Senate resumes, set to receive ministerial list GEORGE OJI ABUJA
Saraki
Vol. 5 N0. 1210
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he Senate, which adjourned for a six week annual vaca-
tion on August 13, will resume today. The lawmakers are expected to receive the list of ministerial nominees from President Mu-
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
President must prove he’s not a dictator –Adebanjo
hammadu Buhari today through the office of the Senate President in line with the assurances by presidential spokesperCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>
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Stampede: 54 Nigerians confirmed dead in S’Arabia Buhari orders Hajj commission, embassy to account for Nigerian pilgrims Death of two Appeal Court justices stalls hearing of cases ROTIMI FADEYI, WALE IGBINTADE, JAMES DANJUMA AND JUSTIN TYOPUUSU
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ifty-four Nigerians have been confirmed to have died during Thursday’s stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The confirmation was given yesterday by Chairman, National Hajj Commission of CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>
MASSOB may become another B’Haram, conference P.8 warns L-R: APC stalwart, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof. Joy Ogwu; Niger State Governor Abubakar SaniBello; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwa; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; President Muhammadu Buhari and others, during a meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York.
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Troops block Boko Haram’s escape routes at Lake Chad ...as military vows to kill last terrorist in latest offensive P.2
Nigeria’s absence at UN meeting on security, a huge embarrassment –PDP P.6
Protest rocks UNILAG over bedbugs invasion of hostels
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Troops block Boko Haram’s escape routes at Lake Chad UBONG UKPONG ABUJA
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efence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday, announced total blockade of all possible escape routes of Boko Haram terrorists at the Lake Chad Basin, by the Multi National Joint Task Force, MNJTF. This is even as the Nigerian military has vowed to intensify its joint assaults on terrorists until it killed the last unrepentant terrorist in the North East. It would be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, few days ago announced blockade of access routes in and out of Sambisa forest, with the aim of routing the insurgents. DHQ, in an operational update through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said
the blockade of the Lake Chad Basin area had become imperative to prevent terrorists from escaping or infiltrating the country and its neighbours. It said that MNJTF has already deployed its 7th Brigade to the area for the purpose. “The Nigerian Armed Forces have renewed commitment to continue the ongoing coordinated joint assaults on Boko Haram in the North East until the operation of the guerrillas are totally impaired and collapsed. “To this end, the coordinated operation of the security forces in the contested area designed to dismantle the technical pre-eminence and capabilities of the terrorist group would intensify because the masquerading guerrillas should not be given any breathing space to regroup and re-strategise their campaign. “For optimum success
in the counter-offensive, the recent deployment of the 7th Brigade of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, in the Lake Chad Basin would ensure
a total blockade of possible escape routes in the area to forestall further infiltration of the terrorist elements into the country and its neighbours.
“The terrorists are hereby warned to stop their mindless acts of violence and embrace peace in order that they might become useful citizens
contributing positively to the socio-economic development of not just the North East but the country as a whole,” Abubakar said in the update.
Commander, ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ in the Niger Delta, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola and Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, during a raid of newly discovered illegal bunkering site in Tamunotonye Ama community in Ogu-Bolo Local Government near Onne Sea Port in Rivers State, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN
Stampede: 54 Nigerians confirmed dead in S’Arabia CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mukhtar, at a news conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. No fewer than 717 pilgrims died and 805 others injured in the stampede when the pilgrims trooped to perform the ritual of the symbolic stoning of the devil. Mukhtar said 61 other Nigerian pilgrims were injured during the incident. He said 42 of the deceased pilgrims were transported to Saudi Arabia by state Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, while 12 came through Private Tour Operators. He said the deceased were from Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Cross Rivers, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, Yobe, Taraba and Zamfara states. The chairman also said out of the injured 61 pilgrims, 16 were transported by Private Tour Operators and the remaining 45 by state Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies. He said the commission
was still investigating to ascertain the number and condition of some pilgrims who have gone missing after the incident. Mukhtar said the commission had set up three committees to condole with the families of the deceased, arrange befitting burial for them and to collate information from eye witnesses. Iran has the highest number of deaths, with at least 140 of her nationals dead. Other African countries, whose nationals also died in the stampede, are Morocco (87), Egypt (55), Niger (22), Cameroon (21), Ivory Coast (14), Chad (11) and Somalia (8). Others are Algeria (8), Senegal (5), Tanzania (5) and about 50 missing, Libya (4), Kenya (3), Burkina Faso (1), Burundi (1) and Tunisia (1). President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Hajj Commission and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to urgently account for all Nigerian pilgrims in the aftermath of the stampede. The Presidential
directive followed conflicting reports on the number of Nigerian victims of the disaster. A statement issued yesterday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari was concerned that days after the unfortunate incident, some Nigerian families are still grappling with painful uncertainty over the fate of their relatives who traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. The statement said the President expected the Commission to work with the various state pilgrim boards, Islamic organisations and private travel agencies involved in Hajj operations to speedily provide a confirmed and verifiable report on the status of every Nigerian pilgrim in Saudi Arabia. Buhari also directed the Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to give all necessary assistance to Nigerians who are still receiving treatment for injuries suffered in Mina.
In a related development, a Katsina State House of Assembly lawmaker, Hon. Faisal Musa was among the victims of the stampede. Musa, 31, was elected for the first time on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, in May 2015, representing Jibia constituency. He was survived by a wife, child and parent. Governor Aminu Bello Masari and his deputy Mannir Yakubu were among dignitaries that paid condolence visit to family members of the deceased in Jibia council area. President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, yesterday expressed shock on the death of two justices of the Court in the Hajj stampede. This was contained in a statement signed by Media and Publicity Officer, Court of Appeal, Mrs. Sa’adatu Musa, and made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday. The statement listed the dead justices to include Abubakar Abdulkadir Jega and Musa Hassan Alkali of Abuja and Ilorin
divisions of the court respectively. It said the President described their sudden passage as “huge losses not only to the judiciary but to the entire country.” Bulkachuwa said the two late justices had never been found wanting in the discharge of their responsibilities, adding that they were highly principled on the bench. Justices of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division yesterday held a minute silence in honour of their colleagues. At the resume hearing of cases yesterday, Justice Shagbaor Ikyegh urged lawyers to observe a minute silence in honour of the two justices. He however, told the lawyers that the court will not be able to hear their cases and all the matters slated for hearing should be adjourned by the court registrars. One of Justice Jega’s last assignments was his judgement which affirmed the verdict of the state Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld the declaration of
Akinwunmi Ambode as the winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election. Justice Jega had in his lead judgement aligned with the July 1, 2015 decision of the Justice Muhammad Sijaro-led tribunal which declared as incompetent and therefore struck out the petition by the second runner-up in the election, Jimi Agbaje, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku yesterday condoled the family of the late Kpanti of Zing, Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim Sambo, a first class chief from the state who died during the hajj stampede. Sambo, who was the state’s Amirul Hajj died along with his two wives during the stampede. Ishaku, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Haruna Manu, who led a state delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the monarch in Zing, described the deceased as a dedicated, committed, humble, peace loving and a hardworking CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
L-R: Acting General Secretary, Alliances for Credible Elections, Ms. Mma Odi; Co-Convener, Say No Campaign, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu and Guest Speaker, Mr. Femi Falana, during the expanded media and civil society engagement on the current and emerging issues on constitution and election reform in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA
L-R: Chairman of the symposium, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo; Guest Speaker, Prof. Iheanyi Okpala; Manager, Medical and Scientific Affairs Sysmex, South Africa, Dr. Marion Munster; Director General/CEO, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Innocent Ujah and Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Oni Idigbe, during a symposium on recent advances in heamatology and coagulation diagnoses, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
L-R: Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Jonathan Andrew Nok; Kaduna State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Audu Idowu, and Country Representative, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, during the 2015 bi-annual review meeting of WHO’s administrative support staff, in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
L-R: Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Abuja Branch, Sir Steve Nwadiuko, presenting a cheque of fifty thousand naira and foods items to representative of the Administrator, Abuja Children Home, Karu, Mr. Felix Inaede; an official, Mr. Okafor Maxwell and former Branch Chairman of CIBN, Mr. Aluko Joseph, during the visit of CIBN officials to the orphanage in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN
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Buhari urges world leaders to dismantle safe havens for proceeds of corruption …calls for return of stolen funds to countries of origin
Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA
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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in New York, United States called on the international community to urgently redouble its efforts to strengthen mechanisms for dismantling safe havens for proceeds of corruption. Addressing world leaders at the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations, Buhari also urged his counterparts to do more to return stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin. Buhari reaffirmed his administration’s determination to frontally confront the twin evils of corruption and illicit financial outflows while stressing that corruption, cross-
border financial crimes, cyber crimes and human trafficking are major challenges of the 21st century, which the international community must work collectively to overcome. “Let me reaffirm the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to fight corruption and illicit financial flows. By any consideration, corruption and cross border financial crimes are impediments to development, economic growth, and the realisation of the well-being of citizens across the globe. “Nigeria is ready and willing to partner with international agencies and individual countries on a bilateral basis to confront crimes and corruption. “In particular, I call upon the global community to urgently redouble
efforts towards strengthening the mechanisms for dismantling safe havens for proceeds of corruption and ensuring the return of stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin,” the President said. He also proposed the adoption of peace as a seventh essential element of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted last Friday by world leaders in New York. He noted that the Secretary General of the United Nations grouped the SDGs into six essential elements, which include Dignity, Prosperity, Justice, Partnership, Planet and People. “As a prerequisite to these and as we look at history and remember the terrible events that gave rise to the birth of the United Nations in 1945, I would
like to propose a seventh: Peace. “Peace is close to the hearts of Nigerians, as we are in the front line in the war on terror. Boko Haram’s war against the people of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon may not attract as much worldwide attention as the wars in the Middle East, but the suffering is just as great and the human cost is equally high. “This is a war between progress and chaos; between democracy and the rule of law. Boko Haram celebrates violence against the weak and the innocent and deplorably, they hide behind their perverted interpretation of Islam. Boko Haram is as far away from Islam as anyone can think of,” Buhari said. The President assured
the global community that his administration was doing all within its powers to quickly overcome the challenge of terrorism and insecurity He also reassured the international community that rescuing the Chibok girls remains one of the major objectives of his administration, stressing that his government was working to ensure their safety and reunion with their families. Buhari condemned the new and dangerous dimension which human trafficking has assumed in the world. “We in Africa are grieved to see hundreds of our able bodied men and women dying in the desert or drowning in the Mediterranean. “We condemn in the strongest terms these people traffickers and will
support any measures to apprehend and bring them to justice,” he said While stressing that the world was witnessing a dreadful increase in conflicts fuelled by availability of small arms and light weapons, Buhari called on the international community to work towards effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty to ensure that small arms and light weapons can only be legally transferred. He called for the urgent resolution of the question of self determination for the people of Palestine and Western Sahara, while reminding the global assembly that peaceful coexistence and self-determination were among the key principles that led to the establishment of the United Nations.
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Senate resumes, set to receive ministerial list CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
sons that Buhari would keep faith with the September deadline for the publication of the list. Checks by our correspondent yesterday, however, revealed that the list of the ministers was yet to be received by the office of the Senate President as at 6.00pm. All things being equal, the communication from Buhari to Saraki, containing the list in line with the provisions of the constitution, which mandates the President to send such list to the Senate for screening and confirmation, would be received today. Besides the list of ministers, the Senate is also
expected to receive other communications from the President, especially a request for the upper legislative chamber to screen and confirm the appointment of the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, which was made in acting capacity by Buhari while the lawmakers were away on holidays. While the lawmakers were away, a lot happened, including the arraignment of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on a 13-count charge of false and anticipatory declaration of assets while in office as the Governor of Kwara State.
As the lawmakers resume, National Assembly observers believe that there will be stormy sessions in the Senate particularly, as the lawmakers are expected to react angrily to alleged ill-treatment of Saraki by the Federal Government. However, Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Media and Publicity, Dino Melaye, in a statement yesterday dispelled rumours of possible stormy session in the Senate. Melaye also dispelled speculations of a likely postponement of the resumption. He said the Senate would commence legisla-
tive activities without any rancour. He stated that the Senate was committed to always do only those things that would promote the unity, prosperity and wellbeing of the Nigerian people. He also stated that there would be no “stormy session” as being peddled by a section of the media since both the leadership and all the senators are at peace among themselves and are focused on working for the betterment of the country at all times. Melaye said: “I want to confirm that the Senate will resume tomorrow (Tuesday) and that we are set to carry out all our
L-R: President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe-Okei Odumakin; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Principal, Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Lagos, Mrs. Adebola Kolawole and President, Young Christian Women Association, Lagos, Lady Chikwue Ochiagha, during a sensitization meeting on the implementation of the guideline on gender based violence and young person in Nigeria, in Lagos, yesterday.
legislative responsibilities. “I also want to use this opportunity to announce the resolve of the Senate, to do only those things that will promote the unity, prosperity and wellbeing of the Nigerian people.” The spokesperson also stated that the
present challenges confronting the red chamber would be surmounted. He added: “We are willing and ready to receive all communication from Mr. President and we will act accordingly. We once again reiterate our allegiance to the Nigerian people.”
Stampede: 54 Nigerians confirmed dead in S’Arabia CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
leader, who died serving the state and his God. “It was because of his qualities that he was chosen as the 2015 state Amirul Hajj. He will be remembered for his love for the state and service to God,” he said. The governor added that the death of the monarch was a great lost to the state and the country at large and prayed God to grant him eternal rest and the injured quick recovery. Younger brother of the late monarch, Mallam Suleiman Sambo while thanking the governor for the visit said the death of the late king came to them as a rude shock. “The king’s sudden death and that of his two wives shocked everybody in the family. He left for the hajj and led the state delegation as the 2015 Amirul Hajj for Taraba
State. We were having high expectations of welcoming him back home, but God has other plans for him. “We heard that there was a stampede, but little did we know that our king and his two wives were among the casualties. They were trapped and scourge to death by over two million people during the stampede,” he said. Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Hassan Mijinyawa who had earlier confirmed the death of the monarch said 11 other pilgrims from the state were still missing, while the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Chairman, Taraba State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Hamman-Adama Tukur said the body of the late traditional ruler and his two wives have been recovered and buried in the Holy land.
Nigeria is benefitting from power sector privatisation -Adesina
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hairman of Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adesina, said Nigeria has started benefiting from the dividends of power sector privatisation. This is contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by Head, Public Communications, Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr Alex Okoh. According to the statement, the company’s chairman said the organisation, which was Nigeria’s largest generation plant, now generated above 1,000mw consistently into the National Grid. The chairman said it was the first time the plant would achieve such feat. “This is the first time since inception of the power plant
that it will achieve the feat because of the continuing investment and upgrade activities on the plant by the new investors - Sahara Power Group and Korea Electric Power Corporation, KEPCO,” he said. He recalled that eight years ago, the plant hit the 1,000mw mark for barely two hours and never attained it again until now. He said prior to the privatisation and handover of the plant in November 2013, Egbin averaged generation of below 500mw due to the dismal state of its six units which at its lowest point had only two operational. The statement said since takeover, the new owners embarked on total overhaul of units 4, 5 and 1, allowing the
units to peak at 220mw each. This, the statement said, was the installed capacity and that the plant “had never undergone any major overhaul in its 30 years of operation”. Adesina said Unit 6 of the plant, which had been unoperational for 10 years, had been successfully restored. He also said that the Turbine Vibration Monitoring Systems, which assisted in regulating the speed of the turbine in the event of vibration to avoid a catastrophic failure, had also been replaced. On the medium term investment plans, Adesina said that the major overhaul of Units 2, 3 and 6 in 2016 would complete the overhaul plan scheduled until the next scheduled overhaul in 2019.
Adesina attributed the achievements partly to the direct intervention of the Federal Government, in its determination to resolve the power crisis, which had resulted in recent improvement in gas supply. The chairman said the Federal Government’s recent interventions in the gas situation had impacted on power generation positively. “This is driving the increase in power supply in the nation, boosting socioeconomic development. “Prior to this, we had invested heavily and had the plant ready to generate power at full capacity but there was no gas to do so. “This is indeed a good development for the power sector in Nigeria,” he said.
He, however, called for more dynamic policies and incentives for sustainable gas supply across the nation. According to him, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Dallas Peavey, said the transformation in Egbin commenced following its acquisition by Kepco Energy Resource Limited, KERL, in collaboration with its technical partners, Korea Electric Power Corporation, KEPCO. “Through the injection of close to N50bn in new capital into Egbin post privatisation, the Sahara Power/KEPCO partnership has brought to the power plant, an unprecedented level of innovation, professionalism, human capital development and continuing investment in new technology.
“The control room panels, installed at the plant’s inception have been removed and upgraded to state-of-the-art digital panels. “The highlight of the main plant rehabilitation occurred in the first quarter of 2015, when the company successfully rehabilitated ST Unit 6, bringing an additional 220mw to the national grid and restoring the power plant to its installed capacity of 1320mw,” he said. Peavey said upon taking over the plant, the new management brought in a new lease of life to all stakeholders in Egbin with a clear roadmap for consistent retooling and repositioning of the company to conform to the latest technology and ensure optimal performance.
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Nigeria’s absence at UN meeting on Boko Haram, a huge embarrassment – PDP ObiOra ifOh, AbujA
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igeria’s diplomatic team and the handlers of President Muhammadu Buhari should be held responsible for the national embarrassment occasioned by the absence of the President or his representative(s) at a ‘high powered’ meeting of the United Nations on Boko Haram and Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, on Saturday in New York, the People Democratic Party, PDP, has said. The party stated this yesterday through its national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, at a press conference on the state of the nation tagged, ‘The Decline of Democratic Ideals.’ Metuh who questioned the competence of Buhari’s aides/political handlers, stated that “there have been some disturbing political trends in the country since the emergence of the President Buhari-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration at the center which, if unchecked portend high risk for our hard earned democracy.
“In the last 120 days under the APC, some elements in the euphoria of their unexpected victory are now moving our dear nation from democracy to autocracy and attempting to impose a sole administratorship in all spheres of the polity, with its attendant consequences and embarrassments to the President and our national image. “The recent case of the absence of Nigeria at one of the key meetings at the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the issue of humanitarian crisis arising from the insurgency in Lake Chad-linked countries, including our country was the main agenda, further asserts the ineptitude of the handlers of the President on national and international issues. “While we reserve our comments on the numerous gaffes by the Nigerian delegation at the 70th United Nation’s General Assembly meeting, we decry the huge embarrassment caused by the delegation’s dereliction of duty, profusely manifested in the snubbing of a crucial meeting where countries affected by
Boko Haram insurgency sought international assistance for millions displaced by the scourge. “Whereas, other affected Chad basin countries were fully represented and had fruitful discussions with officials of the world body, the government of Nigeria, which has the biggest challenge of displaced persons, was nowhere to be found,” Metuh noted. He observed that much more pathetic and shocking, was the revealing of the insincerity and ineptitude of those around the President and the disconcerting excuse by an aides of the President in trying to explain away the serious diplomatic blunder. He added that what satiates these elements around the President is the exhibition of hazardous signs such as executive arrogance, flagrant abuse of power, constitutional violations, assault on democratic institutions, compromise of judicial processes, invasion of state government and personal houses, harassment of citizens and the deliberate suffocation of the middle class.
also hindered ranking of the nation’s universities in the global community. Lamenting the dearth of research culture in the country, Okojie disclosed that the NgREN project is intended to encourage teaching and research in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. However, he noted that “what is delaying the second phase is that it will cost about N28 billion. We want a big leap. We can share video conferencing, teleconferencing and it is not just a pedestal research. He added that NgREN was set up among other things, to provide cheaper bandwidth for member institutions as well as provide network services and application such as identity federation, e-content, hosting, network security and bandwidth management. According to him, $10,000 had already been injected into the first phase with over 25 Nigerian universities listed in the pilot scheme, but he maintained that, that amount is not enough to carry out research efficiently. Okojie said: “Over a pe-
riod of 30 years, we lost the research culture. Now, we are trying to build capacity everywhere. Once the Ph.D and professors left the system, it is difficult to bring capacity; so over a period of time we discovered that we didn’t even have research facilities. “Government in the past five years has invested massive in these areas through TETFUND and Needs Assessment implementation programme, building structures for research, teaching and learning. If you don’t have equipment you can’t do research. “We suddenly realised that we are not doing well in terms of sharing information and resources. There is no better platform than through NgREN; this is an ICT platform where you can inter-connect many organisations that have a common goal; ours is on research and teaching.
NUC seeks N28b to complete NgREN project for varsities regina OtOkpa
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ational Universities Commission, NUC, said about N28 billion is needed from the Federal Government and other stakeholders to complete the second phase of the Nigerian Research and Education Network, NgREN, project. The NgREN project a concept of the NUC, World Bank-assisted Science and Technology Education Post Basic, STEP-B, and other technical partners, targeting the expansion of broadband learning platform for universities in Nigeria, especially on research infrastructures. Speaking during the opening ceremony at a workshop on West and Central African Research and Education Network, WACREN, in Abuja, executive secretary of NUC, Julius Okojie, noted that over a space of 30 years, academic researchers in universities have gone into extinction owing to poor learning resources. He stressed that this was a result of poor visibility of Nigerian universities on the internet, which has
CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known, called and address as Ali Victoria Uyo, now wish to be called and addressed as Ocheni Ameh Victoria. All former documents bearing my former name(s) remain valid. The general public, particularly the NYSC Office should please take note.
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Governors’ Forum wants Nigeria certified polio-free in 24 months
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igeria Governors’ Forum has called for continued commitment and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to get Nigeria certified polio-free in another 24 months. This is contained in a statement issued by the forum’s chairman, Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, of Zamfara State, signed by Alhaji Abdulatif Shittu, the Acting Director-General of the forum on Monday in Abuja. Yari said that the forum was greatly delighted to receive the news of Nigeria’s delisting from polioendemic countries by the World Health Organisation, WHO. He said that the forum also commended all stakeholders that contributed to the process leading to the delisting of Nigeria from polio-endemic countries by the WHO. ‘’The forum acknowledged the contribution of all stakeholders both at state and local government levels that played key roles that resulted in Nigeria achieving this historic feat. “Every parent who has made their children available for polio vaccination in the past years should be proud of this achievement.
‘’Their action will guarantee a polio-free Nigeria for the unborn generation, ’’Yari said. Yari also congratulated his colleagues and their deputies, acknowledging their vanguard role in ensuring that the polio efforts in their states got the desired political leverage and demonstrating leadership. One of such efforts, according to him, was going out to supervise the supplemental polio campaigns when they happen, directing polio meetings and ensuring availability of most needed counterpart funding. He said that the forum remained even more committed to its earlier decisions. Yari, however, cautioned governors and their deputies from accepting any mediocre performance and outcomes from the program, ‘’otherwise Nigeria risks losing its newlyacquired global status on polio’’. He also appreciated the cooperation and support received from the traditional and religious institutions, health workers, volunteers, international development partners and the Federal Government.
LADOL suit against FG: Court fixes Oct 23 for ruling
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Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday fixed October 23 for ruling in an application seeking to set aside an interim order restraining the enforcement of a presidential directive that oil and gas cargoes should be handled in Onne, Warri and Calabar. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Company, LADOL, had sometime in May through a motion exparte urged the court to restrain the passage and assent of the bill “for an Act to amend the Oil and Gas Free Zone”. Justice John Tsoho, who gave the interim order, also ordered that the status quo should be maintained till the hearing and determination of the main suit. The defendants in the suit include the President of Nigeria, the National Assembly, Federal Ministry of Transport and the Attorney General of the federation. LADOL had urged the court to ensure that vessels from foreign waters could berth directly at LADOL Free Zone in line with LAD-
OL’s designation as a deep offshore logistics base permitted to receive two international vessels weekly. However, Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited INTELS, and an oil and gas firm had brought an application urging the court to join the company as a defendant in the suit. INTELS alongside Associated Maritime Services, AMS were also asking the court to discharge the interim injunction. INTELS had told the court that the issues for determination by the plaintiff touched directly on their business and financial interest particularly their interest in the Oil and Gas Free Zones in Onne, Warri and Calabar ports. The LADOL, however, opposed the two applications for discharge of the order and the joinder. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that at the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, the parties adopted their written addresses. Justice Tsoho, then adjourned the case till October 23 for ruling.
L-R: National Financial Secretary, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Timothy Ahile; Deputy National President, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole; National President, Comrade Sydney Enyindah and National Vice President, Comrade Jimoh Ilesanmi, presenting manifesto of SSANU Redemption Group, during a delegate conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHoTo: nAn
MASSOB may become another Boko Haram, conference warns Wole Adedeji IlorIn
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ovement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, may later in life become another security challenge that Nigeria may be forced to contend with if not properly tackled now. A keynote speaker at the 4th Biennial International Conference of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Ambassador Layi Laseinde, made this declaration while speaking on the current and future potential state of insecurity in the West African subregion. Speaking at the conference titled; “Rethinking Strategy for National and Regional Security, Peace and Development In Africa, Ladeinde, said others that may also become security
issues particularly in Nigeria, includes kidnapping, oil theft/pipeline vandalism, money laundering, cyber café theft/crimes and armed robbery among others. He said in West Africa, terrorism had assumed worrisome dimension in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger as well as Tunisia and Morocco in North Africa where it has become a nightmare that is claiming lives, properties and displacement of innocent citizens in the affected countries. Worse still, the diplomat said illegal trafficking of light and small arms, military coups and some other forms of insecurity is another build up threats to security in the African continent for years with the exception of South Africa where the culture of military coups does not exist This is because on the
other hand, the racist regime in South Africa left behind good style of governance, infrastructural development, enduring westernised lifestyle and good border protection which could not make acts of terrorism easy. Giving the root cause of insecurity in Africa, Laseinde, listed the low level of development, corruption, uncontrolled population growth, illiteracy, poor infrastructure and introduction of democracy without recourse to the cultural differences of the people in place. Proffering the way forward, the diplomat canvassed for a stick and carrot approach, fundamental infrastructures, sensitisation of the people for the form of democracy to be introduced, regulating religious preaching to the effect that preachers are made to pass through gov-
ernment controlled orientation with a view to protecting the populace from undue exploitation of the peoples’ sensibility to recruit them into religious violence and intolerance. In his welcome address, Director of the centre, Dr Marfouiz Adedimeji, said Africa more than most parts of the world is the cradle of civilisation which is also bedeviled with vices like insecurity, underdevelopment, human rights abuse, corruption, environmental degradation, diseases, overpopulation, poverty, illiteracy and conflicts. Adedimeji said Africa should no longer hold colonialism responsible for its woes, but face the reality of taking the responsibility and beginning to find ways, rethink, strategise, and chart the path to a future that is more abundant to the troubled continent.
Independence Day: FG declares Thursday, Oct 1 public holiday omeizA AjAyi AbujA
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he Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1 as public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government
in a statement signed yesterday by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Yusuf Isiaka. Magaji, who congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad, also thanked them for their support to President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts towards building a peaceful, united and virile nation. He further urged them
to use the occasion of the celebration to pray for peace and unity across the country. Government had earlier said it will spend a mere sum of N70 million on the anniversary celebration. This figure is believed to be a far cry from what previous administrations used to spend on the annual ritual, and which were always shrouded in secrecy.
According to programme of activities for the event, at 8am on October 1, there will be a ceremonial Change of Guards at the State House, even as the president is billed to address the nation at 7am same day. The last event is a Children’s party which is slated for Saturday, October 3, at 3pm at the same State House.
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South West
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Aregbesola proffers solutions to Nigeria's security challenge …police lose 435 men in 6 months —IGP
boladale bamigbola OsOgbO
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sun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday proffered solutions to some of the security challenges facing the country, demanding more efficient collaborations between the Nigeria Police and the Department of the State Security Service, DSS. Receiving the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Oke Fia, Osogbo,
Aregbesola noted that the two security agencies must work together in the interest of Nigeria's democracy. He said the synergy was needed by the agencies for them to be able to effectively penetrate the ranks of the insurgents and kidnappers and bring their activities to a halt. The governor also called on the IGP to provide an additional six Area Commands of police in the state to make nine area commands. In his remarks, IGP Solomon Arase commended Gov-
ernor Aregbesola for providing police in the state with equipments that will make them discharge their duties effectively. Arase, then restated his readiness to ensure that men of the Nigeria Police Force respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians, adding that the police under his watch will be civilised in the way they deal with civilians. He called on traditional rulers in the state to assist police in its work, saying the space was bigger for the police alone, stressing the need
for community policing. Also during the visit to Osun State, the IGP, while speaking at a session held with members of Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC and traditional rulers, said the Nigeria Police Force has lost over 435 men and officers within the last six months. He emphasised the major role being played by the traditional rulers in maintaining security of lives and property in their domain and urged them to do more in exposing criminals.
Falae: Youths protest activities of Fulani herdsmen in Ondo ojo oyewamide Akure
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group, Akure Youth Coalition, yesterday protested activities of Fulani herdsmen in Akure, following the abduction of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Olu Falae. The youths, who are from Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore and Idanre local government areas, converged on Akure Town Hall and marched to the Deji's palace and Ondo State House of Assembly. President of the coalition, Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, said it was important for them to express their dissatisfaction over the threats of Fulani herdsmen in the state capital and its environs. He noted that the herdsmen had continued to harass and intimidate people on their farmland with their cattle fiercely entering into farmlands. He said: "We are mindful of the fact that any Nigerian
is guaranteed the freedom to live in any part of the country as enshrined in Section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. “We are, however, quick to state that this does not confer on them the right to intimidate and violate the right of their host communities." Oluwatuyi recalled that Falae had sometimes ago reported the case of theft and wilful destruction of his farmland by Fulani herdsmen to the state police command. He said the police intervened and the matter was resolved as the herdsmen pledged not to encroach his farm again, adding, however, that there was a subtle threat from some disgruntled herdsmen who threatened to pay back Falae for daring them. Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, lauded the youths for their high sense of maturity during and after Falae's abduction, saying they averted what would have led to widespread ethnic crisis.
Nigeria’s telephone subscription surges by 7.08% in 6 months —NCC
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L-R: General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, acknowledging cheers on his arrival with Lagos State moderator of the ministry, Pastor Joseph Fasanmi, during the just concluded Lagos City-Wide Crusade in conjunction with Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian, in Surulere, Lagos, recently.
Protest rocks UNILAG over bedbugs invasion of hostels Tunbosun ogundare
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tudents of University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka yesterday went on rampage protesting the invasion of their hostels by bedbugs, saying they could no longer bear the insects infestation. Bedbugs are small, flat, reddish brown colour insects without wings. They rely on humans to carry them from one place to another and they feed on human and animal blood and most active at night, feeding on their victims while asleep. However, the protest which emanated from Marire Hall of residence at about
5.00am and quickly spread to other hall of residence was said to have been fuelled by the scream from sleep of one of the residents of the halls popularly known as Balubite. It was gathered that the strange shout alerted other roommates who discovered scores of bed bugs on his bed and other beds in the overcrowded expansive room. Although the protest lasted till around 9: 00am, the action did not in any way affect the normal academic and other activities on campus. National Mirror however, learnt that most rooms in various hostels in the university such as Sodeinde and Marire Halls occupy more than double of residents officially allocated to each of
them due to space problem, the condition which also limit the university from providing accommodation to more than 40 per cent of its total students. The students told National Mirror that they had drawn the attention of the authorities to the bed bug plights on several occasions with some of them hospitalised due to the insect bites without positive response. They accused the authorities of not engaging competent contractors about three months ago since the last their halls were fumigated. The last fumigation, according to them, has done no good, but harm to the students as they found out that the insets are more active than before the fumigation
exercise. Now, the students have vowed to fight on until their hostels are safe and bed bugs-free. But in his reaction, the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Tunde Babawale, said the issue was already being addressed, asking students to be calmed and go about their normal activities. The dean, who immediately issued a release and sent as a Short Service Message, SMS, to all students of the institution noted that the management was concern about students’ welfare and was already arranging for new mattresses for the students and fumigating the entire hostels without delay.
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he teledensity (telephone subscription) in Nigeria's telecommunications industry increased by 7.08 per cent within six months, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports. Teledensity or level of telephone penetration measures the percentage of a country’s population with access to telephony services as determined by the active subscriber base. It has a direct relationship with the number of mobile subscriptions on telecommunications networks and as it grows, so does the subscriber base and vice versa. The information is contained in the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, monthly subscriber/ teledensity data, made available on Monday in Lagos. The document revealed that the teledensity which stood at 100.59 per cent as at the end of January 2015 got to 107.67 by the end of July, an increase of 7.08 per cent. According to the data, the country’s telephone penetration as at January
has 140,822,483 active lines/ phone numbers on the operators’ networks. The NCC explains that teledensity is calculated based on the population estimate of 126 million up till December 2005, and from December 2006, it was based on a population estimate of 140 million. It said that from December 2001 to 2006, teledensity was based on connected subscribers. However, it added that teledensity from December 2007 was based on active subscriptions on mobile networks. The data showed that the teledensity which stood at 100.59 per cent as at January 2015, increased by 1.26 per cent to reach 101.85 per cent by February 2015. It moved from 101.85 per cent in February to 102.81 per cent in March as the figure increased by 0.96 per cent. From the 102.81 per cent in March, the teledensity moved by 1.10 per cent with the figure reaching 103.91 per cent as at the end of April 2015.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
LASU wants male staff to proceed on paternity leave
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L-R: Diocesan Bishop of Lagos/Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Adebola Ademowo; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Anglican Bishop of Badagry, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, during a church service to mark the 2015/2016 legal year in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN
Group lauds Ambode for achievements on Vision 2020 ...demands FG’s recognition of Lagos 57 LGs Francis suberu
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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has been lauded by the Asiwaju National Forum for what his administration has been able to achieve in less that three months, saying his administration has moved Lagos closer towards attaining the Vision 2020. Lagos Vision 2020 which was later adopted by the Federal Government, made its debute in Lagos State in 2009. It is a 10-year development plan which aims at rapid social and infrastructural
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aritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, yesterday threatened to shut down seaports on Friday if the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, fails to pay six months outstanding salary arrears to its members. President-general of the union, Mr. Tony Nted, made the threat during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. Nted said the workers, including tally clerks and on-board security men were aggrieved over the unpaid salaries. “This is about workers who have been owed salaries even after the NPA promised to pay long before now. “In frustration, the workers attacked the zonal office of the union, saying the union
development, provision of employment, and poverty reduction. The Asiwaju National Forum, during an interaction with journalists yesterday, said within three months, Ambode has done a lot to reduce poverty and laid the foundation for the creation of massive employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. According to the coordinator of the group, Seyi Bamigbade, it is important for Lagosians to continue to keep faith with the man whose ‘yes’ is ‘yes,’ as he is already fulfilling his campaign promises.
He said: "Ambode's style of governance is significantly different from his predecessor's because unlike Babatunde Fashola, Ambode allows heads of agencies to take initiatives and react to issues as professionals. He is also engaging the civil service more than what we saw in the administration of the former governor. "He has also demonstrated his commitment to the development plan of the state anchored on social development and security, infrastructural and economic development as well as sustainable environment. In this regards, his plan for the
ancient town of Epe and other undeveloped areas of Lagos State will soon witness development in the course of his administration. "He has awarded the contract for construction of Ikotun road which has been in very bad condition for more than a decade and serious work is currently on-going on the road. He has awarded contract for the construction of pedestrian bridges at some designated points as well as railway lines from Orile to Lagos Island (CMS) by Julius Berger Plc which would be completed in record time." Bamigbade also called on
Maritime workers to shut ports over unpaid salaries —Union had not pursued their payments vigorously. “We are just lucky that people were not injured. “However, they made their grievances known to the NPA and threatened to shut the ports by Friday if payments are not made. “NPA has been promising to pay, but now they refused to pay,’’ the president-general said. Public Affairs Manager of NPA, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, told the aggrieved workers to meet their employers. He said the NPA would
prefer to deal directly with stevedoring companies, who should in turn attend to their
workers, rather than the authority dealing with the dockworkers.
agos State University, LASU, yesterday advised its male staff members to avails themselves of the paternity leave approved for workers in the state public service. The advice was contained in the university’s official bulletin, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. It noted that while deserving female members of staff of the institution had been proceeding on maternity leave, their male counterparts were yet to enjoy it. “The university authority hereby reminds members of staff (male) of the existing Lagos State maternity and paternity leave approved for employees in the state civil service.
“It would be recalled that the university authority, at its meeting on September 8, 2014, considered and approved the implementation of the new Lagos State maternity and paternity leave for officials in the state public service,’’ it said. According to the bulletin, the male members of staff who wish to make official request for paternity leave are to do so on the first day of delivery of the baby. “In addition, for deliveries that fall on weekends, application should be forwarded to the establishment on the first day of work. “Please, note that paternity leave is for the first 10 days in relation to and at the time of the first two deliveries of a male staff's spouse," the publication said.
