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NERC threatens to revoke nonperforming power firms’ licences CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

Amadi

Vol. 51 N0. 1135 115

igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, yesterday threatened to wield

Boko Haram:

the big stick on non-performing power companies by revoking their licences. Sending the warning to the affected power sector entities during presentation of licences to four companies

N8bn currency fraud: Court denies accused bail

in Abuja, Commissioner of Engineering, Abbah Ibrahim, noted that the planned sanction became imperative because of the fact that most of the 134 companies CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Emefiele

Tuesday, Tuesday,June June7,16, 2011 2015

N150

US gives $5bn to multi-national force ...12 dead, several injured as twin suicide bombers hit Yobe

Troops kill scores of insurgents using women as shield

INUSA NDAHI AND UBONG UKPONG

nited States has announced a $5bn contribution to the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, to boost military operations against Boko Haram insurgency. US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, announced this at a news briefing via telephone from the African Union, AU, Summit yesterday, as an indication of U.S interest in Africa, A News Agency of NiCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

ABUAD students to represent Africa in global competition in USA P.8

L-R: Deputy Director-General for Nuclear Energy, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Mikhail Chudakov; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman/Chief Executive, Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Erepamo Osaisal; Ms. Anne Starz and Mr. Julio Barcelo Vernet of IAEA, Austria, during a courtesy call on the vice president at Defence House, Abuja, yesterday.

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APC crisis deepens as NWC seeks Oyegun’s sack

...says chairman failed the people with mock election

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Aero passenger arrested for stealing N350,000 on board

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EFCC to quiz Niger ex-gov over N2.9bn P.12 loot FG cancels pipeline protection contracts’ award to ethnic militias P.4

News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NERC threatens to revoke non-performing power firms’ licences CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

issued licenses so far, have remained dormant, thereby defeating the purpose of their licences. The new licensees include the Pan Africa Solar Limited, which was licensed to generate 24 Megawatts (MW) solar-powered Independent Power Project (IPP) in Kankia, Katsina State; and the Nigeria Solar Capital Partners Limited, for a 100MW solar-powered IPP in Ganjuwa, Bauchi State. Others are While Proton Energy Limited which got a license for an on-grid electricity generation license in respect of a 150MW gasfired IPP in Ogorode, Sapele, Delta State; and Turbine Drives Limited, which was also licensed to generate a 500MW gas-fired IPP in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. Ibrahim noted that with the licenses, the commission had so far issued licenses that ought to have led to the generation of 20,000MW out of the estimated 40,000MW required by the country for relatively stable electricity supply. He lamented that since most of the previously licensed power generation companies were not delivering power, NERC had started the process of reviewing the justifiability of their being licensed at all. He said: “But within your license there is a blue book which details your license terms and conditions. I am raising this because we have issued so far 134 licenses, which have translated to over 20,000MW of power in Nigeria. We have a requirement of over 40MW. ”As we speak now, the issue is that a lot of the licenses are not delivering. And the commission has commenced the process of reviewing those licenses. And once targets are not met we have no choice than to cancel those licenses. I hope all these licenses will not go the way of the majority we are looking at,” Ibrahim added. According to him, the licenses contain a blueprint that spells out the terms, conditions, and milestones that they must accomplish within a certain time limit. He vowed that the NERC would now enforce the stringent terms in the licenses and there would be no option than revocation because of their non-performance after which the com-

mission would invite new investors to bid for and get the licenses. The commissioner assured that in going forward the NERC would tighten the

screw in the licenses and revoke non-performing others. He pointed out that, that was the way the commission could send the right

signal across the world so that people could come and invest in the country. He added that if there is somebody with a piece of paper that is non-performing it is

still a piece of paper until it is able to deliver power as required. Clarifying further, the Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Enforce-

ment, Steven Andzenge, explained that every license has performance indicators it should meet within a particular time, adding that CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Prof. Lawrence Dim; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Taye Haruna and representative of Director-General, NEMA, Dr. Zanna Mohammed, during the International Atomic Energy Agency emergency preparedness and response review service mission to Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

US gives $5bn to multi-national force CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

geria, NAN, correspondent monitored the press briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. “We have been working with Nigeria as well as the African countries’ innovation to address their concerns about Boko Haram because we don’t see this as just a Nigerian problem. “We are having discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari on how we might bolster our support. We are already working with them and providing information. “We are providing some training and support and we’ll love to work with the new administration to see how we might increase the level of support to Nigeria. “At the same time, we’ve just announced at the venue of the AU, $5bn contribution to the Multinational Task Force. “We are also providing some equipment and support and we have a number of meetings with the countries which are members of the Multinational Joint Task Force to look at other areas we might support,” she said. Thomas-Greenfield said Africa has faced “some re-

ally horrendous terrorist attacks” over the past two years. He cited the West Gate and Garissa University attacks in Kenya, and the Boko Haram attacks particularly, the kidnapping of the Chibok girls among others. “While I would not say Africa is under siege, Africa has some major security challenges. “That requires a very strong and concerted strategic effort by African countries and partners to address the security concerns of Africa,” she added. According to her, the US is providing a strong support to AU on security as it has a strong partnership with the continent on security. “We are working closely with the Lake Chad Basin countries - Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon to address the issues of Boko Haram,” Thomas-Greenfield said. She noted that US had so far trained about 250,000 African peacekeepers, adding that US’ highest priority in Africa remains security. The envoy expressed support for the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court, ICC, against Sudan President,

Omar Al-Bashir. She said the US frowns at plans by some African leaders to subvert the constitution in order to extend their terms in office, saying the US supports two-term limit in office. Meanwhile, two suicide bombers hit Potiskum, Yobe State, yesterday, killing 12 persons, while eight others were injured. Potiskum is the commercial city of Yobe State, and it is 100 kilometres west of Damaturu, the state capital. An eyewitness, Abubakar Isa, told our correspondent on phone from the town that the first attack was launched at the vigilante’s office located in the Dorowa area. According to him, a suicide bomber gained access to the office and detonated the Improvised Explosive Device, IED, killing eight people. Isa said: “A young man came to our office and we insisted that anybody that we would allow to enter must be searched and when he pretended to be opening the bag, he detonated an explosive device.” He said the explosion killed one of the commanders of the vigilante in the

town. He also disclosed that the suicide bomber came to the office of the group with a computer device. The attack, according to him occurred at about 12:30 p.m. It was learnt that another explosion happened five minutes later at a drinking joint in the same vicinity. Four persons, including the bomber, were killed in the explosion. Isa said the bomber walked into the drinking joint, pretending to want a drink and detonated the explosive device strapped on him. A source at the Potiskum General Hospital, said 12 corpses were deposited at the morgue. She also revealed that eight persons who were critically injured were brought to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital. Yesterday’s suicide bombings came on a day troops killed scores of insurgents, who attacked Babbangida the headquarters of Tarmuwa Local Government Area of the state. In an operational update yesterday, the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, in a

tweet on its twitter handle, confirmed the death of the terrorists, regretting that a soldier and a vigilante also died during the fierce encounter. DHQ said the insurgents used women and children as human shield to perpetrate the attack, It also regretted that some of its troops sustained injuries, stressing that several of the insurgents also escaped with gunshot wounds. It however confirmed the recovery of a number of arms and ammunitions as well as other weapons and accessories from the fleeing terrorists. “Scores of heavily armed terrorists using women and children as shield died on Sunday when they attacked Babbangida in Yobe State. “Over 10 rifles and weapon accessories as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition and some hand grenades were also recovered from the terrorists as some of them fled with gunshot wounds. “One soldier and a vigilante member however died, while five were wounded during the encounter,” the DHQ said in the tweet.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Photo News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

L-R: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Admin, Lagos State, Mr. Lawan Ado; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti; CEO, Apple Tree Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Olayinka Makinde and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr.. Johnson Kokumo, during official handover ceremony of security patrol vehicles to the Lagos State Police Command HQ, Ikeja, by MTN Foundation, in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: MD/CEO, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie; Chairman, Nigeria e-Fraud Forum (NeFF) and Director of Banking and Payments System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. ‘Dipo Fatokun and Director of Risk Management Department, Ms. Folakemi Fatogbe, during a meeting of NeFF in Lagos, at the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: General Manager (Operations), Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Joseph Babatunde; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa and Managing Director/CEO, Morpol Engineering Services Ltd, Chief S.S. Sanusi, during the 2015 Nigerian Academy of Engineering Annual Lecture in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman, Proton Energy Ltd, Mr. Oti Ikomi; CEO, Pan Africa Solar, Mr. Marcus Heal; Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi; Managing Director, Nigeria Solar Capital Partners, Mr. Joel Abrams and Executive Director, Turbine Drives Ltd, Mr. Vincent Dogo, during the presentation of operating licence to four companies by NERC in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National News Francis suberu

ederal Government has cancelled pipeline protection contracts awarded to Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, and Niger Delta militia group by the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Already, men of the Nigerian Army and their naval counterparts have been ordered to take over pipeline protection from the ethnic militia men. Indication to this effect came yesterday as OPC alleged that three of its men were missing after the task force men constituted by the Federal Government to take over the duty of protecting the pipelines, comprising soldiers, naval personnel and the police invaded its Sagamu, Ogun State, office. A source told National Mirror yesterday that the pipeline protection contract by Jonathan was for a period of three months, which expired yesterday. The source, however, said it was unlikely that the present administration would renew the contract, which was worth billions of naira.

FG revokes pipeline protection contracts’ award to ethnic militias •OPC raises alarm over missing operatives OPC Publicity Secretary, Prince Sylvester Eweka, said in a statement that three of its operatives, Babatunde Adeyemi, Roland Ajayi and Orungbeja Dele-Osagie were missing after confrontation with the task force in Sagamu. He said the Sagamu, Ogun State, axis of the pipeline security contract the OPC held with the

Federal Government was through New Age Global Business Ltd. The three missing men, according to him, were part of the 4,000 private security operatives employed by New Age Global Business Ltd., to provide security against criminals, who engage in pipeline vandalism and petroleum products stealing.

He said the operatives went missing after the armed military task force attempted to forcefully eject them from their area of operation at the pipeline. He said: “At the weekend, NNPC abruptly sent an SMS message terminating the pipeline security contract with effect from June 15, 2015.

“The OPC security outfits involved in the contract are being owed three months by NNPC, and they have been unable to pay personnel on the project. “On Sunday, a lorry-load of task force members invaded the Sagamu area, claiming it had orders to forcefully reclaim control of the pipeline area. “Irked by this uncere-

monious move, the private security operatives said they had no signal from their management to vacate the site. “However, after the ensuing fracas, three men could not be accounted for by their team leaders. “Many of the private security operatives fled the scene, amidst shooting by the task force.

Aero passenger arrested for stealing N350,000 on board Olusegun KOiKi

passenger with Aero Contractors was yesterday arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, for allegedly stealing N350,000, belonging to another passenger. The passenger, identified as Ovuironye Matthew Dennis, committed the crime on

board the 6:45am flight of the airline to Abuja. The money belonged to an Austrian, Novotny Anton. The airline in a statement confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect had been handed over to the Aviation Security, AVSEC, of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, at Abuja. A source close to the air-

line, who confided in our correspondent, explained that the suspect, who was seated on 23C, was spotted by one of the cabin crew when he removed the bag belonging to a co-passenger. The suspect was alleged to have removed N150,000 and 500 Euros belonging to the Austrian. He was, however, unlucky as a female cabin crew, who had been watch-

ing him removing the bag told him to remain seated, while he was trying to return the bag. The cabin crew said: “While trying to return the bag, I asked him to sit down. But he became uncomfortable before the plane landed and the white man raised the alarm that he couldn’t find his bag.” Aero, in confirming the incident said the suspect

had been handed over to the police by FAAN. “Aero can confirm arrest of a passenger on flight NG 121 from Lagos to Abuja, who was caught pilfering another passenger’s bag. “The passenger has since been handed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Abuja security office, who handed him over to the Nigeria Police,” the airline said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

APC crisis deepens as NWC seeks Oyegun’s sack OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

risis in the All Progressives Congress, APC, deepened yesterday as some members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, demanded the resignation of its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Timi Frank, who said he was speaking on behalf of a group within the NWC, blamed the chairman and a few other members for the crisis that resulted from the election of leadership of the National Assembly. He said it was unfortunate that the leadership of the party played hide and seek and over-indulged themselves in the choice of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaking in Abuja yesterday, Mr. Frank who deputises for the party’s spokesman, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, stated that Odigie-Oyegun and the leadership of the party ought to resign, having embarked on an embarrassing mock election that never had the blessings of members. He noted that the leadership of the party exhibited gross incompetence in managing the National Assembly issue until it blew out of hand. This, he said, was because of the vested interest manifested by the chairman and few of his colleagues in the party. “If my party could not keep to the promise of change, then we must correct them to keep to that. I have no fear or favour in saying that the current leadership of the party has practically failed. “With this incident alone, the chairman should resign from his position after taking a position against the people and the people’s position has finally come to stay. “In the Western world, by today, the party’s national chairman would have resigned honourably; not just the national chairman but the entire leadership that took this decision of conducting mock election against the outcry of the larger members of the party. “Against the bigger pic-

ture of Nigerians, a handful of the party leadership came to take a decision, and by today the people have shown that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” he stated. He specifically blamed Odigie-Oyegun for failing to consult widely before embarking on the mock election which he said ridiculed the party. He submitted that the chairman’s action suggested that he acted under undue pressure to conduct the mock elections as admitted by him and was therefore of the opinion that if the APC was to rid itself of the mistakes of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, it needs a chairman that would insulate himself from undue pressures no matter where such pressure emanates from. “You could see the way the party, including the national chairman was speaking before the NASS leadership elections; it showed clearly that the chairman had totally taken sides which wasn’t meant to be. “I understand he took some of those decisions based on pressure. In this century, APC as a party does not need a chairman that will be under pressure. “And the party’s national chairman caused it because times without number, some of our leaders told him to come up with a zoning formula from the beginning. “He was asked to take a decision and let people follow but he didn’t do that. They were playing hide and seek with the issue until the last minute when they saw the danger, and they wanted to play hankypanky, which led us to lose one position at the Senate,” he added. On remarks attributed to the party’s spokesman that President Muhammadu Buhari is a product of the party and not the party’s leader, Frank called on Alhaji Mohammed to desist from such comments as it is capable of putting the party in bad light. He said: “Let’s go back and ask Lai Mohammed who the leader of the party is, if he does not recognise the President as the leader. “In my own view, If Lai Mohammed could come up to tell Nigerians that the President is only a product

of the party and not the national leader of the party, then he should have been able to tell us who the leader of the party is. “We have seen that even in the PDP, former President Goodluck Jonathan was the leader of the party. “If in our own case

the President cannot be the leader of the party, he should tell us who the leader is then.” He described what transpired at the National Assembly as good for democracy, noting that Nigeria stood to be the overall beneficiary. “Those that are call-

ing for the deputy senate president to resign are anti-people, and I will campaign against it. I will continue to support Burkola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu and every progressive Nigerian should support this mission as it will take Nigeria to the next phase because failure to do this

will disrupt democracy,” he added. Chief Oyegun could not be reached for his reaction but a leader of the party who spoke with National Mirror said that there was no crack in the party and that the national chairman has the support of most members.

L-R: Chairman, Global Water Partnership, West Africa, Dr. Hassan Badliya; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Musa Istifanus and Project Manager, Water Sanitation, Food Security and Environment, European Union, Mrs. Kate Kanebi, during the National Consultation on Food Security and Water in Sub-Sahara Africa, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NERC threatens to revoke non-performing power firms’ licences CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

based on this, it is expected that upon the issuance of a license, within 36 months, substantial steps must have been taken by the licensee to start construction or get the project commissioned. The commissioner pointed out that since some of the licenses were issued in 2006, their owners had not gone beyond the level of issuance. He recalled that the licensees used to complain of challenges in the negotiation

of the power purchase agreement since there was no off- taker, adding that such excuse is no longer tenable following the licensing of an off-taker, the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trader, NBET, in 2011 to purchase power. In addition to that, he said since the commission has also licensed embedded power generators and encouraged the electricity distribution companies, discos, to purchase power from them, there is no point

accommodating non-performing firms on the NERC website without power. He stressed that unless the companies show in their quarterly reports that they had performed significantly, the commission would certainly revoke their licenses. Andzenge added: “So, we may have been lenient; we may have been very accommodating in the past; but certainly, we do not intend to continue. So, this

is a clarion call for the licensees to know that the commission will go ahead to implement the license terms and conditions. “If you don’t, in your quarterly report, show that you have taken sufficient steps to move the license forward, we would have no choice than to follow the procedures outlined in the document concerning revocation and go ahead to revoke the license,” he warned.

Buhari explains delay in appointment of ministers

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday attributed the delay in his appointment of ministers to the late submission of the transition committee’s report on the previous administration to him. Buhari made this known while speaking to newsmen at the Summit of the African Union in Johannesburg, South Africa. The President said he was being careful in order not to make mistakes in appointing individuals especially to key positions such as the finance and petroleum ministries. “I don’t know why people are so anxious about minis-

ters. But, eventually, we will have (them). “The main reason is that I have an interim committee which I agreed with the former President Goodluck Jonathan that the ministers of the outgoing government should hand-over their notes or their documents to this interim committee so that a position can be prepared for the new government to start from with clear records from ministers. “But the ministers knew that they were going but the technocrats, the permanent secretaries and directors and so on know they would remain. “If anything goes wrong

they would be invited to explain, but unfortunately the outgoing government did not cooperate. “So, what the committee did was to divide itself into about five sub-committees and got a resource person that was willing to come and bring the document, and so they prepared and I got the report I think three days ago. “I was waiting for this report because I would like to know what position in the government especially in terms of finance and petroleum industry. So, I am not in a hurry to get ministers. “I want to get ministers after at least I have seen the

report because I don’t have to appoint a minister today and sack him the next week because this report would give me what actually happened in terms of security, economy of the country. “And since I have to have ministers from politicians and technocrats, I wouldn’t (like to) make the mistake of getting somebody, who has been involved on account of accountability,” he said. Buhari added that he, Jonathan and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, had agreed to letting the former ministers hand over their notes to the interim committee he had formed.

News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NLC tasks Buhari on power supply OLUSEGUN KOIKI

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to focus

special attention on electricity supply to tackle the myriad economic challenges confronting the country. The congress insisted that government’s efforts to develop the country may

NUC set to endorse geriatrics study in 11 varsities

not materialise except it was able to resolve the lingering energy crisis enveloping the entire nation in recent time. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated these in an open letter to Buhari. Ajaero regretted that government over the years had not been able to explain the poor performance in the power sector, stressing that the recent privatisation in the sector did not yield the desired result. He argued that the sector’s privatisation did not improve supply of electricity to industries and homes across the country, lamenting that constant power outage had led to factory and

ational Universities Commission, NUC, has commenced arrangement for postgraduate study in geriatric medicine in 11 universities across the country, an official said. Dr Emem Omokaro, a leading scholar on ageing studies development at NUC, disclosed this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. Geriatrics or geriatric medicine is a specialty that focuses on the health of elderly people and the United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, WEAAD. The day aims at focusing global attention on the problem of physical, emotional and financial abuse of elders. Omokaro, also an Executive Director at Dave Omokaro Foundation, DOF, said modalities for the development of curriculum for post-graduate study in universities had already reached advanced stage. Though she did not disclose the institutions in-

volved, Omokaro said the programme was being executed in collaboration with DOF, supported by other stakeholders. The director called for review of the approach to care and support the aged in Nigeria and in developing countries around the world. She also called for a paradigm shift in the support and care of the elderly from family and relations to institutions or a more organised set up. The scholar said caring for the aged by family members or relations was no longer fashionable given the trends in the society and emerging challenges associated with the old practice. She said the false impression in many quarters was that ageing was not a development problem, stressing that the mindset should be changed for the problem to be addressed effectively. She identified neglect as the major challenge faced by the elderly in Nigeria, adding that health care, transportation and access to other social services were other challenges.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Tolulope Faith Shanu now wish to be known and addressed as Tolulope Faith Falemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ozomah Blessing now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akonu Blessing. All former documents remain valid. To whom it may concern and general public please take note.

YUSUFF: Formerly known and addressed as YUSUFF ISLAMIAT OLAJUMOKE. Now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF ISLAMIAT OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE LATTERDAYS SAMARITAN WOMEN ORGANISATION The general public is hereby informed that the abovecited organization has applied for to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 for the registration of the following persons as its trustees: 1. Jimmy Faith Imeh Chair/Founderess 2. Udoh Effiong Okon Member 3. Effiong Eno Okon Member 4. Ekong Sydney Elizabeth Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To care for abandoned disables. 2. To care for abandoned children. 3. To care for the rejects of the society.

business closures, as well as impoverished homes. He urged the current administration to tackle the situation head-long and ensure adequate supply of power to homes and factories for improved economy. He said, “Your Excellency, we demand special attention to address the challenge of electricity supply in the country in particular and in the immediate term, apply accelerated solution for industrial power needs. “Once the power needs of industries are addressed and your administration is able to create stability in the macro-economic environment, the prospect for ex-

panded industrial development and job creation will be certainly huge.” On the inability of various states and Federal Government agencies to pay wages for some time now, Ajaero described this as “theft”, which he said was unacceptable to the union. He charged the administration to set the necessary framework for addressing the situation and ensures efficient and prompt salary administration. He said the union expects Buhari’s government to take immediate measures to ensure that all federal and state employees who are owed backlog of salaries re-

ceive their arrears without further delay. “Your Excellency, we wish also to draw attention to the fact that the fiveyear tenure of the national minimum wage ended in May this year. Consequently, we urge Federal Government to take immediate steps to set up the tripartite minimum wage review committee to discuss and work out a new minimum wage for the country. It is important to engage in this exercise so as to protect the weak and enhance the disposable income of workers as a way of stimulating consumer demand.

Women queuing to consult doctor's during inauguration of the second phase of a corps member, Dr. Omanudhowho Kennedy's community health project at Kuchingoro Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Follow public service structure on salary review, Utomi urges RMAFC

olitical economist, Prof Pat Utomi, yesterday advised the Revenue Mobilisation

Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, to adhere to public service structure in reviewing public office holders’ salaries and allowances. The RMAFC said it was reviewing salaries and allowances in view of current realities where the coun-

PUBLIC NOTICE TREASURED KIDS EMANCIPATION INITIATIVE This is to notify the general public that Treasured Kids Emancipation Initiative is filing for application of incorporated trustees with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C”of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2014. THE PROPOSED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Edward mamurhomu Imoyin 2. Tarhe Oyovwinor 3. Imoyin Emmanuel AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To create safety consciousness in the mind of the children for them to be assertive in order to protect themselves against any potential danger/hazard.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Objections to the name, objects, or persons stated as trustee of Treasured kids Emancipation initiatives are invited within 28days of the publication.

B. I. Thompson Esq. Lincoln Chambers 203, Igbosere Road, Lagos Island, Lagos.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

try’s economy was characterised by inflation and downturn in international oil prices, among others. In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on the development, Utomi advised RMAFC to follow public service structure in its review. “What I know is that traditional public service structure is what political office holders should really follow. “Public service is a sacrifice we must all recognise. “If you want to go into politics, you should know that if you were earning millions in the private sector, the three or four years you might serve are years of sacrifice. “When I hear about governors giving themselves billions in the name of pension, it can best be described as scandalous and

extremely inappropriate. “We know it is good to discourage people from being corrupt so they do not have troubles after leaving office, but I think some of the things I hear as rumour are not appropriate,” he said. Utomi said the public service structure should be strictly adhered to, with workers getting what other public servants at that level receive. Also, Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, South-West, Rev. Austin Nnorom, said review of salaries of public office holders require utmost urgency. “One ordinarily expects moderation; and their salaries should at least be commensurate with what political office holders earn globally.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Ambode dissolves boards of parastatals, agencies FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved dissolution of all boards of parastatals and agencies of government in Lagos State with immediate effect. In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the dissolution is with exception of the Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and the State Independent Electoral Commission. While expressing appreciation of the governor for the modest contribution of members of the dissolved boards, Bello

wished them well in their future endeavours. The statement added that constitution of new boards would be effected in due course. Also in another statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Habib Aruna, the governor approved the appointment of Mrs. Abimbola Shukrat Umar as new Accountant General of the state. Umar, prior to her new appointment, was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. She holds a Bachelor degree of Science in Economics (1983) from the University of Ibadan and Masters of Science in corporate governance (2013)

Internet subscription rises to 87 million, says NCC

umber of subscribers browsing the internet on Nigeria’s telecoms networks increased to 87,055,484 in April, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has said. NCC made this disclosure in its monthly internet subscriber data, which the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, obtained on Monday in Lagos. The data showed that there was an increase of 1,587,514 internet users on both the Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, and the Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, networks in April. In the data, 85,467,970 users were recorded on the networks as at March, the figure increased to 87,055,484 internet subscribers in April. It showed that out of the 87,055,484 internet users as at April, 86,904,705 were on GSM networks, while 150,779 users were on the CDMA networks. Also, out of the 86,904,705 internet users recorded on the GSM networks in April, MTN Nigeria had 39,520,285 customers browsing the internet on its network. It stated that MTN had a decrease of 384,487 internet subscribers, after it recorded 39,904,772 users in March 2015. In the data, Globacom had 19,690,526 subscribers surfing the net with its

network in April, up from 18,617,607 users in March. It said that Globacom had gained a total of 1,072,919 additional internet users on its network. Airtel Nigeria, it said, had 17,272,665 internet users in April, as against 16,603,147 customers recorded in March. The data showed that internet users on the Airtel Nigeria network increased by 669,518 in April. It also indicated that Etisalat had 10,421,229 of its customers browsing the internet in April, against the 10,189,568 users in March. The data showed that those browsing the net on Etisalat’s network increased by 231,661 in April. The NCC data also revealed that the CDMA operators (Multi-Links and Visafone), had a joint total of 150,779 internet users on their networks in April. It showed that the only surviving two CDMA networks in the country listed a loss of 2,088 internet subscribers in the month under review, from the 152,866 users they recorded in March. Visafone recorded a decrease of 2,063 customers surfing the internet in April, reducing to 150,252 compared to the 152,315 users in March, while MultiLinks had 527 internet users in April, losing 24 customers from the March record of 551 users.

...appoints new Accountant General from Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, United Kingdom. Umar is also a Fellow of the Chartered

Adebayo

Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Nigeria Economic Society, respectively.

She also cut her teeth in the private sector for over 15 years, particularly with the renowned KPMG In-

ternational before joining Lagos State Civil Service as Chief Accountant in 2002.

Donald

Mourners at a vigil for Mariam “Shadé” Adebayo, who was shot to death by her former boyfriend Donald Bricker, in a Target parking lot in Germantown, MD, Washington US, yesterday.

Staff schools privatisation: SSANU threatens nationwide strike TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

enior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, a body of senior staff in Nigerian universities, yesterday threatened to embark on nationwide strike if Federal Government refuses to rescind its decision to privatise various staff schools of universities. The union leaders gave the warning yesterday

during a press conference at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, saying they were acting on a circular issued in April and signed by Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, Ebenezer Fayemi, where the universities with staff primary schools were instructed to stop funding their personnel costs with federal budget. The association’s National Vice-President (Southwest), Mr. Alfred Jimoh of the University

of Ibadan queried the rationale behind the new policy, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the decision in public interest. He explained that the universities’ staff schools were no different from the Police Staff schools, Military Command schools and Air Force schools, among others, which personnel running costs are funded from the federal treasury. He said if govern-

ment’s intention was to cut costs, it should liaise with universities on how to prioritise their needs. Shedding more light on their argument, Chairman of UNILAG chapter of the union, Mr. Adekola Akintomiwa, said staff schools’ workers were recruited on consent with the Federal Government, adding that the same Governing Council that issues employment letter to vice-chancellors also does same for staff schools’ teachers.

Nyako loses bid to stop arrest ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

egal move by former Adamawa State Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako, to secure an interim order at Abuja division of Federal High Court to stop the Inspector General of Police, IGP, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from arresting him has failed. Trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, while ruling on the application filed by the former governor yesterday, said Nyako did not place cogent and

sufficient reasons before him to move in his favour. The judge consequently, ordered Nyako to serve all court processes regarding the case on all the respondents for them to show course why such an order should not be issued. Nyako had by a motion ex-parte, sought an interim injunction restraining the IGP, EFCC and DSS from arresting or detaining him in relation to a case of alleged financial malpractices. His lawyer, O. E. Ogungbeje, while moving the motion, yesterday, urged the court to restrain the IGP, DSS and EFCC pending the

determination of an originating motion he filed for the enforcement of his fundamental rights. But in a ruling Justice Ahmed Mohammed, refused the ex-governor’s prayer on the ground that there was no sufficient reason for the court to restrain them. The judge ruled: “having read through the supporting affidavit, particularly paragraphs 5 to 19 which contain facts relating to this case, this court is unable to accede to the request for order of interim injunction sought,” the judge said. He consequently or-

dered Nyako to put the respondents on notice about any applications for injunction filed against them. Justice Mohammed also ordered Nyako to serve the originating motion filed on May 28 this year on the respondents within seven days from yesterday and adjourned to July 1 for hearing. Nyako in a substantive application is seeking among others, a court order restraining the respondents from arresting or detaining him in relation to allegation of financial misconduct while in office as governor of Adamawa State.

South West

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Appeal Court strikes out suit against deputy speaker WAle igbintAde

ourt of Appeal, Lagos division, yesterday struck out an appeal challenging election of Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Eshilokun, as lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency 1. Eshilokun, a former Lagos State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, had emerged candidate of the party after the 2015 general election, but his name was substituted with that of Hakeem Masha, lawmaker that represented the constituency between 2011 and 2015. Eshilokun had polled 186 votes to beat seven other candidates in the primary election conducted by APC to select a candidate for La-

gos Island Constituency 1. However, he was substituted with Masha, who polled 70 votes, thus forcing the applicant (Eshilokun) to file a suit before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Justice Buba had in his judgement ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Eshilokun as candidate of the party, saying the evidence before him showed clearly that he (Eshilokun) won the APC primary, and that same was not controverted. Dissatisfied, Masha, through his lawyer, Badejo Bonojo (SAN), appealed the verdict, and urged the appellate court to upturn it. When the matter came up yesterday, Masha’s lawyer informed the panel of Appeal Court justices headed

by Justice Ndukwe Anyanwu that his client was not willing to proceed with the appeal and subsequently withdrew it. In response, Eshilokun’s lawyer, Wahab Shittu, said he was not opposed to the move for withdrawal of appeal, after which Justice Anyanwu struck it out. Justice Buba of the lower court, it would be recalled, had dismissed four preliminary objections filed by the APC represented by Femi Falana (SAN) and Masha represented by Bonojo to the suit filed by Eshilokun. Bonojo had argued two preliminary objections before the lower court, questioning the service of the processes on his client as well as other parties. Bonojo had also argued that there was no clear waiver permitting Eshilokun to

contest the primary election. Falana too had argued two preliminary objections questioning the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit. Falana had specifically argued that the suit was not initiated with due process of law and that the action was frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process. But in his judgment, Justice Buba, who cited a plethora of authorities, held that the suit was initiated with due process and that from the records, it was clear that the parties were adequately and properly served. On the issue of waiver, the judge ruled that the argument of Masha was neither here nor there, and that the APC had, by action, granted Eshilokun waiver by clearing him to contest

L-R: Miss Julia Sule; Chairman Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Tope Ojo; Dr. Owa Dumebi; Dr. Okon Ime and Head of Business unit, Tyonex Nigeria Ltd, Julius Nwauku, during NMA and Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC) World Blood Donor Day 2015 in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

the primary election after he had duly paid the required fees. The judge added that it was instructive that the defendants never controverted

the fact that Eshilokun contested and won the primary election and that his name was initially forwarded to INEC as the candidate of the APC.

Cameroonian jailed for posing as medical doctor in Ondo ojo oyeWAmide AKURE

Cameroonian, Wembe Martins Duclarie, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment by an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court for posing as a medical practitioner and operating a network of illegal hospitals in the state. The 30-year-old fake doctor was arrested in April 2014 and charged to court on a single count charge of pretending to be a medical doctor without requisite qualifications or registration. The offence was contrary to Section 17(1) and punishable under Section 17(5) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014. While the prosecution called four witnesses to testify in proof of the charge, the accused called one witness during the trial which commenced on August 20, 2014. Chief Magistrate Olubunmi Dosunmu, who delivered the judgement yesterday, said the accused was guilty of the offence. The court held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond any reasonable doubt that the accused

held himself out as a medical doctor without a requisite qualification and also administered treatment to people when he was not eligible to do so. Chief Magistrate Dosunmu pronounced the accused guilty as charged and sentenced him to two years imprisonment from the date he was arraigned in court. Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Monitoring Committee and Director, Hospital Services, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obaado Olatubosun, hailed the judgment, saying it would serve as a deterrent to other fake doctors in the state. He said it was the strike embarked upon by judicial workers in the state which dragged on for about six months that delayed the case. Commending the magistrate for delivering the judgment without bias, Obaado disclosed that he got information last year that some people were operating a network of hospitals with branches in some parts of the state. According to him, the accused claimed his hospitals could treat various ailments and diseases and that he was actually found treating people.

ABUAD students to represent Africa in global contest

… invent asthma management device Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

our students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, who invented Asthmavisor, a device for efficient management of asthma, particularly among children, have qualified for the finals of the 2015 Microsoft Incorporation-organised Imagine Club competition. For the rare invention, the four students will represent Africa in the finals

of the "most prestigious global student technology programme" holding next month in United States of America. They are three Computer Science students and a Mechanical Engineering student of the five-year-old university. The ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola, said at the weekend that "the foursome of Adeyemo Kayode, Raymond Obinaju, Sobola David and Ahwin Kevin with a joint passion for sav-

ing lives, have continually been seeking to leverage on technology to make healthcare more efficient, accessible and reliable particularly as it affects the rural dwellers." Babalola said the institution's focus on research, entrepreneur development, functional areas of life and learning was paying off with "groundbreaking achievements." He said the solution proffered by the four students under the aegis of Team

Lifewatch "will help patients to be more conscious of their environment and will provide a reminder of what their physician has advised them to avoid. "The software also provides an automatic alert, which is triggered by change in environmental condition as detected by the sensors in the wearable device. Asthmavisor further helps the patient alert a selected list of emergency contacts in case he or she is not able to handle an attack."

According to him, other benefits of Asthmavisor to asthma patients include provision of helpful healthy tips that could prolong the life of patients and crucial supervisory role-playing and monitoring as well as creating avenue for patients to track their attacks and log crucial information. The ABUAD students qualified for the finals after having identified a major health problem and proffered a novel solution using available technology to win

the competition among universities in Nigeria and as well defeated other African countries in the semi-finals. Babalola, who took pride in the exploits of ABUAD students in the area of research and inventions, said the feat came nine months after a 300-level student in College of Medicine and Health Sciences of the university wrote a well-researched scientific paper on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease that ravaged and traumatised the country last year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

N8bn currency fraud: Court denies accused bail Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ope of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, officials and other banks involved in the N8 billion mutilated currency fraud to get bail was yesterday dashed as a Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, presided over by Justice Ayo Emmanuel, refused their application and ordered their remand in prison custody, while also granting accelerated hearing of the case for July 6 and 7. Those remanded in

prison include Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Adeola, Toogun Philips, Salami Ibrahim, Odiah Emmanuel, Patience Okoro, Afolabi Johnson, Ilori Sunday, Fatai Yusuf and Tade Akintade. During sitting yesterday, they were docked in three batches, while their counsel stated that they would appeal against the ruling. It would be recalled that after arraignment of the accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, two weeks ago, their counsel

filed applications for bail and supported the action with sworn affidavits. But lead counsel to the anti-graft agency, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), however opposed all the applications through counter affidavits he submitted to the court. The presiding judge, while delivering ruling on the applications yesterday, acknowledged the applications, affidavits and the written addresses of the accused persons as well as the counter affidavits of the prosecution, but said he was not convinced or persuaded by the filed doc-

uments and submissions of counsel to the accused persons to admit the suspects on bail. Justice Emmanuel explained that he dismissed the applications having considered a number of factors such as possibility of the accused persons committing another offence, influencing or interfering with witnesses or the investigation officers, concealing or destroying evidence and their availability to stand trial if granted bail. He said he also considered the evidence avail-

L-R: National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos, Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun; Executive Director, Third Age Initiatives for Elderly Rights and Welfare, Mrs. Toun Giwa; 89 years old pioneer professor of the University of Lagos, Prof. John Sodipo and Acting Head, Lagos Liaison Office, ECOWAS, Mr. Olatokunbo Okunola, during the Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

‘Nigerians deserve to be angry over poor governance’ Francis suberu

lder statesman and former chieftain of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Ayo Opadokun, yesterday said Nigerians having suffered terribly under the burden of mal-administration for over 20 years have a right to be angry. Though appealing for calm, Opadokun said what had been wrong for almost 20 years cannot be righted in one day. Opadokun, who is also convener of Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform, CODER, revealed this yesterday in a chat with journalists after meeting with Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. He urged Nigerians to be fair in their expectations as there were just too many things to attend to.

