Tuesday, Noevember 27, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

AREGBESOLA UNCENSORED! UNCENS In his most explosive interview ever, Governor Rauf Aregbesola speaks on the politics in Osun State, opposition, the future of ACN and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the South West integration without Governor Segun Mimiko. In tomorrow’s National Mirror.

Vol. 21 N0. 500 115 OMEIZA AJAYI AND TORDUE SALEM

ell was let loose in the early hours of yesterday in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as gunmen invaded the Abuja Command Office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. They were said to have held some policemen hostage and allegedly set free over 100 suspects kept in the cells. The facility is home to a lot of terror suspects and CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Shell fires 1,500 workers, NUPENG protests

Operations in Warri, Port Harcourt paralysed

SOLA ADEBAYO AND UDEME AKPAN

hell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has fired 1,500 workers as part of the ongoing restructuring in the An-

glo-Dutch oil giant. National Mirror learnt that the affected workers were mainly CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Sunmonu

Tuesday, Tuesday,June November 7, 2011 27, 2012

N150 N150

Gunmen attack SARS headquarters ...kill policemen, free 100 detained suspects Jaji blast: Death toll rises to 15, air commodore in critical condition

Oritsejafor’s N769m private jet is 18-yr-old

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National Sports festival starts today in Lagos

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Africa’s future depends on Nigeria –Jeter, ex-US ambassador to Nigeria P.14,15&44

One of the survivors of Jaji blast, Mrs. Mary Ibrahim, at St. Gerald’s Catholic Hospital, Kaduna, yesterday.

Robbers bomb three banks in Edo P.6

Reps summon Alison-Madueke over N1bn rent

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News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Budget 2013: Reps summon Alison-Madueke over N1bn rent GEORGE OJI, TORDUE SALEM AND EMMANUEL ONANI

he House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) yesterday summoned the Minister of Petroleum Resources over the ministry’s soaring allocations for rents. The committee was miffed that money proposed in the 2013 budget proposal for agencies’ in the ministry for rent amounted to over N1bn. Besides N1bn was earlier ‘wasted’ by the ministry in acquiring a property that was later revoked. The committee’s Chairman, Hon. Ajibola Muraina (PDP-Oyo), at the budget defence meeting with the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, noted that agencies in the oil sector still appropriate several billions of naira as rents in their annual budget instead of striving to build their own offices. Ajibola wondered why government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, could not do the right thing out of patriotism. He also regretted that the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, lost over N1bn spent on a land for its headquarters only to be revoked by the Federal Capital Development Agency, FCDA. According to him, “It baffles me why these ministers find it difficult to interact and resolve this land matters amicably. “NEITI is saying that it has applied several times for land in the FCT without success. This is unbelievable.” He added that Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke should work hard to ensure that most of the agencies under her ministry secure land for their permanent office buildings instead of paying billions of naira as annual rents. The committee also asked NEITI’s management, led by its Chairman, Prof. Humphrey Asobie, and Executive Secretary, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, to be concise and categorical in the presentation of their budgets instead of relying only on the template pro-

vided by the Office of the Accountant- General of the Federation. The committee, however, commended NEITI for its role in establishing openness in the oil and gas and mineral resources sectors. In another development, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture yesterday drew a battle line on the 2013 budget. Adesina in a letter to 39 agencies under the ministry had threatened sanctions against any agency that sought an increase from their proposed budget as submitted to the National Assembly by the executive in September. The letter was dated November 20, 2012 with a reference number FMA/ DFA/3415/1/117. The minister’s directive, signed on his behalf by Mr. Idris Mamman, reads in part: “You are also to ensure that your programmes/ projects and capital ceilings are at par with what was approved in the executive bill as any deviation will be viewed as serious misconduct. “Please ensure compliance.” The minister also urged the agencies to avail his office of their proposals to the committee to ensure that none of them sought an increase of their “envelopes”. “I am directed to request you (agencies) to submit to the Office of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development soft and hard copies of documents prepared for 2013 budget defence with the National Assembly for his information and record purposes,” the statement added. The total budget of the ministry for 2013 is N81.41bn. But the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Tahir Mohammed Monguno (Borno-ANPP), dismissed the minister’s warning to the agencies. He said that the National Assembly was constitutionally empowered to increase or shrink budgets estimates by the Presidency where and when necessary. He advised the agencies to disregard the minister’s warning and suggest increases in their estimates

if they could convince the committee that they needed bigger allocations. “I have a copy the minister’s letter here, warning the agencies not to seek to exceed their budget envelopes for 2013, and that if they do so, they would face consequences. “But I want to stress that the issue of budget remains within the power of the National Assembly. “It is the National Assembly that would decide how a budget would look like. The duty of the executive is to just present estimates and nothing more, so I want

you to disregard what the minister has written and go ahead with your proposals,” Monguno added. Meanwhile, the Senate President, David Mark, yesterday described the performance of the 2012 budget appropriation act as abysmally low. Mark stated this yesterday during the 2013 budget defence of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Senate President also expressed reservation that the ministry failed to give prominence to constituency projects,

despite the provision of funds for them in the budget. Mark while lamenting the poor execution of the budget said: “When you remember that you have less than 30 days to the end of this budget year we ask the question: what can you do? Budget performance is very low.” Continuing Mark said: “We want to look at the performance based on the real number of people it has affected. At the end of the day, it is not the statistics on paper. “If the statistics don’t

translate to change in the lives of Nigerians, it has not done what it is supposed to do. And they can notice it at that level. “We have gotten used to treating the budget like a mere document. If you like it you treat it and if you don’t you just throw it away. Once we append our signatures, it becomes a law.” Defending the performance of the ministry under his watch, Adesina lamented that out of a budget demand of N43.9bn for agric only N23bn was released to the ministry.

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Olusegun Obasanjo and Speaker, National House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, during the 2012 comptroller-general annual conference in Katsina State, yesterday.

Gunmen attack SARS headquarters, kill policemen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

other hardened criminals, including armed robbers arrested by the police. While the attack lasted, some unarmed policemen taken unawares were said to have taken refuge in their offices. This was even as the police confirmed that two of its men were killed while two of the attackers were arrested. The police did not, however, disclose the identities of its men that were killed and those arrested. It was, however, gathered that the two suspects would be transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, in the Area 10 District of Abuja for thorough questioning. But National Mirror investigation revealed that one mobile police officer and a police inspector identified as Fakat Zaremi were killed in the duel even as one of the gunmen was re-

portedly shot dead. A lawyer and younger brother to Zaremi, Emmanuel Domsing, said he was informed early in the morning that his brother had been killed by the gunmen while on duty. “I was called that my elder brother was killed during the attack, but the information was scanty on what actually transpired,” he stated. The attack which occurred about 2a.m. came less than 24 hours after suspected Boko Haram members rammed two vehicles primed for explosion into a protestant church at Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State. The attack also came barely 72 hours after the military-led Joint Task Force, JTF, in Borno State placed N290m bounty on Boko Haram leaders and declared them wanted. A JTF source in the area said the military was con-

vinced that it was closing in on the sect’s leaders, hence the need to officially launch a public manhunt for them and place the ransom on their heads. “Notwithstanding this attack on the SARS headquarters, we are still closing in on them. We are convinced about it. “However, I would love a situation whereby we can arrest and keep some of these suspects rather than handing them over to anybody. “It is becoming worrisome that we will stake our lives to effect most of these arrests and then few days later we hear that they have escaped. That is a morale killer!” the source added. Located in the Apo area of Abuja, the SARS headquarters was immediately cordoned off by heavily armed policemen who barred journalists from assessing the cells and the extent of damage done to the

building. Following this, a photojournalist with Daily Independent, Jide Oyekunle, was arrested and detained by the police for attempting to take pictures of the SARS premises after the invasion by the gunmen. National Mirror learnt that for about one hour, the gunmen and the police were locked in an exchange of gunfire, leading to the escape of some of the suspects. But the police have, however, dismissed such claims, saying that they were able to repel the invaders. The police said their men responded swiftly and engaged the gunmen in a gun duel that “lasted for some minutes, at the end of which the gunmen were successfully repelled.” National Mirror learnt that initial security reports stated that the men were members of the Boko HaCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Jaji blast: Death toll rises to 15 AZA MSUE KADUNA

eath toll in Sunday’s twin-bomb blasts at St. Andrew’s Military Protestant Church, Jaji, Kaduna State, has risen to 15 and many of the injured still in critical condition. This is coming just as some northerners yesterday kicked against Joint Task Force, JTF, bounty of N290m million on suspected leaders of Jama’atul Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, popularly called Boko Haram. They said the ransom could generate more crises in the region. A senior military officer, Air Commodore Alechenu Ekagbo, has been confirmed to be among the victims. National Mirror learnt that the military officer, whose official residence is about 15 metres away from the scene of the incident, is in critical condition at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. The church is located inside a military base, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. A close family member of the officer narrated that Ekagbo was at his residence in the Brigadier Quarters when the bomb exploded near his house. Ekagbo, who is also the Director of Air, Jaji, was said to have gone into a coma and was rushed to the hospital. “We thought he was dead until we got the news this morning (yesterday) that he is still alive but in critical condition,” the source said. An army source, who confirmed that the senior officer was a victim of the incident, hinted that the military authorities had concluded plan to fly him abroad for medical treatment. As at yesterday, military authorities were yet to release an update on the number of causalities in the blast. One of the survivors, Mrs. Mary Ibrahim, who is currently receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kaduna, confirmed the death of a student pastor, simply

• Air Commodore in critical condition • Group Capt’s wife, pastor, choristers among deceased

L-R: Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Rear Admiral Duke Osuafa, Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Kure and Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, when the governor visited the church, yesterday.

Gate of the Headquarters of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which was attacked by members of the dreaded Boko Haram in Abuja, yesterday.

identified as Israel, who preached on that day. She said: “We were inside the church doing rehearsal for next Sunday’s harvest thanksgiving. Suddenly we saw a car coming into the church premises heading towards the Chaplaincy Office. “Suddenly, we heard a blast and I saw many dead bodies on the ground in the first explosion. “Pastor Israel, who preached on Sunday too died while the wife of the Resident Pastor, Capt. Adamu, was in bad condition on the ground too. Her husband was recently transferred to Maiduguri. About seven of my fellow choir members died and were on the floor during the first attack. “The second bomb happened at the church gate

when everybody was rushing out; many people died too. I was not unconscious but seriously injured.” National Mirror gathered that five commandants in charge of the military formation were summoned the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Asaba, Delta State, to Abuja for explanation on how terrorists gained entrance into the base with security blanket at the gate. Other rank and file on duty post during the incident are still being detained, facing interrogation. The Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, AVM Abdullahi Kureh confirmed that the death toll of Sunday blasts in Jaji, Kaduna had increased to 15.

Kureh confirmed this to Governor Patrick Yakowa yesterday when he visited the site of the attack in Jaji, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State. He condemned a situation where people who went to pray to God to give us peace were attacked by another group, saying that security had been beefed up to forestall future recurrence. Kureh decried the spate of attacks witnessed in various parts of the country, adding that no meaningful development could be achieved without peace. On his own part, Governor Yakowa commiserated with the family of the victims, describing the incidence as an act of “terrorism or religious extremism aimed at destroy-

ing the country.” He condemned the attack at the command, saying that people expects that the Command, as a premier military institution, should have solution to the insurgency bedeviling the nation, rather it was attacked. Yakowa stressed the need for a synergy between all the security agencies, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to arrest the situation. He directed that all government installations, as well as civilians should be properly guided against any attack. The governor urged the perpetrators to lay down their arms, embrace peace as the government was ready to dialogue with them. Yakowa said the state government and the military would assist the victims to enable them recover. It will be recalled that 11 people were on Sunday killed in a twin bomb blast. The apex northern socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has suggested that the Boko Haram sect should contact Saudi Arabian government to facilitate the proposed peace dialogue. The group also said the price tag placed on the sect’s leaders would generate reactions. ACF spokesman, Mr. Anthony Sani, said: “Although the JTF price tag will generate reactions from the sect, they should embrace dialogue as the only viable option to addressing their concerns towards peaceful coexistence. “One way they can achieve this is to lay down their arms, approach their chosen Saudi authorities to play some roles in any constructive engagement between them and the Federal Government. “If the Saudi Arabia government accepts to play any role, they would naturally link up with Nigerian authorities.

“Our heart goes to those who lost loved ones in Jaji military church bomb explosion,” ACF said. In their reaction, a panNorthern youth group, Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, while rejecting the price tag on Boko Haram, alleged that powerful elites are bent on destroying the region. AYF President, Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, called on northern governors and other stakeholders to find urgent solution to the insurgency, adding that the Federal Government was insincere over the proposed peace parley. “The price tag on Boko Haram is a disgrace to Nigerian Army. This shows clearly that the Army is incapable of handling Boko Haram insurgency. The way things are going, government is not ready to end the insurgency. “This latest security move shows there is problem in our security intelligence gathering. “They are using Boko Haram to destroy the North. There is a plot to destroy the region by some powerful elements in the country. “It is a block of political interest.” President, Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria, also known as Tarrayar Ekklisiyar Krista a Nigeria, TEKAN, Rev. Emmanuel Dziggau called for state of emergency in Borno and Yobe states for the military to sanitise the terrorists hub states. “This is what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did in Jos, Plateau State while in power. We are not calling for the sack of these governors but they should step aside to allow military to cleanse the whole states. Then the elected governors will come back. If government declare state of emergency in some local governments it will not work.” He dismissed the reward on Boko Haram, stressing that security should embark on intelligence gathering to nail its leaders.

Photo News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (right) and Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, during a courtesy call on the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

L-R: Chairman, Port Harcourt City Council, Chimbiko Akarolo, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and his wife, Judith, at the Governor’s Town Hall Meeting with the people of the council in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Asiwaju John Jegede (right) and Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who represented Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the presentation of Merit Award to the governor at the 2012 Annual Dinner & Awards of the Institute in Lagos, at the weekend.

L-R: Representative of the Guest Speaker, Chief Femi Falana; Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu I and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Security, Maj. Tunde Panox (rtd), at a workshop on “The Dynamics of Cashless Economy and Emerging Methods of Financial PHOTO: NAN Crimes” in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

N4.4bn subsidy scam: EFCC re-arraigns Ahmadu Ali’s son, others Abuja court to rule on others’ application Feb, 21

FRANCIS FAMOROTI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

he son of former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Mamman, and three others were yesterday rearraigned at an Ikeja High Court for alleged N4.4 billion fuel subsidy fraud. The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, however, ruled that the defendants should continue to enjoy the bail already granted them. Others arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside Ali were Christian Taylor, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Nasaman Oil Services. One of the defendants, Abdulazeez Afis, is said to still be at large. Ali had earlier been arraigned on July 26 with Taylor, said to be a Sierra Leonean, and Nasaman Oil Services on a three-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretences. They

were charged before Justice Onigbanjo. The prosecution later amended the charge to enable the EFCC to join another oil marketer, Ogunbambo, as a codefendant in the matter. However, the EFCC in its fresh information filed a 13-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents against the defendants. As soon as Ali and others were re-arraigned, they pleaded not guilty to the charge. The EFCC counsel, Mr. Francis Usani, told the court the charge was amended to include Ogunbambo as a co-defendant. In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the defendants had fraudulently obtained N4.4 billion from the Federal Government between January and April this year. The prosecution said the defendants obtained the sum as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund for purported importation of 30.5 mil-

lion litres of petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS). Besides, Ali and others were said to have forged a bill of lading and other documents which they used in facilitating the fraud. Stating that the alleged offences contravened Sections 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, the prosecution

said the defendants also breached Sections 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, 2003. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. In his ruling, Onigbanjo ordered that both Ali and Taylor should continue to enjoy the liberty granted them on July 26, when they were released on bail in the sum of N20 million each with two

sureties after their first arraignment. The judge also deferred ruling till November 28 on bail application filed on Ogunbambo’s behalf by his counsel, Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN). Meanwhile, a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court has fixed February 21, 2013 for ruling on two separate applications brought by the EFCC and three suspects alleged to

have collected money from the Federal Government without importing fuel. Justice Olusumbo Goodluck will deliver ruling on EFCC’s motion seeking leave to prefer criminal charges against Helyn Aninye, Chizobam Ben-Okafor and Pon-Specialized Services Limited, as well as a preliminary objection brought by counsel to the accused, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

Reps summon Anenih over N2.3bn road contracts TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday summoned former Minister of Works, Chief Tony Anenih, to defend the expenditure of N2.3 billion on failed road contracts in Nasarawa State in 2006. House Committee on Public Accounts also summoned the site engineers, Federal Comptroller of Works and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry who were involved in the contract award. The Hon. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan-led

committee warned that the House may direct the International Police (Interpol) to arrest and compel the appearance of the owner of contracting firm, Torno Internazionale Nigeria Limited, who allegedly ran away from the country after collecting N1.8 billion without executing the road contract he was awarded. The committee chairman said Anenih was being invited in respect of a memo he presented to the Federal Executive Council, FEC, under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which made the

Council to award the contract to the firm despite earlier strong advice that the company had no technical capacity to handle the road project. The committee, however, expressed reservation on why such huge amount of money would go down the drain. The office of the Auditor General of the Federation, AGF, had in its 2006 audit report, alleged that the failed road was awarded for N2.3 billion out of which N552 million was paid before the contract was terminated and later went to court and obtained judgement of N1.3

billion against the Federal Government for terminating the contract. In a related development, the committee summoned another contractor along with site engineers and Federal Comptroller of Works over another failed N1.45 billion road contract in Enugu State. The Auditor General of the Federal in a query also raised in 2006 alleged that the contract was awarded in 1999 for N1.45 billion and had reached about 70 per cent completion stage before it was terminated on the request of the contractor and later re-awarded.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Shell fires 1,500 workers, NUPENG protests CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG. It was gathered that the oil workers were sacked at different locations and offices of the oil firm in Warri, Port Harcourt and Lagos. Already, National Mirror learnt that the action had pitched the management of the oil company against NUPENG with the union demanding immediate reversal of the action. The union also called out its members in a protest which took place simultaneously in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt yesterday.

The protest grounded activities in the field locations in western and eastern operations in Warri and Port Harcourt respectively. The union also prevented the company from carrying out its routine engagements in Port Harcourt and Warri offices. NUPENG Deputy National President, Eddy Ossai, led the action in Warri, the commercial hub of Delta State. Also on hand were the national treasurer of the union and Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state, Mr. William Akporeha and NUPENG Chairman in Warri Zone, Mr. Edmund Ofudje. The action led to grid-

lock on the ever-busy Airport/Ogunu Road as the protesters barricaded the road with oil tankers. Residents had hectic time wading through the traffic snarl to reach their destinations. Stern-looking security agents were stationed at all entry points into Shell offices and facilities apparently to keep the protesters at bay. The heavy presence of security men, armed with dogs, was noticed at Shell’s main office opposite Federal Government College, FGC, Warri. But the protesters shunned the security web around as they marched through major streets in the city, chanting anti-Shell

slogans. Our correspondents gathered that similar action took place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Ossai, who later addressed the protesters at Tankers’ Park, Effurun, said the latest development in SPDC as it affected members of the union was unacceptable. He insisted that the action would be sustained until the management of the oil firm rescinded the decision. “I want to urge all of us to coordinate ourselves to be committed to this cause and match forward. “We are not going to accept what Shell has just done to our members; they

L-R: Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko; Programme Officer, Advocacy Community Social Mobilisation, Mrs. Gladys Ihonda and Director, Policy/Strategy, Mr. Alex Ogundipe, during a press briefing on World AIDS Day in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

have done it today to some of us and tomorrow it may be our turn. “We must stand up and fight for our members. Shell must not be allowed to get away with this,” Ossai added. Activities in the Lagos office of the nation’s largest crude oil and gas producer were also paralysed. NUPENG’s General Secretary, Mr. Isaac Aberare, called for the reinstatement of the NUPENG SPDC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Enomate Kingsley, and 16 other union members affected by the sack in the interest of industrial peace and harmony. The union explained that it dissolved the executive committee of Shell branch of NUPENG for anti-union activities and set up a caretaker committee to run its affairs in the interim. It blamed SPDC, whom it alleged was planning to outsource the fire department, for refusing to recognise the caretaker committee. The union, therefore, called on the oil firm to backpedal on its actions and policies. But reacting, SPDC denied the allegations, stating that the firm had over the years showed respect for labour and related matters in the industry. Spokesman of the

Gunmen attack SARS headquarters, kill policemen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

ram Islamist sect who attempted to free their members, most of whom were kept with armed robbers in the cells. Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who was away in Delta State, however, confirmed the incident but dismissed the purported escape of some terror suspects. He said in the commotion, about 30 suspects initially escaped but that 25 of them were immediately rearrested by detectives while the force was still on the trail of the remaining five as at yesterday afternoon. He said: “In the confusion that ensued, about 30 suspects in the detention facilities of SARS broke out of the cells and attempted to escape.

“Tactical and coordinated efforts to re-arrest the fleeing suspects yielded instant result. “So far, 25 of the suspects have been re-arrested, while five suspects originally being held for robbery related offences are currently at large. “Two policemen died during the operation while two of the attackers have been arrested. “It needs to be emphasised here that no suspect held for terror-related charges escaped from SARS detention facilities. “No explosive or IEDrelated materials were used in the botched attack.” Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who visited the scene yesterday ordered a high-powered

investigative panel to be headed by a senior police officer to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Abubakar, who visited the facility around 1p.m. was briefed by the SARS Commander and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ade Shinaba. The IG also ordered a fool-proof security around government and police-related facilities nationwide. While security operatives cordoned the area, the police said they had launched an immediate manhunt to track the attackers who might have fled into the hills and other dangerous settlements in the area. At the boundary between the FCT and Nasarawa State, a mobile police patrol team was seen screening

some vehicles coming into the city. A security source in Abuja, however, accused the global rights watchdog, Amnesty International, of instigating the attack. “Those Amnesty International people are part of the problems we face in this country. “Remember how they initially defended the facilitators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, especially Hassan Ngeze. Now, they are here defending these terrorists.” Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force is asking for a budget of N2,798,030,985bn for logistics, intelligence gathering and purchase of anti-terror equipment to tackle terror in strategic parts of the country. The Ministry of Police Affairs presented a propos-

al of N341,674,034,731bn for 2013 to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Police Affairs. While presenting the Budget to the committee, the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubode (rtd), stated that the ministry’s 2013 budget principally focused on completion of ongoing projects and funding of the operations of the police to facilitate a more efficient service delivery. Olubode told the Committee that the proposed budget would address “training in areas of emerging security challenges (particularly terrorism), necessitating the need to develop the capability of the force to respond appropriately.” Committee Chairman, Usman Bello Kumo (Gombe/PDP), who en-

firm, Mr. Tony Okonedo said in a statement that: “SPDC categorically denies accusations of anti-union policies and targeting NUPENG members in its employment. “The company has no disagreement with NUPENG members in its employment.” He said the allegations of interference and intimidation of union officials made in some media reports against SPDC by some members of the union outside its employment are false and baseless. Okonedo stated: “The fact is that SPDC is currently divesting from a number of its assets in Western Niger Delta as agreed by joint venture partners and approved by the Federal Government. “This is part of a portfolio realignment exercise that will also help to grow indigenous capacity in the oil and gas industry.” He said the workers and the unions had been briefed on the exercise, including the implications for the structure of the business in western operations. Okonedo added: “We are also aware that there is a dispute between national NUPENG and the Shell branch of the union which is the subject of a court case. “The current court order is for all parties to maintain the status quo and SPDC is complying with that order.”

dorsed the proposal said: “With what is happening now, we are left with no option than to give the police the much-needed support to fight terrorism. “They need more funding to enable them purchase sophisticated and latest equipment to enable them protect lives and property of Nigerians and their offices and formations. “Terrorism cannot be tackled with archaic and old method of crime fighting,” he said. In the budget proposals, N708bn was earmarked for intelligence gathering. Also, the police are to purchase three armoured Toyota Landcruizer vehicle (N90m) and three armoured Toyota Hilux (N75m) for GSM tracking (intelligence).

News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Robbers bomb three banks in Edo SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

rmed robbers yesterday stormed Igbe and Auchi Poly roads in Auchi, Edo State, where they robbed a first generation and three new generation banks situated in the area. According to reliable sources, the banks include GTBank Plc, Access Bank Plc and Ecobank Plc. National Mirror gathered that the robbers blocked the entry and the

exit points of Auchi town during the operation at the banks, using grenades, bombs and improvised explosive devices. The sources also stated that some security personnel were shot dead while a worker with one of the new generation banks was said to be in critical condition following the gunshot injuries she sustained. The robbers were said to have also bombed the police divisional office in the town.

They reportedly vandalised the ATM machines at the three banks with their security doors destroyed by explosives. The Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. David Jimwan, who spoke with National Mirror on telephone, could not confirm or deny whether the station was actually attacked during the operation or not. “I have been cut off from the station as I speak with you now. So, I cannot not really tell

you the position of things now,” Jimwan said. Attempt to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, Mr. Anthony Airhuoyo, was unsuccessful as he did not pick calls to his mobile telephone. As at press time yesterday, gunshots were still being reported in Auchi as students and residents of the town were said to have deserted the school to avoid stray bullets from the guns of the robbers.

L-R: Director of Culture, Ministry of Tourism Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Georg Ufot; Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Lincoln Douglas; Minister of Tourism Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and Cross Rivers State Obon Masquerade, during the Abuja National Carnival 2012 Celebration yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Alleged N600m fraud: EFCC re-arraigns Hembe, Ifeanyi EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned suspended Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market, Hon. Herman Hembe and his deputy, Hon. Azubuogu Ifeanyi, before Justice Peter Kekemeke of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo. EFCC is prosecuting Hembe and Ifeanyi on a twocount charge of abusing their privileges as chairman and deputy chairman respectively when they allegedly converted into personal use the sum of about N600,000 being money released by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for them to travel to the Dominican Republic for a refresher conference in October, 2011, The offence is contrary

to Section 308 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. National Mirror had reported the transfer of the case from Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar’s court to Kekemeke’s following a petition by the EFCC alleging bias on the part of the former trial judge.

The anti-graft agency expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that the accused lawmakers were allowed to stand by the side of the dock, against its application for them to be in the dock throughout the trial period. Consequently, the Chief Judge (CJ) of the FCT, Jus-

tice Lawal Gummi reassigned the matter for fresh trial. When the matter was mentioned yesterday, prosecuting counsel, Onjefu Obe, made an oral application for the accused persons to take a fresh plea, in line with the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

Adoke inaugurates NHRC Board EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

ttor ney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), yesterday inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Adoke also canvassed the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution to partner with government in promoting human rights.

statute and would expect He said: “The role of the NHRC is critical to all members to conduct the Federal Government themselves in a manner and it is our responsibil- befitting of high office. ity, as stakeholders, to ensure that its internal dynamics and coordination are properly calibrated through sound corporate governance practices to enable it deliver on it crucial mandate in a smooth and unimpeded manner. “Government will not shy away from its responsibility to ensure that the Commission is run in accordance with the dictates of its enabling Adoke

Fear-stricken residents, who sent out distress calls and messages to the media, also confirmed hearing the booming sound of heavy weapons suspected to be dynamite and bombs be-

ing used to blow up the gates and ATM machines of the banks. It could not, however, be ascertained as at the time of filing this report how much was stolen from the banks.

Lawmaker seeks enforcement of vehicle emission law OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

hairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Environment, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, has advocated strict enforcement of laws on vehicular emission. This is even as she pledged the support of the House to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in its bid to protect the environment against despoliation. Ekwunife spoke yesterday at the 6th National Stakeholders Forum on New Institutional Mechanism for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development organised by NESREA in Abuja. She said: “It is better to gather information just as NESREA is doing to ensure that people are equipped right when it comes to environmental protection.

“We will continue to assist them legislatively to ensure that those aspects of the law where we find out that those areas are weak, we will strengthen them, we will give it more binding to ensure that people adhere strictly to the environmental guidelines. On the enforcement of vehicular emission law, she added that lawmakers were ready to enforce the law adding that efficient data gathering would enable proper environmental management. “We are trying to enforce the law on vehicular emission. Without enforcing it, we won’t really know the extension of carbon emission to air and when it is emitted to air, you cannot see or feel but it is there. So it is important that people are enlightened about the carbon emission to air and its the best way of ensuring emission is reduced drastically to the barest minimum,” she said.

Cynthia: Court releases two pharmacists K AYODE KETEFE

n Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo has ordered the release of two pharmacists, Orji Osita and Maduakor Chukwunonso, charged for conspiracy in the murder of Miss Cynthia Osokogu Udoka, from prison custody. Miss Osokogu was allegedly lured to Lagos from Katsina and killed by her facebook friends. The order releasing the pharmacists was based on the recommendation of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, which had, in its advice dated November 1, cleared the two pharmacists. In the DPP’s advice, two other suspects, Gideon Okechukwu and Ezeaka Chinonso, were also declared not culpable of the offences of murder, conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to

commit felony and stealing which had been preferred against them before the lower court. However, the main culprits, Okwumo Echezona Nwabufo and Ezike Ikechukwu Olisaeloka are alleged in the advice to be culpable of the offences of murder, conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit felony to wit stealing, while one of the accused, Ezike Nonso Ifechukwu, was found culpable of receiving stolen property in contravention of Section 326(1) (2) law of Lagos State. In the report, signed on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, it was stated that “for an offence of conspiracy to be established before a court of law, the prosecution must prove that there was agreement between two or more persons to carry out the crimes or unlawful act.

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News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Senators, minister disagree over closure of foreign missions GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

embers of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs yesterday disagreed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, over the propriety or otherwise of pruning down the size of Nigeria’s foreign missions. This was at the budget defence of the ministry at the National Assembly yesterday. While the lawmakers

suggested that the numbers of the country’s foreign missions be cut down as a means of addressing the problem of insufficiency of funds to the ministry, the minister opposed the measure. Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs, Senator Mathew Nwaogwu, who suggested the downsizing of the foreign missions said the measure would enable the ministry have more money to properly fund the existing ones. The lawmaker’s suggestion was predicated on the complaints of insufficient

budgetary allocations to the ministry which has been affecting the proper running of the nation’s foreign missions. The minister while opposing the suggested said the option had been tried in the past but it was counter-productive. According to him, the experience of the ministry in the past showed that if you shut a foreign mission you will create enmity between Nigeria and such countries. “Once you shut down your mission in the capital of any country you are

automatically regarded as an enemy of that country and they will not like to do business with you,” the minister said. Besides, Ashiru said there is also a cost element in shutting down any foreign mission. According to him, before any foreign mission could be closed, you need some budgetary allocation for such exercise and at the end of the day you will find out that the money you are trying to save you will end up spending. In addition, the minister said most times, after

a mission has been closed down, another administration will come and re-open such shut mission, thus making no sense of the action in the first instance. The minister said the only workable option, which his ministry has adopted for some years now, is the shrinking down of the staff of the foreign missions. According to him, “We have been applying this method for some years and it has been working for us. What we do is in some missions where we have 10 members of staff,

we reduce them to say seven, where we have four, we just allow only one or two staff to support the ambassador and keep the mission running. “That way you do not hurt any country, you do not make any enemy and above all the country is well represented in that country,” the minister said. Ashiru and the lawmakers, however, agreed in condemning the budgetary allocation to the ministry, which has led to the poor funding of the nation’s foreign missions over the years.

‘Work on first gas industrial park to commence in 2013’ CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

Ushers rehearsing for the opening ceremony of the 18th National Sports Festival, ‘Eko 2012’, in Lagos, yesterday.

PDP, ANC seek economic alliance OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

igeria’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has solicited the partnership of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) in boosting the countries’ socio-economic ties. Both parties said they are optimistic that if the alliance is formed, it will go a long way in not only enforcing unity in the two countries, but also help

in entrenching cordial relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, especially through investments. Receiving an ANC delegation headed by its Treasurer-General, Dr Mathews Phosa, at his residence in Abuja yesterday, National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said it was time that ruling parties in Africa come together to help in strengthening Africa’s peace and fortify trade

and investments across the continent. “We believe that ruling parties in Africa must build stronger ties and have a common platform to articulate the challenges facing the African continent and stimulate a peaceful United States of Africa. “We must also explore the potential of trade and investments across the countries in Africa as it remains a viable tool in harnessing the potentialities in the continent,” Tu-

kur stated. The PDP chairman praised the ANC and South Africa for being great allies of Nigeria, noting that trade and bilateral agreements between both countries have led to sporadic investments between the two countries, just as he called for South African businessmen to tap into building more refineries, exploiting solid minerals and also the possibilities of investing in the health and agriculture sectors.

NLC berates govs over moves to block LG autonomy OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

s the hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution gathers momentum, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned alleged moves by state governors in the country to truncate the process for granting autonomy to the third tier of government.

The state governors were alleged to be making overtures to the members of the National Assembly to let the status quo remain. Against the backdrop of public outcry over the making of some LGAs the appendages of states, which more often than not, cripples their performances, state governors favour the status quo as it confers on them unbridled

power to pocket local governments’ chairmen. This development, although not in all cases, are seeing as the major reasons for the backwardness of some local governments in the country. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2012 Harmattan School in Abuja yesterday, NLC President, Comrade Abduwahed Omar, said the

governors wanted the status-quo to be maintained in spite of the unanimous call for autonomy of local councils. While urging members of the National Assembly to ignore the governors’ overtures, Omar called on them to review the allocation formula to provide more funds for local governments to meet their obligations.

etermined to actualise gas-based industrialisation, the Federal Government said it is set to commence the construction of the country’s first purpose built gas industrial park in the second quarter of 2013. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who disclosed this at the eighth International Gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja yesterday, noted that the first phase of the initiative would be located at Ogidigbe in Delta State. The minister, who was represented at the occasion by the Group Executive Director, Gas and Power Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige, said government’s aspiration is for site activity

to commence in second quarter of 2013, with a view to completing the first wave of the plants by 2016 or 2017. “The first of phase of this initiative is located at Ogidigbe in Delta State, where Nigeria’s first purpose built gas industrial park will be located. The projects are at varying levels of development as will be presented shortly. Our aspiration is for site activity to commence in Q2 of 2013 with a view to completing the first wave of the plants by 2016/17” she stated.

Alison-Madueke

Sex workers account for 32% of HIV infection –NACA MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, yesterday said that commercial sex workers are responsible for 32 per cent of HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria. Idoko gave the hint in Abuja while presenting the agency’s scorecard for the period 2009 to 2012, preparatory to the 2012 World AIDS Day. Nigeria is at present the second most burdened country with the disease, globally, trailing South Africa. Nigeria has 4.1 percent of her population,

about 6.5 million people, living with the virus. Also, the country has the highest burden of Motherto-Child-Transmission in the world, a challenge the NACA boss promised the agency would address in the coming years. While expressing hope over the slight decline in HIV/AIDS’ burden from 4.6 percent to 4.1percent between 2008 and 2010, Idoko said the transmission of the disease through sex workers, strengthening of the Prevention-of-MotherTo-Child (PMTCT) campaigns and addressing the challenges of unprotected sex would receive the attention of NACA in the coming years.

South West

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

15 injured in BRT crash FRANCIS SUBERU AND MURITALA AYINLA

here was panic in the entire Lagos metropolis yesterday when a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle crashed into a passenger bus at Ebute-Ero on Lagos Island, injuring 15 people. While some of the injured were given first aid and were allowed to go back to their homes, seven of the victims were rushed to a nearby hospital where they are still receiving treatment. No life was lost in the crash. The initial account of the accident, which spread like a wild fire, however, misinformed the public that a fully loaded BRT bus had plunged into the lagoon on the ThirdMainland Bridge, killing all the passengers.