Lagos denies casualty in Hajj tragedy Francis suberu
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agos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has said no casualty was recorded among the pilgrims from the state in the stampede that occurred in Mina where many pilgrims died. The 2015 Amir-ul- Hajj for the state, Hon. (Dr.) AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who disclosed this to journalists, said no single pilgrim from the state was missing when a head count was done at all the tents sheltering the over 3,000 pilgrims from the state in Mina, Saudi Arabia. According to him, “it was said by Saudi authorities that the Nigerians involved are from the northern part of the country. However Iran, Pakistan and other Arab countries have the major casual-
ties.” While lamenting the loss of lives at Jamarat, the Amir Ul hajj prayed that the Almighty Allah grants the dead Aljana firdous as well as grant the victims’ families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NACHON, has commended the state government for the organisation of this year’s Hajj while applauding the pilgrims for comporting themselves in an orderly manner throughout the pilgrimage. South West Commissioner of NACHON, Alhaji Fuad Adeyemi, who gave the commendation when he visited the pilgrims at the Lagos House in Saudi Arabia said: “This year’s Hajj operation is better than past years; it has really improved and I can say that Lagos is getting better."
Ondo oil communities seek extension of amnesty programme OjO Oyewamide Akure
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il-producing communities in Ondo State have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to extend the amnesty programme beyond 2015. The communities said the extension would ensure sustainable development and
enduring peace in the Niger Delta. The programme, which was initiated by the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua, is expected to be terminated by December. A statement issued on behalf of the communities by chairman of the Ilaje Solidarity Forum, ISF, Nimbe Tawose, and secretary, Segun Enikanologbon, appre-
ciated President Buhari for allowing the programme to continue under his administration. They described the appointment of General Paul Boroh as the coordinator of the programme as a round peg in a round hole, judging by his experience and antecedents. The statement noted that President Buhari's commit-
ment to the success of the programme since the inception of his administration would strengthen peace and development in the Niger Delta. It said if the amnesty is extended, it would afford beneficiaries the opportunity to complete their programmes and prevent them from going back to their vomits.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Chris Njoku Owerri
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eople of Ogwume Autonomous Community in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State yesterday trooped out to the community square to protest the alleged illegal acquisition of their ancestral land by the state government. As early as 7a.m, the people, including the aged, youths, women and even children, gathered from various parts of the state where they reside to protest the alleged intimidation by government officials who they also accused of using the principal secretary to Governor Rochas Okorocha, a native of the community, Mr. Pascal Obi, to perfect the plan of illegally acquiring the community land. The people, who sang solidarity songs, carried palm fronds and placards with various inscriptions such as: “This is wicked acquisition of land,” “where do you want our children to live?” and
South East
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Okorocha’s kinsmen cry out over acquisition of community land “Our land has been hijacked by thieves,” among others. They complained that the state government was forcefully taking over the land, anchoring its reason for doing so on the basis that the Federal Government was constructing a police college. The people accused the governor of using that as an excuse to grab their land and render them homeless, as according to them, there is already an existing police college at Isu in Nwangele Local Government Area of the same senatorial zone. They also accused the governor of going beyond the portion made available for the state government by the communities, saying that part of the land was more than enough to build
any college. Speaking during the protest monitored by traditional rulers of Ogwume and Obiohia communities, the spokesman, Surveyor Pascal Okwaraogu, described the governor’s action as disrespect to the people of the community. Okwaraogu, a Port Harcourt-based estate surveyor, agreed that although by virtue of the Land Use Act, government reserves the right to acquire any land, there are laid down procedures for acquiring people’s lands. He stated that in a situation where there is genuine acquisition of people’s land by the government, the Ministry of Lands’ officials would be involved while the acquired land would be valued according to the cost of
the cash crops present in it for the purposes of compensation. Also, Lagos-based social activists, Comrade Jude Adimele, Jude Emeka Metu and village chairman of Umuokwaraudu, Chief Ferdinand Umeh, stated that they were not against development of the community, “but what we are against is the manner the land is forcefully being acquired from us; such things should be done based on due process and with the full knowledge of the land owners.” They noted that the governor succeeded in acquiring one coach of the land where the Army has occupied more than four decades ago without much resistance from the people, adding that coming to the other side of the
road to acquire thousands of hectares of land without the knowledge of the people is the height of disrespect. They insisted that the protest would continue no matter the level of intimidation coming from any quarter because, according to them, that is the only place available for the people to build houses and cultivate farmland. Reacting to the protests, the traditional ruler of Ogwume community, HRH Eze Ethelbert Ifeanyi Ajaraogu, noted that the government reserves the right to acquire any land but before doing so the people must not be left in the dark. He called on the gov-
AbAkAliki
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People of Ogwume autonomous community in Ideato South Local Government Area protesting the alleged illegal acquisition of their ancestral land by the State Government, in Imo State, yesterday.
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SEMA urges 10 flood-prone LGAs in Anambra to prepare for evacuation belongings, especially their certificates, important property and clothes. “The state government has completed plans to convey such persons to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps which will house them when such happens. “Since June, July and August, we have gone round to the communities on sensitisation campaign. “So, it is the duty of the yet-to-be affected victims to make sure that their valuables are not be affected
again as it was in 2012,” he said. Odenigbo said the UN, European Union and other international bodies have indicated interest in helping the affected victims whenever they are taken to the designated camps. “The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs visited us recently; the European Union and National Emergency Management Agency, have also visited us - all in a bid to show their support when the
intending disaster occurs. “They will only render assistance when the actual number of IDPs in the state is ascertained, but it is the primary responsibility of the state government to prepare ground for housing and evacuation of victims,” he said. The local governments areas listed to be in danger are Anambra East, Anambra West, Anyamelum, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo and Ihiala.
ernment to do everything within its power to dialogue with the land owners so that peace could return to the once peaceful community. The monarch commended the people for their peaceful demonstration and assured them that the government would discuss with them on the issue. Reacting, Obi said he met with the communities and two of their traditional rulers before the land was acquired. “I represented the governor and sat with the communities and their traditional rulers and it was agreed that the land lying forlorn for over 40 years be used for developmental purposes,” he said.
Umahi suspends salaries, overhead of 16 cabinet members over lateness AliuNA GodwiN
xecutive secretary, State Environmental Management Agency, SEMA, in Anambra State, Chief Paul Odenigbo, has called on people living along river banks in 10 flood-prone local government areas to prepare their luggage. Odenigbo told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Awka, that the affected people must be ready to move out of their homes “when the expected flooding of the areas starts. “It is becoming obvious that we may witness flooding in the affected areas this time around. “I am calling on residents of the areas to prepare their
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overnor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State yesterday suspended the October salaries and September overheads of 16 state executive council members for lateness to a school children debate. The debate which took place at the Akanu-Ibiam Conference Centre to mark the independence celebration of Nigeria at 55 and Ebonyi State at 19, took a different dimension as some of the top government functionary were smuggled into the venue of the programme through the window. Chief Umahi had declared his readiness to ensure that the attitudinal change policy of the state is put in full force, including changing the culture of attending late at official programmes. Those that were affected are the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Commissioner for Environment, principal secretary, deputy chief of staff to the office of the deputy governor, personal assistant on petroleum products, Commissioner for Economic Empowerment, personal assistant on labour, personal assistant on ICT, Commissioner for Inter-Party Dialogue, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, among
others. Some of the commissioners that forced themselves into the venue were pushed out by the police and were told to go home to avoid incurring severe punishment. It was gathered that the governor was very annoyed over the attitude of the cabinet members who are used to attending government functions late. Also shut out from entering into the venue were 10 caretaker chairmen of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ezza South Local Government Area, Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi Local Government Area, Afikpo North Local Government Area, Afikpo South Local Government Area, Onicha Local Government Area, Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ezza North Local Government Area, and Ohaukwu Local Government Area, among others. Others are some heads of commissions, board members of the government parastatals and agencies as well as other prominent political office holders in the state. It was gathered that out of the 56 executive council members that made up of the Umahi's cabinet, only 26 attended the school debate; 10 took permission while four council members are outside the state.
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News
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
LG staff audit: Our security not guaranteed in Nsukka —Enugu Speaker EmmanuEl EzEh Enugu
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he on-going local government staff verification exercise in Enugu State was aborted yesterday following security issues. Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, who had led the 11-man Staff Audit and Biometric Capture Committee to Nsukka Council Area, hurriedly left the venue stating that their security was not guaranteed. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, recently set up an 11man Staff Audit and Biometric Capturing Committee, for the 17 local government councils in the state with objective of fishing out ghost workers. National Mirror gathered that the exercise, which had already been conducted in some council areas, produced shocking revelations. Speaking on the matter, Ubosi disclosed that when the committee arrived at Nsukka Council secretariat around 10am, it discovered that there was no arrangement on ground for the verification exercise. “The council did not provide any security for us to
conduct the exercise; so, we had no option than to leave since our security is not guaranteed. “The hall shown to us to conduct the exercise is very small; and more so, no public address system was provided. “It appears the HPM, the treasurer and the council chairmen are at loggerhead," he said. The Speaker, who vowed that nobody would be allowed to sabotage the exercise, said it would now hold on Wednesday as he had instructed the commissioner for Local Government Affairs, ALGON Chairman, and the Local Government Commission in the state to resolve whatever problem in Nsukka Council. “They are expected to report back to me before the end of work Monday. I am optimistic that before Wednesday all obstacles will be resolved," he assured. Reacting to the incident, the Vice-Chairman of NULGE in Nsukka Local Government, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, described the inability of the Nsukka Council to put adequate arrangement for the verification exercise as unfortunate.
Doosuur IwambE AbujA
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he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Monday told the election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja that the Nigerian Army lied on oath insisting that the 2015 governorship election conducted in the state was successful and violent-free. At the resumed hearing of the petition that was filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, INEC, produced eight witnesses that debunked the evidence by the Nigerian Army. The electoral empire alleged that the Army authorities, in a bid to discredit the outcome of the April 11, 2015 governorship election it conducted in Rivers State, sent soldiers that gave false evidence before the three-mem-
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Rivers guber: Army lied on oath, says INEC
ber panel of the tribunal, headed by Justice Ambrosa Suleiman. Soldiers, had in their separate testimonies before the tribunal, insisted that the governorship election in Rivers State was marred by widespread violence. The witnesses called by INEC were all Presiding Officers that conducted the governorship election, told the tribunal that election was peaceful, successful and devoid of any form of violence. It will be recalled that one of INEC's witness, Mr. Ebikoru Tebekaemi, the electoral officer that superintended over the governorship election at Obiakpo Local Government Area in
Rivers State, told the tribunal that contrary to the evidence of witnesses that were produced by the APC and its gubernatorial candidate in the state, there was no incident of ballot snatching or multiple thump printing of ballot papers at Obiakpo. Asked by counsel to the petitioners, Chief Akinolu Olujimi (SAN), if he was aware that there was a widespread rigging and hijacking of electoral materials by armed thugs, the witness said he was not aware that such incident occurred and insisted that election was duly conducted in 15 out of 17 wards in the local government area. Under cross examination by counsel to the petitioners, the witness, said he was
not also aware that people were seen at a football pitch thumb printing ballot papers in favour of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. It will also be recalled that the petitioners (APC) and its governorship candidate have closed their case after they called a total of 58 witnesses that testified that the election was marred by violence and widespread irregularities. APC and its governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside are challenging Wike's election as Rivers State Governor in the April 11, 2015 governorship election conducted by INEC. Further hearing of the petition continues today before the tribunal.
Ambode reiterates support for judiciary
…judges tasked on anti-corruption crusade matthEw IrInoyE
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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has described the judiciary as veritable tool for attaining growth and development in the state. The governor also expressed his commitment to carry out legal reforms in the state for quick dispensation of justice. Speaking at a church service to commemorate the beginning of 2015/2016 Legal Year held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, yesterday, Ambode said the synergy of the executive and the judiciary was key to the success of any administration. In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend (Dr.) Adebola Ademowo, noted that Ambode was the first state governor to attend the programme commemorating the beginning of a new
legal year since inception. Referring to the governor as indefatigable, resolute, listening, God-fearing and people-oriented, the cleric urged him not to relent in his efforts to move the state forward. Among those who attended the service were the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, and members of the bar and bench, among others. At a similar service held at the Central Mosque on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island, an Islamic scholar and a professor of history, Tajudeen Gbadamosi, urged the judiciary not to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari's determination to wipe out corruption from the country. Gbadamosi also advised judges to be pro-active, and carry out their duties with the fear of God without favour or bias to the people regardless of their class, political affiliation and status in the society.
L-R: Ada-Igede of Anambra, Chief Matthew Omenka; District Head of Okpokpo Community in Odu LGA of Benue, Chief John Ogah; representative of Ade–Odu Monarch in Benue, Chief Francis Ikogi and new Ada Uwokwo of Igede in Anambra, Chief Patrick Akobo, being decorated during the installation in Onitsha, on Sunday.
Nigerians urge NASS to revisit PIB, constitution amendment
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ome Nigerians yesterday called on the National Assembly to revisit vital bills which have remained pending as it resumed from its long recess. The people who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja, specifically urged the lawmakers to take another look at the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and Constitution Amendment Bill. Mr. Joseph Peter, a civil servant, said there is an urgent need for the legislators to pass the PIB to give
backing to the proposed restructuring of the nation’s oil sector. He advised that there should be no new conferences and public hearings to amend the Constitution as the assembly had already spent so much, in terms of funds and time, on the amendment. “They should go through all the submissions of the held conferences and make amendments where need be,” he said. Mr. Elvis Onoja, a business man, recommended that the PIB and Constitu-
tion amendment should not only be revisited, but that there is need for a fresh national conference. According to him, a new conference in line with the agenda of the new government would ensure that all other activities in all arms of government are guided by the outcome of the conference. Another respondent, Mr. Segun Oyerinde, a lawyer, said the most important thing is to first, set the National Assembly right. Oyerinde insisted that
if the National Assembly is people-oriented, it would not need to be told that the PIB and the Constitution amendment must be revisited. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Senate, Dino Melaye, has dispelled rumours that the National Assembly would not resume today. Melaye, who is the chairman, Ad hoc Committee on Publicity, said the upper chamber is ready to continue its job of effective legislation from today.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
SUPER TUESDAY Buhari must prove he’s not a dictator –Adebanjo
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Politics
14, 43
Burning issues as House of Representatives resumes
B
efore he announced the adjournment of the House in July, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara promised to unite all the factions in the Green Chamber in the spirit of sportsmanship and patriotism. The Speaker who emerged with 182 votes as against Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s 174 votes on June 9, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s democratic credentials and also called on his colleagues to put the nation first above politics. He also announced his commitment to his party , the All Progressive Congress, APC and his continued support of his party’s manifesto and programmes for the uplift of the Country. “My honourable brothers, I won’t call you colleagues for obvious reasons. And the reason is that you are my brothers, even more than you are my colleagues. Politics is over and when it comes to governance, you must work with people that supported you. “But as a leader, you have to embrace all people. What we must do as a party is to unite quickly and give Nigerians the change that we have promised our people. “We have to rein in all the people that we can rein in to provide the change, so that we can give Buhari that smooth operation to enable him give Nigerians the change that they deserve. We should unite on the bases of fairness. We should not unite based on regional basis. Or on the basis of where the President comes from. We are all friends”, he said. Among the items on the agenda of the House, the Speaker also said, would be the need to rebuild the desolate North-eastern part of the country, that has been devastated by a protracted insurgency. “I want to say this, and I have not said it before, that I want a member from the North-east, to raise a motion for the convocation of an International Donor Conference for the rebuilding of the North east which has been ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency”, he said. Besides giving Buhari the credit for his emergence, he reiterated his plea for support of his colleagues. As the battle by party and external interests to unseat Senate President, Bukola Saraki rage , it will be important to remember the wise words of Dogara on the importance of legislative independence and the need for caution in external interference in Legislative business. “We have to abandon all this unnecessary bickering that would take us nowhere. Thanks Buhari, in his very thankful stance from day one, that he would not interfere in the decision of the National Assembly to elect their leaders. When members perceive that they themselves have given themselves a leader, they would always rally round to protect the leadership. We owe ourselves the responsibility. Leadership of these institutions has never been about one man. I will depend on you. I am your brother. If anything goes wrong, you have my number, always call me or come to my office and tell me”, he said. On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuff Suleiman Lasun through his Press Secretary, Mr. Wole Oladimeji, has assured that this legislative session will be
The resumption of the House of Representatives from several weeks of recess, reopens a lot of matters bothering on the economy, security, politics and the need for social engineering, TORDUE SALEM writes.
Dogora
Lasun
Among the items on the AgendA of the house, the speAker Also sAid, would be the need to rebuild the desolAte
north-eAstern pArt of the country, thAt hAs been devAstAted by A protrActed insurgency
more proactive. He said the lawmakers would settle down for serious business and attend to pressing issues. “We cannot afford not to legislate for good governance. We have put all the machineries in motion towards achieving this”. “Our job is to legislate laws which would help the executives to carry out its policies trust and we are ready to do that”, he said According to the Deputy Speaker, “We all have a
stake in the project Nigeria. We must shun divisive tendencies and come together against all forces of darkness that seems to be dragging us back”. He urged Nigerians to be law abiding at all times and restore the virtues of good neighbourliness. He said that making sacrifice for the nation had become imperative now more than ever before, considering the numerous challenges confronting the nation. But for the House to proceed on a proactive footing this legislative session, the House needs new rules and Committees for oversight. But unfortunately, the absence of a new set of rules for the House of Representatives, may delay the constitution of over ninety Standing and Special Committees, until the end of October. A member of the Selection Committee responsible for Committee composition in the House, Hon. Rima Shawulu Kwewum (PDP-Taraba), disclosed this in an interview with National Mirror some days ago. Mr. Kwewum in an exclusive chat with National Mirror in his office, revealed that because of the absence of a new rule book for the Green Chamber, the Selection of lawmakers that would form the various Committees, would not happen until new rules were approved in October. He said for the Committees to exist, lawmakers must adopt a report on fresh rules with the recommendations there in. “The House is yet to sit down and consider the recommendations (for the review of a new House Rules), so it CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
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Politics
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Buhari must prove he’s not a
Chief Ayo Adebanjo is a frontline leader of the Pan- Yoruba group, Afenifere. In this interview with EBERE NDUKWU, he shares his views its appointments so far, corruption mantra among other national issues. Excerpts:
You are known for your outspokenness, would you say the Buhari administration is going the direction Nigerians expected? In short, they are serving below expectation, but it has not really got to the stage it can be condemned. But there are certain signs that are worrisome. I was not a supporter of Buhari because of what I know about him hich I said before the election and as I have told some pressmen I still want him to prove me wrong. I’m not interested in confirming what I have said because if he proves me right, it is not to the advantage of Nigeria. I accuse him of being a dictator, being against the rule of law and tribalistic. On the direction the country is going, I want to take us back from where we are coming. During the 1954 Constitution, when we went to the London Constitutional Conference, after that conference the three regions then became really federal, that was the time premiership was created in the constitution. Before then, under the MacPherson Constitution, the majority party in each region; East, West and the South were known as bigger opponent because it was a loose central but after the Constitutional Conference of 1958, when we now moved the motion for self-government and the Western region withdrew its ministers from the centre, that caused the constitutional crisis of 1957. We were all summoned to the colonial office and the commissioner then said that the country is multi-national, multi-religious and multicultural, that you cannot rule it under a unity government. There must be division of labour, all the regions must remain autonomous and have a federal system where each region will develop at its own pace. As a result, the constitutions of that period were written separately, East, West and the North. That was what we had until we had independence. Because at that time, many will not know why we have independence in 1960, the motion that caused crisis was for self government in 1956 for Nigeria. So, when we went to the London Constitutional Conference, the North said that they were not ready, that was why those regions at that time were giving self government. The constitution of 1954 failed, by 1956 when each region became autonomous, that was the position until we had independence because it was on the basis of that, that the independence was granted to us and we were asked to wait till 1959 to 60 because the North then said they were not ready for self government in 1956. We were giving our self government in 1959 and when everybody had self government that was why we became independent in 1960. It was the North that delayed self government. And now Buhari is telling us that they have more competent people than the South. I’m developing the fears. My own decision on Buhari is not personal; it is purely on principle and was clear when I said he was a dictator Now, how we get to this stage was because of the Military that restructured Nigeria in 1966 after the coup, if Tafawa Belewa had not been toppled and we had continued with the constitution we had at the independence, the country would have been better. It was purely federal, every region has its own powers, revenue allocation was shared on the basis of derivation, the East was having its derivation from palm kernel, the West, cocoa and the North groundnut. Even after independence, when oil was discovered in the rivers, the rivers then were having 60 per cent. This is important because that is the cause of problems in the rivers. When the army came to power in 1966, it restructured Nigeria and we now have a one-line government. In fact, it was that January 1966 restructure that engineered the coup of July 1966 because the North was against the Aguiyi Ironsi’s idea of unity government. By the time
Yakubu Gowon came in, the decision for the creation of more states came in. The minority in the East didn’t want to be part of South-East. At that time, Rivers, Bayelsa and all those state were known as core area. There decision then was core state forever, they wanted to be separated from the East. If we had accepted the way Nigeria was structured before and during independence and follow federalism without Nigerian factor, we won’t be where we are. So, when the military came and restructured Nigeria we had this problem. When the army said they want to go, I’m trying to give you where our problem lies, the Afenifere and NADECO then said no, before you go, we must restructure Nigeria to where we were. The call for restructuring resulted to the question of national conference. We didn’t want Nigeria restructured by force, we wanted where we will sit down and look at what is causing all these problems because it is only at a conference that you can resolve all that. And if you go into record, the position of Afenifere has consistently been against the position of the leaders of the North who are oppose to national conference, they said that national conference will split Nigeria, we said no. Anybody opposing national conference wants Nigeria to split by force. It is those of us that are calling for national conference that want a peaceful resolution of our coming together in unity. That was how the agitation of national conference started. So, when Abdulsalami Abubakar said he wants to return the country to civilians, we said no, that the constitution we have been having is military, let’s go and draft this constitution and have the people’s constitution before we have an election. If you were around then, you will remember that the position of NADECO and Afenifere was that, look no election except we have confab. We could look into the future and that is why everybody is now referring back to what Afenifere and NADECO stood for. We said if we don’t settle these things, the moment we get there, forget it. They said no. When we were insisting, Zimbazi said that these Awolowo people have come again, he said since the military people said they are going, that we should let them go, that when they go, the country can then do what they want, it was that pressure that made us took part in the making of the constitution. If we didn’t take part in that decision, they would have claimed to have had mandate, so we now contested the election and made the issue of national conference an election issue. When I supported Jonathan, people were saying, I was bought and I said no, I was emphasising then that, this conference he has done is the keynote. The people who are saying they will wipe out corruption they are all corrupt, I maintain that. The leeway Jonathan had with me is that Jonathan by convoking the constitutional conference and promising to implement its decision will take us back to where we were. As you see now, they have won the election under the old constitution that is imperfect, that all of us said it is lopsided. We said then that the moment you don’t change this constitution, the old injustice will continue and why? May be you don’t know why we are emphasizing the change of this constitution because many of you journalists have not done your research. Why are we insisting on the recommendation of the confab? The confab brought us back to where we were, it was the coup of 1966 that gave the army power to do the present constitution under which they created local governments arbitrarily in favour of the North, created state arbitrarily in favour of the North and then they said the number of local governments and states should be on the basis of derivation.
Adebanjo
So, when there iS too much mon SenSe there. that iS the root of that Buhari Said that the co perfectly, no quarrel, he Becom
That is why you have the problem in Niger Delta. Equity is no longer there, the man who contributes N5 now collect N20. That is the root. And I said by that time, that the change we need is the change of our constitution, the corruption they are talking of now is embedded in the constitution. It is the constitution that put plenty of money in the centre at the expense of the regions, under the constitution we have reduced the amount of money that is giving to the state. So, when there is too much money in the centre, there is no sense there. That is the root of corruption.. I read somewhere that Buhari said that the constitution must be drawn perfectly, no quarrel, he becomes my candidate if he does that.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS
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Calabar carnival will hold –Ayade richard Ndoma CALABAR
S Motorists on a bad portion of the Benin-Auchi highway at Okueka village in Benin, recently.
PHOTO: NAN
Akwa Ibom monarch kidnapped, N200m ransom demanded
Tordue Salem ABUJA
A
traditional ruler of Ibioku Issiet in Uruan local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Williams Etim, has been kidnapped along with his elder brother, Mr. Placid Etim. The victims were said to be kidnapped by 2:30am yesterday at their country home in Ibioku Essiet, according to a member of the family and former member
of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bassey Effiong Etim. Etim who briefed journalists in Abuja on the development yesterday said the criminals called him yesterday to demand for N200million ransom. “They called me about 12:00noon today (yesterday) to demand for N200million, and I’m just wondering how I can raise that kind of money”, Mr. Etim said. The ex-lawmaker who was the chairman of the
House Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes, Drugs and Narcotics, from 2007-2011, regretted the incessant kidnapping in the country, especially in the southern part. The lawmaker pleaded with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to come to their rescue. Etiim who commended the president for the swift rescue of former Secretary to the Government of the
Federation(SGF), Chief Olu Falae, urged the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Department for State Security Service(DSS) and other security agencies to move swiftly to the rescue of the abductees. “I am using this medium to commend the federal government and the Inspector General of Police for the efforts in the rescue of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae,
and in the same vein calling on the Inspector General of Police, the DSS and other security operatives to move and rescue these innocent and law abiding citizens presently suffering untold hardship in the den of kidnappers,” he said. According to him, several attempts to reach one of the kidnappers who called earlier to demand the ransom, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Police charge 177 to court in C’River richard Ndoma CALABAR
T
he Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, at the weekend said that about 177 persons who were in police net at the State Police Headquarters have been charged to court for prosecution. Faidairo who made the remark while fielding questions from journalists in Calabar said that the police had no intention to keep any of the suspects to languish in police cell,
but was constrained to do so because of the strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN). Fadairo maintained that even when the police decided to keep the suspects, particularly those alleged to have been involved in murder, kidnapping and armed robbery for a long time since, the police had no powers to grant them bail. He said that the police only had powers to charge suspects to court and not to grant bail, adding that it was only the court that had the consti-
tutional power to release suspects and not the police. “Most people came here to beg us to release their family members who were alleged to be involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and even murder but we told them that the police have no such right to grant them bail. The only right that we have is to charge them to court and that is exactly what we have done. It is only the court that has such powers to grant bail. Ours is to effect arrest and charge to court for prosecution,”Fadairo said.
The police boss averred that police authority is now relieved because the protracted Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike which started in December last year and lasted for about eight months had been suspended. He added that the police cell had became decongested as the police had charged all suspected criminals to court to face prosecution. While counting the police ordeal throughout the period when the JUSUN strike was on Fadiro
lamented that the strike brought untold hardship to the police because of the burden of feeding inmates who were in the police cell. He added that adding that most suspects who fell sick were often taken to the hospital to receive medical attention, a scenerio which increased police burden throughout the period when the strike lasted. He said that suspects were taken to court in batches because the magistrate said that he couldn`t come with the suspect in one swoop but in batches.
pecial Assistant to Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade on Events and Marketing, Mr. Samuel Bassey, at the weekend said that the 2015 Calabar Carnival would still despite information to the contrary. Bassey, who spoke to our reporter via telephone interview at the weekend, said that this year’s carnival would be an exceptional fiesta compared to previous ones. This is following recent claims in Calabar, the state capital that the state governor had decided to cancel the event to attend to other burning issues that affecting the citizenry, especially, the construction of the super carriage highway at Akamkpa He said activities had been lined up to add colour and attract tourists to this year’s carnival “The 2015 Calabar Carnival would hold, it will commence in November and I assure fun seekers and tourists from all over the world that this year’s event is going to be the best because there are so many activities that have been lined up to add colour to the event. For those who have never been to Calabar, this is the best time to come and enjoy yourself,” he said Calabar Carnival is a yearly fiesta that was introduced in 2004 by former governor of the state, Donald Duke.
16 OsahOn Julius YENAGOA
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he September 22nd controversial Bayelsa All progressive Congress, APC, primary may have come and gone, but the furore over the event and the resultant claim by Chief Timipreye Sylva, that he has emerged winner of the poll held under questionable circumstances is still brewing like wild fire in the state. Although the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, had on Wednesday confirmed that the party’s governorship primary would be rescheduled, the state chapter of the party and some APC groups loyal to the former governor have insisted, not only that the primary was free and fair but has produced a candidate. Other groups, however, insisted on the cancellation of the exercise and even went ahead to call for the disqualification of the former governor for masterminding the brouhaha that marred last Tuesday’s primary. Only yesterday, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Bayelsa State chapter, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, said the party in the state stood by the victory of former governor and leader of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva, at the governorship primary. Orunimighe insisted that the primary had been won and lost, and that the rumour of cancellation of the election was baseless and unfounded. He said, “As chairman of Bayelsa APC, I am not aware of any cancellation of the primary. With all due respect to the national chairman of our party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, he said nobody should make an announcement except they cleared with him. The national chairman, Chief John Oyegun, who spoke in Abuja had said that the primary had to be rescheduled as a result of security challenges and was perhaps acting on the reports presented to the party by the chairman of the committee sent to conduct the primary, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who escaped the melee that characterised the process. Niger Delta Mirror’s findings indicate that the cancellation of Tuesday’s governorship primaries did not come as a surprise to many inside the Samson Siasia Stadum, venue of the much anticipated primaries which pitched two gladiators in the state against one another in an epic battle of who gets the party’s governorship tickets ahead of the December 5th poll. Indications that all may not go well as planned began very early in the morning as pockets of tough-looking youths gathered at the venue as early as 7 a.m. giving the security men at gate a tough time as they sought to gain entrance into the venue of the event. The first hint of trouble began shortly after as some of the youths chased away some of the delegates, injuring many of them in the process. This led to many other who were afraid to flee the venue. The youths posed a serious problem for the security agencies who resorted to the use of teargas to disperse the crowd at the gate. Some of the victims of violent attacks were the APC chairmen in Sagbama, Yenagoa and Ekeremor local government area. Also attacked was the former chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Furore over Bayelsa APC controversial primary
Oshiomhole
Sylva
(ANPP), Chief Livinus Ukapakpa. More trouble began again during the accreditation process following the complaints and objections by three aspirants,Timi Alaibe, Ebitimi Angbare and Preye Aganaba, that the Oshiomole-led committee had lost control of the process and had allowed it to be hijacked by the state executive of the party loyal to Timipre Sylva. Most of the governorship aspirants, including the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, the former Transport aide to Governor Dickson, Ebitimi Angbare, Bayelsa Central Senatorial flag bearer of the APC, Hon. Preye Aganaba, alleged that some of the delegates were intimidated and attacked by suspected loyalists of Chief Timipre Sylva. According to Alaibe and others, many of the delegates being cleared were in possession of fake identification papers against the committee’s requirements of an International Passport, National Identification Card and Voters Card. Most of the delegates from Brass and Ekeremor Local Government Areas of the state were in possession of the State Party Identification Papers. The convoy of Oshiomhole came in the midst of the controversies, minutes after one of the top contenders and former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, arrived. The Edo State governor who arrived the venue at about 12 p.m. immediately intervened in the rowdiness and held a meeting with members of his committee and then with all the aspirants leading to speculations that the primary might be rescheduled. Shortly before the arrival of the committee chairman, the former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, Prince Preye Aganaba and Ebitimi Amgbare briefed the press and called for the cancellation of the exercise. Alaibe said: “You have seen the rancourous process leading to the primaries. The process is being marred by irregularities, violence, intimidation and complete disrespect for aspirants, agents and party officials. This is an enactment of negative history for a party that stands on the mantra of Change. I think something is missing somewhere and we need to get it right. We have had delegates perceived to be loyal to us, threatened, beaten wounded since morn-
ing. “Quite a lot of people you see here are not delegates. Most of the authentic delegates are outside. We need to put a stop to this process. We will meet with the chairman of the committee and ask for the cancellation of the process. Some other times we can get the security dynamics rights so that we can get the methodology of the primaries right. We cannot continue with this process.” Also, Aganaba described the process as shameful and said it failed to represent the values and principles of the party. His words: “I am ashamed of this process. I was a member of the Presidential APC in Lagos. It was a successful convention and when the winner emerged, all other aspirants supported the winner. But the process today is flawed. “It is a pity that the chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, is not here. We have been here since 8 a.m. and it is 1 p.m. and he is not here. Most of the delegates here are fake. I toiled for this party and sweated for it to be established in Bayelsa and if l am asking for the cancellation of this exercise, they should know how serious l am. I believe we should even move the primary to another state”. Sylva on his part, said he had not received any complaints from his agent adding that he was hailed by the people because of his outstanding credentials. He advised delegates and aspirants to conduct themselves peacefully. “I am not an agent and if there are people with clone cards, we will make sure they are arrested. I was part of the arrangements put in place. Among all the aspirants l am the only one with the credentials; someone who has done a term here.” At the meeting between Governor Adams Oshiomole and the 19 Governorship aspirants, held within the complex, the aspirants accused the state executive committee led by the state chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimigha, of hijacking the process and the rowdy invasion of the election venue by suspected thugs. Angbare, who confirmed the issues raised, said the conduct of the state executive was biased and a deliberate show of support to a governorship aspirant. While the governorship aspirants were asked to wait for the final decision of the Oshiomole’s committee, Chief Timipre Sylva was openly agitated and was
heard complaining to the National Vice Chairman(South-South), Hillia Ettah, that the process was allegedly designed by the National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun to fail. “Tell him( Oyegun),he has compromised. In short, I will tell him that he has compromised. The process was designed to fail and to deny me of my gains in the party,” he said. It was observed that immediately after the former governor, Timipre Sylva, showed signs of anger, his supporters started a subtle protest and invaded the venue with hundreds of delegates. The aggrieved supporters pushed open the gate of the stadium and insisted that the primaries must be held. Many of the aspirants were seen leaving the venue out of security concern, while the police were struggling to maintain law and order with a bemused Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomole, and other elections committee members seated on stage with open calls from some stateeExecutive members accusing him of compromise in the aborted process. The only APC member in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunny Igoli, while speaking with newsmen, said the delay in the election process was unnecessary as the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole could not deny that the use of party registration card was not admissible for use in the poll. Igoli said “even Oshiomole did not use PVC during his own primaries? Why is our story different? We built the party and know our members. The rules were outlined for aspirants but the delegates have their rights too. And they have demanded that the party’s registration card be used.” Governor Adams, was however rescued from the venue by armed military personel at about 4.50pm. According to some close aide of Oshiomole, the Edo governor put a call through to President Muhammad Buhari that he was under attack from APC supporters loyal to Chief Timipre Sylva. The source said “the governor waited till about 4.30pm. After the call to the president his official vehicle came into the stadium complex and he moved out under the excuse that he wanted to go and eat. The governorship primaries was carried out by the remaining committee members led by Nelson Alapa in conjunction with the state executives of the party in the state without the presence of the Oshiomole led Electoral Committee. Confirming the cancellation of the poll in a phone interview, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, said the primary election did not hold in Bayelsa. According to Frank, one of the aspirants and former Gov. Timipre Sylva had held a member of the committee under duress to declare him the party’s candidate. For now, while other aspirants waits for the outcome of the meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, scheduled to hold today, the supporters of former governor Sylva, wait ready for war if the party NWC fails to hear their prayers.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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On Igbo-Hausa/Fulani age-long antagonism BOBSON GBINIJE
N
igeria, since independence, has been befuddled by monumental ineptitude of the political leaderships. In his bid to right these solecisms, President Muhammadu Buhari has chosen to be circumspect in making appointments. His extension of his anti-graft war to 1999 and few selective appointments made have generated criticisms and fears in some areas, especially amongst the Igbos. The former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, said that “the Igbos have not been treated fairly in terms of political positions and appointments in the President Buhari’s administration”. This innocuous statement in a democratic ambience drew the ire of Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, who said: “I don’t believe Buhari or Nigeria owes any Igbo anything. I don’t care what Ezeife says. If they (Igbo) had seceded, there would have been no Nigeria today. As people who acted outside the interest of Nigeria as a country, to expect compensation is a very odd logic…” A brief study of Nigeria’s colonial and post colonial political history vis-a-vis the nolove-lost relationship between the Igbos and northerners will show that it has graduated from cloak in the dagger furtive clandestinity to open no-holds-barred flaunting of hatred, malice and vendetta. The fiery verbalizations, pillaging and massacre that led to the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War
are being reenacted. The same pattern and template of recriminations, hyper-propaganda and anarchical entropy set the stage for the coups, violent reprisals, and subsequent civil war. It will be recalled that the countdown to the civil war witnessed this type of parochial verbal exchanges between the Igbos and northerners now being witnessed. The invidious and inveterate mutual hatred and antagonisms between easterners and northerners, through inspired hate speeches and media blitzkrieg, date back many years before independence. Sporadic violence in northern towns, particularly the Jos riots of 1945, had been occurring in the past but the British colonial administration barely took them seriously. However, after the ruthless massacre on both sides in the Kano riots of May 1953, the British were constrained to look into the matter by setting up a commission of inquiring on the disturbances. The Report posited that the remote causes could not by any means be limited specifically to easterners. The attacks were attributed to the clash of cultures, disparities in economic and social development between northerners and southerners, occupation of strategic posts in the administrative, technical and commercial sectors of northern life by southerners and the leveling impact of western religion and political ideologies introduced into the North by southerners. It is on record that there were series of polemical and aggressive verbal exchanges between northern representatives and the Ac-
THE INVIDIOUS AND INVETERATE MUTUAL HATRED AND ANTAGONISMS BETWEEN
EASTERNERS AND NORTHERNERS…DATE BACK MANY YEARS
BEFORE INDEPENDENCE tion Group members during the 1953 Lagos Constitutional Conference. But the fuse that really set off the implosion in May 1953 was said to be the proposed visit to Kano of an Action Group delegation led by then Mr Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who was described as “an ex-minister with all the odium of anti-northerner propaganda”. The organization and preparation of northerners for the riots did not suggest to easterners that they would be the main target. Northerners denied in 1953 that the massacres were ever organized or premeditated. But it is on record that two days before the disturbances began on May 14, 1953, Mallam Inua Wada, then Secretary of the Kano Branch of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and later Federal Minister of Works, convened a meeting of the Native Administration sectional heads at the works Department in Kano during which he was said to have made “a very ill-advised and provocative speech” against the proposed visit of the Action Group delegation led by Akintola.
