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Hajj: 20 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

N Abubakar

Vol. 5 N0. 1205

ational Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, yesterday confirmed the death of 20 Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

since the beginning of this year’s Hajj. Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Mukhtar, disclosed this at a pre-Arafat stakeholders’

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Sallah: FG declares Thursday, Friday public holiday

meeting at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He said 14 pilgrims died due to cardiac arrest and other ailments, while CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Falae kidnapped, abductors demand N100m ransom Police rescue businessman from kidnappers in Oyo

OJO OYEWAMIDE AND KEMI OLAITAN

uspected Fulani herdsmen yesterday stormed the farm of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Oluyemisi Falae, at Ilado in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, kidnapping him. Falae was said to have been whisked away by the hoodlums after attacking workers in the farm. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

CJN accuses lawyers of hiding corrupt judges’ identity P.4 Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) and Chief Justice of the Federation, Mahmud Mohammed, during the swearing in of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, at the SuPHOTO: NAN preme Court in Abuja, yesterday.

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Assets declaration: Saraki appears before tribunal today ...as Appeal Court insists Senate President must face trial

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American FAA raises EAD alarm on crashed Bristow helicopter

54 killed, 95 injured in Borno multiple blasts –Police

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

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Assets declaration: Saraki appears before tribunal today OBIORA IFOH AND GEORGE OJI

ourt of Appeal sitting in Abuja yesterday refused to grant the ex-parte applications brought by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, seeking to stop his arrest by the police and stay proceedings before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, over alleged false assets declaration. Ruling on the application, the presiding judge, Justice Moore Adumein, held that Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act 2004 as amended gave the court the general power to make interim orders. He further noted that for the court to exercise such power, the application for the interim order shall be in writing. “It is for this reason that the court will refuse this application for interim injunction. It would be better serve the interest of justice for the respondents to be put on notice. “Consequently, the motion is hereby refused and struck out,” the court

held. The court, however, adjourned till September 29 for hearing of the motion on notice. In a related development, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja in a separate ruling also yesterday refused a similar application brought by the Senate President. The trial judge, Justice A.R Mohammed, in his ruling refused the application and ordered that the respondents be put on notice. Justice Mohammed further adjourned till September 30 for hearing of the substantive suit. Saraki approached the Federal High Court praying it to stop the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, and Tribunal from prosecuting him. In the meantime, CCT yesterday renewed its order of arrest on Saraki by the Inspector General of Police and other security agents charging them to produce him today to take his plea in the 13-count charge slammed on him. The tribunal had earlier on Friday ordered the IGP to arrest and produce

the Senate President yesterday. But at the resumed trial, counsel to Saraki, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the tribunal that the accused had filed an appeal before the court of appeal challenging the ruling of the tribunal. He, however, prayed the tribunal to stay proceedings pending the determi-

nation of the appeal. Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, who opposed the application argued that Section 305 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 do not allow a stay of proceeding in any criminal matter any longer. He informed the tribunal that following the un-

dertaken made by Daudu on Friday that he would produce Saraki in court yesterday, he (Jacobs) advised the Federal Government not to execute the arrest as a mark of honour to the senior lawyer. He, however, noted that he was surprised that in spite of the undertaken by Daudu to produce Saraki, the accused person was

still not in court. Jacobs therefore prayed the tribunal to make an order that will bring the accused person. Justice Danladi Umar, after listening to all the submissions, expressed disappointment that the accused was not in court. “We have taken note of the observations the acCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Senate delegation to Hajj, Sen. Ali Wakil, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa and Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume, in Miqaut-Medina, Saudi Arabia, on their way to the Holy city of Mecca.

Falae kidnapped, abductors demand N100m ransom CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

It was gathered that they shot sporadically into the air before they escaped from the scene. The herdsmen, who were heavily armed, reportedly attacked the farm manager simply identified as Bruno and asked him to lead them to where Falae was staying. It was learnt that the manager was the one who led the kidnappers to where Falae was abducted and taken to an unknown destination. Sources said the farm manager was severely injured and had been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Director of Administration and Publicity of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the state, Remi Olayiwola, confirmed to journalists that Falae was kidnapped in his farm.

Olayiwola disclosed that the abductors had demanded N100m for the freedom of the former Minister of Finance. He said: “Baba went to his farm as usual in Ilado. The gunmen went to his farm, attacked and kidnapped him. The abductors have contacted Chief Olu Falae’s wife and they are demanding the sum of N100m before they would release him.” Ondo State government described the incident as unfortunate, lamenting that the security of the country had deteriorated to the level of abducting somebody of Falae’s personality. Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said an urgent security meeting had been summoned, assuring the public that the state government would do everything possible to ensure Falae is rescued.

Asamo of Akure, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya, expressed shock at the incident, saying Akure traditional council would do everything to secure Falae’s freedom. “We are surprised. I don’t really know what the old man has done. He does not have money. He is an old man. By the time we heard the news, we were shocked. The Deji has contacted the state government. We appeal to the security agencies to do something about it. “I am hearing that Chief Falae has issues with the Fulani herdsmen for the first time. Anyway, we’ve not received full details of the kidnapping. But if that is the case, it is just unfortunate. “But I would like to appeal to the government to do something about it. But for some time now, the people of Akure have not had any problem with

the Fulani herdsmen. I think we must do something about it.” Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO; Wole Ogodo confirmed the incident, saying the state police command had sent a rescue team to liberate the Afenifere chieftain. Ogodo said some of the staff of Falae who were injured had been taken to hospital while efforts were in progress to secure the release of the politician. Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, described the development as embarrassing to the group, the state and the nation. Arogbofa, however, expressed optimism that the former finance minister will return home safely. Meanwhile, Oyo State Police Command, has began investigation into circumstances surrounding the kidnap of a Lagos-

based businessman, Alhaji Abdul Akeem Amoo, who was rescued on Sunday afternoon by a police patrol team at Idi-Ayunre in the Oluyole local government area of the state. National Mirror learnt that the 54-year-old businessman was kidnapped during a visit to his quarry and mining firm located at Ese-Apata via Abanla in the local government area. It was gathered that Amoo had gone to the site with a view to paying some of his staff at the quarry and some of the contractors supplying him diesel and those rendering him supplementary services. A source added that inside the boot of the blue Honda Accord car the business man rode to the site was the two million naira he wanted to use to effect the various payments.

However, trouble was said to have started shortly after Amoo got to the site when a team of ten hoodlums swarmed on him, damaged his car, pounced on him and inflicted several injuries on him before forcing him and one of his employees whose name is given as Adeleke Yahaya inside an unnumbered Toyota Hillux Van. His hands were also said to have been tied with ropes before he and Adeleke were sandwiched among the suspected kidnappers inside the van before the captors drove off. The policemen on patrol at Idi-Ayunre were however attracted to the van with the cry for help by Amoo and Adeleke, who subsequently released the duo and effected the arrest of four of the suspects. Speaking with journalCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Photo News

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

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L-R: Wife of Lagos State SSG, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello; wife of Speaker, House of Assembly, Mrs. Falilat Obasa; daughter of deceased, Amb. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; wife of Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; first daughter of deceased, Rev. Tola Oyediran and Iyalode-General, Lagos State, Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, during a condolence visit to the family of Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, at their Ikenne residence, Ogun State, yesterday.

L-R: Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Communications Nigeria, Mrs. Alero Ladipo; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Managing Director, Smile Communications Nigeria, Mr. Michiel Buitelaar; Head, Operator Business, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mrs. Lolade Shonubi and Managing Director, Mr. Brovo Kim, during the launch of the first VOLTE compliant smartphone and network in Nigeria, at the weekend.

L-R: Director of Operations, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Capt. Yusuf Lawal; Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Felix Abali; Director of Engineering, Engr. Chukwuma and Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, during investigation report press conference by AIB on Bristow Helicopter crash in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Chairman, Computer Dealers Association, POWA Phase I, Ikeja, Jerry Mba; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikeja Constituency I, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed; Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC, Obinnia Abajue and President, Phone Dealers Association, Computer Village, Ikeja, Godfrey Nwosu, during the commissioning of Stanbic IBTC Bank Computer Village Cash Centre, yesterday.

National News

CJN accuses lawyers of hiding identity of corrupt judges …says only National Assembly can scrap SAN title

ObiOra ifOh ABUJA

hief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday accused senior lawyers in the Judiciary shielding the identity of corrupt judges, following their unguarded comments that the judiciary is corrupt. Speaking during a special session of the Supreme Court to mark the commencement of the 2015/2016 legal year and swearing-in of newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, Justice Mohammed urged the senior lawyers to fish out the identity of the corrupt judges so that they can be properly dealt with by the National Judicial Council, NJC. He advised the newly sworn-in SANs to display utmost integrity and humility in helping the court

dispense justice. The CJN, who dismissed calls for the abolition of SAN titles, noted that the practice is backed by Section 5 (1) of the legal practitioners Act. He said: “It is indeed a statutory recognised privileged. “As much as I will concede that the system of conferment may require reforms, its abolition will be tantamount to proverbially throwing away the baby with the bath water. In any event, none of us here can decisively abolish the rank.” He noted that only the National Assembly can abolish it via a bill of both chambers saying that in the absence of this, legal practitioners should close ranks and seek constructive solutions to the challenges confronting the profession. Justice Mohammed said

this year’s conferment exercise was unique as five candidates, allowed to appeal earlier disqualification, were successful. Two have already been confirmed for the appointment. “I am proud to say that only the best equipped candidates, both intellectually and materially were short listed for the conferment of the SAN title,” the CJN added. He called for synergy between the Bar and the Bench in ensuring that only fit and proper persons remain in practise and promised to strengthen the initiative so as to encourage a viral bar-bench relationship. On his part, President of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Augustine Alegeh, SAN, condemned the recent face-off between the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT and the Federal High Court saying, it is an un-

necessary distraction. He said: “The constitutional hierarchy of our courts is well settled and we urge all to respect it. This is not good for our judiciary. Let wise counsel prevail.” He congratulated the new SANs on their eleva-

tion and urged them to be good ambassadors of the bar and worthy mentors to their junior colleagues. Kola Okeaya-Inneh, SAN, who spoke on behalf of the recipients, stressed the need to look into the mode appointment of members of the judiciary.

“There is a pressing need for the law school to go back to the first principles in the training, such that those that are called to the bar are able to cope with the challenges posed by the justice delivery system in the 21st century,” he said.

NAMA seeks synergy with Police on aviation security

igerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, yesterday advocated a synergy with the police to protect navigational infrastructure at the nation’s airports. Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, made the call while receiving the new Commissioner of Police of the Lagos Airport Command, Mrs. Victoria Menta, to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Abdulsalam noted that navigational facilities, including the air traffic management/communication, navigation and surveillance were critical to flight safety. He said collaborating with the police and other security agencies would ensure that the nation’s high-tech air traffic management facilities would remain safe and secure for flight operations. While congratulating

Menta on her new posting, Abdulsalam lauded the command for its maintenance of law and order and security of infrastructure at the airports. Menta commended the agency for ensuring safety of air navigation in the country. She said that her visit was to ensure that the command had direct interface with stakeholders in the sector to discuss issues of mutual interest.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Rivers election: 6 witnesses testify for INEC S ix witnesses for Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, told the Rivers Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday that they all resorted to the use of manual accreditation when card reader machines failed. The witnesses told the Justice Suleiman Ambrosa-led tribunal, during separate cross-examinations by Counsel to the petitioner, Mr Akinlolu Olujimi, SAN, that their resort to manual accreditation was endorsed by INEC during their training.

Miss Ogechi MaryannAnyanwu, the Presiding Officer for Tai Local Government Area, said the instruction was given to them during their training with INEC before the March 28 Presidential election. “The training we had with INEC was before the Presidential election; there was no other training before the governorship election. “We were asked to use the manual accreditation when the card reader cannot cope; this was what we used when the card reader machine started malfunctioning and we had

enough accreditation. “We were issued all election materials, including card reader machine, and the whole thing went on very well,” she said. Assistant Presiding Officer for the same local government, Mr Jerry Ayawgh, also said when the card reader in his own station started having problem; he contacted the Supervising Polling Officer, SPO, who gave him another one. Ayawgh said when the card reader brought by the SPO started developing low battery and people were on queue for accredi-

Wike

tation, he resorted to manual accreditation. Another witness, Mr. Adeyemi Moses, the Presiding officer for Akukutoru Local Government Area, said there was no incident of snatching of ballot papers in the polling units he supervised on the day of election. “We had every material

for the election; we started with card reader but along the line, we cut off when problems started. “I was given 298 ballot papers by my supervisor and I carried out 300 accreditations. Everybody in my station voted for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “My polling unit had 30 agents, none of them made any complaint to me on any issue,” Moses said. He said he did not see any soldier on the day of the election, adding that he only saw personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,

Assets declaration: Saraki appears before tribunal today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

cused counsel on the pending matter at the Federal High Court, but it is worthy of note that the order of the Federal High Court did not suspend the sitting of the tribunal. “We also disagree on the argument of the accused that applicability of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act did not affect this tribunal; this tribunal is duty bound to apply the new law because it affects the tribunal. “This tribunal has to take a position that in the interest of justice and the position of the tribunal is that the accused must be compelled to appear be-

fore this tribunal tomorrow. “In this wise, we re-affirm that the bench warrant of last Friday must be executed for the Inspector General of Police or other security agencies to arrest and produce the accused before this tribunal tomorrow by 10am,” the tribunal held. Meanwhile, the Senate President has pledged to appear before the Tribunal today to clear his name of any complicity over assets declaration. Saraki stated that as a law abiding citizen, he would appear before the Tribunal in the interim. In a statement from his

media office yesterday, Saraki maintained that he was ready to submit himself to due process of the law on any issue concerning him. “Dr. Saraki has taken the decision to attend the Tribunal sitting to demonstrate his respect for the rule of law in spite of his personal reservation on the process of his trial and the purpose it may be intended to serve. “Dr. Saraki wishes to assure Nigerians of his absolute belief in the judicial process and is therefore confident that the course of justice would be served at the end of this matter,” the statement said.

Saraki stated that he has an inalienable right to resort to the same judiciary for protection when he feels his fundamental rights are about to be infringed upon. “The Senate President is a law abiding citizen and his absence from tribunal was based on legal advice he received from his counsel that it is not necessary for him to appear before the tribunal at this stage since the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the process of initiating the matter are being challenged before the Federal High Court Abuja,” the statement added.

NSCDC, and some police officers. Another witness, Mr. Ameja Zeribu, the Officer for Bonny Local Government Area, also told the tribunal that there was no form of violence in the station he monitored. Also, Onyuje Martins, the Officer for Onyigbo Local Government, said election was peaceful in the area he worked. Mr Ifem Charles Chidozie, another Presiding Officer for Onyigbo, said he resorted to using manual accreditation because he had been instructed not to disenfranchise anybody.

Hajj: 20 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

State counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (left) with lead defence counsel to Senate President Bukola Saraki, Joseph Dawodu (SAN), at the Code of Conduct Tribunal where Saraki is facing a 13-count charge bordering on corruption and false assets declaration, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

six lost their lives at the September 11 crane crash. Mukhtar said only three Nigerians were injured at the September 11 crane crash as against the six earlier reported by the media. The chairman said all the pilgrims that submitted valid documents to the commission for visa were airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. He also said the security situation in the kingdom was very tight and advised the pilgrims to be orderly and stay in Makkah. He advised pilgrims to drink more water due to the harsh weather, adding that they should only expose themselves to the sun when necessary. He said female pilgrims should move in

group and avoid construction sites within the Grand Mosque and outside. On Arafat, the chairman said the pilgrims would start moving to Mina on Monday at midnight and advised them against climbing the roofing of buses conveying them. “We have resolved at a meeting with clerics to abide by the time given to us by the Saudi authority to start moving to Mina,” he said. He warned clerics against inciting pilgrims against the resolution, adding that anyone found doing so would be sanctioned. “Anyone who violated the decision of the Ulama will be sanctioned. The commission has the power to sanction anyone found wanting,’’ he stressed.

Falae kidnapped, abductors demand N100m ransom CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

ists from a private hospital in Ibadan where he was rushed to for treatment after the incident, he attributed his rescue to God and the timely intervention of the police. It was observed that his left eye and ear were swollen and were with bruises, just like some parts of his upper chest, the development which he attributed to the punishments he suffered in the hands of his captors. A doctor at the hospital

however said Amoo might be transferred to another hospital in Lagos for security reason and for further treatment, adding that Adeleke suffered minor injuries. While confirming the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, said the state police command is more than prepared to make the state ungovernable for criminals, stating that the command had already begun investigation into the incident.

National Mirror

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Sallah: FG declares Thursday, Friday public holiday Omeiza ajayi AbujA

he Federal Government has declared Thursday and Friday this week as public holidays to mark the celebration of this year’s Eid-il-Kabir. The declaration was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja and signed by the Director of Press, Ministry of Interior, Yusuf Isiaka, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary

in the ministry, Abubakar Magaji. Government enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians from all walks of life to extend the religious benefits of the festival, which include love, peace, empathy and tolerance to one another for the overall development of the nation. The statement also admonished all Nigerians to use the celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity of the nation.

Soludo, Fayemi visit Aso Rock ROtimi Fadeyi AbujA

ormer Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor, Charles Soludo was yesterday evening sighted at the Presidential Villa. He was seen signing the visitors’ book before going to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari. Although it was not clear if Soludo met President Muhammadu Buhari, his visit to the Presidential Villa came at a time when the president was concluding work on the list of ministerial nominees which he

APOLOGY

We sincerely apologise to our readers on the dateline error on the National Mirror Page 6 of Thursday last week that read Friday, September 18, 2015, instead of Thursday, September 17, 2015. The mix-up is highly regretted. –Editor CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as AJAYI KIKELOMO OMOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MORAKINYO KIKELOMO OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

said would be announced this month. Soludo served as CBN Governor under the administrations of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and late Umar Yar’Adua He was critical of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the area of management of the nation’s economy Also sighted in the Villa yesterday was former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who also went to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President. Fayemi, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, played prominent role during the presidential campaign of Buhari. Earlier, Senator Ita Enang and Suleiman Kawu who are the two Senior Special Assistants to the President on National Assembly matters for the Senate and House of Representatives respectively were also at the Presidential Villa.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerian Army promotes 5,000 soldiers fighting Boko Haram

igeria Army has approved the promotion of 5,000 soldiers fighting insurgents in the North-East and troops involved in other operations, as part of steps to boost their morale. The Chief of Army Staff, Leutnat-Geneneral Tukur Buratai, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2015 Chief of Army Staff Third Quarter Conference held at the Army Headquarters conference hall. He said that the approval of the promotion of the soldiers was one of the many measures introduced by the army under his command to boost troops’ morale and reposition its operations. He added that it was also in line with the vision of the army command to reward gallant troops in any way deemed fit to boost their combat readiness and willingness to serve their

fatherland. He said that troops serving in the North-East and in other operations in the country would regularly receive rewards from the Army high command for their selfless service to the nation. “Since we came on board, we have introduced several measures aimed at encouraging our troops to give their best in the service of their nation. “The approval of the accelerated promotion of 5,000 soldiers was to redeem the promise made by my predecessor to the troops fighting insurgents in the North-East. “It is my belief that this promotion, coupled with other incentives, will encourage our troops to fight for our country,’’ he said. Buratai said that the army, under his watch, within the short period, had recorded major suc-

cesses in the areas of fighting insurgency, improving its human rights credentials as well as improving the welfare of troops. He said that his vision of entrenching professionalism and bequeathing a combat ready army to the nation was on course as commanders and troops had been fully briefed to key into the vision. He warned commanders and senior officers to guard against acts that could undermine efforts of the present administration to rebuild the image of the army. “You will all agree with me that the renewed breath of change flows directly from the president in his directive to our operations and other directive on his vision for the army. “I therefore demand that you all react with corresponding appropriateness with regards to the direc-

tive because majority of our requirements within the limited period has been provided for,’’ he said. The COAS charged the officers and all personnel of the Nigeria Army to constantly maintain the required level of physical fitness. He gave all army officers and soldiers a December 15, 2015 deadline to shape up or face the medical board for the appropriate disciplinary actions. He also warned against leasing or selling of Nigeria Army lands across the country to private individuals or organisations and directed lands already sold be recovered with immediate effect. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the one-day conference will take briefs from theatre commanders on all army operations across the country.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss MARY PAUL, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. MARY GODIYA former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the destruction of original Land Certificate No. LO. 7766 issued in favor of NIGERIAN BANK FOR COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY LIMITED (NBCI) by virtue of a Deed of Lease dated 21st April, 1975 granted by the Military Governor of Lagos State over all that property situate and known as plot 1220, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, described in survey plan No. 1108/SD/2B (LSDPC). The original land certificate was destroyed as a result of the fire incident that engulfed NIDB HOUSE at 63/71, Broad Street, Lagos, on 22nd April 2006. Bank of Industry assumed the operation of NBCI with effect from June 18th 2007 and has now applied for reissuance of the Land Certificate.

L-R: Gen. Theophilus Danjuma; his wife, Senator Daisy and daughter of the deceased, Amb. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, during a condolence visit to the family of Chief Obafemi Awolowo over the demise of Chief HID Awolowo, in Ikene-Remo, Ogun State, yesterday.

Nigeria hosts special ECOWAS summit on Burkina Faso ROtimi Fadeyi

resident Muhammadu Buhari will today host an extraordinary summit of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Authority of Heads of State and Government. According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the main item on the agenda of the summit is the current political situation in Burkina Faso. Buhari had last Friday

condemned the detention of the Interim President, the Prime Minister and other ministers of the Transitional Government of Burkina Faso in an apparent coup d’etat. The president said himself and Nigeria aligned with ECOWAS, the African Union, AU, and the United Nations in rejecting the brazen contravention of the constitution and transitional charter of Burkina Faso by elements of the Presidential Guard under the leadership of General Gilbert Diendere. Buhari urged the Defense and Security Forces of Burkina Faso to keep

faith with the agreed transitional programme for the return of the country to full democratic rule after elections, which were due to hold in the country on October 11, in support of which Nigeria has donated 20 pick-up vans to the National Electoral Commission of Burkina Faso. While welcoming the news that the Interim President, Mr. Michel Kafando has been freed, Buhari also demand the immediate release of Prime Minister Isaac Zida and other detained ministers. He said Nigeria would give the fullest possible

support to ongoing efforts by the ECOWAS mediatory team of President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic to quickly restore Burkina Faso to the path of order, democracy and constitutionalism. The president urged the people of Burkina Faso to remain calm and steadfast in support of the transitional order, elections and democratic governance with the full assurance that Nigeria, ECOWAS and the international community would uphold their right to peace, freedom, democracy and good governance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

South West

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Why we intend to sack 250 workers —SAHCOL olusegun KoiKi

kyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, has explained why it might disengage about 250 workers from its payroll soon. General Manager, Corporate Communications, SAHCOL, Mr. Basil Agboarumi, told our correspondent on phone that the economic situation in the country led to the plan of management to disengage about 250 workers from its establishment. Agboarumi specifically said the ground handling company was not operating in isolation of the economy, but assured that the affected

workers would be given all their benefits as required by law. He insisted that whatever step the company would take on the issue would be with human face, adding that discussions were still ongoing with the workers unions on the final decision it would take. On allegation from the industry unions that the management only planned to give the affected workers just three months salaries in advance, he said no decision had been taken yet. On demand of the industry unions that most of the organisation’s contract staff should be disengaged rather than sack workers who receive a paltry N40,000, Ag-

boarumi said t the organisation engaged contract staff because they were beneficial to the system. It would be recalled that the leading industrial union in the sector, National Union of Air Transport Workers, NUATE, had last week raised the alarm about plan by SAHCOL to prune its workforce by additional 250. Acting General-Secretary of NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, said the unions as representatives of workers would kick severely against maltreatment of workers in the ground handling company. Abioye told our correspondent that management of SHACOL had already no-

tified the two unions; NUATE and the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, of its intent to sack some workers, stressing that following Section 20 of the Trade Union Act, the unions had commenced dialogue with the company. He, however, said the proposal from management was insignificant when compared to the demand of the unions and described the stand of the management as callous. He pointed out that several of the workers had spent up to five years in SAHCOL after its privatisation and wondered why they would only be remunerated with just three months’ pay.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Eight-month-old baby survives auto crash Kemi olaitan IbAdAn

ragedy occurred in the early hours of yesterday at the Ibadan-Abeokuta Expressway, as a middle-aged nursing mother lost her life in a ghastly motor accident, while her eightmonth-old baby survived the crash. National Mirror learnt the deceased was among seven passengers on board a vehicle that ran into a ditch in a village, Eleso, situated near the expressway. It was gathered that a stray goat caused the accident. The victim, who was identified as Mrs. Jumoke Sodiq, was travelling from Abuja to Abeokuta for the Sallah before the auto crash. A police officer from Traffic Section of Apata Ibadan Police Station, Mr Ben Onoja, said the vehicle, a Toyota Sienna car, marked Lagos BFG 113 DE, loaded passengers from Abuja and was heading for Abeokuta, Ogun State, when it

crashed. Some of the survivors while speaking on the incident said the driver was on high speed when a stray goat suddenly crossed the expressway, and in an attempt to avoid hitting it, swerved and skidded off the road. “The vehicle somersaulted several times before it ended in a ditch, but in a swampy area of the bush. We were shouting, unable to open the doors until a Good Samaritan came and broke the windscreen. Many other people joined later to rescue us," one of the survivors, Sadiat, said. An eyewitness, Mr. Lanre Amoo, who was one of the rescuers, related how the baby and her mother, who later died in the accident, were discovered over an hour after other passengers were rescued. However, at the time of filing this report, the remains of the deceased had been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital, while the baby girl is now with the police waiting for the deceased's relatives to claim her.

Ogun police hold anti-robbery, anti-corruption rally Femi oyeweso AbeOkutA

O L-R: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi AbdulAhmed Mustapha and Permanent Secretary, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global), Mrs. Arinola Olufunmilayo Odulana, during Kusaoke’s visit to the governor in Lagos, yesterday.

Protesting students block Osun secretariat Boladale BamigBola OsOgbO

ome rampaging students of Osun State government-owned tertiary institutions, yesterday, prevented the deputy governor, Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori from entering the Abeere Government Secretariat for hours in protest of continued closure of their campuses. Students of the four tertiary institutions in the state, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke; Osun State College of Education, Ila and Ilesa, participated in the

protest, which lasted several hours. During the protest, the students demanded for immediate re-opening of their institutions closed to academic activities almost nine months ago. The students had as early as 9am, converged on the popular Olaiya junction and held up traffic before moving to the state’s secretariat. During the protest, the students blocked all roads leading to the secretariat and insisted their campuses should be immediately reopened. Attempt by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Lawerence

Oyeniran, to pacify the students failed as he was booed and later led away by the police and men of the Directorate of Security Services. Leaders of the protesting students, Mr Adekunle Animasahun and Mr Lukman Adekitan, said their demands included immediate re-opening of their institutions, improvement of infrastructures in their institutions, recruitment of more lecturers and payment of salary arrears to workers. The Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, who was just returning from vacation, later arrived the scene and attempted to en-

ter the secretariat, but was prevented by the protesters. Addressing the students, Mrs Laoye-Tomori told the students that the governor had directed the Governing Boards of all the institutions to meet with the striking lecturers in order to resolve all the issues raised. She appealed for calm, adding that their demands would be met within the shortest possible time. Despite listening to the deputy governor, the students insisted Mrs. LaoyeTomori must stay with them at the entrance of the secretariat and she obliged and stayed inside her official vehicle.

gun State Police Command yesterday led other security agencies, para-military organisations, as well as the coalition of civil society organisations in the state on a "peace trek" rally to mark the 2015 International Peace Day in Abeokuta, the state capital. Clad in white top with black trousers, the rally train took off from Zone II state command in Oke-Ilewo en-route Presidential Boulevard and finally terminated at the Arcade Ground State Secretariat complex, where they were received by Acting Governor of the state, Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga. In his address, Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, said the police in conjunction with other security agencies, as well as the coalition of civil society organisations decided to stage the rally to sensitise the public about the determination of all security agencies in the state to eradicate corrup-

tion, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, as well as other social vices in the state. Addressing the participants at the rally, the acting governor of the state, Chief Yetunde Onanuga, assured that the Ibikunle Amosun led- administration would continue to provide the necessary support to the police and other security agencies towards ensuring that peace and security reign supreme in the state. Onanuga, said the Ibikunle Amosun led- administration was in full support of the security agencies' determination to eradicate corruption, cultism, kidnappings as well as other social vices which has bedevilled the state in recent times.

IGP Arase

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South West

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Alleged rape: Defendant pleads for protection from hostile media Matthew IrInoye

L-R: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; celebrant and Founder, Oodua People's Congress, Dr. Frederick Fasehun; his wife, Iyabo; former Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Dupe Adelaja and former Lagos PDP gubernatorial candidate, Jimi Agbaje, during a thanksgiving service to mark Dr. Fasehun's 80th birthday, in Lagos, yesterday.

Ambode lists 23 commissioners, 14 special advisers ...seeks House's approval FrancIs suberu

overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has sent the name of 23 commissioner-nominees and 13 special advisers that would serve in his cabinet to the House of Assembly for approval. Speaker of the House, Mr. Mubashiru Obasa, read the names on the floor to members of the House. The governor is requesting for the screening and approval of 36 persons with 23 as commissioners and 13 as special advisers. Among

the names are six former cabinet members from former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration: Gbolahon Lawal, Dr. Jide Idris, Folarin Coker, Seye Oladejo, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and Babatunde Hunpe. It would appear the governor has made good his promise at the inaugural address to inject new blood on merit and professionalism as the new list shows. It is made up of top technocrats, politicians and strategists. The governor has named a relatively young cabinet with the likes

of Mrs. Yetunde Onabolu, Fela Bank-Olemoh, Akinyemi Ashade, a partner in KPMG; Steve Ayorinde, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, a pharmacist; Kehinde Joseph and Prof. Ademola Abass, a professor of Law, whose ages range between 39 and 47 years. Other names include Dr. Akintola Benson, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Dr. Mohammed Akinkunmi, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Dr. Femi Onanuga, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe, Mrs. Lola

Akande, Agboola Dabiri, Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, Anofi Elegushi, Rotimi Ogunleye, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Femi Odubiyi, Alhaji Musiliu Folami, Adeniji Kazeem, Adeyemi Labinjo, Toyin Suarau, Babatunde DurosinmiEtti, Deji Tinubu, Mrs. Mudirat Giwanson,Wale Oluwo and Kehinde Bamigbetan. According to reliable sources, the screening is to commence immediately after Sallah holidays, while cleared cabinet members would likely be sworn in by Monday, October 5.

Group calls for release of 18 Oyo prisoners K eMI olaItan Ibadan

group, Concerned People of Oyo State, on Monday, said no fewer than 18 indigenes of the state were currently languishing in various prisons across the country over armed robbery allegation. The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Alhaji Lukmon Ajibola Akinwunmi, addressed to Speaker of the House of Assembly and made available to journalists in Ibadan, said the prisoners were jailed by military tribunals be-

tween 1992 and 1998. According to him, the prisoners were convicted by tribunals with no option of fine or appeal, stating that they were sentenced to death after several years of trial, later had the death sentences commuted to life imprisonment by the civilian administration that came in 1999. It said: “Apart from those who have benefited from amnesty of the civilian administration from 1999 by having their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, these people are still in prisons serving terms.

“While several others have lost their lives in prisons due to hunger and lack of adequate care, only few of them were lucky to have been released.” He gave names of those still serving life jail term as Folaremilekun Oladipo Moshood, Morufu Yusuf, Asimiyu Babatunde, Abass Owonikoko, Akeem Olaniyi, Yisa Muhammed, Innocent Nwacha, Samuel Okpabi and Abdullahi Dantaba. Others are Yinka Adedeji, Seun Fadina, Taiwo Adedeji, Musiliu Sulaiman, Alabi Oladeji Julius Awe, Dele

Akinyele, Umar Abdullahi and Mathew Johnson. He appealed to Speaker of the House of Assembly to look into their cases with a view to ensuring their release from prisons considering the number of years they have spent. Akinwunmi stated further that since they were convicted by military tribunals which activities did not conform with the country’s constitution and democratic norms, the Speaker should use his good offices, through the necessary machinery, to ensure their release.

University of Lagos lecturer, Mr. Afeez Baruwa, allegedly accused of raping an 18-year-old girl, yesterday pleaded with a Lagos magistrate’s court, Agege, to protect him from "hostile" media reportage. The 42-year-old lecturer in the Department of Accounting was alleged to have raped the girl in July, as she sought help to get admission into the university. The defendant's counsel, Mr. Kunle Abimbola, who brought along three copies of The Punch newspaper, told the court that the newspaper had engaged in a campaign of false reportage against the lecturer. He said: "It has come to a case where we have to seek the ultimate protection of the defendant from the press; he is still presumed innocent until proved guilty.” At the last hearing, the defence lawyer sought a bail for his client, claiming that he was "critically ill" in detention and needed urgent medical care. Mrs. Ibukun Ibikunle, a lawyer, holding a "watching brief" for the rape victim's family, had countered the defence lawyer's claim, saying she spoke with prison offi-

cials and there was no report of illness. Ibikunle, who works with the state's Office of the Public Defender, said he had spoken with prison officials that day and was told the accused did not show up when they were leaving the prison. On Monday, the defence lawyer accused The Punch of "scandalising and tarnishing the image" of Mr. Baruwa. Mr. Abimbola said: "The defendant is being tried and convicted in the media, which runs against Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It still remains an allegation; the defendant is still presumed not guilty." "I urged the magistrate to call the newspaper to order over the ‘false’ report." Mr. Ibikunle, told the magistrate that the defendant's wife, Kafayat, had submitted a sworn affidavit to show that the defendant is indeed ill. "I plead with my lord to come to the aid of the defendant because the impression in the eye of the objective members of the public is that the defendant committed the offence which has not been proven. "While opposing the defendant's claims, Mrs. Ibikunle said that the media reported the events of the last court's proceedings accurately.

Ekiti SIEC fixes December 19 for council polls abIodun nejo ado EkItI

kiti State Independent Electoral Commission, EKSIEC, said local government elections in the state will hold in 16 council areas on December 19. EKSIEC chairman, Justice Kayode Bamisile (rtd), said at a stakeholders' meeting among committee members, leaders of political parties, security agencies and others yesterday that all stipulations of the Ekiti State Local Government Elections Law has been complied with in arriving at the date. The last council elections were held in in 2008 during the tenure of Governor Segun Oni. Bamisile said: "We wish to seize this opportunity to assure all registered political parties in the state that EKSIEC, as electoral umpire, would create a level-playing

ground for all participants. "We would demonstrate and manifest positive neutrality, even handedness and what America label as bipartisanship. I hereby wish to admonish all political parties in Ekiti State to avoid any form of violence before, during and after the elections," he said. While assuring that the commission would be fair to all parties in the election, Bamisile said neither he nor other members of the commission were card-carrying members or supporters of any political party as he challenged anybody who had evidence to the contrary to come forward with such. He said the coast is clear and the commission is ready for the December 19 election as the case in court against EKSIEC was to challenge the composition of the last EKSIEC which five-year tenure had expired.

South East

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

NHRC to invite commissioner, others over demolition of houses EmmanuEl EzEh Enugu

ational Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has commenced investigation into alleged illegal demolition of houses in Ngenevu and Bunker areas of Enugu State. South East zonal coordinator of the commission, Mrs. Uche Nwokocha, disclosed this yesterday during a meeting with victims of the alleged illegal demo-

lition that affected 15 buildings. She said the commission received a protest letter from the victims, adding that she would visit the site on October 1 for on-the-spot assessment of their claims. Nwokocha further disclosed that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, as well as officials of Enugu Capital Development Authority would be invited to ensure fair hearing.

Nwokocha said the commission would do its best to ensure justice for all parties involved in the matter. One of the property owners, Mrs. Elizabeth Eke, said the buildings were allegedly demolished by one Mr. Eric Chime, who claimed to have bought the property. However, Eke said the structures were duly registered with the state’s Ministry of Lands and Urban Development. She added that the de-

molished structures were inhabited mostly by widows, farmers, low income earners and retirees. “Lives of all the residents of the area are now in danger following incessant threat by some private security guards employed by Mr. Chime," she said. Meanwhile, it was gathered that Mr. Chime had at a separate meeting claimed he bought the property from the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE.

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Anambra CJ backs judiciary workers’ strike FranCis EkponE Onitsha

hief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, has thrown his weight behind the striking judiciary workers seeking implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Staff Salary (CONJUSS) in the state. Umeadi expressed the support in his address at a ceremony to mark the commencement of the 2015/2016 legal year in Awka. The state’s chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, had embarked on the strike on September 7 to press home their demands. He stated that the judiciary has every reason to support JUSUN in its quest to achieve the long-drawn and much-debated issue of CONJUSS-based emoluments. “The demands of the state’s JUSUN were borne out of agreements it entered into with Anambra State government in 2011, which are legitimate, feasible and achievable. “It is not correct to mud-

dle up issues with other interests when the CONJUSS, which is backed by law and requisite regulations, is raised,” Umeadi said. The chief judge further urged the state’s AttorneyGeneral, Head of Service and government to come to terms quickly with JUSUN on the issue, adding that the judiciary would have a seminar in October and November to review high and customary courts’ rules. He, however, commended the state government for granting autonomy to the state’s judiciary and appointing eight judges and 20 magistrates, assuring that the judiciary arm would continue to collaborate with the executive arm for the progress of the state. According to him, the Judiciary Service Commission is looking forward to sponsoring a bill with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice through the state Assembly for the appointment of revenue magistrates. He explained that their sole duty would be to assist the state government in recovering taxes and revenue due to it.