The misinformation was traced to an alleged tweet by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), but which was quickly deleted. The FRSC later urged members of the public to disregard the tweet sent out from a Blackberry phone at 12:33pm, saying the information could not be confirmed. Both the FRSC and the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) said the account was a blatant lie, but confirmed that at about the time the rumour

was making the round, a BRT bus had an accident with a passenger bus at Ebute-Ero. According to LASEMA boss, Oluwafemi OkeOsanyintolu, who spoke to our correspondent on phone; “it is not true that a BRT bus fell into the lagoon on Third-Mainland Bridge, but a BRT bus was involved in an accident at Ebute-Ero. There were casualties but no life was lost.” In the same vein, the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, Nse Akpabio, while denying that

the information that lead to the tweet from Abuja emanated from the Lagos Sector Command, said no information of such came from them, describing the whole account as a hoax. Eyewitnesses at EbuteEro, where the accident took place, said the driver of the BRT bus may have lost control while descending the slope from Cater Bridge, as he rammed into the stationary passenger bus. Meanwhile, the managements of LAGBUS and the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) have advised Lagos residents to shun spreading false rumour. They described the ru-

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mour that a fully loaded BRT bus crashed and plunged into the Lagoon on the Third Mainland Bridge as a figment of imagination of some weird people, saying none of their vehicles was involved in any road crash. The Managing Director of LAGBUS Assets Management Limited, Mr. Babatunde Disu, described perpetrators of the false alarm as wicked and callous. Disu said: “Some people can be mischievous! Nothing of such has happened and nobody is praying for such a disaster. We have gone to the media houses to debunk the report”.

Council boss presents two vans to police MURITALA AYINLA

hairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Hon. Julius Oloro, yesterday presented two Pick-up vans to the Agege and Ojodu Police Stations as part of efforts to boost crime prevention. Oloro, who expressed worry over the spate of bombings and senseless killings in some part of the country, urged residents to be security conscious, adding that the state’s security outfit, Neighbourhood Watch, had been equipped to enhance protection of lives and property. Presenting the vans to the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Agege and Ojodu, Oloro said the task of combating crime is a collective responsibility of everyone, saying that was why the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State recently donated 114 patrol vans to the police authorities. He said: “The police are our friends, hence we are also, through this presentation, appealing to our people, Community Development Associations, community leaders, landlords and tenants to assist the police by feeding them with useful information on any strange movement around them.”

L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Yusuph Olaniyonu; representatives of HITECH Construction Company, Messers Dany Abboud and Raif Sarkis, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Wemimo Ogunde, during the signing of road contract agreements in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Ogun orders relocation of graves affected by road expansion FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State Government has directed families who have graves of their relations affected by road expansion projects to immediately relocate such in accordance with their religious beliefs. A statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, the

state capital by the Information Officer in the Bureau of Lands, Tolu Kowo, quoted the Special Adviser and Director General, Bureau of Lands, Ronke Shokefun, as saying that the state government had equally notified owners of property affected by the project. Shokefun said the state government observed that a number of graves fall within

the right of way of the 9 kilometre Ojere -Onikolobo - Panseke - IbaraIsale-Igbein-Sapon-AkeAdatan road expansion project, hence the directive became imperative. The D.G, who emphasised that the road expansion project was part of the urban renewal and the infrastructure development programmes of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, pointed

out that the process of compensating them was already in progress. Commending the understanding of members of the public on the relocation of the affected graves as well as those whose property were affected, Sokefun affirmed that the roads would make lives and economic activities more vibrant when completed.

Group condemns marginalisation of Yoruba SINA FADARE

Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has condemned the persistent marginalisation of the South-West by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. In a statement issued yesterday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kunle Famoriyo, the group noted that Yoruba is blessed

with highly qualified people that could be appointed into positions of authority. “Things are now so worrisome that our younger generations are now asking us to redefine for them the true meaning of Federal Character that has not made a South-Westerner the General Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) since its inception,” the group said. Pointing out a recent incident in the Ministry of

Aviation, the group said some key people personnel sacked are Yoruba. It added that a recent finding indicated that of the 75 appointments made, 49 of them are from the South-East. The group said: “The illogical justification offered for this decision is that this is in line with the on-going transformation agenda. So, if one may ask, is the marginalization of a people the new definition of transformation”?

The group, therefore, called on President Jonathan “to carry out a review of key positions across all government parastatals and ensure that competent hands are in charge.” It said: “An urgent and positive step must be taken about this issue before Nigeria dissipates. Common sense dictates that you employ your best tools to tackle a task. Yoruba people are the most reliable hands if Nigeria truly wants to achieve national transformation.”

I’m committed to purposeful leadership –Aregbesola WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state has reiterated his administration’s commitment to provide purposeful and visionary leadership for the people of the state. He stated this in a statement issued by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, on the plan to have a low-key activity marking his second year in office. The governor said it was obvious to the people of the state that the development initiatives of his administration had brought hope to them. He listed concrete achievements in the areas of education, agriculture, roads, urban renewal, environment and healthcare delivery, among others. The statement reads: “Our determination to change the face of education is paying off noticeably as illustrated by the emerging new infrastructure in schools, development of new curriculum, substantially increased funding of schools, innovative projects such tablets of knowledge, uniforms, feeding programmes and others. “On agriculture, the people have come to embrace our strategic transformation towards massive food production with loans to farmers and assistance towards formation of more productive cooperative societies and introduction of scientific approach to animal and crops productions. “The acquisition of lands for agricultural purposes and training of young farmers in the use of modern methods to make farming more attractive and lucrative have all shown that the current administration has changed the game towards wealth creation.”

Aregbesola

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South West

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lawyer asks court to stop Lagos from collecting Lekki toll KAYODE KETEFE

Lagos-based human rights activist, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, yesterday filed a suit at the Federal High Lagos, praying the court to stop the Lagos State government from collecting any toll fee or road tax from motorists and road users, in respect of the newly constructed Lekki-Ikoyi Suspension Bridge. In suit no FHC/L/ CS/1405/2012, the lawyer said the proposed imposition of levies is illegal and constitutes a violation of the rights of the citizens to unrestricted use of infrastructure. The Attorney-General of the Federation, the AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State, the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Lagos State government are joined as co-respondents in the suit. The suit was brought under Article 12 and 13 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights, Order 11 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009 and Order 28 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009. Adegboruwa is urging the court to restrain the Lagos

State government from collecting the proposed N500 per vehicle toll on the grounds, among other things, that it fails to take cognisance of the plight of suffering Nigerians. He said in his originating summons that; “Given the monumental corruption, collapse of infrastructure and general failure of government to meet the basic needs of the people, in the midst of mass hunger and unemployment, absence of security of lives and property and a

seeming collapse of the state, it is the height of insensitivity, for the Lagos State government to be proposing a toll fee of N500.00 per car per trip on the said bridge, which was built on a federal navigable waterway, belonging to the Federal Government, and which has no alternative route. Government cannot privatise all infrastructures.” The lawyer further contends that the state government has no jurisdiction, power and authority to erect

any structure on such as a bridge, on the Lagos Lagoon and the Lekki Lagoon, which are both categorised by law as federal navigable waterways, and therefore cannot competently impose any toll or tax on such bridge. Adegboruwa filed alongside his originating summons, a notice of motion seeking to bar the Lagos State government from implementing the proposed policy pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

He stated in his motion for interlocutory injunction that; “I verily believe that it will serve the interest of the people and residents of Lagos State better if the reliefs sought in this summons are granted so that I and other public road users in Lagos State will not be subjected to compulsory payment for statutory obligations of government or in respect of unauthorised structures built upon federal navigable waterway.”

IBADAN

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday raised the alarm that some “discredited and disgruntled” politicians have been holding nocturnal meetings with some officials of the state branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who are on police wanted list, to cause violence in the state again. He made the disclosure while speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of Funduk Intravenous Fluid Factory in Ibadan, the state capital. He, however, assured that his government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that violence, brigandage and culture of impunity were not allowed to return to the state. His words: “The government is aware that many

Be of good conduct, minister charges Christian pilgrims KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide, has charged intending Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem from the FCT to be of good conduct while in the holy land. She gave the admonition yesterday at the orientation programme for the 2012 intending pilgrims organized by the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board held at Aperin in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The minister, who was represented by a member of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Mathew Akintola, said there was the need for all the intending pilgrims to Israel to demonstrate the good values Nigerians are made of as a way of improving the nation’s image .in line with the determination of the Federal Government at changing the wrong perception of the international community about the country.

Ogun awards N90.3bn road contracts Wife of Oyo State Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi (middle) leading other women during a road show marking HIV/AIDS Week in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NURTW, politicians planning violence in Oyo –Ajimobi KEMI OLAITAN

of those who benefitted from the reign of terror of the past have been holding nocturnal meetings with some wanted men of the National Union of Road Transport Workers to return Oyo State to their despicable reign of terror. “I assure you that this government will not allow this. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring peace and tranquility in Oyo State. We shall not allow the return of violence, brigandage and a culture of impunity in our state.” The governor then called on the people of the state to be vigilant and called the attention of government and security agencies to any suspicious activity of discredited and disgruntled politicians in the state. He said his administration had successfully addressed the issue of peace and security which he described as the foundation of all development.

“But for peace and tranquility that God has helped us to bring to Oyo State, it would have been very difficult to invest as Funduk has done in our state,” he stated. Ajimobi, while com-

mending the promoters of the firm for their sense of patriotism, described the establishment of the factory as a milestone in his administration’s quest at industrialising the economy of the state.

“This administration believes that industrialisation is a sure guarantee for the economic development of our state and the social and economic advancement of our people,” he said.

Ondo moves to check spread of cholera HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

edical officers in the Ministry of Health in Ondo State have commenced a surveillance exercise to check the outbreak of cholera from neighbouring states. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, who made this known yesterday while speaking with journalists in Akure, said the action became necessary following last week’s report of the outbreak of the disease in one of the neighbouring states. Adeyanju said his minis-

try took similar pro-active measures sometimes ago in some border towns like Ifon and Ofosu, when cases of wild polio were reported. His words: “Tomorrow, we will conduct border immunisation in Owena which is the boundary between Ondo and Osun State because cholera has been detected in Osun and we don’t want its importation to our state. “At the moment, our officers are on surveillance, checking out for any case because our health system is so strengthened and we would not allow any threat. “We are very pro-active

despite the fact that we have a very strong health programmes in place. We have not detected any polio or cholera case since we came on board in 2009.” He added. However, the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, told the people of the state that his administration had finally “reached the home stretch that will lead to the final eradication of polio from the state.” The governor stated this while speaking at the November 2012 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week held at the Basic Health Centre, Danjuma Quarters, Akure, the state capital.

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State government yesterday in Abeokuta, formally signed road contracts worth N90.3 billion for the construction of eight roads spreading across the state. The contract, which was signed between four foreign companies were eight out of the 14 roads which total value was put at N130 billion and has been penciled down for reconstruction by the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration in the state. The companies; China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC); PW Construction Ltd; Hi Tech as well as Borino Prono Construction Ltd., all have a period of between 18 to 24 months to complete the roads. The roads include the Ilo Awela road in Ota; Moshood Abiola Way in Abeokuta metropolis; Benin-Shagamu Expressway-Isale Oko Junction in Shagamu; the LafenwaAiyetoro-Ajebo road also in Abeokuta and the Ilara-IjounEgua-Oja-Odan-Ilase road in Ipokia Local Government Area.

South East

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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Remove federal character, quota system from constitution –Soludo TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

ormer Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, has called for the removal of quota system and the federal character principle from the 1999 Constitution, saying both were inimical to national development. Soludo made the call over the weekend in Yola, Adamawa State, at the seventh annual founder’s day ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), where he was a key-

note speaker. According to him, quota system or federal character based on one’s state or local government of origin should not be a consideration for appointing people into positions of authority, or give them employment or school admission, especially in governmentowned institutions. He said rather, the consideration should be on merit and performance. His words: “It is unfortunate that most competent hands in the country are being denied opportunities to serve just because they

are not indigenes of a particular community, local government or state and this development would continue to hinder our development as a country.” While he canvassed for the country to adopt the consciousness of patriotism and residency rather than citizenship as conditions for appointments and recruitment of capable hands into the system, he argued that it was only through these that the country could move to the next level. The former central bank governor noted that

Soludo

while public resources, in terms of revenue are being shared among the states and local governments on the basis of residents’ population and not of local or state of origin, it was when it comes to who become

beneficiaries of the allotted portion that the issue of indigenisation comes to play. He said so far, Nigeria has remained a country rather than a nation, the development he said, could not lead to sustainable development. “We need to forge one nation with one destiny and a starting point is the deliberate creation of a new Nigerian citizenship with absolute loyalty to Nigeria. “Only then can a critical mass of national elite, with a national ideology and strategy emerge to drive sustainable transforma-

Madam Egbunine dies at 90

Confusion as students storm royal palaces for cheques

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ome traditional rulers in Imo State have temporarily vacated their palaces for fear of being attacked by students of Imo State origin who have besieged their palaces to demand for the state government cheques promised them. The state government had announced during the launching of the its free education programme, last week, that each student from the state will collect cheques ranging from N80,000 to N100,000 from their respective traditional rulers. It was gathered that the traditional rulers, who were said to have collected the cheques from the state government, but did not disburse it immediately to the students, were jittery when students in large numbers stormed their palaces over the weekend, demanding for the cheques. It was gathered that the situation has now become worrisome as a result of threat by some of the students to burn down their palaces. A traditional ruler who pleaded not to not be named said “we have explained to them to be patient, that we are trying to sort out things, they (students) were not convinced”. Meanwhile some of the students, under the aegis of the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS), have rejected the free education policy of the State Government, describing it as fraudulent and ambiguous.

tion of Nigeria,” he said. He urged Nigerians to use the constitutional debates going on around the country to effect the desirable change in the interest of all. Soludo also condemned the over dependency of Nigeria on oil revenue, saying sooner or later oil would dry up and what will the country lives on thereafter. According to him, it is likely there won’t be oil again in commercial quantity in Nigeria by 2050 and when this happens, what next for the country.

L-R: Ralph Uwazulike; wife of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Bianca; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Ojukwu’s first son, Emeka Ojukwu, at the grave side of Ojukwu during the one-year memorial service in honour of OdumegwuOjukwu in Nnewi, yesterday.

I may not equal my father’s achievements –Ojukwu’s son NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

hief Emeka Ojukwu (Jr), the eldest son of the late Ikemba Nnewi and Biafra warlord, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, yesterday admitted that he might not be able to achieve the entire feat recorded by his late father during his lifetime. He said this is so because his father used his military background and tactics to back up all his successes, while himself, as his son is a mere civilian. Ojukwu (Jr), who spoke during the first memorial anniversary of the death of his father at his family compound, Otolo Nnewi, however, noted that he would

try his best to carry on with the legacies his late father left behind. He said having taken his father’s chieftaincy title as the Ikemba Nnewi II, he would now begin with youth empowerment and move gradually up to the standard his late father set up. He said he has not been able to achieve anything yet or embark on anything since his father’s death because he has been mourning. He thanked Nigerians who have continued to stand by them, especially Governor Obi, who has continued to show love and support for the Ojukwu family, adding that Ojukwu’s name usually brings all Igbo fac-

tions together. He described the attendance of prominent Igbo leaders, including Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); the Ogirishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka; the embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh as some of the powers associated with Ojukwu’s name. Earlier in his remarks during a holy mass at St Michael Catholic Church, Nnewi, in commemoration of anniversary, Gov. Peter Obi had explained that the memory of Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu, like those of the greatest in

history, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, King Louis XIV, Gen. MacArthur, Alexander the Great, King Philip of Macedonia, and many others, would remain ever conscious in the memory of men because they lived for something worth remembering. He, therefore, called on Ndigbo globally to pray for the repose of the soul of Ojukwu, and to work closely among themselves since more, according to him, would be achieved in the spirit of unity. Obi took the opportunity of the event to call on Nigerians to always tell themselves the truth as Ojukwu did that enabled the truth to permeate all facets of his life.

he Egbunine family of Obazu, Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State has announced the death of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Margaret Chinyere Egbunine, who slept in the Lord in Enugu, on November 3, 2012. She was aged 90. The late Egbunine was a woman of immense capabilities; an outstanding community leader and a devout Christian, who deployed his energy to the service of God and humanity. Born on May 20, 1922, at Aro Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State, to devout Christian parents and Church teachers, Egbunine had her formal education at Central School, Atta and St Michael’s School, Aba. She worked in a few prominent hospitals before establishing her own maternity hospitals after her marriage in 1945. According to the burial arrangements announced by the family, a night of tribute of songs will hold at Late Godfrey Egbunine’s compound, Obazu, Mbieri on Thursday, November 29, 2012. Lying-in-state will hold on Friday, November 30, 2012 at her country home by 9.00am. Funeral service would hold same day at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Obazu, Mbieri by 11.00 am followed by interment and entertainment of guests at the Egbunine’s compound.

Disabled athletes attack ministry official over travel allowance CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

group of disable athletes billed to represent Anambra State at the National Sports Festival starting today in La-

gos, yesterday battered an official of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development over the issue of traveling allowance. It was gathered that the athletes attacked the ministry official who was

involved in paying the transport stipend, when they suspected that he was preventing them from receiving an enhanced daily allowance of N3, 000 for the two weeks duration of the competition.

It was also gathered that the bone of contention was that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has offered to pay the athletics a daily allowance of N2, 000 by installment which the athletes rejected.

Madam Egbunine

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South-South

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Dickson threatens to jail payroll fraudsters EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State is concerned that some payroll fraudsters are still having a field day with their dubious activities in the civil service. Dickson said that government had received intelligence reports on the civil servants linked with the inflated monthly wage bill of workers. The governor spoke yesterday at his maiden interactive session with civil ser-

•Suspends four workers vants in Yenagoa, the state capital. He warned that the payroll fraudsters would soon be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. Governor Dickson believes that the state civil servants were the richest people, as they owned big hotels and posh cars. Dickson said that the civil service wage bill could still be pegged, advising the workers to examine themselves and abide with the ethics of the civil service.

He said: “In Bayelsa State, civil servants are opposition political members, contractors, politicians and businessmen. I, Hon. Dickson, will not take that as governor.” The governor said that appropriate taxes would be paid by the civil servants and political appointees to enable the government execute people-oriented projects. He said that the civil service would be depoliticized to create sanity in the system, saying that appointments of

permanent secretaries and Head of Service were based on seniority. Dickson said reports reaching his office revealed that some serving civil servants were vying for the forthcoming government election in the state. He warned that the civil servants should not return to the service if they lose their election, noting that some of the aspirants had not resigned their appointments before seeking to contest. “We have an opportunity to reshape our destiny. Government is planning to

introduce an insurance system for our public service .Too many people are sick, too many people die prematurely.” The governor, however, added that four senior civil servants were suspended indefinitely for allege misconduct. Among them was a Director, John Appah. He was suspended for allegedly engaging in illegal recruitment of workers at the State Environmental Sanitation Authority. Dickson alleged that Appah also recruited his relations into the service.

The governor said another civil servant, a worker with Capital City Development Authority, Ingibina Couple, was also suspended for allegedly selling government land in Yenagoa to some persons. Dickson added that Ransom Timinidi, a worker in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, was suspended for allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities. The fourth person, Akpoebi Ifidi, was alleged to be involved in rumour mongering to cause disaffection in the civil service.

Akpabio makes case for ex-Super Eagles players

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (left) presenting a souvenir to Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, at the opening ceremony of the COAS Conference in Asaba, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Tribunal stops Airhiavbere’s witnesses SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

itnesses of MajGen. Charles Airhiavbere of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday failed to testify on the academic qualification of Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. They were stopped following the insistence of lawyers to the respondents, who argued that the witnesses were not among those expected by the petitioner. The development followed an attempt by the counsel to Airhiavbere, Efe Akpofure, to introduce an application seeking to call in additional witnesses. Akpofure said the motion was harmless, but counsel to Governor Oshiomhole, Omoruyi Omonuwa, told the tribunal that he was seeing

the motion for the first time. Omonuwa said no motion should be allowed outside the pre-hearing stage and that they should have seven days to reply to the motion. When the first witness was called, Omoruyi and counsel to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),

Ken Mozia, opposed the witnesses’ appearance. They said the tribunal had ruled against calling additional witnesses and that the witness deposition was not in the petition. The counsel said calling the additional witnesses outside those in the petition was dependent on a ruling

of the Court of Appeal to be delivered on Wednesday. Akpofure insisted that the Court of Appeal’s earlier judgement had allowed additional witnesses to be called and informed the tribunal that evidence of the witnesses was based on qualification of Governor Oshiomhole.

We’ve spent N5.4bn on building primary schools –Amaechi

ivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi says his administration has spent over N5.4 billion on building model primary schools in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Amaechi also said his government will increase the number of classrooms from 14 to 20 classroom blocks to meet the increasing number of children seeking admission into the state’s model primary schools. He spoke during a town hall meeting with the people of Port Harcourt City Local

Government Area yesterday. The town hall meeting is a regular interactive forum between the governor and the people of the 23 local government councils in the state. Amaechi said: “In Port Harcourt alone, we have built 32 primary schools and 80 per cent of these contracts were given to Rivers people. We have spent a total of N5.5 billion in building primary schools and other institutions in Port Harcourt. I told you we have awarded a total of 32 prima-

ry schools, 20 of them are completed, 19 of them have been functioning and 10 of them are ongoing. “We have just recently awarded three new contracts because we discovered that the more we build schools the more the demand increases. More people are withdrawing their children from private schools to our schools. For that reason, we have stopped building 14 classroom blocks, we are now building 20 classroom blocks and we have awarded three.”

kwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to celebrate former Super Eagles players for their outstanding contributions to the country. Akpabio spoke when the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, Hon. Inuwa Garba, led members of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Akpabioism Centre for Leadership Development, to visit him at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital. Akpabio said: “I welcome the former Super Eagles stars here today who played in this year’s football match organised by Akpabioism. They are gentlemen who made Nigeria proud; we must always remember them and must continue to celebrate them.

So, we must stand together to raise our children to be great for the future of the country. ‘’Akpabioism means a concept of good governance. So, it is not the name that matters, but it is the celebration of something good. I appreciate Akpabiosm because I am a beneficiary of good governance through the numerous infrastructure executed in Akwa Ibom State. ‘’No matter the state you come from, you must appreciate good governance. Hence, the will of God for man is progress, good roads, basic education, robust health care system, renovation of massive infrastructure through the governance seen in Akwa Ibom State. It shows that government can work and would continue to work here.”

Optometrists disagree with NHIS on facility’s accreditation SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

ye care specialists otherwise known as optometrists have disagreed with the directive of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for the establishment and accreditation of only medical facilities or Health Management Organizations (HMOs), involving different medical professionals. Addressing journalists in Benin, Chairman of Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) in Edo State, Dr. Michael Nwoko, urged the health insurance agency to reconsider its stand on the establishment of specialist clinics or medical facilities.

Nwoko, whose members held a close-door meeting to evaluate the role of optometrists in NHIS, urged the health insurance agency to allow optometrists who might want to pool their resources to establish and register their facilities. It will be recalled that the contentious issue dominated the discourse at the 2012 Continuing Education Programme of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) held at the Plaza Hotel last week under the theme: “Advancing the Frontiers of Optometric Practice,” which drew attendance from other states and Abuja and debated the relevance of the optometrist in NHIS.

North

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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Gunmen kill ANPP LG chairman in Borno •As Boko Haram restates calls for dialogue INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

arely 24 hours after some yet-to-be identified gunmen shot and killed the District Head of Gudumbali, Zanna Mulima and a businessman in Bama, Alhaji Dala Bama, armed men yesterday invaded the residence of one Alhaji Tar Kusurambe, a politician and ANPP local government chairman of Magumeri council area. The incident occurred about 2.00am in Magumeri town. Kusurambe was killed two days after returning from Saudi Arabia, where he had gone to perform the 2012 Hajj exercise. The gunmen, according to an eye witness who does not want his name mentioned, were said to be on motorcycle, trailed the ANPP local government chairman to his house in Magumeri and shot him dead before they fled without being arrested. His words: “I was about entering my house before I heard gunshots, not knowing that it was the ANPP Chairman, Kusurambe that was killed.” When contacted on phone, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Abdullahi Yuguda, could not be reached, but a security officer, name withheld, who was not authorised to speak, told our correspondent that; “About 0200

hours in Magumeri town, one Tar Kusurambe, a politician and ANPP Local Government chieftain was shot dead at his residence.” Meanwhile, a group that claimed to be members of the Boko Haram sect who had last month accepted to dialogue with the Federal Government when it addressed journalists in a tele-conference has reiterated its readiness to dialogue with the Federal Government to end the hostilities in the region in as much as the government is sincere. In a circulated later written in Hausa language, signed by one of the alleged leaders of the sect, Sheikh Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdullaziz, dated THUL HAJJ 27-1433 A.H, on behalf of the leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Maiduguri yesterday, listed Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Alhaji Gaji Galtimari, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Barrister Aisha Wakil and her husband, Justice Wakil Gana and Imam Goni Gapchia, who replaced former Head of |State, General Mohammed Buhari, who had earlier rejected the call as mediators, were among those who had signed the agreement letter to mediate between the Federal Government and the sect members for dialogue.

Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda (2nd left); Prof. Dora Akunyili and other members of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, during their visit to the governor in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Customs to generate N150bn monthly –President JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would soon begin to generate N150 billion on a monthly basis against the N100 billion it currently generates. Speaking yesterday in Katsina State at the 2012 Comptroller-General’s Annual Conference, President Jonathan lauded the NCS for improving on its revenue generation from N30 billion some years ago to its present N100 billion, saying that other non-oil sectors would soon be restructured to improve on the country’s revenue. He called on the NCS to “ensure constant networking and exchange of accurate information with sister agencies” that would enable the organisation

‘NDLEA, PCN must cooperate over drug war’ PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) have been called upon to join hands and collectively fight the menace of counterfeit drugs and foods by ensuring they are off the shelves across the nation. Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ibrahim Babaminin Sule, who stated this at the launching of the Niger State NAFDAC Local Government Desk oOfficers in the state, said the idea

has become imperative as one organisation cannot do it alone and achieve the needed success in the fight. He said it is against this backdrop that the state government wholly supported the state NAFDAC in training desk officers from the 25 council areas to assist in enforcing the regulations and laws against the sale and use of drugs and foods and other regulated products at the grass roots areas of the state. Earlier, the state Unit Head of NAFDAC, Mr. Nantim Dadi, said the training was part of the agency’s continued effort

at attaining zero-tolerance for fake and counterfeit drugs and foods in the nation. He expressed joy at the drop at the rate of fake and counterfeit drugs in the country, a study conducted between January, 2010 and April 2012, where a total 5, 790 samples were tested out of which 5, 419 ( 93.6%) samples passed, while 371(6.4%) failed. Dadi added that the result has shown a significant drop in the rate of fake drugs and foods, since 2001, warning that, “As it is we all know that 6.4 % counterfeit is still in the market that must not be ignored.”

deliver better services and facilitate the “international supply chain.” He, however, called for more efforts on the part of the service in dealing with corruption within its rank and file in line with the federal government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption. According to him, the service needs to “constantly examine itself and do more by weeding out corrupt men and officers whose activities tarnish the image of the service.” The President, represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, also called on the NCS to “faithfully abide by sound principles of good governance which encapsulates transparency and integrity.” He assured that government would continue to give necessary support to enable the service check “activities of those en-

gaged in illicit trade and bring perpetrators to justice.” The president also called on the service to “justify government support by becoming a strong, robust and outstanding earner of non-oil revenue.” On his part, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, called on the NCS to improve on its image as well as ensure professionalism among its officers and men. Atiku said the service must ensure it updates the public about its activities and intensify the training and retraining of its workforce. In a goodwill message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, said there was need for the service to come up with ways to checkmate activities of smugglers who use so-

phisticated means to beat the system. Tambuwal assured that the National Assembly would soon enact and improve on existing laws that would make the service “even more attuned to their responsibilities.” Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela, who was represented by the Minister of State, Dr. Ngala Yarima, said government would soon employ space satellites to monitor the nation’s borders as way of checking smuggling activities.

Jonathan

Islamic scholar arrested over possession of AK47 riffle PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

n Islamic scholar is currently cooling his feet in the Niger State police command in connection with an AK 47 rifle loaded with ammunition allegedly in possession of some Almajiris (students) in his custody hidden in the school mosque. The incident, it was gathered occurred at Anguwan Daji area of Minna, the state capital at the weekend. National Mirror learnt that the suspicious moves of the Almajiri boys that day attracted the attention of residents of the

area and taking a closer watch, they saw an AK 47 riffle in their possession. It was gathered that they quickly alerted the police of the development and policemen from the area command were dispatched to the Islamic school and after a thorough search, they discovered the gun loaded with ammunition hidden in the school Mosque. Later, three suspects, including the head of the school were arrested and conveyed to the state headquarters of the police for investigation. The development created fear in people of the area even as owners of

shops in the area were said to have locked up their business premises due to the uneasy calm that enveloped the area. Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Pius Edorbor, said the head of the Islamic school was among some of the suspects arrested by the police command. “The police effected the arrest of some suspects on the issue and more arrest is still on in connection with the incident.” He said investigations are ongoing, adding that at the end of it any one found guilty would be charged to court.

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

SUPER TUESDAY

Politics

Africa’s future depends on what happens in Nigeria – Amb. Jeter

Budget 2013: Plying the old routes, courting fresh troubles

14,15 & 44

Inadequate maintenance of infrastructure, especially those owned by the Federal Government in Lagos State, since the relocation of Nigeria’s capital to Abuja in 1991, has sparked off fresh calls for a special status for the former seat of power, writes FELIX NWANERI.

Neglect of Lagos spurs demand for special status

he peculiarity of Lagos State, the nation’s former capital territory has continuously ensured that it remains strategic despite the movement of government’s business to Abuja in 1991. The military, which conceived the idea in 1976, apart from stating that Abuja is more central in terms of location, had argued that the move would also help to decongest Lagos. But years after, the state which prides itself as the “Centre of Excellence” has continued to grow, with its population officially standing at 8.5 million according to the 2006 census although the state government puts it at about 15 million. The figure is however expected to hit 24.5 million by the year 2015 according to a recent United Nations’ study. This will then place the state among the 10 most populous cities in the world, a development that has raised questions over the ability of the state government to provide needed infrastructure. It is against this backdrop that the state government has continued to call for a special status to be accorded to Lagos. In the vanguard of the campaign is Governor Babatunde Fashola, who holds the view that a special allocation from the federation account be set aside annually for provision of infrastructure, security and other unique needs of Lagos in view of its pivotal role in the revenue generation of the country. According to him, Lagos is home to people from all various ethnic, religious and social backgrounds and therefore, a special allocation will not only enhance its further development but ensure the well-being of its residents. Fashola also believes that a special status for Lagos will help the state attain the mega city dream. According to him, “the greatness of Lagos is the greatness of Nigeria as the state is the economic nervecentre of the country, with the most strategic seaports and airports.” The campaign, which has been on for sometime now, however gathered momentum at the South-West public hearing on the constitution review in Lagos, penultimate week, when Fashola and other stakeholders in the state, including Senators Oluremi Tinubu and Gbenga Ashafa restated the call. Fashola said: “As far as Lagos State is

Jonathan

Fashola

TOP STORY concerned, its strategic importance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised; its contributions in terms of GDP, political, social and economic development cannot be argued. All those who have defined themselves in this country can call Lagos their first or second home. “Lagos is a place where you would see somebody who looks like you, who dresses like you, who eats your kind of food and who speaks your language. Lagos State was a federal capital of Nigeria but this is the only former capital that has been left on its own. And I think that in the national interest, Lagos now deserves and should be treated as a special state. “I do not say it because of Lagos, but I say it because of Nigeria. This is where all the food producing regions sell their food; this is the market for the whole country. Now, the reality is that if this state does not prosper, prosperity will become difficult in any part of the country. And therefore, it is my humble opinion that Lagos be given a special status.” Senator Tinubu (ACN, Lagos Central) in her submission urged Lagosians to take the opportunity of the ongoing constitution amendment process to demand the conferment of special status on Lagos State. The lawmaker, who is a member of the

Mark

THE REALITY IS THAT IF THIS STATE

DOES NOT PROSPER, PROSPERITY WILL BECOME DIFFICULT IN ANY PART OF

THE COUNTRY.

AND

THEREFORE, IT IS

MY HUMBLE OPINION THAT

LAGOS BE GIVEN

A SPECIAL STATUS Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said: “We should look into the issue of conferment of special status on Lagos State. We have a responsibility to define the special status that would be suitable to the nature of the state.” Senator Ashafa (ACN, Lagos East), who held similar view, said: “From the opinions of the people, there is no going back on our resolve that Lagos be given special status. I have continually stressed that Lagos remains the commercial and industrial capital of Nigeria in spite of Abuja. It is also the largest employer of labour in Nigeria, a situation, which only a special status can sustain and enhance for the benefit and welfare of all Nigerians.” Similarly, majority of stakeholders in

Apapa Federal Constituency of the state, who spoke at an earlier public hearing in the area, were also of the view that Lagos, being the commercial nerve centre of the nation with a huge population, should enjoy the benefit of a special status. According to Adewale Babatunde Jimoh, who represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, “we are asking for a special support for the infrastructure and assets that were built in Lagos. They were built at the time Lagos was the Federal Capital Territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In other jurisdictions where their capitals had been moved, there has always been that special status by way of funding for the old capitals.’’ The state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), it would be recalled, has also in the past made a similar demand. The party argued that Lagos is Nigeria’s most populous and important state that caters for the needs of the most critical and productive population. Insisting that a special status for the former capital remains the best possible way to drive the country’s development, ACN further maintained that ignoring the mounting needs of Lagos or trying to pretend they don’t exist, amounts to inflicting gashes on Nigeria’s quest for progress and her aspirations to become a big economy, as “no nation grows by treating the needs of its golden geese with ignominy.” The party said: “It is ironical that sucCONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

Ambassador Howard Franklin Jeter spent a larger part of his 27 years in United States Foreign Service in Africa. The career diplomat, who holds degrees in Political Science, International Relations and Comparative Politics, and African Area Studies, served as U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria between 2000 and 2003. National Mirror’s Deputy Editor, AYODELE OJO, met him in Washington DC recently, where he spoke about life in retirement, the November 6 U.S. election, President Barack Obama, U.S. prediction on Nigeria’s break-up, corruption, Boko Haram and other issues. Excerpts:

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Africa’s future depends on •Says Boko Haram should be Jonathan’s

How has it been since your retirement? I can’t complain because I have a lot to do. I still have a close connection with Nigeria and I am trying to do things for the country. I give glory to God that after many years of service to my country, I retired honourably and I am enjoying every bit of it. I have no reason to complain because I do not feel like I am retired. Since my retirement, I have been busy doing a lot of things here. Although I retired, I am not tired! I just came back from Nigeria a few weeks ago with an organisation called Books for Africa; they supplied books to Nigeria through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation. So, I was there for the distribution ceremony of 16 x 40-foot containers of books. With the support that the Foundation is giving, I think that Nigeria is now the largest recipient of books from Books for Africa, which is a NGO, and also the largest provider of books to the continent. Thanks to the Emeka Offor Foundation, Nigeria now stands as number one in terms of the volume of books they have received. Almost one million books have been shipped to Nigeria and more are on the way, along with hundreds of laptops, desktop computers and school supplies for students. It is a wonderful thing that the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and Books for Africa are doing.