This exhaustive kaleidoscope is aimed at showing to Nigerians the historically long and deep streak of hate and acrimony existing between northerners and easterners, especially the Igbos, which given rise to intermittent macabre and bellicose carnages and decimations ultimately leading to the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War. Although the creation of states and subsequent boundary adjustments in Nigeria have changed the confines and demographics of the East and North, but that bestial rhetoric and verbal aggression still remain till today. Hence, Igbo and northern scholars and politicians etc, have always resorted to sanguinary mantra and proclivities at the slightest provocation. The aggressive verbal exchanges made by Junaid Mohammed and Uzor, Clark and Ekweme etc, over the so-called skewed appointments and selective anti-graft war, glaringly show that nobody likes Nigeria as a country. We can address the matter without using belligerent swear words and hate expressions that take us back to our Biafra/Nigeria gloomy death incarnadine historical references and threats of secession and a new civil war. If Nigeria must survive as one sovereign, united and indissoluble nation, the leadership and followership must change the way they do things, avoid verbalizations with disunity connotations; and our perception about Nigeria must be reoriented to reflect a patriotic zeitgeist, truth, justice, altruistic commitment that will concretize and refrigerate the bases of our oneness. Chief Gbinije is founder of Mandate against Poverty, Warri, Delta State.
The power of literacy ‘BIODUN BELLO Continued from last Tuesday
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mpirically, NMEC has, despite all known constraints against its operation, recorded some modest achievements. The combined efforts of the Commission, state agencies for non-formal education, international development partners, non-governmental organisations and professional bodies have provided opportunities for literacy and other non-formal education learners by opening centres, providing instructional materials and also engaging in the recruitment of facilitators who assists learners at the face to face meeting and at learner’s centers. For instance, between 1990 and 2000, some 7.2 million adults (55 percent men and 45 percent women) were educated. Also, between 2001 and 2010, some 14 million adult learners were enrolled into non-formal education classes nationwide. During the same period, 724, 762 and 219, 719 learners were enrolled into the Integrated Quranic Education Programme (IQE) and the out-of-school boys programme respectively. The participation rate of girls in this programme, which stood at 35 percent of total enrolment in the IQE according to non-formal education experts, is an important development. Despite these successes, NMEC’s mandate appeared unattainable with the growing number of illiterate people across the country. In response to this, the Commission, in partnership with UNESCO, UNICEF and
other international development partners, evolved Literacy by Radio programme, which was launched in Minna, Niger State in 2006 by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The programme is a strategy for effective delivery of literacy and basic education to a large number of learners scattered across the nation. It is particularly aimed at evolving a fast and effective approach at eradicating illiteracy in the country in furtherance of the goals of EFA and MDGs. Since the launch, it has found acceptance nation-wide; and results from the evaluation of the pilot scheme have shown that learners, who became literate from Literacy by Radio programme, are beginning to express their aspirations for higher achievements. Learners’ knowledge and practice have been improved in health and nutrition and vocational and life skills. They have also learnt more about HIV/ AIDS, civic education, and entrepreneurship skills while acquiring literacy. To measure its impact and improve upon its contents and delivery, the Commission is currently conducting a nationwide research on it. What is apparent from all the efforts of NMEC and other stakeholders towards the eradication of illiteracy in our country is the continuing challenge of weak political support for and lack of adequate funding for the campaign against illiteracy in Nigeria. This checkmates the power of literacy and confines the literacy project to perpetual rigmarole and grandstanding. More has to be done to achieve measurable impact quickly! General funding for the adult and nonformal education sub-sector in high density illiterate populated countries (E9) have been found to be relatively marginal and
ADULT AND NONFORMAL EDUCATION FUNDING IS VIRTUALLY SEEN AS AN OPTIONAL EXTRA, ALMOST UNNECESSARY inadequate. The little that the governments provide for adult and non-formal education is hardly released. Adult and non-formal education funding is virtually seen as an optional extra, almost unnecessary. This is where we lost the power of literacy! For instance, a paltry N82 million is budgeted for adult and non-formal education commission for capital expenditure in the 2012 national budget. Given the enormity of the work the Commission has to do, this budgetary allocation is a far cry. What worsens the situation is the exclusion of the Commission from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) disbursement of funds to the relevant agencies. As it stands, Mass Literacy and Non-formal Education does not benefit from the two percent consolidated fund meant for basic education. The argument against NMEC is that it is not captured in the UBEC Act as part of the beneficiaries in the largesse. At the state level too, the recognition and importance attached to State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as an agency of basic education is not accorded to state agencies for Mass Education (SAME) and Adults and Non-formal Education (AANFE) as key partners in basic education.
It is relevant here that the federal government, if it is truly expecting positive results from NMEC, bring UBEC and the Commission to a round table with a view to letting the former know that the latter also deserves to benefit from its annual financial disbursement, after all, they are both out there to eradicate illiteracy and promote literacy in the country. Also, in the light of the impending plan to bring secondary education under the provision of UBEC and the fact that a large number of primary six pupils cannot move up to junior secondary school, there is a case for the strengthening of NMEC in order to effectively provide sustained literacy, remedial and continuing education programmes for such school drop-outs. The power of literacy in Nigeria will take effect when a drastic attention is given to our over 63 million population of illiterates. We can only win the war against illiteracy starting with small but effective battles in which all Nigerians must be ready to fight. When we fight and subdue illiteracy, the power of literacy will stand, and we would have reduced illiteracy, poverty, etc by 50 percent. Concluded Bello, a veteran journalist and consultant on mass literacy, wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State via doublebmassliteracy@gmail.com Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.
Editorial
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER
SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS
Pathetic state of Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic
U
nited Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel, Mr. Toby Lanzer, gave a frightening account of the state of thousands of Nigerian refugees, who fled to the south-east of neighbouring Niger Republic to escape Boko Haram killings. Lanzer told Agence France-Presse (AFP) some days ago when he visited Assaga, one of the largest Nigerian refugee camps in south-east Niger, that psychosis was ravaging the displaced Nigerians. In other words, a lot of them have developed serious mental complications that make them behave abnormally. The Assaga camp is said to be one of the largest Nigerian refugee camps in Niger. It accommodates about 6,000 people and is located about 10 kilometres from Diffa, near Boko Haram’s stronghold in Nigeria’s north-east flank. Diffa region itself is said to have been weakened by successive years of drought and flood; has suffered several deadly Boko Haram raids from the neighbouring Lake Chad and already hosts over 150,000 refugees who fled the Boko Haram violence in Nigeria since April 2013, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Niamey, the Nigerien capital. Set up by the UN roughly three months ago, many refugees in the Assaga camp currently languish
in abject poverty and starvation; and sleep in makeshift shelters at the mercy of mosquitoes and bad weather. While the first set of refugees were, on arrival, given tarpaulins and make-shift tents and regularly received food rations, the more recent ones said they were yet to receive any help at all. One of the victims identified as Mohamed Ari was quoted as telling AFP: “I have not eaten for days”. “This is a very acute security crisis for those people, who are almost without hope”, Lanzer lamented, recalling that they once lived peacefully until the Boko Haram attacked their villages, forced them out and stole their cattle. “I’ll make a very strong plea next week at the UN General Assembly and tell donors. We really must help the people of Diffa”, Lanzer promised while commending UN agencies deployed in Niger Republic. The UN official’s observation eminently tallies with that of the Geneva, Switzerland-based intergovernmental organisation, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) about January this year, on the high number of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram insurgency, the huge impact of the crisis on Nigerian citizens and the need for expansive and effective humanitarian interventions. Indeed, not too long ago, the IOM and Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency
September 29, 1992 Brazilian President, Fernando Collor de Mello, was impeached. Collor (born August 12, 1949) was the 32nd President of Brazil from 1990 to 1992, when he resigned in a failed attempt to stop his trial of impeachment by the Brazilian Senate. He took office at the age of 40 years; and was the first and youngest president directly elected by the people after the end of the Brazilian military government.
THE NIGERIAN PRESIDENT HAD ALREADY MADE IT CLEAR AT SIMILAR PUBLIC EVENTS THAT NO ONE COUNTRY CAN DEFEAT THE CHALLENGES POSED BY TERRORISM ALONE (NEMA) did say that Boko Haram insurgency and incessant communal clashes among various ethnic groups up North had displaced roughly 1,385,298 persons in five states in the area. Other reports suggest that six years of bloodshed orchestrated by insurgency alone had left at least 15,000 people dead and more than two million others homeless, excluding those maimed or injured. Even within Nigeria, reports say many IDPs, who end up in remote villages, sleep under trees, in abandoned churches and school buildings or empty fields. Of the over one million of them in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, for example, 89.9 percent live with host communities, while only 10.1 percent live in camps. Even duly registered IDPs are said to be having rough times gaining access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare,
ON THIS DAY September 29, 2009 An 8.0 magnitude earthquake near the Samoan Islands caused a tsunami. A tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, generally an ocean or a large lake. The tsunami caused substantial damage and loss of lives in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded a 3-inch (76 mm) rise in sea levels near the epicenter.
shelter and education. Power supply is an unimaginable luxury. The government was also accused of arbitrarily shutting down some of the camps without providing alternative locations. If such has been the situation in Nigeria, then the luminous insight Lanzer gave of the plight of Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic’s Assaga camp ought to be better appreciated. It is, however, a pleasant coincidence that the reports came at a time when Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari was scheduled to be in New York, United States, to hold talks with world leaders during the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The deliberations would focus on domestic developmental issues, bilateral relations, the war against terrorism, countering violent extremism, the enhancement of global security, et cetera, according to an official statement. The President should leverage on the great opportunity to properly articulate the predicaments of Nigerian IDPs and refugees in other lands and the urgent need for global succour for them. The Nigerian president had already made it clear at similar public events in the past that no one country can defeat the challenges posed by terrorism alone. We also believe that Lanzer who would be at the UN meeting would make good his promise of making a strong case for the suffering Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic.
September 29, 2013 Over 42 people were killed by members of the Boko Haram violent Islamist sect at the College of Agriculture, Gujba, Yobe State, north-east Nigeria, when gunmen from the sect entered the male dormitory of the college. From 2009 to 2013, violence linked to Boko Haram insurgency resulted in over 3,600 deaths, including 1,600 civilians. In mid-May 2013, the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency in the region.
Business
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Stakeholders explore options to accessing climate change funds
House prices gap widens in UK 29
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Tambuwal rates GGW implementation in Sokoto high 27 AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline
Aircraft crash site
Pricing, availability shift consumers’ focus from kerosene to cooking gas Despite efforts of the Federal Government through its subsidy to deliver kerosene at N50 per liter to consumers, the price remains high as artificial scarcity of the product persists in the domestic market. UDEME AKPAN reports that efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, NLNG, to boost cooking gas are beginning to make consumers to explore domestic cooking gas option for cost-efficient benefits.
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he Federal Government has over the years preferred to subsidise and propagate the use of kerosene as domestic fuel. The subsidy is targeted at enabling consumers to pay as little as N50 per liter instate of over N100 per liter. A market survey in Lagos and its environs at the weekend showed that many filling stations did not have stocks of the product. A few independent operators that have stocks sell
kerosene in excess of N160 per litre, thus making it unaffordable to the poor individuals and households that are supposed to benefit from the government subsidy. Expectedly, this has attracted comments from concerned Nigerians. One of them is the Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Mrs. Victoria Ohaeri. She noted that kerosene subsidy had been defended because of the widespread belief that the
official records show that
federal Government, throuGh the niGerian national Petroleum corPoration, sPent n634bn the
to subsidise the retail Price of kerosene in the Past three years
poor will benefit from lower prices, adding that this belief has for long been debunked because of the realization that the main objectives of the subsidy regimes have not been realised. She said: “As at November 2013, official records show that the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, spent N634bn to subsidise the retail price of kerosene in the past three years: N110bn was spent in 2010, N324bn in 2011 and N200bn in 2012, totaling N634bn in three years. By January 2014, the subsidy sum spent on petroleum products, including kerosene, between 2012 and 2013 jumped to N1.3 trillion” “Despite the huge spending on kerosene subsidy, lowincome women who largely
depend on kerosene for their domestic energy needs bear the brunt of the product’s scarcity, forcing many to resort to less-clean cooking fuels such as Abacha stove, firewood, charcoal, and sawdust. Because of the scarcity, kerosene had always been sold at significantly higher prices. 77 low-income women that participated in Spaces for Change’s Women-Kitchen-Energy Forum in the first week of September disclosed that they purchase the 75cl bottle of kerosene from retailers and the black market at N200 per bottle, N400 for the 150cl bottle and N1,900 which is almost 10 times higher than the subsidized value for the fourlitre jerry can.” “These poor households consume about four-litre jerry can every week, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00
Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm
Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily
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Pricing, availability shift consumers’ focus from kerosene to cooking gas CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 therefore spend about 7,600 monthly on kerosene alone. The prices are even steeper in non-urban areas, especially in the riverine communities because of transportation and logistical difficulties associated with delivering products to those locations. So, who has been benefitting from kerosene subsidy?” she queried. The recent United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report for ECOWAS further indicated that kerosene subsidy hampers the transition from lighting with fossil fuels to sustainable, cleaner alternatives. This is because current levels of subsidies continue to disincentivize the market prospects of unsubsidized new technologies. The same study found that hypothetically redirecting one year’s worth of kerosene subsidy (at 40 per cent) towards kerosenefree lighting systems (e.g., solar) would eliminate the need for all subsequent subsidies for the service life of those new systems (UNEP, 2014). Subsidy reforms in Nigeria must powerfully reflect these findings, and make the necessary shifts. However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC is not unaware of this and other abuses of kerosene subsidy. Consequently, the Corporation has started working towards shifting from kerosene to cooking gas. The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, disclosed at the weekend that efforts were being made to shift from kerosene to cooking as the nation’s major domestic fuel. “For years, the nation has depended on increased consumption of kerosene. This is illustrated in the government decision to subsidise the price of the product. But we intend to promote the increased utilization of cooking gas for some reasons.” “First, the nation has huge reserves of gas. Second, it is clearer than other resources. Consequently, one needs to shift to gas. Already, NNPC gas supply has increased by 200 percent. We are hoping that in the nearest future every family in Nigeria will be able to own a cooking gas cylinder courtesy of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” “We will also encourage increased use of other resources because of availability. For instance, solar energy is abundant in the north and should be properly harnessed for use. Coal is abundant in the East and should
Kachikwu
Omotonwa
the execution of the
GMP
would culMinate in systeMatic develoPMent and MaxiMuM utilisation of natural Gas in the nation
also be harnessed for use,” he indicated. The NNPC is not alone. Already, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited that has the capacity to supply commercial quantity of cooking gas has also expressed commitment to make contributions from its six train facility at Bonny, Rivers State. The company’s chief executive officer, Mr. Babs Omotowa indicated that, “NLNG’s intervention in the domestic LPG market began in 2007 with the dedication of some 150,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas annually, in response to an acute shortage of the product in the market at the time.” He remarked that last year, the company increased this volume by sixty-six per cent to 250,000 metric tonnes in readiness to meet growing utilisation of cooking gas by Nigerians. Omotowa disclosed that only about 600,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas have been absorbed by the local market since NLNG’s intervention in September 2007 because of market inefficiencies across the LPG value chain. These include, the absence of a functioning cylinder manufacturing plant, inad-
equate storage, poor transportation network and infrastructure, limited jetty availability and low-priority berthing given to LPG vessels, which have all combined to thwart the market’s ability to absorb NLNG’s increased supply. Advocating increased investment across the value chain to enable sustained and reliable product availability, Omotowa noted that NLNG which currently supplies some eighty per cent (80%) of the total cooking gas consumed by Nigerians, has also subsidised the product to the cost of about $50 million since the intervention began. Other critical areas of possible intervention as highlighted by the NLNG CEO include terminal operation and development, distribution and retail, promotion and awareness and government policy and incentives for full maturity of the domestic LPG market. The President of Nigerian LPG Association, Mr. Dayo Adeshina, explained that due to Nigeria LNG’s intervention, the domestic LPG is not where it was when it came on the scene in September 2007. He said: “NLNG has been at the forefront of stabilising supply which has brought some obvious gains, including an almost seventy percent reduction in price from between N6,500 and N7,500 for a 12.5kg cylinder to its current price of between N2,800 and N3,500. But other stakeholders still have some way to go for the public to fully enjoy the gains of this intervention,” Investigations showed that NLNG commenced supply of LPG to the Nigerian domestic market since 2007. The first NLNG LPG cargo into the domestic market was discharged at Apapa jetty on December 26, that year. The company which the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NNPC (49%), Shell Gas BV, SGBV, (25.6%), Total LNG Nigeria Limited (15%), and Eni International (N.A,) N. V. S. a. r. l (10.4%) was impressed with the high demand for the product. Since then, the NLNG has signed Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) with 15 off-takers (all Nigerian companies) in which
the company is committed to deliver up to 250,000 tonnes of LPG into the Nigerian market annually, in line with the commitment to grow the domestic LPG market in Nigeria. The LPG Domestic Supply scheme, which has been an outstanding success, has led to a significant reduction in the enduser price of LPG in the domestic market. Many stakeholders seemed to be wellpleased about the latest moves to explore the potential of gas for national development. For instance, the National President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi remarked in a telephone interview that the decision will rescue consumers from the exploitative strings of some operators who are bent on perpetuating higher prices of kerosene. While noting that the plan will culminate in the realization of a clean environment as gas is known to be cleaner than other energy resources, Obasi recalled that moved by greed to make much profit, many operators had in the past been accused of adulteration which he noted will be reduced when many Nigerians shift from kerosene to cooking gas. He therefore called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to make deliberate efforts to position cooking gas as the nation’s main domestic fuel. The industry player, who also canvassed the need for more investments in the sector, observed that the gesture is in line with the country’s Gas Master Plan, GMP. He emphasised that the execution of the GMP would culminate in systematic development and maximum utilisation of natural gas in the nation. Obasi added that the nation is endowed with about 179 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, a greater part of which was still then flared at the detriment of the environment. According to him, the progress being recorded in the gas sector through the implementation of the GMP has started to open up vast opportunities for investors various areas. Obasi noted that opportunities for investment are available in pipeline construction system, gas gathering and processing. He said: “Nigeria has the world’s 7th largest reserves of gas with a further potential for a further 600 tcf in undiscovered reserve which calls for further investments in order to produce and deliver more natural gas in general and cooking gas in particular to consumers”.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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Stakeholders task new Customs CG on cargo clearance FranCIs EZEM
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coalition of four freight forwarding associations have expressed serious concerns over the slow pace of the new Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali in the face of increasing extortions at the ports. The four associations include, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators NAFFAC and Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria ARFFN. The leaders of the associations, Dr. Eugene Nweke of NAGAFF, Mr. Festus Ejiofor of NCMDLCA, Chief C.A.T. Agubama of NAFFAC and Dr. Frank Ukor of ARFFN, who spoke at the weekend, observed that more than two weeks after the new CG resumed, cargo clearing activities at the port should have been at the highest point. According to the group, more than 35 days after the resignation of the former CG, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, nothing seems to be happening in the Customs circles at the ports, a development they blamed on the seeming
low pace of the new Customs helmsman. The stakeholders are equally worried that there has been an increase in the level of extortions and other anti-trade practices, which have combined to dampened the morale of the freight forwarders. “The appointment of the new CG came with lots of expectations by the freight forwarders, which is currently disappearing due to the slow takeoff of the new Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali. The Freight Forwarders who are looking forward to be saved from the inexplicable extortions in the ports are getting more disillusioned. “The expectations have been that by now the CG should have visited the ports and strategic border locations with a view to conferring with the stakeholders” “To achieve the mandate of reforms, restructuring the service and increasing revenue collection, we expect that the CG should start by meeting with the relevant stakeholders in order to gather first hand information and intelligence that would assist him in this important national assignment”, the group added. The associations alleged that because of the general feeling of uncertainty, many officers of the service seem to try to grab as much as they
could while the lull and uncertainties prevail within the system. They cited the instances of alert applications from unauthorised units of APM Terminals, Apapa, valuation and Customs Intelligence Units CIU of the service imposing one form
A
lthough the growth rate of internet penetration in Africa is said to be fast, yet only 20 per cent of Africa’s population currently have access to the internet. Globally, there are now three billion people connected to the Internet, it however took over two decades for the Internet to reach its first billion users in 2005; five years to reach the second in 2010; and four years to reach the third billionth person in 2014. Internet Society President and Chief Executive Officer, Kathryn Brown in statement issued during the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Summit, noted that “in Africa alone, we see remarkable improvement in connectivity across the continent growing from around seven percent
other fees and levies had been paid. The stakeholders therefore charged the new Customs chief to brace the challenges currently facing the port, especially the processes of inspection and release of imported cargo.
Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arc. Sonny Echono with the Ambassador of China, His Excellency Gu Xiaojie, during the envoy’s courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
Alcatel returns to Nigeria, engages TD Mobile Nigeria, Alcatel, has made a comeback with the launch of ne of the earliest smart- a range of mobile devices. phones to enter the moThe smartphone manubile phone market in facturer in partnership with TD Mobile unveiled its latest device, Alcatel One Touch in Lagos. The company - a brand within international mobile crucial job. and Internet device maker Describing the Internet as TCL Communication anthe biggest opportunity of the nounced TD Mobile as dis21st century, Brown explained tributor for the West African that the Society believe in the country. power of the Internet to deThe company stated furliver on that promise. As an ther that it had appointed unparalleled network of net- Nick Imudia as Regional Diworks that has the potential to rector responsible for Nigeria connect us all, the Internet can and Central Africa. bring opportunity in healthThe company stated that care, education, business and his experience in managing more.” sales, marketing, consumer She pointed out that her care, logistics, retail execugroup was pleased that the tion and developer engageSustainable Development ment for a large mobile brand Agenda recognised that ICTs means he is bringing a wide are a crucial platform for the range of knowledge and inimplementation of these vi- sight to make Alcatel One sionary goals and that the Touch a success in Nigeria. Agenda sets an ambitious goal It hinted also that Imudia to significantly increase ac- would have a local team supcess to information and com- porting his drive into the munications technology and market, as well as the full strive to provide universal and support of the Alcatel One affordable access to the Inter- Touch Africa team. net in least developed counReacting to his new aptries by 2020. pointment, Imudia said that
IsaIah ErhIawarIEn
O
Only 20% of Africans have internet access IsaIah ErhIawarIEn
of charge, levy or the other. Investigations also show that there have been an increase in the imposition of arbitrary and frivolous Demand Notices by some officers of the Enforcement Unit of service, after the prescribed import duty and
of the population with Internet access in 2008 to over 20 per cent with Internet access in 2015.” According to her, mobile internet service already covers at least 48 per cent of the population worldwide and is increasingly the primary means of accessing the Internet, particularly in developing countries saying that “Today, the digital economy contributes 5 to 9 percent to total GDP in developed markets, and in developing markets it is growing 15 to 25 percent per year.” She disclosed that the accelerating speed of gaining access to the Internet, and its growing impact on society, demonstrated the success and ongoing viability of a collaborative, peoplecentered, inclusive and development-oriented information society noting that building the infrastructure in the least developed countries remains a
he was delighted to be a part of Alcatel One Touch as it strives to bring the latest mobile innovations to mass market consumers in Nigeria. “My mandate is to build the Alcatel One Touch brand by providing tools that will grow and enrich our Nigerian market. We recognise that every smartphone user needs and deserves a device that offers good performance, beautiful aesthetics and rich functionality. As such, we’ll strive to offer choice, variety and flexibility to consumers irrespective of their budget. “My immediate priority will be to give Nigerian consumers, partners, operators and their consumers easy access to our vast range of affordable products,” Imudia added. TD Mobile, an arm of Technology Distributions Ltd, will help Alcatel One Touch effectively reach the market with its product portfolio. The company distributes smart mobile devices in the West African sub-region and is said to have a wide distribution network and presence in major Nigerian cities.
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Policy inconsistency, insecurity bane of aviation sector’s growth –Expert Olusegun KOiKi
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he Federal Government has been called upon to ensure consistent air transport policy, good management and improved security among other imperatives in order to grow the country’s aviation industry. Speaking at the third Engr. Zakari Haruna Memorial Lecture recently at the annex office of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, an aviation analyst, Engr. Soji Amusan, in his paper ‘Expanding Air Passenger Base in Nigeria Aviation,’ said that absence of coherent air transport policy had driven the sector backward over the years. He posited that good policy formulation by the government would encourage investments and boost revenues for indigenous operators.
Amusan explained further that government over the years had appointed incompetent managements in critical areas of the sector in the past, which had not aided development, adding that decaying infrastructure at most of the airports was also giving the country a bad image in the comity of nations. Besides, he mentioned loose security networks at the nation’s airports as another major challenge confronting the industry, noting that intermittent air crashes had driven potential clients to other form of transportation. He said: “Most of our airports as I’m talking to you now lack perimeter fencing and other security apparatus are not there to improve passenger capacity for the airlines. Severally, passengers have been robbed at gun points within the airport complex while cargo and goods have passengers have been
tampered with severally even at the airside. “Also, lack of new developments absorbed by Nigeria in the areas of knowledge and training is a militating factor. I want to advice that personnel in the industry should attend International Air Transport Association, IATA, and International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, courses and conferences more for improved knowledge.” This is even as he urged airline operators in the sector to imbibe networking and collaborate together, rather than seeing themselves as competitors, adding that market segmentation like promotion and excursion fares would go a long way in promoting clients for the sector. Amusan also expressed the view that for air passengers to embrace the sector more; there is a need for improved third party approach by the operating airlines.
EXMAN to hold Trustees’night DaviD auDu
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he Experential Marketers Association of Nigeria, EXMAN, will this week in Lagos hold a special dinner to fete and unveil its Board of Trustees and formally introduce the association and its newly inaugurated management team to stakeholders within the marketing communications industry. According to Dr. Rotimi Olaniyan, President, EXMAN, “The Trustees’ Night will avail our new executive team to outline the association’s vision and strategic plan over the next two years in a bid to solicit collaboration and support from other sectoral groups within the marketing communications industry.” The event will be attended by other heads of related sectoral groups. The association had in July elected a new executive. It pro-
Dana introduces frequent flyer programme Olusegun KOiKi
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ne of the indigenous airlines, Dana Air has announced its frequent flyer programme; Dana Miles; which allows its guests to earn and redeem points or miles for travel across its route network. The Accountable Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo in a statement stated that the initiative would enable Dana Miles members, access to upgrade their tickets, gain extra baggage allowance, exchange miles for tickets, and get prior-
ity checking-in at the airport. Mbanuzuo said that the airline was always seeking new ways to serve its guests better, adding that introduction of Dana Miles; the airline’s frequent flyer program was just a way of strengthening its relationship with its loyal customers; while providing them more value for miles accrued. He explained that membership was free and customers can become a Dana Miles member, by registering and completing an online enrollment form which automatically makes them a Blue-card member upon which they
can progress to the Silver and Gold card holders, based on miles they are able to accrue. It would be recalled that Dana Air recently created its online check-in platform to ease the travel experience of its guests. The web check-in icon enables its guests checkin, print boarding passes and select their preferred seats, all from the comfort of their homes. The airline is reputed for its efficient customer service, innovative e-airline products, world-class in-flight service, on-time departures and arrivals, and high quality standards.
duced Dr. Olaniyan as the new President while Wole Olagundoye, Kayode Idowu, Abiodun Oshinibosi and Kehinde Salami were elected as Vice President, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary and General Secretary respectively. Olaniyan, who is also the Managing Director of Advantage, an African consortium of independently owned marketing and communications services companies, agencies and consultancies, was elected unopposed. In his post-election speech, the newly elected president stressed that the agenda of the new exco is pretty clear-cut; to grow profitability and market size, saying that his projected 25 per cent growth rate is realistic given the six critical goal areas he has set up to drive the process.
Ace offers $100m cyber policies with added services
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L-R: Council Manager, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Bashiru Kaffo; Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Chinda Manjor; Executive Secretary of the council, Hon. Toyin Caxton-Martins; Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah and Council Treasurer, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Mrs. Oliseh Abass, during the courtesy visit of the Executive Secretary, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA to Airtel Nigeria on the proposed first Economic Summit of the council in Lagos at the weekend.
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nsurer Ace Ltd. plans to start offering cyber security policies providing up to $100 million in coverage at a time when experts say it is hard for businesses to obtain such large coverage following the surge in high-profile breaches. The plan comes with services from firms that help identify cyber security vulnerabilities and respond to cyber attacks. They include BitSight Technologies, FireEye Inc.’s Mandiant services group, Navigant Consulting Inc., NetDiligence, Promontory Financial Group and Verizon Communications Inc. To apply for a policy, customers go through intensive scrutiny during underwriting, a process that includes reviews of cyber security defenses, strategies for mitigating the impact of breaches and board plans for responding to attacks, said Toby Merrill, division senior vice president for Ace Group’s global cyber practice. Applicants can still obtain coverage if deficiencies are uncovered, but they must allow one of the outside cyber security firms appointed by Ace to conduct an on-site assessment. The consultants will recommend steps to remediate any shortfall, though the policy does not require that they im-
mediately implement them, Mr. Merrill said of the program. The company will review those areas when it comes time to renew the policy, he said. The partners are helping Ace refine its process for quantifying risk during underwriting, a process that experts say has been a challenge for all cyber insurance carriers because they do not have enough data. “There are no actuarial tables for cyber,” said Karen Kukoda, partner alliance director with FireEye. “Ace is building us into their process to help assess risk for clients.” Ace announced the move as it looks to boost its premiums, and profits, from providing cyber policies, one of the insurance market’s few rapidly growing areas. Consulting firm PwC earlier this month estimated that total annual premiums on cyber insurance will triple to $7.5 billion by 2020. That report warned the industry that it could face competition from disruptors such as Google if it does not act fast to develop new products. Most of the $2.5 billion written in cyber insurance last year was in the United States, where requirements to notify data breaches have focused attention on cyber protection, according to PwC. (Source – Reuters)
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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ILO warns against anti-worker policies Sylva EmEka-OkErEkE
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nternational Labour Organization, ILO, has warned employers of labours across the globe against the consequences of unfair treatment of workers. While noting of much regression in some countries, especially African countries, the ILO urged labour movements to consider broader sanctions against employers of labour. It however noted that some countries are working to strengthen labour rights as well as improving the condition of service Announcing the new labour initiatives, the United States Trade Representative of the agency, Mike Froman said, a multi-year strategy must be adapted
to reform labour laws while helping some countries to develop skills and systems, consistent with international standards. According to the agency, some countries are still under military rule with little understanding on how workers, governments and employers should interact to set a minimum wage, stressing that such new initiative is expected to address this anomaly. ILO said, ‘’Even if this initiative bears fruit, some countries will still face serious challenges, given their human rights abuses. Director-General of the international agency, Guy Ryder said, he held meeting with confederations of workers’ and public servants’ unions, highlighting the importance of trade
One million African children labour in goldmines
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ver one million children are said to be working in the African goldmines, according to a report. They smash boulders into pebbles and pebbles into grit with primitive hammers and sticks. This is in addition to hauling buckets of well water up the hillside and pouring them into shallow pans filled with rock and dirt, they swirl the muddy mix, looking in the silt for tiny flecks of gold. Nearby, a small hill rises from this barren gold field, and atop this hill are hand-dug shafts that plunge 150 feet into the ground. Joseph, 15, and Germain, 12, lead the
Child labour
way down into the mine, gripping knotted ropes, finding footholds and squeezing past support timbers in the yard-wide pits. They get to the bottom after 20 minutes and silently begin to fill buckets of ore to be hauled up by rope. The shaft ends in a cramped, pitch-dark pit. The bottom widens a bit to reveal a tiny, wedgeshaped crevice. In the darkness, sitting crosslegged with a flashlight strapped to his head is a small boy. He chinks at the rock walls with a handmade pickax and scoops the shards into a large green bucket. The United Nations’ International Labour Organiza-
tion estimates that as many as a million children between ages 5 and 17 work in the small-scale gold mines of Africa for as little as $2 a day. In the African Sahel, a semiarid region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea across parts of Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Niger, 30 percent to 50 percent of small-scale mine workers are children, according to ILO estimates. Child labour is against the law in Burkina Faso, where last year the government announced a plan to significantly reduce the numbers of exploited children by 2015. But enforcement is lacking.
unions and social dialogues in dealing with current issues in work places. Ryder said the meeting attended by G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ focused on issues of common interest to unions and the ILO, including how to improve labour and union rights in line with international labour standards. He said the on-going ILO technical assistance projects and new initiatives in pipelines are expected to help address these issues. “It is obvious that the world of work in the future will be very different than today’s. We need to understand the dynamic in order to best manage and shape it,” Ryder stated. “At the ILO, we are conscious that we must continuously improve and strengthen our work to make it as relevant and useful as possible to employees, employers and governments,” concluded Ryder, reiterating the ILO’s commitment for future collaboration and technical expertise. The confederations reflected their views and concerns on labour and employment issues, as well as the challenges they face with regards to exercising trade union rights. In the same vein, the 13th African Regional meeting of the ILO is expected to hold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from Monday, November 30 to Thursday 3 De-
Ryder
cember, 2015, aimed at bringing together ILO’s tripartite constituents– governments, employers and workers along with political, economic and social actors in the sector to promote an inclusive and job-rich growth through decent works in Africa. With the theme, “Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Africa through Decent Work”, the meeting would undertake final review of progress made on the implementation of the “Decent Work Agenda in Africa, 200715” while agreeing on strategic vision for the ILO in Africa region.
South African strikes cost $453 in wages –Report
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ecent report published by the Department of Labour shows that South African strikes cost $453, about 6 billion rand in wages last year, lower than the previous year, despite a record fivemonth strike in the mining sector. In its annual report on strikes in Africa’s most advanced economy, the department found that it costs the country nine percent, last year less than 6.7 billion rand recorded in 2013. The manufacturing and mining sectors were hit hardest by lengthy strikes. Mining accounts for seven percent of Gross Domestic Products while manufacturing represents 14 percent. Last year South Africa’s economy was sapped
by the record five-month platinum mining strike, pushing it into a quarterly contraction while a four-week manufacturing strike further hobbled economic activity. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union led the wage strike at operations of the world’s top producers, cutting output by 44 percent and was responsible for 92 percent of the lost working days in strikes across the country. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa, the biggest by membership, downed tools for four weeks over pay in the sector accounting for 2.59 percent of the lost working days in 2014. Measures by companies to cut labour costs
and reduce salaries while reporting an increase in earnings, executive pay and exporting profit was seen as increasing the wealth and income inequality in society, the report said. “The industrial action, in particular their length of period by workers was the reflection of the desperate situation, method of resistance and struggle for increased income to maintain and improve the living conditions of their families.” To limit the impact of strikes, new laws effective from April allow the government to intervene in labour disputes by limiting prolonged strikes while the labour department has suggested implementing a national minimum wage.
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Jobs & Career
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Total Nigeria appoints Nnamani as Executive Director
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he Management of Total Nigeria Plc officially announces the appointment of Prince Jeff Emeka Nnamani, Executive Director (Strategy), as a new member of its Board of Directors. Nnamani is a graduate of Political Science and Administration with a Masters degree in Public Administra-
tion (MPA) from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. He started his career as a Sales Representative with the then Elf Marketing Nigeria Limited in 1989. He was a pioneer staff in Borno state and after successfully establishing the company’s presence in the state, was assigned to Lagos as the Industrial Sales Executive
in 1994. He became the first Senior Network Inspector for Lagos Region in 1995 and given his successful performance was again assigned to the Eastern Region to cover both Network and Industrial Sales as the Sales Executive, Eastern Region in 1996, a position he occupied until he rose to the position of Regional Manager, North Central, Elf Oil Nigeria Limited in 1999. By 2004, he was moved to Lagos as head of the regional office; the pioneer Territorial Sales Manager, West Territory covering both the old Lagos and
Ibadan Regions from 2005 to 2007. In May 2008, he became the General Manager Sales, and in 2011 he was appointed General Manager Strategy, a position he held until his appointment in April 2015 as Executive Director, Strategy, Total Nigeria Plc. He is a well-known industry expert with more than 25 years downstream experience. Member Board of Directors NICON Insurance Corporation (20012006), Member Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology (2006-2010) Fellow, Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria (FICA).
So what do you need to get in?