Don’s wife kidnapped in Imo Chris njoku OwErri Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, inspecting a guard of honour at a ceremony to mark commencement of the 2015/ 2016 legal year in Awka, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Chris njoku OwErri

civil society group, Centre for Constitutional Governance, CCG, yesterday in Owerri, Imo State capital, observed that lack of constituent offices across the country was responsible for low return rate of legislators to states’ Houses of Assembly. Making the observation at a press conference, Executive Director of CCG, Dr. Adewale Balogun, flawed the gap in the relationship between legislators and their constituents, pointing out that such a vacuum has been of great concern to the future of Nigeria’s electoral system. According to him, CCG’s survey on Imo State constituency offices indicated that “only a small percentage of Imo citizens visit or know

Group proffers solution for better representation of electorate where the constituency offices of their representatives in the House of Assembly are, many people also indicated that they never see their elected representatives, and that when they do, it is invariably just prior to elections.” However, CCG boss acknowledged the good work done by a few elected representatives, who, he said, put in much effort to demonstrate real concern for their constituents even in the absence of well-designed and thought-out guidelines on what is expected of them when embarking on constituency work. He stated that for any government to qualify as being democratic, it must be all-

inclusive and participatory, close and accessible to the people, satisfy their needs and aspiration, promote equality and social justice, and ensure security of lives and property. Dr. Balogun advised individual representatives to maintain close contact with their electoral areas through their constituency offices, consult the people on their needs, present them to the House of Assembly for consideration, and report back to their electorate the decision taken by the House and actions that would be taken to develop their area as a whole. These, he said, would enable citizens to access better services and lead to im-

proved life which will build confidence and deepens democracy. Also speaking, the programme officer, Mrs. Juliana Iregbu-Ihejirika, said legislators should facilitate the flow of information and services back to the constituency to make government more real and accessible. She noted that legislators collect millions of naira as constituency allowance, adding that the fund was never used for what it was approved for - to build an office that would serve as a private and local workspace for the representative, a service point for enquiries, a meeting place, a protest site and an incubator for new projects and initiative.

ife of a university don and United Peoples Party, UPP, deputy governorship candidate, Prof. Nath Protus Uzoma, has been abducted by unknown gunmen. The woman, Lolo Esther Uzoma, was kidnapped around 10pm last Sunday by unknown gunmen in her residence at the World Bank Area of Owerri, Imo State capital. It was learnt that her abductors have not made any demand or contacted members of the family since she was forcefully whisked away from her home. Protus Uzoma, who is also a columnist with the Sun newspaper, disclosed to our reporter yesterday in Owerri that the armed men had stormed their residence at about 10pm on Sunday night, asking for his whereabouts, adding that his wife had told them that he was not around and that after ransacking the whole house and could not find him, took the woman

away at gunpoint. His words: “Yesterday (Sunday) at about 10pm, armed men stormed my residence at the World Bank area of Owerri, demanding to know my whereabouts from my wife and her explanation that I was not around was not satisfactory to them; but when they searched the entire house and did not find me, they forcefully abducted her at gunmen point and whisked her away. “Ever since, the abductors of my wife have neither made any demand nor contacted any member of the family and as I speak, I don't know the whereabouts of my wife.” He recalled: “On August 20, 2014, eight armed men had also invaded my house but the police were able to kill four of them while others escaped. I am appealing to the kidnappers to please return my wife because I have no problem with anybody, and as a social critic, my duty is to always to point out the ills in the society, which those in authority should correct for the good of all."

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N500bn fake products destroyed in six years —NAFDAC boss Dennis naku

Port Harcourt

ational Agency for Food, Drug Adm i n i st r at i o n and Control, NAFDAC, said it has destroyed over N500 billion worth of fake drugs and other regulated products between 2009 and 2015. NAFDAC Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, disclosed this while conducting newsmen from South-South and South-East on a tour of the agency's facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Agulu, Anambra State. Orhii, who spoke in Agulu, said the feat was achieved through deployment of modern technology in the detection of counterfeit products. NAFDAC boss said the agency introduced technology-based measures such as TRUSCAN, Mobile Authentication Service and Radio Frequency Identification to effectively fight against fake drugs in the country. He further disclosed that 12 persons had been separately sentenced to three years jail term between 2009 and 2015, for drug counterfeiting.

According to Orhi, "when we came into the agency, we met a commendable level of work and since we mounted the saddle, we have ensured remarkable improvement and sustenance of what we met. “Our zeal is strong and gets stronger by the day. We are committed to ensuring that the war against counterfeiting of regulated products is fought and won completely. “As part of our successes in NAFDAC, more than N500 billion worth of fake drugs and other regulated products have been destroyed in various parts of the country between 2009 and 2015," he said. Orhii expressed happiness that activities of the agency had improved awareness of the citizenry in fake product detection and vigilance. He called on members of the public to partner with NAFDAC in information sharing in order to enable it serve the country better. The NAFDAC boss said that funding and manpower had remained part of the challenges being faced by the agency in a bid to deliver on its mandate.

We don’t know why DSS searched A’Ibom Govt House —APC ayo esan

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has said it was not privy to reasons for the search of Akwa Ibom State Government House by men of the Department of State Services, DSS. It also said it does not see any connection between the search by DSS and its candidate’s petition before the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The party said the DSS had to invite the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Austin Okojie, and some other officials working under him in respect of the last governorship election in order to help in their investigation into the discovery that the commission had destroyed and attempted to destroy evidence in election petitions before the state election petitions tribunal. According to the party, they did this "by shredding

South South

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

ballot papers, immersing them in water, mixing them all up and stuffing them in jute bags, which are then left in the open at the mercy of the elements, contrary to clear instruction of INEC manual for election officers 2015 (revised version) Section 2.8.5." National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this on Monday in Lagos while addressing a press conference. Mohammed, who recalled that the PDP had accused the APC of working in consonance with the DSS to upturn Akwa Ibom governorship election purportedly won by the PDP , said it had no doubt that the security agency acted within its area of competence and authority. He said the party rejected any attempt by the PDP to cite the DSS action as another instance of the APC-led Federal Government supposed plan to influence the work of the tribunal.

NUC wants uniform grading system in Nigerian varsities

xecutive Secretary of National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, yesterday called for a harmonised grading system among Nigerian universities. Okojie made the call while addressing stakeholders at a workshop on “Review of Grading System in Nigerian Universities”, in Abuja. He said review of existing grading system was imperative to provide a generally acceptable and common method of computing Cumulative

Grade Point Average, CGPA, in the universities. The executive secretary said a uniform grading system would facilitate interuniversity credit transfer and student mobility within and outside the country. According to him, NUC in 2006 abolished Pass Degree from the grading system in the Nigerian University System, NUS. Recalling the abolition, he said that under the policy, the minimum CGPA required by a student for graduation was

1.5. “Unfortunately, when the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard, BMAS, documents were reviewed in 2007, the document did not take into consideration the technical implications of the policy. “This therefore, allowed individual institutions and disciplines to implement the directive discretionally,” Okojie said. He said some disciplines used the six grade points of 5, 4,3,2,1,0 for letter grades of A,B,C,D,E and “F” respective-

ly, while others removed the “E” grade. Okojie said that the removal of the “E” grade had incontrovertibly introduced two systems of grading within the university system that had some technical implications on the grading of students. He, therefore, said the review would help students to focus on their academic pursuit in order to ensure that there was an acceptable level of competency among the universities.

L-R: Contractor handling Port Harcourt World Book Capital Library Project, Mr. Peter Ogwunte; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. George Nwaeke and Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, during inspection of the project in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

C'River commissioner-nominees to undergo integrity test RichaRD nDoma calabar

ross River State government yesterday said nominees for appointments as commissioners in the state are to undergo mandatory integrity and aptitude test. According to a statement issued by government and

signed by Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Ita, the nominees would have to undergo integrity and aptitude tests before their names would be forwarded to the House of Assembly for confirmation. The statement disclosed that appointment of chairmen and members of boards,

agencies and parastatals and even special advisers would follow the same routine. “His Excellency, Ben Ayade, wants all nominees for appointments as commissioners to undergo integrity test. Additionally, the nominees would also write an aptitude test,” the statement added. According to the state-

ment, the governor believes that every would-be appointee in the state must be subjected to ethical measurement to ascertain whether or not they can function in the new order, where accountability and transparency are the watchwords. Consequently, the governor has set up a selection committee to oversee the process.

Glo Slide 'n' Bounce shakes up Benin City

he city of Benin, Edo State, was agog on Saturday night when thousands of Glo subscribers converged on Best Western Hotel, Etete, GRA, to witness the wave-making musical concert, Slide ‘n’ Bounce, sponsored by national telecoms operator, Globacom. Guests were already seated as at 2pm, waiting earnestly to see their favorite artistes perform live on stage.

The blend of green lightening effects, which signified Globacom’s colours, created a warm ambience, setting the mood for a night of dance and reveling. A combination of local Benin artistes and top rated Glo ambassadors guaranteed that guests left the venue satisfied and fulfilled. They had more fun than they expected as the artistes performed one after the other. Okey Bakassi set the

ball rolling, unleashing ribcracking jokes that sent the audience reeling with laughter. Music oozed from the state-of-the-art sound system manned by DJ XGee, reverberating within the auditorium. The ‘I don get alert’ crooner, Korede Bello, was the first to perform, setting the pace for others. His sonorous voice filled the air as he sang to the delight of his fans. Clad in sparkling

white trouser, black T-shirt and jacket, reminiscent of an American hip-hop star, Korede performed his other hit tracks including ‘Adaobi’ and ‘Na God Win’. Burna Boy was next. His energetic and youthful body moved across the stage as he re-enacted Fela AnikulapoKuti’s stage stunts. Expectedly, he performed ‘Beast of No Nation’ and ‘Run my race’, eliciting cheers from his teeming fans.

North

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

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54 killed, 95 injured in Maiduguri multiple blasts –Police Inusa ndahI, Maiduguri

orno State police command on Monday confirmed to journalists that 54 people were killed with 95 critically injured in a multiple explosions that rocked the suburb of Maiduguri around Ajilari, Bintu Sugar and Gomari Airport general areas by suspected terrorists. Police Public Rela-

tions Officer, PPRO, ASP Isuku Emmanuel, made the revelation during an interview with journalists in Maiduguri, the state capital. But sources puts the figure of the death toll as being over 60 as many of the of 95 critically injured persons could not survive while receiving treatment at various hospitals in the state. Ajilari across and Bintu Sugar are located in the outskirt of Maidu-

Flood sacks 30,000, kills one in Kaduna a za Msue, Kaduna

o fewer than 2,000 houses and 30,000 residents were yesterday displaced in a heavy rain flood which ravaged some parts of Kaduna State. Executive secretary of the state’s emergency agency, Mr. Ezekiel BabaKarik, said one corpse was found in Lere Local Government Area of the state, describing the flood as one of worst in the history of the state. Our correspondent who went round Kaduna metropolis gathered that 10 local government areas were affected by the heavy rainfall that started on Saturday, stretching to the early hours of Monday. He observed that, in Kaduna metropolis, Barnawa, Tudun-wada, Kigo Road, Karatudu, among others, including Rafinguza, were badly affected. The state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, made an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected areas. National Mirror learnt that most of the roads were submerged by the flood, making it difficult for emergency workers’ access to the affected areas. Also, part of the link road to the residence of former Vice President Namadi Sambo at UngwanRimi, all in Kaduna North Local Government and the Living Faith Church in Kaduna South Local Area were ravaged by flood. A light bridge along Aliyu Makama road, Barnawa, which links the

area to the city centre was completely submerged by the flood. This forced motorists and tricycle riders to take alternative route, causing traffic gridlock in the southern part of the state. Farmlands were equally washed away. Though, the residence of the former Vice President was spared, his neighbours who built their houses close to the Kaduna River bank were hit by the natural disaster. Our correspondent who visited the affected area watched as residents struggled helplessly to salvage their belongings while canoe operators made brisk business as they ferry those trapped to safety. One of the canoe operators who did not mention his name said they charge those badly affected between N10,000 and N20,000 to ferry them and their belongings. “We started by collecting N8,000 per head but now, we charge N20,000,” he said. When contacted, spokesman of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, Abubakar Adamu, said relief workers were still going round the state in their rescue operation. But, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr. Ezekiel Baba-Karik, confirmed the death of one person while noting that about 10 local government areas were affected by the flood. He added that rescue operations have begun to evacuate victims to safe places by aid agencies.

guri and have witnessed series of Boko Haram attacks, including bombings of football viewing centre in recent past. The explosions which were suspected to have been masterminded by suicide bombers occurred simultaneously at about 7.38pm, while the last four took place at about 8pm which has forced many residents to flee into the main city for safety. A lucky survivor based in Ajilari who also works with one of the nation’s humanitarian agencies, told our correspondent on phone

that the first incident occurred at a local ram market near Ajilari railway crossing, while other took place at a telecommunication service point where many people gather to buy and sell GSM recharge cards and do other petty businesses. But another eyewitness said the first blast claimed seven lives, including those of some members of the civilian joint task force. Our correspondent observed that besides the Ajilari blast, 18 persons, mostly worshippers, were killed at a

mosque where some of the insurgents, driving in a golf Volkswagen Saloon, threw an improvised explosive devices ( IEDs) while Muslim faithful were about to round up their Magrib prayers. Another blast, according to our correspondent’s findings took place at about 8pm, targeting football fans who had gathered to watch a match, while at the popular telecommunication service point, 15 people were killed, including others that also lost their lives at a public gathering in Majalisa

in addition. Already, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, during an interview with journalists confirmed the multiple blasts but insisted that the number of casualties was yet to be ascertained. He however cautioned residents of Maiduguri and its environs to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security operatives, even as he said the military are doing their best to restore normalcy in the troubled state.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (2nd right) inside Ajilari railway crossing where a suicide bomber struck on Sunday evening leaving scores dead and injured. PHoTo: inuSa ndaHi

Kwara police move to avert attacks during Sallah

Wole adedejI, ilorin

wara State Police Command yesterday in Ilorin said it had received information that some public officers may be pelted with missiles at the Eidel-Kabir praying ground in the state capital. To this effect, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ezoza Amadasu at a press conference where he paraded some arrested criminal suspects, said 2,000 policemen had been put in place to forestall any breach of peace at the praying ground. The state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, were earlier absent in

the state during this year’s Eid-Fitri celebrations because of alleged plans to jeer and attack them over unpaid workers’ salaries. Top on the list of suspects paraded by the police commissioner was a cyber cafe operator, Samuel Isah Ade-Jimoh, using the business name, Define Connect Computer that was allegedly selling fake police recruitment forms to unsuspecting members of the public. Also, one Ibrahim Oladele of Tanke Akata Area of Ilorin who was collecting money in hundreds of thousands of naira from innocent candidates seeking admissions into the University of Ilorin was arrested by

the police. He was alleged to have been caught after collecting N450,000 from one Olawuyi Olufemi to help him get admission into the university. Others were. Muritala Rabiu, Ibrahim Manman, Ibrahim Abubakar and Keslu Mohammed who were arrested for kidnapping one Aliyu Abubakar at Langorin Fulani Camp, Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government Area; while another Usman Mohammed was arrested for conniving with an anonymous phone caller to plan the kidnap of his brother, one Mohammed Keremi. They had already collected N100,000 out of the demanded N200,000 the before information

got to the police and Usman was arrested. He was said to have confessed to committing the crime Also, four alleged cultists were arrested for conducting an initiation on pupils of Government Day Secondary School, Oloje. They are Abdulmajid Abdullameed, Adebayo Soliu, Abdulwasiu Yusuf and Yusuf Abdulrasheed. A four-member gang of armed robbers was arrested after carrying out a deadly operation at Elesin Meta, dispossessing David Olanipekun and John David who were home for the burial of their late grandmother, of their thousands of naira.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

SUPER TUESDAY The much awaited probe may not come afterall –Fasehun

Politics

14, 43

Alleged corruption of ex-governors: Plateau treads familiar paths

JAMES ABRAHAM looks at allegations of corruption which have always followed every Plateau State governor once they leave power since the return of democracy in 1999 till date and asks if the incumbent Governor Simon Lalong, will come out with any tangible result in his probe of Jonah Jang’s administration.

overnors who served from the time of the nation’s return to democracy in 1999 till the last transition on May 29 2015 may have ended their tenures but one state where the issue of corruption by past leaders has continued to rear its ugly head is Plateau State. From the former Governor Joshua Dariye till the tenure of immediate past Governor Jonah Jang, there have been allegations of corruption hanging on their necks even after leaving office. Dariye, who is now a serving senator representing Plateau Central was governor of the state from 1999 till 2007. Shortly after leaving office, it emerged that his tenure of nearly eight years on the saddle, was riddled with corrupt dealings leading to the embezzlement of state funds running into billions of naira. In fact, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on July 13, 2007, a few weeks after Dariye left office, arraigned the former governor on 23 count charges of money laundering and other corrupt related offences involving billions of naira belonging to Plateau State government. Specifically, he was accused among other things of diverting about N1.2 billion of the state ecological fund into the account of Ebenezer Ratnen Venture which is one of the companies through which he allegedly siphoned the public fund. While the people were still in shock over the revelation, a few months later, EFCC also accused Chief Michael Botmang of stealing N1.5billion of the state fund within five months, while in office. Botmang was the deputy governor and became the acting governor following Dariye’s controversial impeachment in December 2006. He was subsequently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 31 count charge with Justice Anuri Chikere, putting him on house restriction because of his failing health. During his trial, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Counsel to the accused, M.Y. Saleh (SAN), after the charges were read, tendered oral application for bail because of what he described as “exceptional circumstances” resulting from the failing health of the accused. He told the court that the accused was

Lalong

Jang

diagnosed of five ailment-diabetes, hypertension, gont, chronic kidney problem and has been placed on dialysis twice a week. EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, however, did not object to the bail application, saying they were aware of his health condition. But the judge, Justice Anuri, however insisted that the right procedure be followed, saying, “I don’t grant bail on oral application.” Because of the health condition of the accused, the court in its wisdom confined him to his house at Zawan Village, Jos South Local Government Council, Plateau State until his demise. In the case of Dariye, the trial Judge, Justice Adebukola had scheduled the trial on November 13, 2007. Instead of going to the court to prove his innocence,

Dariye

TOP STORY the former governor filled his notice of his preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and the validity of the charges. Dariye contented that FCT High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit since the alleged offences involved funds belonging to Plateau State government but a five member panel of the Supreme Court refused the appeal by the former governor to quash the N1.2 billion fraud charge preferred against him by the EFCC. That was moments after the apex court dismissed the interlocutory appeal which had stalled the trial for many years. The appex court held that

From the Former Governor Joshua Dariye till the tenure oF immeDiate past Governor Jonah JanG, there have been alleGations oF corruption hanGinG on their necks even aFter leavinG oFFice

Dariye’s appeal lacked merit even as it ordered his case file to be transferred back to the trial court in Abuja bringing the trial of the former governor back to square one. While Dariye and Botmang’s cases still hang, it is well known that the sleaze that happened during their reign was further revealed by Jang, who after taking over power, set up a committee to probe their activities and thereafter was at the forefront to recover the alleged loot from Dariye and his team. Although the recovery of the alleged loot was yet to see the light of the day, incumbent Governor Simon Lalong has decided to follow Jang’s when he recently set up a committee to probe the past administration under Jang. Not surprisingly, when the committee headed by the deputy governor, Sonni Tyoden submitted its report, the people were once again assailed with stories of looting of state fund running into billions of naira allegedly by the Jang led administration. Tyoden’s committee, while presenting its report alleged that former Governor Jang squandered over 747 billion state funds between May 2007 and May 2015 without any tangible achievement to show for it. But Jang has dismissed the committee’s report alleging witch-hunt by the All Progressives Congress, APC, led administration in the state. Although no case of corruption has CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The much awaited probe may n National chairman, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN and founder, Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, tells EBERE NDUKWU, in this interview, how the much talked about probe may not be feasible and his aborted pipeline contract job with NNPC among other issues. Excerpts: In few weeks Nigeria will be 55, what would you have to say about the country? All Nigeria has been battling against are illiteracy, diseases, hunger, collapse of various infrastructures and hopelessness. There was a time Ghanaians were coming here as vassals, shoe shiners, house helpers and when we thought it was too much for them we chase them out, Ghana Must Go. It is paradoxical that few years after dragging out those who came as house servants, vassals, slaves the revise has become the case now as Nigerians now go to Ghana as vassals. As at now there are about 71 thousand Nigerians in Ghanaian institutions and we spend between a N160 billion to pay their school fees every year. This is because the persons who took over government in Ghana touched governance into a positive way. There is nothing you give to a Ghanaian child now that will make him come to Nigeria except to come and see the reversal. That’s what we have done for many years, we have been fooling around. This is not the type of government we are expected. This is not the type of government Gani Fawehinmi, Ransome Kuti, Olisa Agbakoba, Awolowo, Zik, Ahmadu Bello fought for. Awolowo, Zik, Ahmadu Bello, those three icons, nobody has ever said let us probe them because there is nothing to probe in them. Where is Awolowo’s shipping line? Where is Ahmadu Belo’s international hotel? Where is Zik’s bank? Leaders will always be leaders. You may call crooks leaders but the people know their leaders. We have no icons now, we had in those days. I told your colleagues sometime ago that we must agitate for the Nigerian government to create a national cemetery which will become a monument like Arlington Cemetery in the United States where our national icons will be buried, don’t just bury them in their various villages. If we have a cemetery as a national monument we will go there to read their epitaphs and people will be able to say though we didn’t see him in person but I was at his cemetery and I read something about him. There are divergent views on the performance of Muhammadu Buhari, 100 days after assuming office as President, what’s your own assessment of his administration? Well, there is not much to say about Buhari’s administration in its first 100 years because he has not done anything. In other words, the bird does not fly with one wing, is popular adage. The presidential system of governance is not run by a sole administrator, so you don’t apply sole administrator in presidential system of government and even democracy. The President has been a sole administrator since he came in. We expected that there was going to be a change because all the songs before he came were change and we thought the change was going to be a positive change that will touch the ills of this country in positive way. A presidential system of government that has no functional legislators for 100 days has no reason to call itself a government. A presidential system of government that has no executive council has no right to call itself a government. And by all means, sole administrators at least occasionally obey the constitution of the land. You can see how the constitution has been disobeyed with impunity. I felt very proud of the Senate when they said those characters that have been appointed by Buhari will still need to face the Senate. Some of them may just appear there and take a bow, but they must be there. It is rather unfortunate. We admire him for wanting to probe cor-

Leaders wiLL aLways be Leaders. you may caLL crooks Leaders but the peopLe know their Leaders.

we have no icons now, we had in those days

ruption, but nothing says probing cannot go hand in hand with governance because is not the same personnel you are going to use. You use security operatives and judiciary to probe, use technocrats in executive council and allow the legislature to carry out their oversight functions. And these characters have not been able to do that, they turned our legislature into a boxing ring and have not found their feet since after election. And of course when they knew that it is going to be tough for them, they decided to go on holiday. The legislatures have gone on holiday even without the status ‘school’, they have not started ‘school’ yet they went on holiday. So, to say that Buhari has done anything is glorifying the un-glorifiable. We accepted him because we thought he is going to be different and bring the change we need in this country. I told you that leopards don’t change their spots. I’m not saying I have been proving right but we haven’t been proven wrong. Are you saying that there is still no difference between a democratic President Buhari and a Buhari as a military Head of State? No not really, except that he tries to pretend to democratise his governance. He said many things to us and he is trying to associate himself with what he said; that he is going to probe and fight corruption. Now, he has come to say his probe will be selective and that will not be a probe. Selectivity in probing in witch-hunting; if I had my way I will say don’t do that, you probe the 16 years of democracy, everybody. Why should you probe Jonathan and leave Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua? No, that will be witch hunting. I’m not a member of the PDP but I sympathise with Jonathan, apparently Nigerians didn’t see anything good in him, but Jonathan performed very well. Education which is the primary wish of Nigeria people, this young man came and instituted 12 high institutions, at least each political zone now a university, but we didn’t see anything good in that. People said he left empty treasury for us and we bailed out governors, immediately these power mongers said that we are broke, people were dishing out money to these characters came in their governors said they were broke and they were dishing out money to this governors from empty treasury. Where did they get the money from? Is that the way to conduct a probe? Nigerians have been crying that these governors are corrupt, yes they are corrupt and let’s be honest they are corrupt. In fact, the middle name of Nigeria governors is corruption and yet we want to fight corruption, want to probe and we now dishing out billions of naira to those people has spent our money buying bullet-prove cars and jets. Those of us who put them in power are working on

Fasehun

mere foot on the ground and they are flying in air. It is paradox. So, that is why I said I have not seen anything in the 100 days. What politics believe in 100 days but unfortunately Nigeria is not qualified that. The Yorubas played major role, especially with BolaTinubu to the emergence of Buhari, so far do you think the government of Buhari has been fair to them and what do you say about how the Igbos are being treated at by this administration? Well no government had been fair to Yoruba people in this country. If you are talking about technocrats, you find them plenty in Yoruba land and I understand that only four Yoruba people had been put in ministries now by sole administrator. We are complaining what about the Igbos, what should they say? It’s as if they have no personnel which will be embarrassment to that ethnic nationality group. Is it because there are no personnel from the Igbos or from the Yorubas? It is not fair but we have been told that those who are selected now are on part time basis because they have no appeared before the Senate. So, we hope and pray that he will live up to what he has promised the Nigerian people that all those characters are not on permanent job. I think the fears the Igbos had for not voting Buhari is somehow manifesting because one of the most highly educated groups in this country is Igbos. Are they being penalise for being educated? Are they being penalise for being technocrats? And, is there any government in this country that has not cheated the Igbos? None that I can think of. Some of us don’t want to say these things lest we are accused of fanning embers of disunity, but we have to be honest. I personally thought when Buhari came in that this time the Igbos will have a winning team in the government but even the few of them that served in the immediate past government were thrown out. One of the most famous women in the world, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, World Bank wants her back but Nigeria threw her out and we say we want make sure that our economy is better when we are working hard against

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Calabar pastor denies living with python RichaRd ndOma CALABAR

Calabar-based clergy man, Rev Tony Amba of the Mega Faith Ministries, Calabar, has dispelled insinuations making the rounds within the Calabar metropolis that he ever had prior knowledge of a python leaving under the same roof with him. Based on recent publications in the media that the deliverance clergy and members of his family live under the same roof with the said 20metres python. Out of curiosity, National Mirror got in touch with the clergyman on the controversial issue. Although he initially refused to speak, arguing that he might be misquoted, he spoke eventually. His words: ‘’I was in the church for fasting and prayers when my two children, ages six and eight saw something which looks like a matchet struggling to pierce through the ceiling board of my house. They ran out shouting that someone was trying to break into the house. They called me from the church and as we came, we started looking round where the “thief ” might have entered the house. “When we climbed into the ceiling to see the knifelike object which was trying to piece through the ceiling of my house, we saw something like a motor tyre and someone latter identified it as a python. “We called the DPO from Mbukpa Station but he

said the police could not shoot the python because if incidentally the python decide to change its form to a human being the police might lack words to defend itself. Some people advised me to enter the premises of Cross River University of Technology, CRUTECH, to look for people who could kill it. Others suggested that we should go to Bogobiri to call a Hausa man who is skillful in hunting and killing of snakes. The Hausa man came with his team and they said their fee to kill the snake was sixty thousand naira and my people bid the price and arrived at twenty thousand naira. “As the Hausa snake killers arrived our house at Ekpiken Street in Calabar to our greatest amazement the python was nowhere to be found; it mysteriously crept to one dark corner to avoid being killed by the house owners. The Hausa men started searching for the snake with a torch light until the python was subsequently found at the dark corner where it hid itself. “The search team commenced the process of braking down the ceiling and the python fell down and it wanted to launch a resistant but it was over powered by the search team and it was killed. “As at that time, I had left because I had communion service but my wife was there when it was killed. I was called in by 3pm, left at about 5pm and the python killed at about 7pm’’.

L-R: General Paul Omu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and General Chris Alli, at the Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Foundation Public Lecture “Towards Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria. What is a political party?

Group urges Bayelsa to review tax policy OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

coalition of civil society groups under the auspices of Tax Justice Advocacy and Governance Platform has called on Bayelsa State government to overhaul its tax policies for greater effectiveness and efficiency. The group at a press conference on its activities on Sunday in Yenagoa, urged the state Ministry of Finance, Board of Internal Revenue and Local Governments to set up a committee to partner with

the group to work towards achieving tax justice in Bayelsa. The coordinator of the group, Princess Elizabeth Egbe, who address newsmen, said the group comprised tax payers, tax administrators, civil society groups and trade unions amongst others. She said that group which seeks to promote fair and transparent tax system had observed that the present tax system in the state was adversely affecting micro small scale operators in the state. “The tendency for the

government to pursue the raising of revenue as much as possible from taxes in a manner that ignores the right of citizens is therefore a looming possibility especially as power has the ability to corrupt, if not checked. When tax becomes strictly revenue driven, the tendency for injustice becomes higher. “Tax justice proposes that every citizen pays all the taxes they are expected to pay according to their ability, to the appropriate authorities and jurisdiction with ease and convenience in a timely manner.

Relatives of Agip’s pipeline explosion lament neglect OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

cores of relatives of the victims of the pipeline explosion at Agip’s oil field at Azuzuama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa have cried out over the neglect and insensitivity of the oil firm to their plights, months after they

lost their loved ones. It would be recalled that a pipeline explosion on July 9, 2015 killed 14 people including a regulatory official of Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and 12 others. The officials were those of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), representatives of the host

community and Bayelsa Ministry of Environment who were investigating the cause of a recent oil spill in the area when the blast occurred. Mr. Karibi MacDonald, spokesman of the bereaved families told newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, that Agip had neither shown remorse nor commiserated with the families of

the victims. According to him, “It is very unfortunate that Agip is so insensitive to the needless death of 14 Nigerians due to the poor safety records in their oil fields. There has been no contact with the families of the bereaved. “The stance of Agip since this incident occurred has been regrettable, they have not both-

ered to contact any of the families even during the burial of the victims. My own brother was buried three weeks ago and we did not see Agip. “It is very sad that a foreign company can be this arrogant and be shying away from its liability and could not even commiserate with the bereaved families. CONTINUED ON PAGE41

“It also requires the state to collect all available taxes from all taxable sources, block all possible channels of leakages like avoidance, evasion and corruption through strict enforcement of tax laws,” Egbe stated. Egbe explained that a recent survey conducted in Bayelsa indicated Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were overburdened by the complexity of tax rates and regimes, multiplicity of taxes, number of taxes, high cost of compliance. Others are proliferation of regulatory and collecting agencies, timing of tax reporting and payment, tax base amongst others. She noted that it was therefore obvious that an inclusive tax system is required to promote MSMEs in Bayelsa. According to Egbe, Tax Justice Advocacy and Good Governance Platform seeks a balance between the obligations and the rights of the state to collect taxes and the duties of the citizens to pay taxes.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

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Rivers indigenes commend JTF for tackling bunkering

ome indigenes of Rivers on Monday commended the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the state for its continued efforts to stop illegal bunkering and piracy in the creeks. A businessman, Mr. Christopher Fibresima, said in Port Harcourt that continuous patrol by the JTF led to the discovery and closure of many illegal local refineries in the area. Fibresima, a former Chairman, Community Development Committee of

Kula in Akuku-Toru Local Government of Rivers, said the closure of the illegal refineries was necessary to have a clean, healthy and safe environment. “We all know the environmental hazards illegal refining of petroleum had cost us as a nation, so, we should all commend the efforts of the military. “The nation lost so much through oil theft and bunkering that had gone on unabated in the past. We must support the JTF to succeed,” he said.

Mr. Tams Ibuluya, an indigene of Okrika town, said the operation of the military was long overdue to fight criminality in the creeks. Ibuluya said the illegal refineries and oil theft in the creeks were inimical to the national economy and as such should not be allowed to continue. He said no responsible government would allow its economy to be sabotaged by the activities of criminals. “The illegal activities

of the youths in the creeks constitute crime against the nation and humanity and this must be dealt with decisively,” he said. Mr. Somiari Ogolo, a Port Harcourt-based social critic, said the action of the JTF was a step in the right direction to curb the activities of criminals in the creeks of the Niger Delta. Ogolo said illegal oil bunkering and refining of crude in the creeks should be condemned by all Nigerians because of the negative effects on the economy

and environment. “Economic activities that are not permitted by the law must be stopped to check economic sabotage. “Our environment has been polluted and the economy badly affected by illegal oil bunkering and refining of crude,” he said. Ogolo said the renewed vigour by the JTF to curb criminal activities in the creeks would save the economy and the people in the area that were being attacked daily. Mr. Louis Wariboko, a

resident of Soku in AkukuToru council of the state, decried illegal oil theft and refining of crude in the creeks. The effect of these activities in our area have been terrible. Our environment is polluted such that we cannot get sea food. Our farm land is also polluted and we cannot plant crops. We commend the JTF for raiding the creeks to salvage the coastal communities and save them from these illegal acts, `` he said.

Buhari commiserates with Itsekiris over death of Olu of Warri

Members of the Warri Council of Chiefs arriving at Ode Itsekiri for the pronouncement of Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko Abiloye as designate Olu of Warri Kingdom.

he APC on Monday continued to deny its alleged involvement in the Directorate of State Security (DSS) search of the Akwa Ibom Government House. The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the denial at a news conference in Lagos, saying the party was not privy to the reasons for search. Mohammed said that the PDP had accused the APC of working with the DSS to upturn the Akwa Ibom Governorship Election it purportedly won. We have no doubt that the security agency acted within its area of competence and authority.

resident Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt commiserations to the Itsekiri people of Delta on the passage of their revered monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the Special Adviser to the president, Mr Femi Adesina. Buhari conveyed his personal condolences to the Olu’s immediate family and relations as well as friends and associates of the high-

APC denies involvement in DSS’ search of Akwa Ibom Govt House We do not see any connection between the search by the DSS and our candidate’s petition before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal,’’ Mohammed said. He said that the party rejected any attempt by the PDP to cite the DSS action as another instance of the APC-led Federal Government supposed plan to influence the work of the tribunal. To be sure, our government will never mi-

cromanage the judiciary and we also hereby restate our strong belief in the ability of the courts to do their work without fear or favour. We in the APC implore the PDP to have confidence in our judiciary and to stop peddling lies about the work of the Akwa Ibom Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the role of the security agencies. They should deploy their energy to make their case at the tribunal

instead of whipping up emotions that have nothing to do with reality,’’ he said. Mohammed said that a sticking point in the hearing of the Governorship Election Petitions filed by the APC governorship candidates in the Niger Delta had been the role of the security agencies, including the military and the DSS. We want to state clearly that the military and other security agencies were deployed to the

states in the Niger Delta to secure the last general elections. And they are to ensure the safety of the voters because of the threats posed by violence before, during and after the polls. That deployment was beyond the APC,’’ Mohammed said. He appealed to its supporters in Akwa Ibom to remain peaceful but vigilant and repose their confidence in the ability of the Tribunal to do justice to the petition.

ly respected monarch. He said that the deceased, whose transition was for mally announced at the weekend, would be greatly missed by the Itsekiris people of Delta and all Nigerians. He urged members of the late Olu’s family and the Itsekiris people to be comforted by the knowledge that Ogiame Atuwatse II would be remembered as a peace-loving monarch, who did his best to foster the har monious co-existence of his people with other ethnic g roups in Nigeria. The president added that the late Olu would also be honoured by present and future generations as a most worthy custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiris. According to him, the deceased will also be remembered for the commendable wisdom, sagacity and benevolence which he exhibited in his 28 year reign over the Itsekiri nation. As they be gin the three-month mour ning period for their departed traditional ruler, the president prayed that God almighty would receive the late Olu’s soul and g rant him eter nal rest.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Chibok girls and the unanswered questions DEBORAH NELSON Continued from last Monday

he mastermind of the bomb blast at a Church in Suleija that killed many Christians, Kabiru Sokoto was apprehended in Governor Shettima’s Lodge in Abuja. This was after his escape from Police custody. Why did Kabiru Sokoto, an indigene of Sokoto State, declared wanted by the Police find it convenient to take refuge in Governor Shettima’s Lodge in Abuja? The alleged abduction took place a few hours after the bloody bomb blast at Nyanya on 14 April 2014. While Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bomb blast at Nyanya, it took the jihadists over two weeks to claim responsibility for the alleged abduction. If the alleged abduction was carried out by BH, why did it take them over two weeks to claim responsibility for it? In May 2014, Shettima told the BBC that he knew a lot about the alleged abduction and that he was under pressure not to say all he knew about it because many heads would roll if he did. He added that the prevailing wanton destruction of lives and properties in the North East region were the handiwork of some powerful Nigerians bent on making life miserable for him at all cost. In spite of this open confession by Governor Shettima, why is it that no person or institution has made any effort to

cause Shettima to speak the truth about the alleged abduction? Some of the abduct Chibok girls, who allegedly escaped from captivity, were interviewed by Al Jazeera and CNN Correspondents at various times but none of them could speak in English Language. One of the girls claimed that the jihadists used only two trucks to convey them that night. If these girls were the real students in question, were they going to write SSCE in Hausa language? Is it possible to use only two trucks to successfully transport 234 girls and food stuff to Sambisa Forest, which is about 60km from Chibok Village that night? On 11 September 2001, the Twin Towers in the USA were brought down by Islamic jihadists, killing 2,977 people in addition to 19 jihadists. On 7 July 2005, Islamic jihadists bombed underground trains and a bus in Central London, killing 56 including of the jihadists. It took the USA several years to eliminate Osama bin-Laden, the alleged mastermind of 9/11. During those years, no opposition political party, social commentator or non-governmental organization aligned with the Islamic jihadists to malign the US government and its military. Does it mean that by rallying round their government and military to confront the jihadists, opposition political parties, social critics and NGOs in the UK and USA are not as patriotic as the Oby Ezekwesilis? Led by supposedly educated Nigerians such as Obi Ezekwesili, the BringBackOur-

MADAM OBI

EZEKWESILI AND HER COHORT HAVE RUN OUT OF STEAM SINCE THE SWEARING IN OF

BUHARI ON 29 MAY 2015

Girls [BBOG] embarked on daily condemnation of the Jonathan administration and the military for failing to rescue the girls. As far as the Ezekwesilis were concerned, Governor Shettima had no case to answer, hence they never made any attempt to question the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction. Their primary objective was to use the alleged abduction to comprehensively denigrate the Jonathan administration and promote Buhari’s candidacy. Like Daniel Kanu and Authur Nzeribe, who used Youth Earnestly Yearn for Abacha and Association for a Better Nigeria respectively to sheepishly campaign for Hausa/Fulani hegemonic agenda, Madam Obi Ezekwesili followed the inglorious footsteps of her kinsmen to use BBOG platform to campaign for the same purpose. The Ezekwesilis’ campaigns of calumny against GEJ were so helpful that Chief Audu Ogbe publicly acknowledged BBOG’s contributions at Eagle Square, Abuja in October

2014 during the Buhari’s declaration to recontest. As expected, Madam Obi Ezekwesili and her cohort have run out of steam since the swearing in of Buhari on 29 May, 2015. Now that the BBOG is a shadow of itself, has Buhari rescued the Chibok girls or was it a Hausa/Fulani campaign outfit as acknowledged by Chief Audu Ogbe? In appreciation of BBOG’s support, a co-founder of BBOG, Hadiza Bala-Usman had since been appointed Chief of Staff and member of Buhari’s Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee by Mallam El-Rufai and Buhari respectively. Though Buhari seems to detest the Igbos with a passion, it is hoped that Madam Obi Ezekwesili’s loyalty to Hausa/Fulani hegemonic agenda will convince him to find ‘something’ for her, however, small. After the APC presidential campaign rally in Maiduguri last January 16, 2015, Buhari insisted on visiting Chibok Village. He reluctantly aborted the journey when he realized that the military was not prepared to provide security for the visit. If Buhari’s desire to visit Chibok Village that day was not a political grandstanding, why has he not visited Chibok Village or anywhere in North East in spite of the fact that Boko Haram had killed over 1000 people in North East since 29 May 2015? May God grant us the grace to see with our eyes and not with our minds. Concluded Dr Nelson wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State.

