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Anti-Dogara lawmakers call for reversal of House Committee headships

Dasuki sues FG, alleges threat to life

....say Speaker has declared war against APC, Presidency obioRa iFoh and ubong ukpong

risis rocking the House of Representatives has taken a grave dimension with the ultimatum by a faction

Dogara

Vol. 5 N0. 1240

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

loyal to Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to Speaker Yakubu Dogara, to reverse the current composition of heads of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Dasuki

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Buhari sacks EFCC P boss, Lamorde

Rotimi Fadeyi and oluFemi adeosun

...appoints Magu Acting Chairman

resident Muhammadu Buhari has relieved the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, of his position. A statement issued yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Lamorde is proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the formal expiration of his tenure in February next year. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

MTN CEO resigns over Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $5.2bn P.4 fine

President Muhammadu Buahari (right) congratulating new INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, after taking oath of office at the swearing-in in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be guided by Constitution, Electoral Act, says INEC chairman

S/East govs, Ohanaeze meet over pro-Biafra agitation

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MASSOB mobilises 2,000 members for protest in Ebonyi

190 Bauchi pensioners die waiting N14.6bn gratuity

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South East govs, Ohanaeze meet over pro-Biafra protests Chris Njoku aNd aliuNa GodwiN

outh East governors and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo are to meet over the spate of pro-Biafra agitation currently sweeping across the zone and the South South. The meeting, expected to come up this week in Owerri, the Imo State capital is expected to discuss how to check the activities of pro-Biafra groups in the area and address the wave of protests by the agitators. Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who disclosed this yesterday said already all necessary contacts had been made to ensure that all those expected to be at the meeting, would be in attendance. Governor Okorocha had earlier, while taking exception to the pro-Biafra violent protests in some of the South-East states and few other neighbouring states, disassociated the governors and leaders in the zone from the MASSOB protests, describing the whole exercise as embarrassing, disturbing, counter-productive and to a large extent, distracting. According to Okorocha, the pro-Biafra protests could not be in the interest of the south-east people, but were only sending wrong signals to the rest of Nigerians, adding that it has become increasingly necessary for the governors in the zone, Ohaneze leaders and other stakeholders to meet and tackle the development. The governor explained further in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, that at the end of the Owerri meeting, the governors and other leaders would take a common position and will also invite the leaders of the proBiafra groups to let them know the socio-economic and political implications of their activities, including their demand for sovereignty in a united Nigeria. Governor Okorocha said the governors and leaders in the zone could no longer sit and watch the whole situation degenerate and also

noted that the Igbo as a people cannot afford to have its own kind of Boko Haram. He also wondered why the pro-Biafra groups kept quiet all these years only to resume their violent protests and activities this time and few months after the new administration in the country came on board.

“The governors are going to take the bull by the horn in the overall interest of Ndi-Igbo in particular and Nigerians in general,” he said. The governor had also met with security chiefs in the state on how to ensure that the pro-Biafra protests won’t be experienced in

Imo State. He has also been meeting with certain categories of the citizenry in the state that may have the temptation of joining the protest to let them know the futility of such action. Meanwhile, leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign

State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday said it has mobilised over 2,000 members to stage a peaceful protest in Ebonyi State. Fielding questions from journalists in Abakaliki, factional leader of the group, Uchenna Madu said the group is prepared to protest in the state and can-

not be stopped by police. He said the body was protesting indiscriminate arrest and detention of its members by the Federal Government. “We are unstoppable in this nationwide protest. No amount of intimidation, harassment, arrest CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (second right) with other officers addressing Advancing 118 Task Force Battalion of the Nigerian Army as they move towards Damasak, a border town linking Borno and Niger Republic, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari sacks EFCC boss, Lamorde CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The statement further said Buhari had approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, as the Acting Chairman of EFCC The two-paragraph statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Magu as the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. “Mr. Magu, who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police is to take over from Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, who is proceeding on terminal leave ahead of the formal expiration

of his tenure in February next year.” Lamorde was sighted at the Presidential Villa earlier yesterday before the statement was issued. Former President Goodluck Jonathan had appointed Lamorde as EFCC chairman in 2011 to replace Mrs. Farida Waziri. Before his removal yesterday, there had been allegations leveled against the former EFCC boss regarding diversion of funds recovered from former Governor of Bayelsa State, Dipreye Alamieyeseigha and former Inspector/General of Police, Tafa Balogun He was to appear before the Senate Commit-

tee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition this week to defend allegation of illegally diverting N1trn, being proceeds recovered from suspects of financial crimes. A petition from one Mr. George Uboh had brought the embattled ex-EFCC boss to public scrutiny and had triggered an enquiry into his activities at the commission The fraud allegedly perpetrated by Larmode was said to have dated back to his days as the Director of Operations of the EFCC between 2003 and 2007, as well as an acting chairman between June 2007 and May 2008, when the then chairman of the anti-graft agency,

Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, was away for a course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos The petitioner, who is a Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, a security firm, had in his petition dated July 31, 2015, accused Lamorde of some specific instances of under-remittance and non-disclosure of proceeds of corruption recovered from criminal suspects, including Balogun and Alamieyeseigh. He assured the Senate that he would produce “overwhelming evidence” to back his claims against Lamorde. Apart from alleged financial recklessness,

Larmode’s reign as the EFCC boss was characterised by ineffectiveness in the fight against official graft. Some of his traducers also said throughout his term in office, he pandered to the body language of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who was also accused of indifference in the face of wanton plundering of the nation’s resources. However, Lamorde had denied all the allegations leveled against him, describing them as malicious, unwarranted and self-serving. In order to prove his innocence, he had sued some of the newspapers that carried the stories.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Minister-designate and outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole (2nd right), presenting the overall winners award to Tedder Hall representatives, during the final of the university’s Inter-Hall Debate Competition, in Ibadan, yesterday.

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim; representative of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muntaka Coomasie and Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Rosaline Bozimo, at the 2nd Batch of NDIC 2015 Sensitisation Seminar for FCT and State High Court Judges in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: PTA Chairman, National College, Gbagada, Mr. Ololade Gabriel; Special Guest, Chief (Mrs) Aduke Maina; Managing Proprietor/Principal, Engr. Alfred Aina and Vice Principal Admin. Mr. Ewata Olufemi during the flag-off of the School’s 60th Annivasary in Lagos, yesterday.

General Manager, External Relations, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria JV, Igo Weli (back row right), parents and top 15 beneficiaries of the 2013/2014 SPDC JV University Scholarship award, in Port Harcourt, recently.

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MTN boss sacked over NCC’s $5.2bn fine

IsaIah ErhIawarIEn sylva EmEka-OkErEkE

TN’s Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Mr. Sifiso Dabengwa, yesterday resigned his position over delay in disconnecting unregistered mobile phone numbers by its Nigerian subsidiary. The group, which is the parent company of MTN Nigeria, was slammed with a $5.2bn fine by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, for its inability to disconnect unregistered mobile phone numbers. The group hurriedly appointed Phuthuma Nhleko as executive chairman in a temporary capacity. “Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances occurring at MTN Nigeria, I, in the interest of the company and its shareholders, have tendered my resignation with immediate effect,” Dabengwa stated.

A statement from the company said Nhleko, the current non-executive chairman, has agreed to act as executive chairman for a maximum period of six months while the company identifies a successor for Dabengwa. Disclosing this to shareholders at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the MTN group’s statement reads in part: “MTN wishes to inform the market that MTN’s chief executive officer, Mr. Sifiso Dabengwa, has resigned. “Nhleko is no stranger to the business as he served as non-executive director and chairman of MTN from July 2001 until June 2002 and thereafter as an executive director, group president and CEO until March 2011. “He has subsequently chaired the group in a non-executive capacity for the past two and a half years (29 May, 2013).” “I will assume responsibility as executive

chairman for the next six months as I proactively deal with the Nigerian regulator and will continue to work with them in addressing the issues around unregistered subscribers as a matter of urgency,” commented

Nhleko. To ensure compliance with King III, Mr. Alan van Biljon will continue to serve as the lead independent director on the MTN board of directors (MTN board) while Nhleko takes over executive responsi-

bility. “Together with the MTN board, my second priority will be to find an appropriate chief executive officer to take MTN forward. I will then revert to my non-executive chairman role,” conclud-

ed Nhleko. Stakeholders are reminded that MTN will continue to inform them of any material engagements with the Nigerian authorities via the Stock Exchange News Service of the JSE Limited (SENS).

TSA: CBN fines Skye Bank N4bn

entral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has imposed a fine of N4 billion on Skye Bank Plc for failing to render appropriate returns on accounts of some government institutions and agencies. This was contained in a statement by Skye Bank to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. The bank said the fine imposed by the apex bank was misdirected since it did not conceal any information on the accounts from the CBN. Skye Bank said a significant portion of the money for which penal-

ty was applied belong to the state-owned energy company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Pension Funds, and National Assembly Legislative Aides account balances. It said N40 billion for which the fine was imposed came from the NNPC account balances on which it had received a communication from the oil giant, exempting it from the Treasury Single Account, TSA, operations. Skye Bank said it received “a communication from the NNPC,

forwarding a letter from the Accountant General of the Federation on the treatment of NNPC funds. “By the communication, the bank is advised that an 18 business day window had been granted by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo within which a plan for the orderly withdrawal of the NNPC funds will be implemented.” The statement said that Skye Bank has engaged the apex bank in discussion with a view to bringing the issues to the attention of the

banking sector regulator and reviewing the penalty. It would be recalled that CBN recently sanctioned First Bank with a fine of N1.87 billion for refusing to remit about N37.55 billion belonging to the state-owned energy company. It also fined UBA N2.94 billion for concealing a portion of the energy corporation’s fund totalling N58.84 billion. UBA was sanctioned for also refusing to remit the deposit of the energy firm into the TSA as and when directed.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Anti-Dogara lawmakers call for reversal of House Committee headships CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

House Standing Committees, in the interest of the country. The group also said the Speaker’s disposition since assumption of office shows that he is committed to destabilising the House on behalf of the powerful forces that have ruined Nigeria and brought the nation to the current sorry pass. Spokesman of the group, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar from Sokoto State, while addressing reporters at All Progressives Congress, APC National Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, said the composition of head ships of committees must be seen for what it is: “a declaration of war against the APC and the Presidency all calculated at sabotaging the majority advantage that APC enjoys, with ultimate aim of rolling back the electoral victory of our party.” Leading over 30 legislators to a closed-door meeting with the national officers of the party on Monday, Hon Adar said: “It is on record that Hon Yakubu Dogara has consistently

taken the APC for granted on past occasions, including showing contempt for APC’s national leadership by spearheading a boycott when the former attempted to offer guidelines to House members before the election that threw him up as Speaker, with slim majority. “Upon his emergence as Speaker, Hon. Dogara insisted on foisting his misguided and arrogant imposition of so-called ‘federal character’ in the Body of Principal Officers of the House, so as to frustrate the early stabilisation plan of the House as proposed by our party. “Since climbing to the seat, Dogara has refused to belong properly to the APC House caucus, frustrating meetings, and, instead, romancing openly with PDP legislators, including holding clandestine meetings to plot the downfall of our party. “In furtherance of this treachery, he has severally frustrated efforts by patriotic members who wanted to table salutary motions aimed at commending and

encouraging Mr President’s anti-corruption measures so far taken.” Adar also said the Speaker has continued to suppress critical and dissenting voices from contributing in debates at plenary, while promoting the dominance of activities of the House by hostile, opposition elements. He said instead of promoting unity in the house, the Speaker is pursuing the path of division along ethnic and faith lines. “In pursuit of his tyrannical agenda, the Speaker has caused a motley crowd of his co-conspirators to amend the House Rules, to enable him suspend members at will and generally apply punitive measures to kill the well known vibrancy that has historically characterised the House of Representatives. “The composition of headships of committees must be seen for what it is: a declaration of war against the APC and the Presidency - all calculated at sabotaging the majority advantage that APC enjoys, with ul-

timate aim of rolling back the electoral victory of our party. “The composition of chairmen and deputy chairmen of Committees are clear manifestations of the marginalisation of the ruling All Progressives Congress. “Under the 7th Assembly headed by Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the then majority party – PDP got 63 out of 89 committees of the House which constituted 71 per cent share of the committee, while the Minority parties (ACN, ANPP, CPC and others) got only 26 out of the 89 committees which underscores the fact that the Minority got only 29 per cent share of the committees. Unfortunately, under Speaker Yakubu Dogara the Majority party – APC got 50 per cent share of committees, same with the PDP and other Minority parties which equally got 50 per cent. No legislature in the world had ever shared committees on 50:50 basis between the Majority and Minority parties.

“There must be a clear cut margin between Majority and Minority parties as was done in previous assemblies. Worthy to note that, in the U.S Congress, the current Majority Party (Republican) enjoys 100 per cent committee chairmanship allocation, while the Minority party is only considered for deputies and also most African parliaments do not share same equally. “It is curious that strategic committees such as Petroleum, Power, Environment, Works, Gas, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Information Technology, Aviation, National Planning, Nigerian Ports and Waterways which are crucial to the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Change Agenda were given to PDP by Speaker Yakubu Dogara. “What is the motive behind such undemocratic move? Is it to derail the Change Agenda of President Buhari to ease their ungodly marriage with PDP ahead of 2019? Nigerians are yearning for meaningful development

L-R: Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Ndegwa; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs/Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday.

South East govs, Ohanaeze meet over pro-Biafra agitation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

and detention will prevent us from showing our grievances over the action of the Federal Government and the police. “They have been arrest-

ing us and we want to let them know that there is limit to what we can endure. “We have been very peaceful but the Federal Government and security

agents are pushing us to the wall,” he said. Madu said the body has received information that police in Ebonyi have taken over strategic position in the state to stop their

protest. “Police cannot stop us from protesting in Ebonyi. We must protest and by the time we will come they will know that we have come,” he added.

Our correspondent gathered that the police has cordoned-off the boundary between the state and Enugu to prevent any breakdown of law and order by any person or group.

before 2019 and APC must be allowed to deliver on her mandate,” he added. Meanwhile, Dogara, yesterday, warned that he would sack any head or member of a committee found to be non-performing or engaged in wrong doings in the course of their assignments in the committee. The Speaker gave the warning while inaugurating the House Committees at a special session, with Gbajabiamila and his loyalists conspicuously missing. During the special session, which had the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former presiding and principal offices of the House, security chiefs among other top government functionaries in attendance, Dogara warned that the leadership of the House would be sensitive to any report of wrongdoing or corrupt practices by any member or leadership of a committee. Dogara also debunked insinuation about juicy and non-juicy committees, saying all the committees are the same. He said by choice, the lawmakers had declared in their Legislative Agenda that theirs was a people centered House. “In this season of change, our people must be at the centre of our committees’ oversight assignment. In this season of change, we have lost the liberty to engage in the pursuit of self,” he said. He reminded his colleagues of the need to work together as a team, saying committees that work together have better chances of executing their mandates successfully. He said that the leadership of committees should involve members fully in assignments, advising too that related committees should hold joint policy oversight and investigative hearings, where convenient. He further advised that effort should be made to involve their counterparts in the Senate where the same issues are being investigated, to avoid dissipation of parliamentary energy. Responding on behalf of members, Chairman of Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumini Jibrin, pledged their commitments to the course, saying they would be guided by set rules.

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I’ll be guided by Constitution, Electoral Act –INEC chair

ew Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday assured that he would be courageous and guided by the Constitution and Electoral Act in the discharge of his assignment. Yakubu made the pledge at INEC headquarters while assuming office in Abuja. He said he would not be deterred in spite of insinuation that his responsibility was enormous and difficult. “I am not sure it is really difficult; this is simply because the Constitution is very clear. “The roles and responsibilities of INEC are clearly spelt out and the provisions of the Electoral Act are also very clear. “Our responsibility is to ensure that in whatever we do, we are guided by the letter and spirit of the constitution, and these we are going to do with courage. “Whatever we need to do, we will ensure it is done courageously and according to the law,” he said. Yakubu promised to be just to all and never to fail the expectations of Nigerians in his new role, maintaining that he loved hard tasks. “One of my bosses used to say that the public office has tenure, a minimum of one day and a maximum of the tenure. “In the case of the INEC, it is a minimum of one day and a maximum of five years; in-between is the privilege to serve. We will never fail this na-

tion. “We will be courageous in what we do, and we will be courageous and just to all that we are supposed to serve,” he said. Yakubu also pledged to build on the successes recorded by his predecessor, especially in the conduct of the 2015 general elections. “We have come a long way; we have had commendations both locally and internationally, on the conduct of the 2015 general elections. “As I said at the senate screening, our responsibility as a new commission is actually to consolidate and add value. “Nations don’t make progress by always starting a fresh; nations make progress because there is a building block which we will now build more,’’ he said. He commended the outgoing acting chairman of the commission, Hajia Amina Zakari, for holding forth, and called for cooperation and understanding of all staff of the commission. Earlier, Zakari had said that the inauguration of the new commission members had assuaged the fears of Nigerians about its ability to conduct upcoming elections in Bayelsa and Kogi. Zakari said that under her watch, the commission successfully conducted two by-elections and had seriously prepared for the coming governorship polls. She said INEC was committed to conducting free and fair elections “in a credible manner, based on international best practices.”

L-R: Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters-Senate, Sen. Ita Enagi; his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Ismaila Kawu and former Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Isiaka Bawa, during the inauguration of House Committees at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday.

Oil & gas sector facing sharp revenue decline –Kachikwu

...calls for new business models

roup Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, on Monday said the industry was facing a sharp decline in revenues from the country’s oil assets. Kachikwu said this at the 33rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition organised by Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE, in Lagos. The NNPC boss was represented by Group General Manager, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, Mr Dafe Sejebor.

Kachikwu said the nation should put up strategies to stay afloat in order to mitigate the impact of the fall in oil price in the industry and the nation. “We must renegotiate our contracts to reflect current market realities. “If the cost/unit barrel remains exorbitant at current low prices, oil production becomes economically not viable; it will simply be left in the ground. “Portfolios must be reevaluated because now is the good time to optimise the company’s overall portfolio by restructuring capital allocation away

Dasuki sues FG, alleges threat to life Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

ormer National Security Adviser, NSA, Colonel Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (rtd), has filed ta suit against the Federal Government in a Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights to dignity and security of life. Dasuki is asking the court for a mandatory order compelling the Federal Government and its agents, especially operatives of the Directorate of Security Services, DSS, to vacate his house located at 13, John Kadija Street, Asokoro, with immediate effect. In the suit filed by his

counsel, Mr Ahmed Adeniyi Raji (SAN), Dasuki pleaded with the court to stop the siege laid to his house and to remove all impediments, human and non-human barricade and bulwarks said to have hindered the permission granted him since November 3 to travel abroad for treatment of his ailing medical condition. In a motion on notice filed pursuant to section 36(5) 37 and 41 of the 1999 constitution and sections 1(1) and (2) and 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the ex-NSA also sought for order of the court extending order of November 3 permitting treatment of his ailment abroad. The motion on notice was

premised on five grounds including the request to enforce the 3 week permission granted him by the court on November 3 to keep a re-rescheduled medical appointment with his physician abroad. He claimed that the Federal Government acting through the operatives of the SSS and other security agencies have frustrated the said order by barricading his apartment since the permission was granted. The ex-NSA also requested the court to extend the order of Number 3 since it could not be implemented due to the action of the security agents. Dasuki further asked the court to dispose with his

from high-cost, lower-return projects,’’ he said. The GMD listed survival strategies to include external financing, operational optimisation, review of fiscal terms, strategic merger and acquisition. Others are re-engineering business models, reduction in operating expenditure cost, and financial resilience. Mr Chikwe Edoziem, president of NAPE, said low crude oil price should be seen as an opportu50 to be efficient at evnity ery point along the value chain of the industry. He said the nation’s CHANGE OF NAME

appearance in court for the purpose of this application because of the alleged constant threats to his life from the security agencies. In a 13 paragraph affidavit in support of the motion, Dasuki claimed that following the order of November 3 permitting him to go abroad for medical attention; he immediately purchased his travel ticket and boarding pass issued to him to accomplish the trip. He averred that shortly after, the operatives of the DSSS acting on behalf of the Federal Government stormed and barricaded his house at Asokoro in brazen defiance of the court order and prevented him from travelling out.

I,formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL S. JOHNSON now wish to be known and addressed as OKOZIE KELVIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKANO:Formerly known and addressed as DANIEL N. AKANO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as FRANKLIN MMADUABUCHI AKANO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OJO:Formerly known and addressed as MISS OJO ABIGEAL OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKINGBADE ABIGEAL OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Jonathan Uduak Johnson, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mr Joshua Usen Jonathan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

crude oil reserves in the last five years had remained stagnant at 37 billion barrels, which was achieved in 2010. Edoziem added that Federal Government target of 40 billion barrels by 2020 would remain a mirage if Joint Venture, JV, which is the country’s largest upstream arrangement in the industry, remained under-funded. He urged government to give consideration to putting in place a self-adjusting fiscal regime that would take cognisance of the vagaries of crude oil price. According to him, other emerging and worrisome development is the regulatory uncertainty and the sanctity of contractual and fiscal terms, and over tax. CHANGE OF NAME WRIGHT: Formerly known and addressed as RITA JOREILYN WRIGHT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as RITA JOREILYN UKHUEGBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UWASOMBA:Formerly known and addressed as OKEY CONLETH UWASOMBA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEY OPARA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AGBABIAKA: Formerly known and addressed as AGBABIAKA OYEDUNNI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SANUSI BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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Saraki mourns Durojaiye, Senate Clerk GeorGe oji

enate President Bukola Saraki yesterday described the death of Acting Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Adedotun Durojaiye, as a colossal loss, adding that he was a civil servant of repute. Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that late Durojaiye passed on at a time when his experience was needed to move the Eighth Senate to the next level. He added that the Lagos-born civil servant served selflessly and was dutiful in his contribution to the course of the nation’s development. Saraki said: “We in the National Assembly and in particular, the Senate, received the news of the demise of Durojaiye with great shock. He was a vibrant and exceptional public offi-

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

cer. He was there at the inception of this Eight Senate. He conducted the elections of Presiding Officers. We will surely miss his vast experience, his vibrancy and commitment to legislative duties,” he said. The Senate President, however, urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that late Durojaiye lived a life worthy of emulation. “My candid advise to the bereaved family is to strengthen your faith in God. We should also know that death is an inevitable end for all humans. I pray God to give you the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” While commiserating with the management and staff of the National Assembly over the sudden death of one of their own, Saraki prayed the Almighty God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

B’Haram: Troops arrest wanted terrorist in Adamawa UBonG UkponG ABUJA

roops of Nigerian Army yesterday arrested a Boko Haram kingpin on list of wanted terrorists. Only few weeks ago the Nigerian Army published the list of 100 wanted terrorists in the country. In an operational update yesterday, Director

of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said the terrorist was arrested by vigilant troops in Adamawa State. According to him, “today in the morning, another wanted Boko Haram terrorist, Ishaku Wardifen, was nabbed by vigilant troops of 23 Brigade Special Battalion at a check point in Maiha, Adamawa State. “Preliminary interroga-

tion revealed that the suspected terrorist is a Cameroonian citizen. “Visual matching with photographs on the poster of the 100 declared suspected Boko Haram terrorists on wanted list released by the Nigerian Army last month, showed that he clearly resembles the suspect on serial number 22 on the list. “The suspect has been

handed over to military intelligence for further investigation and possible prosecution. “Nigerian Army would like to once more call on all citizens and all wellmeaning residents of our country to continue to be more vigilant and security conscious to enable us rid our great nation of the menace of terrorism and insurgency.”

New Iwo monarch installed Bolasdale BamiGBola OSOGBO

ew Oluwo of Iwoland, headquarters of Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, was yesterday installed, succeeding the late Oba Asiru Tadese. The installation ceremony, which followed the approval of appointment of the new monarch by Osun State government after completion of due process by the kingmakers, was witnessed by a huge crowd that thronged the venue. The monarch, who had earlier entered the town amid cheers, through OriEru and later moved to OdoOri, Ile-Omosan and Ojaba axis of the town, where people lined up the streets to welcome him, in an open roof Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle, while he acknowledged cheers from them. The new Oluwo was turbaned by League of Imam and Alfas led by Sheik Imran Adio in the town’s palace and was later dressed with “Akoko” leaf by the Oosa of Iwo Kingdom, Chief Bello Orobimpe. Traditional gunshots rented the air by Iwo traditionalists, heralding the reign of the new Oluwo and subsequently, signaled com-

pletion of the first phase of the monarch’s traditional rites. He was later led by traditionalists and chiefs to the “Ile Onto” to continue further installation rites. In his remarks after the ceremony, Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, said with the manner the issue of Oluwo stool was handled, the commitment of the Aregbesola administration to one of his six-point integral plans of promotion of communal peace and progress, has been further demonstrated. While commending the courage and understanding of all involved in the matter, Adeoti said the day was historic because for three years Iwo was without a monarch. “We need the cooperation of all and sundry, I call on everybody to join hands with the new monarch in the task to build the town. Iwo can not afford to stand still, we must strive as we enter a new era to develop our land. “I call on the people of Iwo town especially youths to rally round the new monarch and the state government for the development of Iwoland, the state and the country at large”, Adeoti concluded.

Motorcyclist being arrested with passengers on Ikorodu road near Ojota bus stop, during a joint enforcement with Lagos Task Force and officers of Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), in Lagos, yesterday.

Our facilities at Gbagada General Hospital overstretched –CMD

hief Medical Director of Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, Dr Tayo Lawal, on Monday said the hospital’s facilities were being overstretched due to the number of patients visiting daily. Lawal spoke while receiving 15 sets of water beds donated to the hospital by the Rotary Club of Nigeria, Ilupeju District. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the group was led by its President, Mr Pradeep Pahelwani. The chief medical director said about 800 patients visit the hospital on daily basis. “The human traffic at this hospital is overstretching our facilities, the government cannot do it alone and that is why we welcome donor agencies, philanthropists and friends to come and assist. “They can assist in many ways because our needs are in public domain, so all kinds of donations are welcome. “It is on record that Lagos State government is

upgrading this hospital to international standard. “This hospital has many sections like cardiac centre, kidney and transplant, burns and trauma centre and also traditional physiotherapy section,” he said. On the donation, Lawal said the gesture would go

a long way in helping patients. “Water bed is used for patients who cannot turn themselves around. Those who are very sick and cannot move around make use of the bed. “If a patient is very sick and cannot move or change position, they de-

velop sores in some areas of the body, which start to degenerate; we refer to such as ‘pressure sore’. “Water bed is used to alleviate this suffering. I commend the Rotary Club for coming up with such a gesture, which is done out of personal contribution,” he said.

ed when the driver lost control. “I saw the vehicle and heard the noise when the driver was trying to apply the brake, but he failed to control the vehicle. “I think the driver slept off or lost control and collided with a billboard, pulling it down and making the vehicle to somersault. “We pulled them out from the vehicle and they were badly injured. The police rushed them to the hospital,” the eye witness said. A Traffic Officer, Mr Joseph Plangshak,

blamed the accident on over-speeding and brake failure. According to him, the victims have been taken to National Hospital for treatment. ‘My colleagues have taken the victims to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment. We were called to come and assess the situation and evacuate the vehicle to ensure flow of traffic on the busy road,” he said. Meanwhile, officers of the Nigeria Police and Federal Road Safety Commission have evacuated the vehicle.

Diplomats in auto crash in Abuja, 4 injured

our diplomatic corps officers from the Ethiopian Embassy were on Monday involved in an accident at Independence Avenue in Central Business District of Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports. The accident, which occurred at about 2pm, left the occupants of the diplomatic Hilux vehicle marked 43 CD 01 corps diplomatique, badly injured. An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the vehicle hit a billboard and somersault-

South West

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Lagos records 14,166 rapes, sexual violence FrancIs suberu

agos State government yesterday revealed that the state in the last eight years handled about 14,166 sexual and domestic violence matters. Speaking at the 2015 press week organised by the Lagos State Governor's Office Correspondents, LAGOCO, director of the Office of Public Defender, OPD, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, who made the disclosure, said the growing rate of the menace was wor-

risome. According to her, OPD handled about 70 cases of child defilement this year alone. While no fewer than 406 rape cases were reported between January and September this year. Rotimi said the total of rape cases handled by OPD from January to September 2015 was 406, while 1,143 of such cases were treated from 2007 till date. She also said the agency handled 138 cases of physical child abuse between January and September 2015, while 1,521 cases

were treated by OPD from 2007 to date. She added that 2,469 children were taken into government custody due to sexual assault and other related issues, while 813 of such children were handled this year alone. The OPD boss, who appealed to media professionals to help reduce stigmatisation of the victims by hiding their identity, also said the agency recorded 1,889 cases of sexual abuse since 2007. According to her, 455 of

sexual assault cases were reported this year alone. On her part, state Coordinator of Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivor-Adeniyi, said most of the victims were forced to discontinue with the prosecution of perpetrators. Meanwhile, LAGOCO Chairman, Mr. Joshua Bassey, also charged the media to protect the identity of sex violence victims. This, he said, was the first step in the fight against the menace.

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Lagos educates residents on fire prevention adejuWon osunnuyI

n its determination to ensure safety of lives and property, the Lagos State Fire Service has organised a one-day workshop on fire safety and management. The event, which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, was themed, ‘Strategic Fire Control.’ Speaking at the workshop, Director, Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, said the workshop was timely and in line with the policy thrust of the administration on safety advocacy as it covered tropical issues such as fire hazards identification and control, risk assessment and control, and first aid, among others. Fadipe described fire as one of the longest tools and friends of human being, which presence has

continually been felt in various homes as well as industrial productions, thereby contributing immensely to the economic growth of a nation. Noting that contrary to the stereotype belief, fire outbreak and other related incidents are not divine but primarily caused by human factors he listed as carelessness, recklessness, negligence and above all, negative behaviours towards safety as contributory factors to fire outbreaks. Fadipe disclosed that the state has accorded priority to fire prevention and disaster management as the directorate of fire service is undergoing aggressive transformation through human capacity building and acquisition of appreciable number of modern firefighting equipment that enables them to respond swiftly to distress calls.

Ekiti traders groan over relocation abIodun nejo Ado Ekiti

E Workers at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria protesting and seeking the removal of the Executive Director of the institute, in Ibadan, yesterday.

Wale IgbIntade

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed the fundamental rights enforcement suits filed by two engineers who constructed the collapsed Synagogue Church of All Nations' (SCOAN) sixstorey building that killed 116 persons on September 12, 2014. The engineers, Mr. Oladele Ogundeji and Mr. Akinbela Fatiregun, had in their fundamental human rights application sought an order restraining the police from inviting, arresting or prosecuting them over the victims' death. They had filed the suits following the verdict of the coroner's inquest, which attributed the building’s collapse to structural defect and recommended the engineers

Synagogue: Court dismisses engineers' suit to stop arrest for investigation and prosecution for criminal negligence. In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim Buba held that the engineers "had not made out a case of infringement on their fundamental rights even on the merit of the application," and therefore dismissed their applications. The court held that the Coroner’s Law was an enactment of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which is constitutionally empowered to make laws in the state and that the Federal High Court could not interfere in the affairs of the state. The engineers had through their lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, rejected the coro-

ner's verdict, describing it as "unreasonable, one-sided and biased." They had prayed the court to make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State Attorney General or any officer under his authority from initiating or commencing criminal proceedings against them based on the verdict of the coroner. Ojo had argued: “The fulcrum of the applicants' case is that they were not charged with any offence before the coroner; they merely appeared as witnesses and the coroner went on to indict them of criminal negligence and it is a nullity.” But Lagos State government, through its counsel,

Mr. A.A. Bakare, argued that the engineer’s case was not a fundamental rights enforcement in nature, but one intended to stop government agents from performing their statutory duties. “Nobody has indicted the builder; all that was recommended by the coroner was police investigation and if found culpable, charge the builder to court. “The police have invited the applicant to ‘come and tell your own side of the story.’ Does that amount to human rights violation? “I would not want to contemplate that there is a law in this country preventing the police from inviting a citizen for questioning.

rstwhile traders at the ancient Erekesan Market in Ado Ekiti, which has been demolished to pave the way for construction of a N2 billion modern mall, were yesterday full of lamentations at the market they were relocated. While some complained that they were stranded at the new location - without shops and spaces to display their wares - others said they were not allotted spaces in the market. The traders, after being paid compensation for their spaces, had been asked to move to Awedele and Agric Olope markets in the capital city before demolition of the Erekesan Market began on Saturday. Other complaints of the traders included lack of security and good road network as they pleaded with government to attend to their needs to alleviate their suffering. Iyaloja of Ado Ekiti, Chief Waye Osho, who said many of the traders could not get space at Awedele Market, urged government to expedite action and ensure that

structures yet to be roofed were completed on time. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, however, said the discomfort being experienced at the new locations by the resettled traders is normal, adding that changes naturally have their own inconveniences. Ogunsuyi, who pleaded with the traders for understanding, said it is practically impossible for government to provide all the facilities needed at the new locations, while also thinking of how to build the demolished market into modern a structure, in view of the parlous economic position of the state. The commissioner said the situation would have been addressed by now if the traders had relocated to the new locations since June upon payment of the N360m compensation for the spaces they lost at Oja Oba. He advised the traders not to mistake the new locations as alternatives to their erstwhile place, adding that they would all be allocated spaces at the new Erekesan Market when completed.

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South West

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Lagos Bone Marrow Transplant Centre takes off next year —Ambode FrancIs suberu

n his effort to save the lives of those suffering from sickle cell disorder, Lagos Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday promised timely completion of the Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, expressing optimism that the centre would take off next year.

Ambode, who spoke when the Chairman of Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, SCFN, Professor Olu Akinyanju, and National Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Anneite Akinsete, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said the establishment of the centre would go a long way in saving the lives of those suffering sickle cell disorder. Commending the Foun-

dation for intervening and providing succour to victims of sickle cell in Nigeria, Governor Ambode expressed the government's readiness to provide support for the Foundation in line with the cardinal programmes of his administration to touch as many lives as possible. “I want to say that I am surrounded by people who have sickle cell disorder; so, I understand the depth of what you are doing. In my

private life, I have also tried to touch lives, but again, I want to commit officially here that we would support the establishment of the Bone Marrow Stem Cell Technology, even though it’s in LUTH, Lagos State as part of our own contribution would make sure it takes off next year. “The reason is very simple; we’ve already sent, like five patients, to Rome and they have come back and

that technology has proven that we can go away from our past belief of thinking that people with sickle cell are condemned to death. This new technology is a proof that we can save lives. As far as this is the situated in Lagos, we as a government, must ensure that everyone who visits that centre is saved and we are committed to doing that,” he said. The governor also thanked the foundation for deeming it fit to adopt him as patron of the Lagos Sickle Cell Club, adding that it was for him, a great honour to be accorded the privilege to contribute his own quota towards alleviating the suffering of sickle cell victims. His words: “I know what sickle cell disorder means to the average Nigerian fam-

ily. Like you rightly pointed out, every extended family in Nigeria is affected by this and for a non-governmental organisation to come up and be in existence for almost two decades with the strides that you have actually articulated in the speech speak volume about your level of commitment and determination to touch humanity which is something that also touches me.” Earlier, Professor Akinyanju had said the visit to Governor Ambode was to congratulate him for his adoption as patron of the Sickle Cell Club, Lagos and also solicit continued partnership and support of the state government which, according to him, would go a long way to benefit victims of the disorder and their families.

Court strikes out suit against Goodie Ibru Wale IgbIntade

A Corps members carrying their female colleague that collapsed during the early morning drill at the NYSC orientation camp in Gbakuta, at Iseyin-Okeho road, Oyo State, yesterday.

CRIN workers want director removed …protest half nude

KemI OlaItan Ibadan

risis rocking the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, Idi Ayunre, Ibadan, yesterday assumed another dimension, as hundreds of workers took to the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road, protesting the director's alleged maladministration. The women, who were almost naked with their male counterparts, chanting antimanagement songs despite the presence of the police, which did not stop them from their agitation, even became more so with police presence. The protesting workers also barricaded the main entrance to the institute with loads of sand and log of

wood hangers on which they inscribed various messages that reflected their agitation. They were also supported by some community leaders and youth, who shared their feelings and joined them in their demands. The protesting workers, who were infuriated by the arrival of armed policemen and a pay loader to remove the barricades, also accused the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, of conniving with the institute’s director to suppress their rightful demands. A statement jointly signed by the Baale of Odo Ona Nla, Chief Yekeen Ogunyode, and Comrade Solomon Adebiyo and made available to journalists, reads: “We, the entire workers of the Cocoa Research

Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, and members of the host communities decry and condemn in entirety the decision of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, to use brutal force to suppress and repress the ongoing legitimate agitation of CRIN workers against years of despotic and draconian rule of Prof. Malachy O. Akoroda, the executive director of the institute. But the Area Commander of Idi Ayunre Police Command who led officers to the scene of the protest, while speaking with journalists, said they were at the scene to maintain peace and order. “We are aware of their agitation; but it is our duty to ensure their protest did not turn violent."