“Yes, we have a right to be angry and be expectant. As much as we expect from Buhari, let us be patient with him. If he makes just one error at this time, he is in trouble. If the expectations are subjected to a variety of inactions, then God forbid, it

would be sad for Nigeria," he said. On the disagreement between the All Progressives Congress, APC, and some of its members in the National Assembly, Opadokun said recent happenings in the hallowed chambers portend

danger for the country's democracy. According to him, "The same people the Nigerian people rejected for bad performance and for making lives difficult have been returned into office in a very dubious manner.”

able against the suspects, the nature and gravity of their offences, their criminal antecedents, the possibility of other charges being brought against them, their intentions and ability to present medical report pending the final dismissal of the case. He added that one or more of these factors would be enough to decide bail applications. He said, “I have considered the evidence before the court; the offences are mind-boggling and weighty. I have not been persuaded by the submission before me to think otherwise. Evidences before me point to a new wave of economic crime. I must state that the court does not have the power to detain an accused person beyond constitutional limit. The discretion to grant bail resides with the court but such discretion must also be judiciously applied. “The alleged crimes have adverse effect on the economy of the nation and the offence carries a maximum of 21 years in prison. It is a capital offence against the economy of this country. It is a common knowledge that the first, second and third accused (Babalola, Adeola and Phillips) are answering other criminal charges in suits before me. “In view of evidences before me, I have not been persuaded or convinced by the sworn affidavits tendered by the accused persons that if granted bail, they will not interfere with court processes. In concluding, the accused persons have not persuaded me to exercise my dis-

cretion to admit them to bail. The bail application is hereby dismissed and I grant the order of accelerated hearing. This court will not tolerate frivolous applications.” Similarly, the judge also ruled against the bail application filed by Salami Ibrahim on health ground, saying a health certificate must be produced after medical examination by prison officials and a federal hospital. But counsel to Adeola and Phillips, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, while speaking with journalists, said an appeal would be filed on his clients’ behalf, stating that the reasons adduced by the judge gave an impression that the accused persons were guilty. “The ruling certainly was against our expectation. We knew it could go either way but no state governor and bank chief accused of economic crime was denied bail in the past. It is dangerous at this state to go into the substantive issues. There are pronouncements made by the judge that touched on this. This is why we are worried. “We are filing a motion for stay because he has already found them guilty by some of the pronouncements. It will be suicidal for the accused persons to submit themselves before trial with the judge’s pronouncement. We want fair hearing,” Ojo said. However counsel to EFCC, Adeola Aborisade, told journalists that the accused persons have the right to appeal the ruling, maintaining that such an appeal would not stop the suit’s schedule.

PDP ill-informed on Ambode’s asset declaration —APC

ll Progressives Congress in Lagos State yesterday described as uninformed, hollow and laughable a statement credited to the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that Governor Akinwumi Ambode should declare his assets or be regarded as a pretender governor. The party further described PDP as a lost party that needs help to survive its demeaning fate in Lagos and the country at large.

In a statement signed by tpublicity secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party dismissed Lagos PDP as a group of illinformed jokers dealt a big blow by its present shambolic state. It advised the party to educate itself on constitutional provisions regarding asset declaration before making “unserious noise to source relevance it does not have. “PDP Lagos continues to make us believe it exists in Lagos where it has been dealt serious electoral blows year

in, year out. Lagos PDP is an unserious group that periodically amuses itself with such hollow vituperations as asking Governor Ambode to declare his assets or be regarded as ‘pretender’ governor, whatever that means. This can only be the fruit of uncoordinated thoughts of serial losers with no inkling on how to handle its latest round of electoral defeat. “When what calls itself Lagos PDP is not engaged in unending fight among themselves as a way of expressing

their electoral frustration, they are busy making disoriented demands that are both hollow in articulation and empty in reason. It is not surprising that Lagos PDP is coming out the way it did after a thorough APC victory in Lagos and the center, as well as majority of states in Nigeria. “Lagos PDP in demanding that Governor Ambode declare his assets must have woken up from a long slumber that robs them both of the constitutional provi-

sion on assets declaration and the fact that as incoming governor, the governor declared his assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau, in keeping with the constitutional requirements for his office. “It is certain that Lagos PDP in keeping with its well known penchant for mediocrity and as a purveyor of kindergarten gossip, is unaware of what the Law says on asset declaration which states that on assumption of office and exit from office.

South East

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ugwuanyi explains choice of SSG Dennis Agbo ENUGU

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has stated that choice of his Secretary to the State Government, SSG, was based on merit, and devoid of any sentiment or political consideration. The governor disclosed this during swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, Mr. Gabriel Ajah, at Exco Hall, Government House, Enugu. Ugwuanyi, who described Ajah as “a thorough-bred civil servant,” declared that his appointment “marks further demonstration of our resolve to take what we believe would constitute giant strides in the arduous task of governing our dear Enugu State in this dispensation.” The governor further explained that the new SSG, prior to his appointment, was the longest serving permanent secretary in the state, having been so appointed since 2001. He said Aja had served the state meritoriously and charged him to deliver on

his new mandate to justify the confidence reposed in him. Ugwuanyi, who used the occasion to thank people of the state for their prayers and “unalloyed support” for his administration, reaffirmed its commitment to deliver on its campaign promises to justify their unprecedented show of love during electioneering. In his response, Mr. Ajah assured the governor and people of the state of his determination to render selfless service to them. He promised to work hard and serve diligently in his quest to take the state to the next level of advancement. Other dignitaries that witnessed the ceremony include the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, the state’s chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the state’s chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Hon. Cornelius Nnaji, and the state’s council chairmen and traditional rulers, among others.

NGO boosts FG’s crusade against corruption Chris njoku OWERRI

non-gover nmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation, yesterday indicated interest to partner with anti-graft agencies in the country in the onslaught against corruption. The foundation’s programme officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Anyanwu, disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation workshop titled, ‘Reporting Corruption, Using Stopthebribes Platform,’ held in Owerri, Imo State capital. According to Anyanwu, the foundation has equally commenced efforts to establish a working relationship with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on how to assist motorists apply for and obtain genuine driving licence from officially approved quarters to stem the prevalence of fake driving licence in the society. Anyanwu, who decried the high rate of corruption in the country despite government’s efforts at cur-

tailing the ugly practice, advised members of the public to report always, any incidence of bribery and extortion by public officers in the process of issuing driving licence. Anyanwu explained that the foundation receives periodic feedback on resolved cases, categorisation of reports by type such as commendations, bribery and others, adding that an aggregated data on lower corruption among public officers in the country could assist the police in taking appropriate actions. According to him, the ‘Stopthebribes Platform’, which has been endorsed by Inspector General of Police, IGP, feeds information directly to Force Headquarters, Abuja, and other government agencies. Established in 1998, Mr. Anyanwu disclosed that CLEEN Foundation has a mission to promote public safety, security and accessible justice through the strategies of empirical research, legislative advocacy.

L-R: Mr. Godwin Ezeemo (left), Chief Medical Director of Toronto Hospital, Dr. Emeka Eze (right) and others, during a visit to sympathize with victims of Onitsha tanker accident at Toronto Hospital, Onitsha, Anambra State, at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN

Non-oil sector: Chamber urges FG to ensure success of NSEPs gloriA AnAeze ONITSHA

nitsha Chamber of Commerce has urged the Federal Government to pursue its National Strategic Export Products, NSEPs, initiative to its logical conclusion in order to strength non-oil sector. The chamber’s president, Dr. Tim Anosike, said this while speaking with newsmen yesterday in Onitsha. Anosike said implementing the initiative would save

the country financial nightmare the current global crash in oil prices poses to the economy and the nation’s financial standing. “The chamber has consistently championed the cause of an improved nonoil sector, as a dynamic measure to uplift the economy and improve our GDP, Gross Domestic Product, and employment status. “Now that the price of oil has crashed, this is the time for serious soul-reaching aimed at shifting national attention to more promising

non-oil sector as the future sustainer of the nation’s economy. “It is in this direction that the chamber welcomes the Federal Government’s current initiative to establish the NSEPs through which it intends to focus some selected agro-allied, industrial products and mineral-based (non-oil) resources that abound in many parts of the country to replace oil as major driver of the economy. “We urge that this good intention be pursued to its

logical conclusion,” he said. However, the chamber’s boss explained that the country’s leadership needs strong political-will to steer the economy out of overdominance and dependence on oil. “A strong political will is needed to make and sustain this anticipated change to the non-oil sector, since some influential individuals and groups would still want and do all they could to make sure the country remains dependent on oil,” he said.

Police arrest 24 cultists, 10 robbery suspects

…As Okorocha promises to set up anti-cult group in schools Chris njoku OWERRI

mo State Police Command yesterday arrested more than 24 cult members from various higher institutions of learning in the country. The students had converged on a bush near the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, to hold their national initiation conference. In a similar development, the command has nabbed a syndicate believed to be responsible for deadly armed robbery operations in the state. The cultists, aged between 22 and 29, belonging to the ‘Black Axe’ confraternity, had engaged the police in

gun duel before they were overpowered. Parading the suspects alongside a 10-member armed robbery syndicate, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that operatives of the command arrested the suspects through a tip-off. Exhibits recovered from them, he said, included one locally-made, cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and expended cartridges. The police also nabbed a group of armed robbers believed to be responsible for series of armed robbery operations within Orlu and environs. According to the police spokesman, the syndicate on May 24, 2015, robbed one

Igbozulike Investment of 125/126, International Market, Orlu, of N841,000. He said members of the syndicate, Ikechukwu Nlebe, 18, of Ihitte, Orlu Local Government Area; Chinemere Onwuachumba,18, of Abara Okporo, Orlu Local Government Area; Chibuike Ekezie, 18, of Okwudor Njaba Local Government Area; Arinze Iwe, 19, of Umuebe Okporo, Orlu Local Government Area; Chinonso Nwadinigwe, 23, of Abara Okporo, Orlu Local Government Area; Ogochukwu Samuel, 18, of Uburu, Ebonyi State, but residing in Orlu; Ebuka Obi, 17, of Umuokwu, Owerri Ebeiri, Orlu Local Government Area; Chimaobi Uzoahia, 33, of Umuna Orlu Local Government Area;

Chidiebere Okamba, 18, of Amaifeke, Orlu; and Okonkwo Amaechi, 30, of Okporo, Orlu Local Government Area, also struck at 26, Old Owerri Road, Orlu and robbed owner of the shop of phones and N80,000. Speaking on another incident, the PPRO said the syndicate also broke into a phone shop and made away with 55 exotic phones valued at N3 million, adding that the phones were later sold at give-away prices to one Amaechi Okonkwo, a phone dealer at International Market, Orlu. He said members of the syndicate, who were arrested with one locally-made shotgun, expended cartridges, two single barrel guns and three motorcycles.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

N9.2bn cook stoves: Contractor sues FG

…ministry alleges attempt to shortchange govt OlufemI adeOsun ABUJA

estering controversies trailing Federal Government’s N9.2 billion cook stoves programme has taken a twist as Integral Renewable Energy Service Limited, the company handling the project, has secured an ex-parte injunction against revocation of the contract. It would be recalled that no sooner had Goodluck Jonathan’s administration approved N9.2 billion for the National Cook Stoves Scheme, than Nigerians started expressing outrage over the deal, describing the project as not only bizarre, but also a leeway to divert public fund. The amount was ap-

proved in 2014 for procurement of 750,000 units of clean cookstoves and 18,000 wonder bags. The Federal Government, however, consistently defended the project, insisting it would help reduce the number of death and illnesses associated with cooking with firewood. However, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Fatima Mede, blew the lead open on the project while responding to inquires in Abuja last week. Mede said the company failed to stay true to the project delivery deadline, even as she also noted that there was nothing on ground to show the contractor had supplied to the tune of 15 per cent payment

made to it. According to her, the ministry has paid N1.3 billion, being 15 per cent of the contract sum. She explained that the contractor had consistently spurned letters written to it demanding physical counting of the number of stoves so far supplied. Based on the failure to give account, she hinted that the ministry might be compelled to revoke the contract. The permanent secretary also confirmed that the sum was paid from the N5 billion so far released by the Federal Government for the project. Justifying the revocation threat, Mede said, "The contract was supposed to last for three months, if

you count from the time we mobilised him, you will discover the time has elapsed. However, a reliable source in the ministry told our correspondent that the threat to revoke the contract must have jolted the contractor, hence his recourse to court action. According to the source, the contractor has secured an ex- parte injunction restraining the ministry from terminating the contract. The source said the ministry had been served the court processes and that motion for interlocutory injunction had been fixed for hearing on June 26, 2015, at FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Another source from the ministry also told our correspondent that the

L-R: Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Capt. Ezekiel Bala Agaba; board member, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Alhaji Hassan Baba; Eastern Zonal Coordinator, NIMASA, Anthony Ogadi and Director, Maritime Labour and Services, Mrs. Juliana Gunwa, during a tour of NIMASA governing board to the agency's ongoing projects/operations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.

permanent secretary’s noholds bared revelation on the contract was premised on the fact that the former Minister, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, shut her out in the deal. According to the source,

the permanent secretary confided in some people close to her that she decided to wash her hands off the contract because she didn't want to be linked with what she did not know anything about.

Judge remands two homosexuals glOrIa anaeze ONITSHA

Chief Magistrate’s Court in Onitsha, presided over by Chief Magistrate Nkemdilim Ike, on Monday remanded two persons in prison custody for alleged homosexual activities. The accused, Ebuka Anyasi, 23, Michael Ikegbunam, 19, and others at large, were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit felony by having carnal knowledge of Ifechukwu Okafor, 14, and Tagbo Chukwuma, as well as locking both victims in confinement while the act lasted for several days. The two accused and others at large were alleged to have carried out the unnatural act between 2010 to June 6, 2015, at Okolonji Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha, Anambra State. The two accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge against them. Lead defence counsel, Mr John Chukwuma, prayed the court to grant the accused persons bail since the offence was bailable, adding that

there was no need to further detain his clients, since before the law, they were innocent until pronounced guilty by the court. Police Prosecutor, Mr Clem Nwancho, opposed the plea for bail, noting that some members of homosexual cartel, who were caught with the two accused and granted bail by the police were nowhere to be found.” Another prosecution counsel, Mr Godwin Mmadubuko, objected to the bail application, insisting they would not be faithful to appear before the court. “Keeping them out of custody within the society would endanger lives of the victims, their families and the society since they would gang-up with their cartel to harm others,” Mmadubuko said. Also, a counsel in the matter, Mr Jude Umennajiego, prayed the court to give directive to the state’s Ministry of Health to conduct a medical test on the victims. “The order is necessary since these boys have no money to run the test on their own and the result of the test is important to determine the case,” Umennajiego said.

$8.8m fraud: Oil workers demand speedy dispensation of justice Wale IgbIntade

mployees of Green Fuels Limited have called on the Federal Government to ensure quick dispensation of justice in the alleged $8.8 million fraud case against a British national, Deepak Khilnani. The workers in a statement urged President Muhammadu Buhari to guard against foreigners, who in the guise of investors defraud local businesses. Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, had charged

Khilnani before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly defrauding Green Fuels of $8.8 million through imports over-invoicing. But, defence counsel, Chris Okunowo, debunked the allegation, saying the Briton did no wrong. Khilnani, a chartered accountant of Indian descent, was said to have been involved in similar offence in the UK, of which he was convicted and jailed for 18 months. The suspect, who has since absconded to England after he was granted administrative bail by the police,

may be extradited to Nigeria to answer charges against him. However, a statement signed by workers' union leader, Festus Akinola, said investigations by the police were extended to the company's board dispute, and reminded the lawyer that his client had been convicted in Britain for similar offence. Quoting guidelines on corporate governance by the Institute of Directors, he said, "If during a board dispute or a civil court case evidence of criminal activity surfaces, the directors and/ or parties are expected to im-

mediately invite the police to investigate and prosecute the criminal case." According to the charge sheet filed by the DPP and marked ID/1544C/15, the accused persons sometime in 2008, allegedly conspired to defraud the Nigerian firm of $8.776,862. DPP alleged that they cheated the complainants by fraudulently tricking them to pay a greater sum for machinery purchased from Gentec Limited more than what they would have paid for such equipment. The prosecution further alleged that the accused

persons by their actions stole the sum of $8.8million, as well as made false statement to the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, with intent to defraud shareholders and members of Green Fuels Limited, a company of which they are directors. According to the charge sheet signed by Mrs. Idowu Alakija on behalf of the state Attorney General, Ade Ipaye, the alleged offences contravened Sections 422, 421, 390 (6) and 436 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos. Trouble it was learnt

started in 2013 after the local partners petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, accusing the duo of financial crimes. The petition led to Khilnani’s arrest and interrogation by the police, but he was immediately granted bail with his lawyer, Chris Okunowo, standing as his surety, while investigation into the alleged crime lasted for about a year. Efforts to bring Khilnani to face trial had been unsuccessful, until the current moves made by the DPP, which may lead to his extradition.

North

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EFCC to quiz Niger ex-gov over N2.9bn loot PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State government has said it will allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, handle the issue of N2.9 billion alleg-

edly stolen by the immediate past governor, Mu’azu Aliyu, and his officials on the eve of their departure. This, according to the government, is against the backdrop of continued denial in the media by officials of the past administration that they obtained a loan.

Governor Abubakar Bello in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba, said on daily basis more heinous scandals of the previous administration were being uncovered. Bello said although his administration had stated

it would allow EFCC do its job, it was also important to ask some salient questions of the past government. The statement noted, for instance: Why would the former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, deny collecting N600 million only to later admit he

collected N612 million for ‘general security’ during the last senatorial bye-election in the state? It also asked if the money was budgeted for and used for the purpose intended, and “why was the said funds given to the SSG; was he the chief security officer or INEC?”

The governor said it was regrettable that instead of answering questions and making clarifications, officials of the past administration engaged in rhetoric trying to divert attention from the main issue. “Else, why are they focusing on the definition of the ‘eve of departure?’ he queried.

AGF: Group opposes choice of Dikwa buja-based nongovernmental organisation, Centre for Anti-Corruption Advocacy, has faulted the appointment of Mohammed Dikwa as Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF. President Muhammadu Buhari had on Friday, June 12, approved the appointment of Dikwa following the retirement of Mr. Jonah Ogunniyi Otunla, who held the post since July 1, 2011. Dikwa will hold the office until a substantive accountant-general is appointed by the president. Until his appointment, Dikwa was Director, Funds Department in The Treasury House, also known as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, OAGF. National Coordinator of the NGO, Hajia Hafzat Lawal, contended that Dikwa’s appointment did not follow due civil service process that pertained to Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation. “The appointment of Acting AGF had always been on seniority in OAGF,

and we feel this should not be different,” Lawal said, stressing that the civil service should encourage accountability, transparency and professionalism. “We are concerned that the appointment of Dikwa, who has several senior directors, may cause disaffection among staffers with regard to service delivery,” she added. Lawal recalled when incumbent Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, left his office as AGF in 2011 to contest the governorship election and handed over to a junior director, Aliyu Babayo, of the Funds Department in OAGF. “The anomaly was quickly transmitted to former President Goodluck Jonathan few days later by then Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, upon which Mr. Ogunsanya was appointed acting AGF. “History should not be allowed to repeat itself, especially as The Treasury House is a sensitive place where the new government of All Progressives Congress, APC, must beam its searchlight in its anticorruption crusade.”

toral process and their welfare. He said despite the accolades INEC received following the 2015 general elections, it was time to reflect on areas of further reforms. “Let us not waste time discussing what we did right. “What we did right was good and it has helped us to have a good election in 2015; but let us focus on what we did wrong. “What were those things that we shouldn’t have done which you observed as field

officers that we did, which we need to correct or improve on in future?’’ he said. The Country Director, International Foundation for Electoral Systems, IFES, Mr Shalva Kipshidze, congratulated the commission for successful conduct of the 2015 elections. Kipshidze said IFES is happy to support INEC’s effort to review the conduct of the 2015 elections in order to build on the good practices and lessons learnt as Nigeria prepares for 2019 general elections.

AFOLABI GAMBARI

Members of 8th Bauchi State House of Assembly taking oath of allegiance during inauguration in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

head of the Ramadan fast, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, has urged preachers not to engage in provocative sermons capable of inciting the people against one another before, during and after the period. According to him, harmonious relationship among people should always be promoted for the peace, unity and progress of Nupe

Ramadan: Etsu Nupe warns clerics against inciting sermons kingdom, Niger State and the nation at large. Abubakar reminded the clerics of their role as representatives of God, urging them to always be shining examples, both in words and in deed and therefore, not do anything to divide the people. He also cautioned against sectarianism in Islam and

urged the religious leaders to come up with ways that would propagate genuine teachings of the religion. The monarch begged wealthy Nigerians to at all time help the less-privileged in the society with food items and monies to aid their fast and ensure calm during Ramadan, while appealing to traders not to hike prices of

doubt that Nigeria needs credible elections to develop. “Well conducted elections will result in the election of good people who can drive the process of governance and deliver good governance to Nigerians. “Good governance in terms of satisfying the need and aspirations of our people through (good) governance. “So, we must continue to do our best to improve the electoral process. We cannot rest on our oars in ad-

dressing all the challenges associated with elections,” he said. The chairman also commended the role played by electoral officers in the 2015 elections, which according to him made the general election a success. “We have worked very hard, tirelessly under very difficult circumstances to get this outcome. “Obviously, we recognise that in spite of our best effort, we have not been able to create the best and the excellent environment under

commodities. Speaking on behalf of other clerics, the Chief Imam of Bida Mosque, Sheikh Adamu Liman-Yakatun, appealed to the people to have the fear of God in their hearts and always remember the day of reckoning. He also urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor during the fast.

Jega tasks electoral officers on way forward

hairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has charged the commission’s Electoral Officers to sustain efforts towards addressing the challenges associated with the country’s electoral process. Jega gave the charge yesterday in Abuja at a Post- 2015 General Election Retreat for Electoral Officers with the theme, ‘2015 General Elections: Lessons and Way Forward.’ Jega said there was no

which you are to conduct your jobs. “In spite of the constraints and challenges, you have all done your best and your best this time around has been recognised as being good enough.’’ Jega added that the success of the 2015 general elections was due to the tremendous effort and measures taken by INEC staff to correct mistakes from previous elections. He urged the participants to discuss on measures to improve the elec-

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

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Politics

Ministerial appointments: Buhari should comply with constitution –Pwajok

Fashola’s eight years’ development: Issues in perspective

he energetic and hyperactive former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, took over power from Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2007. He had hitherto being the Chief of Staff, CoS, to Tinubu and many were quick to say he would only be a stooge, a puppet-like governor who would always be at the beck and call of his perceived godfather. It was thought he might not do much to better the lots of Lagosians as a result of the clog of godfatherism. But, he proved his critics wrong, as his administration touched and improved on virtually every indices of development; albeit with little effect on the lives of common man. His administration is perceived by many as elitist government as it appeared to be pro-rich. He improved on Lagos tax system, blocked many loopholes to ensure that even road side traders pay taxes. As Lagosians lament the burden of heavy, often multiple taxation; Fashola’s administration should be credited for helping people understand the import and necessity of taxation. However, his government spent money from the taxes to build lots of infrastructure; most of which could only be enjoyed by the rich and affluent people in Lagos metropolis. Infrastructures like the Lekki-Ajah road, the LekkiIkoyi Link Bridge and Lagos Home Ownership Scheme, LagosHOMS, are some of those that could only be enjoyed by the rich without serious lamentation, but which was not accessible to the teeming poor masses of Lagos. The Lekki-Ajah road for instance is heavily taxed. Every motorist plying the route, commercial or private are made to pay a toll of about no less than N200 per trip, depending on the type of vehicle he or she drives. The implication is that if a commuter passes through the route 10 times a day, he or she is taxed 10 times. The same thing goes for the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge. For Lagos HOMS, no average employee, trader, low income earner or homeless person can afford or benefit from it; as a three bedroom flat goes for between N7 million and about N20 million, depending on area of the state such homes are located, and this must be paid, all within 10 years. These are obviously above the income of an average family man in the city. It should be noted that the income of an average individual in the city, less corruption, is between N50,000 to N120,000. Of a fact, no civil servant could afford any of the available Lagos HOMS. Another piquing policy of the immediate past administration of Fashola is the badly advised and subsequent astronomical increase in the tuition fees payable by the students of Lagos State University, LASU. The decision was so provoking that Fashola was practically forced by incessant riots and unrests in the institution to reverse himself. He was almost pelted by the students on one of his visitations to the institution during the crisis. The students during one of their numerous protests came with fire wood, and other utensils to cook beans in front of Government House, barricading entrance to the State House. The Lagos light rail of both red and blues lines re-

FRANCIS SUBERU takes a holistic look at the eight-year tenure of immediate past governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and concludes that the masses nearly almost did not benefit much from his ‘government for the rich’.

Fashola

main another failed promise of the former governor. He had promised to complete or at least deliver one of the lines before his tenure ends, but obviously the promise only raised Lagosians hopes for nothing. In all of this however, despite that his policies and programmes are pro-rich and anti-lower class, the governor succeeded in face-lifting Lagos by embarking on massive capital projects. Beginning with works and infrastructure, Fashola’s administration constructed 362 new roads, representing 353.255 kilometres and rehabilitated another 3,320 roads representing 673 kilometres. Road construction is one of the most projected achievements of the for-

It could easIly be saId Fashola came, saw but whether he conquered Is however leFt For

lagosIans, who are the dIrect recIpIents oF the paIns and beneFIts oF hIs polIcIes and programmes to decIde.

mer governor He built new bridges, such as Okota, Lekki, Agiliti, Falomo Ramp, Isheri/Ijegun and Ejigbo bridges. He also made about 28,460 street signs with street names. Another area of Fashola’s achievement is in water transportation, though still very costly and largely unsafe; his government succeeded in increasing waterways use and ridership from a little over 100,000 people per month to over three million commuters monthly. Over 100 registered ferries now operate along Lagos waterways. Days to the end of his administration, Fashola addressed a capacity audience consisting members of the state Executive Council, eminent citizens, including former administrators of the state, traditional rulers, party chieftains, market traders and other stakeholders, at the Lagos Television, LTV, Blue Roof Multi-purpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, where he cleared the air on restriction of commercial motorcycle operations on major highways within the metropolis. His policy on operation of motorcycles on highways had received a lot of criticism, especially from the teeming unemployed youths in the state. The then governor responded thus; “Are you and your children now using the Zebra crossings? Is the Traffic Law making you feel safer? Are you amongst the 600 people who would have had an accident every month or amongst the 15 who would have died monthly from a motorcycle accident? “Are you one of those who will have been robbed on a motorcycle but for the 85 per cent motorcycle related crime reduction? Are you one of those who use the BRT system and the LAGBUS? Do you listen to the Traffic Radio? Has it helped you plan and manage your journey?” The afore-quoted questions represent the views of his administration to the policy. In the health sector, former Governor Fashola’s government claimed that 10,534,398 persons have benefited from the use of the 277 Primary Health Care Centres across the state, while 21,964,021 persons visited the 27 General Hospitals as well as the state’s University Teaching Hospital in the last eight years. His administration also claimed that the state’s Maternal and Childcare Centres at Ikorodu, Ifako Ijaiye, Isolo, Gbaja, Ajegunle, Alimosho have helped to reduce infant and maternal mortality from 1,636 to 818 deaths per 100,000 live births. But his administration failed to give account on how assessable the facilities are to common people, the number of competent and committed staff in the facilities as well as the cost. As investigations have revealed, a lot of untold evils happen in public hospitals. Still on health, Fashola’s government deserves kudos for building the state’s Cardiac and Renal Centre in Gbagada. The centre, if well maintained and managed, would reduce medical tourism to a great extent in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

Politics

s a stakeholder, how would you react to the emergence of the presiding officers of the National Assembly?

First, let me say that democracy has come to stay by the elections of 2015. You’ll realise that Nigerians are becoming more aware of their rights, more conscious of the rights given to them by the constitution. However, it appears to me that what some people do not understand is that the country does not operate a parliamentary system of government. It is in the parliamentary system that you say that the party with majority of members in the legislature must produce its leadership. In the presidential system, that is not the case, particularly with the multiparty democracy that we practice in the country. Our constitution simply says that from the day of the inauguration after the proclamation by the President to start the business of the National Assembly, with respect to the two chambers, that when members assemble and form a quorum to elect a Speaker and his Deputy, the Senate President and the Deputy, both the constitution and the standing orders of the National Assembly do not make any provision for any party to write a letter to transmit their desires to anyone, rather the constitution gives members the freedom to elect their presiding officers. And that was precisely what happened on June 9.The senators-elect met, form their quorum and the Clerk was given the responsibility to preside over the election of the presiding officers by the constitution. He first read out the letter from Mr President convening the National Assembly stating that they should sit on June 9 by 10: 00 am prompt. So if some people chose not to be there by the appointed time, let them tell Nigerians whether they were respecting the constitution or their party’s desires. As lawmakers, the oath you take is to abide by the constitution which is supreme to any other law and as lawmakers we should respect the law of the land. So ı will say with any equivocation that what happened on June 9, which led to the emergence of National Assembly leadership, is good for our democracy, because it is the choice of the legislature without any extraneous influence. For me, Nigerians should be happier with the development because it means that we now have an independent legislature that will now act based on the wishes of Nigerians and not on the basis of power mongers’ dictate. Don’t forget that Mr President himself has said on the day of his swearing-in that he belongs to everybody and belongs to nobody. I think we in the National Assembly are following suit to say that we belong to everybody and nobody too. Now that the 8th Assembly has been inaugurated, what should Nigerians expect?

Well, I have held various interactions at the formal and informal level with my colleagues even before and after our inauguration. I was in the House when Mr Speaker read out his acceptance speech. He unveiled what is clearly a proactive legislative agenda which to me is the agenda of the 8th National Assembly. So Nigerians should expect proactive legislation that would address the evolving issues with Nigeria, issues of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and even the legal framework guiding the entire country and so. And from my interaction with other members of the National Assembly, I could say that we have come well prepared to work for the interest of Nigerians. What kind of relationship do you foresee evolving between the 8th Assembly and the Executive?

Well, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has expressed the views himself that the House will partner with the execu-

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Ministerial appointments: Buhari should comply with constitution –Pwajok Barr Edward Pwajok was former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Plateau State before he was elected as a member of the 8th National Assembly, to represent Jos South/East federal constituency. He speaks with JAMES ABRAHAM on the controversy over the emergence of National Assembly leadership, what Nigerians should expect from the 8th National Assembly, the task before Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers and advises President Muhammadu Buhari to respect the constitution in his ministerial appointments. Excerpts: for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators-elect and members-elect which took place in Port Harcourt after our election. Part of resolutions is that Nigerians have spoken; it is Nigerians that decided to give majority seats to the All Progressives Congress APC and now, we are in opposition. And so, we should be happy to play our new found role as opposition. So, we went there to prepare ourselves for the tasks ahead in this regard as members of the National Assembly. That is not to say that we would oppose everything that the Federal Government does; we would play constructive opposition for the benefit of Nigerians because it is possible that the APC may decide to do certain things for interest of its members only against the interest of the generality of Nigerians. Be sure we would not fold our hands and allow that to happen. If you were in a position to advise Mr President on how to govern the country, which area would you like him to pay priority attention?

Pwajok

tive in furtherance of good governance and democracy. So people should expect cooperation because we have not come to fight each other. We may be independent and separate arms of government but it doesn’t mean we are running different government. But in performing our roles as lawmakers, I think, our duty is first to Nigerians and to our parties. That is not to say that we will be disloyal to our parties but the national interest supersedes any other consideration and where the national interest entails that we should cooperate with the executive, we would but where the national interest warrants that we check the excesses of the executive when they manifest, it is our duty to call them to order. But I can assure you that we will do our best that there is cooperation and harmony between the two arms of government? How do you feel about the fate which has befallen your party as having moved from the ruling party to the opposition party?

Let me say that I was part of a retreat organised

Where a state does not have a minister, the people may feel

shortchanged... advice to

so my

mr president

is to thread softly on this matter and be guided by the constitutional provision.

First, let me say that though Mr President has not sent his ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation as ministers, there are speculations in the media that he intends to appoint less than 36 or 37 ministers because of the down turn in the economy. I believe that will be a very wrong step to take because Mr President is going to have a one man cabinet, he needs to have a council of ministers better known as Executive Council of the federation who will assist him in governing the country. Now, the constitution is very clear on that. Section 147 of the constitution says that there must be at least one minister who must be indigenous to each state of the federation. The meaning of that is simple; the President can choose to have more than 37 ministers but he cannot have less than 37 ministers (36 states plus FCT). And there is a reason for that which is that every component unit of the federation as the states are referred to in the constitution must be given a sense of belonging so that each state will be part of decision making at the federal executive council. Where a state does not have a minister, the people may feel shortchanged as they are not part of the decisions that are being taken in the federal executive council. So my advice to Mr President is to thread softly on this matter and be guided by the constitutional provision. If he is not comfortable with the constitution, then, it has to be amended first before he can act contrary to the letters of the constitution. Secondly, I would like to advise Mr President to visit the issue of insecurity in the land in a manner that will deliver results to Nigerians. Then there is the issue of corruption, the economy is in bad shape and so on. Honestly, people are saying that Nigerians voted for change, so they want to see visible and positive transformation and I believe these are germane to bringing about the change which he promised Nigerians.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

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A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Gunmen kill naval officer in Bayelsa OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

ctivities of sea pirates on the waterways of Bayelsa State intensified at the weekend as dare devil gunmen, suspected to be sea pirates opened fire at a naval crew on a routine security checkpoint in

Akassa, Brass local government area of Bayelsa state, kiling a naval officer The h happened at the weekend. Niger Delta Mirror gathered that the gunmen, numbering about three opened fire on the Navy crew without any provocation. A security source told our correspondent that

the gunmen had earlier raised their hands up at the Navy routine checkpoint in compliance with the security regulations on the waterways but unknown to the naval personnel, the gunmen, who had earlier risen up their hands opened fire on them while they were attending to other passengers’ boat. The gunmen thereafter

zoomed off into the creeks after killing the naval officer while the remaining officers made frantic efforts to chase after them but were unable to do so. The remains of the unnamed naval officer, who is said to be working at the Forward Operating Base, Formoso, had been recovered and deposited at an unnamed morgue in

Brass. When our correspondent contacted the Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, Captain A.S. Olanrewaju, he declined to comment on the matter. Olanrewaju instead directed our correspondent to the Central Naval Command headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, to talk on that.

However, a Navy source at the CNC, told our correspondent on condition of anonymity, that they heard about the sad incident. The source said the authorities of the CNC had already invited the Commanding Officer of the FOB FORMOSO to come and brief them on the development.