L Workers exchanging ideas in office
Domestic workers in US declines
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tlantic’s Ester Bloom reported has reported of severe decline in domestic workers, thus hurting American families. Prior to now, more than 50 percent of employed women worked in domestic service, and the number has continued to grow. However, in recent times, this has put families in dire straits, when it comes to housework. “Fewer families today can afford the household
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support that was available to previous generations; paying even a parttime nanny on the books can be a time-consuming and expensive bureaucratic procedure,” the report stated. This it said, could not come at a worse time for American families since men and women are overly busy with housework because of the increasing demands of office jobs. The Pew Research Center found in 2013 that
eputy Editor, Lorache Consulting Responsibilities Evaluate all content for all articles to ensure accuracy and recommend modifications and changes to achieve all objects and edit all articles to ensure achievement to all quality standards. Develop content for home page and category and sub category pages and assist to restructure and update all articles as per requirement. Prepare all contracts and assist to commission all articles and maintain track of all budgets for content development. Manage and assign editorial content for various features, articles and photo galleries and administer all ex-
men and women spend 9.3 and 15.5 hours a week on housework, respectively. Men also spend 2.5 hours a week on child care, while women spend 5.8 hours doing the same. This only grows when they have a child. Housework increased to 9.5 hours for men and 17.7 for women once they had a child, while child care increased to 7 hours a week for men and 13.6 for women, according to Pew.
et’s start with the 10 Global Core Competencies that PwC seeks in every recruit. 1. Demonstrate courage and integrity (being honest, having strong moral principles) 2. Acquire and apply commercial and technical expertise 3. Manage projects and economics 4. Be open minded and practical, and respond quickly to change 5. Communicate with impact and empathy (understanding and sharing the feelings of another person) Read: 11 interview tips you’ve probably never heard 6. Develop yourself and others through coaching 7. Be curious: learn, share and innovate 8. Lead and contribute to team success 9. Build and sustain relationships 10. Be passionate about client service
If you’re serious about getting into one of the most sought-after companies in the finance world, you must read through their competency list and think of personal experiences in which you’ve developed them. Your job interview questions will help them determine if you meet these competencies. We’ve sourced a few questions that PwC has asked previous interviewees so you can thoroughly prepare. - What do you think about your communication skills? - What do you like about leading a team? - Have you faced harsh criticism? - On a night out with your friends, which role do you play in the group? - Are you currently applying for job in another audit firms? - Can I phone your boss now and ask him if I should hire you? - Do you see yourself be-
coming a partner at this firm? Also read: Top traits interviewers love - Tell us about a time you a group project and had a partner that didn’t do any work. How did you manage it? - Describe how you handled a conflict situation in a team. - Describe a time which you have been receiving mentoring or given mentor to other people. - Give an example of how you built a relationship with someone quickly. - Give a real life example of how you made an impact on a business. - Tell us about a time when you actively sought feedback. - Provide an example of how you deal with one or more complex problems. Before stepping into that room, please stay up-to-date with the latest in the industry, get involved in your community, and learn to express your opinion briefly and clearly - that PwC’s personal orders!
Job vacancies isting content and provide required update for same. Supervise all production tasks and draft all monthly supplements for all special projects. Manage all online platforms for effectiveness and profitability. Conduct interviews and compile stories to be published in the magazine. Required Skills & Qualification Graduate with B.Sc Computer Science with a passion with magazine production – Excellent communication skill –Web and content development skill with 1-3years experience. Do you want to work for PricewaterhouseCoopers? Stand in good stead to work for PricewaterhouseCoopers with these
insider interview tips (Shutterstock. com) PricewaterhouseCoopers is a leading assurance, tax and advisory service company, and its history can be traced all the way back to the 1800s. It currently has firms in 158 countries and has 195 000 employees. It’s really an impressive company. But as a member within the finance industry, we’re sure this isn’t news to you. You’ve probably already been applying since even before your graduation day. But PricewaterhouseCoopers’ successes aren’t the only great thing about this multinational. With 4 office locations in some of Nigeria’s major cities, relocating won’t be an issue. As one of the country’s top employers, PwC promises attrac-
tive work environments and learning opportunities all over the world. The company wants its employees to have a healthy work-life balance and therefore, it offers a variety of flexible options for its staff. Being a great place to work is important for PwC NG and as such, each department has a social club that organises fun activities regularly. In addition, the training and coaching of employees is one of their top priorities, and they provide opportunities for skills development both locally and abroad. This means that you’ll be able to interact with lots of people from many different backgrounds. And ladies, PwC supports gender diversity. Every year 50% of its new staff is female.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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Real Estate & Environment
Stakeholders explore options to accessing climate change funds Stakeholders from West African countries met in Abuja last week to map out strategies on how to benefit from the UNFCCC’s climate finance. Olufemi Adeosun, who witnessed the two-day event reports.
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ne of the major concerns about the issue of climate change for the developing countries is adaptation. Apart from requiring adequate capacity, mobilising the needed funding to finance adaptation projects and programmes has continued to be a serious challenge to the government of vulnerable countries. However, while the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s Adaptation Fund(AF) and Green Climate Fund(GCF) were specifically conceived as finance mechanisms to address the funding gaps, the inability to meet the criteria to accessing the funds has also become a major issue. It is in a bid to address this lack of capacity that ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the AF, Heinrich Boll Stiftung Foundation and the GCF mobilised relevant
Contract inflation saga raises dust at NCAA 32
stakeholders to a Regional Climate Finance Workshop in the nation’s capital, Abuja. Apart from serving as a veritable platform for knowledge sharing and open dialogue, the two-day event was aimed at enhancing confidence and capacity of institutions by providing important lessons for existing implementing entities for the AF and potential entities for the GCF with a view to increasing their uptake capacity for global climate finance. In her opening address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Nana Mede, underscored the importance of funding in developing adaptive mechanisms, lamenting that the negative impacts of climate change was compounded in the developing countries because of poor state of economic development and inability to adapt.
She said, “The scourge resulting from the impact of climate change in Africa and especially in West Africa is further worsened by the poor state of economic development and low adaptive capacity. Therefore, for the sub-region in particular, adaptation is a key concern and will require substantial funding, especially when adaptation to climate change is a complex and multi-faceted issue that presents a number of challenges, particularly for the developing world.” While emphasizing the importance of international assistance and resources in supporting adaptation in the context of national planning for sustainable development, capacity building and technology transfer, she stated that the condition attached to accessing the funds were too cumbersome.
Stakeholders, professionals chart roadmap to Nigerian airlines’ survival 31
According to her, “accessibility to the funds remains an issue not only due to some conditions associated with such funds, but also due to lack of capacity in preparing implementable projects.” She noted that the workshop would not only help to enhance further understanding of the modalities for accessing the AF and GCF, it would serve as a platform to interface with institutions and experts to support upscaling of the funds in the sub-region. Also speaking, the Director, Environment (ECOWAS Commission), Dr. Johnson Boanuh, bemoaned the devastating effects of climate change in the developing nations, stressing that weather and climate-related disasters, in particular, had caused significant loss of lives and property and impeded economic and social development within the CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Life Insurance Sales Techniques
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Stakeholders explore options to accessing climate change funds CONTINUED FROM 25 ECOWAS region. The ECOWAS commission representative also warned that extreme weather condition was capable of derailing the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and could also impact negatively on the current Sustainable Development Goals (SMGs) in the West Africa region where eleven of the fifteen member states were among the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Boanuh stated that the commission was delighted to be part of the workshop, which, according to him, “is planned to create the much needed platform for experience sharing on strategies to sensitize member states, sub-regional institutions, organisations and other stakeholders on the readiness process for direct access to the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund.” According to the representative of Heinrich Boll Sifting Foundation, Mr. Farayi Madziwa, while many countries in Africa have taken steps to develop climate change plans, strategies and interventions, they would not be able to realize the full benefits without adequate finance. Quoting statistics to underscore the significance of finance to addressing the scourge of climate change within the African region, he said, “The World Bank estimates that developing countries need between $60m and $120m a year just to for climate change adaptation alone, and about 2% of their combined GDP annually by 2030 in order to put in place adequate resilience measures. “The 5th Assessment report of the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that global economy needs between $70m to $100m annually by 2050 to meet adaptation needs. The message is clear. As a continent, we need adequate and predictable sources of climate finance and in the same token, we need take access to such finances seriously if we are to make strides in satisfying current and future adaptation as well as development needs.” Madziwa, who noted that the need to ramp up efforts was critical, however, noted that apart from strategizing to access the funds, there was a great challenge on the continent to ensure that the limited resource is used in the best possible ways, not only effectively and efficiently, but also with the aim of catalyzing finance from other sources. Giving update on the status of the GCF, the Regional Advisor, Africa Readiness Programme, Liberal Seburikoko, informed that stakeholders that over $10.2 billion had been earmarked for disbursement, adding that the target was to mobilize as much as $100billion by the year 2020. On what has been earmarked for the vulnerable countries out of the money, he disclosed that, “As at December last year, we have mobilized $10.2bn. We are going up to $100bn, That was the target developed countries committed to back in 2009 at COP 15 and sealed during COP 16. “Half of any resources the fund will be having at any given time will be earmarked for adaptation, of which the priority is for the vulnerable groups and half of it for mitigation. Of that half for mitigation,
Effects of climate change
For the AdAptAtion Fund, the country hAs cArried out the mApping oF potentiAl institutions And
BAnk oF
industry wAs designAted As the entity For the AdAptAtion Fund which is 20 per cent of the entire fund, will be earmarked for African countries, least developed countries, the majority of which are Africans and small island development states, and we have few in Africa.” On why it has been difficult for the vulnerable countries to access the funds, the Director, Clean Energy Consult, Mr. Bar. Huzi Mshelia, said, “The funds were set up to help venerable developing country develop pro-
Climate change disaster
grammes and policies to help address the negative impact of climate change, but like any other thing, it has procedures. “You need to create necessary entities. For instance, for the Adaptation Fund, you need to create what is called National Implementing Entities. Also, for the Green Climate Fund, you need to create entity called, Designated Authority. Most of the developing countries have tried to do that, but it had
been so cumbersome and that is why the AP now drew up a new modality called, direct access modality.” According to him, the direct access modality is aimed at enabling countries to build capacity, have one accredited national institution that can apply without recourse to multinational agencies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and African Development Bank (ADB). On how far Nigeria has gone in accessing the funds, Mshelia also explained, “For the Adaptation fund, the country has carried out the mapping of potential institutions and Bank of Industry was designated as the entity for the Adaptation fund. They have filled the application, it came back with some observations and the bank has addressed those observations and sent back to them. We are hopeful that this time around, the application for adaptation fund will scale through.
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Real Estate & Environment
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Tambuwal rates GGW implementation in Sokoto high
MORTGAGE NOTES with Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja
Olufemi AdeOsun
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Email: Nike@MVPSolutionsinc.com Fasanya-Osilaja https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=35277333
Why I support the NMRC
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y the time this column piece goes to print, the Nigerian national elections must have taken place. We have spent the last few months in a frenzy of preparation for this event, and it is a relief that it is finally happening. I offer my congratulations to the winners of the election, and offer my thanks to those who did not win the elections, for at least stepping forward to offer themselves in the service of their nation. It takes a special person to take on the rigors and stresses on running an election race, and we are a better nation because of you all. I spent the last three or so weeks writing a (long) letter to the NMRC and offering an in-depth review of the NMRC underwriting standards, as published on their website. I was honestly rather surprised at some of the comments I received on that piece. They ranged all the way from “Great piece, so on point” to “Why would you support another government agency when they are all crooks?” I have therefore decided to respond to some of these questions in today’s piece. I support the NMRC one hundred percent because I have reviewed their mandate and truly feel that, with the right guidance and hopefully lack of external influences, the NMRC may actually be the catalyst to revolutionize the Nigerian mortgage industry. The very premise upon which it is founded is the same premise that similar international organizations have been established, that have worked extremely well to standardize and enhance mortgage lending, and therefore home ownership in their nations. Put very simply, shelter is, and rightly so, a fundamental human right. Until a person is settled in their own space, they are not really in charge of their destiny. There is a peace that comes with knowing you are in your own home that is absolutely priceless. I have seen homeownership
change so many client’s lives, that I have no choice but to fight passionately for every opportunity that increases its accessibility, especially to first time home buyers. The advent of NMRC should be seen as a hugely positive event because we have seen what happens in Nigeria when there is almost zero regulation. The previous mortgage experiment in Nigeria failed due to several reasons, but the major one was definitely a lack of cohesion. This was a period in which loans were being made with predatory lending rates, excessive fees and unrealistic terms. It was so clearly ill conceived that its failure came as no surprise. I was one of the major sceptics when I heard about the NMRC until I really started to review the IDB facility paperwork. There are several new programmes and incentives required as part of the terms of the facility, that I am optimistic of a much more desirable future for the mortgage sector so long as the programmes are properly implemented. The NMRC emerges as the umbrella agency for the development and implementation of the said IDB programmes and incentives. What I consider to be its greatest strength is the fact that the agency is not the typical government agency or department. This gives it the capacity to act with the speed, agility and versatility required in today’s financial markets. Also, there is a legitimacy the NMRC brings to the industry that can only boost the profile of the Nigerian mortgage sector and provide access to funding on much better terms than we saw in the past. I also support the need for a regulatory system to weed out the bad apples and ensure that the industry produces seasoned and specialized professionals that enhance its international
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profile. With a robust educational curriculum, especially if a licensing requirement is added, we will at least be certain of employing loan officers, who are able to process transactions properly. In my opinion, all ancillary industries should also require education and licenses, especially the appraisal industry. The caveat I offer though, is that such education should be actual hands on workshops where the participants get proper education and solve real fact pattern issues, not where they just sit in conferences and listen to “abstract ramblings” as I call them. Finally, the ability of NMRC to buy closed loans as a secondary purchaser of MBS tranches is arguably its most important strength. This provides consistent liquidity and protects the market from scarcity of supply, which is the number one factor for high rates and predatory loan terms to meet demand. It also ensures that loan retail suppliers originate loans in accordance with formal underwriting standards designed to ensure sanity in the market. So, yes I do support the xxxxx NMRC. Why would I not? Whichever way you dice it, the NMRC presents a start towards the re-emergence of a stronger, saner and hopefully more productive mortgage industry, and that is well worth my strong and unfettered support. If the NMRC is well set up and properly managed, it will bring us into a time of ease and cohesion in the mortgage process, and ultimately another area in which Nigeria once again asserts itself as the continental leader it is known and expected to be. As always, I welcome all questions and comments, and encourage you to make it a great day.
ABOUT THE WRITER Fasanya-Osilaja a lawyer and mortgage expert has owned and operated Marvel Ventures Mortgage, Inc. (www.marvelmortgage.com), a Chicagobased Mortgage Brokerage Company since 2000 and has worked in the US Mortgage industry since 1996. She also consults and facilitates industryrequired activities, from set up of mortgage organisations to documentation, training and compliance.
okoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has lauded the implementation of Great Green Wall (GGW) programme in the state, saying that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that the people derive maximum benefits from it. Sokoto is one of the 14 frontline states where the afforestation programme is being implemented in the country. The former House of Representatives speaker who spoke while playing host to the Director General, National Agency for the GGW programme, Mr. Ahmed Goni, stated that he was impressed by the accelerated pace of work in his state. According to him, since the programme is conceived to be community-driven, Sokoto state has no choice than to declare its support for its successful implementation. Tambuwal who expressed disappointment at some state mulling the scraping of Ministry of Environment, noted that Sokoto state had enacted a desertification control bill before the conception of the GGW programme. He also lauded the selection of Sokoto state as one of the states to benefit from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), adding that his administration was poised to address the issue of land allocation both in the state and the Local Government Areas with a view to make land available
to the people for agricultural purposes. Earlier, the DG, NAGGW Mr Goni Ahmed said over 70 million Nigerians were experiencing negative impact of drought and desertification directly or indirectly. He disclosed that Sokoto was under intense pressure from the menace of desertification capable of precipitating environmental degradation and increased poverty if not tackled. Ahmed thanked the governor for the support to the agency by ensuring that the bill for the creation of the Agency was passed when he was the speaker of the House of Representatives. He solicited for support from the state government in the provision of land for the GGW programme and the establishment of state and local government committees in line with the GGW Act. The team who also visited a project site at Unguwar Lalle in Sabon Gari LGA of the state were impressed by the progress made so far. In Unguwar Lalle community, 6km of shelterbelt, 2 hectares of Orchards and 1 hectare of community nursery have been established and doing very well. The Head of Afforestation in the agency. Mr Segun Babatunde Akinola noted the communities support for the programme, adding that the support was made possible because they knew they were the direct beneficiaries.
EHORECON: Experts laud appointment of new Registrar
E
xperts have lauded appointment of the new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria, EHORECON. President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the appointment of Mr. Dominic Abonyi as the Chief Executive of the Council. Abonyi, who was the Head of Department of Registration, Ethics, Standard and Enforcement (DRESE) in the Council, as well as the acting Registrar, was appointed Registrar following the expiration of the tenure of the former Registrar, Augustine Ebisike on August 14, 2015, An environment expert, George Chike said such appointment would spur more activities
in the sector According to him, he would continue from where his predecessor stopped, quoting that to ‘continue is the continuation of continuity’. He however said he sees a better council as well as a formidable sector ahead. Before he joined EHORECON, he was a lecturer at the School of Health Technology and Head of Department, Environmental Health, Oji River, Enugu. Dominic Ojiabor Abonyi is a member of many professional bodies among which include Registered Environmental Health Officer; Member, Society for Environmental Health (Mseh); Member, Grassroot Environmental Health Care Initiative (Mgehi) and a host of others.
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Real Estate & Environment
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Cool ceil
GO DARK Walls in the master bed room are covered in Donghia’s Sil k Texture II, and the ceiling is painte d in Benjamin Moore Regal Select in Night Horizon to dramatize the soa ring space in a Long Island Shingl e-style beach house decorated by Rob Southern.
Source: www.housebeautiful.com
Flora, fauna can become extinct, Researchers warned R esearchers have warned that a third of all flora and fauna will become extinct if global warming continues unchecked. Scientists said that the impact of climate change has been underestimated, and while species as a whole will survive, variations within them will die out. The team, from the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfurt, said that by 2080 more than 80 percent of genetic diversity within certain species would disappear. Dr Carsten Nowak investigated nine aquatic insect species in streams around central and northern Europe. If climate change progresses as predicted, they will be pushed back to a few small areas in Scandinavia and the Alps, a computer model suggested. A rise of two degrees would see at least one species wiped out, and a rise of four degrees at least two. But because of the extinction of local populations, genetic diversity would be much more adversely affected, with as many as 84 per cent of genetic variants dying out by 2080. Even in the most optimistic scenario only two thirds of these variants would survive. “Our models of future distribution show that the ‘species’ as such will usually survive,” the Telegraph quoted him as saying.
“However, the majority of the genetic variations, which in each case exist only in certain places, will not survive,” he added.
A loss of genetic variation also hinders a species’ ability to adapt to changing conditions, putting the species as a whole in more long-term danger.
Landlords decry investing pension funds in property
T
he majority of landlords in the UK don’t plan to take advantage of pension freedoms to invest in property, according to new research.
Of those with a pension in place, just 5% are planning on withdrawing a lump sum to invest or expand their portfolio, the research from the National Landlords Association (NLA) shows. It also found that 14% of landlords would consider using a lump sum to invest in further properties, while 11% said they didn’t have enough of a pension to withdraw a lump sum at all, 7% already had other plans for withdrawing a lump sum and 19% were undecided. The research from the NLA, which asked landlords about their plans at retirement, also found that 3% plan to sell up completely, 19% have no retirement provisions in place and 25% plan to sell at least some properties. On top of this some 61% plan to live off portfolio income at retirement and 34% are undecided and will assess the market when they reach retirement
age. ‘There has been a lot of talk around pensions being used to invest in buy to let since the announcement on pension freedoms was made last year. While the changes may be attractive to those considering a move into buy to let, it’s clearly not that popular an option for landlords,’ said Carolyn Uphill, chairman of the NLA. ‘Those currently in the market already have an asset to use if they want to expand, their property, and therefore, depending on circumstance, will have the means to put a lump sum towards other investments or plans; that is if they want to withdraw it at all,’ she explained. ‘The NLA offers invaluable advice, guidance and support for both existing and new landlords to help ensure the smooth and successful running of a letting business. It would be advisable for anyone considering or already planning on using a lump sum from their pension for investment in buy to let to look into how the NLA can help,’ she added.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Real Estate & Environment
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
ling ideas
29
LACQUER
In the kitch en of a New York apartment designed by Philip Gorrivan, iridescent mosaic tiles and a ceiling lacq uered in Benjamin Moore’s Oce anic Teal pick u p a color fr om the wallpaper in the hallway . Thonet barstoo ls by York Street Studio. Rom an shades in Homer wool in Verdigris by Gorrivan by High land Court.
South Africans adopt new approach in home buying
S
outh Africans are adopting a practical approach to buying homes in 2015: they are taking the time to consider the financial advantages and disadvantages of buying, moving or renovating their properties.
Barker says South African property buyers are carefully evaluating all the costs involved before taking the major step of acquiring their first home, moving into a new home or moving up the property ladder. This is according to Steven Barker, Head of Home Loans at Standard Bank, who says despite the challenging economic conditions that prevailed during 2014 extending into 2015, there is a growing interest in home purchases, indicating that the residential market is strong. “However, buyers are carefully evaluating all the costs involved before taking the major step of acquiring their first
home, moving into a new home or moving up the property ladder,” he says. Ultimately, South Africans are making property buying decisions only after weighing up several factors. These include, Examining the transfer and legal costs involved in buying a property, considering municipal rates, taxes and sectional title levies in their ‘affordability’ calculations and assessing the cost of moving households. “Where these costs are considered to be excessive and outweigh the advantages of moving in the eyes of potential buyers, many customers opt to apply for finance to improve their properties by renovating or building additions,” says Barker. He says prices obtained in established suburbs generally weathered the downturn well, with property values exceeding inflation during 2014. They will probably continue this performance throughout 2015.
GOLD LEAF
To make the Tony Duquette chandelier feel more at home, Ruthie Sommers had decorative painter Peter Bolton create an elaborate tree design in gold leaf on the dining room ceiling. Jacaranda and plum trees inspired the vibrant pink Penny Morrison fabric on the front of the chairs and the Claremont floral on the back. Rug from Melrose Carpet.
As is to be expected in the current economic environment, Barker says the majority of interest is being displayed in homes that are well located and close to the amenities that customers require. “We expect the trend of first-time home buyers to con-
tinue as interest rates are still low enough to encourage people to take their first step onto the property ladder.” He says further activity can be anticipated in this arena as the market develops during the year. “South Africans continue
to place a high value on homeownership. Secure tenure and ownership are becoming increasingly important and will bolster activity in the residential sector of the property market for some time to come,” says Barker.
House prices gap widens in UK T
he gap between house prices in London and other due to the weakness in the oil price affecting the demajor regional cities in the UK is at its widest for mand for housing. Compared to a year ago house price inflation 20 years, according to the latest house price inhas increased in five cities led by Edinburgh and dex. Prices in London experienced 4.6% growth in the Glasgow where growth is running at 9% and 5.3% three months to August and a 10% increase in the last 12 respectively ‘City level house prices continue to increase as demonths, according to the cities house price index from mand for housing grows in the face of constrained Home track Overall city level house price inflation is running at supply,’ said Richard Donnell, director of research at 8.3% up from 6.6% in May. A similar expansion has been Hometrack. ‘A changing mix of buyers is compounding the recorded in sales volumes which have translated into scarcity of housing for sale with rising numbers higher prices across UK cities, the report says. The highest rate of growth is in Cambridge at 11.2% of first time buyers and investors buying property and lowest in Aberdeen where prices have fallen by 2% while having nothing to sell.’
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Real Estate & Environment
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Africa attracts increased foreign real estate
A
n increased numbers of international investors are investigating opportunities in African real estate markets attracted by the continent’s startling economic and demographic growth prospects, it is claimed. According to a new Africa Report 2015 from international real estate firm Knight Frank, the population of Africa will quadruple to over four billion by 2100, with nearly one billion of these people in Nigeria alone.
It argues that could be the single most important demographic trend that will shape the world over the course of this century and by 2100 nearly 40% of the world’s population will live in Africa, with the large majority of these being in the continent’s fast growing cities. Nigeria is now the largest economy in Africa with GDP estimated at $594.3 billion, followed by South Africa at $341.2 billion and overall Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the world’s most rapidly developing
economic regions, and it is projected that 13 of 20 fastest growing global economies over the next five years will be in Africa. According to the report Luanda in Angola has one of the highest prime office rents in the world at US$150 per square meter per month, driven by demand from the oil and gas sector, and an extreme lack of availability. Luanda’s population is forecast to increase by more than 70% from 2010 to 2025 period, while Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Lusaka are ex-
pected to double. ‘Allied to strong economic growth, this is creating increased demand for good quality real estate of all types,’ the report says. It also points out that the retail sector has seen a huge increase in activity as a result of the rise of the urban middle class and the expansion of South African retailers such as Shoprite and Pick n Pay into the rest of Africa. Modern shopping malls are a relatively new concept in much of Africa, but a spate of new malls has been
developed in key cities such as Accra and Nairobi. ‘The growth of Africa’s cities and economies will do much to define the global socio-economic landscape over the coming decades,’ said Matthew Colbourne, Knight Frank international research associate. ‘These major long term trends are driving the construction of high quality real estate across the continent. The most visible demonstration of this is the rise of the modern shopping centre concept
in cities such as Nairobi, Lagos and Accra, but there are development opportunities in all property sectors,’ he explained.
‘Large volumes of good quality commercial and residential property are needed to support the continuing African growth
Economic progress increases goods demand in major cities
D
Bank customers waiting to cash money from the ATM at Zuba in Abuja, last weekend
RICS expands into African property
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he Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is continuing with its expansion in Africa which will result in more property sectors attaining international standards. In November 2013 RICS committed to expanding in three key countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. It is also creating regional RICS hubs in east, west and South Africa. On top of this the global real estate organisation commissioned research into property markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, concentrating on the major driver states of South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania. It examines opportunities and challenges in their real estate markets. It found that Ghana is experiencing rapid urbanisation and a growing middle class, expected to reach 1.6 million people by 2030 according to projections by Standard Bank. ‘This presents obvious opportunities in real estate as the need for housing, retail and commercial space increases,’ the report says, adding that the country’s construction sector accounted for 9% of GDP in 2011 and is growing steadily The Ghana Institute of Surveyors (GhIS) is positive about the trajec-
tory the country is taking, but has raised concerns like the need for more skilled professionals in the sector. ‘Working together with other professional bodies on the creation and adoption of International Standards, having joint Continuing Professional Development programmes and networking events will enrich the professional experience and outlook of surveyors,’ Esubonteng explained. She also pointed out that the RICS qualification is recognised worldwide, and so enables members to work across markets. In Ghana, it is a passport to international surveying opportunities, subject to meeting the necessary standards of technical expertise and ethical behaviour. The reciprocal agreement allows GhIS members to interact more closely and personally with RICS and benefit from its knowledge base and programmes. Members of both organisations have the opportunity of sharing experiences and gaining deeper global
insights, as well as explore prospects of building strong partnerships to bid for international contracts in the region and beyond. The report says that Kenya is fast establishing itself the destination of choice for organisations wanting to set up regional headquarters in East Africa.
emand for high quality residential and commercial property continues to grow across Africa on the back of the continent’s sustained strong economic growth and rising wealth. Africa is in the midst of a period of dynamic economic expansion, having averaged GDP growth of more than 5% per annum over the last decade and this is leading to a dynamic real estate market. According to Knight Frank’s newly released Africa Report 2013 this strong growth is expected to continue and is creating wealthier populations, particularly in the largest and most rapidly growing urban centres. It says that Africa’s mega cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Lusaka and Dar es Salaam are increasingly becoming the drivers of its economic growth and, as a result, are attracting growing interest from occupiers, developers and investors. ‘Africa’s impressive economic progress is generating a growing need for the construc-
tion of good quality property in major cities across the continent. The rising wealth of Africa’s middle class is leading to demand for increasingly sophisticated retail formats and better quality residential property,’ said Matthew Colbourne, associate in commercial research at Knight Frank. ‘Meanwhile, as overseas companies seek to expand into Africa’s growing markets, and as African based companies grow themselves, there is a need for investment in the construction of high quality office buildings, which are currently in short supply in many African cities,’ he added. According to Peter Welborn, Knight Frank’s head of Africa, property investors and developers looking for emerging market opportunities are increasing external investment in Africa, particularly as the growth markets of the last decade such as Asia-Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe mature and the level of returns they offer begins to diminish.
Confidence is growing in real estate market, says experts
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onfidence in the real estate market in South Africa has grown, according to some experts. Although, the region still witness downturn in the sector, however experts said some parts were less-affected. According to the Director of Ronnie Matthews Estates, Audrey Matthews, prices stabilised rather than dropped. ‘There was definitely a hiatus in the last year in the exponential growth in property prices we were experiencing. But it was the least affected area, stabilising rather than dropping in price. ‘Afro pessimism was replaced by a general feeling of goodwill and although there are still enormous challenges in this country, it has not seen such positive international press for a very long time,’ she added.
Matthews added that although the property market can be described as buoyant on the coastline, the buyer is more cautious and the growth expectation more realistic and rational than witnessed a few years ago. ‘Buyers are approaching the investment in this kind of property in a scientific, rather than emotional way. They look at investment, yields and weigh it up against alternative investment avenues and then they buy,’ she explained. The rich cultural heritage and diversity adds piquancy to the Cape and offers property buyers holiday and rental options on their properties. The area is often described as Cape Town’s answer to St Tropez. Areas like Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven and Bantry Bay that are experiencing interest from foreigners and locals alike.
Aviation
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Stakeholders, professionals chart roadmap to Nigerian airlines’ survival Stakeholders and professionals at the recent one-day forum organised by Aviation Round Table, ART, agreed that the only way the country’s airlines could compete with their counterparts and operate profitably is for investors in the sector to embrace global best practices while government creates enabling environment for the airlines to thrive. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.
T
he Nigerian aviation sector has over the years been confronted with series of challenges, particularly those relating to non-supportive fiscal policy regime, that continue to undermine investors’ efforts to build the requisite operational capacity for the airlines’ global competitiveness. From mismanagement to inconsistent government policies, inadequate finance, inept skilled workers, bad business decisions, dwindling fortune of naira against the dollar and other major currencies, ageing infrastructure, corruption, multiple entries to foreign carriers, refusal to consolidate or merge operations and absence of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facilities, the challenges are immeasurable. But, stakeholders and professionals who gathered at a one-day forum organised by the Aviation Round Table, ART, in Lagos with the theme; ‘Ownership, funding and sustainability of Nigerian airlines, A perennial challenge,’ expressed confidence that the current challenges facing the operators were surmountable if they could work as a unit while the government plays its own role. The President of the ART, Mr. Gbenga Olowo, canvassed three strong carriers for Nigeria, which he said should evolve from existing carriers and the proposed national airline. He said: “We need three national airlines for our country and not the arrays of airlines that we presently have in the system now. One of them can be called Nigeria Express where all the present registered carriers would operate from while others can be given different names. “All the airlines must be designated to the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, routes, backed by the Federal Government for negotiations. All the woes Arik Air is currently facing on BASA, others too faced it and died.” The Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide in his presentation attributed the challenges facing the airline sub-sector to the Ministry of Aviation. He argued that officials in the ministry are corrupt and are undermining the growth and development of the airline sub-sector especially as it affects policy and bilateral air services agreements, which he said are negotiate against national interest. Arumemi-Ikhide then called on President Muhhamadu Buhari to carry out a forensic audit of the aviation sector to rid it of corrupt practices by the minis-
Arumeni-Ikhide
Bismark Rewane
At our Airports todAy, we hAve lAck of dependAble power And telecoms
infrAstructure, which hAs resulted in high operAting costs try officials whom he said constituted an obstacle to the growth of the sector in its entirety. He argued unless such forensic audit was carried out, issues related to the progress and development of the sector would not be adequately addressed and also called for a level playing field for all operators despite the planned reestablishment of a national carrier for the country. He insisted that the civil servants were responsible for the sorry state of Nigerian aviation, noting that South African Airways was allocated more frequencies in the country while Arik Air was not allowed extra slots to fly into Cape Town Airport despite the several attempts. Arumemi-Ikhide maintained that no Nigerian airline was weak, but the operators were battling against bad policies propelled by the Ministry. “No one is opposed to national carrier formation, but there should be a level playing field for all operators. The civil servants are responsible for the present state of Nigerian airlines. The country’s airlines are not weak, but we are fighting the battle against the ministry of aviation. The government is not protecting the local carriers. “No single cash was given to local airlines in the last intervention funds, rather, the money was used to bailout the banks. Kenyan Airways lost $260 million recently and the Kenya Govern-
ment just last week bailed out the airline with $500 million.” He also canvassed for unity among operators calling on the two factions of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, and Aircraft Owners Association of Nigeria, AOAN, to close ranks, speak with one voice to articulate issues to government on challenges of the aviation sector. Also, the Chairman, AON, Capt. Nogie Meggison accused the fuel marketers of contributing to the woes of the airlines in the country, but agreed that much still needed to be done by the operators themselves to reach their set goals. He indicted the major oil marketers of selling adulterated fuel to the operators even at arbitrary rates, adding that several charges from the agencies in the sector was also a contributory factor to the death of the airlines. He said, “Aviation fuel is an additional challenge for operators in the country. Nigeria has the most expensive fuel for Jet A1 in the world. Warri refinery was producing Jet A1 till the 1990s until it stopped working. The availability of Jet A1 would make other airlines to come around for fueling in Nigeria. “Also, the Value Added Tax, VAT, collected from airlines is the only mode of transportation being charged Value Added Tax, VAT, today by the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, at the point of sales as against the 21 days stipulated by the constitution.”
Besides, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Financial Derivative Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bismark Rewane in his presentation, ‘Economic Viability and Optimal Financing of Nigerian Aviation in 2015,’ urged the Federal Government to consider deeply available options before setting up a national carrier. Rewane noted that at present, most of the airlines apart from owing workers several months of salaries, also suffer inadequate finances to compete in the ever competitive and dynamic sector. He hinted that from fleet of five aircraft, their airplanes gradually deplete to either two or one, until they are forced to close shops. Rewane insisted that the only way out was for the country’s carriers to imbibe interlining, merger and consolidation as is the practice around the world. He explained that through the adoption of these options, the airlines would be able to upgrade their operations and offer passengers more acceptable and convenient services and earn more revenues for their operations. For instance, he said several African airlines have formed alliances with bigger airlines around the world, which had further boosted their operations. He specifically mentioned Kenya Airways, which is a part of the Sky Team and in alliances with Delta Air Lines, KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic and others while South African Airways, which formed a team with Star Alliance also have a working relationship with Lufthansa, Turkish and United Airlines among others. He enumerated the advantages of these alliances and merger to include increased focus on the regulatory and standardisation route, improved safety and security environment while accident rates would also drop. He also identified poor airport infrastructure as one of the militating factors against the growth of the indigenous operators. He said, “At our airports today, we have lack of dependable power and telecoms infrastructure, which has resulted in high operating costs. The inability of government to build befitting airports and terminals for passengers is also driving away potential air travellers. “Also, available structure lacks capacity for a larger number of aircraft fleet and runway not long enough for bigger aircraft. Besides, existing terminals lack maintenance leading to the decay of some of them.”
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Aviation
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Contract inflation saga raises dust at NCAA StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi
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here are strong indications that some contracts awarded in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, between 2013 and 2014, may have been bloated to take care of personal interests of those in charge of the contracts A source close to the Ministry of Aviation told our correspondent that the agency under one of its Acting Directors-General (names withheld), refurbished the agency’s boardroom at a cost of N150 million The amount, the ministry source claimed, if well utilized, should have been enough to build the agency’s headquarters and wondered why the same amount could be used to refurbish “just a boardroom.” The source told our correspondent that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello had been informed about the allegedly inflated contracts and is reported to be carrying out investigations into contracts awarded in the agency in the past two years. The source hinted that when the current Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman resumed office about a year ago, he refused to
use the office and equally declined to approve the sum for the contractor, but that somehow the contractor got approval for the job The source confided in our correspondent that the allegedly inflated contract might have secured the support of one of the recent ministers in the sector. Apart from this, the source informed that a portakabin, which was initially taken to Abuja Airport from Lagos was allegedly returned to Lagos at a cost of N12 million with due approval from a former Acting Director-General. The source alleged that in an attempt to return the portakabin to Lagos, it damaged and like the previous one, the Director General refused to approve the N12 million demanded by the contractor, stressing that acquisition of new portakabin won’t cost the agency a quarter of the contractual amount. Besides, it was alleged that the sum of N10 million was equally approved for the purchase of 150 units of office chairs by the former management between 2013 and 2014. In a bid to plug sources of leakages in the agency’s finance, National Mirror reliably gathered that Usman suspended acceptance of Industrial Trainees in the regulatory agency, fearing that some of
DG NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman
the management staff were using that avenue to siphon money from the system. The source said: “The intake of ITs was stopped by Usman immediately he resumed in office about a year ago because it was discovered that we have several ghost IT students in the system who have finished their programme, but some people in the system were still using their names to draw out money from the agency. “This money ran into several millions of naira monthly, which could have collapsed NCAA if it was not suspended. Those still doing IT with us now are those who have been in the system before he resumed.
