Binder1 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Tension as soldiers besiege Oshiomhole’s country home P.7

Vol. 5 N0. 1078

Those opposed to card readers are election riggers, says Jega P.4

1 DAY TO GO

Jonathan, Buhari renew peace accord

Friday, March 27, 2015

Mimiko’s deputy defects to APC ...with seven commissioners

Gov allegedly collects N1.6bn campaign fund, gives deputy N5m for Jonathan’s election Gets N500m for Lagos rally

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N150 OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU AND O JO O YEWAMIDE

eputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, yesterday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The defection came as a shock to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is the South West Coordinator of Goodluck Jonathan Campaign. This happened amidst allegations that what fuelled CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

NEWS ANALYSIS

The need for free, fair, peaceful polls BEN MEMULETIWON

n less than 24 hours, millions of Nigerians will troop out for the long awaited polls to choose the next set of leaders in the Presidential and National Assembly elections. But never in the history of elections in the country has the entire nation experienced frenzy and charged atmosphere, coupled with palpable tension in the air. For the first CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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L-R; PDP Presidential Candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan; Chairman, Peace Accord Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and APC Presidential Candidate General Muhammadu Buhari when the two leading contenders renewed and signed election peace accord in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

FG reverses sea border closure

...unlocks N1bn credit line for Lagos MSMEs

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Plane crash: ‘German co-pilot wanted to destroy plane’

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News

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

It’s morally wrong for Jonathan to seek re-election –Buhari OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari yesterday said it was morally wrong for President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election, considering the fact that he failed in all his promises to the electorate prior to his last election. Buhari in a thank you message to millions of his supports across the country, said that their enthusiastic commitment to the imperative of change encouraged him. He said: “I am particularly overwhelmed that, despite the sustained smear campaigns against me by the ruling PDP, the support Nigerians have for me has remained intact. The enthusiasm of Nigerians for change is understandable. “The 16 years of PDP administration is a story of despair, despondency, disillusionment and pervasive fear, caused by unprecedented insecurity. “The basic functions of the government such as the security, welfare and happiness of the citizens appear

only in paper. “It is morally wrong for any government that has woefully failed in these basic responsibilities to demand or expect another mandate from the disillusioned citizens of Nigeria.” The former Head of State said the PDP administration has exhausted all its goodwill and lost all the argument on performance and competence and is, as a result, seeking to retain power at all costs, regard-

less of performance. This, he said, is a shameless reflection of desperation and greed for power. “A government that abandoned its citizens to their fates has no reason to remain in office a day longer than necessary. “I am pleased to say that the best judges of a government’s performance are its own citizens. The popularity of the PDP is at the lowest ebb, and this shrinkage of goodwill is irretrievable.

“Nigerians are desperately yearning for change as they enthusiastically look forward to tomorrow, Saturday March 28, and April 11, 2015 to exercise their franchise by voting for change. “Nigerians are desirous of change because they don’t want the continuation of their present miserable existence under PDP’s ruinous rule. “They are tired of a government of failed promise,

and are earnestly marching ahead to embrace a government that loves the welfare of its citizens. “The presidential election this Saturday, March 28, 2015, presents a great opportunity for Nigerians to come out en-masse and vote to remove an incompetent government from office. The beauty of democracy is that it gives power to the people to change the government peacefully. “We thank all Nigerians

for their support, but we urge all our supporters to come out and vote on Saturday. “If they don’t vote, it may be difficult to change their miserable conditions. “I urge all our supporters to also conduct themselves peacefully, and resist any act of deliberate provocations to derail the fastmoving train for change,” Buhari said. He urged voters to avoid CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

LEFT: Fire fighters at the scene of a fire incident after an explosion from a fuel tanker at Ascon filling station on Admiralty Way in Lekki, Lagos, yesterday. RIGHT: One of the vehicles burnt. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Mimiko’s deputy defects to APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the development was due to lack of trust between the governor and his deputy. The governor was alleged to have collected N1.6bn campaign fund out of which the deputy was given only N5m to work for President Jonathan’s re-election. It was also alleged that out of the N500m collected for the party’s Lagos rally, about N50m was spent to construct the podium alone. Meanwhile, Olanusi said in a statement he issued in Akure, the state capital, that the decision to dump PDP was informed by the need to give his followers a new political direction. He added that he joined the APC because of his desire for good governance in Ondo State and the development of the Southwest as well as the country. The deputy governor, who lamented the alleged marginalisation and exclusion of his followers from the Mimiko government, de-

scribed the APC as a party of justice, fairness, equity and freedom. Olanusi: “In the unfolding political development in our country today, and in Ondo State in particular, it is increasingly clear that I need to chart a new course for majority of my followers, who look up to me for direction and leadership and who have watched helplessly in the last six years, the untold marginalisation and total exclusion from the government they laboured to put in place. “While still being in place as the democratically elected Deputy Governor of Ondo State, I have decided to lead my teeming supporters and well-wishers in the state into the All Progressives Congress, APC, where we can find justice, fairness, equity and democratic libertya party to which majority of our kith and kin in Yoruba land belongs. “I have taken this decision at this critical time in

the best interest of peace, stability and good governance of our dear state and for the overall development of the South West and the nation.” In its reaction, the state government described Olanusi’s defection as a surprise but said it was the deputy governor’s democratic right to choose his party. A press statement made available to newsmen in Akure by the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade said: “The state government just received the news of the defection of Alhaji Ali Olanusi, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State to the All Progressives Congress. “Though it came as a surprise, government acknowledges his right to determine his political affiliation and wish him well.” But the state chapter of the PDP said Olanusi’s defection would not affect the chances of the party in the general elections, adding

that its candidates would coast to victory. The party, which described Olanusi as a mole in the Mimiko government, claimed the deputy governor was not a member of the party since he was not re-registered in his ward and local government area. Reacting yesterday in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, the PDP said Olanusi had been a secret member of APC before his defection. The statement reads: “It has come to our attention that the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, has declared for the All Progressives Congress. “It is however pertinent for us to underscore the fact that Alhaji Olanusi is not a member of the PDP in Ondo State as he was not registered in his ward and local government by the party. “While admitting that he attended two party functions recently, he was a passive observer at such func-

tions and his attendance does not in any manner confer membership on him. “By his latest political gymnastic action, it is obvious that he had been a clandestine member of the APC and a mole in the government of Governor Mimiko and has just received the order to declare openly for them.” The APC in the state, however, described Olanusi’s action as a welcome development, saying many people in the state had seen the light that the party represents. Speaking with National Mirror, APC Publicity Secretary, Omooba Abayomi Adesanya, said many PDP chieftains would soon join the opposition party. Olanusi was the state chairman of PDP until 2006, when he joined the Labour Party, LP, to contest the 2007 governorship election as Mimiko’s running mate. Meanwhile, APC yesterday in Lagos expressed con-

cern over what it called the increasingly-desperate plan by the PDP to rig the coming elections at all costs. The party also expressed concern at what it called the growing cases of harassment and intimidation of its members across the country by PDP officials and candidates, using security agencies. APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at a press conference said in its desperation to win Saturday’s polls, the PDP has perfected a number of strategies to rig, especially in the North and in the South-West. It accused the ruling party of masterminding the arrest and detention since Tuesday, of one Alhaji Sani Musa, owner of ACT Technologies, which supplied the Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and Smart Card Readers, SCRs by officials of the Department of State Security, DSS. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday March 27, 2015 January 31, 2015

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Photo News

Friday, March 27, 2015

L-R: Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ogun State Agriculture Development Programme (OGADEP), Alhaji Basiru Bakare; Sustainability Manager, British American Tobacco West Africa, Ms. Oluwaseyi Ashade; Deputy General Manager, CHI Farms Limited, Mr. OlaDavis Abiodun David, and General Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Ms. Abimbola Okoya, at the BATNF training of Ogun State Women in poultry farming in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday.

L-R: Dr. Dayo Osholowu of Elite Healthcare Systems (EHS); Dr. Seun Akinyemi of the Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; Dr. Olubukunola Fagade, Medical Director of Chevron Nigeria; and Dr. Leye Ajayi, Consultant Urological Surgeon with Royal Free London NHS Foundation, at PathCare Laboratories Doctors Forum held in Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L –R: General Manager, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Mr. Joe Mekeliuwa; Head, Global Markets Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Mr. Sam Ocheho; Head, Product Management, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Dipo Omotoso; Global Markets Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Mr. Steve Osho and Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Mr. Oladele Sotubo during NSE 2015 Retail Bond Workshop at the Exchange in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Peter Amangbo; Chairman, Jim Ovia, and Executive Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu at the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Bank, in Lagos, yesterday.

Those opposed to card reader are election riggers – Jega GLORIA USMAN ABUJA

hairman of Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday, said he has no regret for insisting on deploying Smart Card Reader machines for the conduct of the 2015 general elections. Jega said he knew the decision would attract unwarranted attacks on his integrity as a person. The INEC chairman, who stated this while unveiling the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja, maintained that it was only those that hitherto nurtured plans to manipulate the outcome of the elections that were crying foul over introduction of the technology, which he said would only add credibility to the electoral process in the country. He said INEC had perfected all its strategies and put every apparatus in place with a view to ensur-

ing a hitch-free poll that would reflect the summative choice of Nigerians. Jega said all the sensitive materials would be distributed to states from where they would be taken to local government areas and subsequently to the ward level. He further highlighted the fact that the commission had provided and reasonably equipped Registration Area Centres, RACs, to ensure its staff in various states and security agents spend few hours of the night on Friday there to enable them get ready to deploy the sensitive materials on the morning of the election. He assured that there would be remarkable reduction in the delays that were previously experienced during the commencement of elections, as well as retrieval of materials at the end of election. The INEC boss, however, said it was regrettable that results of the election

will not be electronically transmitted to the collation points. He said though INEC initially piloted the procedure at two previous elections in Cross River and Niger states, it decided to put a hold on its usage because of likely controversy. He said: “We decided we will not put the electronic transmission of results to use in 2015 in view of controversies the procedure might generate from those who don’t see anything good in what we are doing as a commission. “We can see the dust the introduction of card readers raised. So, we decided to keep piloting and improving on the system beyond 2015. Hopefully, by 2019, the commission will introduce it for the general elections.” On the issue of card readers, Jega, who stressed that the process will help to address concerns about alteration of election figures to fraudulently confer

advantage on some candidates to the detriment of others, said no such thing would happen this time around. “This is indeed why they have been attacking me because they know the card reader machines will help us to address all those irregularities, starting from the accreditation of voters at all the polling units. “How can they manipulate the election when all the information with regards to the number of voters that turned out at every polling unit is automatically captured and transmitted by the card reader machines? “We have made rigging impossible for them as there is no how the total number of votes cast at the polling unit should exceed the number of accredited persons. “Such discrepancy in figures will be immediately spotted. This technology will further make it impossible for any corrupt

electoral officer to connive with any politician to padup results,” he added. Jega noted that in the past, dubious INEC officials usually delayed the entry of number of accredited voters until the end of voting so as to have the leeway to tamper with results, a problem he said would be obviated by the smart card readers. He said both the card readers and the result sheets would be taken to the ward levels. “Once there is evidence of tampering, the information saved in the card reader will be retrieved. “The crooked ways they used in the past to get away with manipulation of election results have been dealt with. “This time, with the card readers, such fraud will be easy to establish. “We have further made arrangement that all the results coming to local government collection cen-

ters will be scanned, transformed to PDF format and uploaded on our website so that anybody can go there and confirm result from his polling unit. “We believe that this is an added value to our process, it is something that we have not been able to do in the past,” he added. He also urged political parties to pay attention to the appointment and accreditation of agents they will deploy at the polling unit level. “They should not appoint people without credibility, who can be bought over by other party agents,” Jega stated. Earlier at the event, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Suleiman Abba, who was represented by the force public relations officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, expressed the readiness of his men to provide adequate security during and after the elections.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, March 27, 2015

FG unlocks N1bn credit line for Lagos MSMEs TOLA AKINMUTIMI

ederal Government has unlocked a N1bn special credit

line, through the National Enterprise Development Programme, NEDEP, for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives in Lagos State.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who disclosed this while awarding cheques to the beneficiaries of the first

tranche of N100m credit line in Lagos said the direct micro-enterprise funding demonstrated the commitment of the current administration to de-

INEC Adhoc Staff collecting election materials for distribution to wards in Abuja yesterday.

Mimiko’s deputy defects to APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Mohammed said: “Perhaps, the agents of the ruling party believe he may have the codes for the SCRs, which is preposterous. Alhaji Musa has also been accused of colluding with the APC to rig the elections, which is totally false because we at the APC do not subscribe to rigging under any guise. He added that another

rigging strategy of the PDP was the deployment of bandits in uniform to polling units to disperse voters by force, after voter accreditation must have been completed, adding that while that is going on, armed police and soldiers will then come in, “ostensibly to chase away the bandits and evacuate INEC officials and voting materials. Mohammed said: “After

evacuating them to ‘safety’, they will then coerce the electoral officials to allow them, security agents, to cast all the ballots in the particular unit. “This strategy, to be used mostly in the PDP controlled states in the North and the South-East, will be repeated in many polling units in many states, because for each state and polling units, there is a calculated

percentage which the PDP must win!” Another strategy, according to APC, was the use of carrot and stick against APC agents in states controlled by it, where PDP will attempt to buy the agents over with money. “If this fails, security agents and PDP thugs will simply disrupt the voting and destroy election materials,” it added.

The need for free, fair, peaceful polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

bookmakers are at a lost predicting where the pendulum will swing as the presidential and parliamentary polls are expected to be tightly contested. Will it be the People’s Democratic Party, PDP or the All Progressive Congress, APC? There are 14 candidates slugging it out at the polls but the main challenge the incumbent, President Goodluck Johnathan and PDP face is General Muhammadu Buhari and the APC. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announcing its readiness declared that the body is poised to give Nigerians an election that is devoid of rigging, manipulation and

acrimony assuring that electoral materials would arrive polling booths early for the election to commence and end as stipulated on the time table. Though, INEC was able to distribute 56,431,255 PVCs out of the 68,833,476 that registered, observers believe that recording 82 per cent of distribution is commendable. The onus is now on the electoral arbiters to give Nigerians and the world free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. Since 1999, it has been a one-horse race for the PDP strolling to the polls to claim the mandate. But the alliance of some political parties have raised the stake and until INEC announces the outcome of the Saturday’s election, stakeholders

would sure have sleepless nights of prayers. There have been pockets of opinion surveys giving victory to either PDP or APC these past weeks, but the fact is that these surveys are not backed by empirical or scientific data. They are therefore mere expression of personal biases and opinions. With the high standard of the PVC, one would have expected the opinion poll agencies to have thrown questionnaires to the electorate on who they will vote for and why they have to vote. But what we have seen is a deluge of personal opinions churned out as survey. Unlike in other democracy where opinion polls are most times perfect and accurate, Nigerians can’t and shouldn’t ever

rely on the surveys they have been fed with beside the fact that the election will be a battle between the PDP and APC. The PDP has been in power since 1999 when military rule ended and they will do everything possible to hold on to power while the opposition party is poised to wrest power at all costs. But Nigerians are apprehensive of the commitment of the politicians to the peace accord they have signed even as a number of them continue to beat the drums of war through provocative statements and threats. But the security apparatus in the land have assured of people’s safety even as the government shut Nigeria’s borders to ensure the election is peaceful.

veloping enterprises at the grassroots. Aganga said the measure would not only bolster government’s job creation efforts, it will also enhance growth and ultimately reduce poverty level in the country. According to Aganga, NEDEP provided a veritable platform for the sustainable ongoing funding of micro enterprises, adding that the disbursement of the N1bn loan is part of the ongoing MSME funding in the 36 states and would be in phases. NEDEP is an initiative spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and its three agencies– the Bank of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, and the Industrial Training Fund, ITF. Aganga said the Ministry, through SMEDAN, had established approximately 3,800 cooperatives in Lagos State, noting that about 2,000 of these would benefit from the special credit facility. The beneficiaries are drawn from all the local

governments in the state and cut across various activities, including manufacturing, agribusiness, retail trade and electrical works among others. The loans are given at single digit interest rates to the beneficiaries, who also receive some form of training and skills development. He said the National Council on MSMEs was working extensively with the CBN to ensure that the fund reached the intended beneficiaries in all the states. The ministry is also working with micro finance banks and commercial banks to increase overall access to the fund. The Federal Government had last week launched the first Nigerian Business Development Services Network for effective and productive performance of MSMEs. The N39.6bn ($200m) project, is a network of private sector business development service providers that will work with MSMEs across the country to mentor them, provide support services and link them up with financial institutions.

It’s morally wrong for Jonathan to seek re-election –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

anything that might make them play into the hands of the PDP mischief makers, who are determined to discredit the opposition party. “As a people, this is not the kind of democracy we bargained for when we celebrated the end of military rule in May 1999. “The basic challenges facing Nigerians today are: the economy, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption. These challenges demand competence and political will to handle. “Nigeria is adrift under the current PDP administration. Millions of Nigerians are captives of fear because of insecurity; thousands of our unemployed youth are haunted by suicidal temptations because of uncertain future; the country cannot achieve progress because pervasive corruption guzzles huge resources meant for the welfare of the people.

“And finally, how can the economy do well when leaders are incompetent and corrupt? Can any economy grow under the feet of corruption? “When the government lacks the will, the competence and the courage to handle these challenges, are Nigerians not legitimately entitled to demand for change for a better tomorrow? “I am not contesting this election because I want power and money. I am doing so because Nigerians believe I have what it takes to achieve the much-needed change. “While I commend our soldiers in the current war against terrorism and threats to the country’s territorial integrity, we should exercise to caution in the deployment of soldiers during elections as the courts have severally warned. It puts their political neutrality and credibility at risk,” he added.

National News

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Polls: Jonathan, Buhari renew peace accord …ask followers to shun violence

Rotimi Fadeyi ABUJA

he two leading candidates in tomorrow’s presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday renewed their peace accord and commitment to violencefree polls. Jonathan and Buhari, as well as other presidential candidates in the elections, had earlier signed a

peace accord on January 14. The signing of renewed accord, which took place in Abuja, was facilitated by the National Peace Committee on 2015 elections led by former Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar. The peace accord was renewed to reassure the world and make Nigerians understand that the country was more important than their ambitions. In a joint statement titled “renewal of our pledges to peaceful elections” signed by Jonathan

and Buhari after the peace accord was renewed, they called on their supporters to refrain from violence or any acts that may in any way jeopardise the collective vision of a free, fair and credible election. The statement further said: “You may recall that on 14th January, 2015, both of us, along with nine other party leaders

signed what has now come to be known as the Abuja Accord. The substance of that accord was our commitment to free, fair and credible elections in our dear country. “In the accord, we agreed to, among other things, run an issue-based campaign and pledged that our electoral campaigns would not involve any religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both by ourselves and

all agents acting in our names. “Now that the campaigns have come to an end, we meet today to renew our pledge for peaceful elections. We therefore, call on all fellow citizens of our dear country, and our party supporters, to refrain from violence or any acts that may in any way jeopardise our collective vision of a free, fair and credible election. “In addition, we call

on INEC and all security agencies to ensure strict adherence to their constitutional roles. We also pledge to respect the outcome of free, fair and credible elections. “Today, we again renew our commitment to a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria. We want all Nigerians to stand together at this critical phase of our nation’s history,” the statement added.

Election: Politicians have engaged cultists, militias –NHRC xx

Ise-Oluwa Ige ABUJA

hairman of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, yesterday raised the alarm that some leading politicians in the country had engaged political thugs to perpetrate violence to mar this Saturday’s presidential election. Odinkalu raised the alarm while addressing journalists in Abuja barely 24 hours to commencement of general elections in the country. He cited the presence of small arms and light weapons in Lagos, Rivers and Kaduna as worrisome. According to him, hate speech was at an unprecedented level during the electioneering campaigns of all the political parties. His words: “It is clear that there are gangs, cults and militias that have been cultivated and to whom the leading political parties or people claiming to act on their behalf have somewhat outsourced for election violence. “This has made electionrelated issues both transactional and casual; in some states, well-known militia leaders have become candidates in the elections, guaranteeing that violence was part of election and campaign narrative. “In the three main locations in particular, small arms and light weapons are

present in very worrying quantities in the hands of cults, gangs, militias and unlawful hands. The calibre of arms in private hands in Rivers State, in particular, goes beyond anything that can be licensed for private use and, indeed, beyond what is legitimate or even lawful. “All the institutions, entities and communities we consulted with affirmed that hate speech was at unprecedented level and nearly all warned that the level of such hate speech now presents a clear threat to national cohesion irrespective of the outcome of the elections,” he said. He also said the closure of courts in Rivers and Kaduna has created a major crisis of lack of access to remedies for election-related violence. “The olice complain that they suffer interference from politicians in prosecuting election-related violence. They also say they have no courts to charge arrested persons to and are now short of cell space for detainees. “Parties in some cases alleged their supporters were being held interminably under opaque rules or “orders from above”. “Serial and repeated bomb attacks on courts in Rivers State are the immediate cause of the court closures there and have not attracted the right form of reprobation from the authorities.

L-R: Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Akin Orebiyi; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Oluranti; Director, State Security Services, Mr. Ben Olayi and Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen Amed Sabo, during a press briefing on the preparedness of Police and other security agencies towards a successful and violence-free 2015 general elections in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

FG reverses self, opens sea borders Omeiza Ajayi

ederal Government has reversed its earlier directive to security agencies in the country to shut the nation’s sea borders. The reversal came a day after it ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, as well as sister security agencies to shut Nigeria’s land and sea borders ahead of tomorrow’s National Assembly and Presidential elections. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, had earlier in a statement said: “All borders will effectively be closed from midnight March 25, to midnight Saturday, March 28.” The closure of the bor-

ders, he said, was to allow for a peaceful conduct of the forthcoming national elections. However, yesterday, Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, premised government’s new decision on sound advice from economic experts. The minister spoke after he commissioned the newly-built 80-bed Medium Security Prison in Koton Karfe, Kogi State. He said the decision to reopen the sea borders was a fallout of intelligence reports, which indicated that the earlier directive could derail the nation’s economic activities. “The Nigerian government had received counsel that the action was going to affect economic activities if not reversed,” he said.

Moro was quick to, however, add that officers and men of the immigration service will effectively man the country’s borders to ensure a hitchfree and successful polls by Saturday. He said in spite of the re-opening, there will be active surveillance patrol on the sea borders. “There is no cause for alarm. We have realised that we do not have to completely shutdown economic activities in our nation. Much as the elections will hold, our security agents are on the alert to ensure safety of lives and property during and after the elections,” he assured. Commissioning the prison, Moro berated some state governments, who have refused to render any form of assistance to the Prisons Service.

He said although prison issues fall under the Exclusive List, since the bulk of inmates in most prisons were natives of the states where such facilities are located, it behooves governors of such states to extend support to the service as they do to other security agencies. Earlier, Comptroller General of Prison Service, Dr Peter Ekpendu, thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for completing the facility within three months. He regretted that for the past 25 years the project was abandoned due to paucity of funds, a situation he said gave rise to over-stretching of the old prison and the attendant series of jail-break. The 80-bed Medium Prison has a holding capacity of 160 inmates.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, March 27, 2015

Police vow to arrest electoral offenders, redeploy senior officers Omeiza Ajayi

head of the National Assembly and Presidential elections tomorrow, the Nigeria Police has warned members of the public, particularly the voting public to beware of committing any electoral offences tomorrow. Consequently, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has vowed to arrest anyone who violates provisions of the electoral law. The IGP’s warning came even as he ordered the immediate redeployment of some senior police officers. Abba said the redeployment was to further reposition the police for a successful conduct of the 2015

general elections. The police boss listed several electoral offences, which he said voters must beware of. They include casting of vote twice or more, announcing false election result, stopping any other person from voting, revealing information on a ballot paper of another person and being in possession of another person’s voter card. Other offences are disorderly behaviour at polling units, canvassing for votes at polling units, shouting slogans of a political party at polling units as well as being armed with guns, sticks, stones or other dangerous weapons at polling units. Other electoral offences are loitering, using siren at a polling unit, snatching or destroying ballot boxes or card

readers, holding public meeting during election hours on Election Day, wearing or carrying badge or poster of a political party and inflicting or threatening to inflict injury on any person or persons at a polling unit. The agency advised the public to avoid trouble, as any offender will be arrested and prosecuted. In the election redeployment statement National Mirror obtained, DIG Dan’Azumi Doma is to coordinate police activities in the South East zone while DIG Mamman Tsafe takes charge of South-South zone. DIG Hashimu Argungu will oversee affairs in South West zone; DIG Christopher Katso, North West zone, DIG Hilary Opara, North East and DIG Adeola Adeniji,

North Central. Also, AIG Kalafite Adeyemi, would assist in coordinating South West zone, AIG Bala Magaji Nasarawa, North Central zone, AIG Adisa Bolanta, North West zone, and AIG Usman Gwary remains in charge of Federal Operations, FEDOPS, Abuja. Also, AIG Mark Idakwo holds sway still as AIG Zone 9 Umuahia. Also, the IGP has ordered the redeployment of some police commissioners to certain Commands for the period of the elections. CP Hosea Karma takes charge of Rivers State Command, CP Adamu Mohammed, Anambra State Command, CP Dan Bature, Enugu State Command and CP Usman Abdullahi, Katsina State Command.

UK’s PM tasks Jonathan on Saturday’s polls Paul Arhewe

ritish Prime Minister, David Cameron, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure Nigeria’s elections go ahead this weekend, warning that failure to do so “would risk national security and stability, and adversely affect Nigeria’s international reputation.” In a letter to President Jonathan, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of the elections for the African continent and the pivotal role for the President, saying: “As Africa’s biggest democracy, successful elections in Nigeria are important not only for Nigeria’s future, but as a signal to the rest of Africa. Delivering a credible process will be a lasting credit to you as President and to Nigeria as a nation.” Cameron further stressed the vital role of the Independent National Electoral

Commission, INEC, and its chief, Prof. Attahiru Jega, writing: He also called for a transparent process without violence, saying, “With hundreds of lives lost after the last election, the eyes of the international community will be focused on Nigeria.” The Prime Minister also said he was encouraged that Nigeria, alongside its neighbours, was tackling the threat posed by Boko Haram, and congratulated President Jonathan on the recent advances made by Nigerian troops. He also confirmed the UK’s commitment to support Nigeria in this effort with £5 million to the Multinational Joint Task Force to tackle Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin area. The UK is also working towards the swift adoption of a Security Council resolution in New York to welcome the force and send an important message of international political support for the force, he said.

Tension as soldiers besiege Oshiomhole’s country home Olajide Omojolomoju

P L-R: International 2015 General Election Observers, Sanford J. Ungar from Washington; leader of delegation, Dr. Vernon J. Mwaanga; Chairman, Lagos NUJ, Comrade Deji Elumoye and a member of the delegation, Sandra Pepera during a courtesy visit to Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, yesterday.

Lagos doctors resume work Franka Osakwe

octors in Lagos State hospitals yesterday resumed work, having suspended their 10-day old strike. The decision to call off the strike was based on the promise by the state government to remit the withheld doctors salaries immediately after the election. President of the Medical Guild, Lagos State branch, Dr. Biyi Kufo, disclosed to National Mirror that the guild finally reached an agreement with the Lagos

government, following a closed-door session with Health Commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris, and his Special Duties counterpart, Dr Wale Ahmed, on Tuesday. According to Kufo, the Health commissioner had assured them of the state government’s pledge to pay the withheld May 2012 and August, September 2014 doctor’s salaries, after the elections. Kufo said the commissioner also promised that the issue of residency training would be resolved soon. “The policy paper regarding the residency train-

ing had been completed and would be submitted to the governor, for consideration. “The process would soon be completed, and there would be an ad-hoc arrangement for intake of residents into LASUTH before the completion. “The issue of the employment of doctors as casual workers remains contentious. The Honourable Commissioner stated that government would continue to examine our proposals,” he said. Based on this, the Medical Guild, Lagos Branch and Nigeria Medical As-

sociation, NMA Lagos, jointly agreed to call off the strike. However, “the situation will be reviewed two weeks after the governorship elections in April, 2015,” Kufo said. It would be recalled that Lagos doctors under the aegis of the medical guild, on March 16, went on indefinite strike protesting the alleged engagement of doctors as casual workers and the withholding of doctors’ salaries for May 2012 and August to September 2014, over the doctors involvement in industrial action.

alpable tension heightened in Edo State yesterday over alleged deployment of soldiers to the country home of the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, in Iyamoh, Auchi in Etsakor West Local Government. The deployment, the state government alleged was to intimidate the governor on election dDay. This was even as there were reports that the Army high command in Abuja had drafted a special covert unit to APC strongholds in Edo North and Edo South senatorial zones to work against the ruling party in the state. A statement issued by the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, last night said that the aim of the siege was to manipulate the election’s outcome in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Odion said: “Family members of the ComradeGovernor were shocked to find his country home taken over by soldiers this (yesterday) afternoon. “When asked, the invading force said they were acting on orders from above.

We also have it on good authority that the Army high command in Abuja had sent some soldiers to Edo State on what they described as ‘special operations’. “In order not to arouse suspicion, these soldiers were told to dress in suits and pose as SSS operatives and station themselves at polling units on election day, particularly in areas seen as APC strongholds. “They were told to harass and possibly detain polling agents of APC in order to clear the ground for rigging by agents of PDP, who would be wearing special hand bands. It is a rehash of the rigging manual implemented in Ekiti State last year. “Two days ago, our campaign jingle on Channels Television in which Oshiomhole endorsed General Muhammadu Buhari was stopped abruptly after few exposures on orders from above. “For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to use this medium to tell the Army high command that Comrade Oshiomhole cannot be intimidated even with whole might of the Nigerian Army from insisting on the application of the principle of ‘One Man, One Vote’ on the Election Day.

South West

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Afenifere warns against electoral violence, fraud KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

Scene of an accident at Olosa on Agege Motor Road in Lagos, yesterday.

Election monitoring: Ogun police ban OPC, vigilance groups, others FEMI OYEWESO AND FRANCIS SUBERU

gun State police command yesterday ordered members of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, and other unauthorised security outfits operating in the state to stay away from election monitoring exercise on Saturday. This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, by the command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi. The PPRO explained that Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, restated the ban on any unauthorised

security outfit for participating in election duty during a meeting of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security at the command’s headquarters, Eleweeran, Abeokuta, yesterday. According to Adejobi in the statement, those affected also include members of the Vigilante Service as well as outfits that have not been accredited by the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, for election duties. “They include vigilante groups or services, Man O’ War, scout, Boys Brigade, Sheriff Guards, Oodua People’s Congress and other uniformed outfits not permitted by law for this purpose.”

The PPRO explained that members of the forum, which included the police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Customs, Prisons Services, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have been mandated to arrest anyone who violates the order for possible prosecution. He stated that the forum appraised the security arrangement on ground in the state towards having free, fair, credible and violent-free elections “and was satisfied with what is already on ground.” A human rights organisation, Committee for

the Protection of Peoples Mandate, CPPM, had yesterday called on the security agencies to ensure that OPC and other ethnic militias across the country were placed under surveillance. The rights group, which addressed a world press conference at Ilupeju, Lagos, yesterday said the threat of violence championed by ethnic militias was condemnable, calling on security agencies to rise to the occasion. Chairman of the group, Nelson Ekujumi, at the conference noted that act of criminality and brigandage displayed by militia groups in the build up to the 2015 general elections was worrisome.

16 opposition parties back Buhari in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

group of 16 opposition parties in Ekiti State yesterday adopted All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in tomorrow’s presidential election, Muhammadu Buhari. The parties, which said they were looking forward to the resounding victory of Buhari in the election, hinged their support on his ability “to break the yoke of insecurity and corruption in the country.” At a press conference in

Ado Ekiti yesterday, African Democratic Congress, ADC Chairman, Prince Tunji Ogunlola, said the parties “have thrown their weight behind General Buhari in the interest of all Nigerians to salvage, liberate and rebuild the country.” The parties are MPPP, CPP, APA, SDP, UDP, AD, NCP, HDP, DPP, PPA, ADC, ACD, KOWA, ACPN, PDC and NNPP. They lamented the spate of insecurity and corruption in the country since independence in 1960. They also appealed to

all eligible voters “to actively participate peacefully to protect the sanctity of the electoral process devoid of rancour and acrimony since the election is a passing phase.” The parties also “urged all Nigerians to conduct themselves peacefully to demonstrate the beauty of democracy across the nation. The media is hereby advised to be objective in their report so as not to overheat the polity. “We call on all political parties to remember the peace accord signed during the stakeholders meeting recently and to

discourage their followers from all form of thuggery and politics of bloodshed,” they stated. Ogunlola expressed confidence on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in its bid to conduct credible, free and fair elections.

an-Yoruba outfit, Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, yesterday called for a violencefree election, urging Yoruba people to remember the peace treaty signed on September 23, 1986, in which it was agreed that the people would never again fight one another. The group, in a statement signed by its chairman, Olawale Oshun, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, said Yoruba people before the advent of colonisation had a history of democratic lineage and affirmed that democracy – as defined by one man, one vote and the majority having their way and minority, their say – has never been strange to Yoruba people. He said, “We believe therefore that eligible Yoruba people should go out enmasse to peacefully exercise their civic rights on March 28 and April 11, to choose their preferred political leaders and work against the violent intent of any minority that may seek to subvert the electoral process. “We advise all Yoruba voters to use their votes wisely, in accordance with collective peace and progress of the region because traditionally, political leadership had

always been germane to the wellbeing of Yoruba people. “This election has been described as a watershed in many quarters, and could be another defining moment in the history of Nigeria. Therefore, as a minimum irreducible expectation, we demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, lives up to its promise of conducting perhaps the best elections in the history of Nigeria and ensure the outcome of the elections reflect popular will. “ARG therefore urges law enforcement and electoral officials to stick to their constitutional duties and resist any temptations for partisanship because any premeditated or contrived action that threatens to derail the ongoing transition process and force a constitutional impasse is an action that will push Yoruba nation to the wall.” He then wished the country a successful and peaceful election process and lauded all Nigerians, including electoral and security officers, for playing their roles patriotically. CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Olayinka Risquat Ogunnusi, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAYINKA OGUNNUSIIDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

CHANGE OF NAME

The original receipt and documents issued by LSDPC Ilupeju, in respect of the property situated at Ijaiye Medium Housing Estate, Lagos, bought in the name of Temitope Oluwatosin Aigbe is missing. All efforts to find it proved abortive. If found please return to MRS FLORENCE USO AIGBE of Block 17, Flat 2, Ijaiye Medium Housing Estate, Ogba, Lagos.

Formerly known as Miss Oyekolade Mojisola Dorcas, now to be known and addressd as MRS DUROJAIYE MOJISOLA DORCAS. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN NURSES, NIGERIA (FCN) The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

The Old Trustees are: 1. Mr. Mari Balami 2. Mr. Enoch Odoma 3. Mr.John Okpanachi 4. Mrs. Elpha Oksakei 5. Mr. Tertsea Ityokoso

Removed

The New Trustees are: 1. Mr. Mari Balami Retained 2. Mr. Enoch Odoma Retained 3. Mrs. Elpha Williams Oksakei Retained 4. Rev. Tertsea Ityokoso Retained 5. Dr. (Mrs) Margaret Olusolape Jemilugba New 6. Rev. Eno Bernard Egbe New 7. Chief (Mrs) Hannatu Zwanbun Lohor New Aims and Objectives 1. To deepen members personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To promote the applications of Christians Principles in Nursing. 3. To provide regular Christian Fellowship and professional Meetings. Any objection to the Changes should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Buhari

Signed: GENERAL SECRETARY

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South West

Friday, March 27, 2015

Editors’ Guild holds biennial convention April 25 N igerian Guild of Editors, NGE, will hold its biennial convention on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Highlight of the convention will be the election of 16 officers and standing committee members to run its affairs for the next two years. According to a state-

ment signed by Vice-President (West) of the NGE, who is also Chairman, Organising Committee of the 2015 biennial convention, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola ( SAN), will host the event scheduled for Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. Former Managing Di-

rector of defunct Sketch newspaper, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, will chair the convention, while veteran journalist and a Fellow of the Guild, Mr. Stanley Egbochuku, will lead the 7-man electoral committee. The statement said the convention, originally slated for March, was

WAEC inaugurates e-inquiry office for customers TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

est African Examinations Council, WAEC, yesterday inaugurated a customer service centre at its head office in Yaba, Lagos. The office, first of its kind for the 63-year-old examination body, is installed with computer system, internet services and other facilities strictly to provide online services to WAEC’s teeming candidates and other members of the public in line with global best practices. The customer service centre was built and furnished by Media Concepts International Limited, a PR consulting firm

as part of its corporate social responsibility to the society. In his address of welcome, Head of National Office of WAEC Nigeria, Mr. Charles Eguridu, thanked the donor for the gesture, which he said was built within three months. He explained that with the facility, candidates could connect to the office notwithstanding their geographical locations for enquiries and other businesses as may be necessary. He, however, promised that the organisation would put the office in good use and replicate same in its zonal and branch offices nationwide. Managing Director of the donor company, Mr.