Ijaw youths condemn arrest of APC supporters in Bayelsa OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

he Bayelsa Youth Network for APC, has condemn the intimidation and unwarranted arrest of supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state during the just concluded general and rescheduled elections in the state.The President of the group, Clement Adaminegbe, in a statement in Yenagoa weekend, also accused the Joint Task Force (JTF) code named Operation Pulo Shield of complicity and unleashing mayhem on supporters of the APC during the last elections, alleging that electoral materials were hijacked using gunboats by agents of the Bayelsa state government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.He noted further that what transpired during the 2015 general elections in Bayelsa state negate the tenets of democracy and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alleging that elections results were not announced at Wards and Constituency headquarters, a ploy by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to manipulate the election results to their favour.“Mostly in Bayelsa East Senatorial District, supporters of former Governor Timipre Sylva were disenfranchised and intimidated, these were

masterminded by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) under the instructions of the Governor’s order of deliver or relinquish your position,” Adaminegbe alleged. Reacting to the alleged complicity of the JTF, the spokesman of the military outfit, Lt. Col. Isa Ado, said such allegation was not only malicious but unfounded, saying their mandate in the Niger Delta region was clear and did not include escorting electoral materials.

RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

ormer Secretary to Cross River State Government, Barr. Johnson Ebokpo and wife Margaret Ebokpo who served under Gov.Liyel Imoke`s administration as Special Adviser on Civil

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (3rd left) speaking during inspection of Eagle Island-Irobuchi link road in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Imoke’s former aide defect to APC Society and Non governmental Organizations at the weekend defected to the ruling APC in Cross River. Ebokpo, former SSG and wife Magaret immediate past Special Adviser to Senator Imoke

on Civil Society and Nongovernmental Organizations said they have quit the People’s Democratic Party ,PDP, and joined the All Progressives Congress , APC. Mr Ebokpo and wife who addressed a cross

section of APC members and their supporters at the APC secretariat at Obubra over the weekend said their movement to APC is timely for the continued political safety and relevance of Obubra people.

“We are leaving the PDP for the cabal that hijacked the party’s structures for personal gains so we have to move to APC for the continued political relevance and safety of the Obubra nation.”

Sporadic gunfire causes panic in Calabar RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

he city of Calabar, Capital of Cross River State was yesterday filled with terror and trembling by its residents following sporadic shootout which brook out between hoodlums suspected to be sea pirates and officers and men of the Marine police. The shoot -out which started around 1am of Monday morning and ended around 3am in the

morning went haywire escalating from the coastal areas of Calabar to Ikot Ishie,to Murtala Muhammed Highway,Calabar road Edibedibe,Mberibe,Jebbs aaxis of Calabar South Local Government area of the state. Another source told National Mirror that the shooting started within the coastal region of the Calabar seaports escalating to adjoining suburb areas.The source also said that officers of the marine police got them engaged in gun battle because the police became

angry with such a nonsensical behaviour. The source stated that after serious engagement in a gun battle with the Marine police which resulted to the Navy coming to the marine police`s assistance the sea robbers zoomed off. Former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly Mr.Orok Duke posted on his facebook site that the police lost one man in the gun duel with the hoodlum. But the Police Public Relations

Officer PPRO Mr.Hogan Bassey dispelled the allegations from Mr Duke and several other quarters which said that the police lost one of their men in the gun battle. Bassey however said that no policeman had died in the fracas apart from one police man who sustained serious injuries in the fracas which ensued as a result of the gun duel. Calls put across to the NAVY Public Relations Officers Mr. Ayie Bassey Ayie for comments but the Navy PRO said that the command had nothing to do with the incident.

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Albinos seek recognition from CRSG RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

Graduates of the University of Port Harcourt during their convocation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.

Delta communities shut NPDC’s flow stations over surveillance contract ....Demand payment of N1.4bn GMoU funds THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

he fast depleting fortunes from crude oil production in the country yesterday registered more devastating blow following shutting down of operations of some flow-stations belonging to Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, by thousands of protesting host communities of Urhobo and Isoko Nations in Delta State. The protest which commenced in the early hours of Monday morning was over un-

OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, Chief Perekeme Kpodo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to stay clear in the fresh corruption charges brought against former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva. Kpodo, who was a former Security Adviser to Sylva, said the President should give the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and judges handling the case free hands to try his former boss. This is as concerned youths

resolved issues of the pipeline surveillance contracts and unpaid N1.4 billion OML30 General Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, funds. The aggrieved communities drawn from Urhobo and Isoko host communities of Nigeria HOSTCOM, crippled operations of NPDC flow-stations located at Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Areas of the state. In a protest statement made available to newsmen, they reiterated that facilities in OML 26, 30, 34, and 65 would remain shut until NPDC and NNPC review

the award of pipelines surveillance contracts in their domains. The statement signed by Efe Okovwurie, Morrister Idibra, Pastor Rochard Erhurhore and John Obaro, said peace will only reign when Urhobo and Isoko nations are awarded their separate Pipeline Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering contracts by the oil companies. “NPDC must pay up the nine months outstanding monthly salaries of host communities workers in OML 26, 30, 34, and 65, the statement added. Adding, the protesters alleged that NPDC is heavily indebted to

indigenous contractors, calling on it to create a Contract Department in its Edjeba office, Warri, to take care of contractors in the state. They also lamented the replacement of indigenous contractors whose contract tenure had expired for over two years and the inability of NPDC management to put new contracts in place. Facilities belonging oil multinational have been under attack in the state over award of pipelines surveillance contract to exmilitant warlords who are not from these areas.

ross River State Coordinator for Albino Foundation Mr Bassey Mbang on Monday in Calabar appealed for recognition by the government of Cross River State. Mbang who called on the state government to come out with a clear cut policy on albinism , lamented that some people in the state see albinos as spirits describing such a perception often held by people who see albinos as spirit as babaric and paraochial way of reasoning. The Cordinator stated that all men were born equal and appealed for equal opportunity to be given to albinos condenming the perception held by those who despised albinos as a wrong impression and condenmed such a believe in entirety adding that this was a wrong impression as they were equal human beings created by God. ``In government offices, it is a challenge of getting a job. Some people see albinos as with-craft. We suffer discrimination and stigmatisation. ``In the state here the government has not really come out to recognize us. It is difficult for us to survive as albinos, ‘’ Mbang queried. Mbang disclosed that the foundation was embarking on mobilization and sensitization of people across the state on the status of albinos Mbang further called on the media to partner the foundation in the task of creating awareness and sensitisation about albinism in the state. ``People should know that albinos are not spirits and do not deserve pity, give them opportunity and they will do well even better than others, ‘’ he said.

APC leader, group differ on fresh EFCC charges against Sylva from the state yesterday faulted the decision by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to file fresh charges against the former governor, accusing the commission of political persecution . Under the aegis of the Bayelsa Democratic Front (BDF), the group said though they believe in the competence of the judiciary to show courage and uphold the integrity of the courts, the fresh suit filed against the former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

as a confirmation of political victimisation . But Kpodo, who had spoke during a news conference in Yenagoa on Sunday said the rearrangement of Sylva to court by the EFCC on charges bordering on corruption allegations was proper and in order. He said, “Rearrangement of Sylva to court is the right step in the right direction. I also want to use this opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for who he is. He said it clearly that he belongs to nobody. So, nobody will think Buhari will support anybody who

has a corruption case. “When Sylva was discharged, a lot of people said it was because he is Buhari’s man, but we know that Buhari will not indulge in supporting criminality. “Sylva is accused of over N19bn fraud. Look at Bayelsa State, we are still living in slum and squalor - no development, no road, nothing. And one man is being accused of stealing N19bn and some people want the case thrown out without trial that is wrong. Is it because he was in Buhari’s transition committee and people want the

matter to be quashed? No, let him face the full wrath of the law. My appeal is that President Buhari should not intervene in the case. He should give the court and the EFCC free hand to handle the case. Sylva should be tried and if they find him guilty, he should be jailed to serve as a deterrent to others.” He said Sylva was not tried during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan because of ethnic sentiments and appeals by kinsmen. Kpodo said, “Now, we are unCONTINUED ON PAGE 41

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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Uncle Sam @ 80: It’s simplicity as strength KUNLE OYATOMI

he challenge I am confronted in putting together this script to commemorate the birthday anniversary of my publisher, Uncle Sam (Sam Amuka-Pemu), who turned 80 last Saturday June 13, is to write objectively and be seen to be objective. I might be too young to speak or to write authoritatively about my publisher’s earlier days in journalism, having worked consistently for Vanguard under his watch for 21 years, I am reasonably competent to paint a realistic picture of the man who is the cementing factor of the publishing house called Vanguard. When I sought to become a Vanguard staff, Uncle Sam made it so simple, yet so challenging that I was at a loss whether or not I could become a staff. My friend had taken me to his Guest House that I needed a place in his establishment. I was shocked that Uncle Sam simply replied: “go and convince the editor”. Prior to this encounter with him, my experience with chief executives had been that they had the final say on who gets into their establishments. But with Uncle Sam, the onus of proof of your excellence is squarely on you and the decision to hire or fire is with your immediate boss. That was my first lesson in the voluminous book that I have prac-

tically read about executive simplicity. But Uncle Sam was not done with me yet. I got to Vanguard and I was doing my job earnestly, practically enjoying every moment of it when like a bolt from the blues, my publisher called me one day and said: “Kunle, I have been reading you and I see you’re doing very well. You should be able to write a column, get your passport photograph and start a column.” That simple instruction by my publisher opened up a fabulous vista in my career as a journalist. He influences all of us, maximally without putting us under any pressure. He draws us close to himself, both to share in his experience as a journalist and to draw from our own little wisdom. Uncle Sam as publisher is a great team player. One spectacular event, which leaves a lasting impression on me, was the day he summoned all cadres of editors in the House to discuss an important national event - NLC strike. We had thought that our publisher was about to enunciate a policy direction, but there he was, as he addressed the House, he called for everybody’s opinion and justification for such opinion. As we spoke, the publisher took notes and at the end of the day, he summarized the opinions of the editors and adopted it as the official stand of the Vanguard on the strike. Uncle Sam establishes control in a

UNCLE SAM ESTABLISHES CONTROL IN A UNIQUE WAY WITHOUT A COMPELLING USE OF AUTHORITY unique way without a compelling use of authority. It is rare for any editor to make the mistake of hurting him. But whenever that happens, inadvertently, we get the red of his eyes and the bite of his scolding, but we never lose his love. Our beloved publisher never compromises excellence. If you want to please Uncle Sam, give him a good copy or produce a good edition and there’s no way he will not remark it. Yet, not with fanfare, but in a way that will give you joy that the publisher is pleased with your work. During discussions, if he holds an opinion, he would not impose same on you, rather he would accept a superior idea and he does this with simplicity and a gracefulness, typical only of deep minds. His interaction with people around him is one of openness to criticism; and he’s informal in every sense of the word. Above all, Uncle Sam has a degree of humanity, which is both inexplicable and alluring. He

can come to the level of being in your company at meal in the great CANAL Canteen at Vanguard, but without any airs to it. You just recognise that you are in the privileged company of your boss. However, my most unforgettable moment with Uncle Sam was the day he invited me to his house shortly before I moved on from Vanguard into a political adventure that is still unfolding four years on. I had informed him officially about my decision to leave my chair and take on a political job. A couple of days later, he invited me to Anthony Village, (his guest house). I had the premonition that we were going to talk about my resignation, but I never prepared for what happened. In his sitting room, he quite deliberately stood up and asked that I should come along with him. I recognized that we were in his bed room when he pointed at a chair for me to sit down. I could sense the importance he attached to what he had to say. There appeared to be some bother and concern about his mien, and I will never forget the fatherly love that came through as he started to advise me about the future. Oyatomi, a former editor of Sunday Vanguard, is currently the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, APC, State of Osun

Tasking Ikpeazu on Abia development DESTINY ISIGUZO

he new governor of Abia State, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu, started on a very good note by telling Abians he would step on the toes of anybody that stands in the way of the development of the state. Also, he told the world that construction of roads would start in earnest at various sites to immediately reduce the untold hardships Abians are going from bad roads. While this posture of Mr. Governor may have brought hope to Abians, some doubting Thomases have already written him off, accusing him of trying to get cheap popularity by deceiving Abians like his predecessor Chief T.A. Orji did, using state owned media to launder his image with bogus achievements. Nevertheless, it will be germane to remind the governor that some of these fears and doubts are rooted in the disappointment people experienced under Orji, the undisguised political godfather of the incumbent governor. With the statement credited to the governor that “he would step on toes”, I suggest that the most important toes he should likely step on are those of his predecessor if he ever stands on his way by making demands that will be detrimental to the progress of the state. In a piece I wrote during the electioneering titled, “Between Ikpeazu and Alex Otti”, I categorically stated that though the now governor, only

then a gubernatorial candidate, was a grass root man best placed to reach out to the poor majority of Abia State, his association with Orji had negatively affected any confidence people might want to have in him. Nevertheless, Ikpeazu is in-charge now, and therefore, all the credits and blames during his administration will be only his to bear. He must be assured that the beginning of his success and popularity among Abians and beyond will be when he steps on the toes of those people that have held Abians hostage for years. It may not be easy, but God and the people will stand by him. There are other issues the Governor must consider and harness in order to raise the state from its very pitiable state to the next level. Recently, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State sent some Ekiti youths to Aba to learn crafts from reputable artisans. Abia no doubt is the Japan of Africa, where shoes, bags, and so many other things are made. The Governor must look for a way to sustain and develop these markets. These people, if harnessed and provided with some facilities, can make the state become, for example, the highest producers of leather accessories, bags, and shoes in Africa. The governor should put up an economic programme that can offer these Abia reputable artisans credit facilities to acquire machines, technical knowhow, improved and scientific methodologies for modern small scale production processes. Government

GOVERNOR IKPEAZU CAN LURE INVESTORS WITH LOW TAXATION AND MAKING LANDS EASILY AVAILABLE AND CHEAP TO GENUINE INVESTORS must also create an enabling environment for big industries to thrive in the state. Governor Ikpeazu can lure investors with low taxation and making lands easily available and cheap to genuine investors. This will create jobs for unemployed youths and will at in the long run generate revenue for the government through adequate taxing of such Industries in the future. With the large markets in Abia State, especially the Ariaria International market, which is the biggest market in West Africa, and the large population of traders, small scale industrialists and artisans, the Governor can generate revenue from effective tax systems. When I say effective tax system, I don’t mean multiple taxation where the residents are forced to pay for the same things, packaged in different titles and collected by different criminal elements, who rarely account to the state. The effective tax system means that revenue generated from the system will go directly to the state’s coffers and be utilized in such a way that

the residents will enjoy amenities built with the taxes. Abia is also an agrarian state with different cash crops like cassava growing in its land. We must begin to think outside the box and look for ways to generate revenue and limit the dependence on Federal Government allocation. The opportunities agriculture can create for the state can never be over emphasized. This can be seen in the development of countries like Malaysia, which rely on the exportation of agricultural produce. All these cannot be possible without the presence of basic amenities and services like good roads, accessible pipe borne water, power, security etc. The local government councils must be truly independent for effective grass root development. If at the end revenue the state government gets finds its way to private pockets and ghost contractors, Ikpeazu would not have make any meaningful difference from his predecessor. I personally know the governor as a devote Christian because we worship in the same church, I just hope he is the long awaited Messiah for the state. Isiguzo is on the Art Desk of this newspaper Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Tuesday, June 16, 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 BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

The Oshiomhole/Okonjo-Iweala controversy

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, on the eve of May 29 inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, flung the gauntlet to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In an extensive piece on how the minister superintended the Nigerian economy over the past four years, Oshiomhole fingered what he termed “sordid economic realities”. The Edo governor took exception to, in his words: “This latter day ‘policy activism’ on her part”, an obvious reference to the minister’s insistence, amid the grueling fuel shortage and massive power failure experienced recently, that the Federal Government would not pay a N200 billion bill demanded by oil marketers for subsidy, because N159 billion out of the amount represented not actual supply of fuel but exchange rate differentials. He said the recent nationwide fuel and energy crisis, adjudged the worst in the nation’s economic history, was merely a reflection of the gross mismanagement of the economy under Okonjo-Iweala’s watch since 2011. “Perhaps for fear of the incoming President… Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala is now compelled to disclose to Nigerians that a cabal is holding the country and the government to ransom… If the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA)

were doing its work diligently, all claims by oil marketers would be vetted on a daily basis before their payments are processed by the Ministry of Finance. Hence, there should be no dispute about the amount due to oil marketers at any point in time. What the foregoing, therefore, suggests is that all along, the PPPRA, the Ministry of Finance and the oil marketers have been involved in an unholy alliance in the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy regime and in the process defrauding the nation of its revenues”, Oshiomhole said. He also complained about the alleged depletion of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) without the knowledge of governors, who with the FG, are joint owners of the ECA. “…By December 2012, the ECA had a balance of over $10 billion. This has been depleted to $2.07 billion by May 2015, according to the minister. Between January 2013 and May 2015, not more than $4 billion was shared from the ECA. Indeed, the last time any money was shared from the ECA was in May 2013”, he said. The governor, in addition, stated that oil theft had been thriving largely as a result of official complicity, based on the revelations (confessions) he credited to military officers fighting oil thieves on the high seas. Among others, Oshiomhole equally criticised the finance minister for government borrowings programmed to

June 16, 1976 A non-violent march by over 15,000 students in Soweto, South Africa, led to days of rioting when the police opened fire on the protesters. The Soweto Uprising involved series of protests led by high school students drawn from numerous Sowetan schools. It was in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools. An estimated 20,000 students took part in the protests.

IT WILL BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE PARADOX

UNTIL…CLAIMS AND STATISTICS…TALLY WITH CONCRETE REALITIES ON GROUND support wasteful expenditure, and the formulation of budgets that elevated massive consumption such that 90 percent of budgetary releases were meant for recurrent expenditure that is injurious to the nation’s economy. Okonjo-Iweala has said, however, that all Oshiomhole alleged against her and her office were a baseless hybrid of hogwash. “Like previous baseless allegations by some governors, the motive behind Oshiomhole’s attack is clear: to deflect public attention away from the manner in which they have run the finances of their states and make Okonjo-Iweala the scapegoat. If it was meant to intimidate the minister, it has failed abysmally”, a statement credited to Mr. Paul C Nwabuikwu, the Special Adviser (Media) to the minister, said. Elsewhere, Okonjo-Iweala has been credited as having, in the course of her ministerial career in the country, assisted in stemming corruption by making the

ON THIS DAY June 16, 2010 The Kingdom of Bhutan, which has Thimphu as its capital and largest city, became the first country to clamp a total ban on tobacco. Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is bordered to the north by China and to the south, east and west by India. To the west, it is separated from Nepal by the Indian state of Sikkim, etc.

management and disbursement of the country’s finances more transparent; taking proactive measures to attract foreign investment to the country; and embarking on some economic reforms. Often cited in most recent times were the ‘rebasing’ of the nation’s economy as the biggest in Africa last year, purportedly consequent upon her implementation of a home-grown economic reform programme that stabilised the macro-economy and tripled the growth rate to an average six percent per annum over three years; and of course her leadership in 2005 of the team that struck a deal with the Paris Club that resulted in a 60 percent external debt write-off, when Nigeria paid $12 billion in return for $18 billion debt cancellation. The development brought down Nigeria’s external debt profile from $35 billion to $5 billion at the time. Nonetheless, the quarrel of most Nigerians all this while has been that all the claims of economic progress since 2011 are scarcely reflective of practical realities on ground. Still in existence are huge infrastructure deficit, massive unemployment, poverty and insecurity, etc. It will be extremely difficult to explain away the paradox until that day when claims and statistics on economic growth and development tally with concrete realities on ground.

June 16, 2012 The United States Air Force’s robotic Boeing X-37 spaceplane returned to Earth after a classified 469-day orbital mission. The plane is an American reusable, unmanned spacecraft. It is boosted into space by a rocket, then re-enters Earth’s atmosphere and lands as a space-plane. It is operated by the US Air Force for orbital spaceflight missions intended to demonstrate reusable space technologies.

Business Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Abandoned buildings: Undermining government’s housing scheme, environment 25

FAAN: Airports’ rent-seeking agency without operational hub –Stakeholders 31

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

E-regulation coming, says NAICOM 33

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Dana Air

CBN, others intensify drive to mitigate e-frauds in banking sector Internet banking provides a very convenient and effective approach to manage one’s finances as it is easily accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But despite improved standards set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, fraud is still on the rise. JOHNSON OKANLAWON writes.

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Friday announced the establishment of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NeFF, as part of its effort to combat fraudulent activities in the banking industry, particularly those associated with increased use of electronic payment systems. The bank’s Director, Banking and Payments Systems Depart-

ment, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, said the establishment of the new industry desk followed submissions to the NeFF and consultation with the deposit money banks as well as electronic payments service providers. National Mirror investigation showed that internet scams were now common place, over a combination of weak internal control systems in some banks, abuse

of technological loopholes and outright forgeries, which make many Nigerians, foreigners and banks lose substantial monies to hackers and fraudsters. A source at the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Ikoyi, Lagos confirmed that bankers top the list of most wanted persons in the country. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on April, 2014, said it had arrested

six persons, including two staff of Sky Bank, over an alleged N5.5m fraud. The suspects identified as Ademola Okunlola, 36; Tajudeen Oluwanisola, 41; Kolawole Adams, 52; Temitope Pedro, 27; Bayo Olowoyo, 39 and Otunba Biodun Adebanjo, 56, were arrested in different parts of Lago when operatives of the commission received a complaint that CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Business

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CBN, others intensify drive to mitigate e-frauds in banking sector CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 the suspects had fraudulently transferred N5.5m from the account of one Ajani Kareem Musibau, a customer of Skye Bank Plc. The spokesman for the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujeren, said the fraudulent transfers took place on March 3, 2014, saying that Ademola Okunlola, a staff of the bank, Ikeja Branch, Lagos, set the stage for the scam when he covertly used his camera phone to capture the photograph and signature specimen of Musibau. He said, “He accessed his account and sent the details to another staff of the bank, Bayo Olowoyo, at the Toyin Street, Ikeja branch. “The duo reportedly sent Musibau’s photograph and signature specimen to a member of their syndicate who effected the money transfer into two accounts: N4.1m was moved into Adebajo Biodun Olusola’s account with Wema Bank, Sagamu branch, Ogun State while N1.4m was moved into another account operated by Temitope Pedro with Guaranty Trust Bank, Ikeja branch.” But further investigation revealed that the bank notified the commission of the case when it discovered the unlawful movement of funds. “When the customers raised the alarm and we discovered it, we informed the EFCC to avoid the culprits go scot free,” a top management of the bank who pleaded anonymous told National Mirror. Like the Skye Bank fraudsters, the EFCC has alleged that a former employee of Union Bank, Mrs Akpojiyouwi Grace was involved in complicity in the mega scam that rocked the bank last year. The commission said some fraudsters hacked into her data base and pulled out hundreds of millions of naira. Akpojiyouwi allegedly failed to conduct due diligence as the account officer of Dan Kawu Bureau De Change before confirming and authorizing the payment of N450m to the company. Since the introduction of cashless economy, Nigerian banks have been facing tough times, as they have lost a total of N159bn to electronic fraud between 2000 and first quarter of 2013. An Indian fraudster, Fajroor Khan, 26, who said he was trained by Nigerians, on January 31, 2014, used the Trojan mail to get the username and password of a company executive and transfer money to 12 accounts of his accomplices within 45 minutes. ‘‘Computer systems with pirated software are easily susceptible to Trojan viruses and the like’’, The Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeje, said that there is a link between hacking and pirated software. According to him, pirated soft-wares often have secret codes which are embedded on them. So, when an unsuspecting buyer buys and installs them onto his/her PC and logs to the internet, the person unwittingly exposes himself/herself to malware, phishing and viral attacks. They also ignorantly open their flanks to hackers. The Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Inter-bank Settlements Systems, NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe, who quoted recent research data on

Emefiele

Agbaje

Oloketuyi

Emeruwa

e-fraud in Nigeria by the Financial Institutions Training Centre, FITC, said the staggering figure is a deterrent to improving the consumer confidence and adoption of Nigeria’s cashless strategies, stressing increased efforts must be mounted to checkmate the menace. Analysing the annual e-fraud trend in the banking industry since 2000 till date, Onyejekwe said the figure stood at N1.65billion in 2000, N3.12billion in 2001, N8.20billion in 2002, but declined to N5.13billion in 2003 while in 2004, the figure moved up to N89.4billion. Also, in 2005 and 2006, the e-fraud declined to N6.76billion and N2.74billion losses to the banks while in 2007, the figure spiralled to N8.51billion. The year 2008, according to her, marked a watershed in the trend of e-fraud, as Nigerian banks recorded the highest losses to the tune of N34.5bn. According to her, the successful switch from magnetic stripe the of ATM cards in 2009 to a more secure Chip and PIN cards led to a drastic reduction in e-fraud to the tune of N21.7billion with a further decline to N14.9billion in 2010. In 2011, Onyejekwe said the figure increased again to N24.4billion and declined again to N10.1billion at the end of 2012 while, in first quarter of 2013 alone, cases of bank e-frauds were valued at N7.5billion; in one year, it amounted to N40billion. Latest data released by the CBN revealed that the banking sector lost over N3.04 bil-

A LADY’S N1.9MILLION WAS WITHDRAWN IN ONE WEEK WITHOUT

– CASE IN ENUGU HIGH COURT. A COMPANY ALERT

WAS ALSO CHARGED IN EXCESS OF

N1.9MILLION AND ANOTHER IN EXCESS OF

N.6MILLION

lion in 2014 to electronic fraud. The apex bank’s Financial Stability Report, FSR, for December 2014, posted on the regulator’s website stated that the cases of fraud and forgeries in the industry increased to 6,250 at the end of December 2014, from 5,197 reported in the first half of the year. The study also stated that although the total amount involved in these cases dropped to N9 billion at the end of December 2014 from N16.82 billion recorded in the first half of 2014, the actual losses from the incidents increased to N3.04 billion at the end of December 2014, from N1.72 billion in the first half of 2014. The FSR covered

activities in the financial sector between June and December, 2014. The report observed that some of the reported cases of card fraud were perpetrated in jurisdictions with less secure payment platforms. The report further noted that 2014 was quite alarming in terms of fraud, as it recorded very high volume of fraudulent transactions. Unreported cases, according to the report, were far higher than the reported cases of fraud perpetrated in the system. Internet and the ATMs is believed to be the most popular channels for e-fraud. In 2013, the fraud cases were 855, with attempted value of N19.149 billion, while actual loss value was N485.194 million. Despite efforts to ensure that banks adopt global best practices such as the latest version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS) certification to mitigate the cyber-threat to their systems, the banking watchdog revealed that total losses by the nation’s lenders due to fraud-related cases had gotten to about N203 billion in the last 14 years. The report also expressed concern that fraudsters are so ingenious these days that they usually find ways of getting around security measures put in place to checkmate their activities. It stated that as many as 20 or 30 persons are often involved in most electronic fraud attempts. Insider involvement also contributes to the success of the electronic fraud attempts. A consultant to the CBN, Mr. Oluseyi Akindehinde, who is also the Chief Technical Officer at Digit Encode, pointed out that internal fraud cases have been rising, noting that data could only be obtained from eight banks in the quarter between April and June, out of which only about five were received directly and the others stumbled upon. What has been discovered, he said, is that external fraud vectors such as phishing, an electronic mail scam where fraudsters attempt identity theft through obtaining personal information like usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading to be institutions they are not. Meanwhile, the CBN has recorded and settled 4, 142 fraud-related petitions, which were directed against the nation’s deposit money banks, causing a refund worth N14.69billion to customers concerned. The Director, Consumer Protection Department, CBN, Mr. Umma Dutse, said the figure represents the total petitions recorded from inception of the office when it was known as the Financial Policy and Regulation Department in March 2010 to May 2014. Also, the Head, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office, Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia, appealed to Nigerian banks to clearly express their contract terms and conditions, while regretting that customers often become victims of excess charges because they could not read the conditions attached to contracts. He pointed out the recent cases at the council over ATM and bank charges, saying, “A lady’s N1.9million was withdrawn in one week without alert – case in Enugu High Court. A company was also charged in excess of N1.9million and another in excess of N.6million.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Paucity of funds stalled airports remodeling projects –Perm Sec OLUSEGUN KOIKI

nadequate funding has been identified as the major obstacle towards the completion of the ongoing airports projects in the country. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello, revealed this at the weekend in Lagos during her facility tour of Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. For instance, it was observed that at the power house of the Lagos the contractor, Messrs Mantrac Nigeria Ltd had suspended work because it was being owed.

Consequently, some generating plants were not operating as the contractor insisted on reimbursement before he would return to site. Similarly, at the new Protocol Lounge near the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, where about 80 per cent of the work had been done, she was informed that the contractor was also being owed, hence work was suspended. It was discovered that the contractor had suspended work until further payment was made to the firm. Also, at Port Harcourt International Airport, PHIA, the contractor handling the construction of the departure and arrival halls

of the airport, Messrs Inter Bau Construction Ltd reportedly said that ongoing project, which had reached between 80 to 90 per cent completion was stalled due to inadequate funds to continue the project. The company’s Chairman, Sir Nath Okechukwu told journalists in an interview that the second phase of the project was awarded at the cost of N1.7 billion, adding that the last time the firm received payment for the work was in 2013. He said: “In phase One, we have done about 80 to 90 per cent and phase Two is almost nil. In phase One, our money got exhausted; we don’t have money, we have to sus-

pend work. In phase Two, the total sum then was N1.7 billion, but it has gone up though we don’t know how much we are coming up with. “We hope very soon they will make some payments so that we may go back to work. The owner of the project has just finished inspection. When she gets back to Abuja then we will know what she is coming up with.” He assured that if money was made available, the firm would return to the site for the completion of the project, which began in 2012 and stressed that the project might be completed before the current administration marked its first 100 days in office.

However, the Permanent Secretary said her mission was to see the projects to know the stages of completion in relation to money spent on them so far. Bello assured that government would look at the unpaid debts and as soon as money is available, the contractors will be mobilized to sites.” On the new terminals at the airports and the level of completion, Bello said that work was progressing very well and expressed her delight with what she saw, adding that “I have seen the determination to improve infrastructure at the airports and we are taking what we have seen back to Abuja.

PPMC, AITEO to reconcile claims on offshore refining UDEME AKPAN

L-R: The Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Temitayo AdePeters; the Chairman, National Executive Council of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Chief Ede Dafinone and the Director General of the Foundation, Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi, at the 2015 World Environment Day Competition for School Children organised by the NCF and sponsored by FCMB in Lagos.

ITF ‘ll enforce policy on training contributions –DG MESHACK IDEHEN

he Director General of Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Dr. Juliet Chukkas Onaeko, has restated her commitment to ensuring that statutory training contributions by industries and organisations aimed at achieving the nation’s objective of developing and sustaining the nation’s manpower and industrial needs are appropriately utilised. She pointed out that the move would help in growing the economy; boost the development of critical manpower needs for the industrial sector, warning companies and industries defaulting in their training contributions to desist from such acts Onaeko, in a statement, said organisations and companies in the nation’s industrial space should without being compelled, continue to fulfill their training contribution obligations to the government, in order to support the Federal Government’s vision of producing world class manpower for the nation’s industrial and

economic development needs. On sanctions of defaulting entities, she said the Fund will continue to employ and apply all legal and constitutional means to ensure that partners of the ITF fully key into the agency’s vision of creating millions of jobs annually, while training and empowering hundreds of thousands more employment hopefuls at the same time. She stated: “While human capital and manpower development in the nation’s industrial sector continue to face the critical challenge of inadequate funding,

some companies and industries continue to spend huge amounts of money on activities that will not improve on the economic and industrial growth for the country in the immediate and long terms” The ITF boss said the Fund would not relent in its mandate of providing, promoting and encouraging the acquisition of skills in industry and commerce, with a view towards generating a national pool of indigenous manpower that is sufficient to meet and surpass the needs of the economy.

he Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC have concluded plans to reconcile issues on Offshore Processing Agreement, OPA between them. The agreement regulates the involvement of AITEO in the process of refining crude oil overseas and ensuring that petroleum products are brought back for domestic use in the nation. AITEO, an indigenous company which confirmed the development in a statement over the weekend maintained that the planned engagement has already been endorsed by the NNPC. “In a letter dated 9th June 2015, NNPC advised AITEO to schedule a reconciliation meeting with PPMC during which it intends to reconcile the full OPA position to determine over-deliveries and under-deliveries as it relates to each party.” “In light of this development, the fully reconciled position should be determined soon. Therefore allegations that AITEO “apparently gulped down $150million” are not only baseless but also aimed to slur the name of the company,’ it indicated.

“With respect to the ongoing investigative exercise being undertaken by Department of State Security (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC), we would like to state clearly that AITEO promptly obliged to all requests for submission of documents and honoured invitations by government agencies for clarification regarding our participation in the OPA and SWAP programmes.” The company noted that none of its directors or Executive Management has been charged of any offence in any court of law and nor has any restraint order been issued to curtail international travel of any company official. AITEO indicated that its accounts were audited by PWC, one of the foremost global accounting and audit firms in the world, adding that it has complied with its statutory obligations and kept complete and up-to-date accounting records. Similarly, the company explained that it had emerged by share corporate and entrepreneurial organic evolution from a small Nigerian oil and gas player with a clear vision and growth trajectory to deepen its service range, product mix, geographical spread and people dynamics under a well defined strategy from the outset in 1999.

NSTC: NIMASA threatens to drag contractors to EFCC

rancis Ezem The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has said it would not only revoke some of the contracts for the building of the permanent site of the NIMASA Science and Technical College located at Okoloba, near Warri in Delta State, but it would also drag the contractors before Economic and Financial Crimes Commis-

sion EFCC. The NSTC, established in line with the human capacity building programme of the agency, is designed to be a demonstration school for the six Maritime Training Institutions at the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai Niger State, NigerDelta University in Bayelsa State, among two others under its Nige-

rian Seafarers Development Programme NSDP. Some of the contracting firms include, Cutech Nigeria Limited, which is the lead contractor handling the building of the intermediate staff housing scheme, Azap Nigeria Limited and Adap Nigeria Limited, Green Fields Nigeria Limited, which is handling the construction o the major driveway, among several others .

Director General of the agency, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who spoke in an interview, said that having inspected the progress of work done at the permanent site of the school, he was not satisfied with the pace of work, given that the institution which has taken off in a temporary site, is expected to resume the next academic session in September at the permanent site.

Business News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Practising Levy: Ministry, agents’ meeting deadlocked, CRFFN crisis deepens FRANCIS EZEM

oves by the Federal Ministry of Transport to reconcile feuding freight forwarding associations over the collection of practising levy approved more than two years ago for the funding of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria CRFFN, the regulatory organ, has failed. The development may compel the Council to wind down its operations due to lack of funds. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mallam Mohammed Bashar, had penultimate week summoned all the major freight forwarding associations comprising the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF and the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria ARFFN to a meeting following the failure of

the association to agree on the collection and disbursement of the levy for the CRFFN. Other associations in attendance at the meeting include, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, and National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators NAFFAC. Meanwhile, a competent source at the meeting, hinted that the freight forwarding associations were still unable to resolve their disagreement due to what he described as ‘fight for supremacy and arrogance’. The source disclosed that while the Concerned Registered Freight Forwarders Associations CRFFA, which is a coalition of NAGAFF, NCMDLCA, AREFFN and NAFFAC accepted the proposal by the Ministry that in the absence of the governing board of the council, the Minister of Transport or his representative and the Attorney General of the Federation should give directives to the manage-

ment, ANLCA was reported to have opposed this. It was further gathered that the Permanent Secretary, who was obviously frustrated by the desperation of the various associations to stick to their positions threatened that the Ministry would not hesitate to clamp down on any association, which tries to make the resolve of the Ministry to resolve the feuding parties fruitless. He specifically warned that the Ministry will particularly frown at any freight forwarder, individual or corporate, which does not abide by the regulations of the CRFFN, as the Ministry would work with other sister ministries or government agencies to clamp down on those defying the regulation of the council. Bashar therefore promised to reconvene the meeting very soon so as to give it time to further the issues in the collection of the practicing fees and representation on the governing board of the Council.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CIS to partner armed forces on capital market education

he Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, has commenced its sensitisation of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces on investment opportunities in the Nigerian capital market. The sensitisation was flagged off during the Institute delegation’s visit to the Nigeria Army School of Finance in Lagos recent. Speaking during a meeting with scholars in the school, the Institute’s Head, Research & Technical, Mr. Arinze Nwobu explained that the Institute was the only professional body responsible for training and regulating practice and conduct of stockbroking in Nigeria as well as conducting examination for prospective professional students who are interested in practising in the securities and investment industry.

