Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Inflation rate drops to single digit

Expatriate workers: Terrorist group claims responsibility for abduction

…down to nine per cent in January TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA Sanusi

Vol. 31 N0. 560 115

or the first time in 17 months, Nigeria’s composite Consumer Price Index, CPI, indicated that inflation

dropped to nine per cent year-on-year in January, down from the 12 per cent rate as at December 2012. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Abubakar

Tuesday, Tuesday,June February 7, 2011 19, 2013

N150 N150

2015: Governors plot against Jonathan

ACF asks President to respect single-term agreement Pension probe: Again, Pressure mounts on Buhari to drop ambition Maina fails EXCLUSIVE to stop arrest

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR (POLITICS)

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s President Goodluck Jonathan tightens the noose against governors in the control of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, structure, some of the state chief executives are also strategising on how to thwart his 2015 re-election bid. The President will have to rely more on new strategies because “shoeless, minority and performance factors” are not to his advantage. An impeccable party source told National Mirror that more than two-thirds of the 28 governors elected CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Onolememen

Roof of the Federal High Court at Ring Road, Ibadan, destroyed by rainstorm yesterday.

Explosion in Lagos

NANS tackles NYSC over mobilisation of graduates P.9

PHOTO: NAN

Senate quizzes minister over 3rd Mainland Bridge P.6

...kills one merchant, injures police inspector Trailer crushes husband, wife Affia

Rainstorm destroys houses, cars in Ibadan

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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Expatriate workers: Terrorist group claims responsibility for abduction AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST, ROTIMI FADEYI AND JAMES

DANJUMA

n Islamic extremist group, Jamaatu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissuda, has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s abduction of seven expatriate workers of Setraco Construction Company in Jama-are, Bauchi State. The group had earlier claimed responsibility for the abduction of a French citizen in Katsina and a German with Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, who later died in failed rescued mission in Kano. The seven foreign nationals in captivity are four Lebanese, an Italian, a Briton and a Greek. In a statement by the Alqaeda linked terrorists yesterday, the group said they were holding the foreigners in reaction to the atrocities meted out to Islam and Muslims, especially in Afghanistan and Mali. The one-page statement reads in part: “Based on the transgression and atrocities done to the religion of Allah by the European countries in many places, including Afghanistan and Mali, by Allah’s grace, Jamaatu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudan has the custody of seven persons, which

include Lebanese and their European counterparts working with Setraco in Nigeria on 8th of Rabiul Thani, 1434, equivalent of February 17, 2013.” “Any attempt or act contrary to our condition by the European nations or by the Nigerian Government will lead to the happenings as they were in the previous attempts.” The statement was signed by Abu Usamatal Ansary. The kidnapped expatriates were working in Jamaare and Kafin-Madaki Local Government, where Setraco Construction firm is handling construction works. It was learnt that before their abduction, the gunmen had attacked a police station and a prison in the area during which the police post was torched and two vehicles were burnt. Before gaining access into the premises of the construction firm, the attackers killed the company’s private security guard before descending on their targets. As at the time of filing this report yesterday, the Bauchi State Police Command had not released the names of the affected expatriates just as the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Ladan, said the matter was under investigation.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered security agencies to locate and rescue the foreign construction workers. In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President commiserated with the family of the guard who was reportedly killed in the attack in Jama’are area of the state. President Jonathan condemned the kidnapping of the workers and reaffirmed Federal Government’s total commitment to wiping out terrorism and abductions in the country.