NAMA completes ICAO’s safety assessment on new routes
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he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has completed safety assessment and design of six International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, approved Performance Based Navigation, PBN, regional routes that would enhance regional connectivity within the Africa Flight Information, AFI, region. A statement by the Acting Spokesman of the agency, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona indicated that the routes included a new airway linking Nairobi in Kenya direct to Abuja in Nigeria (UT475); another linking Bangui in Central African Republic, CAR, direct to Tamale in Ghana (UT458) and a Europe direct route from Abuja in
Nigeria to Tamaransset in Algeria (UT416). Others according to her are an international route from Garoa in Cameroun to Niamey in Niger Republic through Kano in Nigeria (UT459); Lagos Nigeria direct to Guiney Conakry (467) and Oxilo in Cameroun direct to Lagos in Nigeria (UT457). The statement quoted the Managing Director, NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam as saying that these new routes, which should become operational on the Aeronautic Information Regulation and Control, AIRAC, date 15th October, 2015 had been published worldwide through the Nigerian Air Information Pub-
L-R: The new Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs. Victory Menta in a warm handshake with the Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam when she paid a courtesy call to the headquarters of the agency at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos recently.
lication, AIP, Supplement issued by the agency. He mentioned the gains of the new regional routes to include enhanced airspace capacity utilisation and reduced flight times and expressed confidence that these new routes would also boost regional integration, co-operation and trade within the sub-region.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273
AVSEC, Immigration and crisis over ODC
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he serene atmosphere of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos was last Tuesday thrown into chaos for about two hours following the fracas between the Aviation Security, AVSEC, of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, attached to the airport. The bone of contention was the usage of expired On-Duty-Card, ODC, by NIS and other security agencies to access restricted areas within the airport. The ODC currently in use had expired on August 15, 2015, over a month ago and was supposed to be renewed immediately. What started as a minor argument later metamorphosed into bigger crisis, which led to physical
combat between the personnel of the two agencies. Since there, there have been accusations and counter accusations from both parties on who attacked one first. Airside says he’s disappointed with the conducts of the personnel of the personnel of the two agencies. Airside insists NIS, AVSEC and other security agencies at airports should be partner in progress and not competitors as they have painted it to look like in recent time. If security agencies are not working in harmonious relationship, how does one expects them to share security information or collaborate in case of any security threat? Airside advises both agencies and by extension other security agencies at the nation’s airports to collaborate for effective monitoring.
Turning car park into cargo terminal
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fforts have been made in the past to improve the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos environment, but it seems the efforts are not producing the desired results. In fact, there are numerous shady businesses going on within the complex. Airside has observed for over a year now how the car park (on the right hand side) leading to the office of the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, has gradually been turned into a cargo park by some clearing agents in the sector. At this park, cargoes are opened and repackaged while business negotiations are carried out in the open under the vigilant watch and patrol of security agencies including Aviation Security, AVSEC, of the
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, who expectedly look the other way round. Airside says this is absurd and an eyesore. The clearing agents are supposed to clear their goods in the two warehouses provided for them by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, Plc and the Skyway Aviation Handling Limited, SAHCOL, but the reverse is the case here. Airside will not be surprised if found out that some of those goods were stolen from the apron side of the airport. Airside appeals to FAAN as the airport landlord to as a matter of urgency rid the park of fake clearing agents before they start to claim rights in the future as they are currently doing at the hajj and cargo terminal. A stitch in time saves nine.
British Airways cuts fares by 28% to mark Nigeria’s 55th independence
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ritish Airways said it has reduced its airfare by 28 per cent for Nigerian air travellers to mark the forthcoming 55th independence anniversary. The airline stated that the discount fare was available for all its guests travelling from Nigeria to United Kingdom, European countries, United States of America, USA, and other select destinations across the world. The airline hinted that the discount fare is available on its World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and the award-winning Club World cabins for outbound travel from Nigeria between Friday, September 18, 2015 and Sunday, November 29, 2015, adding that the selling period was
from Friday, September 18, 2015 to Friday, September, 25, 2015. Commenting on the promo fare, the Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, British Airways, Mr. Kola Olayinka, disclosed that fares to London for the celebration start from $425 in World Traveller, $1,055 in World Traveller plus and $2,855 in Club World for flights to UK respectively. Olayinka added that flights to Europe and other destinations start from $525 in World Traveller cabin. He declared that the fares were available from both Abuja and Lagos and are exclusive of all taxes, fees, charges and surcharges and subject to availability, maintaining that the discounted fares
still come with all the benefits of flying with a full-service carrier. He said “This offer has once again underscored the fact that, the customer is always at the heart of our business at British Airways. The discounted fares are in line with our strong market focus of being pro-actively responsive to customers’ needs, and highlight another example of British Airways’ commitment to offering more value for money for its teeming Nigerian customers. “Congratulations to Nigeria at 55. We all need a strong Nigeria, Africa and the World needs a strong and prosperous Nigeria to continue contributing her quota in the committee of Nations.”
Insurance
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Informal sector operators blame insurers for low market penetration W
ith less than two months to the “Insurance Penetration West Africa Summit” scheduled for Dubai, most informal sector operators have blamed insurers for low insurance penetration of the grassroots. A market survey conducted by National Mirror on the level of insurance penetration at the grassroots showed that some Lagos residents believe that efforts by insurers to create awareness about insurance policies were inadequate to spur patronage at the grassroots sub-segment of the industry’s market, at least for now. Pastor Bolaji Banjo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, said insurers needed to do more in the aspects of the sales and marketing of their products. According to him, realities in the sector show that insurance marketers have not done much in creating awareness and introducing their products to the grassroots segment of the insurance market. He urged marketers of insurance policies to adopt the application of persuasive and aggressive marketing to penetrate the grassroots market segment. Mr. Leo Egwuatu, a cooking gas dealer, blamed insurers for laying more emphasis sales and marketing on products that are already known to the consumers. One of such products is Motor Vehicle Insurance which is a popular insurance product across the market segment of the insurance industry that needed less marketing efforts when compared to some few insurance policies that are not popularly known. He berated insurers for their inability to disabuse the minds of insurance consumers who are always superstitious and fearful whenever Life Assurance policy is introduced to them. He pointed out that most insurance salesmen were usually discouraged instead of becoming persistent whenever potential consumers reject their sales approach towards the purchase of life assurance policy. According to him, consumers, often reject the policy as they superstitiously believe that buying the policy may lead to early death. He said that a truly trained salesman would know how to effectively handle such situation that is shrouded in superstition and foreboding fear without being discouraged. Egwuatu also pointed out that the information gap in the insurance sector has not given
Tri-cycle operator
realities in the sector show that insurance marketers have not done much in creating awareness and introducing their products to the grassroots segment of the insurance market both potential and existing insurance consumers a “wide spectrum of making choices” in the insurance market. According to him, apart from motor vehicle insurance and life insurance, most consumers are bereft of ideas on what Workmen’s Compensation Insurance, Fidelity Guarantee insurance, Electronic Equipment Insurance, Machinery Breakdown Insurance, Fire Insurance and Burglary Insurance are all meant to be. He said even if some of the insurance products mentioned are not yet being sold by most insurance companies, “the truth remains that insurance companies have not been innovative enough to introduce into the market products that would meet the peculiar need of the insurance market in the country.” The seeming marketing ineffective has made most insurance consumers to erroneously think that insurance policies are only meant for motorists and other transport workers. Even at that, an investigation carried out by our correspondent showed that many mo-
torcyclists that are popularly called “Okada Riders” are apathetic to purchasing insurance covers for their motorcycles. Mr. Abu, one of the motorcyclists in Lawanson axis of the metropolis, could not hide the apathy he developed over the years on insurance when he angrily replied in pidgin English “Oga leave us alone, wetin we dey pay with this “Okada” money dey plenty. We dey pay council, we dey pay police, we dey pay “Area boys”. We nor fit pay for Insurance again.” The same manner of response were received from “Keke Marwa” (Tri-cycle) operators that ply various routes in Lagos. One of them that refused to disclose his identity spoke with National Mirror. He said all the “Keke Marwa” that are registered in the association he belongs to are insured but said they do not pay premium. Asked if they are using fake insurance covers since he confessed they do not pay premium, he became furious and uncouth. His aggressive behavior, no doubt, made our correspondent to leave the scene. Similarly, Mallam Mustapha Shehu, a vulca-
nizer based in Idi-Araba, Lagos confessed that he had never heard of insured vulcanizing equipments since he has been in the business for close to 15 years. He said nobody has ever approached him in respect to insuring his equipments. Mr. Edwin Fagbemi, who operates a Piggery at Itire in Surulere, Lagos says he is not adequately informed on what the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, NAIC, does as he has never been approached by any marketer or agent in the respect of insuring his livestock. Efforts to convince him that the establishment of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance company was necessitated by the need for a specialized Agricultural Insurance Company to provide insurance cover to farmers as the conventional Insurers considered agricultural insurance as a high risk business proved abortive. He insisted he has never heard of it. Mr. Allison Nebo, a former insurance marketer, says insurance companies should come up with more effective marketing techniques that would not only enable them expand their market share of the insurance sector of the economy, but to also help them create the awareness of insurance products in the minds of the people. He urged the insurance companies that would participate in the forthcoming “Insurance Penetration West Africa Summit” that is scheduled to take place in Dubai come October 21-22, 2015 to bring “good ideas that can help in deepening the growth of the insurance industry at grassroots market segment in the country”. He said “going to Dubai for going sake would not be beneficial to Nigeria insurance industry.” Mr. Atie Ebitimi, an electronic dealer said “the insurance industry in the country is yet to grow to the level where household items can be considered to be insurable.” However, he strongly believes that most items that are thought not to be insurable would soon be covered by insurance policies as the micro insurance scheme would soon come into operation. Despite the awareness which the establishment of micro insurance would create, he said it is still necessary for insurers to carry out effective sales and marketing efforts at the grassroots market segment of the industry as the responsibility of creating awareness of their products solely lies on them.
Insurance
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
SA Insurance holds 19th AGM
T
he Board of Directors of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc has fixed the organisation’s 19th Annual
General Meeting to hold tomorrow in Lagos just as it expects to use the occasion of the meeting to call on the company’s owners to ratify the appointment of new directors and the Group Managing Director/CEO. In a release signed by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Nelson Egboboh, this year’s meeting is coming a bit earlier than other meetings held in the last three years owing to the focused efforts of the new management, noting that it was “the avowed corporate desire of the new team to return the company to its first quarter meeting timetable it was known for.” As part of the ordinary business outlined for transaction at the meeting which holds 1:00pm on September
Egboboh
30 at SA Event Hall in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Mr. Egboboh said that shareholders would be expected to receive and adopt the audited financial statements together with Auditor’s Report and Audit Committee’s Report for the year ended 31st December, 2014. He listed other businesses to be transacted at the meeting to include the re-election of retiring directors and shareholders’ ratification of the appointments of new directors, the Group Managing Director/CEO and BDO Professional Services as External Auditors,” among others. He disclosed that the board would also be asking the owners of the company to approve the sale of the Treasury Shares amounting to 2, 212, 046, 824 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at
25 kobo per share by way of Special Placement to identified Strategic Investor, Gemrock Management Company Limited. Meanwhile, the company has called its shareholders’ attention to the unclaimed share certificates and dividend warrants which were returned by the post office as “unclaimed,” informing that they were with its registrars. According to the company, “some dividend warrants sent to shareholders’ registered addresses or their bankers are yet to be presented for payment or returned to its Registrars of the company for re-validation,” advising that affected members should contact First Registrars
ILO’s Impact Insurance Facility Partners Insurance Institute
T
he International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Impact Insurance Facility has forged strategic partnership with Nigeria’s College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) and two other insurance training institutes, which are College of Insurance (COI), Kenya and Centre Professionnel de Formation en Assurance (CPFA), Senegal. The ILO’s Impact Insurance Facility is enabling the insurance sector, governments, and their partners to realize their potential by promoting impact insurance. Impact insurance
reduces vulnerability, promotes stronger enterprises and facilitates better public policies. The partnership was deemed necessary as the world body is poised to bridge the knowledge and capacity gaps among managers in the insurance industry. The gap, no doubt, has led to an appalling situation where the growing knowledge on how to provide insurance solutions at the bottom-of-the-pyramid has not helped the majority of insurers and distributors in emerging markets to offer insurance
products that are viable to them and valuable for consumers. Also necessitating the partnership is the lack of training programs and adequate number of trainers with technical capabilities to address the training needs in the sector. Similarly, there is need for the organization to step in to help in developing the inclusive insurance grow into an organized body of knowledge and into a formal programme that follows rigourous standards. The partnership, which is part of ILO’s Impact Insurance Facility’s Capacity Building
A person may not be open to thinking about or discussing life insurance. One method of engagement often used by agents to create interest and help that person visualize the impact of having coverage is storytelling. For example, an agent might describe how a client while extremely ill was able to access his policy proceeds before death because he had added accelerated benefits to cover catastrophic, terminal or long-term medical events. The agent might then ask the person to imagine being in the same health situation, but without coverage. Direct Requests Another way a life insurance agent procures new sales and sales opportunities is through direct requests. For example, the agent simply asks for the sale: He might say, “As you can see, this plan covers all of the areas you outlined. If you’re ready, I have the documentation with me to start your coverage today.” He also asks a client for referrals immediately after the client selects new services or during a quarterly, bi-annual or yearly handwritten letter or phone call follow-up.
Expressing Appreciation Showing appreciation can also result in sales, because the action helps to create or maintain a positive impression of the life insurance agent in the mind of a client or potential client. An agent might show appreciation for a client’s time or business by following up the next day with a handwritten thank you note, for example. He might also send an existing client a holiday or birthday card and a gift card to a local retail establishment the client frequents. Other Techniques Life insurance agents increase sales by becoming recognized, useful members of their community. To build his reputation, an agent might volunteer at a local charity or speak publicly about life insurance at local events. Another sales technique is the use of shock or surprise to draw a client or potential client’s attention to a talking point. For example, an agent might paint his office walls with whiteboard paint and use the surprise of writing on the walls during a face-to-face meeting. Source: http://work.chron.com/
Life Insurance Sales Techniques By Irene A. BlAke
L
ife insurance sales agents have the difficult task of talking to people about their mortality and the effect that their death will have on loved ones. As life insurance deals with lifelong coverage, an agent tries to achieve an initial sale and build relationships that will lead to policy additions and referrals. To achieve these results, he must use a wide variety of sales techniques. Consultative Selling One sales technique used by a life insurance agent is to provide custom need-based solutions to potential or existing clients rather than elevator pitching all life insurance products or coverage options. The agent asks scripted demographics questions, as well as direct insurance-related questions like, “Why are you considering life insurance at this time?” to reveal useful facts. He then crafts a solution based on these facts, verbally summarizes the person’s responses, outlines the custom solution and helps the person see the value of the solution. Interest Creation
initiative is aimed at developing the skills of providers, distributors and other key players in the insurance industry. The international organization carries out its responsibilities in the aspect by building the capacity of local training institutes in selected countries and also partnering with global insurance universities that offer continuous education to further develop the career of graduates from local training institutes. Towards the achievements of its objectives, the facility usually enters into joint training arrangement with local trainers where ILO’s designed curricula for courses are used
Nicon House
for training by ILO trainers during the partnership period, as well as train and certify local trainers who can deliver ILO training courses after the duration of the programme. It would be recall that the Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) established the college of insurance and financial management (CIFM) “To provide a long lasting solution to manpower training and development problem of the insurance Industry in Nigeria.” the Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria established the college of Insurance and Financial Management .
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Money
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
35
HSBC’s, others’ views align with CBN’s stance on naira devaluation Tola akinmuTimi
T
here seems to be no other monetary policy issue that has preoccupied the attention of financial analysts in the economy over the past one month than the arguments for and against the devaluation of the national currency. The discourse took a cacophonic dimension a few weeks ago after the biggest Bank globally, JP Morgan, gave Nigeria a few months to correct some observable lapses with her management of the foreign exchange market or face being delisted from its Government Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM). Like a fuel poured into a raging inferno, the threat by the Bank sparked controversies within the rank and file of financial and management experts who reacted based on their financial and economics schools of thought and by so doing, momentarily creating panic in the economic landscape for obvious reasons. For instance, while some argued that devaluation of the national currency had become inevitable in view of divestment prospects if Nigeria failed to heed the US bank’s warning others believe that apart from devaluation, there are other options open to the country to correct the imbalances in the economy and sustain its operations in spite of the fiscal challenges associated with the falling oil prices in the international market. At the weekend, one of the leading proponents of ‘no further devaluation of naira’ and seasoned management expert, Dr Boniface Chizea, cautioned the against further devaluation of the nation’s currency despite clamour by some analysts in view of the potential harm of such monetary policy measure on the economy. Giving the warning in a write up sourced by National Mirror at the weekend Chizea, argued that contrary to some experts opinion that devaluation was desirable to the economy, devaluing the naira further would not only trigger spiralling inflationary trend but also worsen the unemployment situation of the economy. He pointed out that recent measures adopted by the monetary authorities to devalue the national currency by about 23 per cent within a year in the face of fiscal and monetary threats occasioned by the falling prices of crude oil at the international market did not help to outrightly resolve the fiscal challenges facing the country. According to him, if we followed the recommendations of some proponents
CBN Gov, Emefiele
Chizea
if we followed the recommendations of some proponents of devaluation and devalue the
cent,
naira by another 10 per
nigeria would still be facing the
same challenges except there is a sudden rebound at the oil market of devaluation and devalue the Naira by another 10 per cent, Nigeria would still be facing the same challenges except there is a sudden rebound at the oil market. While referring to the views expressed by one of the most authoritative voices on financial matters and a strong advocate of devaluation, Mr Bismack Rewane, during a television programme, Chizea pointed out that what devaluation creates in our environment was that it imports inflation, exports badly needed jobs and has not be shown to be an effective allocator of resources and most certainly undermines local production. Chizea, a former banker, also warned against using pension commission funds to provide funds at single digit interest rates for the financing of projects in the power sector as Pencom is most certainly not in the business of extending credit and playing financial intermediation role. “It is not cut out for that and even its enabling Act is quite rigid regarding the sort of asset structure it is allowed to hold consistent with the need for prudence to hedge against risk of massive loss which would jeopardize the interest of pensioners.”Chizea stated He however emphasized the need to reflate the economy and urged the monetary authorities to do everything reasonable to achieve this in order to
ensure macroeconomic stability in the country. In what could be described as an instructive coincidence barely 24 hours after Chizea brought to the fore the seeming unreasonableness of further devaluation of the naira, Economists at HSBC advised monetary policy makers who were hoping their stimulus will help devalue their local currencies and spur exports to think twice. According to HSBC Global Chief Economist Janet Henry and Economist James Pomeroy, a depreciating currency may not necessarily have the same impact now as it used to do in the past. According the analysts, since the 2008 global financial crisis, “there has so far been little evidence that any major region has benefited from a weaker exchange rate for any significant period.” Citing a World Bank study of developed and emerging economies recently as their hub of argument, the experts pointed out that even for the devaluing countries the currency declines between 2004 and 2012 were only half as effective at boosting exports as they had been in the previous eight-year period. The expert stated: “Accommodative monetary policy generally works through two channels: Interest rate cuts increase the incentive for businesses to borrow money, and the de-
cline in the exchange rate that typically accompanies such rate cuts makes the goods and services produced by a nation more attractive to foreign buyers. “With consumers in some nations looking more and more tapped out, the need to rebalance growth toward external drivers has become more urgent. But there’s one big fly in the ointment: the well-publicized slowdown in global trade growth. Competitive devaluations may be both a cause and symptom of this development. “A desire to tap into external demand in the face of a weakening domestic economy may prompt a central bank to increase the amount of accommodation it is providing”, the experts added. They argued further that citing the World Bank’s research, Henry and Pomeroy, noted that the improvement in a nation’s trade balance attributable to foreign exchange depreciation comes primarily through import compression. “If countries whose currencies have declined see their trade balances improve via lower imports—and this dynamic happens en masse—it logically follows that export growth is going to be particularly difficult to come by. “In fact, in aggregate, it will not occur. Such would be the case in an environment in which every nation tried to use a lower currency as a mechanism to export its way to prosperity. Competitive devaluations are therefore often referred to as “beggar thy neighbor” measures, in which a country with a lower currency takes a bigger slice of the export pie at the expense of another nation in a zero-sum game. But HSBC’s economists believe that this option could be a negative-sum game, adding that “at a minimum a weaker currency can sometimes take the pressure off governments to deliver structural reforms which might boost long-term growth,” While noting that currency volatility can also fuel uncertainty, the researchers at HSBC argued that a weaker currency discourages companies from making productivity-enhancing investments, especially in the event that this would require them to import goods. It is against the background of the positions canvassed by the HSBC’s economists, Dr Chizea and a few other analysts believe that the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to ensure that the foreign exchange market is well managed and other measures should be sustained, albeit with some modifications.
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Global Business
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
VW staff, supplier warned of emissions test cheating years ago – Reports
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olkswagen’s own staff and one of its suppliers warned years ago about software designed to thwart emissions tests, two German newspapers reported on Sunday, as the automaker tries to uncover how long its executives knew about the cheating. The world’s biggest automaker is adding up the cost to its business and reputation of the biggest scandal in its 78-year history, having acknowledged installing software in diesel engines designed to hide their emissions of toxic gasses. Countries around the world have launched their own investigations after the company was caught cheating on tests in the United States. Volkswagen says the software affected engines in 11 million cars, most of which were sold in Europe. The company’s internal investigation is likely to focus on how far up the chain of command were executives who were responsible for the cheating, and how long were they aware of it. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, citing a source on VW’s supervisory board, said the board had received an internal report at its meeting on Friday showing VW technicians had warned about illegal emissions practices in 2011. No explanation was given as to why the matter
Volkswagen car
was not addressed then. Separately, Bild am Sonntag newspaper said VW’s internal probe had turned up a letter from parts supplier Bosch written in 2007 that also warned against the possible illegal use of Boschsupplied software technology. The paper did not cite a source for its report. Volkswagen declined to comment on the details of either newspaper report. “There are serious investigations underway and the focus is now also on technical solutions” for customers and dealers, a Volkswagen spokesman said. “As soon as we have reliable facts we will be able to give answers.” A spokesman for Bosch ROBG. UL said the company’s dealings with VW were confidential. Bild said Martin Winterkorn, who quit as Volkswagen CEO last week, was demanding his sal-
ary for the rest of his contract through the end of next year but the board did not want to pay it. It cited no source. Winterkorn was paid 16 million euros last year, the most of any CEO in Germany’s blue chip DAX index. Volkswagen is still coming up with plans to deal with the 11 million cars that it built with the affected engines. Its Italian unit has told its dealers to stop selling them, Italy’s Corriera della Sera newspaper reported on Sunday. It said that would leave 40,000 cars stuck on Italian lots. “As a precautionary measure, we ask that you suspend immediately the sale, registration and delivery only of vehicles carrying the Euro 5, EA 189 motor,” the newspaper quoted Massimo Nordio, chief executive office of Volkswagen’s Italian unit, as writing in a letter to dealers.
Yellen returns to Washington; questions remain after health scare
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ederal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is back in Washington on Friday, a day after receiving emergency medical attention following a speech during which she appeared to lose concentration and which she struggled to finish. A Fed spokesperson would not comment on whether Yellen planned to see a doctor for a follow up checkup, and would not comment on her health beyond last night’s statement that she had felt dehydrated after
Yellen
speaking for nearly an hour at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Yellen, 69, who received medical assistance in a private room offstage, later attended a dinner with the university’s chancellor and other special guests. She appeared fine and was talkative, according to one person at the dinner. A Fed spokesperson said Yellen felt fine after the incident. Yellen is the most powerful figure in world finance and her health scare came at a key time for the Fed, which has been debating raising interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. The speech was Yellen’s first since last week’s Fed decision to delay a much-anticipated rate “lift-off.” After the speech, during which Yellen appeared to lose focus, repeating some words and slowing down, the Fed chief was seen by the university’s emergency team and later carried on with her schedule. “If you ask me, is it concerning, I think it is concerning,” said Dr. Andrew Stemer, an assistant professor of neurology and radiology at Georgetown University School of
Medicine. But he added it was hard to offer a diagnosis without lab tests, an exam or medical history: “I want to be cautious about speculating on things that I can’t know...I’m sure she’s getting excellent care and that her physicians are working this up.” U.S. presidents typically receive more exhaustive checks. In 2014 President Barack Obama was admitted to hospital after a persistent sore throat and had a CT scan. President George W. Bush, who fainted in 2002 after choking on a pretzel, was checked out by a White House nurse and doctor, while his father was cleared by two assigned physicians to carry on with a Japan trip in 1992 after throwing up at a Tokyo dinner. Fed chairs typically do not travel with medical staff. Instead they are accompanied by a security detail and at least one public relations handler, as Yellen did in Amherst on Thursday and Friday. Security officials conducted a 20-minute sweep of the university auditorium before the event, and they were on hand as she departed later.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Cameron ally: Don’t let ‘weak’ Germany dictate on EU reforms
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aken together, they show that opinions vary widely on what Britain’s best relation with the European Union should be. The first by the British Chambers of Commerce suggests that half of the business leaders it polled want to wait until David Cameron reveals the strength of the government’s European Union reform package before deciding how to vote. If there was a “leave-remain” referendum held tomorrow, the survey suggests that 63 per cent of business people would opt to remain in the EU and 27 per cent would vote to leave. A much more negative view on the EU is revealed in a second poll also published this morning, funded by Howard Shore, the executive chairman of the investment firm, Shore Capital. Mr Shore is a prominent Conservative Party donor, sponsoring the Carlton Club Dinner and the Black and White Ball, important
events for Mr Cameron to tell a few jokes and replenish the party coffers. Mr Shore is known to have the ear of the Prime Minister. His poll of 600 small business leaders was undertaken and published by Business for Britain, a group rather more sceptical about the advantages of the UK’s continuing membership of an unreformed EU.
Cameron
What is China’s ‘new normal’?
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n the autumn of 2013, when I was making my documentary “How China Fooled the World” - which you can watch by clicking here - the prevailing view among Chinese business leaders and government officials is that China’s growth “miracle” would go on and on and on. So the film, which argued that the world’s number two economy is heading for a sharp slowdown in growth and a possible crash, caused considerable grumpiness among China’s authorities when it was broadcast. And Beijing had shouty allies in the West’s many bankers and investors, who have been long-term bulls of China. Goldman man (as it were) told me I simply didn’t get it: China was and is unique; it would therefore be the one economy in history not subject to the normal rules of financial gravity. What is therefore striking about my current trip to Shanghai, Beijing and Wuxi (a second tier city more-orless the same size as London) is that the film’s core argument is now conventional wisdom among officials
China President Xi Jinping
and business leaders. Pretty much everyone I met said that since the 2008 global financial crash, China had become dangerously dependent on debt-fuelled investment, in infrastructure, housing and heavy industry in particular. They recognise that if China were to continue investing at a globally unprecedented rate of 50 per cent of national income - greater than even Japan at its 1980s peak - and accumulating debts at an annual rate of more than 15 per cent of GDP, there is a serious risk of a calamitous Japanese crash á la 1990. Sotheneweconomicgospelamong the Chinese elite is that growth needs to slow down, and is slowing down, because there has to be a reconstruction or rebalancing of the economy more towards consumer spending and technological innovation. What shocked me (and I am not normally shockable) is that most business leaders and investors I met said that what they saw as a “transition” was proving painful - and would lead to the collapse of some businesses, especially in heavy industrial sectors where there is significant overcapacity. And no one tried to persuade me that China isn’t changing gears - from an annual growth rate of 10 per cent before 2008, and seven per cent till recently - to a significantly lower rate of growth. You can see some of what China’s company bosses said to me in a film I’ve made for News at Ten tonight. Where there is disagreement is the level of what Beijing officials blithely call “the new normal” for growth: I heard five per cent, four per cent and three per cent as being the probable base for the next decade.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Capital Market
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Scores of operators seek merger, business re-classification options Johnson okanlawon
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ith less than 48 hours to the deadline set by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, for capital market operators to comply with the new minimum capital base requirements, investigations showed 47 operators had applied for either a merger option or reclassification of their businesses. SEC had in December 2013 announced an increase in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new capital structure and gave them December 31, 2014 as deadline. However, the date was extended to September 30, 2015. The capital market regulator had also allowed operators with multiple functions to step some of them down for lower requirements while encouraging consolidation amongst smaller players by offering to waive merger/acquisition fees. Specifically, while 36 operators applied to SEC to step down some of their functions, 11 applied for merger and acquisition. Some of the operators that are stepping down their functions include: Arian Capital Market Limited, Associated Asset Management Limited, Camry Securities Limited, Cashcraft Asset Management Limited, Cashville Investment & Securities Limited, Chartwell Securities Limited, Clearview Investments Company Limited, DBSL Securities Limited, Dependable Securities Limited. Others are Fidelity Securities Limited, Investment Centre Limited, FIS Securities Limited, LB Securities Limited, Mission Securities Limited, Molten Trust Limited, Pivot Trust & Investment Company Limited, Support Services Limited, Tower Assets Management, Topmost Securities Limited, Transafrica Financial Services Limited. On the other hand, the 11 operators that have opted for merger include: Alangrange Securities Limited; Crown Capital Limited; DS Brokerage Services Limited; Enterprise Stockbrokers Plc; Excel Securities Limited; First Stockbrokers Limited; LMB Stockbrokers Limited; Summa Guaranty & Trust Company Limited; Vision Trust & Investment Limited and Woodland Capital Market Plc. Forte Financial Limited, which is broker/dealer and issuing house, has proposed to merge with Alangrange Securities Limited, Crown Capital Limited and Express Portfolio Services Limited. According to the commission, the operators should note that conversion/ migration to any of the options is not automatic, as routine regulatory requirements must be fulfilled. Under the revised minimum capital
Trading floor of Stock Exchange
SEC had in dECEmbEr 2013 announCEd an inCrEaSE in minimum Capital rEquirEmEntS for Capital markEt funCtionS undEr a nEw Capital StruCturE and gavE thEm
dECEmbEr 31, 2014 aS dEadlinE. howEvEr, thE datE waS ExtEndEd to SEptEmbEr 30, 2015 requirements regime, the minimum capital base for Broker/Dealer was increased by 328.6 percent from N70 million to N300 million, while a broker, that currently operates with a capital base of N40million, will now be required to have N200 million, an increase of 400 percent. Likewise, the minimum capital requirement for the dealer has increased by 233.33 percent from N30 million to N100 million. Issuing houses that arrange for a company’s shares to be sold on a stock market are required to have minimum capital of N200 million, as against the current capital base of N150 million, an increase of about 33.33 percent. Also, capital requirement for underwriters was increased by 100 percent from N100 million to N200 million. Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo had said the September 30 deadline remained sacrosanct, emphasing, however, that the commission was ready to support the operators in their efforts to comply with the new capital requirements. “That was why we came with a directive that anyone who wants to step down any of their functions, say if you are a broker dealer, you want to step down to focus only on being a broker or dealer with a lower minimum requirement, we are ready to accept that. And we told them to quickly file their applications so that they will be able to step down to a lower capital base.
“We equally said that we are ready to support them with any merger and acquisition that they want to go into even to the point of looking at some of the fees and charges that are supposed to be paid for merger and acquisition. We have gone this extra mile so that we can be able to provide them with the necessary incentives. But the issue of the deadline, September 30, is sacrosanct. We are not going to move away from it. The market has to comply with that,” Gwarzo said. Nampak plans $100 m glass factory in Nigeria Nampak Limited has agreed with partners to build glass-bottle manufacturing plants to take advantage of growing demand for packaged consumer goods and bottled drinks in the two countries where a quarter of Africans live — Nigeria and Ethiopia. Nampak has signed a memorandum of understanding with a local partner in Nigeria, identified a factory site with access to natural gas and water and started a feasibility study, Chief Executive Officer Andre de Ruyter, 47, said in an interview at Bloomberg’s Johannesburg office last week. The plant in Africa’s biggest economy will cost as much as $100 million and will be completed in about three years. The company also has plans for an Angola glass factory although it’s still “very
37
early days,” according to the CEO. Nampak will consider expanding its can production by doubling capacity in Nigeria and looking at a potential third can line in Angola, De Ruyter said. “Beverage cans are a fairly new innovation,” in most of Africa, the CEO said. “Previously it was all returnable glass bottles, which were in some instances recycled up to 30 times. So you have this old, scuffed bottle and the new, shiny fresh can with a logo.” The Johannesburg-based company has reached a preliminary agreement with a partner for a factory in Ethiopia and is now seeking financing for a project with a potential cost of $68 million. That will help supply drinks makers including brewer Heineken NV and soft drinks producer Coca-Cola Inc, he said. “Africa is the story for us,” De Ruyter said. “People talk about Latin America, they talk about India, China or other emerging markets, but we think the opportunity that we’ve got in Africa is so big and this is what we know we can do well.” Consumer-goods companies such as U.S. retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc and brewer SABMiller Plc are expanding in Africa to take advantage of economic growth and rising household incomes. Many people in the sub-Saharan region are moving away from subsistence existences and becoming consumers of packaged goods for the first time, according to De Ruyter, creating a growing market for can and bottle manufacturers. Nampak is also the continent’s biggest maker of beverage cans. “There’s a youth bulge of people reaching drinking age” in Africa, De Ruyter said. Producing glass bottles and cans “makes a lot of sense.” Nigeria, with a population of about 177 million, has 44 percent of its population under the age of 15 while 46 percent of Ethiopia’s 97 million people are below that age, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. That compares with 16 percent of the 403 million people who live in the euro area. Nampak is expanding outside of South Africa to help reverse declining profit margins in its home market, where it’s cutting costs. The continent’s most-industrialized economy contracted in the second quarter of 2015 for the first time in a year, while consumer confidence dropped to a 14-year low in the same period. In South Africa, Nampak plans to cut its number of glass products to about 85 different types from 130 to reduce costs, according to De Ruyter, and is also seeking to reduce its food-can range by as much as 38 percent. It’s replacing older machines with more efficient models, the CEO said.