78% of global travellers use digital information ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

L-R: Director, Vono Products Plc, Prof. Olumide Olusanya; Acting Managing Director, Mr. Olatunji Anjorin; Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Yinusa; and Company secretary, Mr. Lekan Sanni, during the annual general meeting of Vono products Plc in Lagos.

Mantrac restate commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth DAVID AUDU

antrac Nigeria, has restated its commitment to satisfy and support customers and business partners nationwide. This is even as the company introduced an offering to give customers opportunity to purchase and rent a wide-range of used Caterpillar certified equipment at special discount prices and with six months warranty. Caterpillar Used and Rental Equipment Sales Manager, Greg Obioha, disclosed that the campaign was aimed at interacting and fostering a stronger relation-

ship with customers as well as giving customers the opportunity to see the quality of machines available. “As a market leader in the industry, we offer unique opportunity to our customer and potential customer through cutting-edge offerings. For this campaign, we are offering up to 30 per cent discount for a limited period and while stock last” he said. Commenting on the quality of the used equipment on sale, Obioha pointed out that the used machines were coming with a six months warranty which indicated that the company is confident of the standard and quality of the machines it is selling. He stressed that one of the

aims of displaying the equipment was to educate Nigerians on the rudiments and choices that are available in the used equipment market, pointing out that when buying used equipment, there are certain indices that need to be put into consideration to determine that the buyer is not taking so much risk. He said that his company had taken responsibility as a Caterpillar certified dealer, to help the customer make the right choices. The company, in collaboration with Stanbic IBTC bank, offers integrated purchasing solutions backed by Cat Financial. CATFIN is tailored to meet various needs, with low interest rates.

According to him, the Capital market is a segment of the financial system which deals with medium to long term funds. The funds are channelled from the surplus end to deficit end for productive purpose, project expansion and development. He stated further that the capital market was very critical to the development of the nation and that research had shown that any country or nation which does not maximize the instrumentality of the capital market will not develop optimally. He informed the audience that Securities and Investment profession remained a prestigious profession with sophisticated underlying concept and principles that sometimes can be difficult but not meant to terrify anybody just as operating in the capital market is lucrative.

study conducted by the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study 2015 has revealed that 78 percent of global travellers use digital information while planning their trips and 66 percent resorting to digital sources for travel tips at the destination. According to the company, travellers are more digital-savvy than ever before saying that this is a phenomenal representation of the impact of digital engagement on the travel sector. Head of Marketing at Visa Middle East and North and West, Central Africa, Karim Beg, made the disclosure on the sideline of the full-fledged regional campaign aimed at driving international tourism during holidays, and

making the summer holidays of cardholders rewarding, titled NotATourist. Specifically, he explained that the company wanted “NotATourist to start a conversation with people on easy, unique and fulfilling cross-border travel”, adding that “one of the main drivers for Visa’s efforts with besides driving home the message of safe and convenient payments with Visa at target markets.” Beg pointed out that travellers often desired a taste of local culture and attractions that are hard to find in travel books or with a guided tour saying that the NotATourist campaign tries to build on this desire, by connecting people and their experiences through unleashing the imagination of the traveller to interact with the beauty of the destination.

Visafone launches MVOIP app ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

ode Division and Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Visafone Communication Limited has launched an Internetpowered voice, video and messaging solution for smartphones, tablets and windows PC. The solution is an app that provides borderless communication for users at home and abroad. It also offers low-cost off-net calls and international calls to USA, Canada, India, China, UK Fixed and 25 other fixed destinations worldwide at N7 per min. Visafone’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Srinivasa Venkatappa, stated that “in the face of dwin-

dling voice revenues, we have to take advantage of the huge opportunities that technology has thrust upon us to innovate by creating this app that will transform the way our customers communicate wherever they are in the world.” According to him, the Visafone App is an application that allows you to make audio and video phone calls at low rates and sends instant messages to all other Visafone app users for free. He said that the App was available over WiFi or 3G and can be downloaded and installed on Android smartphones in the first phase for now; subsequent service will be launched on BB, iOS, Windows desktop and Symbian (Nokia) in the second phase.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Experts list ways to escaping job scammers’ antics

The activities of job scammers are on the increase in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country. Unwary job seekers, on whose gullibility the scammers are feeding on, are lamenting their losses. MESHACK IDEHEN, reports on experts’ advice on how to avoid being a victim of the fraudsters.

xperts believe that the prevailing havocs being caused by job scammers on the economy, but more particularly on hapless job seekers who depend largely on their parents or guardians to even get the little money they needed to look for jobs, are partly aided by lack of regulations and appropriate sanctions against fraudulent employment agencies in the country. In his views, the Managing Director of Background Check International (BCI), Mr Kola Olugbodi, told National Mirror on the rising cases of job seekers being duped of money in their quest for employment, that the high level of unemployment in the country has pushed many job seekers into becoming easy prey for individuals and organisations with dubious intent. He pointed out however though it can be hard to tell the difference between a job scammer and a genuine employment agency, that there are warning signs of a potential job scam that job seekers should not ignore. According to other analysts, increasing numbers of innocent young men, women and even grownups seeking employment or jobs, are daily losing valuables that include cash and properties, with many young girls and women, in some instances, become objects of sexual preys to the job fraudsters. Nonetheless, many job seekers that have had the misfortune of falling for the antics of job scammers during their search for employment, the analysts suggested, usually put the blame squarely on the doorstep of the government for failing to protect them through the provision of timely, adequate and effective laws that could regulate the activities of employment agencies, be they fake or genuine that are operating in the country. The Managing Director of Prot Consulting Limited; a recruiting and outsourcing firm,Mr Sunny Agboju, said the activities of job scammers were largely due to the weak regulatory regime and seeming non-committal response of government towards their nefarious and illegal activities. He told our correspondent that job scammers have taken their trade and practice to newer and more daring heights; duping hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting job seekers in the process, and adding to the challenges young graduates, or even experienced professional faces in their struggles to secure

Olugbodi

Adeyemi

No geNuiNe aNd respoNsible compaNy or ageNcy employiNg job seekers will demaNd aNy form of fees or extract promise of

a fee from the job seekers.

eveN if the compaNies are recruitiNg by themselves, or usiNg aN employmeNt ageNcy to coNduct the exercise productive and gainful employments. A Mechanical Engineering graduate of Federal University of Technology, Yola, Mr Moses Abudu, explained that many young graduates have been duped once or twice or even thrice by job scammers, usually feels somewhat justified in also deciding to take full time into other forms of crime and criminality that may include but not limited to advance fee fraud, internet scam, or even kidnapping and armed robbery. “It is only the “Grace of God” that can rescue such individuals”, Abudu said, “considering that even the nation’s military and Para military institutions have not been spared the embarrassment of job scammer, with agencies like the police, customs and army openly disassociating themselves from the activities of job scammers year in and out. “All this are the more reason why it is very important for stakeholders that includes job seekers, genuine employment agencies and the government to become more aware of how to identify and avoid them”, he added. Explaining what job seekers could do

to identify and avoid job scammers, the Chief Recruiter of Purple Consulting Limited, Mr. Lucas Amachree, said the nation’s unemployment numbers kept rising as against claims of its reduction in certain circles, and that many stakeholders including himself remain petrified about the near lack of adequate regulations to guide the activities of employment agencies in the country. Amachree said also that as long as unemployment remained high without hope for millions of the umeployed, job scammers will always try to take advantage of people who are looking for work. “It is very important for job seekers to protect themselves by avoiding dealing with companies and individuals that guarantee that they can get them (job seekers) work, especially if they (employment agencies) charge you the job seeker a fee for the privilege. “No genuine and responsible company or agency employing job seekers will demand any form of fees or extract promise of a fee from the job seekers. Even if the companies are recruiting

by themselves, or using an employment agency to conduct the exercise”. He added that job seekers also must beware of companies and individuals that want to hire the means, saying if you are told as a job seeker that a company is willing to hire you without an interview, it’s a sign that all’s not right. Also explaining in the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, said in order to avoid and beat job scammer to their game, that job seekers must never give or share any personal financial information. “As a job seeker going through an employment agency, or even a friend recommended by another friend, never give out your bank account, credit card or other financial information to a company you cannot or have not found out fully about”. Adeyemi said those numbers can be used to steal from you the jobseekers, or even launder funds stolen from others through you. “In the same vein, don’t also pay for services. Job seekers are to beware of employment services firms that require you to pay upfront, even if they guarantee a refund”, he explained. On his part, the Managing Director of Findjobsafrica.com, Mr Funto Akinkugbe, said job seekers must ask questions thoroughly in order to avoid job scammers, saying most employment hopefuls do not ask questions in their haste and anxiety to secure the so called readily job available. According to him, it is also important that job seekers read the fine print and not agree to anything before reading a copy of a job service or head-hunter’s contract. “Understand what services the firm provides, what you’ll be responsible for doing, and the terms and conditions of their policy. If verbal promises are made but don’t appear in the contract, think twice about working with the firm”. Akinkugbe said also that job seekers must learn to trust their gut. “If your initial research on a potential employer makes you feel even the slightest bit uneasy, follow up with a more thorough investigation”. When victims of job scammers take action using legal means and through the law enforcement agencies, that is another sure way of avoiding them, he added.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Quality tips on how to be happy at work C an someone really strive being happy at work? after all, it is called work. Is work supposed to deliver happiness to us? Work can deliver happiness and employees can strive to be happy at work. Some people are happier at work than anywhere else, and they are perfectly healthy people. Whatever be the case, these tips here from (www.forbes.com) can help in making employees happier at work. Stop complaining- One of the biggest challenges of people being unable to be happy at work is really due to all the complaining. Add to it all the gossips and rumours; it makes a very difficult environment to try to build some joy and happiness in it. Tough as it may be, avoid complaining. Stop complaining. When you distance yourself from negativity, you will quite naturally be happy at work, or at least, feel a little happier. Don’t feel the need to complain as if it will resolve the issue. If you need to, discuss the challenge. Then find a way to diffuse it. Otherwise, you just stop. Resist complaining. Build affinity- Humans are social animals. We need others to connect. Learn to relate to others not just on the professional end but also on the personal side as well. Who knows? You may share some common interest

with your colleagues and work suddenly does not become boring. There are common topics to talk about. Help others when you can- That is a way to build affinity with the others. You will also sense energy within yourself because you are able to contribute beyond your regular work scope. Do not help by expecting others to return a favour though. You will be disappointed when others do not reciprocate. Help because you can and are willing. Look for connections-Sometimes you may not know it. But you may feel unhappy at work because you do not really know your role within the bigger organization. Look for connections and try to understand your work. Where do you fit in within your company? How do you contribute to the profits of the company? Look for these connections and keep learning new things. When you understand the bigger picture, you will understand your role and hence feel being happy at work. What is work to you?-Work means different things to different people. What does work mean to you? Is it something that puts bread on the table and that’s all? Or do you look to work to fulfill other aspects of your life? Try to understand what your relationship with work is, if you want to feel being happy at work. Know your destination-Where do

A group of people using computer to work in an office

you want to be? How does this contribute to your goals? Give yourself a goal. When you feel unhappy, you can always remind yourself of the bigger goal and how what you are doing now contributes to it. Seeing your goal and how work contributes to it can make you happy at work. Learn To accept and manage disappointments-Learn to accept and manage disappointments with people and with work. Nothing is perfect and situations are always in a flux. Not just at work, but everything else too. So, don’t

be too attached to the idea that you should be happy at work. Strive to be happy, but if sometimes that is not possible, learn to accept that it is a fact of life. You can achieve being happy at work. The secret is in understanding your role, your relationship with work, how you relate to people and how willing you are to be nice and stop complaining. Above and beyond that, learn to accept that disappointments come and go. Source: Forbes.com

Productivity centre gets new DG

he Federal Government has approved the appointment of Alhaji Kashim Yunusa Akor as the new Director-General/Chief Executive of the National Productivity Centre (NPC). A statement from NPC said the appointment was contained in a letter of signed by the immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Ikenya. According to NPC, the letter reads: “I am pleased to convey the approval of His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ref. No. PRES/94/ML/103 dated 18th May, 2015 of your appointment as the new Director-

Workers in office

rom www.jobsinnigeria.com are various positions in PharmaDeko Plc for an Industrial Electrician, with responsibilities for effective maintenance of electrical parts of machines, to detect electrical faults on machines and proffer solution and ensure quick response to electrical faults within the Factory The qualification required are a minimum of Labour Trade Test I,II and III,minimum of 3 years working experience in a manufacturing Industry preferably a bottling and canning factory, must be between 18 and 35 years of age, while computer literacy is an added advantage Other positions from Pharma-Deko Plc are those for Mechanical Technician with responsibilities is the same

Job vacancies

as for the Industrial electrician, Title Legal Officer who must have graduated from an accredited university and from law school, and with a 3 years’ post call to bar experience and age between 35 – 40 years The responsibilities for the Title Legal Officer are to interact with various levels from staff to management, partner with and influence others to drive process changes. The incoming must also have strong analytical skills to form objective conclusions and Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to synthesize information and make clear, concise recommendations on courses of action From the United Arab Emirates (www.jobsindubai.com) are positions

for Mechanical Engineers with Responsibilities for Marine Boat Mechanical and electrical works The boat engineer’s primary responsibility is to maintain the mechanical propulsion systems of a marine vessel, including the engines, pumps, boilers and generators. Additional responsibilities include maintaining electrical, refrigeration, ventilation, heating and cooling systems. From www.findjobafrica.com is the position for Territory Manager to be based within the Johannesburg area of South Africa. The territory manager will be responsible for selling the organisation’s products and/or services to all customers in the geographic territory,

General of the National Productivity Centre, with effect from 19th May, 2015, for a first tenure of four (4) years.” He said the appointment is consequent upon the completion of the second and final tenure of the erstwhile Director –General, Dr. Paul. M. Bdliya Akor, who holds a Master Degree in Public Administration and a Certificate in Productivity Management from Spring Institute, Singapore among other professional certificates, was a Director in the Centre with over twenty years experience as a Productivity Practitioner. He is married with children.

expands existing customer relationships, and executes account sales plans in support of business strategy across dealer and distribution channels. Others are to supports counterparts in strengthening their relations in customer partnerships, develop, manage, and maintain business relationships with distributors within the assigned territory, and extend and expands sale of products and services to existing clients. Required as qualifications for the post are solid understanding of how to think strategically, ability to encourages and empower others to achieve; ability to establish challenging performance standards and creates enthusiasm amongst others.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Abandoned buildings: Undermining government’s housing scheme, environment All over the country, abandoned building projects have become serious challenge to government’s quests to provide affordable housing units to teeming Nigerians as well as the nation’s environment. SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE reports.

ike a sore thumb, the challenges of abandoned building projects in some states of the federation have given serious concerns to some government officials, including stakeholders in the sector. Investigation by National Mirror shows that such situation affects virtually all the parts of the country, ranging from the south to east and down to north. Instead of declining as expected, consid-

Experts list challenges of real estate sector 27

ering the housing deficits in the country, abandoned and uncompleted building projects are growing on daily basis, thus forcing some state governors to read riot acts to owners of such buildings. For instance, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has raised alarm over the level of uncompleted building projects in Ibadan metropolis, threatening to take over those projects and convert them into public use. According to the governor, such aban-

doned projects constitute serious security threat to the people; add to the growing housing deficits while having environmental impacts on the state. Urging owners of those projects in the state to move fast and take physical possession of the projects, the governor said, failure do that, the owners would forfeit them to the state government. Reacting on the dangers of abandoned projects, a lecturer at the Department of

Urban and Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, Dr Abegunde Albert was said to have noted that abandoned structures pose serious risks to the society. According to him, such structures serve as hideouts to criminals while constituting untidy environment as they are not adequately maintained. Albert said, over time, many uncovered CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Decorator Tricks for small Living Rooms

FG to enforce Metrology law 28

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abandoned buildings: Undermining government’s housing scheme, environment CONTINUED FROM 25 structures become weak and as such, may suddenly collapse, thus affecting people and houses around the vicinity. A Lagos-based, indigene of Ibadan, who pleaded for anonymity said, some of those abandoned buildings are objects of litigations and as such, they will remain so until such cases were disposed-off. He cited a four-storey building on UI-Secretariat road in Ibadan, which has been left uncompleted for more than 15 years, noting with displeasure that such structure has become a common sight in the state. According to the source, such building has at different times, served as a furniture display centre, used cars showroom, a cafeteria, and also a mobile police post. He disclosed that some buildings may have been abandoned due to litigation, demise of owners of such buildings or lack of funds to continue the projects. ‘’Unless we take adequate attention now to arrest the ugly situation, the trend might take a negative dimension in the near future. Governors should be bold to take a decisive decision on those projects. They should not use it to witch-hunt perceived political opponents. We are drifting to a serious danger, if we allow the situation to degenerate to a state of irretrievable abandonments’’, he stated. Further investigations by National Mirror shows that there is no solution in sight to prove that owners of such projects were ready to take over those abandoned projects in the near future. An economic expert, Jude Oboh said some of the abandoned and uncompleted buildings have become a potential hideout for miscreants, citing one of the states in South-west, where a notorious abandoned building was used as deadly hideout for rapists and murderers. Citing a reported case of “house of horror” in Ibadan, where several dead bodies, human parts and victims of rituals were found in an uncompleted building near Lagos-Ibadan expressway, he said such inhuman acts could go un-noticed, saying crime is very high under uncompleted buildings, than an open arena. A housing expert, Jerome Nwosu told National Mirror that abandoned properties can hinder government’s move to provide shelter for Nigerians while putting residents around the area at risk. Not quite long ago, the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory was requesting for stiffer laws to demolish abandoned and uncompleted buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The Ministry said about 435 of such properties had been identified in the FCT. It would be recalled that about nine persons were said to have been killed by security operatives in an uncompleted building located at Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. The Ministry said many uncompleted buildings in the territory served as hideouts for hoodlums, complaining that the administration was often restrained from pulling down such structures as they obtain injunctions stopping the FCT administration from demolishing those buildings. Analysts said abandoned structures should always be the responsibility of people living in the vicinity, saying, ‘’Abandoned structures are the responsibilities of

Buhari

Former Minister of Housing, Land and Property, Akon Eyakenyi

UNLESS WE TAKE ADEQUATE ATTENTION NOW TO ARREST THE

UGLY SITUATION, THE TREND MIGHT TAKE A NEGATIVE DIMENSION IN THE NEAR FUTURE

Adedeji

people in such neighbourhood. The problem at times, is not only abandoned properties, but also abandoned neighbourhood’’, he stated.

Unarguably, the beauty of an environment is based on the monitoring of its growth and development. Such projects, expert say cannot be coordinated. It also reduces the value of any given area. Also, Lagos state government has not shielded away from the prospect of taking over abandoned properties in the state, as recent indications have suggested. It would be recalled that recently, the state government had given a clear warn-

ing that it could take over all abandoned properties within the landmass of Lagos, because they had the possibility of becoming a den of criminals and miscreants, among other problems. Effects of abandoned properties, according to experts include pollution, health problem, city’s financial loss, obscenity, crime, property value decline, and development control problems. Others are wastage of resources, dangerous reptiles, accident and vagrancy as the brunt of abandoned structures is found to be more in medium residential density. Experts say to stem the tide of abandonment; the concept of Land Use Act should be looked into with the view to making it more encouraging. Vice Chairman of the Association of Estate Agency of Nigeria, Esv Kunle Adedeji recently called for the amendment of some sections of the Land Use Act, to discourage governments from using it against perceived political opponents. Adedeji said the aspect that gives governors so much power to revoke the authority of the land should be particularly amended. He however noted that the Land Use Act vested ownership of the land, and management of land as well as power to allot and revoke land squarely on government. Listing one of the issues working against the Act to include political influence, where government would be persecuting opponents on land issue, he said, ‘’We have several cases of such, so am of the opinion that some sections should be amended so that government will not be able to use the Act against perceived political opponents. Recent report has shown that the value of some abandoned properties, especially those in Victoria Island stands at above N5 billion as private individuals, federal government and various state governments have been found to be guilty of such development. According to a recent survey, beyond many abandoned residential properties, there are also many abandoned buildings, once served as liaison offices for many states in the past. Experts say a property cannot be considered to be abandoned, if the property owner lives abroad, but returns yearly to oversee the properties.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Experts list challenges of real estate sector

MORTGAGE NOTES

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

with Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja

Fasanya-Osilaja

Email: Nike@MVPSolutionsinc.com https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=35277333

Appraisal standardisation-Property valuation considerations

oday, I will be deviating from my usual conversation topics, and responding to a few of the questions/ issues raised on my column topics. I have responded to all your questions privately and thank you for reading and following my pieces. Issue: A reader believed it was important for me to note that property valuation in Nigeria is usually based on a price per square footage, of the property, and pricing, as a result, is quite transparent. My answer: Does the square footage pricing of the subject property relate to comparisons with similar properties? As I said in a previous column, I analyzed an appraisal for a Lagos property and was very troubled by the information it contained. The comps section was my biggest issue, because they were so dissimilar that they were actually “incomparable”, rather than comparables. A truly comparable property will be in the same, or economically similar location (you cannot compare a detached property in Isolo with a detached property in Ajah, even if it has the same exact design); they will be of the same or similar use (you cannot compare a private property with a commercial property, or a detached property with a high rise apartment); they will be of similar finish (you cannot compare a detached property that has marble floors with a detached property that has vinyl tiles, even if it has the same exact design). I could go on and on. I am still awaiting his answer… Question: As a loan officer, what are the most important things I should be analyzing in an appraisal? My answer: There are several critical elements to a good appraisal evaluate, but the singular most important element, is the quality of the appraisal itself. If you have a poor appraisal report, you have a non-starter. Please refer to my column of last week, and start vetting your appraisers

before you assign jobs to them. Certain data in the report should point you to the quality of the appraiser’s report. You should be looking for two main figures – the Fair Market Value (sales approach valuation) of the property, and the Replacement Value (cost of replacement approach), of the property. The first figure gives an indication of how much you could conceivably sell the property for in the current market, while the second figure tells you what it would cost to rebuild the property, if it suffered a loss (and therefore, what value the property should be insured for). They should never be the same figure, and if the appraisal shows the same, that is the biggest red flag of a shoddy appraisal job. Comps, comps, comp! The comps are your biggest indicator of value. Solid comps will tell you how much similar properties are being sold for and how long they are staying on the market before they sell. Since one of the main goals of investment is to take advantage of the time value of money, the financial projections prior to disbursement of funds for a project must include a realistic assessment of foreclosure processes and their time value implications. As a loan officer, you must evaluate every client for their ability to repay, and every property for its distress sale capabilities. In a system where there is no concrete data reporting system, the challenges are myriad. Also, the legal system is abysmal when it comes to property and land law, and property matters are typically in court for decades. It is your duty as a loan officer to ensure a mitigation of any anticipated problems, prior to even submitting the loan file to underwriting so your Bank’s financial turnover is not affected by funds being tied down in slow moving physical assets of the size and price of Nigerian property. I know my answer to your ques-

THERE ARE SEVERAL CRITICAL ELEMENTS TO A GOOD APPRAISAL EVALUATE, BUT THE SINGULAR MOST IMPORTANT

ELEMENT, IS THE QUALITY OF THE APPRAISAL ITSELF tion is rather long, but I really wanted to emphasize to you the importance of the loan officer as the “sentry at the gate”. Question: With the current situation in the country, how feasible is such a drastic proposal for the appraisal indusxxxxx try to revamp itself ? Answer: The issue for me is not so much the feasibility of the plan, but the fact that it is needed. For me, once something is needed there is no reason to expend energy on the problems that may arise. We have to start from somewhere and improve on the plan as it goes forward. Doing nothing is not an option. The feasibility of the proposal will depend entirely on the will of the implementers to do the right thing. I do know this, once we have a functional system in place, it can only get better…or so we hope. As usual, all comments and questions are welcome, and I will be with you again next week.

ABOUT THE WRITER Fasanya-Osilaja a lawyer and mortgage expert has owned and operated Marvel Ventures Mortgage, Inc. (www.marvelmortgage.com), a Chicagobased Mortgage Brokerage Company since 2000 and has worked in the US Mortgage industry since 1996. She also consults and facilitates industryrequired activities, from set up of mortgage organisations to documentation, training and compliance.

xperts in the nation’s real estate sector have listed some challenges affecting the industry to include high interest rate, sustainable credit delivery as well as regulatory challenges among others. They also noted that 80 percent of funding in the nation’s real estate comes from foreign portfolio, stressing that domestic real estate market requires huge funding. Others include Property registration, contract enforcement and financial sector challenges. Rising from the Investment forum, organised by Lekki Garden while noting that land swooping is viable alternative to land use act, said it would only require modification to make it efficient. Speaking on the investment forum, the Managing Director, Lekki Garden, Richard Yong said domestic market requires the necessary funds to ensure the desired growth. He said, his company is out to crash huge investments in the sector on yearly basis, saying they saw opportunity for the growth of the industry and they lashed on it, promising that the sector will grow with the right investments and funding. Some experts in the forum said, the United Nation projected 17 million housing deficit and N60

trillion required to meet the challenges when the population of the country was 140 million. They however wondered what would be the deficit and capital investments now that Nigeria is over 170 million people. Managing Director, Infrastructure, Mr Oyinloye identified residential segment of the real estate market as a sub-sector with massive inherent untapped potential. He quoted the National Bureau of Statistics as saying that “Nigeria’s real estate market was valued at approximately N1.4tn in 2011 and has risen to N6.5tn in 2015.” The TIB boss said the sub-sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product was 7.7 per cent in 2012 and rose to 11 per cent in 2014. According to him, growth in population, burgeoning middle class economic expansion and expanding hospitality industry, among others, are catalysts for further growth in the real estate sector. He said 80 per cent of the adult population in Nigeria was living in rented apartments compared to Ghana and South Africa, which had between 20 and 25 per cent. He said about 50 per cent of Nigerians were either homeless or were living in inadequate shelter. His bank, he said, was already working on providing solutions to the challenges in the residential real estate market in the country.

AfDB, DFID reflect on land value, innovations

irector, African Development Bank, AfDB, Infrastructure, Transport, Urban Development and ICT Department, OITC, Mr Amadou Oumarou has said urban population in Africa would increase by an additional 300 million people in the next 20 years. He said, given the limitation of current financing mechanisms, it is critical to find more innovative and sustainable funding sources Tagged, “Urban infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa: Harnessing land values, Housing and Transport’’, he said, the meeting was critical to find more innovative and sustainable funding sources, given that urban population in Africa will increase by an additional 300 million people in the next two decades. He stressed the need for working differently to move the agenda forward, saying “there is a dire need for huge investments in urban infrastructure”. The discussions at the meeting revolved around research find-

ings by the African Centre for Cities, ACC, at Cape Town University, South Africa and funded by DFID. It proposes mechanisms to exploit land values to finance urban infrastructure, particularly housing and transport. DFID, as ACC sought the cooperation of the African Development Bank on the issue in the context of AfDB’s urban development strategy. The meeting also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss broader issues associated with infrastructure finance in Sub-Saharan African cities in order to allow information to be shared by development agencies and development finance institutions based on their experience and programme work. Other key issues explored included, developing strategic partnerships on knowledge production with key urban development institutions in Africa, municipal funding options of urban infrastructure, as well as strengthening AfDB’s leadership in the urban development sector.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Decorator Tric

Living in an apartment, or in an older home with tiny roo challenge: how to make your limited space seem large decorating ideas

d it wil ror indow an w Hang a Mir a te si o the opp a mirror , making Place d the room r, the ght aroun li e c n u r the mirro e o g b ig b e h airier. T space feel better.

Go Light Use light colors on the walls and floor. Softer hues can make a cramped room feel bigger and brighter.

SA’s Green Building sector gains momentum

reen Building Council of South Africa, GBCSA said its green building sector has gained significant momentum with 100 Green Star certifications. The pace of green building certifications has been rising rapidly in South Africa. In 2009, the country’s first green certification was awarded by the GBCSA and in April 2014, the country celebrated its 50 Green Star SA ratings and a year later, it doubled to one hundred with 25 certifications awarded in the first quarter of this year alone. Established in 2007, the Green Building Council of South Africa, GBCSA, has pioneered transformation of the South African property sector by promoting and facilitating environmentally sustainable building practises from the design phase to construction and operation. Chief Executive Officer, GBCSA, Brian Wilkinson said, “Achieving 100 certifications indicate the commercial property sector’s commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency

in response to growing cities and related challenges to energy infrastructure.” This clear signal of the move towards green building is particularly significant as buildings are responsible for around 40 percent of the world’s end-use energy consumption through their on-going operation; buildings are amongst the main contributors to climate change. “There are multiple incentives involved in green building initiatives”, says Wilkinson, “Ultimately the upward trend in the number of buildings being certified and those applying for certification illustrates that awareness and perceptions around environmental issues have changed and evolved. Energy efficiency and the financial rewards notwithstanding, green building is the right thing to do.” There are over 1.8 million square metres of green certified space covered by the 100 Green Star SA certification – or the equivalent of 263 rugby fields. Given the sustainable, green implementations in these building projects, their positive im-

pacts are far reaching. The 100 Green Star certified projects achieve the combined annual savings of 131 million kilowatt hours of electricity - the equivalent of powering 9,130 households for a year. This takes massive pressure off South Africa’s struggling power grid. The 100 certifications also save a total of 176 million kilograms of carbon emissions – the same as taking 44,096 cars off the roads, or 5,000 full Boeing 747 flights travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town as they save 171 million litres of drinking water, which equates to the daily water requirements for nearly 86-million people for one day. All these savings also have a meaningful impact to the bottom lines of the businesses that own and occupy these green buildings. In addition to creating more sustainable and productive environments, the financial incentives of operating green buildings are also being realised, particularly in the face of South Africa’s water scarcity and increasing energy costs. Wilkinson stresses: “Green

Star certification allows for the recognition and reward of environmental leadership and the GBCSA could not have reached 100 certifications without support and innovation from across the industry.” Wilkinson explains that with green building accelerating in South Africa, as its extensive benefits are being increasingly recognised, it has become essential for a rigorous, standardised system that rates just how green projects are with tangible results to back up these claims.

Completed Benin-Ondo road

FG to enforce Metrology la SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ermanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa has said, the Federal Government would enforce Metrology law in filling stations in the country. It is a law guiding dispensing of petrol to the consuming public at the filling stations.

Disclosing this when he led an inspection team of Weights and Measures department to enforce the law in filling stations in Lugbe, Abuja said some filling stations short-change customers from two operational dispensing pumps by 2 litres 69 mls for every 20 litres of PMS (17.31 as 20 litres) while other dispensing pump dispensed 18.66 litres for every 20 litres. Some filing stations inspected by the team included the NNPC Sabon

Lug tal F way Way Zon A Lug pum whi leve A ern men

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Real Estate & Environment

cks for small Living Rooms

oms, can present a er. Try these easy homes ur Wall r to Yo lls crelo o C urtain he wa feel Your C with t a room Match s that blend aking in e, m en lin Curta nbrok u n a ate . larger much

Make Use of Corners

Install Floating Shelves

ce without the bulkiThey offer storage spa es, and armoires. ness of chests, bookcas t your nightstands for You can even swap ou floating shelves.

This often-overlooked area can be a great spot to squeeze in an extra accent chair or a corner bookshelf, making your room more livable. Or tuck a cozy chair in a corner to create an instant reading nook. Source: www.realsimple.com

Residential property prices in Dubai drop

esidential real estate prices in Dubai continued to fall in the first six weeks of the second quarter of this year compared to the first three months of 2015, according to the latest data. However it is not necessarily bad news, according to the mid quarter research report from Phidar Advisory. ‘The ongoing erosion of sale prices is a healthy correction. The more significant concern is the scale and nature of the upcoming launched and announced projects,’ said Jesse

Downs, the firm’s managing director. The report shows that apartment lease rates decreased a nominal 2.4%, while sale prices decreased 1.5%, marginally tightening yields. Lease rates for villas decreased 0.6% and sale prices decreased 2.9%, which pushed up yields slightly. In the first five months of 2015, apartment transaction volumes were down a modest 1.5%, compared to the same period in 2014.

gbe; NNPC, Durumi, Area 1, ToFiling station, Herbert Macaulay y, Forte Oil Olusegun Obasanjo y, and Total filing station, Wuse ne 6. At the NNPC filing station Sabon gbe, it was discovered that one mp was sealed for re-calibration ile others were within tolerance el stipulated by law. Abdulkadir reiterated that govnment is committed to enforcent of legal metrology laws in all

sectors of the economy adding that government would not tolerate anybody to cheat customers because they are desperate to get fuel. “Whatever we are doing now is to send messages to those defaulters that we are now standing on our feet and we are now going to be effective in regulating weights and measurements act in the oil and gas sector. I assure you that what happened in the past will no longer be because now, Nigerians know what we can

do. We had synergize with the oil major and stakeholders in the sector and they are well informed of our statutory responsibilities of ensuring that trade is fair, correct and transparent” “As a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, I do not belief in sitting down behind the board to read report written by my staff, I wanted to see my men in action to ensure compliance with weights and measurements act and I really commend

them for their dedication and effort in view of limited funds and staff” Director Weights and Measures, Engr. Adeyinka Sikuade while addressing journalists said that it was extremely disappointing that motorist were being short change in the filing stations and that the department will continue to embark on such exercise throughout the federation in order to established that marketers conform with fairness and standards.

SFH volumes contracted almost 25%, over the same period. This is based on initial transaction data from the Dubai Land Department, which is subject to revision. The report references income specific supply-demand imbalances. The most vulnerable segment is housing supply with current annual rents of AED100, 000 to AED160, 000 per annum, which could be oversupplied by up to 40% in five years. ‘If we consider only under construction and launched projects, the majority of the development pipeline is justified due to sufficient total demand,’ said Downs, who added that over building in the middle high income segment is likely to increase competition and lead to supply reordering. The potential for total market disequilibrium increases significantly when adding announced projects into the supply pipeline, the report points out. Total market vacancy could reach 11% by 2020. Factor in a healthy frictional vacancy and the total vacancy rate converts to a 7 percent oversupply.

Real Estate & Environment

Property market looks strong in Q1 R

eal estate markets in emerging countries have shown a strong start in the first quarter of 2015, including rising purchasing power and infrastructure development, according to a new report covering eight key countries. Already, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is already affecting property prices in Qatar, where prices are rising not just in areas close to new infrastructure, according to the report from global property portal Lamudi. In Africa, rapid infrastructure development is having a significant impact on property markets, particularly in Kenya. Improvements within and outside the Nairobi CBD is driving a property boom in the city outskirts, it claims The report suggests that falling global oil prices is expected to improve the outlook for both real estate in Pakistan with

reduced inflation expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, particularly property markets. While in nearby Bangladesh consumer confidence is improving and there is hope that the country’s real estate market will gradually pick up. In the Ivory Coast, real estate has emerged as one of the most dynamic and varied sectors in the country. However, accessing property is not always easy, the report points out. On average, only four out of 10 own their home, with renting being more widespread. Jakarta remains the location with the highest average property prices in Indonesia, but other cities are now catching up. South Tangerang and Bekasi are attracting property-seekers, largely as a result of low real prices, infrastructure development and close proximity to the

capital. The holiday home market is having a significant impact on real estate in Mexico. Acapulco is still the preferred beach destination for the population of Ensenada, while those living in Playas el Rosarito tend to visit Tijuana and the United States. Due to fraud issues with banks in Mauritius, many property seekers are facing money concerns, with adverse effects for the real estate market. However, at the same time, the luxury segment in coastal regions and beyond is booming. ‘Our data shows a clear trajectory of property sector growth in the emerging markets. From infrastructure development, to rising purchasing power among a growing middle class, a range of factors are fuelling real estate expansion in these regions,’ said Lamudi Global managing director Paul Philipp Hermann.