Babatope Agbeyo, said his company believed the donated office would make WAEC job with customers much flexible, easier and faster. The immediate past chairman of WAEC, Professor Pius Obanya, in his remark, also thanked the donor and asked users to utilise the facility to boost service delivery of the organisation and consequently its image. He said WAEC had come of age with good proven record and must sustain the tempo. Dignitaries at the event included Registrar of the council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, three of his predecessors - Alhaja Mulikat Bello, Chief Shiaka Esezobor and Dr. Sylvia Boye, among others.

Ondo Reps member arrested

...APC demands his release OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

ndo State Police Command on Wednesday evening arrested and detained a member of the House of Representatives from the state, Eniolorunda Omosule. Omosule, who represents Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State, was arrested when he visited the Special Investigation Bureau, SIB, Akure, to bail his security guard. The security guard was said to have been arrested last week when security operatives allegedly invaded the lawmaker’s residence in Owo. He had last week petitioned Assistant Inspector

General of Police, AIG, zone 11, over an alleged harassment and assault of his followers in Ose and Owo. The House of Representatives member, who defected from the Labour Party, LP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, last year, accused the state Director General of Jonathan/Sambo campaign team, Tokunbo Modupe, of witch-hunting his supporters in the petition. Omosule claimed in the petition that his residence in Owo was invaded by six members of the Special Anti-cultism Squad, SAS, without any warrant of arrest following allegation that he was harbouring political thugs. But the APC in Ondo State has called on Com-

missioner of Police to immediately release Omosule and all APC members in police custody. The party, in a statement jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of its campaign, Tunde Imolehin and Titiloye Charles, urged the police to respect the fundamental human right of citizens not to be unlawfully incarcerated or denied their liberty without observing due process of law. APC noted that the right to liberty has not been suspended from our constitution, saying: “Our party members must not be intimidated and harassed, but must be allowed their liberty to vote for candidates of their choice during Saturday’s election.”

shifted by a month due to postponement of Nigeria’s general elections. It added that the convention, which is open

to every fellow and member of the guild, will see delegates arrive for accreditation on Friday, April 24.

The event will also witness the induction of new members at a gala night to round off the convention.

Armed robbers kill bank manager, others in Ondo OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

gang of armed robbers yesterday stormed Owo in Ondo State and killed an unspecified number of people. The manager of a branch of Wema Bank in the town and his assistant were said to be among the victims. It was gathered that the two bank officials, whose identities were not known, declined to co-operate with the robbers when they

The robbery caused pandemonium as many residents, who read political meanings to it went round the town protesting after the robbers had left. It was alleged that police officers did not challenge the armed robbers, while the operation lasted. The hoodlums reportedly entered the town through the Owo-Abuja express road. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident.

stormed their bank. Sources said the armed robbers invaded the town at about 4.00p.m. and shot sporadically into the air till they got to the heart of the town where they robbed three new generation banks. The robbers, who carted away an undisclosed amount of money in all the banks, also injured many staff. Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that some residents were shot dead, while others sustained serious injuries.

Lagos CP assures of safety during polls DARE A KOGUN

agos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, has restated the command’s readiness

to combat any crisis before, during and after Saturday’s poll and subsequent election in the metropolis. Speaking at the gathering of police and other security agencies to

discuss the state of preparedness of security agencies for the polls at the command headquarters, Ikeja, he assured residents of their safety, saying they were equal to the task.

D’Banj, Wande Coal gang up against Don Jazzy Ali Baba blasts

beautiful women

Celebrity

Marriage If you have the milk shake, curves and are well endowed, has made they SURELY will bring all the boys in da yard. But me a better person keeping them in the yard is another whole nine-yard –Darlene Benson Woman

Funke Akindele runs back to Jenifa to save her career

My recipe for agelessness

– Funmi Ajila Ladiipo

x STealk SSeven smelly body parts that can ruin great sex! This column is x-rated

South East

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Protest trails Chime’s request for N11b loan Anambra CJ advocates Dennis Agbo ENUGU

cores of angry protesters on Thursday besieged Enugu State House of Assembly complex to kick against a request by Governor Sullivan Chime, for the House to give approval to obtain N11 billion loan. The protesters, who were led by the state governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Okechukwu Ezea, gained entrance into the House of Assembly premises around 9.am and chanted anti-government songs and slogans. With their placards, they barricaded the entrance of the House of Assembly complex and demanded for an audience with the Speaker, Eugene Odo. Some of the placards read: “N11 billion loan monumental fraud”, “Chime has milked Enugu State dry

financially”, “Enugu State House of Assembly, don’t approve N11 billion loan”, “Speaker, please save Enugu State from bankruptcy”. Security operatives attached to the House attempted to calm down the protesters, but they threatened to move into the complex if the Speaker fails to come out and address them. The confrontation between the security operatives and the protesters almost degenerated into brawl, but for the prompt intervention of the House Public Relations Officer, PRO, Jonas Ugwuanyi, who called the attention of the Speaker to what was happening in the premises. The Speaker and other principal officers immediately hurried to the entrance of the complex for a meeting with the protesters. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Ezea, said

they got information that the House of Assembly wanted to approve N11billion loan for a government that has come to the end of its tenure. ‘Before now, if you go to the Debt Management Office, DMO, Enugu State as at 31st January 2015 owes N12.06 billion and somebody wants to take N11 billion. The lives of these our children are at stake. Hospitals are not working in Enugu State, students are paying N150,000 as school fees in ESUT. “We want to tell you that our people say no to this loan. You must conduct a public hearing to feel the pulse of the people. We are urging you to remain the conscience of the society. You should go and consult your constituents and see if they are in support of this loan. Otherwise, it will be on record that this House did things that were against

the interest of our people” Ezea said. The Speaker thanked the protesters for the way they conducted themselves, noting that every indigene of Enugu State has the right to air their views. Odo who noted that the House represents the 24 state constituencies in the Enugu State, admitted that the governor brought a request for a loan, but made it clear that the House has not deliberated on it. “We are happy that you have expressed your opinion. Each of you here have constituency. You have representative here. We hope that our decision will reflect your wishes. “You have assembled peacefully and aired your views. We hope that as we move on and deliberate, that the members will make an opinion in the best interest of Enugu State” Odo said.

judiciary independence Charles Okeke AWKA

hief Judge of Anambra State, Honourable Justice Peter Umeadi, has made a plea for judiciary independence through financial autonomy. Justice Umeadi said that granting financial autonomy to the judiciary will enable the courts to sit and adjudicate on issues without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Speaking during the 4th annual Chief Judge’s dinner and maiden award night held in Awka, capital city yesterday, Umeadi stated that judiciary as a component part of the government occupies a key position in the affairs of the nation, especially as it is expected to act as an arbiter between the executive and legislative arms. Umeadi stated that the aim of instituting the Judge’s dinner night is to create a platform for the three arms of the government in Anambra State to interact with a view to discover areas of improved synergy for smooth and effective running of government machineries. He commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed, the National Judicial Council and Governor Wliie Obiano for approving the appointment of eight new judges for the High

Court of Anambra State. He further commended Governor Obiano for committing over N400 million for the construction of new judges’ residence and the renovation of existing court halls, all designed to enable judicial officers work in conducive and the proper environment. Guest speaker at the event, Chief Ladi Rotimi Williams (SAN), in a paper entitled: “Enhancement of the Legal Profession; the Role of the Bench and Bar” observed that judiciary independence will help members of the bench and bar perform optimally. “It is only when the bench is well funded and independent that it can be bold and courageous enough to impose adequate punishment on perpetrators of corruption, but when judiciary is underfunded and perceived to be weak, those who thrive in corruption will continue in their fraudulent acts” Williams stressed. He charged the National Judicial Council and Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, to be more proactive and decisive in discharging their responsibilities if corruption and inefficiency are to be nipped in the bud in the legal profession in Nigeria. Williams stated that what Nigeria needs at this point in time are model judges who are erudite, incorruptible, competent, God fearing and hardworking.

Igbo group backs Ohanaeze’s endorsement of Jonathan James Abraham JOS

Suspected criminals paraded by Anambra State Police command, yesterday.

PDP denies anti-military documentary

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said it has the utmost respect for the military and would not do anything to disparage the country’s armed forces. The party was reacting to an anti-military documentary, which allegedly demonised retired military personnel, including former Heads of State. Addressing a press conference yesterday, Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Cam-

paign Committee, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said President Goodluck Jonathan as a person and those around him have the highest regard for the military institution. He said: “It has been brought to our attention that there is speculation that an anti-military documentary, which was aired on Silverbird Television, was erroneously described as the handiwork of ‘President Jonathan’s men. “We wish to make it

abundantly clear that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Organisation, the PDP or any true friend of President Jonathan would never have a hand in the compilation, production or sponsoring of any documentary that seeks to undermine or disparage our armed forces or indeed, those who have served our country in any military capacity in an honourable and meritorious way in the past.

“Not only do we frown at such unpatriotic documentaries, but we also condemn them. We wish to make it clear that President Jonathan and all his true friends have nothing, but the greatest respect for the military and the men and women of our armed forces.” He accused All Peoples Congress, APC, of making frantic efforts to score cheap political points by discrediting the Federal Government.

n Igbo group, IzuUmunna Cultural Association, has said that it stands by the endorsement of President GoodLuck Jonathan by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, for Saturday presidential election. In a statement made by the President of the association, Dr. Ugo Ihekuna and Secretary General, Chief Elvis Chukwu respectively and made available to journalists in Jos yesterday, the association said that it had not mandated any group or individual to endorse any other candidate on its behalf or on behalf of Ndigbo

living in the 19 northern states of Nigeria and Abuja other than President Goodluck Jonathan. The group frowned at a statement credited to a group, under Igbo Delegates Assembly and led by Chief Sam Inyama, which purportedly met the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Major Geneneral Mohammadu Buhari, and endorsed him for the election on behalf of NdIgbo in the 19 northern states of Nigeria and Abuja. It therefore disowned IDA, Inyama and all those on that visit as they were not representing the interests of Ohan’eze Ndigbo or that of Ndigbo living in the 19 northern states and Abuja

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, March 27, 2015

Thugs shoot Amaechi’s convoy in Rivers

…its assassination attempt —Govt Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

overnor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State escaped death by the whiskers yesterday evening when unknown persons suspected to be thugs fired gunshots and hauled stones at his entourage at Rumuolumeni in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of the state. Obio/Akpor is the local government of the state’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Chief Nyesom Wike. It was gathered that the suspected thugs attacked the governor and his en-

tourage with bottles, stones and other dangerous objects while he and his team were on a door-to-door campaign in the area. Soon afterwards, gunshots were fired at Amaechi’s convoy, even as two supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, sustained gunshot injuries. It was also learnt that when the governor was leaving the community, bonfire was set up on the road to prevent him from leaving. The police are yet to confirm the incident at the time of filing this report. But, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, in a statement said the

incident was part of plans to attack and assassinate APC chieftains in the state by the PDP. Mrs. Semenitari, who is also Director of Communications, Greater Together Campaign Organisations, ‎said the governor’s convoy was ambushed. The statement reads: “‎In keeping with their plans to attack and assassinate chieftains and members of the All Progressives Congress, thugs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ambushed the convoy of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was on a door-to-door campaign in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State.

“Obio/Akpor is the home local government area of Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, governorship candidate of the PDP. “The thugs were repelled by the governor’s security personnel. “However the PDP in Rivers State has concluded plans to launch house-tohouse attack of APC chieftains in the state with the aid of security personnel. “The APC wishes to draw the attention of the police and other security agents to this unwholesome development on the eve of the election scheduled for March 28th. “It is more worrisome seeing that few days ago, a

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, during commissioning of 30 gunboats procured by Defence Headquarters for the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shied in Yenagoa, recently.

team of security personnel visited Governor Amaechi’s hometown to carry out a reconnaissance. “The visit coincided with authoritative information that Governor Amaechi had been marked for assassination by a com-

Bayelsa govt declares work-free day

…bars night travel on waterways

Osahon Julius YENAGOA

head of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly polls across the country, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday declared today a work-free day to enable eligible voters travel to their communities in remote riverine areas and other distant parts of the state in readiness for the poll. Also to forestall any form of violence on election days, the governor directed that no boat or river craft of any description would ply the state’s waterways for two nights, beginning from tomorrow 7pm to 8am next day; and Saturday 7pm to 8am on Sunday morning, apart from those on essential duties and emergency cases. Dickson, who made the declaration in a live broadcast to people of the state, said the decision to declare a public holiday was to enable voters participate in the accreditation exercise at their registered polling centres,

INEC deploys 4,349 card readers in Edo S ebastine E bhuom han BENIN

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has provided a total of 4,349 card readers for the Presidential and National Assembly polls in Edo State for Saturday. Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, disclosed the figure at a press briefing yesterday at Edo INEC Headquarters on Ikpoba Hill, Aduwawa, Benin City. He also disclosed that other ne-

cessities and logistics were being distributed since yesterday morning so as have a free, fair, credible and violence-free elections. Igini’s disclosure laid to rest the speculation in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other sympathetic political parties shunning the general elections over non-preference of card readers. The emergence of the machines, a first in the political evolution of Nigeria, also underlines INEC’s readiness for the election with the commission seen

yesterday afternoon charging the machines. Igini also said a total of 1,247,191 Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, were distributed by the Sunday deadline for eligible citizens to collect their cards without which nobody would be allowed to vote. According to Igini, the ballot boxes, ballot papers and result sheets for the Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives contests were received on Wednesday evening before actual distribution began yesterday morning. The

REC added that the materials would be distributed to the respective local government councils by 5pm on Friday. Igini also stated that Resident Area Centres have been created for each of the 18 local government areas of the state to ensure a hitchfree voting exercise. He therefore reminded politicians and their followers as well as eligible voters to play by the rules to ensure a free and fair election. Meanwhile, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations, CONGOs, an umbrella

bined team of the army and state security service personnel. “The Rivers State Government wishes to remind our security agencies that they owe their allegiance first of all to Nigeria and to its people.

body comprising professional bodies, trade groups, non-governmental organisations and other interest groups in Edo yesterday afternoon announced the creation of a Situation Room in a secretariat with two hotlines for reporting observations in the election on Saturday. According to a document signed by President of the group, Obasanmi Jude, and ANEEJ Communications Officer, Bob Majiri Oghene Etemiku, the Situation Room would open at 2pm tomorrow

given the peculiar terrain of the state. He appealed to the people to turn out en masse to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. He said the directive affects all offices in the state except financial institutions, and that the government had constituted a special committee to ensure compliance in both public and private offices, and enjoined employers to show some understanding. The governor further said it was imperative to ensure maximum voter turnout to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan, as he was a son of Bayelsa, adding that Bayelsans would have the rare privilege and honour to make history by massively voting for the president. According to Dickson, the government had earlier declared work-free days and embarked on PVC sensitisation campaign in an effort to get registered voters obtain their cards, noting that such collective efforts had resulted in the state being among those recording the highest PVC collection rate in the country.

and close on Tuesday, March 30. The following hotlines for telephone calls were given: 09022892143 and 07051271348; while pictures and videos can be uploaded on Facebook at: Nigeria2015electionupdates. The document said the room would have learned people of various professional bodies, trade groups and other interest groups in the state who would be saddled with contributing to the task of monitoring, discussing and analysing the election as it is happening.

North

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Elections: FRSC deploys 20,000 nationwide CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ederal Road Safety Corps has deployed 20,000 personnel and 413 patrol vehicles, ambulances and tow trucks along designated routes of the highways in its efforts to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure sanity throughout the duration of the elec-

tions. Corps Public Education Officer, Imoh Etuk, in a statement said the corps has also drawn a road map towards effective patrolling of designated routes of the highways, in addition to prompt rescue services and public enlightenment campaigns, as part of measures to engender best road safety practices among road users.

“Since the elections are in two phases of March 28, 2015, for Presidential and National Assembly and April 11, 2015, for gubernatorial and state Assembly elections, this is in addition to the corps’ 24 emergency ambulance response centres located at designated routes in the FCT, Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Niger, Kogi, Ondo, Edo, Osun,

Nasarawa, Plateau and Kwara states. “Deriving from this, motorists are hereby enjoined to ensure proper planning and management of trips through maintenance of their vehicles and compliance with traffic rules and regulations. “Motorists and other categories of road users are strictly warned to desist from all vices on the

road such as overloading, speed limit violation, non-use of seat belt, route violation (driving against traffic), making and receiving calls while driving and night trips. Details of the objectives of this special exercise include removal of obstructions from the highways, traffic control and decongestion, public enlightenment campaigns.” The FRSC spokesman advised road users to desist from night trips and

to ensure that vehicles, which ply the highways, adhere to safety standard such as functional head and rear lights, wipers, tyres, fire extinguisher, caution sign and non-defective windscreen. He further reminded the motoring public to call the FRSC toll free emergency number 122 and 070022553772 to report any road crash or any other traffic-related challenges for prompt response.

Kidnapped Zamfara emir freed IBRAHIM ADAMU KANOMA GUSAU

L-R: Sponsor and Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Umar Sani; Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero and District Head of Gabasawa, Alhaji Jibrin Mohammed, at the presentation of motorcycles to one of the beneficiaries of Umar Sani Foundation’s 2nd Youth Empowerment Programme in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Police withdraw security aide from Kano politicians A BDULGAFAR O LADIMEJI KANO

ano State Joint Security Committee under the command of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered the withdrawal of police and civil defence orderlies attached to political functionaries, Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, has said. The Kano police boss said all police divisional officers were handed the instruction to recall police and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel attached to political office holders with exception of those under protection of the immunity clause. Addressing security operatives drawn from the Nigerian Army and other paramilitary agencies for deployment during the forthcoming general elections, the police boss tasked security operatives to conduct themselves prop-

erly within the confines of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended. He also admonished officers and men to render the best of service they could offer to their fatherland in the course of their duties and after Saturday’s poll. He cautioned politicians to avoid going to voting centres in company of large political followers. According to him, the personnel though drawn from the various paramilitary and military organisations must rise above board by shunning the differences in uniform while discharging their responsibilities. He warned them not to venture into handling ballot boxes or papers, adding that involvement in collation of election results by men and officers of security agencies was a violation of the electoral laws. National Mirror reports that thousands of security operatives were yesterday dis-

patched to all the 44 local government areas of Kano State ahead of Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly polls. According to the police boss, the operatives would be assisted with

armed security personnel stationed close to political flash points and voting venues, disclosing that the Nigerian Air Force will back up the security arrangements with air surveillance.

mir of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman, has regained freedom after spending five days in captivity in the hands of kidnappers. The emir was abducted by unknown gunmen last Friday at his palace in Bukkuyum town, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Witnesses said the emir was about to enter a mosque close to his palace to observe his Isha prayer when some unidentified gunmen arrived in a car and bundled him into the waiting vehicle and fled. Confirming report of the emir’s release yesterday, spokesman of the Police Command, DSP

Sanusi Amiru, said the emir was intercepted by security agents at Gadar Zema along Zamfara -Kebbi states’ border. The PRO said the emir was in good health and had since been re-united with his family, adding that he was not aware of wether any ransom was paid to the kidnappers. “Even though no arrest was made, but the state police command is intensifying effort to see that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are nabbed and brought to justice,” he added. One of the emir’s sons, Alhaji Murtala Muhammadu Usman, expressed happiness over the development, saying that the emir is in good health. He then prayed for a quick end to all security challenges confronting the nation.

Panic shopping in Minna as election fever grips residents PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

esidents of Minna, capital of Niger State, and environs are into panic shopping of basic essential food items, just as sellers’ made brisk business ahead of the March 28 presidential election. This is due to fear of what might happen, if either of the presidential candidates of the two dominant parties, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, emerges victorious in tomorrow’s poll. Also, text messages sent to customers from telecom-

munications providers in the state to stock their homes with basic necessities due to the election, added to the panic, thereby sending more people into Minna market. Many who spoke with National Mirror said the tension created by the presidential election has raised apprehension among many people due to fear of possible curfew that might be imposed by the government to forestall outbreak of violence. Checks revealed increase in number of customers to the banks with long queues at banking halls and ATM points to enable them collect monies and make purchases and keep some handy. The panic shopping has resulted in traffic gridlock in major roads in the state capi-

tal with car owners moving from one point to the other to pick up items for their households. Fuel stations, food sellers, artisans such as generator mechanics, water vendors, among others, are smiling to the banks. According to Mrs. Martha Matthew, “we don’t want to be caught in the crossfire after result of the election is released. We feel there may be problem based on the heat generated by the two main parties over the election. But we pray it will not happen so that Nigeria can remain after the election.” Mohammed Bello, on his part, said people have not bought things the way they are doing currently, noting that the tension generated

by the elections have overwhelmed Nigerians, hence the panic. “I have never seen this kind of purchase people are making over this election. Sellers are making a lot of sales from every commodity. The banks are full with customers making large withdrawal of cash to buy items and even keep at home.”

Gov Aliyu

Friday, March 27, 2015

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU juxtaposes the result of the 2011 presidential election with the realities on ground in the run up to Saturday’s presidential election and came up with what the picture might likely look like after Saturday’s poll.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

How Jonathan, Buhari may fare on Saturday

1 DAY TO GO

n Saturday, Nigerians will queue to elect the next resident to run the nation’s affairs for another four years terminating in 2019, between the incumbent President and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. Four years ago, during the presidential election which was contested mainly by President Jonathan, General Buhari, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Ibrahim Shekarau, presidential candidates of PDP, defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP respectively and other presidential candidates of other parties, President Jonathan coasted home to victory with 22,495,187 votes against Buhari’s 12,214,853 votes. Ribadu and Shekarau polled 2,079,151 and 917,012 votes respectively while 16 other presidential candidates jointly polled 504,866 votes. Invalid votes were 1,259,506 Then, Jonathan polled 2,786,417 votes in the SouthWest, with a breakdown as follows: Ondo - 387,376; Ogun - 309,177; Oyo - 484,758; Lagos - 1,281,688; Ekiti - 135,009 and Osun - 188,409. Jonathan won in all South-West states, except Osun, allegedly as a result of a last minute pact he had with former governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Bola Tinubu. In the South-South, Jonathan’s geo-political zone, he polled 6,118,608 votes with the largest chunk of 1,817,762 votes coming from Rivers State; Cross River and Akwa Ibom states gave 709,382 and 1,165,629 votes respectively. The least of 504,811 came from his home state, Bayelsa, while Delta and Edo states gave the President 1,378,851 and 542,173 votes respectively. The South-East gave Jonathan 4,985,346 votes with Imo State providing 1,406,289 votes for Jonathan. From Enugu came 882,144 votes while Anambra gave the President 1,145,169 votes. Ebonyi and Abia provided 480,592 and 1,175,954 votes respectively. In all, Jonathan garnered 13,890,271 votes from the Southern part of the country. From the North, Jonathan polled 8,351,472 votes. He got 3,395724 from the North-West, 3,123,126 from the NorthCentral and 1,832,622 from the North-East. A break down of the votes state by state showed that he polled 440,666; 1,190,179; 428,392; 369,198; 238,980; 309,057

Jonathan

Buhari

It is expected that All APC governors should deliver their states for

the party’s presidential candidate and 419,252 votes from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa states respectively from the North-West. North-Central states of Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states gave Jonathan 694,776, 1,029,809, 321,429, 399,816, 268,243 and 408,997 votes respectively while he garnered 258,000; 290,347; 508,314; 207,075; 117,128 and 451,354 from Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Taraba states respectively. His main challenger in 2011, Buhari garnered 321,609 votes from the South-West as follows: Ondo - 11,890; Ogun - 17,000; Oyo - 92396; Lagos - 189.983; Ekiti - 0 and Osun 6,997. Buhari polled a paltry 49,978 votes from the SouthSouth. He got 13,182 votes Rivers State; 4,002 votes from Cross River State, while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states gave 5,348 and 691 votes respectively, while Delta and Edo states gave him 8,960 and 17,795 votes respectively. The South-East was even worse as the retired General managed to poll 20,335 votes. State by state analysis revealed that he got 3,753 votes from Enugu while Anambra gave Buhari 4,223 votes. Ebonyi and Abia states provided 1,025 and 3,608 votes respectively. From the North, where Buhari commanded a cult followership, he polled 11,691355 votes with the North-West, his zone giving him 6,453,437 votes. He polled 1,624,354; 1,334,244; 1,163,919; 501,453; 624,574; 540,769 and 663,994 votes from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, his home state, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa states respectively.

He polled from North-Central states of Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa; 109,680; 356,551; 652,574; 132,201; 83,603 and 278,390 votes respectively, totalling 1,612,999 votes. He also performed well in North-East states of Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Taraba states, where he polled 1,300,000; 459,898; 344,526; 909,763; 337,537 and 257,986 votes respectively, making a total of 3,624,919 votes. But then, the indices which gave the President victory have changed drastically. President Jonathan, probably with his ‘no shoe’ childhood story enjoyed tremendous goodwill from across the Nigerian populace devoid of ethnic, religious and political crevices; a goodwill many political observers claimed the President has squandered with four years of his first term. Again, there was no formidable opposition in 2011 like we have in the present run up to the general elections. Defunct CPC, ACN, ANPP and a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, late in 2013 came together to form the major opposition party, APC, which is hell-bent in wrestling power from Jonathan and the PDP. It is doubtful if Jonathan would repeat the 2011 feat, where he won convincingly in 23 states and the Federal Capital territory, FCT, where he polled 253,444 votes and also scoring the mandatory 25 per cent of votes cast in eight other states. Buhari on the other hand, won convincingly in 12 states, while defunct ACN won in one state. For one, in 2011, the opposition parties, ACN and ANPP control only eight states out of 36 states of the federation, but today, the story is different. Apart from winning five out of the six states in the South-West, the opposition also increased its tally when five PDP governors of Kano, Rivers, Sokoto, Kwara and Adamawa defected to the opposition APC. Imo State, which was won by APGA also joined the ranks of the opposition. Today, the opposition boasts of 15 states, after the loss of Adamawa and Ekiti states to the PDP through impeachment and election. In 2011, Jonathan won in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How Jonathan, Buhari may fare on Saturday

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa and Taraba states while Buhari emerged victorious in Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi and Zamfara states. It is expected that All APC governors should deliver their states for the party’s presidential candidate and if this is so, Buhari is expected to win in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Nasarawa, Kwara, Sokoto, Borno, Yobe, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kano. Expectedly, if Buhari’s command of cult followership, especially in the North is anything to go by, he may also again win Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Niger and Gombe. Another factor working for Buhari is the clamour by Northerners for power to return to the zone and from all indications; electorate from the zone may make it happen by voting en masse for the retired General. Thus, Jonathan, according to political pundits is expected to win in four of the five South-East states of Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra. Imo State could go either way. He is also expected to coast home to victory in Benue, Plateau and Kogi states in North-Central while it is also expected that he wins in three South-South states of Delta, Cross River, and Bayelsa. Rivers and Akwa Ibom states can go either way as well, as there are however fears that Buhari may even end up clinching the two states, if care is not taken. Despite the expectation that APC gov-

ernor are expected to deliver their states, there are indications that Nasarawa and Imo may be exception. Swing states, according to analysts include: Niger, Kaduna, Gombe, Adamawa, Ondo and Ekiti and either of Jonathan or Buhari may win those states. With the defection of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah and former Petroleum minister, Don Etiebet, from the ruling PDP to APC, Akwa Ibom State may have slipped out of Jonathan’s grasp. Overall, one state each is certain for each of the presidential candidates. While it is forgone conclusion that Jonathan will sweep his home state, Bayelsa, it is certain that General Buhari will emerge victorious in his home state Katsina as well. Political analysts believe that there is the likelyhood of a run-off where none of the two major candidates satisfy the mandatory constitutional requirement of 25 per cent of votes cast in at least two-thirds of the 36 states of the federation.

Despite the expectation that APC governor are expected to deliver

their states, there are indications

Nasarawa and Imo may be

that

exception

Buhari likely states

Jonathan likely states

Swing states

Lagos

Abia

Imo

Ogun

Enugu

Nasarawa

Oyo

Ebonyi

Benue

Osun

Anambra

Adamawa

Edo

Bayelsa

Niger

Kwara

Delta

Gombe

Sokoto

Cross River

Bauchi

Borno

Plateau

Jigawa

Yobe

Kogi

Rivers

Kebbi

Taraba

Akwa Ibom

Zamfara

FCT

Ondo

Kano

Ekiti

Katsina Kaduna

2015: Canada group assures on 2m mortgage jobs for Jonathan’s reelection Olajide Omojolomoju

major boost for President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid has come from Nigerian professionals in Canada, whose members have promised to assist Jonathan create two million jobs once he’s return to office. No fewer than 50 Nigerian professionals, made up of medical doctors, engineers, economists, educators, captains of industries, legal luminaries and policy analysts met in Toronto, Ontario and endorsed Jonathan for another four years, promising to support the President, after his victory in Saturday’s elections, in creating two million jobs in the mortgage sector in Nigeria. The Convener of the group, Hon Achor Humphreys, said that the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Canada Chapter, who is a mortgage

investment expert, Prince Michael Daramola, has assured the President that the job would be created in the next five years. Humphreys said in a release yesterday that a housing development scheme synonymous with the Canadian mortgage financial model would be presented to Jonathan for immediate implementation for the benefits of Nigerians. His words: “Through their housing plan tailored in line with Canadian mortgage financing model which will be presented to President Jonathan after the election will create more than two million jobs in the mortgage industry in Nigeria over the next five years.” He said the endorsement came after three months of study of the manifestoes of the PDP and All Progressives Congress, APC, and plans by Jonathan and APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Humphreys stated further that the study was carried out “in order to tell Nigerians, with their expertise, which of the candidates’ plan will fulfill the Nigerian dream.” The convener added that Dr. Geoffrey Ebere, a repre-

sentative of Ottawa chapter of the professionals in Diaspora, assured that under Jonathan, the country would guarantee a secured and prosperous future for Nigerians. Similarly, Mr. Clement Sofin and a businessman,

Razak Olayiwola, who represented the Montreal chapter collectively, assured that the president would be re-elected because Nigerians now know that his plans and policies will usher in “the Nigerian dream.”

Also, Ms. Tayo Ajayi, an accountant and top official of the group, explained that because of Jonathan’s achievements Nigerian women are competing with their peers in advanced democracies.

Forum lauds Jonathan’s investment policy, calls for peaceful polls Ayo Esan

group, South West Consultative Forum, SWCF, has lauded the investment policy of the Federal Government, just as it warned the people of the region to shun violence during tomorrow’s election. The Forum which participated recently in Montreal Canada, where the United Nation Global General Assembly acknowledged the trade and investment capacity of the President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria, pointed out that so far, the investment policy

has given the country global recognition. The group which drew its membership from all the political parties in the South-West also warned the people of the region to shun political violence or any act that could damage the reputation of the Yoruba race, while it frowned at the one man show of the South West politics in Lagos and some states in the region. Pointing out that the commendation of the investment policy of the present government, was not linked to the partisanship of its members but borne out of what it witnessed outside the country and based

on its participation in the United Nations Global Investment Forum, SWCF Secretary General, Comrade Ibrahim Temi, emphasised that it was important for Nigeria’s political class to separate trade and investment, government global policy from mere political points. He pointed out that at the conference, the All Progressives Congress, APC, government in Lagos State under the leadership of Babatunde Fashola was commended on the infrastructure, health policies and the way the government has been handling the political situation in the state.

He said based on what the group witnessed about Nigeria in the global arena, all Nigerians must cast their votes not on partisan level, tribe, religion, age or possible godfatherism but on the reality on ground based on the economy, freedom of speech, and what the country stands to gain or benefit in the next four years. Condemning the seaming division among the Yoruba leaders, SWCF said that this division across the region would further jeopardise the participation of the Yoruba people in any government that would be formed at the centre and in the global circle.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Court adjourns Ikpeazu’s case till April 1 Ebere Ndukwu

n Abuja Federal High Court has adjourned till April 1, the case instituted against the eligibility of Abia State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to contest the April 11 election. Obasi Uba Ekeagbara and Chukwuemeka Mbah, in suit No: FHC/ ABJ/CS/1086/2014, are seeking the disqualification of Ikpeazu, from contesting the gubernatorial election on the ground of his failure to pay his 2010

and 2011 personal income tax as and when due. Joined in the suits, are the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the PDP. In its ruling on Wednesday, the court refused the prayers for a transfer of the matter to Abia State and agreed with the submission and arguments that the Federal High Court, Abuja, has territorial jurisdiction in view of the specific subject matter of the suit and the fact that the cause of action as contained in the plaintiffs amended originating summons originated from Abuja and not Abia State.

Scientist tasks Nigerians on electoral choice Olajide Omojolomoju

Nigerian world class consultant, Dr. Martin Fregene, has urged Nigerians to be circumspect on the choice of candidate for Saturday’s presidential election. Dr. Fregene, who made his views known in Abuja yesterday, noted that, although many Nigerians blame the present government for many social and economic challenges, the same government has started far-reaching interventions in many critical areas that are widely acclaimed beyond the shores of Nigeria. He said: “Naturally, they blame the government in power, and the face of that government, Goodluck Jonathan. But the hard truth is that he has started the turnaround of millions living in poverty. He is creating prosperity for Nigerians through his agricultural transformation agenda and power reforms. “He is tackling poor infrastructure; SureP is investing

Deborah Didi

n a last minute effort to shore up the electoral fortunes of President Goodluck Jonathan in tomorrow’s election, SouthWest Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, yesterday undertook a rally to mobilise support for his re-election. The rally, which saw CNPP members, made up of chairmen and leaders

Politics

Friday, March 27, 2015

billions in rehabilitation of our bad roads.” Asking whether “four years are really enough to see sufficient impact of all these laudable programmes,” Fregene said: “Anybody who has read the history of development of nations would be able to appreciate this point. China, for example, achieved a feat of lifting 400 million people out of poverty between 1978 and 1990, a period spanning over ten years. “We need to stay the course with Jonathan’s programmes to continue to raise millions out of poverty, tackling epileptic power and poor roads, and putting the unemployed back to work. It just makes sense that He needs time to consolidate what he began. He needs more time.” He concluded that “it is time for us, as a nation, to decide on whether to move forward, to go backward or to remain stagnant. Change is already happening. All we need yearn for is continuity of transformation. Nigerians deserve four more years of Jonathan.”

Lagos Collectives denies INEC meeting with Lagos PDP leaders Ayo Esan

political group, Lagos Collectives, has denied the allegation by Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, that former National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George and PDP gubernatorial candidate Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje met with some Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials in Lagos yesterday, The group described the allegation as illogical, saying: “It is bizarre and

show sense of desperation and palpable confusion in the ranks of the APC”. In a release issued by the group and signed by its chairman, Prof Tejumade Akitoye Rhodes, it said: “Joe Igbokwe in his usual garbled logic and rampant idiocy, provided no iota of corroborative evidence to support his claim. “He offered no illustration of rational argument. No believable itemisation of truth. No valid reasoning or visionary platform. He merely hollered a fraudulent and deceitful claim like one deepened in dementia and provocative imbalance.