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Features
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Making a living from potholes in Imo Chris Njoku OWERRI
D
ue to the pathetic situation of roads across Imo State, some youths from Ebonyi State who could not find any meaningful job to do in their state are now migrating to Imo State joining local road menders to take over the business of maintaining the roads. Investigations by National Mirror correspondent showed that the youths flooded the state to help Imo people to mend the roads in the rural areas not attended to by the state government. It was discovered that some of these potholes are so dangerously positioned in some of the connecting intra city roads. However, the assistance of these Ebonyi youths goes a long in assisting motorists pass through the dilapidated roads. They demand money ranging from N100 to N500 from motorists who are passing through the roads where they have sand filled the potholes. Some of them who spoke to National Mirror said that they came into the state since last year. Emma Okoro from Ebonyi State, who has been mending the road from Imo State Government House through the State Police Headquarters to Shell Camp, said he had been in the business since last year. He disclosed that the need to help people ensure smooth ride without damaging their vehicles in the deep potholes motivated him to commence the mending of the dilapidated roads. Okoro, who said the business had been lucrative for him, disclosed that he brought his younger brother along so that he would not “waste his life” in the village. He disclosed that in order to do a clean job, they go to block industries to buy used cement bags at N5 each and fill them with sand and look for heavy stones to support it His words: “I brought my younger brother to join me in the business. We make between N5000 and N6500 everyday
One of the boys making money from filling pot holes
I started mendIng the roads to earn a lIvIng. In fact, I was hawkIng belt before now, but one day, my frIend and I were hawkIng on the road when we saw a man whose new
toyota avalon broke down as a
result of the pothole and as I brought my younger brother to do this job, I have the belief that he will get enough money to help him start any business of his choice”. Also joined to do the menial job are some unemployed youths from Imo State, especially those within Owerri, the state capital, who have decided to put their strength to use by mending the plethora of the newly constructed roads which had since deteriorated as a result of substandard jobs done by the contractors engaged by the state government. A visit to most of the streets in Owerri
showed that there is hardly any road that is motorable, including those newly constructed by the Governor Rochas Okorocha-led administration in the last four years. It was learnt that the unemployed youths leveraged on the situation to beg for alms while at the same time rendering services to the suffering road users. When our correspondent visited some of the roads, some of the road menders who spoke, said the job was more rewarding than begging on the roads as they were making huge profits from their ser-
vices as according to them, they make between N4000 and N6000 depending on how much motorists appreciated their work on different days. Chukwuma Ilo from Orsu Local Government Area of the state told our correspondent that he started the business to help the society and help himself as “we make between N4,000 to N6000 a day particularly the day motorists appreciate our work.” Ilo, whose duty post was on the World Bank Road to Hospital Road, said he had no regret doing the job. His words: “I started mending the roads to earn a living. In fact, I was hawking belt before now, but one day, my friend and I were hawking on the road when we saw a man whose new Toyota Avalon broke down as a result of the pothole. We helped him to push it out of the road and we got some stones and blocks to put on the bad spots so that vehicles could move freely. To our surprise, people started appreciating us and gave us money that was enough to take care of ourselves till the next day.” Also, another mender, Jude Uzo who operates on Orlu-Owerri Road after Njaba bridge said he decided to mend the road to protect his father’s premises. According to him, most of the drivers decided to be driving through their compound because of the bad road and so “in order not to encourage them, I decided to mend the part that was badly damaged in front of our house and I make money from it. As you can see, I don’t ask anybody for money, they give me voluntarily”. Meanwhile, some of the community leaders spoken to have cried out to state government to assist them mend the roads as the rains are about to stop. Good roads, they reasoned would enable them convey their goods from hinterland to the city. The state governor, Rochas Okorocha, appears to be thinking in that line too as he has already assured the people of the state. Speaking during a parley with journalists on his arrival from Turkey recently he promised to start work on the roads shortly after the raining season.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Features
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
39
Ambode’s budget re-ordering for employment generation, security Francis suberu
I
n less than six months of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode’s emergence as Governor of Lagos State, the focus and direction of his government is beginning to unfold; not with the recent fiscal policy document he sent to the State House of Assembly on September 15, 2015. Out of the N23.4 billion he planned to spend for the rest of the 2015 fiscal year, employment generation fund and security intervention fund gulp over 35 per cent of the total budget. This is a clear signal as to the path the governor wants his government to take. According to the document, the governor earmarked a whopping sum of N8.6 billion to contain the alarming incidence of unemployment and security challenges in the state. Beside, the governor allocated N3.16 billion for contingency fund, N8.4 billion for special expenditure and N1.07 billion for completion of various projects, which the defunct Ministry of Rural Development commenced under the last administration. While reading the document containing the re-ordered 2015 physical policy during a plenary session of the State House of Assembly, the Senior Legislative Director, Mr. Wasiu Bisiriyu, lamented the abysmal performance of the 2015 budget which, according to him, stood at 71 per cent recurrent expenditure and 29 per cent capital expenditure. The letter listed the rationale for proposing budget reordering as including the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ojodu Berger, construction of fly-over bridges at Ajah Roundabout and Pen Cinema, Agege. The letter also said the budget re-ordering proposal would cater for the continued construction of blue light rail project, Lekki-Epe Expressway, and acquisition of emergency/rescue helicopters and heavy duty equipment (cranes and forklift) and for Employment Trust Fund and Wealth Creation Programmes. The letter reads in part: “It is worthy of note that we are constrained by the fact that there are no new revenue sources for the remaining months of the year, and as a result we would not be in a position to propose a supplementary budget, hence the recourse to a re-ordering of the Y2015 budget. “The budget, as at June 30, had a 63 per cent overall performance, a far cry from the set target of 100 per cent. When further analysed, the recurrent expenditure stood at 97 per cent while capital was at an abysmal 29 per cent performance, portending a 24:76 capital/recurrent ratio. “This level of performance has made it imperative to go back to the drawing board to structure a more conscientious approach to tilt our total capital investment in the remaining months in order to meet the target capital/recurrent ratio of 51:49.” In the seven-page document addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the governor allocated a sum of N3 billion to kick-start the Employment Trust Fund (ETF), which he proposed during the electioneering to fight youth unemployment in the state. Contingent on his campaign design, Ambode had promised to establish a N25 billion employment fund, which he said, would decongest the unemployment camp by at least one million per annum. The governor added that the N25 billion employment fund, which he said, would be managed by men of impeccable character from private sector, academia and public sector. Aside, Ambode proposed additional N3.8 billion for security intervention, thereby bringing it to N5.3 billion from the initial vote of N1.5 million to enable it accommodate the purchase of rescue helicopter and other security interventions. The governor jacked up N55.75 billion earmarked for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for capital expenditure by N3.48 billion, thereby bringing it to a total of
Ambode
Obasa
It Is worthy of note that we are constraIned by the fact that there are no new revenue sources for the remaInIng
months of the year, and as a result we would not be In a posItIon to propose a supplementary budget N59.23 billion. The governor also approved N1.077 billion for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the completion of ongoing projects for the defunct Ministry of Rural Development. He reviewed the special expenditure for the current fiscal year, which he said, was jacked up from N4.5 billion to N8.4 billion for special capital projects, while the contingency fund moved from N1.16 billion to N3.16 billion. In the fiscal policy document, he sought to remove N500 million from N2 billion earmarked for the completion of ongoing Lagos Metropolitan Development Governance Project (LMDGP), pegging it at N1.5 billion while N2.32 billion initially earmarked for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) was re-ordered by N1.8 billion, leaving a balance of N503 million. On the N6.5 billion budgeted for holistic shoreline project of the Ministry of Waterfront, N3.5 billion was re-ordered from the shoreline protection project, leaving a balance of N3 billion for the project. He added that of the N22.68 billion budgeted initially for the Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), a re-ordering was made by N2 billion, thus bringing it down to N20 billion. The sum of N4.5 billion was re-ordered from the N10.6 billion earmarked for new waterworks, leaving a balance of N6.13 billion for the project, while the N600.96 million earmarked for the relocation of Computer Village was reordered, meaning that the government will not relocate the village anytime soon. The Ode-Omi projects have been stopped as the N480.77
million budgeted for the project has been re-ordered. The same goes for the LAGBUS Asset Management Limited which got N500 million initially to acquire new buses. The money has now been re-ordered and channelled to some other projects. The sum of N1 billion was removed from the original N7.17 billion budget for the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and re-ordered, leaving a balance of N6.17 billion. For the redevelopment of Isale-gangan, the initial budget of N1.03 billion has been cut by N500 million, leaving a balance of N530.3 million for the project, while the budget of the Office of Drainage Services, which was initially N4.3 billion has been reduced by N500 million with a balance of N3.8 billion left. During the plenary where the letter was read, the Speaker of the assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, constituted an eight-man ad-hoc committee to look into the request for budget re-ordering proposed by the governor as stated in a letter sent to the House. The Speaker, who appointed Hon. Rotimi Olowo of Shomolu Constituency I as the chairman of the eight-man committee, gave the committee seven days to present its report to the plenary. The Speaker also named other members of the committee to include Hon. Desmond Elliot, Hon. Ibrahim Layode, Hon. Rasheed Makinde, Hon. Dayo Saka Fafunmi, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu and Hon. Alimi Kassim. While debating the proposal, Fafunmi suggested that it was necessary to set-up a committee to look into the request, which was supported by Hon. Segun Olulade, who said that the letter was overdue. Olulade said further that the state yearns for infrastructural development, adding that the issue should be addressed as early as possible. In his contribution, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh, said the presentation of the 2016 budget “is close by and that this could affect the budget re-ordering,” adding that the attention of the governor should be called to the need for the House to approve the merging of ministries. However, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents EtiOsa Constituency II, argued that the budget re-ordering proposal should be given a speedy attention and a thorough look by the eight-man committee. “The executive council should give us enough insight into collections of revenue to know how the different agencies are performing. We should look at this when we are considering next year’s budget. A particular source can increase even if we don’t have a new source,” the lawmaker explained.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Global Business
Strategies in the spotlight for trio of new European bank CEOs
T
housands of jobs cuts, business closures and billions of euros of capital raising are all on the cards as the new bosses of three of Europe’s biggest banks respond to pressure to devise new strategies to revive them. Credit Suisse (CSGN.VX) Chief Executive Tidjane Thiam, Deutsche Bank’s (DBKGn.DE) John Cryan and Standard Chartered’s (STAN.L) Bill Winters are putting the final touches to their plans, which Thiam and Cryan will unveil next month and Winters is expected to deliver in early December. All have been in charge roughly 100 days - a period when new chief executives typically formulate strategy after meeting investors, regulators, politicians, customers and staff. Big job cuts loom in a bid to cut costs and improve profitability - their main target. Cryan is to cut 23,000 staff, or about a quarter of headcount, mostly from disposals, financial sources told Reuters earlier this month. Winters could axe several thousand,
sources said, although they said no final decisions had been made and much will depend on disposals. Meanwhile Thiam has said he plans to use his engineering background to take a hard-nosed look at efficiency. Senior management ranks are also being shaken up - Winters has named a new management team and is cutting layers of bureaucracy to simplify and speed up decisionmaking while Thiam immediately brought in a long-time confidant as his chief of staff and moved a couple more staff. Santander’s chairwoman Ana Botin (SAN.MC) said this week changes she had made in her first 12 months had “laid the foundations for the bank we want for the next 10 years”, and said 21 of her top 31 management team are new or have new roles. Thiam, Cryan and Winters, all in their early 50s, each needs to undo mistakes made by predecessors and shrink their banks to reduce com-
Thiam
plexity and get out of business areas that no longer make money. Other banks, including CEO-less Barclays (BARC.L) and Italy’s UniCredit (CRDI.MI), are also going through the process, but new CEOs are under pressure to come in with a fresh view to take bold action. “All are high caliber, but they need to hurry up and make decisions about their business and markets while they are still learning a lot about them,” one senior banker said.
Exclusive: Airbus tells A320 suppliers to cut prices 10%
E
uropean planemaker Airbus (AIR.PA) is pressing suppliers on its A320 jet program to slash prices by at least 10 percent by 2019 in order to make the company’s main cash cow more competitive, three people familiar with the matter said. The demand for austerity echoes rival Boeing’s (BA.N) costcutting Partner for Success initiative, which has redrawn the relationship between suppliers and the world’s biggest planemaker as the industry gears up for record output. Airbus’ cuts are just one part of an internal efficiency program called SCOPe+ that also seeks savings through a close look at procurement and the way planes are developed and sold, according to suppliers and an Airbus document seen by Reuters. Airbus has told suppliers that
Airbus aircraft
the prospect of increased volumes and a longer lifespan for its best-selling jet, which has enjoyed a surge in sales due to an important makeover, means it is time to “review all options” in its supply chain. This includes a fresh look at the company’s procurement strategy that could include extra use of dual sourcing for crucial parts: a strategy designed both to reduce costs and to reduce the risks of shortfalls as production increases. Airbus is also looking at further shifting its business model to allow airlines less choice over accessories that they previously ordered direct, known as Buyer Furnished Equipment. Also involved is a longer-term effort to weave manufacturing costs into the design process to prevent unintended overruns in costs on the factory floor, a tool
known as “Redesign to Cost.” Though Airbus has confirmed the existence of the SCOPe+ initiative, its details have not been publicly disclosed. The initiative “is part of Airbus’ long-term commitment towards boosting competitiveness through operational efficiency and continuous improvement,” a spokeswoman said. TUG OF WAR In 2014, Airbus spent about 13 billion euros on parts for its A320 family of jets, which compete with Boeing’s 737 in the busiest part of the $120 billion-a-year aircraft market. Each plane contains three million parts. Mounting pressure on suppliers for price cuts comes as Airbus and Boeing are raising production of their single-aisle models to around 50 aircraft a month each, up from 42 a month, and pondering a further step-up to 60 a month. Such increases in volume are traditionally the aerospace industry’s most valuable lever for driving down unit costs. But the SCOPe+ and Partner for Success programs aim to complement this with direct contributions from suppliers, driving profit margins further up industry’s food chain. Boeing has told suppliers to cut prices by 15 percent or lose business.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Autonomy’s Lynch says report shows HP not hoodwinked on $11bn deal
H
ewlett-Packard Co was made aware of practices at Autonomy, including hardware sales and growth rates boosted by different accounting rules, before it bought the firm for $11 billion in an ill-fated deal, according to founder Mike Lynch. HP is suing Lynch, and former Autonomy finance director Sushovan Hussain, in London for damages of about $5.1 billion for their management of Autonomy, alleging they engaged in fraudulent activities to boost the value of the company. Lynch said on Friday that contentious issues, such as the sale of hardware and the recognition of revenues in deals with resellers, were raised in a due diligence report by KPMG. The report, made public after U.S shareholders pursued action in the United States against HP, also shows KPMG told HP the difference between European and U.S. accounting standards could impact historical growth rates for the company. “The KPMG report directly contradicts the statements HP made about Autonomy on which its whole case is based,” Lynch told Reuters. “HP said it did not know things that it plainly did.”
HP repeated its allegation that for more than two years prior to HP’s acquisition of Autonomy, Lynch and Hussain had conducted “a systematic and sustained scheme to make Autonomy look like a rapidly growing, pure software company whose performance was consistently in line with market expectations. “It was a lie,” a HP spokeswoman said. “HP had no knowledge of Lynch and Hussain’s contrived sales to value added resellers and other improper transactions and accounting practices, all of which artificially inflated Autonomy’s reported revenues, misrepresented its rate of organic growth and overstated its gross and net profits.”
Lynch
Drax pulls out of £1bn carbon capture project
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rax is part of a scheme to store carbon dioxide next to its plant in North Yorkshire, which is the biggest coal-fired power station in the UK It is halting further investment because of the government’s decision to reduce subsidies for renewable energy. The company said that due to lack of profits it had to put the business and shareholders first. Drax chief executive Dorothy Thompson said it was a very sad decision and they thought the White Rose project still had a lot of potential. Speaking to the BBC, she said: “The most recent effect has been the government has removed a tax
Thompson
exemption for renewable power that is sold to industrial companies and we’re the largest generator of renewable power in the UK and this has suddenly removed a stream of income.” “The day it was announced our share price dropped by a third and that simply reduces the amount of cash we have available for future investments.” The government has reduced support for the use of wood pellets, a renewable biomass fuel, that the company now burns at its plant in North Yorkshire. Over the summer it also cut renewable energy subsidies, saying it was keen to reduce fuel costs for consumers who paid for them through their bills. Drax said the White Rose carbon capture and storage (CCS) project had the potential to trap up to 90 per cent of carbon emissions from a new coal fired power station next to the company’s existing power plant in Yorkshire, which would be stored beneath the North Sea. It said it was fully committed to the completion of the feasibility study which is due to conclude in the next six to 12 months.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
SebaStine ebhuomhan BENIN
A
mother has appealed to the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Hajia Aisha Buhari, to help her to push for justice for her defiled daughter even as the IGP has ordered a reinvestigation of the case. Mrs. Eghobamien, the mother of six-year-old Sharon Eghobamien, copied the president’s wife in a petition that she wrote through her lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi & Co., to the Inspector-General of Police and copied the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), where she stated how her daughter was allegedly defiled by three students of the Edo State School
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Defiled girl’s mother appeals to First Lady, Aisha Buhari …IGP orders Edo Command to reinvestigate case
of Nursing in Benin City, Kennedy, Paul Aghama and Jeffery. According to Mrs. Eghobamien, the Edo State Police Command was set to prosecute the suspects after a diligent investigation before the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone ‘5’, Musa Daura, suddenly demanded for the case file and took it into his custody after which the suspects boasted to her that the case had reached a dead end.
Mr. Afolabi alleged, “To our client’s greatest chagrin, she was told that the said investigation report contains, among other things, that her daughter who is only six years old is the one responsible for her broken hymen by using instruments to penetrate her vagina. This fact only point to one direction: that the boasting of the suspects was true.” “The question that is pleading for an answer is who defiled this six-year-
old girl having been confirmed by the doctor that she has been defiled and the little girl confirmed that she was defiled by the three students?” Afolabi asked rhetorically. Afolabi further accused the Principal of Edo State School of Nursing and officials of Edo State Ministry of Health, the supervisory ministry of the school, of threatening her client to withdraw the case when they called her to come with her daughter to the
ministry headquarters. Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police at the Department of Finance and Administration of the Nigeria Police Force in Benin City to reinvestigate the matter. In a letter marked: CB:7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/ VOL.247/730, dated 18th September, 2015, the Principal Staff Officer to IGP
Nigeria at 55: Okowa calls for prayers
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Bayelsa Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iniruo Wills (left) and Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Ojo, during a news conference on Agip’s pipeline explosion at Azuzuama in Bayelsa, recently.
Repair Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, businessman begs FG
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Port Harcourtbased businessman, Chief Ernest Elochukwu, on Monday urged the Federal Government to repair a bad portion on the Owerri- Port Harcourt highway. Elochukwu, the immediate past President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the Ohaji to Umuagwo portion of the road in Imo had become a
night mare to road users. “The condition of the road has become deplorable and we plead that urgent attention or some amelioration repairs be carried out to save the situation. “Road users, commuters, transporters and indeed, the business community in the South-East and South South zones are suffering and bearing unpleasant consequences,`` he said. Elochukwu said though
the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs awarded the contract to a reputable company, the Imo government could assist to ameliorate the situation by repairing the bad portion. This call has become necessary because economic activities, especially tourism in Imo, is gradually being stifled because of the bad road,`` he said. He said that the bad spot on the highway could be rehabilitated pending when the contractor
would go back to site and commence construction. The situation of things on the road is really unbearable. It is a big nightmare for road users. It is also affecting business in the eastern part of the country because the business community uses the road virtually everyday. We appeal to the Federal and Imo Governments to intervene and save road users the ugly situation they are presently going through,” he said.
Solomon Arase, Acting ACP Idowu Owohunwa, said, “I forward herewith a copy of letter dated 15th September, 2015 received from Olayiwola Afolabi & Co. on the above underlined matter. “I am directed to respectfully convey the directive of the InspectorGeneral of Police that you investigate and revert, please.”
ov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Sunday called for prayers and show of commitment on the part of Nigerians to overcome the numerous challenges confronting the nation. The governor made the plea at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Asaba, to mark Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary on Oct. 1. Okowa said that every Nigerian had a role to play in rebuilding the country and developing it. As it is in the Holy Bible, Prophet Nehemiah, an individual, made the choice to lead others to transform his nation,’’ he said. He urged Nigerians to pray more, do what was right and increase their prayers for those in authority. Like Nehemiah, it takes a person to take that bold step to cause a change and you can be that person. This country is facing serious challenges and it will take the collective effort of all to bring the needed change. We, Deltans must go to God collectively in prayers for our development and that of our country,’’ Okowa said. He said that his administration would address the roads and drainage challenges residents of Asaba faced, adding that repairs would be done one at a time depending
on the availability of funds. Okowa lamented the unpaid pensions owed to over 3,000 retirees by the state government which he put at about N33 billion. With the present funding challenges, governments are struggling to pay their workers’ salaries and allowances with very little left to be channelled into projects and programmes. Our state has a large workforce after Lagos and its monthly wage bills runs into about N7 billion,’’ he said. The governor said that issues relating to sponsorship of pilgrims would be addressed based on the economic realities on ground. Earlier, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Buchi Aninye, a Catholic Priest, who delivered the sermon, said more efforts were necessary on transparency, equity and justice in the distribution of the state’s resources. He urged the government to effect repairs of the roads and drains in Asaba, the state’s capital. The plight of the pensioners who have yet to receive their benefits has become worrisome. I urge our government to rethink its policy on sponsorship of Christians and Muslims to pilgrimages and to also take seriously the sanctioning of contractors that indulge in abandoned projects,’’ Aninye said.
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Rivers: Policeman who killed graduate to die by hanging
Dennis naku
PORT HARCOURT
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Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, on Monday sentenced a Police Inspector, Samuel Timothy, to death by hanging after he was found guilty of murder. The trial Judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, convicted him for shooting one Onyekachi Nwasouba, a graduate of Industrial Chemistry to death. The convict, Inspector Timothy and Corporal Obediah Moses, who was discharged and acquitted, committed the crime at No. 34 Old Aba Road, Port
•He’s inhuman, trigger happy -Judge Harcourt. The deceased, who was into production and distribution of sachet water, was said to have been branded a robber by the policemen, on the fateful day, after he had gone to distribute his products to his customers. It was gathered that the convict, who led the Police patrol team, pursued him to the front of his house and shot him dead, after he had shouted that he was not a robber. Delivering his judgement, Justice Enebeli, in a three-hour-verdict, said
the convict, who had been standing trial since 2010 alongside Corporal Moses, demonstrated act of inhumanity. The trial judge pointed out that, going by the testimonies of witnesses (including members of the patrol team) in the matter, the convict was an “inhuman-trigger-happy policeman, who engages in murder; a hater of humankind and merciless killer, after hearing that the victim was an ordinary pure water seller”. Justice Enebeli maintained that the killing was
deliberate and pronounced death sentence on him. He declared: “According to Section 319 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I do not have the power to reduce your sentence. That, you, Inspector Timothy Sampson be hanged on your neck until you are dead”. Corporal Moses was discharged and acquitted by the court on grounds that all the policemen on duty that day did not conspire to kill the victim; rather, they wanted to demonstrate esprit de corps.
Suspected hoodlums paraded by Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command, Port Harcourt, recently.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Members of disbanded traffic agency’ll be paid –Wike Dennis naku
PORT HARCOURT
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orkers of the disbanded Rivers State Road Traffic Management Agency (TIM-ARIV) have been assured of payment of their ten months salaries. This followed a demonstration by the workers in Port Harcourt on Monday. The state governor, Nyesom Wike, had disbanded the agency following public outcry that its workers were constituting nuisance in the state. But speaking when the sacked workers staged a peaceful protest to government House, Wike assured them that their salaries arrears would be paid them. The governor who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, said the grievances of the members were understandable. He said, “I understand the rationale behind the demonstration by members of the disbanded TIMARIV. “However, it is pertinent to state that this salary issue is a problem bequeathed to Governor Wike by the immediate past administration of Rotimi Amaechi actuated by his fiscal rascality. “Notwithstanding, let me dissolve the fears of the protesters by assuring them that the governor is a very sensitive man and will do something to
palliate the austerities occasioned by the non-payment of their salaries. “On this premise, therefore, I implore them to be patient -pending the return of the governor who is out on state matters. “He (Wike) is one man that will never repudiate his obligations. Nevertheless, it is a fact that all pecuniary issues cannot be resolved simultaneously considering the paucity of funds. “This is a governor who despite the empty treasury he inherited, was able to clear the backlog of salaries owed civil servants and footballers and was able to pay pensioners the eight months arrears owed them. “Today, ministries receive their overheads stopped by Amaechi in September last year and no civil servant is being owed,” he said.
Group supports Sylva, wants Buhari to uphold primary OsahOn Julius YENAGOA
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group under the auspices of Rescue Nigeria Mandate Mission, RENIM, an affiliate of Coalition of APC support groups, yesterday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has thrown its weight behind former governor, Timipre Sylva, saying that attempt to hold another governorship primaries for the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the state, will amount to denying the people of the state their desired mandate. Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, ahead of a grassroots political
leadership assessment programme, scheduled to hold today in Yenagoa, the president of the group, Amb. Sokari Afiesimama, said the election which led to Sylva’s emergence as the flag bearer of the party in the state was free, fair and without violence as claimed by the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomole. He said the people of Bayelsa had seen and believed that former governor, who they described as a ‘team player’ had a proven track record of performance especially on human capital development, which is one of the greatest attribute of a good leader.
Mr. Sokari who said his mission oversees over 250 Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, CSOs in both Bayelsa and the Niger Delta as a whole, has seen the yearnings and aspirations and believe that another primary would bring it fresh crisis and further divisions in the party. He said. “Total quality people are people with good character, integrity, good value and positive attitude and are responsive. The former governor, Timpre Sylva, has been a voice for the people because of his good relationship while working for their best interest. His leadership
qualities to face challenges headlong and reduce human resources wastage by creating jobs for the youths and Bayelsans in his first tenure as governor was the reason for his growing popularity. “Prior to the primary election, the group has mobilised its members to the eight local government areas on a two weeks leadership assessment and fact findings mission in conjunction with leaders from the diaspora to guide the party on the best sellable candidate on the premise of good character, positive attitude which the current Governor, Seriake Dickson lacks.”
He said some of the other aspirants especially those coming from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were not interested in progressive change that would bring about the necessary development to the region, but openly display greed, selfishness and self centeredness. He noted, “These are the few factors which has left the region in present position of neglect, underdevelopment and completely decapitated by bad leadership which the likes of Chief Timipre Sylva, might totally eradicate if given the opportunity as clearly proven by the outcome of just concluded
Primary. The alleged invasion of the pitch of the main venue of the event on Saturday by youths was an exhibition of anger and frustration made possible by long years of neglect.” The group therefore called on the president, Muhammandu Buhari, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun, and the National Working Committee, NWC, to uphold the outcome of the primary which declared Chief Timpre Sylva as flag bearer and save the people of Bayelsa from underdevelopment and poverty which have greatly impoverish the people.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
a dictator –Adebanjo
s about the Muhammadu Buhari administration,
it must be across the board. He must not be selective.
Are you not comfortable with the way he is going about it? No –no-no! How can you say you are going to only probe Jonathan’s government, is it Jonathan that is only corrupt? The issue of having a single account, the question is who started several accounts? Was it not Ibrahim Babangida? Or he has forgotten that he was the one who made dedicated account during the oil boom that led Sani Abacha to do an inquiry that led to Okigbo’s report. Pressmen please help us! People like me are not agitating for nothing. You can recollect that about 12 or 20 billion dollars were alleged against Babangida. Okigbo’s report said it and we expected Obasanjo to do something but he pretended as if he didn’t see that report. The News Magazine then published it, but where is it today? That is why I’m asking, why is Buhari trying to limit the enquiry? Is it because he wants to cover his colleagues? He has to make it holistic, you are a clean man, yes, but why should he cover his people? Are we saying that a man who was Minister for Petroleum for eight years, that he is clean? I have no prejudice against anybody. By the time I press the thing down, you have no answer for it. What is fair is fair. But the argument is that government wants to limit the scope of the probe so that it doesn’t end up distracting itself in the next four years? When Murtala Mohammed came into power, didn’t you hear of series of governors that were probed at that time? It was only Lagos State government that he spared? He probed everybody. When there is a will there is a way. He didn’t make this excuses; he only said it was only Jonathan government I’m going to probe. That means abinitio, he’s partisan. I support the probe but don’t support the partisan probe. The problem is that we know our problem but have not got the courage to solve it. Buhari’s only handicap is that unfortunately, each time I talk about him, they say he is clean and I say well I agree he is clean, but I’m also aware of the saying that says tell me your friend and I tell you who you are? Look at how he live, if he can be comfortable in that group, Atiku is in that group, I want to be specific, that is the man that Obasanjo openly accused of being corrupt and he too said well, you said I’m corrupt, what about you? The record is there.
ney in the centre, there iS no
f corruption.
i read Somewhere
onStitution muSt Be drawn
meS my candidate if he doeS that
Does it mean the 1999 Constitution didn’t capture some of these things you are saying? 1999 Constitution is a military constitution I have said it, let them refute it. If you remember, the late Rotimi William said that our constitution is a fraudulent document. And why did he say so, he said the preamble, the content are fraudulent. What did the preamble say, it said, “We the people of Nigeria” did we make the constitution? And the Federal Government of Nigeria; are we Federal? So, all that is there is false. We now say, let’s sit down and make the constitution of our own. That is why I said the press should enlighten the public about it. Educate our people about it. By calling for a true constitution and recommending the confab, I’m not saying that there is no corruption. I support the war against corruption by Buhari with a caveat that
Ministerial appointments will soon be made public; do you see any balancing this time? He is going to make other appointments which are mostly statutory. Statutory because as he is going to appoint ministers, he must appoint from all the states, is he going to deprive the North from that? And, don’t forget, the presidency was making this excuse that there are other appointments when he had no excuse. His argument was that he appointed those he trusted. It is unfortunate that a person like that now will be expected to defend the indefensible. But when they couldn’t defend it, they say alright, wait, he is still making other appointments. Will that handicap be covered? People say he has only appointed those he trusted and who are competent and I ask, since when are Northerners more competent than people in the South? If nobody can tell them I will tell them that, since when? When we included federal character in the constitution, it was because of the backwardness of the north. And when we are balancing at that time, it was second rate people we are balancing with from the north. They can’t deny that both in the civil service or anywhere. Suddenly now, they are now more advanced than the South. My dear, say it to the marine. Did you envisage what we experienced in Buhari’s ap-
Politics
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pointment when you campaigned against his presidential ambition? No, but his past action, we gave instances of him being a dictator, being against the rule of law and they said it was a hate campaign. We gave instances, we didn’t just accuse him of that. The man is not a democrat, he doesn’t uphold the rule of law, we gave instances of those things. He murdered people under a law that has not been in existence by the time they committed the offence and we showed the photograph. These are things we used and his supporters said it was a campaign of hate. There were no allegation I made that I didn’t back up with evidence. They said he has changed and that he is now a democrat and we ask, what are the evidences that he has changed or was it that he said he has changed because he wanted to contest an election? The evidence on the ground now is what we have got. Would you say that Nigeria should still expect worse? No-no-no, I’m not praying for that. That is where I’m different. With all these things that I’m saying, if you read my interviews in different papers of recent, I said I pray that all these things we are saying against Buhari, he should take note and change. That’s my prayer. Even now, I’m not one of those who say I told you so, 55 years after independence, we are still where we are? That won’t pay me. If I’m gone my children are still around. It will only pay me if Buhari changes and take note of all these things we are talking about. I’m saying it not to destroy him, but for him to change, I want you to note that. A man we said is not a democrat and has not behaved in any way as a democrat, leading members of his party had the courage to say they don’t know about it. You must have read in the paper that many of them have anxiety about the ministerial appointment. In a democratic society? In a democratic party? Is there no basis for them to sit down and say how many ministerial appointment is coming from your area and what is the basis of selection? One of the views I have about APC is that it is the conglomeration of incompatibles, there is nothing binding them together. All that bonded them together was to get rid of Jonathan. What form of government do we give, how we’ll do it, APC never agree. If they have agreed abinitio, there wouldn’t have been the National Assembly crises. I am not after Buhari’s failure, I’m praying that he should succeed. For him to succeed, it is in my own interest. All that I’m saying is that some of the things he is doing and some of the supporters are complaining of now, are those things I said before. Is it because of these strange bedfellows you talk about that made PDP to predict that the party might not go too far? Those are some of the perfidies about the party, how untrue is the opposition? The opposition people say to government, if they say they can do better by the time there is strong opposition, it put the government on the alert. Let the government be on the alert and prove the opposition wrong. Would you say Nigerian were unfair to Jonathan? Look, leave that alone, what is of interest now is which is the way forward? Referring to that now cannot help us. It is just that when I now read APC saying we can do this because Jonathan government did not do this, rottenness for the past 16 years, it make no sense. All that shows unpreparedness of government, I don’t want to be emphasising that now. They are saying when we get there, we meet empty treasury, this that. Before now, were they not meeting for the whole year? Did they not draw the party’s policy, what they will do on education, agriculture and all that. By the time we came into office in 1952, the issue of education was our problem, we just set up a committee, we only tinkered with policy paper saddled with educaCONTINUED ON PAGE 44
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Politics
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Burning issues as House of Representatives resumes CONTINUED FROM PAGE13 will mean that the old House Rules are the ones that are going to be used and that is not the intention. The intention is to use the amended rules, so what is going to happen is that the House is going to consider the rules, and after it considers the rules, then the Chairman of the Selection Committee which has been inaugurated, which held its first meeting with the Speaker with the Chairman of the Selection Committee presiding, will sit down and start the process of putting people into Committee which they should belong”, he said. He however claimed that he was yet to see a copy of the report on new rules and its recommendations. The lawmaker however explained that the House would not deviate substantially from the number of Committees that were on ground before their dissolution in July. “I have not seen a copy of the report, but definitely, the bulk of the Committees will remain the way they have been. There won’t be drastic changes. I don’t think the changes are meant to be drastic. “You are here, you know how the House works. The House works by caucuses, the House works through plenary and oversights. But much detailed work of the House would be done with the constitution of the Committees, because much more work will done on different sectors at the same time”, he said. It will be recalled that the House had on August 13, adjourned for September 29 of this year. But the House Selection Committee is not expected to name the leadership of these committees or even their membership, until October. The delay in the naming of committees can be attributed to many factors: lack of financing, the absence of heads of ministries and the protracted crisis that rocked the House over the choice of its principal officers, among other things. President Muhammadu Buhari, is however, expected to name his cabinet of Ministers this month. He promised to do so last week in Ghana.
BUDGET 2016 It is expected also, that the President, in line with section 81 of the 1999 Constitution, will be presenting a proposal of the 2016 appropriation soon. Though the constitution allows him to delay till December, it remains the prerogative of the National Assembly to ask for a timely presentation. But in the interim, the House would be considering
Gbajabiamila
a Supplementary budget from the Presidency, already before the two chambers of the parliament. Issues around the 2015 budget have already started flaring tempers in the House of Representatives. The House ad hoc Committee investigating the non-implementation of the about N557 billion capital component in the 2015 Appropriation Act, last week accused Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwoabia of negligence of duties around the money legislation. Mr. Daniel-Nwoabia had on three occasions, failed to appear before the Committee’s public hearing because of other official engagements she has said were assigned to her by President Muhammadu Buhari, thereby provoking members of the committee. The lawmakers were miffed by a request from the Director, Budget Office of the Federation (BOF), Aliyu Gusau
that a grace period be allowed the Permanent Secretary, who, according to Mr. Gusau, must coordinate a meeting of the affected agencies to reconcile all inconsistencies in their respective submissions, and forward a harmonized report to clerk of the committee within seven days. “No, no, no! We take it that she (Daniel-Nwoabia) is not alive to her responsibilities to the parliament. She is not only responsible to the President. We expected her to be here in person but in three meetings she has been absent, that is for whole month, she is absent. We are going to put in our report to the House that she is negligent in her duty,” Chairman of the Committee, Aliyu Pategi told Gusau who had represented the Permanent Secretary during the three previous sessions held by the panel. The committee had also raised issues on a reported fuel subsidy expenditure of N222.1 billion between January and July 2015, which Gusau confirmed was not in the 2015 Appropriation Act, but pleaded that he be allowed to go and cross-check on whether approval was obtained from the National Assembly, for such supplementary expenditure. “I do not have enough information on that. I will go and cross-check and get back to the committee,” he pleaded. Meanwhile, the committee which earlier directed some of the affected agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Budget Office of the Federation amongst others, to go back and reconcile some inconsistencies in their submissions, was still not satisfied yesterday, a development which resulted in a call to them to convene a joint sitting, after which a harmonized report should be forwarded to it not later than 30 September, 2015. Heads of other organizations which the committee wanted to be part of the meeting, after a brief consultation with them were the Nigerian Customs Service, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, National Bureau of Statistics, and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission. The hearing is a precursor to a chain of issues expected to rock the Green Chamber in a few days when the House would be putting ministries and agencies of government on the spot on their individual fiscal stewardships. But budgets, like several other issues, has its politics that can make or mar. The Dogara leadership would do well to remember that.
Buhari must prove he’s not a dictator –Adebanjo tion. And they have said all that before the election and up till now, after three months, they have not done any such thing. Whatever ground you are going to have, you must have a minister for education, agriculture, local government and all that. By the time you are planning, have you not mapped out kitchen cabinet? Where they will say “By the time we get there, you are going for this, you are going for that. All that should have been planned. Whatever you find there when you get there, you must know these are problems you must solve, that shouldn’t delay the appointment. You delay the appointments, you are delaying the progress and it is costing us a lot, we don’t know what direction the country is going after three months of being inaugurated. It doesn’t speak well of us, I don’t want to be emphasising all that, they are all minus in government.
What will you say about Nigeria at 55 I’m not happy about where we are today, particularly what we are now talking about; we should have passed that stage. That’s why when you are asking me about if things will get worse and all that. I’m not interested in saying things that will bring him down; I’m interested in saying things that will make him change the country for the better. All that happened during the election, all the languages of battle should be put aside. For me now, let the men of goodwill come on the show to salvage the country. Only because APC is infatuated, they should form a national government for unity to salvage the country. Because the question of wiping out corruption he wants to do, by the time he goes half way 70 per cent of his supporters are gone. He may be aiming on Jonathan yes, for instance, the people are now accusing Jonathan’s administra-
tion, when did they go to APC, two years ago? All the governors in APC were they not in PDP? Out of the 16 years, you were there for about 13 to 14 years and you are now saints? My dear, let’s face facts.
Has the country made any progress? Why not! We have made progress in some areas but we are not where we should be and that is because we have not got the right leadership. What is the way forward? I want him to know that he being a good leader, he will be honest to people all over the country, among all parties. I will like him to be a leader. We are in a battle, like during the war against Britain, when the government of Great Britain asked Churchill to come and lead them through the war, he led them in the war and they won, the next election they had an election, they said he was a warmon-
ger and sent him away. Let him get us out of this situation. If he said he wants to clean this country, let him start with the people around him, he will offend many people by the time he confine his people to the probe, let’s see how many people he will be able to find in his party. You are pressmen, all the governors that are pretending to be APC, how many of them are clean? He should form a national government to salvage this country from the mess we are in, his party cannot do it. Being a great person, he cannot do it alone without closing the ties with partnership, chose honest people all over the country wherever they are, in the public sector, private sector and lead this country, by the time he does that he will be able to whether the burden and by the time he is doing his probe, he won’t be conscious of any party leaning. Whoever the thing hits will face the law.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR
F
Politics
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
ormer Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba is said to be a man of integrity with an impeccable character which is worthy of emulation. Those who admire him said he has tried a lot to have swallowed the huge volume of vinegar served him prior to his exit from the 7th Senate by the state leadership of his former party, the PDP. A month ago some major newspapers were awashed with screaming headlines speculating that the former PDP “Big Fish” was going to move to the APC where he could comfortably and freely play politics without being maligned. The 59years old University of Lagos product who was elected into the senate to represent the Cross River State people of the central senatorial district on the platform of the then ruling PDP in 2003 subsequently rose to the rank of Senate Leader in 2011 after playing along with almost all the intrigues in the red chamber of the National Assembly . It was late last year that his former political ally, Liyel Imoke who was governor of Cross River state used the PDP fiat and machinery against Ndoma Egba in the run up to the 2015 general elections. National Mirror learnt that Ndoma Egba`s ordeal started when Imoke ganged up with some cabals of the PDP in the state to oust and debar him from returning to the senate. This scenario brought resentment into the PDP causing the party to become factionalized with one faction under the control of the senator while the other controlled by Imoke and John Owan Enoh Bassey Eko Ewa, a House of Representatives member for Abi/Yakurr. One of Ndoma Egba`s supporters, Etta Takon is quoted as saying that for Imoke to actualized his ambition of thwarting Ndoma Egba`s aspiration to go back to the Senate in 2015, the former governor had to engage adversarial methods. This was instructive as any effort to stop the senator would have hit the brickwall because of Ndoma Egba’s huge home base support. As a result of this, Imoke secretly got Hon. John Owan Enoh , now Senator for that senatorial district prepared for the duel to arm-twist Ndoma Egba and seize power from him. Enoh Owan is also perceived by Imoke as being a man who can match Ndoma Egba in all fronts given the fact that the former House member has a strong financial base needed to launch such attack on a ranking, famous and third time senator like Ndoma. John Enoh was also at that time a third time Reps member. Those conversant with the polity and political development in the senatorial district said that Imoke`s claims that Ndoma-Egba had overstayed in the Senate is because he was no longer comfortable because Ndoma Egba’s replacement, John Enoh Owan had also spent three terms at the Reps? They wondered if Reps is not also part of the National Assembly? Again, Imoke`s critics said that another issue that brought about Ndoma Egba `s grouse was the issue of Ward
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Will Ndoma-Egba change the tide for APC in Cross Rivers?