The power of literacy ‘BIODUN BELLO

igeria is a country bedeviled by a high population of illiterate citizens. That explains why the country is among the nine developing countries with the highest population of illiterates in the world. The group, otherwise known as the E9 Countries, comprises of Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan, and it accounts for more than 50 percent of the world’s population. The E9 Countries hosts more than 53 percent of the world’s illiterate population, over two thirds of the world’s illiterate adults and over half of the world’s out- ofschool children. Since 1944, when efforts were first made to address the challenges of illiteracy in the country, some considerable successes have been recorded but the challenges remain quite enormous. As it stands, Nigeria has missed the 2015 target date of reducing its illiteracy rate by 50 percent under the Education for All (EFA) Declaration made in Jomtien, Thailand in March, 1990. At the moment, Nigeria has over 63 million illiterate citizens, and this to a large extent, has impacted negatively on all the facets of national development efforts and goals. Analysts have argued that the problem of militancy in the Niger Delta region, prostitution, child trafficking and the most recent, Boko Haram group in the northern region of our country are all consequences of the growing illiteracy level in Nigeria. Those in this school of thought argued that the members of these vulnerable groups, majorly

youths, are ready tools in the hands of those deploying them for their selfish gains. In today’s economic and technologically exploding climate, literacy is a key to unlocking the economic opportunities of a country. Nigeria recognized the power and importance of literacy with the creation of National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC) with Decree No. 17 of June, 1990. Its creation was in response to the declaration of Education for All (EFA) goals made in Jomtien, Thailand in March, 1990. The Commission was inaugurated on July 5, 1991 and was given the mandate of addressing issues of literacy amongst adults and youths, including the vulnerable groups, such as migrant fishermen, out-of-school children, including girls and women. It is principally saddled with the responsibility of increasing awareness on the importance of literacy and soliciting for the participation and cooperation of all stakeholders in the task of making all Nigerians literate. Equally, the Commission is charged with the task of developing programmes with special attention to disadvantaged groups such as the women, the marginalised groups, rural dwellers and outof-school children among others. But before 1991, the first real attempt at addressing the problem of illiteracy in our country was in 1944 when the then British colonial government mobilized experts to give talks or write articles for effective communication in simple language on topics such as leprosy, venereal diseases, sleeping sickness, smallpox, tuberculosis, nutrition, good citizenship, native administration, and agriculture. Illiteracy at that time was said

NIGERIA IS...AMONG THE NINE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST POPULATION OF ILLITERATES IN THE WORLD to be well over 95 per cent of the adult population, but by 1952 most parts of Nigeria felt the impact of the new non-formal out-ofschool education. In the 1950s, the Northern Regional government launched its own mass literacy campaign popularly known as Yaki Da Jahilci, following the example of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) in the Western and Eastern regions. Twenty seven years later in 1977, the National Policy on Education contained provisions for a literacy programme for all Nigerians. In 1982 also, a 10year national mass literacy campaign was launched by President Shehu Shagari. The programme was designed for between 1982 and 1992 with the aim of eradicating illiteracy among 50-55 million adults in Nigeria. Also, the General Ibrahim Babangida military government, having realised the literacy level in the country in 1987, sought to include mass literacy in its overall social and rural development programme. The Directorate of Food, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) and the Directorate for Mass Mobilisation (MAMSER) were directed to assist the state agencies in implementing the campaign. However, the National Mass Literacy

Campaign became secondary activities in these organisations because they had their own primary assignments. Nevertheless, the creation of these and other directorates for public education and enlightenment such as National Directorate of Employment (NDE), War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade, Better Life for Rural Women and the Family Support Programme did have some commendable impact on literacy education in the country. It is relevant to mention here that government of Kano State in 1980 became the first to establish the first post-independence government to set up an autonomous agency responsible for adult and non-formal education. The agency made such a great impression that it won a UNESCO award for literacy in 1983. The Kano State’s achievement spurred other states to establish their mass literacy agencies and by 1992, more than 27 states (of the then 30) had established agencies for mass education. Presently, all of the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, have agencies for adult and non-formal education. To be continued Bello, a veteran journalist and consultant on mass literacy, wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State via doublebmassliteracy@ gmail.com Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Tuesday, September 22, 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

Buhari and the TSA initiative M ore than 100 Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) were said to be falling over themselves a couple of days ago to beat the Federal Government deadline given to them to key into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as was ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration recently. As a consequence of the leeway to corruption numerous accounts operated by MDAs offered to public sector crooks out to shortchange the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari, in the first week of August this year, ordered all MDAs to commence payments of all government revenues, incomes and other receipts into the TSA to promote transparency in public funds’ management and in compliance with Sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered). Some MDAs, however, mumbled their apprehensions that the measure would adversely affect their operations instead of enhancing their efficiency and performance. This eventually necessitated, about two weeks after the TSA order was given, a clarification by the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, that the directive was not punitive. “The introduction of the TSA is not a punitive measure targeted

at any government establishment, or an attempt to jeopardize the peace and stability of the university system… It is part of the reforms being introduced by this administration to institutionalize a more effective and transparent management of public finances in the country”, Idris said. The lacklustre response of MDAs to the order, however, compelled the FG, through a circular issued to all MDAs by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, to peg Tuesday, September 15, 2015 as the last day for compliance, “to avoid sanctions”. If reports of the last minute rush of MDAs to comply are anything to go by, it may then be safely stated that not only are the MDAs comfortable with the less than honest and accountability chaos their maintenance of innumerable bank accounts permit, they want the fraud to persist. We are not discountenancing the intense pressure coming from the banking sector to frustrate the TSA regime, since little or no huge financial fraud can be perpetrated against the nation by MDAs without the connivance of complicit banks. But patriotism, the mood of the nation politically and its economic travails presently demand that the interest of the nation and all citizens be served first before that of parochial enclaves.

September 22, 1975 Sara Jane Moore tried to assassinate United States’ President, Gerald Ford, but was stopped by Oliver Sipple. Sara Jane Moore (née Kahn; born February 15, 1930) is an American citizen best known for attempting to assassinate President Ford in 1975. She was given a life sentence for the attempted assassination and was released from prison on December 31, 2007, after serving 32 years.

WE ARE NOT

DISCOUNTENANCING

THE INTENSE PRESSURE COMING FROM THE BANKING SECTOR TO FRUSTRATE THE

TSA

REGIME Indeed, had the FG not insisted that there was no going back on the September 15, 2015 deadline for all MDAs and the general public to comply with the TSA policy, it is not unlikely that most MDAs, especially the revenue generating ones that exercise enormous powers over their funds, would still be living in their fool’s paradise of “it is business as usual”. Special note must be taken of the fact that the Kaduna State Government opted on its own to commence implementation of the TSA initiative last September 1, following a directive Governor Nasir El-Rufai gave at a meeting with officials of all banks holding the state government’s many revenue and expenditure accounts. In just a matter of days, however, reports indicated that with the adoption of the TSA, Kaduna State had traced and uncovered N4 billion stashed in 470 different accounts in 23 commercial banks. Speaking through Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor, Barnabas

ON THIS DAY September 22, 1980 Iraq invaded Iran: The Iran–Iraq War, also known as the First Persian Gulf War, was an armed conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq lasting from September 1980 to August 1988, making it the 20th century’s longest conventional war. It was initially referred to in English as the ‘Gulf War’ prior to the Persian Gulf War of the early 1990s. The war began when Iraq invaded Iran via air and land.

Bala, El-Rufai said: “With the (TSA) system, we have been able to trace and discover the sum of N4bn in different account names in 23 banks”. If this can be the case in one state within so short a time, the amount the FG would rake in with TSA can at best be unimaginable. From the FG’s clarification on the TSA, it is supposed to be a unified structure of bank accounts enabling consolidation and optimal utilization of government’s cash resources. It is a bank account or a set of linked bank accounts through which government transacts all its receipts and payments and gets consolidated view of its cash position at any given time. The TSA aims at creating a single pool where all government’s revenue receipts would be kept in one account, to make it possible for the FG to know the state of all the accounts at a glance. Therefore, if previous public accounting systems fragmented accounts for government revenues, incomes and receipts, and in the process encouraged the loss or leakages of legitimate income meant for the Federation Account, the FG should not spare the rod in dealing with recalcitrant heads of MDAs who have fallen so much in-love with the past locust regime of waste to the extent that they now view the TSA initiative as a bitter pill.

September 22, 2013 A twin suicide bomb attack took place at All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, in which 127 people were killed and over 250 others injured. It was the deadliest attack on the Christian minority in the history of Pakistan. Two suicide bombers first shot and killed one of the security guards, injuring the other before entering the church. Stopped by the police, one of the suicide bombers detonated the bomb, followed by the second bomber.

Business

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

CBN moves to bridge N9.6trn financing gap for SMEs 21

Surveyors’ board tasks members on knowledge 25

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bank workers jittery over lay-off prospects

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline

Aircraft crash site

Aircraft’s age restriction policy debate rages, polarizes operators Age restriction on commercial aircraft coming into Nigeria has been a contentious issue since the policy first came to be in 2002. At the recent Stakeholders Workshop on the Proposed Amendment in Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, NCAR, organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the issue was raised again by participant. Olusegun Koiki writes.

acquisition, proficiency

he issue of a mandatory age for commercial aircraft coming into Nigeria has been a burning discussion in the past 13 years in the domestic aviation industry. The current 22 years mandatory age for commercial aircraft flying in the country’s airspace was introduced as a regulatory measure for air safety just after the EAS airlines’ crash of 2002. EAS Airlines Flight 4226 was on a scheduled flight between Mallam

Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos when at about 2:35 pm on April 5, it crashed into a residential area of the city called Gwammaja, suburb of Kano. The plane, a BAC 1-11 500, with 106 passengers and crewmembers on board, burst into flames upon impact. Several lives were also lost on the ground. Investigation by the Federal Government then on the cause of the crash revealed that it was pilot error.

We keep making the same error. any time there is a crash, We send panic to the system by banning What they attribute to age. true.

this is not

age has nothing to do With aircraft

The findings of the investigation showed that the engines failed following their intake of a large amount of dust. This occurred as a result of the pilot overshooting the runway and continuing the take-off through a grassy area at the end of the runway. It was gathered that prior to the crash, the aircraft had been grounded on two previous occasions: once in 2001 for 11 days to perform engine maintenance, and again in 2002 for 52 days in order to address engine problems. In a bid to forestall a recurrence of similar avoidable accidents, the Federal Government took some steps to restore public confidence in the industry, particularly those that have to do with airworthiness of aircraft. For instance, the then Minister of Aviation, Mrs Kema

Chikwe, announced the ban on all BAC1-11 aircraft operating in Nigeria and placed an age limit of 22 years on all the aircraft imported into the for commercial flights. Expectedly, the ban of BAC1-11 and age limit on aircraft was swiftly opposed by most industry players, but the government stood its ground. Besides, few days after the unfortunate Dana Air aircraft flight number 0992 and registration number 5N-RAM at the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos on Sunday, June 3, 2012 killing about 160 persons onboard and on ground, the ministry once again came out with a proposal of 15 years age limit on aircraft flying the nation’s airspace. As expected, the then Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, presented the government position at the African Aviation Stakeholders’ ConCONTINUED 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, September 22, 2015

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Aircraft’s age restriction policy debate rages, polarizes operators CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 ference held in Abuja, but operators and some professionals and stakeholders in the sector severely kicked against this. The unembellished voice against the proposal dwarfed the government’s proposal until Oduah was removed in February, 2014 by the Federal Government and the status quo remains till date. But, the issue of age limitation on aircraft was recently reinvigorated by the Chairman of the Air Operators Association of Nigeria, AOAN, Capt. Muhammed Joji, at his presentation at the Stakeholders Workshop on the Proposed Amendment in Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, NCAR, organised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. Presenting the position of his association at the forum, Joji argued that the age of aircraft didn’t matter in aircraft operations. He argued that the same aircraft types that were banned aftermath of air crashes showed that the country was only reactionary to issue and not proactive, stressing that airplanes of over 20 years are still used in Europe, United States and other countries. Joji explained that airliners and business jets were built with a certain number of cycles in mind, adding that a cycle was usually defined as a pressurisation and depressurisation of the cabin. He added that pumping up the cabin puts more stress on an airframe than does unpressurised flying. He said: “We keep making the same error. Any time there is a crash, we send panic to the system by banning what they attribute to age. This is not true. Age has nothing to do with aircraft. We hope that the aviation regulatory body will look into this as part of the amendment it tends to carry out.” However, players in the sector are divided over the policy of age restriction on aircraft brought into the country by operators. While a section of players wanted the policy abolished, others called on the government to retain the age restriction on aircraft, arguing that it has helped to promote safety in the system. An aviation consultant, Engr. Olawoye Idowu, recalled that age restriction on aircraft first came to the public glare during the time of a former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Dokko during an air accident in Enugu involving a Fokker F28 aircraft of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways. He explained that as a result of the crash, all Fokker F28 aircraft in the fleet of the airline were sold to foreign carriers and governments. He insisted that age restriction on aircraft had nothing to do with its safety, stressing that with effective and consistent maintenance; aircraft could operate as long as the owner wanted it to. He clarified that the age restriction on aircraft was just for airplanes coming into the country and not those being operated in the country by operators. He however noted that the older an aircraft goes, the more maintenance and checks it would require, stressing that if an operator was sincere and desist from corner cutting, such an airplane could continue to fly for years to come. He said, “The irony of it is that as a result

Captain Mukhtar

Captain Dele Ore

So, keeping an overage aircraft in the handS of theSe people that don’t care, that iS a licenSe to

kill. it iS not in the intereSt of the flying public to remove the age limit on an aircraft in of that policy, all Nigeria Airways aircraft that were Fokker F28 were sold and at the same time, one of the aircraft that were sold was bought by Libya and when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida visited Libya then, that aircraft was used to carry him all about. “I think age restriction doesn’t matters and if an aircraft is properly maintained, it is ageless except for the structures. The aircraft is structured to have recycling test and by the time they do this, it can go for 4,000 cycles and most of the time, it has the twice the working life. “What the government has done is to put age restriction on aircraft coming into the country and not the ones operating within the country. So, if the aircraft is still airworthy, 30 and 40 years old aircraft would still be flying in Nigeria. “Apart from structural designs, it is subjected to cycling rotation, which may be the ultimatum life of an aircraft. If you are doing your maintenance properly, most times, every time you do the overhaul, the engineers are brought back to zero life, they come out as new and you continue again. But, when you don’t do your maintenance properly, then, you have a problem.” He declared that the government policy on age restriction as applied was insufficient and incomprehensive, saying that such age restriction should also apply to aircraft operating within the country and not just on aircraft coming into the country. Idowu emphasised that unlike their foreign counterparts, Nigerian airline operators lacked the support of financial institutions to acquire newer aircraft for their operations. The immediate past Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Dr. Steve Mahonwu told our correspondent that the age of an aircraft has doesn’t depend on its airworthiness or otherwise, but rather mandatory regular maintenance. Mahonwu explained that a new aircraft

nigeria

that was not regularly maintained was far more dangerous than an old aircraft that its operator adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s maintenance manual. Mahounwu insisted that if an airline regularly went for all the mandatory checks, such as the “A, B, C and D,” during which the whole aircraft was overhauled, “it will come back like a new one.” He said, “Some preferred airlines, which some people made the passengers to believe have new fleets, have actually not done their mandatory checks in recent times. Some are in the last lap of the minimum time allowed for such checks, yet they were said to have new aircraft. It’s unfair to airlines that are regularly maintaining their aircraft, because those with new ones may take some things for granted, believing that, after all, the planes are still new. We need to go beyond publishing the age of aircraft to digging deep into when last each airline carried out the mandatory maintenance on each of their aircraft.” Also, the President, Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu explained that age of aircraft does not affect its performance, positing that the global aviation industry has a system of checks and balances, which must be strictly adhered to by operators not just in the country, but in the globe. He emphasised that the ICAO had never banned any aircraft due to age and wondered why Nigeria, a signatory to ICAO could act differently from the global practices and standards. He said, “The age of aircraft some said has a direct function with the efficiency of the plan, but it is not correct because the aviation industry has a system of checks and balances with its regular checks from A to D. “Most of the parts of aircraft have service lifespan, which means every part is changed after the expiration of the lifespan and it is made new. Nowhere is age of aircraft banned

anywhere in the world. ICAO has not banned any aircraft as a result of age. For instance, the BAC1-11 we banned in Nigeria are still being flown all over the world.” However, the General-Secretary, Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association, NAPA, Comrade Rasaq Saidu backed the age restriction on aircraft coming into the country. He explained that if the International Civil Aviation Authority, ICAO, could place an age limit on pilots, the entire industry should also have a limit on aircraft flying in the skies. He specifically said that in Nigeria, almost all the operators are cash strapped, arguing that once most of them carry out C-check maintenance on their aircraft, they no longer have funds to run their operations. He added, “There is no how you keep an aircraft forever because the components and frames have expiring dates. In this country, when you see an airline owned by a single person, when they go for only C-Check once, that airline gets broke because they don’t have proper financial management. “So, keeping an overage aircraft in the hands of these people that don’t care, that is a license to kill. It is not in the interest of the flying public to remove the age limit on an aircraft in Nigeria. Another aviation analyst, Capt. Dele Ore described the proposal to remove age limit on aircraft coming into the country as a welcome development. He insisted that the policy, which was ratified in 2002 was an embarrassment to Nigeria, maintaining that airworthiness of an aircraft is not judged by age, rather by maintenance. He told our correspondent that a week old aircraft from the factory could be so dangerous that it could cause a crash while a so called old aircraft could still be flying successfully with good maintenance records. He however agreed that the older an aircraft is the more expensive to carry out its maintenance and said once an aircraft has become so expensive to maintain, the owner could then decide to change it for a newer aircraft and not by policy. “There is nowhere in the world you tie the age of an aircraft to its operations. So, if they remove it, it’s better. In fact, how did the government arrive at the 22 years old restriction? It is arbitrary. The same aircraft you want to ban from flying in Nigeria, they go elsewhere and they are still flying.”

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Business News

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

CBN moves to bridge N9.6trn financing gap for SMEs JOhnSOn OKAnLAwOn

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has expressed its commitment to bridging the N9.6 trillion financing gap in the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, sub-sector of the economy. The CBN’s Director of Corporate Communication, Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu, who disclosed this at the weekend, said disbursement of significant part of the N220 billion Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, instituted by the regulator remains part of its commitment to providing improved financing opportunities for small businesses. Mu’azu, who spoke at the 2015 Annual Conference organized by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria, FICAN, in Lagos, said that poor access to credit remained one of the biggest limitations faced by small businesses and has to be tackled collectively by stakeholders in the financial services sector. He said that 60 per cent of the fund, representing N132 billion, has been earmarked for providing credit to women-owned businesses, hence giving financial backing to one of the most vulnerable segments of the society. The CBN director said the objective was to unlock the

potential of small businesses through credit support and taking such enterprises to positions where they would be able to create jobs and reduce poverty among the citizenry. Mu’azu hinted that a huge channel had been created for the administration of the loans through private or state owned microfinance institutions, finance houses, as well as commercial banks. State governments, he added, are allowed to access up to N2 billion each for on lending to eligible beneficiaries through participating financial institutions in their respective states. The CBN’s spokesman said a maximum of 10 per cent of the commercial component of the fund is being be channeled to trading and commerce to ensure that productive sectors of the economy continue to attract more financing necessary for employment creation and diversification of the country’s economic base. He clarified: “The broad objective of the N220 billion MSMEs fund is to channel low interest fund through participating institutions, like banks and microfinance banks and state governments to small businesses that need it to create jobs and empower grassroots population. “The fund has reduced cost of borrowing and created better opportunities for beneficiaries to declare better results”, he added.

He however said that successfully accessing the fund will require prospective borrowers getting them acquainted with the drawn down procedures and providing the needed information that enable their banks consider the loan requests. In his remarks, the Presi-

ack of bankable business plans as well as lack of clear business models have been identified as some of the challenges hindering most Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs in Nigeria from accessing bank loans for the development of the sub-sector.

The Bank of Industry, BoI, has also noted that despite its role to the economic development, funding has remained the major bane of the sub-sector as banks were reluctant to give loans to small scale entrepreneurs. The BoI noted that the poor banks reluctance to service subsector has to do with the perception of SMEs by creditors and investors as high-risk borrowers due to insufficient assets, low capitalization, vulnerability to market fluctuations

see SME operators as serous people that need such funds. He urged the CBN and commercial banks to rethink their SMEs’ funding strategy because of the huge benefits increased credit access by small businesses will add to the economy.

L- R: Mr Olatunde Oderinde, Deputy Team Leader, Sterling Bank’s GEMS 4, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Mrs. Bukola Awosanya, Group Head, Agriculture Finance at the Lagos Rice Fair organized by GEMS4 and supported by the Bank held in Lagos

Labour productivity hits N730bn in Q2 –NBS second quarter of this year from N669.57 million in the first quarter to N730.8 million, representhe National Bureau of Statis- ing about 9.1 percent increase. tics has reported an increase Labour productivity is dein labour productivity in the rived as the ratio of total output (annual GDP, current prices) to labour input (total hours worked per year). The Bureau in its latest Labour Force Surveys reported that the nominal Gross Domestic Product, GDP, also rose growth in income and employment” year-in year-out by 5.17 percent, he added. about 2.35 percent of the real The BoI Boss noted that despite GDP, representing nominal their dominant numbers and imporgrowth of 0.09 percent on nomitance in job creation, SMEs traditionnal basis by 0.09 percent, about ally have faced difficulty in obtaining 0.03 percent of real GDP. formal credit or equity. NBS however noted that the He said that maturities of comreduction of number of hours mercial bank loans extended to worked in the quarter by ‐0.7 SMEs were often limited to a period percent made the labour profar too short to pay off any sizeable ductivity to grow by 9.1 percent, investment, noting that this was due derived as the ratio of total outto the short-term nature of their put. funds, with the attendant mismatch Accordingly, the Nigerian if granted as long-term facilities to workers produced almost the SMEs. same level of nominal output Meanwhile, he said that the tenin the second quarter as in the dency was for access to competitive first quarter, but with 0.7 perinterest rates to be reserved only for cent less hours, resulting in a 9 prime customers, while loan interest percent improvement in labour rates offered to SMEs remained high. productivity. According to him, bank credit in Given seasonality and its efNigeria was characterised by limited fects in Nigeria on output and availability of medium to long-term labour hours, the NBS said credit tenors, short moratorium, and it was cautious not to draw high collateral requirements. cause‐effect relationships and

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

Why SMEs’ access to credit remains low –BoI ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

dent, Association of Small Business Owners, ASBON, Dr. Femi Egbesola said the draw down criteria were unrealistic and are beyond the reach of small business owners, adding that commercial banks authorized by the CBN to disburse the funds do not

and high mortality rates. Speaking at the conference of Finance Correspondents of Nigeria, FICAN, in Lagos at the weekend, the bank’s Managing Director, Rasheed Olaoluwa explained that information asymmetry arising from SMEs’ lack of accounting records posed difficult for creditors and investors to assess the creditworthiness of potential SME proposals. He observed that finance has been identified in many business surveys as a critical factor for the survival and growth of SMEs in both developing and developed countries. “Access to finance allows SMEs to undertake productive investments to expand their businesses and to acquire the latest technologies, thus ensuring their competitiveness and that of the nation as a whole. Poorly functioning financial systems can seriously undermine the macroeconomic fundamentals of a country, resulting in lower

make other inferences from the rise in labour force productivity in the second quarter of the year, until full year 2015. Although, economic growth has been high and stable in recent years, however the constraints on productivity of labour and other factor inputs continues to put a drag on overall economic growth. Economists and policy makers have noted that the productivity of inputs like capital and labour used in the production process, remains an important indicator of the relationship between overall economic output and other aspects of the economy, such as labour market, money market and capital market among others. Among key measures of the well‐being of an economy, is the level and growth of economic output, commonly known as the GDP. High labour productivity could be an important signal of the improvement in real incomes (wages of labour). It is recognised that labour productivity is not necessarily an indicator of the effort of each worker, but it still provides a useful measure of the rewards to labour as a factor in the productin process.

Business News

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Data paucity, poor funding hamper MDGs’ implementation – NBS ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale, has declared that successful implementation of Nigeria’s Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, was jeopardized due to shortage of fund and lack of comprehensive, up-to-date and harmonized data for monitoring progress and success recorded for some of the goals and target. He said this as the new proposed Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, an international development framework is due to be signed by over 140 nations including Nigeria in the coming weeks. Speaking during the stakeholders’ workshop on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, data mapping in Abuja recently, Kale said the experience from the MDGs implementation in Nigeria, which pointed to critical challenges posed by lack of comprehensive, up-to-date and harmonized data has prompted SDGs as a successor development framework to the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs.

According to him, there is no comprehensive data production strategy for monitoring of the MDGs from the onset, while the roles and responsibility for who produces what was not properly outlined no appropriate methodologies for computation of indicators were established and the commensurate funding for data production lacking. He said that this resulted in serious difficulties and challenges midway through implementation of the MDGs process, most especially in ascertaining Nigeria’s status in the process. “Thus, as Nigeria prepares to usher in the new sustainable development framework as defined by SDGs, there is need early on to set out a comprehensive, well-defined and coordinated strategy for data production at both national and sub-national levels to effectively track progress towards achieving the proposed goals. This is very critical to ensure that everything necessary in put in place to avoid a repeat of some of the challenges we experienced during the MDGs implementation, particularly in terms of monitoring and evalua-

tion of the process. “It is in the light of the above that NBS in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, UNDP, engaged the services of an expert to carry out a comprehensive data mapping exercise on SDGs. “The output of this exercise will be useful and will serve as the first major step in commencing the process of extensive consultations with relevant data producers, with a view to each agency clearly understanding the proposed indicators, their relevance in the Nigerian context and the feasibility of producing the required data for purposes of SDGs implementation and performance monitoring. More importantly, the exercise will help in ensuring uniformity and harmonization of the processes and methodologies for producing the indicators,” he said. He assured that as part of preparations for the commencement of the SDGs, the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, was strategizing and repositioning itself to be able to meet its mandate as the authoritative source of official statistical data in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAAN, Kwara State to collaborate on agro cargo devt OLusEgun KOIKI

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has indicated its readiness to partner the Kwara State Government on development of a robust agro-perishable cargo sector in the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole. FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development, Dr. Uchenna Ofulue disclosed this in Ilorin when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed. A statement by the spokesman of the agecy, Mr. Yakubu Dati stated that.Ofulue declared that the initiative, when fully implemented would attract unparalleled benefits to the state and Nigeria. The statement enumerated some of the benefits accruable from the initiative to include employment opportunities, improved standard of living for farmers, reduced rural-urban migration, foreign exchange generation, investment opportunities in logistics services and reduced youth restiveness. He added that lots of incentives aimed at creating a

conducive environment for the take-off of the programme had been put in place by the Federal Government to encourage investors in the agricultural sector. He mentioned that the agency had developed and designated a chain of 14 airports in the country as cargo airports to enhance seamless movement of agricultural produce both within and outside Nigeria. Responding, the Kwara State Governor, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed commended the agencyâ€™s team for its efforts to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in the country, saying that their effort was capable of adding value to the state and Nigeria. He explained that Kwara State Government was already collaborating with professional farmers from Zimbabwe, Kenya and other notable agrarian countries, in building capacity for farmers in the state and improve yield in agricultural produce, while assuring the FAAN team that the state was ready to key into this initiative in order to make the programme a reality.

Nigeria entertainment, media market’s growth to hit $8.1bn –Report DAvID AuDu

N L-R: Registrar & Chief Executive Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr. Adedeji Ajadi, Vice Chancellor Mountain Top University , Ogun State, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, Acting President, CIS,Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, Chairman ,Board of Trustee Mountain Top University ,Emeritus Prof. Akintunde Obilade and 2nd Vice President CIS, Mr. Dapo Adekoje during courtesy visit to Mountain Top University recently

Cornerstone boss charts course to improved insurance penetration

he Group Managing Director of Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Ganiyu Musa, has identified appropriate pricing and market conduct, innovative product offerings, effective distribution channels, regulations and and manpower capacity building as some of the short-medium term strategies that can be adopted to improve insurance penetration in the country. Musa listed these options as desirable for improved insurance penetration at the just concluded Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) 2015 Insurance Professionals’ Forum, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The industry player, canvassed the options in his paper titled: “Critical Success Factors for Market Expansion and Penetration Strategies” at the forum, noted that the current challenge of rate-cutting issues currently undermining the growth of the sector could be dealt with if professionals subscribe to ethical conduct the on-going that operators must maintain price discipline to deal with issues. To achieve this, he advocated the strengthening of the relationship between underwriters and brokers with a view to determining standard rates for products and by implication, deepen the penetration of insurance in the

economy. Musa pointed out that in order to curb the abuses of the market, it had become imperative for operators to adopt self-regulation strategies since this will help to build the reputation of operators and the perception of the insuring public about insurance as well as manpower capacity enhancement through trainings to improve their performances. Similarly, he identified innovative products development and customer-friendly delivery approaches as crucial matters that should be among the primary preoccupation of practitioners if the expectations of industry sustainable growth are to be met.

igeria’s entertainment industry and media market is expected to scale $8.1 by 2019 from the $4 billion in 2014, according to a report from PwC titled Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2015 to 2019 for South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. The sector, which grew by as much as 19.3 per cent in 2014, the industry according to the report will double by 2019, making the market to be more than twice as big, and estimated total revenue of US$8.1 billion. As in South Africa, the report says the Internet will be the key driver of growth for Nigeria. Television, comprising revenue from TV advertising and subscriptions, is the other main driver. Excluding Internet access, television, filmed entertainment and video games are the areas where Nigerian consumers are expected to spend the most over the next five years. Consumer spends on video games and music is set to see the sharpest rise in forecast CAGRs at 14.3 per cent and 11.4, respectively. However, piracy continues to remain a problem in Nigeria,

limiting growth across several entertainment and media sectors. Nigeria entertainment, media market’s growth to hit $8.1bn - Report Analysis of the report show that after more than a decade of digital disruption, the African entertainment and media industry has entered a new landscape, one where the media is no longer divided into distinct traditional and digital spheres. Entertainment and media leader for PwC Southern Africa, Vicki Myburgh, says this year’s outlook shows consumer demand for entertainment and media experiences will continue to grow, while migrating towards video and mobile. “Increasingly, though, it’s clear that consumers see no significant divide between digital and traditional media – what they want is more flexibility, freedom and convenience in when, where and how they interact with their preferred content. “Consumers are choosing offerings that combine an outstanding and personalised user experience with an intuitive interface and easy access. This includes shared physical experiences like cinema and live concerts, which appear re-energised by digital and social media.”

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TSA: Bank workers jittery over lay-off prospects Fear of possible mass retrenchment in the financial sector following the new government Treasury Single Account, TSA, policy is already gripping workers in the sector as the implementation kicks off with serious depletion of liquidity in the banks. SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE reports.

s the Federal Government begins the implementation of Treasury Single Account, TSA, there are palpable fears in the financial sector, especially the banking industry over possible job losses. Already, banks are facing low liquidity as interbank money market last week, halted trading for three consecutive days, due to sharp liquidity decline in the system, as the directive on TSA triggered huge cash outflows. Factional President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero said any policy that could lead to loss of jobs does not only negate the quest for economic recovery, but also hinders national development. “Without employment, any policy geared towards empowering the majority and lifting them out of poverty becomes unfortunately a mirage’’, he stated. According to Ajaero, anti-corruption, employment creation and eradication of poverty are part of the cardinal programmes of this administration, which it has re-emphasized since assumption of office and this has been the expectations of many Nigerians and anything short of this, would automatically force organised labour to raise eyebrows. Some workers interviewed by National Mirror who pleaded that their identities should not be in print, said

Aluminum plant

Buhari

Ajaero

This is an indicaTive of an unToward siTuaTion in The financial secTor. Many of us will be laid off. There is no Two ways abouT This. whaT This Means is ThaT The profiTs accruing froM These funds doMiciled inTo coMMercial banks by governMenT agencies will no longer be There the directive raised fears of possible retrenchment in the sector. They however noted that contrary to the promise of the Federal Gov-

ernment to create over 3 million jobs annually, there will be invariably job losses in the financial and federal agencies due to the new policy. For instance, workers in the following agencies may also be affected: the Central Bank of Nigeria, Security and Exchange Commission, Corporate Affairs Commission and the Nigerian Ports Authority. Others are the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria; the Nigeria Shippers Council, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Department of Petroleum Resources among others. According to government, the measure is aimed at promoting transparency and facilitating compliance with Sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution. The source told National Mirror that the closure of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, accounts domiciled in commercial banks are transferred to the Federation Account, causing huge revenue loss by banks,

which would in turn, affect workers. Independent Revenue e-Collection Scheme is implemented under Treasury Single Account, TSA, initiative, which requires that government revenue collection is put into a single account for proper cash management. Experts say the implementation of TSA would help to curb corruption in the system, urging workers to embrace the new policy. According to Mr Justus Oke, a worker with one of the old generation banks in Lagos, bank liquidity has continued to drop as many banks are moving money to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in compliance to the directive, even as banks continue to provide funding for advance payment for foreign exchange purchases. President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered that all revenues be paid into the Treasury Single Account, TSA, as a way to stem corruption while aiding transparency. According to him, the scheme would automate revenue collection of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, directly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund account of the apex bank in the country. Investigation shows that already some banks have resorted to borrowing fund at the Central Bank discount window at 15 percent, using their Treasury bill holdings as collateral. “This is an indicative of an untoward situation in the financial sector. Many of us will be laid off. There is no two ways about this. What this means is that the profits accruing from these funds domiciled into commercial banks by government agencies will no longer be there. What does this tell you”? Oke asked rhetorically, heightening speculation of untoward situation ahead. An economic analyst, Funso Adeyemi, said that though the policy was good as it would curb corruption in the system and also affect the nation’s already saturated labour market. Noting that it would also add to the existing unemployment rate in the country, Oke said already over 4, 000 workers had been laid –off in public and private sectors in the last few weeks.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World Bank supports job creations

orld Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $100 million loans to support global competitiveness in creat-

ing new jobs. Some countries have faced slow economic recovery since the global economic crisis started in 2008.

