by name Babatunde Adeniji Abimbola called me from California, USA recently to break the story that the federal government through the office of the Federal Attorney General and minister of Justice Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke[SAN] has successfully negotiated an out of court settlement with the authorities of Liechtenstein necessitating a landmark agreement for the return of a whooping sum of 167 million euros ($227 mil­ lion) to Nigeria, ending what is considered in legal circle as a drawn-out battle by the federal government to recover cash looted by for­mer military dictator, late General Sani Abacha.

For those who may have collective amnesia, General Sani Abacha, who died in 1998 in suspicious circumstances, is suspected to have looted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the tune of about $2.2 billion when he ruled from November 1993 to June 1998. His military regime faced international sanctions following persistent cases of brutal human rights violations and forced disappearances of citizens opposed to his regime.

Shockingly, even with the sanctions slammed on his junta by the international community, some rogue nations even in Western Europe facilitated the looting and concealment of the wasted funds in their own banks.

Global reporters recalled vividly that Nigeria first requested help from Liechtenstein in 2000 to recover the cash stashed there, but the tiny principality of some 37,000 people grudgingly returned paltry sum of 7.5 million euros to Nigeria in late 2013, but the restitu­tion of the bulk of the cash has long been blocked by lawsuits brought by companies linked to Abacha’s family. These law suits which predated the current federal government have indeed cost the Nigerian government huge legal fees.

It would also be recalled that many of the companies with suspected links to the Abacha family were sentenced in 2008 to repay money proven to have been taken from the na­tional budget, but four of the firms filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

But with the benefit of hindsight, that negotiated settlement or plea bargaining in legal parlance could hasten the recovery of these huge sum, the Nigerian government accepted negotiations between it and the government of Liechtenstein. Legal observers stated that because of this rapprochement, the four litigants bent on frustrating the recovery back to Nigeria of these stolen money ended up withdraw­ ing their complaints in May, “clearing the path for repatria­ tion of the assets once and for all,” Vaduz, a spokesperson said in a statement circulated to the media recently that the World Bank had agreed “to monitor the use of the repatriated assets.” It is reported in global media circles that Nigeria’s coordinating minister of the Economy Mrs. [Dr] Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was instrumental to the setting up of a unit within the World Bank which played role of a mediator in making this agreement possible with the patriotic zeal of the federal Attorney General on behalf of the Nigerian state. By and large, this agreement is a pan-Nigerian and globally acclaimed legal landmark achievement which should deservedly be praised.

news Lagos 41

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Extensive Reading, Panacea For Success – Commissioner Lagos State commissioner for education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye has identified good mannerism, focus, extensive reading and diligence as the panaceas for success.

She stated this while formally receiving the 16-year-old SS II student of Ilupeju Senior Secondary School, Miss Blessing Agundonu, who emerged the overall winner at the recently concluded All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools’ (ANCOPSS) national competition held in Ibadan.

Blessing came first during the essay writing competition at both the South-West zonal and National levels.

The commissioner, who was obviously elated commended Agundonu for doing the state proud just as she lauded her parents for inculcating the right moral values in her.

Fashola Denies Mismanagement Of $90m World Bank Education Loan

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday denied allegations that the state government misappropriated the $90million (N13.5billion) World Bank Education Loan granted the state in 2009.

The governor, who cleared the fog surrounding the World Bank Loan expenditure in Lagos at the launch of a book entitled ‘Eko Project : A Legacy of Excellence’, said

the state government has nothing to hide on how it spent the funds.

The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had in December 2013 accused the state government of mismanaging the funds and sought the order of the Federal High Court, Lagos to the state government to release information on its spending of the loan.

SERAP also asked the court to demand details of the projects executed with the loan in the 667

schools across the state in line with the Freedom of Information Act. But Fashola at the ceremony emphasised that the concerns raised in some quarters that the money had not been spent in an open manner were unfounded, pointing out that the funds had been judiciously utilised for the development of education sector. He explained that the loan, obtained to fund teaching and learning infrastructure under the State’s Eko Secondary Education Project

was achieving its purpose, saying it had significantly improved students’ performance.

Fashola said, “Some people have made unsubstantiated allegations against us that we have stolen World Bank money.

“But in this government, our collateral is our collective integrity.

We have nothing to hide. That is why when we mark our every 100 days in office, we give account to the people because we have nothing to hide.

short news Police Nab 5 Robbery Suspects, Recover Arms

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Lagos Assembly Frowns At Street Trading At Mile 12 Lagos State House of Assembly has frowned at the poor enforcement of the law on street trading with regards to the menace caused on the Mile 12 Bridge by traders and hawkers.

Hon Sanai Agunbiade raised this under matter of urgent public importance at the plenary.

His words: “The traders are now permanent on the bridge, obstructing flow of traffic, leaving the bridge very dirty and making homes for miscreants”.

He stated that this trend is dangerous and must be stopped urgently.

The lawmaker, therefore, urged the House Committee on Environment to swing into action with the Ministry of Environment to find out why traders recurrently take their businesses to the road.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

LASU Non- Academic Staff Vows To Continue Strike The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Chapter, has vowed to continue with its indefinite strike, until the management of the institution accedes to its demands.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Lagos, the union’s Chairman, Saheed Oseni, said the members of the union will withdraw their skeletal service in the institution and ground the system from next week.

He said the decision to continue with the strike was taken at the union’s congress on Monday in Lagos.

The union which embarked on an indefinite strike since May 26 to press home some of its demands, are demanding for the repeal of the “no vacancy, no promotion” policy of its management.

By George Okojie, Lagos

A fuel tanker marked No GGE 645 XB after the fire was put out by men of Lagos fire fighters at the Ijesha Bus Stop in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA.

Security Tightened For Africa’s Biggest Signage Conference GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

As part of measures to ensure a hitch-free hosting of Africa’s biggest signage conference and exhibition which commences in Lagos State today, security has been beefed up in strategic locations in the state.

LEADERSHIP checks showed that the management of the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) and security agencies in the state have mapped out plans to ensure the safety of participants at the exhibition.

Our correspondent learnt that plain-clothes security agencies and officials of the Rapid Re-

sponse Squad have been drafted to provide security at the conference.

The managing director, Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency, Dr George Noah, said the exhibition is the biggest of its kind in sub-Sahara Africa, adding that the state government has taken proactive steps in securing the lives of participants who had converged on Lagos from all walks of life.

He assured that the event tagged ‘Signage and Outdoor Conference and Exhibition Africa (Lagos 2014)’, holding at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre from 25th to 27th June, 2014 will be a hitchfree programme.

Noah said it will feature over 200 exhibitors and conference participants from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

He said, “The objective is to provide a platform for the growth and development of signage and outdoor advertising in Lagos State, Nigeria and Africa.

“The event is expected to attract from within and outside the country, industry regulators, consultants, designers, researchers, brand managers, media buying agencies, event companies, suppliers, manufacturers, exhibitors in the digital signage and retail signage solutions.”

Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected armed robbers and recovered arms in different areas of the metropolis.

LEADERSHIP gathered that police operatives attached to Orile police station, while on stop and search duty, accosted one Abdullahi Mutairu, operator of an auto rickshaw (KEKE NAPEP) with registration number QR 948 LSR. A police inspector at the station disclosed that Mutairu and three other persons were in the vehicle.

He said immediately the occupants sighted the police at Ogungbesan junction, Orile, two of the occupants jumped down and took to their heels.

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

Court Remands Pakistani In Prison For Drug Trafficking OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday remanded a Pakistani, Iftikhar Muhamma Arslan in prison custody for allegedly importing heroin into Nigeria from Qatar.

The court gave the order after the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned the foreigner on a one-count

charge of drug trafficking.

According to the charge numbered FHC/L/143C/14, the Pakistani was said to have committed the offence on April 5, 2014, and was arrested the same date at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The charge reads: “That you, Iftikhar Muhamma Arslan, male, adult, a Pakistani, on or about the 5th day of April, 2014 during the

inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight from Doha, Qatar at the EArrival Hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without lawful authority, imported 25.4 kilogrammes of Heroin, a narcotic and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 11 (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

After the charge was read to him, the accused pleaded not guilty, while the prosecutor, Vembe Emmanuel urged the court to remand the suspect in prison and grant a trial date.

Defence counsel, Benson Ndakara did not oppose the application, while Justice Aneke acceded to the prosecutor’s request.

42 news south-west Ex-NDDC Chief, Enikuomehin Quits Labour Party

A former NDDC commissioner in Ondo State and chieftain of Labour Party,[LP] Dr Benson Enikuomehin has quit the party.