UK Property

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rich people use real estate to hide money –Sabbour

hief Executive Officer of Al-Ahly for Real Estate Development, Mr Hussien Sabbour has said rich people use real estate sector to hide their money, legally or illegally to make profit. In a press conference, Sabbour said low-income housing is witnessing a low turnout due to the inability of Egypt’s youth to pay as well as high interest rates. “Egypt is considered one of the highest countries in terms of interest rates on housing units,” Sabbour said. “The government is a bad manufacturer and a bad trader, and it has to

allow private companies to work on facilitating the lands and building them.” He noted that slums lack any engineering design or urban division standards. For his part, Mountain View CEO Ayman Soliman said Egypt’s informal areas increased in the period the government was busy in building the Marina area near Alexandria. Informal settlements increased as the government’s budget was directed towards developing Marina, therefore neglecting to cater for lower income housing units, he noted.

Asking property prices in UK show strong rise

onfidence has returned to the UK property market after the election and is so high that asking prices in London increased by more than £10,000 in the last month. The latest Home.co.uk index from shows that average prices rose in all English regions and Wales for a fourth consecutive month and momentum is on the rise even in the formerly stagnant North East property market with a 13 percent improvement in the average marketing time. The report also points out that the supply of property for sale remains behind buyer demand in all regions except Greater London, where marketing times have increased considerably over the last year. Asking prices increased 2 percent over the last month in the London region and by 1.1% overall in England and Wales during the last month. The growth takes the average annual home price appreciation for England and Wales to 5.9 percent and further price rises are predicted this year. The Prime central London

market may have been freed from the political uncertainty regarding mansion tax and non-dom legislation but has yet to regain the momentum lost over the last 18 months. Pricing remains stagnant and flats in locations such as Belgravia are typically spending around 50 percent more time on the market than they were in June 2014. Time on market data for the rest of the UK shows that the northern regional markets, Scotland and Wales have all increased their momentum over the last 12 months. However, the southern regions such as the South East, East of England and South West are indicating slight increases in marketing times as higher prices have lessened demand. ‘Whilst 2015 is looking like a much better year for the northern regions, Scotland and Wales, hopes that the market in London and surrounding southern regions might slow to a more sustainable pace have been swept aside by further relentless price rises,’ said Doug Shephard, Home.co.uk director.

tion in mainstream prices. European countries which claimed almost exclusive rights to the bottom half of the rankings for several years are now more evenly spread with seven of the top 10 countries now located in Europe. But a two-speed Europe is increasingly evident. Cyprus, Greece, France and Italy sit amongst the 10 weakest performing markets, notable by their absence however are Spain and Portugal. Prices in Spain are now rising at their fast-

est rate in six years due in part to improve mortgage lending. While prices continue to soften in China, down 6.4 percent on average year on year, the volume of sales rose 7 percent year on year in April on the back of looser monetary policy. The United States, on the other hand, recorded 4.1% growth in the year to March but with underlying inflation still raising a rate rise is expected later this year.

Global house prices show weaker growth

lobal house prices are experiencing weakest annual growth for three years, rising by just 0.3 percent, according to the latest international index. But this figure hides strong performances by a number of key countries in Europe with growth led by Hong Kong, which has seen mainstream prices rise by 19 percent. The data from Knight Frank’s global house price index also

shows that with some of the larger economies such as Japan, France and crucially China, all experiencing housing market slowdowns this is masking the fact that overall a large number of countries are now recording a more sustainable level of growth. Around 75 percent of the countries tracked by the index recorded flat or positive annual price growth in the first quarter of 2015; three years earlier this figure was closer to 47.2 percent.

The weakest-performing world region is now Russia and CIS with prices down 2.3% on average year on year. On a country basis Ukraine, Cyprus and China occupy the bottom rankings for annual price growth, falling 15.5 percent, 8.2 percent and 6.4 percent respectively. The report points out that a lack of supply in Hong Kong along with the popularity of smaller apartments due to affordability constraints is behind the accelera-

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Aviation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN: Airports’ rent-seeking agency without operational hub – Stakeholders The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is unarguably the richest agency in the country’s aviation industry with earnings estimated at billions of naira monthly, but stakeholders and professionals in the sector say the agency is yet to live up to expectations of its clients. Olusegun Koiki writes.

he FAAN has its mission as “to develop and profitably manage customer centric airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world class standards” while its visionary projection is “to be amongst the best airport groups in the world.” In reality, FAAN, which is the airports regulatory agency saddled with the responsibility of managing all commercial airports and providing services to both passenger and cargo airlines, is seen by aviation stakeholders as not living up to expectations, at least for now, in terms of its mandate and mission statement, despite despite the several billions of naira it generates on monthly basis. For instance, available statistics on the Authority’s earnings indicated that about three years ago, its monthly earnings were over N1.2 billion from the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos alone while most of the other 20 airports were equally commercially viable for the agency. Whiles agencies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, and the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, all have befitting permanent edifices within the Lagos airport as their headquarters, the FAAN, which is naturally referred to “as landlord” of the airports, is still operating in makeshift building as its corporate head office in the same city. Some industry stakeholders interviewed by National Mirror attributed the challenges facing the Authority to the attitude of successive ministers in the sector who allegedly turned the parastatal to what could be likened to a money dispensing Automated Teller Machine, ATM, lacking capacity to reject demands of its over-bearing owners Investigations carried out by our corre-

MD FAAN, Dunoma

MMIA Lagos

In less developed countrIes lIke ours, governments should be tIltIng towards buIldIng and enhancIng the transport system rather than just offloadIng the assets spondent revealed that mismanagement of revenues, especially the penchant of ministers to spend earned incomes without regard to due process and accountability with the active connivance of principal civil servants in the Ministry and parastatals, remained the greatest undoing of the Authority over the past years. In the twilight of his administration, the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka told aviation professionals and stakeholders in Lagos that FAAN has a total staff strength of 5, 308, with 1, 153, representing 21.7 per cent were technical staff while the none-technical staff were 4, 154, representing 78.26 per cent. According to Chidoka, key issues confronting FAAN were the over N30 billion in pension liability, which he said were unfunded, indebtedness of airlines to the agency, staffing inefficiencies in Nigerian airports when compared with other airports of similar size around the world, ageing staff with very little competitive drive, lack of systematic evaluation and absence of long term staffing plan, which he attributed to the absence of a long term business plans. Speaking on the performance of FAAN in recent years,, the Director, Research, Zenith Travels Limited, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo said that FAAN needed help as an organisation. Ohunayo insisted that the problem facing the organisation went beyond budgetary al-

location from the Federal Government, but said that the organisation lacks transparency, which had not made it to convince reputable investors to invest or partner with it for the improvement of the nation’s airports. He explained that the non-availability of a verifiable financial statement over the years, frequent changes in management and leadership in the supervising ministry were other contributory factors militating against the growth of the agency that manages 21 Federal Government airports in the country. Ohunayo noted that although, the past ministers in the sector were from the same political party, but decried that they had divergent policy trust for the organisation, while implementation most times ended on the drawing board. He insisted that the agency could survive and generate funds for the treasury if the government gave reputable airport companies the contract to manage FAAN for a minimum of 10 years, just as major airports all over the world are managed and run. “Expertise is required in airport management and in generating non-aviation income. One of the main reasons why Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited is seen as a model is its success in bringing the contribution of nonaviation income to about 70 per cent of total turnover, which presently is about 25 per cent in FAAN. “Airports world over are seeking to in-

crease nonaviation income. The Unite Kingdom, UK, experience of privatising worked well in a matured political society after being a regulated environment for decades. “In less developed countries like ours, governments should be tilting towards building and enhancing the transport system rather than just offloading the assets. This is to avoid a situation whereby we move from ugly stateowned airports to even uglier privately owned airports. It is noteworthy that most reputable private sector investors would not consider buying an airport with fewer than one million passengers.” Ohunayo explained that the problem in FAAN was not privatisation, but bloated contract debts, political interference and appointees that had made the organisation top heavy, adding that the running cost of the agency had increased in recent time due to duplicated positions “while they subtly run errands for their pay masters through allocation of contracts. Also speaking, an aviation analyst and publisher of Travel and Business News, Mr. Ewos Iroro said that FAAN needed to be more proactive in every aspect. He emphasised that FAAN was more preoccupy with revenue collection, which he said was placed above efficiency, service delivery and safe practices. Besides, Iroro lamented that the agency lacked maintenance culture, which had made the airport terminals and environments to dilapidate at an alarming rate and called for outsourcing of some aspects of FAAN’s responsibilities to organisations that could handle them better. “If you go to airports anywhere in the world, maintenance is a regular thing. So, FAAN needs to be forward thinking. They have a very good mission and vision statements. But for you to be among the top the world, you must have performance, what is your turnaround time for an average aircraft? “From the point of facilitation of your passengers through to baggage delivery, all these things come to play in your performance as airport- facilitation; our baggage delivery is not up to scratch. Airlines don’t want to spend maximum 30 minutes and they are back in the sky, but when B767, 777 and 747 come in just three airlines and if they make the mistake of coming concurrently, the entire airport is at a logjam. Why? The checked in luggage don’t come out on time. “You have arrived an airport and you still spend another one hour or more just trying to get your bag out. That’s facilitation, which FAAN has never gotten right. The conveyor belts never worked; they have been changed and new, new carousels, but you can go and look at it yourself; the new carousel are already falling apart,” he said.

Aviation

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Aero incident: Airline chief cautions media against sensationalism StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

L-R: President Region Africa Robert Bosch, Dr. Markus Thill, Member of the Board of Management Robert Bosch GmbH, Uwe Raschke and General Manager Robert Bosch Nigeria, Ghislain Noumbessy at the opening ceremony of the Bosch Nigeria office in Lagos recently.

because of sensational reports. This could have ripple effects on the domestic airline sector. “The report was totality misleading and far cry from what happened during the Aero flight. Media organisations should realise they are stakeholders in aviation industry by carrying out constructive and developmental reporting to grow the aviation sector. The publication on the aircraft incident was unprofessional.

“The pilot acted professionally by following procedure by bringing the aircraft to a lower altitude. The pilot came down to 10,000 feet to where there is lower pressurisation. It is a non-issue. Passengers should stop raising false alarm. This has the tendency to scare the flying public.” He implored the flying public not to exercise fear over such reports, stressing that the nation’s aviation industry and the airline sub-sector was safe for flying.

Delta appoints new EMEA Senior Vice President

elta Airline has appointed Mr. Nathaniel Pieper as new Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, EMEA, effective August this year. The new appointee would take over from Mr. Perry Cantarutti who would leave the airline on secodnment to the SkyTeam global airline alliance to assume the position of the Chief Executive Officer, CEO. A statement by the airline’s media consultant in Nigeria indicated that Pieper, who is at the moment based in Paris, on resumption would have accountability for all of Delta’s Europe, Middle East and Africa commercial activities, including maxi-

Delta, Nat Pieper

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Still on Customs, FAAN parley aviation rules

edia houses in the country have been advised against sensational reporting of events, especially those in tge aviation industry. The Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema told journalists that sensational reporting involving airline incidents could have rippling effects on air safety and the growth of the entire industry. Onyema spoke against the backdrop of the recent incident involving Aero Airlines when the Pilot-In-Command professionally initiated diversion of a Kaduna bound aircraft to Abuja due to depressurization in the cabin, adding that the way a section of the media reported the incidents was a misrepresentation of what transpired during the flight. He said:“It was an unfortunate publication. Though was not about Air Peace, but another airline, Aero. I could feel their pain the way the story was reported. The reportage was alarmists and could scare the flying public. Media houses should exercise professional restrain in matters of aviation

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mising the long-term growth opportunities for the airline’s joint venture agreement with Air France KLM and Alitalia as well as the partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways. Pieper would regularly report to Delta’s President, Ed Bastian. An aviation industry expert with 18 years’ experience, Pieper was previously Delta’s Vice President of Fleet Strategy and Transactions, responsible for strategy, analysis, acquisition, disposition and investment in Delta’s 1300 mainline and regional aircraft. Over the past five years, Delta has acquired more than 400 aircraft as part of its fleet optimization strategy, during which Pieper led seven aircraft acquisition campaigns. Having joined Northwest Airlines’ Finance department in 1997, Pieper held a number of leadership roles at Northwest including Vice President – Alliances, where he led Northwest’s innovative trans-Atlantic joint venture with KLM. He also served as Vice Chairman of SkyTeam. Pieper holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance, strategy and transportation management from Northwestern Uni-

versity’s Kellogg School of Management. “Nat’s outstanding record of strategic fleet management, combined with his experience of forging worldclass partnerships, will keep Delta on course for success on the transAtlantic, continuing the great work achieved under Perry Cantarutti,” said Bastian.

takeholders who were privy to the attacks of some Aviation Security, AVSEC, of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN airports officials by their Customs counterparts were relieved last week when the Comptroller-General of the service, Mr. Abdullahi Dikko, vowed to punish officers that perpetrated the despicable act. Dikko’s assurance came after a meeting with the FAAN authorities. In a joint press statement by the two organisations’ leadership, he stated that the Service would review the current deployments of its officers to airports across the country to ensure that only officers who met the requirements of civility were retained or deployed to the airport environments. This is just as the NCS boss

hinted that both agencies had agreed to work together for improved airport security. Airside says on the surface, this promises and vows look possible, but implementation has always been the problem. While Airside believes that there is no problem among the senior cadres of the two organisations, occasional feud is usually noticed among lower cadres who have always experienced difficulties in relating well with each other. Airside advices that the Comptroller-General of Customs should walk the talk to prevent a recurrence because of all the tough talks of the past had been implemented, the disgraceful act displayed by his men would not have happened. Happy new relationship, but Airside and others still watch with keen interest.

Time for FG’s intervention in aviation fuel scarcity

he nation’s aviation industry especially the airline sub-sector witnessed its lowest ebb in recent weeks with the disappearance of Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel in the local parlance. The situation was so disgusting that Nigerian airlines flew to other African countries to purchase fuel for domestic operations while foreign carriers never bothered with our fuel. Though, the situation has ameliorated in recent time, but Airside says it is not yet uhuru. This is the time for the Federal Government to

intervene in the perennial scarcity of the already deregulated product. Also, if President Mohammadu Buhari really wants stability in the economy as he promised during his campaign trains, he should ensure that all the refineries in the country work to the optimal level, thereby stopping importation of the refined products that the crude is taken way in our country daily. It is absurd for Nigeria to still import refined oil products over two decades of such unashamedly practice. Airside and others are already doing 100 days countdown to President Buhari.

Lady wins British Airways/Nigeriatravelsmart.com competition

Port Harcourt-based resident, Miss Udoh Ezinne, has emerged the winner of the British Airways/Nigeriatravelsmart. com competition through a raffle draw based on those hat answered the quiz correctly. Ezinne won a free return ticket to London in a competition, which came to an end in May 2015. A statement by the organisers of the completion stated that Ezinne was so elated to hear the news when she was contacted. She said on phone, “I am so happy to be the winner of the

free ticket to London. Seriously I was not expecting to win; it was a surprise call for me. I did not even know I could get all the answers correctly because I was not sure of one of my answers. Thank God I won, I am so delighted.” Commenting on the competition, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeriatravelsmart.com, Mr. Simon Tumba appreciated the great gesture of British Airways in supporting the project, which he described as the first in a series of offerings the publication would be engaging with its readers.

“We are a young outfit, but we have great ideas, focus and determination to succeed in our project,” he stated. The Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Kola Olayinka said that the free return ticket to London was the airline’s way of giving back to its customers. He clarified: “It thrills us to know that Nigerians have much knowledge about British Airways operations in Nigeria. We will continue our effort in making our customers more comfortable in the air and on the ground.”

Insurance

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

E-regulation coming, says I NAICOM

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sound tips for purchasing life insurance

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) said it is gearing up to deploy its electronic platform in the regulation of the insurance industry by middle of this year. The Director in charge of Research Strategy and Information Technology, Mr Adamu Balanti has said this, while outlining efforts of the commission to reposition the insurance industry. According to him, insurance operators will file their 2014 accounts through the e-platform that is presently being test-run while the eplatform would also kick-start the issuing of unique identification number to all insurance policyholders in the country. Highlighting the uniqueness of the policy, he said the identification system is to monitor and account for all policies issued. “This system is to build an integration point for the various stakeholders involved in insurance policy issuance, generate and provide a unique identification number for

every policy issued in order to track and provide relevant statistics on them. “It would help develop capacity in NAICOM to record all policies issued by Nigerian insurance companies, ensure proper accountability of all premium returns by insurance companies, capture all businesses done by every broker through the underwriter, ensure proper accountability of all insurance levies received from brokers, provide easy access to data regarding policies issued, and support analysis and policy based decision making.” “The portal provides a single point of access for all NAICOM services, validate the authenticity of insurance policies and accessible from any location within Nigeria.” Balanti emphasised that the system should be able to interact or communicate with other systems or users such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),

Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel

the Nigeria Police Force, and the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). “We want to identify each individual insurance policy issued in the country; this is why we are developing, what we call – Unique Policy Identifier (UPI). With it, each insurance policy document issued in the country will have a unique identification number. The Unique number will be used to identify that document.’’

Africa Re rebrands, unveils new logo

frican Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) has unveiled its new look logo for the African insurance Business as a strategic option of repositioning itself for market competitiveness in the years ahead. The Group Managing Director/ CEO of the company, Mr Corneille Karekezi, in a welcome remark unveiling which took place recently in Tunis, Tunisia said that the Board decided “to change the logo for various reasons, the major one being that next year we are going to celebrate our 40th anniversary” He said since Africa Re had been created and became operational, the continent had changed in many aspects, saying that the company is “assisting to the rise of Africa everyone is talking about and we believe we want to renew our commitment to the continent,

we want to strengthen our position in our core market which are African states and we want to send a strong signal to our stakeholders and customers to tell them we are here for another 40 years, 100 years to be close to you”. “The logo is a succinct symbol of an organisation. The logo for Africa Re will be at the cornerstone of our identity. It will be a solid foundation on which all our communications with our various stakeholders and customers will be based on so it will be the most representation of the corporation, which is seen by the public”, Karekezi added. According to him, the Africa Re brand is designed to convey the distinctive essence of Africa Re. Each element of our brand has been carefully selected to

work together to reinforce Africa Re’s Mission, Vision and Values.” He explained further that the new logo was intentionally bold and forward-looking, characteristics which spring from the Corporation’s mission namely, ‘To foster the development of the insurance and reinsurance industry in Africa, To promote the growth of national, regional and subregional underwriting and retention capacities and To support the African economic development. It consists of several components which speak in an articulate and compelling way: – The icon and the logotype – are the cornerstone of our identity. The icon is the illustration of the continent of Africa on a globe. Whilst the logotype is the words ‘Africa Re’

nsurance is an important part of financial planning — but understanding insurance and buying the right product can be tricky. From whole to term life, riders to convertibility clauses, how do you make sense of all the choices? Here are some steps you can take to ensure you get the right product for the right price. Understand your needs. No one understands your financial situation better than you. That means you should avoid letting someone else tell you how much protection you need. You can get a rough estimate of your insurance needs by adding together your debt, estimated funeral costs, and six months to a year of income replacement. [J.D.’s note: One common rule of thumb is to multiply your yearly income by between 5 and 10, using the lower level if you don’t have many dependents and few debts, and the higher level if you have larger debts and multiple dependents. But Ray is right: understand your own needs.] Taking stock of your financial policy can allow you to select the right policy for your needs. As sales representative, we were trained to sell large policies. Remember, you may not need an exorbitant policy — you need the policy that’s right for you and your family’s financial situation. Understand term insurance versus permanent insurance. Understanding the difference between term and permanent life insurance (such as whole life) can help you make an informed decision about your insurance needs. Today, a term insurance policy should be able to cover most of your debt and financial needs. In turn, you may not need to purchase a whole life policy. Try not to be sold by the “what if” scenario you might hear from an insurance sales rep. Insurance companies traditionally make more profit from whole life policies than term policies, so be prepared to hear a sales representative promote whole life as the best possible choice (even though it might not be the best fit for your needs). Remember, buy what you need and make adjustments as changes become necessary. Term insurance is typically renewable and should have a convertibility clause which allows you to make changes in the future. There are certain situations where a

whole life policy maybe more advantageous than term; however, do not purchase it simply because your sales representative told you should. Speak with an independent broker. These brokers will have access to many more products than just one firm can provide. When I worked as an independent broker, I was able to offer much more to my clients than just a company product. Avoid one-meeting recommendations. If your broker makes a recommendation in the first meeting, you know that they have not really analyzed your situation and looked for best options. So just say, “No, thank you” and keep researching. Understand how the advisor gets paid. Find out if they are compensated through commission, feeplus-commission, or fee only. If there is any commission involved with the sale, make sure to look at all alternative products available. With commissions, the advisor may have a conflict of interest. Just because your advisor is commission-based doesn’t mean they are bad — just ask more questions with them. I always worked on 100% commission, but I would give my clients several options and disclose if I got paid differently. Recognize that insurance is for protection — not investing. Term insurance provides protection only, without a savings component. Whole life and universal life policies have a savings component and are much more expensive. You are almost always better off just paying for term insurance, and using the cost savings to invest elsewhere. Ask the tough questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the advisor questions. You should know the product inside out before buying it. Is the policy renewable and non-cancellable? How long are premiums guaranteed for? Is there an accidental death rider? What are the exclusions? Watch out for “know-it-all” advisor. If the advisor answers all your questions without referring to anything, or pretends she “knows it all”, chances are that she does not. Insurance policies are complicated, and even the best advisors do not know every product 100 percent and may have to look things up. There is nothing wrong with that. Source: www.getrichslowly.org

Insurance

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Flood, fire disasters should boost life insurance business – Analysts The rising incidents of workplace hazards, coupled with the challenge of national insecurity characterized by Boko Haram and militants on lives and assets nationwide, have been identified as insurance industry experts as having the potential of boosting life insurance business if operators explore the opportunities inherent in the crises. MESHACK IDEHEN reports.

t was perhaps in recognition of the numerous man-made disasters and peculiar security challenges the nation is currently going through, that encouraged the Federal Government to recently restate its intention to strengthen group life assurance scheme for federal government workers. While some see some logic in the above reason, other industry analysts however are wont to feel that rather than the insecurity and human-triggered accidents, the poor performance of life assurance business may have compelled government to initiate the new measure as a strategic step to boosting the insurance market sub-segment’s performance. Be that as it may, this move coming from the Federal Government now is coming a little bit too late according to Federal Civil Servant, Mr. Atkins Iguemo, is of the opinion that the development becomes more imperative when consideration is given to the large numbers of workers at both private, federal, states and local government levels that have paid the supreme price in the course of discharging their responsibilities. Atkins told National Mirror the statement from the Federal Government on the need to strengthen life assurance scheme for its workers that was credited to the Director in the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Tope Ajakaiye, should not be limited to workers in the federal civil service alone. He said the scheme should also be extended to states and local government workers, including those in the private sector, if part of the objective, which is to give boost to the business life assurance business in the country, is to have positive effects. Taken together, industry experts explained that the move by the government may still not be enough to expand and encourage the business of life assurance in Nigeria, due largely to the apathy with which most Nigerians view operators of life assurance business. Besides that, other analysts explained majority of the lapses observed in the processing and settlement of life assurance claims, as well as improper documentation arising mainly from the part of operators, are issues which prevented effective and efficient implementation of the scheme and which sadly, has not been addressed. Life Assurance Marketer, Mr. Mark Obote, in explaining why life assurance business be encouraged in the nation’s insurance industry, said group life assurance scheme is a statutory provision of Section 9(3) of the Pension Reform Act, 2004, which requires that all employers with not less than five employees maintain policy (life), in favour of each employee for a minimum of three times of

Head of Civil Service of the Federation Bukar Aji

Osijo

Until there is an environment where a man can take care of his needs reasonably and comfortably, he cannot start to

think aboUt fUtUre secUrity.

the low

penetration of insUrance, especially life

assUrance, is also a fUnction of all these dynamics the employee’s annual emolument. He said the benefits of taking life assurance policy know no limit, saying the scheme provides in the event of the death of any serving officer, that his next of kin will be given a relief three times the annual total emolument of the deceased, in addition to the normal entitlement of the deceased officer after service. According to him, life insurance business is low in Nigeria, unlike in developed economies where there are viable life insurance industries and business that drives the insurance industry, by contributing significantly to the industry, and to those nation’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Obote said unlike what obtained in Nigeria where life insurance business contributes less than 15 per cent of the insurance sector total premium, that life assurance sub sector alone makes the industry flourish in other climes, adding if encouraged, that the business of life insurance alone can take the insurance sector to its desired level. Insisting that Nigeria’s huge population of over 150million people is capable of driving the biggest life assurance market in Africa, Managing Director of City Insurance Brokers, Mr. Robin Igunbor, said the county has continued to record minimal patronage in Africa’s life assurance market, because the sector’s operators have not deemed it fit to invest quality

time and resources on making it appealing to the generality of Nigerians. Comparing Nigeria to South Africa which has the largest conventional and life assurance market in Africa, though with only a population of about 40 million people, Igunbor said the insurance sector in general in South Africa contributes about 80 per cent of the continent’s premium, while its life assurance sub sector contributes more than 60 percent, unlike in Nigeria where the insurance industry contributes less than one per cent of the country’s GDP and only about 2.3 per cent of the continent’s total premium. “The life assurance sector is even worse, as its contributions to the insurance sector and the nation’s GDP is not even felt. The life (assurance) arm of South Africa’s insurance market alone generates about 70 per cent of the industry’s total income. In Nigeria, the life arm contributes far less than that”, he explained. Igunbor said with the potential available in Nigeria’s population, that if the country is well positioned, it could become Africa’s hub in insurance business, especially in life assurance, adding if infrastructural problems are solved, and the disposable income of the masses increased, there will be positive effects on life assurance business in the country. Also, while pointing out that life assurance on its own has the potential to

stimulate individual patronage through innovative products, the immediate past President of National Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Laide Osijo, told National Mirror that the high level of poverty amongst the populace was largely responsible for the poor performance of life assurance business. She said because the per capital income of many Nigerians remained low, that it became extremely difficult to convince people to take up life assurance policies, despite its numerous benefits. Osijo said that in order to encourage life assurance to make a rebound in the country, underwriters should introduce more incentives to packaging the products, so that people appreciate the numerous advantages in life policy and embrace it. She said the situation can also be linked to many Nigerians attitude of “leaving everything in the hands of God” According to her, holders of life assurance policy in time past can approach financial institutions like banks for loans, once their policy is mature, saying such incentives should be brought back, in order for the sub sector to move forward, adding life assurance agents selling the various life assurance products be also motivated, so they can be encouraged people to see the needs and benefits of taking up life assurance policies. Also harping on the need to encourage life assurance business in Nigeria due to its many benefits, Managing Director of Royal Exchange Prudential Life, Mr. Larry Ademeso, said life assurance business is still developing in the country, saying what the operators had done in the past was to sell the same traditional products until recently, when new products became visible. Like the NCRIB president, Ademeso explained that insurance life or conventional was not prioritised by Nigerians due to the low economic power of the average man, wondering how a man, who is struggling to feed his family and have a roof over his head, will want to talk about tomorrow because insurance, including life’s is all about tomorrow. “Until there is an environment where a man can take care of his needs reasonably and comfortably, he cannot start to think about future security. The low penetration of insurance, especially life assurance, is also a function of all these dynamics”, he said. Analysts believe that sustained efforts by the government through introduction of appropriate policies and incentives as well as operators’ innovativeness in product development and service delivery will go a long way in improving the performance of life insurance segment of the industry.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Experts laud CBN on industry fraud desk initiative U do o nyeka

ndustry experts have lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on its latest move to curb electronic frauds in the banking sector. The apex bank, had at the weekend announced the establishment the new industry desk following submissions to the NeFF and consultation with the deposit money banks as well as electronic payments service providers. The Director, Banking and Payments Systems Department, Dipo Fatokun, who is also the chairman of Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum ,NeFF, recently tasked financial institutions to enhance the control environment of their banks and regularly train their staff to be able to outwit the fraudsters who are regularly updating themselves global technological trend. He said the desk would set up effective mechanisms for receiving and responding promptly to fraud alerts, to help manage and reduce electronic payments fraud in the country’s banking industry. The circular stated staff of the desks must be trained on emerging fraud trends on various electronic payments channels and that defaulting banks risk serious sanctions. The desk according to the CBN would provide, among other services, support to customers on electronic fraud with a minimum of 10 dedicated phone lines, manned and available at all times, to handle calls directed from contact centre for fraud alerts and

Fatokun

Unegbu

complaints. It would also log on all customer fraud alerts and complaints and redirect them to the appropriate authorities in line with internally predefined path, while preparing and submitting reports regularly to the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, NIBSS, on fraud information. The new desk the apex bank said would have the responsibility to sensitise customers on e-fraud and fraud desk services as well as manage/resolve all intra-bank issues by leveraging an enterprise fraud management system. The circular said the NIBSS would take responsibility of coordinating the industry as provider of electronic platform for all the fraud desks across

Doubts over EU’s proposals for saving U.S. trade deal

he European Union has more work to do, experts say, if it hopes to seal a transatlantic trade deal that has been criticized for leaving governments open to international legal action from companies affected by changes to tax and regulation. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, is right now negotiating a trade and investment treaty with the United States the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

(TTIP) - that it says could add 119 billion euros annually to Europe’s economy and 95 billion euros to the U.S. economy. However the treaty faces growing opposition in Europe from politicians, labor unions and campaign groups who fear it may prevent governments from being able to ban unsafe products or tax businesses because of a provision protecting investors’ rights. The provision referring to “fair and equitable treatment”, was

introduced to treaties decades ago to allow investors to seek redress if their assets were expropriated by governments. It allows businesses to sue via international courts that do not defer to national interests and has increasingly been used to sanction governments over everything from banning chemicals, withdrawing tax breaks or writing new environmental regulations. Matthias Fekl, French minister for trade, is espe-

cially critical of the EU’s plan to include this right to sue in tribunals in the TTIP. He said in a recent interview that France would “never allow private tribunals in the pay of multinational companies to dictate the policies of sovereign states.” But businesses and their lobby groups have told the European Commission they object to any scaling back in their ability to sue governments or any requirement they do so in national courts.

all banks, mobile money operators, switches and payments service providers to log frauds. “The NIBSS will also maintain direct and dedicated lines and email contacts of all stakeholders for the purpose of exchanging information and coordinating industry response to fraud attempts and incidents. “It will also ensure that DMBs receive enhanced e-fraud portal/instant payment platform, with capabilities for banks to initiate ‘block’ and’ hold funds’ electronic messages from a bank’s fraud desk to the other, while providing operational rules for effective fraud desk coordination. Under the new arrangement, all interbank transactions on all electronic channels are expected to be passed

through the central anti-fraud solution in NIBSS, which shall have access to each bank record of fraudulent transactions and provide monthly reports to the CBN”, the CBN said. According to a Lagos based security expert, Wilson Emeh, banks need to need to provide better technological tools for its employees, adding that financial institutions in the country need to strengthen the compliance and control and internal audit structures in order to serve their customers better and check fraud. He said training and re-training of banks employees is very necessary for banks to be a head of fraudsters technologically. Corroborating Emeh , a financial expert and former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu have always harped on the quality of employees in the financial institutions and the need to regular training. In fact this directive to banks to set up fraud desk is not the CBN’s first attempt to tackling e-fraud. The establishment of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NeFF, is also part of the apex bank’s effort to combat fraudulent activities in the banking industry, particularly those associated with increased use of electronic payment systems. Also the CBN through its partnership with the Committee of e-Banking Heads CeBIH, have done a lot to mitigate the spate of electronic fraud in the country.

Standard & Poor’s cuts its outlook for the UK economy

he referendum “represents a risk to growth prospects” for the country’s economy, S&P said in a statement. S&P changed its outlook to negative from stable but kept its current rating on the UK the same. Prime Minister David Cameron has promised an in-out referendum on the UK’s membership in the EU by 2017. Responding to the move, the Treasury said: “We are the first to say that this is a time of heightened risk that threatens the recovery, which is why we need to go on working through the plan that is delivering economic security. “Central to that plan is giving the British people their first say on our EU membership in forty years

and resolving the uncertainty around Britain’s relationship with the EU,” it added. However, S&P warned that it wasn’t just the referendum that was causing concern. “We believe a possible UK departure from the EU also raises questions about the financing of the UK’s large twin deficits and its high private short-term external debt,” it added. S&P warned that the City’s financial services could be adversely affected by the EU referendum “It is also our view that the calling of a referendum on EU membership indicates that economic policymaking could be at risk of being more exposed to party politics than we had previously anticipated,” it

continued. A lower credit rating makes it more expensive for a country to borrow money. A negative outlook means a one-in-three chance of a downgrade in the next two years. S&P is the only major ratings agency to still give the UK a top rating of AAA, because it views the UK economy as flexible and diversified. The other two, Moody’s and Fitch, both downgraded the UK in 2013 over worries about its economic growth and the country’s ability to repay its debt. Earlier this week, the independent watchdog the Office of Budget Responsibility warned that years more spending cuts would be needed in order to bring the national debt under control.

Global Business

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Deutsche Bank co-CEO All ears tuned to Fed language, Departing Jain to work for free – Media Greek debt talks D

ith the U.S. Federal Reserve expected to leave interest rates on hold this week, the market will be focusing on policymakers for clear signals on when the central bank will make its first interest rate hike in nearly a decade. World shares ended last week on a muted note as Greece’s situation took a turn for the worse when the International Monetary Fund’s delegation walked out of negotiations in Brussels citing “major differences” with Athens over how to save the country from bankruptcy. The European Union has also been telling Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in more strident terms to stop gambling with his cash-strapped country’s future and make the big decisions needed to avert a potentially devastating default. For Fed watchers, the main point of interest will be any change in the nuances of bank Chair Janet Yellen’s language after the central bank’s announcement. “We still suspect that Wednesday will be important in terms of communication, given that it is a press conference meeting,” said Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec. Wall Street’s top bond dealers, who just three months ago had a June move pencilled in, now expect the Fed to begin raising rates in September, followed by another hike before the end of the year.

“We don’t think the Fed will explicitly reference September, but we do think they will harp on their data dependence and give a nod that a hike this year is likely if the data remain constructive,” said Tom Porcelli at RBC Capital Markets. U.S. industrial output probably increased in May after five months of contraction, data on Monday are expected to show. Figures on Tuesday will likely point to a sustained improvement in the housing market, offering more confidence that the economy has regained momentum after a dismal first quarter. Minutes from the Bank of England’s June policy meeting, due on Wednesday, will according to a Reuters poll show all nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep British interest rates at a record low of 0.5 percent this month. Like with the Fed, economists have been consistently pushing back expectations for when the BoE will make its first move. Late last year, Bank Rate was predicted to have already risen by now. The current consensus suggests it will be early 2016 before it will move up 25 basis points. Tumbling crude oil prices last year sent inflation around the world into free fall, even into negative territory in some countries, giving central banks scant reason to tighten policy - a move that would have hit

Yellen

often fragile growth. Russia’s central bank is therefore expected to cut its main lending rate by 100 basis points on Monday as inflation drops and an economic downturn worsens although a recent plunge in the rouble means the bank may refrain from a sharper cut. Norway’s central bank will cut its main interest rate by 25 basis points to a record low 1.00 percent on Thursday, all 16 economists polled by Reuters said, amid weaker domestic growth as a result of falling oil investments along with the lowest wage increases in decades The Swiss and Indonesian central banks are expected to leave policy unchanged the same day.