He said if Igbokwe is aware of any meeting with INEC officials at all, he must be the one coordinating it from a distorted and muddled imagination.” Lagos Collectives said the fact is that APC has lost focus and moral stability, adding: “The party is now desolate and deserted, absolutely verging on the margins of defeat. Lagosians are tired of the depraved gang of looters and moral sadists who pretend fraudulent progressive fixation whereas they are basically defined by a virulent, hideous vision of vast public greed

1 DAY TO GO

and total mismanagement of our collective treasury.” Lagos Collectives said the APC is now haunted by an impending defeat, appealing to “all Lagosians to go to the polls on Saturday and vote peacefully and massively for President Goodluck Jonathan and all PDP candidates and therefore reject the current lootocracy in Lagos State.”

Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar (right), demonstrating to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters on how to vote during the Minister’s campaign for re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in Dasa village, Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, yesterday.

Coalition urges Nigerians to be cautious of Jega, Northern leaders Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

oalition of civil society groups in Nigeria under the auspices of National Democratic Front, NDF, have urged Nigerians and foreign observers in the country to beam their

searchlights on Professor Attahiru Jega and some Northern leaders during the forthcoming general elections. NDF said this will prevent short changing some section of the country due to the low distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs,

South West CNPP rallies for Jonathan of several political parties in the zone, marching from Ojuelegba area of Lagos to Yaba bus stop as a show of solidarity, had many of the party leaders in attendance. South-West CNPP Secretary General, Rev. Austin Nnorom, said the rally was a sign that CNPP was solidly behind the presidential aspiration of Jonathan and have been working for him in the six states of the South-West

to ensure his victory. He said the support CNPP was giving Jonathan despite the fact that majority of their members do not belong to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was because they see in him “a man who has not been a noise maker, but has been able to deliver on most of the electioneering promises he made.” He said: “Looking at the things on ground, we have

no doubt that if given another four years, the Jonathan government will transform this country.” According to him, the Jonathan administration has made visible impact in all the sectors of the economy, particularly in areas of transportation and agriculture, adding: “We don’t want the gains we have made under this government as a country to be eroded.”

in some parts of the country. During a round-table discussion on the 2015 general elections held in Abuja yesterday, NDF President, Philip Agbese, alleged that Nigerians are going into the elections with so many unanswered questions bordering on the recent activities of Professor Jega. He said local and international observers must impress it on Jega to rise above primordial sentiments during the polls for Nigerians to take him seriously, and urged him not to allow himself to be used by some elements who are bent on snatching power through undemocratic means. Agbese further reiterated the readiness of his group to observe the elections fairly and report happenings across the country to

the people through the media and appropriate channels even as there are signs already that Nigerians are prepared to actively hold the elections on Saturday. “It has become very necessary in view of the troublesome reports and accusations in public domain that Professor Jega might have been procured to do the biddings of a few individuals who are no longer comfortable with their political foes in power. “We call on both local and international observers to help in beaming their searchlights particularly in the North-West where questions of under-age and animal voting and abandonment of card reader machines are already being speculated in public domain.”

Editorial

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

2015 polls: At last, the zero hour

inally, the long awaited day for Nigeria’s rescheduled 2015 general elections is barely 24 hours away. Originally shifted from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, purportedly for security reasons and unflattering preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that probably would have eroded public confidence in the outcome of the polls were they to be conducted on the original dates slated, all now seems set for the all important exercise. Tomorrow, Saturday March 28, 2015 is the appointed day for the presidential and National Assembly elections. The electoral umpire and security agencies say they are all ready for the elections, the same way the intensification of last minute campaigns by the frontline competitors - the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) - very much suggested. At the last count, last weekend, INEC indicated that it had achieved 54.4 million permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) distribution, which represented 81.98 percent of the 68.8 million overall voters registered by the electoral body. Before the poll was rescheduled, about 67 percent PVCs distribution was reportedly recorded, amid contestations that the spread was lopsided. On the security front, Nigerian troops, working in concert with their counterparts from

other neighbouring countries endangered by the violent Boko Haram violent Islamist terrorist sect, have reportedly recaptured vast swathes of Nigerian territories in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, which were hitherto overran by insurgents. Only a handful of the communities still serving as the group’s strongholds are yet to be liberated. Indeed, INEC was credited as saying it would not conduct elections in areas like Madagali and Michika axis - the last areas recaptured in Adamawa State by the Nigerian military and its allies drawn from Chad, Benin, Cameroon and Niger - for example, because it was yet to get the nod of security agencies to hold elections in the affected areas. But the Commission said it had already created designated voting centres for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yola, the state capital. The sad commentary, nonetheless, has been the apprehension that the polls might be marred by violence; and that it could end up not being credible, free, fair and transparent. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for instance, projected lately that 20 of the nation’s 36 States might suffer the kind of election-motivated violence experienced in 2011 during the 2015 general elections. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also identified Lagos,

ITS OUTCOME IS ALSO LARGELY UNPREDICTABLE, NOTWITHSTANDING THE PERMUTATIONS AND HIGH HOPES OF THE MAJOR CONTENDERS Rivers and Kaduna states as areas prone to violence during and after this year’s polls. The NHRC said it didn’t think the parties (PDP and APC) were committed enough to dousing hate speeches or disowning violence perpetrated in their names. Indeed, the campaign of bitterness, rancour and antagonism was sustained up to the time the curtain was drawn on electioneering within the week. Incidentally, the do-or-die posturing of the campaigns had been of grave concern to both Nigerians and the international community, even before the polls were rescheduled. It got to a stage, last January, that President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling PDP and his main challenger, General Muhammed Buhari of the APC, alongside the presidential candidates of other political parties in the race, were compelled to sign a violence-free poll accord before some eminent persons, like former Secretary-General of the

ON THIS DAY March 27, 1998 In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration approved Viagra for use as a treatment for male impotence, the first pill to be so approved for the condition in the US. Sildenafil, sold as Viagra and other trade names, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its use for sexual dysfunction in women is not clear. Common side effects include headaches and heart burn, flushed skin, etc.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

March 27, 2002 Nanterre massacre: In Nanterre, France, a gunman opened fire at the end of a town council meeting, killing eight councilors and injuring 19 others, 14 critically, before being overpowered by Gerard Perreau-Bezouille and other councilors. The gunman, Richard Dur n 33-years- old, committed suicide the following day by leaping from a police station window during questioning.

United Nations, Ghana’s Mr. Kofi Annan, and his Commonwealth of Nations counterpart, Nigeria’s Chief Emeka Anyaoku, among others, at a sensitization workshop on non-violence held in Nigeria. The contestants had committed themselves to not making inciting statements, indulging in threatening opponents, and making their campaigns issues-based, etc, during electioneering. But the PDP and APC jettisoned the spirit and letter of the accord they appended their signatures on; and carried on with their hate diatribes till the very last minute of campaigns for the presidential poll. Tomorrow’s election is no doubt the most challenging for the ruling PDP since it came to power in 1999. Its outcome is also largely unpredictable, notwithstanding the permutations and high hopes of the major contenders; and sadly so in a country where poll losers scarcely accept defeat gracefully. Yet Nigerians, Africans and the rest of the world have gone beyond mere rhetoric to demonstrate that nothing short of an election that is violence-free, devoid of intimidation and fear, truly free, fair, transparent and peaceful; an election that the loser will have no justifiable and reasonable basis to discredit is expected of Nigeria this time. Nigeria needs genuine peace, prosperity and progress after the polls.

x March 27, 2009 The dam forming Situ Gintung, an artificial lake in Indonesia, failed, killing at least 100 people. Situ Gintung was an artificial lake located near the town of Cirendeu in Tangerang District, Indonesia. It was formed by a dam up to 16 metres (52 ft) high, which was built by Dutch colonial authorities in 1933. The original use of the dam had been to retain water for irrigation of rice paddies.

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Jonathan or Buhari, justify your choice NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

omorrow is D-Day. You are expected to vote for either incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan or General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), his major challenger who is contesting the presidential election for the fourth time. My assignment here is to present to our readers an unbiased objective and patriotic discussion of the issues and personalities involved in the presidential contest. I will also examine the modalities of the campaigns adopted by the duo. But before we go on this voyage, a number of preliminary remarks are apposite to the task. First is that all Nigerians have a duty to see themselves as brothers and sisters. We should see ourselves as a community of people with common interests. We are not engaged in a self destructive mission. And none of us, no matter how highly or lowly placed, should do whatever can make Nigeria to disintegrate. This means that whoever wins a free and fair election should be accepted by all of us. Even if controversies emerge from the elections we should use

the judiciary to resolve our differences in accordance with Jean Bodin dictum that “politics must be governed by law”. Nigerian politics cannot be meaningful outside the concept of rule of law. Brigandage, arson, looting, violence, rancor and acrimony just because of election will portray us as barbarians. It will further reenforce the racial prejudices which some people have against Africans. Having made those comments, let us begin with an examination of the person of President Jonathan. He is 56 years old, married to only one wife and blessed with children. Sincere people will agree that Mr. President is a nice person. He smiles often and loves his fatherland; he is an Ijaw and a Christian. He has been Deputy Governor, Vice President, Acting President and President, all in less than a decade. Indeed his name has answered for him. Based on the type of person he is, he must have been shocked by what politics has done to the perception of his person. But he has entered politics and must, therefore, learn to cope with numerous name calling he has suffered. So far no one has said that Dr. Jonathan, as a person, is corrupt. All those who want to vote for Jonathan should see his person as adequate for the leadership of our country. However such persons should not vote for Jonathan just because he is a Christian

BUHARI OR JONATHAN? THE CHOICE IS YOURS, BUT LET THERE BE PEACE IN OUR NATION or an Ijaw. In other words, I am saying they should base their decision on his public service record, which is clearly acceptable. Major General Muhammadu Buhari [rtd] is a disciplined man. He has only one wife just like a normal Christian. For him to rise through the ranks in military service with just secondary school education shows how organized and focused he has been. He is a Muslim and that should not count against him. His belief in Sharia is like all Muslims, who are expected to subscribe to the tenets of Sharia. And Christians that are honest should not be opposed to Sharia as long as it will apply only to Muslims. Buhari is not a tyrant. His actions as a military head of state were based on the level of awareness at that time and the dictates of military values. Buhari as a civilian president cannot repeat those negative manifestations of military rule. Those who want to vote for him should do so because of his qualitative service to Nigeria. He has

done his best for his fatherland. Moreover, Buhari as a person is not corrupt. Jonathan as a person is also not corrupt. Those who say that Jonathan has not done enough to fight corruption are referring to the administration led by him. They are correct and Jonathan should learn from this. It is also true that Jonathan has surrounded himself with controversial people who have corruption cases pending against them in courts all over the nation. He should have found ways of allowing more credible people to be more conspicuous in his administration. The PDP has credible people like Peter Obi, Donald Duke, Ibrahim Shekarau and others who the president should have given more prominence instead of the controversial persons around him. However it cannot be denied that Jonathan loves Nigeria. Since Buhari‘s former school came out with his result, that should settle the issue of certificate. Buhari has served creditably well in various capacities as a minister, military governor and as a former head of state. Jonathan has repaired more roads, brought about a better fertilizer distribution system and conducted free and fair elections in 2011 and 2012. Age is not a barrier for Buhari. His health is also a non-issue. Buhari or Jonathan? The choice is yours, but let there be peace in our nation.

Appreciating the dynamics of domestic conflicts

he international prevention of domestic and regional conflicts has advocated several conflict management tasks since the end of the cold war. Accordingly, the United Nation has successfully accomplished the resolution of a reasonable amount of such conflicts since the early 1990s. This is because among the various players, the United Nations remains the only institution with global legitimacy for conflict prevention responsibilities. The creation of a conceptual link between various stages of conflict escalation that could remedy them has also being emphasised in various ways and time. For example, the Boko Haram activities, especially Its escalation prevention and the limitation of their spread. This approach supports direct outside involvement to check escalating violence by using peaceful or even coercive means, if necessary. There are no simple explanations for causes of conflict and the way they fuel an escalation. To understand the dynamics of internal conflicts like we face since 2011, when the first bomb attack took place at the Police Headquarters, Abuja. A multitude of specific factors need to be taken into consideration, such as poverty and high population growth, resource scarcity and disempowerment of minorities and other groups in our society. A certain mix of these issues should not necessarily lead to increased violence and war. There is no consensus on the utility of early warning in conflict prevention. It may be argued today that failed opportunities for conflict prevention have occurred not because of insufficient time to respond, but because of a lack of political will to react to

THE TRAGEDIES OF TODAY WERE CAUSED MAINLY BY LEADERS WHO WERE INTERESTED IN

NEITHER REACHING NONVIOLENT RESOLUTIONS TO CONFLICTS NOR MAKING CONCESSIONS the warning at the initial stage. The proximate causes of conflict may result from deliberate decisions by determined leaders or political demagogues, who make violent responses to contentious issues. Bad leadership or over ambitious ones can exploit insecurity, vulnerability of certain groups and socio-economic cleavages to the extent that violence becomes a means to strengthen their hold on power. The tragedies of today were caused mainly by leaders who were interested in neither reaching non-violent resolutions to conflicts nor making concessions. But despite all these developments, conflict prevention remains an enigma. Conflicts continue to emerge and many of them turn violent. This deadly Boko Haram violence has been so intensive since 2011 and has led to widespread devastation, instabilities and large numbers of refugees. The main source of frustration for us is inability to credibly and accurately predict and rapidly respond to the sect in time before it turns to violence. The painful truth still remain that had our past leaders taken reasonable steps to respond in time, several thousands of our com-

patriots would not have been lost today. Not to mention the trillions of naira that would be invested in rebuilding and rehabilitating the displaced victims and their families. This is due both to the complex dynamics of internal, ethnic, communal conflicts and to the reluctance of many of our past leaders who failed to take steps that involved risks and costs for the entire citizenry. It is also recognized that to date a reasonable proportion of our citizens refused to differentiate between insurgencies and terrorist campaigns. For example, insurgents may be construed as revolutionaries seeking to establish and then expand base areas that manifest their control over people and places. The terrorists group lacks the means to control large geographic regions, unless where the government fails to uphold its legitimacy due to under reaction syndrome - reference to Boko Haram or ISIS. Instead of occupying an area, a conventional terrorist group tries to cow its inhabitants into submission through violence directed at them, as well as at the security forces viz - the bombing of Louis Edet House, Abuja and other police stations simultaneously is a typical examples. Furthermore, while insurgents, guerrillas, militants or freedom fighters initially concentrate their operations in rural areas, where they can more easily blend into the surrounding population and government control is normally weakest, a conventional terrorists group usually focuses its activities in urban areas since assassinations, bombings, kidnappings, hijackings, robberies, and attacks against symbolic targets like the World Trade Centre or the UN Building in Abuja yielded the most publicity.

Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only) Although, insurgents may employ terrorism for short-term tactical gains, they prefer to influence the population through sustained indoctrination and propaganda campaigns, organizing strikes and demonstrations, and other terrorist methods. Terrorist groups such as Boko Homo, Al-Qaeda and ISIS favour more indiscriminate violence aimed at making people feel that no one is safe, and to provoke an excessively harsh government response. Some terrorist organisations appear to enjoy creating mayhem for mayhem’s sake; for them, terrorism becomes an end in itself. In reality, counterterrorism strategies must be tailored to the specific characteristics of the challenge it confronts, mainly the nature of the government under attack and the most important operational features of the relevant terrorist groups. For instance, strategies to discourage BH recruitment would need to differ fundamentally in Nigeria compared to Spain whose population is not primarily comprised of Muslims. 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.

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The Tivs are not oppressors in Benue State

T Call Ibafo Police Station to order

bafo community is generally perceived to be a very rural one where the indigenous people are timid and unexposed to the dynamics of modern civilization. This fact of the community’s life style is increasing being exploited by the police station in the community. Last Friday, I witnessed a bizarre Gestapo-type act by some of the station’s men and women who went into people’s homes and forcefully bundle anyone seen outside (the time was around 8pm) into a danfo bus they commandeered; picked even any unfortunate people still walking the streets and forced them into the vehicle. At the station, all were forced to cough out N5, 000 for their bail! Those who do not have money on them were made to make call for their relations to come to their rescue. There is a particular female officer that is very notorious for this criminality. She exhibits gangster and uncouth behaviors all the time, saying you have to obey her because she is in charge. She behaves as if she has no superior in Ibafo Police Station. Dickson Anjoh, Ibafo, Ogun State.

he people of Benue State have always been marginalized by the ruling political elites. The major ethnic groups like Tiv, Idoma, Igede and other minor ones have always been victims of elite marginalization state. This is because every ethnic group in Benue State has people representing it at different levels in Benue and outside the state.

I , selfish?.

Letters to the Editor

various parts of the state to their private pockets. The truth is that the effects of elite marginalization in Benue State people are a collective one. Meaning that the Tivs’ political elites, Idomas’ political elites, the Igedes’ political elites and all political elites of minor ethnic groups in the state have to be blamed for marginalizing their poor citizens.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Warri roads and corporate irresponsibility The lack of co-operation between governments and most corporations in the execution of corporate social responsibil-

Why Ogun PVC distribution is appalling or instance, I was on the campaign train of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun to Sabo market in Sagamu, the headquarters of Sagamu Local Government Area last Wednesday. Ward 5 is located right at the centre of this major market. I decided to conduct a random survey on PVC collection in the light of the state still lagging behind the other 35 states in the collection of PVCs 10 days to the presidential poll. Surprisingly, 99 per cent of respondents - market men, women and people who reside around the ward said they had no Permanent Voter Cards, hence were not sure of voting in the forthcoming elections. Mrs Pelumi Adeleke, a rice seller could not hide her emotion, “We see the governor going all over the state everyday to campaign in the sun. Look at him here again in this scorching sun. But when you labour this much and the people don’t have

Therefore, these so-called representatives that are expected to project and promote their groups’ interests, particularly those of their people, are not doing so, preferring instead to work for realization of their own selfish interests, taking those things that belong to their people for themselves, diverting the public funds that are meant for the development of the

PCVs to vote, what can they do?” One can only trust that INEC will do everything possible within the next few days to remedy the situation, especially the supply of the balance of over 150,000 PVCs being expected in the state. And given the number of days left before the polls, Governor Amosun may also need to declare two days as work-free so that residents can resume daily in all INEC offices across the state and be there till closing hours in order to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised. This will also end the charge of the electoral body that it is the people that did not go to collect the PVCs. The electorate and INEC should also be satisfied as regards the whereabouts of the over 600,000 mystery PVCs so that no one can have access to them for use illegally. In the end, it is a win-win situation for INEC, the electorate and Nigeria. Soyombo Opeyemi Abeokuta.

ity has precipitated structural and developmental entropy in Delta State, nay Nigeria. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government”. But the blatant lackadaisical manner of most companies in the discharge of their CRS remains grotesquely recondite. Glaringly shameful cases are the gullies, static flood water and sandy dunes opposite Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank by Odibo Estate, Donasulu Company, Stanbic Bank, Heritage/Agape Church along the Warri/Effurun Sapele Road, PTI Road opposite PHCN’s Office, Giwa-Amu by Okere Ugborikoko Road, etc. There are horrendously deadly scenarios reenacted along the Airport Road by Union Bank, Pegofor, Isoko Plant Hire Company, Opposite Awenayeri Filling Station, Amju Bank, Ogborikoko Market, Fortune Bank, Greener Line Filling Staion, opposte Cambridge School, Kosini Junction, Ogunu by Angle Pack, Roundabout/ Junction opposite Angle Pack, opposite Federal

Government College, and so on. The main expressway from bye pass is an eyesore as the express road is dotted by portholes and the murderously reckless parking of petrol tankers after the Army Barrack along the major thoroughfare has been the cause of needless loss of lives and avoidable accidents. This porthole drama is virtually epitomized in three quarters of Effurun and Warri areas. The absence of culverts and central drainage systems in Effurun/ Warri roads has further compounded the state of the roads and the bitumen surfacing is easily washed away during torrential rains. We call on all corporate bodies, companies and individuals to work in unison with the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s road construction drive to ensure a broad spectral outreach to the citizenry. Uduaghan can do better by constructing culverts and drainage facilities in most of the roads he has done. A simple move to macadamize and fill them will go a long way. Chief Bobson Gbinije, Warri, Delta State.

We the people of Benue State will miss the point if we shy away from doing an objective appraisal of our collective suffering and swallow hook, line and sinker the half baked theory that the dominant ethnic group is wont to oppress the minor ones. For this to be fully appreciated, it is not true that the Tiv people that are the ones marginalizing the rest of the state. The Tiv people are also suffering just like the people of other ethnic groups. When the white members of the ruling class in apartheid South Africa were marginalizing black South Africans, were the ordinary white South Africans not suffering like the blacks? How realistic is the theory that all the members of the dominant major ethnic group marginalizing the minority groups must all be living in a state of comfort? It is not possible. What is possible is the ruling elites that marginalize the members of the non-ruling class. My point is this, the rich people in Benue State, most especially our political leaders are the ones that are marginalizing the poor in the state by taking what belong to everybody for themselves. As I mentioned earlier, those political leaders (elites) are in each of Tiv, Idoma, Igede and other ethnic groups of the state. And it is not limited to only Benue State. The syndrome is a social one that permeates all human societies. For the people to successfully shake off this shackles of oppress, there must be unity of purpose among them. So, permit me to use this medium to call on all the people of Benue State to join forces together to fight the so called political elites in the state in order to get what belong to us to better our hand-to-mouth condition, and to secure our future. Also, I call on all Nigerians to stand up, walk to the so called political elites, and shout enough is enough. According to US President Barack Obama, “a change is brought about when ordinary people do extraordinary things”. We, the poor are the ordinary people; let us do extraordinary things to bring the change we need in our beloved state and country at large. So, let us vote wisely during the general elections. Awunah Pius Terwase, Makurdi, Benue State.

Send your letters The Editor reserves thethe right letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,or orour our Email: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.comand andinfo@nationalmirroronline.net info@nationalmirroronline.netoror08056180209, 08054103275,07033375481 07033375481(SMS (SMSonly). only). The Editor reserves right to to edit and reject letters photographs. Psuedonyms may used, must clearly marked such. edit and reject letters or or photographs. Psuedonyms may bebe used, butbut must bebe clearly marked asas such.

t is uhuru for all Reggae music lovers as Francis Goldman shows up at Bagobiri with a live Reggae performance to make you have good music as you spend your Saturday with melodious beats and deep salted musical lyrics combined to thrill you. Come with a couple of friends and have the best of the weekend with Bogobiris cocktails and small chop menu on 28th March 2015 at Bogobiri.

Lagos: Hustle and Hope, an art exhibition

here will be an art exhibition today, 27th of March 2015. The exhibition started on the 25th of March and goes with the theme ‘Lagos: Hustle and

Hope’ exhibition and captures the dynamic nature of the city-state Lagos and the hustle that characterises its aspirations of the residents and their hope for a better future. The exhibition features talented photographers based in Lagos, who have, either in the course of personal adventure and/or career, travelled the length and breadth of city, capturing the beauty and unexpected moments. Adebola Rayo is the exhibition curator.

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REGINA OTOKPA AND OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

or artistes who specialise in stating exorbitant fees for their shows abroad, the heat is on and it seems to be brewing round the different factions of the entertainment industry both home and abroad, to cut down the excesses itch directly or indirectly. Though carrying this action out has been a thorn in the flesh, they seem to be making a headway soon with the establishment of unified bodies to tackle the scourge One of such is the establishment of a unified body in the United States for promoters of Nigerian event and concert called ‘Nigerian Promoters USA’, established to serve as a medium to protect the interest of promoters across North America and boycott any Nigerian who charges an exorbitant fee for tours in the United States. According recent investigations by Friday Flavour, the first move of the association would be to permanently put a lid on the sky rocketing prices Nigerian artistes charge for their U.S tours which in the last 2 years alone, A-list fees for several acts have shot up from $5,000 to over $40,000. With this huge amount, it is saddening that artistes would end up on stage and lip synch all the way to a song played by the DJ. To the disappointment of the promoters and fans who had come a long way from home and out of their pockets to watch these artistes perform. With little or no sponsorship in addition to the huge effort that has gone into showcasing and promoting the great Afrobeat from Nigerian artistes, promoters based in the U.S have found themselves constantly operating at a loss and as such, have decided to take a stand and boycott any Nigerian artiste who quotes an exorbitant fee. A statement on social media site, InstaGram reads thus: “Over the years, it’s been enthusiastic priority for Nigerian promoters based in the USA and in the “Diaspora” generally to improve, expand and promote Nigerian (African) music to the best of our ability and we have worked very hard over the years; From mixing to producing to

2Face

D’Banj

P Square

Chindinma

Waje

Lolo

Iyanya

Patoranking

Flavour

Inside FCT P. 24-33

Reggae Night with Francis Goldman at Bogobiri

Nigerian promoters in US are complaining that local acts are getting expensive to host, while threatening to boycott them

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here is a promise of varieties of good tunes as DJ Tony will be performing live at Saturday Night Lounge. The event is usually a promising place to spend your Saturday night as many celebrities often stop by to equally have a taste of relaxation. DJ Tony will be on the music side to provide the best tunes from across the following genres, Old School, Disco, Funk, Hip-hop, Soul, R&B from the best of tunes to thrill you. It comes up on the 28th of March 2015 in Lagos State.

High fees: Promoters in U.S threaten Nigerian artistes

A-LIST FEES FOR SEVERAL ACTS HAVE

SHOT UP FROM $5,000 TO OVER $40,000.

waiting outside radio station studios for countless hours because we wanted to entertain fans of the music as well as get our wonderful music (Afrobeat) noticed and enjoyed by the world. “We are based in the USA where it’s a third of the price to book a local talent than it is the prices being pitched to us by Artists’ Managers and publicists and ex-high school buddies and side chicks and present girlfriends and “Outlaws” aka wannabe promoters who throw “good” money at these artists and get them to commit to events that they have no idea about. It further states that, “we would also ask and prefer that our artistes concentrate more on improving their acts or performances for their fans cause that’s

really what this is all about. We didn’t become professionals and promote Afrobeat and put together great international events to get these artists to where they are only to be bamboozled by a wannabe or a greedy manager or an artist who just looks at us and the fact that we live abroad as mugus! “Price quotes are out of this world and in fact have become just really colossal and not in a good way at all. paying more money for artists who are overpaid in Nigeria and have gotten used to it than I am able to make, has never been good business as it will never be! we do not do this for show, just like our wonderful artists this is a business, business should make sense” it demanded. According to the statement, the association has called on artistes to be musically involved and have a stake at their own show saying, “We no be mugu and this has to stop! We ask that, we are spending blind money on some monstrous atrocities presented as tours and performances”.

Critics

Saturday Nightlife at MVP, Lagos

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WEEKEND STARTERS

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND

Artman

Friday, March 27, 2015

Flavour

Arty News

Your

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Artman In The House

Friday, March 27, 2015

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My kind of feminism is Nigeria-centred –Akachi Ezeigbo As a writer, her works have decorated the literary landscape with so many creative pieces that cut across many genres. Akachi Ezeigbo, a professor of English at the University of Lagos in this interview with ISIGUZO DESTINY offers rare insights into her career and works. Excerpts:

hat is your perception to writing as a creative person and how does this perception reflect in your writing? Well, creativity is witnessed in many disciplines, for instance there is creativity in advertising, engineering, in also architecture. But we are concerned with literary or artistic creativity, which is in the arts. So to me, it means being creative in writing, that is in imaginative literature. There are also other fields of Art like painting, drawing, sculpture etc. but mine is literary creativity. I write books. Defining it from my own perspective, it is an ability to write imaginatively. What ideology do you portray in your works? The beauty of literature is that it encompasses so many things. It even psychology. For me, I don’t want to describe myself as an ideologue or someone who is ideological in writing even though people say I’m a feminist or feminist oriented because I write about women issues. So if you look at it from that perspective you can see me as a feminist writer though I do not want to pigeon hole myself to just that because I write about men and women, issues that concerns the nation, politics, culture, tradition even religion. I write about so many things even for children. You will find different things in my writing. But in a way, most of my major characters are women, I also write about men. I describe myself as someone that is very versatile and I also write in different genres, I write plays, fiction, children literature, I have about twenty five works for children and I have four collections of short story. So I am into different genres. What do you set out to achieve when you write? First of all, I only write when ideas come and I am inspired to write about them. My purpose is to entertain readers. I write for people who read, especially to Nigerian readership. My primary market is Nigeria. I write for my people, Nigerians. These are people I’m writing for but if people outside the country find my work interesting as they do, that’s fine. But I want to write for my people Nigerians, I want to write for Nigerian children. Therefore I discuss issues that are very relevant in Nigeria, whether they are problems, social issues, politics etc. My focus is really national, of course as a writer as Chinua Achebe said: to be universal, you have to be truly local. That is a profound saying. Which means to be universal you have to locate your works in an area, may be your environment, country or your community and then because writing and creativity is timeless people in other country will find it interesting be-

cause what you are essentially looking at is human condition, human issues which are relevant even outside your country. So I believe in being truly local with a view of being universal. As a ‘feminist writer’ how do you compete with the men in the creative world? Well, if you call me a feminist, it is a Nigerian feminist; many Nigerian women believe that our own feminist agenda is different from that of the West. For instance, our feminism here is culture based, you locate within our culture. You make it relevant for our people. I can’t compare myself with a feminist from Germany or Britain. They have their own agenda. They have things that concerns women in their society. We too in Nigeria have issues that are relevant to our women. My kind of feminism is Nigeria centred. It is different from feminism as it operates in the West and therefore our own brand of feminism is inclusive. It includes the man. We want to work with men. We want to support men so that they will support us so that we can move this country forward. We want the Nigerian men and women to work together. That’s why most Nigerian women describe themselves as womanists. That’s a more popular brand of feminism because womanism is all embracive. It includes both men and women and children. It advocates for the wellbeing of men, women and children. It is not exclusive. You see Nigerian women believe that we need our men just as they need us. So we need to work together. We do not believe in patriarchal oppression, or marginalization of women. We believe women should be given space to develop and they should also be allowed enceinte themselves in the community. They can be productive so that they can contribute to the development of the country. I do not see myself competing with anybody or any man. I am producing literature just as men are producing literature. We all produce literature and through what we write, we come together to enrich Nigerian Literature. So, of course, if there is a literary competition and we all submit our works then the best work will win. Are you saying as a woman, you have not been discriminated in your career? Well, it is possible because there are a subtle ways that our culture and tradition or our society really marginalises women sometimes a woman is not given space or given opportunities as much as men

Ezeigbo

are given. That may be so but generally speaking I have not suffered because I am a woman. But of course I know there are male patriarchal critics who may not want to look at what women are writing. There may be critics like that but it does not matter because there are also many men critics who are looking at what women are writing. Some of the books that have been written about me are written by men so I cannot really say I have been marginalised because I am a woman. Luckily for me I came from a family where our father never discriminated against any of his children. We are six, two men and four women and each of us was educated and allowed to go where we want to go. My younger sister is a professor like me. So coming from such a background you can see I don’t really have any axe to grind with men but of course I don’t allow myself to be discriminated against. I always do my best in what I do so that people we not say oh because she is a woman she is not doing this or that. So is that what informed your snail sense theory, the attitude of Nigerian women to men and what really does the theory say? Snail sense feminism or womanism, whichever one you may like to call it advocates for dialogue. Men and women dialoguing together to move the family, community and country forward. That is no body is superior to the other. That is two sides of a coin working together to make the society better and of course there is

I write plays, fiction, children literature, I have about twenty five works for children. So I am into

no doubt that Nigeria is a patriarchal society, it is a patriarchal society were men are given advantage over women. That is true, I cannot deny it and even the way the society operates. And it is not only in Nigeria many societies in the world are patriarchal. That is the rule of the fathers or men. They say they are in control but what snail sense is that women have a role to play and should be allowed to play it. The inequality between women and women has nothing to do with intelligence or performancebecause women are as intelligent as the men and can perform well wherever you put them. So snail sense feminism is arguing that women in our society should be diplomatic and they should strategize to empower women and they cannot do that by fighting men. Nigerian women who have done well wherever they are have had support from the men, either their husbands or friends or brothers and it is the same thing with men who succeeded. There are people who helped them, it could be men or women. We need each other and can depend on each other. Snail sense is saying that dialogue is necessary and that’s what the snail does, it looks weak and fragile but the snail is very resilient and dogged animal. If a snail wants to crawl that wall, it will take it a bit of time but it will persist. If there are obstacles on the way whether they are thorns or rocks or boulders the snails will crawl over all of them, negotiate with the obstacles with its well lubricated tongue, it will manoeuvre until it crosses over and that is what many Nigerian women are doing. I agree we have a society that is not very women friendly, look at the degree of rape in this country. Open any newspaper; you will see one or two cases of rape every day going

different genres

Continued on page 21

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Artman In The House

Continued from page 20 on. I’m sure if we keep proper records, we may be having like ten rapes a day in Nigeria. Women are not given opportunity to be educated; they are sometimes withdrawn from school and married off early. So many opportunities lost to them. So snail sense is asking women to be sensitive, diplomatic and negotiate with the men not struggle or fight with them and at the same time be resilient, dogged and organized and that will make her reach where she wants to reach. It is asking women to be tolerant and wise. That is why the snail knows how to get over boulders but is not crushed even though it is fragile. This is because it knows how to manoeuvre its way. This actually comes from an Igbo proverb which says ‘ire oma ka ejule ji aga n’ogwu’ which means a snail uses a well lubricated tongue to crawl over thorns. If it was by force it will pierce the tongue but it does it in a very diplomatic way. Some people think you imitated Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ in your ‘Roses and Bullet’, what is your reaction to this? How could I have imitated her, you know I witnessed that war. I was actually writing from experience and Amanda was not even born during the war and by virtue of the subject we all write about the same thing but it depends on your style and the angle you are coming from. Did Chukwuemeka Ike not write ‘Sunset at Dawn’, Did John Munonye not write ‘A Wreath for the Maiden’? So many war novels, Cyprian Ekwensi wrote ‘Divided we Stand’ and ‘Survive the Peace’. There is hardly any major Nigerian writer especially the ones from the East that did not write about the civil war. It is the same thing we are all writing about war, suffering from: air raids, bombing, shelling, attack trade, movement of people, evacuation. That’s what most people write about. Some even extended to what happened before the war, the Aburi, the killing and pogrom in the North that caused all Igbo people to come down to the East. So we are all writing from the same material. Did she copy Cyprian Ekwensi and those others who published before her? In fact I started my own novel and it took me years to write it. I have done things about that war from different career. My Ph.D. thesis which was defended in 1986 at UI which was later published as a book in 1992 was on civil war. The title is ‘Facts and Fiction in the Literature of Nigerian Civil War’. I even did a research and read every book both fiction, drama, novels and even literary material of every military personnel Obasanjo, Mmaduebo, factual books like ‘Why we Struck and ‘The Five Majors’. Apart from witnessing that war and knowing the harrowing experience that war, I also did a research on that war. I actually wrote that book from my own experience. I was looking at it from the perspective of young people because I was just a teenager when the war started and was fought, so I witnessed it as a young girl and felt it. I lost relations in that war. Some of my relatives went on attack market trade and my husband was an officer in the war so whom am I imitating. Adichie’s story is totally different from mine. We may have shared some themes but the story is not the same at all. Why the proliferation of writings on the civil war after so many years after the war? One thing about writing is that you have

Akachi Ezeigbo, Mr Uzochukwu Alutu, Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra, Dr Chika Unigwe, Miss Roseline Ejindu and Prof. Francisca Okeke, all indigenes of the state, .