Enikuomehin in his letter of resignation dated June 20, 2014 and addressed to the state chairman of the up in the state, Chief Dele Akinyele, thanked Governor Segu Mimiko for the opportunity given him to serve his people.

Enikuomehin said he was dejected over the deliberate neglect of the people in the oil producing area of the state and by the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards their plight.

The former NDDC commissioner said he left Labour Party because of the failure of Mimiko to transform the oil producing area of the state despite the huge oil derivation allocated to the state since the inception of his administration.

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Guber Pull: Obanikoro Salutes Fayemi, Fayose

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The minister of state for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro yesterday congratulated the governor-elect of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, even as he commended the incumbent governor, John Kayode Fayemi and urged other states of the federation to learn from last weekend’s governorship poll.

In a statement issued and personally signed by the minister, he said both the candidates and the electorate have demonstrated that they are

indeed from the “Land of Honour”.

“It is with a measure of elation that I hereby congratulate the good people of Ekiti State for restoring dignity in the democratic process by their exceptional conduct during last weekend’s Governorship elections.

“The people of the state have proven without a doubt that the appellation ‘Land Of Honour’ is well deserved. I enjoin all other citizens of our great country to emulate them as we prepare for another round of general elections early next year”, he said.

The minister who was accused by

the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being present in the state during the election praised the governor for showing uncommon magnanimity.”

“I also wish to commend His Excellency, Governor John Kayode Fayemi for his show of uncommon magnanimity and sportsmanship by graciously conceding defeat. By this singular act, he has advanced the ethos of our collective democratic experience. The ‘Omoluabi’ conduct of my brother, Governor Fayemi, once again exemplifies the noble nature of the people of the South West.”

short news 2015: Fayose’s Victory’ll Not Translate To Jonathan’s Victory in S/ West –

Amosun Pays Daniel’s Aides Severance Package Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun yesterday presented cheques for payment of severance package to aides of his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Speaking during the presentation, Governor Amosun reiterated his commitment to running an inclusive government that recognises the important contributions of individuals in the governance of the state irrespective of political leaning.

The governor also told the gathering that he would like to be remembered as a man who came and changed the face of the state through massive infrastructural development and upliftment of the people, saying his government would continue to make positive impact on the lives of the people of the state.

Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

2015: Alao-Akala Joins Guber Race Former Oyo State governor Adebayo Alao-Akala yesterday joined the 2015 governorship race in the state.

This followed the adoption of the former governor by the leaders of the party in the five local government areas of the Ogbomoso Zone at a meeting.

One of the party leaders, Chief James Adebayo Adewusi while addressing newsmen after the meeting, said the decision to adopt Alao-Akala was taken at a meeting held at the house of the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Ade Adeseun in Ogbomoso.

He said the leaders would reach out to other leaders in other zones to ensure Alao-Akala’s victory at the party primaries.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola surrounded by supporters during his ongoing re-election campaign in Ikirun.

PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Ekiti To Create More LGs Before October – Fayemi ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

The governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has said that the planned creation of additional local council development areas in the state was not conceived for cheap political points.

The governor who made the statement yesterday in Ado Ekiti while receiving the report of the State Council Creation Committee said the decision to create more councils in the state was to bring governance more closer to the people.

The state government had on January 15, 2014 set up the 7-man committee, headed by retired Justice

Akin Ajakaye for advice on creation of more local councils in the state.

He said, “Some said that the timing for the setting up of the committee is mere political gimmick, but we knew that we wanted it genuinely. So, we appreciate the good work the committee has done by traversing the length and breadth of Ekiti to meet the people.

“One thing is critical in the criteria to be considered and that is the fact that the communities must have agreed on the choice of the location of the council headquarters.

Now, whatever we do won’t create tension and division among our people”.

While thanking the committee

for helping the government to meet one of the most important requests of the people since it came on board in 2010, Fayemi revealed that more local governments will be created before the official handing over to the governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose on October 16, 2014.

The governor, who did not disclose the number of councils recommended by the committee, assured that the government will comply strictly with the law by constituting a committee on the report that would be subjected to a referendum by the State Independent Electoral Commission with the eventual ratification at the state House of Assembly“.

Former presidential candidate of the National Action Council (NAC), Dr Olapade Agoro, yesterday declared that the victory of Ayodele Fayose in last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State is not an indicator that the people of South-West will vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, Agoro maintained that “the electoral defeat and humiliation of incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State by Fayose shows clearly that personality in the Nigerian electoral process matters much more than political party slogan.”

By Adebayo Waheed,

What Happened In Ekiti Can’t Happen In Osun – Aregbesola

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola has said that what happened in Ekiti State during the governorship poll on June 23 cannot happen in Osun State. The governor also faulted the Ekiti governorship election results, saying that it was characterised with irregularities.

Aregbesola, who said this at the

continuation of his re-election campaign into office in Ikirun/Ifelodun and Odo-otin federal constituency of the state, said there is no chance for any other political party to oust APC in the state.

He said, “They rigged the APC out in Ekiti State but we are still looking at them. There is no way for them in Osun State and if they try to perpetrate fraud, they

will meet their waterloo.

“I learnt that the opposition party which is PDP is boasting to lock down Osun State. But I want to tell them that what happened in Ekiti state is not practicable in Osun.

“We are not fighting security men but if they don’t obey the rules of the land, we will not take it lightly with them. Ekiti is dif-

ferent from Osun and I want to assure you that the political theory of Ekiti can not work in Osun State.

“In the year 2011, during the presidential election, all Yoruba speaking states voted for Jonathan but in Osun State, we voted for Ribadu and this is a proof that Osun can not be compared with other states.”

news NATIONAL 43

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Summit On Social Networking For Journalists Open Today EveryThingJournalism Group in conjunction with The Journalism Clinic will today host a one-day summit on functional social networking for journalists with a purpose to raise and nurture the next crop of first-rate journalists in Nigeria.

The event, being sponsored by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) in partnership with Arik Air, will take place in Abuja.

According to the organisers, expected participants include journalists, bloggers, students of media studies and journalism, media executives and everyone “interested and concerned about the future of journalism in Nigeria”, particularly in the context of evolving digital technologies.

The summit, which was first held in Lagos in February this year, is geared towards getting more of the journalists’ social media-savvy.

Impeachment Notice: Nyako, Deputy Ought To Have Been Impeached Since 2008 – Ardo

By George Agba, Abuja

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Dr Umar Ardo has urged the state House of Assembly not to disappoint the people of the state in its fresh bid to impeach the state governor, Murtala Nyako and his deputy, saying they ought to have been removed from office since July 2008 when the first impeachment notice was served the governor.

Ardo, who said the Nyako/Ngilari administration must be ousted because it destroyed Adamawa

State, lamented that for the over seven years that Nyako ruled Adamawa, the state has been brought to its knees economically, politically, infrastructurally and security wise.

He said, “The Nyako administration has exacerbated social and political tensions in the state through its deliberate policies of creating ethnic and religious distrusts and conflicts amongst the different groups in the state. The regime also has entrenched the culture of impunity, unconstitutionality, lawlessness, corruption, nepotism, favouritism, discrimination, and self-

service in governance.

“It is killing patriotism and sense of community in our society. No people of good standing should tolerate such a leadership for a day, if they can help it.

“I support their impeachment because they ought not to have even been in their offices as far back as July 2008 when the first impeachment notice was served the governor”.

Accordingly, Ardo called on all patriotic people in the state to support the lawmakers in the move to remove the governor and his dep-

short news 2015: PDP Ready To Take Over Ogun – Bankole

By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

Reforms Bureau Reiterates Commitment To Public Service Reforms

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has said that it is totally committed to building a framework and network of collaboration for the improvement of innovation in the Nigerian Public Service administration.

The bureau, speaking through its director-general, Dr Joe Abah, during a media chat yesterday, said in order to do this, it has perfected plans for its inaugural reforms seminar, which will hold tomorrow in Abuja.

Abah said the seminar, tagged “New Directions for Public Service Reforms,” will be partnered by the World Bank, the UK Department of International Development (DFID), and the Federal Public Service Administration, and will stimulate innovative thinking and actions in the Nigerian public administration.

By Onukogu Kanayo Jubal, Abuja

Glo Introduces Electronic Recharge For Subscribers In Benin Republic Major West African telecoms operator, Globacom has introduced E-top up service to make airtime recharge easier and more flexible for its subscribers in Benin Republic.

With Glo E-top up service, subscribers can get their accounts recharged anytime, anywhere without the use of recharge cards.