Ndoma-Egba
Congresses where his faction emerged victorious but the congresses were mischievously cancelled in a very controversial circumstance just to scheme him and his supporters who vied for other offices out of the contest. The development completely shut his supporters and himself out of PDP. The senator’s defection to the ruling APC has continued to generate enough discourse lately thus making it possible for the quasi and pseudo political pundits to trivialize the issue. His movement to the APC has also stirred up so much accolades in several quarters amongst Cross Riverians who were already aggrieved with the way and manner Imoke and the cabal conducted the PDP accusing the erstwhile Gov. of mismanaging and overstretching the fortunes and affairs of the PDP in the state. Ndoma Egba in one of the media chats said he was merely joining the APC to provide leadership, as his character, integrity and political reach at the centre is needed in Cross River APC. He was also quoted to have said that he was shut out by Imoke and his cohorts from the state activities for three years, a development that became unbearable to the political bigwig. Some of his followers also claimed that the events that preceded the 2015 elections, ward congresses were conducted in 2014 and Senator Ndoma-Egba’s line-up originally emerged victo-
Ndoma Egba iN oNE of thE mEdia chats said hE was mErEly joiNiNg thE
aPc to ProvidE lEadErshiP, as his charactEr, iNtEgrity aNd Political rEach at thE cENtrE is
cross rivEr aPc
NEEdEd iN
rious while the then State Governor’s line-up lost but Imoke with the help of former president Goodluck Jonathan changed the result. Whereas the same scenario played out in Enugu State between Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the then Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime and a political settlement was brokered at the instance of PDP where Ekweremadu retained his Senate seat and the Governor took the rest. The aggrieved Ndoma- Egba supporters asked, Why wasn’t same done in
the case of Cross River? Why did PDP ordered total cancellation of the result of the ward congresses conducted by a committee it sent and chaired by a man of impeccable character, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, even when the case was still pending at the Federal High Court, Abuja? Why was Senator Victor NdomaEgba SAN, then Senate Leader, singled out to be maligned? These are questions which answers are needed from the leadership of the PDP at the national and the state level. However Ndoma- Egba supporters are yet to rest on their oars as their claims are that their boss cannot prematurely be retired from politics by anybody, given the fact that PDP is not the only party existing in the country. They believe that since Nigeria has more than thirty political parties and that any one so long as he or she is a Nigerian has equal right to play the politics using any of the platforms, so they cannot be intimidated or deprived by any one from joining a political party of their choice. However the State PDP chairman, Ntufam John Okon in recent times seems to be having a remorse over the exit of Ndoma Egba out of the PDP to the APC. Okon said PDP will miss the former Senate Leader. Though, it was the expectation of many party leaders for the party chairman to intervene and wade into the crises. Not quite long, the Central Senatorial district caucus of the APC formed a committee which was led by the state Vice Chairman of the APC central and former Cross River state House of Assembly member representing Boki state constituency, Hon.Cletus Obun to mount pressure on Ndoma Egba to decamp to the APC. Part of their reasons for the pressure was that they were not happy the way Ndoma Egba was treated by the state leadership of the party even though some of his persecutors had one or two of their relatives in Ndoma Egba`s list of beneficiaries of his scholarship scheme which had been on-going since his stay at the senate. Secondly they said with a man like Ndoma Egba, the APC can become strengthened within the state and perhaps in the South South geo-political zone. Only last week Ndoma Egba gave in and accepted the offer. Those who admired the senator said that the senator was principled enough not to have taken the mandate of PDP to another Party as that was what played out then. He instead chose to remain in PDP to exhaust his mandate to the displeasure of many of his supporters who pleaded with him to decamp before the elections but refused. Political pundits said that with Ndoma Egba’s final move into the APC with his ardent supporters, the PDP would have to work extra hard in future election.
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Politics
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Govt must launch new law on prevention of gender-based violence –Obasa ayo esan
T
he Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has said that government must expedite the launching of new law and policies on preventing gender-based violence. Speaking at the opening of the Women Arise for Change Initiative 2-day sensitization meeting on the implementation of the Guideline on Gender based violence and young person in Nigeria in Lagos, Obasa said there is the need to step up the formulation of a state action plan on the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence; raise legislators’ and decision makers’ attention and sensitivity to gender issues He said this becomes
necessary because domestic abuse and violence are on the increase, not only in Nigeria, but throughout the world. “Drawing up comprehensive, feasible and effective laws and policies for preventing violence as well as creating specific, enforceable and accountable regulations and measures to prevent gender-based violence should be paramount”, he said. He said at a critical moment like this, there is the need to implement international conventions and fulfill commitments to strengthen the state’s obligation and responsibility to eliminate gender-based violence and eradicate its root causes as well as gender discrimination and gender inequality– by reviewing all existing laws and policies with a gender
perspective. Obasa said the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a law on domestic violence in 2007 saying this is a signal that government and all stakeholders can no longer accept the adornment of domestic violence in the garb of “family affair” but an offence punishable under the law. “This law is projected at providing information about support services and encouraging citizens to break the culture of silence by reporting cases of violations and pursuing criminal litigation to punish offenders. The Lagos State Domestic Violence Law made adequate provisions for the granting of protection orders to prevent and protect victims from violence”, he said. He said the House also enacted the Gender Equal
Rights Law aimed at promoting and defending the rights of women. “But beyond that, these laws cannot work by themselves except we create the framework that enforces our laws. That is what we are standing for; and in that respect, we talk about issues that relate to sexual and gender violence. It is not a perfect piece of legislation”. He however said that prevention and elimination of gender-based violence require a multi-faceted approach. “It will require increased advocacy and partnerships between the international community, governments, multilateral organizations, private sector companies, and grassroots advocates. “It will require empowering women and girls to speak up for themselves
and educating men and boys to speak up and speak out for their mothers, wives, partners, sisters, and daughters. “It will also require adequate legal and judicial frameworks aimed at promoting and protecting rights of women and the girl child. This, in my view, will go a long way in ensuring a more secure and safe country for females and indeed, for all Nigerians Speaking while delivering her welcome address, the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin said the crucial meeting is aimed at disseminating the guidelines on gender based violence and on young persons in the country. Okei-Odumakin stated that gender violence occur at different levels in the so-
ciety, and it is not limited to any group or class in the society, and can be in the form of physical torture or psychological torture, She added that, gender violence has shot to a high level in the society, and there is the need to protect the youth, so they can play their role as expected of them in the comity of nation. Dr Okei-Odumakin maintained that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are youths, and that was why the youths were the focus of the seminar, so they can serve as the brain box for the society, “the youths have to be involve to bring about the change, so that there will be peace in the society.” She added that the organisation will work hard to bring perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.
Council boss calls for Saraki’s resignation
Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI
T
he Caretaker Chairman of Gwer-East local government council in Benue State, Hon. Dele Uzuku has joined the bandwagon of those calling on Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki to tender his resignation if found guilty of the charges leveled against him. Uzuku who spoke to National Mirror in Makurdi disclosed that the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari -led administration is determined to get rid of corruption at every strata in the society stressing that, no one shall be spared when found guilty of corruption. The APC Chieftain further averred that if the charges against Saraki before the Code of conduct tribunal, CCT is proven beyond any reasonable doubt and he is found guilty, he should be punished. He maintained that Saraki as the number three citizen in the coun-
try knows the implication of the allegations of wrong declaration of assets and should face the consequences of his action and should let law takes its course. He implored officials of the CCT to also investigate the matter thoroughly and establish the case on its merit adding that, it had taken long to uncover the ambiguity all these years. He said “anyone who fails to give accurate account of his assets is liable for an offence no matter whose ox is gore and must be sanctioned and punitive measures meted out accordingly.”
Former member Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rifkatu Danna (right), dancing with widows during her distribution of relief materials and foodPHOTO: NAN stuffs to widows of Boi and Lusa districts of Bogoro LGA in Bauchi State, recently.
...Kwara lawmakers condemn call Dare akogun
M
embers of the Kwara State House of Assembly, KWHA, have condemned the call for the resignation of Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, describing it as unwarranted. Deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Mathew Okedare while felicitating
with Muslim faithful during the Sallah celebration, noted that, the clamour is not in the interest of the nation and democracy, describing those championing the call based on the case against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, as enemy of change mantra of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He said: “Asking Saraki to resign is jumping the
gun, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges, the charges are more political .” “Bukola is one of the frontline contributors towards the success of the APC at the last general elections, he sacrificed a lot towards actualising the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari. “It is however worrisome that since his emergence as the Senate Presi-
dent, some forces have stood vehemently against his emergence which was a pan -Nigerian mandate cutting across regional and political divide.” Speaking in the same vein, Hon. Abdulrasheed Taiwo, representing Owode/Onire state constituency, described the clamour for Saraki’s resignation as laughable and anti-people, adding that, Saraki’s mandate as Senate
President was not by the fiat of a godfather; rather it was a popular mandate. Also speaking, Hon. Abdulrafiu Abdulrahman described the call for resignation of Saraki as being championed by some people as a way of getting the Senate President’sl seat through the back door, after they were roundly rejected in a free and fair process that led to the emergence of Saraki.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Capital Market
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Market capitalization up N75bn, Eterna Oil leads gainers Johnson okanlawon
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rading in equities was marginally upbeat yesterday on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as more investors took position on stocks. Specifically, the All Share Index appreciated 0.72 per cent to close at 30,762.29 points, compared to the increase of 0.38 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 30,543.17 points. Market capitalization gained N75 billion to close at N10.6 trillion, compared to the rise of N41 billion recorded on Friday to close at N10.5 trillion. Volume of transaction
and market turnover both pared by 42.89 per cent and 27.19 per cent respectively, as 27 counters appreciated in value, while 20 stocks pared accordingly. Research analysts at Meristem Securities Limited attributed the performance in the day to sustenance of the positive bias on the part of investors towards the equities market, as it rubbed off on some large cap stocks in the day, coupled with the positive news flow on specific counters. “Based on the current market mood, we anticipate that the equities market will close positive at
the end of the four trading days in the week,” the firm said. Eterna Oil Plc led the gainers’ table with ten kobo or 5.43 per cent to close at N1.94 per share, followed by Fidson Healthcare Plc with 16 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.36 per share. UACN Plc appreciated N1.50 or five per cent to close at N31.54 per share, while Nestle Plc added N39.70 or 4.84 per cent to close at N859.70 per share. Red Star Express Plc rose 20 kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N4.40 per share. Conversely, Julius Berg-
er Plc lost N2.20 or 4.99 per cent to close at N41.88 per share, while Dangote Flour Plc depreciated 14 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N2.70 per share. Cutix Plc was down eight kobo or 4.79 per cent to close at N1.59 per share, while Evans Medicals Plc dropped three kobo or 3.80 per cent to close at 76 kobo per share. Custodian Insurance Plc dipped 16 kobo or 3.76 per cent to close at N4.09 per share. A total of 266.7 million shares valued at N3.18 billion were exchanged in 3,366 deals.
Stocks tumble as Glencore, VW shake global markets; bonds rebound
I
nvestors struggled to assess the repercussions from a rout in Glencore Plc’s shares and the scandal at Volkswagen AG, as losses swept through global equity markets and stocks headed for their worst quarter since 2011. Government bonds and the yen jumped as demand for havens rose. A 29 percent drop in Glencore sent the Bloomberg World Mining Index of commodity producers to its lowest in almost seven years. A gauge of global equities slumped to a level unseen since 2013 as Volkswagen slid 7.5 percent and U.S. biotechnology shares fell deeper into
a bear market. Treasuries headed for a monthly gain and the yen strengthened against all 16 major peers. Miner and commodity trader Glencore is one of the most prominent victims from mounting concerns over a sputtering China economy that have helped drive a 27 percent slide in a Bloomberg index of commodities over the past 12 months. Adding to the market turmoil is the Federal Reserve, whose officials are fueling a debate over whether the American economy is robust enough to withstand higher interest rates. “We are in a chaotic market, lots of volatil-
ity,” said James Gaul, a portfolio manager at Boston Advisors LLC, which oversees $2.8 billion. “Earnings are going to be really important this quarter considering the macro backdrop and general global fears as well as the concerns about the Fed potentially raising interest rates as early as next month.” New York Fed President William C. Dudley said on Monday that the U.S. economy was “doing pretty well” and that the U.S. central bank will probably raise rates later this year. Data today showed household spending climbed more than forecast in August, indi-
Alcoa to split into two publicly traded firms
A
lcoa Inc., the top U.S. aluminum maker, will break itself up by separating manufacturing operations from a legacy smelting and refining business that’s struggling to overcome booming production from China. The transaction will create an as-yet-unnamed company comprising Alcoa’s downstream production assets, including those that make components for the auto and aerospace industries. The name Alcoa will be retained by the upstream business, which mines bauxite, refines alumina and smelts aluminum, it said Monday in a statement.
Alcoa rose the most in a month and was the best performer in the S&P 500 Index. The split marks the culmination of a strategy pursued by Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld since taking the reins at the 126-year-old company in 2008. The former Siemens CEO has relentlessly emphasized the company’s focus on value-added aluminum products while rationalizing a commodity-aluminum business that was once the world’s largest by volume. “We’ve worked very hard on changing the setup of both of these businesses,”
he said in a telephone interview after the announcement. “All of this has led to a structure of both firms to really be competitive and be able to run on their own.” Alcoa has struggled with its smelting business amid chronic oversupply in aluminum markets. The price of the metal has fallen 16 percent this year as consumption in China slows while producers there try to export more metal. Alcoa unveiled its plans on a day other commodities producers tumbled. Glencore Plc fell as much as 31 percent on concern its debt-reduction plans are inadequate as China’s slowdown col-
cating consumers will help the U.S. economy muddle through a global slowdown. More signs of weakness overseas emerged as profits at Chinese industrial companies plunged 8.8 percent in August from 12 months earlier, with losses deepening even after five interest-rate cuts since November and government efforts to accelerate projects. Cuts to global earnings estimates outnumber increases by the most in three years, and the pessimism could reach levels last seen during the financial crisis, based on an index tracking the changes compiled by Citigroup Inc.
lides with an increase in supply. Rate (%) Inflation
8.2
MPR
13
Crude oil price
$58.96
Exchange
Rates (N)
WAUA
270
USD
196.95
EURO
214
CFA
0.32
YEN
1.64
SWISS FRANC
202
POUNDS STERLING
293
SDR
273
47
Source: NSE
Inter-Bank Rate Naira
US Dollar
$1
N196.95 Market indicators All-Share Index 30,762.29 points Market capitalisation 10.57trn
Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY
OPENING
CLOSING
CHANGE
% CHANGE
ETERNA
1.84
1.94
0.10
5.43
FIDSON
3.20
3.36
0.16
5.00
UACN
30.00
31.50
1.50
5.00
NESTLE
820.00
859.70
39.70
4.84
REDSTAREX
4.20
4.40
0.20
4.76
VONO
0.85
0.89
0.04
4.71
AVONCROWN
1.52
1.59
0.07
4.61
VITAFOAM
5.55
5.80
0.25
4.50
LIVESTOCK
1.80
1.88
0.08
4.44
NB
140.07
146.04
5.97
4.26
CHANGE
% CHANGE
LOSERS COMPANY
OPENING
CLOSING
JBERGER
44.08
41.88
-2.20
-4.99
DANGFLOUR
2.84
2.70
-0.14
-4.93
CUTIX
1.67
1.59
-0.08
-4.79
EVANSMED
0.79
0.76
-0.03
-3.80
CUSTODYINS
4.25
4.09
-0.16
-3.76
ZENITHBANK
18.11
17.52
-0.59
-3.26
AFRIPRUD
2.68
2.60
-0.08
-2.99
DANGSUGAR
6.90
6.70
-0.20
-2.90
ACCESS
5.15
5.03
-0.12
-2.33
SEPLAT
255.00
249.90
-5.10
-2.00
FGN Bonds
Bid
Description
Offer
Price
Yield
Price
Yield
15.10 27-APR-2017
1.58
100.50
14.71
100.65
14.60
16.00 29-JUN-2019
3.75
103.87
14.60
104.17
14.50
15.54 13-FEB-2020
4.38
102.57
14.71
102.87
14.61
16.39 27-JAN-2022
6.33
106.62
14.73
106.92
14.66
14.20 14-MAR-2024
8.46
97.31
14.76
97.61
14.70
10.00 23-JUL-2030
14.82 68.00
15.58
68.30
15.51
Closing Market Prices of September 23, 2015
Treasury Bills Maturity Date
Bid
Offer
24-Dec-15
10.92
11.21
31-Mar-16
12.73
13.60
01-Sep-16
12.45
14.08
NIBOR Tenor
Rate (%)
O/N
5.6250
1M
14.4108
3M
15.7014
6M
16.7205 The Fixings of September 23, 2015
Capital Market
48
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015
Equities as at September 28, 2015
Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052
Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052
Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity
1st Tier Securities Sector
Company name
1st Tier Securities
Daily Summary (Equities)
No Of Deals
Quotation(N)
Quantity Traded
Value of Shares(N)
Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals
Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO
Symbol LIVESTOCK
No. of Deals 1 12 12 25
Current Price 0.50 28.10 30.55
No. of Deals 17 17
Current Price 1.88
CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals
Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG.Exchange PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock © HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Summary on Board EQTY Personal/Household Products Totals Daily Activity Summary as of 28/09/2015 Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSUMER GOODS Totals Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIDELITY BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE SERVICES BANK PLC FINANCIAL STERLING BANK PLC. Banking UNITED ACCESS BANK BANK FOR PLC.AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC UNITY BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED WEMA BANK PLC. FIDELITY BANK PLC Banking TotalsTRUST BANK PLC. GUARANTY SKYE BANK PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services STERLING BANK PLC. AIICO INSURANCE PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. UNITY BANK PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Published byLAW The Nigerian StockROCK Exchange UNION AND INS. © PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Published by SOVEREIGN The Nigerian Stock Exchange © TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC Daily Summary as ofINSURANCE 28/09/2015 PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052
Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals
Activity Summary on Board Mortgage Carriers, BrokersEQTY and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals
TRANSCORP UACN
Symbol COSTAIN
Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
Value Traded 676,493.20 676,493.20
632,678
8,323,651.81
109 66 175
2.39 31.50
Quantity Traded 7,609,873 765,892 8,375,765
Value Traded 17,607,194.96 23,664,870.33 41,272,065.29
175 No. of Deals 20 20
Current Price 0.60
8,375,765 Quantity Traded 418,843 418,843
41,272,065.29 Value Traded 246,603.39 246,603.39
INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 CUTIX15:19:52.052 PLC. Printed 28/09/2015 Electronic and Electrical Products Totals
No. of Deals 11 11
Current Price 41.88
Page Quantity Traded 110,518 110,518
12 1Value Traded of 4,628,493.84 4,628,493.84
Symbol UAC-PROP
No. of Deals 23 23
Current Price 7.79
Quantity Traded 64,708 64,708
Value Traded 519,916.09 519,916.09
594,069
5,395,013.32
Value Traded 109,986.36 16,625,723.64 340,756.94 199,323,239.43 216,399,706.37
54
Daily Summary (Equities)
No Of Deals Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT
Quotation(N) No. of Deals 1 1 2
ICT Totals
Symbol JBERGER
Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NATURAL RESOURCES Daily Summary asServices of 28/09/2015 Mining Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals
Symbol 7UP Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON
No. of Deals 3 56 9 209 (Equities) 277
Current Price 4.40 155.00 17.85 146.04
Quantity Traded 25,126 107,320 19,400 1,390,379 1,542,225
No. of Deals 8 8 No. of Deals 29 36 102 19 18 204
Current Price 190.40
Quantity Traded 6,373 6,373 Quantity Traded 437,443 588,700 Page 1,107,117
Current Price 2.70 6.70 22.02 2.33 6.70
Value Traded 1,210,870.00 1,210,870.00 Value Traded 1,182,221.00 3,957,075.60 224,396,927.91 of 12
154,950 526,825 2,815,035
363,047.50 3,555,397.50 33,454,669.51
Symbol CADBURY NESTLE
No. of Deals 35 50 85
Current Price 24.00 859.70
Quantity Traded 132,805 38,783 171,588
Value Traded 3,108,210.43 32,267,457.63 35,375,668.06
Symbol VITAFOAM VONO
No. of Deals 22 13 35
Current Price 5.80 0.89
Quantity Traded 393,653 628,831 1,022,484
Value Traded 2,246,064.39 548,457.42 2,794,521.81
No. of Deals (Equities) 40 22 62
Current Price 27.20 45.13
Quantity Traded 1,274,857 178,560 1,453,417
Value Traded 33,547,579.28 8,097,534.28 41,645,113.56
Symbol Daily Summary PZ UNILEVER
671 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ACCESS 146 5.03 DIAMONDBNK 38 3.40 Daily Summary (Equities) ETI 36 18.70 FIDELITYBK 100 1.53 GUARANTY 307 24.60 SKYEBANK 38 2.32 STERLNBANK 22 Current Price 2.14 Symbol No. of Deals UBA 187 4.20 ACCESS 146 5.03 UBN 21 6.01 DIAMONDBNK 38 3.40 UNITYBNK 18 1.32 ETI 36 18.70 WEMABANK 22 1.00 FIDELITYBK 100 1.53 935 GUARANTY 307 24.60 SKYEBANK 38 2.32 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price STERLNBANK 22 2.14 AIICO 29 0.93 UBA 187 4.20 CONTINSURE 2 0.97 UBN 21 6.01 EQUITYASUR 1 0.50 UNITYBNK 18 1.32 LASACO 1 0.50 WEMABANK 22 1.00
Daily Summary (Equities)
935
7,011,122 330,880,549.31 Quantity Traded Value Traded 25,341,338 128,113,233.75 1,876,161 6,358,963.64 981,856 12 Page 318,333,147.90 of 6,596,263 10,134,541.85 49,998,308 1,227,549,711.86 1,111,283 2,556,116.47 1,544,467.14 Quantity 734,083 Traded Value Traded 59,966,642 252,547,763.21 25,341,338 128,113,233.75 146,807 870,080.22 1,876,161 6,358,963.64 1,323,983 1,776,471.03 981,856 18,333,147.90 1,007,608 981,462.92 6,596,263 10,134,541.85 149,084,332 1,650,765,959.99 49,998,308 1,227,549,711.86 1,111,283 2,556,116.47 Quantity Traded Value Traded 734,083 1,544,467.14 1,635,021 1,511,090.41 59,966,642 252,547,763.21 400,000 389,000.00 146,807 870,080.22 300 150.00 1,323,983 1,776,471.03 10,000 5,000.00 1,007,608 981,462.92 149,084,332
1,650,765,959.99
No. of Deals 29 2 1 1 No. of Deals 2 4 5 2 13 2 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 71
Current Price 0.93 0.97 0.50 0.50 Current Price 0.50 0.50 2.73 0.50 0.72 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Quantity Traded 1,635,021 400,000 300 10,000 Quantity Traded Page 4,000,300
Value Traded 1,511,090.41 389,000.00 150.00 5,000.00 Value Traded 12 42,000,150.00 of
515,000 6,600 501,000 183,100 3,265,416 300 Page 10,000
257,510.00 17,955.00 250,500.00 129,880.50 1,632,708.00 150.00 12 4 of 5,000.00
300 20,400 100 1,000 9,400,550 19,949,387
150.00 10,200.00 50.00 500.00 4,700,275.00 10,910,268.91
Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK Daily Summary
No. of Deals 3 1 (Equities) 4
Current Price 5.42 1.03
Quantity Traded 1,547 29,000 30,547
Value Traded 7,967.05 29,870.00 37,837.05
No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals 60 9 37 19 43 168
Current Price 0.50
Quantity Traded 20,000,000 20,000,000 Quantity Traded 1,356,320 163,318 Page 1,018,185 2,199,161 1,752,638 6,489,622
Value Traded 10,000,000.00 10,000,000.00 Value Traded 3,578,541.65 671,105.52 5 2,417,049.64 of 12 48,932,837.50 2,548,604.76 58,148,139.07
Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UBCAP
Current Price 2.60 4.09 2.38 22.25 1.44
1,179
195,553,888
Employment Solutions OIL AND GAS Totals C& LEASING PLC. Daily Summary asI of 28/09/2015 SERVICES Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 Employment Solutions Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Totals © Published Courier/Freight/Delivery by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals SERVICES
Activity Summary on Board EQTY Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals
No. of Deals 6 8 15 7 2 38
Current Price 0.76 3.36 35.20 1.32 1.02
38
Symbol COURTVILLE
No. of Deals 1 1
Current Price 0.50
Value Traded 156,968.88 600,264.00 3,124,702.50 52,396.00 3,435.00 3,937,766.38
514,399
3,937,766.38
Quantity Traded 11,111 11,111
Value Traded 5,555.50 5,555.50
Page
6
of
Value Traded 250.00 2,860.00 3,110.00
12,611
8,665.50
Current Price 22.02 37.05 8.73 4.31 98.00
Quantity Traded 49,352 35,331 29,624 2,000 2,520,993 2,637,300
Value Traded 1,110,967.44 1,325,057.20 251,584.80 8,515.00 246,994,644.18 249,690,768.62
Symbol CUTIX
No. of Deals 7 7
Current Price 1.59
Quantity Traded 137,198 137,198
Value Traded 218,144.82 218,144.82
Symbol
No. of Deals 2 1 3 6
Current Price 1.59 42.70 9.37
Quantity Traded 100,000 140 27,000 127,140
Value Traded 159,000.00 5,978.00 256,240.00 421,218.00
AVONCROWN Daily Summary (Equities) BETAGLAS VANLEER
79
Symbol MULTIVERSE
No. of Deals 3 3
2,901,638 Page Current Price 0.50
3
250,330,131.44 7 of 12
Quantity Traded 10,000 10,000
Value Traded 5,000.00 5,000.00
10,000
5,000.00
Quantity Traded 5,850,219 5,850,219
Value Traded 60,475,357.10 60,475,357.10
Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol OANDO
No. of Deals 236 236
Current Price 10.30
Symbol Symbol CONOIL ETERNA Daily Summary FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL
No. No. of of Deals Deals Current Current Price Price Quantity Quantity Traded Traded 14 27.41 7,829 13 1.94 313,990 (Equities) 115 250.00 379,553 14 145.00 25,424 2 49.66 169 10 150.80 11,575 168 738,540 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded CONOIL 14 7,829 Symbol No. of Deals Current27.41 Price Quantity Traded ETERNA 139 1.94 313,990 SEPLAT 249.90 36,340 FO 1159 250.00 379,553 36,340 MOBIL 14 145.00 25,424 413 6,625,099 MRS 2 49.66 169 TOTAL 10 150.80 11,575Page 168 738,540 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded REDSTAREX 4.40 Quantity Traded 279,000 Symbol No. of Deals8 Current Price TRANSEXPR 14 1.20 465,750 SEPLAT 9 249.90 36,340 22 744,750 9 36,340 Symbol CILEASING Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR
Daily Summary
No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 413 6,625,099 6 0.50 420,361 6 420,361 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 8 4.40 279,000 14 1.20 465,750 (Equities) 22 744,750Page
Value Value Traded Traded 204,601.66 603,982.10 93,540,910.85 3,695,448.81 7,973.42 1,730,925.11 99,783,841.95 Value Traded 204,601.66 Value Traded 603,982.10 9,075,627.40 93,540,910.85 9,075,627.40 3,695,448.81 169,334,826.45 7,973.42 81,730,925.11 of 12 99,783,841.95 Value Traded 1,218,525.00 Value Traded 565,299.99 9,075,627.40 1,783,824.99 9,075,627.40 Value Traded 169,334,826.45 210,180.50 210,180.50 Value Traded 1,218,525.00 565,299.99 12 91,783,824.99 of
Symbol CILEASING
No. of Deals 6 6
Current Price 0.50
Quantity Traded 420,361 420,361
Value Traded 210,180.50 210,180.50
Symbol IKEJAHOTEL
No. of Deals 7 7
Current Price 3.61
Symbol ACADEMY UPL
No. of Deals 2 17 19
Current Price 0.62 5.20
Quantity Traded 203,000 203,000 Page Quantity Traded 21,000 492,300 513,300
Value Traded 710,326.00 710,326.00 9 of 12 Value Traded 13,050.00 2,486,986.75 2,500,036.75
Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO
No. of Deals 1 30 31
Current Price 1.85 4.51
Quantity Traded 1,111 286,155 287,266
Value Traded 2,155.34 1,266,760.46 1,268,915.80
85
2,168,677
6,473,284.04
2,742
224,399,946
2,545,823,158.56
Quantity Traded 1,000 Quantity Traded 1,000
Value Traded 1,200.00 Value Traded 1,200.00
SERVICES Totals Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052
Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Activity Summary on Board ASeM Food Products CONSUMER GOODS MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Food Products Totals
Daily Summary (Equities)
Symbol MCNICHOLS Symbol
No. of Deals 1 No. of Deals 1
Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSUMER GOODS Totals
ASeM Board Totals
Current Price 1.26 Current Price
1
Page 1,000
10
of 12 1,200.00
1
1,000
1,200.00
Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 FBN HOLDINGS PLC Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 Other Financial Institutions Totals
Symbol ZENITHBANK
No. of Deals 294 294
Current Price 17.52
Quantity Traded 26,407,855 26,407,855
Value Traded 475,341,234.24 475,341,234.24
Symbol FBNH
No. of Deals 296 296
Current Price 6.20
Quantity Traded 15,473,264 15,473,264
Value Traded 96,144,318.08 96,144,318.08
41,881,119
571,485,552.32
Quantity Traded 370,729 370,729
Value Traded 62,642,076.79 62,642,076.79
FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PREMIUM Activity Summary on Board Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©
590
Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol DANGCEM
No. of Deals 33 33
Current Price 169.00
33
PREMIUM Board Totals
1,729,862,205.02
Quantity Traded 206,538 178,800 86,161 39,400 3,500 514,399
Quantity Traded 500 1,000 1,500
No. of Deals 11 18 8 3 26 66
Equity Activity Totals Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH
Current Price 0.50 2.75
Value of Shares(N)
Symbol ASHAKACEM CAP CCNN PORTPAINT WAPCO
EQTY Board Totals
Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE EQUITYASUR LASACO Symbol LAWUNION LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE REGALINS SOVRENINS STACO STDINSURE UNIC UNIVINSURE WAPIC
Symbol ASOSAVINGS
OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services Activity Summary OANDO PLC on Board EQTY Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Printed 28/09/2015 15:19:52.052 OIL AND GAS Petroleum and and Petroleum Petroleum Products Products Distributors Distributors Petroleum CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. ActivityMRS Summary on Board OIL NIGERIA PLC. EQTY TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC Exploration and Production ETERNA SEPLAT PLC. PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD FORTE OILand PLC. Exploration Production Totals MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. OIL AND Totals PLC. MRSGAS OIL NIGERIA Published by TOTAL The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NIGERIA PLC. SERVICES Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Exploration and Production TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. COMPANY LTD SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Exploration and Production Totals
Quantity Traded
3
NATURAL RESOURCES Totals Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB Summary Daily
HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals
Quantity Traded 371,600 371,600
Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities)
FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals
Value Traded 150.00 2,245,636.80 5,401,371.81 7,647,158.61
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CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals
Daily Summary as of 28/09/2015
Quantity Traded 300 84,069 176,709 261,078
Company name
ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals
Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals
Sector
Activity Summary on Board EQTY
370,729 Page
62,642,076.79 12 11 of
623
42,251,848
634,127,629.11
3,366
266,652,794
3,179,951,987.67
Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals
Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30
No. of Deals 1 1 1 3
Current Price 9.71 2,175.00 14.26
Quantity Traded 10 50 10 70
Value Traded 97.10 108,750.00 142.60 108,989.70
ETF Board Totals
3
70
108,989.70
ETP Activity Totals
3
70
108,989.70
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Monarch urges govt to relocate 4,000 IDPs from Maiduguri inusA ndAhi, MAiduguri
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mir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Idrissa Timta, has urged Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State to relocate the over-4, 000 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, residing in various camps in Maiduguri to two major communities that have relative peace and security in his chiefdom. The monarch made the call yesterday when he paid a Sallah visit to the governor at the Government House, Maiduguri. It would be recalled that due to the setting up of a committee by the governor to reopen all schools occupied by IDPs in Maiduguri, there is a tendency that many IDPs would prefer to go back to their liberated communities. In this regard, the monarch said that with the relative peace being restored by the military in Gwoza and its presence in both Pulka and council headquarters to protect lives and property, the displaced persons in Maiduguri could be relocated to continue their normal life. His words: “Your Excellency sir; as peace has been
restored in my chiefdom, particularly Gwoza and Pulka, there is the need to decongest the camps in Maiduguri for the reopening of schools in October this year. Already, the secondary and primary schools in Gwoza have been re-opened by the military for students and pupils to resume academic activities. “With the restoration of peace and the military’s presence in Gwoza and Pulka, 16 kilometres from the council headquarters could accommodate all the displaced persons not only from Maiduguri metropolis, but also the ones displaced from over eight communities of Bokko, Ngoshe, Agapalawa, Kughum, Barawa, Ashgashiya, Kirawa and Chinene by Boko Haram insurgency since August 6, 2014.” He said the displaced persons taking refuge in Maiduguri, including the ones in other towns and cities are willing to return to their respective communities in Gwoza and Pulka. Responding, Governor Shettima said the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Gwoza will commence next month, with the distribution food items this week.
Dickson, Danjuma, others eulogise Glo for supporting Nigerian culture
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overnor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, vice chairman, South Atlantic Petroleum, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma and other dignitaries who attended this year’s Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday, have commended Globacom for supporting the cultural heritage of the Nigerian people. Governor Dickson, who was a special guest at the event, paid glowing tributes to the chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., (GCON) for not only sponsoring the Ojude Oba festival for 10 years running, but also for doing a great job in the telecoms industry in Nigeria. The Bayelsa Sate governor who made the remarks while presenting a cheque to the best age grade at the celebrations, eulogised Globacom for its concerted efforts in making its services and products affordable and accessible in Nigeria as well as other countries where the company operates. Also speaking at the ceremony, Senator (Mrs.) Danjuma, who was the special
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
guest of Honour at the occasion, praised Globacom for its support for culture and tradition as exhibited through the company’s sponsorship of cultural events across the nation. This is just as Dr. Adenuga Jr. reaffirmed Globacom’s commitment to the entrenchment of the cultures and traditions of Nigeria through sponsorship of key festivals across the nation. Dr. Adenuga who made the commitment in his goodwill message, added that Globacom had shown interest in the Ojude Oba festival because its sociocultural value complements his company’s vision to celebrate the unique heritage of Nigeria. The theme of the celebration is ‘Harnessing our Cultural Heritage for Economic Development.’ According to the multibillionaire businessman, Ojude Oba is a social melting pot where sons and daughters of Ijebuland at home and the Diaspora congregate to celebrate and participate in the communal drive to transform Ijebuland.