My kind of feminism is Nigeria-centred a story to tell. The Nigerian civil war gave us a story to tell and want thing is that you will not rest until you tell that story. So far the Biafran War is the most single, most traumatizing, destructive experience Nigeria has had so far, forget Bokoharam and other experiences. Even Bokoharam has not reached that civil war even though it has been destructive. So such experiences are not forgotten easily, it remains in people’s psyche, consciousness and mind.Even people who were not born will grow into it hearing about it. That is why it will continue to remain a subject in many writing and it will continue. People who are not even born now will grow up and write about that war. Let me give you an example, Stephen Craine, an American novelist wrote one of the best novels on the American Civil War. The title of that novel is “The Red Badge of Courage”. He wrote it 100 hundred years after the civil war, he wrote about a war that was fought even before his parents or grandparents were born or just when they were kids. I’m saying that any subject distresses people that have brought untold hardship to the people, any experience that has traumatised a people, a community or a nation must always remain topical like the Nigerian civil war. Nigerian civil war has remained topical. Even with this Boko-Haram, people are comparing it the civil war saying it will soon be like the Nigerian civil war. That is why the surge because it has been on since after that war. One of the new ones is “A Troubled Dust” by Onuora Nzekwu and the others like, “The Forest Dame”. How do you relax? There are so many ways to relax. I like watching films and I love singing, I sing and my husband will play the piano. Now that I have grandchildren, I love playing with them and I travel a lot. Travelling is one of my hobbies. I try to go to new places. I love teaching children to educate them. And I read, a lot of people don’t know you can relax while reading. I read interesting novels and immediately you are transported out of yourself. For me reading is my best way of relax-

ing. Do you have experiences you can describe as your worst or best experiences? That Civil War is my best experience and I have not have any worst experience. Every day during that war, we thought we were going to die. The intensity of that way was much. There was an airport in my town so every day we were bombed and raided and then of course, running. That war even though I was young

was a terrible experience because every day you wake up, you thought it will be your last. And I have had many nice experiences and I don’t know which one I will say is the best. Is it the day I got married, or when I got my first child or my first grandchild or when my children got married. There are so many beautiful things in my life. Which book are you reading now and which one is your most memorable book? Well I started reading American but there are so many things that is intervening. I started the book and is topped half way. But I will go back to the novel. There are so many memorable book, for instance I read a book titled “One hundred Years of Solitude”. What do you think is your greatest achievement as a creative writer? I haven’t reached my maximum (laughs), I have done some good works. There are some of my books that people have talked about and that won prices. I have not reached my full potentials, I’m still struggling. Does your husband feel threatened with your achievement and popularity? My husband does not feel threatened. He’s always there to support me in whatever I do and anything that he sees that is good for me or for the family, he supports it. Even when I travel, he supports me, he knows is for a purpose and my children, they are all very supportive. Like my youngest daughter is also writing. She has the talent. They all value my writing and have all read everything I have written.

With hubby

Ezeigbo

As a writer, Chinua Achebe said: ‘To be universal, you have to be truly local’.

Critics

FILM

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Notorious Oyenusi on reel

There is biopic on the life of 70s notorious robber, Oyenusi. Did this movie do justice to his life and times? Olawale Oluwadahunsi

he flick is a fringe or rather, a meeting point between fiction and fact. It proposes the notion that brilliant technical imaginative writing can be intertwined between a true-life story to make a good plot. Employing the services of veteran, Pa Adebayo Faleti, to narrate the Oyenusi’s story to his grandson should have made the film accurate in its content in comparison with history. However, the argument that he is trying to teach that stealing isn’t a virtue could make one overlook the inconsistency of the story. Oyenusi, directed by Seun Olaiya, boasts of talented casts including Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, Kemi Afolabi, Dele Odule, Joke Muyiwa, Ayo Olabiyi and Rasaq Olayiwola. More interesting about the cast is the creative and hilarious synergy between Odunlade, who played the lead role of Oyenusi and Muyiwa Ademola, who interpreted the role of Jiboye, Oyenusi’s principal partner. The epic story is told from a Yoruba perspective of belief in diabolical powers. Dr ‘Rob and Kill’, Dr Oyenusi, a merciless pilferer who had so much diabolical powers that whatever he said comes to pass including the juju ‘e-transfer’ of money from people’s bank accounts to his. From the story, he was so greedy from his childhood days that he ate a concoction his herbalist guardian, Dele Odule, prepared to cure a patient who had the spirit of theft. This made his greed aggravate into pilferage, such that he became so notorious for this act. His access to his guardian’s diabolical secrets and quest for

BOOK

additional powers made him made him powerful, Oyenusi was painted as a man without any feelings from proud and fearless so much so that he grew to be- the beginning of this movie but according to history his come a very much dreaded thief greatly feared by first robbery was when he snatched a car and sold it for security agencies in the country, earning the invin- four hundred naira to help his broke girlfriend. cible status of ‘Governor’ or ‘President’. And then according to history, when the source of his The scriptwriting creativity was seen in the plot powers was discovered, Oyenusi the strong-hearted villain, as the writer married the fiction of Oyenusi being he did not beg; instead, he was smiling even when he was a medical doctor as compared to the real life sto- shot, but in the movie, this man who never feared anybody ry that the secondary school dropout only fancied was pleaded. This also, was quite creative himself to be one. Odun Adekola’s acting skills looked very mature as he

‘Happiness, Like Water’

Chinelo Okparanta’s collection of short stories, ‘Happiness, Like Water’, ended on the short list of the prestigious Etisalat Prize, where it narrowly missed the top place. Chijioke Okike

Oyenusi

he stories in Chinelo Okparanta’s first collection are quiet, often unnervingly so, in the manner of a stifled shriek. Hints of menace — a reference to a robbery, an illness, a drop of blood on peeling linoleum — are delivered blandly, matter-of-factly, as if resisting the urge to dramatize were a kind of survival mechanism. This is deceptive, for the plots in “Happiness, Like Water” are heated where the prose is not. A woman waits with a gun pointed at her head as a thief commands her husband to hand over his beloved Peugeot, suddenly aware that the car is worth more to her husband than her life; a spinster plans to murder a pregnant friend and steal her unborn child; a virginal college student, desperate to send her ailing mother to a private hospital, agrees to go out with a rich “patron,” deluding herself that all

he wants is a pretty date who can “discuss budget and political issues.” The first (and more powerful) part of the book is set in Nigeria, where Okparanta grew up, and the second part in America, where she immigrated at the age of 10 — a bifurcation whose tidiness belies how messily the tentacles of heritage continue to grasp after and trip up her characters. In “America,” a visa applicant professes interest in studying oil spills in the United States and returning to apply her knowledge in the polluted Niger Delta. In fact, she simply wants to be reunited with her girlfriend in a country where their relationship would not be condemned by law. But the lie takes root in her mind, making her reconsider her allegiances and even her mother’s longing for a grandchild. Throughout these stories runs a sus-

Throughout

these stories, runs a suspicion of the power of storytelling itself

picion of the power of storytelling itself. A husband eager for a child mishears his wife’s moans of pain during sex, interpreting them as pleasure, as does her mother, eavesdropping at the door, both of them in thrall to the narrative of lineage. A young immigrant, beset by marriage proposals that arrive from Nigeria by mail, starts to question the literal reading of the Bible, particularly the verse that casts homosexuality as an “abomination.” At times a theme is pushed too hard. Men here tend to be abusers, women chattel for whom procreation is destiny. (A wife who fails at this task is cast off as an mgbaliga, or empty barrel, and a new wife is acquired.) In “Fairness,” Happiness Like Water a schoolgirl is repeatedly urged by her tourist descriptions that often afflict stomother — a dedicated reader of Cosmories set in exotic locales. Still, vivid impolitan, Glamour and Elle — to lighten ages flare up occasionally: a “runs girl” her skin. She concocts a bleach solution — who lives off “Yahoo Boys,” enriched and then, frightened, makes a servant by Internet fraud, and mugus (easy test it first. Afterward, she can’t help marks) with petro-naira (oil dollars) — feeling jealous of the ruined but pale stalks by with “her stilettos making tiny skin under the servant’s scars. There is dents in the earth”; a lipstick “rises from little dimension to these characters bethe container slowly, steadily, like a lizyond their obsession with skin tone, but ard cautiously peeking out of a hole.” perhaps that’s the point. August brings “the scent of crushed milAbsent are the overly lush, dazzledlipedes.”

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Critics

Friday, March 27, 2015

The props of the movie is faulty

in some aspects.

For example, Dele Odule, Mr Adekanmi’s shirt was sparkling

STAGE

Characterisation in drama

Truth is that stage drama is a collaborative effort, but the actor has the key role to convey the message

white after a

hard day’s work as a teacher in

one of the scenes. looked to have stepped up in his vocals, gestures and gesticulations. His comic and raw acting skills brought life to the movie so much so that one will be carried away from noticing the flaws in the movie. For example, the court scene where he shot, Kemi Afolabi, the police inspector, was pure drama. It should be put on replay as Odun and Muyiwa’s supportive role, made the scene interesting to watch. The sound track was melodious enough to chronicle an epic movie and as its unconventional use of adventurous beats and renaissance vocals made the film more suspense-filled. Unlike epic movies like ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’ and ‘October 1’ that boasts of well researched details like newspaper clippings, documentaries and historical footages, Oyenusi didn’t pay enough attention to detail and research. At least they should have read his biography before shooting the scenes and giving proper dates of how the story unfolded in history. The props and sound of the movie was faulty in some aspects. For example, Dele Odule, Mr Adekanmi’s shirt was sparkling white after a hard day’s work as a teacher in one of the scenes. Also, Oyenusi’s ally and principal partner, JB, had some scenes where his beards were all black in colour while it is supposed to have a grey divide as posited in major scenes of the movie. The font sizes of the sub-titles were also not regular, making it tough for a person in a seating far to read. The greatest flaw of the movie is that it was shot in a modern day setting with the picture of President Jonathan on the wall of the police commissioner’s office in one of the scenes. How can an historical 1970’s story that be told in with the settings of present day? Quite obnoxious also are the annoying adverts and the three parts to which the movie was divided; it should have simply made a one length full feature film. This shows that the Yoruba movie industry still has a long way to go in professionalism and producing well researched and detailed epic movies. This movie has potentials of a cinema creation if well researched, written and screen played. Should the time be set in consonance with the historical 1971 Oyenusi, the movie would have been a blockbuster.

Olayiwola Awakan

cting is life and life is acting. The basis of existence is to act out scripts that have been prewritten by unseen elements. Every action and reaction you find yourself in is a performance. Dramaturgy is a part of human creation which has so far helped to refine character enunciation, correction, expansion and perception both in the real world and the ‘art’ world. Holistically, the creative industry is a reflection of the natural atmosphere. Drama as a form of performance arts is borne out of the broader perception of creative arts. Visual arts which comprises painting, drawing, craft, textile, sculptor, ceramics and other forms, play vital roles in interpreting nature from abstract, imaginative and realistic angles. On the other hand, performance art as a sibling is reflective of human behavioural and psychological patterns. Drama, Dance and Music (which I have coined its combination to ‘Drancesic’) are seen every day either as candid or prepared. The essence of this is to contribute to the existing knowledge through the topic; The Tripod Perception and ‘Stereotypic’ Character Effect in Drama. ‘Drama’ is an Ancient Greek word meaning ‘act’ or ‘deed’. The Ancient Greek philos-

Trials of Bro Jero on stage

opher Aristotle used this term in a very influential treatise called the Poetics. Drama is a unique tool to explore and express human feeling. Drama is an essential form of behaviour in all cultures; it is a fundamental human activity. Drama is the interpretation of situations mixed with the elements of dialogue, action and suspense. Candid acting is what I call the layman acting which we engage in every day at home, work, streets, schools etc. without consciousness of an audience, camera or microphone; the way we move our hands as form of mannerism; the way we react to situations; our tempo and swing of temperament to mention a few, are all forms of Candid Drama. Although, no direct audience to take note of your movements, blockings, wrongs and rights but you have the scriptwriter who we all perceive as our creator who is up above the sky taking notes of our expertise in interpreting our various roles on earth. Expectedly, the focus is not from the angle of candid but arranged drama where preparations are made and the performers are conscious of the audience, camera or microphone. What do I mean by Tripod Perception in Drama? When you act either on stage, screen or radio, you are perceived from three different angles. Drama has influenced many people both positively and negatively. As an actor, you are exposed to learning from every script that you pick up to interpret the roles set for you. When an actor acts as a Doctor, he learns about medicine; when he acts as a Lawyer, he learns the profession; when he acts as a lunatic, he learns the craft; when he acts as a mistress in disguise, he learns the mannerism and attitude and many more. The actor therefore is a

one in all personality. You must know little of all to be a better actor and you must have the stage sense to do well in other forms (Screen and Radio). Looking at the actor, the tripod perception theory, which I propounded, is broken down to; The direct audience perception (Stageproduction team; Screen- the crew; Radio- studio team) The perception of people on your personality away from your characterization. First, an actor is on stage (any platform set aside for performance) to interpret a role. Before interpreting the role, he takes a journey away from his personality, into the world of the character to be undertaken. What he perceives of the character is the first leg of the tripod. The actor’s intra perception is the most instant perception in a drama prior to character discussion with the producer or director. The second is the direct audience perception. After the actor must have understood the role, he then juxtaposes his research with the perception of the director and or producer in deliberations and with other production team members for better interpretation. This is where the actor and the crew will disagree to agree on characterization. There is always an artistic perception which the director basically tries to instill or force on the actor. This conflict of perception, when resolved creatively brings a blend of the best in the interpretations. In addition, the playwright’s perception of the character is also in the picture. This leg of the Tripod is the perspective of the audience and the production crew on the character being played by the actor.

Inside FCT

Friday, March 27, 2015

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Wastes overrun Karonmajiji school

Marcus Fatunmole

ver 1000 pupils of LEA Primary School Karonmajiji, a community along the Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, currently spend at least one-third of each school day within heaps of refuse, where their school is located. The school, built in 1978, is being overrun by human wastes; and the situation has been so for four years now. The perimeter of the school is filled with wastes, most of which are burnt while the children are in school. Smokes often pervade the environment, and the premises emit foul odour, which threatens the health of the children. When Inside FCT visited the school recently, many of the children were seeing playing on the wastes. Residents of the community said it was a habit for pupils to spend time on the wastes since the school began to accommodate garbage five years ago. Our correspondent saw a number of the pupils pass out wastes and scavenging on the dumping site. Area covered by the garbage in the environ is about the size of standard two playing fields. The school could have controlled the children, acute shortage of teachers does not help matter, said Chairman, Parents/ Teachers Association of the school, Mr Salahu Musa. He explained that only five teachers were employed by government to handle the pupils. He said even though the PTA complemented the figure with additional six teachers it pays monthly, the pop-

ulation of the school has been overwhelming, compared to the number of teachers available. His words: “The community has been facing a lot in terms of removal of that dustbin. We have been removing the dustbin with the community effort. But, at the end of the day, the reason we cannot continue to pack it is that there is no centralized area to keep wastes. Another thing is that the school is not fenced. So, people find it easy to come and dump wastes. We’ve had several meetings within the community and in the school to enlighten people not to be dumping refuse there. “Even, some parents confessed to us that they used to come out around 3am to dump wastes there, when the security man is not available in the school. We did our Refuse around the school premises best to ensure we stop people. Even as you see it now, it has minimized more than be- the children, he responded: “The commufore. We had to seek police consent to give nity is aware. That is why I said earlier that us order, we did signboard with police paint the community has tried that the refuse which we put in strategic locations around is not dumped there, but there is nothing the school. Consequently, the population we could do because the problem persists. of people dumping refuse there reduced, That is why I said government must come but the problem continued. They later de- to our aid. “The waste has been there for more than cided to move farther inside to dump their five years and the school was established in wastes. 1976. The waste came years after the school “So, we did all we could, but we are helphad been established and is about overtakless. We are now only appealing to governing it. ment to come to our aid by putting a fence “We have over 1000 pupils in the school. in the school. That is the most important The classrooms are too small. There are thing. If the school is fenced, the gate is seven classrooms, accommodating pupils fixed, nobody will encroach on the school from primary one to six. In a class, you premises,” he added. could have up to 150 pupils. The teachers Asked if the community is aware that are not enough. Government-employed the wastes constitute health hazards for

The school, built in 1978, is being overrun

by human waste; and the situation has been so for four years teachers currently working in the school are not more than five at present. The PTA employed about eight teachers. We are paying them N15,000 every month. Altogether, we have 13 teachers taking the over 1000 pupils. We have gone to LEA to help us and give us teachers. And, up till now, there hasn’t been any response. We had to organise people in the community to employ these teachers to be teaching our pupils. The situation has been like that for the past two years,” he stated.

Touting: Menace called ‘business’ in FCT

Regina Otokpa

t every major bus stop in the Federal Capital Territory you are bound to see young men in their numbers dressed roughly except for a selected few, jostling back and forth getting passengers for commuters. This is the new trend of business for touts in Abuja following the ban of commercial buses, commonly known as Araba in this part of the country, which has introduced a sour sight of people cramping for a means of transportation to their various destinations on a daily basis especially

during peak hours which are usually in the morning and evening. Once a car is approaching any of the major bus stops such as NNPC and Federal housing Junctions in Kubwa, Banex, Maitama, Wuse, Gwarinpa, Lugbe, AYA and Berger junctions just to mention a few, the next clip that plays are young boys and even men, racing towards the car(s) in a great competition; whomever wins bid

load the car in question. One would see this new form of business as a relieve to private car owners turn cab drivers who might not have the vigor to call out for passengers heading towards their destination but Inside FCT checks has revealed that such was not to be the case as these young men have constituted themselves to become a nuisance to the environment. According to Frank Dare, a consultant, he is beginning to get offended by the attitude of some of these young men who try to earn a living from doing nothing. “One thing I respect Nigerians for is the ability to adapt to any situation, but in this case, these boys are beginning to capitalize on the dead system to make money off some of us who are also striving to make ends meet. “At first when they started this act of calling passengers for private car owners like myself, I didn’t see anything wrong with it until they started displaying their true nature which of course, they couldn’t keep hidden for long”. Kabiru Usman, an oil and gas contractor added that “I can’t remember ever asking anyone to call for passengers to board

It is a good business; I make cool money by the end of each day. There is no room for laziness

my vehicle but these jobless young men who cannot go and get a better job would call for passengers and be expecting monetary benefits by the end of the day. “There is nothing wrong in appreciating someone who took time to do a deed for you but in this case, I did not request for it so I believe it should be from my magnanimity to part with any cash but the reality on ground is that, if you don’t give them from N50, 00 and above, they begin to pound on your vehicle”. Inside FCT discovered that true to testimonies of various drivers, indeed the boys carry out various mean actions including engaging in a scuffle with the car owners, bursting their tyres (especially at Area 1 bus stop), hitting their vehicles and would go as far as preventing some cars from moving from the bus stop except paid N50,00. As a result of this brash attitude, Mrs. Rosemary Odeyemi, a civil servant said she has stopped picking passengers up on her way to work for fear of getting her vehicle destroyed. “I live in Dei-Dei and before now, I pick up passengers who are heading to the secretariat and after I close from work, I also pick up some persons’ back to either DeiDei or Kubwa express. With that I was sure of getting back my money for fuel and even an extra but of late, I prefer to drive empty to work and pick up passengers on my way back.

Friday, March 27, 2015 7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

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Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

Baitun Nur

Baitun Nur (also spelled Baitunnur or Baitun Noor) (Arabic for “House of Light.” It is known for being the largest mosque in Canada. The cornerstone of the mosque was laid in 2005. Construction was completed in 2008. The mosqu It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar that the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory upon a Muslim that he should listen (to the ruler appointed over him) and obey him whether he likes it or not, except if he is ordered to do a sinful thing. If he is ordered to do a sinful act, a Muslim should neither listen to him nor should he obey his orders. e complex is 4,500 m2 (48,000 sq ft) in size. A 97 feet (30 m) tall steelcapped minaret tower and large steel dome are the most noticeably externally visible features of the mosque. Around the exterior of the building are written 99 Arabic words, each an attribute of Allah’s character as stated in the Qur’an. In addition to a place of worship in Calgary, the mosque complex includes classrooms, office space, a children’s area, a kitchen and a community centre. In the prayer hall of the mosque hangs a 400-kilogram chandelier.

HADITH It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar that the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory upon a Muslim that he should listen (to the ruler appointed over him) and obey him whether he likes it or not, except if he is ordered to do a sinful thing. If he is ordered to do a sinful act, a Muslim should neither listen to him nor should he obey his orders.

As we vote we must pray 27

‘Government must provide basic amenities’ 28

‘Parents, schools should collaborate on children’s moral’ 31

Call to Worship

7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436 Friday, March 27, 2015

Give us our best as leaders

ith so much belief of a better and greater Nigeria to come, as we file out tomorrow to make our choices, let us redouble our efforts in prayers in addition to our physical action of voting, we must not forget to use the only weapon that will never fail, that is prayer. We must remember to always pray that Allah, the Most-High, should appoint the best among us to be our leaders, and do not appoint the wicked among us to be our leaders, Aameen. The almighty Creator of all creations has assured us that if we obey Him and call on Him, He will surely answer us. So, as we are obeying almighty Allah, let us revive some Sunnah by going to sleep with Wudhu (ablution), sleeping on our right shoulder and falling asleep with the intention of getting up to observe Tahajud and Fajr. Instead of lying down and still “working” on our phones, let us read the Kalima, Ayat-ul-Kursi, Salawat on our noble Prophet Muhammed 10 times, Surah Fatiha 4 times, Surah Ikhlas and the Qul Surahs 3 times. We should also endeavour to

ask for Allah’s forgiveness before sleeping, forgive all those who have offended us one way or the other as well as say the prayer before sleeping. Let us remember that it was reported that if a person recites Ayatul Qursi after every compulsory Solat, there will be nothing between him & heaven except death. As we decide tomorrow, be firm in your faith in the fact that there is no might or any power except with Allah (SWT); “La haula wala quwata illa billahil aliyul Azeem. As we are praying for the best, we must keep it in mind that for our country to truly excel among comity of nations and move beyond the current mediocrity, we need to vote for people of integrity who will not create enabling environment for corruption to thrive so that our economy, health, education and social infrastructures can be very encouraging. That is a situation where there won’t be any room for incompetence. Let us think of leaders who will truly deliver on their promises of addressing the economy, insurgency, unemployment, bringing back our Chibok girls, not being indifferent to the pains of Nige-

rians in the area of health, education, electricity supply, roads among others. Think of a no-nonsense leader who will not approach BokoHaram with levity while corruption and government accountability will be taken seriously. And not leaders who will not be bothered that billions and trillions are being misappropriated or stolen under the guise of fuel subsidies, jet maintenance and the likes. I am sure many Nigerians will want Nigeria as Africa’s No.1 economy with direct reflection on the generality of Nigerians irrespective of status with our teeming youths both graduates and artisans, gainfully employed. In a sane clime, many people parading themselves as leaders in this nation should be behind bars and would not even dream of being candidates for political offices, let alone become one. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case here and this really must stop. Let us all cast our votes for those wise men who can set Nigeria on the road to socio-political and economic recovery and greatness. If you are induced with money and other things, there is no

Polls: NASFAT charges Nigerians on God-consciousness Aisha Titilayo

n a bid to ensure free, fair and credible elections, the Chief Missioner of NasrulLahi-l- Fatih Society, NASFAT, Abdullahi Akinbode has called on Nigerians to be conscious of God as they go about the voting exercise on March 28 and April 11. Stressing total abstinence from violence, wanton destruction of life and property or election materials, he added that being conscious of God is a key factor in order to have a society free of corruption. Akinbode gave this charge at a leadership training program organised by the society’s National Women Affairs Committee which held at Lagos state Chambers of Commerce and Industry, LCCI building, Ikeja.

Stressing the importance of eligible voters exercise the right, he said fulfilling the requirements of election is fulfilling the requirements of faith because service to one’s nation is service to God. Also, the national training coordinator, Dr Rahmat Adisa emphasized the significance of the event at a time like this in the country; she said it came at a time when women needed to be enlightened on social etiquettes prescribed to them by God. She said, “As women, we have a lot of influence and stronghold on the husbands, children and family members. As such, the program will re-orientate the women folk as to how to monitor and guide their household members against being used as tools of destruction.” Dr. Adisa added that the impact must start from homes be-

cause the family is the smallest unit of the society. Similarly, former women affairs secretary, Nofisat Arogundade noted that mothers being the ones to impact on the youths are also important because it is said that when you train a woman, you have trained a nation. She continued, “Women will be the greater victims of whatever the outcome of the elections are so, it is necessary for the women to be involved.” She therefore called on women to make the right impact by starting with their families and by extension, the society. “We have told our women as well to go out to perform their civic responsibility and vote. They should vote with the fear of Allah and vote for the right person who will be of benefit our nation.

...TMC sues credible polls

he Muslim Congress, TMC, in its usual charge for a peaceful Nigeria, has urged all electoral stakeholders to embrace peace and shun selfish agenda in order to allow for a peaceful, free, fair and credible polls, this it said is to enhance Nigeria’s socio-political development and thereby

live up to its status as a giant in the continent. The Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi while speaking at the 7th edition of the quarterly public lecture of TMC, Lagos State, held in collaboration with The Organisation of Tadhamunul Musli-

meen, OTM, averred that the responsibility of delivering free, fair and transparent polls lies with all stakeholders in the Nigerian polity. The scholar who was the guest speaker at the occasion maintained that everyone who has attained the voting age has a role to play in the success of the coming elections.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com

In a sane clime, many people parading themselves as leaders in this nation should be behind bars harm in collecting probably due to the economy situation but still vote for people of proven integrity and the incorruptible ones for our nation to truly excel. With this, politicians will know that they can

no longer buy our votes but must truly earn it by delivering dividends of democracy through good governance. May Allah, the MostPowerful, give us the best of character among us as leaders, Aamin.

‘We are producing academic giants’

f we look at the educational factors that determine the quality of education that a school gives, Al-Azhar has it all. Talking about environment, AlAzhar is situated in a secure and serene environment. You hardly find schools situated in such an environment within this vicinity. Most of them are in noisy and busy areas. In addition to that, we have highly experienced, qualified and well-motivated staff and we are not just employing them, we also continue to train them. Over and over again, the Proprietor has brought in professionals to come and train the teachers, this is because in education, you continuously have changes and innovations and in keeping up with the current trend in education, you also have to train and retrain your teachers. Normally, when we resume, we have seminars with professionals and also during midterm. For instance, looking at the facilities that the school has, a lot of people come here and the first impression they have is maybe the school is a higher institution until when they come in and we tell them it is a secondary school, and they are always surprised. There was a time the governor’s wife gave the school an award for outstanding academic facilities. These are some of the parameters that are very important in ensuring sound and qualitative education. Again, if you look at the teacher-students ratio in classes, there are a lot of schools you find forty students in a class but the teaching-learning process requires the teacher to give attention to individual needs of the student and when you have a situation like that, it will be almost impossible for the teacher to attend to the individual needs of

the students. Here, we have as low as twenty students in a class to ensure that effective teaching and learning takes place. The problem in the country is not that we don’t have people that are academically sound, but we are producing academic giants and moral dwarfs. The school has been able to successfully combine Islamic and western education which is what we really need in the society to produce the disciplined leaders which is the motto of the school. Lastly, we may no longer have to write our exams on paper which the proprietor is really working hard on now. The students are used to the e-tab which enables them to get information on academics online just like what some students in higher institution are making use of. We are preparing our students for future roles so that when they get to the higher institution, it will no longer be new to them. It was during my set that University of Ilorin started the CBT exams and a lot of students didn’t do well not because they are not sound but because they were just using the gadget for the first time. So, we are forecasting and preparing our students so that when they get out of here, they are going to outclass their colleagues. The owner of this school is a seasoned educationist. Al-Azhar is the only school that has what we call the quality assurance unit, which is not responsible to the principal or school administrator but responsible directly to the proprietor and what they do is that they evaluate the teachers during the teaching-learning process and weekly report is given on the performance of each teacher.

Mr. Ismail Adebayo Ebidero, Al-Azhar’s Principal

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

As we vote we must pray

hatever that is far is near; whatever that is near will come to past. The shifted and much dreaded election will now hold tomorrow. It is time to decide where Nigeria goes in the next democratic phase. This election will decide a lot of things in Nigeria and for Nigerians. It is not about President Jonathan or General Buhari but a rescue operation and redefinition of our entity. It is not about religion but justice, accountability and humanity taught by it. It is not about all the tribes in Nigeria but a realization of the values of the National anthem and pledge as compatriots, service to God through the nation, faithfulness and loyalty. The journey has been rough and terrible. Many have died of poverty and avoidable diseases. Many have been languishing in pains and unease. The country has been displaced in the comity of nations. Now, we have the op-

Oh Allah, the orphans, the widows, children and the aged are all crying in the land

portunity, to at least, speak out through the ballot box. Whether it will count or not or whether power will be relinquished if the incumbency is defeated is another thing. We should go out to vote and bear in mind that some undesirable elements amongst civilian and uniformed men may want to create confusion. Let us not be intimidated. Let us not fight with our hands but with our brains. We must apply wisdom. As much as possible, we must avoid confrontation because those who have failed to quell Boko Haram for which the election was postponed or rescue

the chiboks girls will not hesitate to exhibit their military prowess on the armless common man. Why should we allow innocent blood to flow why the guilty ones live on? Let us continuously petition God that the entire plan to derail the cause of true and fair election should fail. They should all be disgraced and humiliated. We need God as our politicians have turned the ordinary men into beggars; criminally dashing out money at them and giving them money to vote against their conscience. It is an eye sore of the highest order sharing 1000 naira

Sarki Kano Muhammad Sanusi II

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

Book To Look Out For

his book chronicles the life of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons. A muslim monarch who was trained at a Catholic Missionary School, worked as a banker, studied Shari’ah with traditional scholars and in the Republic of Sudan and opposed its politicisation as a public intellectual. He used his pen with knowledge of islam and social science to actively engage politicians, journalists and scholars. This is the Emir of Kano

Call to Worship

Friday, March 27, 2015 7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

Muhammad Sanusi II. Sanusi’s success as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria was universally acknowledge by awards from credib le organisation and institutions worldwide, unlike many politicians who buy awards from fake organisations. Few Nigerians have been as recognised as he was. Even his honorary doctorate degrees were from universities across the country. He earned the ultimate crown of his life, the Emirship of Kano. He had always never hidden his desire to ascend to the throne of his ancestors who have occupied the exalted position for almost two centuries since the ascension of their patriarch Ibrahim Dabo (1819-1846). Since question of whether he could reconcile his independent critical and progressvie mind with the traditional mind of the Kano Emirate.

In an article titled: “Nigeria’s Muslim north: Modern mind in a seat of tradition A new emir may stake things up in the embattled north” the influential newspaper The Economist of London noted that Sanusi who has reputation of speaking injustice and corruption may have to be less controversial like his predecessors. And that: “He say he has no interest in formally entering politics but will back social causes rather than parties”. However he is expected to use his influence to support reforms that could help in the social development of not only Kano but the whole of the Northern Region of Nigeria. Ibrahim Ado-Kurawa is a Kano base writer and resercher who has written over twenty books on local, national and international issues in the last two decades. He was the Director General Research and Documentation Knao State from 2005 to 2011, where he supervised the publication of over forty three books and eighteen electronic work including the first ever multi-media work by the State Government.

It is a must read for all

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com or even less to canvass for votes. That shows how low they have descended. We need God to help us deal with them one after the other. They are all the same except that one is a better evil. What can a single man do amongst mammoth of bloody corrupt elements? We must start from somewhere and that is why change is necessary; not only of the ruling corrupt leaders but in every aspect of our nation. The country has been battered and bartered for personal aggrandizement. Our post election really portends a suffering in the lives of ordinary masses as debt profile rises and an external reserve dwindles. All the funds that were lavishly father-christmased to woo or lure party and non-party members were glorified corruption. These monies belong to the people but the leaders abused their offices by wasting our resources. Oh Allah, You are the Absolute Sovereign over the universe and no one else shares even a shred of

your authority. You are the only King of the heavens and the earth and the King of Kings. Our leaders have oppressed us for long. They have enriched themselves with our monies and impoverished us and mortgaged the lives of the little ones and that of the unborn. We are compelled to use our last weapon, that of prayer which no mortal can stop. We implore you, Allah, to ease our plight and give us leaders who will show us mercy. Oh Allah, we are helpless and in pains. We report these heartless leaders to you. You know them all. You alone know the extent they have caused havoc to this nation. Deal with them accordingly. Spare none of them. They abused the trust reposed in them. Oh Allah, the orphans, the widows, children and the aged are all crying in the land. The civil servants are disillusioned. They work day and night, months and years but are either owned their take homes which never take them outside their offices.

Book Review

Cleanliness is from faith

llah, the Most High loves the person who is clean, and people respect him. This is because cleanliness is a part of Faith. Faith has levels, and the highest of them is the statement “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah,” while the lowest of them is removing harmful things from the road. For this reason, cleanliness is from the matters which Islam encourages to be maintained. Thus Islam has legislated for us ablution for every prayer, and bathing for Jumu’ah (Friday) and the ‘Eids (celebrations). Islam calls upon us to be clean of body, heart and mind, in our homes, our gatherings, and the road. Our Messenger, Muhammad , was the best example of cleanliness. He was the cleanest of people, both outwardly and inwardly. He was known amongst the people by his nice smell, his handsome clothing, and his pure character. All of this is because cleanliness is from Faith. It keeps the body active and purifies it. It protects the body from sickness and illness. The clean Muslim is a beautiful picture for his re-

ligion, and a handsome representation for his family. Why don’t we behave with cleanliness in our bodies, our clothing and our hearts? (Purification of the heart means purifying it from jealousy, hatred, malice and deception.) Why don’t we behave with this beautiful mannerism (cleanliness) in our homes, streets and stores? We will do it, and our children will do it if we give a little thought about it, and that is the purpose for the presentation of this book. I hope that we will learn and adopt the things we read from the manners of Islam.

Call to Worship

The Proprietor, Al-Azhar International College, AIC, Dr. Yekeen Habeeb in this interview with our Assistant Editor, SEKINAH LAWAL, speaks on his vision for the college and called on government to remove schools from commercial electricity tariff among other issues, excerpts; What motivated you to set up Al-Azhar International College? There were some few issues that motivated me to set up Al-Azhar College. First of them is the fact that I did not have an opportunity to go through any good school. I went to primary school in the village and later I went to a Christian school, which was in a remote rural area without any facility whatsoever. In fact, we were using bush lamp to read and some of those who taught me were school dropouts themselves; they didn’t have the required qualifications. But I worked very hard on my own and my personal standard was far above what others had and that was why I spent only seven weeks in form one and I was promoted to form two. In all, I spent about three and half years in secondary school and I came out with distinctions in those days. So, one of my first motivations is that I want to help others in order not to pass through what I passed through, that they should be able to go to good school in an environment that is very conducive for learning. That was my first major reason for setting up a school of such standard. The second one is somehow based on religion, I found that a large number of people in this country today bear Muslim names but they have become Christians and one of the first reasons is because they went to Christian schools. And I have found out that there is nobody that goes to a Christian school that they will not make an attempt to get to convert except you are extremely strong on your own. And that also happened to me. I said I am not setting up the school to convert Christians but at least to bring Muslims to a school where nobody is asking them to change their religion. The second part of the religion is that we have Muslims today, a large number as well, who do not know how to read the holy Qur’an. There are some of them that you think they can read but anybody who has a good knowledge of the holy Qur’an will know that they are just messing up the words, they don’t know Tajweed; the right pronunciation. Because of that, I said let me set up an institution where the secular education will be strong and the Islamic foundation will also be very strong. And that was what motivated me to combine it with Tafisul Qur’an. These are the major reasons as well as also giving back to the society. What are the challenges been faced? Right from the beginning, we have faced so many challenges. From when I went to the ministry that I wanted to start up a school, they asked for the location and I told them and they said didn’t I see that there is a secondary school just opposite the place. I said I could see it and they said why will I want to set up another school there, my response to the director in the ministry of education was that our market is not the same, our catchment area is not the same thing and they said oh! You mean you want to set up a school and they will only be teaching Arabic? We are not going to approve it. But I said whether they will approve it or not, let us wait for that time but just give me the form; I will pay for it. That was challenge number one. We finished the ground floor of the main building and we started working on the football pitch. I went to the ministry again and I said I wanted them to come and look at what I was doing so that they could tell me what I needed to do. They told me they were not going to follow me that they were not interested in what I was doing. I told them I was well prepared. I went there with my projector and different uniforms and all the curricular of the ministry and publications of education resource centers I already had. I also had the encyclopedia of education I carried to the place and I was ready to make presentation to them so they could understand what I was going to do. Then one of them said they should listen to me because many schools that had been there for decades don’t even have what I presented before them. He said that showed I knew what I was doing.