Chief Ogunyode and other community leaders who spoke with journalists said they pitched their tent with the workers, because "we have made several attempts to ensure this matter is settled but the director did not listen and we cannot continue to fold our arms and watch this institute rot or taken away from our land; most of our people are there; we want peace and I think peace cannot return to this place until Akoroda is removed." All efforts to speak with Akoroda were rebuffed as he said he is not permitted to speak on the issue based on the civil service rule. “ I cannot speak on this issue except with the express permission of the permanent secretary,’' he said.

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday struck out a suit filed by a group, Civil Society Network Against Corruption, seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to begin prosecution of Mr. Goodie Ibru, elder brother of the late publisher of The Guardian Newspaper, Alex Ibru. Justice Ibrahim Buba struck out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution. The group had in its motion on notice sought an order compelling the EFCC to furnish it with the investigation report on allegations of impersonation, fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and stealing it raised against Mr. Ibru and one Sunday Akinsanya (both, directors of IHL Services Ltd). The group is also seeking prosecution of the duo by the anti-graft agency. It argued that despite its request for prosecution of Mr. Ibru and Mr. Akinsanya upon conclu-

sion of investigations by the EFCC, nothing has been done. When the matter was called yesterday, there was no legal representation for the group and the EFCC. Justice Buba, while expressing displeasure at the lack of legal representation for both the Civil Society Network Against Corruption and the EFCC, struck out the suit. Meanwhile, a group known as the 'Incorporated Trustees of Civil Society Network against Corruption', stormed the court with an application seeking to be joined as a co-defendant in the matter. In its motion on notice, the group claimed that it came to the court to protect its corporate name from unauthorised use and impersonation. It said the 'Civil Society Network against Corruption', does not have its consent and authority to institute the action in the first place. But, the court advised parties seeking to be joined to file a fresh suit to press home their grievances.

South East

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lack of unity bane of Ndigbo —Ohanaeze

embers of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Niger have identified lack of unity as a major impediment to the socio-political development of most of south eastern states. This was contained in a statement signed by chairman of the association, Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo, in Abuja on Monday. The association also observed that lack of unity explained why the governors of South East states were always at crossroads with each other. "Our governors don't even cooperate with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in setting developmental agenda for the region. "We have as well, never

seen our governors as major stakeholders, who attend the association's meetings or take any proposal on development serious." The statement said the association had therefore, concluded arrangement to organise a summit to address the challenges with the theme, "Oganiru na Akonauchi." The statement said the high points of the summit would include the inauguration of the association's women wing on December 12 at Suleja Township Stadium. "The summit is an event that will bring Igbo sons and daughters in and outside the state together to reflect on the challenges facing the Igbo," the statement said.

Ebonyi condemns NGO’s rating of Umahi

bonyi State government yesterday condemned a nongovernmental organisation, NGO’s, rating of Governor Dave Umahi as one of the worst performing governors in the country. Senator Emmanuel Onwe, Commissioner for Information in the state, told newsmen in Abakaliki that the rating published in a national newspaper on Sunday was false. “The sensational falsehood paraded as a news report was based on the research purportedly conducted by an obscure entity called Centre for Advanced Professional Studies, CIAPS. “The government expresses its outrage that a public platform could be given to blackmailers and extortionists to ply their disreputable trade. “On October 12, a man named Kunle approached me and demanded a collaborative effort between the Ebonyi Government and the CIAPS, which he claimed he represented,” he said. According to Onwe, Kunle proposed that Ebonyi and its governor would be given positive publicity through ranking him among the best governors in the federation. “This would be in return for a bi-annual payment of N10 million to CIAPS, as he proceeded to demand a down-payment of N5 million. “I dismissed him with

contempt, pointing out that Ebonyi is not in the business of paying cash for favourable ratings,” he said. The commissioner remarked that the report contained in the national daily was ridiculous when compared with massive development going on in Ebonyi State. ``This can be viewed in terms of road constructions and rehabilitation, electrification, purposeful leadership, education, security, among others, which are the governor’s giant strides. “Workers salaries for September and October were paid before 25th of both months, as salaries are not

EmmAnuEl EzEh Enugu

nugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has said his administration would take immediate steps to provide necessary facilities at the Enugu State College of Education Technical to enable the institution meet the requirements for accreditation by the National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE. The governor, who inspected facilities in the institution yesterday, assured management and students of the college of his administration’s preparedness to fast-track the ongoing building and road projects in the school with the reconstruction of dilapidated

L-R: Committee Chairman, Rivers 2015 Trade Fair, Mr. Nable Saleh; President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Emeka Unachukwu and 1st Deputy President, Mr. Eme-Membre Otaji, during a news conference on the forthcoming Rivers 2015 Trade Fair, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

N’Delta militants invade Ebonyi community

…kidnap 2, blow up police patrol van AliunA Godwin AbAkAliki

wo persons have been kidnapped by militants who invaded Afikpo community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. It was gathered that the militants stormed the area through the waterways from Cross River State, abducted the victims, whose identity could not be verified at the time of filing this report. Investigation revealed

that the militants, who were suspected to be sea pirates, notified the Afikpo community before their coming and the attention of the Commissioner of Police was drawn to the threat, with the deployment of hundreds of policemen to barricade the area. Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who led a combined team of army and police to visit the scene for on-the-spot assessment, said the militants blew up a police patrol vehicle with dynamite and burnt some temporary structures belonging to the people of the area.

Peace lamented that the militants equally killed a Police Inspector just as she noted that the presence of police at the scene prevented the militants from gaining access to banks, which according to reports, was their main target. “All banks within Afikpo area remain fully secured and were not under any form of attack as being speculated. “The police command is once again reassuring the public that their security is paramount to the command and every effort is being put in place to secure the state at

all times," she noted. Meanwhile, an eyewitness, Mr Nnanna Kelechi, who spoke to journalists, explained that the militants infiltrated the town with flying boats and were armed with machine guns and other high caliber weapons. Recalled that similar invasion by militants to the area was recorded in Afikpo in 2012, but the people of the area were apprehensive over the recurrence attack by the hoodlums and called on the state government to combat the menace once and for all.

Accreditation: Ugwuanyi moves to save ESCET from NCCE hammer sick bay of the institution before the accreditation team visits the institution. The governor noted that the College of Education Technical as an institution that nurtures future leaders would continue to be assisted by the state government, adding that conducive environment would continue to be provided in the school to facilitate teaching and learning. He said: “As governor of Enugu State, as visitor to the college, this request is hereby granted. In addition, government will consider alleviat-

ing the suffering of students as what I have seen this afternoon to say the least, is not befitting.” The governor thanked the students for their support to his administration, promising his readiness to continue to uplift the institution. Ugwuanyi said he was saddled by the awareness that the greatest objective of government was to alleviate the suffering of the people, adding that he would surely intervene in the situation of the college. Earlier in an address, the chairman, governing council

of the institution, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze, expressed happiness for the governor’s visit to the institution, twenty-one days after the inauguration of the new governing board of the institution and appointment of the Acting Provost of the college. He added that the governor’s visit is a manifestation of his commitment to reposition the college to live up to the objectives for which the institution was established. “As a visitor of the college, you are the proprietor and landlord of the college. We welcome you once again,

we love you, we cherish you and your presence to the school today,” she stated. The chairman informed the governor that the institution had not issued certificate to her graduates since inception in 2006 due to nonaccreditation of the college for NCE programmes. She added that the college will face its National Commission for College of Education, NCCE, accreditation on November 2015, calling on the governor to intervene by assisting the college to actualise its goal of being accredited.

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News

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Orubebe arraigned over alleged N70m bribe, non-declaration of assets …pleads not guilty Doosuur Iwambe AbujA

ormer Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, was yesterday arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, over alleged N70 million bribe and non-declaration of assets. At the resumed hearing yesterday, Orubebe pleaded not guilty to all the 4-count

charge preferred against him by the Federal Government. After pleading not guilty to the charge, the prosecuting counsel, Musa Ibrahim Usman, sought a short adjournment on ground that their witnesses were not available in court. Defence counsel, Selekeowei Larry (SAN), did not object to the adjournment, but

however, told the tribunal that they were ready for the trial. The tribunal chairman, Umar Danladi, however, frowned at the prosecution for not making the witnesses available. “The essence of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act is to dispense of every criminal case. That is why it provides that on

arraignment or anytime an accused takes plea, the prosecution must be ready to open its case by producing its witnesses. “The case is hereby adjourned till November 26 for definite hearing," the tribunal ruled. In the charge sheet that was signed by Peter Danladi of Code of Conduct Bureau, on October 18, on behalf

of Attorney General of the Federation, Orubebe was alleged to have while being a Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29, 2011, made a false declaration in his Asset Declaration Form by failing to declare plot 2722 Kyamu District, Abuja, on assumption of office on 26th of September, 2007, and on leaving office (at the end of his tenure), on June 29, 2011, and thereby committed an offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap C15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of part 1 fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act and as incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1, fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Fed-

eral Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Also, the former minister, was alleged to have while being the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29, 2011 did made a false declaration in his Asset Declaration Form by failing to declare plot 2059 Asokoro District, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on June 29, 2011 and thereby committed an offence under section 15 of the CCB & T Act, Cap C15, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of part one fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and punishable under section 23 (2) of the CCB & T Act and as incorporated in paragraph 18 part 1 fifth schedule to The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Falling oil price: TUC tasks stakeholders on partnership

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (third right) his campaign team at 'Twon Brass for the Governor’ Community to Community Meet the People Campaign rally in Brass Local Government Area of the state, yesterday.

FrancIs suberu

ew Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, retired AIG Christian Olakpe, yesterday talked tough at the plenary session of Lagos State House of Assembly, saying he would not hesitate to dismiss erring LASTMA officials. The retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, who was invited by the House to explain reasons behind the constant traffic gridlock in the state, told the lawmakers on Monday that he would re-invigorate LASTMA in three months and in doing so, he might end up making a lot of enemies. Olakpe stated that he would ensure strict compliance with traffic laws in the state, adding that he had even warned his friends and

We'll dismiss erring officials, impound vehicles —New LASTMA boss relatives not to call him over any erring motorist, even as he promised to deal with deviant LASTMA officials. He said, "I am an advocate of reward for good work and punishment for evil work. I can dismiss any officer on the spot and we are going to revive LASTMA within a short period of time. We will give the authority the impetus it needs. "Once you are dismissed, your name would be published in the press and in our gazette. There would be reduction of ranks of offending officers. I will warn my men seriously and I will visit the Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army for his support and any military man that beats a LASTMA official would be dealt with." The LASTMA boss appealed to the state govern-

ment to provide designated bus stops and vowed that any motorist, who plies one way or BRT dedicated lane would have his or her vehicle impounded and the owner would have to pay a fine. He said he was ready to be dealt with by anybody in the state, adding that it was now a do-or-die affair. "I will work until we get a new improved LASTMA. Our men would be visible and accessible. Whoever goes against the law would be pursued with power bike by LASTMA officials. There would be Mobile Courts. I am still fit and strong to receive phone calls anytime of the day. "On enforcement, we will touch many places and we want the local government chairmen in the state to help us do some roads in their ar-

eas. We also want the Speaker of the House to help us increase our funding so that we can give raincoats, rain boots and torch lights to our men," he states. Also speaking, General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bashiru Ibraimo, said they were in the assembly to show their support for the Lagos State government on the need to have a new LASTMA. He also promised that it would no longer be business as usual with transportation in the state, and that anyone who flouts the traffic law would have him or herself to blame. In his reaction, Speaker Obasa observed that the state has the capacity to ensure free flow of traffic and that Olakpe should ensure that he achieve his plans as promised within three months.

hairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Rivers State, Mr Chika Onuegbu, on Monday called for partnership between government, labour unions and employers to tackle the challenges caused by falling oil price. Onuegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Port Harcourt that TUC was worried by the state of the economy following the over 60 per cent fall in crude oil prices. He said President Muhammadu Buhari might not be able to deliver effectively on his campaign promises if the price of crude oil continued to hover around $50 per barrel. According Onuegbu, the fall in crude oil prices is negatively impacting on the nation’s oil and gas sector. “Already, there are strong fears that some 120,000 direct and indirect jobs may have been lost in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. “The situation in Nigeria is made worse by the fact that there were existing challenges in the industry, which are yet to be addressed by all

stakeholders. “Key among these challenges are the 400,000 barrels of crude oil being stolen daily through pipeline vandalism, Well Head vandalism and illegal crude oil diversion. “There is also the escalating insecurity and kidnapping in the Niger Delta leading to significant increase in the cost of doing business,” he said. Onuegbu, however, appealed to labour, especially those in the oil and gas sector, to partner with government, employers and other stakeholders to evolve appropriate strategies to resolve outstanding challenges in the sector. He canvassed strategies like adoption of partnership approach to industrial relations in order to create solutions to the current challenges facing the industry. The labour leader also called for diversification of the economy, review of fiscal federalism, passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill and conclusion of the reforms in the oil and gas sector.``

North

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bill for setting up N’East Development Commission ready –Ndume LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

L-R: Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III and FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, during the decoration of the Emir as a Special Marshal, in Gombe, on Sunday.

Buhari seeks prosecution of election offenders ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday charged election tribunals in the country to investigate electoral fraud and ensure that those found guilty were prosecuted. Buhari spoke shortly after swearing in new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and five national commissioners, including Amina Zakari, Solomon Adedeji Soyebi, Antonia Taiye Okoosi-Simbine, Muhammed Mustafa Lecky and Baba Shettima Arfo. According to him, the tribunal should go beyond cancelling and ordering rerun of an election, by investigating and prosecuting those found guilty - whether they are individuals as candidates or party agents; institutions as political parties or an electoral body; public officers as electoral staff or security agents. Buhari also said perpetrators of electoral violence and thuggery should not be spared, adding that unless the system stops covering up all forms of electoral malpractices, the country could hardly get it right. The president urged the judiciary to urgently address the shortcomings in the justice administration

of electoral tribunals. Buhari said, “It is long overdue that our justice system addressed these shortcomings. It is not just enough for an election to be cancelled and a new one ordered. “It would be much better if all whose actions or inactions that led to the cancellation of such elections are investigated and if found culpable, prosecuted - whether they are individuals as candidates or party agents, institutions such as political parties, an electoral body or public officers as electoral staff or security agents. “Similarly, perpetrators

of electoral violence and thuggery should not be spared. Unless our system stops covering up all forms of electoral malpractices, we can hardly get it right. No system endures with impunity.” Buhari stated that despite the Federal Government’s constitutional constraints in its engagement with state electoral bodies, his administration has a social responsibility to protect the democratic rights of all Nigerians. The president explained that his government was considering a different strategy of engagement with state governments

on how to make state electoral commissions independent. He promised that his administration would respect the independence of the electoral body by not interfering with its operations. According to him, the change promised by the All Progressives Congressled government should be all- embracing. In his remarks, the new INEC chairman said the commission would be committed to carrying out its responsibilities without fear or favour, stressing that it would not disappoint the country.

PDP’ll immortalise Pwajok, says Secondus JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

cting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday said the party would immortalise Senator G.N.S. Pwajok, who died recently at an Indian hospital. Also in a letter of condolence signed by Mr. Isaac Wadak, of the Initiative for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance, IMPACT, a non-governmental organisation established by the late senator to champion the cause of peace in Plateau State, he eulogised the virtues of the late politician, saying that through his activities, Pwajok brought

patriotism, integrity, astuteness, eloquence and mastery on contemporary issues that touched the lives of the people. Secondus, who was at the family residence of the deceased in Jos on condolence visit, described the late gubernatorial candidate as a man of great honour and integrity. Represented by the national treasurer of the party, Alhaji Buhari Bawa, the PDP chairman said Pwajok’s death was a great loss not only to the PDP family, Plateau State but the nation at large, and encouraged the family to accept the death as the will of God, Said he, “The late Sena-

tor Pwajok, who happens to be our humble and amiable gubernatorial candidate in the April election, was a great pillar of the PDP and we are going to immortalise him. Even if the Plateau State government will not do it, the PDP national secretariat and the entire PDP family will do it because he was a great pillar and must be immortalised.” Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Chuwang Dung appreciated the PDP and its team for the show of love to the family. He said their brother was a man of humility who worked tirelessly to ensure that there is unity among youths in the state and would be missed by all.

raft bill to establish a North East Development Commission has been finalised and will soon be presented before the National Assembly, Senate majority leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has said. The bill seeks to establish a commission for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of the North East in the aftermath of Boko Haram insurgency, Senator Ali Ndume said yesterday when he led a Senate delegation to Yola over the recent bomb blast that rocked the state. He assured that soon the Boko Haram menace would end, hence the need for government’s intervention to restore broken infrastructures. Ndume, while commiserating with the people and government of Adamawa State, also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for issuing a time line to security agents to liberate all captured territories in the North East. He also stressed that

the country’s military has liberated all captured local government areas in Borno State, but regretted that the presence of mines planted by the insurgents was hampering smooth movement in the state. Ndume, who expressed optimism that the military was now stepping up operations to remove the mines, said very soon Borno State and other liberated towns in the region would become habitable again. Also speaking on the need for a marshal plan to develop the North East, Senator Binta Masi Garba, representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, and part of the delegation, said more needs be done through intervention plan that would help restore the region to its former state. Earlier, while addressing the press, the Senate majority leader had explained that the draft bill which has reached advanced stage and now ready for presentation, received input from members of the National Assembly from the region, adding that it is still open for further input when it is presented for consideration.

Committee accuses councils of misappropriating N1bn JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

ommittee set up by Governor Simon Lalong to probe activities of past council chairmen in the state yesterday submitted its report, accusing four local government areas of misappropriating over N1 billion council fund. Chairman of the committee, Daniel Fanto, while submitting his findings yesterday to Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, said millions of naira were spent on frivolous items such as fueling/ travelling allowance, food/ entertainment, provision of financial assistance and imprest. The committee stated that “in Shendam Local Government alone, N195 million was spent on entertainment for the period of January 2014 to December 2014.” It stated that in Pankshin Local Government Area, N39, 538,000 was spent in January 2015 alone for entertainment, hiring/fueling of vehicles, assistance and

security, while N3,300,000 was spent on projects. It stated thus: “In Riyom Local Government Area, 27 capital projects were awarded at a sitting (February 25, 2015) amounting to N722,825,002.78. “Some of the narrations on the payment vouchers are not only fraudulent but also absurd. The local government councils completely abandoned their primary responsibility to their people.” Fanto stressed that while only local government chairmen are constitutionally recognised as chief security officers of their local government areas, public funds were shared among other officials in the name of security votes. It urged Governor Lalong to look into the activities of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, adding that “too many deductions - unnecessary deductions - were made during Joint Account Allocation Committee meetings which negatively impacted on the finances of the local governments.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

SUPER TUESDAY Nigeria must be restructured along true federalism â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Uko

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Politics

14, 43

Kogi gubernatorial election: 22 battle for soul of Lugard House Wale IbrahIm LOKOJA

head of 21st November gubernatorial election in Kogi state, a total of 22 candidates and their running mates have been cleared by the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to contest the election in the State as the stage is now set for the battle of the titans. Moreover, INEC has equally expressed high level of preparedness to conduct free, fair and credible governorship election in the state, stressing that the commission will use Kogi governorship election to improve on the lapses of the previous elections in the state. Political parties, the gladiators, their running mates, foot soldiers and stakeholders have continued to keep the political terrain charging as parties have engaged several strategies to sell their party mainfestoes to the teeming electorate in the state. Notable political parties in the Confluence State have since embarked on campaign tour of Local government areas to woo more supporters, while those parties who are not so prominent in the state are not leaving any stone unturned as their candidates have embarked on consultations with the traditional rulers with promises to transform Kogi state if given mandates. The All Progressive Congress, APC and its flagbearer, Prince Abubarkar Audu are strategising by the day and working round the clock to wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state At almost every campaign rally across the 21 local government areas of Kogi state, supporters from other political parties particularly supporters of ruling PDP are defecting to All Progressive Congress, APC on daily basis. The defectors are pledging to work hard for the success of APC in the forthcoming gubernatorial poll come November 21, 2015. On the other hand the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the incumbent governor, Captain Idris Wada are equally working hand in hand with the National working Committee of PDP and some PDP state governors to ensure their party retain the seat of power at Lugard House. The hierarchy of PDP in the state at every fora restated the reason why Captain Wada must be re -elected, stressing that this become imperative to enable him to complete most of the giants stride he had embarked on for the development of Kogi state and Nigeria in general. As part of efforts to show superiority and popularity of the two top contending political parties in the state, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All progressive Congress, APC have engaged in several strategies to attract the sympathy of the electorate, as they both have engaged in media war and propaganda on critical issues relating to the development of the 24 years old State. It has been allegations and counter allegations from both end, this, it was observed, will continued to be the trade for few days to come until 21st November gubernatorial election being the major reason why the gladiators flex their muscles to capture the seat of power at Lugard House in Lokoja.

Wada

Audu

Following the clearance oF 22 Flag bearers oF the various political parties by

inec, all the

gubernatorial candidates have gone back to their political trenches to strategise on how to win the rat race to

lugard

house, the seat oF power Following the clearance of 22 flag bearers of the various political parties by INEC, all the gubernatorial candidates have gone back to their political trenches to strategise on how to win the rat race to Lugard House, the seat of power. More so, the political parties, foot soldiers and critical stakeholders in the governorship election are already on the political chess board trying to outwit each other and selling the their products and manifestoes across the three senatorial districts, 21 local government area and 239 wards across the Confluence state. Meanwhile as the electoral body, INEC has finally released the names of 22 governorship candidates and their running mates for November 21st election in Kogi state, the political parties, gladiators and all the stakeholders have been put on their toes. While INEC was running from pillars to post to ensure hitch free, fair credible and acceptable election in the state, the security agencies are working round the

clock to make sure that there will be violence free election and they are working on ensuring adequate provision of security of lives and property before, during and after election. On the other hand, political parties and their candidates are already traversing the nooks and crannies of state, wooing more supporters, marching each other words for words, promises and all side attractions to make their party have sympathy of the electorate during the election in Confluence state. Prominent among the gubernatorial candidates are the incumbent Governor, Captain Idris Wada who is contesting on the platform Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Peoples Progressive Congress flag bearer and ex -governor of the state, Prince Abubarka Audu Also on the list released by INEC is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Philip Salawu of Labour Party, Isah Yakubu Kamadeen , Action Alliance, AA; Dickson Fred- Accord, Ukwenya Musa, ACD Micheal Abdullahi- AD , Usman Zainab-ADC, Odufu Cosmos Friday-APA, Akwu Umar Goodman -APGA -Yinka Cherry Oloruntoba -CPP, Philip Ezekiel Koleola DPC, Abubarka Ibrahim- DPP, Ibrahim Adejoh- ID and Raji Ogrima -KOWA. Other governorship flagbearers are Mohammed Ibrahim Dangana -NCP, Mallam Abdul Hussien -NNPP, Emmanuel Daikwo -PDC, Emmanuel Enesi Ozigi - PPA .Dr. Oju Godwin Hussein -PPN, Enema Paul -SPD and Saadu Mukailu UDP. The INEC also disclosed that all arrangement are in top gear for the conduct of free, fair and credit governorship state election , promising to improve on the lapses of 28th March and 11th April 2015 and election being the very first election under the new administration. CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

Politics

Evangelist Elliot Uko is the founder of the Igbo Youth Movement, IYM. He is also the leader of the South East Democratic Coalition and Deputy Secretary, Igbo Leaders of Thought. In this Interview with EMMANUEL EZEH, he opens up on his group’s activities as well as some burning national issues. What informed the recent honour given to Prof. Ben Nwabueze on October 20 by the IYM? The event was the 16th Annual Convention of the IYM. Professor Ben Nwabueze has stands out as the icon of the Igbo nation at the moment. He’s always been an icon. He’s someone who’s been an international figure, a world-acclaimed constitutional lawyer, who has been in the forefront of the drafting of the constitutions of several African countries apart from the Nigerian constitution. He was the founding General-Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and led Ohanaeze for 26 years. At 85, he is still very active, labouring for the people, he’s the Chairman of the Igbo Leaders of Thought, working hard at that age, and not in very good health, to contribute towards the attainment of the Nigeria of our dreams. We are very proud of him. We celebrated him, and other leaders like Dr. Alex Ekwueme, HRH Prof. Vincent C. Ike, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and the actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, for their contributions to society. We invited students from the 42 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in the entire south east. We want to show them who the true role models are, and these are our role models. These are the authentic stars of this environment. Now, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, has done what no Igbo man has done yet. He has shown, by example, that it is possible for a man to put his time, energy, resources, at the risk of his health, to defend the interest of his people. He has become a living legend. He has earned a place in the hearts of every of the 45 million Ndigbo scattered all over the world. He is the star of the Igbo nation at the moment. If he asks Ndigbo to march, we will move; if he asks us to stand, we will stand; if he asks us to turn right or left, we will turn right or left. He has proven that he cares, and we love him and adore him. We pray that God will give him many, many more years of fruitful service to Nigeria.” The communiqué of the Igbo Leaders of Thought at Modotels, Enugu on August 22nd, 2015, spelt it out that Nigeria must be restructured along the line of true federalism, where everyone will have a sense of belonging, where no one is born to rule, and where no one is oppressed. That is our prayer, and that is the unresolved national question . That is just one of the many reasons why Nigerians celebrate Nwabueze. When Nwabueze marched in Lagos to protest the removal of the oil subsidy in 2012, and was tear-gassed as a result, those in APC applauded him. Fashola even went to visit him. When he told Jonathan not to run in 2015, the APC people applauded him, when he told Jonathan in 2013 that Nigeria was drifting to a failed state, Doyin Okukpe abused him, then APC applauded him. When he asked Jonathan on three occasions not to run for President in 2015, the APC applauded him, when Jonathan’s regime denied him honour due him during centenary awards, for speaking the truth to the people in power, the APC sympathized with him. Now that he is telling them the deep truth which is that the unresolved national question should be our number one priority, they are not applauding him anymore, because he did not come out on the street chanting Sai Buhari, and eulogizing Buhari to high heaven. Nwabueze cannot do that. We know that he is committed to evolving a Nigeria where no one is oppressed, and in the very near future, he will be celebrated as one who always speaks the truth to the people in power.” What are your comments on the state of the nation? On the state of the nation, we have always been in support of President Buhari. We are of the view that he has come to correct the ills of the past governments. We

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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Nigeria must be restru along true federalism –

Uko

support his government’s determined efforts to crush the Boko Haram’s madness, and we ask him to keep up the momentum and the tempo. We are in total support of his war against corruption. Those who stole this country blind must be made to pay, and they must return the looted funds. We support that. We have made our position clear, and we are sure that President Buhari knows that if his war on corruption is not holistic, it will lose its essence, and he knows that if it is selective, it will become a useless effort. So we ask him to remain committed to ridding Nigeria of corruption. We also appreciate the fact that his presence as the leader of Nigeria gives the impression, sends a strong message to people in government that the alpha, the number one, the leader, will not condone corruption. For that we are grateful and we plead that he continues to maintain that stance, and maybe Nigeria would recover from the damage which corruption has done to our psyche. Corruption really is one of the major problems killing Nigeria. These are part of the stand of the IYM on the state of the nation. But we disagree with President Buhari on the agenda of his team to deceive Nigerians that, once you fight corruption and Boko Haram, Nigeria will become an El Dorado. Such a cheap lie is dangerous because it will not solve any problem. Sooner or later, people will realize that it is nothing but a cheap lie. The truth of the matter is that the fundamental problem holding Nigeria is the unresolved national question. The Nigerian question, which most govern-

President Buhari knows that if his war on corruPtion is not

holistic, it will lose its essence, and he knows

that if it is selective, it will Become a useless effort

ments have been dodging, is how to restructure Nigeria along the lines of true federalism, and see it grow into a viable and great nation. Telling us that once you fight corruption and Boko Haram, Nigeria will become like America or Japan, is tales by moonlight. It’s not true. Everybody knows the truth, that we must restructure. If we don’t revert to true federalism, Nigeria, we are in trouble. So that is the area where we vehemently disagree with Mr. President. Now, the impact of the unresolved question on the nation is self-evident. Nothing is working, 10 to 15 years ago, 2 or 3 states could not pay salaries, 33 states could. Today, 22 to 26 states can’t pay

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Why illegal oil bunkering thrives in Nigeria –Don deNNis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

university don, Dr. Sofiri Peterside, has attributed the thriving illegal bunkering at the nation’s oil installations to sharp practices allegedly perpetrated by those at the corridors of power. Peterside of the Department of Sociology, University of Port Harcourt, disclosed this in his keynote address at the 8th Annual National Environmental Congress, organised by the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of The Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN). The congress held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital was in collaboration with the Federal

Ministry of Environment. Speaking on “The Age of Fossil Fuels and the Emerging Quest for Sustainable Energy Model of Development”, the university lecturer said illegal oil bunkering was a thriving business because of the activities of some people in public offices across the country. He said while there was more focus on small-scale oil theft, little or no attention was being paid to the larger activities of politicians who were stealing the nation’s oil, using big ships. He said the executive oil thefts were causing more economic and environmental damages and asked, “Who are the owners of the big ships?; Why are the secu-

rity agencies turning a blind eye and allowing the business to continue?” Peterside said oil pollution in the Niger Delta area rated among the worst in the whole world, adding that the crisis was due to the gap between the law protecting the environment and what was in operation in the area. In his welcome address, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Dr. Godwin Ojo, said the conference unfortunately came into being, 20 years after Saro-Wiwa’s death to discuss the issues for which he was hanged. He said the theme of the congress, “Extractive and Energy Transition: Roadmap for ZeroCarbon Development”, had rel-

evance to the efforts at shaping a new world in energy production and consumption patterns. According to him, the congress sought to affirm the urgent need for a global shift from fossil fueldependency to renewable sources of energy as a means to curb climate change and its catastrophic impact. He gave examples of other countries of the world that were moving away from fuel-dependency and said, “Nigeria must not be caught napping in the new energy revolution that is underway... “Indeed, science alerts us to the catastrophic impacts of climate change due to carbon emissions into the atmosphere, lead-

ing to rising global temperature and extreme weather patterns.” Ojo raised the alarm over the pervading environmental degradation across the country and said the situation was a matter of national urgency. He said the rural people becoming more impoverished as, “nationwide, ecological devastation and pressure on livelihood sources are traced to the root of conflicts. “Since oil extraction had destroyed rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta, desertification has wreaked similar havoc in the North, just as the West is also faced with deforestation and the East ravaged by gully erosion,” Ojo said.

St. Brendans old boys ready to renovate school RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

in the society. Teachers are the most important people in the society but these days, teachers are not living up to their responsibilities’ she said. The lawmaker stated that, “Before now it was a thing of pride to be a teacher, but now people go to teaching as a last resort. Teaching should not be a last resort or out of frustration, rather out of passion. I thank those teachers who are passionate about the job. Please those who are teaching out of frustration and are just interested in the salaries should leave the job

rrangement by the St. Breandans Old Boys Association, Iyamoyong Obubra Local Government Area in Cross River State, to commence the renovation of one of their alma-mater famous school blocks has reached its peak. The block is called Fr. Campion Hall and is often used by the students of the institutions for its assembly. The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, disclosed this while speaking at the a thanksgiving ceremony held at the St. Patrick`s Catholic Church, Iyamoyong Obubra Local Government, in honour of Dr. Elocate Okora member for Obubra II State Constituency. John Gaul Lebo maintained that there was need for the Old Boys of the institution to give St. Brendans a facelift given that he and some of his contemporary who were now in the state House of Assembly started their academic pursuit in the institution. He added that without the passing through the institution, they probably might have not been what they were. The lawmaker who spoke in company of another of the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

A vessel suspected to be used for crude oil theft from a major pipeline in Dutch Island, impounded by the Nigerian Navy at Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday, PHOTO: NAN

Lawmakers seek review of old educational policies RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

he Chairman, House Committee on Education in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Dr. Itam Abang, has pledged to do everything within her reach to ensure that government educational policies that were very obsolete and inimical to the development and growth of education in the state undergo drastic review. Dr. Abang made the pledge while speaking at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, during a visit of oversight function of the House

Committee on Education to the union’s secretariat in Calabar. Abang who is the member representing Boki I state constituency in the house said the committee was on a mission to the union secretariat to enable members feel the pulse of teachers in the state and perhaps further engage in partnership with the union aimed at improving the standard of education in the state. The assembly woman described herself as a core teacher having lectured for ten years said that the challenges of the sector were familiar to her and that members of the committee

are worried with the myriad of issues bedevilling the educational sector. The lawmaker decried the lack of dedication to duty by most teachers in public schools, and charged those without passion for the job to leave for another alternative, stressing that teachers were most important people in the society, hence need for their dedication to duty if public schools must produce graduates who could compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the world. “Without teachers there will be no doctors, governors, lawmakers and other professionals

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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DPR seals 35 petrol stations in Akwa Ibom

he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Eket Office, on Monday said it had sealed 35 petrol stations in Akwa Ibom for selling fuel above the approved pump price of N87. The DPR Operations Controller in the state, Mr. Asuquo Antai, said in an inter-

St. Brendans old boys ready to renovate school CONTINUED FROM PAGE15 members of the association said that the renovation work would be done through community development efforts, where both of them would have to mobilise other members of the old boys association, particularly those holding elective position. According to him, they would be called upon to join hands with them to carry out the renovation work in the school. “If not for St. Brendans where would we have been? We would have been nowhere but in our villages, perhaps, tapping palm wine. It was St. Brendans that built us up to where we are now. St.Brendans made us who we are today and it would be fool hardy for the old boys to watch the famous Father Campion`s hall where we used to assemble wither away like that,” Gaul said. The Speaker promised to do everything within his reach to ensure that he got his colleagues in the legislature mobilised to join their hands in the task ahead. The two lawmakers lauded the principal of the school, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ukwa, for coming in company of some prefects to pay a courtesy visit to the Speaker at his office prior to the thanksgiving ceremony.

view with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket that the stations were sealed in Uyo, Eket, Ikot Abasi and Nsit Ubium. Antai said that the action was taken after the expiration of a three-day ultimatum given to the fuel marketers to revert to the approved pump price. He said that the deadline,

which expired on November 5, was meant to restore sanity in the system. We have sealed 35 fuel retail outlets in Akwa Ibom after the expiration of our ultimatum for them to revert to the official approved pump price. “The retail outlets were selling above N87 pump price during our inspection. We

will continue the monitoring until all the filling stations comply,” Antai said. According to him, members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in the state had made a commitment to sell the product at approved price. Antai assured that the Calabar depot had reasonable

Bayelsa State PDP members during a non-indigenes rally organised in support of Governor Seriake Dickson re-election in Yenagoa.

Rivers Assembly confirms 22 LG caretaker chairmen-nominees

he Rivers State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 22 nominees as chairmen of caretaker committees of the state local government areas. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Ikunye Ibani, told members of the caretaker committees in Port Harcourt on Monday to see their appointment as an avenue for service to the people.

He called on them to always be their brothers’ keepers by ensuring that they put smiles on the faces of the people at the grassroots. The Speaker said there was no permanent position, adding that they should avoid haughtiness. Ibani directed the Clerk of the Assembly to convey the approval of the nominees to Governor Nyesom Wike.

The Leader of the House, Mr. Martins Amaewhule, called on the nominees to carry every member of their areas along and ensure that the people were adequately taken care of. The lawmaker representing Bonny constituency, Mr. Abinye Pepple, urged them to ensure good governance in their various councils. One of the newly confirmed

Lawmakers seek review of old educational policies CONTINUED FROM PAGE15 for those who have passion for teaching,’ urged. The legislator pledged that the committee would dialogue with the executive arm of government on issues bordering on some unhealthy educational policies and welfare of teachers in the state. Also speaking at the occasion, the state chairman of NUT, Comrade Eyo-Nsa Eyo Itam, lauded the committee members for visiting the NUT, describing the visit as a sign of good things to come in the educational sec-

quantity of petrol to meet the requirement of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, and advised motorists not to panic. NAN reports that petroleum marketers in the state had in the last one month sold fuel at between N105 and N120 per litre, attributing the increase in price to scarcity of the product.

tor. Comrade Itam averred that he had always ensured that teachers in the state put in their best despite the numerous challenges faced by the educators. He attributed the lack enthusiasm often exhibited by teachers of nowadays to the way and manner government and the society treat teachers nowadays with disdain. He stressed that managers of schools in the olden days run schools in a manner that always made teachers to stand shoulder high in the society.