What was your experience in Nigeria like? It was terrific. Nigeria was the highlight of my Foreign Service career. It was very exciting and I loved the people. Nigeria is such a big and important country. And with my professional focus on Africa, I always had a desire to serve in Nigeria because I think the future of Africa depends really on what happens in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia, the real movers and shakers of the continent. Nigeria, I think, is at the very top of that list. So, Nigeria is a very important country. As Nigeria goes, so goes the continent. If things go wrong in Nigeria, so many other countries will be affected. Nigeria has to play the role of peacekeeper and mediator, trying to resolve conflicts throughout the continent. It could be a model for democratic governance, economic development, and how African countries should use their resources. Nigeria is rich in natural resources, but those resources have not been used effectively because if they had, the country would have a much better physical and social infrastructure. Right now, there is the issue of Boko Haram, which is a serious problem. I think the government really has to focus on how to resolve this problem. The killing has to stop. I have read that over 3,000 Nigerians have been killed by Boko Haram. That is madness! Boko Haram is bombing churches and schools. I understand a lot of economic activities have been brought to a halt in areas affected by

Jeter

IF THEY (BOKO HARAM) CONTINUE TO DO WHAT

THEY ARE DOING, THEN GOVERNMENT MUST USE THE FORCES AT ITS DISPOSAL TO

NIGERIAN POPULATION. THAT IS THE PROTECT THE

REALITY Boko Haram, especially in the North. In addition to the innocent lives lost and the economic cost of the terrorism, Boko Haram’s senseless actions are also increasing religious tension in Nigeria. So, I think that containing and stopping Boko Haram’s terror campaign should be the first order of business for President Goodluck Jonathan’s government, and I am certain that it is. What were some of your major achievements as U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria? I had been engaged with the country for many years prior to my posting there as ambassador. I helped to establish a strong relationship with Nigeria on conflict resolution and peacekeeping in Liberia and Sierra Leone, after years of bilateral tension between our two countries. I played a

How was your experience in the Foreign Service, particularly in Africa? I spent 27 years in the Foreign Service; served in a number of African countries, including Mozambique, Tanzania, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia. I was President Bill Clinton’s Special Envoy to Liberia and Sierra Leone. I then became the State Department Director for West Africa and had 17 countries to look after. I was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa before my assignment to Nigeria.

TUESDAY INTERVIEW

leading role in developing the first post-election bilateral assistance programme for Nigeria. As the first U.S. ambassador resident in Abuja, I led the effort to establish a permanent U.S. presence in the new capital and to build a strong Country Team. We had a terrific group of professionals at the Embassy, who staffed an active and functioning embassy and we engaged the democratic government of Nigeria, after so many years of military rule, on a full range of regional and international political issues. So, in that sense, it was a very fulfilling role because we developed a very broad-based relationship with Nigeria that covered everything from economic development, capacity building, security assistance and military-to-military cooperation, collaboration among law enforcement agencies, to combating transnational crime, including trafficking in narcotics. One of our proudest achievements was setting up six Community Resource Centres for IT training in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. We also set in motion a major effort to combat HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. It is very a robust and multi-faceted relationship that we built during my three years in Nigeria. What is your impression about the November 6 U.S. elections? It was exciting. President Barack Obama won the elec-

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Politics

what happens in Nigeria – Amb. Jeter first business

tion convincingly. But going into the election many of us simply didn’t know what was going to happen. The outcome appeared unpredictable but most of the national polls were accurate in their prediction. I think it gives President Obama a mandate to “move forward”. That means working on a lot of issues that were left unfinished in his first term. Also, I think it means trying to build a more collaborative relationship with the Congress. I believe the big issues facing the U.S. today have to be resolved, especially growing the economy, creating jobs, improving education and providing health care for all of the American people who need it. But during the campaign, there were many issues like the economy, job loss and the rest of them, from which the Republican made issues. How do you see the campaign issues at stake? Well, the economy was the number one issue because of unemployment, job losses, sluggish economic growth, and the national debt. I think the President obviously is now going to focus on those issues and he has a jobs bill before the Congress. Let see what happens with that. He has to do something about the national debt because it is out of control and in the next couple of months, there is probably going to be a “grand bargain” between the Congress and the administration on measures to reduce the national debt. These are issues that played on most Americans. It is obvious to me that there has to be an increase in taxes, especially on the wealthy, and a concomitant reduction of government spending. Most economists believed that if there is no agreement on the so-called “fiscal cliff”, it will trigger another, perhaps worse recession. The administration and Congress have to work together to come up with a formula to put government spending in check as well as increase revenue through taxes. President Obama’s formula of course is that those that make over $250,000 per year should pay their fair share. I think he is right. What is your take on the conduct of elections in U.S. compared to what is going on in Africa? Elections here are a lot more transparent. As you probably saw, we are doing electronic voting. Even with that, there were still long lines. A lot of states had provisions for early voting instead of voting on November 6; the official date of the election. They can vote two or four weeks before to cut down the congestion on the Election Day. Some folks thought that there were efforts to do away with early voting because they believed early voters were Obama supporters. See what happened in Florida. They were still counting the votes even after President Obama had won. I think there is a perception that the Republican-controlled administration in Florida was trying to do everything to suppress the votes of Democrat voters, especially Latinos and African-Americans. The President, in his post election speech, said that we have got to do something about the long wait. Some people had to be on queue for eight hours. That shouldn’t happen in the U.S. But in terms of the differences, the polls opened on time, the officials were there, there were sufficient ballots, there was no violence. The political parties’ agents and observers, monitoring the people voting, were still able to campaign outside the polling units as long as they maintain a respectful distance. I think it is something like 100 feet in front of the polling station. How about irregularities, violence and other electoral malpractices? You get very little of that in U.S. elections. The real lesson for Nigeria, I think, is that the U.S. election was a very acrimonious campaign. There were real differences between the two parties and the two candidates, Obama and Mitt Romney. There were reports that personally, they didn’t like each other, but there was no incidence of violence. Mitt Romney lost and he graciously conceded defeat and he wished the President well. So, you don’t get

I DON’T SEE NIGERIA BREAKING UP. THERE CAN BE STRAINS BETWEEN THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH, BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS BUT THAT WON’T LEAD TO THE BREAK UP OF NIGERIA. I DON’T THINK NIGERIANS, WHEREVER THEY ARE, WANT THE FEDERATION TO BE DISSOLVED. THAT WOULD BE A REAL SETBACK FOR NIGERIANS, AND INDEED FOR ALL OF AFRICA the kind of violence that often accompanies elections in Nigeria. There is a huge difference because ours is not a winner-takes-all system. Republicans still have a big role to play in the national political system. Republicans still have a majority in the House of Representatives and, as we have seen, they can block Presidential initiatives. They also have more Republican governors than the Democrats. That is why the President called for support from everybody to help him carry out his mandate for all Americans. In the U.S., the loser, even in Presidential elections, always has other avenues to pursue. Look at what Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton are doing. So, politics is just one endeavour where ambitious people can make their mark. How do you see former President Bill Clinton’s role in Obama’s victory? He played a very large and active role for President Obama, and seemed to enjoy doing so. Clinton is the most popular politician in the U.S. So, what he had to say made a great difference for Obama in his campaign. And he campaigned very hard for Obama. So, Obama owes Clinton a lot. And his wife, Hillary, is not coming back to run for the presidency? I understand that she has said she is not interested in contesting for the presidency again. However, that could change four years from now. She has done a terrific job as Secretary of State, just terrific. You said Nigeria has a lot of resources, but there is still underdevelopment. As a former U.S. envoy to the country, what do you think is responsible for this? Nigeria has a lot of resources. The number one resource is its people, and there is need for more engagement and involvement of the people in government, better governance, better elections, a more active civil society. National resources should be used to improve the social and economic well-being of the people. A country like Nigeria should not have the kind of infrastructure you have: the roads are bad; power is grossly inadequate, and telecommunications, although much improved, still leave a lot to be desired. The health care system is nothing like what Nigerians deserve and the education system, which use to be the best in Africa, has almost collapsed. Nigeria must work on these areas because they are critically important to the development of the country and the welfare of the Nigerian people. How do we work in these areas? It is up to the government and the people. The government, at national, state and local levels, is accountable to the people. The government will make resources available to see that those things are put in place as it will improve the people’s lives.

What is your take on the issue of leadership in Nigeria? Nigeria has good leadership and bad leadership. I’m not going to get into the business of ranking who has done well and who has performed badly for Nigeria in terms of leadership. What I know is that leadership plays a big role everywhere. In the U.S, we have good and bad leaders. On a national level, I think it is a question of how the President sets the tone, the kind of government the President establishes, the quality of his cabinet, the way he does his job and how inclusive his government is in serving the society. How about the insecurity crisis in Nigeria? I understand that the government is trying to do something about it. But I think that Boko Haram should never have happened in a country like Nigeria. It shouldn’t have happened. Although there have been outbreak of religious conflict in the country in the past, but, for the most part, Christians and Muslims have been able to live together in CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Jonathan loses brother on 55th birthday

ASO ROCK FILE

with

Rotimi FADEYI

Fresh hope for Lagos–Ibadan expressway

ong before the decision last week to terminate the concession granted Bi-Courtney for the reconstruction of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, there has been pressure on the Federal Government, especially from the governors of the South-West to give the all-important road, which has become a nightmare to many people the required attention it deserves. The road serves as the major link from the South-West with other regions and because Lagos is considered as the commercial nerve of the country, the road has become the busiest road in the country. Last week, the Federal Governemnt revoked the concession agreement it granted to Bi-Courtney, a company owned by Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) for non-performance after three years that it was concessioned to the company at a cost of N89.53 billion for a period of 25 years under a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) scheme. The government hired two construction companies, Julius Berger and R.C.C. to commence immediate work on the road and even before the decision was taken last week, President Goodluck Jonathan had said everybody including himself felt the pains over the state of the road, stressing that things cannot continue to remain the same Many people considered the action taken by Jonathan as commendable and that action should be immediately taken on the road that was constructed in 1974 and has become a problem to many people coming into Lagos from other parts

of the country to do business and other private engagements. Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, who announced the termination of the concession agreement at the State House, said government had no option than to terminate the agreement especially for the failure of the company to reach financial close as provided for in the agreement. He disclosed that Julius Berger would handle section 1: from Lagos to Shagamu interchange while R.C.C. Nigeria would be responsible for section II: from Shagamu to Ibadan”

t was President Goodluck Jonathan’s 55th birthday last week Tuesday and he woke up happy that he added another year to his age as his close aides came to his residence to wish him happy birthday. He later watched a parade by the Brigade of Guards after which five ambassadors who had just arrived in Nigeria as representatives of their countries presented letters of credence to him But before the ceremony ended, news came about the death of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan. The sad news changed the situation in the Presidential Villa as all other engagements for the day were suspended though he was to travel to Istanbul, Pakistan for the meeting of the D-8 that day. Jonathan later announced the death of his brother to Nigerians, expressing sadness over the incident in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and

Amb. Isaac Munlo of Malawi (left) presenting his letter of credence to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

A pledge fulfilled on reconstruction of UN building

he bombing of the United Nations Building in Abuja in August last year by the Boko Haram Islamic sect drew worldwide condemnation as people found it difficult to believe that a building which accommodates offices of the international organisation with the objective of promoting world peace could be the target of attack.

Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku 2. DG, Debt Management Office, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo 3. Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Niyi Otunla 4. Malawian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Isaac Genesis Munlo 5. Ambassador of Nepal to Nigeria, Mr. Shyam Lal Tabadar 6. Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Mr. Carsten Nilaus Pederson 7. Director General of DICON, Major General S.U. Labaran 8. Chief Executive Officer, British Airways, Mr. Keith Williams 9. Outgoing Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Khaled Abdrabuh

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The suicide attack claimed the lives of many of the UN staff in the building while several others were injured with a large part of the structure destroyed by the effect of the explosive. President Goodluck Jonathan who expressed sympathy to the victims of the bomb blast when he led the Federal Government’s delegation to the scene to assess the extent of damage also promised that the government would assist in the reconstruction of the building which is one of the most secured public places in the country. One year after, the pledge to assist in

the reconstruction of the building was redeemed last Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting where N5 billion was approved for the project to be handled by Julius Berger Plc which is expected to commence work soon. On August 27 when the UN building was bombed, Secretary General of the organisation, Ban Ki-Moon had to send the Deputy UN Secretary-General, Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro accompanied by the UN Security Chief, Under-SecretaryGeneral Gregory Starr to the country to assess the situation and offer possible assistance.

Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati. The statement said Meni died at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness while formal burial arrangements would be announced later by the family. Vice-President Namadi Sambo with the leadership of the National Assembly and members of the cabinet later paid a condolence visit to Jonathan where they prayed that the soul of Meni rest in perfect peace.

New lease of life for DICON

new lease of life is coming the way of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) with the government now ready to commit resources to strengthen and make it competitive to attract local patronage of its products. At a meeting of the Presidential Committee on the Review of the Structure, Operation and Activities of DICON last week, Vice-President Namadi Sambo assured that government would also provide for the accoutrements and other hardware needs of the nation’s Armed Forces, paramilitary services and the Police. He said that the committee would ensure effective performance of DICON in the production of the needs of the country’s security forces, calling for synergy between DICON and its primary consumers. Sambo, who expressed his desire to visit DICON, the Army Research and Development Centre in Abuja, the Naval Dockyard and the Airforce aircraft maintenance facility in Lagos, used the occasion to congratulate the Nigerian Army for developing and manufacturing a wholly Nigerian made Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) recently. Earlier, the Director General of DICON, Major General S. U. Labaran, expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up the committee, saying that DICON has the capacity to produce various types of military hardware and other accessories. The committee has the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance; ministers of Works; Interior; Trade and Investment; Defence; National Planning; Police Affairs; Aviation; Transport; Science and Technology as members. Others are Director-General, DICON; DG Public Procurement; DG, Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission; Commandant, NDA; representatives of the National Security Adviser; Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police.

President in Istanbul, tasks D-8 members on economic growth

resident Goodluck Jonathan was in Istanbul, the capital of Pakistan, last week to attend the Summit of Heads State and Government of the Eight Developing Nations (D-8) where he advocated for the involvement of the private sector to boost the economy of the group of Eight Developing countries. Before Jonathan handed over the chairmanship of the group to his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Zardari, he said the focus of the members of the D-8 should be to empower the private sector

in the member countries to be the driving force propelling programmes and activities as well as the economy of the various countries. Jonathan said that he believed this was the right step to take because it reflects the shared vision of the countries to limit the role of government in the day to day activities of the D-8 to merely that of catalysts and enablers of economic and trade. Jonathan, who was the chairman of the organisation for two years, said, “throughout Nigeria’s stewardship, we

were guided by the vision to nurture our organisation in a way that will empower the private sector in our countries to be the driving force propelling our various programmes and activities.” Jonathan also urged the new chairman of the D-8 to encourage exchange of visits between Heads of State and Government, saying it would open other vistas of cooperation among the D-8 countries.

MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-44

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Views

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The JTF, media and terrorism in Nigeria THE MEDIA SHOULD

SAGIR MUSA

BE VERY CAREFUL

Continued from yesterday

hus, there is need for relevant arm of government to prepare, under the guidance of and in cooperation with media professionals, their professional organizations and qualified security agencies, a handbook for journalist reporting terrorist acts and violence. Reading through some news and opinion articles in some national dailies often makes one skeptical about the real motives of such write ups. The tendency to aggravate the already tensed situation is very obvious in such articles and news reports, hence there is need for the media to avoid exacerbating societal tensions through their reports. News, comments, images and hates speeches capable of widening divisive tendencies, or threatening national security, public safety and economic well being of a state, should be avoided or treated with circumspect. It is pertinent to draw the attention of the public to and also remind the media that images are been exploited in an increasing number of ways to enhance their impact; social media have created what Andrew Keen refers to as ‘the cult of the amateur” - anyone could become a journalist in his or her own way. The media is obviously being exploited, so also is the authenticity, reliability and motives of

IN BROADCASTING, PRINTING AND IN DISTRIBUTING MATERIALS GATHERED OUTSIDE THEIR PROFESSIONAL

MEANS, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FURTHER AUTHENTICATED sources. Images have become raw materials and terrorists had become producers. Professional journalists have no control over the situation, given that anyone could publish images and texts on the internet. Social media present challenges and the media face a complicated task to strike the right balance between their duty to inform the public and the danger of becoming tools in the hands of terrorists. They have to make painful choices involving their own conscience with regard to objectivity, decency and respect of the dignity of victims of the terrorist acts and the demand of media market competition. They must understand the narrow

distinction between the public’s right to know and an efficient fight against terrorism. The media should be very careful in broadcasting, printing and distributing materials gathered outside their professional means, which have not been further authenticated. Thus, media practitioners should be wary while using produced materials by the terrorists, which are mostly aimed at aggravating public terror to serve terrorists goals. History has shown that sometimes, the video recorded by the terrorists were for propaganda and a sure instrument for negotiation with the government for their freedom. As terrorist activities are increasing, they presents new challenge to the media industry and law enforcement agencies, challenge of particularly avoiding hurting privacy, human dignity, especially of the victim and the separation of an individual attack from ideological as well as criminal context. It is not uncommon in Nigeria to attribute routine armed robbery incidents to terrorists’ acts. Many terrorist activities are based on normal criminal behavior than on political or religious motive. Most attacks serve goals other than to realize religious or political objectives; they are clearly about money, attention, status and other advantages. That forms the basis why in many countries, acts of terrorism are legally distinguished from criminal acts done for other purposes. For the media to effectively perform its roles, person-

al security and situation awareness are indispensable. To be able to perform tasks required to contain terrorism, media practitioners must be alive and healthy. They must extricate themselves from the dangers of terrorism for them to be able to write and report news, watchdog the security agencies and sensitize the public. Personal security is a must for self survival! Recently, the threat of harm to reporters, their families and media organizations has been an increasing concern for the security agencies. As representatives of the free flow of information, a very important group for the sustenance of democracy and as special risk group, journalists deserves the special appreciation and protection of the whole of society. Journalists and their families are often threatened, killed and kidnapped. It is imperative the state and all relevant security agencies take serious interest and measures to ensure the security of media practitioners in this country. At the individual level, reporters in or out of the field, must be vigilant and dogged to ethically shoulder their noble responsibilities in spite of real threats. I salute the courage of all those who practise their profession with dedication in dangerous situations. Concluded Lt Col. Musa, is the spokesman of Joint Task Force, Maiduguri, Borno State

National insecurity and the dialogue option BEN NANAGHAN

n November 1, 2012 the militant Islamic group, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Ladda’awatih wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram, opened a window of hope for the resolution of the conflict (its incessant terror activities against the Nigerian state) with the federal government when it agreed to dialogue with the government to end hostility. The offer was made through its second-in-command, Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz. According to him, the sect’s leader, Imam Shekau, had approved five of its top members to act on its behest and went ahead to suggest some names they would also want on the federal side. They include Mrs. Aisha Alkali Waki ( the sect’s legal adviser), her husband and General Muhammadu Buhari, who, however, declined such offer . Moreover, the sect set stringent conditions for the dialogue to take place. I personally see the touted dialogue a ploy meant to force both Nigerians and the Presidency into believing that the terror war is about to end, whereas its real intention is use it to buy time to restrategise for a more deadly phase of the terror war. Among the unstated objectives of the dialogue is getting freedom for hundreds of its experts presently languishing in detention. The plan is to up the ante to finally frighten Jonathan out of the 2015 presidential race. During the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Boko Haram fooled the FG into releasing all its trained

jihadists in detention. The pay back for that act of magnanimity was the relaunch of more ferocious campaigns. President Goodluck Jonathan should know the sect has infiltrated his government. I therefore, believe that any government official of northern origin, who is trying to convince the Presidency of the sincerity of Boko Haram, should be treated as a boko haramist. Even though I believe in dialogue, the FG must be very circumspect in dealing with Boko Haram. A cursory glance at the Boko Haram conditionalities shows a thin veil of gross insincerity and undeniable deception. It leaders complicated matters by choosing the venue of the would-be dialogue. And their preference is Saudi Arabia, a country which till date bears acrimony against Nigeria for having a Christian president. To say that we have a frosty relationship with Saudi Arabia is a great understatement. The era of cold war between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia started immediately after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Another precondition for dialogue is the request for the rebuilding of all mosques destroyed by the Joint Task Force (JTF) set up to contain the activities of the sect. They also charged the FG to compensate them for all their colleagues that died in action! But unfortunately no consideration was given to the families of thousands of Christians that also died and churches razed or destroyed. The sect called for the arrest and trial of the former Governor Modu Sheriff of Borno State. Anyway, I see this aspect of their

THERE IS POVERTY ALL OVER NIGERIA. POVERTY AND INFRASTRUCTURAL COLLAPSE ARE

THEREFORE, NOT A SPECIAL BURDEN RESTRICTED TO THE

NORTH

demand as a product of a relationship gone sour. Let them settle their internal problem. President Jonathan has said he welcomed dialogue only if it would bring peace to the nation. But it is easy to see that this peace initiative will never bring peace to this country. Rather it will give them more bounce and bite after they have bought time to restrategise. It must be appreciated that the sect’s command structure is splintered and broken, a far cry to the cohesion of the Mohammed Yusuf era. I am highly convinced that Boko Haram took on a new political garb after the April 2011 Presidential Election won by Dr. Jonathan. The North’s loss of the presidential battle was the impetus needed to reinvigorate Boko Haram. Before, during and after the April 2011 election, heavy arms were shipped into this country to fight this Jihad. Most of

these arms came from Islamic countries, including Iran. This was how Boko Haram was transformed into one the most sophisticated terrorist groups in modern times. Today, Boko Haram now uses improvised explosive devices (IEDS), bazookas, AK47 riffles, bombs and also has an armoury that will make a national army green with envy. Today, the sect is networked to link Al-Qaeda in the Magreb region. All this networking was made possible by clouts mustered by loser politicians, who are watching from the side line with big money. Those who tout the tale that Boko Haram emanated from social privations and joblessness should know that there is more abject poverty in the creeks of the Niger Delta than anywhere else in the country. There is poverty all over Nigeria. Poverty and infrastructural collapse are therefore, not a special burden restricted to the North. It is a malaise, which unfortunately spreads through the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. Dialogue is good, but going to dialogue with your hands tied behind you is dangerous. Nanaghan, bennanaghan@yahoo. com, wrote from Lagos Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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

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Power of duty waiver controversy A

spirited defence was put up recently by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, against purported plots by the National Assembly (NASS) to strip President Goodluck Jonathan of the discretionary power to grant duty waivers for some categories of products imported into the country. Allegedly fronted in the guise of the proposed Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), CAP 45 2004, (Amendment) Bill 2012; and the Companies Income Tax Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2012, which have undergone public hearing, the bills were said to be a calculated ploy to transfer the presidential power of discretion to grant import duty waivers to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). “In our view, prohibition, importation and exportation of goods, duty exemptions and waivers are powers too critical to economic management to be left to the Customs Service, which is in real terms an agent not the principal… We all agreed on one thing, that (the) abuse of waiver for whatever purpose is not something good for the country. At the same time there are certain categories that are internationally respected, like the waivers for diplomatic communities and NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations)”, Okonjo-Iweala argued.

The minister, in addition, vehemently objected to Section 7 (3) of the bill, which sought to regulate the powers of the executive arm of government in the appointment of members of the Customs Service board. Yet, if the information at the disposal of the NASS is anything to go by, the move by the Senate to curb inherent excesses in the application of import duty waivers by the Presidency seems to be informed by the huge financial losses the nation has been experiencing as a result of granting waivers and concessions not thoroughly regulated. Isah Galaudu, the senator representing Kebbi North, was quoted as saying that the country lost N58.7 billion last year alone through such generosity, for instance. Besides, a look at the implementation of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), one of Federal Government’s schemes that enjoy waivers and concessions supposedly to stimulate the non-oil export sector, would lend support to the move by NASS to regulate presidential discretionary powers over such waivers. Reports claim, for instance, that the country lost about N27.8 billion in customs duties and other charges in the first half of this year, while over N74 billion was lost between 2003 and 2007. The loss for the first half of 2009 was estimated at

WAIVER BECOMES CORRUPT AND HARMFUL TO THE ECONOMY WHEN CRONIES AND A SELECT FEW ARE FAVOURED N12.5 billion. Customs authorities recently alleged that the frauds were perpetrated through the use of Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates (NDCCs) to cover import and excise duties that would have been paid by fraudulent beneficiaries of the EEG, while the situation was worsened by compromised issuance of duty waivers and concessions. An additional N37.2 billion was reportedly lost as waivers granted to “importers of raw-materials” in 2011. Okonjo-Iweala’s acceptance that the abuse of waiver for whatever purpose ‘is not something good for the country’, is quite instructive. It goes without saying that the waiver policy has been officially abused in the past. It is on record that the granting of tax waivers between 2000 and 2007 crippled competition in the cement manufacturing industry and produced a monstrous monopoly that escalated the unit price of the product. The construction industry is still grappling with the albatross today.

Nevertheless, we think that the granting of duty waiver or concession is an executive function and should be at the discretion of Mr. President and members of his economic team. It is not a legislative activity. However, abuse can be checked to ensure the exercise of executive power on waiver is just and equitable. The NASS can achieve this through the effective performance of its oversight functions. The need to fast-track activities in some critical sectors, such as power, may warrant the application of the waiver policy. Rail construction equipment, medical equipment, research and educational equipment, as well as those medical gadgets that compel public officers to go abroad for medical treatment, also deserve consideration for duty waivers. Firms, not necessarily individuals, with a clear mandate to deliver critical infrastructure, like the turnaround maintenance of the nation’s refineries, may call for the exercise of discretion, which is usually faster and less complicated when handled by the Presidency. The granting of waiver becomes corrupt and harmful to the economy when cronies and a select few are favoured. Again, it ought not to favour products that should be protected and encouraged to develop locally, such as cash crops like rice, cocoa, groundnut, sugar, et cetera.

ON THIS DAY November 27, 2009 A bomb exploded on the Nevsky Express train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, derailing it, killing 28 people and injuring 96 others. The Nevsky Express (No. 165/166) is a Russian Railways express train, the fastest on the prominent route between the Leningradsky Rail Terminal in Moscow and the Moskovsky Rail Terminal in Saint Petersburg. The train has a maximum speed of 200 km/h (125 mph) and does not have any intermediate stations.

November 27, 2005 The first partial human face transplant was completed in Amiens, France. A face transplant is a medical procedure to replace all or parts of a person’s face. The world’s first partial face transplant on a living human was carried out in France in 2005. The world’s first full face transplant was completed in Spain in 2010. People with faces disfigured by trauma, burns, disease, or birth defects might aesthetically benefit from the procedure.

November 27, 1992 For the second time in a year, military forces tried to overthrow President Carlos Andres Perez Rodríguez in Venezuela. Rodríguez (October 27, 1922 – December 25, 2010) was a Venezuelan politician, President of Venezuela from 1974 to 1979 and again from 1989 to 1993. His first presidency was known as the Saudi Venezuela due to its economic and social prosperity thanks to enor mous income from petroleum exportation.

Oritsejafor’s jet is 18yrs old, costs N769.3m to acquire

IGFI, Mutual life, others yet to get approval for 2011 account

SUPER TUESDAY

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Proposed pension funds: Operators, contributors list ways to effective mgt Apparently conscious of the negative signals the mismanagement of the old public service pension contributions have continued to send to Nigerian workers and their waning confidence in government institutions’ capacity to effectively manage social funds, the National Pension Commission (PenCom), is working tirelessly to ensure that the contributory pension scheme becomes a success by adopting global best practice. In this analysis, TOLA AKINMUTIMI assesses the regulatory authority’s plan to restructure the pension funds.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)

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Pensioners

n what appeared a major move to improve pension contributions management in the country, the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), has unveiled plans to restructure the contributory funds in order to improve the socio-economic well-being of contributors, improve managerial capacity of operators and ensure that the pooled funds are invested in critical areas for long term benefits of the economy. The Director General of the commission, Mr. Muhammad

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Ahmad, who spoke on the plan at the 4th Conference for Directors of Pension Operators held on October 16 in Abuja, explained that the restructuring of the funds would be after the finalisation of the proposed review of the guidelines. The new funds, according to him, will replace the current Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Fund. He listed the new funds, which will give contributors more choices depending on their ages, to include the Aggressive Fund, the Conservative Fund, the Retiring Fund and the Ethical/Sharia Fund. Expatiating further on the proposed funds, he explained that the Aggressive Fund would be for contributors below the

age of 45, the Conservative Fund for contributors between 45 and 49 years, while the Retiring Fund is targeted at contributors who are 50 years and above. The Ethical/Sharia Fund is for those who want their investments to be in Sharia compliant instruments. “We are revising the investment regulation to introduce what you call multiple funds. Today, if you are a RSA holder you have only one fund which is the Retirement Savings Account Fund managed by your PFA. But we are going to introduce four funds. “The first fund is the Aggressive Fund. If you are a young person under the age of 45 you can be allowed to invest under

that fund where there will be substantial increase in investment in floating instruments like equities. “The second fund is the Conservative Fund. If you are above 45, you will join that fund and the third fund is the Retiree Fund. If you are 50 you will join that fund. However, we have not introduced the fourth fund but the Ethical Fund is for those of us who want our investments to be in Sharia complaint instruments”, Ahmed added. He, however, stressed that regulation was not the issue but availability of instruments for each of the funds, adding that “the issue is not about regulation, the issue is: are those inCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Banks should charge for services they provide, says GTB MD

Experts advise job seekers on new skills

Lagos begins search for distreassed buildings in Jakande Estate

Business & Finance

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Proposed pension funds: Operators, contributors list ways to effective mgt struments available? If they are available, I tell you the PFAs will invest on the basis of their individual assessment. They are not compelled to invest; they will invest because it is an investment decision they have to take on behalf of their clients”. Expectedly, the planned measure is already generating reactions from both operators and contributors who, while agreeing with the PenCom on the desirability of the products in the fledgling market, however believe some steps should be taken by the regulatory authority in order to ensure that the intentions of the initiative are fulfilled. Speaking on the planned initiative, a leading operator, Alhaji Umar Hamidu Modibbo, described the move as a welcome development in view of multi-dimensional implications for contributors, operators and the economy in terms of the huge funding pool it could create for the development of key infrastructure in the country. Modibbo, who is also the Managing Director of Sigma Pensions Limited, specifically pointed out that the proposed multi fund structure of the scheme is noble in view of the choice it avails all categories of contributors, particularly the younger ones who are bound to benefit, depending on their risk appetite, more as the Aggressive Fund will provide them with higher returns over a long period. He explained: “What the regulator has done is to introduce a multi fund structure based on your age as a default. If you do nothing or fail to choose the fund you wish to belong to, then your age would be used as a default for you. “The idea is a noble one as the younger contributors are now in a position depending on their risk appetite, choose the Aggressive Fund which is more risky but likely to provide them with higher returns over a long period. Other funds are the Moderate, Conservative and Ethical funds. The idea of giving contributors choice in deciding which fund they want to belong to will engender more confidence in the system and give them a sense of belonging which to my mind is key”, the industry expert added. Similarly, another leading expert in financial management and Managing Director of Legacy Pension Managers Limited, Alhaji Misbahu Yola, also believed that the PenCom’s plan to restructure pension funds agreed with his Sigma Pensions Limited’s counterpart on the benefits and risks associated with each of the funds, adding however that the industry would be better positioned for sustainable growth in the years ahead. Yola pointed out that the restructuring of the funds also implies that operators would have to do more in areas of capacity building in areas of manpower, technological assets and other operational resource tools since each fund would be separately managed, valued and reported. The Legacy Pension boss said: “In general, it provides choice for a certain age group and is a recognition of the demographics and the fact that different age

DG PenCom, Muhammad Ahmad

Chairman PenOp, Dave Uduanu

WE ARE REVISING THE INVESTMENT REGULATION TO INTRODUCE WHAT YOU CALL MULTIPLE FUNDS. TODAY, IF YOU ARE A RSA HOLDER, YOU HAVE ONLY ONE FUND WHICH IS THE RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT FUND MANAGED BY YOUR PFA. BUT WE ARE GOING TO INTRODUCE FOUR FUNDS. groups should be exposed to different risk profiles rather than a one cap fits all system. The younger contributors can take more risk in the “aggressive” fund. It is likely to provide higher returns but at the same time could suffer because the risks are higher, being a more variable income fund. “However, because the contributor is younger, it gives time for a recovery if need be. So, it provides an opportunity for much higher return. It is possible that a contributor can make a lot of gains when younger. This can make those younger employees who think the current return is not good enough or they can do better if left to do it themselves, to embrace the scheme more and perhaps do more additional voluntary contributions. “For the older contributors, they will have to take less risk as they are nearer retirement and are therefore safer in a “conservative” fund that has more fixed income and less variable income investments. Those who retire, need to be protected from the vagaries of variable income investments and are therefore moved to a wholly or predominantly fixed income fund. “For those more inclined to the ethical investments, it provides them choice. It also encourages others who are outside the system because of lack of this vehicle, to now embrace the scheme and make contributions, thus enlarging the pool of pension assets”, he added. On the implications for the economy, the pension fund management expert said the contributions should provide

long term investments in view of the fact that at the moment, pension assets are long term funds that are invested in short term, fixed income instruments mostly, except for the FGN and state bonds. According to him, the proposal for more variable investments will signify more investments in equities, private equity funds, asset backed securities and infrastructure funds, adding that since these investments are private sector driven and have more impact on the real sector, they should, if well undertaken, create more employment and more Retirement Savings accounts. While agreeing with the operators on the potential economic benefits of the multi structure of the funds for the economy in terms of its potential to pool huge financial outlay for development, particularly in area of infrastructure, a financial analyst, Mr Jerry Uwah, however pointed out that as promising as the proposed measures are, PenCom’s failure to punish those who are violating the provisions of the Act by failing to remit what is contributed as and when due suggested that it lacked the capacity to effectively regulate the scheme. Uwah, a financial journalist of over two decades of analytical contributions to the development of the nation’s financial system, pointed out that unless the PenCom put in place necessary enforcement mechanisms it might be difficult for contributors to embrace the new idea with confidence which, he said, would determine its success. He explained: “It is good as it will pool

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out a lot of funds or mobilise funds for investments in the deficit side of the economy. But, my fear is about management of the funds because with these contributions and at the end of the day the question is: who is going to manage the funds in the first place? Is it the PFAs? “Can PenCom really ensure that these funds are safe? PenCom has not done a good job about the contributory pension scheme. That is with respect to the ones the employers deduct. Eighty per cent of them don’t remit and it is like PenCom is not doing anything about it. “So, what assurance do contributors have that these new products will work? How are they going to be mobilised, are the PFAs going to be collecting money directly from contributors? The modalities has to be worked out for people to know how it will work out because it is difficult, even the scenes in industry with bank failures, insurance failures, it is difficult to convince people to invest funds either for short term or long terms”, Uwah said. On what he felt should be done to address the challenge, the seasoned journalist advised that PenCom should ensure that the employers first since that is the most important aspect of the contributory side of the scheme and also remit what they collect from employees and failure of which should attract the spelt out sanctions in the enabling Pension Act 2007. According to him, most contributors seem not to trust PenCom to enforce the law, adding that in order to restore the waning contributors’ confidence “PenCom has the responsibility to compel employers to remit the money they have deducted from employees’ salaries as and when due and they are not doing it.” He explained that although the regulatory authority expected employees to serve as whistle-blowers, but that the challenge in the economy in terms of insecurity of employment has made most employees to keep quiet in the face of deprivations of their rights by employers since an employee has a choice between his job, his present and future and many people opted for the present by keeping quiet even when they are cheated and not the future. In what could be described as one of the well-informed opinions on how to guarantee the sustainable growth of the pension scheme and its playing a critical role in national development in areas of infrastructure capacity, job creation and positive impact on socio-economic well being of contributors in the post-employment years, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has canvassed the need for PFAs to invest the funds on new assets that would catalyse current drive towards economic transformation of the country. NESG stated: “In Nigeria, there is a clear need for PFAs to invest in new assets as a BGL Report of 2010 suggests that PFAs retain large pools of unused cash due to lack of investible assets. BGL estimated that about 37 per cent of pension funds are held in money market instruments. This under-utilisation of pension funds is unwelcome in an environment where funds may be used to boost economic development through infrastructure investment.