He, however, assured the relatives of the kidnapped foreign workers and the governments of their countries that the Federal Government and its security agencies would ensure the arrest of their abductors and the safe release of the victims. The President urged Nigerians and foreigners in the country to go about their normal businesses, stressing that the government and the security agencies would curb threats to security in the country. Meanwhile, foreign nationals working in Katsina State are to be provided with security protection to fore-

stall a repeat of the Bauchi State incident. Katsina State witnessed its first expatriates’ kidnap in December last year when gunmen invaded part of Rimi council area and abducted a French engineer, Francis Collump. Collump had been working at a wind farm project, which was expected to generate a little over 10 megawatts of electricity. But the state government, worried that what happened last December in Bauchi could repeat itself, had begun moves to forestall recurrence of the incident. The state government

has, therefore, constituted a high-powered security committee to ensure adequate security for the expatriates. Speaking to newsmen yesterday shortly after the Security Council meeting, the Police Commissioner, Abdullahi Magaji, said members of the committee were drawn from the Army, the Police, the Civil Defence and the State Security Service, SSS. Magaji added that the committee had been mandated to identify location and number of expatriates working across the state to give them needed security cover against any attempted kidnap.

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Ghanaian President John Kufuor and Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, at the Presidential Summit on Water in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

2015: Governors plot against Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

on the platform of the PDP are considering sponsoring a serving governor against President Jonathan in the party’s primaries come 2014. “We will give the President a fight for the 2015 presidency. All the plans to whittle down the influence of the governors won’t work. We will ensure that one of the PDP governors confront President Jonathan for the party’s ticket at the primaries,” a senior member of the PDP told National Mirror at the weekend. It was learnt that the governors are considering the candidature of Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). Although Governors Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) are also nursing

presidential ambition, “they are not considered to be too serious.” Shema, according to sources, is angling for the vice-presidential candidate to President Jonathan if the power play did not favour the return of Namadi Sambo, the incumbent Vice- President. This explains the cold relationship between Vice-President Sambo and Shema. Lamido and Aliyu are considered the favourite of the governors. They also enjoy the support of loyalists of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who President Jonathan’s men are poised to decimate his influence in the PDP. The choice of Amaechi is premised on the fact that he enjoys the support of fellow governors and that he is from the same oil-rich Niger Delta as the

President. However, the insistence of the northern bloc that the power must return to the zone is leaving the governors with an option of making Amaechi the running mate in an Aliyu or Lamido candidacy. The second leg of the plot is that if the governors lose the presidential ticket to the President, they would back opposition party. A former governor told National Mirror that at least 11 PDP governors have indicated interest to support the All Progressive Congress, APC, in terms of funding and logistics. The plan is that some of the PDP governors are not going to leave the party in the event they lose PDP ticket to President Jonathan. “They will likely sponsor a candidate, preferable a former governor or an incumbent governor in the

mega party. “They won’t leave the PDP but work underground against the party’s interest as fifth columnists,” the source said. As at today, President Jonathan cannot boast of support from governors of the North. Just recently, Kwankwaso expressed support for the emergence of APC. The Kano governor is not on the same page with President Jonathan. He even sees the vice president as junior to him in politics. This was evident at the PDP zonal congress in Kaduna before the 2011 elections when he confronted the vicepresident on issues and that he should not dictate to him. Just at the weekend, Aliyu opened up on the one-term agreement reached between President Jonathan and the PDP governors before the 2011

presidential election. He had said: “We must remind people of the promises they have made. When he (Jonathan) was going to declare, governors of PDP were brought together to ensure that we were all in the same frame of mind. “Some of us, given the circumstances of the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and given the PDP zoning arrangement, were expecting that the northern states would produce the President for this number of years but God has done His own. “At that discussion, it was agreed that President Jonathan would serve one term and we all signed and when he went to Kampala, Uganda, he said the same thing. “But for now, President Jonathan has not declared his candidacy and we must not be speculating based on

those who are benefiting from such thing. “I believe that we are all gentlemen enough and when the time comes, we will all sit down and see what the right thing to do is.” A governor in the North also expressed his frustration with the President to associates recently. The governor, who was President Jonathan’s zonal coordinator in the 2011 election, said he was insulted in the North because of the President and after Jonathan won the election, he did not give him the chance to nominate any of the ministers and appointees from his state. The governor is embittered and unwilling to stick out his neck again for the President’s re-election. The President’s reelection is also being threatened because he is CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Good Health