He decried the level of harassment of teachers by parents for disciplining their children especially with cane, saying that before now the fear of cane was the beginning of wisdom, whereas now students are allowed to go wild and even challenge or threaten their teachers in support of their parents. Mr. Itam warned against the borrowing of educational policies from developed countries whereas the requisite infrastructures and other logistics to support such policies are not in place.

The NUT boss listed the myriads of challenges and policies begging for government intervention to include reversal of school duration from 7 to 4pm to 7 to 2pm to enhance the productivity level of the teachers and assimilation by students; reversal of the government policy on the submission of eight lesson notes daily by primary school teachers, saying that such policy makes teaching note centred and not teaching centred; restoration of rural allowances to teachers sent to rural communities to discourage urban drift;

chairmen, Mr. Soboma Jackreece, pledged to tackle insecurity in his area. He said he would carry everybody along by empowering the people. On his part, Mr. Bright Amaewhule, pledged to curb insecurity in his area, and promised to carry everybody along in a bid to make them feel the impact of his administration.

reversal of government policy to allow parents buy textbooks and also pay WAEC and NECO fees for their children since according to him, government had not been able to meet the financial burden of providing to all students in the state at the right time and the effect is harmful to the students. On teachers’ welfare, NUT requested that teachers be motivated through payment of allowances, promotion of teachers to salary grade level seventeen and employment of more teachers to the system.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Incumbency of financial literacy in Nigeria SUNDAY ONYEMAECHI EZE

he list of billionaires gone broke, or who died miserably despite opportunities and nature’s endowments are too numerous to mention. Money visits and could take flight depending on how well it is treated. An ex-billionaire, Lagos socialite and publisher of the defunct Heart Magazine, Godwin Anabor, presents a real life story of billionaires gone broke. In his personal account widely reported in the media, Anabor known to have over N5 billion in cash and properties was the cynosure of musicians at events and product launches. Today he has sold all he had laboured for, including 50 posh cars in the likes of Rolls Royce, Bentley and others. Anabor in his confession said he gave 60 percent of his earnings to people and spent over N80 million in Lagos Sheraton hosting guests from London for one year and three months; and also blowing N3 billion shares in the defunct Equity Bank on people. An offer of N80 million was made for his house worth 300 million. Today he has found solace in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Outside the shores of Nigeria, MC Hammer is a pop star who grew up with less than nothing but quickly earned $33 million from a hit album in the 1990s while still in his early 20s. He had the hammer

come down on him after blowing the fortune on not one, but two private helicopters. Though that was all nearly 30 years ago, Hammer seems to still not have hired an accountant to manage his money as in 2011 it was reported he owed nearly $800,000 in back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The above scenarios underscore the incumbency of financial literacy education in Nigeria. There is a direct correlation between lack of financial literacy and poverty and underdevelopment. How much do you earn monthly or annually in your life endeavours? On what and how do you spend your earnings? How comfortable do you think your life of retirement could be? Do you care to invest? Where and on what do or did you invest in? A popular African saying is that “It is the fire wood one gathered in the dry season that one cooks with during the rainy season.” However, prudent financial management of lean resources at the disposal of individuals has become a hard-knot to crack. The ability to understand how money works in the life of a given society has not got the desired attention in Nigeria. A study in financial literacy is critical to the life and development of a nation adjudged to be the highest consumer of champagne in the world. Financial literacy is not tied to savings alone. Part of it involves keeping prudent expenditure profile and a track record of

ANY FARMER WHO WANTS BOUNTIFUL HARVEST MUST KEEP SOME QUALITY SEEDLINGS FOR NEXT SEASON profitable investment leaps. It is financial discipline and the ability to understand the judicious utilisation of available funds and the right application thereof. One heads for financial abyss when one constantly spends all or more than ones income could appropriately absorb monthly or annually. One factor characterising affluence is its transient nature. One could be rich today and turn out a pauper tomorrow. Suffice it to say that no condition is permanent. Money answerers all things, but it certainly is a guest. Apart from being educated, native intelligence is one virtue one needs to apply to stay financially afloat. There are some locals who did not see the four wall of the university but are well-known good financial managers. Any farmer who wants bountiful harvest must keep some quality seedlings for next season. Planning is what it is. The way out? In consonance with a research on financial literacy in Nigeria carried out by Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, government should introduce a course in Financial Literacy in both sec-

ondary and tertiary institutions, because according to the work, possession of educational qualification greatly influenced financial literacy. There should be involvement of all tiers of government and private sector in the design and implementation of financial literacy programmes. This will in addition to self-discipline, the common sense of individuals consciously exposes and shapes the mindset of Nigerians on how to be financially prudent. The church has begun a good work of literacy education through marriage classes before new couple say, “I do”. This should be vigorously sustained because even at that some end up borrowing to finance their weddings. People should avoid living a life of illusion, on loans and unnecessary luxury. It takes the shape of constant sensitisation of the public by government and stakeholders to make this achievable. Bank customers should become shareholders of their investment banks. At the end of the year when annual profit is declared, such individuals benefit. The moral angle to the story is that no matter what your net worth, the amount of money in the bank does not give you immunity from life’s misfortunes or global economic meltdowns. Retirement should be a worry-free time to enjoy your life; make sure your retirement is financially secure today. Eze, a media and communications specialist, wrote via sunnyeze02@

Why Buhari should not be petroleum minister ADEMOLA ORUNBON

“T

he President of Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not, during his tenure in office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever”- Section 138, Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. Pursuant to the above quoted Section, the President is expressly, definitively and unambiguously disallowed from holding any other executive position throughout the duration of his presidency. As has become customary, albeit most offensive feature of the Presidency, Muhammadu Buhari chose to formally inform his fellow citizens of his ill-advised intention to retain the coveted Petroleum Resources ministerial portfolio during his recent visit to New York, the United States of America. The President’s spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, was quoted as citing the desire to personally superintend the restructuring of the corruptioninfested petroleum industry, as the rationale for Buhari’s controversial decision. The unstated precedence that may have encouraged President Buhari to do likewise is the fact that former President Olusegun Obasanjo also held on to that portfolio throughout his two term tenure (1999 – 2007) in violation of Section 138 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. As we wait for the designation of the confirmed ministerial nominees by Mr. President, it is pertinent to raise a clear alarm not only about an imminent infrac-

tion, but indeed to shed more light on an ongoing illegality being perpetrated by the President Buhari in his intention to reserve for himself the juicy position of Petroleum Minister in contravention of Section 138 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999. Since his assumption of office on May 29, 2015, President Buhari has been acting and exercising the substantive authority of the Minister of Petroleum Resources; and he is likely to continue to do after the composition of the Federal Executive Council if he is not advised to the contrary. Based on the foregoing, it is indisputable that Muhammadu Buhari is going ahead with the violation of Section 138 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, even as Nigerians believe that he is the law abiding citizen and a corruption free leader. It is possible that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari may have relied, or may be relying on the seemingly broad power of the office of the President, pursuant to Section 5(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 which states: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive powers of the Federation shall be vested the President and may subject as aforesaid and to the provisions of law made by the National Assembly, be exercised by him either directly or through the Vice-President and Ministers of the Government of the Federation or officers in the public service of the Federation”. However, I believe it is settled in law that

I HEREBY INVITE OTHER MORE LEARNED PERSONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITIES TO WEIGH IN ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT MATTER where certain provisions of any grundnorm are ambiguous on a particular subject matter, the existence of any prohibitive provision effectively circumscribes and supercedes every other section which may suggest otherwise. This means that the express prohibition provision as slated in Section 138 of the Constitution if the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 effectively precludes President Buhari from appointing himself Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources and, therefore, also disallows him from exercising the substantive power and authority of the referred executive office. Accordingly, the widely reported speculation that the President is likely to invest Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the incumbent Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with the power of Minister of state, Petroleum Resources, should also be resisted. Going ahead with this plan is most likely to violate certain provisions of the Nigerian Petroleum Act of 1969, which clearly stated the functions of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, the Board of

NNPC, the GMD of NNPC and other agencies. Since President Buhari has an established reputation as a dogged advocate for the rule of law, I hereby invite other more learned persons and constitutional authorities to weigh in on this very important subject matter in order to prevent the President from perpetrating a constitutional breach which, as of today, has become a reference point and is ongoing. Nobody can convince me that in a country that boasts of many leading authorities in petroleum resources engineering and administration, President Buhari is unable to find any competent and credible person to champion the much anticipated reforms in the petroleum industry. Like millions of Nigerians and many well-meaning persons all over Africa and the world at large, I continue to pray that God almighty grant Mr. President and his incoming cabinets the grace and wisdom to steer the affairs of this nation aright. He needs our fervent prayers, patience, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Orunbon wrote from Epe, Lagos State via orunbonibrahimademola@ gmail.com and can be reached on 08034493944 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, November 10, 2015

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Lagos and illegal pharmacies, medicine stores

t may be safely argued that the celebrated fervor and potency with which the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) fought fake and adulterated drugs under the headship of the late Professor Dora Akunyili have receded significantly, presently. Akunyili, the most decorated Director-General of NAFDAC, we recall, once referred to drug counterfeiting as “the highest form of terrorism against public health”; and using NAFDAC as a veritable vehicle, she fought like a bull to combat the scourge while at the helm in the agency. But it is obvious that the fake and adulterated drugs’ trade runs in the blood stream of many crooks in the chain, namely: manufacture/production; as well as sales. The Lagos State Government said recently that it shut at least 33 pharmacy shops and patent medicine stores in parts of the metropolis for contravening stipulated regulations on drug production, importation, sales or display for sales, distribution, hawking, adulteration and the possession of drugs by illegal operators. Some of the outfits involved allegedly embarked on drugs’ sales without being licensed by relevant regulatory authorities; and in breach of some of the rules specified as requisite for being in the business; while others were penalized for parading counterfeit

and fake drugs. The menace of fake and counterfeit drugs and the dubious dealers fronting same in the country had repeatedly manifested in avoidable deaths, traumas and declining status of Nigeria as a nation, being the hub of West Africa’s regional pharmaceutical distribution business. The heavy socio-economic and psychological costs on the nation, citizens and the economy are, indeed, unquantifiable. One of the most cited cases was the 2003 fatal experience, when the International Children’s Heart Foundation’s humanitarian gesture to operate on some sick children at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, ended in crisis, as the adrenalin administered on them to restart their hearts turned out to be ordinary water. Four of the children died as a result. Global consciousness that counterfeit drugs are mass killers is underscored by the fact that the World Heath Organisation (WHO) set aside June 8, every year as World Anti-Counterfeiting Day. The day provides all WHO-member countries the opportunity to reflect on the activities of drug counterfeiters and evaluate the efficacy of the measures put in place to combat the plague. Since the establishment of NAFDAC in 1992, however, it scarcely injected commensurate quantum of energy into fighting fake and adul-

November 10, 1995 In Nigeria, playwright and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with eight others from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), were hanged by government forces. Kenule ‘Ken’ Beeson Saro Wiwa (October 10, 1941 – November 10, 1995) was a Nigerian writer, television producer, environmental activist and winner of the Right Livelihood Award; and the Goldman Environmental Prize.

SUCH EFFORTS WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND BETTER RESULTS ACHIEVED IF

NAFDAC OPERATES IN CONCERT WITH STATE AGENCIES CHARGED WITH FAKE AND COUNTERFEIT DRUGS’ CONTROL

terated drugs until during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian era, when the agency’s combative efforts in raiding shops, closing open drug markets, especially in Onitsha and Kano, among others; and publicly burning confiscated fake and adulterated drugs, kept many out of the business. The agency deployed state-of-the-art technology - mPedigree; codification and serialization; Truscan, a hand-held device that helped in detecting counterfeit medicines on the spot; Mobile Authentication Service (MAS), which used short message services for end-user regulated medication authentication; and the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), which could verify regulated products; all of which assisted tremendously in checking fake drug manufacturing. Reports credited not too long ago to NAFDAC’ Director of Special

ON THIS DAY November 10, 2007 Between 10,000 and 40,000 people marched toward in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to hand over a memorandum to the King demanding electoral reform. The aim of the walk was to campaign for electoral reform. It was precipitated by allegations of corruption and discrepancies in the Malaysian election system that heavily favoured the ruling political party, Barisan Nasional, in power since Malaysian independence in 1957.

Duties, Abubakar Jimoh, that the agency had reduced the incidence of fake drugs in the country from 64 percent in 2008, based on a WHO study on Africa, to 6.4 percent in 2011, buttressed the gains NAFDAC recorded during the Akunyili era and, perhaps, shortly after. It is doubtful, however, that the NAFDAC of today is the awesome combatant it used to be in the anti-fake and counterfeit drugs’ battle. The agency should strive to maintain its vibrancy in the campaign to avert a possible resurgence of the illegal business. The experience of Lagos may well be a pointer to what may be happening in other states and locations with legendary notoriety as hubs of drugs adulteration and counterfeiting. While Lagos and other states may be putting in their best individually to ensure compliance with regulations and discourage the production and sale of counterfeit drugs, we believe such efforts would be more effective and better results achieved if NAFDAC operates in concert with state agencies charged with fake and counterfeit drugs’ control. Such synergy would provide ample opportunity for the sharing of intelligence and technology required to boost the campaign. Being the national agency set up strictly to tackle the rot called fake and counterfeit drugs, NAFDAC should play the role of a catalyst. It should be aggressive enough in leading the fight.

November 10, 2009 In the Battle of Daecheong , South and North Korean navies clashed off Daecheong Island in the Yellow Sea. The incident involved hostilities between the South Korean and North Korean navies near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) off Daecheong Island. A patrol boat from the northern Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was seriously damaged; while the navy of the southern Republic of Korea (ROK) sustained no casualties.

Business

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

IMF predicts brighter outlook for global economy in 2016 22

Estate developers, experts bemoan real estate business slowdown25

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SMEs will create 80% of Africa’s employ21 ment –Analyst AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline

CBN house

Industrialists, analysts chart roadmap to Nigeria’s improved investment climate Despite various policy reform initiatives embarked upon by past administrations to improve the nation’s investment climate, a recently released World Bank’s ‘Doing Business in Nigeria 2016 Report’ has scored Nigeria low. Analysts say government must demonstrate in practical terms its commitment to provide the needed physical infrastructure and policy frameworks to attract foreign investments and help businesses thrive sustainably. Olufemi Adeosun, reports.

ne of the strategic goals of the past administration in the real sector was the removal of all bottlenecks in the nation’s business environment. To achieve this, the then Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, in 2014, inaugurated two technical committees to address policy issues inhibiting Nigeria’s competitive business environment; instill fair and transparent business operational procedures; enhance the image of the economy and build investors’ confidence.

According to industry analysts, if those efforts were actually made to improve the nation’s business climate, the recently released Work Bank’s ‘Doing Business in Nigeria 2016’ report, which scored the country low in the ease of doing business, has indicated the contrary. In the latest ‘Doing Business 2016: Measuring Regulatory Quality and Efficiency’ report, Nigeria ranks 169 among the 189 countries assessed on economic reforms implementation. This is a mere one point leap on the 2015 position which placed the coun-

The economic siTuaTion in nigeria aT some poinT has been deemed To be unfavourable for business acTiviTies. This could be True To some exTenT, buT The facT is ThaT The presenT economic sTaTus of The counTry has some hope for The conducT of business. however some of The regulaTory policies such as cusToms and excise duTies, mulTiple TaxaTion and high porT charges are some of The issues The governmenT should look inTo

try at 170 position in the global ranking. According to the report, Nigeria also scored poorly in Distance to Frontier assessment index, scoring 44.69 per cent in 2016 as against the 43.56 per cent in 2015. During the period under review, the country was reported to have carried out two reforms more than it did last year. Of the 35 countries covered by the report in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria came 25th, with Mauritius, Uganda, Kenya, Mauritania, Benin and Senegal ranking among the top best improvers. The World Bank Group’s annual ease of doing business measurement indicated thatSub-Saharan Africa economies continued to implement reforms to improve the business climate for domestic entrepreneurs, with members of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) particularly active during the past year.

According to the report, out of the 69 reforms carried out in 35 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, 14 of the OHADA’s 17 member countries implemented 29 reforms. Commenting on the report, the president, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, noted that although there were some impediments to smooth business operation, there were glimmer of hope given the economy size of the country country. He charged the present administration to review issues regarding the nation’s customs and excise duties, multiple taxation and high port charges which often add to cost of production of goods and services. The ABUCCIMA boss stated,”The economic situation in Nigeria at some point has been deemed to be unfavourable for business activities. This could be true to some extent, but the fact is that the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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

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

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

Business News

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Industrialists, analysts chart roadmap to Nigeria’s improved investment climate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 present economic status of the country has some hope for the conduct of business. However some of the regulatory policies such as customs and excise duties, multiple taxation and high port charges are some of the issues the government should look into. “I would also urge the government to ensure business friendly legislations that will be aimed at promoting trade and investment for the overall good of our National economy. The industries are operating on their usual routine given that the government has not set-out any economic policy direction for them to path on hence their performances remain inert. Hopefully when the cabinet is inaugurated I have strong believe that there would be a turn around. In order to encourage smooth and effective operation of millions of small businesses in the country, Ejinkeonye also canvases the review of the existing policies and institutional frameworks with the aim of developing guidelines for future utilization and encouragement of the business community. Also speaking on the new rating and its implication for the Nigerian economy, an Abuja based industrialist, Adewumi Oriola, averred that beyond addressing policy related issues, government should take practical step to provide the needed infrastructure, adding that doing so would help in cutting down cost of production, thereby making the country investment destination of choice. He also urged the various agencies of government in charge of business facilitation in the country. For instance, while urging the authorities of the Corporate Affair Commission to work hard to reduce the bureaucracy that attends to registration of companies, Oriola called on government to always respect the terms of contracts, adding that a situation where government terminates or violates contractual agreement would not encourage would-be investors. “In terms of business registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission, a lot still need to be done to reduce the bureaucracy of registration of companies. “Also, issue of enforcement of contract should also be improved upon. When will find government entering into a contract, for instance and they back out or violate the terms of the contract, it then does not encourage would-be investors because they are uncertain of the willingness on the part of government to redeem their own part of the bargain,” he noted. Reflecting on the nation’s business climate recently, the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, noted that the manufacturing and Service sectors in the country had again entered a recession following a 40 per cent decline in Nigeria’s growth rate for the second quarter, identifying the CBN’s forex policy as one of the causative factors. The President of the Chamber, Alhaji Remi Bello, while presenting the third quarter report of the LCCI on the state of the economy, noted that while the past 100 days of the Buhari administration recorded some positive developments in the areas of improved power supply, intensified war

against terrorism and genuine fight against corruption, the economy continued to suffer in the face of fiscal strains associated with declining government revenue as a result of the fall in global oil prices. He identified the biggest challenge confronting investors in Nigeria as the foreign exchange regime policy which, he said, had caused a lot of hardships for local manufacturers who are finding the business environment more inclement for businesses. Specifically, Bello pointed out that “the impact on the economy and private sector indicated that the sovereign risk perception of Nigeria has worsened over the last two months. Several credit lines for Nigerian investors have been lost following the numerous cases of payment defaults to foreign suppliers. On the CBN forex measures, the industrialist explained that the measures were taking a huge toll on investors in the free trade zones. The policies are also a violation of the laws setting up free trade zones. Investors in the zone are currently in a quandary. According to him, the goodwill that Nigeria enjoyed at the advent of this Administration in the international Business arena is beginning to be eroded by the foreign exchange crises. “There is risk of international isolation of Nigeria if current policies are not reversed. The economy is now faced with a scenario where there is a much greater pressure to move funds out of the economy than bring funds into the economy. This can be likened to a run on a system. This is a typical scenario which a confidence crisis could create. Future international trade transactions, financial and investment relations are now at risk”, the LCCI boss added. Similarly, he lamented that round tripping of forex had continued to flourish because of the disparity in the exchange rate between the official and parallel market just as inflow of forex into the two autonomous sources had been adversely affected. To mitigate the burden of manufacturers and other forex users, the group called on the the Federal Government intervene in this matter before further damage is done to the private sector and the economy at large. Bello added: “Naira exchange rate should be allowed to reflect the fundamentals of the foreign exchange market. A rate that market fundamentals cannot support would not be sustainable. We suggest the adoption of a market approach with a periodic intervention by the CBN as the capacity permits. “The CBN should allow the foreign exchange market to function without compromising its oversight to ensure that the market does not become a platform for money laundering. “Exporters should be allowed to have un-

Jacob

Bello

fettered access to their export proceeds. The current policy regarding export proceeds is a major disincentive to export. The policy that restricts the use of export proceeds to only the banks in which the proceeds are domiciled is unfair and should be reviewed. “The owners of export proceeds should be allowed to have the flexibility to undertake transactions either within the bank where export proceed is domiciled or any other bank account of the exporter for purposes of doing their business” “If there are sectors that needs to either be penalized or incentivized, the instrumentality of fiscal policy of tariffs and taxes should be used, not exclusion from the foreign exchange market. “The CBN should be compelled to engage with relevant economic ministries in order to bring about coherence in the management of the Nigerian economy. These other key ministries and agencies include the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Ministry of Finance, National Planning Commission and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment”, the LCCI boss added. In a similar tone, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, during its leadership’s visit to the Presidency recently appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to help industrialists and other players in the real sector tackle the monstrous challenges facing investors in the country. In his speech delivered at the meeting with the President Buhari, the President of the association, Dr. Frank Jacobs, appealed to government to help address some of thorny issues which are facing the industrial sector, especially the manufacturing sub-sector, and which have the capability of negating your laudable plans, if not quickly addressed. Some of the challenges he listed include,

the EU/ECOWAS Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which is still lingering; inclusion of manufacturing raw material inputs in the list of not valid for Foreign Exchange at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market; lingering issue of the Export Expansion Grant and the associated Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate (NDCC) and the price of natural gas which industries use to power their machines which is benchmarked with the movement of Foreign Exchange. The industrialists also projected that the Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, if signed in its current form, would stifle whatever is left of the manufacturing sector, and will lead to total de-industrialization of the country. On the issue of the list of items excluded from the official forex window, while the association expressed its support of the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at shoring up the naira and blocking leakages in the forex market, it however opposed the inclusion of essential raw materials which are not available locally and do not have local substitutes in the list of items not valid for forex because of the dire consequences of factory closures and the attendant unemployment that would result. The MAN leader said: “It is our view that such items can be included only after allowing investors ample time to backward integrate and generate these items locally. To avoid the risk of industrial closures, we plead that the policy should be revisited. “Nigeria is facing currently but still request that manufacturing inputs should be put on the priority list to avoid closures and the ugly consequences of further unemployment. MAN is ready and willing to engage in backward integration to source raw materials but needs time to accomplish that after which, the items can be included in the list of items not valid for forex. “Your Excellency, patronage of Nigerian products by public and private sector operators should be encouraged. In order to effectively entrench this as a policy, we urge the Government to strengthen the Procurement Act to make it a reality as well as ensure that the various arms and tiers of Government, including MDAs patronize made-in-Nigeria products in preference to imported counterparts” Jacobs canvassed.

MAN is reAdy ANd williNg to eNgAge iN bAckwArd iNtegrAtioN to source rAw MAteriAls but Needs tiMe to AccoMplish thAt After which, the iteMs cAN be iNcluded iN the list of iteMs Not vAlid for forex

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Business News

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

SMEs will create 80% of Africa’s employment –Analyst AbolAji AdebAyo

he Principal, African Capital Alliance, ACA, Segun Adebanji, has projected that 80 per cent of employment in Africa would be created through small and medium enterprises, SMEs in the next 20 years. Adebanji, in his paper delivered at the just concluded 39th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, held in Lagos, pointed out that the SME sub-sector, although faced with various challenges, had been establishing a new middle class and fueling demand for new goods and services. Referring to a report published in 2013 by Omidyar Network on the challenges of SMEs in Africa, Adebanji highlighted that the biggest challenges limiting the productivity of many entrepreneurs across the continent included skills and talents, infrastructure as well as inconsistent policies that impacted businesses negatively. However, despite those challenges, the ACA boss said that the SMEs sub-sector in sub-Saharan Africa had been growing at faster pace than other developed na-

tions. He said: “Albeit slower, Africa is still growing. The continent is on pace to achieve GDP growth of over 4.5 per cent in 2015 - still faster than most developed economies. “Furthermore, according to the IMF, over the next 20 years subSaharan Africa will become the main source of new entrants into the global labor force. At the heart of this growth are SME’s. “SMEs will create around 80per cent of Africa’s employment, establishing a new middle class and fueling demand for new goods and services.” Meanwhile, Adebanji said that what should be the priority for both the public and private sector is creating an enabling environment for SME’s to succeed. Speaking further on the financial challenge, Adebanji said that the cost of accessing capital is viewed as prohibitive to the SMEs, while the cost of entry capital as well as cost of debt capital hindered company formation and growth. Enumerating additional challenges around finance, he noted that SME owners were not familiar with providers of capital, adding that financing providers due

Energy firms may slash investments by 3-8% next year

he scale of the global oil and gas industry’s spending cuts are making another surge in energy prices possible by diminishing future supply, Saudi Vice Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said. Investments have been cut by $200 billion this year and will drop another 3 percent to 8 percent next year, marking the first time since the mid 1980s that industry cut the spending for two consecutive years, Prince Abdulaziz said in a copy of his speech for delivery to energy ministers in Doha Monday. Nearly 5 million barrels a day of projects have been deferred or canceled, he said in the remarks. Just like high oil prices can’t last, a prolonged period of low prices is “also unsustainable, as it will induce large investment cuts and reduce the resilience of the oil industry, undermining the future security of supply and setting the scene for another sharp price rise,” the prince said in the remarks. “As a responsible and reliable producer with long-term horizon, the kingdom is committed to continue to invest in its oil and gas sector, despite the drop in the oil price.”

Oil prices have declined 42 percent in the past year as Saudi Arabia led the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in maintaining production in the face of a global glut rather than make way for booming U.S. output. Supply from outside the 12-member group will start to decline next year and the drop will accelerate after that, according to his speech. The impact of the current price instability is not just confined to the oil sector as “the spillovers are being strongly felt in other parts of the energy complex, such as renewables and natural gas,” Prince Abdulaziz said. Oil prices will probably rebound next year, United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei told a conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Oil demand is expected to be 94 million barrels a day this year, rising 1.5 percent from last year, with about 2 million barrels a day of spare capacity, mainly held in Saudi Arabia, the prince said in the prepared remarks. Growth in Asia’s demand may slow “by efforts to efficiency enhancement and oil substitution,” he said. “But the petroleum industry should not lose sight of the fact that scale matters,” with billions of people moving up into the middle class, the prince said.

diligence requirements were often difficult for entrepreneurs to meet. Suggesting solutions to the identified challenges, he said that the sub-sector required participation from public, private and education sectors. He also recommended that there was need to reduce bureaucracy for early-stage companies to access government funding in order to provide ‘softer’ sources of financing for lessexperienced entrepreneurs. He further charged the govern-

ment to expand or initiate local angel investing ecosystems to ensure the availability of the most appropriate type of funding for start-ups; provide tax and other incentives to formal, as well as informal (e.g., family and friends), angel investors to make it easier for people who have extra cash to invest in start-up businesses and reduce their risk. In addition, he canvassed the need for provision of tax and other incentives for large clients

of early-stage ventures to provide supplier credit to incentivize and reduce the risks suppliers take when providing generous payment terms

and/or stock to new ventures as well as educate entrepreneurs about possible sources of funding outside banking systems. Specifically on education, Adebanji said there was the need to improve financial literacy by teaching people how to develop business plans.

L-R: Research and Educaon, ForexRally, Razvan Mihai; CEO, Artem Trofymenko and General Manager, Fisayo Siyanbola, at the press conference on Forex trading in Lagos, recently.

CBN set criteria for accessing Anchor Borrowers Programme credit FrAncis ekpone, onitshA

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in its resolve to achieve a strong and viable agricultural base with more integrated value chains, enhanced food security, fewer imports and higher productivity, has listed the conditions for accessing its Anchor programme loan. The loan, which will come from the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, MSMEDF, will be given to farmers at nine percent per annum interest rate to address the challenge of poor funding facing them. This plan, according to CBN, is in addition to NIRSAL’s capacity building to farmers and bankers. The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, during an interaction with rice farmers in Awka, Anambra State, said the idea behind the Anchor Borrowers programme initiative is to diversify the economy by addressing the issue of local production of agricultural products that reduces the nation’s for-

eign reserve. Emefiele, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Development Finance, Mr. Paul Eluhaiwe, identified lack of mechanisation, low quality inputs and poor funding as major hindrances to rice production in Nigeria but stressed that the programme was aimed at solving the problem of finance. On the conditions for accessing the loan, the CBN boss said the farmers will be thoroughly trained on the global best agronomical practices. “The farmers must be a member of a validated cooperative before applying for the loan. We will find out how much it will take to produce one hectare of rice to determine the amount that will be given to each individual. The idea is to enhance efficient management of the resources” he said. The Managing Director of Ebonyi Agro Nigeria limited and the Major Off-Taker of the programme in Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra State, Engr. Charlce Ugwu, lamented that Nigeria consumed about 6 metric tons of rice yearly but produced only

3.5 metric tons at about $3 billion. He noted that the two paddy aggregation centres in Anambra State will be made more viable, promising that his group will buy all the rice produced in the state through this programme. Even as he enjoined farmers to utilise the opportunity offered by the programme to increase their yield. In his remarks, Governor Willie Obiano, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, thanked the CBN and the Off-taker for the initiative and called on the farmers in the value chain to ensure that they are revalidated. He emphasised that the State government had made tractors available for farmers and had also distributed seedlings and fertilizers and other inputs with a view to improving their productivity and higher returns on their investments.

Business News

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

U.S. productivity up in Q3, LCCI’s Investment Conference to manufacturing strong hold next Tuesday

.S. nonfarm productivity unexpectedly rose in the third quarter as a decline in self-employed workers contributed to overall hours worked falling for the first time in six years, restraining labor-related production costs. The Labor Department said on Thursday that productivity, which measures hourly output per worker, increased at a 1.6 percent annual rate after increasing at an upwardly revised 3.5 percent rate in the second quarter. Manufacturing productivity increased at its fastest pace in four years, led by the durable goods sector. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast productivity falling at a 0.2 percent rate last quarter after expanding at a previously reported 3.3 percent pace in the second quarter. Despite the surprise rise in the third quarter, the trend in productivity remained weak. Productivity increased only 0.4 percent compared to the third quarter of 2014. Economists blame softer productivity on

lack of investment, which they say has led to an unprecedented decline in capital intensity. While weak productivity has boosted employment growth as companies hired more workers to increase output, economists say it has contributed to stagnant wages and lowered the economy’s speed limit. Economists say persistently anemic productivity could continue to limit wage growth even as the labor market approaches full employment. In the third quarter, hours worked declined at a 0.5 percent rate, the first decline since the third quarter of 2009. Unit labor costs, the price of labor per single unit of output, increased at a 1.4 percent rate in the third quarter. They had dropped at revised 1.8 percent rate in the second quarter, which was previously reported as a 1.4 percent pace of decline. Unit labor costs rose 2.0 percent compared to the third quarter of 2014. Compensation per hour rose at 3.0 percent rate in the third quarter after increasing at a 1.7 percent rate in the second quarter. Compensation was up 2.4 percent compared to the third quarter of 2014.

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the premier Chamber of Commerce and one of the leading voices in the organised private sector (OPS) in Nigeria, is set to hold an international Investment conference next Tuesday as part of activities lined up for this year’s Lagos International Trade Fair. A statement by the Chamber’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Olusegun Alabi, indicated that the conference would bring together major players in the various sectors of the economy, especially the non-oil sectors, to enable businesses align with the economic diversification and long term sustainability of the Nigerian economy. LCCI Director General, Muda Yusuf, clarified further: “The major objectives of the conference include, but not limited to: institutionalizing a mechanism for annual consultations between local and international investors; facilitating the removal of impediments to local capital formation and entre-

preneurial aspirations; expanding access to finance to investors; raising the visibility of Lagos State and indeed Nigeria as a key destination for both foreign portfolio and foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as increasing the competitiveness of Nigeria as an investment destination in Africa. “The one-day conference tagged ‘LCCI INVEST 2015’ is a prestigious business event that will take the form of dialogue sessions on various sectors of the economy and will give room for business-tobusiness (B2B) networking leading to the development of the Nigerian economy. “Subject areas to be discussed include: Creating an enabling investment climate; Achieving selfsufficiency in food production; Turning around the Distribution companies for efficient service delivery, amongst others”, Yusuf added. The LCCI has over 1,500 registered members and organizes the yearly “Lagos International Trade Fair” which was launched in 1977.

COMESA, Microsoft partner on access, skills’ promotion in African countries

,,,,,

IMF predicts brighter outlook for global economy in 2016

ometime around April 2016, a third set of locks on the Panama Canal will begin handling ships as much as 2.6 times the size of the biggest ones now able to ply the waterway. U.S. ports from New York to Galveston, Texas, have been gearing up for the traffic. The Port of Houston Authority just finished installing four cranes that are 30 stories high. “More trade means more jobs,” Port Chairwoman Janiece Longoria said earlier this year. The opening of the Panama Canal locks is just one likely event in what promises to be an eventful year for the global economy. The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement could win approval from 12 nations that together account for 40 percent of global output. There will be presidential elections in the U.S. and Tai-

wan, a Summer Olympics in Brazil, and a new five-year plan in China. The biggest event of all could be a referendum in the U.K.—possibly in October—on whether to remain part of the European Union. The world economy next year is shaping up to be stronger than in 2015 and roughly in line with long-term growth averages, according to the International Monetary Fund and economists surveyed by Bloomberg. But “a return to robust and synchronized global expansion remains elusive,” the IMF said in its October outlook. The fund’s economists project world growth of 3.6 percent, up from 3.1 percent this year and about the same as the 3.5 percent average from 1980 through 2014. Those numbers are based on the IMF’s preferred method of measuring

output, using the real purchasing power of national currencies. Measured the standard way—using market exchange rates—the IMF’s projections and historical figures would be about 0.6 percentage point lower. A year ago, plunging oil prices sent the ruble spiraling to record lows and bank depositors scrambling to get their cash. Sberbank, Russia’s biggest lender, ran through tremendous amounts of cash to survive a run it dubbed Black December—300 tons of it, 1.3 trillion rubles ($20.8 billion), in a single week. “All we could do was relax and pray,” Sberbank Chief Executive Officer Herman Gref says, recalling the worst moment in his eight years of running the state-controlled lender.

he Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, (COMESA), through the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and Microsoft, had taken steps toward strengthening their working alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The memorandum sets out how they will collaborate in the areas of access to technology, development of relevant skills and the fostering of innovation in COMESA’s 19 member States. The strategic partnership will promote access to technology to improve regional trade, develop public sector ICT skills and promote local innovation for better service delivery, is in line with the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative’s three core focus areas (World-class skills, Access and Innovation). According to the partners, the MoU will promote access to technology to COMESA memberstates based on a Trusted Cloud Infrastructure that focuses on the secure deployment of modern IT operations. The deal is also expected to accelerate and promote the adoption of innovative highspeed low-cost connectivity initiatives, including through new policy approaches to spectrum management such as dynamic

spectrum access, as well as encourage the use of cloud technologies through the adoption of important enabling policies in the areas of cyber-security, data privacy and data protection. COMESA’s Secretary General, Mr. Sindiso Ngwenya, during the signing, noted that business technology had revolutionized the way countries and firms conduct business, adding that people are now in an age where the planning processes of organizations is through instruments and solutions that promote quality management, and respond to age –old constraints of time limitations and high costs of operations Commenting on the pact, Associate General Counsel, Legal and Corporate Affairs Microsoft, Middle East and Africa, Antony Cook, explained that through Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative, the ICT solutions-providing company had been working to increase regional trade and the growth of the knowledge economy in Africa. He noted further that through influential partnerships, such

as the one with COMESA, Microsoft aimed to scale across the region further to impact not just thousands, but millions.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Jobs & Career

TUC urges Buhari to prioritise job creation, food security …as Julius Berger moves to lay off workers

Olufemi AdeOsun

rade Union Congres (TUC) has called on President Mohammadu Buhari to make issues of job creation and food security as priorities of his administration, adding that the success or otherwise of his government would be judged on these planks at the expiration of his term of office. TUC president, Bobboi Bala Kaigama spoke against the backdrop of imminent job loss in major construction firms, such as Julius Berger Nigeria Limited. According to him Nigerians are yet to see the ‘Change mantra’ of the Federal Government, over five months that the administration came on stream. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the 10th Trienniel Delegates Conference of Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) in Abuja, he said it was not enough for Buhari to go after corrupt individuals, he must also feel the pulse of Nigerians concerning their job and food security. He said: “TUC sympathises with those of you working in the construction industry because you are usually the first

victims in any change in government, new government when they come on board will launch verification into all contractual arrangements. “President Buhari should know that the change mantra should not be limited to going after corrupt individuals only, but also providing jobs and protecting workers, providing social security and then we will know change has come. “We are prepared to support the government to ensure that we have good governance, to ensure that our members retain their decent jobs, to ensure that Mr. President moves to fight corruption, and to also ensure he fights insurgency.” Meanwhile, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, Engr. Detlev Lubasach revealed at the occassion that massive job cut was inevitable because of huge debts owed the company and other construction firms. Beyond the current economic constraints, Lubasach said the immediate past administration were unable to meet payments even for jobs already completed and handed over to government. “Our industry is in dire straits, occasioned by non-payment for ongoing and

U.S. jobless claims highest since February

ew U.S. applications for unemployment benefits last week recorded their largest increase in eight months, but remained at levels consistent with a fairly healthy labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 16,000 to a seasonally adjusted 276,000 for the week ended Oct.31, the Labor Department said on Thursday. It was the largest weekly gain since late February. Claims had hovered near 42-year lows for much of October. The prior week’s claims were unrevised. It was the 35thstraight week that claims were below the 300,000 threshold, which is normally associated with a strong jobs market. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims rising to 262,000 last week. A Labor Department analyst said there were no special factors influencing the data. The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it strips out week-to-week volatility, rose 3,500 to 262,750 last week. Last week’s claims report has no

bearing on the October employment report due for release on Friday. New applications for jobless benefits were low last month relative to September. According to a Reuters survey of economists, nonfarm payrolls increased 180,000 in October, well above the average gain of 139,000 jobs for August and September. The unemployment rate is forecast at 5.1 per cent. The claims report showed the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid increased 17,000 to 2.16 million in the week ended Oct. 24. The four-week moving average of continuing claims fell 11,500 to 2.16 million, the lowest level since November 2000. The trend in continuing claims suggests more longterm unemployed are finding work.