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Business & Finance

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Banks should charge for services they provide, says GTB MD AYO OLESIN LONDON

he Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, has said that banks cannot afford to provide services for free and should be allowed to charge appropriately for services provided. Agbaje, who spoke with journalists in London against the backdrop of the recent cuts in banks charges including the removal of the N100 interbank ATM withdrawal charges, said that while he believed that banks should give back to customers it was important that bank charges should be able to cover costs. According to him, banks should charge for services provided but such charges should not be exploitative or exorbitant. “What I believe is that banks should charge for services they provide, ultimately, the market will determine what people are willing to pay. if you look at the developed economies today, a lot of what led to the subprime crises in the United States was because people artificially removed banks

L-R: Chairman, Committee on Annual National Workshops, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Albert Okumagba; President, Mr. Ariyo Olusekun and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, during the visit of the Council members and Executives of CIS to the CBN Governor in Lagos recently.

charges and started introducing thing like subprime mortgages in order to make a return“Today, they have started to remove charges in bank instruments and the rest, what I will say is that you should not charge exorbitantly, but you should charge commensurate to the service that you provide. I don’t believe that banks can afford to provide services for free in an economy where they have to provide infrastructure. Some of these charges to cover cost of what

High electricity tariff kills small scale industries UDEME AKPAN

any small scale industries have closed shops as a result of high tariff that Electricity Distribution Companies charged in different parts of the nation. The industries stated in their petitions to the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, NASME that the high cost of the new Multi Year Tariff Order 11, introduced in June this year is counter -productive on their operations. A recent NASME sponsored survey showed that the new tariff has imposed several negative implications of the new tariff on small scale business operators whose activities have assisted in various ways to reduce unemployment in the country. The Executive Secretary of the organization, Mr. Eke Ubiji who confirmed the development at a public policy dialogue in Lagos yesterday said NASME is ready to engage with relevant government institutions, especially Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in order to change the situation. Consequently, NASME has called for the creation of separate classifications specifically for NSMEs aimed at enabling them to reduce the present high operational cost. It further called for the elimi-

nation of all fixed charges. NASME stated that: In the medium to long term future, NASME recommends that the fixed charge is completely eliminated and all charges become variable based on consumption.” The organization explained that this would ensure that its members only pay for what they consume and ultimately encourage energy conservation in the nation. It made a case for the introduction of a unified standard for information shown on payment receipts, explaining that: “The minimum information requirements for each Distribution Company to be the same, in order to improve transparency.” NASME called for the restructuring as creation of complaint channels in Distribution firms so as to enable service providers respond to complaints. It stated that: “Distribution Companies should be mandated to set up structured and effective complaint and resolution channels with stipulated resolution timelines. Appropriate penalties should be established with supervision by NERC.” It also stated that;” There should be awareness campaigns and sensitization on MYTO 11 to MSMEs using grassroots/practical methods. NASME can provide input about appropriate consultation mechanism for SMEs.”

we do. Agbaje, who said that banks have stopped charging ATM fees in line with a resolution of the Bankers’ Committee, pointed out however that such services come at a cost which must be paid for. “We all know that ATM services are not free, they come at a cost, but banks have to give back need to encourage people to use this service. He also faulted recent arguments linking the high interest

rates with the slow growth of the real sector. The GTB boss, who insisted that the Central Bank of Nigeria was in the best position to determine when the benchmark Monetary Policy Rate should be reduced or increased, pointed out that at the time when interests were low the real sector did not witness high growth. According to him, the refusal of the CBN to pump money into the system also known as quantitative

easing has yielded positive results as inflation and exchange rate had stabilised in recent times. “I believe that the fact that we haven’t gone into quantitative easing has its advantages. Interest and exchange rates have stabilised. I believe the naira is the strongest currency in Africa this year, so there are advantages”, he said. Speaking on the possibility of the bank growing inorganically against the backdrop of recent acquisitions of weak banks by competitors, Agbaje said the dreams and aspirations of the bank remains the same. According to him, “Our preference and our first call is to grow inorganically, but we are not against doing an acquisition if there is a good acquisition to do and if we believe that it will add value, but to those who are my shareholders, what I have always promised is to increase the value. So if we can do that by acquisition, we will and if we can do that by organic growth, we will, but what I can say is that we will do what we can to grow the organisation.”

Firm seeks removal of barriers to investment in Nigeria KUNLE A ZEEZ

or Nigeria to become one of the leading economies by 2020, Broll Property Services Nigeria, the country’s leading Property Services Company, has advocated the need to remove critical barriers to investment in the country. Broll also has identified the huge potential of the real estate sector of the Nigerian economy as a viable alternative to oil and gas as a major source of income for the economy. Speaking at the November 2012 edition of the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce

Breakfast meeting hosted by Broll, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Erejuwa Gbadebo, said Nigeria has one of the fastest growing economies in the world with great prospects for investors. Delivering a paper entitled, “Maximising Investment Potential in an Emerging Market,” Gbadebo listed growing urbanisation, demography, technological development, natural resources and financial deepening as five trends powering Nigeria’s appeal to foreign investors. She noted that it has become imperative that the five factors are harnessed positively in the interest of the country’s economy development and barriers threaten-

NAMA insists TRACON project is completed OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he management of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), at the weekend insisted that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project is completed despite the controversies the project has generated since inception in 2003. The agency stated this during the visit of the Senate Committee on Aviation led by its Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma to the TRACON site. Uzodinma had enquired from the technical staff of the agency at the radar room if the proj-

ect had been completed and the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Engr. Ifeanyi Nnwakwo who represented managing director, Engr. Nnamdi Udoh declared that the multi-million naira project had been completed and closed. He said, “All the deliverables and the scope of the project have been delivered and completed by the foreign contractor-Thales ATM of France and the system is working at optimal level. “The system is characterised by some overlays like ADS-B, which allows the radar to accommodate technology upgrade as new ones evolve.” The senators however, in-

ing them removed. Gbadebo, however, enumerated access to land, the high cost of finance alongside the high cost of construction, a dearth of qualified/skilled professionals, the lack of use of innovative and appropriate building techniques, up-to-date market data and the unclear legal frame work in the country as some of the challenges facing the real estate sector in the country. She pointed out that these had restricted the real estate sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic product to just 1.79 per cent, as opposed to the 10-15 per cent contribution in other emerging markets. quired about the scope of the maintenance contract with Thales in which the director replied that the existing contract came with unlimited spares and it is expected to lapse in the next two years having commenced three years ago. On training of personnel on the project, the committee was informed that more than 100 engineers had been trained on the various aspects of the radar system, adding that very soon; maintenance would be wholly Nigerian affairs. TRACON was commissioned by Mr. President on October18, 2010 in Abuja and since then it has improved tremendously the quality of air traffic services in the country’s airspace, recording more over flyers.

Business & Finance

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Gas revolution: Work begins on first gas industrial plant by 2013 CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

n a bid to actualise gas based industrialization, Federal Government said it is set to commence construction of Nigeria’s first purpose built gas industrial park in the second quarter of 2013. The Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who disclosed this at the 8th International Gas Conference & Exhibition in Abuja yesterday, noted that the first phase of the initiative would be located at Ogidigbe in Delta State. The minister, who was represented at the occasion, by the Group Executive Director, Gas and Power Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC), Dr. David Ige, said government’s aspiration is for site activity to commence in second quarter of 2013, with a view to completing the first wave of the plants by 2016 or 2017. “The first of phase of this initiative is located at Ogidigbe in Delta state, where Nigeria’s first purpose built gas industrial park will be located. The projects are at varying levels of development as will be presented shortly. Our aspiration is for site activity to commence in Q2 2013 with a view to completing the first wave of the plants by 2016/17” she stated. She stated that at the peak of construction activities, over 150,000 people would be employed directly on-site

for all sorts of construction jobs, adding that the location would be one of the largest construction sites in the country with significant concurrent activities going on for several years to come. According to the minister, Nigeria’s gas revolution is anchored on a few primary investors including Nagrjuna of India for the 2.6PTPA Urea plant, Xenel of Saudi Arabia for the 1.3MTPA Polyethylene Plan and 400KTPa Plypropylene plant. Others include Chevron/Shell/NNPC/Sahara for the 2.2 bcf/d gas processing facility and Agip/Oando/NNPC for the 800mmcf/d gas processing facility. Mrs. Alison-Madueke who called for collabor-

ative efforts among all stakeholders said there would be expansion of the industrial part location as investors interest continues to grow, adding that with the local content agenda the projects are expected to stimulate significant incountry capacity as local fabrication capacity will have to increase. She further stated that through the gas revolution initiative, the creation of world scale fertilizer plants will enable linkages between the gas industry and agriculture, adding that improvement in petrochemicals production would create the basis for the growth of a diversified industrial base in the country as over 70% of goods is made out of plastics.

Lagos’ N80bn bond to boost economy commissioner MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Tokunboh Abiru has described the N80bn bond to be issued by the state as best proactive economic decision thatwill enhance the state’s infrastructure development. Speaking to the National Mirror, he assured that the bulk of the bond will be expended on the completion of the ongoing capital projects in the state. According to him, issu-

ing the bond is an opportunities to fix critical infrastructure immediately rather than go look for short term capital. He said, “Well I can’t see any risk. What I can see is an advantage, because this is an opportunity for us to take a medium term facilities to fixed infrastructure that are pressing today. On our parts we see benefits and opportunities. “If you also noticed all the bonds that we have their pricing are usually below the money market rates that is obtainable from other borrowing and if you go to the money mar-

ket, that is the financial institutions to borrow today, they are talking an average pricing of 17-19 per cent, our programme are 10 per cent, 18 per cent, so the benefit are so tremendous.” The book runner to the deal, Mr. Bolaji Balogun described the deal as compelling, saying that the bond is the largest ever issue by any state governments in this country. “Its almost 23 billion Naira larger than the previous largest issue which is also by Lagos state, in difficult market condition at this time we thank God.”

Seme Customs set to surpass target

he Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service is intensifying efforts to surpass its N8.4 bn Revenue target for 2012 with the collection of N6.9 bn as at 31st October 2012. This was disclosed recently by the command’s Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) Abdu Saleh Othman at his maiden press briefing recently where he also displayed some of the seizures made under his watch. Othman added that the command has witnessed some improvements in ar-

eas like revenue collection, anti smuggling, customs community relations and effective deployment of information communication technology for customs operations. He stated that “within one month of my stewardship which commenced from 3rd September 2012, the command was able to collect the sum of N773,417,811.38 in contrast to the sum of 635,898,399.08 collected in September 2011. Though the revenue dipped in the month of October with a collection of N613,180,614.04 yet it was

an improvement over that of October, 2011 wherein we collected the sum of N539,011,761. We wish to state that we will only surely surpass the set target.’’ The CAC also disclosed that his visits to monarchs, community leaders, business groups and sister agencies of government have started yielding desirable results in enlightening members of the border community about the ills of smuggling and promoting inter agency cooperation between the Customs and other government agencies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders lament poor awareness of cashless policy STANLEY IHEDIGBO

takeholders in the finance sector have expressed worry over the poor awareness of the cashless policy in the country. Speaking at Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) event held in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, blamed the poor awareness of the cashless policy for non acceptability of the project. According to him, low level of enlightenment of the end users resulting is slowing the adoption of the cashless policy initiatives. He added that the major thrust of the cashless initiative is to reduce cash handling and also provide financial inclusion of r unbanked Nigerians. He noted that a recent

survey of the population shows that only 24 million Nigerians maintain bank account while over 100 million are unbanked. The Managing Director who was represented by the Executive Director, Lagos and South South , Mr. Ademola Adebise, said the electronic business segment is one that is the very core to retail strategy ,adding that they are excited to share with some of the thoughts and perspective in creating awareness and educating Nigerians on e-payments. He added that as stakeholders, the responsibility of educating Nigerians is not only in the hand of the regulators. Chairman of NeFF the, Mr. Emmanuel Obiagbona, urged financial institutions to support in creating the needed awareness for the policy.

TENDER NOTICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to N32,970,708,000, N45,000,000,000 and N50,000,000,000, respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, December 06, 2012. All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN TEMENOS INTERNET BANKING between 9.00a.m and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 05, 2012. Each bid must be in multiple of N1, 000 subject to a minimum of N10, 000. Authorized Money Market Dealers are allowed to submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, Non – Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced by 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 05, 2012. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid. Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, December 06, 2012, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00am on Thursday, December 06, 2012. The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury bills.

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES OFFICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Experts advise job seekers on new skills

t is generally agreed by jobs and career experts that over 80 percent of job seekers in the country lack globally accepted skill and competence that will lift them out of the unemployment zone, stakeholders are canvassing for the learning and mastering of alternative skill outside conventional training and education, in order to effectively grapple with the unemployment challenge on According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the International Labour Organisation multiple fronts. (ILO), young people, between the ages of 18 and 25, form the bulk of the unemployed in the The experts said that one of the bigcountry and the continent. Experts say that employment hopefuls within and outside those age gest mistakes job seekers make when setting out to look for jobs after their educa- range can beat unemployment by mastering new skill sets, writes MESHACK IDEHEN. tion or training is to start looking in the area where they have been educated or ly to learn and adopt new skills, Presitrained. dent of London based Global Peace In the same vein, People Management Movement(an NGO committed to deExpert, and Managing Director of Team cent and equitable living and workBuilding Nigeria Limited, Mr. Yinka place), Dr. Mike Uyi, told National MirOlugbodi, told National Mirror that it ror that unemployment and lay offs follows the same pattern even for expeare stark realities of the downsizing, rienced professionals who on becoming reengineering, restructuring, and auunemployed usually commence their tomation in a sluggish global economy search for a job mostly in the sector they where corporations are trying every have been in, or for the type of job they trick in the book to reduce costs, inhave lost. crease productivity and keep the orHuman Resource Management exganisation lean, mean and profitable. pert and Managing Partner of Soreb He said while many in Europe and Consulting International, Mr. Kunle other parts of the world have gone and Rotimi, that mastering new skill that is still going through phases of being ungeared towards tackling unemployment employed, that the case of Nigeria was remains a pivotal aspect in the fight quite “sad and unfortunate”, consideragainst unemployment in the country, ing that the country has all it takes to and that overcoming unemployment provide employment through harnessdoes not always mean staying stagnant Ifezulike Rotimi ing initiatives like learning and adoptand placing self at the same level at all various forms of job skills training to ing new set of skills. times. DESPITE THE DIFFICULTY help overcome the barrier of not having According to Uyi, who condemned Rotimi said further that unemployenough skills for trying out on new job”. the emphasis on “paper certification” IN IMPLEMENTING ment should be considered a possible Furthermore, Agboju said programs by both the government and the prichance to raise the level and get new POLICIES AND OTHER like ordinary and advanced computer vate sector in Nigeria, people must be skills and a new better position that imclasses, apprenticeship programs in any able to show what they can do in the proves life individually and collectively. CHALLENGES THAT of the numerous trades and vocations, quest for jobs, and only the skills that Outlining how to learn and adopt new the job skills evaluations access to show a job seeker brings to the table can seAGENCIES LIKE THE skills aimed towards contending with where your true strengths as someone cure employment.” unemployment, raising productivity AND FACE seeking to learn and adopt a new skill He added there was nothing wrong and establishing multiple source on inlies and access to various seminars and or out of place, if “paper trained and come for the young and experienced job THEY ARE STILL ABLE TO workshops are some of the benefits that certified” engineers, doctors lawyers, seekers, Youth Professional Mentoring seeking to learn a new set of skills proaccountants and other products of the OFFER VARIOUS FORMS OF expert, Mr. Emeka Ifezulike, said one vides. country’s tertiary insyitutions pick of the best ways to get ahead and make SKILLS TRAINING TO HELP However, he added that other conup new learning in areas outside their use of unemployed time is further educerned stakeholders like the governtraining in order to move towards getcation. OVERCOME THE BARRIER ment and federal and states levels and ting engaged. Job skills education, as offered by inthe organised private sector, (OPS), “Instead of worrying and fretting OF NOT HAVING ENOUGH stitutions and agencies like the Indusmust remain committed to such initiaor just watching T.V., while waiting trial Training Fund and the National SKILLS FOR TRYING OUT tives, considering that overcoming job for the ideal job to come, job seekers Directorate of Employment, (NDE), skills barrier is easy when the learning can take up learning a new skill or imsaid Recruitment Expert, Mr. Sunny ON NEW JOB comes at a minimal or free cost to the unprove professional knowledge by takAgboju, are also avenues to learn and employed. ing up a course. This would help one to adopt new skills that can successfully culty in implementing policies and othOn his part, while urging the hunbe more competitive in the job market challenge unemployment. er challenges that agencies like the ITF dreds of thousands of the country’s and increase the chances of landing a According to him, “despite the diffi- and NDE faces, they are still able to offer youths that bemoan unemployment daijob sooner”, he added.

ITF

NDE

ILO to preserve labour history in Africa MESHACK IDEHEN

he International Labour Organisation (ILO), said it has launched a new initiative to promote a general labour history of Africa in a bid to ensure preservation of labour activities in Africa. According to the ILO, the organisation has gathered some international and African researchers, historians and senior officials under the auspices of the International Institute of Social History (IISH) and the Interna-

tional Labour Organisation to realise the goal of proposing ways and means to come up with a comprehensive, user-friendly, scientific multi-volume labour history of Africa. A statement by the Africa Regional Office of the ILO said the main goal of the new initiative was also to bring together scholars from different disciplines with labour advocates to engage on debates and research on the workers’ conditions, labour relations and everyday lives of working people and their families. Commenting on the initiative, one

of the scholars, Proffesor Endreas Eshete said Labour is a major entry point into African History, but so little have been documented on research on African labour studies. The statement said that the initiative was also a new approach to responding to African and international institutions and people interested in the preservation of labour heritage and history and in the study of labour issues to encourage the creation of a wider community engaged in the study of African labour issues and its promotion.

DG, ILO, Juan Somavia

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fuel scarcity to continue as NUPENG threatens strike MESHACK IDEHEN

carcity of petrol in several cities in the county may continue, as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has said it will soon commence a strike action to press home its demands that its members sacked by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) be reinstated. Deputy National President,Mr John Eddy Ossai and General Secretary, Mr Isaac Aberare, told National Mirror that the union while condemning the “victimisation and severance of its officials SPDC,will also employ avenues at its disposal to call the company to order. The union leaders said the call for the recall of the workers was made in view of the ongoing dialogue by the Minister of Labour and Productivity,

Chief Emeka Wogu and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to resolve the matter. According to the NUPENG officials, “if the SPDC management does not reinstate the union officials since this is a clear case of intimidation, harassment and victimisation, the industrial action that will follow by the union will be serious as an injury to one, is an injury to all.” Explaining that the union have made moves in the past to resolve the issue, the labour leaders added that the NUPENG SPDC caretaker committee Chairman, Mr Enomate Kingsley and 16 other union members affected by the severance should immediately be reinstated in the interest of industrial peace and harmony. According to NUPENG, the oil workers body had dissolved the executive committee of

Alison-Madueke

Wogu

Shell Branch of NUPENG for anti-union activities and set up a care-taker committee to run the affairs of the union in the interim, and that the management of SPDC refused to recognise the care-taker committee

and have since been planning to victimise the union officials. In the same vein, NUPENG said SPDC has concluded plans to outsource the fire department where majority of the workers are based notwith-

standing the union’s opposition to the plan. Meanwhile, SPDC has denied the accusations of antiunion policies targeted at NUPENG members in its fold, with company’s spokesman, Mr Precious Okolobo, saying it has no disagreement with NUPENG members. He explained that allegations of interference and intimidation of union officials made against SPDC by some members of the union outside its employment were false and baseless. Okolobo added that SPDC is only divesting from a number of its assets in Western Niger Delta as agreed by joint venture partners and approved by the Federal Government, adding that the staff and unions have been briefed on the exercise, including the implications for the structure of the business in Western operations.

Tips for getting fast promotion at work

Electricity workers commence training

MESHACK IDEHEN

etting a deserved promotion at work is one of the best feelings imaginable in a company, and is an achievement to be proud of. While promotion can be quite easy to obtain in most jobs with the right approach, many employees find themselves working based on their salary or wages without ever understanding that it is themselves they must be working on. Here are a few tips to getting fast promotion at work. Build strong network within the company-Humans are social creature. Without leadership, teamwork and strong social bonds, most of the technology and infrastructure would be nonexistent. It is critical to take this mentality into the workplace. There is no CEO that does everything. The people in charge of different aspects of the company are often the most knowledgeable and skilled in their department.

These are the people that an employee should be communicating and learning from regularly, without getting in their way or otherwise obstructing business. Ask for help and help others- The Company cannot function to its maximum potential without teamwork, leadership and social bonds. When all of these are in place, it makes it much easier to openly communicate and grow rapidly. Be professional, inside and out-Stepping up the level of professionalism in the job is a valuable tip for getting fast promotion. Dress like a professional. This not only improves first impressions, but it also brings the benefit of looking great at work. Act like a professional. If it isn’t important, don’t worry about it. If it’s important, make time for it. If there’s an opportunity to shine, take it without hesitation. Invest in leadership qualities. Any decision that improves leadership skills is a powerful

pening available job vacancies for this week is the post for a Business Partner, (www. jobsvanguardngr.com) in a firm in Abuja. The position requires a minimum qualification of a Degree and experience of between one and three years, while some of the responsibilities for the position are contributing in the day to day business operations, as well as involvement and decision making responsibilities in any area that will ensure progress of the company. Proven Entrepreneurial abilities and

investment of time. Stay humble. Every day is an opportunity to learn and produce as much as the day before it. Bring value to the tableBringing value is all about contribution. Contribute any simple ideas or insights that may help the company and never be afraid to be the fool. It is sad to see able-minded individuals repress their own intelligence out of fear that it won’t be good enough or that it will sound dumb. If it sounds good, say it. If it was wrong, learn quickly and move on without getting emotionally attached to the idea. Exceed expectations-The most positive feature that an employee can have is being an overproducer. An over-producer puts a huge amount of value into the company. When productivity is down in an office, an over-producer is what makes tomorrow possible. Courtesy: about.com

Jobsearech.

he National Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) has begun a compulsory training programme for management staff of electricity companies in the country. Managing Director of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Mallam Idris Mohammed told journalists that the retreat/ training was aimed at appraising the power sector in the country, and making it more efficient. He said input from the programme would add value to the ongoing reform in the power sector, adding that for the reform to be achieved important stakeholders like electricity workers needed to brace up with adequate information on how to move the electricity companies forward. “As operators of the electricity system, we need to discuss and evolve best strategies and practices that would improve power supply in Nigeria. The

retreat/training will also review the existing market structure to ensure optimal utilisation of resources in the provision of electricity”. Speaking on the training, an Assistant General Manager of PHCN, Mr Samuel Omelo, described the training as timely, saying also that the industry has become dynamic and challenging, adding, also that NERC has developed guidelines and regulations to govern bulk electricity generation and procurement.

NERC Chairman, Sam Amadi

Job vacancies interest in related fields, a degree in ma rketing,management,engineering,accou nting,computer science , and two years of practical experience in relevant positions of a given field, especially in creatively charged environment like advertising, internet start-ups and marketing companies are also necessary. Also from www.jobsvanguardngr. com,is the position for a Branch Manager in a firm in Kano that is into industry trade and services specialisation, that requires a minimum qualification of a degree and experience of 10 - 15

years Some of the Responsibilities for this position include being responsible for the overall performance and development of company vehicle sales, developing a business plan and sales strategy for the branches to ensure attainment of company sales goals and profitability and initiating and coordinating developmental action plan for new business line Also as part of the qualifications and requirements, is an excellent personnel management and leadership skills,

ability to recognise opportunities, determine appropriate course of action for the situation, and following through to maximise results. From www.jobberman.com,is the position for a Lead Customer Service Engineer in GE Energy in Rivers state. The job summary for the position are reviewing and issuing of field service maintenance and installation reports, controlling datasheet (CDS), Billing Edit Check Development and General Invoicing and ensure EHS Audits; JCE Development Process.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

The two-storey building that collapsed last week in Jakande Estate, Isolo-Lagos.

Lagos begins search for distressed buildings in Jakande Estates J olted by the recent of collapsed building, which killed two sisters and their mother in one of its prime estates last week, the Lagos State Government has commenced auditing of structures in all its low cost housing schemes, popularly known as Jakande Estates across the state to avert future occurrence. The auditing of buildings in Jakande Estates, National Mirror gathered, might involve carrying out of integrity test on all housing units in the estates to determine their stability and fitness for human habitation, while buildings that fail such test may be recommended for demolition. In an interview with National Mirror at the weekend, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, revealed that the exercise has commenced in Jakande Estate located in Isolo following the death of two sisters when a two-storey building collapsed there last week. Already, he said five blocks, comprising six flats each, accommodating 30 families have been identified to be distressed, adding that government hope to move tenants in the buildings to transit camp temporarily to give room for their demolition. On modality for the operation, Ayinde disclosed that the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, and Managing Directors of Lagos State Development and Proper-

Built over 30 years ago by the state government, Jakande Estates, low-cost housing units, scattered across the state, have provided accommodation for thousands of Lagosians. But following the collapse of a two-storey building at Isolo Estate that killed two sisters and their mother last week, the Lagos State government says it has commenced auditing of buildings in the estates in search of distressed structures. DAYO AYEYEMI, writes.

SOME OF THE ACCIDENTS ARE AVOIDABLE IF WE LISTEN TO WARNINGS AND APPRECIATE VALUE OF LIVES MORE THAN WE DO NOW ty Corporation (LSDPC) and Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC) have been discoursing on collaboration to be able to carry out the auditing appropriately, adding that the building control agency in the state is planning to create a unit to be able to audit buildings that are in existence in all Jakande Estates. Jakande Estates scattered in many locations across Lagos, namely: Isolo, Ipaja, Amuwo Odofin, Iba, Lekki, and Ojokoro among others. The schemes came into being between 1979 and 1983 during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande as governor of Lagos State to cater for the accommodation needs of low-income people in the state. The estates, which are low-cost housing estates and built 30 years ago,

are now derelict, following lack of maintenance by owners, who are occupiers and government. Furthermore, the commissioner hinted that there would be meetings among the agencies of government in charge of the estates at the weekend to discuss and collate all building allocations in these residential low-cost estates. “The exercise has commenced already, 5 blocks were already identified. There will be meeting tomorrow. They will have all the allocation and we have an auto photo for the locations and identification of distressed buildings,” he said. Asked if not embarrassed that the structure collapsed in government estate, he explained that some of the

buildings in the estate were built some years ago while attention were not being paid to construction, adding that government is now concerned about quality housing construction. He stated that before now, the ministry has been sensitising members of the public on the dangers of not building right, which always result to building collapse, blaming lack of quick response to warnings on the part of residents for havoc wrecked by the incident of last week. He said, “Some of the accidents are avoidable if we listen to warnings and appreciate value of lives more than we do now. In my discussion with the managing director of LSDPC, the tenants have been warned of imminent collapse of the structure because over the years, it has become distressed. Some of the families moved while others response to warning is slow. Some tenants on the ground floor saw signs and warned the family to move. We never imagined that disasters can happen.” On relocation plan for residents of distressed buildings in Lagos, Ayinde explained that because of the backlog of infrastructure of housing and huge housing deficit in the state, government might not be able to accommodate all. For example, he said in Lagos Island, there was desire to pull down distressed structures but because of where to relocate some of the residents, government has to priotise the exercise. He said, “The desire is always there but those buildings have residents and there is no accommodation to put them if their buildings are pulled down. So CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Minister presents Housing and Urban Dev policies to public •Council urges FG to commercialise FHA OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

he Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple has officially presented the National Housing Policy and National Urban Development Policy to the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development. The two policies approved by the Federal Executive Council in June this year, are aimed at providing a solid template and direction in the housing delivery sector as well as guiding the course of action in the urban planning sub-sector. President Goodluck Jonathan had during a housing retreat in Abuja recently expressed the determination of his administration to ensure that the two policy frameworks are translated into purposeful action through a roadmap for housing and urban development. The roadmap, the president had said, “will address the challenge of achieving a housing revolution in our nation within the shortest possible time. It will provide the pathway for translating our country into livable and conducive human settlement.” Speaking at the 2nd meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development which took place in Port-Harcourt recently, Pepple explained that with the two policies in place, there could be no excuse for not making rapid progress in the sector. She said, “With the umbrella policies in place, we can no longer offer excuses for

Some of the housing units in Abuja. Pepple

not making rapid progress in this sector. I, therefore, urge you all to consider how we can immediately begin to translate the elements of these policies into concrete actions and deliverables through the implementation of innovative projects and programmes.” The council meeting, which is held annually to fashion out a pathway for the housing and urban development sector, was attended by 33 commissioners responsible for lands, housing and urban development matters in their respective states across the federation. Pepple, who presided over the meeting, noted that although the country’s housing sector had been dogged by monumental challenges in recent time, 2012 particularly ushered in a ray of hope of better things to come. She said, “Undoubtedly, this year has been very remarkable for us in the housing and urban development sector for at least two important reasons. First, is the

Nigeria lacks expertise to manage disaster –Japanese Agency OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

apanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has said that Nigeria lacked the needed technical expertise to manage natural disasters. This is even as the agency donated relief materials worth N104million to the victims of the recent flooding disaster. Some of the materials which were handed over to the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Mohammad SaniSidi at the airport in Abuja, included 50 water purifiers, 200 tents and 7,000 blankets. While no fewer than 7.7million people were affected and 2.1million displaced in the flooding incident that ravaged the country recently, there was a monumental damage to agriculture and the country’s infrastructure. Speaking during the handing over of the items to NEMA officials, JICA Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Tetsuo Seki, lamented that Nigeria lacked the needed expertise to deal with disasters. He said, “There is need for technical cooperation in the areas of disaster management as Nigeria lacks experience in managing natural disasters.”

In order to fill up this skill gap, Seki noted that the agency and NEMA had firmed up strategies for capacity development. “JICA Nigeria office and NEMA have been working very closely for some time now in this respect. This collaboration has led to the training of NEMA staff in Japan on capacity development for flood risk management with integrated flood analysis system in July this year, and the development of comprehensive assistance systems for victims in 2007. There is currently on-going discussion on capacity building of NEMA staff in the area of disaster preparedness. If successful, this will ultimately improve NEMA’s ability to handle disasters in the future,” he said. Also speaking, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, urged NEMA to ensure that the relief materials reach the flood victims, even as he promised that Japan would continue to work with the Nigerian government for the early recovery and reconstruction of the affected states. Sani-Sidi, however promised that the relief materials would be transparently distributed to the affected victims in line with the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with JICA.

approval, in June this year by government, the National Housing Policy and the National Urban Development Policy. Second, is the renewed commitment by government, and indeed all stakeholders, to play their respective roles in enhancing the contributions of the sector to sustainable national development.” Meanwhile, the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development has declared support for a full commercialisation of the Federal Housing Authority. In a communiqué issued at the end of the two-day event, the Council urged the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to facilitate the process of the commercialisation of the agency without delay to enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness in the housing delivery sector. The council also urged the Federal Government to commence the process of recapitalisation of the Federal Mortgage

Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), with a view to making it more effective and efficient financial institution as obtainable in other parts of the world. Other vital recommendations include the setting up of Mortgage Refinancing Company (MRC), as being conceptualised by the Federal Government in order to significantly scale up access to mortgages in the country, devoting more attention and resources to the issue of social housing as a way of reducing the housing deficit in the country which is put at 17million. In the area of land administration, the council also urged government to conduct a comprehensive cadastral mapping of the entire country in order to establish the basic geo-spatial data. Also, apart from approving the establishment of a one-stopshop on land titling and registration and development of a framework for operationalsing it, the council approved the creation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in land administration.

Lagos begins search for distressed buildings in Jakande Estates CONTINUED FROM 25 there is need to priotise. Which house is most vulnerable and if we identify 100 houses, which are the first five that are most vulnerable, then we look for transit camp to put the residents. It is a continuous thing. “We have a scheme known as Lagos HOMS. The state is trying to look for space and any space the government finds, it will take and build Lagos HOMs there. Government is building a block with 50 units so that we can begin to have space to move people.” The commissioner said the state cannot do it alone, saying it would rely on some of the built environment professionals who have offered to help, saying that a group known as Build Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has also offered to help in the area of project monitoring in the state. Incessant collapse of buildings is no longer news in Lagos despite government’s threat to sanitise the built environment. In the past six years, Lagos authority had carried integrity test on some high rise buildings above five floors in Lagos Island when the top floors of the 19- storey building belonging to Bank of Industry collapsed in 2006. During the exercise, 115 high rise buildings out of 145 audited were found

Fashola

to have failed integrity test. Owners of such buildings were advised by the Lagos State Government to carry out demolition of the houses by themselves. Only few responded, while few were demolished by government. Many of such buildings, which experts have described as awaiting disasters, are still standing in Lagos Island Central Business District as at today.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lagos agog as Nigeria’s Olympics open 30

Sport

Flying Eagles for Toulon tourney

igeria U-20 team, Flying Eagles, will feature in next year’s Toulon International Tournament, officials have announced. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have accepted an invitation to enter the Flying Eagles for the 41st Toulon International Tournament, which will be played between May 29 and June 7. The tournament is a world-rated Under-21 and will be used to prepare the Flying Eagles for the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup after they have hopefully qualified from the African Youth Championship in Algeria.

Nigeria is the defending African champions and the semi-finalists in Algeria will qualify for the U20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Turkey from June 21 to July 13. The Flying Eagles were knocked out in the quarterfinal of the World Cup in Colombia last year.

Aminu Maigari

NSF: Abia, Plateau lose first football games

Delta Queens’ coach, Daniel Evumena

Fuleco is Brazil 2014 mascot EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

Fuleco

As long as the league title race is still far away, we are still firmly in it as title contenders -Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger

Delta Queens target Super 6 title elta Queens’ coach, Dan Evumena, has said that the ongoing Super Six title is a must-win for his wards. Title holders, Delta Queens, will clash with challengers, Rivers Angels, today for the final at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja. Delta Queens defeated Kogi Confluence Queens 2-0 and Bayelsa Queens 2-1 while Rivers Angels edged Sunshine Queens 1-0 and Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 to pave the way for the epic clash. Evumena said the league shield is the only title available to his charges in the outgoing league season. “We must go extra mile to ensure we clinch the Super Six title which is the only title available to us for the year. “Rivers Angels are still in custody of the Challenge Cup title, so we can’t afford to lose the title to them,” he told supersports.com. “We’re leaving no stone unturned to achieve our goal. My wards are ready, in fact, they’ve been looking forward to the clash and are poised to give it their best shot.” The former Falconets’ manager said though this year’s women’s league is an abridged version the winners must be regarded as the best in the land. “The Super Six is aimed to round off the season which is an abridged version but that didn’t rub negatively on the quality of the finalists. I think they’ve demonstrated their pedigree in past and I make bold to say the winners must be considered the best in the land,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he Official Mascot of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup has been named ‘Fuleco’, the world soccer governing body announced yesterday. In a statement sent to National Mirror, FIFA said that “more than 1.7 million people in Brazil voted for the name Fuleco.” It added that the threemonth public voting campaign, supported by FIFA Partner, Coca-Cola, proved to be popular as the Brazilian public came out

in force to cast their votes. “More than 48% voted for Fuleco ahead of Zuzeco (31%) and Amijubi (21%), making it the unanimous winner,” FIFA said. Ever since it has introduced to the public, Fuleco has made his presence felt by touring the host country and getting to know the people of Brazil. The latest results from FIFA’s independent brand tracking research indicate that he is fast becoming popular in Brazil, with about 89% of Brazilians saying they have seen the mascot.

he football event of the 18th National Sports Festival kicked off yesterday at the Onikan Stadium with Adamawa walking over Plateau, which had not arrived in Lagos as at the time of the opening match at 8a.m. In the second match of the male category, Delta also walked over Abia which also did not arrive in Lagos in time for their scheduled match at 10:00 a.m. Host Lagos later took on Katsina at 4p.m at the same venue.

Governor Theodore Orji

The Head, Friendly Matches Unit, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Olushola Ogunnowo, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the two teams walked over did not notify the Football Event Committee of the festival on why they were absent. However, Elias Gora, Chairman, Sub-Committee on Accommodation and Welfare of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) disclosed that the Abia contingent later arrived as the last team at the Games Village.