Workers exchanging ideas in an office

Workers disrupt BMW operations in SA ….as firm restates investment commitment

lobal Group Marketing Head of BMW in South Africa, Ian Robertson, had boasted that the uncertainty over industry policy and labour stability would not deter the German car maker, BMW from further investments in the country. Robertson said that BMW would make an announcement “very soon” about its next major investment at BMW SA’s Rosslyn vehicle assembly plant, near Pretoria. Last year, Rosslyn made 69,000 cars, of which about 50,000 were exported, mainly to the

US. Robertson said that the investment would also not be affected by continued discussions between SA and the US over the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which allows goods made in sub-Saharan Africa to land in the US at preferential duty rates. His confirmation of future investment is the second statement of intent by a SA-based motor company in three weeks. Volkswagen SA MD Thomas Schaefer announced that his company would spend R4.5bn in the next two years to

build new car ranges at its Uitenhage plant. Yet, there are fears of more strikes next year, when the current threeyear agreement with the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) expires and has to be renegotiated. However, Robertson said that outcome would not affect the planned new investment. Neither would government delays in announcing the result of an initial review of the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP), which runs from 2013 to 2020.

and use a font size between 10 and 14. Here are some suggested headings and the kind of information that should go under these headings: •Contact details: Your name, address, phone number and email address. •Education and training: Show the highest educational level you have reached, and where and when you studied. You may wish to include subjects you have studied and their results. Emphasise your accomplishments.

•Employability skills: It is important to provide evidence of these skills. See the heading ‘What are employers looking for?’ earlier in this section. •Other skills: Add any other relevant skills that you have, such as speaking another language, typing speed and accuracy, driving and equipment operating licences or mathematical skills. Your skills show a prospective employer your range of abilities (keep in mind they need to be related to the job).

With a renewed commitment to structural reforms, some countries have begun to witness positive growth, increase exports and rising employment since this year. But even some countries pursue deeper structural reforms, more need to be done to make public and private sectors strong drivers of economic recovery. For instance, creating jobs for young workers in some countries has been the highest priority of some global leaders. World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Cyril Muller said, the bank is addressing such concerns in some countries by strengthening investment promotion, spurring innovation and helping young Serbians connect to future employers.” Jobs projects would create more attractive investment climate, promote innovation and entrepreneurship while offering employment services to connect workers to jobs. According to him, during fiscal consolidation, it would focus on generat-

Report links strikes to low wages, high debt

orkers however attributed incessant strikes to low wages, high levels of debt as well as other desperate situations of workers. Labour Department’s annual industrial action report shows that, although the figure was a 23 percent decline compared with recorded strikes in the past years, workers embarked on prolonged work stoppages, which wasted more working days and cost the economy R6.1 billion. Last year, workers went on strike over an average of 16 to 20 days with the private sector being the hardest hit. According to the department, the minimum wage agreements signed to end disputes were at an average of 7.8 percent.

Jobs & Career: Your résumé

résumé is a summary of who you are and what you have achieved. Your résumé may be an employer’s first contact with you, so you need to make a good impression. You must ensure that it is neat, well set out and includes all relevant information. The layout of résumés varies greatly. However, you need to use a consistent format and style of writing within your résumé. Use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial or Times,

ing better public services for investors and those seeking work by enhancing the impact of public expenditures. “The project will help provide better support for investment and growth of exports for small and medium enterprises,” says Duško Vasiljevi, World Bank Private Sector Development Specialist. “It will also support innovative companies, which typically employ young and well educated people. The aim is also to improve the services offered to the unemployed, so that they can find jobs faster and easier.” The lending instrument is Investment Project Financing, using a results-based lending design with disbursement-linked indicators and a small technical assistance component aimed at providing expert support in achieving loan objectives. Results-based lending was chosen in order to support achievement of results within a multi-year reform program, combined with the ability to reimburse existing Government expenditures in an environment of fiscal consolidation.

People queuing for interview

The report lists high levels of debt as one of the motivating factors identified as a “serious problem” behind strikes. “The tendency by the companies to use measures of labour cost reduction, putting downward pressure on wages of full-time workers, while on the other hand they report increased earnings, increased executive remuneration and exporting profits (to the Western and European countries) is increasing the wealth and income inequality in society,” the report read in part. Meanwhile, organised labour, business and government are engaged in discussions at Nedlac, exploring various methods of lessening the prevalence and length of industrial action.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Surveyors’ board tasks members on knowledge acquisition, proficiency As technology continues to get more investment attention in corporate planning and operational strategies for competitiveness globally, the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, the regulatory body for quantity surveyors, has charged its members to be acquainted with new trends for development, especially in the areas of cost advisory and project delivery. Olufemi Adeosun, writes

he need to expand frontiers, update knowledge and learn new trends took the centre stage during the just concluded 2015 annual conference of Registered Quantity Surveyors held at the nation’s capital, Abuja. With the theme,”Strategic Options for the Nigerian Quantity Surveyors in the Next Two Decades”, the conference was designed to provide a platform for registered quantity surveyors to take a strategic glance into the future with a view to updating themselves to meet current demands in the profession. In his address during the opening session of the two-day event which featured over three thousand registered quantity surveyors, the President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria(QSRBN), Mr. Husaini Dikko

Volkswagen CEO ‘deeply sorry’ for breach of US environmentl rules 36

lamented the decline in the profession, warning that except members intensified efforts in constantly updating their knowledge, especially in the area of learning new trends in modern technology, they would not be able to effectively deliver on the job. He stated that the conference was particularly organised to enable professionals in the built environment cross fertilize ideas with a view to coming up with strategic thinking on how to bridge the knowledge deficit which had characterized the profession in recent time. Dikko added,”What we are trying to use the conference to achieve is to update the body of knowledge of quantity surveying. We are trying to do a benchmarking of what is happening in the profession around the world. And we found

out that we are very much lagging behind in terms of international best practices. “To start with, we want to build the body of knowledge from the bottom up. Our first point of call is to review our curriculum in our universities and polytechnics so that we can update it to reflect modern trends. We found out we have been operating the same set of syllabus in the last thirty years. It is not tenable in this modern time and age. However, before the fruit of the exercise comes into being, we are now trying to update those of our members that are already qualified and practicing and this is what this annual conference for the registered quantity surveyors is all about.” He particularly upbraided some senior colleagues in

Guaranty Trust Bank empowers women entrepreneurs

the profession for failing to update their knowledge, stressing that such laxity was capable of precipitating generational knowledge gap in the quantity surveying profession. Beyond acquisition of knowledge, the QSRBN boss also noted that surveyors could only gain the recognition of the people if they stood against perpetration of sharp practices in the garb of corruption, particularly as it relates to construction cost. “In a country like ours which has been ravaged by corruption, society will appreciate quantity surveying if it can provide the expertise which an effective war can be waged against the monster called corruption. Nigeria is such as rich country if only we agreed in the war against corruption. “Quantity surveying must be at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Scientists report slowdown in global warming

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Surveyors’ board tasks members on knowledge acquisition, proficiency CONTINUED FROM 25

vanguard of this war and appreciative society will always recognize the role of the profession in this regard. Integrity must be our watchword as quantity surveyors. We must not only preach it, we must live it. We must use the professionas the standard of what is right nod honorable. Corruption is pervasive in all sectors of our national life and you will be amazed at the wealth of this country if we plug leakages that abound in form of bribery, looting, over -invoicing, contract inflation, ghost workers, fraudulent procurement and the like,” he noted. Apart from the yearly Mandatory Continuing Professional conference being organised by the board to keep quantity surveyors abreast of current trends, Dikko added that efforts were in the offing to review the curriculum in the nation’s universities and polytechnics. According to him, the syllabi is not in consonance with current realities. “We found that we have been operating the same set of syllabi for almost the last thirty years. It is not tenable in this modern time and age,”he added. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. George Ossi, charged Nigerian quantity surveyors to be up and doing, noting that the present regime of positive change demands the involvement of professionals in the fight against wattages and looting of public funds often perpetrated through contract inflation, over invoicing and other acts of corruption. According to him, the key challenge of the conference should be how to evolve strategic thinking towards addressing the issue of high cost of construction projects in Nigeria. Ossi who was represented at the event by the Director, Building in the ministry, Mr. Bolarin Oluse-

Housing estaste

Inductee members of Quantity Surveyors after a workshop at Abuja, recently.

the

Ministry and the Federal GovernMent

at larGe will be countinG on the expertise oF

niGeria’s quantity surveyors in cost

ManaGeMent oF construction projects and inFrastructure to put the country back on the riGht track For sustainable Growth and developMent

gun, added that, “the Ministry and the Federal Government at large will be counting on the expertise of Nigeria’s quantity surveyors in cost management of construction projects and infrastructure to put the country back on the right track for sustainable growth and development. He also urged the professionals in the built environment to leverage on their professional expertise to

promote resource optimization and value maximisation in construction project implementation with a view to helping to establish a firm regime of value for money. On the imperative of the event, he stated,”With the theme,”Strategic Option for the Nigeria Quantity Surveyors in the Next Two Decades”, this conference provides an opportunity for the QSRBN not only to keep its members abreast

of the rapidly expanding knowledge frontiers in the profession, but also for them to examine the strategic options available to serve the country in the most optimal fashion in the decades ahead.” However, a senior member in the profession who would not want his name in print for the fear of being charged for professional misconduct, disagreed with the position of the QSRBN boss, insisting that rather than accusing them of not working hard to update themselves, the board should take responsible for whatever decline being witness in the profession. For instance, he stated that until the current board took over mantle of leadership in the last five years, the profession had largely lacked policy direction, with members in the quantity surveying profession, going about their duties without control.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Debt not holding back graduates in US housing market –Research

MORTGAGE NOTES

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

Gaining access to cheaper mortgage funds

s is usually the case, I was involved in a conversation with a very good friend in the Nigerian Legal sector, who specializes in mortgage and real estate transactions. As is also usually the case, she was not too positive about the possibility of Nigeria making a full transition to a mortgage based real estate sector. She was quite certain that the typical Nigerian homebuyer is still too spooked regarding the idea of owing money on the house they live in, and therefore the number of mortgages funded would probably not support the sector for a long term projection. I responded with the same question I ask anyone with a negative viewpoint of the industry – “Is it enough of a reason for us to then stop trying?” This has become my battle cry for so long, that it is my go to question. Should we be so focused on the possibility of failure that we stop trying to build a sustainable mortgage industry in Nigeria? If we do so, have we not failed simply by our inaction? With the NMRC gaining approval to issue bonds on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, every company should be training hard to ensure access to these low interest funds they will be raising. As of May 72015, I remember being in a workshop and learning that only one company had so far submitted a request to sell some of their MBS files to the NMRC. If approved, the loan file would be sold at a discount to NMRC, and the bank would then receive funds that they reinjection into their mortgage pool of funds. This is what keeps the market vibrant in most of the developed mortgage markets, and the Nigerian industry should definitely strive to achieve this. Once a mortgage company has raised an initial fund base for mortgage loans, all that would be needed would be for the company to learn to originate NMRC compliant loans. The company would then simply sell the loans to the NMRC and recapitalize, in order to give out more mortgages. This would ensure that the company stays liquid, remove the burden of the long term loan portfolio, and generate much faster and easier profits. The only caveat is

that the companies would need to be very conversant with the said rules, and with how to package a loan in compliance with NMRC guidelines, and this involves a pretty intensive training process. Our company, MV Professional Solutions, Inc. is involved in the training of mortgage company staff in Nigeria, and I have found a very disturbing common thread. There is a huge void in the area of mortgage training that actually meets Fannie Mae as required by the IFC/NMRC, Freddie Mac or any other international guidelines. The problem is compounded by the additional burden of having to meet Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as the National Mortgage Refinance Corporation (NMRC) guidelines. The good news is that all of these bodies have several overlapping guidelines. The bad news is that pretty much every mortgage company in Nigeria has its own independent proprietary mortgage system for everything from software to loan underwriting processes, and this is a huge hindrance to the standardization of the industry. In our opinion, this is definitely an issue that CBN / NMRC have to address and as soon as possible, to enable document and process compliance. One of the most unusual practices of the industry is the diversification/progression from giving consumers the mortgage loans directly, to the building and development of estates for sale to their clients. This practice actually seems to move mortgage companies closer to becoming building societies. I have been reliably informed by a top CBN officer however, that CBN will not allow this practice to continue, and that there will soon be a directive barring mortgage companies from building such estates, and limiting them to the provision of finance for mortgages. Training the mortgage officers to effect this change should be a priority, and should be happening right now, because there will need to be a total shift in their mindsets to embrace the new directive. So, as our MVPS team heads

from Chicago, Illinois to Port Harcourt, Nigeria in the very near future to train a 250+ employee mortgage company, we are determined that at the end of the one week training period, the company must be able to immediately start generating NMRC compliant loans, as well as drastically improving the quality of their loan packages. I look forward to the challenge, and will be back with you upon my return. As always, make it an awesome day. Please post any comments and/or questions, and I look forward to hearing from yo u. The authorities of Lead City University, Ibadan, have once again displayed its resolve to promote staff’s welfare with the unveiling of an ‘Owner Occupying Housing Scheme’ for members of its workforce. The university last Wednesday commissioned 72 flats housing estate located about 200 meters to the main campus of the institution at a ceremony coordinated by the Chancellor of the university, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola and the Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Jide Owoeye. Ogunmola, who in his address congratulated the first xxxxx batch of beneficiaries among the members of staff and also presented them with keys to the flats, describing the scheme as a good development meant to facilitate their settling down for better service delivery,. He said, “This has shown the genuine concern of the management for your welfare and that is why the payment for the flats is structured in a manner that would be convenient for you”. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi Onabajo, said the scheme which is in tandem with the institution’s policies of ensuring good welfare package for its staff, is in its first phase, assuring that more people would benefit when the project reached its final stage.

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.

aving a lot of student debt doesn’t greatly reduce young people’s chances of home ownership in the United States, as long as they graduate, a new analysis has found. The findings challenge a popular concern that giant student loan payments are holding back people from home ownership. As it turns out, graduates’ debt loads don’t materially hurt their chances of buying a home, especially if they get at least a four year degree. Overall student debt has only a small negative effect on the odds of home ownership for a person with a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the research from real estate firm Zillow. The chances of a married couple with no student debt owning a home are about 69.8% if at least one of them has a bachelor’s degree. If the same couple has $30,000 in student debt, their homeownership chances drop slightly, to 67.7%. ‘The income advantage of getting a degree pays off in terms of being able to buy a home in the long run. Student debt isn’t the evildoer it’s made out to be, at least not when it comes to homeownership,’ said Zillow chief economist Svenja Gudell. ‘As long as students stay in school and get a degree, student debt doesn’t deter them from homeownership, although it is possible that student debt could delay home ownership. People in their 20s and

30s are renting longer because they’re delaying marriage, paying a lot in rent, and struggling to qualify for a mortgage when they finally find an affordable home. Add to that list that they are paying off student debt,’ she explained. The research also found that the least likely to own homes are people who have student debt, but no degree. In fact, a couple who borrowed more than$30,000 for school but never graduated has a less than 40 percent chance of home ownership. Graduates with advanced degrees are the most likely to own a home, even if they racked up a lot of student debt. For example, if a couple owes $50,000 in student loans, but one of them has a master’s degree, they have a 75% chance of home ownership. A similar household with just $10,000 in loans and only a bachelor’s degree has just a 69% chance of home ownership. Student debt has the greatest impact on the home ownership rate of people with two year associate’s degrees. A couple with AA degrees and no debt has a 70% chance of owning their home. That declines significantly as debt grows. If the same couple has $50,000 in student debt, they own their home only 57% of the time. Getting an associate’s degree improves chances of home ownership until a person has borrowed $70,000

OMG! China’s housing prices rise for fourth month

n a much-needed upbeat sign for the economy, Chinese home prices rose in August for the fourth consecutive month. Some analysts say the jump is due to investors cashing out of stocks and buying property. Others say the trend reflects an undersupplied housing market. In August, average new home prices inched up 0.3% from July, according to Reuters calculations based on data released by the National Statistics Bureau (NBS) on Friday, the same pace as in July. Out of 70 cities tracked by the NBS, 35 posted price gains, up from 31 cities the previous month. This resulted in a 1.7% year-over-year price rise on a nationwide basis. It was the first since September 2014. However, prices are still down 2.3% from a year ago according to Reuters calculations based on the bureau’s data. With the property sector making up 15% of China’s gross domestic product, this is good news. Big “first-tier” cities did well. Shenzhen topped the list with a 5.1% jump and August and a 31.3%

increase from a year earlier. Beijing’s home prices rose 1.1% month over month and 3.0% year over year. Shanghai rose 1.3% and 5.6%, respectively. Analysts say the increase comes from investors who have cashed out of stock market and moved back into real estate as the preferred investment vehicle. But price trends are uneven. The price increases are primarily found in the largest cities. Analysts don’t see this marking a marketwide rebound. With a large inventory of unsold homes in smaller cities, prices continue to fall. This is discouraging new construction in the second- and third-tier cities. New construction starts sank about 17%. Analysts expect this weakness to continue. The Financial Times has a different take. It noted Friday that 17% of Chinese consumers in a survey it conducted in August said they planned to invest in real estate in coming months. The FT pointed out this was well below the 41% planning to buy stocks.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 22, 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

Carbon pricing schemes tool to mitigate emissions –World Bank part of their policy toolkit,” said Angel Gurría, cal reforms, and can help address local pollution as well Secretary-General of the OECD. “Carbon pric- as global climate change. “We welcome the opportunity ing is effective in reducing emissions that cause to continue collaborating with the World Bank, OECD, World Bank group, under the auspices of the Or- climate change, is straightforward to adminis- and others on this critical policy tool,” said Christine ganisation for Economic Co-operation (OECD), ter, can raise valuable revenues for broader fis- Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. has said that well designed carbon pricing schemes were a powerful and flexible tool that could cut emissions causing climate change. This is even as a new World Bank Group report, State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2015, revealed that the number of impleour mandate to make Nigeria a cleaner and healthier enOlufemi AdeOsun, AbujA mented or planned carbon pricing schemes around the vironment. Earlier, Professor Saidu Onaido Mohammed, world had almost doubled since 2012, and is now worth Director-General of NASRDA who described the signing of about $50 billion. According to the World Bank Group he National Environmental Standards and Regula- the MoU as a “Special Day”, said the MoU was an opporPresident Jim Yong Kim, “The world needs to find effections Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Na- tunity to create the enabling environment to effectively tive ways to reduce carbon pollution.”We must design tional Space Research and Development Agency monitor environmental activities within Nigeria’s terthe best ways to price carbon in order to help cut pollu- (NASRDA) have entered into an agreement to strengthen ritorial waters and pollution control. He said “I want to tion, improve people’s health, and provide governments environmental sustainability in the country. Both Agen- assure NESREA that we would work together to achieve with a pool of funds to drive investment in a cleaner cies signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the a common goal of making our environment safer and future and to protect poor people.” Secretary General, Headquarters of the Space Research Centre last week in secure for all Nigerians”, he added. “This agreement of the OECD also added that particularly at a time the Abuja. Describing the MoU as epoch making, Dr Lawrence will not be kept in the shelves; we are willing to ensure whole world would be craving for a new climate deal dur- Chidi Anukam, Director-General of NESREA expressed its full implementation because it will pave the way for ing COP 21 meeting holding in Paris later in the year, his satisfaction that this was a framework that would vastly professionals to make contributions to environmental there was an urgent need for meaningful carbon poli- enhance environmental protection and longevity stressing issues”. The National Environmental Standards and cies He stated “With COP21 fast approaching, the need that the two Agencies have a lot in common in terms of en- Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) had sought for meaningful carbon policies is more important than vironmental management and control. Dr Anukam said the collaboration of the National Space Research and ever. Carbon pricing is central to the quest for a cost- “we are ready to work together to ensure that we leverage Development Agency (NASRDA) to support the Agency effective transition towards zero net emissions in the on this synergy to improve and address environmental is- by promoting Space Science and Technology Applicasecond half of the century. These principles will help sues across the country”. He said that NESREA is ready tions on National Environmental Safety, Compliance governments to incorporate carbon pricing as a key to partner with other Agencies to ensure that we deliver on Monitoring, Enforcement and Evaluation. Olufemi AdeOsun, AbujA

NESREA, NASRDA seal pact on environmental sustainability

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 22, 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.

Scientists report slowdown in global warming

study released Thursday is the second this year seeking to debunk a 1998-2013 “pause” in global warming, but other climate scientists insist the slowdown was real, even if not a game-changer. When evidence of the apparent hiatus first emerged, it was seized upon by sceptics as evidence that climate change was driven more by natural cycles that humans pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. “Our results clearly show that ... there never was a hiatus, a pause or a slowdown,” Noah Diffenbaugh, the study’s main architect and a professor at Stanford University, said in a statement. The thermal time-out, his team found, resulted from “faulty statistical methods”. In June, experts from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) came to the same conclusion, chalking up the alleged slowdown to a discrepancy in measurements involving

ocean buoys used to log temperatures. Their results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. Beyond a strident public debate fuelled as much by ideology and facts, the “pause” issue has serious real-world implications. Scientifically, a discrepancy between climate projections and observations could suggest that science has overstated Earth’s sensitivity to the radiative force of the Sun. Politically, it could weaken the sense of urgency underlying troubled UN negotiations, tasked with crafting a global pact in December to beat back climate change. At first, scientists sounding an alarm about the threat of greenhouse gases were stumped by the data, unable to explain the drop-off in the pace of warming. Even the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) -- whose most recent 1,000-plus page report is the scientific benchmark for the UN talks -- made note of “the hiatus”. Searching for explanations, the IPCC speculated on possible causes:

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.

minor volcano eruptions throwing radiation-blocking dust in the atmosphere, a decrease in solar activity, aerosols, regional weather patterns in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. To the general relief of the climate science community, the Stanford findings -- a detailed review of statistical methodology -- would appear to be the final word on the subject. Previous calculations were flawed, they said, because they

assumed there was a random distribution in tens of thousands of temperature data points. But once they were adjusted to take into account the relationship between the data points, the hiatus disappeared. “This study puts the last nail in the coffin of the ‘pause’ idea circulated by the propagators or climate confusion,” IPCC Vice President Jean-Pascal van Ypersele told AFP. Perhaps -- but if so, the corpse of the climate hiatus is still twitch-

ing in its grave. In a 20-page report earlier this week called “Big changes underway in the climate system?”, Britain’s weather agency confirmed the existence of the notorious ‘pause’ -- if only to say that it was probably over. The historical record, the Met Office said, shows periods when temperatures rise rapidly and “periods with little warming or even cooling ... the most recent period starting around 2000.”

Worsening air quality could hit Asian economies I

ing to crack down on the companies re-

t is turning the normally striking skyline of Sin- sponsible. gapore grey and there are fears the haze caused by The BBC’s Charlotte Glennie reports deliberate forest fires in Indonesia could spell bad on delayed flights, closed schools and news for the economy too. health warnings.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore’s air quality is suffering and now the authorities are threaten-

(Source – bbc.com)

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Guaranty Trust Bank empowers women entrepreneurs Johnson okanlawon

uaranty Trust Bank has partnered, She Leads Africa, an organisation geared towards shining a spotlight on women, who are driving Africa’s growth through leadership. Now in its second edition, the initiative which is sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank, recognises women who are providing a veritable platform for

young female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses across Africa and compete for $10,000 in cash prizes, direct access to investors and international media exposure. The Co-founder of She Leads Africa, Mr. Yasmin Belo-Osagie, said that this year, applications were received from over 400 startups in 20 countries before six finalists were selected. They are Beauty Rev NG, Heat Free Hair, Heels In the Kitchen, InstaHealth, Kamokini

and Omolata. According to her, the selected outfits are expected to pitch their businesses to a panel of leading business personalities including Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank and Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, the Managing Director of Folawiyo Group. Others are, Huda Al Lawati, Abraaj Capital Midle East and North Africa Chief Investment Officer; Acha Leke, Director, Mckinsey and Company; Mo

Abudu, Founder of Ebony Life TV. He said “We are very excited about the judging panel for this year’s She Leads Africa Entrepreneur Showcase. The panel is made up of established and well-respected individuals from the consulting, media and finance sectors. “Each judge’s professional insight and experience will play an important role in deciding the winners of this year’s Entrepreneur Showcase.

Commenting on the development, Agbaje, explained that empowering SMEs across Africa remains pivotal to the sustenance of growth and development in emerging economies across the world. “It is for this reason that using our SME MarketHub platform, we have strategically targeted this sector to provide opportunities and create value for all our customers,” he said. He stressed that SME businesses listed on the GTBank

SME MarketHub can take advantage of the “She Hive”, a one week training programme sponsored by the SME Mar-

ketHub of the bank to train small business owners on capacity building, business ethics and global best practices.

Government seeks views in Halton over air quality

Housing units

NIMASA clarifies sack of top staff FRanCIs EZEM

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has said that its decision to sack three senior members of staff was because the process of their employment did not conform to Civil Service rules and regulations. The agency however failed to disclose the identity of the affected employees There were speculations at the weekend that no fewer members of staff comprising senior, middle level and lower cadres of staff, in what many described as ‘ethnic’ cleansing. Deputy Director in charge of the agency’s Public Relations Unit, Hajia Lami Tumaka, at the weekend said that the disengagement of the three members of staff followed the setting up of a committee by the Federal Ministry of Transport to review the employments, placements and promotions embarked upon by the agency from 2010 to date. According to her, the processes of hiring the three disengaged persons were found to be illegal and marred by irregularities.

“An administrative investigation conducted by the agency revealed that the employment of the three officers at the twilight of the administration of Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi as Director General did not follow due process required for employment into the civil service”, she said Tumaka urged the public to ignore speculation in some sections of the media that the agency has sacked over 200 of its staffers, insisting that only three members of staff, whose process of engagement had wholesome irregularities were affected. She said: “Like every Federal Government agency, the Federal Civil Service rules govern engagement and disengagement of officers in NIMASA”. Tumaka therefore urged the media to contact the agency for clarification on these issues, or at least conduct preliminary investigations in order not mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

It was gathered that part of the mandate of the committee was to determine whether employments, placements and promotions carried out in the agency in the last five years covering 2010-2015, conformed to the principles of the Federal Character the Civil Service procedures.

alton businesses and organisations are to have their say on what action can be taken to improve air quality. The Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation to coincide with the release of plans intended to bring the UK back into compliance for limits on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by 2020 and in London by 2025. A Defra spokesman said more action is needed to meet clean air targets, ‘especially in major cities’. Plans published on September 12 outlined how green technology can be used to create neighbourhoods where residents want to live and work while boosting economy. The spokesman added that the Government wants to make Britain ‘a world leader in low-emission technology’. The consultation has asked local authorities facing ‘particular challenges’ to consider taking further action such as creating clean air zones, introducing low-

emission buses and taxis, and using data to inform new road layouts. Other options to be considered include: Networks of electric car charging points, low-emissions buses and taxis, upgrading cycling infrastructure, and more park and rise schemes. Defra said London is leading the way in embracing technology and in 2020 will introduce the UK’s first ‘ultra-low emission zone’. The first fully electric bus route in the UK will be launched this month in Croydon. Defra said the capital has shown that action to create cleaner air can complement economic success. Liz Truss, environment secretary, said: “Clean air is vital to our health and our environment and for making sure our cities are attractive places for people to live and work. Our ambition is to make the UK a country with some of the very best air quality in the world – a cleaner, healthier environment will benefit both people and our economy.

Time to buy a home abroad? Where to locate inexpensive housing

ata compiled for Telegraph Money shows a surge in interest among British buyers looking to buy abroad, driven by the pound’s new strength against the euro. Buying a 500,000 Italian property, for example, now saves £26,041 compared with January 2014. The euro has weakened against sterling because of fears over quantitative easing, designed to rescue languishing European economies, and a possible standoff between Europe and Greece. All this has pushed the pound to a seven-year high, boosting the spending power of sterling buyers. Now, 48pc more Britons are searching for property in Spain and Ireland than a year ago, Rightmove data shows. Interest is also up elsewhere. In the United States it has increased by 38pc.

Our extensive research, presented in the charts, below, shows which countries balance cheap exchange rates with inexpensive housing, using official figures from Eurostat, the EU’s data agency, and the OECD. HiFX, a foreign exchange firm, echoed Rightmove’s data, registering a 27pc rise in inquiries from Britons who want to buy property in the eurozone. Buyers shouldn’t delay, experts say, as the pound could weaken as the general election draws closer. “A hung parliament will inevitably leave markets uncertain as to which political party will govern the country and the pound is likely to weaken,” said Andy Scott of HiFX.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Aviation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jet A1 adulteration triggers safety scare among airlines Once again, major oil marketers in the Nigerian aviation industry are being accused of selling kerosene as aviation fuel to airline operators. Stakeholders and professionals raised the alarm that if the dastardly act was not checked, it could cause a new wave of accidents and thereby jeopardize investments and potential of the industry for global competitiveness. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

afety in the Nigerian aviation industry is once again the focus of major discussions among airlines operators, stakeholders and air travelers as a new wave of rumoured sale of kerosene as Jet A1 to airlines by major oil marketers swept through the aviation landscape about three weeks ago with reverberating effects that linger till now. Though, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Muktar Usman was not categorically on the issue when asked by journalists in Lagos recently, but few days after the interview in Lagos, the agency said it was set to commence official registration of all the major oil marketers in the country that engage in importation and sales of the product. If the plans of the regulatory agency sail through, the licenses issued every Jet A1 marketer, which hitherto used to be indefinite, would now be valid only for two years and renewed thereafter. It said the essence of this was to ensure that marketers adhered strictly to the operating international standards. However, information at the disposal of our correspondent indicated that some of the oil marketers actually sell Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK, as Jet A1 to airline operators including foreign carriers. A source close to one of the major European international carriers that operate into Nigeria, KLM confided in our correspondent that it recently complained through a letter to NCAA on the impact the fuel purchase in Nigeria had on its aircraft engines. According to the airline source who preferred to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the issue, said that the airline had since stopped purchase of aviation fuel in Nigeria and rather fly to neighbouring country, Ghana to refuel its aircraft. Also, just recently, European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, raised the alarm over the quality of aviation fuel emanating from Nigeria. EASA in its report to NCAA, it alleged that one of the international carriers that fly into the country bought the contaminated fuel in Lagos Airport to fill its Airbus A330 aircraft with a Rolls Royce manufactured engine. It wrote that the aircraft afterwards developed a problem in one of its engines that affected its operation, which was later traced to the aviation fuel bought in Nigeria. EASA in its investigation and report stated that the contained Super Absorbent Polmer, SAP, which it purported that caused the valve of the aircraft to seize. The report to the regulatory agency wanted NCAA to critically investigate the allegation and possibly device a means of recurrence.

Fueling of Aircraft

So, I belIeve that the regulatory authorIty cannot be everywhere at any partIcular tIme.

the engIneerIng and

maIntenance perSonnel that are aSSIgned for that aIrlIne Should wake up to do theIr jobS…

Also, most aviation professionals and stakeholders spoken with by our correspondent confirmed that some unscrupulous marketers actually engaged in the dastardly act, but warned that such could lead to air crash if not well managed by concerned authorities. The immediate past President, Aviation Round Table, ART, Capt. Dele Ore said that Jet A1 was close to kerosene, but with additional addictive that would not allow it to freeze up or catch fire at a high altitude. Ore explained that before refueling the tank of an aircraft, a lot of tests like purities and others are carried out, stressing that the usage of kerosene as aviation fuel could lead to multiple flameout of engines and eventually avoidable accident. He however appealed to the engineering and maintenance personnel of airlines to wake up to their responsibilities of ensuring total safety of aircraft in their care, rather than waiting for the regulatory agency to consistently carry out inspection of their aircraft during and after fueling. The Captain further appealed to the government to ensure total availability of the product in Nigeria to prevent sharp practices among major marketers. He said, “I believe that if you use just kerosene, your aircraft engines start the chance of multiple flameouts and the engine would be running very hot. At the same time, the kind of smoke that will be coming out from the exhaust will be of a different colour. So, it’s very dangerous because at high altitude, such kerosene can just freeze up because it is

very terribly low at altitude. “So, I believe that the regulatory authority cannot be everywhere at any particular time. The engineering and maintenance personnel that are assigned for that airline should wake up to do their jobs, instead of making NCAA to be in all the stations. We also call on the government to make sure that fuel is available, cheap enough and the only way it can be cheap enough is to make sure that they are refined in Nigeria.” Former engineer with the defunct national carrier and now a consultant in the sector, Engr. Olawoye Idowu explained that whenever crude is being broken down into constraints, the first product that comes out is higher grade kerosene, which is equally good for jet engines aircraft. He however disagreed that fuel marketers use kerosene as aviation fuel, saying that one of the requirements for suppliers was the subjecting of their product to quality test by both NCAA and even the airlines. He maintained that if such was used, it could lead to the flaming out of the engines, which could subsequently lead to an accident. “The practise is that in the then Nigeria Airways, when you remove Jet A1 from an aircraft, people take it home to use, but the disadvantage is that it makes your stove to get damage faster because it will burn at a very high temperature and the general purpose kerosene, which is for domestic use is of a lower grade than jet A1. But, they are in the same bracket and burns at higher temperature while Jet A1 burns at lower tem-

perature. “No fuel supplier will supply kerosene as aviation fuel. When people don’t know, they can say whatever they like. It is a requirement for every supplier for their fuel to be subjected to quality test, there are some specifications, which they must pass and every airline is obligated to perform their own quality test from time to time so that you don’t have contaminated fuel because if fuel is not of the right quantity, you can have flame out and if this happened in flight, that is catastrophic. It is the engine that provides proportion and if there is no proportion, the aircraft is out of the sky,” he said. To the General Secretary of the Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association, NAPA, Comrade Razaq Saidu, described such practise as criminal among fuel marketers. Like others, he averred that contaminated fuel in the tank of an aircraft was a disaster waiting to happen, adding that the issue had been a recurring one over the years. Saidu however blamed NCAA for allowing such act to continue to happen in the country’s aviation industry, maintaining that inspectorate division of NCAA had continued to diminish over the years. He alleged that in the recent time, the regulatory agency had not been able to inspects, sanctions or even approved operating standards for operators including fuel marketers in the system. He said, “I think leadership of NCAA has diminished from the past and that is the fact. One, when you look at the rate of political imposition of employment, they don’t employ aviation professionals that will assist NCAA to function in line with the Act that established it. They have shortage of professional staff that could carry out all those type of functions that they are required to perform. “Government should look at NCAA with a view to repositioning it. There is lots of acrimony within the management structure in that agency.”

Comrade Saidu

Aviation

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UNWTO, ICAO strengthen support for Sustainable Development Goals Now that tanker drivers ply Airside

shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

nited Nations World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO, and the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, have announced a new joint strategic statement on Tourism and Air Transport for Development, Medellín, Colombia. The Medellín statement was late last week at the first joint UNWTO/ ICAO High-Level Forum on Tourism and Air Transport for Development, held on the sidelines of the 21st UNWTO General Assembly in Medellin, Colombia. It highlights the potential of air transport and tourism to improving socio-economic prosperity and promotes sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, expected to be agreed at the United Nations SDG Summit later this week in New York, United States. The Secretary-General, UNWTO, Taleb Rifai in his opening speech, said that with increased connectivity warranting long-term growth for aviation and tourism, the two sectors represented lasting opportunities for socio-economic development. Rifai, emphasised that if the pro-

moters of the two sectors were to harness these benefits, tourism and air transport would address persisting divergent policies and work towards a stronger, integrated position on inter-sectorial issues such as travel facilitation, market access, taxation or infrastructure development. He added, “As the global intergovernmental bodies responsible for tourism and aviation, UNWTO and ICAO are obliged to lead by example and pave the way for closer and more effective cooperation at all levels.” Also commenting, ICAO Council President, Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu, noted that ICAO and UNWTO had been actively engaged for some time in maximising the cooperative opportunities for aviation and tourism. He declared that these efforts had been aided by the private sector engagement through the Global Travel Association Coalition, GTAC, which he said were critical to realising both the long-term economic growth and prosperity benefits for States and the related targets in the UN SDGs. Besides, the Secretary-General, Dr. Fang Liu noted that there were huge benefits for States, which could be derived from optimised air transport connectivity and local and regional tourism development.

airport roads

ICAO Council President, Olumuyiwa Aliu

“This is true not only in terms of increased business activity and economic growth, but also improved general prosperity and social welfare. With aviation set to double in flight and passenger volumes in just the next 15 years, it is essential that States prepare today to reap the full benefits of this growth in the years ahead,” he added. The high-level policy-makers and regulators at the joint forum discussed challenges relating to policy convergence, the need for enhanced connectivity, market access, air transport competitiveness, and travel facilitation.