Kaigama

Buhari

already completed jobs. As you all know, the construction industry is majorly engaged by the government, Federal, State and Local, with little patronage from corporate entities and private individuals. “In view of this, any distortion in the income equilibrium of our major clients will definitely affect the income and cash flow of the construction companies. As a consequence of this, construction companies are unable to sustain the existing structures in terms of meeting its obliga-

tions to staff and sub-contractors. “lt therefore became imminent that there must be staff reduction as well as other cost saving measures. It is only to keep the industry afloat currently, most companies are working far below their capacity, which is neither healthy for the Industry nor for the country. “In such a very difficult situation, you will agree with me that all hands must be on deck to salvage our industry,”Lubasach stated.

BPE’s top official becomes ANAN Fellow

he Head of the Capital Market Unit of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, (BPE), Mallam Baba Mohammed has been admitted a fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). Following the admission, Mohammed is now entitled to the designation of Fellow Certified National Accountant (FCNA) with membership number 6843. A statement issued by the Bureau’s Head, Public Communications, Alex Okoh, indicated that Mohammed’s admission into the fellowship of the professional body was in recognition of his contributions to the uplifting and maintaining the exemplary professionalism of ANAN for over 10 years

and also in recognition of his having satisfied all the conditions prescribed by the Council for admission of a fellow of the association. Baba Mohammed holds a B.Sc (Hons) Degree in Accountancy from the University of Jos, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a Certificate in Financial Management from Stanford Graduate School of Business, San Fransisco, California USA. A member of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), the new fellow has served the Bureau in various capacities for over 22 years. In the course of his tour of duty in the Bureau, he

served as Special Assistant to two former DirectorsGeneral of the Bureau, Mallam Nasir A. el-Rufai and Dr. Julius J. Bala respectively. He also acted as Director, Mines and Steel Development Department. At various times, he represented the Federal Government on the Boards of Nigerdock Nigeria Plc, the then Afribank Nigeria plc, Nigerian Security Printing & Minting (NSPM), NITEL/Mtel, Nigeria Reinsurance, NICON Insurance and Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. He is a Member/Secretary, African Privatisation Network (APN) and Member, committee for the establishment of National Depository in Nigeria. Mallam Mohammed is married with children.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NLC, NULGE restate need for LGs’ autonomy OlufEmi adEOSun

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), have said that the much needed development at the local level could not be guarantee under the present arrangement. They, therefore, vowed to continue to pursue the autonomy of the third tier of government with a view to rescuing it from the grips of state governors, some of whom, they also alleged had stunted its growth and development. The President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and the President of NULGE, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel gave this position at a Round Table Discussion on Local Government Autonomy, organised by NULGE in Abuja. While urging NULGE to be unwavering in its pursuit of total liberation of local government administration in the country, comrade Wabba assured Union that NLC would continue to provide the need backing to make the lofty demand a reality. He stated, “I want to assure you that NLC will fully support and canvass for local government autonomy. Local government must be allowed to use its funds. I want to urge you to continue the struggle. The local government must be liberated.

“The issue of joint account should be looked into. I don’t believe the joint account has served the purpose for which it was intended. If we all believe that the majority of our people live in local government areas, then that is where development is needed most. “So, we will continue to canvas for autonomy. I am also happy that the current National Assembly. With some of their utterances and dispositions, we can also say we now have an ally in the area of strengthening local government administration and also canvassing for autonomy for local government. According to him, what NULGE has started is an initiative that will bring development closer to the people. Wabba also added, “In the old good days when our local government system was very functional and effective, the issue of security, agriculture, the issue of providing jobs for the teeming youth were actually being addressed at that time. Therefore, we must return to the basis if we want to address the challenge in our economy, our polity or even in our social life.” The NLC called on the present administration to diversify the nation’s economy in the face of dwindling revenue from the oil production, stressing that reviving agriculture would go a long way in providing employment opportunities to the Nigerian youth.

Also speaking, NULGE President, Comrade Khaleel insisted that achieving autonomy for Local Government system was not negotiable and called for support from all stakeholders to ensure that local government is free. According to him, stronger financial autonomy for local government would help strengthen its activities; adding that that the union is working assiduously to ensure that the constitutional reforms of local government is formulated and updated. This, he said, had prompted the need to engage the Federal Government with a view to ensuring a democratic government at local government level that would address the yearning of majority of people living in local government in the country. On the significance of the Round Table Discussion, Comrade Khaleel said:

“The survival of local government as a system in Nigeria lies in today’s round table exercise. We need to produce a rich policy document that will engage government and other interested party in making local government more stronger in our country. “It is high time we came up with positive approach toward contributing to the success of local government in Nigeria. I believe Nigerians are aware of our system regarding the involvement of state government and we believe that this is the right time for us to strategise to bring out policy that will build the local government. “It is our mission to strategise and ensure that our long time struggle and aspiration will make local government stronger, more viable, more disciplined and more democratic.”

NERC, TUC bicker over severance packages Sylva EmEka-OkErEkE

he lingering crisis between the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, is yet to be over as the former has kicked against the latter’s decision to pay N2.7 billion to seven of the Commission’s members, whose tenure will expire on December 22, 2015. According to a report, the sum of N400 million is expected to be paid to the Chairman of the Commission while N380 million will be paid to members of the NERC board. TUC said the payment is coming on the heels of the federal and state governments’ outcry over financial challenges, describing the situation as the peak of insensitivity and cruelty. ‘’How and why on earth should seven government employees expect to be paid salaries upfront for two years, after leaving office dur-

ing which they would not be eligible to work in the power sector? Worse still is the fact that the colossal sum of money, curiously termed “severance and gratuity,” includes the cost of their “official” cars, phone calls, and electricity, rebate allowances among others for those service years. Continuing, he asked, ‘’ how much does an average retiring civil servant who has served the country for good 35 years get as severance benefits and gratuity? How justifiable is it for board members of a commission that tactfully midwives the ripping-off of Nigerians be paid such bogus and mindboggling sum of money for mere five-year “service” to their fatherland? Why must the people at the lower rung of the ladder always be made to subsidize the greedy and insatiable appetites of the privileged few? ‘’We hear that the NERC board members premise their claim

to their proposed selfaggrandisement on the argument that their predecessors also received such largesse. If that be true, why so? Why should people of authority in these climes prefer such obnoxious conduct instead of emulating laudable, commendable, goodly and godly virtues? He said, to perfect the satanic ploy, we understand, money for that purpose has already been warehoused with a pension fund administrator who awaits instructions to promptly disburse same to the conspirators. The Congress however called on the federal government to stop all of such payments, saying, ‘’we insist on it. To this end, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, are hereby put on notice to promptly investigate and nip the ungodly move in the bud.

Workers exchanging ideas.

Job vacancies

raduate Internship Programme 2015 Counterhouse Consultants is a multi-solution consulting firm with a passion for quality, honesty and excellence. CHC brings together a blend of certified, experienced and knowledgeable specialists with backgrounds in Information Technology, Systems Architecture, Engineering, Management, Human Resources, Finance and Support to create uniquely intelligent world-class solutions for businesses. We believe in relationship building and earning the trust of our clients through rendering a unique and rewarding service that differentiates us from our competitors.

We seek to recruit vibrant, dynamic and selfmotivated young graduates into the position below: Job Title: Graduate Internship Programme Location: Nigeria Qualification A good first Degree with a minimum of 2nd Class Upper Division and must be below 30 years. Application Closing Date 17th November, 2015. Method of Application Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV’s to:recruitment@count e r h o u s e c o n s u l t a n t s. com CitiDrive Marketing/Sales Executive

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Estate developers, experts bemoan real estate business slowdown Estate developers are lamenting plowing huge investments into the nation’s real estate sector following recent lull in the sector, especially now that they think the hotel and tourism sector is posting better returns on investments. SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE reports.

s investors and other economic players step-up actions to tap the potential from different sectors of the global economy, to stave-off the growing recessions, experts in the nation’s real estate sector have been making frantic efforts to go back to tourism industry, which hitherto was one of government’s revenue earners, regretting the neglect of the all-important sector. Describing tourism development as a viable option to property business, experts believes that the present economic reality amid oil glut, has necessitated the dire needs for diversification into other sectors of the economy, including tourism industry. According to some investment and property development experts who spoke with National Mirror, the sector suffered a setback due to the inability of earlier investors to recoup their investments as a result of non-patronage of the tourism business. However, some analysts have noted with assurance that the situation is a

Exxon under investigation over Climate change 30

sharp deviation from the past, going by the current tourism index of over 65 percent return on investments. An estate consultant, Mr Michael Asupo, pointed out the tourism sector was not only viable, but capable of generating huge revenue to state and federal governments as could be seen in some developed and developing countries of the world. For instance, some African countries

like Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa and Tanzania have been making huge revenues from the sector. Asupo, who cited Tinapa and Ogudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River state, as big tourism potential capable of generating enough revenue to the state, said the lacklustre attitude of the past and present administrations in the state has affected the good intention of the immediate past governor of the state.

the influx of foreigners as well as local and foreign tourists into the country,

was capable of boosting the nation’s economy of the country

According to him, tourism potential of the country is higher that its real estate potential, saying in the past, cash was not rolling in the sector, assuring that once again, the sector would bounce back, considering the global oil. He said: “As long as the economy continues to improve, the fortune of the tourism sector will continue to improve, compare to real estate industry” The industry player projected that the sector would witness impressive growth in the next three years, noting that tourism industry engages in hosting services such as hotels, bars, cruise lines, cattle ranching as well as other related businesses. Asupo explained that the influx of foreigners as well as local and foreign tourists into the country, was capable of boosting the nation’s economy of the country, noting that the Gross Domestic Products, GDP, of some African and western countries come from tourism CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Lagos residents decry high rent cost amid recession 28

Recapping NMRC Awareness Workshop 27

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Estate developers, experts bemoan real estate business slowdown

CONTINUED FROM 25 industry. He therefore urged estate developers to channel their funds in developing the tourism industry, stressing that in due time, the sector would play major roles in the revenue generation of the country as well as the GDP. Similarly, Funso Adeyemi, a tourism analyst, said the industry remained a multi-billion dollar business, stressing that it is the most economically-active of the sector’s developments, especially in accommodation and food services. He said that prior to the discovery of oil as a major source of revenue Nigeria was primarily an agrarian economy with little or no investments in tourism industry. The oil boom of 1980s, he said, brought high demands for tourism industry, especially hotel businesses, as Nigerian military government was isolated from international community. This was coupled with the influx of foreign nationals into the country. However, he said, the country’s return to democracy in 1999 saw a resurgence in the sector, as improved economic and political stabilities in business environment, which encouraged foreign and local investments in oil and gas as well as telecommunications, thus playing down on tourism development. Tourism business, especially hotel investment dates back to 1942, with the unveiling of Lagos Airport Hotel, followed by other hotels like Bristol Hotel in and Federal Palace hotel. Consequently, more hotels opened across the country in 1960s and 1970s, including Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, Eko Holiday Inn and Festac 77 Hotel as well as Gateway Hotels in Abeokuta. Others include Ijebu-Ode and Ota, which were developed by government in the absence of capacity in private sector. Adeyemi said, there was an influx of regional and international chains of hotels as Nigerian hotel industry was not significantly affected by the 2008 and 2009 global economic crisis Regional and internationally branded hotels continued to open in the country, especially in Lagos state, Abuja and Port Harcourt among other areas.

Housing estate

Tourism investments cut across other sectors and such potential cannot be underestimated, considering serious population growth in the country. For instance, overcrowding as well as overpopulation of in some academic institutions in the country is capable of encouraging governments as well as the private investors to build and run hostels. Presently, a lot of Nigerian banks are involved developing hostels, hotels among other tourism potential in some institutions of higher learning. Some of the banks, including Spring Bank, Zenith Bank among others have stakes in some of the private and public institutions in the country. This is not applicable to Universities alone, but also Federal and state Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Technical Colleges as well as Teacher Training Institutions. Experts have maintained that no matter the location of the institutions, whether rural or urban areas, they can still generate a lot of traffic, especially during academic session. The rush for such investments makes the rent higher than most urban areas with the same square meter area of rooms. According to experts, the returns on investment is high as students pay yearly, thus generating lump sums of money to build more or add to the existing ones, which can easily be rented out

again. ‘’Your contract with students is usually on yearly basis, which terminates at the end of every session. You are paid before new tenants come in, unless the present occupier can afford to pay new rates, which are usually added almost every year. The student sojourn is always short and transitory, which makes it easy for you to increase your rent, after he must have packed out’’, an estate developer stated. For potential investors, there are two options through which they can participate, one is by going into partnership arrangement with more tertiary institutions to obtain land under leasehold agreement, build and manage the hostel on agreed terms. Also, to speculate for land around tertiary institutions, obtain necessary titles and approvals from government agencies, build and then manage the hostel. The hostel does not have to be located within the school premises, but should at least be in the town or close to the school, hence the closer it is, the higher the rate. One can start with small rooms, about 4-5 rooms on a half plot of land and grow steadily to build bigger ones in the institutions scattered all over the nation. Banks; mortgage and other financial institutions can collaborate in this regard.

For potential investors, there are two options through which they can participate, one is by going into partnership arrangement with more tertiary institutions to obtain land under leasehold

agreement, build and manage the hostel on agreed terms

Commissioning of Bank of Industry-funded Solar power project in Osun State... recently

A reliable investment, hotels produce constant and predictable returns. They represent an alternative to investing in traditional real estate markets, such as the residential and tertiary sectors. The hospitality industry is built on solid fundamentals and is able to weather economic storms. Revenues and profits have risen steadily over the past decade. The sector is particularly dynamic in France, which remains the world’s premier tourist destination with a 6 percent increase in visitor numbers in 2012. As wider hospitality industry continues to face a slow recovery, savvy hotel owners and managers are looking inwards to ensure better technology to run their facilities. While some hotel organisations have used the present economic downturn to adequately plan for the future through improved technology and staff investment, many others are shedding costs. Progressive hospitality organisations have currently heeded the warning signs that dynamic markets and changing industry requirements are part of the new ‘normal,’ and have taken time to invest in the right training to be better placed to effectively conduct business in the market place. In consideration of how investment in hospitality technology can support business growth, it is important to look at what operational efficiencies can bring, including improvements in staff activities and morale to generate more revenues. As hotel industry continues to move towards a more dynamic and interconnected environment, it is vital that correct technology infrastructure is in place to meet this challenges. Importantly, hoteliers also need to realize that the hospitality industry is constantly changing and a lack of upto-date technology and older strategies will not always be applicable to new, unique situations. For instance, with the increase in choice of distribution channels for a hotel, it is no longer appropriate to expect a Reservation or Revenue Manager to handle a multitude of manual Extranets to ensure revenue management and pricing integrity.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Climate Change: Over 100m people on poverty line - World Bank

MORTGAGE NOTES with Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja

Olufemi AdeOsun

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

Recapping NMRC Awareness Workshop

was recently invited by the NMRC to participate in an awareness workshop held in Lagos. I ended up presenting to the attendees, as well as facilitating a closed door session with a mandate to analyze the NMRC underwriting guidelines and come up with suggestions for effective implementation and/or amendments as we saw appropriate. (Full disclosure: I did receive a minor financial benefit for my attendance and facilitation). The event was held at the Southern Sun hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos from the 5th to the 7th of May, 2015. I must first of all pay homage to my colleagues in the Nigerian Mortgage industry. It is truly unfortunate that we only tend to hear the negatives of any financial industry because “Corporate Greed” is a much more attention grabbing headline than “Job Well Done”. I was so impressed with the quality of the workshop attendees. I saw a gathering of serious minded, focused professionals, who came together with the sole purpose of gaining information in the quest of enhancing their professional job performance. There was an air of avid curiosity regarding the NMRC and its mandate, guidelines and future plans. It was wonderful to note the attendance of the NMRC Managing Director and top officers like the Chief Financial Officer, IT Manager, Special Financial Assistant, PRO etc. The Central Bank of Nigeria was represented by its Head of Division directly in charge of the NMRC initiative and his department heads, while the World Bank was represented by the handlers of the Nigerian loan facility (which was the initial funding vehicle for the NMRC through the IFC). The workshop was a three day event packed full with training, presentations, question and answer sessions and discussions. The training sessions were very beneficial to the attendees because it involved training on loan origination, loan processing, loan programs, anti-money laundering etc. I learnt that such training is not easily available to the smaller shops because they may not have the capacity to send their staff out-

side the country for such. (Now, I am sure there is great training available in Nigeria and I am not in any way casting aspersions on the quality of training there, so please don’t start sending me nasty comments…). The essence of the training was to try and marry the Nigerian experience with the standards expected by the IFC as a requirement for the loan facility provided, which more resembled the Fannie Mae experience practiced on a very wide international scale. I was privileged to speak with several of the mortgage industry practitioners, and left with a much greater appreciation for the innovative nature of their job, in a system with no true credit history, income verification/tax verification system, appraisal standards or lien recordation system. In fact, one of the most interesting conversations we had was on how to prequalify a self-employed person in Nigeria for a mortgage, when we still operate a 95% cash economic system. The sheer burden placed on these professionals, who have to make credit decisions with little or no documentary support, was actually scary to me. I would be trembling in my shoes if I had to sign off on the millions of naira being disbursed to homebuyers in some of the scenarios I was told about. I think this is one of the areas in which there is a huge disconnects. We do a disservice to these professionals who wake up every day, put their clothes on, and go out to serve in this industry. We have to learn some of the statistics that drive this market on a daily basis. There are over 17 million identified potential homebuyers in Nigeria that do not currently have access to mortgage facilities to purchase a home. That is a staggering number, taking into consideration the fact that Nigeria does not have a national id system, so the statistic obviously does not include the citizens that operate “under the radar” by

transacting all their business in cash. Anyone brave enough to try and weed through the myriad of prospects in this market, with a hope to making profitable, yet performing loans, is pretty much my hero, and I have nothing but respect for them. The benefits of the Nigerian mortgage industry are so myriad, that we often overlook many of them. Home construction is at its highest pace in Nigeria currently. That means the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the construction industry as well as its ancillaries. From the cement to the furniture, electrical and even landscaping industries, the mortgage industry supports the creation of jobs on a daily basis. This means that any person in these industries is only limited in their income generating potential, by the limitation of their creativity and work ethic. I think my favourite observation throughout the workshop, was the passion and focus of the NMRC Managing Director, Professor Inyangete and the CBN Division Head, Mr. Adesemoye. One of the more memorable arguments for me, was a heated exchange between them xxxxx and the World Bank representative, in which it was made very clear that the right of a country to hold on to its sovereignty is unalienable and non-negotiable, no matter what is written in any agreements between that country and any foreign creditors. My lawyer’s heart was so thrilled that I could not help throwing a jab or two. Well, there ends my overview of the event. My next columns will attempt to discuss the details of some of the sessions held during the workshop, as well as a constructive critique of the programs going forward. Please do not hesitate to send me your comments and questions, and as always, make it a fantastic day.

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

World Bank Group has raised the concerns over the possible negative effect of climate change, saying that over 100million people across the world could join poverty line by the 2030. It said the effect, which had started manifesting in increasing poverty level among various groups, could only be addressed through inclusive and climatesmart development, coupled with emissions-reductions efforts that protect the poor. This is contained in a report released by a new World Bank Group on the road to the international climate conference in Paris. In the next few days, over 195 countries will assemble in Paris, the capital city of France to workout the possibility of reaching an agreement on 2 degree emission reduction target. The report entitled, ‘Shock Waves: Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty,’ revealed that poor people were already at high risk from climaterelated shocks, including crop failures from reduced rainfall, spikes in food prices after extreme weather events, and increased incidence of diseases after heat waves and floods.

It reported that such shocks could wipe out hard-won gains, leading to irreversible losses, driving people back into poverty, particularly in Africa and South Asia. “This report sends a clear message that ending poverty will not be possible unless we take strong action to reduce the threat of climate change on poor people and dramatically reduce harmful emissions,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “Climate change hits the poorest the hardest, and our challenge now is to protect tens of millions of people from falling into extreme poverty because of a changing climate,” it added. According to the report made public last week, the poorest people are more exposed than the average population to climaterelated shocks such as floods, droughts, and heat waves, and they lose much more of their wealth when they are hit. “In the 52 countries where data was available, “the report added that, “85 percent of the population live in countries where poor people are more exposed to drought than the average. Poor people are also more exposed to higher temperatures and live in countries where food production is expected to decrease because of climate change.”

NESREA to kick off implementation of EPR Olufemi AdeOsun

he Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency,(NESREA) Dr. Lawrence Anukam, has expressed the readiness of the agency to begin the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR) programme. In practice across the world, particularly in Europe, EPR is a programme that ensures that producers are accountable to their products from production to waste disposal. Anukam gave the assurance in Lagos at a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers in collaboration with NESREA. The forum provided an avenue for the relevant stakeholders to rob minds on the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme Declaring open the inaugural meeting open, Anukam stressed that: “while it is necessary to take charge of the waste we generate, it is important to work together

to achieve success”. He said: “we need to cooperate and be committed in this project so that we can get the best out of it”, adding that alliance is the key if we have to make any head way”. Speaking further, he revealed to his audience that included Chief Executives and representatives of various sector players, that there was no going back on this EPR, adding that “everybody must be on board with equal playing fields and obedience to the laws of the land.” He acknowledged the fact that the presence of the key sector players in this meeting was a clear demonstration of the high priority they accord environmental protection and sustainable development issues. He also said that the meeting was an affirmation of their conviction that the protection of the environment for sustainability should be a collective responsibility. According to the DirectorGeneral, the indiscriminate disposal of waste from industrial and manufacturing processes and their growing heaps in urban areas was becoming not only worrisome but unacceptable.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cool ceil

GO DARK Walls in the master bed room are covered in Donghia’s Sil k Texture II, and the ceiling is painte d in Benjamin Moore Regal Select in Night Horizon to dramatize the soa ring space in a Long Island Shingl e-style beach house decorated by Rob Southern.

Source: www.housebeautiful.com

Lagos residents decry high rent cost am L agos residents have decried the high cost of house rents amid shortage of accommodations as well as economic recession in the country. Some residents, who spoke to National Mirror, said over 65 per cent of the state population are at the mercy of shylock landlords. A tenant, Mr Ade Adeoye said that if urgent steps were not taken by the federal and state governments to reduce the growing housing deficit in the country many people in the city might be forced to go back to their villages, urging governments to move quickly to stem the tide. Experts had noted that Nigeria requires over N50 trillion to reverse the nation’s housing deficit of about 17 million units. According to Adeoye, it is shocking to note, that the federal, state and local governments have not confronted the housing problems with masculine gusto, as no country leaves its housing sector at the mercy of market forces. He recalled that recent reports revealed that over 80 per cent of Nigerian adults are said to be living in rented apartments, compared to 19 percent in South Africa and 22 percent in Ghana. It would be recalled that the World Bank had warned that the rising population could reach 289 million by 2050, thereby increasing rural and urban drift as well as rising building costs, exerting pressure for shelter. According to UNDP report, the housing deficit rose from 7 million in 1991 to 12-15 million in 2008 and 17-18 million in 2012. Adeoye said, ‘’unless the present administration is able to deliver on its recent promise to provide new housing units yearly, the situation will get worse’’. Since the second phase of the national policy on housing was announced in 1972, under which about 5 million housing units were to be delivered by the three tiers of government, less than 200,000 have actually been delivered till date.

Federal Housing Authority, FHA, has delivered only 35,309 housing units nationwide since it was established in 1973. In Lagos metropolitan area, the number of housing units rose from 393,000 in late 1970s to 700,000 by 1992 and 1.25 million units in 2012. For a population estimated at over 160 million, the housing shortage of about 17 million new units is needed immediately, according to some experts. The situation is the same across the country and is

also evident in the Federal Capital Territory, where corruption-driven deviation from the city’s master plan by successive administrations, has created a network of slums in the area and in parts of neighbouring states. Our governments should immediately commence corrective measures to remove Nigeria from its ranking by the United Nations Population Commission as having one of the highest slum proliferation rates in

Africa. The federal govern reforms of the mortg situation where over ing here is undertak viduals and informal gage loans and advan per cent of all lendin cent in other emergin per cent in developed

Tree felling, threat to Nigeria’s forest reserves – BY SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

recent report by the Nigeria Conservation Centre, NCC, has stated that unless urgent steps were taken to sustain the tempo of tree-planting campaigns, the nation may be at the verge of losing over 400,000 hectares of domestic forest annually due to consistent felling of trees. For instance, the report showed that Nigeria was losing over 400,000 hectares of forest, about 1 percent of the total available estates annually. Forest experts had already raised alarm over rampant felling of trees in the country, disclosing that apart

from abating the impact of other environmental threats like desertification, pollution, self degradation as well as loss of diversity, it might make conservation activities more challenging as well as very difficult, They also noted that as population increases, demand for trees required for construction, fuel wood, charcoal and many other human needs also increases. Currently, report has shown that, the pace of tree felling, coupled with its concomitant environmental challenges, increases with population growth, forcing clearance of large tracts of land annually, paving way for agricultural land as well as other human activities, including new settlements. The Coordinator, North-East Project

of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mr. Ashimi T.A had noted, that the problem of tree felling has been caused majorly by liberation of trade, which has seen tones of high value timber being freely shipped daily to lucrative markets in major cities in Nigeria. According to the organization, timber is often harvested in an unsustainable way, at the expense of the environment. Apart from human activities directly contributing to forest cover loss, there are also exogenous factors associated with climate change, which are blamed for uncertain rainfall and temperature

patterns, d ter shortag Experts losing the e in the next more is do rent rate o ing that be manageme only requi mitigate th Accordin urgent need sive public on ecologic forestation, tainable a poaching, h

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

ling ideas

LACQUER

In the kitch en of a New York apartment designed by Philip Gorrivan, iridescent mosaic tiles and a ceiling lacq uered in Benjamin Moore’s Oce anic Teal pick u p a color fr om the wallpaper in the hallway . Thonet barstoo ls by York Street Studio. Rom an shades in Homer wool in Verdigris by Gorrivan by High land Court.

mid recession

nment should revive its gage sector to reverse a r 70 per cent of all housken by the private indil sector and where mortnces account for only 0.5 ng compared to 30-40 per ng economies, and 60-80 d economies.

–Report

droughts, food and wages, have warned against entire forest cover witht ten to sixty decades, if one to reduce the curof deforestation, addetter natural resources ent strategies are not ired, but necessary to he situation. ng to them, there is an d to carry out an extenc awareness campaigns cal implications of den, bush fires and unsusagricultural practices, hunting and logging.

GOLD LEAF

To make the Tony Duquette chandelier feel more at home, Ruthie Sommers had decorative painter Peter Bolton create an elaborate tree design in gold leaf on the dining room ceiling. Jacaranda and plum trees inspired the vibrant pink Penny Morrison fabric on the front of the chairs and the Claremont floral on the back. Rug from Melrose Carpet.

Nigeria fails to achieve 25% forests cover target BY SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

igeria is expected to achieve 25 percent forest cover this year if earlier forecast is to go by. However, with less than two months into the end of the year, there appears to be no solution in sight to realize the policy of achieving 25 percent forest covers. According to Professor of Forest Economics, Mr Labode Popoola, policies are like dreams, they are not realities, it is a case of saying Nigeria will be among the first 20 economies in the world by the year 2020. The expert noted that achieving the forest cover may not be feasible due to the way and manner the country is going about massive afforestation. He said: “Nigeria used to achieve this percentage in the 70s. There was a time Nigeria had close to 30 per cent of its land area under forests, but the figure is as low as less than 10 percent now and there is no way we can achieve 25percent by the year 2020. It is impracticable’. According to him, Nigeria can return to its past glory, if the country engages in massive afforestation as government is spending so much on seedling production, instead of engaging in tree planting. ‘Without forest, we are all dead. In our own little spheres, we should try as much as possible to plant at

least one tree a year, even in your backyard. If he plants one, I plant one and you plant one, it means we already have three trees. If 10percent of 150 million Nigerians plant a tree each, that means 15 million trees each year. He therefore urged federal and state governments to be involved in massive afforestation as they can use their forestry departments to achieve this, instead of using contractors, adding that, if the state and federal departments receive money to plant trees and fail to do, they will be held responsible, but if it is contractors, they may not be found. Experts however noted that to achieve this policy would be very hard as Nigeria does not have enough foresters to complement the staff of the Ministry of Forestry, just as population keeps on increasing on daily basis. They also noted some Universities do not offer courses in forestry while some that offer such courses do not have enough land to practice what they teach.

University of Ibadan has the oldest plantation in Nigeria, which was established in 1952, but the plantation is said to be threatened as the University expands its infrastructure.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Exxon under investigation over Climate change F

or months, a protest movement known as “Exxon Knew” has been rallying for an official investigation, a call to action inspired by reports that Exxon had confirmed the risks of catastrophic climate change, only to deny and undermine those findings for decades publicly. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched the probe and the CNBC confirmed subpoe-

naing the company, known as the ExxonMobil and demanding extensive financial records, emails and other documents related to climate research. A global scientific consensus says that greenhouse gas emissions are heating the planet, roiling the atmosphere and threatening the world as we know it with irreversible damage. If economies keep burning the oil, gas, and coal that produce

the majority of these gases, the climate could become unmanageable within decades, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At issue in the New York state investigation is whether ExxonMobil, one of the world’s biggest oil companies confirmed the climate destabilizing role of carbon emissions but misled the public about what they knew. Investors are also a po-

tentially wronged party: the New York attorney general is looking at whether the company prepared shareholders for how a policy response to climate change could hurt the company’s oil business. “We have received a subpoena for production of documents relating to climate change from the attorney general of New York and are assessing our response,” Exxon said in a statement to CNBC. the Union for Concerned Scientists, the nonprofits Inside Climate News, and a team from Columbia University and The Los Angeles Times have set down a timeline for what the energy company knew and when it knew it. The reports suggest that the company’s scientists had confirmed the dangers of climate change as early as 1977, more than decade before NASA scientist James Hansen briefed Congress and activist Bill

“We unequivocally reject allegations that ExxonMobil suppressed climate change research contained in media reports that are inaccurate distortions of ExxonMobil’s nearly 40-year history of climate research that was conducted publicly in conjunction with the Department of Energy, academics and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.” In the past year, separate major reporting projects by McKibben wrote a bestselling book for the general public. The New York state investigation follows rising calls for action not only from activists, but from the three leading Democratic presidential candidates and many members of Congress. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley was the first to speak up, tweeting on Oct. 16: “We held tobacco companies responsible for lying about cancer. Let’s do the same for oil companies & climate change.”

London mayor plans 26,500 new homes L-R: Former Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Sen. Ahmed Abubakar; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Prof. Akin Akindoyeni; Mr George Ossi, and the Chairman of Corbon, Prof. Bala Kabir, at the Builders Congress 2015 Conference in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Gas emission scandal trails Volkswagen still T

he costs facing Volkswagen for its emissions cheating scandal rose on Friday when the German carmaker said it would foot the bill for extra taxes incurred by drivers because it understated the carbon dioxide emissions of about 800,000 cars in Europe. The crisis, which erupted in September when Volkswagen admitted it had rigged U.S. tests for nitrogen oxide emissions, deepened this week when it said it had also understated the carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption of vehicles in Europe. In a letter to European Union finance ministers on Friday that was seen by Reuters, Chief Executive Matthias Mueller asked countries to charge VW rather than motorists for any extra taxes incurred in places where taxes were related to fuel usage or CO2 emissions. Some analysts have said that Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker, could face a bill as

high as 35 billion euros ($38 billion) for fines, lawsuits and vehicle refits in the biggest business crisis in its 78-year history. Meanwhile, VW’s ability to push through its plans to make more than $1 billion in spending cuts to help pay for the scandal was challenged by its works council, signalling an internal battle is looming at a company already assailed by regulators, investors and customers. The head of its powerful works council said the announcement of the cuts had broken strict rules in Germany on consultation with workers, and demanded immediate talks with company bosses. “Management is announcing savings measures unilaterally and without any foundation,” works council chief Bernd Osterloh said in an emailed statement.

VW Scandal Widens: Vehicles Don’t Meet Standard for Second Pollutant VW also confirmed a third senior executive was leaving the company, following the departure of the former chief executive and the manager who had been designated to run VW’s North American business. Volkswagen said awardwinning design Chief Walter Maria de Silva, responsible for the Golf G7 and Audi A5 among other models across the group, was retiring at the end of November. It did not name a successor. German business daily Handelsblatt, citing company sources, had earlier said the company planned to cut costs in de Silva’s department, which spends around 100 million euros a year. VW did not comment on the report.

blueprint for creating thousands of new homes along the River Thames has been published by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The draft London Riverside Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) sets out the planning, regeneration and design guidance that would lead to the creation of 26,500 new homes and up to 16,000 jobs across the boroughs of Barking, Dagenham, Havering and a small part of Newham. The Mayor has identified 38 opportunity areas across the capital. The areas include London’s major source of brownfield land with significant capacity for new housing, commercial and other developments linked to existing or potential improvements to public transport accessibility. By establishing opportunity areas, and working closely with London boroughs and partner agencies, the Mayor will be best able to deliver significant social and economic regeneration. The London riverside opportunity area stretches from the royal docks to Rainham Marshes, a total distance of 12 kilometres. The document, which is now open for consultation, sets out the Mayor’s strategic priorities and long term vision for the

area over the next 20 years and how the area should evolve into a sustainable and successful part of the city. In order to transform the London riverside into a thriving new part of London, the planning framework discusses the importance of improved transport connections. This includes the potential extension of the Gospel Oak London Overground line, a new railway station at Beam Park, improvements to the A13 and new river crossings. ‘The capital is now home to a number of people and we are working tirelessly to ensure we have the homes, jobs and transport infrastructure to support the city’s unprecedented growth. London riverside can deliver genuinely affordable high quality housing for Londoners in a fantastic Thameside setting,’ said Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for Planning. Much of the land in the London riverside is already in the Mayor’s ownership and the framework also recommends speeding up the development of publicly owned land assets to deliver the jobs and homes the city needs.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Aviation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation operators list criteria for hitch-free TSA implementation in industry Most stakeholders and professionals in the country’s aviation industry believe that the introduction of Treasury Single Account, TSA by the Federal Government in the public sector is a desirable initiative. However, they have raised some concern about its total implementation in the sector in view of its operational peculiarities. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

o doubt, the recent introduction of Treasury Single Account, TSA, by the Federal Government is aimed at curbing excesses in government’s spending and reducing corrupt practices to the barest minimum in the system. But, its introduction in the country’s aviation industry is already creating some financial hardships on the performance of critical agencies in the sector, which daily require daily funding to carry out urgent and unplanned expenses to continually sustain the sector. TSA is a public accounting system under which all government revenues, receipts and income and collected into one single account, usually maintained by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and all payments done through this account as well. The government argued that the purpose of the new system was primarily to ensure accountability of government revenue, enhance transparency and avoid misapplication of public funds, adding that the maintenance of a TSA would help to ensure proper cash management by eliminating idle funds usually left with different commercial banks and in a way enhance reconciliation of revenue collection and payment. A financial expert, Mr. Johnson Emenike, told our correspondent that the new system would help to reduce fraud and mismanagement of government funds. Emenike hinted that before the coming on stream of the policy, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, had multiple accounts in which some of their helmsmen were not aware of, but only known to some top management staff. He alleged that through these accounts, several billions of naira are siphoned monthly, recalling that in 2012 when the Federal Government ran a pilot scheme for TSA using 217 ministries, department and agencies as a test case, the government saved the country about N500 billion in frivolous spending. He explained that the success of the pilot scheme motivated the government to fully implement TSA, leading to the directives to banks to implement the technology platform that would help accommodate all MDA’s in the TSA scheme. The financial analyst declared that the recent directive by President Mohammed Buhari that all government revenues should be remitted to a TSA was in consonance with this programme and in compliance with the provisions of the 1999 constitution. He said: “Also, because you have multiple accounts, it creates room for govern-

MMA

Some of the agencieS in thiS Sector

contend with operational emergencieS.