Sport

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Messi nears Euro goal record L ionel Messi struck twice as Barcelona won 4-0 at Levante on Sunday to remain three points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, as well as racing to 82 goals in 2012 and three short of German legend Gerd Mueller’s all-time calendar record set in 1972. The Argentine also tops La Liga charts for the season with 19 goals. Barcelona’s win increased its gap over rivals Real Madrid to 11 points and has equalled Real’s record for the best start to a La Liga season set in 1991/92. But coach Tito Vilanova does not see the league as being won so

early in the season. “The league is not over, we’re only a third through and Atletico are three points behind us. There is a lot to play for. We have been 11 ahead of Madrid before and we suffered a lot in the end,” he said yesterday. Barca had struggled in the first half of the tensed game at Levante but found a way through just after the break and it was from a perfectly threaded pass from Iniesta that allowed Messi to coolly slot home before Cesc Fabregas was given the simple task of finishing off another Iniesta pass to route the home team.

Tit bits...

Henry

New York Red Bulls striker, Thierry Henry, is ready to re-sign for Arsenal in January, deferring to a need d callll by manager Arsene Wenger. The Arsenal boss has confirmed he is interested in signing 35-year-old Henry for a third time when the transfer window reopens. A close friend of Henry told journalists yesterday that the striker would not resist the lure to the Emirates, should the Bulls accept the proposal.

Guardiola

Rafael

Benitez unfazed by boos

ew Chelsea Manager, Rafa Benitez, has insisted he was not bothered to be greeted to Stamford Bridge by a chorus of boos from the Blues fans on Sunday. Benitez’ first game in charge since taking over as interim manager was a drab 0-0 draw with Manchester City. But as he emerged from the tunnel at the beginning of the game, many home fans made it clear they were not happy with his appointment, or the dismissal of his predecessor Roberto di Matteo. “I am focused on the

game, I don’t listen to the crowd,” the Spaniard said yesterday. “The main thing was the team on the pitch and I was just concentrating on the game. My experience in England is that when the fans are singing I don’t understand what they say.” Benitez also admitted he was pleased with the display of Fernando Torres, who he restored to the starting line-up. “You cannot expect a striker scoring all on his own and we have to create more and better chances for Fernando and all the offensive players,” he said.

Fresh form delights Dempsey

ew Tottenham Hotspur buy, Clint Dempsey, admits to enduring a frustrating start to life at the club, but feels his form is steadily improving. Spurs snapped Dempsey up over the summer after seeing him net 23 times for Fulham last season, with his performances drawing plenty of praise. The USA international has struggled to produce those heroics at White Hart Lane, though, with the target found just twice in 17 outings. Dempsey was, however, able to put in a lively

Lionel Messi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

display in a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday and believes he is starting to find his feet in a central playmaking role. “I’ve been frustrated with not really getting on the ball, getting into the game and impacting games. I was able to give a bit more of an angle and drive with the ball a little bit more, and take some more shots and try to create chances for other people,” he said yesterday. “It’s good to play a part in two of the goals and I was a little bit unlucky not to get one myself, hitting the bar.

Former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, Ronaldo de Lima, would like to see Pep Guardiola take charge of Brazil after coach Mano Menezes was sacked last week. “We have great coaches in Brazil, and we need someone who shows calmness towards the team,” Ronaldo said of Guardiola yesterday. “Guardiola is the best coach in the world right now and would be a right choice for Brazil. But we would have to see whether the fans would like him or not.”

Hierro

Real Madrid assistant coach, Aitor Karanka, is tightlipped on talk of former defensive midfielder Fernando Hierro returning to the club. Hierro is being linked with a return after he left Malaga earlier this year as sports director. “My relationship with Fernando is not unknown to anyone. In my role I do not make those decisions and I cannot and should not share my opinion,” Karanka said yesterday.

Park

Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has paid tribute to QPR captain Ji-sung Park who moved from United over the summer. “The great thing about Jisung Park is he’s one of the best professionals we’ve had here,” Ferguson said yesterday. “He played for the team and whatever role you gave him, he would stick to that role. So he was a really wonderful, disciplined professional for us,”

Zaha Zaha

Manchester United must wait beyond January to land Crystal Palace Ivorienborn teenager, Wilfried Zaha. Reports yesterday said that Palace wanted Zaha to spearhead its push for the Premier League and had told manager Ian Holloway that there would be no pressure to sell in January. “It is a case of giving it our best shot to win promotion and that means keeping Wilfried at Selhurst Park,” a Palace insider said.

Our plans fo tourists –Dh

South Africa Tourism Regi AFOLABI GAMBARI on h Africa Nations Cup a have

as South Africa managed to prepare adequately in the short time to host the AFCON 2013 finals? I think South Africa is very well prepared. We are excited and look forward to welcoming the continent back to South Africa. Our hospitality industry is also ready to make you all participants feel at home throughout the competition. What kind of impact will this event have on South African tourism? The AFCON is very important to us in South Africa for a number of reasons. It gives us another opportunity to welcome African tourists to South Africa and gives us an opportunity again to showcase our destination, capability and infrastructure not only to the continent, but also to the world. We also expect fans to contribute about $154m to the economy when they come in January. What do you think of the AFCON as a celebration of the African culture? Great! We are expecting people from all over the continent to come to South Africa, have fun and a wonderful time meeting new friends, re-connecting with old friends and discovering the many lifestyle activities that South Africa possesses. What is the total budget for Orange AFCON South Africa 2013? In total, South Africa is investing $53.5m. Of this, $37m will go to South African national departments to cover costs associated with hosting (including security, protocol and migration services). A further $2m will be used by the provinces and another $14m will be used by the five host cities to cover various hosting costs. What is the current contribution of tourism to the South African economy and how are you strategising to ensure that South Africa 2013 improves that contribution? This year, Africa as a whole has been one of the strongest performing regions this year with tourist arrivals growing by 8.5 percent from January to July. We expect that we will be counting greater profit for the country at the end of the competition in February 2013.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

r AFCON 2013 hlomo

EKO 2012: Lagos athletes ready –Coach

ional Director for Africa, Phumi Dhlomo, spoke to how the company is strategising to make the 29th en for visitors from around Africa and beyond

What are your plans to encourage people from the continent o keep visiting during and beyond Afcon 2013? We have an exciting campaign to draw attention (and grow arrivals) for theAfcon championship and this campaign will run during the event and after it to maintain awareness about our destination and work to encourage the 150, 000 fans we have targeted to come to South Africa

What plans do you have to ransport fans to the earmarked stadiums? Certainly, there will be transport operated by the private and public enterprises to transport fans to each of the stadiums in the host cities. Fans from Botswana and Mozambique want to know if border times will be extended during the Afcon final… At this stage we are not sure what the decision around border times will be. However, as soon as we know, we will let the fans know.

Who do you think is going to win the Nations Cup and how much do you think Bafana Bafana are prepared? I think Bafana Bafana are well prepared and have as good a chance as any other team to do well in the championship. I am South African. So, of course, I am supporting my team. However, at the end of the day, African unity, celebration, fun, pas-

YEMI OLUS

sion and excitement will be the real winners at Afcon 2013. What measures are you at SA Tourism doing to help many Congolese currently experiencing visa challenges in getting into South Africa? We are work with the Department of Internal Affairs and other stakeholders and partners to make getting a visa as easy as possible. Although we do know that from time to time there are delays in visa procurement. But we are confident that all Congolese fans will get a visa in good time Do you think there will be enough airlift to get fans into South Africa from the markets for the Afcon finals influx? We are certain there will be ample flights available to get fans into South Africa for the Afcon. But my best advice is to explore all the options on our sites to secure flights, accommodation and other tourist services and experiences in and around South Africa for the duration of the Afcon. In view of the large number of fans expected, how will tourists find the cost affordable, particularly at this peak period of Orange AFCON SA 2013? South Africa is an exceptionally affordable, brilliant value for money destination and we are going out of our way to make AFCON especially accessible and affordable for fans of African football.

A Laloko

Laloko tasks NFF on academies AFOLABI GAMBARI

irector of the Pepsi Football Academy (PFA), Dr. Kasimawo Laloko, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sensitize football academies in the country with a view to urging them to organizing inter-academy competitions to harness the young talents for age grade competitions. Laloko, who made the call at the end of the Pepsi Football Academy National U-14 competition in Abeokuta at the weekend, said the future of football in Nigeria owed much to efficiency in organisation. “The NFF as the statutory body tasked with developing football should be alive to its responsibility,” the PFA boss remarked. The two-day event, tagged Pepsi Festival of Youth, is an annual forum

aimed at testing the skills development of U-14 players in the academy spread around its 14 training centers in the country. Consultant to Pepsi Football Academy, Mr. Iain Nelson, who was also at the event, expressed delight at the kids’ performance, even as he said that about 12 players had benefited from international exchange from two schools in the United Kingdom. The Football College (TFC), Orile Imo defeated Kaduna team 2-0 in the final which also saw the duo of Joseph Idakwoji and Chigozie Mba emerge as highest goal scorer and Most Valuable Player respectively. Highlight of the occasion include the presence of a 66-year-old USAbased Nigerian, Mr. Tunde Famodu, who cheered the players to the applause of the crowd at the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta.

Fijabi targets boxing gold

Phumi Dhlomo

ivers 2011 gold medalist, Olaide Fijabi, believes nothing can stop him from claiming gold medal again at the 18th National Sports Festival. “I believe that my constant training, dedication, support, hardworking and determination will help me to another gold medal,” the Lagos State representative said yesterday. “I am very proud of being part of Team Lagos and I thank the Commis-

sioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, and Governor Babatude Raji Fashola for their support and interest in me,” Fijabi added. “I intend to make the state proud at this festival and I will not expect anything less than gold,” the boxer further said, stressing, “I will also urge other athletes in Team Lagos to go for gold so that we can improve our last standing on the medal table in Rivers 2011.”

(throws), Abdulmalik Saliu, Matthew Egbe Sunday Taiwo (high jump) and a host of others,” Adu added. Meanwhile, renowned American athletics coach, Lee Evans, have been employed by the Lagos State Government to help resuscitate the state’s athletics. The 65-year-old, who had previously coached Nigeria’s athletics team won two gold medals in the 400m and 4x400m men’s relay at the 1968 Olympic Games.

thletics trainer, Adu Uruemu, says representatives of the host state are ready to vie for medals when the National Sports Festival begins today. Track and Field events are expected to take place in the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium while others will be held at the National Stadium, Lagos. Adu, who is one of the coaches preparing the team for EKO 2012, revealed that about 45 athletes across different events would represent the state in track and field. “The athletes have worked very hard and they are very young as well and are ready to impress,” the coach told National Mirror yesterday. “Some of the athletes include Olowora Amina (long distance), Precious Okoronkwo (jumps), Ujunwa Omolife Adu Uruemu

…Team Delta set to shine IKENWA NNABUOGOR

eam Delta has settled at its Queen Amina Hall, University of Lagos ahead of the National Sports Festival starting today, National Mirror can report. The team comprising 800 athletes arrived Lagos on Sunday on board a convoy of 30 buses which departed nine camps in Delta State. National Mirror learnt that Team Delta, led by Commissioner for Sports Amaju Pinnick, paid for accommodation at the Queen Amina at UNILAG ahead of its arrival for the festival. When National Mirror visited the Team Delta camp yesterday, athletes were seen queuing up to collect their kits provided by the Delta State government. One team official said the Team Delta was

ready to take the top position on the medals table at the end of the competition. “The state governor wouldn’t like to settle for less, hence the thorough preparation for the games,” he said. “The athletes are well taken care of and we didn’t compromise anything with regard to their welfare. I’m very optimistic that we will prevail at the end of the day.” Meanwhile, only 10 members of the medical team have had their accommodation sorted out at the Kilo Hotels, Surulere at press time yesterday, leaving out eight others that include two nurses chasing after the accommodation. There were indications, however, that the floating paramedics would be quartered in a hotel accommodation before the competition gets underway today.

Sport

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos agog as Nigeria’s Olympics open

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

ll the cities in Lagos State are agog as the 18th edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) holds in the state beginning from today to December 9. Already athletes and their officials from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have converged on the state to take part in the biggest sporting event in the country. Expectedly, this is Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games where talented sportsmen and women are spotted for future grooming. Expectations are high for the host state as Surulere and the immediate surroundings of the Teslim Balogun Stadium are wearing new look in readiness for the opening ceremony later this evening. As at time of filing in this report yesterday, National Mirror observed at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the opening and closing ceremonies that works were still ongoing on some facilities with contractors battling to meet deadline. Also, there were hiccups in the process of accrediting the participants as majority of the athletes and their officials and even sports journalists were yet to be accredited for the big event. Yesterday, the population of athletes and their officials arriving the Games Villages at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka almost reached breaking point as the organisers continued to battle to check in the newcomers. The MOC and LOC are under pressure to hold a festival that will meet and probably surpass the aspirations of the founding fathers of the NSF. This is because over the years, the hosts and participating states have willy-nilly derailed from the objectives of the festival. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has, however, pledged that Eko 2012 would be used to correct the mistakes of the past. From available records, the NSF was conceived as a socio-psychological elixir to bond the decimated psyche of the Nigerian nation which was traumatised by civil war between 1967 and 1970. After the senseless war, conscious efforts were made by the Federal Government to reunite the various peoples

of the country. And the idea of the multi-sports competition is still as relevant today as it was 29 years ago when the maiden edition was held in Lagos. Actually, the sports festival started in 1973 in Lagos and till date, except in 1983, 1987, 1993 and 1995; the festival has been religiously held biennially as a multi-sports games. Unfortunately, things have fallen apart in past competitions as the major objectives of staging the sports festival have been bastardised. In the last edition of the sports festival in Port Harcourt, allegation of commercialisation of medals almost eroded the gains of its modern era as the win-at-all-cost syndrome became a norm by the host states after the announcement of monetary rewards to the top-three states by President Goodluck Jonathan in his speech at the opening ceremony. At the ‘Garden City Games’ the Federal Government gave out the sum of N20million to the state that came top at the NSF, while N15million and N10million went to the second and third placed states and it is expected that this tradition will continue at Eko 2012 because these prizes will motivate the participants. Shortly after President Goodluck’s announcement, the issue of selling/ buying of medals was blown open and the then Permanent Secretary in the Niger State Ministry of Sports, John Tamaha, was the first to take a swipe at the LOC over the allegation. Tamaha told National Mirror that despite efforts made by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to curb cheating at the games, the cankerworm had refused to let go as it became pronounced among officials. He said, “As I speak to you some officials at the games are being chased all over the venues by very desperate highly placed individuals so that their athletes can win gold medals in

Podium and sets for the opening ceremony being fixed yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, PHOTOS: ANDREW EKEJIUBA Lagos. Inset: Governor Fashola.

their events which is terrible. Many athletes, coaches and officials from different states of the federation are involved in this mess. Gold medals are being traded for almost N200, 000 or above and this is very dangerous for the development of sports in the country. But despite the controversies, the Garden City Games upped the ante in terms of technical quality of the opening and closing ceremonies. In Port Harcourt, endless traffic snarls worked against the athletes in terms of meeting up with the time of their events. Lagos’ ‘Go Slow’ has defied various palliative measures put in place by the state government. How the LOC manages to move athletes and their officials around the venues during this period, will go a long way in determining the success or otherwise of Eko 2012.

Apart from transportation, security is another area the MOC and LOC should be awake to their responsibility throughout the festival. Apart from the current security challenges and terrorists’ nefarious activities in the country, is worth recalling that three persons, including one athlete, an official and a sports journalist (Fred Agwu), lost their lives at the Gateway Games in 2006. It is expected that at Eko 2012 the low points of the previous festivals would not be repeated, while Lagos would improve on the set standard. Festival records were set and broken in Port Harcourt. Not less is expected in the Centre of Excellence. With all the competing states looking poised to kick start hostilities in 32 sporting events after the opening ceremony today, stakeholders hope that Eko 2012 will commence and end well.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Real Estate & Environment

Why Amosun demolishes structures to rebuild Ogun FEMI OYEWESO

overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State made his threat to demolish illegal structures to pave way for infrastructural development across the state real penultimate Sunday when he stormed the streets of Abeokuta metropolis with bulldozers and started the demolition exercise. Accompanied by top government functionaries, Amosun’s team that supervised the demolition exercise were Commissioners for Works, Mr. Lekan Adegbite, Environment, Lanre Tejuosho, Information and Strategy, Yusuf Olaniyonu as well as the Director General in the Bureau of Lands, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, among others. Amosun, who walked hand-in-hand with the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Tola Kasali, intermittently stopped at some busy areas to address the cheering crowd and assured that those affected would be adequately compensated. National Mirror’s investigation revealed that Amosun deliberately embarked on the inspection of the demolition exercise with those commissioners whose ministries were directly involved in the road expansion project to enable him have an instantaneous query on any one of them who may have defaulted in the process of compensating the affected property owners which he had since approved. Aside from that, it was gathered that such inspection would afford the governor to have a first-hand access to the complaint of members of the public on their feelings about the demolition for reconstruction across the metropolis. Beyond this, however, observers have continued to ponder on why Amosun was so much concerned at this time with such demolition for reconstruction exercise. While many are of the view that the governor was trying to play politics that is aimed at endearing him to the the electorates in the state against his re-election, others said he was on a course to fulfill his electioneering campaign promises which he had hinged on the five cardinal programmes of his party principal, among which was the urban renewal and rural and infrastructure development in the state. Another category of observers in Ogun polity have also argued that the governor has a mandate to satisfy the yearnings of the people of the state on all fronts through his administration’s five cardinal programmes which, they said, formed the fulcrum for the demolition exercise. These set of people further stated that Amosun was already writing his name in gold, going by the kind of projects he has embarked upon with the lean purse of the state. They concluded that Amosun’s unusual passion to rebuild Ogun has been the propelling factor in all his road expansion projects. Prior to his assumption of office in May 2011, roads within Abeokuta metropolis were not befitting of the status of a state capital. Abeokuta was then like a glorified local government headquarters because of the road networks. The planning was also poor in all nooks and crannies. In realising that, his administration started rebuilding to meet up with international standard as well as to attract investors to the state as promised by the state governor during the Business Investors’ forum held in the state earlier in March this year. At the two day investors’ forum themed: Ogun State: Open for Business, Amosun pledged the commitment of his administration to delivering on good governance, particularly urban renewal and infrastructure development of the state in such a way that would-be investors would find it easier to invest their money, thereby creating more employment opportunity in the state. “We believe that any discerning investor will recognise that these are the essential ingredients for successful and sustainable investment”, the governor enthused. Already, the pilot scheme has been set at the Oke Sokori/ Totoro/ Ita – Eko six lane road which has since been

Amosun (right) speaking with market women at Itoku during the demolition exercise.

Demolition of structures along Ibara-Omida Road, Abeokuta to pave way for road construction.

commissioned. The road is also adorned with about-to-becompleted bridge which is first of its kind in the history of Ogun. This gave him the courage to embark on aggressive road expansion across the three Senatorial Districts of the state. He has therefore, announced the re-construction and upgrading of 12 roads across the state which included; the 32 kilometer Sango/Ojodu road, the 4.8 kilometer Ilo/Awela road in Sango, the 34 kilometre Lafenwa/Ayetoro road as well as the 9 kilometer Ojere/Adatan round-about road among the 12 roads. Having been satisfied with the accolades received over the completion of Ita - Eko/Oke Sokori/Totoro pilot scheme, the elated governor declared before the people of the state while hosting traditional rulers from Ogun Central and Yewa Zone to break-of-fast, known in Islam as Iftar, at the Government House, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta that his administration would not relent on the work already started. “Let me re-assure the good people of Ogun State that we will continue to work to advance the development of our state. The work will continue as we have started and unprecedented development will be witnessed across the state, as the mission to rebuild is on course”. Penultimate Sunday however, the state governor took many traders by surprise when he reeled out the caterpillars and bulldozers and started demolishing to pave way for reconstruction, within the Abeokuta metropolis. As early as 7 am when he commenced demolition of the 9 kilometer Ojere/Adatan round-about road, the exercise was greeted with unusual and wild jubilations of traders at some of the affected age long markets, particularly in Panseke and post office area. The story was the same over the 34 kilometer Enu – Gada/ Lafenwa/Ayetoro road when Amosun’s supervisory team got to the popular Itoku markets and was greeted with astonishing jubilation, welcoming him to the area. Unlike what was experienced during the demolition

exercise which eventually paved way for the Totoro/ItaEko/Sokori road, the level of compliance with government’s quit order in the areas affected was high as many affected traders on their own accord, were seen removing valuables that could be salvaged from their properties before the bulldozers get to them. About a week earlier, the same market men and women had protested the planned demolition of the market by the state government. They had vowed to be crushed along with their stocks whenever the government caterpillar and bulldozers come to begin demolition, but made a u-turn when Amosun got to the market and addressed them. During their protest earlier, many had complained that they had just replenished their stock and had no alternative place to sell for the Yuletide. They also pleaded with the state government to allow then erect tents and sell for the season which the state government also consented to. Addressing the traders and property owners, an elated Amosun expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance by the people and promised that his administration would not disappoint them. “I feel very proud today that I am from Ogun State, most of you have complied and we are happy that you showed understanding on this project”. One of the affected property owner, the Oluwo of Ilewo, Chief George Abijo who spoke with National Mirror at the scene of the demolition, welcomed the exercise and described the governor’s effort at giving the state a befitting roads as a welcomed idea. Meanwhile, the jubilation was not without a restrain as there were some pockets of complaints from some traders who said they had no alternative place with which to sell or keep their product particularly for the Yuletide period. Governor Amosun however, promised to provide temporary shed for the marker women when the construction of road lasted.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How to choose custom design walk-in closet organisers

walk-in closet is a very large closet that is big enough for a person to enter and is often as large as a small room. This kind of closet differs from normal closets which, while also used for storage, are not large enough to enter. In most cases, a walk-in closet adjoins the master bedroom in a house or apartment. In particularly lavish houses, apartments, and mansions, multiple bedrooms may be outfitted with a walk-in closet. However, even in these cases the walk-in closet in the master bedroom is usually the largest and the most lavish. The size, dimensions, and layout of a walk-in closet can vary quite a bit. A rather simple example would be a closet that was designed like a short, dead- end hallway with a rack for hanging clothes on one side. This kind of walk-in closet may closely resemble the design of a kitchen pantry. Larger walk-in closets may be large enough for multiple racks and dressers. They may even have Culled from www.wisegeek.com

WHETHER THE SPACE IS LIT BY NATURAL LIGHT, ARTIFICIAL LIGHT OR BOTH, LIGHTING SYSTEMS IN CLOSETS ARE IMPORTANT enough space for a vanity, couch, or chaise lounge. In most cases, walk-in closets do not have windows. However, there are some cases of very large closets that are designed in a manner that allows natural light to enter the space. Whether the space is lit by natural light, artificial light, or both, lighting systems in closets are important. As they are naturally dark spaces, it is important for the lighting design for a walk-in closet to allow one to see well and locate items or store items as needed. In some large walk-in closets, there are floor-level lights as well as lights at the ceiling level in order to illuminate the clothing from top and bottom angles and improve visibility within the space.

Walk-in closet organisers should create an easily accessible storage space. You should choose organisers that display your clothing and accessories within easy reach. To avoid a mismatched look in closet organisers, choose a consistent style and the same materials. You should also consider your budget when choosing walk-in closet organizers. Shelving, racks, bins and drawers designed for walk-in closets range from inexpensive to expensive. The styles include modern, traditional and romantic. Popular materials for walk-in closet organizers include metal, wood, plastic and cardboard. In general, plastic and cardboard are the most economical choices, while metal may be more mid-

priced. Wood walk-in organizer pieces for closets may be either lower or higher in cost, depending on whether the material is fine hardwood or thrifty particle board. The more customised you can make your closet, the better itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely to be in terms of having everything where you need it. For example, a person with a lot of sweaters may need walk-in closet drawers, while someone with a large shoe collection could likely make better use of the space with racks instead. Hooks can be a great addition to any type of walk-in closet organizers as they make good holders for a variety of accessories, from scarves and ties to belts and purses. For very large closets, the centre floor area may be ideal for a bench to use when putting on shoes. For extra walk-in closet storage, the type of bench with a flip-up lid that reveals space inside can be a good choice.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

PPP: Engineers urged to embrace entrepreneurial skills STORIES: DAYO AYEYEMI

igerian engineers have been urged to embrace entrepreneurial skills to enable them tap into different investment opportunities in the country. Speaking during the Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch at the weekend, National Vice President of the society, Mr Otis Anyaeji, said there was need for them to have inner re-awakening to seize opportunities available in PPP. The theme of the conference/ Annual General Meeting was, “Nigerian Engineer and the Public Private Partnership Transformation of the Economy.” Anyaeji lamented that most of the PPP projects given out in the country, no engineer or engineering firm was seen in the fore front, whereas most of the projects are engineering intensive. He listed MM2 and the controversial Lagos-Ibadan Expressway concessioning as some of the PPP projects not awarded to engineers. He said, “Anybody who reads engineering economy has done a little bit of business opportunity and vocation. Engineers should wake up to various opportunities that abound.” For engineers to tap into PPP, he urged them to undergo further training to be able to develop skills in investment opportunities.

(L-R) : UNDP Communications Specialist, Mr. Kelechi Onyemaobi ; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Adebola Afun ; Prof. Niyi Osuntogun, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Dr. Taofeek Folami, at a 2-day workshop to celebrate Environmental Journalism in Nigeria held last week in Lagos

Anyaeji said PPP project is hinged on having link to financial success to carry the project through, adding that the concession of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway failed because stakeholders were left out. He stated that phases of PPP projects include their preparation, request for proposals to define what is to be done, revenue expected and timing in great details. If these are not properly spelt out, he said such project cannot be sustainable. According to the vice president of

NSE, PPP is done on certain techniques for the purposes of risk and reward sharing by the private sector and government, adding that the need for PPP arose owing to general shortage of public fund for development of capital project. He said, “Also, it is meant to promote economic growth in the shortest time because before a country can attract Foreign Direct Investment, infrastructure in the right quantities and qualities must be there. For PPP project to be successful, he

said such facility must be attractive, risk involved must not be too craved, and sources of fund must not be too rigid for equity and development. Chairman of Lagos Branch of NSE, Mr. Olatunde Jaiyesimi, said the theme of the conference was chosen to highlight the importance of engineers as the hub of development of a nation. He said, “There is no aspect of development where engineer is not deeply involved. When you talk of effective transportation, communication, power generation, power transmission, power distribution, housing, water supply system, and so on, engineer is there. In short engineer is everywhere.” The conference also showcased products of some companies to afford people and engineers to establish direct links with companies that deal in products and provide services as the need may arise. Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr Chuks Omeife, condemned some of the reforms in the construction sector, saying they were not far reaching enough. According to him, the sector is seen as money spinning but government has not put in place policy to protect local professionals. Omeife cited Singapore and Malaysia examples, saying many of their constructions being housing, bridges and road infrastructure are being done by local professionals.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway contract: FG’s decision long overdue –Experts

Climate Change: Rich nations score poorly for not meeting promises

arely one week after the Federal Government announced the termination of the concession of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway granted to BiCourtney Highway Services almost fouryears ago, Nigerians have not stopped to express views on the decision of the authority. The concession of the road, which was granted Bi-Courtney Consortium on May 8, 2009 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was for N89.53bn for a period of 25 years under a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer, scheme. Three and half years down the line, the major expressway which links Lagos to many parts of the country rather than being improved has turned to death traps to many Nigerians plying the road on daily basis. Speaking to National Mirror about the concession’s revocation yesterday, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Professor Omotayo Fakinlede, said the decision of the federal government was long overdue since the concessionaire has not be able to deliver the project, but warned Nigerians not to rejoice yet. According to him, there was nothing to rejoice about, adding that what happened was a true revelation about lack of due diligence in the whole exercise. He advised that this is the right time for major stakeholders especially engineers to guide federal the direction to go

he most detailed analysis to date of how well rich nations have kept promises to provide poorer ones with funds to tackle climate change was released today.

Omeife

now that it has revoked the concession agreement and awarded it to Messrs Julius Berger and RCC Construction. President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Chuks Omeife, described the decision of the government as a straight forward issue, saying the company has failed to deliver the road. According to him, the concession of the project was given without allowing due diligence to take its course, urging government the need to have sincerity of purpose when awarding contract. Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Otis Anyaeji, stated that lack of stakeholders’ participation in the exercise and the hurried nature with which the concession agreement was signed was responsible for its failure.

The research, published by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), concludes that rich nations have collectively failed to fulfil eight substantive pledges. The study comes as countries prepare for the latest round of intergovernmental climate-change negotiations, which begin next week in Doha. The wealthier nations promised in 2009 to provide developing countries with $30 billion by the end of 2012, and said this should be “new and additional” finance balanced between support for adaptation and mitigation activities. They made additional pledges about transparency, governance and the need to help the most vulnerable nations first. But so far, only $23.6 billion of the $30 billion promised has been committed. And only 20 per cent of the fast start finance has been allocated to projects that will help poor nations adapt to a changing climate. Less than half of the fast start finance is in the form of grants. The rest is loans, which means poor countries must repay with interest the costs of adapting to a problem they have not caused. And rich nations have not provided

enough transparent information to prove that their contributions are really new and not just diverted from existing aid budgets. To examine transparency in more detail, the researchers evaluated donor nations across 24 measures. On the resulting scorecard, no donor nation scored more than 67 per cent. “Without transparency about how and when rich countries will meet their climate finance pledges, developing countries are left unable to plan to adequately address and respond to climate change,” says co-author Timmons Roberts of Brown University in the United States, whose Climate and Development Lab led the research. David Ciplet, also of Brown University, adds: “Only two of the ten donors we assessed are delivering their fair share of climate finance, based on their ability to pay and how much they have contributed to climate change through emitting greenhouse gases in recent decades.” On these measures, Norway has performed best, providing five times its fair share. At the other end of the scale, both Iceland and the United States contributed less than half their fair share. The broken promises will make it harder for developing countries to take seriously what richer nations say at the UN climate change talks, which take place in Doha, Qatar from November 26 to December 7.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Novice landlords more likely to face disputes, inventory, experts warn

Belgravia property, London

ovice landlords are at risk of deposit disputes as many are failing to prepare all the correct paperwork, warns the UK’s Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC). According to Property Wire report, there has been a huge increase in the number of accidental landlords over the last few years as many home owners have been forced into renting their property, due to range of circumstances from

negative equity to the depressed housing market and divorce. The AIIC believes that landlords, especially accidental landlords, often have unrealistic expectations on wear and tear damage, which ultimately leads to a significant rise in tenant disputes. It says that all landlords need to be realistic about tenants and wear and tear. They need to remember that the property is a business transaction and as such,

reasonable wear and tear damage to a property needs to be recognised and accepted as part of the rental agreement. ‘In addition to having a tenancy agreement, it’s important that accidental landlords ensure all formal agreements and procedures are in place, such as a professional inventory and schedule of condition,’ said Pat Barber, chair of the AIIC. ‘Landlords and tenants have different expectations when it comes to fair wear

and tear issues, so it is no wonder that so many tenancies end in dispute. Landlords cannot expect ‘new for old’ when something is damaged, as everything has an expectancy of useful life and will need to be replaced periodically at the landlords’ expense,’ she explained. She also pointed out that tenants have a duty to return the property at the end of the tenancy in a condition consistent with that described on the inventory. ‘This is why it is vital for landlords to have a detailed and accurate inventory to show the condition the property at the start of the tenancy, in order to assess whether its condition is consistent,’ she said. ‘An independent inventory will enable both parties to be treated fairly and reasonably. By opening a dialogue and using an independent inventory clerk, disputes can be resolved quicker and without the hassle that is often experienced at the end of a tenancy period,’ she added. The AIIC is offering a new one day workshop covering the whole check out process, ideal for all landlords. End of tenancy check-out inspections can be contentious if not handled correctly, causing wasted time, energy and money for all parties. The AIIC expertise offers in depth training on: the practicalities of carrying out a check out; what to look for; finding hidden damage to ensure that the landlord’s property is protected; what is chargeable and what is not; handling tenants in difficult situations and how to avoid going to dispute.

NIS seeks removal of Land Use Act from constitution LASG, UNDP celebrate environment journalists OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

s discussion on amendment of the constitution continues across the country, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has canvassed for the removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution to foster easy amendment to suite the contemporary time. Instead of making it a constitutional issue with all its encumbrances in terms of amendment, the NIS President, Mr. Bode Adeaga who spoke during a media interaction on the programme of the newly constituted executive council in Abuja yesterday, stated that it should rather be made an Act of Parliament for easy amendment. He said the demand formed part of the recommendations of the Institution in the ongoing debates on the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution. The Land Use Act, which vested ownership of lands in the hands of states governments, has been under knocks from various stakeholders in the housing development sector because of its propensity for abuses. Adeaga said, “We have submitted memorandum on the Land Use Act, titling and mapping, land documentation and boundary issues. Our suggestion is that the Land Use Act, which vested ownership on the purview of state governments, be taken out of the constitution and made an Act of Parliament in other to simplify the process of amendment.