FAAN boss seeks police collaboration on security

…as Dana promises support for officers

he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, has solicited the continued support of the Airport Police Command and other security agencies in the industry in order to ensure total safety and security of all users. This is just as the management of Dana Air assured the new Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs. Victory Menta of the airline’s support to improve the welfare of its officers. A statement by the spokesman, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, indicated that Saleh made the remarks during Menta’s recent courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos . He explained that FAAN would be working closely with the police in

order to sustain the level of security required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, for operations and suggested that proactive measures be taken by security agencies in finding solutions to security threats at our airports. This is even as he canvassed collaboration between the agency, the police and other security agencies at the airports across the country to sustain the existing level of security alertness at the airport. In her remarks Menta assured of maximum cooperation from the police in maintaining law and order in the airport in order to ensure the safety and security of all airport users. Also, the Accountable Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, as-

L-R: Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Mrs. Victoria Menta, receiving a prototype aircraft of Dana Air from Accountable Manager, Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo. With the duo is Dana Air’s Chief Pilot, Capt. Olukayode Ola during a courtesy visit to Dana Air by the Commissioner, at Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos recently.

sured Menta of the airline’s support to improve the welfare of its officers. Mbanuzuo emphasised that Dana was committed to the safety and security of its guests and would also appreciate the continued support of police in prosecuting criminals who act like genuine passengers by ensuring full investigation and eventual prosecution. He said, “These days, we have those who buy tickets just to steal from genuine passengers. We would appreciate if the command can continue to support us in ensuring full investigation into these cases and prosecution to serve as lesson to others.”

he havocs caused to businesses, properties and human lives by tanker and articulated truck drivers in the past nine months cannot be over-emphasised. In 2015 alone, thousands of lives have been lost to careless driving by the drivers of these long vehicles. Although, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and several State Governments tried vigorously to curb their menace through numerous attempts, but it seems their efforts were not yielding any result. Airside is however bothered about the accident waiting to happen in Lagos Airport courtesy of these callous long vehicle drivers. Airside has been observing in the past months how drivers of

these trucks now park indiscriminately on the both sides of airport road along Ajao Estate. Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the indiscriminating parking caused heavy traffic on the road while the three lanes road was reduced to just one for motorists to ply. Airside observed that apart from the aviation fuel tankers, vehicles of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also parked along the airport road. Airside urges relevant authorities especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and other security agencies to act fast and relocate these agents of Satan from the airport road. A single accident on the road at this point in time will not augur well for the industry in general.

Ground handling firms and era of ‘right sizing‘

t is obvious that Nigerian economy has been going through fiscal strains for almost a year now, due largely to the global oil market crisis complemented by the business climate lull associated with the 2015 elections. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, Plc, Mr. Nobert Bielderman had in March revealed that the country lost over $ 2 billion for the six weeks postponement of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Airside is however concerned about poor treatment given workers of the two ground handling companies in the sector, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company of Nigeria, SAHCOL, and NAHCO. Industry unions raised the alarm last week that the two

companies were on the verge of sacking about 500 workers from their payrolls with very meagre compensations. Airside is bothered that these two companies claimed to earn billions of naira as profit annually and yet, at any slight opportunity, they sack junior workers indiscriminately only to replace them with contract staff who are well-remunerated. While Airside cannot compel the two managements to engage workers, it is necessary for them too to operate professionally. Rather than engaging redundant contract staff who add little or nothing to the table, Airside opines that the junior workers who earn paltry N40, 000 or a little above that figure should be encouraged and promoted as at when due.

China leasing group delivers new A320 aircraft to Air India

hina Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited, the largest independent operating aircraft lessor in China, completed the delivery of the fourth A320 aircraft to Air India Ltd at the facilities of Airbus in Toulouse, France last weekend, marking the 55th aircraft of CALC’s fleet. This is the fourth aircraft delivered under a 12-year operating lease agreement between CALC and Air India for five aircraft. The first three deliveries

were completed in February, July and August 2015 respectively, the remaining aircraft will be delivered by the end of this year. The newly delivered A320 aircraft, configured with maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 77 tons and Required Navigation Performance, RNP, Authorisation Required, AR, is equipped with Sharklets, 2.4-meter tall new wingtip devices, which enhance the fuelefficiency and payload-range performance of the A320-family resulting in up to 4 per cent

lower fuel burn over longer sectors. Light-weight Dragonfly Z85 cabin seats are also installed. With the close business partnership with Air India, CALC has established a solid foundation for its overseas expansion. To capture the wealth of opportunities presented by the growing markets, the Group is adopting a clear strategy to diversify its client base and increase its overseas market share. It targets to build a mix of 50/50 overseas and domestic airlines client split by 2022.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Insurance

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NAICOM to sanction insurance firms for unethical practices StorieS

by i Saac

a Sabor

he Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, has said the Commission would penalize any insurance company that failed to comply with the Code of ethics of the industry. He made the disclosure while delivering his speech at the 2015 edition of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Professional forum held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Citing section 39 of the Insurance Act of 2003 which relates to code of ethics for practitioners to support the planned sanctions on erring companies, Kari said that if the industry cannot regulate itself, then the Commission would be compelled to do so and criminalize any defaulting insurance company. He noted that the code contained punishment and sanctions for companies found culpable as it is considered to be a criminal offence for any insurance company that is appropriately registered to resort to rate cutting which is invariably unethical in the profession. The industry chief regulator noted

that if the indiscipline of rate cutting that had characterized the insurance market is not taken seriously and nipped in the bud, it can invariably undermine the industry and impact negatively on the nation’s economic growth. According to him, there is growing need for practitioners in the industry to eschew distrust, unprofessionalism and disunity as failing to do so would make the industry not to achieve the targeted success it set out to achieve as enunciated at the just concluded Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC). The Insurance Commissioner therefore urged practitioners to imbibe the spirit of professionalism by doing what is right, adding that it is becoming increasingly expedient for them to tackle the challenges facing the industry in order to achieve improved service delivery. He further urged practitioners in the industry to ask themselves some vital questions, such as, “What does change means to the Insurance Industry? How prepared and ready is the industry to take opportunities in the opportunities around the industry?

Could the industry continue to conduct business as usual and expect a different result in the new era of Change? What are the Imperative of Corporate Social Responsibility in the face of changing environment and how best do they enhance insurance value chain in a quest for market penetration and insurance Industry desire? While assuring industry stakeholders of the readiness of the Commission to ensure that more funding provision is made by government to support the industry, the seasoned insurer urged operators to address the unethical practices in the industry as the NAICOM is poised to protect policy holders and the industry. On the new Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of government, the commissioner said that efforts were already being made to ensure that the insurance sector of the economy is exempted from the directive as inclusion of the insurance industry in the TSA regime would result to difficulties in paying claims. According to him, the policy would not apply to insurance industry because if claims are paid on government losses it will take almost two years be-

Insurers to focus on cyber risks in industry

f you are still debating whether your captive should provide cyberrisk coverage, attending captive domicile association conferences and national captive insurance association meetings is one way to get the facts needed to make a decision; keeping current through industry publications is another. Most of the meeting and conference programs feature a presentation on cybersecurity. For example, the Connecticut Captive Insurance Association 2015 Symposium on Captive Insurance in Connecticut October 15 includes the presentation titled “When the Stakes are High: Solutions for Cyber and Terrorism Risks.” And the upcoming National Risk Retention Association (NRRA) National Conference 2015 includes a “Cyber Security

Update.” A growing number of publications address one or more aspects of cyberrisk and can also supplement your knowledge of the topic. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) recently released a report titled Insurance 2020 & beyond: Reaping the dividends of cyber resilience. This report looks at how sustainable is the approach insurers are taking to cyberrisk exposures, discusses why cyberrisk is a nontraditional risk, and outlines eight ways PwC thinks insurers and reinsurers “could put cyber insurance on a more sustainable footing and take advantage of the opportunities for profitable growth.” As more is learned about cyberrisk, the question of what role states or the federal government should play with

respect to cyberrisk has emerged. The September 16, 2015, edition of Intelligent Insurer’s Monte Carlo Today reported that Stephen Catlin, executive deputy chairman of XL Catlin, told the publication there should be a partnership between government and the insurance industry to address cyberrisk the way the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) in the United States and Pool Re in the United Kingdom addressed terrorism risk. Such a program would provide coverage for worst-case cyberattacks. The PwC publication authors report “our own discussions with a number of governments indicate that their preferred solution would be commercial insurance, which would be structured and governed by government-set standards.”

Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari

fore they are budgeted again and replaced and those who are uninformed will have an impression that insurance don’t settle claims. He said exempting insurance payments into the system would help to ensure that claims are handled separately from the TSA.

India’s insurance regulator sanctions General Insurance, Reliance Life

he Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed penalty of Rs 5 lakh each on Reliance General Insurance and Reliance Life Insurance (RLIC) for violating regulations and non-disclosure of information about subsidiary company. The IRDA has changed its name to Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. The change of name was effected in the Insurance Laws (Amendment)

Ordinance, 2014 was promulgated by the President of India on December 26, 2014. The ordinance contains certain amendments to the Insurance Regulation and Development Act, 1999 and inserted the words “of India” after development authority. “As a result of this Amendment, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority has been renamed as Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India,’’ it said in a release.

Insurance

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Akinboye co-opted into NIA Governing Council

he Group Managing Director of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc, Mr. Bode Akinboye, has been co-opted into the Governing Council of the Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, the umbrella body for all insurance companies in Nigeria, for the year 2015/16. In a letter by the Association conveying the Council’s decision to the Standard Alliance Insurance boss, the Governing Council noted that his cooption was expected to add value to the

deliberations of the body, adding that the decision to co-opt him “was in line with the provision of article 6 (1) (d) of the Association’s constitution that provides for the co-option of members into the Council.” Akinboye who assumed office as the Group Managing Director of the company in January this year after leading Gemrock Management Company Limited to acquire strategic stakes in the company, is returning

to the Association as an old member having earlier served on the Governing Council as the Treasurer for four years before he left the industry in 2009 to set up a private equity company. Since his return as an investor in the nation’s insurance industry, he has initiated several fresh ways of doing the underwriting business through his company, part of which industry operators believe made him to be co-opted into the NIA Governing Council.

Akinboye

XL Catlin unveils specialty insurance leaders for the Americas

ew York-based XL Catlin’s specialty insurance division on Wednesday announced its specialty insurance leadership team in the Americas. XL Group P.L.C. completed its $4.28 billion acquisition of Catlin Group Ltd., Dublinbased XL, in May 2015. The combined company were marketed as XL Catlin while keeping XL Group P.L.C. as the name of the parent. It created an insurance powerhouse, writing nearly one-tenth of all Lloyd’s of London business. XL Catlin’s specialty product leads include: • Jason Denechaud, Accident & Health: Summit, New Jersey-based Mr. Denechaud, formerly employed with Catlin Group Ltd., will continue to manage XL Catlin’s acci-

dent and health underwriting team, which provides group accident insurance solutions for programs and groups including associations, unions and others. • Eric Donofrio, Aviation: New York-based Mr. Donofrio, formerly employed with XL Group P.L.C., will oversee aviation insurance underwriting teams in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto and Calgary, British Columbia, providing aviation hull and liability, aircraft products liability, and nonowned aircraft liability among other coverages. • Denise Balan, Crisis Management: New York-based Ms. Balan, formerly employed with XL, will lead XL Catlin’s crisis management underwriting teams in New York, Atlan-

ta and Boston, as well as managing relationships with global risk management consultants, to provide corporate clients with product recall, war, terrorism and political violence, kidnap, ransom, and extortion insurance and risk consultancy services. • Sheila Gott, Equine & Livestock: Lexington, Kentuckybased Ms. Gott, formerly employed with Catlin, will manage XL Catlin’s Lexington- and New York-based equine teams, which underwrite equine businesses including mortality, named perils, theft, prospective foal, barrenness and stallion first season infertility; and livestock insurance, which includes such coverages as livestock mortality, specified perils, transit motor truck cargo and care, custody and control liability.

Mega-mergers’ values up $21bn among insurers, reinsurers

lobal merger and acquisition activity in the property/casualty insurance and reinsurance sectors experienced a substantial increase in terms of both deal activity and announced deal values during the first half of this year, according to a report released by A.M. Best Co. Inc. Deal values rose to $21 billion, an increase of 290 per cent from those registered in the same period a year earlier, Oldwick, New Jerseybased Best saidTuesday in “Return of the Mega Deal During First Half of 2015.” The number of deals rose 73 per cent from the number posted in the first half of 2014 to 76 announced transactions, according the report. The average deal size also

rose considerably, climbing 160 per cent from that of the comparable period in 2014 to $279 million during the first six months of the year. Among the significant deals cited by Best are Ace Ltd.’s proposed acquisition of Chubb Corp. for about $28.3 billion, and Tokio Marine Holdings Inc.’s acquisition of HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. for $7.5 billion. Among the factors cited by Best as driving the M&A activity were increased capital efficiency and scale to drive down costs through synergies, consolidation to increase the buying power of pricing and terms and conditions, diversified product lines and reduced exposure to market cycles,

improved growth, cheaper funding and “general fear of being left behind.” (Source - businessinsurance.com)

Chubb’s Chief Innovation Officer, Jon Bidwell

Jennifer Schipf, Fine Art & Specie: New York-based Ms. Schipf, formerly employed with XL, continues to oversee fine art, jewelers block and general specie insurance business while serving as head of U.S. specialty distribution and network. • Richard DeSimone, Marine: New York-based Mr. DeSimone, formerly employed with XL, continues to lead XL Catlin’s ocean and inland marine business in the Americas, providing marine cargo, primary and excess marine liability, inland marine, blue water and brown water hull, as well as recre-

ational marine coverages. • Rafael Docavo-Malvezzi, Political Risk & Trade Credit: New York-based Mr. Docavo-Malvezzi, formerly employed with XL, assumes the role of Americas regional product lead for political risk and trade credit in addition to his role as head of global PRTC risk management. His team provides insurance coverages to protect clients against confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, political violence, contract frustration, among other risks. (Source -businessinsurance. com)

Fairfax plans $79m investment in Irish insurer, FBD

anada’s Fairfax Financial Holdings is to invest 70 million euros ($79 million) in Ireland’s FBD Holdings in the form of a convertible bond to bolster the general insurer’s capital, the companies said on Wednesday. Last month Ireland’s only publicly traded insurer laid out plans to boost its capital and change strategy after a sharp rise in first-half losses followed two profit warnings last year and the resignation of its chief executive officer. Fairfax, which was among a group of North American investors that more than tripled a 2011 investment in Bank of Ireland , will receive a 7 percent annual interest pay-

ment on the 10-year bond, FBD said. “This is a significant vote of confidence. It underpins the board’s strong commitment to maintain healthy capital buffers as we prepare for the implementation of Solvency II,” FBD’s interim CEO, Fiona Muldoon, said in a statement, referring to the European Union’s new capital requirements for insurers. Shares in FBD, which have fallen by more than 50 percent in the last year, closed up almost 9 percent at 6.82 euros following the announcement. The agreement is similar to the subordinated loan that Irish state-owned health insurer Vhi Insurance took out with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Ha-

thaway this year. “We have been a long-standing follower of FBD. This investment underlines our belief in the strength of Ireland’s on-going economic recovery and in FBD’s core franchise in the farming and agribusiness sectors,” Fairfax Chief Executive Prem Watsa said. While Ireland’s economy is growing faster than any other in Europe, FBD has said it will only benefit in the medium term because claims linked to increasing economic activity are on the rise amidst a structural change to the sector, which it said will lead to losses across the industry for 2015 and 2016. ($1 = 0.8868 euros) (Source – Reuters)

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Banks’ race for market edge heightens, despite policy tightening Udo onyeka

xperts in the financial sector have said that in spite of somewhat harsh policies and monetary tightening by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, banks operating in the country with a combination of strategic focus, driving scale in their respective niches and improving asset quality, would make adequate returns on investment going forward. The implementation of the TSA as directed by the Federal Government, which has led to the withdrawal of up to N1.2tn from the banks, can be minimised by a reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio, according to analysts. For instance analysts at Renaissance Capital said last week “Considering that federal deposits, which left the banking system, were estimated at N1.2tn, we compute the CRR release at N202bn, which implies a net system debit of N1tn post TSA implementation. “This is still significant, partly due to the fact that FX federal deposits on which there was no CRR also left the system. On our estimates, system naira deposits should be lower by five per cent, FX deposits by 12 per cent, total deposits by seven per cent and CRR at CBN (post release) down by five per cent.” The analysts said for a reduction in the CRR to have the desired impact, it had to be moved down to 23 per cent. On the back of comments by CBN officials that they would do what they could to minimise the impact of the TSA on the banks, including reducing the CRR, the experts said, “We run some numbers to deduce what the CRR number would release sufficient cash back into the system to offset the net liquidity debit from the system of N1tn post TSA. Ceteris paribus, we deduce this figure at 23 per cent CRR. “Essentially, we deduce that if CRR is maintained at 31 per cent at next week’s MPC meeting; the banking system will remain under liquidity pressure, significantly hurting banks’ funding costs and earnings. Reuters today (Wednesday) indicates that the interbank market remains shut from yesterday (Tuesday), with no trading going on, though some banks are quoting indicative rates as high as 50 per cent.” The Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, explained that the implementation of the TSA would “further tighten the available liquidity in the system and that will lead to uptick in lending rates. In fact, the banks are actually refusing to lend. What that means is that you will have very little credit flowing to the real sector and economic activities will further slowdown. “It simply means that despite the fact that stocks have very low prices now, we are not going to see additional liquidity

Emefiele

GTBank MD, Segun Agbaje

It Is as If banks are gIven some sort of target by theIr owners to make certaIn level of profIt because if interest rates are going up, the pension fund managers will put their money into fixed income instruments instead of equities, because return on fixed income will be better than equities’ returns.” The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, also has assured banks that he is ready to inject liquidity into the interbank market if needed to cushion the effects of the TSA. Emefiele said banks should not panic about the effects of the implementation of the Treasury Single Account policy on the financial system in an interview with Reuters last week. Emefiele said he was ready to inject liquidity if needed into the interbank market, which dried up this week following the directive to government departments to move their funds from banks into a ‘Treasury Single Account at the CBN. “There is no shortage of liquidity,” he said, pointing to an oversubscribed sale of treasury bills last week Wednesday. “A spike is a momentary action. It’s sentiment.” “I do not think there is any need for anybody to panic,” he added. Apart from the TSA, Banks in the recent past banks have had to fine tune their strategies to face the increasing competition. The increase of the public sector Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, was one of such policies for monetary tightening. Speaking to National Mirror when public sector, CRR,was raised Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, WAIFEM, Professor Akpan Ekpo in the face of continuous monetary tightening environment banks would survive by re strategising and depending that market drive. He said that

banks do some of the things they do may be in order to meet the target given to them by their owners. “It is as if banks are given some sort of target by their owners to make certain level of profit. This I think is the reason why banks retrench staff even when their profits are on the increase. I know some banks may decide to cut down the number of their staff because of the monetary tightening.” He said that the CBN hike banks’ Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, on public sector deposits from 50 per cent to 75 per cent is not meant to hurt the banks nor the financial system. In some countries public deposit is domiciled with the Central bank. So banks should do their home work to bring monies that are outside the banking system in to their banks,” Ekpo said. Also former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN and Managing Director, Maxifund Finance and Securities Limited, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu said banks should gear up towards facing increasing monetary tightening. He said the way The CBN is going the CRR on public sector deposit may be raised to 100 per cent. Unegbu said the decision of CBN on the CRR on public deposit was right and in the interest of the economy. “Banks have left their core mandate and they are now trading with Government funds If were The CBN governor I would the CRR to 100 per cent so that they would concentrate to do what they are supposed to do”. He said what would distinguish banks at this period is ability to re- strategise by developing new products and services that would attract new customers and retain

Unegbu

old ones. Experts at RenCap had said that banks would no doubt face challenging environment in 2014, but they can also make good out of the year. The Renaissance Capital said the banks are also moving into 2014 with some key positives. “The 2013 nine months results showed attractive loan growth, in our view, from four of the five Tier 1 Nigerian banks. In 2014 we expect strong loan growth trends to be maintained and further upward adjustments to lending rates, as banks try to offset the lost income from the higher cash reserve ratio, CRR. With yields on Treasury bills having declined, we see scope for lower funding costs. Overall, we expect banks to maintain NIMs or show some marginal improvement. The report said higher CRR and cuts in commission-on-turnover, CoT, would be the primary challenges for banks in 2014. “With increased CRR the environment does not allow for significant earnings growth, in our view. In order for the banks to deliver earnings growth, we believe banks must be disciplined on the cost line; and impairment charges will have to remain benign”, the report said. The report also said, tier 2 banks in the face of monetary tightening can improve their returns. The report pointed out that Diamond Bank and Stanbic IBTC have been the positive outliers among the tier 2 banks, delivering RoE north of 20 per cent in 2013. It said tightening of monetary policy, however, has made it tougher for the other tier 2 banks to deliver improved returns, but these two have beaten the odds – with a combination of strategic focus, driving scale in their respective niches and improving asset quality, they managed to reach the 20 per cent RoE mark. It said one very important strategy for Tier 2 banks to have a clear strategic focus, in our view, and also need to communicate this clearly to investors.

Global Business

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Volkswagen CEO ‘deeply sorry’ for breach of US environment rules

olkswagen (VOWG_p. DE) has ordered an external investigation after U.S. regulators found software the carmaker designed for diesel cars gave false emissions data, its CEO said on Sunday, adding he was “deeply sorry” for the violation of U.S. rules. “I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public,” Martin Winterkorn said in a statement published by the carmaker on Sunday. “Volkswagen has ordered an external investigation of this matter.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Friday the software deceived regulators measuring toxic emissions, adding Volkswagen could face fines of up to $18 billion as a result. “We do not and will not tolerate violations of any kind of our internal rules or of the law,” Winterkorn said, adding the company was fully cooperating with the relevant agencies. He gave no details on who would carry out the external investigation. “This is not your usual recall issue, an error in calibration or even a serious safety flaw,” Bernstein analysts wrote in a note on Sunday. “There is no way to put an optimistic spin on this this is really serious.”

Volkswagen car

Cynthia Giles, an enforcement officer at the EPA, said on Friday the cars in question “contained software that turns off emissions controls when driving normally and turns them on when the car is undergoing an emissions test”. The feature, which the EPA called a “defeat device”, masks the true emissions only during testing. When the cars are on the road they emit as much as 40 times the level of pollutants allowed under clean air rules meant to ensure public health is protected, Giles said. “We have admitted to it to the regulator. It is true. We are actively cooperating with the regulator,” a spokesman for Volkswagen said on Sunday. Volkswagen could face civil

penalties of $37,500 for each vehicle not in compliance with federal clean air rules. Some 482,000 four-cylinder VW and Audi diesel cars sold since 2008 are involved in the allegations. If each car involved is found to be in noncompliance, the penalty could be $18 billion, an EPA official confirmed during the telephone conference on Friday. Volkswagen peer Daimler, meanwhile, signaled it may not be subject to the same violation. “I have a rough idea of what is happening and that it does not apply to us,” Daimler Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche said on Sunday at an event in Hamburg. “But it is much too early to make a final statement on this,” he added.

Bank of England may cut rates, says chief economist

he Bank of England may have to cut rates to combat low inflation, rather than raise them as its next move, its chief economist Andy Haldane has said. UK inflation may not pick up in the second half of the year, and there are risks of fallout from emerging economies, he said in a speech. Should those risks materialise, a rate cut would be a viable option, he said. UK interest rates have been held at a record low of 0.5% for more than six years. Softening employment figures

Bank of England Gov, Carney Mark

and weakening surveys on manufacturing and construction output suggested growth in the UK could slow in the second half of the year and inflation might not pick up as expected. Furthermore, problems in emerging markets could be a drag on UK growth and the headwinds from those economies were unlikely to abate any time soon, Mr Haldane added. He described recent events in Greece and China as “the latest leg of what might be called a three-part crisis trilogy.” “The balance of risks to UK growth, and to UK inflation at the two-year horizon, is skewed squarely and significantly to the downside,” Mr Haldane said. The case for raising interest rates was “some way from being made”, he added. “Were the downside risks I have discussed to materialise, there could be a need to loosen rather than tighten the monetary reins as a next step to support UK growth and return inflation to target,” he said. However, former Monetary Policy Committee member Andrew Sentance was scathing about Mr

Haldane’s analysis. “Sorry to say but Andy Haldane’s spouting rubbish here,” he tweeted. “Cutting interest rates from all-time low is unnecessary. Doing so when economy in 7th year of recovery totally foolish.” “Andy Haldane seems to have no concept of longer-term need for interest rates to strike balance between savers and investors,” he added. According to Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight, Mr Haldane has “cemented his place as the archdove” on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). “While there is currently considerable uncertainty as to when the Bank of England is likely to start raising interest rates, Andy Haldane’s stance looks isolated within the MPC,” said Mr Archer. His views seem to be at odds with fellow MPC member Ian McCafferty, “who has voted for an interest rate hike from 0.50% to 0.75% at both the August and September MPC meetings”. “Furthermore, Martin Weale and Kristin Forbes have both indicated their belief that interest rates will need to rise sooner rather than later,” he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global uncertainty changed timing of Fed rate hike – ECB’s Liikanen

lobal economic uncertainties might have impacted the timing of a U.S. interest rate rise but the market continues to expect the Fed to act, European Central Bank council member Erkki Liikanen said on Saturday. The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged at nearzero levels on Thursday, postponing a widely expected hike due to “less certain” global economic outlook. “There has been uncertainty globally which perhaps has an impact on timing, but surely the market expects the Fed to act sooner or later,” Liikanen said in an interview with public broadcaster YLE. Asked about why the Fed was pressured to increase rates, Liikanen noted that the U.S. economy had strengthened consistently for some

time. “Unemployment has declined and the number of open work positions has increased. In a certain time frame, when capacity becomes fully utilized, acceleration of inflation is obvious,” he said. “Because of this, central banks usually aim to act beforehand.”

Liikanen

Mitsubishi Motors preparing U.S. plant closure, job cuts –Nikkei

apan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corp has started preparing for the closure of its sole U.S. factory after failing to find a buyer for the high-cost auto plant, the Nikkei business daily reported on Saturday. The company will notify workers at the end of this month, the newspaper reported, without saying where it obtained the information. The 900 hourly workers at the Normal, Illinois plant are the only ones at a Japanese-owned U.S. auto factory to be represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Mitsubishi Motors could not immediately be reached for comment. The company announced plans in late July to end production at the plant, saying the decision was prompted by

Mitsubishi car

low volumes rather than high labor costs or a stronger dollar, which makes importing cars more profitable. A closure would mark a setback for the UAW, which is in the midst of negotiating higher wages with Detroit’s Big Three automakers. Mitsubishi Motors opened the Normal plant in 1988 as a joint venture with then-partner Chrysler, and took sole control in 1991. The Nikkei reported on Saturday that if a potential buyer emerges by November, Mitsubishi Motors would drop plans for the job cuts and negotiate a sale. At its peak in the early 2000s, the Normal plant built more than 200,000 cars a year. Last year, production of the Outlander Sport utility vehicle totaled just 69,178, according to Mitsubishi Motors.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shareholders list benefits of SEC’s e-dividend mandate to capital market Johnson okanlawon

hareholders have commended the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, for ensuring e-dividend payments at banks and registrar branches nationwide through the online platform inaugurated in July. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the SEC in collaboration with relevant stakeholders have leveraged the NIBSS document management system to develop a common portal for uploading completed e-dividend mandate forms, detailing relevant bank account and shareholder/investor information. They said that with e-dividend, investors will no longer lose their dividends due to diversion and loss of dividend warrants, saying that its introduction is to forestall the rising incidence of unclaimed dividend in the Nigerian capital market. To Mr. Bello Olowonikoko of the Nigerian Shareholder’s Solidarity Association, the e-dividend will help to reduce a lot of unclaimed dividend, and that is the one advantage. He said that some shareholders have been shouting that they don’t get their dividend, one of the reasons is that when they change their place of residence without notifying their registrar, they cannot get the dividend warrant because the registrar would have posted it to their former address. “But with the e- dividend mandate, the moment the e-mandate form is filled and signed by the bank after verification and returned to the registrar for implementation once dividend is declared by a company, the registrar will just post the dividend accrued to a shareholder directly into his bank account. The National Coordinator of Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oderinde, explained that e-mandate dividend is an electronic means of posting shareholders dividend directly into his or her bank account. “It is for people who have mandated the registrar to pay their dividend into their bank account by completing the emandate form. By completing the form, you are mandating the registrar to stop paying you physical dividend but to credit your dividend directly into your bank account. “It has to do with electronic crediting. It is the best, immediately your account is credited, you will receive alert that you have been paid. Unlike physical dividend, e-dividend cannot be stolen, misplaced, lost or destroyed by fire or water,” he said. The SEC had last week said that investors can now enrol for e-dividend payments at banks, noting that e-dividend scheme had been a priority initiative for the entire capital market in a

CBN Director Bank Settlement, Dipo Fatokun

bid to curb the growth of unclaimed dividends and improve the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s equities markets. The commission explained that when an investor decides to fill the form at a registrar’s office, the registrar should verify details such as the investor’s name, account number and clearing house number. After that, the form would be uploaded to the e-DMMS portal for immediate access by the investor’s chosen bank, which in turn would validate the investor’s Bank Verification Number and other account details. SEC added, “Should an investor choose to complete the e-dividend mandate form at his bank branch, the bank shall validate his/her BVN and account details before uploading a scanned copy of the form to the e-DMMS portal. “This uploaded form would immediately be accessible to the investor’s chosen registrar who is required to validate the investor’s name, shareholder account number and clearing house number.” Lagos (INVESTADVOCATE)-The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday directed all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria to equip all its branches to treat, validate, scan and upload e-Dividend mandate forms presented to them. The circular with reference number BPS/DIR/GEN/05/009 dated September 14, 2015 and signed by Dipo Fatokun, director, banking and payments system department of the CBN said the directive is with immediate effect. “It is mandatory for every Deposit Money Bank to equip all its branches to treat (validate, scan and upload) e-Dividend mandate form presented to them. This Circular is with immediate effect,’ the CBN affirmed. The portal launched by SEC on July 29, 2015, has been designed for the use of banks and registrar’s, to digitize the manual process of verification of share-

SEC DG, Gwarzo

holders, account details and ensure efficiency in the enrolment process for e-Dividend payment. Also, NIBSS has conducted necessary user training for the nominees of the banks and registrars. The new portal would ensure that all registrars’ outlet and Nigerian banks’ branches are points of upload of completed e-dividend mandate forms. Investors may approach either a Bank branch or a Registrar’s office to process the e-Dividend mandate. According to the CBN, where the investor approaches the registrar, the latter will validate investor’s shareholder account number, name and Clearing

House Number, CHN, and upload the scanned copy of the mandate form onto the portal for immediate access by the investor’s chosen bank. It explained that the bank will validate investor’s bank account details and Bank Verification Number, BVN and approve or reject the mandate online. The Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo, had during the launch of the portal, said that the commission has severally issued directives mandating companies to pay into clients account. “For certain reasons that has not been done, for the first time in this market we have an excellent arrangement with CBN and NIBSS where they have provided for us their platform to ensure that this becomes possible. “The era of you have a dividend of N200 and you have to travel from Gwarzo to Kano city to collect your dividend warrant and it will cost you N300 to make the trip, that period is over, you begin to wonder why you have to spend N300 to collect a dividend warrant of N200. “The issue of dividend being stale and we all know the history of the huge unclaimed dividend we have in the market which ranges between N75 billion and some people say N80 billion. It is all because people do not have the opportunity to claim their dividends, with this platform, the issue of unclaimed dividend will be a thing of the past,” he added.

Features

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Worries linger for 9/11

Twin Tower rubble

hirteen years after two guided planes hit the Twin Towers in New York, survivors are as concerned over their health today as they were. Days after the incident George Rolon left his job in New York City and moved to Florida less than a month after narrowly surviving the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, hoping to escape his recurring nightmares and start anew. It was not that easy. Too many good friends had died, and too many visions of horror remained from September 11. The toxic, asbestos-laden dust cloud that engulfed him and everyone else in lower Manhattan still lingers in his mind-and possibly in his lungs-today. It is an uncertain future he and many others are forced to live with. All of America commemorated the 12th anniversary of 9/11 on September 11 2015 to honour the nearly 3, 000 people who died, but little has been said about those like Rolon who survived to ponder an uncertain, uneasy future, caused by the 2, 000 tons of pulverized asbestos floating in the air for weeks. The inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers can cause a variety of serious health issues, including mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that develops decades after exposure. While one recent study of 9/11 first responders revealed a 19 per cent increase in other cancers, the impact of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer would not be felt until decades from now. “You can’t really connect mesothelioma directly yet with 9/11 because of the long lag time that will be involved,” Chief of thoracic surgery at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, Raja Flores, said last week, adding, “In 20 years, though, you will see a bump up in the numbers. It is common sense. Asbestos causes cancer. We have already been seeing it.” No amount of asbestos exposure is safe. And while the majority of mesothelioma cases in America usually come after lengthy occupational exposure, many experts

believe that exposure to such a high concentration of asbestos on 9/11-even for one day-will cause some serious, long-range health problems for many who were there. Rolon, 50, was working as a senior clerk for a major brokerage firm on the fifth floor of the second tower to be hit. Many of his friends on the upper floors did not get out. He scrambled, like everyone else, to get as far away as quickly as he could, covered in toxic dust and struggling to find clean air. When he finally reached his home in Jersey City, about eight hours later, he was put through a detox center, where he was hosed down under a tent and given new clothes. “It was just something you never forget,” Rolon said. “Many times, I would wake up in the middle of the night in cold sweat, or wake up crying. I needed therapy. For a long time, I was scared to go into elevators or tall buildings.” Rolon, who was single then, moved in early October 2001 to Central Florida, where his parents lived. In the years since, he married and started a family, which has helped soften some of his memories from 9/11. “It is always in the back of your mind - What is down the road for you? - especially when you go in for a physical each year, or you have any kind of breathing issue, something that never really goes away.” “It is difficult to know the absolute risk for each person, but I would expect a rash of mesothelioma and lung cancer cases to begin 20 years after 9/11, and to peak about 40 years after 9/11,” mesothelioma specialist at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Craig Stevens, said, stressing, “It is a looming health problem that is underestimated right now by the general public.” Researchers at Mount Sinai have since 9/11 been following approximately 30, 000 first responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics and those who were part of the early cleanup efforts. They found that 30 per cent had problems with asthma, 40 per cent with si-

Many tiMes, i would wake up in the Middle of the

night in cold sweat, or

wake up crying. therapy.

tiMe,

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into elevators or tall buildings nus issues and 40 per cent with gastroesophageal reflux, a common predictor of esophageal cancer. While many of those who worked near ground zero were equipped with protective clothing and respiratory gear, hundreds of thousands of Manhattan residents returned to their everyday routine under the same dust cloud. Those like Rolon who were running for their lives that day as the twin towers collapsed, covered in dust and gasping for breath, they still wonder what may eventually happen to them. Nora Jean Quinn, who was working across Manhattan that day for a global management company, did not feel threatened by asbestos exposure on 9/11, but put herself into danger during the next couple months as a Red Cross volunteer. “I never even thought about any danger from the haze and dust and the burning debris,” Quinn, who lives now in Texas, said. “I just wanted to go help fellow New Yorkers in trouble. Seeing those people come running, looking like they had been rolled in a vat of flour, thick with a white and gray

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Features

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Taking war against survivors SON: counterfeiting to next level IFEANYI ALIA looks at the measures instituted by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in combating substandard products in Nigeria, portraying the prospects and challenges

President Barack Obama: His administration has assured on comprehensive treatment for the afflicted

Dr. Craig Stevens: Cancer expert

dust, with absolutely dazed expressions, it was something you don’t forget.” Quinn later joined the Army and spent almost a year in Afghanistan, working close to the open air Burn Pits, where the smoke from the solid waste attracted considerable attention from environmentalists. It made her rethink what she had done to help in New York City. “All that asbestos material burning in New York, and I was right there,” she said. “You have to wonder now what kind of long-term effect it will have on you. It wasn’t until after I left New York that I started thinking, ‘What have I done?’ I try not to think too much about it now.” Eddie Watson, who lives on the east coast of Florida, was in Manhattan on business that day, just a few blocks away when the twin towers were hit, leaving him covered with debris and running for his life. “You had to put your shirt over your head to breath,” he recalled. “The cement pieces just covered us like rain. It was all over your face, your chest, your hair. The plaster just turned into dust and came rolling down the street and covered us like a tidal wave.” Watson, 79, who is retired, said he and the others he was with that day have not suffered any respiratory issues, but there is no guarantee for the future. “We had to cover our faces to breathe,” Watson said. “We have a prayer group that meets every year and prays for the families involved. I don’t know if I will ever go back to New York again, but I will never, ever forget that day.”

ontinuous innovations and systemic periodic reviews are some of the ways that organisations live up to demands and dynamics of a constantly changing world. Organisations which timely retool operations have been able to flow with the tide. It would appear from all intents and purposes that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), charged with setting, reviewing, elaborating and enforcing standards and quality requirements of products, is a ready federal government’s apparatus to grow the economy. Industry watchers say the recent unprecedented integration of SON’s services and certifications into the Nigeria integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) for fast and seamless services, represents an encore ever scored by the agency headed by tested technocrat, Dr. Joseph Odumodu. The automation of services would go a long way to checking the prevalence of counterfeiting, little wonder that the agency said by 2015, the level of sub-standard products circulating in the country would be 10 per cent from its present rate of 35 per cent. It goes without saying that trade facilitation has since become the concern among nations of the world; as efforts to eliminate barriers and break-through in international trade and global competitiveness intensify. According to experts in SON, NICIS-propelled services remain an idea whose time has come. For Odumodu, NICIS is a “Nigerian project that would enable us to transact business, no matter where we are. It is a system that no longer allows you to come to SON’s offices across the country to seek your products certifications. What we as an organisation have done concerning developing trade portal and NICIS covers critical areas such as converting all SON certifications and certificates to electronic format, online transmission of certificate to trade portal/NICIS by consignee for FORM “M”, SON’s Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) certificate and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) consignment processing at the comfort of the person’s office”. Sources claim that eliminating direct contacts or visits to SON offices for certification processing and other businesses would equally check corruption and manipulations within the agency. Indeed, analysts say Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and global relevance requires that hard choices towards attaining competitiveness, including growth and sustainability, need to be made. Nigeria is one of the biggest emerging markets in the Third World as well as investment and business destination hub in Africa. The re-basing of the nation’s economy by the immediate past Jonathan administration has placed the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country at an estimated figure of US$536billion in 2014, thus making Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, according to information from the National Bureau of Statistics. However, the macroeconomic space is still characterised by negative outcomes such as the continuous flop in international oil prices, foreign exchange crisis, weak institutions, and dilapidated quality infrastructure, high level of unemployment and job losses. Therefore, the nation’s index on trade competitiveness has continued to witness serious battering. One way out of the economic cul de sac, according to stakeholders, is trade facilitation. SON as one of the federal agencies is at the vanguard of this initiative which is intended to drive home the agency services delivery capabilities. Trade facilitation through automation of SON’s services is a veritable platform which the agency has since

SON DG, Dr. Joseph Odumodu

One way Out Of the ecOnOmic cul de

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facilitatiOn.

sOn as One

Of the federal agencies is at the vanguard Of this initiative which is intended tO drive hOme the agency services delivery capabilities launched for effective and easy inter-connectivity that primarily provides HS Codes regulated by SON. The immense and numerous benefits of the automated system towards concerted efforts at trade facilitation include: Providing easy access to information on products regulated by SON; implementation of strong document authentication system using different methods and electronic signature for all sensitive electronic documents; instant notification of regulatory status of any product during Form ‘M’ and PAAR consignment processing; eliminating the need to apply for paper SON Product Certificate/Import Permits which are later uploaded during Form ‘M’ application; eliminating the need to apply for paper SONCAP Certificate which is later uploaded during PAAR Consignment Processing; assurance that all documents submitted into NICIS have been reviewed and verified by SON, thus eliminating documentary fraud. No need for double-checking among others. SON has been carrying its sensitisation seminars on the automation of its services across the country. The agency has so far conducted the campaign in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt. Stakeholders including bankers have continued to be enlightened on the new ways of conducting business with the apex regulatory agency. The e-certificates and services, it is understood, are at the epicentre of facilitating trade.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Global Business

ScotRail to hire 100 new train drivers

he rail operator said recruiting trainees at depots across the country would support the expansion of timetables and roll-out “faster, bigger and greener” trains. The roles will be based in Aberdeen, Ayr, Bathgate, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gourock, Helensburgh, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and Tweedbank. Train drivers’ union Aslef welcomed the announcement. Trainees will be paid £24,559 during their first year. This will gradually increase to £43,212, following a probationary period. ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said: “We’re investing in Scotland’s railways by modernising trains, expanding timetables and adding journey options - and recruiting a large group of new drivers is vital to make these improvements possible. “We are proud to be supporting local communities and the Scottish economy by creating quality jobs that will make a real impact for custom-

Janet Yellen

Dividend payers get a break from Fed decision

T Train

ers.” ScotRail said it wanted to hear from “enthusiastic, reliable candidates with excellent attention spans, experience of safety-critical roles and a passion for customer service”. Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish government is investing record levels in Scotland’s railways with a £5bn package to upgrade trains, track and services across the coun-

try. “Key investment in infrastructure, such as the recent historic reopening of the Borders Railway and our substantial programme of electrification, are only part of the story. “The staff who keep our railways running are a key asset and I am delighted to launch this unprecedented, nationwide recruitment drive that will create up to 100 new train driver jobs.”