In a statement, Glomobile Benin said its subscribers wishing to use the electronic account recharge option should simply dial *152#. A secret code is subsequently sent to the subscriber’s phone. With this code, the subscriber can top up his credit without disclosing his phone number to the vendor.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

uty, even as he noted that “the impeachment move has no religious or ethnic coloration; it is for the sake of the future of all Adamawa indigenes and that of our children”.

Urging the people not to let anyone tell them otherwise, Ardo recalled that the reason why he opposed the party’s directives that all PDP governors be returned unopposed in 2011, including Nyako in return for their support for the president was because of his “conviction that as far as Adamawa State was concerned, this was a wrong decision”.

Buoyed by the weekend victory of PDP in Ekiti State gubernatorial election, former speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and a governorship hopeful of Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, has said all members of the party must unite in order to win Speaker House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal signing a condolence register of late Senator Dahiru various offices in Awaisu Kuta at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO. the 2015 elections.

He said this on during the party stakeholders unity forum held at few minutes for adoption of pro“Distinguished colleagues, may Ilaro, the political ceedings of its last session held I in line with our tradition, move headquarters of on 5th June, 2014, and thereaf- that this Senate do adjourn pleYewaland. ter adjourned plenary till today. nary till tomorrow (25th June, Making

By Uchenna Awom and JonaMoving the motion for the 2014) in honour of our departed reference to the than Nda-Isaiah, Abuja Senate adjournment, the Senate colleague”.

Ayodele Fayose leader, Victor Ndoma Egba (PDP Subsequently, the Senate advictory in Ekiti In line with its tradition, the Sen- Cross River Central), said “While opted the motion as put to it for State, Bankole ate adjourned plenary session we were on break, tragedy be- approval by the Senate president, said it ‘serves as a yesterday in honour of Senator fell this chamber with the sud- David Mark, who added that the wake up call for all Dahiru Awaisu Kuta (PDP Niger den death of our dear colleague, Senate sitting today would be dethe members of East) who died on the 12th of this Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, the voted solely to a valedictory sesthe party in Ogun month while the Senate was on chairman, Senate Committee on sion in honour of the late senaState to unite and recess.

Federal Character who died on tor, and that the session would be work together.’

The Senate, which just resumed the 12th of this month in Lagos graced by the Niger State goverfrom its two weeks end of third on his way for medical treatment nor, Babangida Aliyu and family

By Gbenga legislative session recess, sat for abroad. members of the late senator.

Adeboye, Abeokuta

Senate Adjourns Over Kuta’s Death Niger to immortalise late Awaisu Kuta

States Yet To Set Up Drug Distribution Centres – Minister

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

Following the deadline given by the federal government to states to implement the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) in their various states, the minister of health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has disclosed that many states

are yet to comply with the order.

The NDDG stipulated that by 30th June, 2014, the federal government shall begin to apply sanctions on all pharmaceutical distribution businesses that are not compliant with it.

The minister, who was speaking to journalists yesterday in Abuja, announced that the feder-

al government has extended the enforcement of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to 30th July, 2015.

While announcing the extension, Chukwu remarked that the decision became necessary because of some states that are yet to set up their drug distribution centres.

He said, “It was in consideration

of the views of important stakeholders that there should be an extension of the date in order to provide time to fast track the establishment of adequate number of State Drug Distribution Centres (SDDCs) and Mega Drug Distribution Centres (MDDCs) that are presently at various formative years.”

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Iyobosa Uwugiaren Wednesday Periscope 08033143902

iyobosa@leadership.ng

Who Cares Whether They Are Traders?

I

t is becoming clearer that those working to divide Nigeria along ethnic and religious lines would do everything necessary to achieve their aim. But while they gather to plan their evil, good Nigerians also have a duty to continue to expose them. In line with their strategies, they seize every opportunity to make their points known to those who care to listen to them; what is obvious is that they do not mean well for this country. These people are everywhere: traditional/new media, educational institutions, churches and mosques.

They derive joy from deliberately spreading terror, hate, acidic and poignant feelings that promote division among us. The gratuitous controversies and hate messages that the recent arrest of 486 suspected members of an insurgent group, now tagged “traders”, by our soldiers in Asa, Abia State, have generated in the last few weeks are shinning but dangerous signs that some people would stop at nothing to destroy our security system for their devilish agenda.

Recall that the suspects were arrested in Abia State about 2am recently as they headed for Port Harcourt while travelling in 33 buses. While the security agencies were still investigating their suspicious movement, some ethnic/ religious-championing bigots among the political class and the media started to portray the security agents as promoters of ethnic agenda. The suspects were still being investigated when issues of their “illegal” arrest and detention were being spread in the pages of newspapers and new media. Even the pan-north socio-political group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), was not left out in the criminalisation of the work of the security agents. Spokesman of the forum Musa Saidu was quoted as saying that “we are not relenting in our efforts to ensure the unconditional release of these people; we are finding it difficult at present because the army authorities in both Abia and Rivers states say they don’t have powers to free the detainees”.

The ACF had pronounced the

Some travellers detained in Abia State, recently

suspects innocent. Hear the Forum: “They are innocent traders who travel all the way from the North to sell their wares. Most of them trade in foodstuff. They normally come from Jigawa and Bauchi states to sell foodstuff.

After buying the foodstuff, they load their wares in trucks and use buses to come back to Port Harcourt. Others are artisans, cobblers and wheelbarrow pushers.

They like to move in groups.”

But unfolding events in the last few days are pointing to a fact that these so-called traders may not be what their backers are claiming they are. As at yesterday, when this piece was being put together, different reports have suggested that, out of the 486 arrested, 86 were said to have links with the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram, that has killed and slaughtered thousands of innocent souls in the country. The new revelation emerged when more interrogators, comprising crack officers from Military Intelligence and the State Security Service (SSS) were sent to Abia State to join in the suspects’ grilling. A kingpin of Boko Haram is said to be one of the suspects arrested and has since been relocated from Abia because of “valuable information and clues” he had released to the military. Unfortunately, when this information was made known by the security agents, the next question their backers were now asking was the real identity of the arrested king-

pin. Tell me: Is it not quite disturbing that some people wanted to know the exact kingpin?

Well, my joy is that none of the suspects has been released in spite of the suffocating pressure from ACF and other powerful religious/political groups from the north. For now, it is assumed that the mission of the suspects was suspicious and different security agencies should be allowed to thoroughly investigate them; if there are no criminal motives on the part of those calling for their unconditional release, there is no reason our security agents should not be allowed to carry out their legitimate duties.

If these self-imposed leaders are not worried, some of us are.

In fact, every sound mind in our country today should be worried about the high level of insecurity in our nation. The slaughtering and bombing of innocent souls especially in the northeast geopolitical zone on a daily basis cannot continue; and we should not spare any effort in tackling the problem. It must be collective efforts – whether you are from the south or from the north. Except those who are criminally promoting these deadly insurgents, good Nigerians should support every move by our security agencies to fight these acts of terror by Boko Haram.

Any attempt to spread the Boko Haram’s acts of terror to other parts of the country must

also be resisted by peace-loving Nigerians and the international community. The event is more worrisome because the arrest of the suspects came a few days after a serving governor from the north-east said the acts of terror would spread to the southern part of the country. So who cares? Let those who have their mouths – including the mouths that stink -- continue to spread hate messages; the truth is that many well-meaning Nigerians and their collaborators in the international community have resolved that these acts of terror must stop.

Yes, the greatest threat working against every attempt by some nationalists to cement the crack in the relationship between the south and the north is sentiment – unnecessary emotional ill-feeling by some doubtful elite. Otherwise, the questions some people are asking are: Have northerners not been moving to and from the south-east before this arrest? What is wrong in arresting, detaining and investigating a number of people moving in an odd convoy at a curious time in an unusual insecurity atmosphere in Nigeria? For me, they are innocent until the security agents and a competent court of law decide otherwise.

I think what we should be telling the security agents now is that the suspects must be treated with all dignity and respect.

For me, the region or the ethnic group they belong to does not matter; where they come from and the state in which the security agents arrested them are of no consequence under this present circumstance. What is material particular is the criminal intention (if any) of the suspects.

And the security agents owe us a duty to unravel it. We have no option than to support the work of the security agents. We also owe it as a duty to shout very loud when the fundamental rights of the detainees are abused, but I do not think that has happened yet.

I do not care whether they are traders; let the security agents do their work..

— Follow me on my twitter: @rexiyobosa

For me, the region or the ethnic group they belong to does not matter; where they come from and the state in which the security agents arrested them are of no consequence under this present circumstance

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

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WORLD NEWS 49

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

world

news Sisi said Egypt’s authorities would respect the independence of the judiciary.