He also argued that the Land Use Act undermined surveying profession, stressing that there was no place in it where the role of surveyors was mentioned. The NIS boss also blamed the issue of land grabbing in the country on the failure government to produce a complete mapping to determine which land had been developed and the one that had not been developed. “As developed as Nigeria is, professionally we have not been doing things right. For instance, our land tenure system is faulty. Nigeria has not been able to complete the total mapping of the country so as to know what land has been developed and which one has not been developed, the features and the things that are there. “I think this is why the Federal Government deemed it fit to put in place land reform commission so as to put things in perspective. The Land Use Act tends to streamline things by saying that land is now being held in trust for the people by the government. “But despite this, the Act still recognises the customary right. Also because of our land tenure system which we have not addressed, we are having problem. Families still lay claim to ownership of land and villages too. You also find out that not all the boundaries have been demarcated. Boundaries between states are still creating problem. These are the areas government still have a lot to do. But individual land grabbing is illegal,” he said.

n order to enhance the capacity of media practitioners reporting the environment and reward excellence, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and UNDP recently hosted a 2-day workshop to celebrate accomplished environment journalists in Nigeria with a view to drawing examples from their success stories. The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello stated that the workshop with the theme, “Taming the Climate change monster with the power of the pen: Nigeria journalists in focus” was a reflection of the growing alliance of the state government with the multilateral body in pushing the cause of the environment further. He also noted, “Climate change as we all know is no longer a far flung scientific jargon associated with the Western World as some pessimists would want us to believe. Climate change is a global phenomenon with varying impacts from region to region, from the developed to the developing and underdeveloped worlds, the reality of climate change is becoming more and more evident”. Bello stressed that one of the determining factors that would guarantee victory against the scourge of climate change was the task of educating over seven billion world inhabitants on the dynamics of climate change. His words: “if the needed societal transformation to meet the climate change challenge is to be achieved, then the media must rise up to its traditional

roles in the society. On professional excellence, he noted that the media needed to do more particularly in the realm of advocacy and exchange of climate change information, adding that the responsibility of educating the government and the governed on these enormous realities largely rested on the media. He encouraged enterprising journalists to explore reports on various dimensions of the climate change saying that, “Climate Change is not the only environmental problem. It is an aspect of the bigger challenge, which is the unsustainable way we are living on Earth and managing our natural resources. The task we all have in our hands is to bring about change in the ways we do things”. He added that the awards which the ministry and UNDP were presenting to environmental journalists at the event would go a long way in affirming the roles of journalists in communicating accurate, timely and sensitive information to the public. “I am therefore glad that we are going to recognise excellence in environmental journalism and we hope that we will promote more of such champions and thereby create a multiplier effect”, he said. Bello who was also a practicing journalist, said that, “the profession was vital for dissemination of information, knowledge sharing and global engagement of minds in understanding and contributing to developmental issues.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Oritsejafor’s jet is 18-yr-old, costs N769.3m to acquire

he recently acquired 10-seater Bombardier-Challenger 601 jet with the The Bombardier/Challenger 601 jet recently acquired by the President, Christian Association of United States of America’s regis- Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is generating ripples not only in the Christendom, but also among tration number N431CB belonging to the Nigerians. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes. President of Christian Association of NiFACTS ABOUT ORITSEJAFOR’S CHALLENGER 601 JET geria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is 18 Aircraft cost: $4.9 million years old. Landing & Parking N81, 264.06 The Canadian-made Bombardier jet, charges: which was manufactured in 1994 and preC-Checks cost: About $1million viously used by two different owners in C-Checks duration: 12 to 18 months the USA including C R BARD IN of MurWeight: 65, 000 ray Hill, New Jersey costs the church $4.9million (N769,300,000) to acquire. Cockpit (two), Cabin Crew: Crew (two), Aircraft The church had announced the ‘gift’ at engineers (minimum a massive party that marked Oritsejafor’s of two) 40th anniversary on the pulpit on NovemFuel capacity: 6,164 litres ber 10, 2012 in Warri, Delta State. President Fuel capacity shortfall: 3,003 litres Goodluck Jonathan was in attendance at Feet: 68 feet,54 inches long the event where the pastor received the jet. Wingspan: 64 feet, 4 inches According to online information, the Wing area: Occupies 520 square jet’s owners in New Jersey had listed it feet of space for sale in July 2012. The data also showed Height: 20 feet, 8 inches tall. that the jet had once been upgraded to give it more engine power. The jet’s interior is unscheduled maintenance, keeping the furnished with gold accents in the toilet The Bombardier-Challenger jet belonging to Pastor Oritsejafor flight crew, landing and parking chargand bathroom area. T S UNFORTUNATE es and the use of Air Operator’s CerWith the acquisition, Oritsejafor has tificate (AOC), which usually belongs to added to the growing list of clergymen THAT HRIST S airlines, among others. and billionaire businessmen who flaunt Kyari, added that some unplanned extheir wealth with purchase of private jets MESSAGE OF LOVE penses also occurred from time to time. in the country. Some Nigerians with prefAND COMPASSION Also, the President, National Associerence for luxury jets include Alhaji Aliko ation of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Dangote, Chief Mike Adenuga, Barr. JiFOR THE POOR IS Engr. Isaac Balami, said that acquisimoh Ibrahim, Sir. Joseph Arumemi-Johntion of private jets by Nigerians has inson of Arik Air, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, OFTEN TURNED ON creased in the last four years despite the Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Sam AdeyITS HEAD AS SOME economic crunch in the globe. emi among others. Balami emphasised that it was moralWhile the market for many products is OF OUR WELL KNOWN ly wrong for Nigerian private jet owners shrinking, private jet manufacturers and to register their jets outside the country, dealers have found a ready market in NiIGERIAN PASTORS saying that such prevents Nigerian engeria. Indeed, Bombardier and Hawker COMPETE FOR gineers from carrying out maintenance Beechcraft Corporation, both jet manufacOritsejafor on the jets. He said Nigeria has competurers, are smiling to the banks courtesy PRIVATE JETS AND rate is slightly higher if the aircraft leaves tent local pilots and engineers who he of Nigerian billionaires. the airport and returns at night, which is said are made jobless by expatriates Before the reform of 2009, which exOTHER RICHES OF regarded as the pick period at the Murtala who work on the foreign registered jets. posed the weakness of the Nigerian banks, THIS WORLD He said, “Nigerian billionaires have Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. no fewer than five Chief Executives OfHowever, if is registered as residing in refused to de-register their private jets ficers owned private jets, but the reforms message of love and compassion for the Lagos, the church is not expected to pay from foreign countries. Our people are in the banking sector made some of them poor is often turned on its head as some of to put the jets for sale while others lease our well-known Nigerian pastors compete parking charges at the Lagos Airport, but losing jobs everyday. We have people for private jets and other riches of this if it is parked outside the state or airport, that can do the job, several local pilots them. the church pays for parking at the airport. and maintenance engineers. Even in Overflying the Nigerian airspace today world.” Oritsejafor’s aircraft weighs 65, 000 and Ghana, foreign private jets do not opThe pastor also deplored the undue emare some of the best and, of course, most expensive private jets these companies phasis on prosperity preaching, adding has two cockpit crew, two cabin crew and erate in the country for over two years that the pastors are “too frequently pros- aeronautic engineers attached to it with without being de-registered. It does not have on offer. As at the last count, there are over 120 pered while their congregants continue to the fuel capacity at 6,164 litres, while happen. ”We have 100 per cent local capacity to the fuel capacity shortfall is 3,003 litres. private jets belonging to different Nigeri- suffer in poverty.” Every aircraft has some ‘rot ables,’ do this job. These are eight to 20-passenIn March 2011, Bishop David Oyedepo, ans scattered all over the country, according to a source close to the Nigerian Civil acquired a Gulfstream V jet for $30m which are time-bound parts in air- ger jets. Even Aero, Arik and Dana do (N4.5bn). Oyedepo, who presides over the craft that have to be changed regularly. the minor regular maintenance of their Aviation Authority (NCAA). 80 per cent of these private jets carry foreign registra- Winners Chapel, now owns a private col- Those spare parts either used or not are aircraft within the country. We have tion, with most of them registered in for- lection of four aircraft. In addition to his changed after every 12 or 15 months. hangars for that. But because these jets are on foreign registration, the expatrilatest acquisition, he previously owned Same thing applies to private jets. eign countries especially South Africa. To carry out a C-Check on the Chal- ates come in to do the job here.” While unraveling the rationale behind two Gulfstream planes and a Bombardier “If the Federal Government refuses the registration of most of the planes in Challenger Aircraft. He is also reportedly lenger jet, it will cost the church about foreign countries and not Nigeria, Nation- creating a private hanger to accommodate $1m. C-Checks on aircraft are carried to compel these billionaires to de-register the airplanes as is being done in out every 12 to 18 months. al Mirror learnt that any plane registered his jets, which could cost some millions of Besides, unlike the commercial air- other parts of the world, I doubt if we on 5N, call sign for a Nigerian-registered dollars to put together. A report recently said that he was put- craft that are charged per hour, private won‘t go the union way.” plane, hardly gets money for value. So, The luxurious and spacious cabin of apart from possible concealment of own- ting two of the earlier jets for sales, but as jets are charged daily. Also, it is not ership identity, good valuation is also one at the time of filing this report, it was not cheap to own and maintain a private the Challenger 601 is perfect to conduct meetings or simply relax. The Chaljet. On the average, it costs hundreds of major reason the planes are registered clear if the report was true. Also, Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the thousands of dollars annually to main- lenger 601 is a private jet well-suited for abroad most especially in South Africa. frequent cross-country trips under rigSince the acquisition of the aircraft, Redeemed Christian Church of God is a tain a personal plane. A member of the Aviation Round Ta- orous conditions. Oritsejafor has come under criticisms proud jet owner. In March 2009, Adeboye The Challenger 601 was 68 feet, 5 spent $30m (about N4.5bn) on a Gulfstream ble and an aeronautic engineer with the most especially from his fellow men of defunct national carrier, Nigeria Air- inches long. The wingspan expanded to God. A New York-based Nigerian pastor jet amidst widespread criticism. For Oritsejafor’s aircraft, it will cost the ways Limited, Engr. Sheri Kyari, listed 64 feet, 4 inches, and the wing area ocdecried the rush by several Nigerian pastors to acquire extremely expensive ob- church about N81, 264.06 as landing and the costs associated with the ownership cupied 520 square feet of space. The 601 jects saying “It’s unfortunate that Christ’s parking charges during the day while the of private jets to include scheduled and stood 20 feet, 8 inches tall.

I ’

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Aviation

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tukur cautions Uzodinma over plans to discredit Demuren STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Assistant Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Alhaji Muhammed Tukur over the weekend cautioned the Chairman, Senate Committee of Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma over alleged move to ridicule the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren before the public. Speaking with journalists in his residence in Lagos, Tukur said that a move to rubbish the achievements of Demuren over the years in office was being spearheaded by the senate committee chairman and wondered why he was taking such moves now when the industry is just recovering from the Dana Air crash of June 3, 2012. He explained that part of the moves was to indict him with the maintenance hangar facilities he (Demuren) built at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. He informed that the hangar was under construction before Demuren was appointed the Director-General, NCAA in December 2005, maintaining that no amount of blackmail would make Demuren lose focus in moving the sector forward. Demuren before his appointment by former President Chief

Tukur

Olusegun Obasanjo was the Managing Director of Afrijet Airlines while Tukut also worked as Director of Communications for the same airline in 2007. He warned that if Uzodinma did not decelerate his “baseless criticisms,” the sector would return to the era of plane crashes, which enveloped the industry between 2005 and 2006, purporting that some stakeholders in the sector intentionally filled Uzodinma false information for their selfish reasons. He said, “I think it is important we come out to clear this baseless allegation being carried about by Uzodinma against Demuren. First, Demuren resigned his appointment as Managing Director of Afrijet immediately after his appointment and part of his shares were returned to him by the management. Even, as I’m talking to

you right now, the management of Afrijet still owes him some money, but since he has been appointed, he never stepped his legs into the office of the airline. “Then on the hangar facilities, there’s nothing wrong with him owning a hangar. He started the hangar before his appointment and even, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had stepped in and he was given certificate of clearance. So, what is the hullaballoo about the hangar?” “Uzodinma is totally wrong about Demuren and I want to believe that he’s being pressurised by some unscrupulous elements in the sector who want the industry to return to yesteryears and dominate other airlines. Those people who are propelling people up for his position should wait for their time. He won’t be there till eternity, but they should let him finish his tenure.” He claimed that some union leaders of Air Nigeria were actually used against the management of the airline by a particular airline, which was threatened by the emergence and dominance of the airline. It will be recalled that the Chairman, Air Nigeria, Barrister Jimoh brahim, OFR in one of the press statements insisted that the unions were bribed from a competing airline to disrupt the operations of Air Nigeria.

United Airlines marks first anniversary of Lagos – Houston service

nited Airlines last week celebrated its first anniversary of service between Lagos and its Houston hub, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, with a reception at the United States of America (USA) Consul General, Jeffrey Hawkins. United had inaugurated its Lagos-Houston service on Nov. ember 17, 2011, offering the first-ever non-stop scheduled service between Nigeria and Texas, USA. From its Houston hub, the airline operates nearly 600 daily non-stop flights to

A United Airlines aircraft

180 destinations throughout the Americas and beyond. United’s Sales Manager for Nigeria, Gary Bidmead, and Hawkins were joined at the reception by 200 guests including government officials and United’s corporate and trade partners. The airline expressed joy for the successful completion of its first year operations on the Houston route and commended its many clients for relying on the airline in the last one year. “We owe our success to the important partnerships we have built and our commitment to of-

fering customers industry-leading products and services - as demonstrated by the introduction of our much-anticipated Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the route early next year,” Bidmead said. Besides, Bidmead revealed that effective from January 8, 2013 (westbound), United’s 787 Dreamliner will operate the Lagos-Houston service, making Nigeria’s business capital the first destination in United’s trans-Atlantic network to be served by the aircraft. Configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 seats in United Economy, the Dreamliner will revolutionise the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. He said that customers will experience greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

What does Senator Hope Uzodinma want?

enator Hope Uzodinma is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation and as a committee; it has the right to conduct regular oversight functions on the activities in the aviation sector, but is seems rather than giving unbiased information to the public, the committee is bent on destroying the sector and returning it to the era of plane crashes. Just last week, Uzodinma in a press interview with some veteran aviation journalists who are expected to be knowledgeable about the sector, intentionally misinformed the public and unfortunately, the veterans swallowed all the misinformation and passed such to the public unedited. For instance, Uzodinma lied that MD 83 aircraft being flown by Dana Air is no longer in use anywhere in the world, but Airside wants to inform the honourable

Senator that 40 per cent of MD 83 aircraft in operations in the world today are operating in the United States of America. Also, Uzodinma claimed that the crashed aircraft of Dana Air was not insured by Lloyds Insurance Company of London. That too, is a big misinformation to the public. The aircraft was properly insured and confirmed by the management of the insurance company too who visited the country after of the crash. Again, unconfirmed report alleged that Uzodinma was busy spreading the picture of the maintenance hangar facilities belonging to the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren when he was supposed to be sleeping in his hotel room when the committee visited Lagos for facility tours. What does Senator Hope Uzodinma want? Hope anyone can tell Airside?

FAAN Vs Maevis: FAAN 1 – Maevis 0

he dislodgment of Maevis Nigeria Limited, a concessionaire to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in March came with its own critics. While some sections of the aviation industry players commended the agency for its boldness to terminate the contract, others felt it would further rubbish the ongoing Public Private Participation (PPP) scheme of the Federal Government. However, despite the furore generated by the “abrupt” termination of the five years concession agreement, the concessionaire headed to the law court to challenge his eviction and sued the Managing Director, FAAN,

Mr. George Uriesi for contempt of court. Last week, the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos dismissed the charge of contempt brought against Uriesi. The court also dismissed the wrongful termination of contract initiated by Maevis against FAAN. Airside feels the last may not have been heard on this legal tussle between the two parties as it is certain that the concessionaire will appeal the judgment and may even go as far as the Supreme Court. As the legal battle unfolds, Airside is watching with keen interest on whose side the pendulum will eventually swing, but so far, FAAN 1-Maevis 0.

Qatar Airways’ first Boeing 787 dreamliner lands in Doha

atar Airways last week celebrated yet another historic milestone as its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed on home turf in Doha greeted by hundreds of cheering onlookers. The new aircraft has 254 seats in a two-class layout of 22 seats in Business Class in a 1–2–1 configuration, turning into flat beds with plenty of space to work, sleep, eat or relax. In Economy Class, there are 232 seats in a 3–3–3 spacious layout. An online statement from the media consultant of the airline in Nigeria stated that Qatar Airways is the region’s 787 launch customer with 60 aircraft on order for delivery in phases over the next few years. The statement stated that

the 787 will spend a few days positioned at Doha International Airport giving staff an opportunity to tour the aircraft before it enters commercial service for a few weeks on selected Doha – Dubai flights from late this month and then deployed long-haul on one of the five daily London Heathrow services. As more 787s join the fleet over the next few weeks, the aircraft will be inducted on other long-haul routes including Zurich, Frankfurt and Delhi. Upon arrival in Doha, Al Baker hosted a press conference at which he spoke of his pride and joy on behalf of Qatar Airways of the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft joining the airline’s rapidly growing fleet that now totals 112 jetliners.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

IGI, Mutual Life, others yet to get approval on 2011 account

nsurers in the country are presently going through a hard time passing the test and requirement of the industry’s regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), on their annual report and accounts. It has become tougher for them, especially in the 2011 financial year end to meet with the standard of the regulator. They have been on their toes as NAICOM insists it will not settle for anything less than a perfect and correct account. The commission had also shifted the submission deadline for end of year financial return from June 30 to March 31 as it believes that the health of the organisations would be ascertained early along with other financial service sector for the interest of policy holders, investors and the general public. According to the commission, as at Friday, November 23, 10 insurance companies are yet to get their accounts approved by NAICOM and have been queried. This is eight months after the 2011 financial year end. Acting Director, Supervision, Mr. Opara Nicholas in an exclusive interview with National Mirror said among these 12 are Mutual Life, Capital Express and Industrial and General Insurance Plc. He said Goldlink Insurance, A&G Insurance Plc, Investment and Allied Insurance and Spring Life are currently going through one intervention or the other by the regulator and are not expected to submit any report at the moment. He further disclosed that the commission has approved the accounts of 43 insurance companies after rigorous check. “We produced a report on Thursday and by the report we have list of companies that we approved and 10 that have not been approved. “Out of this group, there are companies where we have one form of intervention or the other. They are Goldlink, A&G and others like Investment and Allied and Spring Life. However, we are not expecting any report from these set because we have appointed interim managers to look into their books and get back to us. “From my record, we have approved the accounts of 43 companies but there was one that just got approval on yesterday. We have queried 12 companies and we are waiting for their response. We also decided not to wait for too long when we did not get good response to our query from them on time and so we were in their offices in Lagos last week to find out why they are not responding and have a common ground with them. Opara stated that NAICOM officials from the supervisory department visited Mutual benefit Life, Capital Express and IGI. He said company like Universal was also queried but has responded and gotten approval while African Alliance has submitted their account, adding that the account so far is passable. He reiterated that the objective of the regulatory body is to ensure that the report of financial companies is reliable and they can give true state of the company. “Although they have all submitted their accounts, they have issues to settle. When we met them, some of them discussed their outstanding issues over their trade account. We expect that by the end of this week, the ones that have not responded to our query would have done so”, he said. Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel had earlier said that before approval can be given for any company’s account, the company must be able to substantiate all the facts and figures quoted. He said the commission is not interested in killing any company but would not allow any inconveniency or errors. Head Corporate Affairs, IGI, Mr. Steve Ilo explained that the company is trying to consolidate the financial reports of its subsidiaries outside the country. Efforts to speak with spokesman of Mutual Benefit, proved abortive as at press time. He said without getting their results, it would be difficult to consolidate the group’s account in compliance

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has maintained strict reporting standard in the financials of insurance companies in the country. Investigation by National Mirror revealed that out of 59 insurance companies that are in existence, 10 of them are yet to get approval on their 2011 annual report and accounts eight months after the 2011 financial year end. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports.

Okonjo-Iweala

Daniel

ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE ALL

SUBMITTED THEIR ACCOUNTS,

THEY HAVE ISSUES TO SETTLE.

WHEN WE MET THEM, SOME OF THEM DISCUSSED THEIR OUTSTANDING ISSUES OVER

THEIR TRADE ACCOUNT.

EXPECT THAT BY THE END OF THIS WEEK, THE ONES THAT

HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO OUR QUERY WOULD HAVE DONE SO with Statements of Accounting Standards, issued by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. There are 59 insurance companies in the country with 17 operating as Life, 32 as Non Life and 10 as Composite. They include Alliance & General Life Assurance Plc; African Alliance Insurance Company Ltd; ADIC Life Assurance Ltd; ADIC Insurance Company Ltd; AIICO Insurance Plc; AIICO General Insurance Company Ltd; Anchor Insurance Company Ltd; Capital Express Assurance Limited; Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc; Cornerstone Insurance Plc; Cystal Life Insurance Limited; Crusader General Insurance Ltd; Crusader Life Insurance Limited; Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc; Goldlink Insurance Plc; Great Nigeria Life; Spring Life Assurance Plc; Guaranty Trust Assurance; Guinea Insurance Plc; Industrial & General Insurance Plc; Insurance PHB Limited; International Energy Insurance Plc; UnityKapital Assurance Plc; Lasaco Assurance Plc; Lasaco Life Assurance; Law Union & Rock Insurance Company Plc; Leadway Assurance

MD, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, Mr. Eddie Efekoha

Company Limited; Linkage Assurance PLC; Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc; Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Company Ltd; NEM Insurance Plc; Niger Insurance Plc; Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation; Oasis Insurance Plc; Oceanic Insurance Company Ltd; Oceanic Life Assurance Assurance Limited; Prestige Assurance Plc; Regency Alliance Insurance; Royal Exchange Assurance; Royal Prudential Life Assurance Plc; Sterling Assurance Nigeria Ltd; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc; Staco Insurance Plc; Standard Alliance Insurance Plc; Standard Alliance Life Assurance Company Ltd; Universal Insurance Company Ltd; UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Ltd; Investment & Allied Assurance co. Ltd; Union Assurance Company Ltd; Unitrust Insurance Company Limited; Intercontinental WAPIC Insurance Plc; Intercontinental WAPIC Life Assurance; Fin Insurance Company Limited; Zenith Insurance Company Limited; NICON Insurance; FBN Life Assurance Company Limited.

Insurance

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

NAICOM raises regulation of broking business STORIES: OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has said the regulatory and business environment require sufficient financial outlay and human capital to survive. Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel disclosed this recently at the 50th anniversary lecture/ national conference of National Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) in Abuja. Daniel stated that the commission will continue to act appropriately to ensure adherence to the ethics of insurance profession, adding that while that is done, the commission believes self regulation is the panacea to ease the burden of enforced regulations. He noted that in spite of the brokers 50 years existence in the country, it is worrisome that in some quarters the regulator is still challenged by the issue of the value that brokers add to the insurance function.

The commissioner urged brokers to change their mode of doing business, adding that gone is the era of one manone office-sole proprietorship. He said, “You cannot build capacity by remaining a brief case or patronage commission agent. It is unpleasant to note that there are some brokers trying to operate below the radar for patronage basis. “The requirements of today’s regulatory and business environment means you need sufficient financial outlay and human capital to survive. I want to urge you therefore, to up the ante, as they say, by restructuring not only your operations but the structure of your firms. “From the standpoint of a regulator I do know however that there are new challenges to doing business which members of the Council will have to cope with in other to look back after another half a century and give a good account of memorable achievements. “Consequently, it is very important I bring some of these challenges to your

attention so that as you design your programmes for the immediate future and develop strategies for handling them.” He identified the challenges as: regulations and operational guidelines, the Anti-money laundering law, taxation, various legislations requiring compliance – PENCOM Act and Employee Compensation Act, the IFRS adoption and mode of operations. Daniel noted that the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) Act requires brokers’ compliance and also creates business for them, adding that it is no longer possible to do business with government without complying with the Pension Reform Act. He called on the NCRIB to assist her members in meeting the new regulatory challenges and also advocated for adoption of the approach of the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), which has programmes for assisting its members to cope with the demands of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and other prerequisites for operations.

NCRIB admits Tinubu, Mimiko, Daniel, others as fellows

he Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers has admitted some notable Nigerians into its membership owing to their disposition to the promotion of professionalism in Nigeria and support for the Council. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing the Lagos Senatorial District; Governors of Ondo and Osun states, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Dr Olusegun Mimiko, respectively, as well as the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel were those admitted into the prestigious Society of Fellows of the Council. Conferring the honourary Fellowship as part of activities to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Council, President of the NCRIB, Barrister Laide Osijo said the prestigious award was being conferred on the distinguished Nigerians based on their favourable disposition to the promotion of professionalism in Nigeria and their sterling support for the Council. Osijo noted that with the newly inducted fellows, the number of profesionals in that category had gone up to 48 and charged the new inductees to be good ambassadors of the insurance broking profession by upholding the ethics of the profession and excelling more brilliantly in their chosen vocations. She said the recipients were considered for the award in consonance with provisions of Section 11 (1) of the NCRIB Act which states interalia:”The Council may elect as an Honourary Fellow a person in its opinion that has rendered exceptional service and contributions to the insurance broking profession”. Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event commended the awardees for their contributions to the professions and national development; pointing out that the award would galvanise more Nigerians towards making more contributions to the council and national development. Responding on behalf of the awardees, Tinubu underscored the need for professional bodes to uphold sound ethics and continually make input into governance, bearing in mind that they were critical actors in the nation’s polity. In a similar vein, the council also awarded distinguished awards on past presidents; and founders of the council, among them are Dr Sunny Odogwu; Mr Talabi Braithwaite and Chief Akinwumi George.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Olowude’s investiture to hold next week

he formal investiture ceremony of the Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Mr. Remi Olowude will hold on Friday, November 30, 2012. According to the Director-General of the Association, Mr. Olorundare Sunday Thomas, the occasion which will attract the crème of the Society, elders of the industry and notable corporate players will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. He stated that the occasion will present the association with another unique opportunity to forge closer ties with clients of insurance companies, brokers, investors and other stakeholders in the economy. “The opportunity will also be used to showcase the insurance industry in Nigeria as a major player in the financial services sector of the economy”, he said. Mr. Olowude took the oath of office as the Chairman of the Association on Thursday, June 28th 2012 during the Association’s 41st Annual General meeting. In his acceptance speech, the new chairman of the association and Group Managing Director of Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) said he would focus the association to win support and respect from all stakeholders in the nation’s economy, particularly the executive and legislative arms of government and the Judiciary.

Insurance industry to get directory soon

President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Barrister Laide Osijo(right) presenting Fellowhip Award to one of the newly inducted Fellows, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the 50th Anniversary Dinner of the Council held in Abuja, recently.

Insurance industry has improved –Adeda ...Commend NAICOM supervisory role

ormer President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria(CIIN), Mr Sunny Adede has said that insurance industry has improved and performed better when compared to the previous years. Adeda who is the Chairman of Alpha Choice, Insurance brokers disclosed this in Lagos while speaking with journalist recently in Lagos. According to him, insurance industry premium has increased within the year and insurance companies have continued to declare dividend and bonuses to shareholders which shows that the performance has really improved. He further said that the role the insurance industry played in making sure that compensations were given to the families of the victims of the Dana crash where many lives and properties were lost to a large extent have helped the people to know about the benefit of insurance. Besides, the fallout of the Dana incident and compensation that was paid has restored the confidence of insurance in the minds of the insuring public, he said. He added that industry response to payment of claims and compensation to

victims of the flooding that happened during the year would further increase the confidence level of the public and will also translate to more business for the insurance market. He however lauded efforts by the insurance regulatory body, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in sanitising the system, noting that the regulator decides how to manage the companies and that once there is a fraction the regulator takes appropriate decision.

Adeda

o further boost the ongoing insurance awareness campaign, insurance industry would soon get a directory. The Insurance Directory Project is a baby of Inspenonline and has been endorsed by the insurance regulator, National Insurance Commission, and all the trade groups in the industry - Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) and the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN). Editor, Inspenonline, Mr Chuks Udo Okonta, said the process of producing the directory has commenced, and collection of relevant data from operators and ancillary professionals in the industry. He said the project has become necessary due to the depth of awareness about insurance operations in the country. He noted that the project when completed would bring insurance closed to the public and help stem the rate of fake insurances which often occur due to inadequate knowledge of locations and names of organisations operating in the industry. He noted that a recent study conducted by GIZ, a German agency for sustainable development and Riskguard-Africa Limited has revealed that less than 15 insurance companies operating in Nigeria are known by the public. He said the study, also showed that the present of insurance Brokers is complete absence in 12 out of 36 states of the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

FBN Holdings will not engage in revenue generation, says Maccido JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Chief Executive Officer of FBN Holdings, Mr. Bello Maccido, has said that the company will not engage in any business that will generate revenue, but to manage the holding entities. The entities comprises FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, FBN Capital Limited, FBN Life Assurance Limited, FBN Insurance Brokers Limited and FBN Microfinance Bank. Maccido, who presented facts behind the listing of the holding company shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, said it will continue the heritage of excellence associated with the FirstBank brand. According to him, by dividing the company into various segments, it will ensure specialisation on

various businesses and the holding company will be responsible for reporting the group’s performance to investors. “By migration, we are essentially moving the shareholding to the holding company on the value of one for one. The company will not involve in the daily running of the entities such as credit lending. “Essentially in 2010, we had taken the decision to have a holding company, as the best avenue and structure to attain our aspiration,” he said. Maccido explained further that the holding company structure promises enhanced service delivery, performance and profitability for the group’s customers, shareholders and investors. He said, “We have created an operating model that will drive service excellence and

profitably grow the group’s presence in commercial banking and non-banking financial services in order to achieve the aspiration to be the dominant financial services group in Sub-Saharan Africa within the next five years.” Maccido stressed that customers of the group’s banking and non-banking subsidiaries would continue to experience the friendly and innovative service in keeping with FirstBank’s culture. “The holding company structure is designed to enhance the group’s competitiveness, streamline and coordinate various operations across non-bank financial services, and further exploit opportunities for synergies between subsidiaries. What we now have is a structure that has the potential to do much more for our customers and protect and pre-

serve shareholders’ value through retention of good investments,” he added. He said that the holdings company would operate a corporate centre with responsibility for setting strategic direction and providing group-wide oversight through the constitution of a governing board and committees at the group level to optimally align corporate governance and management roles. “The HoldCo structure does not change the rights and ownership of existing shareholders of First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Their shareholding will be migrated to FBN Holdings Plc in exchange for receiving ordinary shares in FBN Holdings equal to the number of shares they held in FirstBank immediately before the effectiveness of the restructuring,” Maccido said.

GSK to lift stake in Nigeria with $98m deal JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

laxoSmithKline Plc plans to raise its stake in its Nigerian consumer products unit to 80 per cent in a N15.4bn ($98m) agreed deal, mirroring a similar move in India. Both transactions will increase the British drugmaker’s exposure to emerging markets and non-prescription products, a key objective of Chief Executive Officer Andrew Witty, who wants to reduce the group’s reliance on white pills in Western markets. GSK said yesterday that it would increase its hold-

ing in the GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc to 80 per cent from 46.4 per cent, leaving it with the minimum 20 per cent public shareholding required for a company to maintain a listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It will offer N48 a share for the additional holding - a 28 per cent premium to the price at which the stock closed on Friday. GSK Nigeria sells a wide range of consumer healthcare products, including the painkiller Panadol, Sensodyne toothpaste, and the nutritional drinks Horlicks and Lucozade. The Nigerian unit also sells some pharmaceutical

products but 70 per cent of the revenue is from consumer healthcare brands. GSK earlier announced it was raising its stake in India’s GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd to 75 per cent from 43.2 per cent, in a deal worth some $940m. The deals are the latest of several by GSK, which is reducing its reliance on traditional prescription drug markets in Western economies where sales are slowing. After the offer, GSK’s stake in the Indian consumer products arm, which makes health drinks and over-the-counter drugs and balms, will rise to 75 per cent from 43.2 per cent.

ASI gains 0.2% in bullish trading

rading in equities closed on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took position on stocks. The All-Share Index rose by 0.15 per cent to close at 26,360.55 points, compared to the increase of 0.20 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 26,322.17 points. Market capitalisation appreciated by N12.2bn to close at N8.39trn, com-

pared to the appreciation of N9.23bn recorded the preceding day to close at N8.38trn. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc led the gainers’ table with 60 kobo or 8.22 per cent to close at N7.90 per share, followed by GlaxosmithKline Plc with N1.87 or 4.99 per cent to close at N39.38 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc gained nine kobo or 4.55 per cent to close at N2.07

per share, while University Press Limited increased by 16 kobo or 3.82 per cent to close at N4.35 per share. Ashaka Cement Plc rose by 70 kobo or 3.72 per cent to close at 70 kobo per share. On the flip side, Arbico Plc lost 36 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N6.91 per share, while John Holt Plc shed 25 kobo or 4.94 per cent to close at N4.81 per share. RT Briscoe Plc declined

“The offer shows their commitment to India business,” said Daljeet Kohli, Head of Research, at brokerage IndiaNivesh in Mumbai. “Also, having 75 percent control is as good as having full control. You can take any decision or pass any resolution you want,” he added. Under Indian regulations, controlling shareholders can own up to a maximum 75 per cent in a listed company and are not obliged to make an offer for the remaining 25 per cent stake, which has to be in public hands for the company to remain listed. GSK said it does not plan to de-list the Indian unit. by seven kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N1.35 per share, while Cutix Plc dropped by seven kobo or 4.61 per cent to close at N1.45 per share. Eterna Oil Plc depreciated by seven kobo or 4.61 per cent to close at N1.45 per share. Transaction volume in equities increased by 44.4 per cent, as a total of 236.99 million shares valued at N1.54bn were exchanged in 3,167 deals, compared to 164.15 million shares worth N1.63bn traded in 3,739 deals on Friday.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 23 NOVEMBER & 26 NOVEMBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

23-Nov-12

26-Nov-12

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 20,583.61 points Market capitalisation 6.487, trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

UTC

0.80

0.84

0.04

UBN

4.88

5.12

0.24

EVANSMED

1.05

1.10

0.05

VITAFOAM

2.95

3.09

0.14

REDSTAREX

2.65

2.77

0.12

GTASSURE

1.65

1.72

0.07

DANGSUGAR

4.50

4.69

0.19

NEIMETH

0.79

0.82

0.03

PAINTCOM

2.12

2.20

0.08

ROYALEX

0.53

0.55

0.02

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

ETERNA

2.68

2.55

0.13

CUSTODYINS

1.29

1.23

0.06

INTBREW

6.35

6.07

0.28

LIVESTOCK

1.37

1.31

0.06

DANGFLOUR

6.51

6.25

0.26

TRANSCORP

1.05

1.01

0.04

DIAMONDBNK

2.71

2.61

0.10

WAPIC

0.55

0.53

0.02

AGLEVENT

1.14

1.10

0.04

FIDSON

0.86

0.83

0.03

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

39,276.37

15.00

26-Nov-12

182-Day

40,000.00

8.24

26-Nov-12

364 -Day

30,000.00

9.60

26-Nov-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

204-Day

20,720.00

7.42

26-Nov-12

189-Day

40,960.00

8.18

26-Nov-12

36-Day

11,919.76

15.49

26-Nov-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$450,0m

$450,0

$$450,0m

26-Nov-12

$250,0m

26-Nov-12

The Capitol, seat of US ––– government $250,0m

Capital Market

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at November 23, 2012 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Neglect of Lagos spurs demand for special status CONTINUED FROM 13 cessive governments have been treating Lagos and its expanding needs for critical infrastructure demands with levity while they romance the dream of having Nigeria as one of the 20 biggest economies in the world by 2020. Lagos hosts over 85 per cent of Nigeria’s industrial hub, 65 per cent of its financial hub and over 75 per cent of Nigeria’s active workforce, its intelligentsia and graduates. “With each day, the population and needs of Lagos continue to increase to reflect this important role. As the economic capital of Nigeria, Lagos has been the first port of call for eager millions of youths from all parts of the country who long for means of survival from the vicissitudes and vagaries of a floundering economy as Nigeria’s. We are therefore worried that the Federal Government has continued to play deaf to the need to fund the repairs of the infrastructural base in Lagos and the general demand that Lagos be accorded its well deserved status as a ‘Special State’ that must be accorded such status and the economic empowerment needed to drive such status.” Despite these sound arguments, some analysts are doubtful of the possibility of the demand being heeded to by the present administration, given the frosty relationship between the Peoples Democratic Party-led government at the centre and the ACN government in Lagos State. Both parties, it would be recalled fought a bitter political battle in the 2011 general elections over the control of the Lagos Government House and have continued to be on each other’s throat since then. To the pessimists, a special status for Lagos will amount to the PDP conceding more powers to the ACN, which has almost dislodged it from the entire SouthWest. On the contrary, granting of such request ahead of the 2015 elections, in the views of some others, could help the centre’s ruling party, PDP, in its quest to regain loss grounds in the region. President Goodluck Jonathan had given an insight to how vital Lagos is to his party during the 2011 campaigns, when he insisted that Lagos State is too important to be left in the hands of an opposition political party. His words then: “Lagos is unique and too important not to be a PDP state. The reasons are because of the population; it is cosmopolitan and has 53 per cent of total deposits and loan facilities according to the Central Bank of Nigeria. We can’t change Lagos alone from Abuja, we need an anchorman here ….We need an anchor man whom we can entrust Federal Government projects in his care.” But Lagos’ important position or not, another political school of thought, however argued that granting of the demand may further heighten cries of marginalisation by other parts of the country that have continued to ask for additional states to bring them at par with the rest of Nigeria, which the Federal Government seems not disposed to at the moment. To them, the people and government of Lagos State should rather demand for the practice of true federalism instead of

Ashafa

Tinubu

IF NIGERIA IS REALLY A TRUE FEDERAL

STATE, WE WON’T BE WAITING FOR

ABUJA

TO ACCORD A SPECIAL STATUS TO

LAGOS,

CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL OF THE STATE a special status, as a special status for one state could create more problems, given the possibility that other cities that have served as the nation’s capital sometime in the nation’s history may start making similar demands. Former Secretary General of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Udengs Eradiri, told National Mirror: “I don’t support the call for a special status for Lagos. Let us have true federalism and clamours such as this will cease. True federalism will ensure that the various states develop at their pace. The feeding-bottle federalism that we are practising is responsible for these calls, as people are only interested in waiting for money from Abuja to share. “All states in Nigeria have great potential and it is only true federalism that will ensure they are explored to the fullest. If Nigeria is really a true federal state, we won’t be waiting for Abuja to accord a special status to Lagos, considering the potential of the state as not only the country’s commercial capital, but as the gateway to the outside world.” The national president of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), Elliot Ukoh, who expressed similar sentiment, however added that issues of such nature are better discussed at a Sovereign National Conference, which most Nigerians have been clamouring for. “We have nothing against a special

status for Lagos, being a former federal capital though we are not surprised that the Federal Government is not disposed to creating an additional state for the people of the South-East. However, we are insisting on a Sovereign National Conference where such issues could be addressed, as we don’t have confidence in the ongoing constitution review,” he told National Mirror. The chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Monday Ubani, however differed. He said: “Lagos metropolis requires a special status indeed. It is a cosmopolitan city with all the diverse tribes, decayed infrastructure and overpopulation as a problem. It is the commercial nerve of Nigeria and every responsible government must give it that special status that it deserves.” But despite the fears of granting a special status to Lagos, the Federal Government seems not to have an option for now than to heed to the call, given the fact that the state has not only come to be the nation’s centre of commerce but a sociocultural melting pot. An indication to this emerged recently at an event to honour frontline politician, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite on his 79th birthday. President Jonathan, who was among dignitaries at the event, in reaction to a suggestion by Governor Fashola for a legislation for special appropriation for Lagos, assured that his administration will continue to give special preference to the state. His words: “There is no president that will joke with Lagos State because it contributes so much to the economy of the country. Lagos is very important to us. According to a recent Central Bank of Nigeria analysis, Lagos controls about 52 per cent of the national economy. So, the state, which is the commercial nerve centre of the country, is too important to be ignored. “Anything that happens to Lagos will have a negative impact on the nation, so no president will toy with the state. We

will continue to encourage cordial relationship between the Federal Government and Lagos State.” A similar view was expressed by the Senate President, David Mark at the South-West public hearing on the constitution review. Mark said that former capitals “are normally accorded special status the world over,” adding that the people of Lagos State are not calling for something extraordinary, as there is no former capital in the world that has not been accorded a special status. His words: “When the call for special status comes up in Lagos State, the people of the state are not asking for anything out of the ordinary. I believe Fashola’s view on the special status is the view of Lagos people. But we are not here to impose our views. We are all here to collate the views and review our federal constitution based on what the people want.” He was however quick to add that the position only represented his “humble suggestion” and that it was built on the federal practice in different countries of the world, mainly those that “have cause to change their capitals.” Examples abound in this regard, according to findings by National Mirror. Malaysia maintains two capitals. Its old capital, Kuala-Lumpur has been retained as the legislative capital, where the National Assembly operates, while the new capital, Putrajaya, which is the most computerised city in the world, is the administrative capital. In Australia, the old capital, Sidney, still enjoys special recognition. Although Campera is the new capital, most activities of government, international conferences, party conventions and meetings still hold in the former capital city. The former capital of Tanzania is Dares-Salam, but when Dodoma became the new capital, the old capital did not suffer neglect. The same applies for New Delhi in India, Rio in Brazil and New York in the United States. Such, in the view of many should therefore be the case for Lagos, as whereas the Federal Government moved to Abuja, the industrial and commercial hub did not because it sourced life from the strategic placement of the state. The people did not move too. In fact, more people poured into Lagos and a fierce competition for space and opportunities ensued. This forced the city to expand with the remnant of the infrastructure left behind. With the renewed massive influx, infrastructure creaked and groaned under excess weight. Be it roads, bridges, water supply, electricity supply, job market, environment, medicare, education and transportation; all suffered the weight exerted by migrating Nigerians who still see Lagos as the last port of call in their quest for opportunities. Nigerians, as a result of this, are therefore watching whether the Jonathan’s administration which has transformation as its main agenda, will, like its successors, politicise the special status for a state which harbours over 60 per cent of the country’s total industrial investments and foreign trade.