So, thoSe oneS Should be conSidered,

but not that they Should be exonerated totally from ment officials to take undue advantage of the system, maybe by placing money at optimal risk and getting some pecuniary benefits on those lodgments. “Anywhere in the world that we have policies, we have the positives and the drawbacks. The drawback of TSA is that it has drained liquidity from the banking system and obviously shut out many risks and it has weakened the bank capacity to lend to the Real Sector of the economy because parts of the funds government deposited in the banks are used to lend to the private sector.” The Chief Executive Officer, Finum Aviation Services, Engr. Sheri Kyari said that there were several loopholes in the system, which the policy can help checkmated, stressing that the policy would ensure a better financial control of the resources of the nation. According to him, the essence of the policy is for the government to know how much it earns in terms of revenues within a short period, which would eventually be a guide for different ministries to know what to do with their resources. Kyari, however, declared that TSA if continually implemented would be a clog in the wheel of the economic progress of the nation, stressing that aviation industry required resources almost on a daily basis to function.

tSa

He explained: “A lot of things are going to suffer, just like the economy today is suffering because of this hold on finances by the presidency. We can even see the spillover at the Nigerian Stock Exchange where quite a lot of losses have come into been and then that particular action has either made some of the investors to leave because they are not too sure of their investment climate in the country. Some are staying put with their resources and not investing them. “Government can control corruption without necessarily relying on TSA to do that. The major thing for government to say ‘okay, within six months, we have a fair idea of what comes into the coffers of government’ and they can also know how much Agency A is making every month for six months and actually direct them to do some developmental projects based on what they are earning.” He insisted that the entire aviation agencies should be exempted from the TSA in order for the industry to move forward. But, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association, NAPA, Comrade Abdulrazaq Saidu described TSA as a step in the right direction. He said that the policy’s implementation would block some gaps in the system,

but argued that before the commencement of the policy, the government should have carried out a survey to determine any of the agencies that would be excluded from the scheme. Saidu stated that some of the agencies required emergency funds to carry out their day-to-day operations and argued that such agencies should be excluded from the scheme. “I believe there must be some analyses and some case studies in the operational structures of the agencies maybe some of them need emergencies in their operations like we have in aviation industry. “Some of the agencies in this sector need operational emergencies. So, those ones should be considered, but not that they should be exonerated totally from TSA because TSA is to block some loopholes in the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the agencies. I support TSA in the industry,” he said. Also, the Director, Research, Zenith Travels, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo insisted that TSA was a necessity by the government, considering what the government met on ground when it came onboard on May 29, 2015. He alleged that the MDAs in the sector and beyond had been used in the past politically to siphon public funds, maintaining that most of the agencies could not account for revenues they earned. He however posited that the TSA would affect some progress in the system, but noted that Nigeria was in the centre of crisis, which must be stopped to prevent the country from total collapse. He urged other aviation stakeholders and professionals to allow the policy to work for some time before evaluating its successes and drawbacks, recalling that the House Committee on Aviation not too long ago accused the agencies of not remitting their IGRs to the government coffers. He said, “Let us allow the TSA to work first and let’s see the progress. Thereafter, you can now evaluate it. I remember some time ago, the House Committees cautioned these agencies on how they were not remitting IGRs to the government’s coffers and still did not change because even the head of the ministry was encouraging such system then. “It was from such funds that they paid for their chartered flights, attend their chieftaincy ceremonies and others that they do. For now, no agency should be excepted by the government. We first need to block some loopholes and after blocking the loopholes, we will now know which one to be re-opened or not.”

Aviation

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Med-View airlifts 480, 000 passengers on Lagos-Accra route in 1yr StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

ed-View Airline said that it has airlifted over 480, 000 between Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana in the past 12 months that it commenced daily flight operations into the route. The airline also disclosed that it on the average monthly airlifts 45,000 passengers on the local routes across Nigeria. The Managing Director, MedView Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole disclosed this recently with aviation correspondents in Lagos during the announcement of its Lagos-London route. Bankole said that the route, which it commenced September 2014 was in full swing and more air travellers are daily relying on its services because of its prompt departure and arrival. Besides, he revealed that the airline would further expand its operations on the West Coast with the commencement of operations to Monrovia, Liberia and Freetown, Sierra Leone from Lagos. He noted that Med-View re-

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Arrival of Med-View on Lagos-London route, respite for passengers

T Med-View

cently commenced four weekly flights via Lagos and Kano to Jeddah, another route, which he assured, would be profitable for the airline. On its planned Dubai route operations, Bankole maintained that all plans were in top gear to commence operation into the route, stressing that a date would be announced soon for its commencement. On its annual hajj operations to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, he hinted no fewer than 280,000 pilgrims had been airlifted since 2007 it commenced the exercise and noted that in the 2015 hajj exercise, it airlifted pilgrims from Mali Doula in Cameroon.

He posited that the airline was ready for competition in any of the routes its flies to,, saying competition was part of the way to grow the business. He said, “In 2012, we commenced flight operations with just two leased aircraft, but today, things have changed. We are growing our aircraft fleet gradually and most of the aircraft in our fleet are solely owned by us. “Let me remind you that the November 20, 2015, which is the date for our inaugural flight to London coincides with Med-View Airline third anniversary of scheduled operation, which started with domestic flights on November 8, 2012. “The domestic network has since expanded to include Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yola, Enugu and Maiduguri while Kano will soon join the union.”

NCAA, IATA, Ethiopian Airlines, others to grace Aviation Day at Akwaaba

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

irector General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Mukhtar Usman and leaderships Ethiopian Airlines and International Air Transport Association, IATA, are among dignitaries that would grace the Aviation Day at the 11th Akwaaba in Lagos, which commences on November 22. The event is aimed to stimulate valuable discussions by renowned industry players to address the lingering issue of connectivity in Africa. It would also feature presentations of papers by notable individuals in the industry on issues concerning the sector. Statement by the organizer, Mr. Nkechi Uko stated that IATA Re-

gional Head for Member (Airline) and External Relations for Africa and the Middle East, Adefunke Adeyemi, would share a recent study by IATA on connectivity in Africa at the Aviation Day. The event is themed “National Carrier, Open Skies and Connectivity in Africa.” Managing Director, International Services, Ethiopian Airlines, Esayas Woldemariam the statement added would also be making a presentation, while the Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Usman would be the Chairman of the day. The moderator for the day according to the statement is Aviation Consultant Mr. Chris Aligbe. Already the President, Nige-

L-R: The Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, the Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, Sales Director, SITA, Sam Munda and Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma during the official test run of ADS-C/CPDLC at TRACON Site, Lagos Airport recently.

ria Association of Tour Operators, Nkereuwem Onung and the President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, Alhaji Aminu Agoha have accepted to be among panel members at the event, which is for Travel Trade Professionals. Amb. Bianca Ojukwu would be cutting the tape to declare the Wedding & Spa Show open and formally opening the Akwaaba Travel Market while the wife of the former Nigerian leader, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu, is also expected at the occasion.

he announcement of commencement of direct flights between Lagos and London by Med-View Airline in Lagos last week did not come to many as a surprise. The airline, which commenced scheduled operations in November 2012, has been growing its domestic and regional routes gradually with successes. At present, three carriers; Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Arik Air operate direct flights to London from Lagos and Abuja daily while several other foreign carriers like Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, Turkish, Kenyan Airways and Ethiopian Airlines among others operate indirect flights between the two countries. Airside says undoubtedly, Lagos-London is one of the most lucrative routes in Nigeria and also very competitive. The route has soaked no fewer than two Nigerian airlines in recent time

despite the fact that the foreign carriers that flying into Nigeria from the route continue to expand their coasts and are even seeking for more frequencies. Airside cautions the management of Med-View to device acceptable strategy that would attract some of the loyal passengers on the existing airlines to it. Definitely, the promoter of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole is a man full of experience in the sector having put about four decades into the airline sub-sector in the country. Just like its existing routes, Med-View would make a success out of the London route, but should be aware of some of its competitors who would do anything to demarket it on the lucrative route. Hope other airlines in the country can take a cue from Med-View that is growing gradually and steadily. Airside wishes Med-View a happy flying time.

The return of old faces

ast week, the leaderships of National Assembly; the Senate and House of Representatives announced headships of committees in the Assembly. In the Senate, Senator Hope Uzodinma was announced as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation while Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejiocha was named as the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation. The two chairmen as announced by the leaderships of National Assembly are not new to the terrain having held the same position in the last dispensation for four years. Within the period, the chairmen toured the entire 22 airports under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, were part and parcel of the remodelling exercise and

even embarked on journeys to Europe, America and even China all in the name of sourcing for funds for terminals constructions. Other agencies in the sector were not left behind in the activities of the chairmen. However, Airside cannot categorically point to any achievements recorded by these old faces while in the same position for four years, apart from the usual visits and the bully of the agencies’ heads. But, when the needful is done, case is closed. Airside would have preferred fresh faces with aviation background to be in the saddle. All the same, the old Senator and Honourable are welcomed to their familiar terrain. Hope the sector will record a change in their second coming?

Sierra Leonean Govt rates MMA2 terminal high

he Sierra Leonean Government has rated the Murtala Muhamed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos as the best terminal in the African continent. The government said this when a two-man delegation from the Public Private Partnership, PPP, unit of the office of the President of that country paid a study visit to the terminal recently. Statement from the spokesman of the terminal, Mr. Remi Ladigbolu stated that the team comprised Senior Financial Analyst, Mr. Abubakar Sesay and Financial Analyst, Mr. Gibrilla Sesay of the Sierra Leonean Government . The team he stated was accompa-

nied by a consultant ii PPP, Mr. Sunday Idoko. He hinted that the essence of the visit was to enable them learn from the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, experience in airport development and operation, having successfully developed and operated MMA2, which they described as the most famous PPP project in Nigeria and the best airport terminal in sub-region. The duo, who had been in different parts of the world in the course of their study, said it was the view of the Sierra Leonean government that their search for knowledge would be incomplete without visiting MMA2. They disclosed that Sierra Leone

was currently engaged in constructing an international airport in Freetown, the country’s capital city, in partnership with a Chinese firm, under a PPP arrangement and the government wanted to ensure the project adopts the best model of the PPP available. The delegation engaged in extensive discussion with the BASL’s team that included the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christophe Penninck, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Olushola Olayinka, Group Head, Internal Audit, Mrs. Yosola Popoola, Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Remi Ladigbolu and Business Analyst, Mr. Adeleke Ajose.

Insurance

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Airline operators seek low insurance premium for aircraft Isaac asabor

he increasing fiscal challenges facing airline operators globally have compelled them to be exploring various options by which their home governments as well as the industry regulators globally could minimize fees, levies and other operational costs in order to enable them grow their entities and ensure sustainability of their operations. In Nigeria, airline operators’ problems are unquantifiable in terms of the hurdles created for them by existing fiscal policy regimes, especially those that have to do with taxes and levies, with the attendant negative implications for their survival and profitability. For instance, it is against this harrowing background of high cost of doing business that the operators in the country have renewed their call for low insurance premium on aircraft. One of their prayers, which has continued to generate debates over the past few weeks, is their clamour for a reduced insurance premium as a strategic option of mitigating their operational fiscal burdens. Currently, Nigeria’s insurance premiums on aircraft is the highest in Africa. According to them, the premiums they have been paying for aircraft insurance cover, are unjustifiable as they negatively affect their revenues in the face of the high cost of aviation fuel which takes over 40 percent of the cost of operation of an airline. They condemned the situation where the insurance regulatory body insists that aircrafts must be insured with international companies, such as Lloyd, Allianz and AIG. Against the foregoing background, the regulatory body insists that it must be done through insurance companies in Nigeria, even when they don’t have the capacity to insure an aircraft. Chairman of Air Peace Airline, Allen Onyema, recently noted that the “Insurance premium is a hole” in the revenues of Nigerian airlines. He added by saying that “The insurance premium we pay here is very high and it is not something funny. Abroad, they pay nothing or close to little to get their fleet insured but over here the insurance takes a lot out of us. Again, the foreign exchange, everything about aviation is computed in dollars. You and I know that from N160 to a dollar overnight it became N235, so what do you do?” “You must buy the spare parts in dollars, you must get any other thing you want to do

Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari

NCAA DG, Capt. Muhtar Usman

The insurance premium we pay here is

very high and iT is noT someThing funny.

abroad, They pay noThing or close To

liTTle To geT Their fleeT insured buT over here The insurance Takes a loT ouT of us in dollars because everything is computed in dollars.” He added by saying that expatriate staff of airlines are paid in dollars. The airline operators to this end expressed the fear that if government does not intervene, particularly in the aspects of high insurance premium and aviation fuel that some airlines may be forced to become distressed. They have in this context task the federal government to question the position of insurers that Nigeria is a high risk country for aviation insurance. To them, the erroneous belief that Nigeria is a high risk country formed the basis for high insurance premium on aircrafts. The managing director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, justifying the call for low premium on aircraft insurance said that the assessment of Nigeria to be a high risk country by insurance companies was responsible for the high premium which airlines operators pay for the insurance of their aircrafts. He said the classification of Nigeria as a high risk country for aviation insurance is inextricably tied to the prevalence of insurgency in just a part of the country, and that it is unfair and unjustifiable. It will be recall that in the month of May this year that the Executive Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Chief Executive of JedAir, Captain Nogi-

eMeggison raised the alarm over insurance rip-off by National Insurance Commission, NAICOM. In the allegation which was made on behalf of airline operators in the country, NAICOM was accused of ripping off airline operators in the country of commissions earned while playing the role of middleman between them and international insurance firms. The airline operators in their accusation said each of them pay between $300,000 and $400,000 annually on insurance premium. Then, the airlines insisted they do not need any middleman but they should be given the liberty to be negotiating directly with capable international insurance organizations. The airline operators frowned at NAICOM’s imposition on the airlines in respect to aviation insurance and called on federal government to intervene. They predicated their argument on the fact that insurance companies in Nigeria lacked the capacity to insure their airlines, even for a third party liability of over $250m. They said what NAICOM does in its middleman role is to negotiate with Lloyd on their behalf. They said they have the ability to negotiate directly with foreign insurance companies that are financially capable to underwrite the risk and they should be allowed to be doing the negotiation as airlines in oth-

er African countries are wont to do. Ostensibly to justify their request for direct negotiation with international insurance companies, they said insurance premium for aircraft goes for two to three percent of the cost of the aircraft in other African countries, whereas in Nigeria it goes for about six to seven percent; almost twice as much or more of what is obtainable in other countries. Prior to the blame which airline operators apportioned to NAICOM in the month of May as recalled above, they had in the month February 2015 brought the issue to the fore and recently they have renewed their call on the same issue. The problem of high premium on aircraft insurance has remained a recurring decimal in the country’s aviation sector. However, NAICOM, according to its public relations officer, Mr. Rasaq Salami, in one of the organization’s statements to the press had exonerated itself from blame over the issue as it said that both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and NAICOM had in the past investigated the allegation made against it by airline operators and found out that there was no fact to substantiate the allegation. However, while airline operators are insisting that insurance companies in the country lacked the capacity to underwrite their aircrafts, aviation experts have been unanimous in their arguments that Nigeria should be among the low risk countries and at such should be allowed to enjoy reduced premium from insurance companies in the country. They pointed out that premium paid by domestic airline operators in the country to insurance companies are far higher and above global standard. Industry watchers and other stakeholders including key personnel in NCAA have been having sleepless nights over the issue. The issue of high premium on aircraft has assumed a worrisome dimension that both aviation experts and insurers are not resting on their oars to ensure that it is amicably resolved. Reports in the media show that efforts have been made in the past by NCAA to see that the problem is solved. Mr. Yomi Odubiyi, a ticketing and reservation manager with a traveling agency in Lagos said the inability of local insurance firms to underwrite large risks was paving the way for foreign insurers and brokers to undertake aviation risks thereby resulting to loss of foreign earnings in the form of capital flight.

Insurance

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NAICOM advocates ICT investments to boost economic growth StorieS by iSaac aSabor

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has restated the need for governments in the country to invest in critical Information and Communications Technology infrastructure and solutions in order to optimize the contribution of technology to innovation and productivity to the nation’s economic growth, particularly the insurance industry. Giving the charge at the maiden conference on Management, Technology and Development of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, described technology and its application as the main driver that can fast track any meaningful development. Kari explained that changes in technology had affected most industries worldwide, noting that ICT has been the

bedrock upon which globalization has been anchored over the past few decades Specifically, he noted that ICT had become the catalytic tool for transforming the process of production, product design, raw materials sourcing, transport, manufacturing, health care, marketing, service delivery and even general management, amongst other key areas of human endeavours. According to him, industrial competitiveness has enabled countries to increase their presence in international and domestic markets whilst developing industrial sectors and activities with higher value added and technological content. The insurance industry regulator identified translating research to business; provide incentives to innovate; local and international collaboration: research to business and business to business and technology adoption as

the key action areas governments must address to maximise the contribution of technology to innovation and productivity in industries. Kari pointed out further that taking full advantage of research and realising the full innovation dividend for the economy required significant improvements in the translation of research to business, adding that incentivising and facilitating businesses, especially the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), can lift innovation, productivity growth and competitiveness. This is even as he submitted that im-

proving collaboration between businesses and publicly funded research institutions including the universities in the country, including international collaboration with relevant institutions and organizations, had the potential of enhancing enhancing innovation. The NAICOM boss urged the authorities of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University to collaborate with the insurance industry operators for synergy of efforts targeted at building a stronger ICT platform for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Continental Re posts 13% PAT growth iSaac aSabor

ontinental Reinsurance Plc has declared a 26 per cent growth in gross written premium to N15.1 billion during the third quarter ending 30th September 2015. The announcement as contained in the Nigerian Stock Exchange publication indicates that the group made a profit before tax of N2.1 billion, which is 22.5 per cent higher than N1.7 billion

made in the corresponding period of 2014. Similarly, profit after tax rose by 13 per cent to N1.54 billion from N1.36 billion while earnings per share appreciated by 15.4 per cent to 15 kobo from 13 kobo achieved last year. Also, Net assets grew by 3 per cent to N15.2 billion from N14.8 billion. The company has 10.4 billion outstanding shares with market capitalization of N10.1 billion. Its share is currently valued at 97 kobo.

Swiss pension fund tenders $900m small-cap mandate

n undisclosed occupational pension fund based in Switzerland has tended a global, passive small-cap equity mandate using IPE Quest. The size of the mandate will range between $600m (552m) and $900m, according to search QN-2136. Applicants should have at least $5bn in assets under management (AUM) for the asset class and $20bn in overall AUM as a company. Interested parties should state performance, gross of fees, to the end of September. The client requests a minimum track record of at least three years, preferably five, and the deadline for applications is 25 November.

Nicon Insurance House

Malaysia Takaful growth linked to Islamic banking

he Takaful industry in Malaysia has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 13 per cent, and its long term prospects continue to ride on the growth of the Islamic banking and finance sector, industry experts have said. In the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) region, Malaysia holds 76 per cent of the market share, with the niche Takaful segment demonstrating encouraging growth in net contributions of 12.4 per cent between 2009 and 2014, much higher than conventional insurance at 7.8 per cent, an industry data showed. “Despite challenging global economic conditions and on going domestic industry re-structuring, Malaysia’s takaful industry continues to forge ahead in terms of its performance and industry governance,” Abdul Rauf Rashid, Ernst & Young, country managing partner said.

As an emerging industry, the takaful industry has wide scope to raise its industry performance standards, optimise its local and regional potential and accelerate the development the development of innovative products to compete effectively, Rashid said. Malaysia has been a market with an attractive demograhic mix and economic growth, as well as a strategic base for the development of takaful. Malaysia was ranked alongside China as a country with higher opportunities and moderate risks. However, Ahmad Rizlan Azman, chairman of Malaysian Takaful Assciation feels that the potential of the takaful industry is yet to be optimised. “With low insurance penetration rate of 5.2 per cent of the GDP, and its young demographics, significant market growth opportunities is yet to be tapped by its insurance and takaful sector,” he said, adding “with regula-

tory changes, the consequent industry consolidation among Malaysia insurance industry has spurred mergers and acquisitions among local and foreign insurers and this will lead to the growth of strong players, raising of the game and the creation of competitive regional and global players,” he said. Brandon Bruce, partner at Ernst and Young Malaysia also agreed with his view. “With licence split considerations, the next few years will see restructuring and M&A activity in the industry. Over the medium to longer term the growth potential for the Malaysian takaful industry will be dependent on number of factors, chief of which are its ability to tap underserved markets and consumer awareness of the takaful,” Bruce added. (Source: .einnews. com)

In search number QN-2134, an undisclosed occupational pension fund in Switzerland tendered a US small-cap equity mandate worth $300m-450m. Applicants are expected to have at least $2bn in AUM for the asset class and $5bn in overall AUM as a company. Interested parties should state performance, gross of fees, to the end of September, and managers should have a minimum track record of five years, preferably eight. The deadline for applications is 23 November. Lastly, in search number QN-2135, an undisclosed Swiss pension fund tendered a global ex US small-cap equity mandate, also worth worth $300m-450m. Applicants are expected to have at least $2bn in AUM for the asset class and $5bn in overall AUM as a company. Interested parties should state performance, gross of fees, to the end of September, and fund managers should have a minimum track record of five years, preferably eight.

BMI predicts 70% growth in Nigeria’s Non-Life Insurance

global research consultancy, Business Monitor International, (BMI), has projected that nonlife insurance would remain the most important segment in Nigeria’s insurance sector with a share of nearly 70 percent written non-life premiums by 2016,. The research company noted that with insurance penetration rates of around 0.2 percent, non-life insurance was only slightly more developed than life insurance. BMI projected: “We have a positive outlook for both Nigeria’s life and nonlife insurance segments over the coming years”.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TSA ‘ll ensure improved budget implementation, payment efficiency – Dr Tumala Dr. Mohammed Tumala is a seasoned financial analyst and President of the Nigerian Statistical Association, NSA. In this interview with TOLA AKINMUTIMI, he speaks on sundry fiscal and monetary policy measures, including the TSA, and how effective implementation could pull the nation’s economy out of the fiscal doldrums the current oil crisis in the global market has plunged it. Excerpts: Sir, the Treasurer Single Account, TSA, policy has generated so much controversy over the past few weeks with analysts divided over the implications for national planning and development. As an expert, how do you think the policy could be implemented for national benefits? When Pattanayak and Fainboim wrote on the TSA, they recommended the resolution of what they observed as inefficiencies in governments’ lacking effective control over cash resources due to the operation of multiple bank accounts. Such governments fail to earn interest on idle cash balances, borrow to cover for cash shortages since treasuries are unaware of these balances. Commercial banks that hold government balances extend the extra cash as credit resulting in liquidity management costs to central banks. The implementation of such a policy leaves Nigeria with no option in view of the fiscal problems that it is going through. Under the TSA, Nigeria stands to benefit from better control of its appropriation, budget execution, and efficiency in its payment system and timely availability of fiscal data for planning. There will also be no banking fees and transaction costs to government, and for the central bank its liquidity management cost could be reduced. The implementation is very straight forward. All public sector agencies are to be captured and there are various subaccounts under the TSA to ensure smooth running of government. States and local governments are expected to key in for national efficiency. So far, those who express reservation or disagree with the TSA are looking from the view point of commercial banks. I do not know of any economic theory or reality that anticipates government to save. Governance is about continuous investment and spending to improve the lives of its people. It borrows when cash is in shortage or increases tax rates. Commercial banks anticipate savings from households for on lending to government and corporate entities and not the other way round. Nigeria’s fiscal situation calls for serious rethinking in planning for economic growth. How can the policy makers explore the tool of statistics to mitigate the impact of the revenue gaps and ensure that growth of the nation’s economy is sustained? So far, the present government has taken positive steps like the TSA, reduction in ministries and others to improve fiscal operations. It is also talking about economic diversification, and this has a potential to improve tax revenues to government. In addition to these steps, policy makers need to improve their understanding of Nigeria’s demography and needs of its people. Comprehensive population statistics like; how many, where, what age, what they do and proper identification of each and every one becomes necessary. Assuming a secured and peaceful country, it is clear what we need to do to sustain economic growth. If you have one naira put it into education. Policy makers also need to appreciate that Nigeria’s greatest asset is the high population and but also our greatest burden is the uneducated high population. We also do have the burden of high cost of operating the governance structure we have. A few days ago, the latest Global Competitive index report was published and Nigeria ranked 124th among the 144 countries covered by the report. What does this portend for the country in terms of foreign direct investments inflow into the economy?

The Nigerian Statistical System, or NSS established by the Statistics Act 2007 is incomplete without the prescribed and complimentary components at the state level. Secondly, Nigeria’s national development plans and strategies integrate all the states. To make official statistics comprehensive and qualitative, states must have statistics capabilities and skills for production. These are the reasons why the Association is working vigorously with other stakeholders in advocating for states to establish and strengthen their statistical systems. There is indeed an established high and positive correlation between the level of use of statistics for planning and outcomes of poverty alleviation programs. The zero budgeting being adopted by the current government with the National Planning Commission in the driver’s seat is a laudable step at the national level. States need to key in.

Tumala

AfricA’s most populAted country, nigeriA, is encountering sustAinAbility chAllenges especiAlly in the sociAl

domAin.

Access to bAsic

services remAins very low for millions of

nigeriAns

There is no need reinventing the wheel. The report is very clear on what the report portends for the country. In addition to the ranking, this is how the report made a summary about Nigeria, let me read. “Africa’s most populated country, Nigeria, is encountering sustainability challenges especially in the social domain. Access to basic services remains very low for millions of Nigerians: only 28 per cent of the population has access to basic hygiene, and less than 65 per cent enjoys improved water. Similarly, safety nets and healthcare services are available only to a minority of people. These issues, typical of a developing economy, may jeopardize the future competitiveness of the country as they limit the country’s human capital.” FDI is attracted by educated and innovative human capital, for Nigeria, we are likely to be seeing more of foreign portfolio investments than direct investments pending general improvements in our human capital. The Nigerian Statistical Association has recently been pushing itself at the vanguard of promoting statisticsbased planning for development, especially at the state level. What informed this agenda and is there any correlation between this and poverty alleviation at the grassroots?

Most states are yet to establish their Bureaux of Statistics as a strategic step towards integrating and standardising the NSS. What is your association doing to tackle this lapse? So far, what we have been doing is advocacy and training of desk officers to improve on their skills in producing official statistics. I must say that the response has been low, but development partners are also rolling programs for states and MDAs at the national level. The need for strong statistics capabilities at the level of states with the SGDs commencing in 2016 cannot be overemphasized. One issue that may delay Bureaux of Statistics at the state level is funding because the Executive and Legislative arms of government there may not understand how relevant these agencies to economic devt of the states. How do you think NSA could advocate on this that those states can prioritise the project in their domains? Yes, some state governors that we have interacted with pointed to fiscal realities as a problem. We were however quick to point out that establishing a state statistical system does not necessarily translate to additional cost of governance. The states have departments of statistics either in ministries of budget and economic planning, finance or state planning commissions. Ministries also have departments of planning, research and statistics. What states need to do to establish their statistical systems is to legally empower the departments of statistics to connect and coordinate the activities of the statistics officers in planning, research and statistics of all MDAs. It is simply about creating a team out of existing employees. Finally, sir what is the state of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria Bill now and how do you think its enacting into law would be beneficial to the country The Bill is currently before Mr. President for his assent. The Institute is being established to among other things to; advance the use of statistics in research and socio-economic analysis, enhance statistical practice and quality of statistics, promote and development of statistics education for both the public and the profession, and also to provide leadership and direction to the public in matters relating to statistical theory and its application. One major benefit to the nation is the uplifting of the standards used in the production of statistics within the National Statistical System and its consequence on the use of such data.

Global Business

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

rate hike ‘makes sense’, says Cameron warns EU not to ignore Fed U.S central banker British renegotiation demands N

rime Minister David Cameron will deliver his strongest warning yet that he could campaign for Britain to leave the European Union unless his demands for better membership terms are met. “If we can’t reach such an agreement, and if Britain’s concerns were to be met with a deaf ear, which I do not believe will happen, then we will have to think again about whether this European Union is right for us,” Cameron will say in a speech on Tuesday, according to extracts released by his office in London. “As I have said before, I rule nothing out.” The speech will accompany a letter to EU President Donald Tusk setting out the “broad outlines” of the concessions Britain wants to secure before the stay-or-leave referendum Cameron has pledged to hold by the end of 2017. He has insisted the best outcome would be Britain staying in a reformed EU. With the referendum campaign under way, investors are being warned to wake up to the threat of the U.K. leaving the 28-nation bloc. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker are among leaders to have said they want to help Britain stay in the EU, and that will require acceding to as many demands as they can stomach. A large chunk of the British electorate is still undecided about the referendum. Just under a third would definitely vote to stay, compared with under a quarter who would definitely leave, while

the rest are still to make up their minds, according to Anthony Wells of polling company YouGov Plc. Cameron’s letter to Tusk marks the beginning of the formal stage of negotiations. Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne have already set out several changes that they want from the EU: acknowledgments that Britain isn’t part of an “ever closer union” and that the euro isn’t the bloc’s sole currency; structural changes to protect noneuro countries from being outvoted and to strengthen national parliaments; and the completion of the single market in services. In his speech, Cameron will attack pro-Europeans who want to stay in the EU at all costs, saying there are “real problems” with maintaining the status quo. “There are some economic risks if we allow a situation where eurozone countries could potentially spend our money, or where European regulations hold back our ability to trade and create jobs,” the prime minister will say. “And there are also significant risks if we allow our sovereignty to be eroded by ever closer union, or sit by and do nothing about the unsustainable rate of migration into our country.” Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the letter to Tusk won’t include “detailed legislative changes,” speaking on BBC Television Sunday. “We don’t want to be excessively prescriptive at the beginning of the discussion,” he said during the

David Cameron

Andrew Marr show. “This letter is not the end of the process, it is the beginning of the process.” He warned, however, that “substantive, irreversible, legally binding change” will be needed for voters to back it. “The British people will not be fobbed off with a set of cosmetic alterations to the way the EU works,” he said. “If we were not in the EU we would have to find a different way of promoting our economy. It is not impossible but it would be challenging.” Vote Leave, a group campaigning for Britain to quit the EU, said the reforms Cameron is demanding do not go far enough. “We expect Cameron to get what he’s asking for but what he’s asking for is trivial,” Campaign Director Dominic Cummings said in an e-mailed statement. “The public wants the end of the supremacy of EU law and to take back control of our economy, our borders, and our democracy.”

Lufthansa cabin crew strike hits 290 flights

erman airline Lufthansa will cancel 290 flights on Friday afternoon because of strike action by cabin crew over cost-saving measures. The strike by members of the UFO union will mainly affect shorthaul flights. Lufthansa and the union failed to reach an agreement in a longrunning row over early retirement benefits and pensions on Thursday.

Lufthansa aircraft

The airline has been trying to negotiate with various staff groups as part of a savings drive. About 37,500 passengers on flights from Frankfurt and Duesseldorf will be affected by the nine-hour strike, which is scheduled to begin at 13:00 GMT, Lufthansa said. “Of a total 3,000 connections scheduled for today, 290 flights will be cancelled, including 15 intercontinental services,” the firm said.

Some 10 per cent of all flights in the Lufthansa Group will have to be cancelled, a spokesman told the BBC. Lufthansa Group airlines include Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Germanwings, Eurowings, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti and Cityline. More strike action can be expected on Saturday at Frankfurt, the union said, but Lufthansa’s other main hub in Munich will not be at risk of action until after Sunday. Should Lufthansa management not make concessions, the union said it was planning another strike on 13 November. “We regret this course of action, but we see no alternative,” union head Nicoley Baublies said. Equinet analyst Jochen Rothenbacher said the strike could cost Lufthansa 20m euro (£14m) a day, depending on the number of cancellations. Strikes by pilots have already cost Lufthansa about 130m euro so far this year.

ow that the United States is closing in on full employment and inflation is likely to rise to target levels, the “next step” should be to start gradually increasing rates, a top U.S. central banker said on Saturday. “I do think it makes sense to gradually remove the policy of accommodation that helped get the economy to where we are,” San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams told the Arizona Council on Economic Education. The comments suggest that Williams, a centrist policymaker who was Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s chief researcher when she had his job before moving to Washington, is leaning toward support of a December rate hike. Asked afterward by a reporter whether that is so, Williams declined to say, adding that he expects “a lot of data” between now and then. “I am going to wait and see on that,” he said. The Fed has kept interest rates near zero for almost seven years, and the central bank last month said it would consider a rate increase at its Dec. 15-16 meeting, the last of the year. The explicit nod to the Fed’s next meeting sent traders scrambling to boost bets on a December move, bets that only got bigger after a govern-

Yellen

ment report on Friday showed the economy added many more jobs than expected in October. A Reuters poll of top bond dealers also showed a growing number expected borrowing costs to go up next month, with 15 of 17 looking for an increase. Inflation has languished below the Fed’s goal for years, prompting a few Fed policymakers to still favor waiting on a rate increase until there is better evidence that prices are indeed firming. On Saturday, Williams said he believes that factors holding inflation down, including weak oil prices and a strong dollar, should soon ebb and allow inflation to bounce back.

Tata Steel warns suppliers over prices

he company’s Long Products division, which supplies steel beams, railway tracks and other products, has written to its suppliers asking for a 30 per cent cut in prices in the long term. It wants an “immediate” price reduction of 10 per cent on all purchases. The company says market conditions have led to a “difficult business situation” at Longs Steel UK. Tata says it is trying to transform the business but said it needs support from its “valued” suppliers. The letter says: “Should you - for any reason - be unable to support us in our efforts, we will need to fully consider other options.” One recipient of the letter was Neil Smith from recruitment business Kinetic. He said that in his 23 years as the company’s boss he has “never received anything like this”.

Rail track

“You don’t have valued suppliers offering valued services and then turn around and say take a 30 per cent cut. That goes against any business maxim on the planet,” he told the BBC. In response a Tata Steel spokesman said: “Our Long Products unit has been in dialogue with suppliers for a month. Initially some were spoken to directly, others were contacted by letter to begin a consultation process. “We have had an excellent response with positive and innovative ways we can work together. “The current position in UK steel is no secret and has been explained in all communications with all partners.” The Federation of Small Business said it recognises the challenges faced by the steel industry but called for Tata to treat its suppliers with “utmost sensitivity”.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Foreign investments in equities dip 69.4% in one year STORIES: JOhnSOn OkanlawOn

otal foreign transaction in the equities segment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange has declined by 69.4 per cent as at September 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. Statistical data sourced from the NSE website showed that foreign transaction inflows stood at N296.06 billion in 2014, but has depreciated to N69.33 billion in the review period, a decline of 14.54 per cent when compared to N81.13 billion recorded in August 2015. The domestic investors conceded about 6.72 per cent of trading to foreign investors compared to the 11.38 per cent they conceded in the previous month. The domestic transactions increased from 44.31 per cent to 46.64 per cent while foreign portfolio investment transactions decreased from 55.69 per cent to 53.36 per cent over the same period. Foreign portfolio investors’ inflows accounted for 22.52 per cent of total transactions while the outflows accounted for 30.84 per cent of the total transactions in September 2015. In comparison to the same period in 2014, total foreign portfolio trans-

actions decreased by 69.42 per cent, whilst the total domestic transactions decreased by 79.53 per cent. Further analysis showed that foreign portfolio investment outflows outpaced in flows which was not consistent with the same period in 2014. Overall, there was a 75.15 per cent decrease in total transactions in comparison to the same period in 2014. Between January and September 2015, total domestic transactions decreased by 33.13 per cent from January to September 2015. The institutional composition of the domestic market which was about 33.69 per cent at the end of January increased to 59.32 per cent at the end of September, whilst the retail composition decreased from 66.31 per cent to 40.68 per cent in the same period. Total foreign portfolio investment transactions of N616billion which accounted for 14.8 per cent of total transactions in 2007 increased over the years to N1.539 billion representing 57.5 per cent of total transactions in 2014, an increase of 42.7 per cent over the seven years period.