Yellen’s rate blink shows green light for bond buyers he U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision not to raise interest rates on Thursday is giving investors a green light to buy bonds on the view that the central bank won’t move for some time. Some of the biggest bond firms won bets that short-to-medium dated U.S. Treasuries and investment-grade corporate bonds would gain if the Fed backed away from its already lukewarm stance to hike interest rates by year-end. Rick Rieder, chief investment officer of global fixed income at BlackRock (BLK.N), the world’s biggest asset manager with $4.7 trillion in assets under management, told Reuters: “I had thought that investment-grade credit had very limited value for the past few years, but some of these spread levels are very attractive right now.” He said he is buying investment-grade corporate credit, particularly in the industrial sector, which is generating increased

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supply. With risk premiums on investment-grade corporate bonds - the difference between yields on those bonds and comparable government debt - hovering near their highest in three-and-a-half years, Rieder and other top bond managers expect that spread to narrow in a low-rate and low-inflation climate, enhancing their overall returns. European bonds are also worth a look, Rieder said. The Fed’s wary global view due to troubles in China and emerging markets might cause the European Central Bank to step up its stimulus in a bid to protect the euro zone economy, strategists said. Some, such as Doubleline Capital’s Jeffrey Gundlach, have been buying U.S. Treasuries, favoring five-year notes, saying “There is not enough global growth to go around and the Fed realizes it.” Gundlach was referring to China’s devaluation of its currency in August amid signs that the country’s economy – the world’s secondlargest – is slowing down. Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen said Thursday at a press conference following a two-day policy meeting: “Developments that we saw in financial markets in August, in part, reflected concerns that there was downside risk to Chinese economic performance and perhaps concerns about the deftness in which policy makers were addressing those concerns.” Other bond managers includ-

ing John Bellows at Pasadena, California-based Western Asset Management, which has $453 billion in assets, said he anticipates bigger profits by owning more longer-dated Treasuries, rather than shorter-dated issues, given the tame inflation environment and the likelihood the Fed will eventually raise short-term rates, even if it doesn’t happen this year. “We prefer our duration exposure further out the curve,” Bellows said. Heading into the Fed meeting, short-dated bond yields rose as some investors anticipated a rate increase. The two-year note’s yield climbed to 81 basis points, highest in four-and-a-half years. Investors put $1.1 billion into Treasuries funds in the week ended Sept. 16, the sixth consecutive week of inflows, according to Lipper, a unit of Thomson Reuters. Some of the biggest bond firms that anticipated the Fed to leave policy rates near zero on Thursday scored gains, beating rivals who bet on the central bank to raise rates for the first time in nearly a decade. Dan Ivascyn, Group CIO of bond giant Pimco, told Reuters on Friday that the Newport Beach, Calif.-firm added U.S. Treasuries in various maturities ahead of the Federal Reserve decision this week. That positioning helped its flagship Pimco Total Return Fund, one of the world’s largest bond funds, post a one-week return ended Sept. 17 of 0.26 percent, surpassing 92 percent of their peers.

he Federal Reserve’s decision not to hike interest rates may have brought renewed volatility and a stock market selloff, but it also carved out breathing room for a couple of sectors: dividend payers and housing stocks. With 10-year Treasuries now yielding around 2.14 percent, the 2.2 percent dividend yield of the overall S&P 500 should appeal to incomehungry investors who are convinced interest rates will stay low for a while. Some sectors’ yields are much higher. Telecommunication services companies are yielding 5.35 percent, for example. Utilities and real estate investment trusts (REITs) have gained ground since the Fed announced its decision. The S&P utility index, though down slightly on Friday, was the best-performing sector since the Fed announcement. “We could be in a lower-for-longer environment, and ... some of the stocks that have yield components, whether it’s REITs or utilities and other dividend stocks that have sold off, maybe those will eventually find a footing here and get some flow,” said Stephen Gutch, senior portfolio manager at Federated Investors in Rochester, New York. “They’re fairly valued for a higher-rate environment, so I think they’re attractive

right now.” Since they compete with bonds, big dividend-paying stocks have benefited in recent years from the ultra-low interest rate environment, with the S&P utility index registering a 24.3 percent gain in 2014, the best of any S&P sector. But this year, utilities have retreated as Treasury yields rose on the prospect of a Fed rate hike. With the Fed now holding off, the sector may fall back into favor. “When I look at utilities that are yielding in the four-percent range, I think they’re priced for what I’d call a normal 10-year Treasury yield call it four or five percent - because with utilities you’re still going to get some earnings growth,” said Josh Peters, director of equity income strategy at Morningstar. “I’d have a similar take on REITs.”

Obama

Exclusive: Petco begins merger talks with PetSmart – Sources

etco Holdings Inc is exploring the possibility of being acquired by PetSmart Inc, according to people familiar with the matter, in a merger that could create a company that accounts for 30 percent of U.S. pet specialty supplies stores. The preliminary talks between the two private equity-owned companies come after PetSmart ruled out a deal with Petco last year in favor of a sale to a buyout consortium led by BC Partners Ltd for $8.7 billion, including debt. PetSmart believed at the time

President/CEO, Michael Massey

that a deal with Petco might not have received antitrust clearance and was reluctant to disclose confidential information to its biggest competitor, a PetSmart regulatory filing revealed in January. Petco’s private equity owners, TPG Capital LP and Leonard Green & Partners LP, registered the company for an initial public offering last month that could value it at between $5 billion and $6 billion, including debt. They are simultaneously exploring an outright sale of Petco, and are in talks with several private equity firms, including Apollo Global Management LLC (APO.N) and Bain Capital LLC, about such a deal, the sources said this week. TPG and Leonard Green have now started informal talks with PetSmart in the hope of fetching a higher price for Petco, the sources said. PetSmart has not yet been given access to Petco’s confidential information, and there is no certainty that talks will progress and a deal between the two will be successfully negotiated, the sources added.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Commissioner-nominees, others to write aptitude test in C’River T

NSCDC to deploy more personnel to IDPs’ camp in Edo

ov. Ben Ayade of Cross River said ommissionernominees in the state would write mandatory integrity and aptitude tests to ascertain their suitability. The nominees will have to write integrity and aptitude tests before their

names will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for confirmation,’’ the governor said in a statement on Monday in Calabar. The statement, signed by Mr. Christian Ita, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, was made available to journalists.

It said chairmen and members of boards and agencies as well as special advisers would also be subjected to aptitude tests. All appointees in the state must be subjected to ethical measurements to ascertain whether or not they can function in the new order.’’

The statement said accountability and transparency remained the watchwords of the administration. It also announced the appointment of a committee chaired by an Abujabased lawyer, Mr Paul Erokoro, to oversee the selection process.

he Edo Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Mr. Chuka Akubuiroh, said more personnel were being deployed to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Uhoghua. We want to be sure that the IDPs are well secured,’’ Akubuiroh declared in Benin on Monday when he visited the IDPs camp to assess the security situation there . He said that there were currently no security concerns in the camp, but added that the outfit ``must be proactive’’. The NSCDC and other security agencies have maintained security at the camp with adequate

officers, but we want to do even more,’’ he said. He said that the NSCDC would also strive to assist in the area of provision of welfare services to the displaced persons. The commandant said there was need to be proactive, adding that the current serene environment at the camp should not be taken for granted. Responding, the Pastor in charge of the camp, Mr. Solomon Folunsho, commended the commandant for the deep concern for the welfare of the IDPs. The fact that there has not been any incident of security challenges at the camp is due to the efforts of security agencies who have maintained 24-hour security at the camp,’’ he said.

Edo court remands man, 39, for allegedly touching woman’s private part

A L-R: Winner of the male dancing competition, Charles Idi and 2nd place winner, Gideon Martins, at the Benin edition of Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce music concert at the Best Western Hotel, Benin City, on Saturday.

Spill sites: Bayelsa gives Agip deadline for clean-up

ayelsa State Government has directed the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), to clean up over 1,000 spill sites in the state before December 31. The ultimatum is contained in a letter issued to the management of NAOC and made available to newsmen on Monday in Yenagoa. The state government frowned at the poor spill response by the oil firm. The letter dated Sept. 18 and signed by the State’s Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iniruo Wills, said that less than 20 out of over 800 spills that occurred in 2014 were remediated and cleaned. Wills said that the government was dismayed by

the alarming frequency of spills from oil fields operated by Agip in Bayelsa without tangible efforts to lessen the effects on the environment. The Commissioner observed that out of the over 200 spills incidents so far recorded in 2015, nothing had been done to clean and remediate the sites as stipulated by existing environmental laws. We have noted with dismay the alarming number of oil spills in Bayelsa State, with no commensurate efforts to clean them up and restore the affected environment and communities. In 2014 alone, well over eight hundred spills occurred in the land and swamp areas of your op-

erations. Yet, dismal figure of less than 20 sites were certified to have been cleaned, from our records. Over 200 spills have been recorded this year, just from your facilities in the swamp area within the state. Again, there seems to be no commitment or systematic plan on your part to clean up these sites, thus worsening the dehumanising environmental status. That cannot be tolerated anywhere in the world. We, therefore, request your organisation/group to immediately initiate action in ensuring that all oil impacted sites in Bayelsa State, are satisfactorily cleaned up before Dec.

31, 2015,’’ the letter read. The state government further requested Agip to come up with a cleanup plan and submit same to the state’s Ministry of Environment before Oct. 30. The Ministry intends to enforce this in collaboration with other stakeholders and regulatory authorities. This is in furtherance of the Bayelsa State Government’s zero-pollution target and overall sustainable development plan for the State.’’ The spokesman at ENI, the parent company of NAOC, Mr. Filipo Cotalini, said in an email to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the company would respond in due course.

n Auchi Magistrates’ Court in Edo on Monday remanded 39-year-old Mustapha Mamud in prison for allegedly touching a woman’s private part. The Magistrate, Mr. M. O. Osayi, said the accused should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The accused, who resides at an undisclosed address in Auchi, is facing a two-count charge bordering on attempted rape. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. But the prosecutor, Sgt.

Daniel Mato, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 24 at his apartment somewhere in Auchi. According to him, the accused and the woman are living in the same house. ``The accused touched the private part of the woman (names withheld) in an attempt to have carnal knowledge of her.’’ He said the offences contravened Sections 3,594 and 3,609 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the defunct Bendel of 1976 as applicable in Edo. Further hearing in the case has been fixed for October 13.

Relatives of Agip’s pipeline explosion lament neglect CONTINUED ON PAGE15

“We are calling on the federal government who are their joint venture partners to call them to order to avert incurring the wrath of the dead; the total lack of remorse by Agip is unacceptable. “So far, preliminary investigations show that no effort was made to prevent the explosion as flammable materials were not cleared from the site before repair work, neither was the pipeline shut . “What happened was not an accident, it was preventable; Agip killed our brothers and they are not sorry about what has hap-

pened,” MacDonald said. The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria, had at a press conference demanded $28 million compensation for the 14 victims, amounting to $2 million for each victim. According to a statement issued by an Eni spokesman, Mr. Filipo Cotalini , the parent company of NAOC, the cause of the explosion is being investigated. Both Eni and NAOC officials however declined several requests to comment on the allegations of neglect by the relatives of the dead victims of the blast.

42 OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

he stage is now set and the drummers ready. The political masquerades are in a high spirit, ready to floor one another in the dance of supremacy. At the end of the exercise, only one will emerge victorious and represent their party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the December 5, 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa State. The choice of who emerges the winner, many political analysts have said, would determine the fate of the APC at the election. Already the small masquerades have scampered to safety as the bigger masquerades with larger bowler hats and deep pockets have taken the centre stage. As it is, 19 contestants had shown interest, but as at today, only two have become prominent, thus, making no fewer than 17 others to look almost inconspicuous. The two forces that appear to be reckoned with at the primary of the party are the former governor of the state and a chieftain of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva and the boss of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Timi Alaibe. Others who hope to cause unlikely upset include a former Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, gubernatorial candidate, Ebitemi Amgbare; former Chief of Staff, Bayelsa Government hHuse, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, and Preye Aganaba. Others include Godknows Powell, Remo Bekeyei, Pastor Austin Febo, Amb. Felix Oboro, Pastor (Mrs) Tonye Aprela, Emmanuel Otiotio, Francis Ebitei, Imoro Kubor and Sen. Clever Ikisikpo. A visit to the state headquarters of the party along Mbiama-Yenagoa Road revealed a beehive of activities as aspirants make last minutes efforts to lobby party faithful for support, just as it was gathered that delegates had since been moved to undisclosed locations to avoid threats, intimidation, victimisations and attempts to bribe them by aspirants. The talk of the town in the state is the epic battle for the ticket of the APC. This is because whoever emerges the candidate will determine whether or not the APC will win or lose the battle in the coming election for the governorship position of the state. It is in view of this that many are divided over who the right choice should be to give the incumbent governor a run for his money. For example, while some are of the view that the former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, might be the right choice, taking into consideration his experience and ability to match Governor Dickson guts for guts, others prefer Sylva, arguing that he might be out to do a serious battle against the backdrop of how he was unceremoniously booted out of office in a very controversial way to pave way for the incumbent governor. Other also believe that Timi Alaibe, the former NDDC boss, is better placed to reposition the state, saying that he had shown the ability to do that during his tenure as NDDC boss. He appeared to be one that could be trusted, they reasoned. Speaking on the battle of the Timis, a founding member of Bayelsa State chapter of the party, Chief Richard Kpodo, warned delegates in the forthcoming governorship primary to shun corrup-

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

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Bayelsa: Epic battle for APC’s governorship ticket

Alaibe

Sylva

APC is A serious PArty thAt will not toe ignoble PAth suCh As AdoPting Any

AsPirAnt. As

As fAr

i Am ConCerned

And As somebody who is rooted in the PArty,

suCh insinuAtion should be disCountenAnCed tion and vote wisely for a credible contender. Kpodo, who was a former security adviser to Chief Timipre Sylva, particularly admonished them not to vote for his former master because, according to him, “anybody supporting Sylva wants Bayelsa to be mortgaged. Speaking with journalist in Yenaoga, ahead of the primaries, Kpodo noted that the choice of candidate would make or mar the chances of the APC in the governorship poll on December 5, advising delegates to vote wisely and not be persuaded by whether the aspirant is a leader of the party or not. He said. “The delegates should go all out to get a sellable person that can lead the party to victory. We are going to a battle and we are fighting an incumbent, so, they should vote for a trusted person.” While campaigning against Sylva, he said the former governor, who is also the leader of the party in the state, was a “bad product”. He said his reasons were predicated on the fact that Sylva could not be trusted and that the numerous charges of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, still hung on

his neck. “As we are going for the primary election in the state, the truth must be told that we do not need someone like Sylva as a flagbearer for the APC because if we do, I tell you, we will lose woefully in the governorship election. We need a credible man that can drive the process. “For now, Sylva has been boasting that he built about 50 internal roads in the state during his reign, but I want to say that if you compare the roads, they are not up to 20 kilometres. Again, this man Sylva, from Economic and Financial Crime Commission’s report, has hundreds of buildings recovered from him in Abuja and none is in Bayelsa. Where is the love that he claims to have for Bayelsa and its people? “President Muhammadu Buhari is fighting corruption and Sylva’s case is in the court. So, we can’t accept him. We need credible candidate that can stand the opposition and so, he should step aside. The national body of the APC should listen to us as great mobilisers and people on ground.” Those who argue against the choice of Tmi Alaibe also faulted him for abandoning them in the middle of the struggle in precious elections but however do not completely rule him out as he has one of the strongest structures in Bayelsa politics. In government circle some believe that the emergence of Alaibe will spell doom for the incumbent. Reasons being that the present structure which the incumbent is building his political structure on initially belonged to the former boss of the NDDC. A close source from government circle confided in our reporter that some aides and commissioners presently working with Dickson were all waiting for the outcome of today’s primary to quit the government to move to Alaibe’ camp, if he clinches the ticket. Even though today’s primary may have been tagged “the battle of the two Timis” there are some other candidates who may spring a surprise at the primary. They include Prince Ebitemi Amgbare, Preye Aganaba and Sen. Clever Ikisikpo

and some others. As at 2 pm yesterday, none of the aspirants has indicated willingness to withdraw or step down for any candidates as they put finishing touches to their strategies for today’s acid test. There was also the issue of consensus candidate with some alleging that the state party executive led by Tiwie Orunimighe, a former loyalist to former Governor Sylva, was working on making sure their principal emerged as a consensus candidate. However, this claims were rubbished by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who dismissed as “untrue” the claim that the party leadership had adopted the former governor as a consensus candidate. He said: “How does that make any meaning to you? Do you always attach importance to every news you see online? As far as APC is concerned, the governorship primaries holds.” Also speaking, Chief Perekeme Kpodo, debunked rumours in some quarters that Timipre Sylva had been adopted consensus candidate by the party leaders. Kpodo, while describing the speculation as false, said it was evil machinations of some people to create tension in the party, thereby polarising it. He said: “The news flying around in the state that Timipre Sylva has been adopted by the leaders of the APC is untrue and has no basis. Nobody has adopted Sylva as a consensus candidate. As it is now, if the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and national working committee of the party hear this, they will be very angry because it is a disgrace to the APC and it is capable of creating tension in the party. “APC is a serious party that will not toe ignoble path such as adopting any aspirant. As far as I am concerned and as somebody who is rooted in the party, such insinuation should be discountenanced.” One of the 19 governorship contenders, Imoro Kubor, also frowned at allegation of bribing of delegates for votes, saying he did not subscribe to the idea of influencing delegates with money to secure governorship ticket. He said delegates should be allowed to vote for any aspirant of their choice, stressing that paying them money would amount to bribery and corruption and a negation of the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption stance. He stated: “I’m one person who will not pay delegates for primary election. Paying delegates amounts to bribery and corruption. “The delegates can vote for anybody. They should not be influenced by money,” he said. The stage is set, the spectators which include foreign observers, journalists from outside the state, friends of the young state, Ijaws in Nigeria and in diaspora are waiting, tongue tied as the masquerade dance begins.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

not come afterall –Fasehun man lives according to what we think of him. Like I said earlier, is there an angel in Nigeria, there is not one angel in Nigeria.

You were among those who would want the emergence of Buhari as president during election campaign, you must have your fears, do you think your fears are justified now? Well, in a week time by the grace of God I will be 80 and I hope and pray that no Nigeria leader will be mad enough to send me to jail. With all modesty, I think I have contributed my little quota to democracy in this country. I do not believe that we have legislatures now. Last time they turned the National Assembly to a boxing ring and the first thing they were after was the Mace, which is symbol for authority. If you steal the Mace what will you do with it? So we are yet to grow. There is too much impunity and impunity brings indiscipline which also brings corruption and you can see what corruption have done to our nation. People celebrating their billion naira attainment, madness!

our economy. Some people come out to say they are going to improve our economy, how do you improve the economy which taproot, money is stashed up in foreign countries. And you are going to these countries appealing for them to give up the money. It is one of the fundamental offences against the economy of any country. Now the money stashed in these countries has become part of their own economy and you think they will voluntarily return the billions of dollars to you. They won’t because they wouldn’t like their own economy to collapse. I’m waiting for the Americans to start returning money or the British or the Germans and ruin their own economy. So, we are only waiting helplessly, no country is going to do it. What we voluntarily sent to them has become part of their own economy. I understand that in America we have about $250 billion, take away that sum from the economy of any nation even China, collapse will be staring at the economy in the face. And the probe also has its own negative effect. What we have been doing actually is to embarrass the country. The President said he is searching for decent people to appoint as minsters and for 100 days in a population of a 170 million people he has not found 36 decent Nigerians. Those who want to come and invest in our economy will say look, their President has told us that the whole of 170 million are crooks, he has not been able to find decent 36 people among them. So, we better think twice before we go to invest there. Going by the signals in the present administration, what Nigeria do you see in the next four years? Confused Nigeria. We have been waiting for probe; the probe will not come, go and mark it. This is because he who comes equity must come with clean hands. Are we going to probe the APC now? Or is APC made of angels and the other groups Satan? As far as I know, there are no angels in Nigeria, we may have Satan, but there are no angels. So, you either sweep the whole thing under the carpet and go on with governance or probe across the board so that the whole world will say this

It is an honour to get to 80, so with your years of experience what advice do you have for Nigeria as remedy for the country’s situation? You know? Yes it’s an honour, I thank you for that but it is honour attained through crisis, castigation, chastisement in your struggle for a decent society. I thank God. My advice to Nigeria is that we should concentrate on the youths. Let us make education as common as it is in China. They start educating their children at the age of two and they have 11 million under graduates now and have about 750 professors. Do you wonder then, how China has come to overtake the first world in technology, science, education and economy? That’s why nobody sleeps under the bridges in China. Concentrate on youths, they constitute the building blocks of any nation and here we are writing everywhere that the youths shall grow, yet you deny them right tracks to go through so that they can grow. Nigeria is dancing around and round in one spot of illiteracy and that is why infrastructure has not increased. The little growth we sense, is that actual growth? We say that our economy is increasing when last December rice which was sold for N6000 sold for N17000. Where then is the growth, except that we have been deceiving ourselves? And those who are at the helm of affairs have been deceiving us. We hope and pray those youths themselves will now open their eyes and see things for themselves and talk. Fawehinmi, who spoke up was a visitor for several jails. We have hoped that Nigeria can be better but we have to work very hard, most especially, let the nation be educated. Your group were among those given the contract to secure pipelines during Jonathan’s administration, that contract was stopped by the present administration, what is your reaction, the pipelines are they safe?

Is APC mAde of Angels And the other grouPs

sAtAn? As fAr As I know, there Are no Angels In

nIgerIA, we mAy hAve sAtAn, but there Are no Angels

We applied for the pipeline security job since 2011 and it was a company called New Age and Global Nigeria Ltd. This is because I sensed that since the group we are going to us the Odua People’s Congress, OPC, was not registered that no government would do business with unregistered company and there was no way I would register OPC, it would have been banned many years ago. You should remember Obasanjo even said if you see any OPC man shoot him on sight. All Obasanjo needed say if I had registered OPC with CAC is that it is banned and once the country bans the group, any chest beating that you are a member of the OPC will end you with number of years in jail. But since it is not registered we will tell Nigerians that we have the freedom of association. So, we applied and almost seven years nobody touched our application until early this year, they called me and I went. Of course the pipelines were seriously being vandalised at that time. NNPC invited us, we went, had an interview and they gave us time to come back; we went back two weeks latter and they said this is our contract. They drew up the contract, signed it with all the figures there. Of course I was in a hurry to recruit hundreds of thousands of youths in an employment and so didn’t read it. They said we are to be on the pipeline for three months and we were on the pipelines for three months and during the three months nobody told me that NNPC lost one pipeline. As a matter of fact they commended me that they wish they had made use of my personnel and we were to do the first run for three months, a day towards the end of three months they came in and chased us out of our secretarial in Shagamu, of course they don’t chase OPC like that, they will snare, let’s leave that. So we left at the end of three months. We started on March 15 and they came to drive us out on June 15. I had to appeal to the boys and appease them that that was what the contract says. But the contract did not say, we should not be mobilised for that job but because I was in a hurry to get the youths to start working, I didn’t ask for any mobilisation and they didn’t give us any mobilisation. For three month we were in the jungle fighting wide animals, snakes and other hostile creatures and we even lost one of our members because vandals came very late one night and we have to drive them away. It is now three months since we left the site but we are still waiting for NNPC to pay us even one naira. If you remember, when I resuscitated Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, somebody came out from APC Lai Mohammed, he said N2.8 million had been released to me and usually I don’t respond to lie because you have to sustain a lie with another lie. When he started repeating it, I started calling him Lai the liar and he is yet to prove me wrong. So, we are still waiting for government to pay us but the embarrassment is that people thought I had collected money from the government. And also the opposition had said earlier that I have collected billions of naira, here is the contract, you can see for yourself. They even specify that we should have 400 youths on the pipeline between Shagamu and Ibadan. We had 4020 workers and spent our money to buy patrol for vehicles, motorcycles, generators, all we needed to sustain security network hoping that when government see our performance they would pay us. They contract recommend that those people on the pipeline should be paying N1, 500 per day. A government that said there should be youth employment is the same that after they youth had worked for them is not thinking to say that it is cruel, wicked and embarrassing not to pay them. Those boys and girls had kept phoning me asking when they are going to be paid for all the service they rendered. I have had to be telling them when they pay. When I couldn’t withstand the embarrassment, I had to tell my lawyer to write to the government a de letter of demand before legal action. We wrote since August 6 and nobody had replied, of course if in another week they don’t reply we will go to court.

Politics

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Olorunoje to George, PDP not your personal property RobeRt Awokuse

Daughter of the deceased, Dr. Tokunbo Dosunmu-Awolowo and first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, during a condolence visit to the Awolowo family on the death of Mama HID Awolowo, in Ikenne, Ogun State on Sunday.

ebated acting chairman of Lagos State People Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Owolabi Olorunoje has asked the party’s former national deputy chairman, Chief Bode George, not to see Lagos PDP as his personal property. He accused George of attempting to personalise the party by backing the alleged suspended chairman of the, Captain Tunji Shelle, against the new party executives and constitution. Olorunoje, who stated this in an interaction in Lagos said: “It is disappointing for chief Bode

Oyegun calls for urgent Judicial reform to check corruption obioRA ifoh ABUJA

ational chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun has advised the Federal Government to ensure that the nation’s justice system is reformed to arrest massive corruption by some political class. The APC national chairman, who spoke at the post-investiture reception for Dr. Muiz Banire as Senior Advocate of Nige-

ria (SAN) said that some people have looted money that can last triple of their years on earth and keep cases in court for a long time. “It is a real pleasure having you on the working committee of APC. It is a period of change and it is my hope that we will now get advice, proposals on how that change would also permeates the Judiciary. “I have had the cause to be in court once or twice and one of the greatest

mysteries on earth is court processes. Before you know what is happening it is over and l didn’t think l was unintelligent but l had to ask my lawyer and said what just happened. What is serious is that in a period like this when we want to change society and change society quickly, it is important that it is in tandem with the Judicial system. “The matter today is corruption and if we do not have way that corruption cases can be treated

or heard and disposed off quickly and particularly in circumstance where today when we talk of corruption, we are not talking of a few millions of naira, we are not talking of 5%; we are talking about something approaching to trillions. “These people can keep us in court all year long and for many years. In cases that are very obvious, very clear that if you total everything a would have earned in all his life time and if he comes ten

times over to the world there is no way he could have accumulated the kind of wealth he has, particularly for people in public service. “There must be easier way; there must be either decisive justice, real justice without defeating the purpose of justice and without defeating the means to reform our society. Reform we must and that reform must permeates all sectors of the economy and the polity.”

George who is believed to be a leader in the party to indulge a person like Shelle against the party’s constitution. I believe that this party is greater that anyone of us so, whatever the party decides should be respected, not that someone will believe that he is greater than the party. “Moreover, I am just hearing various things from people outside that he is supporting Shelle, if the news is real, that means they both have misplaced their integrities and they are trying to personalise Lagos PDP which is not their property.” Speaking on series of defeats the party had suffered in the past by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Olorunoje affirmed that the PDP is going through learning process which will help it reclaim its lost glory in nearest future. He accused APC of being master in stealing PDP victories in Lagos saying that Lagos State governorship elections has always been victories stolen from his party as a result of incompetence of the past PDP chairman. He however, called on the followers of the party across the state not to relent in their support for the party, promising that leadership will ensure that possible efforts are explored to deliver the party.

Alleged corruption of ex-governors: Plateau threads familiar paths CONTINUED FROM PAGE13 been established against him by the anti-graft agency, there are fears that his trial, if it eventually begins might go the way of the previous ones handled by the anti-graft agency. It was against this background that trade union members in their thousands recently protested in Plateau State over what they called the ravaging effect of corruption in the land. They insisted that both the federal and state governments must bring the culprits to book to enable the country move forward. The peaceful rally in Jos which was organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, held up vehicular movements for one and half hours in the capital city as the protesters who were drawn from all

affiliate unions of the NLC as well as civil society organisations commenced the march from the old government house to the new one at Little Rayfield by 9:15 am and were led by the state chairman of the NLC, comrade Jubril Banchir. The union leader who lamented the high level of corruption in the country said: “Corruption has created a very bad image for the country and its citizens as Nigerians are viewed as corrupt and dubious people outside the country. Corruption prevents the provision of basic social amenities for the citizenry as the money meant development is often pocketed by a few thereby making governance impossible. “Non-payment of salaries has been attributed to corrupt practices of state

governors who have gone into heavy borrowing from the banks to carry out huge projects they clearly have no capacity for, and use them as conduit pipes to siphon public funds into their personal pockets, while some use the money meant for the state to campaign for re elections. “Virtually all aspects of Nigeria’s infrastructure are in deplorable condition, the country is characterised by bad road networks, constant power outrage, lack of security, inadequate water supply, unacceptable health facilities and declining education system. “Nigeria refineries must work to stop importation of refined products as the claims for subsidy on petroleum products are purely due to corruption practices and tendencies in petroleum sector.

The only thing we need to do now is to stand as a union and fight this evil called corruption. NLC would continue to support the current leadership at the federal and state level against corruption. “We call on the Federal Government to set up special anti-corruption courts to try corruption cases in the country, realising that those who have looted our treasury have become adept at using the loopholes in procedure of regular courts to delay and in several cases subverting the causes of Justice. We believe that this measure will help in no small way in the fight against corruption.” With the way the matter is being handled, no one knows how long the people will wait to know the culpability or otherwise of the accused.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Tribunal upholds Ortom’s election Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

he Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital yesterday upheld the election of Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom. The panel, in a decision delivered by the chairman, Honourable Justice Elizabeth Karatu rejected the two of the three grounds of the petition by the petitioner, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP because there were no facts to support the claims. The petition which was predicated on three grounds, that Ortom was,

at the time of the election not qualified/disqualified to contest the election; that the declaration and return of Ortom as winner of the April 11 poll was invalid by reason of non compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act (S. 87) 2010 (as amended) and the 1999 Constitution (S. 177) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); and that Ortom was not elected by majority of lawful and valid votes cast at the Governorship Election in Benue State held on 11th April, 2015 as announced on 13th April, 2015. Although, the respondents in the petition including Samuel Ortom, All Progressives

Congress, APC, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC questioned the jurisdiction of the Honourable Tribunal to entertain the issue of qualification and or disqualification of Ortom to contest the April 11 poll, the court held that because Tarzoor was a candidate at the poll, he has the locus standi to question the qualification of a candidate at the poll since such arise only after the declaration of result of the said election. However, the tribunal held that, it was not sufficient for the petitioner to allege that Ortom was not a member of the APC at the time of the election or that the APC did not hold any governorship prima-

ry election nor sponsors a candidate for the election, he must lead credible evidence to make his case. Besides, it was held that the PDP has not provided any evidence in the petition to show that Ortom remains her member and has not been able to dislodge the evidence of letter of resignation of Ortom’s membership from the PDP which was tendered in evidence. In her considered view on the pleadings by INEC, the learned trial judge held in agreement with counsel to Tarzoor that the pleadings have left much to be desired but noted that it was not up to the tribunal to speculate and consequently held that Ortom was a mem-

Political allies of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal where Saraki is facing a 13-count charge bordering on corrupPHOTO: NAN tion and false assets declaration in Abuja, yesterday.

Face your case at EFCC, Ortom’s aide tells Morro Henry Iyorkase

he Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Media and Information Communication Technology, Mr.Tahav Agerzua has tongue lashed the former -Minister of interior, Comrade Abba Morro for alleging that the federal government may influence the outcome of cases before the tribunals in favour of the governing party in the

country . The Special adviser while reacting to an interview Morro granted recently said in Makurdi, that the ex-minister has made spurious claims of influencing judgement against the opposition which is unsubstantiated by every ramification. He further stated that the likes of Morro and his cohorts in the PDP whose stock in trade were known for depriving justice when they held sway in power in the last sixteen years such

action cannot be liken to the present dispensation and urge Nigerians to discard the insinuation with a wave hand . Agerzua who was the Chief Press Secretary to former Governor George Akume between 1999 and 2006 also reminded the former minister of the alleged gun running charges as well as the allegation that he fleeced many youths and organized their deaths during the Nigerian immigration recruitments in 2014 .

He further cautions Morro to refrain from utterances capable of generating tension leading to bad blood and enjoin him to brace up and appear before the EFCC for his case.

Ortom

ber of the APC at the time of the election, sponsored by the party and returned winner of the April 11 poll by majority of the lawful votes cast. She therefore concluded that “Tarzoor’s petition fails and the election of Ortom Ioraer Samuel upheld.” Igbago John, one of the

lawyers who appeared for the APC described the judgment as erudite. To Governor Samuel Ortom, it is a reflection and manifestation of the mandate the people of the state had handed him at the polls and said that their wishes must certainly triumph against any forces.