“We will not interfere in judicial rulings,” Sisi said in a televised speech yesterday at a military graduation ceremony.

➏ Libya Prepares To Vote Amid Tensions

Libyans go to the polls on June 25 to elect a new national parliament despite much of the country being in the grip of the worst violence since the 2011 uprising.

The vote will be Libya’s third

legislative election since the declaration of liberation that signalled the end of the 2011 popular uprising against former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi.

The Mexican army says it has captured the leader of the oncepowerful Tijuana cartel, Luis Fernando Sanchez Arellano.

In the 1990s, the cartel controlled much of the drugs flow

from the northern Mexican city of Tijuana to the United States.

But it was dealt a severe blow after the arrest of four of the brothers leading it and the killing of a fifth.

➎ Sisi ‘Will Not

➌

➐

Interfere’ In Al Jazeera Court Verdicts

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said that he will not interfere with judicial verdicts, following an international outcry over lengthy prison sentences given to three Al Jazeera journalists on Monday.

➏ ➍

➋

➊

➊ Turkey Evacuates ➋ Sudan Rearrests Citizens From Libya Woman Released From Turkey has been evacuating hundreds of citizens from Libya after a threat from a renegade general fighting Islamists in the east, Ankara’s embassy and airport officials said yesterday.

On Sunday, retired general Khalifa Haftar called on Turks and Qataris to leave anarchic eastern Libya within two days, accusing both their countries of supporting “terrorism”.

Death Row

Sudanese authorities have rearrested a Sudanese woman just hours after she was freed from death row, according to a security source and her lawyer.

Eman Abdul-Rahim, the lawyer, said 27-year-old Mariam Yahya Ibrahim was held yesterday along with two children and her husband at the international airport in Khartoum, the country’s capital.

➌ Ukraine Army

➍ ISIL Rebels Control

The Ukrainian military says one of its helicopters has been shot down by pro-Russian rebels in the east, killing all nine people on board.

It says the Mi-8 helicopter, used for transporting military cargo, was hit by a rocket shortly after take-off outside the rebel-held city of Sloviansk.

Sunni rebels led by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have taken control of an important oil refinery and have offered Iraqi troops safe passage if they give up their weapons and leave, according to Al Jazeera sources.

Sources in Salaheddin said yesterday that Sunni rebels had captured the province’s Baiji refinery, near the town of Tikrit.

Helicopter ‘Shot Down’

Baiji Refinery In Iraq

➐ Mexican Tijuana Cartel Boss Sanchez Arellano ‘Captured’

50

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES INNOCENT OGUH MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters Act No. 1 Of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Innocent Oguh 2. Martina Oguh AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gosple of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: CHIDI ONWUEKWEKPE 08034015399

PEACE INTERCESSORS MISSION

OPEN HEART FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named BODY 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 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Oluwadahunsi Olawole Simon 2. Godwin Akpan 3. Nsechrist Akpan 4. Michael Bayo Akinola 5. Pastor Lawrence Olasehinde

- Member - President - Treasurer - Secretary - Financial Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abdullahi Mohammed Mukhtar 2. Binta Sambo Abdullahi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and peace to the Nations.

2. To pray for issues plaguing Nigeria 3. to intercede on behalf of the children of God 4. To visit victims of violence 5. To cater for welfare of members 6. To pray for the wellbeing of nation’s and leaders worldwide 7. To foster unity among religious bodies and ethnic group Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: OCHANG-AREWA CHARITY, 08032012383

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To assist less privilege and poor people that are sufferign fromheart related diseases.

2. To bring health awareness to the door step of every Nigerian.

3. To educate the public on the importance of regular health check-up Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. A. A. ASKIRA, 08069623045

RYARYIP PEACE FOUNDATION

USMAN BIN AFFAN FOUNDATION

HAGIAZO PLACE MINISTRY

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 1990.

The general public is here by notify that, the above name has applied to corporate affairs commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of 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 Abuja for registration under part ‘‘C’’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1 Kut Kut Fon - president 2. Wan Dat Mbang - secretary 3. Vincent Deme Dongs 4. John Markus Pam 5. Pyam Mbok 6. John Daniel Hwok 7. Don Hwok Tson

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Haruna M Usman 2. Muhammad Bin Shuaib 3. Muhammad Dawaki Hamza 4. Usman Abdullahi Bayi 5. Muhammad Bashir Hussaini 6. Muhammed Sani Anku

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Joy Chituru Onumajuru 2. Oroma Dav-Ngeri 3. Ihekwumere Kingsley Chidi 4. Nnenna Nneji

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide humanitarian services.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

OBJECTIVES:1. To established Islamic Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School 2. To propagate Islamic Education 3. To give charity to the needy and less privilege peoples Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the corporate affair commission plot 420 Tigris crescent,off Aguyi Ironsi street, PMB 198 Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the world of God to the whole world.

2. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

3. To organize outreaches, crusades, seminars, workshops and revival services for the works of the gospel.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corperate affairs commission, plot 420 tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama, abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Singed: CHAIRMAN

SIGNED: SECRETARY

RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF YAH WAHAB ESTATE PHASE II WUYE ABUJA

THE UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

THE GATHERING OF THE EAGLES MINISTRIES WORLD WIDE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission 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 ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria CAC for registration under part ‘‘C’’ of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR KENNETH ONOLEMHEMHEN 2. MRS TOSIN FETUGA 3. MRS GOLFA BATURE 4. MR WILLAM MALLIM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE GOOD SANITATION WITHIN THE ESTATE & ITS ENVIRONMENT 2. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS 3. TO ENSURE THAT ITS MEMBERS ARE WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND ORGANIZE SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR UP KEEP. Any objection to this registration should be to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED ONYINYECHI EZETE ESQ 08032908277

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV (DR) FRANK PRAISE IDEM 2. REV MRS RUTH FRANK PRAISE 3. UDEME AKANIMOH EDOHO 4. EUNICE EDET UDOH 5. YAKNOABASI IMO IDIONG THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the fulfilment of domestic and international human rights dictates on women 2. To initiate, promote and partake in women development programmes.

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 –twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: CHAIRMAN

SUBULUL SALAM ISLAMIC FOUNDATION

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 general public is hereby informed that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act 1 of 1990.

- President - General secretary - Treasurer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To help the less privileged people in our society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: GENERAL SECRETARY FOR BOOKING OR INQUIRY CALL

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abdulwahab Akanbi Adegbola 2. Muritala Durodola Awojobi 3. Buniyamin Moradeyo Hameed 4. Raji Abagun Muhammed 5. Idayat Titilayo Adebayo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To promote Islam and assist the less Privilege within the society 2. To assist the women, youth widows vulnerable and the less privilege to acquire skill to be self reliance Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

> GLORIA OKWUM 08038722368

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

IZU UMU ANIOMA UNION

- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member

SIGNED: BARR. ALI DAWODU, Solicitor

> AUGUSTINE 08061602706

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To make Christ known to the world.

2.To meet the need of the needies through the Gospel of Salvation.

3. To prepare people for heaven through the help of the Holy Spirit.

4. To develop the capacity for skill acquisition.

Signed: PASTOR OBI UZORKA AMIFOR (President)

LOVE, ORDER, VALUE AND EMPOWERMENT

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adebayo Odunayo Oludare 2. Omokangbe Temitope David 3. Adebanbi Oluwadamilola

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1.Pastor Obi Uzorka Amifor -President 2.Mrs. Joy Nwakaego Amifor -Secretary 3.Pastor Graham Princewill Abbi 4.Pastor Echedom Chukwunonso Olisa 5.Evang. Chijioke Peter 6.Bro. Ohamara Macdad Ihekwoaba 7.Evang. Arit Okon Nsi 8.Pastor Rhema Chidinma Ndukwu 9.Pastor Ezinne Ndahbros 10.Evang. Christopher Chima Emagha

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Peter Ugbechi - President.