In China’s Pearl River Delta, HSBC faces a risky voyage

very day hundreds of garment traders alight at the newly-built Humen station to ply their wares in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, arriving on high speed trains that whoosh through the terminal every ten minutes. The station, 90 kilometers north of Hong Kong, is on the first open section of a super fast rail network in China’s Pearl River Delta that HSBC (HSBA.L) is betting will turn the prosperous region of 40,000 square kilometers into a seamless metropolis that can fuel

China President, Xi Jinping

the bank’s growth in the next decade. A visit to the area though shows up how infrastructure construction that HSBC is hoping will drive the region’s development is moving at a patchy pace, underlining risks the lender faces in its Asia “pivot” strategy. Roads leading to the huge, gleaming building of Humen station are permanently congested and not properly built, local residents say. “The government’s been constructing the road for over two years but it’s still muddy and full of bumps and holes,” a factory owner in the nearby town of Daojiao said. A local taxi driver named Xu complained there are only 200 parking spaces outside the rail station, making access difficult. “The government had expected the high speed railway to bring more people, but they didn’t use their brain to plan carefully,” he said. Other, more fundamental, pieces of construction for the

region are behind schedule. Hong Kong’s transport minister said in January that a network of bridges and tunnels to link Hong Kong, Macau and the city of Zhuhai across the Pearl River Delta will not be finished by its 2016 target date amid rising costs. Protests by Hong Kong citizens worried about competition for jobs have also caused delays to Beijing’s plans to better integrate the territory into the region. HSBC investors largely support the bank’s plans to beef up its presence in the Pearl River Delta, which include quadrupling its headcount, and increased lending to mid-sized companies in the infrastructure and real estate sectors But they caution the move faces potential pitfalls. “They will have to be very careful to make sure they don’t waste a lot of money or make bad loans,” said Hugh Young, managing director of Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, HSBC’s 6th largest shareholder.

eutsche Bank (DBKGn. DE) co-Chief Executive Anshu Jain will receive no severance pay and no compensation for working as an adviser to the bank in the six months after his departure, German media reported on Sunday. Jain did not want to financially burden the bank with his own, personal decision to quit, which followed a hailstorm of investor criticism, scandals, fines and investigations, reported the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. Jain and his counterpart, co-CEO Juergen Fitschen, shocked staff and investors by announcing plans to leave early one week ago. John Cryan, investment banking veteran and former finance chief of Swiss bank UBS AG (UBSG. VX), becomes CEO in July. Jain will receive no sever-

ance pay nor the remaining salary of about 7 million euros per year because he initiated his own departure, the paper reported. He has also agreed to assist Cryan with the transition for six months without remuneration, newspaper Bild am Sonntag wrote. Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

Jain

Australia’s workers stressed and overweight, says study

he average Australian employee is stressed and overweight - about half the 30,000 employees surveyed were physically inactive, the report found. The study, by the University of Wollongong in partnership with Workplace Health Association Australia (WHAA), spans 10 years of data. Workers also showed other risk factors. The report found that 65.1% of the employees had reported “moderate to high stress levels” and that 41% had psychological distress levels considered to be “at risk”. The WHAA said that trends around employee health had been examined over a 5-to-10-year period and that the industries covered included banking and finance, legal, transport and storage, in both metropolitan and rural areas. The study said its objectives were to present an analysis of employee health data from the five organisations, all members of the WHAA, who participated in the project. Dr Lang says lack of activity and the availability of fast food are having a bad impact on Australia’s work-

Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbot

ers Risk factors listed in the study include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, psychological distress, smoking and obesity. “So if the average employee has four risk factors - that’s four times a 2.4% reduction in productivity,” Dr Lang said. “And this means our workforce is being impacted in a major way by their poor lifestyle and physical health. It’s a global problem in the Western world, but the US is probably a bit worse that we are.” Average Australian workers are generally not making enough time for hobbies and sport, the WHAA says But he said employees were working longer hours, commuting for longer periods and generally not making enough time for hobbies and sport, or so-called displacement activities. “And that, of course, is a major driver of weight gain, because lack of activity, quick and easy food choices and the availability of fast food just makes the whole thing, what we call, an obesogenic environment,” he told the BBC. “When you’re thinking about things that are not related to work and family, and those high-level things in your life, that is a wonderful balance. “But we don’t’ seem to be getting as much of that anymore.” Dr Lang said the answer was in a better work-life balance. “Companies are trying hard to get a bit of life balance in there - and they preach the gospel about the balance that we should have. “But at the end of the day, they do tend to propagate long working hours, and now Australia has one of the longest - if not the longest - working hours in the world.”

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Share price has not appreciated as expected’ The Managing Director of Skye Bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo speaks on the integration of Mainstreet Bank, the rise in Non- Performing Loans in the second quarter and why the bank gives cash dividend in this interview with JOHNSON OKANLAWON. Excerpts: What informed the raising of another capital? The capital raising is for both Nigerians and the foreign investors. We cannot raise the capital without going through the Nigerian Stock Exchange. There are key areas we want to take our decision on and one of it is downstream oil and gas. You are aware of the challenges the marketers are having on government paying the subsidy. We don’t know how long this will take. We thought it would be prudent for us to take a provision and when the funds that are tied in government purse are collected, we can write back. I think this is a very conservative approach. The other area that was affected is the real estate, mortgage funding has not been coming as expected and we had financed some real estate developments. The sale is slow, the asset are still there. We have not really lost money, but in terms of prudential guidelines and conservative approach to risk management, we did make some provision for some of the loan in that sector. The last one is maritime, there is sabotage law which I am sure we are all familiar with. When the law was pronounced, it was meant to restrict foreign vessels to international waters, while the Nigerian operators will be able to operate within the Nigerian waters. There was no requirement for Nigerian vessels to double haul, but sometimes last year may be due to pressure from some forces, the Nigerian Maritime, Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, came up to say Nigerian operators must also comply with double haul. That means that those vessels that are not double haul could not get contract to lift products from the international waters to discharge to Nigerian enterprises. It affected cash flow for some of the operators that we financed. The vessels are still there working but the cash flow has been constrained and until that is sorted out, nothing we could do. Currently, there is a discussion between Independent Ship Owners Association, NIMASA and the Federal Ministry of Transport. We believe that it will be resolved, but in the meantime, is either we keep the loan as performing when the cash flow are not coming in commensurate quantum. We thought we could make the provision and we can always bring this back to the book when the issues are resolved. Those are the three areas that affected the provisions. It was a much conservative approach on our side, which we think it will reverse itself in the coming years.

total deposits. The difference is 87 per cent to 13 per cent.

Oguntayo

We have just taken over Mainsreet Bank and We don’t Want to Be in haste to rationalize the Branches you will know that in some areas, communication challenges differs. Even in Lagos, you go to some offices and you are using your phone, the reception can be very erratic. Sometimes it happens that the link may not be as fast as it is in another branch. But what we have done is to have redundancy, we have now installed double lines. For instance, if you are taking link facilities from carrier ‘A’, we now sign redundancy agreement with carrier ‘B’. It is a continuous thing and we welcome feedback from our customers. If you discover any branch that has not been consistently working like other branches, fell free to contact us. There is no discrimination on any branch in the system.

What is the ability of the bank to pay dividend after raising the capital? As banks continue to grow they must continue to raise capital. What is important is the return of equity. The banking industry as a whole has not done too badly compare with other sectors of the economy in terms of return on equity. The capital market unfortunately has been depressed. So, the share price has not appreciated as expected. It also affects other sector of the economy. We believe that with the incoming administration, with clarity and business friendly environment, things should improve and shareholders will get more dividend.

What is the effect of the harmonized cash reserves ratio on the bank? We are not debited like what happens in other banks, but as an industry, the net credit is marginal. The Non-Performing Loans ratio, particularly in first quarter when it jerked up to six per cent, which was the quarter we started taking on some of the assets of Mainstreet Bank. But the good thing is that most of these loans are fully provided for, so we have been doing write-offs of some loans to reduce the NPLs ratio. I think I have actually done that and by the end of this quarter when we publish our NPLs ratio, it would have gone down to about four per cent. It is not a trend of increasing NPLs.

What is the bank doing to upgrade its facilities in some of the branches? There is no discrimination against any branch. Every branch operates on the same platform. But

Is the bank deposits public or private sector driven bank? It is a private deposits driven bank. The public sector deposits in our system is about 13 per cent out of

What is your take on the corporate governance practice, as some of your staff allegedly connived with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, official to recirculate Naira? I think we pride ourselves that we uphold the highest governance standards. But there will always be infractions, if you have 400 branches and you have almost 4,000 staff, either for ignorance or one reason or the other, there will be infractions, but what is important is what we do as management of the bank. Do we condone it? We don’t. Some customers also make allegations that are baseless and the good thing is that the CBN, now has a department called consumer protection. It is not something you can sweep under the carpet. Every customer is free to go to the CBN to make allegation. The Chartered Institute of Banks also has a committee that looks into the disputes between the banks and the customers. I will say that compare with the industry, we have had few issues in terms of unresolved customers’ complaints. We have a department that deals with them and make sure that they are resolved. We maintain good corporate governance and it is being audited by Independent organization, on quarterly basis. What is the bank’s provision for retail banking? Our problem is not in retail banking. We have done retail loan of up to 13 per cent of our loan book and the area of challenges is in the offshore business. How many branches of the bank will be rationalized? We have just taken over Mainsreet Bank and we don’t want to be in haste to rationalize the branches. But some branches that are obvious, for instance, if they are located on the side of the road and Mainstreet Bank is also there, unless the two branches can justify their existence, it will be a waste of money running two branches, two operating expenses as each branch always has two generators. So those are costs that will be avoided. It is an ongoing process and I can’t tell the number of branches that will be rationalized. Before the end of third quarter, we would have determined that. Why the bank is giving cash dividend as against bonus? We are raising capital before the end of the year, we think it doesn’t make much difference. We give you the money today and then we say bring it back and it was done in consultation with the shareholders and they all agreed. What is the penalty for miscalculation of public sector funds? When the circular was introduced, there was no clarity and what we know as public sector funds is ministry, government departments and agencies like NIMASA, etc. But when you begin to stretch it to African Union and some other entities that are not relying whole on public sector fund or government funding, it was hotly contested for. But the thing is that if you fight with your regulator and they say you cannot win, you can’t win. That is what informed the harmonization of reserve ratios.

Features

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The unending feud between Fulani herdsmen and Benue indigenes

Pix shows burnt houses and vehicles during the crises

HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

he crisis between Fulani cattle rearers and the natives in Benue state predates 2001 when the crisis erupted in the neigbouring Plateau state. In 2002 the conflict spread to Benue with attacks mainly on Tiv speaking people who were in other states of Nassarawa, Plateau and Taraba who relocated back to the capital city of Makurdi for the fear of unknown. Most of these refugees were mainly peasant farmers who fled their homes of abode in the wake of crisis leading to loss of many lives and properties which value is yet to be quantified even as at today. The reason for the prolonged battle between the Fulani cattle rearers and the natives is due to the encroachment by cows belonging to herdsmen on the farm lands of the inhabitants thereby destroying crops of the peasants farmers which often lead to open confrontation between the migrant Fulani cattle rearers and their hosts.. The problem has continued to linger as hardly a year passes by without having to witness one case of encroachment in one part of the state or the other leading to ensuing clashes , violence and killings of the natives. At the onset the crisis appeared to have taken a great toll on the Tiv speaking people to the extent that as time progresses it later spread to other ethnic groups like Idoma and Agatu where close to a thousand lives and properties estimated at over N100 million naira have been lost since the crisis started.. Various stakeholders including Myetti Allah the pan umbrella body of the Fulani herdsmen including the Federal government , traditional rulers and the affected state governments have made concerted efforts towards proffering a lasting solution which made the crisis to subside for some time before it resurfaced. The renewed skirmishes on both sides

were devastating as observers were of the view that the reprisal attacks dealt a more severe blow on the citizens as even children were not spared during the unending conflagration. Investigations by National Mirror indicates that each nook and cranny of the state at different times had experienced one disaster or another arising from the invasion of renewed Fulani marauders attacks on innocent citizens in the state. In a chat with National Mirror immediate past chairman of Benue state Peace and conflict resolution committee set up at the instance of the immediate past administration tasked with responsibility towards ensuring amicable end to the protracted dispute between Fulani herdsmen and the natives retired Brigadier John Atom Kpera stated that the resurfaced attacks is alarming. He disclosed that the skirmishes spread to Cross River, Plateau and even Taraba states though the government is yet to implement our findings and recommendations indeed the uprising should be taken very serious with every attention it deserves. Brigadier Kpera implored the Federal government including the states to collectively join hands towards ensuring that a permanent panacea is found to the acrimony to ensure that the problem is nipped in the bud once and for all. In view of the prevailing circumstances observers have suggested that in order to forestall future reoccurrence of the crisis a permanent buffer zone between the border town of Rukubi in Nassarawa and Benue a mobile unit of police barracks must be established there by the Federal government with a view to curtailing the uprising. While others express the view that for us to find a permanent panacea to the protracted dispute between the two warring parties a joint task force and police barracks must be stationed at Jato-Aka in Benue in order to keep surveillance between Taraba and Benue for peace to

WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD WHERE THE INHABITANTS WILL STAY AWAY FROM THE GRAZING ROUTES SO AS TO ALLOW FREE FLOW OF COWS THAT WOULD BE OFTEN TIMES REARING ITS CATTLE reign. The immediate past administration of governor Gabriel Suswam had on several fronts made concerted efforts to curtail the menace between the natives and Fulani herdsmen by instituting stakeholders forum with aim to mediate between the herdsmen and the inhabitants with a view to finding amicable solution to the constant confrontation leading to loss of lives between the warring communities to no avail. The state secretary of the Myetti Allah cattle breeders association in the state Mallam Garlos Gololo in his reaction stated that the only option to avert the seemingly insoluble clashes between cattle rearers and the natives is for the natives to vacate the land earlier earmarked for the cattle rearers. "We have to go back to the drawing board where the inhabitants will stay away from the grazing routes so as to allow free flow of cows that would be often times rearing its cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ,he said. He also suggested that the Federal government should appoint people that have background in animal husbandry as Min-

ister of agriculture so as to keep abreast with our problems and challenges often associated with the dynamics of cow rearing. Commenting on the resurfaced attacks of Fulani herdsmen on the natives the police commissioner in Benue state Mr. Hyacinth Dagala disclosed that his command is working round the clock to ensure that the crisis is brought to an end as quickly as possible . "Frankly men of the command are losing sleep over this renewed ugly trend just some few hours ago I came back from Logo local government area where it was reported that thirty villagers were killed by the herdsmen but that report is not correct the true situation is that only seven people lost their lives at the scene in Kente in Logo local government" the police commissioner said. He reiterated that "some of these reports were exaggerated and has no iota of truth in its entirety and enjoined those concerned to always crosscheck facts with the command for the actual figures of casualties instead of misleading the public." In the meantime, worried by the development , Governor Samuel Ortom had fortnight ago pledged to summon an encompassing meeting embracing Fulani's and the natives as well as other stakeholders to a peace and reconciliatory meeting where all the differences among the two warring parties would be thrashed out once and for all. Governor Ortom said that the conflict between the locals and the herdsmen had dragged on unnecessarily stressing that the new administration would not tolerate any of its citizen to continue to spill blood and as such will swing into action towards putting an end to the conflict. According to the state number one citizen by achieving this feat all hands must be on deck towards the realization of this noble objective , as he called on all well meaning citizens to facilitate an end to the problem.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Wada confronts rampant kidnapping in kogi

Arase

Wada

MY VISIT HERE TODAY IS A MAJOR STEP AMONG OTHER THINGS WE ARE DOING TO CURB THE UGLY INCIDENT OF KIDNAPPING THAT HAS INVADED OUR STATE RECENTLY

Rev Phyllis Sortor

WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

pparently worried by the spate of insecurity in Kogi State, especially kidnapping which is hitherto alien to the state and has now become common , the state government has vowed to tackle the incidence head long and make the state safe for the residents. This followed the incessant abductions of both foreigners and indigenes of the state thereby sending jitters to the minds of residents of the state as they are no longer sleeping with their two eyes closed due to the fear of the unknown and who would be the next victim. When the Kidnapping phenomenon made foray in to Kogi State in 2010 and two local government chairmen were abducted at a meeting in Optimum Hotel Kabba, little the people realize that the situation will one day rear its ugly head and become rampant .The situation then became tensed when the ransom was paid and the wife of one of the Kidnapped local government chairmen was also abducted along with her husband,

Honourable Ernest Abbah of Igalamela/ Odolu and Kayode Obaro of Yagba West Local government although after the payment of ransom they were released . As this incident was becoming a thing of the past in the state and finally consigned to dust bin of history, the unknown gun men struck again in early April last year when they abducted two sons of the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Momh-Jimoh Lawal at family residence in Okene and demanded ransom of N200 million. Sources hinted that undisclosed ransom was paid to secure the release of Hafiz and Oyiza Lawal after staying in captivity for almost two months with their captors. As if these were not enough, the gunmen also traced the wife of the former Chairman of Adavi Local government, Honourable Salihu Adaviruku to her residence and kidnapped her in war like manner. Since then Kidnapping under duress became more pronounced particularly in the central senatorial district of the state as another retired School Head Mistress fell victim of kidnappers while returning from morning mass in her church in Okene around September last year. However attention was shifted to Kogi state when an American Missionary, Reverend Phyllis Sotor was kidnapped by 15 masked gunmen who scaled the fence of her school at Emiworo in Ajaokuta local government area of the state and whisked away the 75 year old school proprietress around 10 am in the morning . The hoodlums were said to have later contacted the Pastor of Methodist of Nigeria

located in the same premises of the school and demanded for ransom of N150 million to secure the release of the Missionary. The abduction of Reverend Mrs.Phyllis Sotor did not only throw the state into panic it drew the attention of the Federal,state governments and security agents to the dastard activities of the men of underworld who wanted to make Kogi state another haven for kidnappers. While the security agents and operatives of Federal Intelligence Bureau were busy trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the abduction of the Missionary, two Chinese who were Engineers supervising Road Construction at site in Zango Daji were kidnapped by fierce looking gunmen after gun battle with their police orderly who escaped death by whiskers. Barely two weeks later another set of Chinese nationals were abducted at a factory in Crusher area, the outskirts of Lokoja the state capital at about 2.00 am leaving two police officers dead. While another ugly incident occurred at West African Ceramic Company when another Chinese was kidnapped. Like a wildfire during hamattan, the kidnapping saga was spreading across the three senatorial districts as Idah and Kabba become flash points . In Idah, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic fell victim when he was abducted by unknown gunmen and was later rescued by villagers as the kidnapperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicle developed mechanical fault , while only last weekend another person was said to have been kidnapped in Kabba. About three weeks ago a High Court

Judge, Justice Olutimehin was kidnapped on his way to the office at about 8.45 am at gun point after killing the police orderly on the spot in Okene before whisking away the Judge in his official Prado Jeep.It was learnt that the where about of the Jugde is yet to be known. More worrisome is the way at which police officers are falling prey to the fire power of the hoodlums in attempt to safe a victim or trying to prevent them from carrying out the dastardly act. Investigations however revealed that at least no fewer than four police officers have been killed while others have received various degrees of injuries as they engage the men of the under world in gun battle. Dissatisfied by the activities of the kidnappers in Kogi state , the State Government has announced a reward of Sum of N5 million for any one who can volunteer to give useful information which may lead to the arrest of Kidnappers. The State Governor, Captain Idris Wada who made the announcement while speaking during the familiarization tour of Kogi State Police Command in Lokoja recently, stated that the state government is not resting on its oars to provide adequate security for lives and properties of the people in the state. Wada explained that the government is worried about the activities of the kidnappers, noting that this is totally unacceptable in the state as the government will not pay ransom to any one in the name of abduction. The governor pointed out that he was in the state Police Command to boost the morale of the rank and file of men of the Nigerian Police for their efforts in combating the high crime rate in the state. He stated that his administration will no longer tolerate the miscreants to perpetrate evils,assuring that the government will continue to support the Police and other security agencies in the quest to combat crimes in the state "My visit here today is a major step among other things we are doing to curb the ugly incident of kidnapping that has invaded our state recently . The Commissioner of Police has already mobilized his men and has been doing everything possible to stamp out kidnapping in Kogi state',he stressed. The Governor also commended the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Aranse for deployment of 350 crack police officers to combat crime, noting that very soon the state will over come the problem. The Governor assured the police command that the government will continue to give all necessary support to Kogi State Police command in the efforts to fight crime. "The state government is announcing the reward of sum of N5,000,000 (Five million Naira for any one who can give useful information to lead to the arrest of the kidnappers in the state. The general public must cooperate with the security agents in the state to curb the activities of kidnappers in the state by giving out information of the security agent,"he stressed. Wada also announced the donation of N2.4 million for the family of 12 police officers who lost their relations in active service, with each of the family receiving N2 million from the state government.

Global Business

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Greeks seek debt relief as EU steps up warnings T

Hopes high for Thiam turnaround at Credit Suisse

reek negotiators were expected to press the country’s international creditors for debt relief on Sunday as Europe stepped up pressure on Athens to offer major concessions on austerity and reform or face dire consequences. Neither side doubts the urgency of reaching a deal as Greece must repay 1.6 billion euros ($1.8 billion) to the International Monetary Fund by the end of this month or default, putting its future in the euro in grave danger. Germany’s Frankfurt Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported that European Commission President JeanClaude Juncker had warned Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras about the risk of “Grexit” - a Greek exit from the currency bloc - when they met in Brussels last week. Giving instructions to his negotiating team before it headed to Brussels, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said he may accept bitter compromises on the creditors’ demands, but signaled he wants a significant easing of Greece’s huge debt burden in return. A person familiar with the longrunning negotiations between Athens and its creditors told Reuters that discussions were under way on the debt

relief issue. He declined to say who was involved but acknowledged that Greece could not take on yet more debt without some kind of relief. Athens faces immediate problems in repaying debts over the summer with money it does not have, as the European Union and IMF have not paid any money from Greece’s 240 billion euro bailout programs since the middle of last year. On top of the IMF loan, it must also repay 6.7 billion euros when Greek bonds held by the European Central Bank fall due in July and August. Even if this short-term hump can be overcome, Greece still faces the daunting prospect of eventually repaying the bailout loans, something that will hang over its enfeebled economy for decades unless a relief deal is achieved. The Greek team, led by a deputy prime minister, Yannis Dragasakis, and chief negotiator Euclid Tsakalotos, is likely to take this up in a second day of talks on a Greek counter-proposal with EU officials in Brussels on Sunday. “The ongoing talks are difficult.

Tsipras

Positions are still far apart. It is not certain whether there will be an outcome. Senior Commission officials are worried whether an agreement can be reached on time,” an EU official said. Greece already gained significant relief when a large part of its debt held by private investors was written off in 2012. But any deal that involves writing off public debt is likely to provoke outrage among European taxpayers, who funded the bulk of the bailout loans.

Murdoch brothers’ symbiotic ties to be tested in Fox cockpit

ne has been closely involved with the family business from his early 20s and is driven to succeed. The other had to be lured back from a decade’s hiatus from the company and has operated at the edges of the empire. Now James and Lachlan Murdoch, octogenarian media baron Rupert’s only sons, are teaming up at the helm of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (FOXA.O), the crown jewel of the empire their father built. James Murdoch, 42, is set to

James Murdoch

be elevated to chief executive of the entertainment company that is home to “The Simpsons” and movie franchises like “Planet of the Apes.” Lachlan, 43, will become co-executive chairman with his father as executive chair, a source familiar with the situation said on Thursday, describing the arrangement as a partnership between the brothers. Investors say the brothers’ ability to work together is one of the keys to Fox’s future. “When the old man is gone, who knows what their relationship is?” said Matthew Benkendorf, a portfolio manager at Vontobel Asset Management, which has about 719,000 Fox shares. Those who know them say the Murdoch brothers could not be more different in style and approach to business, where James is seen to have a much harder edge. “They are very, very, very different,” said a source who knows the family. “Lachlan’s less confrontational than his brother, he’s easy going, he’s not got that same sort of naked ambition.” Both, however, have been raised

by a father who lived and breathed the News Corp business. “It’s hard to explain: it’s not a normal family; they have been bought up as part of a dynasty with a clear understanding that the business came first,” said the source who knows the family. The differences could work in their favor as James focuses more on the operational side of the business and Lachlan works with his father on strategic issues. “They have a good understanding of what each other’s strengths are,” the person said of the brothers, whose filial loyalties were on full display when Lachlan hobbled into High Court in London with his leg in a cast when James appeared regarding the phone hacking scandal that bedeviled Murdoch’s UK newspapers starting in 2011. A former News Corp senior employee who asked not to be identified said there had never been “even a hint of” sibling rivalry between the two. James has had a laser focus on the family business since he joined News Corp following a brief foray into a hip-hop record business after dropping out of Harvard.

idjane Thiam starts work as CEO of Credit Suisse (CSGN. VX) next month with investors optimistic he can bring about a major change of strategy at the bank, even if he has to raise cash to do it. An expectation that the 52-yearold will successfully switch Credit Suisse’s focus to lucrative Asian wealth management and shrink its cash-intensive investment bank has propelled the Zurich-based lender’s shares around 12 per cent since Thiam’s appointment was announced in March. That’s almost three times more than Europe’s index of bank shares .SX7P has progressed over the same period. The former Prudential (PRU.L) CEO’s reputation follows his success at the insurer where he expanded into Asia with a clear strategy laying out medium-term targets, and, after an early spat over a failed takeover of rival Asian-focused insurer AIA (1299. HK), built a good rapport with regulators. But revamping Credit Suisse will be a harder task. While rival UBS (UBSG.VX) scaled back its investment bank to focus on wealth management by cutting businesses like fixed income, “Credit Suisse’s position is very different,” Vontobel analyst Andreas Venditti pointed out. “Of course fixed income takes up a

Swiss National Bank President, Thomas Jordan

lot of capital but actually it generates more than 20 percent of the group’s revenues.” In the short-term, Thiam faces the dilemma of whether to cut resource-intensive units that are unpopular with the market or look after the bank’s bottom line. Credit Suisse insiders said they expected Thiam to begin work at Switzerland’s second biggest bank behind UBS in the coming days. Credit Suisse has said July 1 is his official start date as CEO. He takes over an organization whose capital reserves lag those of many of its rivals because of the demands of its investment bank, parts of which many analysts and investors expect Thiam to slice up and sell off - in particular its rates business, foreign exchange trading and prime brokerage.

Henkel CEO downplays Wella takeover speculation – Paper

he chief executive of Henkel & Co KGaA AG (HNKG_p.DE) poured cold water on speculation the consumer goods maker was preparing to buy hair care firm Wella from Procter & Gamble Co (PG.N), saying his company didn’t need big acquisitions to grow. “We don’t absolutely have to have big, multi-billion-euro acquisitions to reach our financial goals,” Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag in a version of the interview set to appear on Sunday. “But you can be sure that we’ll still

Rorsted

continue to invest our funds cleverly.” Reuters reported earlier this week that Henkel had made an offer for P&G’s hair care business, with a valuation that could reach $5 billion to $7 billion. Henkel, maker of Schwarzkopf shampoo, Persil detergent and Pril dishwasher liquid, was considered to be the most likely buyer for Wella, but private equity firm KKR & Co LP (KKR.N) had also submitted a bid, Reuters said. “We’re well positioned and we invest in our locations, brands and in innovation as well as in takeovers if they make a good strategic fit and if the price is right,” Rorsted told the newspaper, though he did not comment directly on takeover speculation. A company spokesman also declined to comment. Procter & Gamble aims to sell dozens of brands to streamline its sprawling portfolio and focus on more profitable products. Henkel shares closed at 105.45 euros on Friday, shedding 0.8 percent over the course of the week compared to a nearflat performance by the German bluechip DAX index.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Ugep Kingdom set to instal new Obol Lopon RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

rrangements have reached its crescendo by the peoole of Ugep traditional kingdom in Cross River State to coronate a new traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng as the 16th Obol Lopon of Ugep to fill the traditional stool which had been vacant since the demise of the popular traditional ruler late Obol Obi ojong Inah who died last year. Ubana is historically the most popular among individuals whom his kinsmen want to occupy the throne in the most populous and indigenous communities in Niger Delta. The monarchy dates back to about 400 years and the Obol Lopon of Ugep was among the First Class Chiefs that sat in the parliament of the then Eastern Regional House of Assembly in the First Republic (1963-1966). The event which is scheduled for Friday June 26, 2015 at the Umor Otutu Palace, Ugep, Yakurr, Cross River State is expected to attract the crème de la crème of Nigerians and international communities. According to a release signed by Sebastine Eko, Chairman for

the Media Sub-Committee of the Central Planning Committee, there will be a Sunday Mass at the St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ugep to hand over the event to God on Sunday June 19, 2015 as commencement of the coronation event. Ugep which is famous and noted for organizing the “Leboku” international New Yam Festival is already agog, with the town dotted with colourful traditional decorations and dance preparations. The coronation of a new monarch is sequel to the recent transition of His Majesty Obol Ubi

Ujong Inah the 15th Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Ugep is one of the most densely populated towns in Cross River State, southern Nigeria. It is the headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area. The Obol Lopon is the highest traditional institution in Yakurr LGA. Yakurr has ten traditional communities each with its separate institution of her Obol Lopon. Ugep monarchy is a matrilineality similar with the British monarchy and others including Cherokee, Choctaw, Gitksan,

Haida, Hopi, Iroquois, Lenape, Navajo and Tlingit of North America; the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia and Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia; the Nairs of Kerala and the Bunts and Billava of Karnataka in south India; the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo of Meghalaya in northeast India; Muslims and the Tamils in eastern Sri Lanka; the Mosuo of China; the Basques of Spain and France; the Akan including the Ashanti of west Africa; the Tuaregs of west and north Africa; the Serer of Senegal, the Gambia and Mauritania; and most Jewish

communities. Matrilineality is a system in which a person’s descent is traced through their mother and her maternal ancestors. Matrilineality is also a societal system in which each person is identified with their matriline – their mother’s lineage – and which can involve the inheritance of property and/or titles. The Obol Lopon-Elect was, until his election, a Non-Commissioned Officer who served in the Finance Department of the Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School, Calabar. He is 57.

APC leader, group differ on fresh EFCC charges against Sylva CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 der a new era, an era of anti corruption which is why these cases are coming up now. Remember, Buhari had said ‘he belongs to all Nigerians and belongs to nobody.’ The group, in their statement igned by its PresidentGeneral, Chief Promise Okpoebi stated that “while EFCC had tried unsuccessfully to disguise an obviously commissioned persecution of Sylva as corruption trial, the case it filed on Friday in Abuja removed every doubt as to the motive of the commission.” “The group praised the judiciary for showing great courage and determination to uphold justice and the integrity of the courts, despite obvious pressure, when it recently dismissed the charges by EFCC against Sylva.It condemned what it called EFCC’s strange decision to restart the case at the very court that had dismissed it, saying such action smacks of dangerous desperation, which tries to rubbish the country’s anticorruption effort.”

Motorcyclists in Delta State protesting police extortion in Oghara at the weekend.

Udom seeks FG’s assistance over highway construction

overnor Udom Emmanuel has sought Federal Government’s speedy intervention to arrest a landslide threatening to severe Calabar-Itu Highway at Enen Atai Itam Village in Itu Local Government Area. The highway constructed by the erstwhile military administration in the 70s is almost severed by the landslide threatening the road on both sides. Emmanuel, who was conducted round the scene of the landslide by the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Work, Dr. Ifreke Ekpa lamented the threat posed by the menace to human and economic life between Akwa Ibom

and Cross River States as vehicles ferrying goods and services daily ply the road. The governor, who was accompanied by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren and some permanent secretaries however advocated the need for the Federal Government to extend a hand of fellowship by entering into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modality to construct and maintain the road serving as economic nerve centre of the area of the South-South Region. “This is the busiest road in this

part of the region witnessing huge commercial activities. This is a federal road. Where the resources of Akwa Ibom Government could not afford the construction of the road, Federal Government has to do something urgently to aid us. The ecological funds are not coming”, Emmanuel stated. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Ekpa who said the ministry has embarked on speedy remedial work on the road hinted that the landslide was 25 metres from the median road surface. The Chief Technical Officer, Federal Ministry of Works, Uyo, Mr. Christopher Ita said he has

sent a proposal on the menace to Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja for immediate action. Engr. Nkwa Henshaw, a civil engineer with Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) lamented the threat posed by the menace, and noted that the agency has started to intervene on the road to curb the landslide. Earlier, the Village Head, Professor Effanga James Usua had described the situation as terrible and the governor’s visit to the scene of the incident as a statesmanly approach, commending the governor for his intervention in remedying the situation.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

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Patients at UCTH lament over 100% increament in service charges RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

ome aggrieved orthopaedic patients at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital UCTH at the weekend raised alarm following recent increament made in medical services charges by the UCTH management. Charges for surgeries and other specialised services hitherto rendered by orthopaedic experts at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar recently went haywire following decision reached by the UCTH management that the charges should be increased. A source at the Teaching Hospital told National Mirror, that super-major and major surgeries which used to cost N48,000 and N36,000 excluding cost of medical accessories, bed and daily dressing, have been astronomically increased by hundred per cent. The source said that the increament in the hospital services cut across the board making the patients that patronize it to withdraw to private hospitals which cost was almost at par but with effective attention, according to some of them. The patients, who are accident victims, including those on crutches, amputated patients, wondered why hospital authorities could be so insensitive to the plight and problems helpless and poor patients who had seen UCTH as their last re-

sort. A senior orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Pius Agweye,who commented on the issue, lamented on the increasment made by management of the hospital and however, called for outright privatisation of all tertiary medical institutions like the UCTH stressing that some private hospitals in the country seem to have an edge over public hospitals because

despite high charges they provide efficient medical services. The orthopaedic expert added that workers and services in public hospitals would become competitive and efficient, and any increase may be justified once they are privatised. “Increasing cost of hospital services at tertiary medical institutions would become appreciated when they are privatised because medical services

would be best and effectively delivered. “These days health workers don’t get the worth of their pay because they still carry out their task with lackadaisical attitude”, he said. A source also told National Mirror that authority of the Teaching Hospital has now introduced the wearing of theatre garment by patients with payment of N10,000 by patient

to hospital management before any surgery or operation of any form is carried out a situation which the source said makes life unbearable especially to the very poor patients. Calls put across to the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital Dr. Thomos Agan to react on the issue,did not yield any meaningful outcome of the discussion open up as Dr.Agan was evasive in the interview.

An accident scene on Omagwa International Airport Road in Igwuruta, Rivers State, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

CRSG donates relief materials to internally displaced persons RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

he Cross State Government has provided relief materials to the displaced people of Adadama community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State who were recently dislodged from their homes following attacks by the neighbouring Ikwo people of Ebonyi State over land dispute. The relief materials given to the displaced people of Adadama community was a partial fulfillment of the promise made by the State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu few days when he was sworn into office as deputy governor when he visited the community to assess losses incurred by the people as a result of the flood caused

by torrential rainfall. The materials included rice, beans, blankets, towels, beverages, canned fish, noddles, garri, salt and palm oil. Presenting the materials at the Adadama town hall, the Director – General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Vincent Aquah said the prompt delivery of the relief items depicted the high level of sensitivity of Prof. Ben Ayade led administration to the plight of the people. Mr. Aquah pointed out that the focal point of the Government of the day was progress in all ramifications which could only be propelled by peaceful dispositions and assured that Government has strategized its resources to achieve peace throughout the state. The Director – General noted

that the Governor has taken the issue of land dispute between Adadama and the Ikwo people as a priority which he hoped to bring to conclusion within the shortest possible time. He stated that Professor Ayade has promised that he would do everything possible to ensure that no further blood was shed by dialoging with his Ebonyi counterpart and the Federal Government to bring lasting peace to the area. Receiving the materials on behalf of the Chairman of Abi Local Government Council, Mrs. Edith Amadi, the councillor representing Adadama Ward, Mrs. Josephine Eni commended the State Governor for the prompt response and assured that the items would be shared amicably to all the victims. She lamented that the peace

loving people of Adadama are traumatized as a result of the incessant attacks on the populace which has rendered hundreds of them homeless. According to her for fear of further aggression farming activities has stop thereby grounding the economy to a halt while women and children go hungry without secured shelter. The spokesman of the Adadama Council of Chiefs, Eval Vincent Egbe said that though they were full of appreciation over the relief materials what they needed most was peace and tranquility which could be a pivot to progress, socially, economically and psychologically. He said that it behoved on the Federal, State and Local Governments to assiduously and urgently exploit all avenues to permanently

demarcate the boundaries between Ikwo and Adadama so as to guaranty peace. The secretary of the Youth Council, Mr. Pius Egbe in an interview said that the youth was ready to support any peace moves by Government. The dispute between the Ikwo people of Ebonyi and Adadama had been a protracted issue spanning several years which has caused clashes and invasions resulting to huge loss of lives and property. It could be recalled that several peace meetings and resolutions have been reached by Government of Ebonyi and Cross River State in the past but has not yielded much fruit hence the incessant attacks leading to displacements, deaths, injuries and the destruction of the economy of the area.