7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Government must provide basic amenities’

Government can also set up some funds, which can cover certain aspect of education. For example, they can give funds for textbooks, which means private schools will no longer charge the students for textbooks.

Dr. Habeeb

I spent about three and half years in secondary school and

I came out

with distinctions in those days Then they agreed to go with me and I told them I had a bus, I had already bought a brand new school bus, with full a/c. They got out and they saw the bus and we took them to the place. When we got there and they went around, one of them called me and asked, “For who are you building this school?” I said for his children and my children but he said he didn’t believe me. I asked him why and he said what I had on ground appeared I was building the school for senators and not for people like him. I said no that it is for all. He then nodded and said it is a great school. In fact, he uttered a word; he said this is London in Kogi. He said I should go ahead that they would give me approval and I was truly given approval. The other challenge we had was the issue of infrastructure because there was no water and electricity in the area. So we had to buy our own transformer and also a big generator and now we have up to three or four generators in the premises. We had to drill three industrial boreholes, which are not even meeting our requirements. And today the electricity bill we receive is not what even three establishments should receive. They just bill us at will, we requested prepaid meters but they have refused to give us. What is your appeal to government? My appeal to government is that government is for everyone in the community. Today, the government through central bank has set aside some funds for certain sector of the economy. For example, we have power, aviation and intervention funds, these are businesses that belong to individuals and the government is giving them funds with very low interest rates. They set up one for commercial agriculture and they also give them funds at low interest rates. There is no reason why government should not support education; education is the bedrock of any development we talk about. Private schools are contributing to the development of education in the country; government should therefore come out to provide them at least with social facilities, electricity and water, if not at free cost then it should be at low cost. They should remove schools away from commercial enterprises where they bill so heavily because we are supporting the government in the provision of education.

What is your advice to parents in terms of ensuring good moral training for our future leaders? You see, the motto of this school is groom disciplined future leaders because we believe that if you live in a society where the people are morally bankrupt and corrupt, one cannot experience development. So the motto was specially coined to ensure that we groom the children, instill discipline and not just teaching them. My experience has shown that many children come into the school and you see that they are completely devoid of the morality that we are talking about and sometimes, it becomes very difficult to instill the required discipline. The fact remains that the school alone cannot do it. It is both the home as well as the school. Parents should join hands with the school to ensure that the children are morally-upright. You will even see some parents who will accuse you and say why should their children wash, clean or sweep. They expect them to come in and do their washing and cleaning for them and sometimes it is very difficult. I have experienced where a parent had complained that students steal in the school and asked why should anyone steal in a Muslim school and I wonder how a student who doesn’t steal from home gets somewhere else and starts stealing. So parents should try at home to inculcate this principle of morality and discipline in them. You can see in some students when they come that they have been properly brought up and you just add little to them for them to really move forward. What are those things that gladden your heart since the school has been established as well as you future plan for al-Azhar College? The first thing that really gladens my heart is the memorization of the Qur’an and the Prophet prayers. At the beginning, I did a prayer book which I gave to them and they memorized it so fast, even some things that I do not know. I was highly impressed. Secondly, when I see them competing with other schools and they win, it really impresses me. There was a day I was coming from Abuja and I just put on the radio and they announced the winners of a competition that was just held and they mentioned Al-Azhar coming first and second, I was very happy. Another thing is when we were doing construction and I saw over two hundred people working on the site, I was delighted and thought they will all go back home to meet one or two people waiting on them and they would be able to feed their families. Today, we also have a lot of people working there. I can remember the last Ramadan, I asked them to give me their names, they were about sixty-five, teachers and non-academic. And I was happy to see the number of people I take care of on monthly basis. Many other things that bring big joy when I look back and remember or see. Also on religious grounds, I see people who are doing Qur’an memorization in full. I have a child who is almost completed the entire memorization of the Qur’an. As far as plans for the future, I have it in mind that by the time we become five years we should be able to move to advance level. We have some things we are already working on, we are already working with the British Council and they gave us time that whenever we are willing to come for the inspection. I hate failures; so I said we must put on ground everything that they require, including the textbooks, infrastructure. After putting all that in place then we invite them and by next year we should be able to start the Cambridge a level as well as the O level which can give our students admission anywhere. Truly we have some of our students in the universities because we started up till SS1 when we started. Although we are planning university but the requirements is very high but I believe if Allah wills, it will be easy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, March 27, 2015 7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

‘Children moral training is a joint task’

What is Al-Azhar doing to ensure that all the core values of the school are actualized? We make sure that the core values are strictly adhered to as much as possible. The children are encouraged to speak the truth and do things according to Islamic injunctions. They have enough work given to keep them busy while going on holiday. All the subject teachers usually give them enough work to occupy the students while in school and on holiday. Since it was established some years ago, we have won a lot of medals including academic, sport and even Qur’anic competition and the Olympia National Mathematics competition where the school took 3rd position. Also, in sport, especially football, the school has competed with many of the private schools around here and they have won so many medals. The children have been wonderful. What roles can women play, as agent of change, to bring about positive change? Women have a lot of roles to play. We cannot sit down and fold our hands. As the home makers, we are expected to be able to combine many things and still excel in all. It is high time for women to make their voices heard; we must be ready to make our own contribution to the development of the society by performing our roles as mothers, wives and bridge-builders in all ramifications. What is your advice to our women in ensuring that they make a success of their many roles? We must not forget the fact that the family units make up the society. It is what we have in our individual homes that will go out to form the society we are talking about. So we must not neglect our work as mothers at home in molding our children and nurturing them to make sure they get the best values of life from their parents before they go into the society. It is a major role that we should not allow the career to take away from us. Islamically for example, a woman that is still at the child bearing age should sacrifice for the children and family by staying at home until the children are fully-grown up and can actually take care of themselves before going out to take career as a major thing but you would have nurtured the children and make them to know when to do what. What is your appeal to government on the abducted Chibok girls? It is very unfortunate and really painful to imagine the state of those girls. Where are they and what will they be doing, what is happening to them? So many questions that need answers but there is no one providing answers. The government has failed us but we are just praying and hoping that God will intervene and touch their heart because I believe it is only God that can do the miracle. If God touches their hearts then they will be able to release the children to their parents because it is very sad. With God

Al-Azhar

International College

Established on 16th of October, 2010, Al-Azhar International College is actually doing what schools that are decades old cannot do. The College Director, Hajia Iswat speaks on the College’s activities, parental roles amongst other issues. In terms of moral upbringing, what are your expectations from parents in ensuring proper moral upbringing of our future leaders? On the part of parents, I feel parents should complement the efforts of the teachers. There was a particular holiday that I took it upon myself to call parents and ask as early as possible to ask if the children had observed the morning prayers. Some of them would say no, whereas when the students are in school, they normally do all those things. Most parents are not watchful about issues like that and that should not be, it is a joint task.

Call to Worship

Located at Zango Daji, Lokoja-Kabba Junction Road, Kogi State.

You want a balanced education for your child?

Al-Azhar International College is the place to go!

Righteousness

Sincerity

Respect

Strategic Thinking

Humility

Core Value

Hardwork Honesty

Morality

Truthfulness

We prepare students in a way to achieve happier and more successful lives than their parents and peers by going the extra mile to ensure that our students consistently excel, not just once but always; Not only in one front but in all fronts.

Hajia Iswat

on our side, I believe something can still happen. Lastly, your advice to parents? I will advise parents to always choose schools that will mould their children for this world and the Hereafter like we are doing in Al-Azhar College because we are not just training them for only this world but also for the Hereafter. A child that has been trained to know the rules and regulations as well as principles of Islamic culture, one that has memorized the holy Qur’an is not just trained for this life but also for the Hereafter; which is very important.

Al-Azhar International College is a full boarding coeducational institution. The College combines worldclass secular and Islamic education with high moral training (based on Islamic teachings and ethics) to build outstanding and disciplined future leaders for all aspects of human existence.

Entrance Exam holds on Saturday 30th May 2015 in Lokoja, Lagos and Abuja. Contacts: Email: alazharinternlcollege@gmail.com +234-7030284779, +234-7060846621

Al-Azhar to start computer-based exams –Akintola Mr. AbdulHakeem Akintola, the Administrator of Al-Azhar International College, shares his experience with AISHA TITILAYO

What are the things put in place to ensure values are actualised? The school management and indeed the founding fathers of the school are always on their toes to ensure that the core values are really implemented and established in the lives of the students because, at Al-Azhar School, we see ourselves as life builders, custodians of destiny, so we have to make good use of all that we have within our capacity to ensure that the children actualize their dreams. In terms of the core values, we inculcate in all our curricular activities programmes that will be directed towards the core values. For instance, on our time table every Tuesday, instead of having the normal assembly, we have classroom assembly. There is a schedule of classroom discussion every term such that when the assembly is held in the classrooms, there is a section for moral instruction where all the students sit down and listen to moral instruction. So, the topic for the week will be the topic that will be discussed in all classrooms. So we are trying in this regard to actualize the core values of

being modest and morallyupright. Since Islam also portrays all that is embedded in all the core values, teachers try to link their examples and illustrations with the various Islamic moral teachings. As a result, students will know that they are not just in school to have secular knowledge but also the Islamic knowledge. Any laurel from state or national competition? Yes, the school has been, both in the past and now. There is this national Mathematics Olympia competition and they had a trophy. They also go frequently for the Cowbell competition, which they do every year. They came 3rd in 2014 at the state level. Some of these we are invited to and some we see on the internet and enroll our students for them. We accommodate all faiths in such a way that by the time they get here, they get to know that all Islamic teachings are also in other religions but we will not force anybody to participate Solat. Some even demand teaching of CRK because most of them are in the primary section but the school is ready to make arrangements for

them to have their own CRK as well. So we do not discriminate whatsoever here. What do you have for parents? My advice to parents is that Al-Azhar International College is the right place for their wards. All that we give to the students are state of the art facility where students can compete favourably with other students across the globe. Our students use e-tablets not just for using sake but because it enhances their learning better and even learn outside the classrooms. I implore parents to pay a visit to AAzhar College and they will be convinced. The e-tablets have also been configured so much so that they can use it for their computer based test. We are starting that now in Al-Azhar, instead of the paper and pencil tests, students can do their tests on the e-tablet. By the time they are doing their JAMB, they wouldn’t have to go for extra training. We still take our students out on excursions to broaden their horizon and let them know that learning is not just within the four walls of the classroom. I will like to appeal to

Akintola

our parents that the training of the child is a collective thing, as we are doing our best in school, by the time they go home on holidays, they should also play their part and get them kitted up for the next term. No child should go home and spends hundred per cent of the holiday playing. Even during this period of election, the students can use that opportunity to brush up on what third term holds for them. In the e-tablet, students can open folders and pick up books they want to read, flipping through the pages as if they are doing that on the hardcopies, without going online. The e-tablet can bring them into examination environment whereby they can be tested under examination condition, timed alongside.

Call to Worship

7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We want government that will guarantee quality life for all

l-Azhar International College is one of the best schools not only in Kogi State but in Nigeria generally going by the fact that the school management is really set out in all ramifications to making it the best. The opportunity given to us by the school to tap from the vast potential of the computer technology with specially-packaged e-tablets for all senior secondary students is quite distinct and precious in comparison with what is available in many other schools. Whenever we are together with students from other schools expected to be of the same caliber as ours, we discovered that they always envy us

Mujeeb-Rahman Habeeb

will want our government, federal, state and local governments to do

and wished they have such opportunity. We are indeed grateful to the school’s management and it only shows that our college is fully set for quality and balanced upbringing.”

Ameenah Jamal-Islam, the Senior Prefect Female of AlAzhar International College, AIC, Lokoja-Kogi State

more in terms of ensuring quality education, health, good roads and safety of lives and property. We have always been hearing and reading that the abducted Chibok girls are yet to be released and we want an end to all this. Though am safe and comfortable in my school but we must feel for others too. I love my school because of the way they are teaching us, the serene and

e are up to the task in terms of teaching Islamic and western education with teachers that handle the classes excellently. Our library and laboratories are of the best standard with all needed amenities for students to cope well in school. Also, our morning and night preps for about one and half hours give us great opportunity of studying. And I will advise parents to always make needed enquiries about schools before taking their wards there. Any parent with wards here in AIC will never regret doing so.

Haruna Sanusi, Headboy, AIC

very clean environment. So also is the strict discipline they always give us, am very proud

Adinoyi AbdulMalik

want to become a Mechanical Engineer in future and my school, Al-Azhar College has really impacted on me and is still doing that in helping me to actualize my dream. The moral upbringing here is very high with teachers who are well-disciplined; they don’t take any unruly behaviour. We have all it takes to learn perfectly but will want government at all levels to do more in terms of infrastructure, electricity; good roads among others.

of my school and hope that Nigerians will come to appreciate that.

overnment at all levels should give priority to education because it is when the future leaders are given the needed education that the nation can really grow. AlAzhar College has indeed being preparing us for now and years to come with our school winning medals in various competitions. The school environment is conducive and our teachers are quite friendly. They advise us to be serious with our studies. Government should try and put in place free healthcare services as well as provide good roads, constant and cheap electricity. They should also ensure that the election is free and fair because elections will affect school activities, the aftermath should therefore not further disturb academic calendar.

AbdusSalam AbdusSatar, Mosque Prefect

‘Qur’an memorization makes the brain sharper’ “Whosoever memorises the whole of the Qur’an will be permitted by Allah to take ten people he likes from the Hellfire.” Some of the students of the Hafeez Class of Al-Azhar International College share their feelings with National Mirror Newspaper, excerpts;

Habeeb Mubashir, Hafeez Class

t is a thing of joy to have the opportunity of memorizing the glorious Quran and Al-Azhar College has given me that grace. I have memorized one quarter of

the holy Qur’an so far and I noticed that it makes the brain sharper than before. I decided to go for Hafeez Class myself but my parents have been very supportive and I would like to advise parents to encourage their kids to go for Qur’an Memorization class so as to fulfill Allah’s command with various benefits here and the hereafter. It will also help in sharpening their brain such that when they go back for western education, they will do better than they used to do. I want to become an Islamic scholar.

am 15years of age now and have completed half of the holy Qur’an. I started last year. Since I started the Quran memorisation class, I noticed many changes in my life. Before I couldn’t recite the Qur’an fluently but now I can read the Qur’an fluently and am more serious about Tajweed. In future, I want to become a lecturer and I will like to advise parents to allow their children to memorise the Qur’an because Allah says that whosoever memorises the whole of the Qur’an will be permitted by Allah to take ten people he likes from the fire.

Sanni AbdulWakeel

Habeeb Abdul-Hadi.

am eleven-year old and have memorized the first part of the holy Qur’an. The experience has been very interesting. I want to become a Lawyer specializing in Shariah law. I pray I should be through with the whole memorization in another one and half years In Shaa Allahu. I started last year.

Isa Halima

think AIC is a place every child should pass through if possible. Have been to some other schools before coming to AIC and have the opportunity of comparing them. It is very comfortable and convenient learning here. I am also glad that I have the opportunity of learning a great deal about Islam and the Qur’an. Many prophetic prayers and the sunnah of the Prophet. I would appeal to the Federal Government to ensure a free and fair elections so that schools’ academic calender will not be further distorted.

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Call to Worship

Friday, March 27, 2015 7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

Peaceful polls: JNI ‘Parents, schools should collaborate on children’s moral’ calls for prayers Aisha Titilayo

arents have been advised to render the needed help and support to their children’s schools in order to ensure proper moral upbringing of the children. Giving the advice in an interview with National Mirror was the Director, Al- Azhar International College, Lokoja-Kogi State, Hajia Iswat Habeeb. According to her, parents should not leave every-

thing to the school management in order to have morally-upright future leaders. “It will be a bit difficult to expect miracle from teachers if parents are not playing their own role as expected.” She made it known that in Al-Azhar College, all the teachers and management staff are always ready and willing to instil discipline into the students and give them necessary guidance and counselling. In the same vein, Dr. Ye-

keen Habeeb revealed that the task of having morallyupright future leaders is a joint responsibility of all; parents, teachers and the society as a whole. He therefore enjoined that all hands must be on deck to attain success in that regard. He also called on government to always see private schools as partners in progress and stop giving them ‘cracy’ electricity bill as if they are manufacturing companies. “Government should support

private schools when necessary because they are doing what governments are suppose to do.” “We are doing so much at AIC to ensure quality allround upbringing and is now set to begin Cambridge A-Levels examination.” According to him, the school’s management is determined to ensure total education for the students and offer the best aid to prepare them for both internal and external examinations in addition to high moral upbringing.

Sekinah L awal

ama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, has urged the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to continue praying fervently for a hitch free general elections in Nigeria. In a release signed by JNI’s Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, he specially called on all Muslims to utilize the usual Thursday voluntary fasting to fast and seek Allaah’s intervention in the forth-coming general elections. “In the same vein, all Jumu’ah Mosques Imams’ are implored to centre their respective Khutbah-sermons for today, on violence free election period and offer special prayers to that effect.” On the other hand, JNI called on all parents, guardians and other stakeholders to monitor very closely their children/wards before, during and after the elections. “The youths should in the name of ALLAH (SWT) sheath their swords, as there are many more elections ahead, thus

they should be calm, peaceful and law abiding before, during and after the elections. Likewise, opinion leaders, labour and student unions, community leaders, women and youth organizations should closely synergize with security agencies at their respective domains in order to maintain absolute peace.” In the event that the Results are announced by the Electoral Empire, JNI implored the political gladiators to take the outcome in good fate and be sportsmanly. “This is so because, if Allah (SWT) spares our lives, we shall witness many more elections in Nigeria. The polity should not be overheated and the fragile peace in Nigeria should not be jeopardized.” Aggrieved persons were urged that all forms of irregularities should be appropriately directed to the competent courts of law which is in tandem with best known practices across the globe. “It is our prayers that free, fair, and credible elections would be held in Nigeria. May the Almighty Allaah continue to grant us peace, security, prosperity and development in Nigeria.”

Don’t blackmail MUSWEN

Sheikh Dhikrullah Shaffi and other clerics At the 7th edition of the quarterly public lecture of The Muslim Congress, TMC, Lagos State, recently.

‘Our politicians lack leadership qualities’ Tunbosun Ogundare

hief Imam of Jama-at-ul-Islamiyya of Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammad Alfa-Nla has given knock to political leaders at all levels of governance in the country, saying they lack basic qualities that could make them good leaders. He said that was why Nigeria remains socio- economically poor notwithstanding its huge available human and material resources. He made the observation over the weekend in Lagos at the 9th triennial delegates’ conference of the Islamic organisation with over 200 participants

nationwide. Alfa-Nla, who was a guest lecturer at the forum, spoke on “Good leadership: Panacea to national development.” According to him, “Leaders at any level are required to be knowledgeable of their responsibilities in office, sincere, trustworthy, kind-hearted, ready to take criticism, accountable and have the fear of God for them to govern well. But many of our leaders, especially in government from the federal, state to local government level lack these basic traits and this has continued to draw us backward as a nation.” He said Nigeria wouldn’t have been in economic mess today if those entrusted with the nation’s re-

sources were able to utilise it with caution. “That is why for example our federal and state lawmakers cannot also cut down their salaries and allowances to make the cost of governance bearable to the country. They don’t care about what happens to the masses they claim to represent once they can satisfy their selfish ambition. That is why they don’t live by their promises after elections,” he stressed. Alfa-Nla, who is an Agric-Economist, however urged Nigerians to vote for only the candidates irrespective of political parties capable of adding values to the political- economic of the country and not for those whose activities will

further pull it down. Earlier in his address of welcome, the National President of the organisation, Prince Fasasi Gbagba said since leadership starts from family, a successful leader at home will most likely succeed in bigger responsibilities. He therefore urged every parent to train their children in acceptable way of God and that of the society so as to be able to grow with virtues that will help them do well in future.

he Muslim Ummah of the Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN, has denied holding any meetings to endorse any presidential candidate as reported in a print media. “As a religious body, MUSWEN’s constitution does not allow it to dabble into politics, partisan or casual and the body has consistently adhered to that constitutional provision since its inception seven years ago. In a release issued and signed by Femi Abbas MUSWEN’s Media Consultant, the reported story was maliciously aimed at ridiculing MUSWEN and subjecting it to the usual political mudslinging by

which Nigerian politicians are well known. “MUSWEN has neither held any political meeting with any Imam or Imams as reported in the story nor enjoined anybody to endorse any candidate in the coming elections and it had never done so since its inauguration in 2008.” Meanwhile, Southwest Muslims held another congregational peace prayer for a peaceful poll in Oyo State, where MUSWEN’s headquarter is situated, the Chief Imam of Ibadan land who doubles as the President of the Southwest League of Imams and Alfas led the prayer that was attended by various member organizations and personalities.

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Call to Worship

7 Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1436

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Solar and lunar eclipses

solar eclipse took place in the UK last week and also in some other countries. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) instructed to particularly pray, engage in istaghfar, give alms and offer Salat during eclipse. Salatul Kusoof [Kusoof is solar eclipse] should be offered by Muslims in areas of solar eclipse in accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Ahadith tell us that solar and lunar eclipses are special signs of God. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) gave particular significance to solar and lunar eclipses. There are Ahadith regarding an eclipse that took place in the life time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Hazrat Asma (may Allah be pleased with her) related: ‘I came to ‘Aishah during solar eclipse and saw her Praying. I asked her what is wrong with the people that they are praying at this hour. She gestured with her hand towards the sky and said: SubhanAllah. I asked her is there a sigh and she nodded in the affirmative. So I too stood and prayed until I swooned and poured water on my head. After the Prayer the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) praised and glorified God and said: Just now I have seen something which I never

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also said: The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death

saw before…including Paradise and Hell. It has been revealed to me that you will be put to trials in your graves… You will be asked: What do you know about this man? A believer will reply, He is Muhammad, the Prophet of God and he came to us with self-evident truth and guidance and we accepted his teaching, believed in him and followed him. The person will be told, sleep peacefully as you were surely a firm believer. On the other hand a hypocrite will reply: I do not know but I heard people saying something so I said the same.’ The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also said: The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah, so pray whenever you see them.

‘Spread Islamic teachings worldwide’

he world leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had urged media practitioners of the Ahmadiyya Islamic community and Muslims in general to spread the peaceful message of Islam to the world. While addressing participants at the concluding session of the international broadcast conference and workshop at the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya Headquarters in Merton, London, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad said the message of peace is important as some group of Muslims had been engaging in acts inimical to the true teachings of Islam.

Cross section of participants with Hazrat Ahmad,Global Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the 3rd international broadcast conference by the MuslimTelevision Ahmadiyya in London.

He noted that the growing suicide attacks, killings and hate speeches by those who do not understand fully the teachings of Islam on caring for humanity, eliminating poverty, ignorance, diseases and other evil machinations by IS in the Middle East and Boko Haram in Nigeria have been a source of worry to devoted Muslims globally . The Ahmadiyya leader said the Islamic community is fully committed to the spread of Islam through peaceful means and establishment of social economic facilities such as schools, hospitals and other community development projects.

Some students of Al-Azhar International College during one of their practical classes, recently.

Cross section of pupils of Montessori class of Al-Azhar.

Cross section of pupils of Al-Bayan Montessori School, Iloro-Lagos during the school’s Cultural Day, recently.

Nigerians in diaspora pray for peaceful poll

igerian voters have been urged to vote for visionary leaders in tomorrow and April 11th elections across Nigeria. Speaking in London, Nigerians and Africans in the UK said the next election offered Nigerians greatest opportunity to ensure that responsive and responsible leadership in the presidency, governorship, national and state assemblies are elected to manage the resources of a great African country. According to them, “if Nigeria get it right with good leadership, other African countries will follow suit.”

To underscore the importance of the Saturday election to Nigerians in the UK, prayers were held across mosques and Pentecostal churches in London for a peaceful elections going by reports of violence recorded in some parts of the country during the electioneering campaigns. Some Nigerians are also set to travel home to cast their votes and others are phoning their relations to influence the voting pattern as the two leading political parties mobilized Nigerians abroad for the elections.The elections have been described as a watershed in the anal of Nigeria.

Cross section of pupils of Al-Bayan Montessori School, Iloro-Lagos during the school’s Cultural Day, recently.

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Escape

Friday, March 27, 2015

-Footprints of slavery Here is a town that has its place in Africa’s annals of history due to its operations as the hub of frequent slave trade activities. OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ounded in the early 15th century on a lagoon off the Gulf of Guinea, its protected harbour led to the town becoming a key port in the export of slaves to the Americas, which were mainly to Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. From the 1840s, following the suppression of the slave trade, Badagry declined significantly, but became a major site of Christian mission work. Christianity was first preached in Nigeria at Badagry in 1842 by Rev Bernard Freeman and he celebrated the first Christmas in Nigeria the following year. The site where Christianity was first preached then is now the “Agiya Tree Monument” beside the Badagry Town Hall. The first educational system of Nigeria as a British colony started in Badagry where the first primary school was built and named “St. Thomas (ANGLICAN) Primary School in 1845. The first Secondary school in Badagry was built over one hundred years later called Badagry Grammar School in 1955 due misunderstanding between the Missionaries and the natives that made them leave the town unceremoniously. In 1863 the town was annexed by the United Kingdom and incorporated into the Lagos colony. In 1901 it became a part of Nigeria. Badagry subsists largely on fishing and agriculture, and maintains a small museum of slavery.The town inhabits dwellers from all over the country doing different business in the town.Some trade in clothing, food items, used cars from overseas and other imported goods. The town is just few kilometers from Seme a border town to Republic of Benin and generates the highest Nigeria Customs duties income till date. This is the building commonly called the first storey building in Nigeria, overlooking the Marina waterfront. It was built in 1842 by Rev Bernard Freeman and other missionaries.

Although it was built thousands of years after the first story building was constructed in Nigeria, with many still standing multistorey buildings, the name has stuck. Presently, the conventional ethnonym of Egun is preferred by the vast majority of the people. Any sudden break in the use of this conventional ethnonym in the historiography of this cultural group would likely cause confusion, especially in regard to their place of origin, which they typically trace the neighboring Republic of Benin. The citadel of civilisation and gateway to Christianity in Nigeria, the first city to easily boast of the first ever storey building in Nigeria, first to be Urbanized and corridor for Human Livestock during the obnoxious slave trade was founded by a farmer who has his farm on its Peninsular named Agbede. Agbede’s farm was referred to as Agbedegreme, which was later, coined into Agbadarigi by the Yoruba alien of the south-western part of Nigeria and later into Badagry by the European slave merchants when the coast of badagry was discovered and opened to the New world. Monumental and Historical sites Mobee Family Slave Relics Museum: This house the original Relics left by the obnoxious trade, the chains are more 600 years old preserved right from when the trade was stopped. The Mobee Family is custodians of the Relics and still found within their domain. Their ancestors were big time slave merchants in days of the trade. Slave Market Established 1502, an open space where slaves were auctioned and serves as a meeting point for the Europeans and Africa middlemen. Not less than 46,800 people were sold from this market annually when the trade got to its peak. Slave Baracoon Used in the 1840’s by the Brazilian merchants, a form of

First-Storey-Building-in-Nigeria

Badagry slave-port route

Image showing slavery activity

Attenuation well

a cell where slaves were kept before being transported to the new world. This is the only standing cell among all the cells used during the trans- Atlantic slave trade. Slave Route Port: Used in the 17th and 18th centuries where slaves were moved down to the slave route and finally to the point of No Return and the port also house the canons of war donated by Queen of England to aid abolition of the trade. Slave Route/ Point Of No Return The last place where the memories of African brothers and sisters were lost. They were made to trek through this peninsula for 25 minutes to the ‘Point of No return’. Before they get to the Atlantic Ocean at the extreme of this peninsula they would have been given a drink from the slave spirit attenuation well which we make them loose their homeland memories, less aggressive and finally become

submissive to the instructions of the foreign slave dealers. Slavery chains Badagry heritage museum The former district officer office, built in 1863 now use as the Heritage museum which house all the information you need to know about Badagry both slavery and cultural heritage of the people. First storey building in Nigeria: Built in 1845 under the supervision of Rev. C. A. Gollmer. This place serve as the mission house for the early missionary and the first ever storey building in the country called Nigeria. This is where the first English Bible was translated into Yoruba Language (the local language) by a librated slave called Samuel Ajayi crowther “the first African to become a bishop in England.

Early missionary cemetery Where the early missioners were buried. Some of the missionary buried here are Rev. C. A. Gollmer and His wife. Old district officer’s Residence: Built in 1853, one of the early buildings built by the colonials during their era in Nigeria is a stone throw from the first storey building. This serves as a residence for the district officers in Nigeria, one of those that lived there was notable Gen. Fredrick Lord Lugard Suntan beach Stretch through the Atlantic Ocean and situated along Badagry- seme expressway. This is resort with accommodation where tourist relaxes.

Arty News

Friday, March 27, 2015

Queen of Aso: Kicking away rape in Nigeria REGINA OTOKPA

t was an evening of exhilarating fun at the Soho 24 Sports centre in Gwarinpa Abuja, when cat walking and jogging knocked knees to ‘Kick Against Rape’ as the office of the Queen of Aso Nigeria launched the 2015 edition of its pageantry which marks the 10th anniversary. Kick-starting a series of events that would roll till the grand finale in September, At the novelty match by Queen of Aso there was a novelty match beagainst rape. The match is the tween female practitioners first but we have lots of activiagainst beauty queens in the ties lined up. It is for both womcountry in an interesting en and men so that they do not match that ended 5-4 in favour keep perpetrator this act and of the media practitioners afalso for the women to know that ter a 1-1 draw that led to penthere is still hope.” Agboola also alty shoot out. disclosed that search for the The CEO Aso Multimedia, next occupant for the Queen of Mr. Desmond Agboola, said Aso Nigeria crown and Little the match was the first activQueen of Aso Nigeria has beity lined up in the sensitization gun. With an age range of 16 to programmes designed to create 25 and 6to 11 years respectively. awareness and fight against He explained that the regthe rising cases of rape across istration for Queen of Aso Nithe country. geria would close on the 1st of He disclosed that the proJune, while the auditions would gramme was not only designed hold in Abuja, Calabar, Lagos, to give hope to victims of rape, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Enucaution women against falling gu adding that the audition for victims to rapist, but would Little Queen of Aso would hold also assist the perpetrators to on the 30th of May at the Maidesist from further sexual motama Amusement Park, Abuja lestation of women. The reigning queen of Aso, “We have come into what the Miss Gbagyi Florence Esu in government is doing to compleher remarks lamented the nument their efforts that are why dity displayed by females under we organized the match. Rape the guise of fashion, which accan be eradicated through sencording to her, was reason for sitisation, people need to know the rising cases of rape in the about it. Rape victims should country. dust themselves up and move She said:” Most girls dress alahead with their lives. most naked every day, the impli“We are having a sensitisacation of this is that it arouses tion campaign next month in the men, gives them the urge to collaboration with the office want sexual knowledge of womof the First Lady to campaign

Accolades for Belinda Effah’s new role

ctress Belinda Effah’s new role in Friends of Foes is still being talked about in the movie industry. And expectations are rife that this may launch her into the big league by the time films produced in 2015 are assessed for awards. The film reveals the story of three career women in the entertainment industry, an A list actress, an upcoming musician, and a respected movie producer who became friends, but were taken advantage of by a deluded self proclaimed celebrity stylist,

day. “I had to do this because it was obvious that late chief was pretty close to his grave. So whatever the efforts might have cost me, I didn’t mind it. From that moment, I have been sponsoring the monthly fellowship in chief ’s home until he died”, Dejak said On plans to immortalise him, the top artist who handled the Oshodi Heritage Park said he will package a tight farewell service in Ondo in his honour at a date yet to be agreed upon by the family.

Belinda Effah. For Belinda Effah, her role in the movie seems challenging. In her words: “It was actually challenging, I won’t deny that fact. But it’s an interesting movie to watch. A lot of lessons to learn; at least for a celebrity, it will teach us to be real. And I must say that the movie took the right casts. In fact, all those that played with me complemented a lot to my role”. Starring Belinda Effah, Daniella Okeke, Jojo Charry and Dabby Chimere, it was directed by Chinedu Ejike Obim.

Belinda Effah

Meet the singer, 2sco

B Queen of Aso

en not minding where, when or even the age of the person whose sexual right is being violated. As a lady you should dress properly when stepping out to avoid a case scenario of rape”.

orn Olatunji Yusuf Oketokun, the fast-rising artiste based in Iju, Lagos, who goes by the stage name 2sco is gradually climbing the ladder to musical success. 2sco who started music professionally in 2013 began his music journey right from his days in secondary school. He was a member of a music group called ITEEZ before they later disbanded due to creative differences but that didn’t deter 2sco as he became

Pains of sculptor, Dejo Akinlonu op artist and sculptor, Dejo Victor Akinlonu, who is celebrated in the arts world as Dejak, is not a happy man at the moment. This is because, he lost his brother, Chief Festus Olatunji in far away Ondo town. He died at the age of 80 years. Dejak who confessed that he was emotionally attached, said it was a huge loss in spite of his age. He also divulged how he has remained close to him since he celebrated his 80th birth-

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The special service according to Dejak will be used to win more souls for Christ’s kingdom Akinlonu came into public prominence in the 1980s as the pioneer of rubble stone landscape features. He is also known for his sculptures which can be seen at public places all over Nigeria and his landmark intricate designs on waterfalls, fountains and tombstones. He is seen as an artist who blends sculpture with architecture.

Dejak Sculptor

determined to claw his way to music stardom,this seemed to have earned him the respect of those in the music industry who admire his resilience. 2sco who is currently working with top producer Khorusmix describes his happiest moment as being on the mic and says God is his major source of inspiration followed by his mother. His plans for 2015 include, working with several A-list artistes and delivering fine tunes.

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Nigerian musicians are doing the same thing —Me’Mo Odhe Oromena Manuel, also known as Me’Mo, a software engineer and graphics web designer, is an upcoming artiste based in Atlanta. In this interview with REGINA OTOKPA, he draws attention to issues in the Nigerian music industry. Excerpts: When did you start your music career? I started music when I was in high school but officially, I started in 2010. How many songs have you produced so far? I have between 10 and 15 songs. I work with various producers but Smitty for Track’Bangas is my main producer. I also have Superstar O responsible for ‘The weekend, Hell of a Night’ and Kajmir produced the single ‘New Friend’ which will be out soon. Were all your songs produced outside Nigeria? Yes, they were all produced outside Nigeria. How would you describe your kind of music? I am pretty much in the hip hop genre. When I was growing up, I watched a lot of cartoons, comics and games so I try to put that into my music which is different from what you hear out there. Do you think your songs carry Nigerians along because here we are basically more into Afro beat and party jams? For me, music is a universal sound, it all depends on where and when but I could say right now my music is not just for NiNi gerians because I always like to speak to a lot of people through the messages in my songs, generalised s, It is and not just for one group roup of people. e. Are you signed to any record label yet? I am pretty etty much independent dependent but I have e a couple of deals on the table which I cannot exactly speak on right now. w. But basically there are some on my doorsteps oorsteps that are not signed yet. You know w how these things go, you will like yourr lawyer to look at all the texts and know w the implications of what you are going to do before you do it so for now I am, I am independent, I own my own label under Flykids Music LLC

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Would you consider getting signed to any record label here in Nigeria? It is not about where I sign or who I sign with, it is about having a creative life and great music because that is what being an artiste is about getting that brain and freedom to make music the way you love it. Of course, I am up to working on signing with whomever as long as the person can understand my own vision, where I come from where they come from and by the end of the day everybody is happy. How would you rate Nigerian music? I have listened to a lot of Nigerian songs and I have to say if I am going to give it a whole 100% it is awesome because the way we have taken the whole Afro beat sound it is great. A lot of my friends in America love Nigerian music, they love the sound and my producer is actually working on a song because I gave him some samples of the Afro sound that we are going to infuse into a couple of new songs that we are going to be making. On a scale of one to ten, I would say I will rate five in that. It’s a still young industry, it’s still growing, there is still a lot of room to grow but in all, we are really good and everybody should appreciate the music here. What

do you see as the issues musicians in confronting m Nigeria? For me, I would say everybody is too comfortable, everybody is doing the that it becomes same thing tha too flooded and an crowded don’t see that and to me I do creative because as being creat out to be who you can’t stand o For most of us you want to be. Fo way we come musicians the w hungry with into the game h thing that we everything th once we start put into it, on getting money, we change. Money changes a lot people not everybody because it is no strong to touch that is that str money and remain who we are, especially industry and i n this in something that is of people a lot to look h ave iinto. in nto t .