2. Moses. Eziashi - Vice President.

3. Vincent Ijeh - Gen. Secretary.

4. Azuka Cyril - Financial Secretary.

5. Ejiofor Elizabeth Adafor - Treasurer.

6. Dr. Lawrence Atuana - Member.

Aim and Objective: 1. To foster union.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: VINCENT IJEH (Gen. Secretary) 08051040514

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

51

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

THE ULTIMATE TEN MEN STAR CLUB

WONDERS OF GOD PRAYER MOUNTAIN MINISTRY

THE CENTER FOR IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE RESEARCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CLUB has applied with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CENTER has applied with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Philip Anya 2. Mrs. Oluchukwu Pauline Anya 3. Sunday Okeke 4. Joseph Anokwulu 5. Okoli Charles 6. Sunday Nwankwor 7. Chukwudi Nwagbo

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Chibuzo Amasike Ihesiaba 2. Mr Akan Udoete 3. Mrs Uzoma Doris Onwukwe 4. Mrs Nwaodochi Chinwe Iheukwumere 5. Mr Achimba Onwukwe

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ikechukwu Emmanuel Aguna - Chairman 2. Obed Chikwem Ndidika - Secretary 3. Ogechukwu Augustine Umeh 4. Chibuike Emmanuel Maduka 5. Anayo Udechukwu 6. Chinedu Collins Okafor 7. Chizoba Theodore Obiamaka Udeagbala 8. Richard Ejike Umeh 9. Chris Obalum Onuora 10. Onuh Blessing Ikechukwu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To lead, promote, develop, conceptualise, execute and implement all aspectsof implementation science research and development and public health service and practices

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To cater for the welfare of members.

MADAM THESSY NKADI ISEMEDE FOUNDATION

LEGAL NOTICE

NEW BORN LORRY/TIPPER DRIVERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Isemede Sunday Patrick 2. Iroanya Patricia Sandra 3. Isemede Michael Patrick 4. Isemede Emmanuel Mac-Stanley 5. Isemede Chukwuma Mac-Henry 6. Isemede Odia Kenneth 7. Isemede Chinyere Chiwendu Chiamaka 8. Isemede Chinedu Daniel

- Chairma

- Secretary

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To help empower the less privilaged.

2. To inspire and give support to the orphans.

3. To empower widows and the needy in the society.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Aruku John Otop Aruku Cletus Uko and Lucy Retired Army Officer Iyaji Obi Who died on the 29th January , 2013 6 Aluko Street, off Ogundele

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

Street Oshodi Lagos The son and daughter of the said deceased.

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

Signed: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Tajudeen Adeoye 2. Taofik Soremekun 3. Amisu Ojo 4. Seyi Edun 5. Dimeji Agboola

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote welfare of members, mutual understanding and progress.

2. To see that nobody should drive recklessly or in dangerous manner on the highway and in the garage.

3. To promote peace and unity among the members.

4. To regulate the relationship between the association members and members of the society.

5. To inculcate among members a sense of responsibility and dedication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: BARR. SULEIMAN MOHAMMED JAJI (08036207463)

JESUS DIVINE HEALING MINISTRY

THE LOVE OF CHRIST SKILL ACQUISITION INITIATIVE

UKWUTUKWU UMUOMA SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry 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 INITIATIVE 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 club 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.PROPHETESS JACOB OGOCHUKWU EMILY 2.MR. JACOB NWOGO 3.MR UZOR UCHECHUKWU COLLINS 4.MR GODWIN OGBONNA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JUSTINA AIDOJE IRABOR 2. CLARA EROMOSELE 3. HELEN AHAMIOJIE 4. OSE EROMOSELE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO EDUCATE & TRAIN PEOPLE ON VARIOUS VOCATIONAL SKILLS. 2.TO PROMOTE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHRISTIAN IBEZIM 2.NKWACHUKWU SOLOMON 3.CHISOM ABANA 4.CHUKWUEBUKA NWACHUKWU 6.KELECHI AKUDU 6.MGBEODICHUKWUNMA ONYEMEKWU

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed AJA N. AJA 08034143429

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. EMEKA ADIELE PLOT 874 SHETTIMA MUNGONO CRESCENT UTAKO ABUJA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE & CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. EMEKA ADIELE PLOT 874 SHETTIMA MUNGONO CRESCENT UTAKO ABUJA

JUSTICE AND TRANSFORMATION SUPPORT INITIATIVE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named body has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Mrs Josephine Okwuekele Tolefe Ann Nkem Mshelia Gabriel Nduka UCH (RTD).

Tolefe Who died on the 20th January,2014.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Ibrahim Bukar Laminu Ibrahim and Baba Gana Federal Road Safety Corps, Abuja Ibrahim Who died on the 2nd December,2013.

Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF. THOMAS CHUKWU 2. MAGNUS UNAH 3. GABRIEL ARIKPO 4. MICHAEL DURA 5. CHARLES OGOH 6. ELIAS AJAH BESTMAN 7. HENRY ONAH 8. MRS NGOZI CHUKWU 9. ALLOY CHRISTIAN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1.TO PROPAGATE THE NEED FOR A PERFECT SOCIETY. 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. GABRIEL ARIKPO 08098389118

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that IROZURU CHUKWUEMEKA LAWRENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWRENCE CHUKWUEMEKA LAWRENCE. And MISS NKEJIAKA NKEIRUKA UZOAMAKA. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAWRENCE NKEIRUKA UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ST. PETERSBELL

I formerly known and addressed as PETERS FAUSTINA NKIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ST. PETERSBELL NKIRUKA FAUSTINA JIGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

A3, 14 Thaba Tseka Street Wuse 11, Abuja.

The daughter and Son of the said deceased.

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

LINDA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS LINDA AGBO OMOYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LINDA AGBO RICHARD EZUDUEMOIH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

FATIMA

I formerly known and addressed as FATIMA DAHIRU HAMZA, now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMA MUNIR MUSA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

UGWUOKE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EGBE OGECHI ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UGWUOKE ESTHER OGECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

GIMBIYA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GIMBIYA PRISCILLA YASHIM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GIMBIYA PRISCILLA EGBA. All former documents remain valid. Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) and the general public should please take note.

AWONIYI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AJIBOYE FUNMILAYO ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AWONIYI FUNMILAYO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EBERE

I formerly known and addressed as NWANI EBERE OKORIE, now wish to be known and addressed as EBERE MAURICE OKORIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

House No 14C, B Close Kado Housing Estate, Abuja The brothers of the said deceased.

MERCY

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NNENNA OKON IMAGA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NNENNA UDUMA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should please take note.

IFEOMA

I formerly known and addressed as OKEKE IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKENTA IFEOMA ANNASTESIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MERCY

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MERCY EBERE EZEDI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MERCY EBERE CROWN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

SALMA

I formerly known and addressed as SALMA MUKHTAR DODO, now wish to be known and addressed as SALMA DANLADI HALILU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

52 LEGAL NOTICE

MUSLIMAH CITY SISTERS ASSOCIATION

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to notify the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Deceased name and address Deborah Joab Dimbol Federal Road Maintenance Agency Who died on the 10th May, 2012.

Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

Applicant for grant Fibi Joab Dimbol guardian to Saratu B. Galadima No , Abdullahi Mohammed Close Apo, Abuja The sister and daughter of the said deceased.

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Aisha Tijjani -Bomai 2. Zara Mohammed 3. Hauwa Idris Shehu 4. Aisha Sani 5. Usaina Nuhu Sanda 6. Hadiza Nuhu Sanda 7. Fatima Abdullahi Matazu 8. Zainab Baba-Mai Ali AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Educating Muslims most especially women onQuranic teachings 2. To provide and organize women, workshops, seminars on successful marriages and marital homes 3. Reaching out for the poor, needy, widows, orphans, sick and physically challenged.

4. To empower women and children concerning their welfare.

5. To promote peace, unity and understanding among women of all faith.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Istifanus Yem Yem Kuka, Ibrahim Yem and Matina Ministry of Youth Development, Abuja Istifanus Who died on the 17th May, 2014 Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

ECWA 2 Aso A Maraba Nasarawa State The father, brother and widow of the said deceased.

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

Signed: H.B. SHETTIMA SHETTIMA, HALILU & RESNICK (LEGAL PRACTITIONERS)

ECLECTIC CLUB

ALL BABIES ARE EQUAL INITIATIVE

UMUAHIA AND ENVIRON PETROLEUM MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for the registration With corporate affairs commission “part c” of the companies and allied matters Act,1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied for with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1.BARR.EKPO BASSEY DUKE 2.MR. SAM JAJA 3.BARR. TOJU AGBEREN 4.MR.TAIWO AKERELE 5.BARR. EHIMARE EHOHO

This is to notify the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Svetha Janumpalli 2. Pratyush Agarwal

- PRESIDENT - GENERAL SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE AND PROVIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF HER MEMBERS THE REQUISITE AMENITIES FOR CULTURAL AND SOCIAL GROWTH AND GENERALLY TO FOSTER SPIRIT OF GOOD FELLOWSHIP AMONGST MEMBERS. 2.TO PROMOTE,PROPAGATE AND SUSTAIN THE RELEVANCE OF OUR MEMBERS 3.TO PROMOTE AND DEFEND WHEN NECESSARY ANY ACTION THAT WILL ENHANCE THE GROWTH,UNITY,STABILITY AND GENERAL WELLBEING OF MEMBERS 4.TO ENSURE THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A STANDARD CLUB AND THE ACTUALIZATION AND SUSTENANCE OF THE ASPIRATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CLUB Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General,corporate Affairs commission,Tigris crescent off A guiyi Ironsi street,maitama Abuja.