Seplat raises share capital, voting rights

he issued share capital of Seplat Petroleum Company has been increased by the issue of an additional 10,134,248 ordinary shares to the company’s long term incentive plan. These shares have been formally listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A notice obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange showed that the company’s capital now consists of 563,444,561 ordinary shares of 0.50k each, all with voting rights. “Therefore, the figure of 563,444,561 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in,” the company said. However, shares of company is the worst hit in the basket of companies listed in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, shedding 60.1 per cent as at last Friday. The energy company, which operates in the upstream sector, listed its shares

on the NSE on April 13, 2014, at N576 per share, making it the highest priced equity in the oil and gas sector and the second highest priced equity on the Exchange, behind Nestle Nigeria Plc. Analysis of the stock performance of the company, which recently raised production to above 70,000 barrels per day from just three assets, showed that its share closed on Friday, November 6, 2015 at N230.04, a decline of 60.1 per cent when compared to its opening price of N576 per share when it was listed on the Exchange. Stock analysts have attributed the sell-offs in the company to disappointing earnings, declining crude oil prices and the huge borrowing by the company. Besides, its interest in acquiring Afren has also affected its share price . Latest financial of the company for the year ended June 30, 2015, showed that its revenue dipped by 19.1 per cent to N48.8 billion, from N60.3 billion recorded in the same period of 2014. Though the company, which moved from a marginal field company to a fairly-

sized independent, managed to reduce its general administrative expenses from N38.4billion to N21.4 billion, its operating profit fell by 48.4 per cent on finance charges. Consequently, the company’s profit after tax stood at N8.17 billion, from N24.2 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014, representing 66.3 per cent negative return to shareholders. Further analysis of the company’s balance sheet revealed that interest bearing loans and borrowing has increased to N166.4 billion as at June 30, 2015, from N44.2 billion it stood in the same period of 2014. Foreign reserves also dropped N16.9 billion in the review period, from N35.6 billion in 2014, while total non- current liabilities rose to N174.9 billion, from N48.2 billion at June 30, 2014. Speaking on the company’s performance, the Chief Executive Officer of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri , said that there is nothing wrong in the downtrend of the share price, saying that, generally, investors’ appetite is very low.

Domestic transactions on the other hand started at N3.556billion representing 85.2 per cent in 2007, but decreased significantly to

N1.137billion representing 42.5 per cent of total transactions in 2014, a sharp decline of 42.7 per cent in the seven years period.

SEC harps on corporate governance imperatives

he Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, has called for a strict compliance with corporate governance codes by companies operating in the country. This is even as the commission has expressed its readiness to collaborate with relevant bodies to ensure good corporate governance in the nation’s capital market. Gwarzo stated this when the executives of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, visited him at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja He said that as an institute that is vital in the promotion of corporate governance in Nigeria, ICSAN has a major role to play in safeguarding the rights of shareholders. He said, “We have very onerous responsibilities to enforce the Corporate Governance and in doing this, collaboration is very important. When you look at the market, our scope is wide, apart from the quoted companies you are also looking at about 800 or 1000 operators. When we finish with the quoted companies we also want to extend the code and the compliance to all registered operators. “What we started some few years ago was to say that any operator that is to be registered in the market must have a compliance officer however excellent the sponsored individual has done, once your compliance officer has not met our minimum requirement that fund will not be registered and the compliance officer has a lot of responsibilities apart from the normal requirements in terms of returns to other regulatory institutions it is also to ensure that the right Corporate Governance practice is being implemented. He said a new corporate governance code for the capital market would soon be launched

by the commission. “We don’t want to launch this code and there would be difficulties and so we need to put deliverables in place. One of the things that we have done is training and so far over 70 per cent of quoted companies have attended that training.” The DG disclosed that the commission will embark on enlightenment campaign to ensure the issue of good corporate governance is taken to the next level. “We are very keen and committed in ensuring corporate governance. All over the world, people believe that what is key now for any company to survive and to grow is when it has a very robust corporate governance framework. “Thinking is moving beyond having an excellent financial it is actually on the governance. Scholars believe that once you have excellent governance and you have done it in such a way that you have complied with all the relevant requirements in terms of election of board members and things are done appropriately, there is no reason why that institution will not grow to a high level” he added The ICSAN President, Mr Nat Ofo expressed the readiness of the institute to partner with the commission. He said: “The essence of this visit is to smoothen the relationship between SEC and ICSAN. We felt that it is better to have this discussion and review the things that we can do together. This will enable us draw out the areas we can work together particularly in the area of corporate governance. “ICSAN is the custodian of corporate governance and SEC as far as we are concerned is the owner of corporate governance in Nigeria and we will partner with SEC to deliver that.”

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Global Business

Credit Suisse may cut bonuses by 60% after writedown – SamS

redit Suisse Group AG, Switzerland’s second-biggest bank, may need to cut bonuses by as much as 60 percent this year because of losses incurred by a write down, according to calculations made by Schweiz am Sonntag.

Thiam

Chief Executive Officer Tidjane Thiam wants to substantially write down assets following the acquisition of investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in 2000. Impairment charges on 6.3 billion francs ($6.3 billion) in legacy assets could lead to an annual loss of 2.6 billion francs to 2.8 billion francs, the newspaper reported. The bank may thus need to slash bankers’ bonuses by as much as 60 percent, in accordance with rules set by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, or Finma, according to the newspaper. The supervisor requires financial institutions to cut bonuses in case of financial loss. Chief Financial Officer David Mathers said Oct. 21 he expects a substantial impairment charge in the fourth quarter

in relation to the company’s goodwill. The bank reported third-quarter profit that missed analyst estimates because of a loss in the investment bank and a bigger-than-expected drop in private banking and wealth management. Credit Suisse announced a plan to reorganize the company along geographical lines and place the investment bank at the service of wealth management. It plans to hold an initial public offering of the Swiss business to raise funds and make acquisitions, while cutting 5,600 jobs across the U.S., the U.K. and Switzerland. The group is targeting 3.5 billion francs in cost cuts by the end of 2018. Credit Suisse spokesman Christoph Meier declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg News.

Emirates delays A350 order until Airbus can prove jet’s worth

mirates, the world’s biggest long-haul airline, said more A350 jets need to enter service before it can run a contest between the Airbus Group SE model and Boeing Co.’s competing 787 Dreamliner. Data bearing out the A350’s in-service performance is especially vital since Emirates scrapped an order for 70 of the planes in 2014 after concluding that they wouldn’t meet the specifications originally promised, President Tim Clark said in a briefing Sunday at the Dubai Air Show. Clark plans to weigh the A350-900 and A350-1000 against the biggest 787-10 Dreamliner to see which best meets route requirements that vary in range and capacity. Emirates is looking to add 50 to 70 jets for regional services, and would contemplate splitting the order between Boeing and Airbus, he said. “People haven’t got a true measure of what this thing will do,” Clark said. “The ramp-up rate needs to be pushed a bit, it’s taking them forever to get this thing up.” Airbus has so far delivered 11 A350-900s to Qatar Airway

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VW engineers admitted rigging CO2 emissions –Bild

Volkswagen car

everal Volkswagen (VOWG_p. DE) engineers have admitted manipulating carbon dioxide emissions data because goals set by former Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn were difficult to achieve, Bild am Sonntag reported. The paper said VW engineers tampered with tire pressure and mixed diesel with their motor oil to make them use less fuel, a deception that began in 2013 and carried on until the spring of this year. “Employees have indicated in an internal investigation that there were irregularities in ascertaining fuel consumption data. How this happened is subject to ongoing proceedings,” a Volkswagen spokesman said, declining to comment on the Bild report. Volkswagen on Tuesday said it

had understated the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of about 800,000 vehicles sold in Europe and later said it would foot the bill for extra taxes incurred by drivers as a result. The latest allegation has deepened a crisis which erupted in September when Volkswagen admitted it had rigged U.S. nitrogen oxides emissions tests. Auto analysts say the company could face a bill as high as 35 billion euros ($38 billion) for fines, lawsuits and vehicle refits. Volkswagen is encouraging its rank and file staff to cooperate with its internal investigation by promising not to fire or sue them for any misconduct although high-level managers would still be held to account, a person familiar with the matter said.

US rejects Keystone XL pipeline from Canada

S Emirate aircraft

Ltd., Vietnam Airlines Corp. and Finnair Oyj since the first was shipped at the end of 2014, and plans to have handed over 15 this calendar year. By contrast, Boeing’s 787-8 and 787-9 are coming off the production line at a rate of 13 or 14 a month, according to Clark. The A350-1000 won’t enter service until 2017 and the 787-10 isn’t scheduled until 2018. An order for the 787-10 would come as a boost for Boeing, with the newest Dreamliner model attracting only three fresh orders since 2013, giv-

ing a backlog of 146 jets that’s about 13 percent of the overall tally for the three versions so far. Emirates Chairman Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said at a separate briefing that the carrier is contemplating sourcing funds through bonds or Islamic sukuk next year, and that the airline tends to raise between $500 and $1 billion per issue -though it could also use its own cash to finance jet purchases. The carrier plans to make an announcement concerning engines Monday on the second day of the Dubai show, he said.

peaking from the White House, he said it would not have served the “national interests” of the US. Its construction has been hotly disputed for seven years, with environmentalists saying it would do irreparable damage. But the president said the pipeline had taken on an “overinflated role” in the climate change debate. The proposed pipeline would have run 1,179-miles (1,897km) taking 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Alberta, Canada, to

Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Steele City, Nebraska. But Mr Obama said it would not have: •lowered petrol prices •created long-term jobs •affected energy dependence “The pipeline would not make a meaningful long-term contribution to our economy,” he said. Republican presidential candidates condemned the news, with Jeb Bush calling it an attack on the US economy. In February, the Republicanled Congress voted to begin construction immediately, but Mr Obama vetoed the bill to await environmental reports. It took more than seven years, but Barack Obama has finally got to “no”. Maybe it was the election of a Liberal government in Canada that is more suspicious of big energy projects. Maybe it was the sharp decline in oil prices over the past year. Or maybe it was Friday’s announcement that the US unemployment rate has dropped to five per cent, the lowest of Mr Obama’s presidency.

Features

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Averting economic recession in Nigeria via agriculture DaDa ahmeD

igeria’s economy has been forecast to be amongst the top 20 largest in the world by 2030, according to a recent report of Bloomberg - one of the world’s leading financial services firms - on the new world economic order. Nigeria is ranked 19th, just above Netherlands, which is graded 20th in the recent forecast report. Recent global economy reports have placed Nigeria as one of the fastest growing economies in the world; reports which tallied with 2014 re-based Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures that placed Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, pushing South Africa to the second position. Cheering as the Bloomberg’s survey may look; leading economic indicators suggest that the Nigerian economy may be heading for an economic recession, unless urgent steps are taken to avert a repeat of the1980 recession. Economic experts say that an economic recession implies a fall in real GDP, adding that it also connotes a period of negative economic growth for two consecutive quarters in an economy. They say that economic recession is primarily caused by a fall in aggregate demand - total spending on goods and services -- due to several factors such as financial crisis, rise in interest rates or fall in asset prices, among others. The experts maintain that the main features of a recessive economy include higher interest rates, which reduce borrowing and investment; falling real wages and falling consumer confidence. In an economic recession, they add, credit crunch provokes a decline in bank lending and, therefore, lowers investment. It is also a period of deflation with falling prices, which often encourages people to delay spending, while causing deflation to increase the real value of debt; thus, making debtors to be worse off. Although this development causes appreciation in currency exchange rates, it often makes imports expensive, while reducing demand for exports. Mr. Suleiman Muhammed, a Lokoja-based economic analyst, said that although the Nigerian economy could not be said to have gone into recession per se, it was very necessary to introduce some proactive measures to forestall the development. This is not to suggest that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not mindful of the repercussions of the imminent economic recession, as it is taking the necessary steps to avert it. For instance, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said that plans were underway to create a 25-billion-dollar fund with public and private financing to modernise the country’s infrastructure and avoid an economic recession. The situation has provoked the government and enlightened observers to ponder on practical ways of saving the nation from the looming economic recession. For instance, President Buhari, in his address at the conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), called for more private investments in the agricultural sector of the economy. He said that increased investments in the agricultural sector remained the best way to unlock the country’s economic potential and curb its excessive dependence on oil revenues. Growing our own food, processing what we produce, becoming competitive in export markets and creating jobs all across the economy are crucial for our national security,” he said. Buhari, who noted that the agricultural sector was

Buhari

The way forward is for The presenT adminisTraTion in The counTry To Tackle The problems head-on by focusing

iTs aTTenTion on The sTrucTured developmenT of

agriculTure, solid minerals and Tourism secTors

Rice plantation

the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, pledged that his administration planned to make Nigeria selfsufficient in rice production within the next two years. The president said that since Nigeria was one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural products like cassava, improved investments in agriculture would boost the country’s exports and lessen its dependence on proceeds from petroleum. Buhari said that enhanced private-sector investments in agriculture would also facilitate the fulfilment of government’s efforts to diversify the economy, adding that Nigeria had immense agricultural potential. His words: ``Nigeria has huge agricultural potential with over 84 million hectares of arable land, of which only 40 per cent is currently cultivated. The country also has some of the richest natural resources for agricultural production in the world. The urgency of unlocking our agricultural potential is even more pertinent because Africa spends about 35billion U.S. dollars annually on food imports. Agriculture should no longer be treated as a development programme; agriculture must henceforth be treated as a business.’’ However, Dr. Tunde Arosanyin, the National Technical Adviser, All Farmers Association (AFAN), underscored the need for increased investments in the agricultural sector, saying that Nigeria was facing several economic challenges which included decline in oil prices and over-dependence on imports. He said that the other challenges were poor infrastructural facilities such as electricity, roads and water, which inhibited secondary production and industrial growth, as well as corruption and insecurity. He stressed the wisdom in addressing the challenges pragmatically, insisting that at the moment; Nigeria ought not to be importing products like textiles, biscuits, fruit juice, rice and sugar. Arosanyin added that considering the vast agricultural potential of the country, it should be able to produce these products, among others, locally. ``It is unfortunate that the Nigerian economy is driven by proceeds from crude oil in the last 40 years. ``The way forward is for the present administration in the country to tackle the problems head-on by focusing its attention on the structured development of agriculture, solid minerals and tourism sectors. ``In driving this policy, the Federal Government should invite technocrats and tested professionals with proven track record to generate a blueprint on how to CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Features

Kidney ailment patient, Abdulkareem, seeks kind hearts

Rafiu Abdulkareem

Rafiu Abdulkareem has lofty ambition at 48 years of age, but he sees his ambition blowing in the wind soon, unless concrete help comes his way without further delay. AFOLABI GAMBARI reports.

espite having endured many tribulations in his quest to live a fulfilled life, Abdulkareem Rafiu, native of Ikotun, Alagbon Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, still hopes and prays for better days. He did his job as a Clearing Agent at the Apapa Port in Lagos diligently that his colleagues would readily attest to his industry. No odds could dissuade him from his set goals. As fate would have it, the turn of 2015 was not particularly rewarding for his health. But he had, in his usual steely resolve, thought all would be well in no time. One test after another led him ultimately to the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, where, on March 9, he got a virtual bombshell delivered by Dr. Ngozi Aikpokpo, who diagnosed him to be suffering from renal failure, the cause of which was “long standing hypertension”. “I felt a horrible blow after the doctor’s verdict because I immediately knew that my job would not only be affected, but the sustenance of my family would also be under threat,” Abdulkareem told National Mirror at his residence in Ilasamaja, Lagos last week. “But I also know that I have to stay strong in the belief that I will get what is required for me to bounce back to sound health,” he said. A medical report by Dr. Aikpokpo, dated 14 July 2015, had counseled that “a kidney transplant is the best option for him to ensure better quality of life.” “He however needs to be stabilised before transplantation and this would require funding,” the letter stressed. A breakdown of the costs to be incurred before the ailing Abdulkareem would return to his normal life

shows that dialysis and erythropoletin for three months would gulp N900, 000 and N268, 800 respectively, pretransplant screening will take N600, 000, transplantation N5million, post-transplantation drugs for one year N1.5million, totaling N8, 268, 000. For Abdulkareem and his wife, Mrs. Sofiat, who has sustained the family through a teaching job at Al-Iman Nursery/Primary School, Ilasamaja, Lagos, the foregoing amount is a huge fortune well beyond the family’s reach.

“We have exhausted all our savings on the weekly dialysis and now rely on what friends, relatives and good-spirited others contribute,” Mrs. Abdulkareem, who was visibly wearied by the stress of tending an ailing husband that has been grounded for nine months, in addition to catering for four children of school ages, stated. “The positive light so far is that the doctors have not placed a deadline on the transplant and this gives me hope that Nigerians will give my husband the needed succour,” she added. The Abdulkareems can be reached at 20, Ogunbowale Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, or 07019260145 or 08137682623 or Abdulkareem Rafiu, Diamond Bank’s account number: 00056166843 or Abdulkareem Rafiu, Access Bank’s account number: 0691835541.

Averting economic recession in Nigeria via agriculture CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 develop and diversify the economy,’’ he said. Arosanyin, however, emphasised that the government’s agricultural policy include immediate, medium-term and long-term actions and programmes. He said that if agriculture sector was well-funded and properly developed, the government’s efforts to avert any economic recession would be fruitful. He argued that agriculture, apart from solving hunger and food security problems, was also capable of generating over millions of job opportunities; thus reducing the menace of unemployment. Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies, said that tangible efforts should be made to reduce the effects of the collapse of crude oil prices

in the international market on the nation’s economy. He stressed the salvation of the Nigerian economy would largely depend on increased agricultural production and local manufacturing. Edwin underscored the need to fully exploit the vast agricultural potential of Nigeria in efforts to restructure the national economy. He called on entrepreneurs to invest in agricultural and manufacturing projects to speed up the country’s economic growth. All in all, analysts believe that increased investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector will spur the country’s development, while ensuring its economic revival and guarding against any economic recession. Ahmed writes for News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Cross River APC receives Ndoma-Egba RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

ross River State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC yesterday finally received former Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma Egba, into its fold after months of speculations by party faithful that Ndoma Egba had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party. Ndoma Egba, a three term senator, who represented Cross River Central in the 7th Senate was until now a chieftain and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in cross River State. He officially resigned his membership of the party early September this year citing impunity and dictatorial tendencies often exhibited by the opposition PDP. Speaking at the secretariat of the APC in Calabar, the former Senate Leader said “ I came to reciprocate the various courtesy visits paid me by chapter chairmen of the APC from the ward level to the national organ of the party and to tell you that I want to formally join the APC family.” The former Senate Leader said his former party created a large pool of internally displaced politicians who still had political life in them as one of the reasons he and his supporters decided to leave

the PDP for the APC. “We want to come to APC with values of integrity, we want to join you in offering the people of the state values of honesty and integrity, we are ready to receive so as to give the people an alternative choice. “Fortunately PDP has given a template of what should not be done, that impunity is not sustainable. They have

had to pay a high price for impunity. Whether they have learnt lessons from their impunity is what I don’t know. “We want to come when we come to join you, offer the people of Cross River State a choice since a one party state is no longer tenable. Our desire is to be able to give the people of the state a choice because politics is about choices and we can no longer continue

with this mantra of one party state,” Ndoma-Egba said. Earlier, the APC, deputy state chairman, John Ochala stressed that the party doors was still open to accommodate more people into its fold and assured the Senate Leader and his supporters that the APC was fully prepared to offer equal opportunity to its member. Ndoma-Egba also paid a cour-

tesy visit to the APC zonal vice chairman, South- South, Hillad Eta who formally gave a rousing welcome to NdomaEgba into the APC fold in the state.. ”Ndoma Egba`s entry into the party is certainly going to strengthen the party in future elections, particularly the coming local government elections in Cross River State,” Eta maintained.

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godswill Orubebe arriving at Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO; ROTIMI OSASONA

Akwa Ibom builds new hostel block for corps members

he Akwa Ibom State government has given a facelift to the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to make corps members posted to the state comfortable during the orientation exercise. The state coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuka, disclosed this in an interview on Monday at the permanent orientation camp in Nsit Atai.

Chukwuka said that the state government had commenced the construction of a new hostel block, as well as 30 toilets and bathrooms, in the camp. The state coordinator, who commended the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for the kind gesture, said that the new hostel would provide additional accommodation for the corps members.

Chukwuka noted that the state government had been supportive of the scheme with the donation of a bus and other welfare facilities in the past. She said that the camp had 24 hours daily supply of water, which helped to boost cleanliness and sanitation at the camp, for healthy living. Chukwuka said that the camp officials had done a lot to maintain decency and orderli-

ness among the corps members during the orientation exercise. The coordinator, however, said that one of the challenges facing the camp now was electricity supply from the national grid. She explained that the camp was totally dependent on generators as the only source of power supply for now. Chukwuka added that the

NYSC had enjoyed tremendous goodwill and peaceful coexistence from the community where the camp is located. A visit to the camp revealed that a total of 2,302 corps members in the Batch `B’ Stream 1 of 2015, were seen going about their routine orientation activities. NAN reports that the ongoing three-week exercise would be rounded off on Nov. 16.

Wike congratulates Golden Eaglets

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Monday commended the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, for winning the FIFA cadet championship in Chile. Wike’s commendation is contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, in Port Harcourt. The governor also congratu-

lated the technical crew of the team for their hard work, display of soccer artistry and patriotism during their stay in Chile. The statement quoted Wike as expressing happiness with the team for doing the nation proud and saying that the players would become world stars soon because of the professionalism they displayed. It said that the state govern-

ment would continue to promote sports and use it to empower youths in line with its development blueprint. ``Already, the Rivers State, since Governor Nyesom Wike assumed office, has played host to the Nigerian Super Eagles and other national teams in the state government’s bid to encourage sporting activities,`` the statement said.

It also quoted Wike as saying that his administration had paid outstanding salaries owed players of Dolphins Football Club, Sharks Football Club and Rivers Angels Football Club by the immediate past administration. The statement quoted Wike as reiterating government`s determination to make the state the sports hub of the country.

Wike

42 OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

s a way of sounding warning to persons who resort to defacing and vandalising campaign posters and bill-boards erected by politicians seeking political offices in the state, the Bayelsa State Police on Monday arraigned two persons for the alleged defacing and vandalisation of Governor Dickson’s billboards. The two persons who were yesterday arraigned before

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Two arraigned for vandalising Dickson’s billboards Chief Magistrate’s Court 4, Ovom, for alleged vandalism include Emereru Jesus, 46, and Godknows Reuben, 50. They were arrested by the A-Division of the State Police Command, Yenagoa, on Saturday, November 7, 2015.

While Emereru is from Delta State, Reuben hails from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The suspects were arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and willful and unlawful damage of billboards and posters of

the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for the December 5 poll, Chief Seriake Dickson, by Police prosecution under Sections 378 and 445 laws of Bayelsa State, 2006. When their pleas were taken, the suspects caused a stir in

L-R: Rivers State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Emmanuel Aguma; Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani; Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and Governor Nyesom Wike, during the opening of the 2015/2016 Legal Year and Re-dedication Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Garrison Port Harcourt.

Orubebe pleads not guilty to corruption charges

iger Delta minister under former president, Goodluck Jonathan, Godsday Orubebe, is accused of failing to declare two properties he owned at the time he took office in June 2011. He was also alleged to have received bribes amounting to 70 million naira ($350,000/ 328,000 euros), the Code of Conduct Tribunal in the capital, Abuja, heard. Orubebe has however pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned until November 26. The 56-year-old caused a stir during collation of ballots after the March 28 vote, which saw Jonathan and his ruling

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dumped from office byMuhammadu Buhari. Orubebe accused Nigeria‘s then electoral body’s head, Attahiru Jega, of being partial and selective in his handling of petitions filed by the PDP against some of the results. He shouted and attempted a sit-in in a 15-minute stand-off captured live on television at the venue where results were being announced. Orubebe later apologised for his outburst. Buhari and his All Progressive Congress (APC) won the vote, securing the first-ever win by an opposition party

in Nigeria‘s independent history. The president has since embarked on a drive against endemic corruption that has seen a number of government ministers and senior politicians questioned about or charged with graft offences. They include the third most-senior political figure in the country, Senate leader Bukola Saraki. The Niger Delta is home to Nigeria‘s oil industry. The minister is in charge of development projects in the region, where most people live in poverty despite the multibillion dollar industry.

the court room, as they veered off from the matter and started speaking incoherently as though they were not normal. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. Nyingi Utomovie, having observed their demeanours and unstable state of mind, discharged the suspects but she however, placed the suspects on a three-year bond and cautioned them to be of good behaviour. The PDP had recently raised the alarm over alleged destruction of its campaign billboards and poll fliers across the state by suspected members of the opposition and had called on the security agencies to apprehend rascals behind the acts. The Bayelsa State Restoration Campaign Organisation had in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Jonathan Obuebite, said the call became imperative in order to avoid political clash in the state. According to him, most of the billboards erected by the ruling party in the state had been defaced while many were damaged outright by people suspected to be members of the opposition. Obuebite had said, “Over 70 per cent of our billboards in some communities in the state, to be precise, Kpansia, Agudama, Ovom and Igbogene, have been defaced by the suspected members of the opposition. “This development lends credence to our position that opposition is not ready for the contest, rather its members are looking for means to provoke us, so that there will be crisis in the state.”

Okowa says council transmission committee illegal

r Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said the setting up of Local Government Transition Committee, LGTC, is illegal. Speaking at the National Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Awka, the governor said the committees were unknown to law. Members of the last LGTC had dragged the state government to court over the refusal of the government to pay them severance allowance. The state counsel, Mr Thomas Anigara, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state government, told the court that the local government transition committee was not known to law and therefore could not be agitating for severance allowance. Dismissing the suit, the Presiding Judge, Justice Waziri Abali, said the appointment of the transition com-

mittee was illegal. The governor, who spoke while receiving the report of the 2014 local government council election in the state from the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, said: “The transition committee is not constitutional, so, if it is not set up at the state and federal levels, why should local government suffer such faith? It is undemocratic, an aberration and should not be condoned especially, in Delta State. I believe that law specifically states in the constitution that democratically elected local government councils are guaranteed and to that extent, I believe it is an aberration at any time to have transition committees. This is my belief and as such, we must plan early enough for elections because this is what the constitution states.”

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uctured –Uko

Politics

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

salaries, and about 10 or 12 states can. In the next 10 to 15 years, it means that none of the states will be able to pay salaries. As time goes on, more people will be born, the economy is stagnant, the price of oil is falling, and the population is growing. The employment market is swelling; graduates are being churned out, no jobs for them. The structure does not allow the economy to grow in order to create jobs. We are in for hard times ahead, and the states are borrowing and borrowing and borrowing. Some states are so indebted that the governor who will come in the next 20 years will still be paying loans that were collected years ago. The unresolved national question is that we must restructure into a true federalism. If we resolve that, half of our problems will disappear. Even the corruption, Boko Haram, and all the other problems, flow from the inequity and inequality in the system. Even the fierce struggle for power still inspires corruption, ethnic hate, and the deepening of our fault lines. Book Haram and corruption are fallouts of the unresolved Nigerian question. The reason it is still unresolved is because there is a cabal holding Nigeria hostage. These people, we call them the privileged spoilt folks of Nigeria, in their 20s there was a civil war, so they were captains and majors in the warfront. In their 30s, Gowon made them ministers. At 40, they became Head of State. At 70, they see Nigeria as their property. One of them is the president today. These cabal are the people opposing restructuring, not because they have anything to lose, but out of pride. They want Nigeria to remain the way they created it. That’s all. Just like the Soviet deputies who fought Mikhail Gorbachev back in 1990 and 1991. They knew the Soviet Union was not working. They knew people queued up for two weeks for a loaf of bread on the streets of Moscow, but they were too proud to restructure. They were attacking glasnost and perestroika, attacking Gorbachev. They even tried to oust him by a coup. They refused to face reality, that change is inevitable. In fact, all these our problems like Fulani herdsmen, all of that, were all resolved at that confab. The major issue is the unresolved national question, not listing out the fallout like corruption, kidnapping, Boko Haram, armed robbery, unemployment, and so on. If you have malaria parasite in your bloodstream, you will have headache, fever, joint pains, weakness, and all that. If you go and buy mentholatum and start rubbing your joints, you are not solving the problem, you are only dealing with the symptom. You can only solve the problem by taking a laboratory test, identifying the degree of the parasite in the system, and applying enough dosage of anti-malaria drugs to deal with it. All the headaches and so on will go away. The root problem is not corruption. Something inspired that corruption. The unresolved national question is the real issue facing Nigeria today. The cabal deviously and mischievously find ways to deceive Nigerians, to distract them from the real issue. The earlier we do that, the better. We have no option than to restructure Nigeria. In fact, the issue has gone beyond whether we want to or we like to. The issue now is, when, and how? Do we do it violently, or peacefully? But Nigeria must be restructured in order to move forward. What is the way forward for the country? Nigeria can only survive if influential leaders put away hypocrisy and do the needful, which is to urgently begin the total restructuring of Nigeria along the lines of true federalism and regional autonomy, that would solve 90 per cent of all the problems plaguing Nigeria today. Nobody will lose anything when Nigeria is restructured. It is better to restructure peacefully than to restructure violently. Nigeria has great potentials, we must not allow it drift into chaos.

1000 APC youths from Southern Ijaw defect to PDP in Bayelsa

bout 1000 youths of the All Progressives Congress, APC from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State at the weekend defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They were received into the party by the state Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson at the Banquet Hall of Government House over the weekend. Dickson told the youths that the future of the state and the Ijaw nation lied with them, as he challenged them to come to stand firm and defend their votes. He said that, anyone who loved the Ijaw nation would not have anything to do with the APC and congratulated them for dumping it for the PDP. The governor, who was elated by the decision of the youths later renamed the group as Patriotic Bayelsa Youth Forum, as he praised the leader, Okilo Matthew, describing him as a truly Ijaw man. He urged them to get the group ready for the task ahead, adding that, he will encourage them to increase their membership and become relevant in the scheme of things. Dickson assured the youths that, there would be adequate security during the election, as he enjoined them not to be intimidated by any threats from the APC. “This election is about Permanent Voters’ Card,

PVC. Sensitize your members, friends and colleagues about the adequate security measures at all the polling units before, during and after elections. The era of ballot stuffing and snatching is a thing of the past. Don’t be intimidated by the APC threats”, he said. He also told the youths that his administration is poised to continue making a difference in the lives of the people, who are ready to work for a better Bayelsa State. His words: “The era of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop is gone for good. That is why we will be meeting with you after our victory to say a proper thank you” He thereafter offered direct appointment to two of the group leaders, Okilo Matthew and Momotimi Macaulay. Two young ladies in the group, Caroline Samson and Queen Soromo, who are into bead making and salon services respectively would also receive financial support from the state- owned Izon-Ebe Microfinance Bank, to enhance their businesses, the governor directed. Earlier in his remarks, Matthew, who doubles as the Chairman of the Community Development Committee in the area, said their decision to ditch Timipre Sylva and the APC for Governor Dickson was informed by so many factors.

RobeRt Awokuse

the state. The lawmakers in their various submissions on the stakeholders’ meeting observed that a large number of members of the public do not know the specific functions of the legislature and as such often erroneously expect them to perform functions which are within the ambit of the executive. The House consequently, as a matter of urgency, considers it necessary to commence public enlightenment programme that

Dickson

The group spokesperson, Momotimi Macaulay said after a careful analysis of the situation in the state, they decided to work with the PDP. He stated: “Our decision to leave APC was informed by several factors. chief among them is the prevailing peace in the state, which was revived by the present government. We from Southern Ijaw are aware of the daily killing and maiming of our youths by the previous regime. But since Dickson regime we now know peace. Please keep it up, sir. “Secondly, when we talk of education, I recall when during my tour of some communities, before this regime came on board, at Toru-ebeni, I met a group of children sitting in a village square. And, I thought they were in a market square, but upon a close observation, I discovered that they were actually school children studying under such inhuman condition.

“Your excellency, the reason we are gathered here is because of your purposeful leadership. When I visited that same community recently, I discovered that the governor has built and equipped a new school. That is just one of the numerous projects that this administration has built across the state. We are here to tell you that your votes are secured in Southern Ijaw. We will not sell our votes for any reason. We are here to let you know that we are true youths of Bayelsa State.” He also commended the governor for his empowerment programmes enjoyed by the youths, noting that he benefited from the recent Restoration Cup, which, he said, played a major role in the unity that communities have embraced in the area. He added that the group was aware of the monthly stipends government pays to their parents, uncles and aunties and thanked the governor as he affirmed the group’s total support for PDP. “We are all registered voters, we are going to work with other group and in Southern Ijaw, your votes will count. Our question was that, what has Sylva forgotten in the government house? A man, who couldn’t manage the vast resources then, can’t manage what is coming to the state now”, he said.

Lagos assembly holds stakeholders’ meeting today

he Lagos State House of Assembly will today hold a simultaneous stakeholders’ meeting in all the 40 constituencies in the state. The stakeholders’ meeting would highlight the primary responsibilities of the lawmakers, which is to represent the interests and aspiration of its various constituents and make laws for the good governance of

will educate members of the public on the duties and constitutional limitations of the legislature. The subject would also cover structure of government, duties of other arms and government policies. The meeting would receive criticisms, complaints and suggestions from the constituents; investigate, gather and collate the needs of the people to enhance speedy dividends of democracy to them. Assessment of the 40

constituencies would be sent to the executive arm for further actions.

Obasa

Politics

rom inception, the present administration in Lagos State led by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has indicated that it would run an all inclusive government; parked with a team of experts, captains of industry and seasoned politicians who will help in running the megacity of Lagos which is equally the commercial nerve centre of the country. Six months in the saddle, Ambode has named his commissioners and heads of agencies; he has inaugurated the state executive councils after those he nominated were screened by the State House of Assembly in October; now he believes he needs to induct everyone of them into his government and make them key into his programmes of action as his government hits the ground running. Experience across the state in the last six months has however shown that the major challenges before Governor Ambode and his team are security of lives and properties as well as rapid improvement on infrastructures that are continuously under pressure as a result of influx of people from every part of the country to the city. Governor Ambode’s adminstration has been highly criticised for its docility in these two areas especially as we are in the so called ‘Ember’ months. Since Ambode came in, the state has witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly. From two bank robberies in Festac town to series of reported traffic robberies, cult clashes and pockets of civil unrest, the state government has its work cut out. Hence, one week after the Governor sworn-in his 37-man cabinet, he put together a 4-day retreat for them as well as the body of permanent secretaries and heads of some parastatals and agencies to share his vision for the next three and half years and the need for them to key into the master plan to take Lagos one step forward. At the opening session of the retreat held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Festac Town, Governor Ambode’s opening remarks set the tone for what eventually turned out to be a rich session of cross-pollination of ideas, solutions and strategies. The governor took time to acknowledge the concerns of residents as regards the security and traffic situations in recent times and steps currently being taken to address the issues. “I’m deeply concerned about the issues that Lagosians are sending back to me and the issues range from security issues, traffic gridlock and the environment itself. But again just as we are looking at the immediate solutions to them, there are medium term solutions that Lagosians will see in the next few weeks that we will roll out. “We have declared zero tolerance on potholes and we are deploying more men to ensure free flow of traffic. As we are now in the ‘Ember’ months, I just want to appeal to Lagosians to be more vigilant, and cooperate with us in all the measures we will be carrying out,” Governor Ambode said. However, the current challenges, according to Governor Ambode will not in any way limit the government from forging ahead with the Lagos State Development Plan 2012-2025. He took time to highlight key components of the Development Plan. The first pillar of the plan hinges on economic development, and that it would fundamentally be about wealth creation through employment for the people. The second pillar he said harps on infrastructure development. By this, the government is expected to make money available

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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Lagos fledging ideas, strategies in the face of challenges

Lagos being a megacity is not immune against challenges shunning out from socio-political arena to economic and security anomalies. But, in the face of all these, the government must be seeing to be doing something. SUBERU FRANCIS in this report looks at ideas and strategies emanating from a retreat held by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his cabinet.