I ALWAYS WAYS TELL PEOPLE PLE THAT NOBODY Y WILL TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY ERIOUSLY IF

YOU DON N’T IMPRESS YOURSELF URSELF

Music now is more ore about the beats than the message. Do o you think this trend is healthy for our music industry? I don’t think k it is. I think 60 to 70 per cent nt of Nigerian population are not really educated people so for these musicians they go out there do all they can to get to their minds and the only way ay they can get across to these guys is by making the kind off music that they make. Don’t forget orget I like their music; I am not really a fan of it to be honest with you because there is no message behind hind them. For them, they have to do all that because those guys can grasp real quick, they can understand what they are saying but you can’t m a k e music in that way it should have a message. These guys ought to set a standard for people to follow but they have not been much of a help and that is why you don’t have people from Nigeria being recognised outside the MTV Base Awards to the Grammy’s and the whole rest of that because they are doing music that does not cut across from this region which is not healthy for the industry to be honest with you. What kind of message does your music transmit? Most of my songs are about my life, what I see from people or about girls in both good and bad ways (laughs) but in general it is usually what I see, what I have gone through in my environment and I just make a story out of it because I am more like a story teller. Tell us about your music influence? I grew up in a music house, I would say I started music in the UK I grew into that but the people who really influenced my sound, my style of music JayZ, BIG, Cannabis, Kane and Lupe Fiasco. That’s a long list you have there? Yes, you have to be that vast; you can’t limit yourself by staying in one place What challenges have been confronting your career? Being an independent artiste without major label funding and the right connections has made it hard to get a foot in. Also, I have to constantly amaze myself and not

Me’Mo

get bored by constantly doing stuffs that I have never done before and that has been a very difficult task but so far I always challenge myself to stay motivated because once you lose that all else fail. Are you looking at being based here in Nigeria? It is all about being where my music is most played. Right now I don’t have a strong fan base in Nigeria so it all depends what happens in the course of while I am here. But for now, it is both sides. By both sides that means Nigeria is still in the picture. We have lots of upcoming artistes, how do you intend to break in? My style of music stands out, it is just different because of my creative power and I also like to do good music at the end of the day. I haven’t seen anyone who heard my song and didn’t ask ‘what is the story’. What will be your advice to Nigerian musicians especially the upcoming artistes? One of the things I have done for myself that has worked out is I am a Christian so I put God first in everything that I do, that is what we all need in addition to being patient and it is working out. I always tell people that nobody will take you seriously if you don’t impress yourself. You have to work hard, be yourself before anyone else can take you seriously.

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAN showcases models in 905km Media Test drive To have an independent assessment of its products, through a 905 kilometres two-day drive from Lagos to Kaduna Media Test drive themed “Peugeot across Nigeria” PAN Nigeria Limited, presents its vehicles to test drive by a team of motoring editors. In what appears to be a ‘see for yourself’ marketing strategy, PAN Nigeria Limited, showcased some of its new generation of Peugeot brands in a test drive journey featuring a select team of motoring editors from Lagos to Kaduna. Adejuwon Osunnuyi writes

Motoring Journalists at Ondo State while test driving Peugeot vehicles from Lagos to Kaduna

he Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi said the Peugeot Media Test Drive with the theme “Peugeot across Nigeria” was initiated to give Nigerians opportunity to make informed decisions by having experts and independent people to test drive Peugeot vehicles and share their experiences with old and potential customers. Boyi also expressed the hope that the editors’ independent assessment of the vehicles should provide a bridge between the company and target customers. He noted that the big idea was to restate the values of Peugeot vehicles through the unbiased driving experience of Motoring editors and other experts. The automobile investment expert said the attributes, behavior and adaptability of the Peugeot marque were presented to expert scrutiny over a long distance of diverse road conditions across Nigeria as the 905 km from Lagos to Kaduna provided the right mix of distance and road conditions to test each of the vehicles on a broad array of attributes, such as road handling, safety, comfort, performance etc. The media test, he ex-

L-R: Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission, Chief Olu Obafemi, MD of PAN Nigeria Limited, Ibrahim Boyi, GM Operations PAN, Engr. Augustine Okolo, social media blogger, Mr. J J. Omojuwa, and Vanguard Motoring Editor, Mr. Theodore Opara discussing shortly after the arrival of the media team of ‘Peugeot Across Nigeria’ test drive team to Kaduna from Lagos

plained, hopes to tell the compelling story of the evolution of the vehicles most synonymous with the long emotional heritage and history of local vehicle production in Nigeria. Boyi said that the Peugeot Media Test drive themed “Peugeot across Nigeria” is to serve as a quality audit of all the products offered to the Nigerian market. The objectives are to have an expert review of the range of Peugeot vehicles, intimate experience with the products, promotion of the essence of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan, assurances of the existence of an active business community in Kaduna and to expose the motoring editors to PAN’s quality production processes and quality assurance of its vehicles’ portfolio. “All our vehicles are adapted and are suitable for Nigerian

roads and climatic conditions, the heat, the dust, all other environmental challenges including driver habits. Peugeot are known for strength and durability, we still have the 404 and the 505 running on our roads in Nigeria today. They are very rugged, very strong and are adapted to move in the terrains.” The PAN boss explained further that “on safety, we believe our cars are very safe, we take a step ahead in term of ensuring the safety of Peugeot vehicles, they have very excellent road handling, in terms of the braking and stabilization systems. These cars at some point have a mind of their own and can override the driver at certain significant cases.” “The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is an intelligent system that connects the forces of the wheels and the conditions of the roads and the

condition of forces of turning to help force the vehicles to slow down where it thinks you are over speeding and you are negotiating a very dangerous bend. It is very, very rare to experience a spin unless the driver is extremely careless.” He explained further that Peugeot brands have the antientrapment devices, parking assistance, smart airbags, rain sensors, strong bold body build, luxurious interiors and long anti- corrosion guarantees among others. On value for money, he said their brands have competitive product proving, super-low fuel consumption per kilometer and long service intervals translating to reduced maintenance cost over product life cycle. He explained that the products have a 3 year warranty or 100,000 Km whichever comes first, and six months warranty on spare parts from approved outlets. Boyi said PAN has multi-tier support architecture encompassing the Head office and zonal level technical support, network of dealers nationwide, service centers and shade tree outlets. Also, ready availability of genuine spare parts and a Peugeot learning Center that churns out large number of Peugeot technicians and mechanics to support Peugeot owners. The company, he said, would provide employment to thousands of Nigeria directly and indirect through an elaborate value chain of dealership network, etc.

On relationship building, he said the focus is to begin a journey towards long term mutually beneficial relationship with their customers, demonstrate local capacity to meet product and other after-sales service needs of Nigerians in the most responsive and consistent manner. To him, PAN is very confident in its product offering and would have no problem calling the editors another time to drive the cars to Port Harcourt, Obudu, Mambila Plateau or elsewhere in the country. “We have no doubt that these vehicles would perform and meet the needs of the customers. You have driven the cars and vans, we hope by the end of the day your decisions can provide the lead to our customers and channel attention of the public to what is available in our stable. Peugeot had one of the youngest fleet in today’s auto world and has received world’s acceptance. Peugeot is the number two car in Europe in terms of market share.” he said. “PAN has remained and will remain a leader in the automobile industry. Every auto technician or mechanic we have in the country today either was a product of PAN or was trained by a product of PAN. So we want to maintain that heritage, we want to maintain that leadership and that is why with the right policies which the new automotive development plans represent, it is easier for us to adapt and move much faster and much quicker than most other operators in the market.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, March 27, 2015

RT Briscoe to assemble BYD vehicles locally RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc has joined the list of automobile companies set to assemble vehicles in the country. The firm said it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BYD Automotive Manufacturing of China for the production of Chinese brand of vehicles in the country. “We are pleased to inform you that the Federal Government has recognised and registered RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc as a manufacturer/assembler of vehicles in Nigeria,” the firm said in a statement. RT Briscoe said the process of signing the MoU with the Chinese auto manufacturer was completed in Abuja last week during the visit of the BYD team to the country and the event was witnessed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Agaga. Although the firm did not state when it would roll out the first set of vehicles from its factory in Nigeria, it hinted that it would start with partial assembling using semi-knocked

down components and gradually move into the completely knocked down stage. It said, “RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc w as recently appointed the sole manufacturer and distributor of the BYD brand by the Chinese company to import SKD components for assembling and fully built units in the country, which necessitated a registration with the Industry, Trade and Investment Ministry. By this effort, our company is poised to leveraging the recent automobile policy enacted by the Federal Government,” the firm said. RT Briscoe, which was incorporated in Nigeria in 1957, had marketed the Toyota brand of vehicles until a couple of years ago when it added the Ford brand. Its technical partner, BYD Auto, was founded in 2003 to design, develop and market passenger cars and buses. “It also has a joint venture with Daimler AG, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Company Limited to produce luxury electric cars sold under the Denza brand. The Stallion Auto Group was the first to unveil Nigeriaassembled vehicles after the announcement of the new

2016 Jaguar XF

2015 NEW YORK: 2016 Jaguar XF revealed in London Aganga

auto policy with the presentation of some ‘local’ Nissan Patrol vehicles to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja earlier in the year. In the last one year, about 23 local auto firms have signified their intention to start assembling different categories of vehicles in the country, according to the National Automotive Council. The Federal Government in September 2013 had announced a new auto policy direction to discourage the importation of new and used vehicles with the imposition of a 70 per cent import tariff on cars.

Kia introduces new Optima

ia Motor Corporation has announced that it is set for the unveiling of a new version Kia Optima next month. According to a statement by the company, the unveiling in New York would see a passionately designed and well-crafted version of the company’s popular midsize sedan. This coincided with Kia Nigeria’s sponsorship of this year’s Funday, a programme of St Saviours School aimed at

2014 Kia Optima EX Luxury

strengthen the foundation of future leaders. It added that following its debut at the New York International Auto Show in 2010, the Kia Optima became a catalyst for the brand’s tremendous growth and has been the company’s best-selling vehicle in the United States for three years running. Kia, founded in 1944, is the Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, with over three million vehicles produced in 10

manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries. The statement added the company had around 49,000 employees worldwide with annual revenue of about $45bn. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Kia Motors Nigeria has sponsored the 2015 St Saviours School, which is hinged on its efforts to partner some educational institutions to strengthen the learning of future leaders. The statement added that for over a decade now, the company had not only been in the vanguard of revolutionising the automobile industry in Nigeria with affordable and best in class cars, but also keyed into human capacity development programmes aimed at enhancing the country’s future.

angling between two steel wires above Canary Wharf, the 2016 Jaguar XF was revealed on Wednesday in a dramatic stunt in London. The new version of Jaguar’s luxury sedan wears a new design, and is said to both lose weight and add interior space. The 2016 Jaguar XF will be shown publicly next week on dry land at the 2015 New York auto show. Visually, the 2016 Jaguar XF is not a huge departure from the outgoing car. The body is actually 0.3 inch shorter in length and 0.1 inch lower than the 2009-2015 XF, although by extending the wheelbase by 2.0 inches to 116.5 inches, Jaguar claims to have increased the amount of space in the back seat. As on the new XE sedan, the 2016 Jaguar XF adopts narrow headlights with Lshaped running lights, a rounded-rectangle upper grille opening, and a trio of mesh openings in the lower front fascia. The hood continues to sport a power bulge in the center, and sits lower above the headlights to help direct air around the side of the car. The rear of the 2016 Jaguar XF is relatively unchanged, with an integrated lip spoiler on the trunklid, a full-width chrome trim strip, and new taillights with a light signature resembling

the shape of the F-Type sports car’s rear lighting. With 75 per cent aluminum construction, the 2016 Jaguar XF manages to shave between 132 and 265 pounds compared to today’s model, depending on whether the car is equipped with rear- or all-wheel drive. That should put the sedan’s base curb weight around 3,528 pounds. The car is said to have a 50:50 front/rear weight balance. Based on the systems in the F-Type sports cars and XE sedan, the 2016 Jaguar XF also adopts a new electric power steering system. Adaptive suspension dampers are optional. In the U.S., powertrain choices at launch will comprise a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 tuned either for 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, or 380 hp and 332 lb-ft. An eightspeed automatic is the only transmission choice, and Jaguar will offer both rearand all-wheel drive. After the first model year, it’s possible Jaguar will add more engine choices; today’s XF offers a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four as its base engine and a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 for performance models. The most notable changes inside the 2016 Jaguar XF are a new 12.3-inch color screen for the instrument cluster, a redesigned center console that places the rotary shifter in the center of the car, and a new 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system called InControl TouchPro. Full-LED headlights and a laserpowered headup display are also on the options list.

Cocktail

Friday, March 26, 2015

Bus falls through sinkhole, gets carried away by river

video camera was running in the Brazilian state of Paras when a bus stuck on a road disappeared into a sinkhole and resurfaced in a fast-moving river. The bus became stuck in the mud Monday on a road near the cities of Itaituba and Ruropolis when a sinkhole opened up and swallowed the vehicle

whole after the driver and passengers had gotten off the vehicle. The footage of the incident shows the bus disappear into the sinkhole and emerge a few seconds later being carried away by the fast-moving river waters next to the road. No injuries were reported.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Elephants hold up trailer from overturning

ouisiana deputies responding to a report of a stranded tractor-trailer said they were “astounded” to find two elephants keeping the vehicle from over-

turning. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff ’s Office said deputies responded about 7:03 a.m. Tuesday to a report of a stranded trac-

tor-trailer on Interstate 49, near Powhatan, and they arrived to find the truck had pulled onto the soft shoulder and ended up getting stuck.

Restaurant’s well-endowed bull statue irks neighbours

Utah restaurant owner whose sign bearing a bull statue with large male genitalia is proving controversial said there is a “conspiracy” against his business. The well-endowed bull sculpture prompted complaints from the public and an online petition after it was installed March 14 outside Barista’s Restaurant in Hurricane. A Change.org petition, which had more than 500 signatures Tuesday, calls on the city of Hurricane to refuse to renew the business license for the restaurant. Stephen Ward, owner of

the eatery, said he is planning a lawsuit against the city after officials refused in January to upgrade his limited liquor license. “They hate me and alls I’ve done is bring this town movie stars and quality and class, and there has been a conspiracy from the mayor to the police station to the council to all the haters in this town to disrupt, destroy and cause harm and disrespect my business,” Ward told the St. George News. Ward said the sign controversy is just an excuse to attack him. “We’re crooks [and] we’re criminals because we’re not $3.99 and Mormon and

I’m not fat and I don’t eat at Alberto’s,” Ward said. “Because I’m strong and powerful and organic. And they picked a fight with the wrong guy.” Ward said a man came into the restaurant and assaulted one of his employees on the day the sign was installed. Police confirmed there was an incident at the eatery March 14 and a suspect was cited for assault, but no arrests were made. Hurricane Mayor John Bramall said the city refused to upgrade Ward’s liquor license because the business is too close to Hurricane High School, which is located across the street.

The elephants using their body to wedge the trailer from tipping over

The truck was leaning toward a ditch, but was being kept upright by two of its passengers -- elephants from the Shrine Circus. “When deputies arrived on scene, they were astounded to find two elephants keeping the eighteen wheeler from overturning,” the sheriff ’s office said in a news release. The truck was carrying three circus elephants from New Orleans, where they performed during the weekend, to Frisco, Texas, where they are scheduled to perform Wednesday through Saturday. A local wrecker arrived to assist the pachyderms and it was able to pull the truck out of the mud and send it on its way. The truck driver was not cited, deputies said.

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Dwindling imports: Customs faces hurdles on revenue target drive

The declining volume of imported goods appears to be taking huge toll on Nigeria Customs Service’s drive to meet its revenue target in the 2015 fiscal year. Expectedly, the agency is already adopting multi-pronged strategies to scale the hurdles amid rumbling by importers and clearing agents’ who are paying more on their operations. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

hen Maersk, which accounts for substantial portion of container shipments into the West African market early in the year, hinted that the volume of imports into the country had declined by over 30 per cent, many felt it was as a result of the traditional lull that usually characterise post-Yuletide and New Year seasons. However, the situation became clearer when many commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, started reporting significant drop in their revenue collections since the beginning of this year, For instance, import revenue statistics released by the Tin Can Island command of the service show that a total of N20.9 billion was collected for the month of January 2015 as against that of N21.6 billion collected in the comparative period of 2014. Also the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited PTML, a Roll-On-Roll-Off RORO, port collected a total of N5.2billion for January 2015 as against the N7.1 billion collected in the comparative period of last year. The story was not different at the Lily Pond Container Terminal command, where Comptroller Mustafa Atiku, in a chat with news men disclosed that out of a revenue target of N1.9 billion, which was the command’s monthly target for last year, it was only able to collect N852 million for the month of January 2015. This worsening revenue decline is in sharp contrast with the high expectations of the service to increase revenue collection to cushion the effects of dwindling oil revenue. Area Controller, Apapa Customs command, Comptroller Charles Edike while speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in January, said the service would do its best in terms of boosting import revenue to cushion the effects of the falling crude oil price. This is regrettably not happening and so the service is currently applying all methods to shore up its revenue collection. This is also given that the service gets seven per cent of its total duty collection. The service left no one in doubt that it meant business when it suspended a total of 23 senior officers. Among them are 12 senior officers serving at the Currency Declaration desk of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja while another 11 senior officers are also being investigated by disciplinary panels set up by the Comptroller General of the service, Mr. Abdullahi Dikko, bringing to a total of 23 officers. Investigations show that five of the affected senior officers are of the rank of As-

Okonjo-Iweala

Dikko

WE CANNOT SACRIFICE GOVERNMENT REVENUE AT THE ALTER OF TRADE

FACILITATION, AS WE WILL ALWAYS TRY TO BALANCE BOTH, WHICH ARE OF

COURSE CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE SERVICE AND SO NONE WILL BE IGNORED TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE OTHER sistant Comptrollers of serving at the Tin Can Island Port command, who were suspended for improper release of seized consignments, which led to loss of revenue. Importers and freight agents have also have their fair share of the crave by the service to meet its revenue generation targets against all odds Chief Executive officer of Port Passages Limited, an indigenous Customs brokerage and freight forwarding firm, Mr. Mike Nwokeafor, who spoke in an interview, said that the current desperation with which some officers of the service, especially at the commands level, impose arbitrary import duty on consignments even after the PreArrival Assessment Report PAAR has been issued by the headquarters was alarming. While commending the PAAR regime, which he admitted has brought a measure of efficiency and speed since it was introduced last year, however expressed serious concern that the agents and their importers are losing huge sums of money on payment

Aniebonam

of demurrage and rent charges arising from import duty imposition by officers of the service at the commands. It was gathered that under the new system, the agent or his importer is expected to file his documentation before the arrival of the consignment and goes ahead to pay the necessary import duty based on the PAAR issued by the headquarters, Abuja through the Customs portal. “What happens in this circumstance is that Customs officer at the commands query the PAAR issued by the headquarters, which is a duplication of functions and while the issues are being sorted out, the consignment remains at the ports accruing demurrage and rent charges”, he lamented. He said: “These officers impose any duty of their choice on the consignment irrespective of what value contained in the HS Code and you can agree with me that this kind of policy, causes serious delays and therefore

kills businesses because most of the importers must have borrowed from the banks to fund such importation”. Some stakeholders have however faulted Federal Government’s decision in 2010 to cede seven per cent of total import duty collections to the service, as its statutory source of funding, which they argued made the operatives focus on revenue collection instead of facilitating trade. President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who spoke in an interview, said that imposition of duty has become the order of the day. According to him, this duty imposition is partly responsible for the dwindling import volume, especially in the face of the devaluation of the naira, which brings about uncertainties. He therefore called on the Minister of Finance to call the service, which he said is not a tax agent to order so that trade would be facilitated. But despite these lamentations by agents and importers, the service has insisted that it will not compromise on making sure that the appropriate value of each item imported into the country is determined, which is also the basis for ensuring that the right duty is paid as part of measures to safeguard government’s revenue. Comptroller Edike, who read the riot act, denied insinuations that the service was forestalling the free movement of goods as well as imposing exorbitant value, which translates to high duty on some imported goods. The Comptroller, who assured the shippers that while insisting that the accurate import duty is paid to the government, efforts are also made to ensure that the importer is not delayed unduly, which would imply frustrating facilitation of trade. According to him, in as much as the service will ensure that all government revenue was collected, it will not allow the free movement of goods across international frontiers to suffer, both of which he argued are core functions of the service. “We cannot sacrifice government revenue at the alter of trade facilitation, as we will always try to balance both, which are of course core functions of the service and so none will be ignored to the advantage of the other”, he insisted. But stakeholders believe that in all these, the nation’s economy loses, as many firms either downsize to remain afloat or close shop, thereby worsening the unemployment situation in the country.

Business Maritime

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s seafarers training programme threatens Philippines’ economy –Don STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

philippino university teacher has raised fears that Nigeria’s seafarers training programme constitutes a major threat the economy of the Republic of Philippines, which thrives on export of maritime labour, especially seafarers. Available statics show that the Philippines earns over 80 per cent of its foreign exchange from the export of seafarers and tourism activities, as over $6 billion is earned annually from seafarers export by accounting for over 30 per cent of global seafarers supply. Project Administrator of the Maritime Education and Training Centre METC, of the University of Cebu, Philippines, Mr. Edgar Comeros, who spoke in an exclusive interview in Cebu recently, hinted that the government of the country is not comfortable with the massive training of seafarers by the Nigerian authorities. Currently, more than 1, 000 cadets are being trained in three universities in the Philippines including University of Cebu which accounts for over 350 of the cadets under the Nigerian Seafar-

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in a handshake with Adeniran Bolanle a graduate and beneficiary of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) an initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) during an interactive session with Young Professionals in Lagos, recently.

ers Development NSDP, a brainchild o the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA . According to him, the situation is made worse by the fact that in addition to spreading the cadets’ training programme to universities in the United Kingdom, United States of America, India, Singapore, Romania and Egypt, among others, Nigeria is also training no fewer than 1, 000 in institutions in

Philippines “Sometimes, we are faced with the reality that we are training competitors, who would take over some jobs from citizens of the Philippines but we are really helpless because as an institution, we offer admission to any candidate that meets our requirements whether he is a Nigerian, a citizen of the Philippines or other nationals”, he argued. He also said: “We are really

Expert faults seaport concessionaires illegal charges collection

legal practitioner with the Olisa Agbakoba Chambers, Mr. Babatunde Ogungbamila has faulted claims by the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria STOAN that it has the right to continue the collection of some illegal charges, which have been subject of a legal action pending the determination of the appeal on the matter. Ogungbamila, who reacted to claims by counsel to the terminal operators, Mr. Femi Atoyebi SAN and Mr. Ayo Olorunfemi, that the terminal operators have the right to continue with the collection of certain charges outlawed by the port economic regulator, the Nigerian Shippers Council and upheld by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The Olisa Agbakoba Chambers is counsel to the NSC, the economic regulator. Justice Ibrahim Buba, the presiding judge, who earlier ruled in favour of the council outlawing the illegal charges, had while dismissing an application of stay of execution had insisted that

the terminal operators do not have the right to collect the said charges, as that would nullify the ruling of the court. Mr. Atoyebi had said that the court clearly acted without jurisdiction in dismissing the terminal operators application for stay of execution. The counsel had therefore advised members of STOAN to continue with their normal business activities of charging and collecting the illegal charges pending the determination of the appeal. According to Ogungbamila, what Atoyebi and Olorunfemi are claiming that the terminal operators have the licence to continue the collection of the illegal charges because the dismissed application for stay of execution of the judgment has been re-filed at the Court of Appeal. “In essence, Atoyebi and Olorunfemi are saying that the refiled application and the appeal empower the terminal operators to disobey the judgment. We disagree with this position.”, he insisted He noted that it is now firmly

settled that an application for stay of execution only prevents the beneficiary of the judgment or the other from putting into operation the machinery of the law or the legal process of warrants of execution. He also said that pending the determination of the stay application the Judgment debtors, the terminal operators are required to obey the judgment and desist from any act that will undermine the integrity of the subsisting judgment. The mere fact that there is a pending application for stay and an appeal does not remove the effect of the judgment. While citing a Supreme Court, in Okafileor v. Nnaife decided in 1987, he argued that, by the judgment of the Federal High Court, the continued charging and collection of the charges has been declared illegal. The Supreme Court had in the judgment held that a party whose conduct has been declared illegal in a judgment is not entitled in law to a stay which will empower him to continue with the illegality pending an appeal.

afraid that we are building competitors but we are also consoled by the fact that the ocean is very large and can accommodate as many as that would not want to run away from competition”. Investigation showed that the University of Cebu, which marked 50 years of academic excellence this year, accounts for the training of over 50 per cent of the 30 per cent seafarers exported to the global market from which the country in turn earns huge foreign exchange. It was also gathered that the university is accredited by the Dem University of Norway, which gives a higher international recognisation and appeal to the multinational shipping companies, which employ greater per cent of the seafarers.

An official of the university, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that the government is really jittery that Nigeria with a larger population and abundant of marine resources hight pose a grat challenge the country in terms of exporting its human capital to the entire world. Investigations show that the Philippines constitute over 70 per cent of the total crew work force in the Nigeria, an indication that many of them would be replaced by Nigerians as soon as they complete their programmes. This is in line with the provisions of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2003, which provides that vessels to be used for coastal trades must be built in Nigeria, registered in Nigeria, owned and manned by Nigerian seafarers. Meanwhile, a Nigerian cadettrainee in the University of Lyceum, also in the Philippines under the NSDP programme Mr. Ndukwe Jude, who spoke on the relationship between the Nigerian cades and their Philippines counterparts, noted that sometimes they inadvertently display feelings of hostility against the Nigerian cadets. “One day a cadet in my class told that they know that as soon as the Nigerian cadets studying in the Philippines complete their prorgammes and return home, all Philippines seafarers working in Nigeria would be sacked and sent back home because the Nigerian cadets were actually being trained to achieve that objective”, the Nigerian cadet said.

Global shipping losses drop 32% in 2014

lobal shipping losses continued their downward trend with 75 reported in 2014, making it the p safest year in shipping for 10 years, Allianz Global Corporate y and Specialty SE’s AGCS third annual Safety and Shipping Review 2015 shows. v The review analyses reported shipping losses of over 100 gross ttons. Losses declined by 32 per cent compared with the previous year and were well below the 10-year lloss average of 127. More than a third of 2014’s tottal losses were in two maritime rregions. South China, Indo China, Indonesia and the Philippines (17 ships) and Japan, Korea and North China (12 ships). Cargo and ffishing vessels accounted for over

50% of all losses. Since 2005 shipping losses have declined by 50% The most common cause of total losses is foundering (sinking/ submerging), accounting for 65% of losses in 2014. With 13 ships wrecked or stranded, grounding was the second most common cause with fires/explosions third, but significantly down year-onyear. According to the report, there were 2,773 shipping incidents (casualties) globally (including total losses) during 2014. The East Mediterranean & Black Sea region was the top hotspot (490), up 5% year-on-year. The British Isles, North Sea, English Channel and Bay of Biscay ranked second (465), up 29%, and was also the top incident hotspot over the past decade.

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Business News

Friday, March 27, 2015

FG unveils new privatisation process for Ajaokuta Steel firm TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Federal Government has said it will soon commence another process to privatise the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, ASCL. The Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, gave the hint during his appearance in a television programme in Abuja. The Director General said that government was exploring an amicable resolution of all encumbrances with the core investor of ASCL-Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, GINL, at arbitration and once that was done, the privatisation process would commence. He said the Federal Ministry of Justice was driving the process, which was making steady progress and “once the issues are resolved, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited will be handed over to the Federal Government and we will begin another process of privatisation”. Dikki explained that when resolved, the National Iron Ore Min-

ing Company, NIOMCO, would be jointly owned by the Federal Government and the Global Infrastructure Holding Limited, GINL. It would be recalled that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Mines and Steel, concessioned the multi-billion naira

plant to GINL, but no significant progress was made by the investor to turn around the company, prompting the government to attempt to take the company back. This move resulted in the on-going legal tussle. On allegations of interference

by influential persons in the country to tilt the privatisation programme to their favour, Dikki debunked the claims, saying that all transaction processes follow laid down procedures and in tune with world best practices. ”It is because of our strict ad-

herence to the rules, which are observed by security agencies and anti-graft agencies that international bodies like the World Bank, DFID and many others have continued to applaud us. For the Power transaction, it is acclaimed to be the world’s best”, he added.

NCF charges Nigerians on global warming SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

he Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, has charged Nigerians to change their lifestyles, inimical to environmental sustainability as the world celebrates the 2015 edition of the Earth Hour. The NCF also implored Nigerian citizens to take actions, aimed at militating against the effect of climate change and global warming as Nigeria is not immune to the impact of the climate change. Earth Hour started in 2007 as a light-off event to raise aware-

ness about climate change. The event has engaged more than 162 countries and territories worldwide. Director General, NCF, Adeniyi Karunwi in a press statement said, this year’s Earth Hour will hold this Saturday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. He however urged Nigerians to join the rest of the world to promote and adopt renewable and sustainable energy options that will help to mitigate the dire consequences of climate change and global warming. ‘’We must ensure that in whatever position we find ourselves, be it as students, youth, home

builders, breadwinners, parents, government officials or corporate executives, we must keep the environment in our subconscious and think renewable energy at all times, in order to guarantee a robust, healthy and economically viable future for our children and the generations yet unborn’’, Karunwi stated. During the hours, he urged individuals, communities and businesses are expected to turn their lights off, for an hour in acknowledgement of the support on climate change mitigation. People are also encouraged to support the action through social media platforms of the

Earth Hour He also said he is deeply concerned about the continuing global environmental issues and challenges that threaten human’s ability to cope. ‘’Most of these environmental challenges are human-induced arising from unsustainable practices. The global environment is stressed beyond the threshold limits, thus necessitating global efforts and actions geared toward curtailing further escalation of the crises and proffering far-reaching measures and solutions to enable humans to cope with their changing environment’’, he added.

Shell, environmentalists disagree over oil spills reports OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

L-R: Chairman Board of Directors Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), Chuka Onwuchekwa; Executive Secretary ELAN, Andrew Efurhievwe and Managing Director/CEO FleetCube South Africa, Michael Crankshaw at the Fleet Management Conference organised by ELAN at Sheraton Hotels on Wednesday.

Huawei’s products get UK nods ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

uawei Technologies, China’ s telecoms equipment company with strong presence in Africa, has been absolved of security risk in the United Kingdom. Huawei, whose products are now integral to various mobile and fixed-line networks across the global markets, stated that the report of a board established to monitor the company’s operations confirmed that its products posed no threat to Britain’s national security. The world’s second largest telecoms equipment maker set up an

independent cyber security evaluation centre in Oxford in 2010 in conjunction with government to check whether its equipment could pose a threat to national security. The company has been involved in Britain’s telecoms networks for a decade, initially through a multi billion-pound deal to supply BT, the country’s largest fixed-line operator, and later mobile service operators O2, EE and Talktalk. But questions had been raised in Britain and elsewhere, about the potential security implications of allowing the Chinese company access to critical networks. British law makers said in 2013 that Huawei should have been

scrutinised more closely by ministers before it signed its first major deal with BT. The board set up to oversee the work of the centre, which includes representatives from government, intelligence agencies, and the company, said it was satisfied with the independence and quality of its tests. “Any risks to UK national security from Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s critical networks have been sufficiently mitigated,” it said. Huawei stated that the centre showed how governments, operators and equipment providers could work together on cyber security.

hell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) have disagreed over processes on oil spills investigation visits in Bayelsa and some parts of the oil-rich region, where SPDC engages in oil exploration. ERA/FoEN, an environment focused NGO has accused SPDC of withholding Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) reports of oil spill incidents, traced to equipment failure to evade payment of compensation and promptly reports sabotage induced spills. The NGO explained that the oil firm had been engaging in the act of denying host communities in the Niger Delta access to JIV Reports indicting the company over oil spill incidents. The group, in a statement issued by Mr Alagoa Morris, Head of Field Operation of ERA/FoEN in Yenagoa, also accused the oil company of deploying security operatives to intimidate the communities and deny them vital JIV reports. The statement listed Ikarama and Biseni communities of Bayelsa state and Joinkrama 4, and Edagberi/Betterland communities in Rivers state as some of the communities the company had denied JIV reports. It read in part: “SPDC often

clandestinely denies the communities of the JIV reports; many of which are equipment failurerelated oil spills. Shell has continued to deny the people of JK4, Ikarama and Biseni JIV reports craftily and, this is unacceptable. “They withhold such reports from the communities and fail to post most of such incidents on the company’s spill incident website; the particular spill incident numbers are often quoted, when giving out clean-up contracts. “One such incident number is 900866 and relates to a 2012 spill, which occurred at Shell’s Okordia Manifold at Ikarama, which is conspicuously missing in SPDC’s website. “After signing the JIV,Shell refused to give out the community copy on the pretext that they need to photocopy the report, on the way they forced down the community representatives from the vehicle and sped off ”, the NGO alleged. It noted further that in the major spill from Shell’s 6 inches Adibawa North pipeline in Kilama, Biseni in May, 2013, which polluted the Taylor Creek and several communities the JIV report was also withheld by Shell officials. “After community representatives had signed the JIV with other stakeholders, Shell’s representatives said they will sign their own inside their car. On getting to the car, they zoomed off with the JIV report.’’

Business News

Friday, March 27, 2015

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ECAN backs MAN on steady power supply CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, ECAN, has aligned its position with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s, MAN’s, on the demand for approval of small units of power producers, particularly for industrial clusters. This, the association believed, would help in providing steady and affordable power for the manufacturing sector and save more electricity for distribution to residential and rural consumers nationwide.

This is just as it described as lauded, the recent reduction of electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, saying it will boost the socio-economic development of the country. The National President, ECAN, Mr. Chijioke James, who spoke when he led a delegation of the association members on a courtesy visit to NERC in Abuja, expressed optimism that in the next few months, consumers across the country would be enjoying the benefits of the new tariff regime. “ECAN, by this courtesy and solidarity visits wishes to show support and endorsement of the

current government policy on tariff reduction, urging its members nationwide to support the tariff reduction policy to encourage the government to do more. “ECAN support MAN’s request for approval of small units of power producers, particularly for industrial clusters, an emergency measure to help provide steady and affordable power for the manufacturing sector and save more electricity for distribution to residential and rural area consumers nationwide” The group expressed its concern over the recent survey conducted by Schneider Electric, which revealed that Nigeria

ranked among the top five destinations in Africa for fake and substandard electrical products. According to him, the organisation requires the support of government agencies including NERC, Consumer Protection Council, CPC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to embark on a nationwide enlightenment campaign against fake products, covering cables, breaker, socket, switches, extension cords, lamps, bulb wires, and fuses among others. James also requested a synergy between ECAN and NERC to enable the organisation launch

nationwide energy audit and efficiency best practice, which is geared towards saving energy for the use of greater number of consumers. The ECAN leader pointed out that there was the need for government to redouble its efforts toward energy saving campaign reaps the full benefits of the huge investments in the generation and distribution of electricity. In his remarks, the Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, clarified that contrary to insinuation that the tariff reduction was politically motivated; the reduction was a response to the demands of the MAN and other stakeholders.