Signed: NEST ATTORNEYS MAZI OJUKWU OKECHUKWU

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection by facilitating conditional cash transfers to families in HIV prevalent areas in Nigeria.

2. To ensure and facilitates the completion of prevention of motherto-child transmission (PMTCT) HIV treatment for HIV positive pregnant women.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

ARTICULATIVE MINDS INITIATIVES FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

DR. ODIASE-LIFTALIFE FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

This is to notify 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Eboh Patience Nkemakonam P. N 2. Amos Henry Nyam 3. Alhaji M. Garba

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. George Odiase 2. Dr. Frank Odiase 3. Engr. Joel Ogiemwonyi 4. Omokha Ehosa 5. Mr. Eruaga Edmund

- Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To create an association that will assist petroleum marketers in Umuahia Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: CHAIRMAN

Signed: SECRETARY

- Chairman

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mascot Imo Obike 2. Elder George Nwabueze 3. Mr. Vincent Nnalue 4. Amazu Prince Chigozie 5. Dennis Nwachukwu Orka 6. Samson Dike Nwokorie 7. Joseph Chinedu Ogbulafor

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote peace, unity among members.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Youth empowerment and training, leadership development.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

GOVERNMENT COMMERCIAL COLLEGE OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION ZARIA the genera public is here by notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act. Cap 59 laws of the federation of Nigeria. 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1 HRH OBA YAKUBU ADEBAYO BUARI (THE OLOMU OF OMUPO) 2 DANJUMA ABRAHAM MAINA 3 YAHAYA OMEIZA IBRAHIM 4 DR HARUNA MUHAMMED JUMARE (MARADIN ZAZZAU) 5 BABANGIDA GARBA GWANDU (DANBURAM GWANDU) 6 HAJIA MARYAM D. HASSAN. 7 ABUBAKAR DANLADI MOHAMMED (SAN TURAKI LOKOJA) 8 AMINU YAHAYA MASANAWA 9 AMINU MUHAMMED TURAKI 10 AHMED ADAMU YAKUBU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE THE IMAGE OF OUR ALMA - MATER 2. TO BRING EX-STUDENTS TOGETHER 3. TO ASSIST ONE ANOTHER 4. TO STRENGTHEN PART OF RELATIONSHIP 5. TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE ASSOCIATION 6. TO SERVE AS A BEACON OF HOPE TO THE LARGER SOCIETY THAT PEACE , UNITY AND PROGRESS IS POSSIBLE IN AN ETHNICALLY AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSE SOCIETY LIKE NIGERIA. Any objection (s) to this should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate affairs commission, 420 tigris crescent, off Aguiyi ironsi street, p.m.b 198 maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed A.A SADIQ MARAFA ESQ SOLICITOR

LEGAL NOTICE

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS OF NIGERIA

CENTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MARITIME RESEARCH

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to notify the general public that the above named Organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. His Eminence, Alh. (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni- Sultan of Sokoto - Chairman 2. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, Ooni of Ife - Member 3. HRH Alh. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR- Shehu of Borno - Member 4. HRH Mal. Muhammadu Sanusi II- Emir of Kano - Member 5. His Imperial Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, Oba of Benin- Member 6. HRM Igwe Nnemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha - Member 7. HRH Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR- Etsu Nupe - Member 8. His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Obong of Calabar- Member 9. HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro/ Paramount Ruler of Yewaland - Member 10. Alh. Umoru Aigbe Jafaru - Secretary

This is to notify the general public that the above named CENTER has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Mr John Akole Aghedo Princess Bernie Cecy Mighty N.T.A Abuja Mbuko Quarters Off Bwari Road Who died on the 22nd January , 2009

Dutse FCT Abuja The cousin of the said deceased.

Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

OYINLOYE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNNIBYI OMOLARA BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYINLOYE OMOLARA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ENUICE

I formerly known and addressed as EUNICE DUPE DANIEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ENUICE DANIEL UMUHOAKPOR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote peace, unity and development, peaceful co-existence among the citizenry To give general advice on traditional and cultural matters in Nigeria To promote and ensure value and moral re-orientation in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

JOSEPHINE

ABUBAKAR

I formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR SANI USMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR SANI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

APPLETON

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UDOH MARY UYIRE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS APPLETON MARY UYIRE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADEBOWALE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OJO YETUNDE OLAWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEBOWALE YETUNDE OLAWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To engage in research on transport and maritime matters Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

I formerly known and addressed as JOSEPHINE NDIDI ONWUANIA, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPHINE EKWEALOR NCHETA UWAESENE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Don-Aki Godwyn Ochuko 2. Amadi Victor Ashinobi 3. Onumaegbu Lucky Eze 4. Essien Theresa Nkwa Nyong 5. Akpu Nkechi Tonia Rita

UWAESENE

I formerly known and addressed as UWAESENE EWKEALOR NCHETA, now wish to be known and addressed as UWAESENE EKWEALOR NCHETA UWAESENE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

JENNIFER

I formally known and addressed as MISS CHRISTIANA ASUQUO AKPAN, now wish to be known as MRS JENNIFER IFIOK USSOH.All former documents remain valid. Department of Religious and Cultural Studies University of Calabar Calabar and the general public please take note.

CHINYEAKA

I formerly known as MISS CHINYEAKA LOVELYN NWOHIA now wish to be known as MRS CHINYEAKA LOVELYN OGAZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

TOYIN

I formally known and addressed as MISS TOYIN MIRACLE ADANIKE AKPAN, now wish to be known as MRS TOYIN MIRACLE BAMGBOWU.All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

DEBORAH

I formerly know as MISS DEBORAH SHADE ADELOLA now wish to be know as MRS DEBORAH SHADE OLORUNSAGBA, all former document remain valid. General public to please take note.

HADIZA

I was formerly called BIRCHI HADIZA HADI SULE and now wish to be called HADIZA ABDUL-HADI. Former documents remain valid GTBank, AMCON and the general public to please note.

53

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

LO S S OF O F DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Conveyance of Provisional Approval issued on 10/03/1999 in respect of Plot No. 1039 measuring about 1.2 Hectares in Giri Layouth of Gwagwalada Area Council bearing BEIJ SCHOOL. All efforts made to trace the said certificate proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. Accelerated Area Councill and Sectorial the Reissuance Scheme (AACSTRIS), Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), FCDA Gwagwalada Area Council and the general public should take note.

LIFETOUCH ORPHANAGE This is to notify 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Olayemi Mojibola Adeleke.

2. Pastor Andrew Ademola Adebayo.

3. Pastor Mrs Adetuberu Olufunke Abimbola.

4. Pastor Mrs Ogunlana Mobolanle olabosade.

5. Akinbobola Oluwatosin Abimbola Temitope.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To carry on charity works.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: PEARLHEIGHT LEGAL PRACTITIONER . 08035126457

FERGURIN ISOKARIARI FOUNDATION This is to notify 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Ebenezer Isokariari - President 2. Mrs. Rossarah Isokariari 3. Mrs. Fanty Isokariari 4. Dr. Otonye Isokariari 5. Gold Isokariari 6. Benjamin Isokariari 7. Victoria Udowa 8. Stella Isokariari 9. Engr. Ebenezer Isokariari (Jnr) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To assist and encourage the establishment of schools for training of young and adult members of the society in conventional moraland basic knowledge.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: SECRETARY

SAUDE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SAUDE BELLO BASHEER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SAUDE MOHAMMED BASHIR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EHORO

I formerly know as EHORO SOLOMON NWENENDA JOE now wish to be know as EHORO JOE ALEX, all former document remain valid, Emmbassies and the general public to please take note.

LO S S OF O F DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS This is to inform the public of the loss of original copy of allocation letter of Ref No. FHA/82/LEM/FCT/ LUG/378 issued by Federal Housing Authority dated 22nd October 1999 belonging to Mr. VICTOR GARBA is missing.

All efforts to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station.

Federal Housing Authority and the public should take note.

UZONWA

I formerly know as MISS UZONWA THELMA IHEUKWU now wish to be know as MRS UZONWA THELMA OGBE, all former document remain valid. General public to please take note.

IKEMESIT

I formerly know as IKEMESIT OKON UDOH now wish to be know as MRS IKEMESIT ANIEFIOK VICTOR, all former document remain valid, General public to please take note.