Ambode

for long term investment in transportation, power, housing and water. “We will work with the private sector to achieve these and set out to complete the Blue Line light rail, improve our bus network and make better use of our water assets for transport purposes”. The third pillar, according to Governor Ambode is social development, promising that his administration would invest in the people by ensuring that their health, education and security are not compromised. The fourth pillar, Governor Ambode said, is sustainable development. “We must always bear in mind the future, such that our children can live and prosper here despite the growth in population that we can expect in the future. Our planning must take into account the generation of pollution that comes with economic growth and the vulnerability of a low-lying coastal region like Lagos to changes in climate and flooding”. “There is always a need to balance the short term solutions to our problems with creating solutions that will stand the test of time. So when you go into smaller groups to think in more detail about the way ahead – please ensure you bear in mind that all our problems are moving targets”. “We have come a long way already but have a long journey ahead. We will in these next three and half years take many great steps together towards the creation of that model mega city - a leader not just in this continent but one that competes with the best in the world”. The first presentation after Governor Ambode’s remarks was by a former Minister of Economic Development in the Bahamas, Hon. Zhivargo Laing, who draws examples with his experience as a former minster in the Bahamas and said it is the responsibility of the executive to promote peace, justice and make citizens know that they have a say in the government. Speaking on the theme: “Leading For Change,” he urged the participants to be accountable, responsible, make quality deci-

Bello

Idris

From two bank robberies in Festac town to series oF reported traFFic robberies, cult clashes and pockets oF civil unrest, the state government has its work cut out

sions and work in unity to make Lagos work for all. At various breakout and brainstorm sessions during the retreat, several issues were discussed particularly relating to road infrastructure and traffic gridlock, transportation and insecurity. Participants took time to examine the challenges and then proceeded to rub minds on the way forward as well as the best possible steps to addressing them. If the opening session was thought provoking, the closing session was reassuring. The presentation of the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who took time to present a situation report of policing the state in the last five months and pockets of criminal activities, also answered some questions bothering the minds of participants as it relates to security of lives and property. He said the Police was currently becoming the victims in attempting to implement the Road Traffic Law with civility. This he said will be difficult as recalcitrant drivers and motorcycle operators will continue to remain defiant. Owoseni however thanked Governor Ambode for his support to the police in the last five months, expressing optimism that more collaborative efforts between the government and the police will help outrun the competition of armed robberies and other nefarious activities that threaten the peace

and security of the citizenry. Responding, Governor Ambode urged the State Police Command to step up their surveillance in the state and come up with new strategies to tackle the wave of criminal activities in the state. He pledged the support of the state government towards effective policing of the state, however saying that the resources ploughed into securing the state must reflect in the reduction of criminal activities. Governor Ambode also charged his team to take the lessons learnt from the retreat and make a commitment to implement them in their various ministries, departments and agencies so as to better the lot of the people of the state. He said the resolutions reached at the retreat will be brought before the weekly State Executive Council Meeting to ensure that they are implemented to the letter. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who was saddled with the responsibility of briefing newsmen on the resolutions reached at the retreat, said the participants agreed that the Police in conjunction with the state government will come up with a holistic and joint approach to tackle traffic robberies, cultism, street trading and menace of area boys in the state. “Participants agreed to proffer immediate, short and long term solutions towards unlocking traffic gridlock on major roads, highways and streets in Lagos. They also agreed on the need to deploy appropriate cutting edge technologies to improve revenue generation. “Participants urged the citizenry to embrace voluntary compliance to Government Policies, Laws and Regulations, i.e payment of taxes, environmental and traffic regulations. “Participants pledged to support the commitment of government to humane and civilised approach to public service delivery and enforcement of laws in the state”, Ayorinde said. Without any doubt, expectations of Lagosians are at an all time high.

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Politics

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Bayelsa 2015: Commissioner’s father, Jonathan’s loyalist, defect to APC OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

he father of the current Commissioner for Environment in Bayelsa State, Chief Owazi Wills, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Nembe Local Government Area ahead of the December 5 Gubernatorial election in the state. The senior Wills, an old politician in the state at a formal defection of an ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Commissioner in the state, Bishop Biobarakuma Degi Eremienyon and the former Assistant Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Douglas Samson Awudu, in Bassambriri, at the weekend, said the people of Nembe could not be left behind in the change movement. Mr. Iniuro Wills, a lawyer and former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, and serving Environment Commissioner under the Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration is the first child of the family.

The senior Wills, who spoke in his Nembe local dialect during the defection programme which had the APC Governorship candidate and former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva in attendance, said “if you try somebody for some time and you are not getting result, you turn to another area. That is change. That is what you see in our son, Timipre Sylva. Our support to him should be total”. Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Director - General of the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, High Chief Jonathan Lionel-Omo, said the continuous defection of political big fishes into the change party, APC, has marked the demise of the PDP in Nembe. Lionel-Omo, said even the Ogbia people are trooping into the APC with the expectations that President Muhammadu Buhari, would bring development to the area. Said he, “If you go to former President Jonathan’s village, Otuoke, where you have a Univer-

sity which look like a glorified college with some new roads being opened up, yet it is still in a state of dereliction. Then go to Opume here where one of the best friends to the former President comes from, King A.J Turner, who is also close to Governor Dickson. After six years in the presidency and also supporting Dickson, there is no light or water in Opume. In the year 2015, when the people don’t have ordinary basic amenities after six years in Presidency. What are we saying? PDP is a rotten party.” Chief Lionel-Omo, who welcomed the decampees to the APC ,warned those planning to cause violence during the election to desist saying that they were confident that Sylva would win the election based on one-to-one voting. “Let me tell you, that even on one-one vote. We are going to win the election. This community will support Sylva with more than 80 per cent votes. Let nobody come to this community to shed blood” Lionel-Omo warned. In a speech, Chief Degi-

Eremienyo, formerly of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, said it took him time to decide to cross to the APC because of his principles and that he was convinced after holding a long session with Sylva that APC was the new destination for a lot of them. “Our brother here, Chief Sylva, knows me, all of you know that I don’t change easily because of my principles. You know the only permanent thing in life is change. Today, I have seen the reason to leave the PDP and join APC. The minor difference I had with our brother, Sylva, here, we have settled it. And when I look around and see my colleagues, former Honourable members at national and state level, former Commissioners and others in this party, I smile. These are the people we usually plan and strategise together for election. I begin to wonder, who are those left in the PDP? I do not need to boast of how many people and supporters that are moving with me in Nembe into APC. We

Former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (right); former Secretary to Cross River State Government, Chief Johnson Ebokpo (middle) and other APC officials, during Egba’s consultation visit to the party’s Secretariat in Calabar, yesterday.

have done it before and now that we are here, we will do it again. This is the time for a change. This change is real. This is the change that will make us have a sense of fulfilment as a people. We will experience the difference and it will be very clear”, Eremionyo stated. The APC Gubernatorial candidate and former Governor, Timipre Sylva, who is from Nembe, asked the people to point to any project undertaken by the Dickson-led administration in the past three years if any, to which the crowd chorused, None! Sylva said “These are my people. That is why I am a chief in this community of Nembe. Sometimes I wonder, if any right thinking person in this commu-

nity will even contemplate the possibility of voting for any other person knowing that I identify completely with the aspiration of this community; knowing that I have stood for this community; knowing that there are development wars to fight for this community. Now, if you think they are better, point to one project in this community that they have done for you? Then, if you can’t point to one project, then point to human beings they have empowered here. If you ask me, I can point to projects and human beings that I have empowered. Unfortunately, and am sure you agree with me that the community is angry with some of the people we empowered who are now behaving anyhow.”

NCP Chairman calls for inclusiveness of political parties Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ational Chairman of the National Conscience Party,NCP, Dr. Tanko Yinusa, yesterday raised an alarm that democracy in the country will continue to be a mirage unless there is inclusiveness of all political parties. He said this in Ibadan while delivering a paper titled “Political interaction and national unity” at the National Conference of the InterParty Advisory Council of Nigeria,IPAC, with the theme “Managing inter-party relations in post election period”. He stated that the situation in which political parties run cap in hand to the party in power for patronage will spell doom for the development of party politics, insisting that to continue to do this can only means that the opposition parties will be alienated from the ruling party.

According to him, the essence of democracy is that everybody must have a sense of belonging and this can start from the political parties, noting that political inclusiveness will make all political parties stakeholders in the government. Yinusa who called for the review of the Electoral Act in order to foster unity among the political parties, said with political inclusiveness there will be government that is based on proportional representation among the political parties. He said, “ Today we have about 59 political parties in the country with most of them deprived of funding such that they are forced to run to the ruling party for patronage. The only way to stop this is to have an inclusive government that will involved all the political parties which will make them to be stakeholders in the government.”

Kogi gubernatorial election: 22 battle for soul of Lugard House CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 The watchers of political events in Kogi state have argued that the November 21st gubernatorial election will attract the attention of the whole world because the election is going to be the first of its kind since the change of baton at the centre. They further stressed that the two strong parties, the APC and ruling party, PDP may want to prove point in the coming governorship election, pointing out that for the first time in the last twelve years, the

opposition party, APC during the March/ April elections won in the state during the presidential election, won the three senatorial seats, six House of Representatives members and 11 State House of Assembly seats and may want to repeat the same victory in the governorship election. “ The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP will like to rely on power of incumbency, long years of domination of political landscape and its performances as the selling point to the electorate in the confluence

state. PDP will want to rise against the tide of wind of change blowing across the nation since the PDP lost the power at the centre”, political watchers posited. However, the question agitating the mind of ordinary kogites today is who will win the gubernatorial race to Lugard House between the two friends and political foe, Captain Idris Wada and Prince Abubarka Audu? .The electorate in the confluence state will decide on 21st November 2015.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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Ekiti PDP faults Taraba tribunal judgement Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ekiti State has faulted the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment describing it as pyrrhic victory and judicial coup which cannot stand the test of time. Consequently, the Ekiti PDP advised Alhassan, a minister-designate, to stick to her ministerial job “instead of living in a fool’s paradise of becoming a governor through the back door”. The tribunal had in the judgment last Saturday sacked the State Governor, Darius Ishaku of the PDP and declared the All Progressives Congress,APC candidate, Hajia Aisha Al-

hasan, governor-elect. In a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jackson Adebayo, said it was unfortunate that the judgment had resulted in avoidable unrest in Taraba State leading to the loss of lives and property. According to the PDP, the judgment is a reminder of the Dark Age when brutal force was used to subjugate people and force leaders on them. Adebayo said that although the judgment would eventually be reversed by the higher courts, the calamity it had brought on the people of Taraba State through needless shedding of blood would be indelible in people’s minds. He noted that APC leadership had exposed themselves and judiciary to

ridicule with the manners governorship election petitions were being treated, especially where the PDP won. “We have been closely monitoring tribunal judgments in recent times and we are convinced that the APC leadership has become desperate and power drunk to the point that they have exposed the judiciary to ridicule and odium. “The APC is hell bent on procuring judgment at all costs in states it was rejected at the poll. We, however, advise the judiciary to steer clear of the leadership of the APC known to be good at buying judgments as far as this democracy is concerned in order not to reduce the third arm of government to the traducer of the people instead of being the hope of the masses,” he

said. This was as the Ekiti State Governor yesterday called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe the Taraba governorship election tribunal judgment, saying “such judicial rascality and conspiracy displayed in Taraba State must not be allowed to go unquestioned.” He said from the Taraba State judgment and others involving the PDP, it appeared there were different laws being applied to similar cases by the election tribunal, adding that “even when a judge has to exercise his discretion in a matter before him, such discretion must be exercised judicially and judiciously.” In a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, the governor

charged the Judiciary to, “in the interest of democracy and rule of law, purge itself of cash and carry judges that are daily giving tainted and contradictory judgments.” The governor said although parties to the case have the option of appeal up to the Supreme Court, “those who truncated democracy in Nigeria through military coup must not be allowed to truncate democracy again through manipulation of a section of the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He said: “There are no gods in the judiciary and if Ghana, a smaller country could suspend 22 judges over bribery allegation and probe 12 others, the NJC must not play ostrich to these Salamic judgments being delivered by tribunal judges. While also accusing INEC of being part of the conspiracy against the PDP, the governor wondered why the electoral body did not raise any objection to Governor Ishaku’s participation in the election when

his name was submitted as PDP candidate, only for the commission to now cook up report against the PDP at the tribunal. “There are serving governors and senators in this country, who took part in the APC presidential primary election. After failing to pick the APC presidential ticket, their names surfaced as gubernatorial and senatorial candidates of APC in their respective states. Can INEC tell Nigerians when it took part in the process that produced those senators and governors as APC candidates? “There are also those who left PDP to become APC candidates, can INEC tell Nigerians where the primary elections that produced them were held? “This double-standard and conspiracy from INEC and a section of the judiciary against the PDP must stop because it is becoming more obvious that those who used the military to truncate democracy in 1983 are out to use a section of the judiciary to truncate our hard earned democracy,” he said.

Do not sell your PVC, Audu tells electorate WAle ibrAHim LOKOJA

T L-R: INEC National Commissioners, Prof. Anthonia Taiye; Mr. Adedeji Shoyebi and Hajia Amina Zakari, taking Oath of Office before President Muhammadu Buhari, at the presidential villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Ex-LGSC chief sues for wrongful dismissal Henry iyorkAse MAKURDI

omrade Richard Gbande, the sacked chairman of the Benue state local government civil service commission has instituted a legal action for wrongful termination of his appointment before Industrial and aberration court in Makurdi, the Benue state capital. His lawyer, Barrister Simon Torkuma speaking with journalists shortly

after the court session disclosed that the secretary to the Benue state government, Barrister Targema Takema erred in law for not allowing the statutory constitution guiding the appointment of the parastatal for eight consecutive years for the beholder’s tenure to end. The legal luminary averred that it is wrongful for any top government functionaries with the existence spelt out time frame to be abruptly disengaged without due re-

course to the constitution. He therefore prayed the court to compel the Benue state government to reinstate the sacked chairman alongside with other members of the board with immediate effect with full emoluments afterwards. Torkuma reiterated that it is very wrong to boot out top government functionaries without following due process and warned that the trend must desist henceforth for the interest of rule of law.

The counsel further urged the Benue state government to borrow a leaf from the change mantra of the Federal government whereby the issues of who belongs to party B or A does not reflect when equitable distributions of positions are being shared among the political gladiators in the country. It will be recalled that when the case came up it was further adjourned to 17th of November 2015 for further hearing in the suit.

he Standard bearer of the All Progressive. Congress, APC in November 21st governorship election in the state, Prince Abubarka Audu has urged the electorate in Kogi State not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs to anyone who offers them money. Audu who gave this. advice while addressing the large crowd of supporters of All progressive Congress, APC at Ceremonial Square in Okpo, the Headquarters of Olamanboro local government of the state yesterday , stated that the time has come for the people of the state to join the change train. He explained that the only way to vote for change was to keep their Permanent Voter Cards to enable them perform their civic rights on November 21 . He admonished the electorate to reject N5,000

for sales of their PVC, noting that anyone who sell his/her PVC will not be able to vote on the day of election. Audu called on the people to come out and vote for him and his running mate, James Abiodun Faleke come November 21. He however pledged to pay all the arrears of primary school salary, noting that the percentage payment of salary will be a thing of the past if voted to power. The APC running mate, Chief Abiodun Faleke who was short of words with the large crowd of supporters commended them for waiting from morning, calling on the people to come out in their large number and vote for APC governorship candidate, Prince Abubarka. Audu on 21 November. The highlight of the campaign rally at Okpo was the defection of several PDP supporters to APC and acceptance of APC membership .

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

FBN money market fund hits N54bn Johnson okanlawon

BN Money Market Fund has reached over N54 billion in assets in the last three years. The fund, which stood at N1.5billion when it was launched, is currently yielding 12.39 per cent, which are much higher returns than customers would receive in a regular savings account. The fund, managed by FBN Capital Asset Management and operating under the brand name

‘FBNQuest’ is a SEC-registered open ended mutual fund that invests in a broad range of money market securities such as treasury bills, commercial papers, fixed deposits and aims to offer a high level of security coupled with a competitive yield. A statement issued by the investment company yesterday indicated the fund is also rated Aa(f) by Agusto and Co. because it has minimal to low risk of investment loss due to low net asset value vola-

tility. The Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Michael Oyebola, said there is a growing recognition among large and small investors and savers nationwide that there is a credible and worthwhile alternative to saving their hard-earned money and earning returns that some thought were exclusive to the more affluent. According to him, everyday, more and more investors and savers, both local and international, across retail, af-

fluent and institutional investors, move their savings and investible funds to the FBN Money Market Fund. He explained that the fund was a short-to-medium term investment solution that provides stability, liquidity and income on a quarterly basis to unit holders. It offers higher interest rates when compared to the rates on a normal bank savings accounts, and investors can invest with as little as N5,000.

Equities shed 0.03%, as Oando leads gainers

rading in equities closed on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took profit from the gains recorded on Friday. Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 0.03 per cent to close at 29,168.04 points, as against the increase of 0.49 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 29,175.35 points. Market capitalisation lost N50 billion to close at N10.026 trillion, in

contrast to the rise of N50 billion recorded on Friday to close at N10.129 trillion. Oando Nigeria Plc led the gainers’ table with 78 kobo or 10.10 per cent to close at N8.50 per share, followed by the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc with 80 kobo or 10.09 per cent to close at N8.73 per share. Fidson Health Plc gained 28 kobo or 9.96 per cent to close at N3.09 per share, while Diamond Bank Plc rose 25

kobo or 9.54 per cent to close at N2.87 per share. Ikeja Hotel Plc appreciated 16 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.36 per share, while May and Baker Plc was up six kobo or five per cent to close at N1.26 per share. Conversely, Caverton Plc lost 13 kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at N2.63 per share, while Wema Bank Plc shed four kobo or 4.04 per cent to close at 95 kobo per share. Evans Medicals Plc was down two kobo or

3.70 per cent to close at 52 kobo per share, while 7UP Plc depreciated N5.95 or 3.12 per cent to close at N185.06 per share. Skye Bank Plc dropped four kobo or 2.06 per cent to close at N1.90 per share, while Sterling Bank Plc dipped four kobo or 2.06 per cent to close at N1.96 per share. A total of 1.125 million shares valued at N14.7 billion were traded in 2,713 deals.

Nikkei jumps to 2-1/2-month high on boost from weak yen

apanese stocks rose yesterday as the yen weakend considerably against the dollar after Friday’s strong U.S. jobs report, while official data showed real wages edged up for a third straight month. The Nikkei share average gained 2 percent to 19,642.74 for its highest close since August 20. The broader Topix added 1.8 percent to finish at 1,590.97 with all but two of its 33 subindexes in positive territory. The JPX-Nikkei Index 400 rose 1.8 percent to 14,316.65. It would be recalled that Japan’s Nikkei share average had on November 2, reached a 1-1/2 weeks low, on lacklustre China economic surveys and weak U.S. stocks, while investors traded on individual company earnings news. The Nikkei dropped 1.7 percent to 18,759.77 in

mid-morning trade after slipping to 18,735.60, the lowest level since Oct. 22. The Nikkei rose the last three sessions last week. An official survey released then showed that activity in China’s manufacturing sector unexpectedly contracted in October for a third straight month, fuelling fears the economy may still be losing momentum in the fourth quarter despite a raft of stimulus measures. On November 2, a private survey showed that China’s factory activity fell for an eighth straight month in October but at a slower pace as export orders revived. Wall Street the previous Friday was hit by downbeat corporate earnings, which dragged down Nikkei futures trade on Monday morning before the cash market opened. “Global market wor-

ries triggered selling while the market was prone to profit-taking from last week’s gains,” said Hikaru Sato, a senior technical analyst at Daiwa Securities. Analysts said that in the mid-term, expectations that Beijing will release measures to support the economy will likely support the mood. Exporters lost ground, with Honda Motor Co falling 1.5 percent, Nissan Motor Co 1.7 percent and Panasonic Corp 2.2 percent. Shipper Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, which was downgraded by CLSA after a dismal earnings result, stumbled 8.1 percent. Kawasaki cut its fullyear operating profit forecast to 24 billion yen from 39 billion yen for the year ending March 2016. CLSA cut its rating to ‘outperform’ from

‘buy’, citing a negative outlook for container prices. Murata Manufacturing Co soared more than 5 percent after reporting that operating profit for the April-September period jumped 71 percent on the year to 152.14 billion yen and hiked its full-year forecast. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Exchange

Rates (N)

WAUA

270

USD

196.95

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

SWISS FRANC

202

POUNDS STERLING

293

SDR

273

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.95 Market indicators All-Share Index 29,168.04 points Market capitalisation 10.03trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

OANDO

7.72

8.50

0.78

10.10

CCNN

7.93

8.73

0.80

10.09

FIDSON

2.81

3.09

0.28

9.96

DIAMONDBNK

2.62

2.87

0.25

9.54

IKEJAHOTEL

3.20

3.36

0.16

5.00

MAYBAKER

1.20

1.26

0.06

5.00

UNILEVER

31.43

33.00

1.57

5.00

ETERNA

1.61

1.69

0.08

4.97

UACN

27.73

29.10

1.37

4.94

24.32

25.50

1.18

4.85

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CAVERTON

2.76

2.63

-0.13

-4.71

WEMABANK

0.99

0.95

-0.04

-4.04

EVANSMED

0.54

0.52

-0.02

-3.70

7UP

191.01

185.06

-5.95

-3.12

SKYEBANK

1.94

1.90

-0.04

-2.06

STERLNBANK

2.00

1.96

-0.04

-2.00

RTBRISCOE

0.51

0.50

-0.01

-1.96

ETI

18.50

18.15

-0.35

-1.89

136.02

135.00

-1.02

-0.75

LIVESTOCK

1.41

1.40

-0.01

-0.71

FGN Bonds

Bid

Description

Offer

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.58

100.50

14.71

100.65

14.60

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.75

103.87

14.60

104.17

14.50

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.38

102.57

14.71

102.87

14.61

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.33

106.62

14.73

106.92

14.66

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.46

97.31

14.76

97.61

14.70

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.82 68.00

15.58

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 23, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

24-Dec-15

10.92

11.21

31-Mar-16

12.73

13.60

01-Sep-16

12.45

14.08

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

5.6250

14.4108

15.7014

16.7205 The Fixings of September 23, 2015

Capital Market

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015

Equities as at November 9, 2015

Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050

Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 8 6 14

Current Price 28.82 30.50

Quantity Traded 91,040 65,200 156,240

Value Traded 2,513,760.00 2,014,556.20 4,528,316.20

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 29 29

Current Price 1.40

Quantity Traded 1,086,680 1,086,680

Value Traded 1,568,978.40 1,568,978.40

1,242,920

6,097,294.60

Current Price 1.02 2.03 29.10

Quantity Traded 28,000 7,262,187 100,127 7,390,314

Value Traded 27,160.00 14,717,719.61 2,875,675.40 17,620,555.01

7,390,314

17,620,555.01

Quantity Traded 30,053 30,053 Page Quantity Traded 19,736 19,736

AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT

No. of Deals 3 96 18 117

TRANSCORP Daily Summary (Equities) UACN

117 Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 6.61

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Quantity Traded 53,422 80,162 7,200 31,203,017 31,343,801

Value Traded 214,260.39 11,477,050.71 115,542.00 4,212,590,438.80 4,224,397,291.90

Current Price 185.06

Quantity Traded 117,335 117,335

Value Traded 21,720,406.30 21,720,406.30

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL

No. of Deals 18 15 74

Current Price 2.31 6.52 21.80

Quantity Traded 98,061 10,111,216 564,973

Value Traded 232,825.60 65,920,604.50 12,290,971.56

Symbol HONYFLOUR NASCON

No. of Deals 7 20 134

Current Price 2.40 7.18

Quantity Traded 91,660 Page 379,617 11,245,527

Value Traded 12 2 227,275.20 of 2,727,388.06 81,399,064.92

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 17 24 41

Current Price 20.10 814.00

Quantity Traded 24,054 12,432 36,486

Value Traded 477,699.54 10,237,938.69 10,715,638.23

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 16 1 17

Current Price 5.39 0.92

Quantity Traded 131,910 500 132,410

Value Traded 698,160.90 460.00 698,620.90

Personal/Household Products

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 26 38 64

Current Price 25.50 33.00

Quantity Traded 191,436 12,322,292 12,513,728

Value Traded 4,794,752.74 391,221,618.78 396,016,371.52

55,389,287

4,734,947,393.77

Food Products HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Food Products Totals

Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC.

Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

413

ACCESS BANK PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES DIAMOND BANK PLC Banking ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 WEMA14:32:50.050 BANK PLC. Printed 09/11/2015 Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK Symbol ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK

No. of Deals 264 21 No. of Deals 31 36 192 134 29 165 19 15 26 932

Current Price 4.46 2.87 Current Price 18.15 1.40 23.12 1.90 1.96 3.70 5.60 1.32 0.95

Quantity Traded 335,373,433 1,084,000 Quantity Traded 264,556 Page 2,232,500 335,605,466 10,108,769 1,356,163 17,653,285 20,863 1,463,797 3,699,328 708,862,160

Symbol

No. of Deals 13 9 1 4 11

Current Price 0.90 1.06 0.50 0.54 2.62

Quantity Traded 308,402 33,355,396 40,000 83,000 1,001,983

AIICO Daily Summary (Equities) CONTINSURE CORNERST LAWUNION MANSARD

Symbol NEM

No. of Deals 6 44

Current Price 0.69

Quantity Traded 78,869 34,867,650

Value Traded 54,180.92 38,370,993.41

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.98

Quantity Traded 470,305 470,305

Value Traded 460,898.90 460,898.90

No. of Deals 20 8 38 11 44 121

Current Price 2.65 4.10 2.03 20.87 1.34

Other Financial Institutions Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC HEALTHCARE

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Pharmaceuticals GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

1,101

Symbol UNIONDAC

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Value Traded 6,000.00 6,000.00

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON

No. of Deals 8 28

Current Price 0.52 3.09

Quantity Traded 820,543 536,788

Value Traded 427,387.79 1,633,224.28

Symbol GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 9 15 3 2 65

Current Price 37.07 1.26 1.03 2.14

Quantity Traded 14,246 Page 174,604 43,274 51,700 1,641,155

Value Traded 12 5 543,454.23 of 218,280.24 42,408.52 111,672.00 2,976,427.06

Daily Summary

1,653,155

2,982,427.06

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 33,925 33,925

Value Traded 16,962.50 16,962.50

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 2.70

Quantity Traded 15,000 15,000

Value Traded 38,700.00 38,700.00

48,925

55,662.50

Quantity Traded 18,837 12,500 4,092 338,208

Value Traded 415,828.35 124,875.00 155,659.42 2,822,183.40

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN

No. of Deals 8 3 5 20

Current Price 22.50 9.60 38.00 8.73

Page

Current Price 1.45

Quantity Traded 33,076 33,076

Value Traded 48,290.96 48,290.96

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 48.51

Quantity Traded 2,240 2,240

Value Traded 103,962.80 103,962.80

1,838,233

134,432,768.64

Current Price 8.50

Quantity Traded 5,744,780 5,744,780

Value Traded 48,732,236.60 48,732,236.60

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded 179,362,643 11,308 51,010 53,764

Value Traded 89,681,321.50 294,460.32 86,206.20 15,296,744.91

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC ActivityETERNA Summary PLC.on Board EQTY FORTE OIL PLC. OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors OIL NIG PLC. Published by MOBIL The Nigerian Stock Exchange © TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

RED STAR EXPRESS PLC OIL Courier/Freight/Delivery AND GAS Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Employment Solutions MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. C & I LEASING TOTAL NIGERIAPLC. PLC. Employment Totals Petroleum andSolutions Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Hotels/Lodging Exploration and Production IKEJA HOTEL PLC SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Current Price 0.50

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC

Quantity Traded 12,000 12,000

No. of Deals 2 2

Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Value Traded 12 of 639,268.74 2,895,625.00 3,384,089.86 2,236,220.00 1,349,772.52 10,504,976.12

9,411,271,977.72

Symbol CUTIX

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

747,915,737

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 206 206

BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO

2 5 3 37

Hotels/Lodging Activity Summary on Board EQTY

IKEJA HOTEL PLC SERVICES Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Hotels/Lodging Published byHotels/Lodging The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 Totals

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Printing/Publishing Totals Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 Road Transportation Activity Summary on Board EQTY ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals SERVICES Transport-Related Services Specialty AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Specialty Totals Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Transport-Related Services Transport-Related Services Support and Logistics AIRLINE SERVICES ANDSUPPORT LOGISTICS PLC CAVERTON OFFSHORE GRP PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Support and Logistics Totals Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC EQTY Board Totals Support and Logistics Totals Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Printed 09/11/2015 SERVICES14:32:50.050 Totals

No. of Deals 19 5 71

Current Price 138.99 143.00

Quantity Traded 26,582Page 6,534 179,511,841

940,805.00 109,847,724.39

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 230.04

Quantity Traded 7,634 7,634

Value Traded 1,748,708.63 1,748,708.63

185,264,255

160,328,669.62

Quantity Traded 76,552 76,552

Value Traded 38,276.00 38,276.00

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 2 4.20 5,000 2 5,000 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded No. of Deals Current Price Quantity 26,582 Traded 19 138.99 0.50 272,000 52 143.00 6,534 272,000 712 179,511,841

Value Traded 20,502.39 20,502.39 Value Traded Value Traded 3,548,186.46 136,000.00 940,805.00 136,000.00 109,847,724.39

No.of ofDeals Deals Current CurrentPrice Price Quantity QuantityTraded Traded No. 11 3.36 637,760 8 230.04 7,634 8 7,634

ValueTraded Traded Value 2,121,580.40 1,748,708.63 1,748,708.63

285

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 2 2

OILAND ANDGAS GAS FINANCIAL SERVICES OIL Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Banking Activity Summary Board PREMIUM CAPITAL OIL on PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC ASeM Board Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES OILOther AND Financial GAS Totals Banking Institutions Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions Totals ASeM Board Totals Other Financial Institutions FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals FBN HOLDINGS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © INDUSTRIAL GOODS Other Financial Institutions Totals Building Materials FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX Symbol Symbol MOBIL CILEASING TOTAL Symbol Symbol IKEJAHOTEL SEPLAT

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 76,552 76,552

Value Traded 38,276.00 38,276.00

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 4.20

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 20,502.39 20,502.39

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 272,000 272,000

Value Traded 136,000.00 136,000.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 11

Current Price 3.36

Quantity Traded 637,760

Value Traded 2,121,580.40

Symbol

No. of Deals 11

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 637,760

Value Traded 8 of 12 2,121,580.40

Symbol ACADEMY

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.59

Quantity Traded 34,000 34,000

Value Traded 20,060.00 20,060.00

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 5.00 5.00

Symbol Symbol AIRSERVICE NSLTECH NAHCO

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 7 1.91 299,800 1 0.50 3,800 18 4.38 185,756 1 3,800 25 485,556

Value Traded Value Traded 574,986.00 1,900.00 807,905.94 1,900.00 1,382,891.94

Symbol Symbol Symbol AIRSERVICE CAVERTON NAHCO

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded No.of ofDeals Deals Current CurrentPrice Price Quantity QuantityTraded Traded ValueTraded Traded No. Value 1.91 299,800 574,986.00 47 2.63 510,000 1,341,700.00 18 4.38 185,756 807,905.94 4 510,000 1,341,700.00 25 485,556 1,382,891.94 50 2,024,678 5,062,915.73 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 4 2.63 510,000 1,341,700.00 1,002,817,293 14,472,948,395.13 2,167 4 510,000 1,341,700.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol CAVERTON

Daily Summary (Equities)

2,024,678

5,062,915.73

2,167

1,002,817,293

14,472,948,395.13

4 106,679,436 No.of ofDeals Deals Current CurrentPrice Price Quantity QuantityTraded Traded No. 0.50 106,679,436 1364 17.70 2,234,560 106,679,436 4 4 106,679,436 136 2,234,560

53,339,718.00 ValueTraded Traded Value 53,339,718.00 39,425,980.88 53,339,718.00 53,339,718.00 39,425,980.88

Symbol Symbol ZENITHBANK FBNH

No. of of Deals Deals4 Current Price No. Current Price 136 17.70 372 5.11 136 372

106,679,436 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded Page 2,234,560 13,288,969 2,234,560 13,288,969 106,679,436

53,339,718.00 Value Traded Value Traded 10 of 12 39,425,980.88 68,358,489.95 39,425,980.88 68,358,489.95

Symbol FBNH

No. of Deals 508 372 372 No. of Deals 508 34 34

Quantity Traded 15,523,529 13,288,969 Page 13,288,969 Quantity Traded 15,523,529 266,783 266,783

Value Traded 107,784,470.83 68,358,489.95 12 10 of 68,358,489.95 Value Traded 107,784,470.83 43,229,425.36 43,229,425.36

DailySummary Summary(Equities) (Equities) Daily Symbol No. of Deals Current Price CAPOIL

4 4

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) LOTUS EQUITY VETIVA HALAL BANKING ETF ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

0.50

Page Quantity Traded 106,679,436 106,679,436

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol Symbol CAPOIL ZENITHBANK

Symbol DANGCEM Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 34 34 34

Current Price 5.11 Current Price 162.00 Current Price 162.00

Quantity266,783 Traded 266,783 266,783

266,783

Daily Summary (ETP)

1,125,287,041

VETGOODS VETGRIF30

53,339,718.00

151,013,896.19 43,229,425.36

14,677,302,009.32

542

15,790,312

151,013,896.19

2,713

1,125,287,041

14,677,302,009.32

Symbol Daily Summary (ETP) No. of Deals Current Price LOTUSHAL15 1 9.24 Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol Symbol NEWGOLD LOTUSHAL15 VETBANK

9 of 12 Value Traded 53,339,718.00 53,339,718.00

Value Traded 43,229,425.36 43,229,425.36 43,229,425.36

15,790,312

542

2,713

Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF

8 of 12 160,328,669.62

No. of Deals 2 2

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 12 73,548,186.46 of

Symbol RTBRISCOE

PREMIUM Board Totals

Equity Activity Totals

Page 185,264,255

285

Equity Activity Totals

Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 Totals PrintedPREMIUM 09/11/2015 Board 14:32:50.050

Current Price 0.50

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board ASeM EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015

OILby AND Published TheGAS Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CAPITAL OIL PLC Activity Summary onBoard BoardProducts ASeM Distributors Totals Activity Summary on PREMIUM Petroleum and Petroleum

0.50 27.41 1.69 290.00

Symbol MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 1 (Equities) 1

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Quantity Traded Page 242,168 706,250 1,652,159 107,150 1,007,895 3,715,622

Value Traded 375.00 122,000.00 130,639,593.71 134,280,514.88

Courier/Freight/Delivery Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 281,684.84 35,346,235.85 20,000.00 43,818.00 2,625,073.80

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Quantity Traded 750 35,000 1,393,530 1,802,917

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Value Traded 1,505,359,635.39 3,112,815.00 Value Traded 4,800,761.35 12 3 of 3,102,239.00 7,752,501,281.84 19,018,360.50 2,649,766.32 65,831,204.31 117,541.07 1,923,294.74 3,518,209.77 9,361,935,109.29

Value of Shares(N)

Current Price 0.50 3.53 93.75

Daily Summary as of 09/11/2015 OIL AND GAS Totals Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded

No. of Deals 1 3 28 68

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

No. of Deals 18 18

Daily Summary (Equities)

Quotation(N)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 4.17 143.25 16.00 135.00

Symbol 7UP

No Of Deals Symbol FIRSTALUM PORTPAINT WAPCO

OIL AND Daily Summary asGAS of 09/11/2015 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Printed 09/11/2015 14:32:50.050 OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

No. of Deals 6 39 3 91 139

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

148,730.48

ActivityCompany Summary on Board EQTY name INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Value Traded 15,026.50 15,026.50 12 1 of Value Traded 133,703.98 133,703.98

49,789

Sector

Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals No. of Deals 1 1 2 2 1 7

Current Price Current Price 2,100.00 9.24 3.08 7.39 13.34

Quantity Traded 10 Page Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 5 10 10 10 Page 10 45

Value Traded 92.40 12 11 of Value Traded Value Traded 10,500.00 92.40 30.80 11

of73.90 12 133.40 10,830.50

ETF Board Totals

10,830.50

ETP Activity Totals

10,830.50

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Group tasks Wada on dissolved council structures WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

L-R: Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar; Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Prof. Saminu Abdulraman and Founder/Chief Executive, A3 Foundation, Amb. Aisha Emeje, during the launch of Free ICT training for highly potential but disadvantaged youths of Bauchi State, in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Police pensioners want scheme removed from PenCom WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

ssociation of Retired Police Officers under PenCom scheme, Kogi State chapter, has appealed to the Federal Government and all concerned authorities to remove the retired police officers pension scheme from PenCom/ Pension Fund Administrator as it did to sister organisations. While addressing newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, Chairman of the association, Mr Alexander Yusuf,

stated that this would enable the retirees complete their building and live a normal life. The association therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to pay the 53.37 per cent pension increase, which took effect from June 1, 2010, already being enjoyed by others and pensioners’ increase of 15 per cent and 33 per cent of 2007 and 2014, respectively, as pointed out by PenCom. The association also urged the Federal Government to bring police retir-

ees to the main body of the Nigeria Police so that everything would be uniform, They further urged the Federal, state and local governments and various organisations to consider retired police officers for appointment as others, adding that retired police officers were credible and educated with vast experience in various fields. The group lamented efforts by the Nigeria Police to opt out of PENCOM, which has not been successful, nothing that it is very disheartening to see

that an officer who while serving earned between N130,000 and M140,000 and end up receiving between N20,000 to N30,000 as monthly pension which negate the arrangements of the constitution. “For example, an officer who retired in 2011 on a contributory scheme received a little above N5,000,000 as lump sum and was only given little above N1,000,000 from the so called lump as gratuity and monthly pension of between N20,000 to N30,000”,they stressed.