Naira devaluation hurting air travel business –NANTA boss OLUSEGUN KOIKI

L-R: Head Mass Marketing Segment Airtel, Oladipo Jolaosho , Vice President, Segment and Usage Retention, Airtel Nigeria Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa and Director of Marketing Communication, Airtel Nigeria, Obinna Aniche during the launch of Airtel Smart Connect in Lagos.

he National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, has urged the Federal Government to address the depreciating exchange value of naira against other international currencies in order to increase travel traffic in the country. The President of the association, Alhaji Aminu Agoha, told newsmen at its 39th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, that the recent devaluation of the naira against major currencies had led to slight drop in the number of people travelling within and out-

Shell hands over OML 29 to Aiteo UDEME AKPAN

he local content policy of the Federal Government has received a boost, following the formal handover of Shell’s equity in OML 29 to a local oil and gas company, Aiteo. The takeover of the OML by Aiteo on Wednesday in Abuja marked a significant improvement in government’s drive towards local content in the nation’s hydro carbon resources industry. Speaking at a brief ceremony

to mark the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and Aiteo on the deal, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, described the event as a milestone in the quest of the Federal Government to develop the capacity of Nigerians and Nigerian companies. The Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, noted that the

takeover of the OML by the indigenous company was a major step towards the fulfilment of the nation’s aspiration of growing indigenous participation in the upstream sector of the nation’s oil and gas industry”. He described OML 29 as one of the biggest onshore oil blocks that Shell has ever divested in the country. Okunbor enthused: “One of the key reasons we are divesting some of our assets in the country, is to grow indigenous participation in the industry. With the divestment of OML 29, one of our

biggest blocks to Aiteo, the local content development in the country has received a major boost.” The Shell boss, who put the value of the oil bock at $2.56 billion, also disclosed that it had an average production capacity of 43, 000 barrels per day with a potential to grow beyond its current capacity in the nearest future. The Chairman of Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters, described the ceremony as a significant landmark that will help the company achieve its aspiration of participating in the entire value chains of the oil and gas industry.

side the country. He explained that the devaluation of the currency, if not halted would affect the airlines in the country as most of their activities are determined by dollar, adding that the moment the value of dollar goes higher against the naira, the cost of air travels increases. Agoha however observed that despite the devaluation of the naira, people still travel, hoping the situation would be quickly addressed by the government. He said: “Well, if you ask me, the dollar is the determining factor of any business in Nigeria, particularly the aviation industry, where everything is dollar denominated. The fuel is dollar denominated, the maintenance of the aircraft is dollar denominated, the service charges and others. “The moment the dollar starts going stronger against the naira, definitely, the cost of air travels would go high and this is something that we as travel agencies cannot control. It is forces of the market; demand and supply. So, we cannot control that, unless government do something to bring the exchange rate down. According to his statement, “Airfare is high now and it will continue to go high until maybe there is an intervention from the government to bring down the rate of the dollar, but that notwithstanding, Nigerians are people that love travelling.’’

Arik Air extends Abuja-Accra services to Dakar OLUSEGUN KOIKI

rik Air has extended its Abuja-Accra service to Dakar, Senegal with the strengthening of its six weekly flights and a thrice weekly Lagos-Accra-Dakar service. The Abuja-Accra-Dakar service, which was first introduced

in February 2014, was suspended in the wake of the Ebola disease outbreak in July 2014. Though, the Abuja-Accra service is a daily service, the extension to Dakar would operate thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. A statement by the spokesman of the airline, Mr. Ola Adebanji, indicated that the Lagos-Accra-

Dakar service would regularly depart Lagos at 7.50 pm (local time) and arrives in Accra at 7:50 pm (local time) and continues to Dakar, departing Accra at 8:35 pm (local time) and arriving in Dakar at 11:50 pm (local time). “As a result of these developments, Arik Air will be creating a scissors hub in Accra, where passengers from Lagos and Abu-

ja can connect direct to Dakar and Senegal. Also, Arik Air will be only carrier, offering non-stop service to Dakar from Accra.” he clarified. Commenting on the new services, the Deputy Managing Director, Operations, Arik Air, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said as the dominant commercial airline in the West and Central Africa,

the airline was always seeking to strengthen its services in the region to give comfort as well as value for money to its passengers. He assured that the airline was ready to provide greater choice and a convenient, accessible network to its valued guests in the West Coast of Africa.

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Business News

Friday, March 27, 2015

OPEC urges Nigeria, others on $270bn projects completion UDEME AKPAN

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, has urged its members, including Nigeria to complete about 117 projects, worth $270 billion despite the prolonged low crude oil prices in the international market. A top official of the cartel, who preferred not to be named, said the encouragement became necessary in order to make new oil finds, build additional reserves as well as increase the capacities of nations to produce crude oil and natural gas in the coming years. He said that major stakeholders, including International Oil Companies, IOCs and governments that experience some difficulties as a result of the low crude oil prices need to be encouraged to keep on investing in the industry. “Operators in the oil and gas

industry always have that experience whenever crude oil prices crashes and remain low for a long time because there are usually no incentives to invest in exploration and production,” he said. The official said the completion of the projects would go a long way to enhance the sustainable development of the industry and economies of nations. In its latest report, OPEC also maintained that in the medium term, about 117 projects, with an overall estimated cost of some $270 billion, are being undertaken by member states. “Regardless of all the challenges and uncertainties, OPEC Member Countries continue to invest in additional upstream capacities. On top of the huge capacity maintenance costs that Member Countries are faced with, they continue to invest in new projects and reinforce their commitment to the oil and gas market and as well as to

the security of supply for all consumers,” it disclosed. It maintained that this is only a reflection of OPEC’s well-known policy that is clearly stated in its Long-Term Strategy and its Statute. The cartel has it that additional refining capacity in OPEC member countries will come from new ‘grassroots’ projects, supplemented by expansions at existing facilities. “The largest new refineries are expected to come on stream in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with several expansion projects under construction in other countries,” it disclosed. It added that the single largest refinery worldwide that started its operations in 2013 was a joint venture of Saudi Aramco and Total which partnered for the 400,000 b/d refinery in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

SA firm partners IbukunEfuntayo on leasing SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

n Estate Surveyors and Valuers, IbukunEfuntayo & Company, IEC, has been appointed as part of the leasing team for new Circle Mall, formerly Osapa Mall in Lekki, Lagos. Principal Consultant of IEC, Emmanuel Efuntayo, who disclosed this in Lagos, said the project is the second of its kind since its partnership with the foreignbased company, RMB Westport. According to him, IEC was part of the leasing team for Ikeja City Mall, being developed and managed by RMB Westport. Speaking on the appointment, Efuntayo appreciated the South African-based real estate management and development firm for such opportunity, describing it as a welcomed gesture. “We appreciate and thank the RMB Westport for appointing us as part of the leasing team for the project; it is indeed a welcomed gesture and, for us, it is a vote of confidence on our competence and expertise”, he said. Continuing, he said, “This is the second time we will be working with RMB Westport. Our first project with them was the Ikeja

City Mall. This is why we strongly feel this second appointment from them is an indication that they recognise and appreciate our expertise and competence in retail leasing business”. Describing the Circle Mall, which is strategically located at Jakande Roundabout, along Lekki-Epe expressway, Efuntayo said the complex features a premium retail section and a business centre. According to him, the retail section has California-style open mall shopping that accommodates 10,800m2 of quality retail space and 373 exclusive parking bays among other facilities while the Business Centre, which is adjacent to the retail section, accommodates 3,700m2 of A-grade international quality office space with 72 dedicated parking bays among other facilities. He also disclosed that Shoprite, a global retail brand in Nigeria is the anchor tenant while negotiations are ongoing with other potential sub-anchor tenants. With this appointment, IbukunEfuntayo & Company will be joining Broll Property Services Limited and Estate Links Limited with two members of the team, to lease both retail and office spaces at the new mall.

MultiChoice promises election updates ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

M Chief Executive Officer, Teragro(Agribusiness subsidiary of Transcorp Plc), Dupe Olusola (left) receiving award from Kunle Malomo of MSY Analytics on behalf of Transcorp for ranking number one in the first ever Growth Strategy Leaders Awards, a ranking of the top 100 publicly traded companies in Lagos.

OAGF clarifies Journalists’ check off dues status TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he Director of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System. IPPIS, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, has clarified the true position of Nigeria Union of Journalists’, NUJ’s, check off dues, saying the money is not diverted. The clarification came as a reaction to allegations by the NUJ that deductions made from members’ salaries had been diverted. Yusuf, in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Press of the Office hinted that January and February 2015 check off dues had already been paid. He provided evidence to show

that the union was paid N615, 849.78 for January 2015 and N620, 480.58 for February 2015. Expatiating further, Yusuf reiterated that the deductions made from salaries of members could not be paid in 2014 because the NUJ did not provide account details, which made the money to lapse. According to the Director of IPPIS, the affected members and stakeholders should note that all government unspent and unutilized balances at the end of each year are considered as having lapsed and therefore become liabilities, which will have to be represented to the Budget office for approval before further processing and payment to the affected third parties. Yusuf pointed out that the

policy position was not peculiar to the NUJ, but other unions were also affected. He explained that all arrangements were being made to effect all outstanding payments to third parties, including unions; as soon as approvals are secured. According to the Director, a case has already been made to the Budget office for the provision of funds in order to effect the payment of all outstanding deductions to affected beneficiaries, including the NUJ 2014 union dues deductions, which the union failed to provide account details before the end of the year. Consequently, he stated that the allegation of diversion of funds in the NUJ submission to the OAGF was unjustified.

ulti Choice has urged its subscribers to connect to the election updates through the ten local and international news channels on DStv and GOtv. The company in a statement said, subscribers of DStv can remain informed about the election in various parts of the country, through the channels on the platform such as Channels Television, Silver Bird Television, African Independent Television, AIT and Muhri International Television, MiTV. Other channels include, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Lagos Television, LTV, as well as the international and global news channels like CNN, CNBC Africa, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Arise News. It also said that GOtv subscribers can be informed through international news channels such as CNN, Al Jazeera and Arise, saying that on the local platform, GOtv subscribers will also watch all free to air news channels. General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said these channels will provide insightful and thorough coverage of the election and post-

election activities in Nigeria. “Without doubt, we have a wide enough array of news channels, offering our subscribers different perspectives and angles on the election. The channels have a duty to inform and we have provided the platforms for them to do so”, he said. CNN will be covering the crucial Nigeria elections in-depth across TV, online and mobile. Senior international correspondent, Nima Elbagir will be leading the network’s coverage on the ground in Nigeria, backed by expert analysis from around the world. Senior Vice President of Newsgathering at CNN International Deborah Rayner, said: “With major issues around international security and energy on the table, this is a vitally important election for Nigeria, West Africa and beyond.” Also speaking on CNBC Africa’s coverage of the Nigeria elections, CNBC Africa Markets Editor West Africa Wole Famurewa said, “CNBC Africa will provide in depth coverage of Nigeria’s general elections from the channel’s state of the art studios in Lagos and Port Harcourt, including regular crossings to reporters monitoring the polls across the country.”

Friday, March 27, 2015

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FG provides 590 tractors to farmers ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

he Federal Government has procured and deployed no fewer than 590 tractors to farmers to fast-track the on-going mechanisation of agriculture scheme in the country Disclosing this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono , said that it was expected that

….targets 800,000 jobs for youths the scheme would provide an additional 800,000 jobs for youths and ensure production expansion with an additional 3.5 million hectares of land. He explained that the tractors which included harvest and post harvest equipment were to be delivered to the various Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises (AEHEs) nationwide According to him, the deploy-

ment of tractors is also expected that the national food reserve would be boosted with an additional 14,000 metric tonnes of food while enhancing no fewer than 10 million farmers’ access to mechanised farming. He said: “Through this programme a total of 590 tractors have been provided and delivered to all our agricultural equipment hiring enterprises AEHEs, all

L-R: Dr. Ahmed Adekunle Chairman, Advisory Ministerial Mechanization Committee FMARD, Permanent Secretary, Arc. Sunny Echono and Director of Federal Department of Agriculture, Mr. Damilola Eniayeju during the press briefing on mechanization.

NEPC seeks farmers’ support on economic diversification ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has enlisted All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN as a member of the state committee to synergize their efforts on the identification and perfection of the commodities to be supported and promoted in each state of the federation. This is part of the Council’s programmes designed to fasttrack the economic diversification agenda of the government. Lagos Zonal Controller of NEPC, Mr. George Enyiekpon, said the dwindling revenue from oil has placed further responsibilities on the NEPC to promote increase in the contribution of non-oil exports to the economy, which could be largely found in agriculture. He said the Council needed to develop the capacity of the immediate collaborators to

enable them do the needful in developing export potential of their various geographical zones. According to him, the Council is set to launch the ‘One State, One Product Development Strategy’ to include the opening of smart offices in the various states and enlist the support of the state governments on its implementation. In view of the benefits of the strategy, Enyiekpon explained that it had become imperative to commence the process with capacity building programme that will prepare the intended stakeholders for the novel project. The integrated capacity building programme is intended to prepare the stakeholders for the full implementation of the strategic plan to increase qualitative and quantitative products for non-oil exports. While expressing satisfaction for the inclusion of the farmers in the NEPC committee, AFAN

Chairman in Lagos State Lagos State, Otunba Femi Oke, said the farmers were yet to be empowered to unleash their potential. He declared that no fund was attached to their involvement in the economic diversification policy. He said the farmers, especially those at the local level, needed more funds to be able to increase their productivity for local consumption and exportation. The AFAN Youth Leader, Oyo State chapter, Rasheed Oladimeji, who also welcomed the idea of farmers’ involvement in the NEPC Committee for the promotion of non-oil products, said the Council would soon achieve its aim if necessary things were put in place. He said value addition to every farm product before exportation should be encouraged in order not to end up exporting only raw materials and eventually bring the economic back to oil economy in which crude oil is exported.

over the country. “We plan to create 800,000 additional jobs for the sector, we want to bring 3.5 million hectares of additional land under cultivation that means we want to expand production, 14, 000 metric tonnes of additional food will be added to the national food reserve and also 10 million additional Nigerian farmers will have access to mechanisation services,” he said. Echono further disclosed that out of the total target of 1,230 units to be achieved in three phases, the first phase recorded the establishment of about 80 agricultural centres in demand driven states in the country, with an additional 28 centres through interactions with various stakeholders bringing the total number of agricultural centres established to 118. He noted that with these efforts in place to modernise agriculture, in no time farmers would not have to pass through rigorous strain to have access to best agricultural practices as

they would not need to go farther than 10 kilometers before accessing mechanisation. “Earlier, 80 agricultural centres have been established across the country we are pleased to inform you that all the winners in the first batch have fulfilled their obligations and their equipment have been delivered beyond that an additional 28 enterprises were also created through our various interactions with the state and other stakeholders” “Also, 118 of these agricultural equipment are on ground and will be running just in time for the cropping season”, he added. On the imminent flag off of the second phase, Echono reiterated that the programme was purely a public private partnership aimed at rendering affordable mechanization services to Nigerian farmers. He also drew attention to a three-week capacity building training exercise organised by the ministry for potential tractor operators within the AEHEs, to expand operational scope to maximise efficiency and reduce damage.

FOREIGN BRIEF

DTI incentivizes Abalone Farm, creates jobs

he granting of an incentive to Abagold Limited, a company that farms abalone in Hermanus, has resulted in the creation of jobs, said the Department of Trade and Industry, DTI, earlier this month. The Western Cape Company is one of the few that have already accessed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme, ADEP, incentive and has already created 120 new jobs, said departmental spokesperson, Sidwell Medupe. Abagold Managing Director, Christo Du Plessis, said the company, which applied for financial assistance with the aim to expand and at the same time create jobs for the communities around Hermanus, is so far realising this vision. “We have already created 97 new permanent jobs in addition to the 265 that we had. There are also 29 new fixed term jobs due to the construction phase,

which is likely to continue for more than a year. We are happy to be growing as a company. Our growth is not only for us but for the community and the town at large,” said Du Plessis. Du Plessis said the company acquired 25 per cent Black Economic Empowerment investors in 2010, which provided most of the capital for the Sulamanzi expansion project. He said the dti partly funded this project through the ADEP incentive. He said Sulamanzi farm is Abagold’s biggest farm and will contribute to the company realising its growth strategy, adding that production will grow to more than 500 tons per annum. “The investment in the project is budgeted to a total sum of R112 million and we have already received R5.6 million as a first claim from the DTI Our maximum production per annum used to be 275 tons of abalone, and with the new project, it will grow to more than 500 tons per annum,” said Du Plessis.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, March 27, 2015

UBA turnover hits N290bn in 2014 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

nited Bank for Africa, UBA, has declared full year audited results, showing gross earnings of N290 billion, up 10 per cent from N268 billion recorded in the same period of 2013. The bank recorded a profit before tax of N56.2 billion and a profit after tax of N48 billion. Analysis of the result shows that consolidation of its African operations and enhanced productivity across the group are sustaining the bank’s growth momentum, as earnings received a boost from interest and noninterest income, showing the bank’s diversified and stable income base. The interest income rose 5.91 per cent to N197bn in the period under review, from

N186bn in December 2013, while non-interest income rose 18.17 per cent to N93.3bn from N79.0bn in the corresponding period of 2013. Speaking on the result, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Ugo Nwaghodoh expressed optimism that the bank will continue to record a steady and sustained increase in its profitability by leveraging on low cost stable funds as well as rising opportunities in the Bank’s target markets in Nigeria and across Africa. According to him, the performance of African business was boosted by increased cross selling of products and a number of other strategic initiatives. “As we gain critical mass in the African market, we look forward to increased earnings in line with the di-

versification of our business across Africa,” he said. Further analysis revealed that customer deposits in 2014 remained stable at N2.17 trillion, while its loan book increased to N1.07 trillion. The Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, said, “We expanded our loan book without compromising our focus on asset quality. Notably, our non-performing loan ratio remains one of the best-in-class at 1.6 per cent, as we responsibly grew risk assets in line with our defined risk appetite and target markets.” “The bank was also able to grow shareholders’ fund significantly by 13 per cent to N265bn in 2014 from N235bn in 2013, with a capital adequacy ratio above regulatory requirement. We will leverage on our adequate capitalisation

Earnings spur index rise by 0.6%

rading in equities continued on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks with good earnings for the financial year ended December 31, 2014. Specifically, the All Share Index appreciated 0.61 per cent to close at 30,073.10 points, compared to the rise of 1.03 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 29,889.84 points. Market capitalisation gained N61billion to close at N10.03 trillion, compared to the appreciation of N102 bil-

lion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.97 trillion. There were 29 gainers against 19 decliners, as the volume and value of transactions increased significantly by 66.8 per cent and 79.5 per cent respectively. Research analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, an investment firm said, “We envisage that the bullish market performance so far in the week is connected to investors’ attraction to the dividend yields of declared corporate actions. “Given that more results are expected tomorrow, especially from some banks,

we are inclined to expect a positive performance to end the week.” Unilever Plc led the gainers’ table with N3.48 or 10.24 per cent to close at N37.48 per share, followed by Dangote Flour Plc with 33 kobo or 9.91 per cent to close at N3.66 per share. Transnational Express Plc added nine kobo or 9.28 per cent to close at N1.06 per share, while Champion Breweries Plc rose 32 kobo or 5.84 per cent to close at N5.80 per share. Seplat Plc appreciated N18.50 or five per cent to close at N388.50 per share.

and liquidity to grow market share across target business lines.” The bank announced a proposed cash dividend of N0.10 per share. “In arriving at the N0.10 proposed dividend, the board considered a number of factors, including shareholders dividend expectation, capital requirements for growth opportunities, and increasing regulatory capital requirements under Basel II. “The board decided in favour of relatively higher earnings retention to strengthen the capital base, in line with the strategic goal of increasing our share of the market across all our business segments. We remain committed to creating sustainable long term value to all shareholders”, Oduoza said.

Conversely, UBA Plc dropped 20 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N3.83 per share, while Eterna Oil Plc shed 13 kobo or 4.78 per cent to close at N2.59 per share. Presco Plc was down N1.31 or 4.72 per cent to close at N26.47 per share, while Sterling Bank Plc depreciated 10 kobo or 4.59 per cent to close at N2.08 per share. Learn Africa Plc dipped five kobo or 4.46 per cent to close at N1.07 per share. A total of 723.6 million shares valued at N7.19bn were exchanged in 4,531 deals.

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira Market indicators All-Share Index 30,073.10 points Market capitalisation 10.04trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNILEVER

34.00

37.48

3.48

10.24

DANGFLOUR

3.33

3.66

0.33

9.91

TRANSEXPR

0.97

1.06

0.09

9.28

CHAMPION

5.48

5.80

0.32

5.84

SEPLAT

370.00

388.50

18.50

5.00

25.55

26.82

1.27

4.97

DANGSUGAR

6.45

6.77

0.32

4.96

MAYBAKER

1.48

1.55

0.07

4.73

RTBRISCOE

0.67

0.70

0.03

4.48

NEIMETH

0.67

0.70

0.03

4.48

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING 4.03

3.83

-0.20

-4.96

ETERNA

2.72

2.59

-0.13

-4.78

PRESCO

27.78

26.47

-1.31

-4.72

STERLNBANK

2.18

2.08

-0.10

-4.59

LEARNAFRCA

1.12

1.07

-0.05

-4.46

STANBIC

29.00

28.00

-1.00

-3.45

CONTINSURE

0.89

0.86

-0.03

-3.37

DIAMONDBNK

4.10

3.99

-0.11

-2.68

CUSTODYINS

3.80

3.70

-0.10

-2.63

UACN

33.48

32.60

-0.88

-2.63

tock markets around the world were knocked lower and oil prices jumped as much as six per cent yesterday after Saudi Arabia and its allies carried out air strikes in Yemen that also stung the dollar. Key indexes, which had already been declining this week on fears US, economic growth may be slowing, were down as much as one per cent in early trading, while the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc rose against the dollar. The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 45 countries, was last off 0.9 per cent. “The air strikes in Yemen have really created a risk-off mood,” said Rabobank strategist Philip Marey. Brent oil LCOc1 was last at $58 a barrel, up nearly

Description

down 107.31 points, or 0.61 per cent, to 17,611.23, the S&P 500 lost 11.86 points, or 0.58 per cent, to 2,049.19 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 38.27 points, or 0.78 per cent. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

CLOSING

UBA

Global stocks tumble amid oil prices’ spike Houthi rebels, besieging the southern Yemen city of Aden. Arab producers ship oil via the narrow Gulf of Aden before heading to the Suez Canal and Europe. A vertiginous slide in oil prices, from more than $115 a barrel last June to a low of $45 in January, has been a major driver of financial markets in the past year and a key factor driving global interest rates down and stock markets up. The US and European shares followed Asian stocks lower. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was down 1.3 per cent. In Germany, a major industrial economy heavily dependent on oil imports, the DAX index was down one per cent. Wall Street’s Dow Jones industrial average was last

US Dollar

N197.00

FGN Bonds

three per cent but off peaks hit of nearly $60. US crude CLc1 was up 1.6 per cent at $50 a barrel after reaching $52.48. In the currency markets, the dollar fell against traditional safe havens the Swiss franc and the yen after warplanes from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries struck Shi’ite Muslim rebels fighting to oust Yemen’s president, and bombed the airport at the capital Sanaa in a move seen as a bid to check Iranian influence in the region. The dollar was also down against the euro RR but recovered in early New York trading on the view central bank policy was more favourable for the dollar. The euro was off 0.55 per cent at $1.0911. Iran denounced the attacks as the Saudi military also targeted the Iran-backed

Offer

Bid Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.39

96.86

15.61

97.01

15.48

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.09

98.92

15.70

99.07

15.62

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.26

100.57

15.79

100.87

15.69

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.84

102.94

15.66

103.24

15.59

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.97

92.67

15.75

92.97

15.68

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.33 66.50

15.88

66.80

15.80

Closing Market Prices of March 26, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

25-Jun-15

14.40

14.94

WAUA

270

24-Sep-15

14.67

15.83

USD

197

17-Mar-16

13.62

15.71

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

12.6250

15.8722

POUNDS STERLING

293

16.8304

SDR

273

17.6376

NIBOR

The Fixings of March 26, 2015

Capital Market

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at March 26, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror I have been trying since 2003 and this time a look at the PDP government at the centre showed us that merger would be worthwhile to save the country. Now we have the APC and the fear of APC is the beginning of wisdom in Nigeria. APC Presidential Candidate – General Muhammadu Buhari

Woman accuses CBD officials Resident hails vigilance operations in Oke Ogun of assault, extortion Dare Akogun

he wanton immoral behaviour and extortion by Lagos State task force agents on the roads has reared its head again, as a middle aged woman have accused the Central Business District, CBD, officers on the island of assault and extortion for a crime she did not have any idea of. Narrating her encounter with the CBD officers Mrs. Kemi Atoyebi, claimed she was on the Island to make some purchases when she stopped at the foot of the Apongbon bridge and as she attempt to lock her car CBD officials swoop on her, brought a towing van and about to tow her vehicle. “While still asking what was going on, one of the CBD men, jumps into my car and tells me to

drive quickly if I don’t want them to clamp my car. I ask him where exactly we were going and he responded, Onikan swimming pool. She stated that in a confused state and shock about was happening inquire from the officer what has she done wrong and what the fines are, but the officer according to her said he cannot tell her anything. “As I turn into Joseph Street, this Mutiu Balogun immediately starts agitating and asking why I’ve turned, saying that is not the way to swimming pool. I tried explaining to him since he didn’t give me any directions; I was just taking the way I knew. “Before I knew it, the officer raises his hands and smacks me across my chest as he attempts to shove my hands from the steering wheel,” she alleged. On getting to their office she al-

leged that a Notification of Offence form was handed to her with the sum of N20, 000 to be paid to the office of the Special Adviser on Central Business District with a handwritten account number, and a teller for N10, 000 to be paid to City-Wide Eko Enterprises. She further alleged that the Notification of Offence had no offence written on it, just the amount. She added that when she reported the action of the arresting officer at the office, she was just told that the officer just pushed her a little bit and so that was of no concern to them. Attempt to get to the PRO of CBD Moses Ogunleye to react to these allegations proved abortive as he didn’t pick his calls nor reply text sent to his phone by our reporter.

esidents Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oke-Ogun in Oyo state has hailed the performance of the comrade Olajide’s led Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, operations in the area. This was disclosed in the exco meeting of the group by His Royal Highness Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi III, the Onigbeti of Igbetiland during the occasion of the visit of the Oyo state commander of vigilante group of Nigeria (VGN) comrade S.A. Olajide to the headquarters of Olorunsogo Local Government area of Igbeti. He also praise the tenacity of purpose of community leaders, party leaders, religious leaders, market men and women as well as the students, who had contributed to the success of the struggle of the development of the area. The monarch who is the chairman council of Oba’s and chiefs in the area commended the leader of the VGN

for a job well done and promised his support for the group and encourage the parents in the area to allow their wards to join the group, so as to fish out bad elements among the indigenes of the area. Responding the commander of the group, comrade S.A. Olajide thanked the people expressing his happiness at the turnout for the event, promising not to relent in the struggle until criminals find their way out of the society. He enjoined the people of the area to always love one another as this is the only avenue that will bring joy and peaceful co-existence among everybody and contribute meaningfully in order to achieve sustainable, peaceful and credible elections. Representative of the divisional police officer (DPO) Igbeti ,Supol Macos Nichodemus advised the group to be more vigilant so as to discover the fake members among them and to also be more closer to the police in the area.

Girls Guide advocates violence-free polls Tunbosun Ogundare

N Inauguration of new members of VGN by the commandant in the presence of other security stakeholders, recently.

igeria Girl Guides Association, NGGA, has called on politicians and other members of the public nationwide to exercise their civil responsibilities by voting candidates of their choice with-

CRBDA warns communities on dangers of open defecation Richard Ndoma CALABAR

anaging Director of Cross River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Mfon Essien has warned against open defecation in residential areas within the nation`s rural communities as such habit was responsible for water born diseases after consuming contaminated water. Essien dropped the warning while fielding questions from

journalists after delivering a speech at the just concluded World Water Day in Calabar. He said he is shocked that people still defecate in open places adding that the feaces is subsequently pushed with runoff water and finally get into the spring or streams. He lamented that the same individuals who defecated in open places would be the ones who drink the contaminated water without a re-think that the feaces they littered in several open

places had had been emptied into the streams and at the same time fetched for drinking a culture which described as savage and barbaric. The Cross River Basin Development Authority helmsman calls for institution of effective legal framework by the government to enable water resources ministry prosecute those who infringes on water and sanitation law and called on communities to ensure that they live above board so that they can always protect

themselves against related community water related disaster. “All we are saying is that that you must do all that is necessary in order to ensure that the water which you consume is protected from all forms of pollution or contamination.”He warned. He urged communities that has benefited from government water scheme project to see the projects as theirs, by taking ownership of the projects and protect the facilities against the activities of vandals.

out resulting to violence. The group said making the general elections starting tomorrow with the presidential poll, free, fair and credible is the responsibility of every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic, religion or party affiliations. The group made the observation in a statement signed by it Chief Commissioner, Mrs. Maria Goretti Sule and made available to Community Mirror. According to her, “As Nigeria is in a critical period of political transition, it is expected of every citizen to show great sense of commitment and patriotism so as to jointly drive the country to the next level. ‘’So our organisation wants these forthcoming elections violent-free and credible at all levels,” she added. Sule stressed that nobody should take law into his or her hands no matter the level of provocation but to allow justice to prevail in all circumstances.

Transition

Friday, March 27, 2015

Ishaya Bakut

shaya Bakut was born on 16 August 1947 in Kurmi-Bi, Zonkwa in Kachia LGA in Kaduna State. He attended Government College, Kaduna (1961–1965) on a Shell BP Scholarship. In 1966 he went to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, graduating in March 1969, when he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. He attended Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (1971–1975) where he earned a B.Sc Engineering. He attended the United

eaconess Winifred Olufunmilayo Olugbani nee Onabote from Ode-Remo, Ogun state has passed on aged 73. She is a retired educationist, head teacher in various primary schools in La-

States School of Engineering (1977–1978), the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1979–1980) and the Indian National Defence College, New Delhi in 1985 where he obtained his M.Sc. He was a Company and Battalion Commander in the Infantry during the Nigerian Civil War (1969–1970). He was appointed Commander of 41 Engineers Brigade, Kaduna in 1976 and became a Senior Operations Officer, Operational Engineering. He served in the Nigerian contingent of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (April 1980 – February 1981). Other positions were Directing Command and Staff College, Jaji (1981–1983), Colonel, General Staff and Army Headquarters, Lagos, and Commander 41 Engineers Brigade, Kaduna. Col. Bakut was appointed Military Governor of Benue state on 18 September 1986. There were no major developments in the state during his rule, which ended in December 1987.

He was appointed Field Commander in Liberia of the ECOMOG West African multinational force on 28 September 1991. He declared his intention that ECOMOG would be an impartial and non-political peacekeeping force. Shortly after, troops from Senegal arrived to strengthen ECOMOG, and were later deployed to Bong County in preparation for a planned disarmament of the rebel forces. However, Charles Taylor ordered his troops to attack the Senegalese, whom Bakut persuaded with difficulty to remain on the defensive. The Senegalese withdrew from the mission after the incident. His replacement by General Adetunji Olurin had just been announced in October 1992, when Charles Taylor launched a terror attack on Monrovia. His troops barely maintained control of parts of the city until Olurin arrived in December 1992. In 1995 he was Principal Officer to Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya, he died On March 21, 2015, at the age of 67.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Moncef Ben Salem

oncef Ben Salem was born on 1 April 1953. He received a BA degree in Mathematics and Physics 1972 and a master’s degree in Maths in 1974. He received PhDs in Maths and Physics from the University of Toulouse and Supméca in Paris. He was a member of the Union of Arab Mathematicians and Physicians from 1980 to 1987. He co-founded the Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Sfax in 1983 He was a member of the Ennahda Movement. He was critical of Presidents Habib Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, calling Bourguiba a “zionist”. As a result of his political activism under Ben Ali, he was jailed for eighteen months from

1987 to 1989, and from 1990 to 1993. In 1987, his passport was revoked, and he was forbidden from leaving Tunisia or travelling inside the country for twenty years, as were his children. From 1993 to 2011, he was forced to live under surveillance. He was also forbidden to work as a university professor. During those years, he was supported by the Canadian Committee of Scientists and Scholars and the American Mathematical Society. He later taught at the University of Maryland in the US, at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and at the University of Sfax in Tunisia. On 20 December 2011, after former President Ben Ali was deposed, he joined the Jebali Cabinet as Minister of Higher Education. He died on March 24, 2015, leaving a widow and 4 children.

Deaconess Olugbani gos state and retired as an educational administrator. She is survived by her husband, Justice Moshood Olugbani (rtd.) and children

one of whom is Chief Bolanle Olugbani. Burial arrangement will be as announced by the family.

News

NASS candidate tasks youths, politicians on violence-free elections Dare Akogun

ll Progressives Congress, APC, candidate of Ogun East senatorial district in tomorrow’s National Assembly election has admonished candidates, re-

gardless of their political affiliations, to desist from pursuing their ambitions with desperation. Prince Dapo Abiodun, in an exclusive interview at his Iperu home, Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun state, said that no candidate

can desperately want to serve the people. “You can’t desperately want to serve the people, but you can passionately serve them. If you are desirous, if you can sell your programmes and if you can work assiduously to convince the people

Awka community sets up caretaker committee Charles Okeke AWKA

wka Community has set up a 7-man Caretaker Committee that would pilot the affairs of Awka Development Union of Nigeria, ADUN, pending when an election would be conducted to select new executive committee members. It was gathered that the Caretaker Committee whose membership were drawn from each of the seven quarters of Awka, namely Amikwo, Ayom-Na-Okpala,Agulu, Ezi Awka,Amachala-Na-Ato, Ifite and Umuokpu and headed by Chief Chike Obuekwe was set

up at the traditional Izu Awka held last Sunday at the village of the oldest Awka man. The Caretaker Committee it was learnt, which was constituted after a resolution to that effect was unanimously adopted, has been mandated to resolve the current crisis bedeviling the union by conducting election for the selection of new executives. This development came against the backdrop that since the tenure of the immediate past executive committee of ADUN led by Chief Tony Okechukwu was alleged to have ended on the 17th of March, 2015. Awka town has been thrown in to crisis as the competing forces battle for fresh election to

be conducted so that they could get their loyalists and surrogates installed as National Executive Committee members of ADUN. The special Izu Awka meeting of last Sunday during which the 7-Man Caretaker Committee was constituted was attended by the constituent villages and quarters, members of Ozo Awka, ndichie and other key groups that attended the meeting that was presided over by Ekpeke Awka. Speaking on the import of whatAkwa people did Chairman of Ezinano Youths, Chief Obi Ochije, said members of Ozo Awka Society, as constituted by the Izu Awka passed the resolution.

secure their votes that you can truly represent them, then, you will be their beautiful bride. After that, there is nothing you can do again”, said the APC candidate. “Thuggery and violence have no place in democracy. So, I want to enjoin everyone to be law-abiding and peaceful to ensure that their votes count. A party or any person who God is convinced would lead Nigeria at different elections, God would crown such a person whether it is the President or a senator or a member of the House of Representatives”, he stated. Abiodun noted that the general elections is another milestones in the democratic process, which by God’s grace is going to further enshrine democracy, re-assures Nigerians that democracy has come to stay and to affirm that Nigerians have become politically mature enough to elect their leaders through a democratic process. “By God’s grace, it is going to be violence-free and ran-

cour-free and the winners will also be magnanimous enough in winning, while the losers will be gracious in losing. Everybody will accept that once you win the issue of party becomes irrelevant. It is going to be a representative of the people”. On his ambition, Abiodun said that his party, APC, had worked tirelessly, preparatory to the coming general elections, which have taken them to every nook and cranny of wards to sell themselves to the people. He claimed that the people of his senatorial district, Ogun East, are quite aware, literate and they know the difference between what is good for them and what is not good for them. “And believe me, that on Saturday, March 28, they will cast their votes for what they believe it is good for them. So, as far, as I am convinced, the polls that were shifted for six weeks I don’t see any difference in what PDP was before the postponement and what they are now”, he concluded.