NGOZI

I formerly know as MISS NGOZI EMERE now wish to be know as MRS NGOZI NWANERI, all former document remain valid, Sahara group and the general public to please take note.

ONOVO

I formerly know as OGUBUNKA FLORENCE NKASIOBI now wish to be know as ONOVO FLORENCE NKASIOBI, all former document remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABDUSALAM

I formerly know as MISS AHMED MARYAM SULEIMAN now wish to be know as MRS ABDUSALAM BALA MARYAM, all former document remain valid. General public to please take note.

LIKITA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS UMORU JUMMAI ELIZABETH, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS LIKITA JUMMAI ELIZABETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

LO S S OF O F DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS

P U OF B L I DOCUMENT C N OT I C E LOSS

This is to inform the public of the loss of original copy of allocation letter Ref. No. FHA/ES/FCT/LG/ NHP/2BB issued by Federal Housing Authority dated 12th September 2000 belonging to TIJANI MAKAMA is missing.

All efforts to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station.

We the entire members of Adeosun family mourn the sudden demise of our sister and mother, MRS. FATHELAT ADUMNI ADEOSUN whose sad event occured on 27/4/2011.

Federal Housing Authority and the public should note.

May her gentle soul rest eternally in the Lord.

Signed: L. ADEOSUN for the family

DE BLESSED ONE LOVE CLUB OF NIGERIA

LEGAL NOTICE

This is to notify the general public that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elochukwu Enugo 2. Stanley Muonulu 3. Chinedu Eze 4. Aniagu Robinson 5. Onyeka Mamah

- Chairman

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the welfare of members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 days of this notice to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Signed: PLACID EZEIGBO

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of administration of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said letters of administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE Deceased name and address Applicant for grant Usman G. Faruk Ajarat F. Usman guardian to Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Abuja Muhammed A. Faruk Who died on the 20th October, 2013.

Dated at Abuja this 24th June, 2014.

Phase 1 Jikwoyi No 23 Foster Street, Abuja The widow and son of the said deceased.

Signed: BARR HAFSAT SADIQ For: Probate Registrar

54

DAY With

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Ishaku Kigbu

14

Nigeria Vs Argentina:

Players To Watch

How Eagles Can Overcome Argentina – Yusuf

By SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

Ahead of the final group match against Argentina in Porto Alegre today, former Super Eagles assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf, has advised Stephen Keshi and his team on how to overcome the South American giants.

He said Keshi should try as much as possible to cut off Barcelona wizard, Lionel Messi from receiving ball if he wants his team to emerge victorious at the end of today’s encounter.

Yusuf was assistant coach to Samson Siasia when the Eagles walloped Argentina 4-1 at the

Keshi

Abuja National Stadium, when the two teams met in 2012 for Grade A FIFA international friendly match. According to him, the Argentine are beatable if only the Eagles’ defense and midfield can succeeded in cut off Lionel Messi and make him looks like an ordinary player in the field.

“Messi is an extra ordinary player. Therefore, it’s hard to stop him with the ball. You can only stop him by cutting him from getting ball. His ball supply is from the right wing, and if he is prevented from receiving the passes, he will have little to contribute to the team.”

Vincent Enyeama

Yesterday’s results • Italy 0-1 Uruguay • Costa Rica 0-0 England • Japan 1-4 Colombia • Greece 2-1 Cote d’Ivoire

Osaze Odemwingie

Today’s Matches • Nigeria Vs Argentina 5pm (Porto Alegre) • Bosnia and Hezergovina Vs Iran Salvador) 5pm • Honduras Vs Switzerland 8pm (Manaus) • Ecuador Vs France 9pm (Rio De Janiero

Tomorrow’s Matches • Portugal Vs Ghana 5pm (Brasilia) • USA Vs Germany (Recife) 5pm • Korea Republic Vs Belgium (Sao Paulo) 9pm • Algeria Vs Russia 9pm (Curitiba)

About Porto Alegre • Population 1.5 million • Economy: Rich agricultural and pastoral hinterland

Head-To-Head Nigeria Vs Argentina • FIFA Ranking: Nigeria 34, Argentina 5 • Played 6 matches, Goals for: Nigeria 6, Argentina 7

Mikel Obi

Uruguay’s defender Diego Godin (3rd L) scores against Italy yesterday to qualify his country for round of 16

Nigeria Vs Argentina: No Mercy For Messi – Eagles Vow

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Against familiar foes Argentina, Super Eagles led by their captain Joseph Yobo have vowed that there would be no mercy for Messi as they play the final group match today at the Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre.

The Super Eagles defence will be boosted with the presence of Godfrey Oboabona who missed the game against Bosnia and Hezergovina as a result of injury.

Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi said that the team expects to garner support from Brazilians against their arch-rivals who expect 80,000 supporters from across the border, the 51-year-old said his boys will not be intimidated by the predominant support base that Porto Alegre will offer to the Albiceleste.

“We’re here to play, if we have the support of the Brazilians we will appreciate it. But we are not looking at that, we are just here to win our game,”

Keshi told journalists.

The Super Eagles would be motivated by their win against Bosnia and Hezergovina when they file out against familiar foes Argentina today in their last group game match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup if they are to progress comfortably by topping Group F. Presently, Eagles are second in the group with four points, two points behind leaders Argentina, who would be all out to claim maximum three points.

Complete What You Started, Odegbami Tells Eagles

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

Former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami has tasked the Super Eagles to complete the job they have started in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil by picking the needed draw against Argentina in Porto Alegre today and book a place at the last 16.

Nigeria heads into this final group game against the South American giants with four points after a draw

against Iran and a slim 1-0 win against Bosnia in Cuiaba last Saturday and the former national team star believes the draw is achievable.

Speaking ahead today’s crucial encounter in Porto Alegre, a city bordering Argentina, in which Argentina fans have trooped in their thousands to cheer their team to winning all three matches, Odegbami after Eagles upped their game and won Bosnia, their confidence have

Lionel Messi

Angel Di Maria

also increased to pick a draw against the former World Cup champions.

“Nigeria finally got to a winning mentality by beating Bosnia after playing draw with Iran and that has given the team confidence going against Argentina. With the victory, the sighs and crying are over and we expect something better again against Argentina. The boys have to charge themselves up again to complete what they have started.”

Pablo Zabaleta

sports 55

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Eagles Goal Scorers To Get $1000 Per Goal

By SAMUEL MALIK, Abuja

Edinson Cavani of Uruguay and Leonardo Bonucci of Italy compete for the ball yesterday at the 2014 World Cup

African Teams Have Represented The Continent Well –Siasia

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

Former Super Eagles player and coach, Samson Siasia is impressed with the quality of play of African teams in this World Cup holding in Brazil even though some are going home after first round.

He said from the matches he has seen African teams lived up to expectation winning some good games

and giving big teams a run for their money.

Siasia singled out Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire as teams that have not let the continent down after two round of matches. “I feel proud as an African after seeing the zest and fighting spirit of African teams matching big European teams in this World Cup. Look at Nigeria, picking

a draw and a win, Ghana holding former world champions Germany to a draw and Algeria beating South Korea; these are improvements for African football. Cote d’Ivoire also won their first game. In those days African teams come to the World Cup and mostly don’t win their matches; at the end of group stages almost all of the exit. But now there

ia hope that three out of five can make it to the knockout stage.”

Siasia who also played in the World Cup in USA 94 said the pace and speed of African teams have also increased in this World Cup noting that already the world is taking notice of the tremendous improvement of African players and nations in Brazil.

NOC Backs Eagles To Outshine Argentina

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) says it has high confidence on the Super Eagles to put on another great performance that should see Nigeria through to the knock-out stage of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil as they battle Argentina in today’s crucial group f match.

NOC President Sani Ndanusa said the Super

Eagles were able to justify their status as the reigning African champions by putting on a great display in the 1-0 win over Bosnia Herzegovina which puts qualification to the next round within their reach.

He added that with a higher degree of commitment, Nigeria will beat their South American opponents in today’s match.

“Most people turned their back on the team after the

draw with Iran but as a true champions the Super Eagles rise to the occasion by not only winning but puts on a commendable display against Bosnia and this has given us at the NOC the hope and confidence that we will have cause to smile after the match with Argentina,” Ndanusa, a former Sports Minister said in a goodwill message to the team.

Ndanusa urged Nigerians to pray and keep supporting

the team noting that the team have a good chance of reaching at least the semifinal which would be the first by an African team.

“Nigerians should believe in the Super Eagles. Against the odds, the team won the Nations Cup last year and if we remain focus, they can go as far as the semi-final which would be a remarkable achievement because no team from Africa has gone that far at the World Cup.”