Leaders must fixed Nigeria problems –Cleric ayo esan

igerian leaders have been urged to be committed to fixing the problems facing the country, and that if serious move is not made in finding solution to the problems facing the country, the problem may soon become hereditary, and it will not augur well for the country. This advice was given by the Bishop of Anglican Church Ondo Diocese Reverend G.L. Lasebikan at the 80th Birthday thanksgiving service held for the founder of Ooodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr Frederick Fasehun in Lagos Monday. He said that Nigeria is not progressing because members of the public preferred those who were not committed to moving the country forward, adding that, Nigerians preferred those that will tell them lies instead of people that will say the truth, ‘’there are many Nigerians who carry themselves larger than life, but they are empty, people hate the truth but they celebrate liars who deceive the society, but the society also wants to be deceived’’ He however, commended Dr Fasehun for the role he had played so far in fighting for the emancipation of the oppressed, just as he urged him not to give up in the struggle. ‘’God use you as a fighter for justice, God’s love to you is continuous, that is why he makes you to be alive today, being alive is by the grace of God, because people die every minute, at 80th you are an achiever and an accomplished man, thank God

for who you are, and what you are’’ Speaking at a reception held for him at Tafawa Balewa square, Lagos, Dr Fasehun thanks those who have in several ways shown appreciation for the little he has been privileged to contribute to democracy and nationbuilding, just as he urged those who felt offended at his little contribution to nation building to realise that he could not have done otherwise because the peace, social-justice and democracy of the nation are always uppermost in his heart. ‘’As we all know, the journey to democracy is usually not easy because human nature is more conditioned towards selfish autocracy and egotistical dictatorship. That is why agitators for democracy in any land have a lot to confront to persuade the powers that be to be their brother’s keepers, instead of carrying on in the natural propensity of humans, such as subjugating the downtrodden, stamping upon the underprivileged, selfish building of dynasties and corrupt amassing of public resources.’’ He explained that time and destiny turned him into a critic, and he is proud to say to critics were not necessarily hostile. He therefore, called on government to see Nigerians as partners in building bridges saying, lopsidedness in public service should be avoided. He stated that vilifying past public servants should be avoided while. ‘’Probes, if and when necessary, should be tacitly and comprehensively carried out; or else it wears the toga of witch-hunting.

Politics

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG lacks courage to fight corruption EbErE ndukwu

leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has said that the present administration led by Muhammadu Buhari lacks the courage to fight corruption, saying that his albatross towards fighting corruption is the type of people he has as friends. The Afenifere leader who stated this in an interview in Lagos queried why President Buhari would limit his probe to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s led administration, saying he will only do that because he wants to cover his colleagues who also have questions on corruption to answer. He said: “The problem is that, we know our problem but have not got the courage to solve it. Buhari only handicap is that unfortunately, each time I talk about him, they say he is clean and I say well I agree he is clean, but I’m also aware of the saying that says tell me your friend and I will tell you who you are? Look at his group, if he can be comfortable in that group, Atiku is in that

group, I want to be specific, that is the man that Obasanjo openly accused of being corrupt and he too said well, you said I’m corrupt, what about you? The record is there. “How can you say you are going to probe Jonathan government, is it Jonathan that is only corrupt? I’m asking, why is Buhari trying to limit the enquiry? Is it because he wants to cover his colleagues? He has to make it holistic. You are a clean man yes, but why should he cover his people? Are we saying that a man who was Minister for Petroleum for eight years that he is clean? And that is Obasanjo. I have no prejudice against anybody. By the time I press the thing down, you have no answer for it. What is fair is fair.” Saying that his concern is the future of the country and for posterity, he called on Nigerian youths to wake up to eliminate iniquities from the country. “All that I’m saying have nothing to do with me. I’m 87, I can drop dead tomorrow. I’m saying this for posterity. If the younger ones don’t wake up to eliminate all these iniquities in the society they are done for.” The Yoruba leader also

called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prove him wrong that he is not a dictator, advising him to do a holistic probe of past leaders and not to limit his probe inquiry with Goodluck Jonathan administration alone. He said: “There are certain signs that are worrisome in this administration. I was not a supporter of Buhari because of what I know about him which I said before the election and as I have told some pressmen I still want him to

prove me wrong that he is not a dictator and a tribalist.” Sad with what he called lopsided appointments of the president, Ayo wondered how the Northern part of the country which has been backward competent wise when compared with the southerners since independence, could now have more competent people as to warrant them having more appointments than the southerners. He said: “People say he has only appointed those

he trusted and those who are competent, since when are Northerners more competent than people in the South? If anybody can’t tell them, I will tell them that. Since when? When we included federal character in the constitution, it was because of the backwardness of the North. And when we are balancing at that time it was second rate people we are balancing with from the North. They can’t deny that, both in the civil service or anywhere. Suddenly, they are now more

advanced than the South. At that dance, my dear, say it to the marine. “Buhari is telling us that they have more competent people than the South. I’m developing the fears. My own decision on Buhari is not personal; it is purely on principle and was clear when I said he was a detector.” Ayo cautioned that it will be unfair for Buhari to only probe the administration of Jonathan, saying that corruption in the polity did not start with Jonathan.

Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, addressing protesting National Association of Nigerian Students, at the State Secretariat in PHOTO: NAN Osogbo, yesterday.

Bayelsa APC primaries: Osinbajo, Obasanjo, others for ex- Premier Adegbenro memorial lecture Oshiomhole meets guber aspirants Panacea for development versary of the death of late day September 28. OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

head today’s All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday met with the 19 gubernatorial aspirants of the party over the guidelines to be used for the conduct of the governorship primaries in the state. Governor Oshiomhole, who led a 7-man Electoral Committee to Yenagoa into the meeting with the aspirants and other stakeholders of the APC, said the governorship primaries should be considered as a family affair, adding that the rules on the conduct of the party primaries was not different from those used in Kogi and the national primaries of the party. According to Oshiomhole, a total of 1,508 del-

egates are expected to vote during the primaries, with two Board of Trustees, BoT, members, former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva and the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the party, Timi Frank as eligible voters. Oshiohmole also announced Samson Siasia stadium as venue for the primaries, just as he confirmed that voting will be by open ballot system with use of national identification card and voters’ card as means of identification for delegates. The Edo State governor however, warned aspirants against involvement in issue of cloning of voters’ cards and presentation of new national identification cards as means of identification. He said that the party will deploy use of card reader to authenticate the voters’ cards presented by delegates, saying “if anyone is involved in the act

MichaEl OgbOnna

igeria Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and other eminent Nigerians are to grace the second annual lecture of Dauda Adegbenro Foundation scheduled to take place on September 29. The second annual lecture series which will be held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, also coincides with the 40th anni-

OgbOnna MichaEl

onourable Tajudeen Obasa, the lawmaker representing Ojo federal constituency at the House of Representative has promised to support the youths in his constitu-

former Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Dauda Soroye Adegbenro. This year’s edition of the lecture comprises of a series of events, which include a visit to an orphanage and special Juma’at service scheduled to hold at Abadiya Mosque on Moshood Abiola Way in Abeokuta on Friday September 25 and a church service at Owu Baptist Church, Totoro, Abeokuta the following Sunday. The 40th anniversary Fidau prayers will hold at the late Premier’s family house, Lafenwa in the Ogun State capital on Mon-

The foundation, accompanied by members of the family and well-wishers will also pay a visit to the Olowu of Owu Kingdom and Alake of Egbaland same day. According to a release made available to the media by the chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, of the foundation, Hon. Wale Oshun, the grand finale comprising the annual lecture and award ceremonies will take place on September 29 at the OOPL auditorium Abeokuta. The lecture, titled, “Imperatives for industrial and technological revolution:

in Nigeria,” will be delivered by Dr. Gloria Elemo, director-general, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, FIIRO. Also taking place are the awards for winners of the foundation-organised national essay competition and a launch of the Adegbenro scholarship and research fund. Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), will be chairman of the occasion while Ogun State governor, will be playing host to dignitaries including at the event.

Rep promises support for youths ency in the area of empowerment The lawmaker stated this at a program organised by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ojo chapter and headed by Alhaji Adio Salami in honour of the

lawmaker to brief his constituents about his stewardship so far. Appreciating the youths for their unwavering support, he pledged his total commitment to cater for the needs of the dependent.

He said: “There is a popular adage in the land that says ‘instead of giving a man fish, teach him how to fish’. My administration will abide by this adage in its bid to alleviate poverty in our land.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Index dips 0.22%, as E-Tranzact, Portland Paints lead gainers JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors dumped their holdings. Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 0.22 per cent to close at 30,265.90 points, compared to the decline of 0.26 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 30,332.68 points. Market capitalisation shed N23 billion to close at N10.40 trillion, compared to

the depreciation of N27 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N10.42trillion. E-Tranzact Plc led the gainers’ table with 24 kobo or 9.88 per cent to close at N2.67 per share, followed by Portland Paints Plc with 20 kobo or 4.87per cent to close at N4.31 per share. Custodian Insurance Plc gained 19 kobo or 4.68 per cent to close at N4.25 per share, while NEM Insurance Plc appreciated three kobo or 4.62 per cent to close at 68 kobo per share. UB Capital Plc added five

kobo or 3.52 per cent to close at N1.47 per share, while Wema Bank Plc rose three kobo or 3.09 per cent to close at N1.00 per share. NPF Microfiance Bank was up three kobo or 3.09 per cent to close at N1.03 per share. Conversely, Vono Products Plc depreciated seven kobo or 7.87 per cent to close at 82 kobo per share, while Interlink Plc dropped 22 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N4.21 per share. Champion Breweries Plc dipped 23 kobo or 4.97 per

cent to close at N4.40 per share, while Flour Mills Plc declined N1.08 or 4.57 per cent to close at N22.54 per share. Transnational Express Plc lost six kobo or 4.55 per cent to close at 1.26 per share, while Skye Bank Plc fell 10 kobo or 4.42 per cent to close at N2.16 per share. May and Baker Plc was down six kobo or 4.41 per cent to close at N1.30 per share. A total of 144.4 million shares valued at N1.13 billion were exchanged in 2,403 deals.

Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya to sustain rates

frican policy makers are worried that the United States Federal Reserve’s liftoff will roil their markets even further, have room to breathe. For now, Central banks across Africa have bucked a global trend by tightening monetary policy to ward off inflation threats as their currencies slumped against the dollar. For South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya -- three of the four biggest economies in sub-Saharan Africa that will decide on interest rates this week -- the Fed’s decision to delay raising borrowing costs gives them a temporary reprieve. “We should see less hawkish monetary policy committees next week, particularly in the countries where the currencies have come under pressure,” Yvonne Mhango, an economist at Renaissance Capital in Johannesburg, said by phone on September 18. From Ghana to Zambia, African currencies have been among the worst hit by

a slide in investor sentiment toward emerging and frontier markets. The prospect of higher US interest rates is driving investors away from riskier assets at the same time as a slowdown in China fuels a slump in global commodity prices. In South Africa, where the rand has weakened 14 per cent against the dollar this year, the central bank has raised the benchmark interest rate twice since July last year even as the economy risks falling into recession for the first time since 2009. Eighteen of 20 economists surveyed by Bloomberg forecast the Reserve Bank will leave the key rate unchanged at 6 percent on September 23, with two predicting a 25 basis-point increase. “Following the Fed’s decision to hold back, I think the most probable outcome for our MPC would also be unchanged interest rates,” Elize Kruger, an economist at KADD Capital in Johannesburg, said in an e-mailed

note to clients. This is “predominantly due to the deteriorating local economic outlook and lower oil prices.” The rand fell 1.1 per cent to 13.4769 against the dollar on Monday. Investors have pared back bets of higher borrowing costs in South Africa this year, with forward-rate agreements starting in three months, used to speculate on interest rates in the period, pricing in 20 basis points of increases, down from 45 basis points on August 24. Yields on rand-denominated government bonds due December 2026 climbed nine basis points this year to 8.35 percent on September 18. Yields on Kenya shilling bonds due October 2024 rose 80 basis points this year to 12.8 per cent on September 18, while in Nigeria, rates on naira debt maturing in March 2024 rose 48 basis points to 15.61 per cent. That compares with a drop of 19 basis points to 4.83 per cent in average yields on the Bloomberg Emerging

Volkswagen shares plunge on emissions scandal

olkswagen shares plunged by nearly 20 per cent yesterday after the German carmaker admitted it had rigged emissions tests of diesel-powered vehicles in the United States, and US authorities said they would widen their probe to other automakers. German officials, alarmed at the potential damage the scandal could inflict on its car industry, urged Volkswagen to fully clear up the matter and said it would investigate

whether emissions data had also been falsified in Europe. The US Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday the world’s biggest carmaker by sales used software for diesel VW and Audi branded cars that deceived regulators measuring toxic emissions and could face penalties of up to $18 billion. The EPA and California officials said yesterday they would test the use of software in diesel

vehicles from other manufacturers for similar possible violations. In addition to Volkswagen, automakers including General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles sell diesel cars and SUVs in the United States. “You will understand that we are worried that the justifiably excellent reputation of the German car industry and in particular that of Volkswagen suffers,” German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said.

Capital Market

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N196.95 Market indicators All-Share Index 30,265.90 points Market capitalisation 10.40trn

Stock Updates

Market Local Sovereign Index. Nigeria and Kenya, which are due to announce rate decisions today, are set to keep their benchmark rates at 13 percent and 11.5 per cent respectively, according to most of the economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The Kenyan shilling has slumped 14 per cent against the dollar this year, prompting the central bank to raise borrowing costs by 300 basis points since June. The Fed’s decision provides the Central Bank of Kenya an opportunity to freeze rates, Robert Bunyi, managing director of investment company Mavuno Capital, said by phone from the capital, Nairobi. “If the Fed had raised rates, it would have put more pressure on the shilling as the dollar appreciates, and as money flows back to U.S. Treasuries.” Governor Godwin Emefiele has kept the policy rate unchanged since raising it by 100 basis points in November. 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

GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

ETRANZACT

2.43

2.67

0.24

9.88

PORTPAINT

4.11

4.31

0.20

4.87

CUSTODYINS

4.06

4.25

0.19

4.68

NEM

0.65

0.68

0.03

4.62

UBCAP

1.42

1.47

0.05

3.52

WEMABANK

0.97

1.00

0.03

3.09

NPFMCRFBK

1.00

1.03

0.03

3.00

DIAMONDBNK

3.40

3.50

0.10

2.94

SEPLAT

240.00

243.00

3.00

1.25

UBA

4.19

4.24

0.05

1.19

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

VONO

0.89

0.82

-0.07

-7.87

INTERLINK

4.43

4.21

-0.22

-4.97

CHAMPION

4.63

4.40

-0.23

-4.97

FLOURMILL

23.62

22.54

-1.08

-4.57

TRANSEXPR

1.32

1.26

-0.06

-4.55

SKYEBANK

2.26

2.16

-0.10

-4.42

MAYBAKER

1.36

1.30

-0.06

-4.41

AIICO

0.94

0.90

-0.04

-4.26

CONTINSURE

0.98

0.94

-0.04

-4.08

UACN

31.82

30.66

-1.16

-3.65

FGN Bonds

Bid

Description

Offer

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.60

99.93

15.12

100.08

15.01

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.77

102.43

15.10

102.73

15.00

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.40

100.91

15.23

101.21

15.14

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.35

104.95

15.13

105.25

15.06

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.48

95.60

15.14

95.90

15.07

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.84 68.00

15.58

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 21, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

24-Dec-15

11.01

11.34

24-Mar-16

13.10

14.03

01-Sep-16

13.18

15.07

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

15.5833

15.7973

16.7238

17.6115 The Fixings of September 21, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015

Equities as at September 21, 2015

Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057

Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057

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 19 6 25

Current Price 28.95 30.55

Quantity Traded 39,856 107,686 147,542

Value Traded 1,096,441.56 3,289,697.30 4,386,138.86

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 1.72

Quantity Traded 220,122 220,122

Value Traded 381,515.84 381,515.84

367,664

4,767,654.70

Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 AGRICULTURE Totals Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UA C N PLC.on Board EQTY Activity Summary Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other

No. of Deals 1 (Equities) 2 115 54 172

Current Price 0.99 4.37 2.36 30.66

Quantity Traded 22,000 260 6,820,013 444,739 7,287,012

Value Traded 21,120.00 1,081.60 16,113,256.38 13,664,807.65 29,800,265.63

Symbol COSTAIN

172 No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.56

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 44.08

7,287,012 Quantity Traded 956,110 956,110 Page Quantity Traded 1,500 1,500

29,800,265.63 Value Traded 537,208.32 537,208.32 14 1 of Value Traded 64,920.00 64,920.00

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 7.42

Quantity Traded 20,287 20,287

Value Traded 158,035.73 158,035.73

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 2 2 4

Current Price 100.00 10.00

Quantity Traded 7,000 280 7,280

Value Traded 700,000.00 2,800.00 702,800.00

985,177

1,462,964.05

COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT Daily Summary SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Activity Summary on Board EQTY CHAMPION BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS GUINNESS NIG PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Published by The Nigerian StockBREWERIES Exchange © PLC. INTERNATIONAL JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified Activity Summary on Board CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.EQTY NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 300 300

Value Traded 150.00 150.00

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS Symbol INTBREW JOSBREW NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 8 81 No. of Deals 11 1 204 2 307

Current Price 4.40 154.00 Current Price 17.85 1.58 136.40 2.95

Quantity Traded 134,761 396,093 Quantity Traded Page 125,000

Value Traded 592,948.40 61,059,976.78 Value Traded 2 2,196,365.00 of 14

20,000 1,089,840 44,000 1,809,694

30,200.00 151,281,431.50 129,800.00 215,290,721.68

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 190.40

Quantity Traded 5,521 5,521

Value Traded 1,067,297.51 1,067,297.51

No. of Deals 21 35 112 10 11 1 190 (Equities)

Current Price 2.85 6.91 22.54 2.46 6.53 0.50

Quantity Traded 56,678 1,021,977 1,106,183 555,150 32,950 202 2,773,140

Value Traded 160,014.50 7,051,792.67 25,317,461.53 1,361,260.00 217,155.50 101.00 34,107,785.20

No. of Deals 30 30 60 No. of Deals 1 12 10 23

Current Price 24.00 820.05

Quantity Traded 1,311,193 26,233 1,337,426 Quantity Traded 100 166,200 784,311 Page 950,611

Value Traded 31,473,729.81 21,535,677.18 53,009,406.99 Value Traded 2,830.00 949,530.00 14 3 663,373.93 of 1,615,733.93

Quantity Traded 312,265 335,800 648,065

Value Traded 8,114,965.04 15,268,947.38 23,383,912.42

7,524,757

328,475,007.73

DUNLOP Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

Daily Summary Symbol CADBURY NESTLE Symbol ENAMELWA VITAFOAM VONO

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

CONSUMER GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC ActivityGUARANTY Summary TRUST on Board EQTY BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES STERLING BANK PLC. Banking UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Totals Stock Exchange © Published Banking by The Nigerian

No. of Deals 24 33 57

Current Price 29.78 5.84 0.82

Current Price 26.00 45.45

643

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ACCESS 135 5.18 DIAMONDBNK 29 3.50 Daily Summary (Equities) ETI 37 18.55 FIDELITYBK 54 1.52 GUARANTY 214 24.50 SKYEBANK 59 2.16 STERLNBANK 16 2.06 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price UBA 158 4.24 UBN 37 5.97 UNITYBNK 29 1.35 WEMABANK 22 1.00 790

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. EQUITYASUR GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. GUINEAINS CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC HMARKINS INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC LINKASSURE Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STACO Daily Summary STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STDINSURE UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIC Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNITYKAP UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC UNIVINSURE FINANCIAL SERVICES WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks Symbol NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPFMCRFBK Micro-Finance Banks Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 38 0.90 1 0.94 1 0.50 2 0.50 2 0.50 2 0.50 1 0.50 7 0.50 3 2.60 16 0.68 1 0.50 1 0.50 (Equities) 3 0.50 2 0.50 1 0.50 3 0.50 1 0.50 No. of Deals Current Price 85 No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.03

Quantity Traded 18,267,804 426,654 2,111,283 3,060,813 14,273,708 5,422,152 972,257 Quantity Traded 18,809,447 204,153 3,000,282 717,682 67,266,235 Page

Value Traded 95,116,138.80 1,466,149.69 39,384,026.67 4,606,216.27 349,689,980.84 11,921,062.22 2,010,008.47 Value Traded 78,858,348.83 1,224,727.66 4,058,810.70 697,260.37 589,032,730.52 14 4 of

Quantity Traded 460,094 100,000 820 26,500 5,679 2,195 233 131,000 2,500 358,165 1,000 1,000 10,748 101,500 100 38,003,336 2,000 Quantity Traded 39,206,870 Page Quantity Traded 266,610 266,610

Value Traded 414,139.60 94,000.00 410.00 13,250.00 2,839.50 1,097.50 116.50 65,600.00 6,705.00 242,952.20 500.00 500.00 5,374.00 50,750.00 50.00 19,001,668.00 1,000.00 Value Traded 19,900,952.30 14 5 of Value Traded 270,933.30 270,933.30

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol ASOSAVINGS UNHOMES

No. of Deals 2 2 4

Current Price 0.50 5.23

Quantity Traded 3,700 392 4,092

Value Traded 1,850.00 1,948.24 3,798.24

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 34 19 38 26 44 161

Current Price 2.75 4.25 2.35 21.66 1.47

Quantity Traded 409,096 970,400 1,191,948 193,038 1,702,254 4,466,736

Value Traded 1,117,516.34 3,958,055.96 2,826,702.85 4,108,314.41 2,468,089.24 14,478,678.80

111,210,543

623,687,093.16

Quantity Traded 364,531 5,000

Value Traded 275,959.63 16,500.00

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

1,045

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON

No. of Deals 9 1

Current Price 0.74 3.19

Page

Sector

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Company name

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals Symbol GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH

No. of Deals 11 9 3 33

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 Daily Summary as 14:32:57.057 of 21/09/2015 Processing Systems Printed 21/09/2015 Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals ICT Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Activity Summary on Board EQTY INDUSTRIAL GOODS Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Building Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS INDUSTRIAL GOODS ASHAKA CEM PLC Building Materials INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials BERGER PAINTS PLC Building Materials CAPNigerian PLC Published by The Stock Exchange © CAP PLC CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC CEMENT CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DN MEYER PLC. DN MEYER PLC. NIGERIA PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC IPWA PLC IPWA PLC PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC PORTLAND PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 Packaging/Containers BETA 14:32:57.057 GLASS CO PLC. Printed 21/09/2015 BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services Activity Summary Mining Serviceson MULTIVERSE PLCBoard EQTY MULTIVERSE Mining Services PLC Totals OILMining AND GAS Services Totals EnergyRESOURCES Equipment and Services NATURAL Totals JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME NATURAL RESOURCES Totals SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment Services Published by The Nigerian Stockand Exchange © Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL PLC. Daily Summary as ofNIGERIA 21/09/2015 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 IKEJA HOTEL PLC Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Printing/Publishing

LEARN AFRICA PLC SERVICES Printing/Publishing Totals Roadas Transportation Daily Summary of 21/09/2015 Daily Summary as14:32:57.057 of 21/09/2015 ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Printed 21/09/2015 Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 Totals Road Transportation Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC Specialty Totals

Activity Summary on Board ASeM Transport-Related Services Activity Summary on Board ASeM AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Daily Summary as ofGOODS 21/09/2015 CONSUMER NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Summary on Board ASeM COMPANY PLC PrintedActivity 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products Transport-Related Services Totals Personal/Household Products ROKANAGOODS INDUSTRIES PLC. CONSUMER Daily Summary as of 21/09/2015 ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. Personal/Household Products Support and Logistics Personal/Household ProductsTotals Printed 21/09/2015 14:32:57.057 Products Personal/Household Totals CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Totals Support and Logistics Totals Totals Personal/Household Products CONSUMER GOODS Totals Activity Summary Board ASeM SERVICES Totals CONSUMER GOODS ASeM Board TotalsonTotals ASeM Board Totals

CONSUMER GOODS EQTY Board Totals ASeM Personal/Household Products Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM ROKANA INDUSTRIES Activity Summary on BoardPLC. PREMIUM INDUSTRIAL GOODS Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Personal/Household Products Totals FINANCIAL Building SERVICES Materials Activity Summary onTotals Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES CONSUMER GOODS Banking Materials Building Totals Banking ZENITHSERVICES INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals ASeM Board Totals Banking Banking Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Published by The Financial Nigerian Stock Exchange © Other Institutions PREMIUM Board Banking TotalsTotals Other Institutions FBN Financial HOLDINGS PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM Equity Activity Totals Other Financial Institutions Other Financial Institutions Totals FBN HOLDINGS PLC FINANCIAL FINANCIALSERVICES SERVICESTotals Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL BankingSERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Building Materials Exchange Traded Fund Banking Totals Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Name INDUSTRIAL GOODS DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Other Financial Institutions LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF Building Materials FBN HOLDINGS PLCPLC NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED DANGOTE CEMENT Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FUND (ETF) Other Financial Institutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals Published by The Nigerian StockTotals Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ETP Activity TotalsCEMENT PLC DANGOTE Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Value Traded 1,879,045.24 292,881.60 20,478.58 2,484,865.05

661,159

2,484,865.05

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000

Value Traded 10,000.00 10,000.00

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 140,000 140,000

Value Traded 70,000.00 70,000.00

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 8 15 23

Current Price 0.50 2.67

Quantity Traded 595,000 552,500 1,147,500

Value Traded 297,500.00 1,433,325.00 1,730,825.00

1,307,500

1,810,825.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ASHAKACEM Symbol Symbol BERGER Symbol CAP CAP CCNN CCNN DNMEYER DNMEYER FIRSTALUM FIRSTALUM IPWA IPWA PORTPAINT PORTPAINT WAPCO WAPCO Symbol Symbol CUTIX CUTIX Symbol Symbol BETAGLAS BETAGLAS

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

11 No. of Deals No. of Deals 2 No. of Deals 8 8 14 14 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 34 34 74 74 No. of Deals No. of Deals 2 2 2 2 No. of Deals No. of Deals 3 3 3 3 79 79

Current 22.50 Price Current Price 9.93 Current 37.05 Price 37.05 8.73 8.73 0.73 0.73 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 4.31 4.31 98.00 98.00

10,039 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 1,000 Quantity Traded 20,720 Page 20,720 122,363 122,363 2,500 2,500 4,000 4,000 5,263 5,263 61,111 61,111 611,657 611,657 838,653 838,653 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 29,300 29,300 29,300 29,300 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 6,964 6,964 6,964 6,964 874,917 874,917

221,063.78 Value Traded Value Traded 10,070.00 Value Traded 7 771,464.00 of 14 771,464.00 1,067,693.49 1,067,693.49 1,750.00 1,750.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,631.50 2,631.50 263,388.41 263,388.41 59,965,595.39 59,965,595.39 62,305,656.57 62,305,656.57 Value Traded Value Traded 49,224.00 49,224.00 49,224.00 49,224.00 Value Traded Value Traded 282,529.48 282,529.48 282,529.48 282,529.48 62,637,410.05 62,637,410.05

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 9,563,576 9,563,576 9,563,576 9,563,576 Quantity Traded 9,563,576 3,150 9,563,576 3,150 Page Page Page Quantity Traded

Value Traded Value Traded 4,781,788.00 4,781,788.00 4,781,788.00 4,781,788.00 Value Traded 4,781,788.00 1,575.00 4,781,788.00 1,575.00 8 of 14 9 of 14 9Value Traded of 14

Current Price Current Price 1.60 1.60 Current Price Current 42.70 Price 42.70

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol Symbol MULTIVERSE MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals No. of Deals 2 2 2 2 No. of Deals 2 3 2 3

Current Price Current Price 0.50 0.50

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 138 138

Current Price 10.77

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 30 8 57 21 1 7 124

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 6 6

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Current Price 0.50

2,518,531 2,518,531

27,236,079.52 27,236,079.52

Current Price 28.41 1.94 228.80 145.00 49.66 150.80

Quantity Traded 60,920 334,230 122,380 32,187 500 4,710 554,927

Value Traded 1,835,983.41 648,516.20 27,777,676.88 4,650,277.72 23,590.00 692,602.55 35,628,646.76

Current Price 243.00

Quantity Traded 30,209 30,209

Value Traded 7,346,637.00 7,346,637.00

3,106,817

70,212,938.28

Value Traded Value Traded 588.00 588.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

271

Symbol Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price Current Price 0.54

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 1,050 1,050

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 2 28 30

Current Price 4.23 1.26

Page Quantity Traded 10,000 937,751 947,751

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 35,000 35,000

Value Traded 17,500.00 17,500.00

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 1 17 1 19

Current Price 4.07 3.49 7.10

Quantity Traded 100 326,860 100 327,060

Value Traded 405.00 1,141,832.90 710.00 1,142,947.90

Symbol

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 20,100 20,100

Value Traded 10,050.00 10,050.00

Symbol LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.95

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 19,000.00 19,000.00 Value Traded

Hotels/Lodging Totals Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Quantity Traded 49,904 220,820 20,904 661,159

No. of Deals 1 1

OIL AND GAS Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Current Price 35.20 1.30 1.02

Value of Shares(N)

Symbol COURTVILLE

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

Quantity Traded

Daily Summary (Equities) DAARCOMM

Symbol ABCTRANS

Symbol

1 1 No. of Deals 1 1

INTERLINK Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.55

Current Price 4.21

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price AIRSERVICE NAHCO Symbol Symbol ROKANA ROKANA Symbol CAVERTON ROKANA Daily Summary

2 1.85 14 4.74 No. of Deals Current Price 16 Current Price No. of Deals 1 0.60 0.60 11 Current Price No. of Deals 1 3.37 1 0.60 (Equities) 1 1 1 75

11 Daily Summary (Equities) 1 Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities) 1 Current Price Symbol No. of 2,403 Deals ROKANA 1 0.60 Daily Summary (Equities)

10 of 14 Value Traded 43,000.00 1,128,361.26 1,171,361.26

3,500 3,500 Page Quantity Traded 54,281 54,281

1,890.00 1,890.00 14 11 of Value Traded 228,523.01 228,523.01

Quantity Traded 30,000 93,167 Quantity Traded Quantity 123,167 Traded 500 500 500 Quantity Traded 500 879 500 500 879 500 500

Value Traded 56,700.00 420,183.17 Value Traded 476,883.17 Value Traded 285.00 285.00 285.00 Value Traded 285.00 2,856.75 285.00 285.00 2,856.75 285.00 285.00

1,532,788 500 500

3,071,600.09 285.00 285.00

500

285.00

144,421,910 500 1,133,192,411.74 Quantity Traded Value 285.00 Traded 500 285.00 1 500 285.00 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 500 285.00 Symbol No. of Deals Traded Value Traded 551 Current Price Quantity163,739 27,666,153.33 Symbol No. of Deals Price Quantity Traded Value Traded ZENITHBANK 348 Current 18.11 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 55 163,739 27,666,153.33 ZENITHBANK 348 18.11 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 3481 Current Price Quantity 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 500 Symbol No. of Deals Traded Value 285.00 Traded 348 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 ZENITHBANK 348 18.11 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 Daily Summary (Equities) 14 Page 12 of Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 31,141,791 753 423,176,788.35 348 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 Symbol No. of Deals Traded Value Traded FBNH 350 Current Price 6.30 Quantity 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 FBNH 350 6.30 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 350 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 175,564,201 1,556,369,485.09 Symbol No. of3,157 Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 350 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 FBNH 350 6.30 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 698 30,978,052 395,510,635.02 350 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 698 30,978,052 395,510,635.02 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded Daily Summary (ETP) ZENITHBANK 348 18.11 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 698 30,978,052 395,510,635.02 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded 348 17,005,573 307,824,602.73 Symbol No. of Deals Price Quantity163,739 Traded Value Traded DANGCEM 55 Current 166.04 27,666,153.33 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Value Traded DANGCEM 55 Current166.04 27,666,153.33 Symbol No. of of Deals Deals Price Quantity163,739 Traded 10 Value Traded Traded LOTUSHAL15 1Current Price 9.72 Quantity 97.20 Symbol No. Traded Value FBNH 350 6.30 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 NEWGOLD 2,164.00 50 108,200.00 DANGCEM 55 1 166.04 163,739 Page 1327,666,153.33 of 14 350 3 13,972,479 87,686,032.29 Page 13 of 14 VETGRIF30 14.25 1,054 15,017.34 698

ETF Board Totals

Quotation(N)

5 Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals Current Price 55 5 166.04

1,114 Page 30,978,052

123,314.54 13 of 14 395,510,635.02

1,114 Quantity Traded 1,114 163,739 Page

Page

123,314.54 Value Traded 123,314.54 27,666,153.33 13

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Nasarawa to employ 1,500 workers IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State government yesterday said it would employ about 1,500 workers into its civil service before end of 2015 in a bid to reduce unemployment in the state. Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura stated this on the occasion of the state’s labour summit held in Lafia, the state capital. The governor added that the state government

would equally continue with its biometric analysis of workers to block all leakages and to ascertain the actual number of workers in the state’s payroll for prompt payment of salaries. He, however, said since his assumption of office as governor in 2011, no civil servant in the state has failed to receive his or her salary as and when due despite implementation of the new minimum wage and the present dwindling revenue from

the federation account. He blamed the present irregularities in payment of local government workers’ salaries on officials of the local councils, who had over-bloated their workforce as well as phantom grades of its workers. On Federal Government bailout fund, the governor said N8 billion was released to the state with the state and local governments sharing N4bn each. He, however, added that the bailout was a temporary measure; hence such

beneficiaries should brace up to mitigate their revenue misfortunes. The governor sighted an instance where local councils in the state would use the N4billion bailout to pay salary arrears of less than two months of its workers, adding that the council areas would still go back to the same problem, hence people should not think that the bailout is consistent. On the clamour by local council officials for a 10 percent remittance from

the Internally Revenue Generation, IGR, to them by the state government, Al-Makura asked the local to declare what their local governments generate before they could enjoy such privilege. But in a reaction, the state chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Suleiman Wambai, argued that it is mandatory for

373 Borno students benefited from N1bn scholarships scheme –Commissioner INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

L-R: Managing Director, Duravin Construction Company, Abbas Hammoud; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, during the inspection of Kwara Internal Revenue Service office under construction in Ilorin, yesterday.

APC running stolen mandate in Plateau –Jang JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

ormer Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, yesterday, criticised Governor Simon Lalong’s All Progressives Congress, APC, administration, saying his victory at the poll did not emanate from the people; but rather a product of stolen mandate. He, however, expressed hope that the election petitions tribunal will resolve the matter in favour of the PDP, which he claimed won the election. Jang, who spoke yesterday at his Du country home during a reception organised by his supporters to celebrate his recent victory at the tribunal said: “It is not yet time for us to celebrate because winning my Senate election case at the tribunal is not my major concern; it is winning the gover-

norship case that is my concern. “APC never won the governorship election in Plateau State and PDP was not defeated in that election, the powers that be just decided to declare APC winner, APC never won anything. “All the party’s candidates and their supporters were told by INEC to go home and sleep, promising they would not declare the results

WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

o fewer than five people were yesterday killed, with 13 seriously injured when a trailer loaded with assorted building tiles veered off the road in Gombe, the state capital. However, authorities at the Gombe State Specialists Hospital said they received three dead persons as a result of the auto crash, with 13 others who

that night. But when everybody dispersed, the same INEC received directive from somewhere to declare the result by 2am. “That was the injustice done to PDP in that election, but we are on our knees praying to God to correct the injustice. I won my election as a senator, APC boasted they will remove me through the tribunal, but when the judgement

came, God’s will prevailed, the tribunal dismissed their case for lacking merit,” he said. On the allegation that the former governor is hoarding 25 government vehicles, Jang said, “This is part of the attempt to provoke me and intimidate me, but the truth is, I left with only one Jeep. I handed over everything to them including all government vehicles, yet they say I stole their vehicles.

orno State Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Jaha, said the state government has not lost sight of human and manpower development despite the security challenges it had to contend with simultaneously in the last four years of Governor Shettima’s administration. The manpower development programme of the state cuts across various disciplines and professions, including the health and agricultural sectors that could raise the living standards of the people in the rural and urban centres of the state. Jaha disclosed this at a news conference on Monday at the Musa Usman secretariat complex, Maiduguri, while speaking on the state’s manpower requirements and development. He said the Borno State government was conscious of the fact that development encompasses “interdependent components and variables of tangible and non-tangible requirements” by awarding scholarships across all facets of resource and manpower

Five killed, 13 injured in Gombe auto crash were seriously injured and receiving treatment at the hospital. Abdullahi Isah, the hospital’s secretary, told reporters that two of the 13 persons were immediately taken to the theatre for surgery. According to eye-witnesses who spoke with our correspondent, the accident occurred around 12:30 noon when a trailer coming from the western part

of the city at the bye-pass lost control after hitting a bridge. Mallam Hassan whose brother owns a milling machine that was completely destroyed by the trailer at the scene of the crash, said the trailer destroyed the engine after causing heavy casualties on its way down to the shade, where the milling machine was situated. It was also gathered that property worth millions of

the government to remit the said 10 percent of the IGR to the local government coffers. He added that since the creation of the state, previous administrations had never for once remitted such monies to local council coffers, hence appealing to Governor AlMakura to obey the constitutional provision of the country.

naira comprising commercial tricycles, motorcycles as well as foodstuff and the goods (tiles) conveyed by the trailer were destroyed. When our correspondent sought confirmation from Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, officers at the state command, the sector Commander, Eyobami Omiyale, could speak to the press as he said he was holding a meeting outside the command.

developments. His words: “Bearing in mind the indispensability of manpower and human capacity building for sustainable development, Borno State took the bold steps to raise both the standard and quality of its citizens through the award of scholarships for both local and overseas training for all deserving graduates and undergraduates in this state. He said a total of 373 students were awarded scholarships at the cost of over N1billion from the 2010 to 2014. Such scholarship, according to the commissioner, cut across various disciplines and professions, including health, agricultural, electricity, law and Marine Engineering and Nautical Science sectors of the economy. He said: “The state government sponsored 20 students to the United Kingdom (U.K) for their Msc degrees programme in Petrochemical Engineering in 2013 and the sum of N142.3 million was expended on scholarship and other training requirements. “The manpower development efforts of government did not stop at the award of scholarship to deserving students for overseas training alone. In 2011, government spent the sum of N22.85 million on scholarships for 52 students at the Nigerian Law School. In 2012 the sum of N24 million was also expended on 59 students for the same programme. The Shettima administration spent over N24 million on 52 students in the institution in year 2014. The scholarships expenditures for 85 students at the Nigeria Law School also gulped N59.45 million.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Community Mirror It is painful to know that every year Nigeria loses 33,000 women due to pregnancyrelated conditions, 800,000 of its children under five years and 260,000 new born. –WIfe of the PresIdeNt, AIshA BuhArI

Fire destroys building, goods worth millions of naira in Ughelli

n early morning fire in Ughelli yesterday destroyed the administrative headquarters Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, leaving goods and property estimated at several millions of naira wasted. The incident, which happened at Adonovwe Street, also destroyed a building housing commercial electronic materials, including residential apartments, completely razed. Community Mirror learnt the inferno began about 5am from one of the apartments in the building, which later spread to other parts before help could come. Although no casualty was recorded, eyewitnesses said it has six room and parlour apartments and six stores used as wine, rice and electronic shops. Son of the building owner, who identified himself as Wilson Efevwera, told newsmen that, “We can’t really tell the cause of the fire for now, but from information we gathered so far, the cause of the fire could be traced to an electrical fault in one of the residential apartments. “I came here this morning (Monday) when I was called that fire had burnt down my father’s house. On getting here, I saw that the entire building, including everything inside has been burnt to the ground.” Efforts to speak with some affected victims proved abortive as they were profusely wailing over their loss.