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

But it would be pointless to have debates with those who take orders from an outsider, in the interest of ... another country. –Russia President, Vladimir Putin

Plane crash: ‘German co-pilot wanted to destroy plane’ Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he co-pilot of the Germanwings flight that crashed in the French Alps, named as Andreas Lubitz, appeared to want to “destroy the plane”, officials said. Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin, citing information from the “black box” voice recorder, said the co-pilot was alone in the cockpit. He intentionally started a descent while the pilot was locked out. Robin said there was “absolute silence in the cockpit” as the pilot fought to re-enter it. He said air traffic controllers made repeated attempts to contact the aircraft, but to no avail. Passengers could be heard screaming just before the crash, he added. Details are also emerging of the German co-pilot’s past - although his apparent motives for

Lubitz

causing the crash remain a mystery. Lubitz, 28, had undergone intensive training and “was 100% fit to fly without any caveats”, according to Carsten Spohr, the head of Lufthansa, the German carrier that owns Germanwings. Spohr said Mr Lubitz’s training had been interrupted briefly

six years ago but was resumed after “the suitability of the candidate was re-established”. The Airbus 320 from Barcelona to Duesseldorf hit a mountain, killing all 144 passengers and six crew, after an eight-minute descent. “We hear the pilot ask the copilot to take control of the plane

UN cuts 2,000 troops from DR Congo peace force

he UN Security Council yesterday voted to cut 2,000 troops from the UN peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of Congo despite calls from Kinshasa for a bigger drawdown. The 15-member council unanimously adopted a resolution that provides for the troop cuts in the 20,000-strong MONUSCO force, the UN’s biggest peace operation. The vote came after Foreign Minister Raymond Tshibanda last week told the council that it was time for Kinshasa to take “full responsibility for its security” after 16 years of UN troop presence in the country. President Joseph Kabila, who is headed for elections in November 2016, had sought an immediate cut of 6,000 troops and a clear commitment to shut down the UN peace operations in the near future. Tensions have been rife between Kinshasa and the United Nations over how to deal with rebel groups in the east and security concerns ahead of the elections seen as a test of democracy in the DR Congo.

The resolution drafted by France endorsed a recommendation from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who said the drawdown would not affect the security situation. The troop reduction did not affect the UN-mandated ceiling of about 21,000 forces, which suggested that the Security Council could decide at a later time to again boost UN troop presence in the DR Congo. The cut will become permanent “once significant progress has been achieved regarding the priorities of MONUSCO’s mandate”

Two UN troops seen in DR Congo

including the fight against Hutu rebels. The measure renewed MONUSCO’s mandate until March 2016 and kept in place an intervention brigade comprised of crack troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi that plays a key role in strengthening the mission. But the resolution also opened the door to talks on winding down the UN mission, stating that “MONUSCO’s exit should be gradual and progressive, tied to specific targets” established by Kinshasa and the United Nations.

WORLD BULLETIN

CAR gets additional 1,000 UN peacekeepers

Westerners may be targeted in Uganda’s capital, US warns

The United Nations Security Council yesterday boosted the number of peacekeepers in Central African Republic by more than 1,000 after the mission was overburdened by a need to protect infrastructure and senior officials in the capital Bangui. The 15-member council unanimously approved the request by U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon for an additional 750 troops and 280 police, which takes the mandated strength of the operation to nearly 13,000 uniformed personnel. The council also approved another 20 corrections officers, to help reopen prisons outside of Bangui. A largely Christian or animist “anti-balaka” militia took up arms in 2013 in response to months of looting and killing by Muslim Seleka rebels who had toppled President Francois Bozize and seized power in March of that year. A U.N. commission of inquiry found that the Christian militia carried out ethnic cleansing of the Muslim population during the country’s ongoing civil war, but said there was no proof of genocidal intent.

Burundian ruling party asks president to drop third term bid

and we hear at the same time the sound of a seat moving backwards and the sound of a door closing,” Mr Robin told reporters. He said the pilot, named in the German media as Patrick S, had probably gone to the toilet. “At that moment, the co-pilot is controlling the plane by himself. While he is alone, the co-pilot presses the buttons of the flight monitoring system to put into action the descent of the aeroplane. “He operated this button for a reason we don’t know yet, but it appears that the reason was to destroy this plane.” Lubitz was alive until the final impact, the prosecutor said. Mr Robin said “the most plausible interpretation” was that the co-pilot had deliberately barred the pilot from re-entering the cockpit.

he US embassy in Uganda has warned that Westerners - including Americans - may be targeted for “terrorist” attacks in the capital Kampala. It said it had “received information of possible threats” at city locations where Western nationals gather. Uganda’s government said the US had warned of a possible suicide bomber trying to enter the country. Uganda was under threat because its troops were fighting militant Islamists in Somalia, a spokesman added. In 2010, Somalia’s al-Shabaab militants carried out a suicide bombing in Kampala, killing 76 people as they watched the football World Cup final. The US embassy said an attack “may take place soon”. Some planned events had been cancelled at Kampala hotels, it added. Border controls have been tightened to stop the suspected suicide bomber and his accomplices from crossing into Uganda, government spokesman Ofwono Opondo told the BBC.

Dozens of senior officials in Burundi’s ruling party have urged President Pierre Nkurunziza to abandon a quest for a third term this June to avoid renewed violence in the landlocked central African nation. Some 79 members of the CNDD-FDD Party wrote to Nkurunziza on Monday, a spokesman for the group said on Thursday, joining a rising chorus of critics saying he cannot run again under the terms of a 2000 deal to end years of fighting between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. The party responded by sacking 10 initial signatories, including Nkurunziza’s spokesman, the party’s spokesman, three members of parliament and a provincial governor, newly-appointed CNDD-FDD spokesman Gelase Ndabirabe said. “The issue about a third term for the current president continues to raise tension and divide the Burundian people,” Festus Ntanyungu, a lawmaker who spoke on behalf of 79 senior officials of Hutu CNDD-FDD, told Reuters.

Friday March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, March 27, 2015

FG spends N27bn on instructional materials JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ederal Government has spent over N27 billion from 2011 to date in providing free instructional materials for primary school pupils and junior secondary school students. President Goodluck Jonathan stated this yesterday in Katsina State during

national flag-off ceremony of distribution of instructional materials to public basic education schools in Nigeria. Jonathan said with the provision every pupil in public primary schools now has access to textbooks in targeted subject areas. He identified the core subjects to include English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technol-

ogy as well as Social Studies, adding that with the development, reading culture in “junior secondary schools is being reactivated through adequate stocking of the school libraries.” The president, represented by Minister of Education and former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, however, said there were challenges despite huge resources in

provision of these materials. The president called on stakeholders in the sector to ensure monitoring, delivery and utilisation of the instructional materials, as such was a collective responsibility. On his part, Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Dr. Dikko Suleiman, said the Federal Government had distributed over 126.5 million textbooks in core subjects to

public primary schools nationwide. Suleiman also said that over 4.9 million textbooks in core subjects were procured and distributed to junior secondary schools across the country. He said 13.8 million library resource materials, and 2,375 science equipment gadgets were also distributed under the Jonathan administration since 2011 to date. According to him, the effort and “positive collaborative responses of state governments had made us achieve 100 per cent 1:1 pupil-textbook ratio in all public primary schools in the federation.” He said under the presi-

dent’s Education Transformation Agenda, more than one million teachers and education managers have been trained and retrained “to keep them abreast of emerging pedagogical trends.” The UBEC boss said 135,000 teachers were recruited and posted to basic education schools nationwide under the Federal Teachers Recruitment Scheme, FTS, to help states with meeting up with their teacher demands. He said Katsina State has of recent been boosted by 8,365 Islamic schools with 22,572 teachers, 460,212 religious teachers, and 22 boarding Islamic schools with feeding facilities.

Buhari, Osinbajo’s wives woo northern women A ZA MSUE KADUNA

W Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang (left) with former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Damishi Sango during PDP Town Hall Meeting at Langtang, Plateau State, Yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

APC will disappear after 2015 elections –Jang JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

lateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, has said the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, will fizzle out both in the states and federal level after the 2015 general elections. The governor spoke during a town hall meeting in Shendam Local Government Area as part of his statewide consultations

with the people ahead of the general elections. Unlike the APC, the governor said PDP is not an emergency party, but has laid a very solid foundation across the country, both in terms of followership and performance. He said it was God who handed over Nigeria to PDP because He gives power to whomever He will, adding that the party was prepared to continue to offer Nigerians good governance in line

with its mandate. Stressing that the party will not let the people down, the governor, who led top government officials, elders, party officials and other stakeholders to the meeting, including the governorship candidate of the party, Senator Gyang Pwajok, appealed to the people to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP candidates in the state during the elections. He said the party has good inten-

tions for the people, both at the state and national levels, and would ensure it delivers on its promises if voted into power. The governor also used the occasion to explain why workers salaries in the state have not been regular, attributing it to the drop in oil revenue, which he said affected most states of the federation, including Plateau. He, however, noted that efforts were being made to address the shortfall.

Katsina security council bans petrol black marketers JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

atsina State Security Council yesterday issued ban on petroleum black marketers during the presidential election in the state. The ban is to take effect from Saturday, March 28, the day of election, to

Monday, March 30, adding that violators would be apprehended. Speaking on behalf of the council, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bala Senchi, warned parents not to allow their wards to be used to foment trouble during or after the elections. Senchi said only those in uniforms or special du-

ties would be allowed to move around, even as he assured that security outfits would do their best to ensure crisis-free elections in the state. But, Governor Ibrahim Shema warned against breaching the peace during the election, saying that perpetrators of violence would not be spared.

Shema said people should learn to accept verdict of elections in good faith and avoid wanton destruction of lives and property. The governor, who prayed for peaceful conduct of the polls, also reiterated the need for people to work at ensuring that peace reigned during and after the elections.

ife of presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Muhammadu Buhari, Hajia Aisha Buhari, has urged Nigerians to vote APC in Saturday’s presidential election, saying a vote for her husband was a vote for a better and new Nigeria . Hajia Aisha alongside the wife of APC vice presidential candidate, Dolapo Osinbajo, wooed Northern women to vote massively for the party, saying their votes will transform their lives. Mrs. Buhari, while addressing northern women

at a dinner in Kaduna on Wednesday night, said her husband’s victory will mark a new beginning for Nigeria and Nigerians, adding that the security challenge confronting the nation had assumed an alarming rate and required a committed government to address it once and for all. She, however, said people must resist every temptation to sell their Permanent Voter Cards, as that is their powerful tool to vote in good governance. She also told parents, especially women to watch their children and wards and ensure they are not used as political thugs during the elections.

Nasarawa non-indigenes endorse Al-Makura IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

coalition of nonindigenes in Nasarawa State, comprising South East Youth Solidarity Forum, Yoruba Unity Movement and Non-Indigenes Youth Movement, yesterday endorsed the re-election of Governor Umaru AlMakura in the governorship election. Spokesman of the group, Chineche Chukwu, disclosed this to newsmen in Keffi, headquarters of Keffi Local Government Area. He assured of the

group’s 100 per cent support to Al-Makura’s reelection. Chukwu said the group endorsed the governor because of his passion for excellence, hard work, humility, integrity, compassion and strong positive character, which has endeared him to the people. Chukwu further stated that the governor’s firm, decisive and dependable personality, among other qualities, have made him a rallying point for the people, particularly as no other person has touched lives of the people like he has.

Friday, March 27, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ademiloye Fadekemi Bosede, now wish to be addressed as MRS. ABEGUNDE FADEKEMI BOSEDE CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onigbinde Dupe Ajibola now wish to be addressed as MRS. OLOYEDE DUPE AJIBOLA All former documents remain valid, NYSC and general public, take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Ajewole Omowumi Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abayomi-Abe Omowumi Esther. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Ado Ekiti and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Felix Kormla Tsogbe, now wish to be known and addressed as TSOGBE OLUWATOBI FELIX. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Maiyegun, Morohunfolu Nusi, Now wish to be known and addressed as IRUOJE, MOROHUNFOLU NUSI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Abdulrahmon Sakiru Oyinkola, Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed as MR ABDULRAHMON SAKIRU KAYODE. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kilani Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWAROTIMI ABIOLA FOLAKEMI. All former document remain valid,Federal polytechnic Ado-Ekiti and general public note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Adebayo Rashidat Modupe, now wish to be addressed as MRS OBADINA RASHIDAT MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Government and the general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Baruwa Ramat Olamiji, now wish to be addressed as MRS. OGUNOYE RAMAT OLAMIJI. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Government and the general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebari Aminat Adeyemisi, now wish to be addressed as MRS OTUNLA AMINAT ADEYEMISI. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Government and the general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Emmanuel Bola, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADESIJIN BOLA AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agoro Feyisara Oladapo, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FAYEMI FEYISARA OLADAPO. All former documents remain valid. National Open University of Nigeria and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatade Maryam Olwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AINA MARYAM OLWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMAEFUNA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amaefuna Joy Ukamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHUKWU JOY UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

OGBONNA: I, formerly known and addressed as Ogbonna Christian Emeka, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBONNA HASSAN EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. GTB, and general public take note.

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Juliet Chima, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGBONNA JULIET CHIMA. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Ogunsanya Shakiru Musiliu, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSILIU AKANJI SHAKIRU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Daniel Adesola Mojisola, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBOWALE ADESOLA MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Kazzem Abisola, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANOBA ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ifebi Omerebeie, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.ANUNOBI OMEREBEIE CHINWE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alawoya Anuoluwapo Oredola, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORESANYA ANUOLUWAPO OREDOLA. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Seriki Rasidat Omowunmi now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONI RASIDAT OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Owuye Ismail Tunde, now wish to be known and addressed as OWUYE TAIBAT OMOLOLA DISU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Olotu Mercy Omobola now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SOBOWALE BELLA OMOBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Umar Ololade Fatimah, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALAYAKI OLOLADE FATIMAH. All former documents remain valid General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebowale Jumoke Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KOLAWOLE JUMOKE EUNICE. All former documents remain valid General public take note

Fadahunsi: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Fadahunsi Temitope Arinola, now wish to be known address as MRS. ADEPOJU TEMITOPE ARINOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JUDAH: I formerly known as James Idowu Oluwafemi, now wish to be known as JUDAH IDOWU SEWANU OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyenege Concilia Chigaemezu, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNANNA CONCILIA CHIGAEMEZU. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

N G A N W U C H U : - fo r m e rly known and addressed as Miss Nganwuchu Janavin Nkeiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEREKE JANAVIN NKEIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

AMAECHI: This is to confirm that the name Amaechi Adanna Loius, is one and the same person and now wish to be known and addressed as Amaechi Adanna. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Faturoti Oluwafikayo Seun, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. WALEADEDOKUN OLUWAFIKAYO SEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANIAHACHIE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aniahachie Austra Chinechem now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKOLI CHINECHEM AUSTRA. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

OKEKE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Chidinma Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKOLO CHIDINMA LINDA. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

UGWUOKE: I formrly known and addressed as Miss Ugwuoke Annastacia Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONUMONU ANNASTACIA OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

OBIEZUE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace Nkechi Obiezue, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PEACE NKECHI OKOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IKHINOBELE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sophia Ikhinobele, now want to be known and addressed as MRS. SOPHIA UGHELE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FASAWE: I, formerly known and addressed as Fasawe Funmilayo Folasade, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEGOKE FUNMILAYO JOY FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

FASAWE: I, formerly known and addressed as Fasawe Sileola Akinlolu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEGOKE SILEOLA AKINLOLU CHRISTOPHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Ifechukwu Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBEIBU IFECHUKWU FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEANI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeani Nwakife Veronica Nma, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKEMEZIE NWAKIFE VERONICA NMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

NWACHUKWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwachukwu Livina Ogechi, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OHAERI LIVINA OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that I, Udodiong Johnny is one and the same person as Udoh Victoria Johnny. That on my First Bank Account documents, it appears as Udodiong Johnny and on my National Identity Card, it appears as UDOH VICTORIA JOHNNY. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned take note.

ONUOHA: Formerly known as Miss Onuoha Isdora Kasarachi, now wish to be known and address as MRS UZOIGWE ISDORA KASARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

OGWUCHE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Josphine Ogwuche, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOSEHINE ULOKO OHABA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANOZIE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anozie Uloma Precious, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGUOCHA PRECIOUS ULOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ase Matthew Esabai, now wish to be known and addressed as ASE MATTHIAS ESABAI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Korobo-Ebi Imgbi, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KOROBO-EBI BINIPRE KOKO. All former documents remain valid. Bayelsa State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace.E. Camillus, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PEACE OBA OKITAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EJIOGU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Rosemary Ogadinma Ejiogu, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ROSEMARY OGADINMA OGWOGWO. All Former documents remain valid. General public, take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE TRAFFIC COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT CORP OFFICER’S WIVES ASSOCIATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization (NGO) has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matters Act. No.1 of 1990.

GREENWAY: I, formerly known and addressed as Festus Kolapo Greenway, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FESTUS KOLAPO LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Martins Ebiegberi, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DENNIS FIYEBO EBIEGBERI. All former documents remain valid.Niger Delta University, Amasoma and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME JINADU: Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Jinadu Olajumoke Basirat, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLOKODANA -JINADU OLAJUMOKE BASIRAT. All Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known as Mbata Chinwendu Ugochi, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO CHINWENDU UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOVE EMBASSY WORLDWIDE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “c” of companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990

The Trustees are: 1) Mrs Modupe Adekunle 2) Mr Gbenga Ope Sanwo 3) Mrs Ronke Sokeye 4) Commander Ayodele Sangofadeji 5) Chief Major Samuel Adejinmi.(Rtd)

Trustees are: 1. Pastor Harmony Nkemjika Okoronkwo (Founder) 2. Pastor Godstime Okafor (Secretary-General) 3. Pastor Mrs. Joy Chisom Okoronkwo (Women Leader) 4. Pastor Chidera Peacemaker Mgborogwu (Vice President)

Aims and Objectives 1) To promote the welfare of all Wives of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corp Officer’s 2) To Avail Members of The Association,Avenue for Social Interaction. 3) To be a Form of a Feedback Mechanism to the Society. 4) To Liaise, Cooperate and Interact with other Women bodies within and outside Ogun State.

Aims and Objectives 1. To preach the totality of the gospel through the demonstration of the holy spirit 2. Raising a generation of believers where all are power demonstrators

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed:

T.A. TAIWO ESQ

EQUI-TRUST ADVOCATES & SOLICITORS 4, Leme, Abiola Way, beside KAAB Filling Station, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Signed:

PASTOR HARMONY NKEMJIKA OKORONKWO (FOUNDER)

Friday, March 27, 2015

Retiring from the national team has to do with my body and the coach’s decision moving forward”

…as Super Eagles depart for SA Everest Onyewuchi

outh Africa head coach, Ephraim Mashaba, has stated that Bafana Bafana’s Wednesday 3-1 victory over lowly rated Swaziland is the tonic his team needs to battle Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday. Having beaten the Swazis at their backyard, Mashaba says his team is ready for Nigeria in Nelspruit. “It’s a good result to take to Mpumalanga (to face Nigeria) and hopefully it rubs off positively. These are two different games, so you cannot take what happened in Swaziland to Mpumalanga because it is going to be a tough game as well. We will do our best. You will remember that they still have a score to settle with us, they will come spitting fire but we are ready for them,” he told supersport.com. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles who were pipped 1-0 by the Cranes of Uganda in Uyo on Wednesday, leave for South Africa today, with the riot act read to them by the Nigeria Football

Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, echoing in the ears of the players and coaches. After that humiliating outing, Pinnick and his executive committee members lashed out at the team in a frank-talk session with players and officials of the Super Eagles at the Hotel Le Meridien, Uyo. “When next you receive an invitation letter to come represent Nigeria, you have a critical decision to make: accept it only if you believe you are in the frame of mind to give your everything or decline if you do not feel that way. The camp of the National Team would no longer welcome average players or good players with poor attitude. “Today, we are supposed to be celebrating with Vincent Enyeama on his 100th cap, but your poor performance has ruined the party and Nigerians are very angry,” an angry Pinnick upbraided them. It was the first time in recent memory that a sitting NFF boss and his deputies would tell players of the senior team straight to their faces to buckle up or be bundled out.

Ahmed Musa

Sport

Xavi gets MLS look-in

–Italy midfielder, Andrea Pirlo

We’re ready for Nigeria –Mashaba

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Sports

Friday, March 27, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Look beyond Uganda loss, Glo tells Eagles

ajor partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and official telecommunications sponsor of the national teams, Globacom, has enjoined Super Eagles not to be discouraged by the result of the latest friendly match against Uganda which ended i n

home turf and to a lowly rated team, we want the Eagles to pick up the pieces and play the next friendly with South Africa on Sunday with zeal and determination to achieve victory and win the the heart of Nigerians,” Globacom said in a statement in Lagos yesterday. The telecommunications company advised the Daniel Amokachi-led Eagles’ crew to draw

…Taribo demands team shake-up Mercy Jacob

1-0 l o s s for Nigeria in Uyo on Wednesday. The Eagles tried to level up after Uganda took the lead in the 81st minute to no avail in the match where Nigerians expected victory. “While the loss was not impressive, particularly on the

Enyeama

a plan to overrun the South Africans at home. “This is the best opportunity for the Eagles to return to reckoning against Bafana Bafana,” the statement added. “We are convinced that Nigerians will see a different team against Bafana Bafana. We just need to keep supporting and praying for the Eagles while tasking the NFF not to relent in their resolve to encourage the team all the way,” Globacom concluded.

ormer Nigeria international, Taribo West, has asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to re-organise the Super Eagles’ team with a view to returning the side to competitive position in the near future. The former Eagles’ defender, who reacted to the national team’s loss to Uganda in a friendly on Wednesday, specifically criticised what he called poor attitude of the defenders which he said he become a norm in recent times. “I think the current defenders have lost touch with what their job entails in the Eagles’ rear guard and something urgent must

be done before they become a huge embarrassment,” West said yesterday. “At this stage, I think the NFF can begin to adopt some players in the current Flying Eagles’ squad to give competitive edge to the senior team players. “Our future lies in the Flying Eagles set up and I believe the NFF should focus on their progress.” He, however, blamed the Eagles’ loss to Cranes of Uganda on the absence of a substantive coach, even as he said the newly introduced layers required more time to blend with the old players. “It was obvious they haven’t played together and I think the result can be excused,” West reasoned.

CHAN 2016: Nigeria, Ghana clash in qualifiers Paul Erewuba

Xavi

Xavi gets MLS look-in N

ew York City striker, David Villa, says he would love to link up with Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in the MLS. Villa made history for the club by scoring its first-ever goal in a 2-0 win over New England in NYC’s second League match of the season earlier this month. The striker, who is Spain’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 59 goals in 97 matches, said he had contacted compatriot Xavi, who is reaching the end of his contract at Camp Nou,

about a possible move to America. “I haven’t pushed him on his future plans,” Villa said. “Even if he did tell me something, I certainly wouldn’t reveal it”, he added. “Xavi would fit into any league in any part of the world. I would be delighted he is here as he is a great player and a close friend.” Xavi, 35, retired from international duty after last year’s World Cup, and has made 21 appearances for Barca this season, mostly from the bench.

ivals Nigeria and Ghana will battle in the same qualification group for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will unfold the draws on April 5. Nigeria made its debut in the

Pinnick

tournament in the last edition in South Africa, where the Super Eagles coached by Stephen Keshi were stopped by the Black Stars of Ghana in the semifinal. According to CAF, 42 teams will be engaged for the draw to be conducted according to zonal distributions of the National Associations affiliated to it. The qualifiers will start from the weekend of June 19 to 21 2015 through to August 28 to 30 August where 15 teams will emerge to join host Rwanda for the final tournament scheduled for January 16 to February 7 2016. There will be two rounds each for the qualifiers except for the Northern Zone, where the three teams will play each other on a round-robin basis with the top two qualifying for the final tournament. Previous winners of CHAN are DR Congo (2009), Tunisia (2011) and Libya (2014).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, March 27, 2015

Friendly: Khune ready for Super Eagles Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

afana Bafana goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, has reveled in his return to the national team as South Africa beat Swaziland 3-1 in a friendly at Mbabane on Wednesday, saying it will boost him ahead of the next game against Nigeria at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit on Sunday. It was the first time that the 27-year-old has featured under Coach Shakes Mashaba after being overlooked ahead of the recent AFCON finals in Equatorial Guinea due to injury and loss of form. Interestingly, Nigeria lost 1-0 to Uganda at home same day, sparking suggestions in the Bafana camp that the South Africans could overrun the Super Eagles in the apparent grudge match. “I think it was for me a great performance overall,” Khune said yesterday. “It was also great preparation

for the Nigeria clash and I feel so good ahead of the game with Eagles,” he added. Asked if he thought the South Africans could get the first victory over Nigeria on Sunday, Khune said: “It’s obvious you can’t write off Nigeria at any time. They are a tough customer any day. The most important thing is that we have to be ready to give our very best in the encounter.”

EFA boss, Mohamed

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)

Thinking alike, sharing same view

Itumeleng Khune

Egyptian league set to resume

he Egyptian Football Association yesterday announced the schedule of the Egyptian Premier League round of 23 which is set to resume on March 30. The EFA said Zamalek would face Dakhleya in Suez’s newly built stadium while Al Ahly would welcome Ragaa one day later at Cairo’s Petro Sport Stadium. Reports from Cairo suggested that the cabinet decided last Wednesday to resume the league behind closed doors following the disastrous stampede on February 8 at the Cairo Air Defence Stadium. However, the Egyptian media have claimed that the Premier League would be delayed again for two or three days due to the

MANDATE

THE

national team’s friendly during the week. But the EFA countered that full schedule of the competition’s coming round provided the definitive dates and stadiums for the matches. The Egyptian Premier League, as well as the rest of Egypt’s football competitions, were frozen on February 8 when 20 Zamalek supporters lost their lives as police forces used teargas to disperse a crowd of fans in an attempt to force their way into the Air Defence Stadium ahead of a league match with ENPPI. Ahly occupies the third spot on the table with 36 points, five short of second-placed ENPPI and eight points adrift of leader and arch-rival Zamalek.

t was cheering news to me fire outbreak, l had to dedicate to read in the media that a paragraph on weekly basis, the new General Secretary asking for the report of the comof the Nigeria Football Fed- mittee several months after its eration (NFF), Dr. Mohammed inauguration. Sanusi, was quoted to have This explains why I’m in full assured the nation that the support of the position of the fire outbreak that gutted the new General Secretary of the accounts department of the NFF, my dear good friend, Dr. NFF Secretariat immediately Sanusi, on the assurance of reafter the Brazil 2014 World Cup visiting the crimiwould be revisited. nal act of It is important to recall s e t that the Glass House of the Nigeria Football Federation was set ablaze by yet to be identified arsonists after the Federal Government requested the then Aminu Maigari-led board to account for the money released to the board as well as NFF Secretary General, the one generated by it. Sanusi Simply put, the NFF was ting asked to give a vivid account t h e of income and expenditure of Glass House how the NFF board under Mai- on fire by some dubious chargari spent several hundreds of acters and charlatans. But, Dr. millions of naira on the 2014 Mohammed should match his World Cup in Brazil. words with action. For me, Dr. As Nigerians eagerly await- Sanusi has started well with ed the board to render the ac- that singular pronouncement counts, what we got instead was and will obviously enjoy my a shocker. The accounts and oth- support and indeed other right er sensitive sections of the NFF thinking sports stakeholders, Secretariat were burnt down particularly ardent football lovwith relevant documents either ers. The new General Secretary burnt or completely destroyed. should rest assured of continuA committee was constituted to ous support for as long as he is investigate the barbaric act but up and doing and, of course, dounfortunately the committee’s ing the right thing to advance report was not allowed to see the growth and the development the light of the day. In a more de- of football. Otherwise, your cent and civilized society, any- friend in me may be the very one found culpable for this act first among others to tell you of arson would by now be made the truth, nothing but the truth to pay handsomely and the hard no matter how bitter. Let me say way that would serve as a les- welcome on board, Dr. Sanusi son to other criminals who may and l wish you well in your new want to thread the same path. assignment. Readers of this column can attest to the fact that l have been Too early for a wrong signal consistent in calling and agitatThe immediate past General ing for the release of the report Secretary of the NFF, Barrister on the fire that gutted the NFF Musa Amadu, was alleged to secretariat since last year. For have resigned his appointment the greater part of the last three as a result of irreconcilable difmonths after the setting up of ferences between him and the the so-called committee on the NFF President Mr. Amaju Pinn-

ick over issues on finance. He was reported to have objected to the approach of the Pinnickled board on the administration of the FIFA grant. I’m not in any way clapping for Amadu. The disagreement between him and Pinnick may not be too far from how individual interests are to be settled. In my honest opinion, Amadu should have resigned long time ago. It was under his leadership as the General Secretary and indeed, possibly as the accounting officer of the NFF, that its secretariat was set ablaze just after the Federal Government asked for the account of income and expenditure on Nigeria’s participation at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. Up till now, several months after, he never talked about investigations into the fire outbreak. Ordinarily, he should have resigned or be booted out of office on moral point. It was a moral burden. He has to take and accept responsibility. That is what is obtained in a civilised society.

Sports Special Fund Once again, I have always been an advocate of SPORTS TRUST FUND similar and possibly the same as Sports Special Fund which President Goodluck Jonathan announced while welcoming the all-conquering Flying Eagles of Nigeria for winning the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC). It may be necessar, to humbly appeal to our dear president to also kindly remember our young athletes who won similar championship in Ethiopia early this year. They deserve to be recognised and honoured.

Can these Super Eagles be super without a coach? No one can reasonably rationalise the inability of the NFF to employ a coach for the Super Eagles. The embarrassing outcome of the Super Eagles match against the Ugandan national team, the Cranes, at the Uyo International Stadium on Wednesday was a pointer to the fact the Eagles are in dire need of a confirmed coach. Uganda defeated Nigeria by 1-0. However, it is heartwarming to hear that the board of the NFF met in Uyo just before the match to ratify a two-year contract for Stephen Okechukwu Keshi as Super Eagles coach.

Hard but the bitter truth As election is around the corner, it is better to learn from history and be guided by same. Otherwise, you may end up being a victim and learn the hard way. Hard But the Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God bless Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Highest railway line

Vol. 05 No. 1078

Friday, March 27, 2015

The Qinghai-Tibet railway in China, completed in October 2005, is the world’s highest railway. Most of the 1,956-km-long line lies at 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above sea level.

N150

Nigerian youths, 2015 polls and violent deaths

od forbid! Back to sender! It is not my portion! I reject it in … name! These are some of the expressions people make in rejection of lurking nightmares, awful dreams, dangerous predictions or when real life calamities strike. In any such situation, the face is strewn with objectionable countenance. But during election times, as the ones Nigeria is about conducting tomorrow and April 11; and because of miserable pecuniary succour, many Nigerian youths, with their eyes wide open, wilfully march themselves to the death chambers and traps of politicians, majority of which seek power for self aggrandisement and are without conscience. Just one day and one night to go before tomorrow’s election, it may be rightly predicted that youths, in their hundreds or thousands, have taken up the dirty jobs of serving as politicians’ thugs; and many

razilian legend, Pele, believes the country’s superstar Neymar will never be able to replace him. Pele’s impressive record for Brazil saw him score 77 goals in 92 games for his country, yet his record may be under threat

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) of them may end up as cannon fodders – people whose lives are considered not to be very important – at the end of it all. By the time the polls are over, scores of them might have been slaughtered and sent to their early graves. There the bravado ends. They may not live to enjoy the peanut they earned from their principals. Worse still, they plunge their suffering fathers, mothers, siblings and possibly wives and children, to even more hardship. On the contrary, as is now public knowledge, most politicians, especially those of them with families, ferry their loved ones to very safe heavens abroad. Indeed, it is very rare pointing to situations where a politician assigns thuggery jobs to his or her biological offspring. One’s attention should be graciously drawn to any such case. Why? The answer is because being a thug does not just involve signing one’s own death warrant. It is a fatally risky, poverty and hunger-driven, derogatory and insulting assignment reserved strictly for rascals, the destitute, touts, desperate hustlers and common criminals, etc. Only an insignificant percentage of those recruited survive or make it big, while majority of them perish. For their part, most politicians flee the country at the slightest mortal danger, especially if the outcome of the election turns out a huge disappointment to them.

MAY IT NOT REALLY BE THE PORTION OF ANY

NIGERIAN YOUTH, WHO STAYED AWAY FROM

TROUBLE, TO PERISH BECAUSE OF THE

2015

ELECTIONS Among the most exploited segments of the Nigerian population in matters of politics, whether during military or civilian era, are Nigerian youths, and for the straight reason that they lack jobs. Some months before the 2011 general election, which produced President Goodluck Jonathan as winner, for example, this writer and a very close friend based in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, visited Abuja for certain engagements. We spent roughly three days in a hotel located in the Central Area; and within that short period, we were able to count close to one thousand youth groups, all purportedly working for the president’s success at the polls. It was obvious then that Jonathan’s chance of winning was high. Similar scenes played out in states, where candidates with bright prospects to emerge as governors cornered hundreds of youthgroups that sang their praises non-stop.

But the logic was quite clear. The jobs are not just there and the jobless must survive, too. Election time offers temporary respite through thuggery or pitching tent with one support group or the other to make ends meet. This is in spite of the fact that being forced against one’s conscience to thrive on sycophancy is demeaning; and that what trickles in as cash reward is pathetic when related to the endless praise-singing and the risk of long distance travels involved. Those that smile to the banks are the groups’ leaders, who know somebody, who knows another top shot, who also knows another link to the source of the funds distributed. However, the message here is clear: God forbid, back to sender or it is not my portion, etc. may fail any Nigerian youth that lends deaf ears to the generous advice many Nigerians of goodwill have volunteered free-of-charge; which is that any youth that attaches any worth to his or her life should reject being used as a thug or cannon fodder during tomorrow’s election and others to come. It is a matter of choice. Peaceful polls had been preached. Even an accord on non-violence during the polls had been signed by the key contenders for the nation’s Presidency – President Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But in spite of all, there are tell-tale signs that all ended up as mere lip service. A hate campaign galore was it. And as Nigerians anxiously await tomorrow’s poll, there exists widespread apprehension that it could be marred by violence – particularly disenfranchisement through thuggery intimidation, harassment and related poll frauds. It saddens one that some reckless youths would readily make their services available for the dirty jobs. But this writer’s prayer is: may it not really be the portion of any Nigerian youth, who stayed away from trouble, to perish because of the 2015 elections.

Sport Extra Neymar incomparable to me –Pele soon with 23-year-old Neymar on 42 goals in 60 appearances for his country. “I think to be the new king, the new Pele, is impossible,” Pele said yesterday. “Neymar is a good

player, excellent youngster and will no doubt be a big star. But to be like me is quite impossible,” he added. Pele, who was in his prime 50 years ago, interestingly feels he would

have still been a star if he graced the football pitch today. “The thing people forget is I was given a gift to play football and this is something no one can judge,” he further said.

Meanwhile, the 74-year-old has backed new Brazil Coach, Carlos Dunga, to succeed with the national team. “Dunga could make a great team,” Pele remarked.

Pele

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