Pillar of Sports in Nigeria, Donatus Agu-Ejidike, in a bid to ensure that Nigeria’s Super Eagles progress to the knockout stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil, has promised each goal scorer in tonight’s encounter with group leaders Argentina $1000 for each goal scored.

Ejidike made this known in a statement released to LEADERSHIP Sports and congratulated the team for their victory against Bosnia, which took them a step closer to the next round of the competition.

While urging the Eagles to remain focused, the Pillar of Sports, who had said he would give the

team $1000 for each goal scored at the tournament, promised the scorers in tonight’s match same amount. “I have promised each goal scorer $1000 to motivate the team to score more goals and progress to the next round,” he said.

Nigeria take on Argentina needing a draw to advance, but will still progress with defeat if Iran fail to beat Bosnia.

However, Ejidike, who is also president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, urged the Eagles to go for victory, saying the Argentines are beatable.

“They are not invisible. If Iran could hold them for 90 minutes before Messi scored the winning goal, they are beatable,” he said.

NTA Promises Clearer Broadcast Of World Cup

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

As football fans all over the world, are caught up in the fire of the World Cup season, NTA Sports 24, has said it will continue to improve its visual quality and make the actions clearer to viewers and Nigerian football lovers.

NTA Sports 24 is the official upgraded sports channel of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), which secured the rights under Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) for free-to-air screening of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“During this football season, Nigerians can get to watch the matches with the best picture and sound quality available on NTA Sports 24 and other NTA Multi Channels available on the StarTimes Platform,” a statement from the media organisation made available to LEADERSHIP Sports said.

“The free-to-air channel is showing on NTA– Star Tv Network, channel (628).

NTA– Star Tv Network is a digital transmission platform that has the objective to carry the National Channel as the main digital transition platform.”

Maxim Choupo-Moting of Cameroon is challenged by Thiago Silva (L), Luiz Gustavo (2nd L) and Ramires of Brazil on Monday

Glo To Eagles: Beat Argentina, Restore Nigeria’s Pride

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Peter Odemwingie (L) of Nigeria celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with his teammate Emmanuel Emenike

The National team, Super Eagles has been tasked to ensure total victory over the Albicelestes of Argentina when both sides clash in the last Group F match of the ongoing 2014 World Cup today in Brazil.

Nigeria moved to the second position in Group F with four points after defeating Bosnia1-0 in Cuiaba last Saturday, while major contender, Argentina who will face the Super Eagles in the next match has six points after defeating hard fighting Iran also by a lone goal.

According to a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP Sports

yesterday in Lagos, Globacom saluted the fighting spirit and doggedness of the Eagles which saw them trouncing Bosnia, adding that the team needs at least a draw to guarantee its qualification for the Round of 16.

“We urge the Eagles’ camp to remain focused on the task ahead. We believe that another victory is achievable and we stand by you as ever, believing fervently that you will do Nigeria proud,” Globacom said in the statement.

“Even though a draw with Argentina will ensure the Super Eagles’ qualification for the second round, winning the match will boost the team’s confidence.”

AMUSEMENT PARK

My wife dresses to kill. She cooks the same way

25.06.14 No. 2,211

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Hannatu Musawa

A

The loss of an election carries with it the loss of a fortune as well

s the dust in Ekiti settles in the aftermath of the gubernatorial election, memories of the gruelling and hardfought campaigns have already started fading from the nation’s collective consciousness. And, as we witness the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in Ekiti State, there is one central lesson that Nigerian politicians can take away -- one example that reverberates a very strong message of hope in our political practice.

In the wake of the PDP victory in Ekiti, Governor Kayode Fayemi conceded defeat in the Ekiti elections with grace and humility; he did something that was extraordinary. Conceding defeat, in of itself, in a normal setting, is nothing extraordinary, but with the kind of extraordinary atmosphere in our political structure, where elections are seen as do or die and obvious defeats are challenged by those who, for one reason or another, have a sense of entitlement, yielding to an electoral loss often becomes an impossibility.

Losing at anything in life is always very difficult and losing in politics is bound to be even tougher because it takes place on a very public platform. But even besides the publicity involved, the reality of any campaign is that a large sum of money must have gone into supporting that campaign.

Therefore, apart from the public letdown in addition to a bruised ego at the thought of being beaten by a rival, the loss of an election carries with it the loss of a fortune as well.

The combined loss of so much must be very hard to come to terms with.

It is a credit to Governor Fayemi that he has such decency and the altruistic carriage to appreciate that there is so much more to life than being in political power. It is refreshing to see a government official who understands that it is not the end of the world when one moves out of the government house. It is a relief to finally see an example of an aspirant who doesn’t put too much value to being driven

WEDNESDAY

www.leadership.ng

N150

The Wednesday Column

— Henny Youngman

Giving Way To Defeat And Hope hannatu@leadership.ng

by endless motorcades and sirens or having their picture draped in all offices and business houses in the state or having their name mentioned in the front pages of newspapers. The grace and poise in which Governor Fayemi has conducted himself since the election is very inspiring and should set a standard in elections that are relatively freely and fairly conducted.

Current and aspiring political officeholders should indeed take a cue from Governor Fayemi’s “dignified demeanour” as he gracefully accepted defeat and duly congratulated his opponent sportingly. In other saner climes, this is the norm amongst politicians as they unassumingly concede defeat and accordingly congratulate their rivals. This seemingly trivial but salient act alone is essential for the enhanced political development of the polity.

It largely dissuades post-election violence/conflicts and also ensures that the elected official focuses explicitly on their mandate. In Nigeria, however, the “do or die” mentality amongst some of our politicians has largely been the bane of our political development.

It is a well-known fact that the power of incumbency plays a vital factor when politicians vie for political offices during elections.

As such, politicians in this dear country of ours characteristically hold on to power, not wanting to relinquish it until they are forcibly removed from office; this is why such archetypal leaders like Governor Fayemi need to be glorified and commended. Such leaders need to be recognized and credited for conducting themselves in the best interest of the society and in a manner that advances peace.

A majority of our African countries are plagued with conflicts, some emanating from incumbent leaders who do not want to relinquish power until they are forced out. The likes of Hosni Mubarack, Muamaar Ghaddaffi, Mobutu Tse Tse Seko, Idi Amin all

held onto power until they were forcibly removed.

But why? Perhaps it is because of the “fear of the unknown” after exiting government house or the unlimited access they have while in office to government coffers for their personal use.

Perchance, it is the unlimited power they wield while in office, the endless motorcades and sirens used in various official and personal functions, the number of “sycophants” at their disposal, the “godlike” mentality they assume while in office, et cetera. Possibly, it is a combination of all these factors that deters such leaders from relinquishing power. Such incumbents engender conflict, particularly in cases where free, fair and credible elections are held, and the incumbent refuses to accept defeat and vacate office.

In Ghana, undoubtedly regarded as an epitome of democracy and good governance in Africa, the likes of Governor Fayemi could be found there, as the majority of the country’s politicians at various times have put the interest of their country ahead of personal interest. In 2000, when Rawlings’ mandatory eight-year governance ended, many thought he would seek a third term in office or refuse to step down. However, not only did Rawlings supervise a free and fair elections, he also honourably handed power to an opposition leader, M. A. Kuffor, who won the elections. This landmark moment in the country’s history marked the first peaceful transfer of an incumbent to an opposition. President Kuffor in turn also supervised a free and fair election and handed power to the late President Atta Mills, the opposition presidential candidate in the 2008 general elections of Ghana. In Zambia also, the country set an example for the rest of Africa about how power can be transferred peacefully via the 2011 elections, when Michael Sata, the long-time opposition figure, defeated the incumbent Rupiah Banda. There

was a peaceful transition of power as Banda conceded defeat.

Compare this to such leaders like Cote d’Ivoire’s Laurent Gbagbo who refused to stand down as president until he was disgracefully forced out of power, despite the country’s Electoral Commission’s pronouncement that the opposition candidate, Alassane Ouattara, had won the presidential election of the country. This single act almost made the country slip back into civil war, causing undue mayhem and violence in the process.

Retrospectively, Nigerian politics has witnessed the blatant abuse of the power of incumbency; incumbents lacklustre deportment at supervising a free and fair elections and conceding power when defeated at the polls. But Fayemi is indeed a true democrat and progressive devoid of the do or die mentality of a majority of Nigerian and African politicians.

This singular act has thus forestalled any form of postelection violence or conflict in the state and it is unquestionably worthy of emulation by every politician in this great country of ours.

Follow me on Twitter@hanneymusawa

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By their driving armoured tanks to Sambisa forest?

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