TOBORE OVUORIE

esults from a recent study suggests that eating grapes slow or help prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – a condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field. Data so far indicate it is a debilitating medical condition affecting millions worldwide and is a leading cause of blindness in old age. The antioxidant actions of grapes are believed to be responsible for these protective effects. Published in the Free Radical Biology and Medicine, the study compared the impact of an antioxidant-rich diet on vision using mice prone to developing retinal damage in old age in much the same way as humans do. The mice were divided into three groups while the first received a grape-enriched diet, the second a diet with added lutein while the last group were given a normal diet. The results showed grapes proved to offer dramatic protection as the grape-enriched diet protected against oxidative damage of the retina and prevented blindness in those mice consuming grapes. While lutein was also effective, grapes were found to offer significantly more protection. “The protective effect of the grapes in this study was remarkable, offering a benefit for vision at old age even if grapes were consumed only at young age,” said prin-

Why grapes should be part of your daily diet! …prevents eyes, heart, hypertension and other disease conditions cipal investigator Dr. Silvia Finnemann, of the Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University in New York. Dr. Finnemann’s study indicates agerelated vision loss is a result of cumulative, oxidative damage over time. “A lifelong diet enriched in natural antioxidants, such as those in grapes, appears to be directly beneficial for RPE (retinal pigment epithelium cells) and retinal health and function.” According to her, aging of the retina is associated with increased levels of oxidative damage, and oxidative stress is thought to play a pivotal role in the development of age-related macular degeneration. The study showed that adding grapes to the diet prevented blindness in mice by significantly decreasing the build-up of lipofuscin and preventing the oxidative damage to the RPE, thus ensuring optimal functioning of this critical part of the retina. Besides the eyes, grapes have been discovered as a great source for maintaining good blood health, reduce the risk of hyper-

tension, help with depression and improve immunity. This is because it contains very significant minerals such as Manganese and Potassium. Other minerals found in grapes are Copper, Zinc, Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron and Selenium. Research findings also reveal that one of the most crucial benefits you’ll derive from eating grapes is production of antioxidants in your body. Grapes are rich in antioxidants due to the presence of phytonutrients called polyphenols. These antioxidants bind with the “free radicals” present in your body and reduce the risk of plague formation on the arteries, thus improving the heart’s health. However, nutritionists also recommend them as snack fruits because they are choke full of essential vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B and Folate. Research also indicate that a four Oz serving of grapes can contain anywhere close to 20-25% of the daily required serving of Vitamin C.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Obesity in dads may be associated with offspring’s increased risk of disease

father’s obesity is one factor that may influence his children’s health and potentially raise their risk for diseases like cancer, according to new research from Duke Medicine. The study, which appears Feb. 6 in the journal BMC Medicine, is the first in humans to show that paternal obesity may alter a genetic mechanism in the next generation, suggesting that a fa-

ther’s lifestyle factors may be transmitted to his children. “Understanding the risks of the current Western lifestyle on future generations is important,” said molecular biologist Adelheid Soubry, PhD, a postdoctoral associate at Duke Cancer Institute and the study’s lead author. “The aim of this study was to determine potential associations between obesity in parents prior to conception

and epigenetic profiles in offspring, particularly at certain gene regulatory regions.”

It would interest you to know that this fruit type which have been discovered to be overlooked by many also help in the generation of nitric oxide in the body. This compound helps improve heart health by reducing blood clots, platelet aggregation and oxidation of LDL (which causes plagues on the arteries). The skin and seeds of grapes have equally been discovered to be as rich as the juice of the fruit because they contain resveratrol- a compound which keeps the heart muscles flexible and healthy. This compound is also present in red wine thus explains why it has gained popularity as people who eat high fat diet have been found to have low heart disease stats due to their consumption of red wine and grapes. This is so because grapes contain glucose based compound called Saponin which helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol and settles down inflammation path ways thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. It has further been discovered that grapes have several anti-microbial properties but they are not harmful to the beneficial bacteria in the stomach. Tests have also shown that grape extracts inhibited the growth of 14 different types of harmful bacteria commonly found in human intestine and stomach including E coli, Salmonella and H. pylori; which causes stomach ulcers. To accrue these benefits and lot more, start consuming grapes as fresh fruits, in the form of red wine, grape juice or even as a dry fruit!