Politics

The ongoing defence sessions of the 2013 budget by ministries, agencies and departments of government in the Senate and the House of Representatives have not revealed any signs that both chambers of the National Assembly, particularly the House, is prepared to discard the old approach to budget estimates review. TORDUE SALEM reports on the development.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Budget 2013: Plying the old routes, courting fresh troubles THE

PARLIAMENT

saying goes that: “Old ways produce old results.” This is very true in Nigeria as far as budgeting is concerned. Every year, the President brings the estimates of what he thinks the country needs in a fiscal year before a joint-session of the National Assembly. He then makes a lengthy speech giving a summary of the estimates, the chairman of the National Assembly, the Senate President, makes another speech in response and the Speaker of the House gives an incendiary vote-of-thanks, that would spark-off debates thereafter. This year, the budget laying ceremony followed the same trajectory of its predecessors, and the House like the Senate is engaging ministries and agencies of government on the appropriation bill, the same way it did the previous years. When the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, announced a few weeks ago that the House would turn a new leaf in oversight of ministries, dealings with the executive and also adopt a new approach to budgeting and general legislative duties many Nigerians took him seriously. Tambuwal, unlike some of his predecessors, has shown uncommon maturity and circumspection in his approach to leadership. He is a man who has his eyes firmly on the political ball and is prepared for a long-distance showing, but the workings of the committees appear to be eluding him. But a member who said he was not holding brief for Tambuwal said: “The Speaker may have an honourable agenda, but he is not empowered to do everything. For example, he cannot be monitoring the activities of all agencies and committees of the House. The 85 standing committees of the House and the nine Special Committees by the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (seventh session) are to be coordinated and managed by the Majority Leader of the House.” But from the way the committees are going regarding the issue of the 2013 budget, it appears that the Majority Leader and the Chief Whip are not doing enough to whip committees in to line. The House Committee on Communications, headed by Oyetunde Ojo, for example, hardly holds its budget sessions in public, as expected of all committees, provoking suspicions. The Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) has also shown gross indiscipline and indecorum in the conduct of its 2013 budget sessions, despite several warnings from the Speaker that budget sessions must be done in accordance with rules. The chairman of the upstream committee, Ajibola Muraina (PDP-Oyo) who could

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Anyim

Ekwunife

have been Speaker if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had its way last year, shuts budget defence sessions against the press at will. Uche Ekwunife (APGA-Anambra), the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment is also fond of rebuking ministries, members of her committee in public and shutting budget sessions against the press midway. Last week, Ekwunife demanded the immediate sack of the Environment Minister, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafia for alleged misapplication of N396 billion from the Ecological Fund. She was also angry that the minister, who along with the Secretary to the Government Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, curiously turned down their invitation to a budget session. According to Ekwunife, “The president has appointed these people to work with him in the interest of the country. The Minister of Environment has no passion for the environment and there is a disconnect between herself and the work she has been chosen for. I would suggest that she should try her luck elsewhere. We should call on the President to find someone else who is not only interested in the job, but has the competence as well as the love for Nigeria.” The committee also lambasted Anyim for his absence at the investigative session which, according to Ekwunife was meant to conclude work the committee started since November 2011. The investigative session followed an interim report by the committee which revealed almost N400 billion shortfall in the deductions of the Ecological Fund. According to the report, certain transfers and loans were done without due approval from the National Assembly as prescribed by the Financial Act setting up the fund. But after the detailed revelations, the committee chairman was said to have invited the minister to a close session in her office, after which she turned around and denied that the committee ever made such allegations against the minister. Ekwunife also denied that she and members of the committee ever called for the removal of

Mrs. Mailafiya. National Mirror also gathered that top members of the committee like Micah Umoh (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and Robinson Uwak (PDP-Akwa Ibom) have stopped attending meetings of the committee because of the committee chairman’s dictatorial approach to committee business. Also last week, the House Committee on Science and Technology almost exchanged blows with the Minister of Science and Technology over the 2013 budget. The committee had thrown decorum to the winds and asked the minister to walk out of the National Assembly for failing to account for the 2012 budget in percentages. The committee instead of doing its oversight homework of scientifically determining the percentage of the 2012 budget implemented by the ministry, instead asked the minister to do so. It took him time and the committee’s chairman flared up throwing him out of the budget defence room. What that meant was that the committee itself failed to do its oversight and to determine competently how much work the ministry had done on the budget in the year 2012. Leaving their constitutional work to ministries out of laziness is a noted weak-

I WOULD SUGGEST THAT SHE SHOULD TRY HER LUCK

ELSEWHERE.

SHOULD CALL ON THE

PRESIDENT TO FIND

SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS NOT ONLY INTERESTED IN THE JOB, BUT HAS

THE COMPETENCE AS WELL AS THE LOVE FOR

NIGERIA

ness of the parliament, which agencies of government have continued to exploit to the detriment of a majority of Nigerians. Another shoddy drama marked the Works’ Committee budget session last Thursday when the lawmakers took the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen through a marathon question-and-answer session over the “terrible” state of roads in the country. The minister was taken on by lawmakers, while appearing before the House Committee on Works to present the 2012 budget performance of the ministry as well as defend the 2013 budget estimates. The lawmakers threw patience to the winds, as they sought explanation for the terrible state of roads nationwide while huge sums of monies were earmarked on yearly basis for road construction and maintenance. Earlier, Chairman, House Committee on Works, Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi (PDP-Enugu) noted that the budget for the Ministry of Works attracts the highest national interest because of the great responsibilities the ministry owes to the nation in respect of construction and maintenance of road infrastructure in the country. The committee members were particularly angry that most trunk A roads nationwide which constitute the major routes for driving commerce and propelling economic development are in pathetic conditions. Of the roads which were mentioned by the lawmakers are: Abuja-Lokoja Expressway, Enugu-Onitsha Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Kano-Maiduguri Expressway, and Lagos-Ibadan Express Road, to mention a few. In his reaction, Abdulmalik Usman, who was visibly angry described the deplorable state of the roads as a national disgrace, saying that he had since stopped going to the Federal Ministry of Works for the seeming lack of commitment to put the roads in good shape. The lawmakers further lamented that several lives were being lost on road accidents caused by the dilapidated states of the road, regretting that those that would have contributed towards national development had lost their lives. The minister, however, appealed to the aggrieved lawmakers for understanding, explaining that there was no deliberate intention on the part of the ministry not to implement the projects captured in the 2012 budget. The representatives expressed their resolve to salvage Nigerians from avoidable carnages from auto crashes caused by bad roads across the country by painstakingly supervising the implementation of the 2013 budget. Several other budget sessions were marked by the same threats, secret sessions and empty threats that would have been unnecessary if the House had done its oversight work properly. It has long been the tradition that after the threats, the committees will schedule secret sessions of budget padding, contract negotiations and other underhand dealings with ministries and agencies of government.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

PARLIAMENT

Politics

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Alaafin, others demand for New Oyo State

Recently, the people of Oyo Federal Constituency converged on Oyo town to deliberate on the constitution review where they advocated for the creation of New Oyo State. KEMI OLAITAN, who covered the event, reports.

hen the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, recently led the indigenes and residents of the four local governments that make up the Oyo Federal Constituency to the Durbar Stadium in the ancient town to participate in the 1999 Constitution amendment public forum organised by the House of Representatives through Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, the mammoth crowd of different kinds of people, old and young, men and women, people of letters, semi-illiterates and starkilliterates was to prove wrong, cynics, who usually claim that the unenlightened are apolitical, no thanks to the way which they were struggling for copies of the document for the day. From their local government councils of Afijio, Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West which the Federal Constituency is composed of, the caretaker committee chairmen, Olorode Samuel Oluade, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, Alhaji Mutair Adekunle and Richard Soji Ojoawo, respectively had, some days ahead of the programme, engaged the airwaves in massive mobilisation of the people on the importance of the exercise and by the attendance, it paid off. The monarch, while welcoming the people to the event, said what the government was doing was to give the people voice in how they want to be governed and urged them not to allow the opportunity to slip. He said: “The Federal Government wants community participation and that was why the members of the House of Representatives were sent to their various constituencies across the country. In the history of constitution amendment in this country, this is the first time we are having this kind of approach, when people’s inputs are being sought. This is novel and gladdening, it means our prayers are being answered. To you, our people in Oyo Federal Constituency, this is an opportunity to make our contributions to this national assignment and I implore us all to ensure that we utilise this opportunity.” He reminded them that one of the vital items to discuss was the issue of state creation, noting that the agitation for the creation of New Oyo State out of the present Oyo State with the ancient Oyo Town as the capital would climax with their decision at the event. Oba Adeyemi also used the occasion to educate the gathering on the feasibility and viability of the proposed New Oyo State, which he said has a population of about three million people and with several kilometres of landmass. While highlighting the various infrastructural index needed for a state capital already in place in the ancient Oyo Town, he said, “the kind of economy Nigeria now operates, dictates that a new state capital cannot be sited on a ‘virgin’ land”. He added that, “with Oyo

Oba Adeyemi and participants at the public hearing

Ihedioha

Mantu

A NEW STATE CAPITAL CANNOT BE SITED ON A

‘VIRGIN’ LAND... WITH OYO TOWN AS THE CAPITAL, VIRTUALLY ALL THE FACILITIES NEEDED FOR THE TAKE-OFF OF THE NEW STATE ARE IN PLACE

Town as the capital, virtually all the facilities needed for the take-off of the new state are in place. The town boasts of one of the best Government Reservation Areas in the country, there are 14 each of federal and state annex of ministries, as well as other governmental, departments, agencies and parastatals that can automatically function as full-fledged ministries when the state is created. “This is in addition to the richness of the state in human, material and natural resources. The Ikere-Gorge Dam in Iseyin is already there for the purpose of power generation and other usage for the people of the new state. In short, all indices of development are already in place”, the monarch stated. Going historical, Oba Adeyemi recalled the role the ancient town played in the past through the Alaafin as the one usually called to settle dispute among the various Yoruba groups. Specifically, the monarch disclosed that the Alaafin settled the dispute between Ibadan and Egba, between Ife and Ijesa and several others. This role, according to him, “places the ancient town in a more superior position than most of the towns and cities we have as state capitals today.” The Alaafin, while speaking with journalists, also explained that the quest for

New Oyo State had taken care of the whole of Oke-Ogun area of the state and that the cause had received the blessings of the people. He maintained, however, that there were still a few others pursuing the agenda for another state in the region (Oke-Ogun), but, he insisted that “it is not viable in view of some factors, including boundary disputes that are very common among the various towns and communities, lack of consensus on where the capital would be as well as the need for a rallying force which is readily available in him as the father of all”. The highly revered monarch said “of all the states in the federation today, the present Oyo State is the most qualified to be divided for even development”. The chief host of the event, Hon. Akinlabi, publicly acknowledged the efforts of Alaafin, who he said had visited Abuja on different occasions in pursuit of the creation of the New Oyo State. He stated that contrary to the impression created in some quarters that the monarch was creating problem for them in the town by those he alleged of writing petitions against the monarch, the Oba had displayed uncanny love and passion for the growth and development of the town. He maintained that despite his advance in age, “the Alaafin does not joke with anything that has to do with Oyo and he is com-

mitted to the progress of the town.” He also applauded the Metropolitan Development Association (MDA) and New Oyo State Forum (NOSFOM), the two bodies that had been coordinating the struggle for the state creation; none of the membership of which he said could be less than 70 years in age and called on the younger generation to take a cue from them. “If at their age, their love and passion for the town can still be this great and burning, then, we the younger generation have no reason not to buckle up and use our Godgiven energy to complement their efforts,” the lawmaker said. Akinlabi also lauded the people for trooping out in such a large number to participate in the exercise, which he said was the initiative of the House of Representatives to carry the people along in the current constitution amendment. Also, he acknowledged the four local government caretaker committee chairmen for their mobilisation efforts and urged them to keep up the spirit of oneness in the constituency with which he said steady growth, progress and development are assured. The federal lawmaker while speaking on the exercise, described it as a huge success and assured that the current amendment being sought to the 1999 Constitution as amended would not only be a success, but will bring out more people-oriented document. He said: “There is no way the current exercise can be abandoned or thrown away with all these efforts. There had never been this kind of people’s involvement in the process of constitution amendment in the past, so this is unique and I’m optimistic it is going to work. You will recollect that what scuttled the exercise of between 2003 and 2007 was the third term agenda. You equally remember that the effort was not as people-involving as this. “Senator Ibrahim Mantu just gathered some people together in Port Harcourt and said the people had spoken. This is not like that. Don’t forget also that the sixth Assembly actually amended the constitution and what we are having now is 1999 Constitution as amended. So, I want to assure the people that they can’t be taken for granted. We will ensure that their bidding is done. Now, we can beat our chest that truly, our people have spoken and you men and women of the media are witnesses too.” Chief Olu Olaoye of the Metropolitan Development Association (MDA) in a remark explained that Oyo Town had between 1914 and 1959 been the headquarters of an empire spanning thousands of kilometres and is “one of the reasons why the new Oyo State should be created and the capital be sited in Oyo Town.” He also reiterated the fact that the ancient town had all the necessary infrastructure for the take-off of a new state without any problem whatsoever. And in line with the charge earlier made by Oba Adeyemi, one by one, all the items for review were taken and debated upon by the people as coordinated by Akinlabi and retired Archbishop of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu. The indigenous Yoruba language was used to interpret the items to ensure that everybody was carried along and the people freely commented before final decisions were arrived at and taken by consensus.

Politics

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Corruption, Nigeria’s biggest problem – Amb. Jeter CONTINUED FROM 15 harmony. This is something I never thought I would see or hear in Nigeria, like suicide bombings and people calling for Shariah law all over Nigeria, even in predominantly Christian areas. I know that the government has been trying to do something about the insecurity through the help of security forces, intelligence agencies, even the recent move of bringing Boko Haram to the table for peace talks. But if government is unable to bring them to the table, then it has no other option than to use force at its disposal to protect the people. Public safety and security is the first responsibility of any government. Nigeria cannot allow all these to continue because it is giving the country bad name globally. So, you believe in the use of force against Boko Haram? What I’m saying is that the government should try to bring Boko Haram to the table to negotiate a resolution of whatever the issues are. What are the issues? They want a Shariah state, resignation of the President, more resources in the North and others. Some of those demands obviously cannot be met. Their demands must be reasonable. What do they really want? They have not been willing to identify themselves, so, it is going to be difficult. If they (Boko Haram) continue to do what they are doing, then government must use the forces at its disposal to protect the Nigerian population. That is the reality. In your view as an experienced diplomat, what is the best way to tackle insecurity in Nigeria? I think the intelligence network needs to be better; government should use the security agencies in a better way. On the issue of the Boko Haram, the government should offer them a reasonable possibility of sitting down and talking with them to see what the problems and issues are. At the same time, if they continue the way they are going, government must stop them. The U.S. has ignored calls by some Nigerians to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation. What is your take on this? One of the reasons is that when you designate an organisation as a terrorist group, it affects the reputation of the country where the group is operating from. It is not a good omen for investors and people travelling to Nigeria. So, the impact is very broad and I think we have to be very careful whether to designate the group as a terrorist organisation. Individuals can be targeted for sanctions and I think the US has already taken this step in respect of Boko Haram. I’m not in government to know why the U.S. has not designated Boko Haram as a terrorist group, but the reasons may not be far from what I have stated. The U.S. government has designated individuals within Boko Haram as terrorists. There have been restrictions placed on those individuals. As I said, designating Boko Haram as a terrorist group would affect Nigeria very broadly. It will affect Nigeria in terms of travel, tourism, investment and international perception. It is a big issue. What is the way forward to meet this security challenge? I don’t have an answer; if I did, I suppose I would be a national hero. I think the government should do more on intelligence. The government should also be more effective in the use of force against Boko Haram. The government should identify people who are credible intermediaries, who can perhaps talk to Boko Haram and bring them to the table. So many people and international organisations perceive Nigeria as a corrupt nation, do you share similar sentiment? Corruption is a problem because it affects the entire system in terms of lack of transparency and accountability in the country. It is not a secret that corruption is a problem in Nigeria. In some ways, it is systemic. Although government has made efforts in creating various agencies to combat the trend, such as the EFCC and ICPC, grand corruption persists. Setting up those agencies was recognition that corrup-

Jeter

tion is a real problem in Nigeria. Institutions fighting corruption should be strengthened and there should be more transparency in the system. In the U.S., public office holders, like governors, are not that rich unlike their colleagues in Nigeria. What is responsible for this? That is something the government of Nigeria has to look at. If people of ordinary means come into office as governors and they become very wealthy, that means something is wrong. Some governors have legitimate businesses outside government, some don’t and they still become very wealthy. So, you need to ask questions. There is corruption everywhere, even in the U.S., but it is controlled and not systemic. Governors can be corrupt, some U.S. governors have been. But the system in the U.S. is very transparent. There is a very active civil society and the media is very powerful. You can’t hide stuff, which ultimately makes it impossible for some corrupt people in the country to go without consequences. At a time, the U.S. predicted that by 2015 Nigeria would break up. Do you see that happening? That’s really not possible. I don’t see Nigeria breaking up. There can be strains between the North and the South, between Muslims and Christians but that won’t lead to the break up of Nigeria. I don’t think Nigerians, wherever they are, want the federation to be dissolved. That would be a real setback for Nigerians, and indeed for all of Africa. But why is the U.S. coming up with such prediction? I don’t know. You have to ask the U.S. Intelligence Community. I think the prediction is wrong. I do not see Nigeria breaking up by 2015.

What is your advice for Nigeria? Nigeria should try to resolve its problems. The problem of public safety and security is a big one which affects all Nigerians. Everybody and government somehow should try to eradicate the threat to its people. Maybe you do that through the use of force or through negotiation, or a combination of both. You have differential development in Nigeria. The South seems much more developed and progressive than the Northern part of the country. More resources need to be targeted in the North for general development, infrastructure, especially education. We have too many young people who are idle. So, you need to create employment for them. They need to be educated so that they can be employed. So, there is a lot to be done to bridge the gap between the two sections of the country. I think Nigeria must stay on course and develop the power sector. Power is critical to the development of industry and commercial agriculture. Industry and agricultural development are critical to economic growth and job creation. More resources must be allocated to improve health and education. Nigeria needs to professionalise its police; the police have to be paid a living wage and there should be state police, in my view. In the U.S., there is no federal police; the states control the police and that has not affected proper policing. Professionalisation of the military and building national, state and local institutions are paramount. Power, education and health are the biggest issues in Nigeria. The nation’s resources must be used effectively. Nigeria also needs a national industrial policy so that the country produces what it needs and establishes a platform for exports to other parts of Africa and the world.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Festival to showcase potentials in Ogun

Police should not be politicized in any way; to me, it will be a waste of time for politicians to be involving the police in political matters. MINISTER OF POLICE AFFAIRS; NAVY CAPT. CALEB OLUBOLADE

Angry youths threaten Customs over killing T

Katsina to construct 119km road JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

ouths in Ajilete, Oke Odan and Owode in the Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State have threatened the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), following the alleged killing of one of their colleagues by the Area Comptroller of Customs, Ade Dosunmu. The angry youths have also threatened a reprisal attack on the Area Comptroller, who they alleged had willfully shot one Seun to death. Community Mirror gathered that the youths arrived at the conclusion following the insistence of the Comptroller that Seun was a hired assassin trailing him from Idiroko town to the office. Eye witnesses told Community Mirror that Dosunmu, last week, stopped his car on the highway and fired shots at Seun and some others, alleging they were assassins trailing him. Dosunmu, who was said to be alone in his car, had thought he was being trailed by some unknown persons, as he promptly called for reinforcement from the Customs formations in the state.

SPIRIT AT REST: A tired masquerader sleeping at venue of the Abuja International Carnival.

It was further gathered that a Toyota Jeep and Nissan car that were driven out of the bush very close to Owode Yewa and subsequently caused a serious stir. The Customs Comptroller was said to have escaped from the scene after firing shots at occupants of the cars, killing Seun. While the Customs said the occupants were hired assassins, the youths claimed the suspicious

cars were involved in an accident and were being pushed out of the highway. When contacted, the State Customs Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Chris Ngige, confirmed there was an attempt on the life of their boss which was foiled. Ngige further said that the vehicles used by the suspected assassins have been impounded

Lagos trains law enforcement officers MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Government has begun training the 5th batch of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Kick against Indiscipline, KAI, officers, thereby bringing the total of newly trained officers on career evaluation programme to 1,000. The government had earlier embarked on the workshop to prepare the officers for better and efficient traffic management. Speaking during the ceremony, at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC, Magodo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport Education, Dr. Mariam Masha, said the training

was in furtherance of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s desire to promote law and order in the state. She said the government intended to achieve this by continuously improving the quality of law enforcement personnel and maintaining a professional status by instituting training programmes that were practical, effective and consistent with international best practices. Masha said: “The key objective was to equip participants with a better approach to law enforcement, which places premium on advocacy to change the way people behave and the attitude of the people, demands that we train law enforcement agents to respond to challenges in line with global standard, and building their capacity to achieve their statutory responsi-

bilities. The emphasis of the law enforcement agents is advocacy and enlightenment. The feedback from the field has been that of voluntary compliance, as it is better to voluntarily respect laws and not being forced to adhere to regulations. Government appreciates the difficult, yet important position law enforcement officers are exposed to in their efforts to promote law and order.” According to her, “we will continue to invest in manpower and build capacity of our officials. We will always find one or two infractions but there are channels now for people to complain or commend. The avenue is a good way of contributing and improving the capacity.

PHOTO: NAN

and the matter reported to the police. He also said that the Customs boss had visited the traditional rulers, where he solicited their support in the cause of waging war against smuggling. But when contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),Muyiwa Adejobi said the command was yet to be briefed on the incident .

he Katsina State Government is to spend N6.7 billion for the construction of 119 kilometre roads in the state. Speaking while signing the contract , the Works Commissioner, Mustapha Moh’d Kankia, said 22 km Dogon Marke-Yarin Bori-Kafur road is to be constructed at the cost N1.5 billion. Kankia said 42km Kirfi-Kuringafa-Tsiga-Yarkasuwa road, which was partially constructed with gravels would be asphalted and N1.6 billion would be spent in the process. He said the new 18km Charanchi-Ganuwa-Rawayau road, is to be constructed at cost of N1.3 billion, while 37km Baure-Hui-Yar MaulaShado road, is to be built for N1.8 billion. The commissioner called on the construction companies, Borni Prono and Mother Cat, to ensure the work is completed within 18 months. He also called on people living in areas where the roads would be constructed to support government policies and programmes, and ensure the construction companies complete the projects on time. Representatives of the two companies assured that work on the roads will be completed within schedule.

Lawmaker organizes campaign on deadly diseases in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

peaker of the Nasarawa State House of assembly, Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohamed, has sponsored a nongovernmental organization, Rhabi Women’s Health Centre and Motherless Home, to organise a four day awareness workshop on the danger of sexually transmitted diseases. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the centre, Rabi Chizoba Sani Santos, disclosed that the programme was to create awareness on certain transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/ AIDS that are still prevalent in

Nigeria and have devastating effects on the health and social well being of women and children. Santos said many well- to- do Nigerians are not public spirited when it comes to organizing free medical treatment for indigent persons, as he welcomed the Speaker’s gesture in helping to organize the campaign to educate people on the effect of such deadly diseases. She said: “The centre is not only organizing workshop and campaign to educate the people, but it also carries out free oral care on children of primary school age and presents free learning equipment to them during such programme.”

Community Mirror

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Festival to showcase potentials in Ogun FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has called on all indigenes of Ilaro and Yewaland to use the Oronna Ilaro festival as a galvanizing tool to exploit the economic potentials of Ogun State for development. Speaking at the end of a road show and carnival

to usher in the festival, the royal father stated that the festival has federal, as well as the state government’s backing which has provided an avenue to bring all sons, daughters and well wishers to the area, in order to witness the development and economic opportunities in the area. Oba Olugbenle also stated that this year’s festival was a departure from the usual celebration of Oronna Day in the past 19 years, as

this has witnessed the participation of all, including those in the Diaspora. He added that the grand finale will be celebrated at an ultra modern mini amphitheatre constructed in the centre of the town. Speaking while flagging off the road show, the chairman of Oronna Ilaro Festival Central Planning Committee, Chief Kayode Odunaro said the festival was already contributing to the economy of the state as

the hospitality industry was recording bountiful sales. He reiterated that the festival was following the tradition of the legendary Oronna, a prince from Oyo Empire, who came to the rescue of Ilaro during the Dahomean wars. Odunaro added that the celebration, which is a clarion call on all indigenes to come and defend the interest of their homestead, was already impacting positively on the state.

Stacks of maize and sorghum donated by the Federal Government for distribution to flood victims in Kwara State.

Family seeks police protection over land KAYODE FASUA

eader of Olarinde Ajao Oluekun Family in New Oguntedo Village, Satellite Town, Lagos, Alhaji Tunde Olarinde, has alerted the police on the activities of an ‘ex-convict’ in the household, who has been frustrating efforts to resettle the displaced family. Speaking in Lagos, Olarinde said the family’s original land at Oguntedo in AmuwoOdofin Area of Lagos State was acquired in 1975 by the then Federal Military Government and is now being used as a Naval Base.

But in 1978, the government of General Olusegun Obasanjo, as he then was, allocated a wide expanse of land to the family at Satellite Town known as the New Oguntedo Village, to replace the acquired land. According to him, while the family has been fending off numerous encroachments on the land, its greatest challenge is the activities of “a lowly rated member of our community, who is an exconvict.” “The ex-convict has been parading and presenting himself as the Oba (monarch) of Oguntedo, even as such act of impersonation has been

known in all police formations in the state. He has turned the village into a haven of armed robbers, thugs and criminals.” Olarinde, recalled that the family, under his leadership had secured a court order to take full possession of the land, upon which he hoped to resettle members of the community who had earlier been displaced. “But this ex-convict is now

PHOTO: NAN

terrorising the whole Oguntedo village. Series of petitions have been written, but no action has been taken against him. “We are pleading with the Inspector-General of Police to come to our aid by arresting and prosecuting this exconvict.” He also said the name of the alleged ex-convict had since been sent to the police authorities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cocoa growth scheme launched in Cross River OKAY OSUJI

he Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. James Aniyom, has stated that the state would soon become the largest producers of cocoa in Nigeria. Speaking during the flagging off of the CocoaGrowth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) in Ikom, the Commissioner said the programme is one of the critical components of the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. Mr. Aniyom said that the cocoa scheme is designed to provide affordable agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, chemicals and hybrid seeds to farmers at subsidized rates. He noted that an important component of the scheme is the use of agrodealers, pointing out that, part of government objectives is to stop cocoa farmers from patronizing adulterated chemicals dealers. He however advised farmers not to buy such chemicals as they not only reduce yields on their farms, but also the life span. Mr. Aniyom, revealed that Governor Liyel Imoke’s administration is determined to change the lives of rural communities, adding that government has constructed

more than 800 kilometers of rural roads to aid farmers bring their produce to the market. Similarly, he said that, the Agricultural Development Programmes,IFAD, Commercial Agriculture Project and Fadama 111 are doing the same in that direction. The Commissioner called on the local buyers association, farmers, merchants and exporters to respect government’s policy on value addition in the cocoa industry, even as he implored them to take advantage of the investment incentives provided to set up facilities for processing cocoa in the state, which he said increased export and also has become source of employment for the youths. The Chairman of Cocoa Monitoring team, Mr.Paul Manyo Ojong, disclosed that to promote sustainable cocoa production, they liaised with NAFDAC, Cocoa Research Institution of Nigeria and farmers in the state to procure pesticide at subsidized rate, while the cocoa producing local government areas did same with the Agro-chemicals allocated to them. Ojong, disclosed that their mandate in the Cocoa GES programme, is to improve production and quality of beans and called on farmers to upgrade their skills in applying the inputs for maximum yields.

Katsina to spend N492m on poverty alleviation JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

he Katsina State Government is to spend N492 million on five poverty alleviation programmes, even as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Hon Bature Masari, said part of the programmes is to pay monthly stipend to 1,000 physically challenged persons. Masari said the beneficiaries would be selected from the 34 council areas, and would involve medical care and financial assistance to the tune of N162 million, with each person getting N10, 000 monthly.” The second, he said, will be the disbursement of loan to

graduates of BATC and other skill acquisition centres, to enable them set up businesses in welding, carpentry, tailoring/knitting, pottery and mat making. The special adviser said 3000 people would benefit in the first year of the programme, which is aimed at generating employment and N100 million would be spent in the first year of the programme. Masari said a third one, entails government assistance to small business owners to enable them improve their capital standing. He identified them to include petty traders, butchers, automobile operators and commercial motorcycle riders.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

16 die in Pakistan after drinking cough syrup

“Oil output was delayed after Sudan made new demands related to rebel fighting in Sudan.” - South Sudan President, Salva Kiir

Zuma slaughters cows to appease gods for re-election in S’Africa

WORLD BULLETIN

DRC rebel leader heads to Uganda for talks

outh Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has appealed to his ancestors to help him hold on to the leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Zuma attended a ceremony at his village on Sunday, where 12 cattle were slaughtered and incense burnt as people prayed for his re-election. His opponents are pushing for him to be ousted as ANC leader at the party’s conference next month. Zuma, a polygamist with 21 children, is a well-known Zulu traditionalist. He beat his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, in a bitterly contested election in 2007 for the leadership of the ANC. He later forced Mr Mbeki to resign as South Africa’s president, installing Kgalema Motlanthe as caretaker leader until the 2009 general election, when he took power. The ANC’s influential youth wing and several government ministers are now campaigning for Mr Motlanthe, the deputy president, to run against Zuma at the ANC conference in Mangaung next month. The Zuma family slaughtered 12 cattle and burnt incense at a traditional ceremony at their village in Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal province on Sunday to appeal to the ancestors to guide him ahead of the elections. “We are here to give our father a send-off to Mangaung. With this ceremony, we are now sure he is protected and he will come back to celebrate with us,” Nomthandazo Zuma is quoted by South Africa’s The Mercury newspaper as saying. Traditional leader, Inkosi Bheki Zuma, gave the president, who was dressed in leopard skins, a Zulu spear and shield and told him to use the weapons to protect himself from his ANC opponents, the newspaper reports. Zuma has been dogged by corruption allegations throughout his term, but he is expected to be re-elected as ANC leader, analysts say.

Zuma

A member of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporter of Egypt’s President Mohamed Mursi Photo: Reuters punches an anti-Brotherhood protester at Tahrir Square, recently

Egypt’s President holds crisis talks over power grab PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

gyptian President Mohamed Mursi negotiated with senior judges yesterday to try to defuse a crisis over his seizure of new powers which set off violent protests reminiscent of an uprising last year that led to the rise of his Islamist movement. The justice minister said he believed Mursi would agree with Egypt’s highest judicial authority on its proposal to limit the scope of the new powers. Mursi’s spokesman said the president was “very optimistic Egyptians would overcome the crisis”. But the protesters, some camped in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, have said only retracting the decree will satisfy them, a sign of the deep rift between Islamists and their opponents that is destabilising Egypt two years after Hosni Mubarak was ousted. “There is no use amending the decree,”

said Tarek Ahmed, 26, a protester who stayed the night in Tahrir, where tents covered the central traffic circle. “It must be scrapped.” One person has been killed and about 370 injured in clashes between police and protesters since Mursi issued the decree on Thursday shielding his decisions from judicial review, emboldened by international plaudits for brokering an end to eight days of violence between Israel and Hamas. The stock market is down more than 7 percent. Mursi’s political opponents have accused him of behaving like a dictator and the West has voiced its concern, worried by more turbulence in a country that has a peace treaty with Israel and lies at the heart of the Arab Spring. Mursi’s administration has defended his decree as an effort to speed up reforms and complete a democratic transformation. Leftists, liberals, socialists and others say it has exposed

the autocratic impulses of a man once jailed by Mubarak. “President Mursi is very optimistic that Egyptians will overcome this challenge as they have overcome other challenges,” presidential spokesman Yasser Ali told reporters, shortly before the president started his meeting with members of Egypt’s highest judicial authority, the Supreme Judicial Council. The council has hinted at a compromise, saying Mursi’s decree should apply only to “sovereign matters”. That suggests it did not reject the declaration outright. It urged judges and prosecutors, some of whom went on strike, to return to work. Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky, speaking about the council statement, said: “I believe President Mohamed Mursi wants that.” The presidential spokesman said two Mursi aides had asked to resign over the crisis, but Mursi had yet to accept.