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he days ahead for the newly sworn-in governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, may be turbulent as the governor has only inherited a virtually empty treasury from his predecessor, Theodore Orji. Political watchers and analysts in Abia State are having uneasy calm in the state. Their heart beats are cracking inside of them with allegations that former Governor Orji merely handed over document of work activity and expenditure in his time without money left for the incumbent Governor Ikpeazu to continue the normal government businesses. A former aide to Orji, who pleaded anonymity, confided this to National Mirror, remorsefully reeling out how his former boss emptied the state treasury. Specifically he disclosed that Ikpeazu was brought to power to run a heavily indebted state in confusion. The aide revealed that when May allocation came from the federation account, Orji allegedly swiftly scooped a whooping security vote of N750 million and also brazenly paid himself severance allowance of about N6.8 million amidst unpaid salaries of workers and anti-development debts here and there. Besides, Orji was said to be the only former permanent secretary, paid up-to-date, in terms of gratuity, pensions and other allowances in the state. To compound an already worse situation, the former governor was alleged to have, two days before he handed over the reins of governance to his successor, compensated some of his cronies and loyalists, both fit and unfit, in the state civil service with appointments as permanent secretaries, thereby, compounding the already bloated wage bill and impoverishing the state and deepening the financial burden of the state. While rolling in the luxury of money, Orji arguably is alleged to be richer than the state, yet, leaving the state with shipload of wage bill. Investigations and public outcry in the state point out to the fact that civil servants are suffering, with about five months of unpaid salary arrears. This is, unfortunately,

Politics

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Abia: Bumpy road for Ikpeazu GEORGE OPARA examines the tough and turbulent terrain ahead of the new governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, as he only inherited documentations of activities and expenditure of the outgone Abia State governor, Theodore Orji, and not a single kobo in the treasury to run normal government business.

As it stAnds now, okezie is cArrying with him the pAins of godfAtherism but mAintAins A studied silence.

every Activity of government is grounded, wAiting to be finAnciAlly energised. Ikpeazu

Orji

an organic problem. Abia State is a civil servant-dominated state. Everywhere is adversely affected. The market traders and other private businesses running in the state are in difficult times. Volume of commercial activities is dwindling and in almost standstill. Buyers and sellers are in financial straits. Almost everybody lives and operates at survival level. Also, many of the former governor’s aides and cronies, who had assiduously worked with him, are all crying of abandonment, shortchange and ingratitude from Orji. Terribly, the education sector of the state is in tatters. Apathy reigns supreme among tutorial and nontutorial staff. Pupils and other students in tertiary institutions are not any better. Apart from other unsolved pressing needs, not a few are being harassed to pay fees and levies as workers are variously owed many months’ unpaid salaries. Number of drop-outs is beginning to worse-off. As it stands now, Okezie is carry-

ing with him the pains of godfatherism but maintains a studied silence. Every activity of government is grounded, waiting to be financially energised. The scenery and atmosphere in the state looks gloomy and uninvolved. Even the public appearance of the governor is now being selected. This somewhat shy public image according to insider sources was to avoid embarrassment from the overzealous political crawlers from noticing his moneyless moment. However, many appointment seekers are still bourgeoning with intrigues to outwit one another. But appointments cannot be made without attendant financial implications. This explains why a few appointed personal aides to the governor have not even started any serious official duty. Last Tuesday, June 9, when former Governor Orji was inaugurated with other members of the 8th National Assembly as senator representing Abia Central senatorial district, Ikpeazu reportedly attended the cer-

emony in Abuja crying of money, thus, accompanied by a few cronies who virtually sponsored themselves. It was even said that Orji bankrolled the movement of many people who came as Abia State contingent to grace the occasion in his honour. Orji has allegedly scooped from the state coffers to handsomely reward himself at the expense of the state and its people. Who cares! As Ikpeazu has ascended the mantle of leadership in God’s Own State, without sound financial foundation, his touted magic wand hangs in the balance. And for him to excel, what is desired of him is to synthesise both human and material resources of the state irrespective of political party divide and de-emphasise godfatherim and evil disciples to win for the state. No doubt, Abia State is in dire straits and it will take nothing short of magic to take the state out of the doldrums and it s generally believed that this onerous task will task not only Ikpeazu’s ingenuity, but his economic wizardry.

Fashola’s eight years’ development: Issues in perspective CONTINUED FROM PAGE13 country. Fashola’s stride in education is also of great value, though people still find it hard to trust public schools for quality education. Presently more than 50 per cent residents in Lagos would never opt for public schools as preferred schools for their children. The immediate past administration provided 179 laboratories, distributed 40,000 desks and 1,986 chairs among the 667 secondary schools, 1,007 Primary schools, five Technical Colleges, two Colleges of Education and one Polytechnic. The government also fenced 56

schools, built 30 new classroom blocks and renovated 112 schools within the period under review in addition to the free tuition and free text books in primary and secondary schools as well as the free West African School Certificate Examination, WASCE, fees policy. To a large extent, the facilities would have improved children’s learning condition and the environment would have improved and thereby bring about better performance. Indeed, available statistics from the Ministry of Education showed that the percentage of pass in WASCE in five subjects at one sitting, including Eng-

lish and Mathematics has moved from an average of 7 per cent in 2007 to 45 per cent in 2014. As a way of shedding more light on the innovations that have taken place in the education sector in the last eight years, former Governor Fashola noted during one of his public addresses that various aspects of the administration’s work bothered on improving the quality of education and students’ performance. Other innovations that took place in the sector during Fashola’s tenure included graduation of 10,723 students from the state’s Technical Colleges, di-

rect recruitment from the Technical Colleges as a result of government’s partnership with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, overseas scholarships for 672 students, local scholarships for 3,168 students and bursaries for 41,488 students. It could easily be said Fashola came, saw but whether he conquered is however left for Lagosians, who are the direct recipients of the pains and benefits of his policies and programmes to decide. In all, Fashola’s administration gave a kind of sweet-bitter taste. It did a lot of things with little positive impact on people’s lives.

Politics

nowing Udom Emmanuel, a former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, do you think he has prerequisite qualities and goodwill to follow Godswill Akpabio’s principles, passion for the people and commitment to developing Akwa Ibom to a logical conclusion?

The emergence of Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2007 was by the will of the people and by the support of God. He came on board and performed wonderfully well. The people of Akwa Ibom State are very happy, and sometimes they feel sad that he is leaving because there is no provision in the Constitution for third term. If that was possible, Akwa Ibom people would have given him third term to run for the office of governor. The former governor of our state, Akpabio has done so well that the people of Akwa Ibom State are praying for him to continue the good work in the Senate. No wonder he got overwhelming votes from his senatorial district. I think for us in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio is not just going to be a senator for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district where he comes from, he is going to be a senator for the whole of Akwa Ibom State, and he is going to be a senator for the South-South. He is the eyes of the South-South in the Senate. Now, talking about the emergence of the present governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, he is what some of us in Akpabiosm family call plus, plus, plus. You know the shoe of Akpabio became very large and Emmanuel, having being a major player in the banking industry has learnt so much about the politics of banking, the politics of the economy, strategic movement, re-engineering, human management, capacity building, intelligence set-up, profit making and all the good things you can see in entrepreneurial ability of an emerging personality that qualifies to be a governor is in him. So, when he came in as the SSG, we knew that this kind of product cannot just come and go. People started running around and praying that may this man contest this election. And to God be the glory, he came in for election, won the primaries overwhelming and went ahead to contest election and he won. So, from Akpabiosm point of view, we are praying that Emmanuel will do more of human capacity development, because he is not going to build most of the roads. He is not going to build the Government House or Independent Power Station and all that. As a banker, I foresee his energy being put together for development of our people and creating new strength and energy to pump the economy of our state. Akwa Ibom is very strategic in Nigeria today, not just in Nigeria, in Africa. I think we are happy that Emmanuel is the governor today. What are the major projects that Emmanuel highlighted that he would embark upon within the next four years?

I think he talked more on development. Like I was trying to say, he talked most on human capacity development. He talked more on re-engineering and reconstructing the state. Akwa Ibom is a big place with great people. All you need to do is to have a very strong driver, the vehicle is there. It is fuelled, serviced out. We need a driver that will take us round the state and Emmanuel is a very strong driver. He can try all kinds of cars. He is always capable of driving, because we need a man that understands the mechanism, that understands when a car need to be fuelled or when a car needs servicing, when a car needs maintenance. He is the right man for the job. I can assure Nigerians that in less than one year, Emmanuel will give most of the states a very good run for their money. He has just set up a technical committee on Ibaka seaport. Ibaka seaport taking off will be a major plus for Akwa Ibom State. We believe that our brothers from Rivers, Calabar, Imo, Abia, Onitsha and Bayelsa will use our port because Akwa Ibom State is wonderfully located in a coastal area.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

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Udom Emmanuel, a gift to Akwa Ibom – James BASSEY JAMES was a member of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign committee, as well as the Chancellor, Akpabio Centre for Leadership and Founder, Southern Youths Development Forum. He speaks on the transition in Akwa Ibom State from former Governor Godswill Akpabio to his successor, Governor Udom Emmanuel, describing the new governor as a gift to Akwa Ibom. geria, we have three senatorial districts. Uyo which is the capital, produced Obong Victor Attah in 1999. He ruled for eight years and there was no obstruction. Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district ruled from 2007 to 2015. There was no obstruction. The natural thing based on justice and equity which has taken place now is for power to go to Eket. And Eket people, in collaboration with Akwa Ibom leaders agreed, because it started from Obong Victor Attah who wanted power to shift to Ikot Ekpene and the whole people said, yes, power must shift to Ikot Ekpene. Apart from having worked with Akpabio at cabinet level, what is it about Emmanuel that gave him an edge over other candidates?

James

So, when you bring a banker to manage this kind of people and resources, I think that the world is coming to Akwa Ibom State. I can assure anybody that wants to do something, just come to Akwa Ibom State. When you invest in Akwa Ibom State, you are investing into the future; you are investing into peace and stability. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lost the governorship in many states during the last elections, but won in mainly in states where zoning pattern was successful like Delta, Akwa Ibom and other states. What is the secret of the zoning arrangement in ensuring victory for the PDP even where its popularity was waning?

The zoning system is justice, it represents equity, it’s fairness and it’s unity. It is togetherness and natural. So, if people feel that they have the majority to oppress the minority, there is also bound to be same for instance, getting feeling that they have the majority, they will make the minority come to the reaction or cry for justice. If you look at Delta, look at other areas, look at some other places, people wanted change, change and justice, change and equity. So, all these are the things that worked in favour of the PDP. In Akwa Ibom State, just like all the states in Ni-

EmmanuEl is coming to takE us Economically. WhEn you marry politics and Economy, you havE a vEry strong statE. But What arE WE going to do to support him?

EvEry akWa iBom pErson, should EithEr pray for him or Bring in somEthing.

No two human beings can be the same. The other candidates were also qualified. We know them. You cannot see two people doing the same thing at the same time. Emmanuel is a banker and he has been part of the success story of Zenith Bank. And coming into governance, he is bringing in the experience of human management, profit, transformational strategic policies and programmes. He is bringing in so many things into bear in running the state. For us, Emmanuel is a gift. But he can’t work alone. No tree can make a forest. So, the people of Akwa Ibom State must rally round him. In fact, in the next two months we must have a repeat of the economic conference where we are going to bring more than 10,000 youths or more to house them for one or two days, so that he can also come and talk to them. He has talked to them in Lagos and Abuja. We are doing it in a special way because we want to bring in professors. There is need for knowledge sharing. There is a need for us to have impaction of knowledge. Emmanuel is coming to take us economically. When you marry politics and economy, you have a very strong state. But what are we going to do to support him? Every Akwa Ibom person, should either pray for him or bring in something. We had discussion with some of the major market leaders in Lagos, Aba, Onitsha and Kaduna. We took them round the state. We told them the reason they have to invest. We showed them the areas of investment. I hope you realise that government alone cannot do everything. If Dangote is looking for a place to invest in agriculture, Akwa Ibom State is the place. You can link Akwa Ibom State through land to Lagos, to Rivers and the road network is wonderful. Any market you put in Akwa Ibom State is sellable. It takes one hour to reach Rivers State. It takes one hour to reach Calabar. It takes 45 minutes to reach Abia. It takes another one hour to reach Imo. It takes two hours to reach Enugu. It takes another two hours to reach Onitsha and Delta. So, Akwa Ibom is gold for any investor. If you are talking about natural resources, the natural resources are there. So, we are using this opportunity to appeal to our people to come back home and support the Emmanuel administration. If you are talking about the issue of security, just go round Nigeria. Akwa Ibom is the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

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Politics

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Bayelsa APC crisis worsens as party expels 2, suspends 9 OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

ayelsa State All Progressives Congress, APC, has reiterated its support for and confidence in its leadership in the state, led by Tiwei Orunimigbe, just as it announced the expulsion of two and suspension of seven other leaders for anti-party activities. The two expelled members are former chairman of defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, NPDP,

Chief Perekeme Kpodo and a stalwart of the party, Mr. Sunday Oputu. Other suspended for anti-parties activities include Mr. Godwin Sidi; Fred Akamu; Rosemary Okeazi; Chief Livinus Opratapu; Harrow Zuokumo; Enoch Koripamo; and Christopher Abariowei. At a press conference in Yenagoa yesterday, APC state Secretary, Mr. Marlin Daniel, said Kpodo and Oputu had since left the APC to join the opposition while Kpodo was expelled over his com-

ment that the APC was dead on arrival. He said: “We want to make it clear that they are not members of the party. They have since been expelled. Kpodo was expelled when he allegedly said the APC was dead on arrival in the state. Oputu himself has not been part of the party. But we are surprised of recent that they have been calling party meetings, in what capacity, we do not know. We want to alert members of the general public to know that they are not

part of the APC in Bayelsa State and that nobody should deal with them in that respect. We are aware that the re-emergence of these people is sponsored by the PDP government of Seriake Dickson. “These people have recruited others who are not APC members and have been holding meetings in Kpodo’s hotel. Money is shared to them and this money is from the PDP government through Kpodo and his co-travellers.”

He said a five-man ad hoc disciplinary committee headed by Peres Peretu with Tokpo Coronation as Secretary had been set up to investigate the activities of those suspended. Daniel clarified that there was no rift in Bayelsa APC, stressing that the executive committee members and members of the party were confident in the leadership of their chairman, Mr. Orunimighe. Reacting,, Kpodo described the expulsion or-

der as a huge joke, as they have no power to suspend or expel him, adding that it was those who gave the expulsion order are the ones the party ought to expel for not doing their jobs well. He also added that the purported expulsion was unconstitutional, wondering why they said they had since expelled him when the leader of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva and the executive were in his house to solicit his support during the last general elections.

Delta lawmaker promises quality representation TheOphilus OnOJeghen WARRI

L-R: Public Affairs Officer, Australia High Commission, Abuja, Mr. Okokon Odiongenyi; Australia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Osogbo, yesterday.

APC chieftain urges members to rally round its leaders henry iyOrkase MARKUDI

n All progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Benue State, Major-General India Garba, rtd, has stated that the decision of his party to abide by the outcome of the just concluded elections into the red chamber remains sacrosanct. General Garba, while speaking in a telephone conversation with National Mirror yesterday in Makurdi on the controversies trailing the elections of the key officers into the 8th National Assembly, noted with satisfaction that as a loyal party man, he was completely in agreement with the decision of the party stressing that no individual is superior to the party’s structure. The retired general further observed that “whatever people are mudslinging on the exercise, some of us are constrained to

the fact that the party’s hierarchy knows better and I am contended by the party’s stand on the issue. Meanwhile, a stalwart of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. John Kunde, reasoned that the ruling party is yet to be in firm control of its machinery. Mr. Kunde argued that for the mega party which had its four federating units namely the defunct

Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP; Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and a faction of All progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and the New PDP, the expectations is that all this subsidiaries must be adequately represented in terms of power sharing. He said: “Ironically after the mandate was given to them by Nigerians in

the infant stage of equitable distribution of key offices which supposed to have gone across the board then, there is this seemingly crisis and disagreements.” He observed that much is left to be desired of how long the party will go even if at this infant stage, disagreements among the key players appears to have over clouded the shadows.

he member representing Ughelli South state constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Reuben Izeze, has appealed to the people of the area to support him to enable him attract the dividends of democracy to the area. Izeze spoke at the weekend during a thanksgiving service to celebrate his swearing-in ceremony as member of the sixth Assembly, noting that his reign shall usher in rapid and quality representation to the people of Ughelli South for their overwhelming support during the election. The lawmaker, who was a former aide to former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief James Ibori, said: “I believe in the Sardauna school of thought where public office should be strictly meant for service and not for personal aggrandizement.” He added that: “My dream is to use public office

Bauchi: Damina, Panti emerges Speaker, deputy

…As thugs take over House ezekiel TiTus BAUCHI

new Speaker in Hon. Dahuwa Shehu Damina, the member representing Darazo state constituency In the Bauchi State House of Assembly has emerged, while Abdulmumuni Bala Panti, the member representing Pali/Alkaleri state constituency, was

elected Deputy Speaker of the House. This was just as hundred of thugs took over the floor of the House apparently to support their newly elected members, thereby creating pandemonium in the House The Speaker was nominated by Hon. Yusuf Nuhu, the member representing Lame/Toro state constituency and seconded by Hon Sale Umar, representing

Ganjuwa East state constituency Damina, shortly after taking the oath of office assured of the House’s independence against any external interference and sought for the members supports The Speaker promised to work hand in hand with the other arms of government towards development and good gov-

ernance in the state. He said the 8th Assembly under his leadership will witness free and fair dispensation of legislative process, saying the state need urgent development However, there was pandemonium in the House due to rowdy intrusion of thugs, thereby disrupting the inauguration of the House

to bring development to my people. I am not a business man and I do not intend to do business with public office. “We are here to thank God for the immense support the people have given us so far. I am amazed at the high level of attendance we have witnessed today. It goes to show the general acceptance of our mandate and also buttresses the fact that we have a serious challenge of caring for the people.” Izeze, also a lawyer, thanked former Governor Uduaghan, who he said, gave him the opportunity to launch himself into public service and promised not to disappoint his constituents for the mandate given him. In his homily, the founder of Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church and South-South Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Arch Bishop Goddowell Avwomakpa, admonished the lawmaker and politicians in the country to see their positions as ‘God given’ and always put the interest of the people first. He specifically warned the new lawmaker to be respectful and seek the counsel of leaders to be successful. The cleric urged politicians to abstain from immoral activities especially fornication as it has led many politicians astray. The ceremony, which attracted dignitaries across the state, had in attendance Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Ovie R. L. Ogbon Ogoni, Olomu 1, HRM Oharisi 111, Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi J.P. Owawha 11, the Okobaro of Ughievwen kingdom.

Politics

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

PDP wants new Bauchi Assembly to revisit relocation of Tafawa-Balewa LGA ezekiel TiTuS BAUCHI

orth-East Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has advised the new Bauchi State House of Assembly to revisit the issue of relocation of Tafawa-Balewa Local Government Area headquarters to Bununu. The North East Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Alhaji Sani Al’amin Mohammed, gave the advice in Bauchi yesterday while addressing a press conference shortly after the inauguration of the House in Bauchi. He said relocation of the headquarters over incessant crisis in the area by the immediate past administration, distorted brotherhood, cultural value and tradition of living together among the communities in the area. He said all the advice they gave to the immediate past administration over the removal of the headquarters fell on deaf ears and condemned the suspension of the female lawmak-

er that represented Bogoro state constituency, Mrs Rifkatu Samson Danna, in the last Assembly when she opposed the relocation and described it as undemocratic and unconstitutional. Sani advised that the headquarters of new Sayawa traditional ruler should be cited where the Sayawa communities want in the interest of peace. The Publicity Secretary said government should revisit the issue and give chance to the new Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Barrr Dogara Yakubu and the Secretary of the Tertiary Education Funds, TEF, who were from the area to intervene in order to have a genuine and sustainable peace in the area. He said the lingering and rampant court cases over the matter violate our culture and tradition and suggested that Emirs and community leaders should be involved in peace building “as it is in our tradition.”

Tribunal: My life in serious danger, Ezugwu cries out ObiOra ifOh ABUJA

ll Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate for Enugu North senatorial district of Enugu State at the recently concluded general elections, Chief Willy Ezugwu, has again raised the alarm over threats to his life. Ezugwu, who spoke to National Mirror, said aside his being trailed by unknown persons, he had been bombarded with several calls by unknown persons who have asked him to either withdraw his petition at the courts or be killed. Ezugwu is at the Enugu tribunal challenging the propriety or otherwise of the emergence of Barr. Chuka Utazi as the senatorelect of the zone. The APGA candidate came second according to results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Ezugwu is contending to be declared the senatorelect, positing that as at the time of election, Chuka Utazi was not the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and hence he (Ezugwu) should be declared winner.

Ezugwu, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, stated that the current threat to his life is not unconnected with his quest to retrieve his stolen mandate, noting that this would be the second time that he would be raising alarm over threat to his life. He said: “During the campaigns, I had cause to petition the Inspector General of Police, IGP, over threats to my life. I want to put it on record again that my life is under threat following warnings that I withdrew my petition from the tribunal where I am challenging the emergence of Barr. Utazi of the PDP, as the senator-elect of Enugu-North. “No amount of intimidation would deter me from pursuing to a lawful conclusion my petition at the tribunal as I am a firm believer in the rule of law. Those sending threats messages to me and trailing my movements should know that power belongs to God and only Him is the giver of life. “I and the good people of Enugu North will definitely see that judgment is done and no amount of intimidation would hinder this.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos tribunal fixes June 17 for pre-hearing in PDP senatorial candidate’s suit maTThew irinOye

he Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lagos yesterday fixed June 17, for pre -hearing report in a suit filed by People Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Lagos West senatorial district seat, Mr Segun Adewale, challenging the result of the election that declared Mr Olamilekan Adeola as winner. Adewale had through his counsel, Dr Yemi Oke, petitioned the tribunal, claiming that “he had the right to be returned as duly elected, having scored the majority of the vote cast at the election which was conducted on March 28.” Earlier, during the proceeding, the court dismissed the application filed by counsel to All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Muiz Banire, that PDP

served the court notices on the office of the party in Lagos instead of their office at Abuja. Justice Slyvanus Oriji, in his ruling held that there was nothing wrong with the service of the respondents in Lagos. He said: “Any office of the respondent, APC, is an extension of the head office in Abuja and the purpose of serving the petition in Lagos office is to give respondents notice of the case in the court. We need to underscore the point where we find nothing wrong with the service of the respondent in Lagos.” However, the parties argued their various applications before the court. In his argument, Banire told the court that the respondent’s application dated April 20, was attached with the written address, noting that it is

essential to challenge the locus standi of the petitioner. He said the petitioner did not specify the legal right to bring the petition and also failed to state the scores of the candidates, adding that he only stated the score of the respondent, Adeola. He said: “By provision of the Electoral Act, the petitioner is supposed to specify the scores of all the candidates in the election. He only specified his own score and that of APC candidate which is respondent.” He further argued that it impugns the validity of the process and where such happen, the petition become incompetent and urged the court to discountenance it. In his response, Adewale’s counsel, Oke submitted that he had filed counter affidavit dated May 6, deposed to by pe-

titioner himself with attachment of 19 paragraph affidavit with written address. He further argued that the petitioner has complied with the provisions of the law, adding that it is stated in the petition that the petitioner was not given the election result sheet. He said: “The agents were there, they were not given the score sheet after the election. All these are in our petition. Non compliance with the provision of the first schedule cannot be put aside. The entire document is already filed before the court.” He therefore prayed the court to dismissed respondent’s application for an attempt to evade the court of justice The court adjourned till June 17, for pre hearing report.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (right), receiving economic documents from the President of Rivers State Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum, Mr. Ibifiri Bob-Manuel, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Dogara appoints Manwe as Chief of Staff TOrdue Salem ABUJA

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, yesterday appointed Hon. Jerry Manwe as his Chief of Staff, CoS. A letter of appointment with reference number NASS/SPK/MGT/ VOL.I/002, dated June 15, addressed to the Clerk of National Assembly and personally signed by the Speaker, conveyed Man-

we’s appointment as his Chief of Staff. Born June 26, 1958 in Karim Lamido, Taraba State, Manwe was first elected as member of the House of Representatives in 1991, and later in 2007 and 2011. He was the immediate past chairman of House of Representatives’ Committee on Electoral Matters and had chaired House Committees on Finance and Economic Planning, Interior and Com-

munications. The new CoS was also a Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development in Taraba State between 1999 and 2001, member Christians Pilgrim Board, from 2001to 2003 and chairman, National Commission for Colleges of Education, 2005 to 2007. He holds Certificate in Accounting, Higher National Diploma in Business Management and Bachelor of Technology (in view).

He attended Lau Primary School between 1966 and 1973, Government Secondary School, Jalingo, from 1974 to 1979, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, 1984 to 1986 and Federal University of Technology Yola. He started his working career as an accountant with Mubi Burnt Bricks from 1985 to 1989. “The appointment is with immediate effect,” the letter read.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Unilever offers $216m to raise stake in Nigerian unit

… Equities rise 0.3% in bullish trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

nilever said it plans to raise its stake in its Nigerian unit up to 75 per cent in a 192.6 million euro ($216 million) offer to minority shareholders, but would not de-list its subsidiary. The household products maker, which already owns 50.1 per cent of the Nigerian subsidiary, has had operations for close to a century and sees Nigeria as a long term investment, documents showed yesterday.

Under the terms of the offer, parent firm Unilever plans to acquire 942 million ordinary shares at N45.50 each, which would reduce the Nigerian unit’s free float and trading volumes. The parent firm valued the Nigeria subsidiary at around N172.14 billion ($865 million) and said it would fund the tender offer from its available cash reserves. Unilever said it had extended the offer to June 25, from June 10 to allow more shareholders participate, saying a fuel crisis in Nige-

ria since March disrupted postal services. Unilever said it would not make any changes to the board of directors or management of its local unit after the offer. Shares in Lagos-listed Unilever - which has gained 25.7 per cent so far this year - were flat at N45.05. Citigroup Global Markets and Chapel Hill Advisory Partners are acting as financial advisers to Unilever Overseas Holdings B.V. Meanwhile, trading in equities continued on a posi-

Access Bank UK posts £5m profit JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ccess Bank, United Kingdom, has declared a profit before tax of 5 million pound for the financial year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 138 per cent when compared to the same period in 2013. A statement from the bank yesterday said the increase show impressive growth indicators including an increase in operating income of 37 per cent from 10.9-million in 2013 to £15-million. The statement said the growth reflects the growth in trade finance and also as-

set management activity by Access Private Bank. “Assets under management for 2014 were £34-million, which is a year on year rise of 12.2 per cent, while total private bank customer funds were £46-million, a rise of 16 per cent on the previous year. “The bank also saw a significant increase in net interest income of 94 per cent to £6.4-million as a result of the growth in loans to correspondent banks and customers,” it said. The statement quoted the bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Jamie Simmonds, saying that the growth was

achieved while still operating within the moderate risk appetite set by the UK board. According to him, new products, such as UK fixed term deposits, were also introduced by the bank in 2014. He said, “Our second five-year plan began in 2014 and we achieved our aims and outperformed projections for the year. As at 31 December the Bank had a high capital adequacy ratio and liquid buffer assets significantly in excess of the minimum regulatory requirements. It is our intention that these will continue to be maintained at satisfactory levels in the future. “This has been a transfor-

tive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks. The All Share Index appreciated 0.29 per cent to close at 33,719.45 points, compared to the increase of 0.19 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 33,621.75 points. Market capitalization rose N34 billion to close at N11.5 trillion, compared to the increase of N22 billion recorded on Friday to close at N11.4trillion. A total of 229.7 million shares valued at N4.85 billion were exchanged in 3,482 deals.

the funding it needs, while Athens said it would not give in to demands for more pension and wage cuts. Greece must repay 1.6 billion euros ($1.8 billion) to the International Monetary Fund by mid-year. Greece has already been bailed out twice and many banks have cut their exposure to the country while euro zone authorities have put in place mechanisms to limit any knock-on effects from the crisis. However, the prospect of default and the possibility of Athens leaving the euro weighed heavily on investor sentiment. “The market has had a long time to prepare for (a Greek default) and has done what it can with what it sees on the horizon,” said Ashwin Bulchandani, head strategist

at asset manager MatlinPatterson in New York. “But with situations like this, there is always an unknown factor. Uncertainty freaks the market out.” The all-country MSCI International ACWI Price Index fell 0.7 per cent, while the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 closed down 1.6 per cent, pressured by losses in bank stocks. The Hang Seng index of top shares in Hong Kong ended 1.5 per cent lower. US stocks recouped some of their losses in afternoon trading after a sharp fall on worries about Greece’s debt. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 108.24 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 17,790.6, the S&P 500 lost 8.94 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 2,085.17 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 25.89 points, or 0.51 per cent, to 5,025.21. The benchmark S&P

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 33,719.45 points Market capitalisation 11.51trn

Stock Updates GAINERS

mational year for the Bank as we have continued to grow the business based on the firm foundations that we have established and also diversify our income streams to ensure sustainable performance. We believe we have succeeded in the current financial climate where others have failed through our focus on establishing strong relationships with all our customers. “Our achievements owe a great deal to the strong partnership that we have with our parent company, as evidenced by our joint support of the fourth Access Bank Day at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor.”

Stocks, oil fall as Greek talks collapse tock markets around the world fell yesterday as they felt the ripple effects of the Greek crisis after the collapse of 11th-hour talks between the near-bankrupt country and its creditors. The losses were broad across risky assets such as equities, though major stock indexes were off their lows of the session. While crude oil prices fell, the euro recovered from earlier weakness against the dollar to trade slightly higher. Gold and silver rose on the day. Talks on Sunday between Greece and its creditors to bridge their differences broke up after less than an hour. European Union officials said Athens had offered no new concessions to secure

Source: NSE

COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

GUINNESS

168.00

185.00

17.00

10.12

NEIMETH

1.19

1.30

0.11

9.24

UAC-PROP

10.00

10.50

0.50

5.00

CHAMPION

6.42

6.74

0.32

4.98

IKEJAHOTEL

3.60

3.75

0.15

4.17

RTBRISCOE

0.76

0.79

0.03

3.95

DIAMONDBNK

4.20

4.36

0.16

3.81

ACCESS

6.08

6.30

0.22

3.62

REDSTAREX

5.09

5.25

0.16

3.14

173.00

177.99

4.99

2.88

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

35.00

32.00

-3.00

-8.57

BERGER

11.36

10.08

-0.53

-5.00

INTBREW

20.01

19.01

-1.00

-5.00

OKOMUOIL

34.90

33.16

-1.74

-4.99

EVANSMED

1.75

1.67

-0.08

-4.57

LIVESTOCK

2.40

2.30

-0.10

-4.17

FIDSON

3.35

3.24

-0.11

-3.28

HONYFLOUR

3.98

3.85

-0.13

-3.27

UBCAP

1.46

1.42

-0.04

-2.74

NEM

0.82

0.80

-0.02

-2.44

FGN Bonds earlier fell one per cent. The CBOE Volatility index, a measure of US investor anxiety, rose 9.9 per cent, while a gauge of European stock market volatility. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Bid

Description

Offer

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.17

99.00

13.96

99.15

13.82

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.87

101.96

13.84

102.11

13.75

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.04

105.91

14.03

106.21

13.93

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.62

110.43

13.92

110.73

13.85

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.75

101.47

13.89

101.77

13.83

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.10 68.00

15.55

68.30

15.48

Closing Market Prices of June 15, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

10-Sep-15

11.49

11.81

WAUA

270

17-Dec-15

11.78

12.52

USD

197

02-Jun-16

12.42

14.11

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

SWISS FRANC

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

202

O/N

13.5417

15.2981

POUNDS STERLING

293

16.6484

SDR

273

17.6663 The Fixings of June 15, 2015

Capital Market

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at June 15, 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)

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Electoral victory was delivered to the APC because Nigerians were tired of excuses. They can’t wait any longer and that is why we must as responsible leaders compliment the efforts of government. Speaker House of Representative – Yakubu Dogara

Man burns minors with electric iron over missing N100 GEORGE OPARA ABIA

22-year-old undergraduate Ikechukwu Uchendu is now cooling off his heels behind bars in Abia State Police Command for inflicting injuries on two sisters, Ngozi and Hope Ajunwa with hot electric iron over alleged stealing of N100 belonging to his mother. Ikechukwu, a second-year undergraduate of the Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, was said to have inflicted the injuries on the girls when they could not account for a balance of N100, from the N200, his mother sent them to buy her recharge card. The laceration from the burn inflicted on Ngozi and Hope, who are 9 and 4-years-old respectively, was dripping water when they were paraded before press men at the Police headquarters. ikechukuw who admitted to the crime while speaking with journalist stated that he never the iron was still hot as he just finished using it saying that he regretted the action. According to him, “They stole money used in sending them for an errand by my mother. I finished ironing and never knew the iron was still hot and used it on them. I told them to tell me the truth but they were taking me from place to

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

Smoke billowing from vandalised NNPC pipelines in Ijedodo community, Lagos, recently.

place in the house. “So, I got annoyed and place the iron on some parts of their bodies. I am deeply sorry about it. I never knew the iron was so hot, he noted. Ikechukwu’s mother Mrs. Agnes Uchendu who is a teacher at Amator community primary school at Ibeku, a suburb of Umuahia, in her account pointed that she regretted the actions of her son. “I sent Ngozi to buy a recharge card with N200 and I told her to buy N100 card and return N100, after a while, I asked her about

the change. She said she gave it to her elder sister but when I asked the elder sister she said Ngozi did not give her the money. “So, when I left, my son came in and started asking them about the money. And I told my son to forget about the money for it is my money and that I will take care of it. At this point, I went out to buy some drugs for my sick mother. “When I came back, I saw those children wailing and writhing in pain and I asked them what the problem was. I scolded my son why he interfered in the mat-

PHOTO: DARE AKOGUN

ter when I had told him to leave them alone, she narrated. Asked about her feelings, Agnes said she was not happy and explained that her husband who was away when the incident happened was not also happy when he returned and heard about the ugly incident. As at the time of filing this report, Mr. Habila Joshak, the Abia state police commissioner said the girls would be taken to the police clinic for medication while the suspects would soon be prosecuted to face the wrath of the law.

Communal clashes: Dankwambo restates commitment to peace WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State has restated his administration’s commitment in ensuring peaceful coexistence of the various communities in the State. The governor who spoke through his Deputy, Honourable Charles Iliya, at the maiden edition of Dadiya Cultural Festival tagged “DIKOLUM 2015”, made it clear that his administration would not fold its arms and watch senseless killings continue in the name of fighting for farmlands. According to him, “I am happy to note that there is a remarkable improvement in the peaceful coexistence between the people of Dadiya Chiefdom and their neighbours within the state such as the Waja, Tula, Tangale and Fulani,

TRACE Corps decorate community leaders as traffic mayors

as well as across the borders in Taraba”. While commending the Dadiya people for what he described as a renewed resolve to live in peace with their neighbours the Governor stated that had taken several steps to ensure the sustenance of peace in the area. These efforts he said include the stationing of units of the Army

and Mobile Police with a dump to supply the troops with fuel and a mandate to the traditional rulers of the area to exchange regular visits. He however assured people of the State that Government would continue to promote peace in every community as the prerequisite for the sustained economic development of the State.