‘190 Bauchi pensioners die waiting for N14.6bn gratuity’ EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

hairman, Bauchi State chapter of the National Union of Pensioners, Alhaji Habu Gar, said about 190 pensioners have died waiting for their backlog of N14.6 billion gratuities from 2011 to date. He urged the APC administration at all levels to swing into action with a view to intervening and ensuring the affected retired civil servants were paid their entitlements. Gar made the stunning revelation in a chat with newsmen in his office, saying the development resulted from backlog of unpaid pension. The chairman regretted that this backlog of gratuities was inherited by the APC administration after eight years of Yuguda’s

administration. According to Gar, nonpayment of gratuity has caused untold hardship to most pensioners, resulting in untimely death of many due to poverty. He expressed regret that pensioners’ last option had always been incessant street protests, yet government continues to fail in addressing the issue. He noted with great delight efforts by the current APC administration under Governor Mohammed Abubakar, who recently constituted a high powered 24-man committee to work out modalities with a view to addressing the challenges of pensioners in the state. “As I am talking to you now, the committee has submitted its report through Secretary to the State Government and we are awaiting govern-

ment’s response, even though our members are passing through untold hardship due to lack of payment of gratuities,” said Gar.

He therefore, urged Governor Abubakar not to relent in his effort to rescue pensioners from the shackles of poverty.

lected councillors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have protested non-reinstatement into the 21 local government areas of Kogi State by the government as directed by the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja. The councillors numbering 239, who marched through major streets of Lokoja, Kogi State capital, yesterday, chanting war songs, called on the governor to obey the rule of law and reinstate the elected chairmen and councillors. The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions calling on Governor Idris Wada to, as matter of urgency, obey the judgment of the Appeal Court and reinstate them with immediate effect. Some of the placards read thus; “Governor Idris Wada obey the Court of Appeal judgment”, “We are the hope and future of PDP”, “Court is the last hope of the common man”, “This is democracy not military rule” and “We say no to impunity”. Meanwhile a group, Movement for Democracy and Good Governance, has condemned in its entirety the decision of Wada not to restore the council structures until after November 21 governorship election. This was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, J.O. Yusuf, and Secretary, Habuh-Rajan

Suleiman, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, adding that the action of the governor was a slap on the judiciary. The group lamented that it was a negation of the principle of separation of powers and the respect for the rule of law which the state governor has been mouthing about. The group therefore, called on well meaning Kogi indigenes and Nigerians in general, to call on Wada to stop personalising the judgment as he is allowing his political aspiration to override the larger interest of the people of the state by trampling on the fundamental rights of the good people of Kogi State. They explained that the for the governor not to restore the elected structures of the council runs contrary to the directive of court and stand logic on the head and it smeared on political antics designed to arm-twist the electorate. It would be recalled that the elected 21 council chairmen and 239 councillors were sacked by the High Court of Kogi State sitting in Koton Karfe division late last year. But the council chairmen subsequently appealed the judgment of High Court and an Appeal Court in Abuja ruled in their favour and ordered Kogi State Government to reinstate them with immediate effect, but the state have allegedly insisted that they could only resume after election in the state.

Police parade 4 kidnapers, others in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State Police Command yesterday paraded four suspected kidnapers in connection with the kidnap of a Taiwanese farmer, Mr. Chew Williams, in Sabon Gida, Kokona Local Government Area. The sum of N750,000 was recovered from the suspected kidnapers, even as the police also arrested a selfacclaimed Pastor, Ifeanyi Benard, for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl (names withheld) in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

The victim’s father, Martins Agbara, said the pastor lured his daughter into his (father) house under false pretence that he would pray for her to cast demons out of her family, but forcefully had canal knowledge of her. Addressing journalists in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, Commissioner of Police, Sani Mohammed, said the culprit also threatened to kill the girl if she exposed his dirty act. The police commissioner also noted that the kidnap suspects were believed to be be-

hind the kidnap of a lecturer with the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, UAM, who was rescued after a gun duel between the suspects and the police in Obi Local Government Area of the state last month. One of the kidnap suspects, Isah Mohammed, who spoke with journalists, said six of them committed the offence and the sum of N7 million was paid to them as ransom. Mohammed, who is in his early twenties, allegedly confessed to the crime, adding that he had a share N500,000 from the spoil and that their ring leader,

who is still at large, got the lion’s share. Similarly, the police boss said four persons believed to have been terrorising the Makurdi - Lafia highway and robbing innocent citizens of their valuables were arrested by the Special Anti-Robvery Squad, SARS, at Duduguru, Jenkwe Development Area of Obi Local Government Area. The commissioner of police said one Englishmade revolver pistol, two locally made revolver pistols loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

National Mirror National Mirror Tuesday, November 10, 2015 47 Tuesday, February 4, 2014 www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror We have to deal with unemployment of young people, we have to deal with infrastructure; we have to deal with bad roads; we have to restore power, the challenges are many. -VICE PRESIDENT, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO

James DanJuma KATSINA

ore than 7,000 people with eye related problems are currently receiving free eye medical treatment in Katsina State.

The treatment is being sponsored by a lawmaker representing Katsina North Federal constituency in the National Assembly, Senator Mustapha Bukar. The people being treated were drawn from the 12 council areas under Daura senatorial zone, where the lawmaker comes from. Flagging off the medical treatment in Daura council area, Senator Bukar said the exercise was to assist beneficiaries to regain their sights and become useful members of society. He said most of the beneficiaries were not able to afford such treatments due to their socio-economic status. He said about 20 qualified medical doctors were engaged for the treatment and were expected to complete same in the next 30 days. Bukar assured people from

7,000 people to get eye treatment in Katsina his constituency of commitment to introduce more programmes aimed at improving their living standard. Earlier, Emir of Daura,

Umar Faruk Umar, called on the people with eye problems in the zone to come forward to benefit from the programme. Umar, who commended the

An overloaded truck with fire wood for the market.

lawmaker for his concern to improving lives of the people, called on elected political office holders from the area to emulate him.

PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

Ekiti butchers urged to pay tax on slaughtered animal or be fined abioDun neJo, ADO EKITI

utchers in Ekiti State have been implored to pay the new N1,000 tax per slaughtered cow or risk paying N50,000 fine for killing the animal in unauthorised places. The governor said the tax was necessary to provide necessary amenities in the abattoirs to ensure good hygiene and health of consumers. The advice came on the heels of protests by butchers in the state at the weekend that increase of the tax from N300 to N1,000 was outrageous and was capable of driving them out of business. Led by Chairman of Butchers Association in Ado Ekiti Local Government, Alhaji Mustapha Kareem, the butchers, who said they would resist it, added that apart from

the new tax, they were also paying veterinary tax, inspection rate and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) levy. But the governor urged the butchers to stop protesting the levy, saying: “We have to maintain the facility for hygienic purposes, provide where cattle are kept and provide water. Yet, they are complaining. The additional cost will be spread to others. It was during my first tenure that we built the abattoir and the place is not maintained,” he stated. According to him, the tough economic climate in the country has necessitated payment of taxes, rates and levies by individuals and corporate bodies, adding that government would be crippled without finances. Commissioner for Commerce, Hon Michael Ayodele, said the new tax was aimed at providing better facilities at

all abattoirs in the state. Ayodele said government held meetings with the butchers before the new tax was arrived at to generate more revenue and make the abattoirs more conducive to business.

The state government on Friday shut down the abattoirs to compel the butchers to pay the new tax, a development which led to scarcity of meat at Ekiti markets at the weekend.

Evangelist rapes teenager, says he was casting out demons

n evangelist alleged to have raped a 13-yearold girl in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has been arrested by the police. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sani Mohammed, on Monday told newsmen in Lafia that the suspect was invited to stay with the girl’s family in Mararaba, based on trust, but abused the privilege by forcefully having carnal knowledge of the minor. Mohammed said, “It is unfortunate that the pastor took advantage of his closeness to a family among his congregation to rape their 13-year-old daughter.” According to the commissioner, the suspect (whose name was not mentioned) had confessed to committing the crime. He said the evangelist had earlier told investigators that he was trying to cast demons out of the girl. “This man was believed to be a man of God by the family, but used the advantage of his position and proximity to the family to rape the 13-yearold girl,” Mohammed said, noting that investigation had been concluded on the matter and the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Alade market will not be relocated this year –Council Secretary Francis suberu

s fears heightened in certain quarter in respect of the planned relocation of Alade Market in Ikeja, the Council Secretary, Hon. Adekunle Adeokun has assured traders that the market will not be relocated this year. The council boss, who spoke with our correspondent in an exclusive interview yesterday, noted that the council has taken the Yuletide season sales into consideration and have decided to allow the market be,

until after the on-going construction on the new site must have been fully completed. According to Adeokun, the market as it is can no longer stay where it is presently located, saying the council, following recommendation of the 16-man standing committee on the situation of the market, have initiated the relocation process by constructing a befitting market for traders in a nearby location. He said the traders were equally complying to the relocation process as 188 out of 300 of them have paid the mandatory N150,000 for their new

shops; just as he said the ‘Kclamp’ owners were eager to pay their mandatory N50, 000. Speaking on the suit filed by some of the traders to prevent relocation of the market, Hon. Adeokun said he believed that both parties will soon settle out of court as the facts of the situation was becoming clearer to all the parties. He advised traders in Alade Market to come together to help the market and support the government; saying the intension of the council is to make Alade Market a leading one in Ikeja and Lagos as a whole.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Myanmar poll: Suu Kyi nears historic win

Due to the most unfortunate prevailing circumstances occurring at MTN Nigeria, I have tendered my resignation with immediate effect. –MTN CEO, SIFISO DABENGWA

SA protests greet plan for Zuma jet AfolAbi GAmbAri

‘Mugabe bribing soldiers’

Court hears Libya dissident claim President Jacob Zuma alighting from an aircraft that requires changing

pushing for a cheaper, less luxurious option. Reports of the intention to buy a multi-million dollar jet for South Africa’s President could not come at a worse time, after huge public protests by students calling for no fees at universities. It is not the first time a new aircraft for President Zuma has been proposed. The last few oc-

casions those plans never came to fruition. So it is unlikely that the state will go ahead with the procurement against the current barrage of condemnation. “A four-billion rand luxury VIP jet fitted with a private bedroom suite‚ a bathroom and conference room for eight and 30-person capacity is not the answer,” the Democratic Alliance

spokesperson on Defence Matter, Kobus Marais, said. Pikkie Greef from the organisation representing soldiers, the South African Defence Union (SANDU) added that the expense was unnecessary. “There is no reason why President Zuma cannot travel the way President Mandela used to travel which is with stop-overs and refuelling,” he said.

Magufuli slashes Tanzania travels, tax exemptions

anzanian President, John Magufuli, yesterday ordered restrictions on foreign travel by government officials and cuts in tax exemptions, signalling the potential start of fiscal belt-tightening measures by his government. Magufuli, sworn in on November 5 as Tanzania’s fifth president, has pledged to double the east African country’s monthly revenue collection to 1.8 trillion shillings ($843million) over the next five years while promising to create more jobs and accelerate economic growth. Some public officials have a reputation for making frequent foreign trips and for flying in first or business class at taxpayers’ expense in a country that is one of the biggest per-capita aid recipients in Africa. “The president has put a halt

AFRICAN BULLETIN

Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe, has been slammed for bribing the armed forces through continuously awarding them bonuses ahead of the rest of the government workforce. Political opponents and civil servants groups said yesteday that the unpopular decision had betrayed the veteran leader’s constant fears for an armed rebellion from within the country’s military. “It is clear that our government is afraid of soldiers. It tends to prioritise soldiers because they have guns,” Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) President, Takavafira Zhou, said. But Public Service Minister Prisca Mupfumira said the bonus payments would be staggered among the different sectors of the cash-strapped government workforce with the armed forces first in the queue.

WITH AGENCY REPORT

outh Africa’s opposition has demanded that the government scrap plans to buy a new jet for President Jacob Zuma that could cost 4billion rand ($280m or £185m). Reports said the country’s Defence Department had advertised for a plane with a bedroom suite and a conference room. But the presidency has responded, asking the department to brief the public “as much as possible” on the purchase. Secretary for Defence, Sam Gulube, said the government did not know how much the plane would cost. But the advert for suppliers specifies the government had sought for a plane with a range of 13, 800km (8, 600 miles), meaning it can fly to Moscow or New York without landing to refuel. The tender notice also said the plane should have 30 passenger seats, double the number of the president’s current plane. The department of defence said the jet would replace the current plane, Ikwazi, which has been grounded a number of times due to mechanical problems. But opposition parties are

51 47

to all foreign trips by government officials with immediate effect,” the president’s office said in a statement. “If there is an urgent need for foreign travel by a public official,

Tanzanian President John Magufuli

approval must be granted by the president himself or the chief secretary (head of civil service).” The Presidency said Magufuli, 56, has instead ordered government officials to visit villages

and other rural parts of Tanzania to address “grievances and problems of the people” and is expected to appoint cabinet ministers within two weeks. “The president has also instructed the Tanzania Revenue Authority ... to step up revenue collection from large tax payers and curb tax evasion without fear or favour,” the statement further said. The president made a surprise visit to the finance ministry last Friday and ordered officials to crack down on tax exemptions. Magufuli, whose supporters call him “the bulldozer” for building desperately needed roads across the large nation in his previous post as a cabinet minister, has pledged to introduce a raft of measures to end government excesses and boost revenue collection.

One of the most controversial claims of rendition involving the UK is being heard by the Supreme Court. Ex-Libyan dissident Abdul Hakim Belhaj says MI6 helped to arrange his and his wife’s rendition, saying they were covertly taken from Thailand to Libya. The case, involving allegations against ex-Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and an ex-MI6 chief, prompted an unprecedented battle over whether it can even begin. The Supreme Court is to decide whether the couple can sue the UK government. Police have investigated the claims but the Crown Prosecution Service is yet to announce its charging decision.

Sleeping sickness study claims success Researchers from Edinburgh University have claimed thousands of lives may have been saved in Africa by a new initiative to combat sleeping sickness. The disease, caused by a parasite that attacks the nervous system, is fatal if it is not treated. Scientists said the number of acute cases in rural Uganda fell by 90 per cent after they injected cattle with a drug that kills a parasite. The disease is transmitted from cattle to humans by the tsetse fly. The university’s vice-principal global access, Professor Sue Welburn, led the research. “It is transmitted by tsetse flies and they inoculate these parasites into your blood where they multiply and then these parasites move from your blood to your central nervous system where they cause profound problems and really quite extraordinary symptoms,” Welburn said.

World News

nitial results from Myanmar’s national parliamentary vote, the country’s freest election in a generation, trickle in yesterday, with early seats going to the party of veteran democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi. After turning out to polling stations Sunday, millions of the Southeast Asian nation’s citizens eagerly anticipated the official results, which could herald a shift from decades of military-dominated rule. Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) is up against the ruling, militarybacked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) of President Thein Sein, a former general who has overseen a series of political reforms in recent years. Early signs pointed to a strong showing by the opposition NLD, which swept all the seats in the first small batch of results announced, while the leader of the ruling USDP signaled his party had fared poorly. “We won in some regions, states and divisions, but also lost in some others,” the acting chairman of the ruling USDP, Htay Oo, said, adding, “We have a higher percentage of losses than wins.” In the first official results announced, Suu Kyi’s party won 12 seats in the lower house of the national parliament, the election commission said. NLD supporters gathered amid jubilant scenes outside the party’s Yangon headquarters Monday night, waving NLD flags and wearing Tshirts emblazoned with Suu Kyi’s image, in anticipation of a big victory. “We believe we can win,” a medical doctor, Ayea Nyeian Thu, said. “We don’t want to see a military government any longer,” he added. But hundreds more results, including many from remote areas with poor infrastructure, need to be announced before the full picture becomes clear. The landmark election is seen as a test of the powerful Myanmar military’s willingness to let the country continue along a path toward full democracy. Pro-democracy supporters are optimistic that the election could be the beginning of real change in the country,

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Myanmar poll: Suu Kyi nears historic win

WORLD BULLETIN

Jordanian officer kills three A Jordanian police officer who had been fired killed two American contractors and a South African contractor at a training facility on Monday, Jordan’s official Petra news agency reported yesterday. Two other Americans and four Jordanians were wounded in the incident at the King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center near the capital, Amman, according to reports. Jordanian security forces killed the shooter, the Prime Minister’s office said. The police officer had recently been fired, the U.S. official said, but it was unclear if that was the reason for the shooting. No members of the U.S. military, who cycle through the training center, were involved in the shooting, the U.S. official said, although the U.S. Embassy in Jordan said it was aware of the incident.

Report: British jet avoids missile

Aung San Suu Kyi

which has been isolated for decades due to its repressive military-dominated government. Suu Kyi, the daughter of an independence leader, spent

much of the next two decades under house arrest, becoming an internationally recognized symbol of democracy and the country’s most popular politician.

With most people living in rural areas where votes are expected to take longer to tally, it remains unclear when exactly the final results will be known.

US varsity head quits in race row

resident of the University of Missouri, Tim Wolfe, yesterday resigned amid criticism of how he has handled racial issues Wolfe’s action came amidst accusations that en-

Tim Wolfe

demic racism persisted at the university and had not been addressed. He made the announcement as students and professors staged a walkout at the Columbia campus. Some members of the uni-

versity’s football team have threatened not to play at a game on Saturday over the racial issues. Black student groups sid racial slurs are commonly used around campus. “The frustration and anger that I see is clear and real and I don’t doubt it for a second,” Wolfe said, stressing, “I take full responsibility for the frustration and inaction on this campus.” Missouri graduate student, Jonathan Butler, who had been participating in a hunger strike as a protest, said the resignation was a “great step towards change” but there was still a lot of work to do. The university’s governing board must consider minority voices to avoid situations like this in the future, Butler said, adding, “We still have a lot of healing that needs to happen on campus,” he said, adding that his hunger strike would now end.

A British passenger jet headed to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh narrowly avoided a missile in August, authorities said following a Russian jet crash in the same area this week. The Thomson Airways jet with 189 people aboard took off from London and was headed to the Red Sea resort, according to The Guardian. It said the jet came within 1, 000 feet of a missile in its trajectory August 23, and went on to land safely. The paper said passengers were kept in the dark about the incident. The revelation comes days after a Russian passenger jet crashed in the Sinai Peninsula last weekend, killing all 224 people aboard. U.S. and UK officials have said there may have been a bomb aboard the jet. A UK government spokesman confirmed the media reports, but he did not provide any specifics.

Sinai crash: ‘ISIS chatter supports bomb theory’ ISIS’ affiliate in Egypt says it brought down Metrojet Flight 9268. And U.S. officials are more confident that terrorists bombed the Russian plane. Yet key questions remain: If terrorists did plant a bomb, how did they do it? And what could prevent that from happening again? Several senior U.S. intelligence, military and national security officials have spoken about the growing confidence that the plane was bombed by terrorists. One official said it was “99.9 per cent certain.” Another said it was “likely.” The plane was headed from the Egyptian resort city of Sharm elSheikh to St. Petersburg, Russia, on October 31. But not long after takeoff, it disintegrated midair and crashed in the Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian officials, who are leading the main crash investigation, haven’t expressed as much confidence in the bomb theory. “All the scenarios” are still on the table, Head of the investigation, Ayman al-Muqaddam, said.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

In all fairness, this is a wrong time to be involved in Copa America based on our World Cup experience –Brazil captain, Thiago Silva

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Emedolu warns Okagbare ahead of Olympics

Victorious Golden Eaglets on Sunday, in Chile

W/Cup victory: Buhari, Dogara, governors hail Golden Eaglets

Rotimi Fadeyi, Ubong Ukpong, FRancis sUbeRU, Wole adedeji & igbaWase UkUmba

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday congratulated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on their victory over Mali in the final match of this year’s U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile. A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari applauded the exemplary zeal, determination, commitment, hard work, patriotism and soccer artistry which the youthful Eaglets put on display throughout the tournament to win the championship for a record fifth time. The President noted with delight that the Golden Eaglets not only won the coveted U-17 FIFA World Cup but are also bringing home highly-valued individual awards such as the Golden Boot

...President to accord team heroes’ welcome won by Victor Osimhen for being the tournament’s highest goal scorer and the Golden Ball, won by the team captain, Kelechi Nwakali for being the best player. Buhari believed that by their triumph, the Eaglets have shown the world that the indomitable Nigerian spirit is alive and waxing stronger. According to the president, the Golden Eaglets’ latest victory on the global stage is an affirmation of the significant progress Nigeria is making towards positively redefining and rediscovering its potential for greatness in the comity of nations. He expressed trust that if all other Nigerians imbibe and exhibit the doggedness, determination and patriotism displayed by their youthful compatriots in Chile, Nigeria would surely make faster progress towards becoming the strong, united, peaceful, secure and prosperous nation

envisioned by its people. The President said he joined other proud Nigerians in awaiting the Golden Eaglets’ triumphant return to a heroes’ welcome from a joyous and grateful nation. Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and his Deputy, Sulaimon Lasun, have hailed the Golden Eagles over their victory in Chile. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker said the Eaglets have done Nigeria and Nigerians proud. “You have done us proud and demonstrated that with hard work and unity of purpose, we can surmount our challenges and emerge victorious as a nation,” Dogara said. Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated the Golden Eaglets for their feat in Chile.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the resilience of the Eaglets to go all the way to defend the title their predecessors won in the UAE two years ago was typical of the Nigerian spirit in the face of any daunting challenge. “This is another eloquent testimony to the fact that Nigeria is a great country with enormous potential and we can achieve anything and everything if we are united and determined towards a course or a target,” Ambode said. From Ilorin, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, congratulated the Eaglets for emerging the fifth-time world champions. In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, yesterday, Governor Ahmed said, “The Golden Eaglets with this victory have kept Nigerians’ tenacity of mak-

ing positive history, especially in age grade football alive,” recalling that Nigeria won the first edition in China 30 years ago. He charged Nigerians to make the enduring values of selfless service, unquestionable love for the fatherland that the Eaglets’ victory underscored, manifest in all aspects of their national life. In the same vein, Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko AlMakura, yesterday congratulated the victorious Golden Eaglet The governor’s message was contained in a press release signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Tukur, and made available to National Mirror in Lafia. Governor Al-Makura said the superlative boys have proven to the world that Nigeria is on course and urged Nigerians to use the victory to open up other avenues for success in every sector of the Nigerian society.

Sports

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Welldone Boy: Coach Amuneke (r) shaking golden boot winner, Victor Osimhen, at the end of a match in Chile

Chile 2015 victory

Osimhen, Nwakali pay tribute to Amuneke

igeria’s FIFA U-17 World Cup record breaker, Victor Osimhen, and captain Kelechi Nwakali, have paid special tribute to Golden Eaglets’ Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, following a record fifth title for Nigeria at the global cadet championship that ended in Chile last Sunday. Two goals by Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye saw Nigeria to glory yet again at the Estadio Sausalito Stadium in Vina del Mar, in front of over 21,000 spectators including the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and a pocket of Nigerian fans led by officials from the Nigeria Embassy in Argentina who came all the way from Buenos Aires.

Osimhen’s goal broke the existing FIFA U-17 World Cup scoring record of nine goals, just three days after he equalled the ninegoal record in a single tournament previously jointly held by Frenchman, Florent Sinama Pongolle and Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly, who were top scorers at the global cadet championship at Trinidad & Tobago 2001 and Mexico 2011 respectively. Speaking after laying his hands on the Golden Boot of Chile 2015, Osimhen thanked Coach Amuneke for being a father figure to the players, even as he dedicated his award to his sister who gave birth to a baby girl last Friday. “I want to thank Coach Amuneke again for what he has impacted in us and I’m also

grateful to my teammates who helped me to break the record,” said the teenager who was also voted as the second best player of the tournament behind Nwakali. “The Golden Boot is also dedicated to my sister who just had a baby girl.” Nwakali, who was rewarded with the adidas Golden Ball and the Second Runner Up of the adidas Golden Boot, said apart from God, Coach Amuneke was the architect of the team’s success. “Coach Amuneke is more than a coach to us. He is a father and I want to thank him so much. It is always the dream of every young player to win the World Cup and we are happy that he has helped us to achieve this glory.”

You’ve made Africa proud, says Glo chairman

hairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. (GCON) has congratulated the U-17 National Team, President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria on the victory of the Golden Eaglets at the just-concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. The Emmanuel Amunekecoached Eaglets capped their im-

pressive run in the tournament on Sunday when they defeated Mali in an-all Africa final 2-0 to lift the trophy for a record fifth time, thus making Nigeria the most successful country in the history of the youth tournament. Nigeria equalled the record of Brazil (1997 and 1999) by becoming the second team ever to retain the U-17 World

Cup. In addition, Victor Osimhen with his 10 goals entered the record books as the highest overall goals scorer in the history of the competition. “It was indeed an unlimited performance by our dear Golden Eaglets. I congratulate them for emerging world champions. Once again, they have done exceptionally

well to bring honour to Nigeria and Africa. We are proud of them,” Dr. Adenuga said. He said that Globacom, the major sponsor of Nigerian national football teams, would continue to contribute to the development of football which has always been the greatest unifying factor in the country.

Chess: Masters set for NB Championship AfolAbi GAmbAri

he 38th Nigerian Breweries Plc National Open Chess Championship gets underway today with the best talent in the country jostling for the N1million prize money in the Masters category.

Prodigies that comprise current national champion, Bomo Kighiga, as well as Ademola Sorungbe, John Fawole, Bunmi Olape, Dapo Adu and Eugene Uwanna are ready to display their prowess on the chess board to determine the ultimate winner of the star prize, the highest prize by any corpo-

rate sponsor in the country. Emerging talent in the brain game, Abimbola Osunfuyi, is also expected to arrive on the big stage after good display in majority of the recent tournaments. More than N3m prize money will be won in all categories, with the Masters’ section

offering N2million. Competitors in the oneweek nine-round Swiss event paring scheduled for the Indoor Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, will also jostle for prizes in the Open and Ladies sections, in addition to Amateur, Amateur Men and Under 14 Boys and Girls.

NFF, NSC abandon Siasia’s U-23 team Joel AJAyi ABUJA

ll protocols required by the U-23 National Team to embark on a training tour of Morocco in final preparation for the Africa U-23 Olympics qualifying Tournament in Senegal have been left for the coaching crew. National Mirror learnt that Coach Samson Siasia is currently on his own battling to obtain the Note Verbale, a diplomatic clearance required to secure Moroccan visas at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. A source also informed that Siasia also paid for the cost of yellow fever vaccine administered on the team as a condition to get the visas. Our correspondent gathered that these additional administrative duties taken up by Siasia in the absence of top federation officials, who had been in Chile and South Africa with the Golden Eaglets and Falconets respectively, have meant that the chief coach missed supervising the Dream Team’s training sessions in the last one week. It will be recalled that Siasia had last week complained of the cold shoulder given to his team by the NFF and exonerated himself of any blame if the team fumbles in Senegal. He was subsequently queried and fined by the NFF. A staff of the NFF who did not want his name in print said, “As I am talking to you now the team needs to travel to Morocco, but there is no travelling arrangement from the federation. “I even learnt that Coach himself was at the embassy to pay for yellow card for about 32 players and technical crew.” Although the Dream Team VI is believed to be the baby of the National Sports Commission (NSC) but the Commission directed the NFF to be responsible for their bills for the time being.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Mercyjacob_26@yahoo.com Tel: 08063056537

Emedolu warns Okagbare ahead of Olympics

x-Nigerian sprinter Uchenna Emedolu has called on the African queen of the track Blessing Okagbare Igho Otegheri to beware of getting herself involved in too many events during the Olympics or risk losing her prestige in athletics. According to Emedolu, Okagbare is the only Nigerian hopeful for the Olympics and needs not participate in too many events if she wishes to win a medal and justify the confidence reposed her. “Sincerely speaking though I might be sounding too raw but the truth has to be told, Blessing Okagbare is the only medal prospect Nigeria have for Rio Olympics, that is why I am advising her not to engage in too many events rather she should concentrate on two events where she know she has her strength. The possibility of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) trying to put pressure on her to participate in more than two events is there, but if I am in her shoe I will only chose to go for 200m or long jump Emedolu said. “Aside Okagbare and few female athletes there is no hope for Nigeria for the Olympics because they cannot do magic we have a system that do not encourage athletes to do well. Before now to be precise during my active days we were doing better than the Jamaicans who seems to have

Okagbare Igho Otegheri

World bits… Russia face Rio Olympics ban

A Emedolu

taking over track and field events in all the World championship but because we don’t invest on our athletes we nowhere to be found today. Our Administrators also lack administrative acumen and have no plan for the future that is why the sports is declining every day. I pray Okagbare would not disappoint Nigerians during the Olympics Emedolu continues, because the pressure would be too much and my fear is she should not end up having problem with AFN before and during the Olympics because it can be disastrous.

Speaking Further, Emedolu called on the incoming Sports Minister, to invest more on track and field insisting that the sports have more medal hopes than football. “I want to plead to the incoming Minister to put more resources on track and field than football because we have more medals in this sport. He should also look in the area of infrastructures because most of the infrastructures are collapsing so fast such that if nothing is done in the few years to come it would be worse than what we are seen today.

Star Quote…

It’s all hard work. It’s been a long journey, grafting and grafting

Mo Farah

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) commission has recommended athletics governing body IAAF suspend Russia from all competitions from 2016 following the results of an investigation into systematic doping in the country. Additionally it recommended five Russian athletes and five coaches be banned for life for doping offences and that the anti-

doping lab in Moscow should lose its accreditation. The allegations of doping and a culture of corruption to cover up positive tests in Russia was first made by German broadcaster ARD in December 2014. In response, WADA convened a three-man commission headed by former president Dick Pound which carried out an 11-month investigation.

IOC to suspend Diack as investigation continues

ormer IAAF president Lamine Diack is facing provisional suspension as an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee after French police revealed he is under investigation for allegedly receiving more than 1million pound to cover up doping. The IOC ethics commission has announced it has recommended that Diack, who stepped down as IAAF president in August, be provisionally suspended. The 82-year-old from Senegal is

accused of being complicit in a cover-up of doping by Russian athletes. His son Papa Massata Diack, advisor Habib Cisse and the former IAAF anti-doping chief Gabriel Dolle are also being investigated by French police. The announcement comes with athletics bracing itself for another dark day with the World Anti-Doping Agency due on Monday afternoon to publish its report into allegations of widespread doping among Russian athletes.

Rio 2016: Greene retains British funding

ormer world 400m hurdles champion Dai Green has retained his British Athletics funding ahead of the Rio Olympics next season. Cardiff hurdler David Omoregie and 400m runner Seren Bundy-Davies have also been handed financial assistance but there is no support for Olympic discus thrower Brett Morse. Greene has been plagued by injury since winning the 400m world hurdles title in Daegu in

2011. After finishing fourth in the Olympics at London 2012 despite battling a knee injury, the Llanelli ace has been battling hernia problems which saw him fail to reach the final of the world championships in 2013 and Commonwealth Games in 2014. The 29-year-old, who has relocated to Loughborough to work with new coach Benke Blomkvist, also missed out on this year’s World Championships after battling injury and illness.

WORLD RECORD

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Vol. 05 No. 1240 Tuesday, November 10, 2015

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Will APC allow credible elections? C redible elections are a fulcrum of democracy. Without it, democracy cannot be said to be alive and well. The people must be allowed to freely choose their leaders; to retain, remove or replace them and to do this at their pleasure without any fear of a likely reprimand from any quarters. Free and fair election is like the blood that runs in the human arteries; without it, the body is dead. It can also be likened to the oil that lubricates the engine of a vehicle; without it, the engine will “knock”, as they say. Therefore, the absence of credible elections has led to the collapse of governments through military coups and or popular uprisings. In Nigeria, for example, rigged elections

Guest Columnist

Bola Bolawole

and corruption have been two key reasons why previous democratic experiments have floundered. The military have stepped in to send civilian governments packing after acrimonious elections and or the disturbance of the public peace that accompanied them. Since the Fourth Republic began in 1999, the ghost of rigged elections has returned to haunt the country; the 1999 and 2003 general elections, especially were well noted to be less that credible. From 2011, however, the general consensus appears to be that elections have become less ludicrous in the country. Credible elections start with the compilation of the electoral register. Once this is muddled up or rigged, it is bound to affect the general conduct and eventual output of the election. The central position of electoral officers in the whole exercise cannot also be over-emphasised. Once the umpires are compromised, level-playing ground cannot to assured to all players. The shenanigans of gerrymandering; deliberate starving of “enemy” strongholds of election materials; releasing of sensitive information, documents, and materials to “favoured” candidates or political parties; to outright doctoring of election results, and writing and announcing of totally fake results are all known to have been executed by compromised electoral officers acting in cahoots with political godfathers and or the party in power. The role of the security agencies in the outcome of elections has of late assumed frightening dimensions. Whereas in the past it used to be the police that was the cynosure of all eyes and, ultimately, the culprit, in recent times, members of the armed

THE ROLE OF THE SECURITY AGENCIES IN THE OUTCOME OF ELECTIONS HAS OF LATE ASSUMED FRIGHTENING DIMENSIONS forces and the secret service have been given central roles to play before, during, and after elections. This has led to allegations of deliberate militarisation of elections with the sole purpose of using the military to rig elections by the party in power. Then, of course, there are the courts, the so-called last hope of the common man, whose statutory role is to adjudicate in election disputes. It is an open secret, if it is still any secret at all, that even the courts and election tribunals have become part of the problem as “justice” is known to have been casually and randomly given to the highest bidder and or to the party in power. The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua admitted openly that the 2011 election that brought him to office was tragically flawed and promised to institute reforms that would make future elections more credible. He started the process but death did not allow him conclude it. His successor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, however, took the process forward. Under Yar’Adua and Jonathan, we witnessed for the very first time the government in party accepting election verdicts that went against their own party in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, etc. We also witnessed a sitting president (Jona-

than) appointing a credible INEC boss in the person of Pro. Attahiru Jega, allowing him organise credible elections with Jonathan ultimately losing the presidential election and accepting defeat and congratulating the winner even before the results were officially announced. The actions of Yar’Adua and Jonathan from 2007 downwards not only helped to stabilize the polity but also strengthened the democratic culture taking roots. With APC now the party in power, the onus is on it to move the process forward. In addition to the preparation of credible electoral register; availability of voters’ cards; impartiality of INEC officials; evenhanded application of electoral rules and regulations; and the sanctity of electoral materials and processes, are crucial to the credibility of elections. There are two other fundamental issues that INEC must take care of for future elections to be seen as credible. The first is the functionality of the newlyintroduced INEC screening\accreditation machines. The machines were an issue in the last election; they worked perfectly in some areas; worked haphazardly in others; and were absolute hindrance in many voting centres. Apart from lack of requisite technical expertise to handle the machines; there were also allegations that INEC officials deliberately manipulated the machines to rig the elections. Secondly is the role of the military in electoral processes. APC was loud on this in the last elections, alleging that PDP leveraged on its control of the military to use the officers and men so deployed to rig the elections; the Ekiti State election that returned Gov. Ayodele Fayose into power was particularly cited on this score. Now, the tables have turned and APC is in charge. Will it also take full advantage of the institutions and processes it had accused the PDP of taking or will it reform the system and block all the loopholes it had cried about while in the opposition? Bolawole, former Editor of The Punch, is a Lagos-based media specialist and publisher.

Sport Extra

helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, still retains the support of Blues owner, Roman Abramovich, and his position is not under immediate threat. Although Mourinho, who has said the club will

Mourinho retains Abramovich’s support have to sack him if they want to get rid of him as he will not resign, has also had his disciplinary problems. The Blues lost at Stoke last Saturday with Mourinho absent as he served a one-

game stadium ban. The defeat was Chelsea’s seventh in 12 Premier League games and leaves then three points above the relegation zone in 16th place.

Mourinho’s side face Norwich at Stamford Bridge on November 21. The last time Chelsea lost seven of their opening 12 games in a top-flight season was in 1978-79 when they

were relegated. Mourinho, who signed a new four-year contract in August, thanked Abramovvich for his support in October following a defeat at home by Southampton.

Mourinho

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