Police reiterate commitment to officers’ welfare igbAwAse ukumbA LAfiA
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ssistant Inspector General, AIG, in charge of Zone 4, Yahaya Ardo, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of its officers and men across the country. The AIG gave the assurance while addressing officers and men of the Nasarawa State command in continuation of his familia-
risation tour of commands in the zone, noting that the welfare of police officers is the main crux of IGP Arase-led police authority. He said efforts are being made to improve on the salaries of officers and men of the force, adding that the current remuneration of the police is poor, considering the economic realities as it could not meet their family needs. He also announced that the police authority is
working assiduously to effect all pending promotions, adding that officers have been stagnated for too long. The AIG also said that apart from increased remuneration, promotions and other allowances, the police are poised to provide infrastructure and conducive environment as incentive for effective policing. He tasked the officers to uphold the highest standard of modern policing by shunning all forms of indo-
lence and corruption. On community policing, the AIG maintained that considerable results have been achieved through effective synergy on the platform of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC. He therefore directed all Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, in the command to constitute PCRCs in the various divisions to improve on the gains so far recorded.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong (left), welcoming the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo, during Sallah homage to the governor at the Government House in Jos. PHOTO: NAN
2015 NYSC President’s Award: Why we disqualified 71 corps members –DG Joel AJAyi, AbujA
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irector-general of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, has revealed that 71 out of the 222 corps members shortlisted for the forthcoming NYSC President’s award were automatically disqualified because they sought concessional positing. Brig-Gen. Olawumi, revealed this yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2015 President’s NYSC Honours Award National Selection Committee meeting in Abuja, noting that to qualify, corps a member must distinguished him or herself in the four cardinal areas of NYSC operational programme. He said: “To win a President’s NYSC Honours Award, a corps member must distinguish him or
herself in the four cardinal areas of NYSC operation namely - orientation programme, primary assignment, community development service, CDS, and the winding up programme. “For the selection process to be transparent, there are criteria but there also people that can be disqualified, even if they have made tangible contributions. “These are people who sought for concessional deployment to states of their choice; these are people who sought for relocation to change from one place to the other; these are people who served in their own state of origin; and people who have disciplinary cases, even if they did well, they will not be considered, because they have fallen short of the selection criteria,” he said. On this year’s award, Olawumi disclosed that “222 corps members have
been brought forward for consideration, and out of this number, we have checked our computer system and we have discovered that 71 of them got concessional deployment. So, those ones are automatically knocked out.” However, Olawumi explained that married women or those who sought for concessional posting based on health and granted by the scheme would be considered for the award, if they meet the requirements. “Women’s policy gives concession to married women, and the NYSC will not be an exception,” the director-general who was represented by the Director of Corps Welfare and Inspectorate, Mr. Michael Ahile, clarified. The NYSC boss therefore charged the 13-man committee on transparency as it carries out its assignment,
adding that the scheme had never doubted its “ability to approach the task with a high sense of patriotism, transparency, responsibility and diligence. “Though we have never experienced any case of undue interference, I feel obliged to implore you to shun any form of overture that could arise anywhere to interfere with your assignment.” Responding, the chairman of the committee, Dr. Kevin Ihenetu, promised to justify the confidence reposed in them by the scheme. “We know that the task ahead of us is not an easy one. We promise to handle it with utmost sense of diligence and patriotism and come up with a result that would gladden the hearts of all, thereby justifying the confidence reposed in us,” he said.
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Saboteurs: We never refer to Borno elders’ group –Army
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igeria Army on Monday maintained that its warning to saboteurs of the ongoing operations in the North-East was not directed to the Borno Elders of Thought, BELT, a socio-political group. Acting Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in a telephone interview in Abuja that the warning was misrepresented by a section of the me-
dia. He said that the Army command was explicitly clear on the matter and did not mention the names of any individual or group in the statement. According to Usman, the warning became necessary following series of malicious comments made in the social media about the ongoing operations. “I can categorically tell you that the Nigerian Army has credible
information that certain individuals and groups are making efforts to undermine and discredit the renewed fight against Boko Haram. “Their comments in the social media are indicative of this fact and there is no doubt as to what their motives are. “Of course, they are not happy with our successes because they are benefitting, one way or the other, from the crisis. “These people know themselves; we certain-
ly were not referring to the Borno Elders as contained in some of the media reports. “So, it is wrong for anybody to now infer that we accused the Borno Elders of undermining our efforts. “This is wrong, I will continue to state as I have stated in our previous releases that we enjoy the support of the elders and those who are interested in peace, so the reports are false.’’ Usman insisted that
the army would not spare anyone that was bent on frustrating the efforts of security agencies in the war against Boko Haram. He said the army would act in accordance with the relevant laws, if those involved in the alleged sabotage refused to desist from the act. “Like I have said, we have warned and the next thing is to act in accordance with the laws, if they don’t stop. “The Anti-terrorism Act is there and the punishment for anyone found culpable of acts of terrorism will be made to bear the consequences.
“Therefore, it is not a question of what are we going to do, anybody that is associated with terrorism or related acts and is found guilty will face the law.’’ He solicited for the continued support of the public to meet the timeline given by President Muhammadu Buhari to end Boko Haram and restore peace to the North East. It would be recalled that the army command had alerted the public about some individuals and groups, whose activities, it said, was inimical to the military operation in the North East.
Why we’re owing pensioners N3bn –Gombe govt WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE
G L-R: Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Suleiman Lawan; his Adamawa counterpart, Alhaji Mahmud Sali and Kaduna State Accountant General, Mr. Waziri Umar, during the Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA
Don’t rely on bailout fund, Al-Makura tells LGs IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA
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asarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura yesterday warned local governments in the state not to rely on the Federal Government bailout fund as an alternative to revenue generation. The governor gave the warning during a chat with journalists shortly after receiving officials of the Tax Identification Number, TIN, who paid him a sensitisation visit at the Government House, Lafia. He said: “I want to sound an alarm to officials of local governments in the state that bailout fund will end and the Federal Government may not give another fund as bailout again. What the Federal Government did in that regard was only to cushion the effect of the dwindling revenue which most states and local governments are encountering. ‘’For local councils in the
state, the sum of N4 billion would be released to them, as the bailout fund, of which the councils would use N3.5billion to settle only one and half months salary arrears of their workers, leaving them with a balance of N500,000 which make it imperative for them to source for other revenues to pay their workers the November salaries.” He therefore decried at the revenue generation of local governments in the state, stating that taxation in the local councils is at zero derivation as officials found it as their personal fund. Hitherto, he predicted that many local governments in the state may die a natural death, even as their survival is bleak given that they spend about N2.2billion monthly for the payment of workers’ salaries alone. He however, urged the councils to go into revenue generation as the N1.4 billion they get from the fed-
eration account monthly not to talk of embarking on cannot even cater for sala- infrastructural development ries of their workforce, of their areas.
ombe State Government has given reasons why it owes retirees in the state up to N3billion.The reasons was given by the state Head of Service, Alhaji Ahmed Usman. The HoS, however, said the state gover nment is making desperate efforts towards ensuring it settles the accumulated benefits of the retirees, as soon as funds are available
Katsina casual workers protest JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA
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asual workers in Katsina State yesterday took their peaceful protest to the Government House over the delay in offering them permanent appointments. The protesters, led by state chair man of the Association of Technical Casual Workers, Sirajo Danladi Malumfashi, were received by Gover nor Aminu Bello Masari in front of the Gover nment House. Speaking, Malumfashi said they came to present their complaint to the governor on the delay in offering them permanent ap-
pointments under the last state administration. He said several of the casual staff, including those under the education sector, had worked for 15 years and were being paid N10, 000 monthly or less. He said some of the association’s members that had lost their lives often had nothing paid them for months, and that even if they get paid, the money didn’t change anything as it was meager. He called on the state governor to assist in converting their employment status from casual to permanent staff, as many of them were due for it. Responding, Masari
said the issue of casual staff was not limited to states alone, but was also a challenge at the federal and council area level. He said the state government wants to get actual figure of permanent and causal staff to enable it plan effectively in the coming months and years. He said the state government was also speaking with the labour union to see how policies could be made to benefit workers, including casual staff workers. Masari, however, called on the casual staff members to exercise patience, and not forget the financial challenges facing many states of the federation.
Usman said the accumulation of gratuity and pension allowances came as a result of nonpayment the allowances over the years by previous governments. He told newsmen in an interview in his office that Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo feels disturbed and uncomfortable that the entitlements of the retirees were not paid for such a long time now, adding that the pension bill is to the tune of N3 billion. He added that the state government has been trying its best in the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and that it was the desire of the governor to see all other beneficiaries receiving the same attention, if not for the backlog that had accumulated. According to Usman, the governor had not rested on his oars in mobilising funds in a bid to ensure that all backlogs of gratuity and benefits are cleared, explaining that non-payment of these benefits was not intentional, but an overload that interfered with government’s original plan. According to the Head of Service, Dankwambo is a progressive governor and this is reflected in all his policies and programmes which has recently earned him accolades from Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
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Community Mirror
It is better for us to export our crude oil to the export market and generate foreign exchange for the nation than send it to refineries that do not have the capacities to refine it. –Group ManaGinG Director nnpc, Dr. ibe KachiKwu
Apprentice abducts 2 year-old boy Patience ogbo
James egbeyemi
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olicemen attached to the Special Anti-robbery squad Ikeja are investigating a middle age man, identified as Sunday Egebor over the kidnap of a 2 -yearold boy David Ushie in Ajegunle area of Lagos state. The grandfather of the abducted boy, Mr. Anyobor Ogar said David was allegedly kidnapped by his mother’s fashion design apprentice identified simply as Ayomide at the boy’s mother’s shop at the Ajegunle area of the state on September 17th. It was gathered that the kidnap was initially reported at the Tolu police station at Ajegunle but was later transferred to SARS Ikeja. Mr. Ogar while narrating how his grandson was abducted said “Sunday Egeabor is a well known family friend.
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The victim, Amina Katawa, on hospital bed after being assaulted by a soldier in Lagos, yesterday.
Photo: AbiolA AbdulhAmeed
He was the one who brought Ayomide to my daughter as an apprentice. He said he knew Ayomide at his former office at Apapa about two years ago. “He said Ayomide was a
cleaner in the company but they lost contact after then, he said he met Ayomide at Ajegunle and she pleaded with him that he should help him get a fashion designer shop
cbaac staff petitions buhari over suspension Dare akogun
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egal adviser/Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Centre for Black and African Art and Civilisation, CBAAC, Mrs. Agubuzor Augustina Nkechi, has petitioned the Secretary of the Federal Government, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, Head of Service, Danladi Kifasi over her wrongful removal from office. Nkechi, in her petition dated September 4, 2015, is asking for the reversal of the decision which she said was illegal, saying that her appointment was confirmed by the Board, and only the Board could remove or suspend her. In the said petition, Agubuzor alleged that her travails began a few days after her meeting with her boss to discuss extensively “some important issues which affect the Centre’s progress.” After the meeting, Agubuzor was allegedly issued
Crisis brews in Lagos as soldier brutalise trader
three queries at a stretch dated 17th August, 2015, 18th August 2015, and 27th August 2015, all of which she was served same day for alleged misconduct and to which she responded accordingly. The petitioner was allegedly issued another letter dated 26th August, 2015, with reference PP/CBAAC/1/74 signed by Deputy Director (Admin/ HRM), Mrs. T.T. Ogun, inviting her to appear before a panel of Inquiry the next day for “Great Misconduct” hinged on the earlier three queries. The letter was said to have been served on Agubuzor one hour before the sitting of the panel which later pronounced her “guilty as charged” and which led to her suspension from duty without pay effective 3rd September 2015, “pending further findings.” When a call was put through to the CBAAC Direction-General, Ferdinand Ikediukwu Anikwe, to comment on the various allegations
made against him by the petitioner, he said, “I know you are calling based on what a woman blackmailer who worked here must have told you. Well I have asked my lawyer to prepare a response to the issue. I am not sure you are aware that going by Civil Service Rule, that woman is not supposed to say all those things she is saying.” Asked when his response will be ready, he said, “I don’t know, may be in a couple of days, but my lawyer is working on it. I have saved your (phone) number so we shall reach you when we are ready.” One Mrs. Calista Nwora Obiageli has already been appointed by the DG to replace the petitioner as Secretary to the Board of CBAAC. Obiagaeli is said to be a holder of Bachelor of Arts degree in English Ed, which runs contrary to Civil Service Rule for qualification of candidate appointed into such an office.
where she can learn. Ayomide paid N25, 000 and promised to bring her photograph and other things. “Sadly, she kidnapped my grandson when his mother went home to wash clothes. . The police arrested Mr. Egeabor but he said he does not know where Ayomide lives or her family members. He is in SARS custody helping to track Ayomide,” he narrated. A police source confirming the incident said “Yes we are investigating the case. The apprentice has switched off her phone but we are tracking her. She will soon be arrested”. The Lagos State police spokesperson DSP Joe Offor when contacted, said it is too early to comment on the kidnap. “I don’t want to talk about this kidnap because we are investigating. We do not want to jeopardize the life of the boy and if this gets out, the girl can escape”. According to investigation, Ayomide allegedly abducted the toddler when his mother went home to do her laundry and left the child in Ayomide’s care only for her to come back to the shop shortly after but could not find the apprentice nor her son. All efforts to contact the apprentice have proved abortive as her phone is said to have been switched off.
major crisis is brewing in the Leventis area of Lagos Island, following alleged brutalisation of a trader by a soldier over collection of levy at the Leventis car park. Our correspondent gathered that Mrs. Aminat Katawa was allegedly molested and beaten by the soldier when she, along with other traders were invited their barracks for their refusal to pay the mandatory levy. It was learnt that one Rafiu was responsible for collecting levy from the traders on behalf of the community. However, because Rafiu failed to remit his collection to the community, he was stopped as revenue collector, while traders also stopped paying him. The revenue collector, it was learnt, subsequently involved soldiers to help him chase away the traders. Mrs. Katawa told our correspondent that the soldiers had been coming to the car park to harass them, thereby preventing them from selling. “But yesterday they invite us to their barracks and requested for money for the space that we occupy,” she said. Mrs. Katawa said while the soldiers demanded for N10,000 each from other traders, she was asked to pay N20,000. She said her argument over why she should be made to pay N20,000 resulted in the soldiers descending on her. She said she was rushed to a private hospital in the Olowogbowo area for treatment of the injuries inflicted on her. Her husband, Saheed expressed anger over the treatment meted to his wife. According to him, soldiers are not known to be involved in revenue collection as it is the duty of local government officials to collect levies from motor park and markets, He appealed to military authorities to fish out those responsible for the brutalization of his wife, adding that Nigeria is now a democracy where there is rule of law.
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29, 2015 47 Tuesday, Tuesday, FebruarySeptember 4, 2014 www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net
World News
I think the great bulk of these refugees are people genuinely fleeing conflict in search of a better life for themselves and their families. –FoRmeR spy chIeF, John saWeRs
US, Russia ready to resolve Syria crisis
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resident Barack Obama has said the US is prepared to work with any nation, including Russia and Iran, to resolve the conflict in Syria. He told the UN General Assembly in New York compromise would be essential for ending the long civil war. But he said realism required a “managed transition” away from Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad to an inclusive leader. He and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is a key ally of Syria, are to hold rare talks later. The assembly in New York is expected to see intense diplomatic activity on the conflict, which has claimed more than 200,000 lives and forced four million to flee abroad. In his remarks, Mr Obama called President Assad a “tyrant” who dropped barrel bombs on children. “Lasting stability can only take hold when the people of Syria forge an agreement to live together peacefully,” he said. “The US is prepared to work with any nation, including Russia and Iran, to resolve the conflict. But we must recognise that there cannot be, after so much bloodshed, so much carnage, a return to the pre-war status quo.” The summit is due to hear from Mr Putin shortly, as well as Iranian President Hassan Rou-
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CAR’s Bangui tense as communal strife kills scores
sporadic gunfire and looting reported in the capital as government says clashes are aimed at derailing elections. renewed violence between muslim and christian communities in the central African republic has killed at least 36 people and wounded at least 80 more, according to hospital workers. sporadic gunfire could be heard in the capital, Bangui, on monday, with journalists also citing multiple reports of widespread looting in the city, suggesting that tensions that began on saturday had yet to subside. on sunday, Doctors without Borders (msF) said in a statement that their teams working in the city’s mpoko camp, castor hospital and hopital general had been pressed to activate mass-casualty plans to cope with an influx of the injured.
Catalonia vote: Spain PM Rajoy ‘ready for dialogue’ Shiite militia fighters stage a military parade in the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Sunday. Photo: Agence FrAnce-Presse/getty ImAges
hani and French President Francois Hollande, whose country has just carried out its first air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria. A famous Russian expression talks about “killing two hares with one shot”. But Vladimir Putin doesn’t do things by halves: he’ll be trying to slay a whole multitude of political and economic hares with one trip to New York. His UN speech and meeting
with President Obama will put President Putin centre stage: a return to the international limelight for a leader shunned by the West over the conflict in Ukraine.. Western leaders have recently softened their stance towards him - conceding that he might be able to stay on during a political transition. In his opening remarks at the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the
International Criminal Court, saying there can be no impunity for “atrocious crimes”. He said five countries - Russia, the US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran - were key to finding a political solution, but unless they could compromise it would be “futile” to expect change on the ground. Earlier, Moscow suggested there were plans to form an international contact group including all the countries Mr Ban mentioned plus Egypt.
Woman gets life jail for child abuse
woman at the centre of a “gruesome” child abuse ring which passed children round “like toys” has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years. Marie Black, 34, of Norwich, was convicted at Norwich Crown Court of 23 charges, including rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Victims were abused at parties and may have been raffled for abuse. “The case is the most harrowing it has been my misfortune to try,” said Judge Nicholas Coleman. “I and the jurors had to listen to the truly gruesome detail of what took place. “Your conduct towards these children can only be described as utterly depraved - the children were subjected to sexual abuse of the worst kind. “They were simply passed around like toys,” he said.
WORLD BULLETIN
The charges related to five young children - two boys and three girls - over a 10-year period. Michael Rogers, 46, from Romford, Essex, was found guilty of 14 counts, including cruelty, rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Jason Adams, 44, from Norwich, was convicted of 13 similar counts.
Both were sentenced to 24 years. The men were made subject to sexual harm prevention orders. Seven others stood trial, six of whom were cleared of all charges. Judge Coleman said: “You, Marie Black, were the constant factor in all of these crimes. “The offences included adults
conspiring to rape children at socalled sex parties. “You used them for your own, and for others’, sexual gratification. “It amounts to child sexual abuse of the most serious kind.” He said there was evidence the children were taken to other parts of the country where they were raffled for abuse by others.
Rwandan FDLR rebel leaders jailed in Germany
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German court has sentenced two Rwandan rebel leaders for masterminding attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ignace Murwanashyaka and Straton Musoni were accused of ordering militias to commit mass murder and rape between 2008 and 2009. The trial took place under a law which allows the prosecution of foreigners for crimes committed outside Germany.
It was hailed as a breakthrough in bringing Rwandan rebels to justice. Murwanashyaka, who is the leader of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), was given a 13-year sentence, while Musoni, his deputy, was sentenced to eight years. Musoni was released immediately because of the time he has already spent in custody. The presence of the FDLR in eastern DR Congo was one of
the key factors behind years of conflict which have led to an estimated five million deaths in the region. The two men, who were arrested in 2009, had both been living in Germany since the early 1990s and from there coordinated attacks on civilians in the east of the DR Congo. They faced accusations that they ordered the killing of people because they were not cooperating with the FDLR.
spanish Pm mariano rajoy says he is ready to listen to catalonia’s new regional government after the separatist victory in sunday’s polls - but will not discuss spain’s unity. the separatist alliance’s leader, Artur mas, has said he will now push for the creation of an independent state. his group will have a majority in the catalan parliament if it can carry the support of a smaller separatist party. catalonia has 7.5m people and provides about one-fifth of spain’s gDP. the madrid government has reaffirmed its opposition to a vote on secession, noting that nationalists failed to get a majority of catalonia’s popular vote. “I am ready to listen and to talk, but not in any way to liquidate the law,” mr rajoy said in his first public remarks.
Water found on Mars, boosting hopes for life there, NASA says nAsA scientists said monday they believe they have confirmed that water intermittently flows on the surface of mars, a discovery that may have ramifications in the search for past or present life on the planet. nAsA appears poised to announce that its researchers have found proof of liquid water flowing on the surface of mars. the agency called a news conference for monday to discuss what it called a major science finding. While the agency hasn’t elaborated, it appears the topic will be new findings from analysis of imagery from the mars reconnaissance orbiter, confirming that salty water flowing down martian slopes is responsible for seasonal dark streaks seen in spots on the planet’s surface. three of the paper’s co-authors are scheduled to speak at nAsA’s news conference.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Messi blow for Barca
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Sport
I have no doubt that this team would have blended perfectly when we resume AFCON qualifiers in March next year –Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh
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Golf: Heineken excites Nigeria Cup
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Gboyega Oyebanji
The Sports Minister we need, Akinrodoye tells Buhari Joel AJAyi ABUJA
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former athletics coach and the interpreter to Team Nigeria at the recent 11th All Africa Games (AAG) held in Bazzaville, Timothy Akinrodoye, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a professional as Sports Minister in a bid to sustain the gains of Nigeria’s exploits in Congo. Akinrodoye who was reviewing the African Games commended the efforts of the Nigerian athletes and the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in ensuringg that Nigeria finished second on the medals table of
the continental games. The retired Comptroller in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said, “First and foremost, we owe every appreciation to the government of country for extending all the support to Team Nigeria, especially for the confidence the government have in the leadership of the NSC led by Alhassan Yakmut. My happiness is that the Yakmut-led NSC did not disappoint the country at the games,” he said. “Yakmut really motivated the athletes and was able to convince all that he is capable of the job and a thorough bred technocrat. One thing that really impressed me most was that two months to the Games, he introduced
he Nigeria Cup 2015 Golf Tournament will tee off at the Golf Section of the Ikoyi Club1938 this weekend with Heineken primed to bring excitement to the week-long event. About 180 golfers will compete in the finals of various events which commenced last Saturday with the theme ‘Seven Shades of Green’. Heineken has been part of the annual golf event to celebrate the country’s independence and the excitement that goes with it has been the talking point among participants and fun seekers. Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Ngozi Nkwoji, said last week that Nigerian Breweries was committed to the sponsorship the annual event. “Our involvement with golf is about value and we are committed to the development of our youth establishment young executives and well-being of Nigerians,” Nkwoji said. “The game of golf apart from being a professional and recreational sport, provides our youths a platform for networking, socializing as well as development of the physical wellbeing,” she added, stressing, “We are proud to be associated with the Ikoyi Club as it is truly Nigerian.” Organising Committee Chairman and Captain of the Ikoyi Golf Club, Mr. Lanre Kalejaiye, commended what he called Heineken’s unbroken partnership with the tournament. “We are glad that the brand actually created a platform for other corporate organisations to interact with the golf community, captains of industry and business people with passion for golf,” Kalejaiye enthused. The competition will end on Sunday with a Gala night where prizes and awards will be presented to winners and other participants.
basic French Language to all the athletes before their departure for Congo. This really paid off, as many of them were able to communicate effectively at the Games. This has never happened in Nigerian sports,” Akinrodoye added. On the quality of Sports Minister needed to steer the affairs of the sports commission, Akinrodoye enjoined President Buhari to ensure that anyone he is sending his name to the Senate for consideration and approval, should be someone who would key into the good foundation that has been laid at the Commission to ensure that Nigerian athletes perform excellently well at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Ex-Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015
For Arsenal, no margin for error –Wenger A
rsenal must win all three home games in Group F of the Champions League, starting with tonight’s match against Olympiakos, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday. A surprise 2-1 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match has left the Gunners with little margin for error as they host Olympiakos and the task is further complicated by a looming clash with Manchester United next Sunday. Wenger made six changes for the Zagreb game, which took place only three days before an important Premier League match away to champions and London rivals, Chelsea. However, Wenger said his selection will not be influenced by next weekend’s home clash with the Premier League leaders. “The weekend game will not interfere,” he told a news confer-
ence. “I don’t believe it’s down to selection at all. The 20 fit players I have available can play in every single game and I’m confident we have a very strong team,” the Frenchman said. “Basically the same team played at Tottenham and won in the League Cup in a much more difficult game physically. It was just that on the night (against Zagreb) we didn’t play well. “You have to win your home games if you want to qualify. It’s as simple as that. We can’t afford to drop points against anybody at home.” Striker Olivier Giroud was sent off in Zagreb and is suspended, while experienced midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Ar-
B
diola said. “Of course it affects us a lot,” Rakitic said. “Not having the world’s best player hurts but it also motivates us,” added the Croatia international. Messi’s absence could hand youngsters Munir el Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez a chance to impress. The Argentine captain is expected to miss La Liga games against Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano, Eibar, Getafe and Villarreal, as well as Leverkusen’s visit and two clashes with BATE Bor-
Arsenal vs Olympiakos BATE vs Roma Bayern vs Dinamo Zagreb FC Porto vs Chelsea Maccabi vs Kiev Lyon vs Valencia Zenith St. Peter vs Gent Wenger
teta are out injured. The Greeks, who lost their opening group game 3-0 at home to Bayern Munich, have met Arsenal in three previous campaigns, win-
isov in the Champions League. But Coach Enrique is confident the 28-year-old will be fit for Barca’s first meeting with Real Madrid this season on November 21 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Barca were held to a 1-1 draw in their first Champions League game of the campaign away at Roma a fortnight ago and Enrique insisted it is imperative they get all three points against group leaders Leverkusen at the Camp Nou.
Messi
Cameroun elects FECAFOOT boss, escapes ban
T
he Cameroun Football Federation (FECAFOOT) looks to have avoided a potential ban from the sport after Tombi A Roko Sidiki was overwhelmingly voted in as president. BBC Sport reported that the former secretary gen-
eral received 59 votes while the only other candidate, Atah Robert Behazah, got just two. Yesterday was the deadline set by FIFA otherwise Cameroun faced a ban from global football. The polls were overseen Primo Corvaro and Prosper
UEFA Champions League…
Today’s fixtures Barcelona vs Leverkusen
Messi blow for Barca
arcelona coach, Luis Enrique, admitted yesterday, that it is impossible to replace Lionel Messi as the European champions host Bayer Leverkusen tonight. Barca must endure to play without the four-time World Player of the Year, who suffered a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee during last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Las Palmas and looks set to miss Barca’s next eight games. “A player like Leo is irreplaceable,” Luis Enrique said yesterday ahead of his side’s return to Champions League action at home to Leverkusen. However, Guardiola and midfielder Ivan Rakitic say though Messi’s injury is a painful blow for Barca, but is also a motivation for the rest of the squad. “In pre-season none of Leo, Neymar or (Luis) Suarez played, but our idea of how to play didn’t change. It is a challenge for us to be without the best player in the world, but it also provides an incentive for us,” Guar-
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Abega on behalf of FIFA. A Normalisation Committee has been running football since July 2013. The committee, appointed by FIFA and the Confederation of African Foootball (CAF) was put in place after FECAFOOT cancelled the reelection of Iya Mohammed
as president, since he was in jail awaiting trial at the time. Earlier this month, Mohammed was sentenced to 15 years in jail after being found guilty of mismanagement at the state-owned cotton company, Sodecoton, by Cameroun’s Special Criminal Court.
Vidal, Rode further deplete Bayern
B
ayern Munich midfielders, Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Rode, are doubtful for their Champions League Group F game at home to Dinamo Zagreb with the German champions eager to snap their opponents’ 45-game unbeaten run, Coach Pep Guardiola said yesterday. Chile international, Vidal, is feeling pain in his knee while Rode is nursing a knock, Guardiola said, adding he would have just 14 or 15 fit players for tonight’s game. Bayern, who have won every league and German Cup game as well as their Champions League opener so far, are already without wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as well as defenders Medhi Benatia and Holger Badstuber among others. Javi Martinez only recently came back from a months-long injury break. “I don’t think Arturo will be ready,” said Guardiola. “We are only a few, only 14, 15 players. So we will need one or two from the second team. Sebastian also has some problems.” The Spaniard also ruled out a return for Robben, saying it was still too soon for the Dutchman, who has recovered from his own injury. Bayern won their opening group game at Olympiakos and victory over Dinamo, who beat Arsenal in their first game, would put them in the driving seat. “It is a big opportunity for us to take up a good position for the games against Arsenal,” said Guardiola, chasing his first European title with the Germans in his third season in charge. “You have to win every home game if you want to advance Vidal and I have a lot of confidence in my team.”
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Sports
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
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Mercyjacob_26@yahoo.com Tel: 08063056537
Obikwelu, Alozie apologise for dumping Nigeria T he duo of ex-track and field athletes, Francis Obikwelu and Gloria Alozie, has opened up at last on why they dumped Nigeria for other countries. They have, however, apologized for changing nationality. Nigerian-born Portuguese sprinter, Obikwelu, who shifted allegiance to Portugal after the Sydney 2000 Olympics told National Mirror that it was out of frustration and unjust treatment he got from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). He however, apologised to Nigerians and promised to make it up through helping in producing future Olympic gold medalists. “At Sydney Olympics, I was the second best in the World in 200m race but along the line I sustained a knee injury which I reported to AFN, but they did not take me serious, rather they accused me of faking injury. Devastatingly I was told that if I decided to shift allegiance anytime that they federation could produce another Obikwelu.
“Later I went for surgery in Canada with my own money when the AFN failed to approve money for my surgery. To make matters worse I suffered complications in hospital, a blood clot from which I almost gave up the ghost. In all this AFN abandoned me: they did not ask of me for the complete three months I spent in the hospital. After I was discharged from hospital I requested from them the money that was approved for me for the surgery, nobody could give account of it,” Obikwelu said. “Sincerely it was painful that my country I burnt my energy for could not care for me. That was why when the Portuguese who showed me that care and love which I could not get from my country I succumbed to their request.” Obikwelu completed his naturalisation process, and made the switch to compete for Portugal in 2001. At the Athens 2004 Olympics, he won what many would have considered a surprise silver medal in the 100m, beating the likes of Maurice Greene,
Shawn Crawford and Asafa Powell to 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively, and in the process setting the European 100m record of 9.86s which stands till today. But for Gloria Alozie it was a different story, ignorance and youthful exuberance pushed her into the decision she took to abandon Nigeria. “I went to Spain as a junior athlete; most of the things I did as of that time was out of love for the sport. In Valencia where I was living then they saw me as part of them. My club and home was there that was why when they approach me with the issue of change of nationality I did not wait to think of it. I gave in immediately. It was after taking the decision I realised what I have done. I felt so bad; by then they did had been done. “I want to use this medium to appeal to Nigerians who by then was hoping on me to make this country proud but I disappointed them by switching allegiance, I sincerely apologise. I will make it up,” she said.
The event is slated for October 1-3 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos. “We have already carried out an auditioning programme in four states - Lagos, Enugu, Benn and Ibadan and athletes discovered from those competitions will be competing in the Lagos final. “There is going to be lots of surprises as new athletes are going to emerge as is going to be highly competitive.
“We have top class coaches like Deji Aliyu, Gloria Alozie, Francis Obikwelu and Uchenna Emedolu who has represented this country at the Olympics and World Championships,” Akani disclosed. “Ultimately, the goal is to birth a group of homegrown superstars that can win medals for Nigeria at the biggest stage of all – the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
‘Making of Champions’ set to produce future Olympians
A
ll is set for the Lagos final of Making of Champions Top Sprinter ‘Genesis’ which is designed to discover track and field athletes that would return Nigeria to winning ways at the Olympics, with the Rio 2016 Games at the corner. In a press briefing in Lagos, the CEO of Making of Champions, Bambo Akani, said the competition is going to be an open event.
Star Quote… One chance is all you need. Jesse Owens
Obikwelu
Alozie
World bits… Kipchoge wins Berlin Marathon
K
enya’s Eliud Kipchoge again proved himself to be the pre-eminent marathon racer of recent years when he won the BMW Berlin Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, in a world-leading time of 2:04:00 last Sunday. Kipchoge, the 2003 5000m world champion on the track, took his record to five wins out of six marathon outings since his victorious debut over the classic distance when he won at the 2013 Hamburg Marathon. Since then, he has notched up triumphs at world famous marathons
in Rotterdam, Chicago and London before his win on Sunday in the German capital, where he also suffered his only marathon loss when finishing second in the 2013 race. The finishing time wasn’t the world record that everyone had hoped for, and was the main talking point before the race after two successive world records in the 2013 and 2014 Berlin races, but that shouldn’t detract from what was a magnificent performance from Kipchoge, who also had to battle with shoe problems from early in the race.
Visser smoothens road to Rio
M
aking the transition from junior to senior athlete in any event is never simple and for heptathletes, the complexity of coming of age is multiplied by seven. However, 20-year-old Nadine Visser, who finished eighth at the World Championships last month,
has made it all look pretty easy. The Dutch athlete completed three heptathlons in 2015, closing her season at last weekend’s Decastar meeting in Talence, France. Though her total there of 6257 points was her lowest haul of her campaign, she was still more than content with her performance.
Coe parleys ABAF members
D
uring his recent visit to the Congress of the Association of Balkan Athletics Federations (ABAF) in Vrsac, Serbia, IAAF President Seb Coe, use the opportunity to update the Member Federations pres-
ent about his first three weeks in office as IAAF President as well as to commend the ABAF, led by President Dobromir Karamarinov, on its dynamic efforts to create new competition opportunities.
WORLD RECORD
rugby league hat-trick Fastest Fastest marathon dribbling two basketballs
N150
Vol. 05 No. 1210 Tuesday, September 29, 2015
The fastest hat-trick of tries scored from the start of a match is 6 min 54 sec by Chris Thorman (UK) playing the semi-final of the Buddies National League Cup at Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK on 19 May 2002.
Before the PDP’s self destruct! B
efore the last presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) supporters were very confident of their party’s victory. Their deluded confidence only made them depended on their so-called “Incumbency advantage” to save their party from a shameful defeat. Some of them even wrote more confidently of their party’s victory as a done deal, a confidence even President Jonathan himself never had. It only required the polls of last March 28 for the reality to sink in. Many thoughts have been shared about the “great fall” of the PDP. How the mighty fall. It only reminds me of the movie by the American rapper, Curtis Jackson (50 Cents), Before I Self-Destruct, a crime dra-
Guest Columnist
Olalekan Waheed Adigun
ma movie which ended in the actor getting himself destroyed in the process of getting a revenge for the accidental shooting of his mother. Does this have anything to do with “our great party”? Great civilisations are born, start to grow, reach the peak of their powers, decline and ultimately crumble. We often hear of the great Timbuktu, Egypt, Babylon, Carthage, Rome Ottoman, Macedonia, all great civilisations at different times. Since nothing, good or bad, lasts forever, there came a time when they have to erode with history. This is why I love the most quoted Igbo saying “No human condition is permanent.” The only problem here is that the PDP supporters fail to recognise how fast the “times and seasons” have changed. Are they still wondering why the world crumbled under their feet? The PDP, perhaps did not realise its “humanness” at all. In 2008, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, its then National Chairman, had publicly boasted that the party would rule Nigeria for the next 60 years. At other points, some of its leaders echoed arrogantly that the PDP would rule forever. Maybe this was why the party did not prepare for its recent shock electoral defeat. It is never easy to be in opposition after losing your “daily bread”. In opposition, you operate largely on lean budgets; and more often than not, you are under suspicions and investigations. This appears to be the fear of the PDP today. It is scared of everything, including itself. This is not the time for the PDP strategists to go to sleep. The party will not be the first to find
THE PDP’S BRAND HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY BATTERED BY CORRUPTION,
IMPUNITY, INEPTITUDE AND MEDIOCRITY itself in this kind of position, neither will it be the last. Was this why the APC Publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, “offered” his PDP counterpart, Chief Olisa Metuh, “a free, six weeks crash course” on how to be an opposition spokesman? The United Kingdom’s Conservative Party had to weather the storm of 15 years’ turbulence after the Labour Party’s Tony Blair won in 1995. You can only imagine the Tories’ frustrations during those years before David Cameron won in 2010. You may also understand how the Fabians must have felt having to wait for 21 uninterrupted years, including, “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher’s 11-year stint as Tory Prime Minister! The United States’ Republicans had to cope with serial electoral defeats since losing the Presidency to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936. At some point, their membership in the Senate reduced to less than 30 during this period. The Grand Old Party (GOP) had to wait till 1952 to get back to the White House! The PDP does not appear to be prepared for the daunting challenge of an opposi-
tion party. The present crisis rocking the party over the control of its leadership should be a cause for concern to its members. Opposition role can be a unique experience. You are almost an endangered species if you are in opposition; you are constantly harassed, suspected or intimidated and there is no question of “loyal opposition”! It is now an open secret that all is not well within the party’s ranks. There are insinuations that some of its governors, with tacit support of former President Goodluck Jonathan, are planning to float a new platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC). This appears to me more like a mistrust of brand. The PDP’s brand has been seriously battered by corruption, impunity, ineptitude and mediocrity. The future is looking rather gloomy by the day for the party. Just recently, the immediate past PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, was reported to be nursing presidential ambition in 2019, hence the plan to form a new party expressly for that purpose. Many were made to believe that PDP’s problems will be all over by just getting rid of Muazu; but they were all to be proven wrong. Immediately after the presidential election, no less a person than the Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, made serious allegations of Muazu selling the PDP to APC during the presidential election. If General Buhari’s strategists must have some people to be grateful for on their victory, it has to be Fayose and Femi Fani-Kayode for poor understanding and handling of PDP’s public relations and their embarrassing displays during the presidential campaigns. What better ally does an opponent need than these two in a presidential campaign? Adigun, a political risk analyst and strategist, wrote from Lagos via olalekan@olalekanadigun.com and can be followed on twitter @adgorwell
Sport Extra
J
oseph Sepp Blatter has said he will remain as FIFA president until February, 2016 early election despite criminal proceedings being opened against him by Swiss investigators. The world soccer gov-
Investigation: ‘Blatter to stay put till February’ erning body’s own ethics committee, which includes an investigative arm and is headed by Cornel Borbely, a 36-yearold former prosecutor in Zurich, who special-
ises in economic crimes, could however, prompt Blatter’s suspension regardless of whether the Swiss attorney general ultimately files charges against him.
An investigation was opened into Blatter last Friday over suspicions of criminal mismanagement, with the Swiss suspected of signing a contract that was “unfavourable to FIFA”
and making a “disloyal payment” to his former ally, UEFA president, Michel Platini. But Blatter, 79, said he had “had done nothing illegal or improper.”
Blatter
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