The Governor noted that cultural festivals have the capacity to foster peace and promote inter-ethnic relations amongst divers’ communities. It was in this regard that Government is strengthening the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to identify, document and promote the rich cultural heritage of the people of Gombe, including that of Dadiya People.

gun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, over the weekend decorated 40 community leaders as voluntary TRACE Mayors to assist regular corps operatives in its efforts at ensuring unhindered road traffic flow along Sagamu Ogijo - Ikorodu Road, as well as reduce carnage on the roads. A statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital ,,and signed by the Corps' Public Relations Officer (PRO), Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the 40 community leaders were decorated by the corps' Director of Traffic Operations, Commander Seni Ogunyemi, at Ita Oluwo, Ogijo, in Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, with the charge to display high level of confidence and steadfastness in discharging their duties on the road for people to have more trust in them. Emphasising that community participation in road safety issue has been long over-due particularly in the Ogijo axis, Ogunyemi said that the inclusion of the voluntary traffic Mayors would ensure free vehicular movement along the axis. Earlier, former Commissioner for Housing in Ogun State, Mr. Daniel Adejobi, who is the Patron of the Ogijo Mayor Unit, implored the newly inducted Mayors to see their appointment as a call to duty and service to humanity which they must carry out without fear or favour.

Agency begins payment of refuse contractors DENNIS NAKU PORTHARCOURT

ivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA, said it has commenced payment of four months outstanding arrears to its service provider. It would be recalled that the previous administration of Chi-

buike Amaechi owed refuse contractors attached to the agency four months arrears. But in a statement issued over the weekend and signed by Jerry Needam, media aide to the Sole Administrator of RIWAMA, Chief Felix Obuah, the present administration of Governor Nyesom Wike will clear all outstanding payments.

Obuah however appealed to Rivers people to exercise patience with the Agency in its concerted efforts to clear the city of Port Harcourt and Rivers State of garbage inherited from the former administration and returns it to its garden city stutus. The statement said,"The Sole Administrator regretted that Amaechi refused to pay Service

Providers, including Road Swippers, which resulted in garbage being littered all over the State and inherited on May 29, 2015, when Chief Nyesom Wike took over government of Rivers State. "I appeal to Rivers people to have patience with us. I inherited debt of over N1billion. Amaechi refused to pay Service Providers for four months.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

World News

Jeb Bush launches US presidential bid

“No country should be left to deal with a massive humanitarian emergency with so little help from others, just because it happens to share a border with a country in conflict” –Amnesty’s Secretary General, Salil Shetty

Boko Haram suicide bombers kill 23, injure 100 in Chad Paul arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

t least 23 people were killed and more than 100 injured in suicide attacks in the Chadian capital N’Djamena, officials said. Attackers on motorcycles blew themselves up outside two police buildings, said witnesses. Chad’s government blamed Boko Haram militant Islamist group, but the group has not commented. It has carried out frequent suicide bomb attacks during its sixyear insurgency in neighbouring Nigeria. There was a distressing scene outside the police headquarters where one of the bombs went off, reports the BBC’s Will Ross from Lagos. Corpses and body parts lay on the sandy street outside the police headquarters, alongside the wreckage of motorbikes used by the suicide bombers, he said. Boko Haram had “made a mistake targeting Chad”, and would be “neutralised”, said Communications Minister Hassan Sylla Bakari, quoted by Reuters, adding that all four of the attackers had been killed.

Omar al-Bashir

WORLD BULLETIN

Vatican orders exarchbishop to stand trial for sex abuse Jozef Wesolowski, a former archbishop and papal ambassador to the Dominican Republic, will stand trial on criminal charges of paying for sex with minors and possessing child pornography, the Vatican said yesterday. The trial, due to start on July 11, will be the first on such charges inside the tiny city-state that is the headquarters of the 1.2 billion-member Roman Catholic Church. Vatican sources said the decision by the president of the Vatican’s tribunal to indict Wesolowski could not have been taken without a green light from Pope Francis. They said it was another sign of the pontiff’s intention to get tough on sex abuse by clergy. Wesolowski’s trial will be the highest profile judicial event in the Vatican since Paolo Gabriele, a former papal butler, was convicted in 2012 of stealing and leaking private papers of former Pope Benedict XVI. He was convicted and later pardoned by Benedict.

A clean up operation at the scene of attacks

He condemned the “appalling and barbaric attack,’’ saying that it “would not diminish Chad’s determination and commitment to fighting terrorism,’’ AP news agency reports. Chadian forces have played a key role in helping Nigeria battle the jihadist group, and the headquarters of a regional force is being set up in N’Djamena. The group has never targeted

N’Djamena before, but this attack should not come as a huge surprise given Chad’s role in fighting the insurgency, our correspondent said. Large numbers of troops have been deployed on the streets of the capital and a ban has been imposed on cars with tinted windows. Boko Haram gunmen have previously been active around

Lake Chad close to the Nigerian border. Video statements from the Islamist group have previously criticised and taunted Chadian President Idriss Deby. The Nigerian army has begun moving its headquarters from the capital Abuja to Maiduguri, the capital of the north-eastern Borno state at the heart of the insurgency.

Al-Bashir avoids South Africa arrest, returns home udanese President Omar al-Bashir has returned to Khartoum from South Africa, avoiding a court order barring him from leaving while an international warrant for his arrest was being reviewed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mr Bashir faces war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The Pretoria High Court ordered his arrest soon after he left. Bashir was visiting Johan-

nesburg for an African Union (AU) summit. An ICC official said the failure to arrest Mr Bashir was “disappointing”. A South African judge, Dunstan Mlambo, meanwhile said the failure to arrest Mr Bashir had violated the country’s constitution. But Sudan has described the attempt to arrest Mr Bashir as “lame and meaningless”. Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour told reporters at Khartoum airport that the court order was an attack on Sudanese sovereignty. The Sudanese leader is accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide during the Darfur conflict.

The UN says that about 300,000 people in Sudan have died since fighting began in 2003. More than 1.4 million people are thought to have fled their homes. Government forces and allied Arab militias are accused of targeting black African civilians in the fight against rebels. It is unlikely that South Africa will face sanctions for allowing Bashir to leave the country even after a court order barred him from doing so, says the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko in Pretoria. A number of African countries have in the past decided not to co-operate with the ICC. The court has been accused of racism and bias against African leaders.

Amnesty condemns ‘shameful’ world response to refugee crisis Rights group Amnesty International yesterday slammed world leaders for “condemning millions of refugees to an unbearable existence” and demanded they work closely to resolve the “worst crisis” since World War II. “From the Andaman to the Mediterranean people are losing their lives as they desperately seek safe haven,” said Salil Shetty, Amnesty’s secretary general, as the group published a report ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20. “The current refugee crisis will not be solved unless the international community recognises that it is a global problem that requires states to significantly step up international cooperation,” he added.

Belmokhtar: US seeks to confirm Islamist’s death The US is seeking to clarify whether an air strike in Libya killed the Islamist militant who ordered a deadly attack on an Algerian gas plant in 2013. Mokhtar Belmokhtar was killed in the eastern city of Ajdabiya, a statement from Libya’s government said. The US says Belmokhtar was targeted and the strike was successful, but it is analysing the operation’s results and would give details “as appropriate”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WORLD BULLETIN

Rights group leader resigns amid controversy over ethnicity Rachel Dolezal stepped down from her position as the president of an NAACP chapter in Washington State yesterday – days after her ethnic identity became a national controversy. The civil rights activist, 37, made the announcement in an open letter – posted on Facebook – to the organization’s executive committee and members. “It is with complete allegiance to the cause of racial and social justice and the NAACP that I step aside from the Presidency and pass the baton to my Vice President, Naima Quarles-Burnley,” she wrote. Dolezal said that her administration in Spokane has been dedicated to fighting against injustices that face the African-American community, such as police brutality, biased school curriculums and economic disenfranchisement. “And yet, the dialogue has unexpectedly shifted internationally to my personal identity in the context of defining race and ethnicity,” she wrote. According to Dolezal, challenging the “construct of race” is central to “evolving human consciousness.” However, she said, this conversation should not distract from the big issues that affect millions often with life or death consequences. Dolezal vowed to always fight for “what is right and good in this world” and thanked everyone who had supported her throughout the media firestorm.

Romanian leader slams PM’s attendance at European Games Romania’s president says he didn’t know the Romanian prime minister would attend the European Games, which most European Union leaders have avoided because of concerns about host Azerbaijan’s human rights record. Premier Victor Ponta travelled to Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, for the opening of the games Friday hours after he survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko also attended the opening. Protests against Azerbaijan’s human rights record took place in cities around the world Friday before the opening ceremony. President Klaus Iohannis called Ponta’s attendance at the games “a foreign policy gaffe,” and said yesterday he had not known about the visit. Ponta, who heads the ruling Social Democratic Party, was recently named in a corruption probe. Relations have soured between the two leaders after Iohannis asked Ponta to resign

World News

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Jeb Bush launches US presidential bid

nited States former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush formally launched his 2016 presidential campaign, yesterday, in Miami. Try as he might to emphasize that he is his own man and not his father or his older brother, who both served as president, Jeb Bush cannot shake the echoes of the past as he set out to launch his own run for the White House yesterday. In October of 1987, 10 days after wrapping up a trip to Europe where he defied the Soviet Union, then-63-year-old Vice President George H.W. Bush took to a stage in Houston, Texas, his adopted home, and launched a presidential campaign that was well-organized and well-funded. On Monday, Jeb Bush, the 62-year-old former governor of Florida, having just returned from a trip to Europe where he talked tough against Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, will take the stage in Miami, his adopted home, and officially announce his own presidential cam-

paign — one that is well-funded, like his father’s, but has not been quite as organized to date. The elder Bush, as he announced a second run for the White House in 1987 (he had run before in 1980 and lost to Ronald Reagan), was struggling to emerge from the shadow of one of the most popular Republican presidents in history. “This is the beginning of George Bush as George Bush,” Bush’s political director, Richard Bond, told the New York Times. Jeb Bush’s greatest challenge is that he is seen by most Americans as the brother of George W. Bush and the son of George H.W. Bush, despite a long career in politics and business. “I am my own man,” Jeb said earlier this year. He expanded on that thought in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash this past week during his trip to Europe, at a stop in Estonia. “Jeb is different than George, and Jeb is who he is,” Jeb said on

Bush

his trip to Europe last week. “I don’t have to disassociate myself from my family — I love them. But I know that for me to be successful, I’m going to have to show my heart and tell my story.“ In substance, as well, Jeb Bush’s central slogan — the “Right to Rise” — is a continuation of a common thread that ties him to his father and brother. George W. Bush’s “compas-

Russia to retaliate if US stations weapons on its borders

plan by Washington to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russia’s border would be the most aggressive U.S. act since the Cold War, and Moscow would retaliate by beefing up its own forces, a Russian defence official said yesterday. The United States is offering to store military equipment on allies’ territory in eastern Europe, a proposal aimed at

reassuring governments worried that after the conflict in Ukraine, they could be the Kremlin’s next target. Poland and the Baltic states, where officials say privately they have been frustrated the NATO alliance has not taken more decisive steps to deter Russia, welcomed the decision by Washington to take the lead. But others in the region were more cautious, fearing their

Dmitry Peskov at the tomb of Unknown Soldier by Kremlin walls in central Moscow, recently

countries could be caught in the middle of a new arms race between Russia and the United States. “If heavy U.S. military equipment, including tanks, artillery batteries and other equipment really does turn up in countries in eastern Europe and the Baltics, that will be the most aggressive step by the Pentagon and NATO since the Cold War,” Russian defense ministry official General Yuri Yakubov said. “Russia will have no option but to build up its forces and resources on the Western strategic front,” Interfax news agency quoted him as saying. He said the Russian response was likely to include speeding up the deployment of Iskander missiles to Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave bordered by Poland and Lithuania, and beefing up Russian forces in exSoviet Belarus. “Our hands are completely free to organize retaliatory steps to strengthen our Western frontiers,” Yakubov said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the Pentagon plan, citing the lack of any official announcements from the U.S. government.

sionate conservatism” became a defining hallmark of his presidency, and a target for criticism from those who saw it as code for a Republican expansion of government.

‘US prison worker plotted for escaped inmates to kill her husband’

head of Joyce Mitchell’s expected court appearance yesterday, reports reveal new information about the prison worker who has been accused of helping two inmates escape from upstate New York’s Clinton Correctional facility. Both the New York Daily News and New York Post reported Monday that, according to a source, Mitchell, had planned to drive convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat away from the prison and to her home, where they would then kill her husband, also an employee at Clinton. Prosecutors say Mitchell, who worked in the prison tailor shop, provided Matt and Sweat with the tools for their escape, including hacksaw blades, drill bits and chisels. The 51-yearold had allegedly planned to be the pair’s getaway driver, but backed out at the last minute and checked herself into a hospital instead, later confessing her involvement in the prison break to State Police. “Basically, when it was gotime and it was the actual day of the event, I do think she got cold feet and realized, ‘What am I doing?’ ” Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie told the Associated Press over the weekend. “Reality struck. She realized that, really, the grass wasn’t greener on the other side.”

North

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

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Masari faults Katsina’s free education programme JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

Kaduna-Zaria highway blocked by drivers protesting alleged shooting of a driver by a soldier at Marabar Jos, Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

65% Nigerians lack access to banking –NDIC …warns against institutionalising fraud IGBAWASE UKUMBA AND JUSTIN TYOPUUSU

orth East Zonal Controller of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Mr. Sabo Gidado, has said 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population does not have access to any form of banking facility. Gidado was speaking yesterday while delivering a sensitisation and awareness lecture to the 2015 Batch ‘A’ stream II corps members from Adawama State, who are camping in Jalingo due to activities of Boko Haram in Adamawa State. According to him, the percentage was arrived at following research conducted by Enhanced

Financial inclusion and Access, EFiNA, an organisation committed to reducing unbanked population in Nigeria. He noted that the percentage consists of mainly people in rural areas and people with low income due to irregular income, unemployment and distance to banks. The zonal controller urged corps members not to entertain any fear saving money in Nigerian banks, as all banks in the country are insured with the NDIC. “NDIC was set up to curtail the attendant economic disruptions that typically follow bank failures, such as loss of deposits held in banks and inclination of depositors of other banks making panic withdrawal of their depos-

its in a manner capable of running down sound banks, adding that NDIC has been working to stabilise the system to avoid such situation.” He explained that with NDIC, customer’s money is safe and in case of bank failure, NDIC guarantees payment of deposits up to a maximum amount. “In case of a bank failure, NDIC guarantees payment of customers’ deposits within 90 days,” he said. Meanwhile, NDIC said it would not hesitate to sanction any bank that has an institutionalise fraud. Director of Research of the NDIC, Mr. Kingsley Nwaigwe, made the threat at the Dan-Magaji Yamusa National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Permanent Orientation Camp, Keffi.

Yamusa made the threat during a one day sensitisation workshop on saving habits conducted to members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, deployed to Borno State and currently undergoing their orientation in Nasarawa State. He also warned people who patronise financial companies for money savings transactions that when such companies collapsed, NDIC would not be responsible for paying such persons because the financial companies are not covered by NDIC. According him; “the essence of the workshop is to sensitise the corps members on activities of NDIC and to inculcate into them the culture of saving money and at the same time to ensure that there is financial inclusion in Nigeria.”

Mega Party takes Kwankwaso to election tribunal A DULGAFAR OADIMEJI KANO

ega Progressive Peoples Party, MPPA, yesterday prayed Kano State governorship and National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal to nullify the election of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as senator representing Kano Central. The party cited exclu-

sion of its name and logo from the senatorial election ballot papers as reason for approaching the tribunal to seek nullification of Kwankwaso’s election as a senator. The petitioner made this known during the tribunal’s pre-hearing session held at Miller Road Court complex. Mega Party approached the tribunal contending the eligibility of Kwankwaso to compete in the 2015 general

elections in which he was returned as senator representing Kano Central senatorial district by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The petitioner urged the tribunal to declare as null and void the election of Kwankwaso, citing exclusion of its logo and the omission of the name of its candidate from the list of contestants in the election of March 28, 2015. The Peoples Democrat-

ic Party, PDP, also filed a petition before the tribunal, protesting the emergence of former Kano State governor as senator representing Kano Central on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The PDP in its originating summons said the process through which Kwankwaso emerged as standard bearer of the APC contravened provisions the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

atsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has faulted the free education programme of former administration in the state. Speaking yesterday on the issue, Masari said over N2.8 billion was spent by the past administration on the programme, but what was on ground is not commensurate to monies expended. He said a committee’s investigation showed that an average primary school classroom had about 111 pupils, while six of 10 schools were in bad shape in the state. He said such situation did not augur well for the

education sector, but efforts would be made under his watch to reshape the sector. The governor was speaking when officials of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, organised an event in his honour at the stateowned Katsina Motel. He also said the last administration had indiscriminately distributed fertiliser products meant for farmers to its cronies, but the current administration have so far been able to retrieve 2,000 bags. Masari, however, said the state had ordered the purchase of additional 23,000 tonnes of fertiliser that would soon be distributed to farmers.

No more killings with impunity in Kaduna, says el-Rufai A ZA MSUE KADUNA

aduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday declared that the era of killings with impunity in the state was over; adding that anybody found in the act will face the full wrath of the law. Speaking with journalists at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, el-Rufai, while advising families and communities to live together in peace without rancor, said the spate of killings in the state must end now, warning that anybody who attacks or commits murder will not be spared. The governor, who spoke through his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, also warned against any form of attacks by person or group in any part of the state, saying residents should embrace peace in the era of change as government was working round the clock to deliver real dividends of democracy to the people. The governor said there would be no more buying of justice in the state, adding that the present administration has strengthened the office of the SolicitorGeneral in the Ministry of Justice as part of efforts to strengthen the judiciary

for speedy dispensation of justice. El-Rufai, however, advised residents to report any grievances they may have with anybody to security agencies for prompt action rather than resulting to killings which henceforth, will not be tolerated. “We are calling on the good people of Kaduna State not to commit murder or attack anybody in the state. All citizens in Kaduna State have the right to live in peace. “Henceforth, the new administration will not allow killing of another fellow human being under any guise with impunity. If a husband kills his wife, he will face the full wrath of the law, the same thing if a wife or son kills her husband or father, she or he will face the law no matter highly the person may be. Any one or group of people that commit murder will not be spared; we will not tolerate any kind of killings. “Anybody who organises attack on a person or community in any part of the state will also face the law. No more buying of justice in Kaduna State again. We cannot fold our hands and watch such ungodly act in the state. Our step to secure Kaduna state has no religious sentiment, favoritism and witch hunting.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

2017 AFCON:

“I think with a bit of organization and some luck, our football at the top will be great again soon –Former Brazil international, Lucio

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Kaita seals Ifeanyi Ubah deal

Onazi

Tamarakuro Debekeme of Bayelsa United (left) kicking the ball past Heartland FC player, Fred Okwara, during their league match on Sunday. PHOTO: Courtesy LMC

apologises, misses Tanzania, Egypt clashes

Joel AJAyi ABUJA

uper Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, will not be part of the team to prosecute next two 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Tanzania and Egypt after he picked up a straight red card while featuring against Chad in Kaduna last weekend. The Taifa Stars of Tanzania

will on September 4 host the Stephen Keshi-tutored side in Dares Salam before the Super Eagles face Egypt months later on March 23, 2016. Onazi was sent off the pitch in the 2-0 win following his retaliation against a Chadian player who intentionally hit him at the back at the 83rd minute of their opening Group G encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Though he got the punishment for his action, Coach Keshi is of the view that the Lazio player couldn’t have reacted differently because of the harsh way the Chadian opponent hit him. “The heat of the moment caused it. Even if I’m the one, I would do the same. But the only fault that I saw in Onazi is that, as a player, he knows if you go for retaliation such player has to pay for it,” Keshi said.

“I’m not blaming Onazi. It’s just that we are going to miss him for two to three matches because it’s is a direct red card,” Keshi added. Meanwhile, Onazi has apologised for his reaction which ruled him out of two qualifying games. The Itali-based player who spoke through his twitter account wrote, “I let my team mates and our loyal fans down with my action on the pitch today. I apolo-

gise for my actions. Thank you for your usual support.” He added “Nothing else matters to me at this point than my personal joy and conviction, that of my friends, family and fans and my well-wishers. Thank you all for your support and praises, even when I don’t deserve them. “I don’t even feel like I have the right to refuse the criticism of the same people who praise me even when I don’t deserve it.”

the problems recorded against their playing turf. LMC Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar, yesterday said the decisions were reached at the recent LMC Board meeting in Abuja. The LMC Board also gave the clubs 45 days deadline to work on other aspects of the facilities that were found to be below requirement. Four clubs, Heartland, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Wikki Tourists and

Abia Warriors, were directed to effect minor repairs on their pitches for which another round of inspection would be carried out after Match Day 12. Five other clubs, Giwa FC, FC Taraba, El-Kanemi Warriors, Akwa United and Nasarawa United, whose stadia were adjudged to be in great disrepair have had their grounds suspended to host games in the next two weeks.

Those granted full approval to host matches include Enyimba International Stadium, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Liberation Stadium, Oghara Township Stadium and Warri Township Stadium. Others are Sani Abacha Stadium, Akure Township Stadium, Aper Aku Stadium, Lekan Salami Stadium and Ilorin Township Stadium. Alternative stadiums - Abuja National Stadium, UJ Esuene Sta-

dium, Calabar, Uyo International Stadium, Karkanda Stadium, Katsina, Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos and Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna - were recommended. “The clubs are free to choose any of these recommended venues for their home games until their grounds are re-certified,” Abubakar added.

Glo League: LMC bans 9 stadia

ollowing reports of the various teams that assessed stadium facilities during the three-week break of the Glo Premier League, nine of the 20 clubs have had their home grounds placed on suspension by the League Management Company (LMC). The clubs have thus been directed to choose alternative stadia from Match Day 12 while they fix

Sports

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo (in black cap) flanked by dignitaries at the occasion

Enyeama, Omeruo, others shine at Pitch Awards

uper Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, and Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, emerged King and Queen of the Pitch respectively at the 2nd Nigeria Pitch Awards held last weekend shortly after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Chad in Kaduna. The Award Ceremony, which was for the 2014 season, drew eminent personalities in the Nigerian football community, among whom were the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Barrister Chris Green, Chief

Emeka Inyama, Shehu Kawu and others. MD/CEO of the NDDC, Barrister Dan Abia, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Managing Partner of SIAO Partners, Bassey Eyo of Payporte.com, Ambassador Ebi Egbe and the BBA Runner- Up, Tayo Faniran, were also among the dignitaries. In the players’ category, Enyeama won the Best Goalkeeper Award while Kenneth Omeruo and Ogenyi Onazi emerged Best Defender and Midfielder respectively as Ahmed Musa beat Ike Uche and Mfon Udoh to the Striker of the Year Award.

of Punch emerge as the Football Journalist of the Year in the Print Category. Toyin Ibitoye of Channels TV and Bimbo Adeola of Star FM won the TV and Radio categories. Chairman of Channels TV, John Momoh was honoured with the Special Recognition in Football Award for his contributions to the development of football through the National Channels Kids Competition and Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi, who attended the ceremony along with all his backroom staff, received the Football Achievement Award.

Kaita seals Ifeanyi Ubah deal

AFCON 2017:

‘Egypt ‘ll win Gabon ticket’

haraohs of Egypt winger, Mohamed Elneny, yesterday said his country is determined to win a ticket to the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals. Egypt beat Tanzania 3-0 in Alexandria last Sunday to top Group G of the AFCON 2017 qualifiers that also comprises Nigeria and Chad. “Since we don’t know much about the opposition we had to be disciplined and wary of any unlikely scenario,” the Basel attacking midfielder said after the match. “We managed to stick to the coach’s orders, but wasted too many chances all the same. “Thank God we settled the match in the second half to prove that we are determined this time around to qualify

Kano Pillars also emerged as Club of the Year; Okey Emordi, the Coach of the Year; Ferdinand Udoh, Best Referee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu of Enyimba FC, Manager of the Year and John Shittu, the Players’ Agent of the Year. In other categories, Senator Liyel Imoke, former Governor of Cross River State picked up the Football Friendly Governor for 2014 and Lagos State, for the second time running, won the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme. The media category saw Tana Aiyejina

Elneny

for the upcoming Cup of Nations.” The seven-time African champions are sharing the first place in their group with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who got past Chad 2-0 in Kaduna on Saturday.

ormer Super Eagles midfielder, Sani Kaita, has completed his transfer to Nigeria Premier league side Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club on a three-year deal. “I am delighted to formalise my deal with Ifeanyi Ubah FC,” the former Pillars FC of Kano star said yesterday. “This is the first time I will sign a long-term deal with any club in Nigeria and I agreed to it because I see what the owner put in place here and his ambition with the club, he wants to build a team who all Nigerians will be proud of,” he added. Kaita said he looked forward to his debut in a Week 12 game at home against Dolphins of Port Harcourt. The former Enyimba midfielder has played for Sparta Rotterdam (Holland), Monaco (France), OlymKaita piakos (Greece), Lokomotiv Moscow, Kuban Krasnodar, FC Alaniya, Tavriya (all in Russia), Metalist Khakiv (Ukraine).

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FIFA U-20 W/CUP Wed Semi-finals Brazil

Senegal

Serbia

Mali

Sports

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Canada 2015:

Falcons

Super Falcons’ striker Asisat Oshoala

tackle USA in make-or-break Mercy Jacob

S World Youths: AFN begins camping in P/Harcourt

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) High Performance Center located inside the University of Port Harcourt will come alive today as athletes and officials from across Nigeria converge to begin preparation for Cali 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships in Columbia. AFN’s Technical Director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, revealed that Director of the Centre, Professor Ken Anugweje, has been appointed to coordinate the athletes’ activities. Spokesman for the federation, Olukayode Thomas, said athletes in the 100m category are Aniekeme Alphonsus from Akwa-Ibom and Abolaji Omotayo Oluwaseun from Kwara while Idamadudu Praise of Delta, Aniekeme Alphonsus of Akwa-Ibom and Adiakerenwa Blessing of Delta State will compete in the 200m and 400m respectively. “Uche Brown of Abia State and Olude Fadakemi Florence from Ogun State will compete in field and race walk events,” Thomas said. Idjesa Uruemu of Global Athletics Club and Nwokocha Tobechukwu of Delta State will also

compete in the boys 100m while Itsekiri Usheoritse of Delta, Dare Folarin of Lagos, as well as the duo of Adewale Sikiru and Afeez Abdulramon from Kwara State will compete in the boys 200m and 400m meters. Ojeikere Omon from Edo (110m hurdler), Prior Ochonogor and Airen Williams from Lagos (400m hurdlers) while Nwokocha Tobechukwu of Delta (long jump) complete the list. Coaches Femi Emmanuel (sprints/coordinator), Emily Osakwe (jumps), Abiodun Johnson (sprints), Chima Osuagwu (hurdles), Bamidele Bada (race walk), George Obiano (jumps support coach), Tom Nnakwe (hurdles support coach) will provide tutorials while Lambu Umar will be Team Secretary.

uper Falcons require a clear win today against the United States to progress to the next round of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. The Americans have won all four meetings with Nigeria, three in group stages of the World Cup. Falcons are condemned to win in this game, having drawn the first Group D game with Sweden before succumbing 2-0 to less-fancied Aus-

tralia in the second match. Sweden also needs to win to overtake Australia or the USA in the group as the four teams engage themselves simultaneously in the last group games while the USA needs a clear win over Nigeria to stay safe. Coach Edwin Okon is upbeat, saying his charges can spring surprise against the Americans. “The girls know that their job is cut out and they have no choice but get the maximum pints,” Okon said yesterday. “I believe strongly in them to

emerge victorious as we have learnt our lessons in the past games,” he added. Meanwhile, former Super Falcons star, Maureen Mmadu, has predicted a tough game against USA. “Nigeria needs to play with confidence and avoid playing the USA with too much respect by bringing back the spirit they deployed against Sweden if they want to scale this hurdle,” Mmadu said, stressing, “The players must stay compact in defence and play very fast when they are in possession of the ball.”

NOC tasks coaches Paul erewuba

he Nigeria Olympic Committee has charged Nigerian coaches to prioritise grassroots than pat attention to competitions. President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, gave the charge over the weekend at the end of a week-long International Olympic Committee Taekwondo Solidarity course held in Abeokuta. Gumel, who was represented by the Secretary General of the NOC, Hon. Babatunde Popoola, tasked the 25

coaches that attended the programme to focus on talent discovery. “You must ensure that you discover new athletes in the mould of Mary Onyali, Chioma Ajunwa, Yusuf Ali, Henry Amike, Samuel Peters, Obisia Nwankpa, Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha and Blessing Okagbare, among others,” the NOC chief said. “I urge you to return to your locations to implement what you have learnt, as the NOC beams its searchlight on your performances,” he added. Course facilitator and South Korea expert, Mr. GM Kim Jin-Beom, who was visiting Africa for the first time,

commended the event’s coordinator and Strategic and Planning Officer of NOC, Mr. Fadele Samuel Akinnola, for what he called well-packaged programme.

NOC President, Gumel

Zenith Bank WBL: Customs, Benue, GT win

igerian Customs Basketball Club defeated debutants Zamfara Babes 65-15 in one of the games of the Zenith Bank Basketball League played yesterday at the Ilorin Stadium. The game was dominated by Customs as Coach Abdulrahman Mohammed said his side deserved victory after

the four quarter scores stood at 16-3, 197, 19-1 and 11-4. The fans applauded the Zamfara Babes who fell short of expectation with too many failed attempts at the basket. In the earlier games, Benue Princess defeated Taraba Hurricanes 57-28, while GT 2000 beat Nasarawa Amazons 39-33.

In today’s games, Coal City Queens take on Zamfara Babes, GT 2000 battles Delta Force, Oluyole Babes take on Nigeria Immigration while Nasarawa Amazons contest with FCT Angels. First Deepwater faces AHIP, Dolphin meets IGP Queens, First Bank engages Plateau Rocks, as Sunshine Angels compete with Benue Princess.

Search & Groom set for Lyon 2016

S AFN boss, Ogba

earch and Groom youth for development centre will represent Nigeria at the streetfootballworld festival 2016 holding in Lyon, France as an official part of the UEFA Euro 2016. An official invitation letter jointly signed by Dr Vladimir Borkovi, Network Director , streetfootballworld, the

host, Philippe Oddou, Director General, Sport dans la Ville has been sent to the Executive Director, Search and Groom youth for development centre, Mr. Yomi Kuku. The street football festival, which brings together about 100 teams of young people from disadvantaged com-

munities all over the world for a festival of football, fair play and culture, chosen not for their skills on the field but for their commitment to making the world a better place using the power of football, will hold between June 28 and July 7, 2016 during the semi-final week of the UEFA EURO 2016.

WORLD RECORD

Firstmarathon evidencedribbling of organised running Fastest two basketballs

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1135 Tuesday, June 16, 2015

The earliest evidence of organised running was at Memphis, Egypt c. 3800 BC. Information from Archives .

2015 polls and misappropriation of history

y getting it right in the 2015 general elections, Nigerians have been vindicated by their unmitigated commitment to the electoral process. At a time when Africa is ceaselessly lampooned against the backdrop of electoral crises and sit-tight-mentality among its leaders, Nigeria has shown against all odds that her democracy can thrive and the peoples’ wishes respected. It is instructive to note that with the recent yet sad political events in Burundi, African leaders must begin to learn that power is transient. They need to bow out when the ovation is loudest. More importantly, African leaders should learn to concede defeat in the true spirit of lib-

Guest Columnist

Raheem Oluwafunminiyi

eral democracy. From former President Goodluck Jonathan’s altruistic actions, we have come to understand the dangers in not conceding defeat in a national election, especially when the implication of such action could plunge the country into yet another crisis at a time we are still battling with one in the North East region. Having said this, it is important for us to begin to reassess the issues raised before, during and in the aftermath of the 2015 elections. We need to set the records straight so that we and the next generation do not fall victim of the wrong interpretation of our recent political history. We need to begin to gather and put into proper perspectives all the events that happened and most of the discourses that emerged throughout the electioneering process so as not to ingrain the wrong messages into our national consciousness. This is important because we are not a historically conscious people and nation. It is, however, imperative for us to begin to tell it as it is and correct those, who in their bid to score cheap political gains, skewed history for the wrong reasons. History should be seen as what it is and not what a few think it must be because of politics. This argument is primed on the series of wrong facts tabled by a number of commentators that former President Jonathan was the first person or politician to concede defeat in the history of elections in this country. Although it may have occurred under a different electoral platform, it would still be wrong to say former President Jonathan was the first

HISTORY SHOULD BE SEEN AS WHAT IT IS AND NOT WHAT A FEW THINK IT MUST BE BECAUSE OF POLITICS to call to congratulate his opponent in an election. Since the beginning of our nascent democracy in 1999, candidates have always disagreed with or challenged the outcome of every election. If we have to go back to both the First and Second republics too, one would not be wrong to assert that our elections at all levels have always faced one form of dispute or the other. In the process, disputing candidates flood the tribunals with one petition or the other. The courts are not left out, as they too listen to cases the candidates not satisfied with the judgements given at the various election petition tribunals bring along. Many of these cases eventually end up in the Supreme Court were final judgements are given. The case of governors Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola are quick reminders here. Not even the presidential election since 1999 has been spared. Chief Olu Falae had challenged in the court the victory of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo soon after the 1999 election. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, whose penchant for disagreeing with the outcome of all presidential elections since 2003, also challenged his

defeat until it got heard at the Supreme Court. The outcomes of the 2015 election, presidential, gubernatorial and of course, the legislative at federal and state levels have changed it all. While the presidential election didn’t go to the tribunal, first of its kind in 16 years, the gubernatorial and legislative elections have also followed the same line except in few cases like in Imo, Rivers etc. However, while one must give kudos to all those who had at one point or the other conceded defeat, starting from former President Jonathan, we must also look back at 2011 where like in 2015, national elections were held. While the aftermath of the presidential election had brought with it post-election troubles in selected states in the North, and success recorded by many incumbent governors of the ruling or opposition political parties depending on the state, someone was already making history. As the results were being announced, many defeated candidates already dissatisfied with the conduct of the election, condemned the electoral body and process and headed straight for the tribunal. It was, however, not so in Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states. Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Chief Adetunji Olurin, PDP candidates for Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states respectively, had not only conceded defeat but openly congratulated the winners in the three states. Even Alhaji Rasheed Ladoja of the Accord Party was humble enough to have said he was “prepared to work with Ajimobi”. For the sake of history and to lay the facts bare, former President Jonathan would not be the first person to concede defeat in an election. Dr. Dosunmu, Rasheed Ladoja, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Chief Adetunji Olurin will serve as a pointer to this generation and the next as those who belled the cat where many failed. Oluwafunminiyi wrote via creativitysells@gmail.com

Sport Extra

helsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, was due to meet with the club officials late yesterday to discuss his desire to leave Stamford Bridge. Cech has disclosed his intention to join Arsenal, but

Transfer: Cech nears Chelsea departure the Premier League champions are reluctant to let him move there unless they receive a home-grown player as part of the deal. PSG are also interested and Chelsea would prefer to

sell to the French champions for a fee of around £11m. But Cech, who has been at Chelsea for 11 seasons and has a year left on his contract, would rather remain in London, where his family

is settled. Cech spent last season as second choice to Thibaut Courtois and featured in just seven Premier League games. It was the first time he has not been number one

at the London club. The four-time Premier League winner has made over 500 appearances for Chelsea since joining in the summer of 2004 from Rennes for £7m.

Cech

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