But a former chairman of Ughelli North LGA, who was among early callers, Chief Friday Akpoyibo, described the incident

as devastating and regrettable. Chief Akpoyibo whose sister lived in the building added, “I have tried to reach out to the state

Articulated vehicles on long queue en route Apapa, resulting in heavy traffic gridlock in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Fasehun’s birthday lecture postponed for Sallah

r. Frederick Fasehun’s 80th Birthday Organising Committee has postponed the lecture/book launch billed for Wednesday due to the Sallah holiday coming up on Thursday. According to a statement by the Committee’s Chairman, Hon Adeoye Jolaosho, the postponement would enable the

event get maximum attendance as Fasehun is an icon of sociopolitical activism whose appeal cuts across ethnic and religious divides. “Muslims from across the country involved in the programme pleaded that we postpone the book launch and lecture to enable them honour Dr. Fasehun,” he said.

umuowa community inaugurates exco

ewly elected officers of Lagos State branch of Umuowa Progressive Union (UPU), Umuowa in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, would be inaugurated on Sunday, October 4, 2015, by the National President of UPU, Barrister Chidi Nwuke. According to a statement issued by Chairman-elect, Nze Onyewuchi J.K. Ojinnaka, the inauguration ceremony will be held at the usual meeting venue, Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Lagos.

government to come to the aide of victims of the incident to alleviate their suffering because the damage is massive.

In a rancor-free and credible election held last month, which has been widely commended by Umuowa sons, wives and daughters in Nigeria and Diaspora, Nze Onyewuchi J.K. Ojinnaka emerged chairman-elect, while Hon Donatus Okwaranwa was elected vice chairman. The office of secretary went to Christian Ibeh, while Kyrian Ibe-Oguwuike emerged treasurer. Other officers elected include Alfred Mbam, assistant

secretary; Chigozie Ukaigwe, financial secretary; while Chigozie Agoha is his assistant. Chima Davies Ukwandu is PRO; David Nnabuife is assistant PRO. The office of Social Welfare Officer went to Gregory Mbanaso, Benneth Izunwanne is assistant social welfare. Provosts 1 and 2 are Cosmas Okoro and Sebastine Amaefule. It was further stated that the chairman-elect will deliver his inaugural address after taking oath of office and loyalty to the union.

The committee said an alternative date for the event would be announced soon after discussions with the family and Fasehun’s associates. The birthday event has Lagos Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, as host, while Royal Fathers of the day will be Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Osemawe of Ondo, Alaiyeluwa Oba Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo, Jilo III. Born September 21, 1935, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, a medical practitioner, founded the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), in 1994 in the wake of nullification of the June 12, 1993, election. He would later join other pro-democracy leaders in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and in 2013 led the resuscitation of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) as national chairman. A schedule released by the committee showed that the programme of events ran from Monday to Saturday.

Monarch decries absence of social amenities in domain Dare akogun

ack of social amenities in Magbon Alade town in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos has become a source of worry to the paramount ruler, Onibeju of Ibejuland, Oba Rafiu Salami. Oba Salami while speaking to newsmen in his palace regretted that the town and others under his leadership had been in darkness for some years now, while no major developmental project has been sighted to make life easier for inhabitants. According to him, Magbon Alade town is one of the over 175 towns and villages in Ibeju area, comprising three villages, namely: Oketun, Ipatun and Itunoga and they have been in existence since the15th century yet none of them has any infrastructural facilities of government like their counterparts in other parts of the state. The paramount ruler noted that the towns and villages under his domain were yet to feel government’s presence in terms of easy life facilities except for outdated ones put in place by inhabitants of the towns many years back. Oba Rafiu Salami highlighted some of the facilities lacking, saying it had affected the upbringing of children in the area. The monarch used the occasion to announce the appointment of a new Baale for the town and also dissolved the community’s development association on ground that it misappropriated N60 million meant for development of the area. Oba Salami, however, warned members of the public against buying landed property in the community from those he described as land speculators. In his remark, the new traditional chief, Mr. Shamsideen Isa, said members of the community development association had sold facilities provided by the town to the people. Mr Isa explained that the money mismanaged was part of proceeds from the sale of the town’s landed property to be used to build some facilities lacking in the town. He regretted that the community has nothing to show as a community in Lagos, where there is no light, no water, no road, no school, no gutter, no market and other social amenities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

51 47

World News

The peace process in Ukraine has moved forward. There has been progress in the last few weeks. The ceasefire has almost been respected. –FrenCh PreSidenT, FrAnCoiS hollAnde

Hungary PM cries out over migrants’ threat H ungary’s PM has said Europe’s borders are threatened by migration, and that a united European stance is needed in a week of intense diplomatic activity. Viktor Orban urged consensus, saying migrants were “breaking the doors” and “millions” could reach Europe. Foreign ministers from Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, who are strongly opposed to obligatory quotas, are meeting in Prague. Germany and France want migrants shared out more evenly across the EU. “They are over-running us,” said Mr Orban, shortly before Hungary’s parliament agreed to hand more powers to the army. “They’re not just banging on the door, they’re breaking the doors down on top of us. “Our borders are under threat. Hungary is under threat and so is the whole of Europe.” The new law allows Hungary’s army to use rubber bullets, tear gas and net guns to control migrants at its border. Mr Orban, whose stance on immigration has drawn heavy criticism from European colleagues, also urged EU leaders to show consensus in a week of critical talks.

Kenya schools shut over teachers’ pay dispute A Kenyan court has ordered a pay rise of at least 50%, but the government is challenging this. President Uhuru Kenyatta said that teachers are well paid already and a salary increase would damage government finances. Teachers argue that a pay deal struck in 1997 has only been partially fulfilled. But President Kenyatta disputed this, insisting that “the award has been settled in full”. There has been no teaching in public schools since the beginning of the month, as the teachers say the government should abide by the court’s decision. The government said last week that the move to close the schools was about protecting “children, staff, and... property” and to “allay the worries of parents”.

US Poll: Clinton’s lead over Sanders grows Hundreds of people are making their way across the border from Croatia to Hungary.

Protests in Burkina Faso as army moves to disarm junta

emonstrators have taken to the streets of Burkina Faso’s capital, burning tires to protest a proposed compromise solution to the country’s deepening political crisis following a coup last week. The protesters, who think the plan is too lenient on the military government, come as Burkina Faso’s army chiefs issued a statement ordering coup soldiers to lay down their arms.

The statement signed by several military chiefs called on members of the presidential guard, who staged the coup against the country’s interim government ahead of October 11 polls, to hand in their arms to barracks in exchange for safety guarantees. “All the national armed forces are converging on [capital] Ouagadougou with the sole aim of disarming the presidential guard without any bloodshed,” it said.

South Africa opposition seeks 2010 World Cup bribe probe outh Africa’s main opposition party has filed papers seeking a police investigation into bribery allegations against two chief organisers of the 2010 football World Cup. The Democratic Alliance (DA) complaint was against Danny Jordaan and Molefi Oliphant, who led the successful bid. It is alleged $10m (£6.4) was paid in exchange for winning the right to host the tournament - the first in Africa. The South African government and football officials deny the accusation. Cape Town police is now obliged to investigate the complaint, and this could lead to a court case, the BBC’s Milton Nkosi in Johannesburg says. On Monday, DA spokesman Solly Malatsi said the papers were filed at a police station in Cape Town to “initiate a criminal investigation into the alle-

AFRICAN BULLETIN

gation”. “The charges laid against Jordaan and Oliphant include fraud as well as corruption under Section 3 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act,” he said. He alleged that Mr Jordaan, the head of South Africa’s bidding committee in 2007, and Mr Oliphant, the president of the South African Football As-

South African President, Jacob Zuma

sociation (Safa) at the time, instructed officials from world football governing body Fifa to authorise the payment of $10m to Concacaf (North‚ Central American and Caribbean Association Football). Mr Malatsi said the party decided to act after Sports Minister Fikile Mbabula said an official investigation into the allegations had not been opened because there had been no such request. Earlier this year, US investigators alleged that much of the $10m ended up in the pockets of former Fifa Vice-President Jack Warner. Mr Warner - who denies any wrongdoing - has been indicted by US authorities on charges of bribery and racketeering. Mr Jordaan is currently the president of Safa, and mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape province.

“The army says their goal is to protect the public from the presidential guard. The presidential guard last week shot at the population injuring dozens,” report from Ouagadougou, said. Several people have been killed and dozens others injured during the subsequent demonstrations against the coup. Regional mediators spent the weekend trying to broker a compromise between the military government that seized power in a coup last week and other politicians in this West African country. They announced a plan late on Sunday that calls for new elections by the end of November. However, the general currently in charge of Burkina Faso did not attend the news conference where the draft agreement was read aloud and it was unclear whether he would abide by the plan that calls for him to step aside until the elections can be organised. In a concession to General Gilbert Diendere and his supporters, the plan would allow loyalists of the former longtime president to take part in the vote. One of the chief reasons cited for the coup was that an electoral code approved earlier this year banned members of the former ruling party from running for office. Blaise Compaore served as president for 27 years, and his bid to further extend his rule prompted massive street protests and eventually led to his overthrow.

Hillary Clinton’s lead in the Democratic presidential primary race has grown -- and if Vice President Joe Biden decides to stay out of the race, her numbers would rise even higher. Clinton is backed by 42% of Democratic primary voters nationally, compared to 24% for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 22% for Biden and 1% for former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. That’s a marked improvement over an early September CNN/ORC poll that found Clinton leading Sanders, 37% to 27%, with Biden at 20%. And Biden’s support comes almost entirely from Clinton’s camp. Without the vice president in the race, Clinton’s numbers climb by 15 percentage points, while Sanders’ increase by only 4 points -- giving Clinton a nearly 2-to-1 lead at 57%.

Netanyahu visits Putin amid concerns about Russian involvement in Syria With Russia apparently beefing up its military presence in Syria, some countries are getting nervous about what could happen -- including, perhaps, Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss “the Middle East peace process and the fight against the global terrorist threat,” the Kremlin said. But in a rare move, Netanyahu is bringing several top Israeli military and security officials with him to Moscow. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, IDF Director of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Hertzi HaLevi and National Security Advisor Yossi Cohen will accompany the prime minster, Netanyahu’s office said. The meeting is closed to the media.

News

Olusegun KOiKi

ederal Aviation Administration, FAA, of the United States of America, USA, has raised Emergency Airworthiness Directive, EAD, on all Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76A, S-67B, S-76D helicopters. The action followed the crash of an aircraft belonging to Bristow Helicopters in Lagos on August 12, 2015. The Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, revealed that the helicopter crashed within 12 seconds after it developed fault in the air, a situation, which prevented either the crew or the passengers to inflate their respective life jackets or deploy the raft as expected in times of emergency. Also, the crew did not make a ‘May Day’ distress call before the helicopter crashed into the Lagos Lagoon around Oworonshoki at about 3:31pm. FAA in a circular to all operators and owners of Sikorsky aircraft, dated September 14, 2015, signed by acting Director Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, James Grigg, and made available to our correspondent, raised the alarm that preliminary investigation indicated that a failed servo input control pushrod assembly was identified as probable cause of the accident. FAA further stated that during its investigation, separation of the pushrod tube and the control rod end with bearing was found. It added that the EAD raised required inspecting the Main Rotor, MR, forward, aft, and lateral pushrod assemblies, Tail Rotor, TR, pushed assembly and jamnuts. FAA added that the EAD actions were intended to prevent loss of MR or TR flight control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Briefing journalists at the bureau’s headquarters in Lagos, the Commissioner, AIB, Dr. Felix Abali said that according to the Air Traffic Controllers, ATC, transcript, the flight first contacted Lagos at 3.24:58hrs and at 3.25:15hrs, the Controller acknowledged and said ‘5NBGD go ahead.’ At 3.25:18hrs the pilot responded ‘BGD is from the SEDCO Express approaching 1,000ft and the airfield would be at 1535hrs with 12 souls endurance now one hour and 10 minutes of fuel, adding that at 3:25:36,

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

U.S. FAA raises EAD alarm on Bristow Helicopter’s crash …releases probable cause of accident …AIB says chopper crashed 12 secs after developing fault mid-air

L-R: FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem and Deputy Corps Marshal, Motor Vehicle Administration, Theophillus Charles, during the inauguration of Post Service Scheme Board in Abuja, yesterday.

the controller asked the pilot ‘Confirm the field at 1535hrs’ while the pilot answered ‘Affirmative GD.’ He informed that after the communication with the tower, the flight was then cleared to descend to

1,000ft, QNH 1015 and to report field in sight. Abali said the helicopter was fitted with Solid State Combined Cockpit Voice Recorder, CVR, and Flight Data Recorder, FDR, with a common part and serial

number, but noted that a separate CVR was also installed on it. He declared that the recorders were sent to Air Accident Investigation, AAIB, in the United Kingdom, for data download where it was

discovered that the combined Solid State Voice/ Flight Data recorder only contained information of the flight data, while the separate Cockpit Voice Recorder contained audio data.

for the inconveniences,” he said. Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, said the gridlock was a deliberate action by truck and trailer owners. “The whole trucks and trailers that were supposed to go into the ports are lined up on the road in Apapa and other roads in the state. “We have positioned our men in strategic places so that they do not take over the whole part of the road; they are lined up on one

part of the road,” Omeje said. A senior officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, who did not want his name mentioned, said the agency was disappointed over the gridlock. “We have held several meetings with them on their operations not affecting other road users but they would not comply, the stakeholders should help talk to their people. “Our men have been positioned at strategic places to work with other traffic agents to put the situation

under control before the end of the day,” the officer said. A driver of one of the articulated vehicles, Mr. Akeem Olaosebikan, said the gridlock was as a result of the law restricting the movement of the vehicles. “We have been on this queue since Saturday trying to get inside the port. I think the situation is because some trucks inside the port are unable to come out due to the time. “Since the state government has relaxed their order, I think some trucks will be finding their way

He emphasised that they were both successfully downloaded and currently being analysed by the bureau. He added that the cause of the accident had not been fully determined, as the investigation was still ongoing, but noted that interim safety actions had been taken by FAA and Sikorsky by issuing EAD and Alert Service Bulletin, ASB, respectively on the Main and Tail Rotor Servo Input Rod assembly. He hinted that Bristow Helicopters had earlier issued two technical directives as a safety action on the aircraft type. AIB in its interim report recommended that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, should immediately carryout appropriate oversight action on all the Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters flying in the country to ensure the implementation of the EAD and ASB.

Lagos gridlock will ease in 48 hours –Truck owners

ational President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, Mr. Remi Ogungbemi, yesterday assured that the gridlock in Lagos metropolis would clear within the next 48 hours. Ogugbemi gave the assurance while speaking on the latest gridlock lockdown in Nigeria’s economic capital. He said various stakeholders had been working tirelessly with the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to clear backlog of trucks at the ports to allow vehicles to manoeuvre. “Since the Lagos State Government relaxed the restriction of trucks to start moving in the day, accessing the ports had been difficult due to trucks trapped by the law. “Trucks in the port have to go out for incoming ones, the NSC has to clear the ones at the ports, hence the backlog that locked down Lagos. “I hope it will get better within 48 hours as stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure free flow of traffic and we are sorry

No life lost in revenue office fire disaster

agos State government yesterday said no life was lost in the fire incident at headquarters of its Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, yesterday. This was contained in a statement signed by Acting Director, Administration, LIRS, Mr. Abbeydeen Akande. He stated that the fire, which affected only a section of the building, start-

ed about 8:35am and was caused by a default capacitor in one of the air-conditioners in the office. Akande said the emergency alert procedures, which included sending of distress call to men of the Lagos State Fire Service, who responded on time and evacuation of staff, among others, were activated. According to him, the affected areas included newly

renovated offices, which have not been allocated to any staff of the organisation, adding that the total span affected by the fire was not more than two metres of the entire office. While assuring that report of the fire would be made available to the Office of the Governor before the close of work, Akande allayed fears of extensive damage to the office.

out so that the gridlock will reduce,” Olaosebikan said. Another truck driver, Mr. Adekunle Teslim, urged government to rehabilitate alternative roads leading to the port to reduce congestion on the Apapa-Orile road. “There are other roads leading to the Wharf but due to the bad state of the roads most trucks drivers concentrate on the ApapaOrile axis. “If government can repair Mile 2-Tin Can road, I think it will be better because it will reduce traffic on the Apapa route,” Teslim said. But a commuter, Mr. James Oduteliwo, appealed to the state government to intervene quickly to end the gridlock, noting that transport fares had sky-rocketed, due to the gridlock. “I spent close to three hours on the road before getting to the office, government should do something about this current situation,” Oduteliwo said.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

AAG Fallout: Imoh carpets AFN over Diaspora athletes 55

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Sport

I have no doubt that this team would have blended perfectly when we resume AFCON qualifiers in March next year –Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh

AAG Fallout:

Osun director lauds Team Nigeria

...as NSC plans 4-year swimming revival

Joel AJAyi ABUJA

I will retire at Heartland –Ezeji N

igeria Professional Football League (NPFL) legend, Victor Ezeji, has expressed delight at completing his move to Heartland, hinting that he would retire at his hometown club. Ezeji was unveiled by Heartland last Sunday before their league game against Lobi Stars, and was almost immediately listed for the match day until a change in plan.

Supersport.com reports that the striker is now hoping to play his part in helping Heartland finish the season with a flourish in the run-in to the season, while he also relishes the chance of appearing in his 20th season in the Nigerian top flight. “I’m happy to join Heartland which is a big team with rich heritage. As a striker, it presents a chance to score in my 20th

season before retirement. I’ll do my best for Heartland,” Ezeji said. Heartland general manager, Prince Okey Ibeh, is happy with the capture of Ezeji for the rest of the season. “We’re pleased to have him, and will bank on his experience to help the team in their remaining matches this season,” Ibeh said about the striker, who would be playing under

his former team mates at Sharks of Port Harcourt: Coach Bethel Orji and his assistant, Mbwas Mangut. Ezeji will also play alongside Bright Ejike and Fortune Omoniwari who were his teammates, also at Sharks, in 2010 and 2011. It is the first time that Ezeji will play for his hometown club after spells at Dolphins, Sharks, Enyimba and Sunshine Stars over the past 19 years.

Director in the Osun State Ministry of Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Layi Adesiyan, yesterday, in Abuja, commended Team Nigeria for their good performance in the 11th All Africa Games (AAG) that ended in Brazzaville, Congo last Saturday. Team Nigeria came second on the overall medals table at the games with 47 gold, 56 silver and 44 bronze medals behind Egypt. Adesiyan expressed happiness with the performance of Nigeria at the continental fiesta “We are glad that they represented us well in the event; they have done a good job, we are proud of them. Gradually Nigeria will regain its position in sports in Africa,” the Osun director told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “As a nation, we need to celebrate them; their performance will be a story to talk about in the history of Nigeria in African Games.” Adesiyan urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to immediately start preparations for the next Olympics holding from August 5 to August 21, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Already, after previous woeful performances of Nigerian swimmers in major international competitions, the NSC has spoken of its resolve to begin implementation of a four-year development plan in a bid to take advantage of medals prospects in the sport. NSC Director in-charge of Grassroots Games Dr. Ademola Aare, who disclosed this to Nigerian National mirror in Abuja, hailed the spirited performance of young Nigerian athletes who hauled 11 medals comprising six gold, two silver and three bronze at the last Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa. Of the 70 countries that participated in the games, Nigeria competed in only three sports: boxing, weightlifting and athletics and was placed seventh. Aare maintained that with sustained planning and training of athletes, Nigeria would soon begin to reap the benefits in swimming like her South African and North African rivals.

Sports

Emmanuel Amuneke, an exinternational, is the current Nigeria U-17 team, Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach. In this interview with JOEL AJAYI, he speaks on the importance of the last invitational tournament in Korea and his team’s readiness for the forthcoming World Cup in Chile You just returned from Korea Republic, where Golden Eaglets represented Nigeria at 4-Nation Invitational Tournament. In clear terms, how do you think this will help you in your quest to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Chile? We are still optimistic about what we are doing. I think we are privileged to be part of that tournament in Korea because it gave the boys opportunity and the needed exposure and also an avenue to really understand what we are going to face in the World Cup. Twenty-four countries are going to converge on Chile, and if you ask me, we all have one objective and the objective is to win the cup and as defending champions, we are going there to defend our cup. So, it’s a very good platform for us as a team. What we have to do now is to build on the experience we had and seen in that tournament. Hopefully when we get to Chile the boys could really understand what they have to do. Are you satisfied with the calibre of players you have right now in camp? Well, I am satisfied in one way: that I think we have worked very hard since May. We have been here, seen a lot of enthusiastic young talented Nigerians who want to serve their father land, but at the end of the day we were able to come up with the players we have now. So, what we need to do right now is to continue to encourage them. It is still work in progress; even during the World Cup we have to continue to look at the areas we need to improve. Let me tell you one bitter truth today, as the tournament progresses the challenges get tougher. So, we have to be realistic to ourselves, it’s not that we have finished because every Nigerian wants the best for our country. But at the same time we have to be realistic that everything in life has a process and procedure and the process of what we are doing today, I think hopefully, if we believe in what we are doing by continuing to work hard, continue to encourage ourselves, probably it will lead us to a huge success. I still want to take you on MRI, as an ex-player now a coach, what mechanisms are you putting in place to ensure your players don’t fail the age test? I don’t think we will have problem of MRI, all we are working toward is that when we get to Chile, we should give good account of ourselves. The boys are ready to serve their father’s land. MRI test should not be a concern, the most important thing is building a model to let players really understand what to do. We should not shy away from the truth, the players we are talking about where are they really coming from? Probably most of them are coming from academies and the academies we have here how organised are they? So, in this category you must analyse things from a holistic point of view by looking at how you can make those players somebody. They are talented but for your talent to show up, you have to work toward it, you have to sacrifice yourself. Look, road to success is always under construction. So, we must continue to search and look at areas that we need to grow and become more compact as a team. We are not the type that believe in individual, football has gone beyond that and of course, we have to channel our thought, our view toward collectiveness. 2015 has been tough for Nigerian football generally, Nigerians expect a lot but we have not seen so much and your team seems to be the last hope that can actually bring smiles to Nigerians’ faces. Can you assure them that in Chile you will do something to restore confidence

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’re going to Chile to defend our trophy –Amuneke

HEADS TOGETHER: Amuneke updating his players on the basics of the game

We must continue to search and look at areas that We need to groW and become more compact as a team back to Nigeria football? What I can assure Nigerians is that we will do our best and we will continue to do our best. We intend to do our best: they also should pray for us that everything goes well. We cannot do away with them, they are the ones to encourage us and on our part we will try and see how we can put smiles in their faces. Let me tell you in football you don’t make promises; what you need to do is to do your best and when the moment comes, surely we shall get it right. Nigeria deserve more, but we also need to be realistic, football is a game and the changes that the game bring must be put in consideration and that is why we are trying to do in this category. We have a lot of challenges; the MRI is there, a lot of factors are there in this category, the earlier we accept and assume the challenges, the better. And since 2012 the last Eaglets and this present Eaglets, we have been try to see that, at least this category, may be in the next five years those players will be playing in the Super Eagles. This is the objective of this category, hopefully in Chile we will do our best and God will make it possible we bring smiles in the faces of Nigerians.

How close are you to what you want from your players and the NFF? But you know me as a player, you know I don’t make much noise. I’m not the type that make noise; I’m not the type that tell you that we are going to do this or that. But like I always said I owe Nigerians great thanks, first for giving me the opportunity as a player, now as a coach. What I owe them is hard work, honesty, commitment, respect and fairness of God. We know that it’s not possible to please everybody, it’s impossible but we will do the best that we think is good for our country. Hopefully God will see us through. As regards NFF, I don’t want to say anything because everybody has different duty to perform and mine is to concentrate on the team and have a solid and formidable team that can represent this country at national and international competitions.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

World bits… Coertzen, Zsivoczky win in Talence

Mercyjacob_26@yahoo.com Tel: 08063056537

outh Africa’s Willem Coertzen and Hungary’s Gyorgyi Zsivoczky-Farkas both put in storming second-day performances to secure wins at the 39th Decastar combined events meeting on a sun-drenched Sunday in Talence. Day two of action in the southwest of France also brought the IAAF Combined Events Challenge series to an end for 2015. Russia’s Ilya Shkurenev finished in third in Talence to secure the decathlon title, while Latvia’s Laura Ikauniece-Admidina – who was not competing in Talence – was gifted the heptathlon crown after Nadine Broersen, the only woman able to displace her at the top of the standings, withdrew injured during the long jump.

Nigeria 4x100 relay women gold winning team

Oljira defends title in Bogota

AAG Fallout: Imoh carpets T AFN over Diaspora athletes N igerian sport icon and Olympic silver medalist, Chidi Imoh, has expressed worry over the decline of athletics in Nigeria and advised the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) not to neglect grassroots events and to stop over-dependence on foreign-based athletes. According to the veteran sprinter who was once Africa’s fastest man, there is a need to focus more on the grassroots and take school sports seriously, stating that it was what made Nigeria go far in his heyday. “Any country that wants to do well in sports must take grassroots sports very serious. The reason Nigeria’s name is no more ringing bell when it comes to track and field is because we are not growing our own athletes, rather we are relying on foreign athletes for any major competition. That is the rea-

son we are no more doing well. “Though we won about 10 gold medals in athletics at the African Games that was concluded at the weekend, for me we don’t need to celebrate much because if we have done what we supposed to have done all these past years we can do better,” Imoh said. “Sincerely speaking, it is taking is too long for us to get it right because our administrators have failed to do the right thing: that is why we are where we are today. Some of us are getting worried everyday because nothing seems to be changing. It is still same old story each time any competition comes to an end,” Imoh added. He, however, advised that an opportunity be given to exathletes to pilot the affairs of the AFN, as it is obtainable in other countries. “The country has continu-

Trailing Ukraine’s Oleksiy Kasyanov by 72 points at the halfway stage, Coertzen had work to do on the second day in Talence. The gulf widened after the first event of the day, as Kasyanov clocked a PB of 13.92 in the 110m hurdles; the fastest time of the field. Coertzen was second fastest overall with 14.27 to leapfrog Kurt Felix, who clocked a 14.85. In the discus, Kasyanov was again the best in class, throwing 48.35m in the first round. Coertzen posted a best of 43.69m, while Felix’s 45.09m saw him move back up to second overall, and at that point it looked like the Grenadian would be the more likely challenger for the win.

ally failed to fulfill its potentials in world circles owing to inept leadership and only those with a proper understanding of the game can help the country get to the position it truly deserves.” “It appears that the current leadership at the AFN has no clue as to what track and field is really about. I believe strongly that our sport leadership should come primarily from former athletes, who completely understand not only the actual training and physical preparation of track and field athletes, but an entire package of the workings of how to develop superb global athletes in all its ramifications. “Jamaicans who are producing the world bests today adopted same method of bringing their old athletes and allow them run their sport and is working for them,” Imoh said.

Star Quote… You got to try and reach for the stars or try and achieve the unreachable.

Cathy Freeman

he 2015 edition of the Carrera de la Mujer, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race held over 10km in Bogota, proved to be almost a repeat of the year before, with Ethiopia’s Belaynesh Oljira powering away from Kenya’s Veronica Nyaruai in the final 1200m of the race. Oljira’s winning time of 33:57 was just five seconds slower than the course record she established last year. But if the result of the race was similar, the development of it was not. Under cloudy skies and with temperatures a near ideal 15C, no one wanted to lead from the gun. So a group of 13, consisting of all the foreign entrants and two of Colombia’s best runners, meandered through the first two kilometres in 7:00, far slower than last year. But shortly after the 2km mark, Nyaruai – winner of this race in 2012 when it was held over 12km – took the initiative and considerably upped the tempo. By the 3km mark, there were just three runners together at the front – Nyaruai pushing, with defending champion Oljira tucked in behind

along with her fellow Ethiopian Buze Diriba. The three were together through 5km, when Nyaruai began weaving and gesturing to try to get one of her shadowing Ethiopian rivals to take the lead. When they didn’t, she surged again, this effort being enough to drop Diriba, but not Oljira, who moved up on to Nyaruai’s shoulder and began a push of her own. The result seemed in doubt until just before the 9km mark, when a final push by Oljira saw her break free and open a gap of 50 metres that she held down the long finish straight. Approaching the finish line in second, Nyaruai started clutching at her side and, crossing the start line timing mats – some 10 metres from the actual finish – came to a halt and doubled up in pain. Diriba was finishing fast in third, and it was only the screams of the crowd that warned Nyaruai that she hadn’t actually finished, and she was able to summon the effort to cross the actual finish line in 34:31, a bare second ahead of Diriba.

Kiptoo sets world record in Amsterdam

iptoo caught fellow Kenyan, Joyce Chepkirui, in the final kilometres of the Dam to Damloop, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race held over 10 miles between Amsterdam and Zaandam last Sunday. As is tradition at the race, the women set off 6:04 – the difference between the course records – before the men, and there was an extra bonus for the first athlete to cross the line. Kiptoo made his intentions clear from the outset. While still in Amsterdam, the 27-year-old Kenyan took up the pace and didn’t look back. He was on his own after

just two kilometres, chasing the women who had started six minutes earlier. Then defending champion, John Mwangangi, was the only athlete who had the guts to follow Kiptoo, but even he couldn’t make an impression on his compatriot. Kiptoo reached 5km in 13:48, some 13 seconds ahead of Mwangangi with Wilson Kipsang part of a small group that was a further 13 seconds behind. Kiptoo was even more impressive in the second five-kilometre section and passed 10km in 27:54, some 26 seconds faster than the 10km PB he set earlier this year in Bangalore.

WORLD RECORD

Largest solardribbling oven cooking class Fastest marathon two basketballs The largest solar oven cooking class consisted of 3,639 participants, achieved by Keshav Srushti (India) in Mumbai, India on 04 January 2014.

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1204 Tuesday, September 22, 2015

A new perspective on Africa’s war on terrorism I

t is no longer news that terrorism is now an, if not the main, issue in African politics today. The terrorists did their very worst on 2 April, 2015, when the notorious Somali terrorist ground, al-Shabab invade the Garrissa University, Kenya and left in its wake the death of 148 innocent students. This development should at least be enough to convince even the most ridiculous doubting Thomas of the reality of the threat pose by terrorism on our existence as a continent. The pertinent question to ask is how do we fight this new evil? There have been various suggestions on how to deal with this disturbing trend. One central aspect in all the suggestions

Guest Columnist

Olalekan Waheed Adigun

is the role of the military. Perhaps, the only point of disagreement is methods or mode of military involvement. Before we go on, we need to make some important clarifications. We have no issue against using the military to tackle terrorism. It could at best provide mixed results. However, the point must be well made that the military operates on conventional principles in prosecuting conventional wars. National armies are expected to observe certain laws in war such as treaties governing “prisoners of war” and the likes. Professional armies are by law prevented from training under aged as soldiers. Extraterritoriality often extends to friendly or allied militaries, particularly for the purposes of allowing that military to simply pass through some territories during war. All these do or may not apply to unconventional groups like guerrillas or terrorists. It is, therefore, illogical to fight unconventional elements using conventional means! It is time for a more pragmatic approach to tackling this issue. The recent successes recorded by local hunters, in Nigerian towns of Mubi, Michika, and Madagali in the north east region of the country and the efforts of the local group called Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in rolling back the notorious Boko Haram in Nigeria provide a vital clue to kick start the process. The success recorded by these efforts proves that the military may lack the thorough analyses as a result of poor institutional and systemic processes to really root out this menace.

THE AU MUST IGNITE ITS HISTORIC SPIRIT OF STRUGGLE AND FRONTALLY CONFRONT THIS MONSTER OF TERRORISM To curb the menace of terrorists, there is need for a trans-border approach. We say these because terrorists are groups without territories of their own. This is where the African Union (AU) and other sub-regional blocs come in. Like I argued in an earlier article, the AU needs to do more than just depend on army recruits from member states. It must itself have its own standing military High Command for its own specific operations and enforcements of its sanctions. The continent, which has a rich history of armed struggles against colonialism, and having through it powerful Liberation Committee, trained guerrilla groups against colonial and apartheid regimes, must rise up to this new challenge without much ado. The AU must ignite its historic spirit of struggle and frontally confront this monster of terrorism. It is on this note that I recommend an Anti-Terror Department (ATD) or any other suitable name under the direct supervision of the African Union for the specific purpose of combating terrorism. The ATD must be well-funded by member

states, voluntary donations from individuals and organizations, whose objectives are incidental with those of the African Union. It must have a secretariat of its own, and an effective means of propaganda. You heard us right; “propaganda” in the fight against terror. We are equally recommending the ATD be trained under the guidance of professional soldiers in the art of conventional warfare. The ATD must be granted the full powers of extraterritoriality throughout the continent. This condition is not negotiable. In some cases some governments, for foreign policy reasons or any other politically-motivated reasons, sponsor or harbour terrorist groups. This is where the efficacy of the propaganda machinery of the ATD will be put to test. The AU must do all within its powers - political, economic, social or any other - to put pressure on such government by cutting of its arms supplies. Volunteers for operations for the ATD must be regularly paid from funds available at its disposal. They must all be of African descent. Their camping base must be in strategic places in North, West, Central, East and Southern Africa for effective operations. The Garrissa University attacks and other nefarious activities of al-Shabab in East Africa and Boko Haram in West Africa should be seen as early warnings by the AU for further attacks, whose next port of call is highly unpredictable. We are aware some may take our recommendations as too simplistic. We agree. But a quick reminder here is that the United States-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has for more than a decade been in Afghanistan fighting al-Queada and the Talibans; the only mistake has been fighting terror using conventional methods! Adigun, a political risk analyst and strategist, wrote from Lagos via olalekan@olalekanadigun.com and can be followed on twitter @adgorwell

Sport Extra

olves boss, Kenny Jackett, has said the club is interested in signing former Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi. According to BBC Sport, the 33-year-old Nigeria international, who left St James’ Park in May 2014, was sched-

Wolves consider signing Shola Ameobi uled to appear for Wolves Under-21s at Swansea yesterday. “He’s down for a few days with us. We’ll see how he does as to whether we extend that,” Jackett told BBC WM 95.6. “He can offset some of the

forwards we’ve got and offer us something with his experience, power and size.” Ameobi spent 14 years at Newcastle during which he scored 79 goals in 397 appearances, 178 of which were off

the bench. Having spent the first half of last season with Turkish side Gaziantep, he then joined Crystal Palace as a free agent on a deal until the end of the season, but made just four

substitute appearances. “We’re always working at it in terms of trying to take the squad forward,” Jackett added. “It could give us some balance, ability to hold up the ball and presence in the 18-yard box.”

Ameobi

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