Sultani Makenga, leader of the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has travelled to the Ugandan capital Kampala for talks at the invitation of the head of the Ugandan military, according to a spokesman. The rebels captured Goma, the main city in DRC’s east, last week and took the key town of Sake 20km to the west the next day. “General Makenga Sultani is travelling to Kampala to meet the other chief of staff,” Amani Kabasha, an M23 spokesman, told Al Jazeera yesterday. Joseph Kabila, DRC president, met M23 for the first time at the weekend after a summit in Kampala where regional leaders gave the rebels two days to leave Goma, which the rebels seized last week after UN-backed government troops melted away. The DRC government said it

Zimbabwe targets human rights activists –Report Zimbabwe uses laws and beatings by security forces to suppress human rights activists in the southern African nation ahead of elections planned for next year, according to a report released yesterday. The report by the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders comes as President Robert Mugabe is pushing for constitutional amendments that will allow for elections to end his ZANU-PF party’s uneasy coalition government with the nation’s main opposition party. That has some worried that Zimbabwe could experience the same repression and violence seen in its 2008 election, in which at least 163 people were killed and some 5,000 were tortured or beaten.

Frenchman kidnapped in Mali seeks govt help A French national who was kidnapped by an al-Qaida-linked extremist group in Mali appeared on a video published this weekend and made available yesterday, where he begs the French government to intervene on his behalf. The victim, identified as 61-yearold Jules Berto Rodriguez Leal, was grabbed last week in southwestern Mali by MUJAO, a group controlling part of northern Mali. While northern Mali has long been off-bounds to Westerners due to the kidnap threat, the area where Leal was taken in the region of Kayes is considered safe, indicating the extremists are extending their reach.

World News

Briefs

Toronto mayor ordered out of office, may appeal The mayor of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, was ordered removed from office yesterday after a judge found him guilty of breaking conflict-of-interest laws. In a 24-page ruling, Ontario Provincial Judge Charles Hackland ruled Mayor Rob Ford acted wrongly when he voted with the city council to scrap a fine he had incurred for accepting donations for his football foundation from lobbyists. Hackland ruled Ford’s actions “were not done by reason of inadvertence or a good faith error in judgement.” The judge ordered Ford’s seat vacant, but declined to impose a ban on Ford seeking office beyond the current term. Ford can appeal the decision, which will not take effect for 14 days in order to allow necessary administrative changes at City Hall, the judge wrote.

Australia apologises to victims of abuse Australia’s government has apologised to hundreds of victims of abuse within the military, clearing the way for victims to receive compensation. In an address to parliament yesterday, Stephen Smith, defence minister, acknowledged that soldiers, sailors and member of the air force had suffered abuse, often by superiors under the excuse of toughening up younger recruits, since the early 1950s. “Young men and women have endured sexual, physical or mental abuse from their colleagues which is not acceptable and does not reflect the values of a modern, diverse, tolerant Australian society,” Smith told parliament. “On behalf of the government, I say sorry.” An independent report into abuse within the military earlier this year found 775 plausible allegations of sexual, physical and mental abuse within the armed forces since 1951.

Separatist parties win regional election in Spain Separatists in Catalonia won a large majority in regional elections but a poor result for the biggest Catalan nationalist party will complicate a push for a referendum on independence from Spain. A deep recession and high unemployment have fuelled separatism in wealthy Catalonia, piling political uncertainty on Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as he fights a debt crisis that could force Spain to seek an international bailout. Flying pro-independence flags - a lone star against yellow and red stripes - Catalan voters on Sunday handed 87 seats, almost two-thirds of the local parliament, to four different parties that want a referendum on secession.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ixteen people have died in Pakistan after drinking cough syrup suspected of being toxic, police said yesterday after three additional victims expired in hospital. All those affected by the syrup were drug addicts who apparently drank it to get high, said police officer, Multan Khan. Khan said they died at various hospitals in the eastern city of Lahore over the past three days. Two people are still being treated at the city’s main hospital. Police arrested the owners of three drug stores where the cough syrup was sold and sent a sample for analysis to determine whether it was toxic, Khan added. Elsewhere in the country, a bomb hidden in a cement construction block exploded in the southern city of Karachi, killing one person, said senior police officer, Farooq Awan. Four other people were wounded, he said. The bomb contained about 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of explosives and was detonated by a mobile phone, said Awan. Pakistan suspended mobile phone service throughout most of the country on Saturday and Sunday to prevent attacks against Shiite Muslims during a major religious commemoration. Despite the ban, a pair of bombings over the weekend killed at least 13 people. Awan, the police officer, said he suspected the bomb in Karachi was meant to target Shiites over the weekend, but militants were not able to detonate it at the time because of the mobile phone ban. Shiites are currently observing the holy month of Muharram. Pakistani

A Pakistani mother holding her injured child at a local hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, recently.

16 die in Pakistan after drinking cough syrup Shiites on Sunday marked Ashoura, the most important day of the month. Pakistan has a long history of Sunni Muslim extremists targeting Shiites, who they consider heretics. Also yesterday, police in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, found and defused a bomb planted underneath the car of one of Pakistan’s most prominent TV anchors, Hamid Mir of Geo Television.

Photo: AP

The bomb was made up of half a kilogram (1 pound) of explosives stuffed in a tin can, said Islamabad police chief Bani Amin. It was placed in a bag and attached to the bottom of Mir’s car, said Amin. One of Mir’s neighbours noticed the bomb underneath the car after the TV anchor returned from a local market, and the police were notified, said Rana Jawad, a senior official at Geo TV.

Israeli Defence Minister, Barak, quits politics

sraeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak yesterday abruptly announced he was quitting politics, injecting new turmoil into the Israeli political system weeks ahead of general elections. Barak, Israel’s most-decorated soldier and one-time prime minister, said he would stay on in his current post until a new government is formed following the Jan. 22 balloting. His resignation could mean the departure of the most moderating influence on hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who holds a wide lead in polls and is expected to easily win re-election. Barak, who heads a small centrist faction in parliament, often served as Netanyahu’s unofficial envoy to Washington to smooth over differences with the Obama White House. His impending departure comes at a key time for Israel, as the nation struggles to find its way in a region where the old order of Arab autocrats has been swept aside by the Arab Spring and the rise of Islamist political parties. Israel also faces a looming decision on whether to attack Iran’s nuclear program, which the Jewish state fears is designed to develop atomic weapons — a charge Tehran denies. Less than a week ago, Barak led an eight-day military offensive against the Hamas militant group that rules the Gaza Strip. The fighting, aimed at ending rocket fire from the Palestinian territory. ended in a fragile truce. “I didn’t make this decision (to leave politics) without hesitating, but I made it wholeheartedly,” he told a hastily arranged news conference, saying he had been wrestling with the decision

Barak waving to media after a conference in Tel Aviv, yesterday Photo: AP

for weeks. He evaded repeated questions about whether he might agree to serve as a Cabinet minister in an upcoming government, leaving open the possibility that he might still retain an impact on Israeli politics. While most Cabinet

ministers also hold parliamentary seats, they do not have to be elected lawmakers, and such appointments have been made in the past. Barak, 70, made the surprise announcement even after polls showed his breakaway Independence Party gaining momentum after the Gaza campaign. Despite the bump in the polls, Barak still could have found himself fighting for his political survival once election day rolls around. Surveys before the Gaza operation were unkind to his party, at times showing it polling too weakly to even send a single representative to parliament. “I feel I have exhausted my political activity, which had never been an object of desire for me. There are many ways for me to serve the country, not just through politics,” he said, adding that his decision was spurred in part by his desire to spend more time with his family.

Fire kills 14 at German workshop for disabled

t least 14 people have died and “a large number” injured in a major fire at a workshop for disabled people in south-western Germany, reports say. Firefighters fought to rescue people and extinguish the blaze at the centre run by the Caritas charity in Titisee-Neustadt, in the Black Forest. The workshop is believed to have employed about 120 disabled people. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but local media reports that there may have

been an explosion in a store room. The centre is reportedly used for woodwork and metalwork, but it was not clear if any flammable materials were on site. The blaze occurred at about 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT), and flames were first spotted on the roof of the modern building, the BBC’s Stephen Evans reports from Berlin. The entire building was in flames, local TV reported, and smoke was still billowing out more than an hour after the fire started.

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World News

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Love affair: BBC bans newscasters from appearing together on screen T

he cuckolded husband of BBC newscaster, Sophie Long, was yesterday said to be devastated after she dumped him for her co-presenter. Blonde Miss Long, 35, has been enjoying secret trysts with newsreader Tim Willcox, 49. They both work for the BBC News channel, which has now banned them from appearing together on screen. Philandering Mr Willcox has been married for 17 years and has four school-age children with his wife Sarah, also 49. Miss Long’s betrayed husband, Will Green, 35, was her childhood sweetheart and they wed only two summers ago in a waterfront ceremony in Cornwall. Last night, he was in Central America on a business trip, according to a colleague. A friend said he was devastated by the sudden collapse of his marriage. ‘Will is the nicest bloke in the world. He is such a lovely guy, really into his sport and fun to be with,’ said the friend. ‘His whole family are such a close-knit and lovely bunch of people. ‘He is a very stable and reliable guy. He will maintain his dignity in all this.’ It is understood Miss Long and Mr Willcox informed their respective partners ‘a couple of months ago’ the marriages were over. Mr Willcox, a veteran BBC journalist, told his wife he had fallen hopelessly in love with his younger colleague. On Sunday, Mrs Willcox looked tired and devastated as she answered the door of the family’s £700,000 riverside home in a pretty Oxfordshire village. Mrs Willcox, who is clerk of the parish council and also a director of his company Tim Willcox Limited, politely declined to comment. Her mother, Jacqueline Harding, asked about her son-in-law’s conduct, said: ‘I wouldn’t say anything about Tim’s behaviour.’ Miss Long and Mr Green have put their smart end-of-terrace Georgian cot-

Willcox, 49, and Sophie Long, 35, have found themselves smitten with each other despite both being married to other people

tage in Plymouth, Devon, on the market for £335,000. Built in 1825, the particulars for the four-bedroom cottage show a fourposter bed, grand piano, free standing bath tubs, stripped pine floors and a walled garden. Mr Green works in Plymouth as sales director for a luxury yacht brokerage company, Princess Yachts International. At their wedding in June 2010, Mr Willcox was one of the guests - having become close to Miss Long while they presented the news together. The silver-haired newsreader, a former member of the British Youth Orchestra, even serenaded the happy couple with a trumpet. BBC presenter Jon Sopel was another guest. In addition to her marital home, Miss Long is believed to keep a one-bed flat in West London within walking distance of BBC Television Centre. There was no answer at the flat yesterday and the blinds were drawn.

Canadian becomes first non-British Governor for Bank of England

anadian Mark Carney was yesterday named as the new Governor of the Bank of England, becoming the first foreigner in charge in the institution’s 318-year-history. Chancellor George Osborne stunned the Commons with his announcement, as most experts had predicted the job would go to deputy governor, Paul Tucker. Mr Osborne told MPs: ‘Mark Carney is the outstanding candidate to be Governor of the Bank of England and help steer Britain through these difficult economic times. Mr Carney, who is currently governor of the Bank of Canada, will serve for five years, standing down in 2018. It came as a major surprise because Mr Carney ruled himself out of the race for the job in August. Other big names

Carney

considered to be in the frame included Lord Turner, chairman of the Financial Services Authority Lord Turner (centre) and former Cabinet Secretary Lord O’Donnell. Philip Shaw, economist at Investec, said: ‘Mark Carney is a surprise choice but he is a highly respected central banker.’

Born in Torquay in 1977 and raised in Weston-super-Mare, Miss Long graduated from Kings College, London, with a degree in war studies. After working as an election monitor in Cambodia, she returned to the UK where she worked for Reuters news agency and ITN. In 2000, she won the first Jill Dando BBC bursary which enabled her to study broadcast journalism, and she went on to work

Photo: BBC

for BBC Radio Cornwall and then Midlands Today. A high-flyer, she presented the South West edition of The Politics Show aged just 26, before moving to the BBC News channel as a presenter and correspondent. Memorable moments include touring with Nick Clegg in the run-up to the 2010 general election. Mr Willcox presents on the 24-hour BBC News and BBC World channels.

Husband leaves wife of 19 years after discovering she was a man

Belgian husband has spoken of his ‘horror’ after learning his wife of 19 years used to be a man. The duped 64-year-old - named only as Jan - said he had ‘no clue’ his bride had been born a boy. The shocking revelation only emerged after almost two decades of marriage when a cousin from his wife’s native Indonesia finally exposed the truth. Jan told how he met ‘Monica’ in 1993 when she arrived in his home town of Antwerp as an au-pair to his sister’s children. He described her as ‘very beautiful and feminine’ - but said he now understood why she was ‘no good at ironing’. Jan told Belgium’s Nieuwsblad daily paper: ‘My second marriage was on the rocks at the time and we quickly fell in love. ‘I thought she was an attractive woman, and she was all woman - she had no male traits. ‘She was 27 years old at the time, so I asked her if she wanted children. ‘I was glad when she said she didn’t as I was 44 and already had two of my own. ‘Over the years she said she was taking the pill, and even during sex I never noticed anything, though now I understand why she always used a lubricant, which is apparently normal among tran-

The city of Antwerp, where the pair have lived since they married 19 years ago. Photo: Alamy

sexuals. ‘She was always a good mother to my children, and also a fantastic cook, though we wasn’t that great at cleaning and ironing - and now I know why!’ But Jan said the relationship had begun to suffer over the past two years as she insisted on staying out late on her own wearing ‘very revealing outfits’ He added: ‘She would wear tiny tops that revealed a lot of flesh and had more than 100 pairs of shoes. ‘I also caught her ogling pictures of young men on the Internet. ‘But I didn’t suspect a thing until a cousin of hers came to visit and let something slip. ‘I mentioned it to my son and he said he’d heard a rumour too that Monica used to be a man.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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North

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

2015: Wada ‘ignores’ Jonathan’s directives OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ontrary to the directives by President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the

I’ve no hand in Nasarawa crisis –Senator IGBAWASE UKUMBA

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that campaigns for the 2015 General Elections be put on hold, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada yesterday directed the North Central zone of the party to ignore the order. Addressing the North Central Executive Committee of the PDP, Governor Wada said people are already talking about 2015 and this is the appropriate

time to start planning for the election. He said opposition parties “are already ganging up to destabilise PDP through various machinations as 2015 approaches.” The governor said: “Opposition wants to destabilise us, but the mantle is with us now and we have to work harder.” Canvassing support for the National Chairman

of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Governor Wada commended the founding fathers of the party for building a robust platform to provide good governance for Nigerians. He said: “I have continued to support the leadership of PDP in Kogi State because without the party, we will not be occupying the positions we are occupying today”.

When contacted for his reaction, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, told journalists that Wada must have been misquoted. Metuh said: “I believe Kogi governor must have been misquoted. The PDP National Executive Committee has taken a decisive direction on this matter. “Our decision is that we will focus on achiev-

LAFIA

he Senator representing Nasarawa North, Solomon Ewuga, has dissociated himself from the ethnic crisis that recently ravaged Nasarawa South of the state. Ewuga distanced himself from the crisis in a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Lafia, the state capital. The senator expressed shock over the loss of lives and property as a result of the crisis that erupted in Agyaragu and Assakio in recent times. He said: “We have for long been living as brothers and sisters in the state. Why is it that now we have to take arms and begin to kill one another? “There is the need for all us to know that we are our brother’s keepers and that the whole state belongs to all of us. As such, we should learn to embrace dialogue whenever there is disagreement.” Ewuga, however, condemned the recent crisis between his Eggon brothers in Assakio and the most recent one between his people and Koro at Agyaragu. He said: “As a stakeholder in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the present administration under the leadership of Tanko Al-Makura, I will not do anything that will tarnish the image of the state. “It is my belief that the time has come now to join hands with Al-makura and give him a chance to deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy to the people.”

Al-Makura

ing results, on performing our duties, on delivering on the mandate, on the promises we made to the electorate and this is the directive that the national chairman has given to all elected and appointed representatives of the party. “Kogi is one state that we directed to ensure that the performance of the governor should win us election again. The governor should focus his energy, his attention on ensuring that his people are satisfied with his performance in office. That should be his priority at this point and not 2015. “We don’t want any distraction at this point and nobody should deviate from what we are doing. This is not time for politics, this is time for performance.”

Coalition urges peaceful Kaduna LG poll A ZA MSUE KADUNA General Manager of Katsina State Community and Social Development Project, Alhaji Salisu Yar’Adua (left) presenting a cheque to the Village Head of Dantutture, Alhaji Magaji Dantutture, on behalf of Hayin Pasto Community for Electrification Project at Kafur Local Government Area, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Benue election observer alleges threat to his life HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

hairman of BENGONET, a Benue State based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), Mr. Justine Gbagiir, has raised the alarm over threats to assassinate him by some unidentified persons. Gbagiir alleged that the threats followed his plan to reveal the discrepancies he noted in the November 24, 2012 election in the state. He said he received

telephone calls from anonymous persons threatening to assassinate him if he dared reveal the discrepancies. Addressing journalists yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Gbagiir said the election was marred with irregularities, such as ballot box snatching and non-availability of voting materials in many polling units, among others. He alleged that he was even manhandled by some hoodlums in one of the polling units in Bu-

ruku Local Government Area for daring to ask why the voting materials had not been made available after 3:pm. The enquiry, according to him, did not go down well with the over 20 hoodlums, who pounced on him and beat him up, as well as tore his clothes. Gbagiir said the hoodlums also seized his faze cap, mobile telephone and other personal belongings. He said the hoodlums, however, returned the items following interven-

tion by elders at the polling unit. He said contrary to the belief that election was free and fair, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) did a shoddy job, as result sheet forms were not circulated in most polling units, especially where it felt were the stronghold of the opposition parties. Gbagiir said: “This is the worst election ever conducted in recent time in Benue State; it did not meet any acceptable standard.”

Borno to establish veterinary teaching hospital INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

he Borno State Government has planned to establish a veterinary teaching hospital to ensure consumption and rearing of healthy animals. The Commissioner for Animal Resources and Fisheries Development, Prof. Kyari Sandabe, gave the hint yesterday at a ministerial press briefing in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He explained that the measure was aimed at ensuring that all species of animals that may suffer from various ailments receive effective treatment. Sandabe said that the state government had treated 320,000 various species of animals infected with different disease. The commissioner noted that Governor Kashim Shettima had already approved the upgrading of the veterinary hospital and be equipped with modern

facilities for the take-off of the teaching hospital. He mentioned some of the strategies adopted for the successful take-off of the project to include recruitment of veterinary doctors and payment of monthly allowance to students studying veterinary medicine. According to him, when established, the teaching hospital would offer effective services on animal health, veterinary public health, hides and skin development and livestock

marketing, among others. Highlighting some of the achievements recorded by the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries Development, the commissioner said inspections were carried out in all abattoirs, slaughter slabs and houses across the state in an effort to ensure consumption of healthy meat. He added that in the area of livestock marketing, the ministry had generated the sum of N14.4 million as revenue from all the control posts.

he Kaduna State Coalition of Political Parties (KCPP) has called for the peaceful conduct of the December 1, 2012 local government election in the state. The coalition urged the electoral body to adhere to the rules of the free and fair election. In a statement issued yesterday after the coalition’s meeting in Kaduna, its chairman, Alhaji Inuwa Ahmed, said the 46 political parties supported the arrangements put in place by the state electoral umpire for the peaceful conduct of the poll. According to the statement, the coalition appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the electoral body in its quest to conduct violent-free poll. While calling on the people of the state to come out in large number to participate in the exercise, the coalition urged the voters to vote credible, popular and acceptable candidates. It urged political party’s supporters to shun violence before, during and after the election. The coalition also appealed to security agencies and the medial to discharge their responsibilities accordingly.

Cocktail

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Bald head men are better leaders --Study

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (51) “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believed that something inside them was superior to circumstance.” –Bruce Barton * * * MY NOTE: You have to believe that at any point in life, you are bigger and better than what you think you are. You have to see yourself as unlimited. You have to engage in ceaseless positive self talk that you are stronger than your circumstances whatever they may be. This is how to win daily battles. You will win today! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Family searching for missing kangaroo

n Oklahoma family is offering a $500 reward for their missing pet kangaroo, who disappeared on Thanksgiving. The Menhusen family, of north Shawnee, realized their an 11-monthold kangaroo, Lucy Sparkles, was missing on Thanksgiving, The Shawnee (Okla.) News-Star reported. Lucy likely wandered off, frightened by all the children outside, as kangaroos can be sensitive to noises. “We’re certainly heartbroken and sad -we just want her to come

home,” mother Shayla Menhusen said. The family searched for Lucy Thursday night and again on Friday, but she hasn’t been found. “We feel like she’s close,” Menhusen said, adding that hopeful Lucy will find her way back home or be found safe. “She’s the only pet we have.” Menhusen said if Lucy is found that she is very friendly and likes being held. She should be kept in a yard with a fence. The family is also offering a $500 reward for anyone who returns the kangaroo safely.

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Oddities

80-year-old man still delivering mail

n 80-year-old Michigan mailman says he won’t give up his job with the United States Postal Service because without it, life “gets boring.” Richard Dawson has been delivering mail in Lansing for 56 years and has been on the same route for the last 30 years, the Lansing (Mich.) State Journal reported Sunday. Although he admits that he has considered retiring before, he said he doesn’t plan on doing so any time soon. “I have to have something to do,” Dawson said. “There’s times I would like to quit. But, when I have a week off and don’t have anything else planned, it gets boring.” Dawson said he even has about two years of unused sick time built up. “He would much rather be here than anywhere,” his delivery supervisor, Guy Kaltner, said. “It means the world to him -- getting people their mail.” Was he prepared?

PHOTO: CREATIVENERDS.CO.UK

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Features

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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FADAMA: Reducing poverty through The issue of poverty reduction has, for long, been on the agenda of successive governments in the country. The sheer scale of bringing millions of people out of poverty has remained very daunting. But today, the famed FADAMA projects, an initiative of the federal, states and local governments, in conjunction with the World Bank, have come to the rescue. Recently, DENNIS AGBO, visited some FADAMA projects and reports of the positive impact on people of Enugu State.

hen Fadama III Project was conceived in 2007, the main aim of the scheme was to reduce poverty among less privileged Nigerians, through agricultural practices that would be assisted by the World Bank. That project has been on course in all the 36 states of the country, including the Federal capital Territory (FCT) and especially in Enugu State, where all the interested communities and groups have been impacted by the project arising, first, from the will to help them backed by support of all tiers of government and the World Bank. Fadama is actually a Hausa name for irrigable land, usually low-lying plains underlain by shallow aquifers found along major river systems. Fadama lands are suitable for dry season cultivation; hence the concept is often referred to as dry season farming. Fadama III, project was therefore a World Bank Assisted Poverty Reduction Project, involving agricultural diversification with development objective to increase and sustain the incomes of users, that is, those who depend directly or indirectly on Fadama resources, like crop farmers, livestock farmers, fish farmers, among other types of farming. The Fadama 111, strategy is demanddriven approaches in which all users of the resources are encouraged and assisted to develop participatory and socially inclusive Local Development Plan (LDP), to enable them take care of their own development agenda. In Enugu State, 122 Local Development Plans (LDPs) otherwise known as feasibility study was produced with each containing a minimum of 10 registered Agricultural Cooperative Societies which in Fadama Project is called Fadama User Groups (FUGs), and these groups on each LDP have one apex organization called Fadama Community Association (FCA), registered under the state laws as a cooperative society. It is through this apex FCA that the user groups under them access the Fadama grant from the International Development Agency (IDA). The FCAs also embark on sub-projects that are jointly owned by the FUGs under them and which they all stand to gain from, such as feeder roads, cold rooms, bore holes, markets, small bridges and culvert construction, feed stores, etc. Available records show that the Enugu State Fadama Project had disbursed more than $3, 334, 033.43 or N450, 000,000 to 100 Fadama Community Associations (FCAs) and 1,800 Fadama User Groups (FUGs), to embark

on their different sub-projects such as feeder roads, cold room business ventures, feed stores, crop production and processing, Livestock/fishery production and processing, agro forestry and other types of marketing. Among the FCAs that embarked on feeder roads include: Umuabi/Agbudu Cross FCA and Okpatu FCA in Udi Local Government Area of the state, Amede/Ihenyi FCA in Isi-uzo LGA, Ukpata and Uvuru FCAs in Uzo Uwani LGA, Ezi Ukehe FCA in Igbo-Etiti LGA, Umuogbuagu and Aji FCAs in Igbo-Eze North LGA. In Oji River LGA, there is Alum FCA road project, while the FCAs that embarked on cold room include: Amokwe/Etiti cross FCA, Obinagu Udi and Okpatu FCAs, all in Udi LGA. There are also cold rooms at Eha Alumona and Ede-Enu/Ede Ukwu Cross FCAs in Nsukka LGA, Emene/ Nkwubor Cross FCA in Enugu East LGA, Gariki, Uwani, Umunevo, Ihewuzi FCAs in Enugu South, Enugu North and Enugu East, LGAs, respectively. Others are Dieze Umuna, IgboEtiti LGA, Orba and Obollo Afor FCAs in Udenu L G A, Ikem Asokwa FCA in Isi-Uzo LGA, and Nkerefi FCA in Nkanu East LGA. Obeagu Chisom FCA in Awgu LGA and Nome FCA in Nkanu East LGA are on market construction. Ogonogo-Eji/Ogbozinne Cross FCA in Nkanu West LGA, Akpugoeze/Inyi Cross FCA in Oji River LGA embarked on small bridges and culverts as their sub-projects while Amechi Idodo in Nkanu East LGA, Udi in Udi LGA and Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti have feed stores as their chosen sub-projects. While disbursement to the remaining FCAs and FUGs are on-going, the Acting project Coordinator in the State, Mr. Jude Iyke Ogboke, said the expectation is that at the end of the project in 2013, about 170 Fadama Community Associations as well as 2, 650 Fadama

THE KEY INDICATORS AND TARGET OF THE PROJECT

DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVE IS THAT BY 2013, 75 PERCENT OF FADAMA USER HOUSEHOLDS WOULD HAVE INCREASED THEIR AVERAGE REAL INCOME

A cold room project

A farm road constructed at Anede-Ihenyi.

User Groups, would have been empowered, to take charge of their own development agenda, thus reducing poverty in the state. He noted that the state Fadama Coordination team as well as the Desk Officers and facilitators in all the 17 local government areas of the state are on field inspection and monitoring to see that the FCAs and the FUGs empowered, do not misuse or misdirect funds given to them to embark on their chosen sub-projects. He said that efforts are also being made by these arms to see that the local governments are carried along, so as to help in the maintenance of the feeder roads, bridges, culverts and other rural infrastructure embarked upon by FCAs in their localities. Mr. Ogboke, recalled that the National Fadama Development Project, was

initiated to address some of the factors that militated against the full realization of the potential benefits of agricultural production activities, some of which include poor rural infrastructure, low investment in irrigation technology, poor organization of farmers and the futility of individual/subsistence farming system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main goal is to build peaceful and prosperous communities in Fadama resources areas without negative impact on the environment in which people live and on which they depend for their livelihood,â&#x20AC;? said Ogboke. The key indicators and target of the project Development Objective is that by 2013, 75 percent of Fadama User households would have increased their average real income by at least 40 percent, increase in yield of primary agricultural produce of participating

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Features

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

creative farming methods

FADAMA III Borehole project

FADAMA farm project at Oji-River.

household shall be 20 percent, 10 percent replacement value of the common asset used for income generating activities of the FUGs shall have been saved annually. On visits to the projects, it was revealed that about 50 percent of assets and community-owned infrastructure are operating satisfactorily, maintained and utilized with the beneficiaries such as women, widows, the physically challenged, the sick, elderly, people living with HIV and Aids, and other vulnerable groups are actively involved in the project. Other FUGs are also engaged in their different agricultural activities. At flag off of the farming season, the Enugu State Government gave out organic fertilizers to about 2,650 Fadama user groups to encourage their

Another cold room in Enugu.

HOWEVER, SUCCESS STORIES HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN MOST COMMUNITIES AND GROUPS THAT EMBRACED THE

FADAMA PROJECT farming activities which presently are yielding dividends. In financing the project, the World Bank contributes 55.6 percent which translates to USD250m, Federal Government of Nigeria 5.1 perecnt or USD23m, state governments 17.1 percentUSD77m,local governments 8.9 percent - USD40m, and communities (FUGs and

FCAs) 13.3 percent - USD60m. But in the course of implementation of the project, one of the challenges being experienced, is the difficulty on the part of FCAs and FUGs to pay their counterpart fund, that is meant for them to feel the pinch of the project so as to be committed and not treat it as one of those government projects; there is also the challenge of team work among the FCAs and FUGs. Though the Enugu State Government has fully paid up its counterpart fund, it is believed that the local governments will follow suit in paying their counterpart contributions as contained in the terms of agreement between the World Bank, federal and state governments and signed before the actual take off of the project. However, success stories have been

recorded in most communities and groups that embraced the Fadama project. Such stories abound in areas such as Udenu Local Government, where Fadama has spent more than N45 million in projects as cold rooms, markets, fish ponds among other projects. The Udenu Local Government chairman, Dr. Godwin Abonyi, was so impressed with Fadama related activities that he pledged support of a 35KVA transformer to the Obollo-Afor Cold room, to help in maintaining regular power supply to the business outfit. The council chairman in an outpouring of joy, said he has been inundated with Fadama positive activities since assuming office three years ago, that he became interested in the projects. “I have heard so much of Fadama and I like agriculture. Now that it has done so much in Udenu, I will support it in all sincerity and passion, so that it would do more in my local government,” said Abonyi. At Isi-Uzo Local Government Council, a member of the FCA’s in Ikem locality, Mr. Stephen Eze, said that no less that 15 Fadama User Groups, FUG, embraced the project with partnerships on virgin farm roads constructions, establishment of cold rooms for business ventures, fish ponds, cassava plantations, among other projects. He said the Fadama initiative is a good one and implored the development agencies to make sure the programme continues beyond 2013. In Oji River Local Government, Chairman of the Akpugo-Eze FCA, Chief Jason Nweke, was elated that a lot of people in his community, who earlier found it difficult to engage in large scale farming, have been able to do so courtesy of Fadama 111 project. “I am happy with the construction of two bridges an culverts that now enable us get into our farms,” said Nweke who added that Fadama has spent more than N5 million in his community. At Ehalumona in Nsukka Local Government Area, Sir Emma Nwaishienyi, recounted that 12 Fadama user groups have benefited. He stated that no less than N5million was expended in the cold room of his community, and the other communities. The story is the same at Obeagu Chisom Fadama community association, where the Chairman, Titus Ogba, maintained that about 43 cooperative societies have been funded in projects like markets, maize cultivations, farm roads constructions, cold rooms, borehole drilling, among others. “I am very happy with Fadama and I want to urge them to continue assisting the people becausepoverty has drastically reduced in our community,” said Ogba. Nkanu East Local Government was not left out of the Fadama success story as the Amaechi-Idodo FCA, has more than 13 Fadama User groups. There are over 70 groups funded in the local government, with over 112 co-operative societies. There is a large feed store built at Amaechi-Idodo, while the FCA chairman, Mazi Christian Eze, said that Fadama has been very supportive of all their agricultural and business initiatives.

WORLD RECORD

First transatlantic flight Vol. 02 No. 500

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Strategising against terrorism

he latest attack by terrorists in Kaduna is a clear indication that end to attacks is far from expectations. For this to have happened at a time the security agencies were commending their strategies in dealing with insurgent groups in the country points to the fact that the formula for restoring a lasting peace is not only a mystery but still hidden from those saddled with the fight against terror. Only recently, the Army and Police boasted of successes recorded against these violent elements in the country, particularly in the North to create an impression that they have at long last found the way to subdue the insurgents and to give Nigerians reasons to celebrate but alas this was not to be.

N150

The first crossing of the North Atlantic by air was made by Lt Cdr (later Rear Admiral) Albert Cushing Read (18871967) and his crew (Stone, Hinton, Rodd, Rhoads and Breese) in the 155 km/h (84-knot) US Navy/Curtiss flying-boat NC-4 from Trepassey Harbor, Newfoundland, Canada via the Azores, to Lisbon, Portugal from 16-27 May 1919.

he Liberia Football Association (LIFA) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over new rules adopted by the CAF that affect the body’s presidential vote. In September, CAF adopted controversial new rules that bar anyone outside the executive committee from contesting its presidency.

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

Events over the weekend had indeed dealt a crushing blow on the image of the military in this war against terrorism and other anti-social elements. There was no doubting the fact that the attack was effectively coordinated in the twin-bombing that led to the killing of yet innocent souls inside the military base church in Jaji, Kaduna State. The precision with which the attack was coordinated reminds one of the notorious religious sect that has so far exposed the weakness of the Nigerian nation in defending the defenceless souls. Again, the attacks were a reminder that government officials should stop boasting on the issues of security, particularly their capacity to curtail the strategies of the terrorists. The more the security chiefs boast of their successes in the war, the more the attack is intensified to prove that they enjoy the liberty to strike at will without any hindrance or even with support from elements within the formation of the military. Just last week, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Col. Azubuike Ihejirika, while on a visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar was quoted saying: “Gone are the days when we take actions without calculating their consequences”. But in the light of recent developments, the security chiefs need to watch their back before making such statements or

THE BRAVERY WITH WHICH THEY EXECUTE THEIR STRATEGY CALLS TO QUESTION THE GENUINESS OF INTELLIGENCE REPORT even giving that kind of commitment that the terrorists are being routed and defeated in the war. What happened in Jaji was an indirect response not only to the new posture of the security agencies but to also show the potency of the insurgents. It was a direct affront to the military which was reminiscent of what Nigerians witnessed with the attack on the police headquarters in Abuja just few days after the then Inspector-General of Police , Hafiz Ringim, made a similar oration. The fight against insurgents must first be waged within the formations of the security agencies before any further declaration on an issue as sensitive as this. The insurgents also came at a time the government agencies had placed a ransom on the leaders of the Islamic sect for useful information that could lead to the arrest of their leaders. Trailing the activities and the history of attacks of the group clearly shows that they are not only determined

in their war against government forces, they also appeared to enjoy unhindered access to relevant information which assist in their operations. The bravery with which they execute their strategy calls to question the genuiness of intelligence report which often form the basis of government assessment of the terrorist groups in the country. Before this situation gets out of hand, given recent developments, there is the need for a more serious approach in combating terrorists’ activities in the country. The nature of attack on innocent souls under the guise of religious intolerance is gradually turning to the reign of lawlessness, life in the jungle where there is no respect for law and order again. As it is often being argued, the basic characteristic of a failed state remains the absolute disregard for constituted authorities and a deliberate affront to the sovereignty of the country. In spite of propaganda from the government circles of winning the war against terrorism, the situations on ground have not been able to substantially justify this claim even as those behind the distortions would want the world to believe. It is on record that the insurgents have proved to be very accurate not only in hitting their targets but also in their intelligence gathering such that any spot targeted had not escaped their attack. The official strategy in combating terrorism appears to be diversionary in nature going by the events of the weekend when suddenly the attackers appeared from the blues undetected before unleashing horrendous attacks on the army and police formations. The message was quite apparent to every keen observers of events. The security agencies had just placed a ransom of N290 million on the leaders of Boko Haram before the attacks which caught the security agencies unawares. Surely, there can’t be smoke without fire as the event of the weekend had shown that there are black legs among those charged with national security.

Sport Extra

CAF chair: Liberia challenges Hayatou The amendments state that anyone seeking the presidency must be a voting member of the executive committee. It means the likes of Jacques Anouma, one of Africa’s representatives on the executive committee

of FIFA, and South Africa’s 2010 World Cup chief, Danny Jordaan, are ineligible to run for the CAF job. LIFA wants the amendment suspended “in order to avoid any legal risk on the validity of the election” and also wants a return to the

CAF statutes as they were before the amendment. Incumbent Issa Hayatou, who has been in the role since 1987, is the sole candidate so far ahead of the elections, which will take place in March in Morocco.

Issa Hayatou

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