Exposure to pesticides in food, air, water increases risk of Type 2 diabetes –Study

study led by the University of Granada reveals that there is a direct relationship between the presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the body and the development of type 2 diabetes, regardless of the patient’s age, gender or body mass index. A study conducted at the University of Granada has revealed that there is a direct relationship between exposure to pesticides (Persistent Organic Pollutants, CPOs) in food, air and water and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in

adults, regardless of age, gender and body mass index. These substances tend to concentrate in body fat, and they might be one of the reasons why obese people are more likely to develop diabetes, since the more fat the higher the COP concentrations in the body. In a paper recently published in the journal Environmental Research, researchers demonstrate that people with higher concentrations of DDE -the main metabolite in the pesticide DDT- are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other people.

Photo News

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief, National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Daily Editor, Mr. Seyi Fasugba and Mrs. Attobrah.

Group Managing Director, Global Fleet, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR and Executive Director, Energy Bank Ghana, Mrs. Ophilia Attobrah, during her familarisation tour of Energy group in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Editor, Saturday Mirror, Gbemi Olujobi; Head, Audit Department, Mr. Adebayo Ishola, Mr. Fasugba; Mrs. Attobrah and Head, HR and Admin, Mrs. Abiodun Adewunmi.

Dr. Ibrahim (second right) and Mrs. Attobrah (right), at the press hall.

PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO

National News

Explosion in Lagos, kills one, injures another FRANCIS SUBERU AND MURITALA AYINLA

here was palpable fear in Lagos yesterday as an explosion killed a man and injured another under the Festac Link Bridge, Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state. The deceased, Chief Oladele Pius was the chairman of Miracle Sand Association, Festac Town, an umbrella body for those dredging sharp sand under the Festac Link Bridge. The other victim of the explosion is a policeman, simply identified as Inspector Sani. He was in company of the deceased when the explosion occurred around 12:30pm. Eyewitnesses said the Improvised Explosive Device, IED, was planted at the bank of the river where the deceased normally seats to relax. The object, it was learnt, was covered with stones to prevent it from being detected.

The deceased was said to be fond of seating where the explosive was planted. National Mirror learnt that as soon as Chief Pius sat on a five coach fence erected by the river side, the IED was detonated and immediately tore him into pieces and severely injured his police companion. However, dredgers at the site ruled out the insinuation that the device may have been planted by his rivals, desperate to take his position. One of the sand dredgers, Peter Adeola said everyone dredging under the bridge loved the deceased as he was the one who founded the site and normally shield them from government’s hammer. It was gathered that the deceased, who rode in a new Pathfinder Jeep with registration number LSR 957 AZ was with his wife. She was said to be standing a few yards away when suddenly, the explosion occurred. Traumatised by the incident, she fainted and was rushed to a nearby private hospital.

It was learnt that police from Area E, led by the Area Commander, ACP Dan Okoro later arrived and cordoned off the area. The remains of the deceased were moved to the mortuary, while the severely injured policeman was taken to an undisclosed hospital. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Umaru Manko, who arrived the scene about an hour after the incident, told journalists that the explosion should not cause tension, saying it was unfortunate that a life was lost. “There is no cause for alarm. The magnitude of the explosion is minor, at least not like we use to have in other parts of the country. We are on ground, we have accessed the situation and we will take steps to forestall future occurrence. “However, the Police Anti-Bomb Unit is here, investigating the object. What we found was a simple touch and battery. Lagosians can go about their normal business. The situ-

ation is under control,” he said. The Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Ayodele Adewale who was equally at the scene warned dredgers at the site to prepare to vacate the venue for their own safety. National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, Information Officer for South-West Zone, Ibrahim Familoye, confirmed to National Mirror that only one person was killed, while another was injured in the explosion. He warned residents and workers to move away from the area as there may be other harmful objects around. Also, the Director, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Olu OkeOsanyintolu confirmed the incident. “Explosive device was detonated under the Apple Junction Bridge inward Festac around 12pm. One person was confirmed dead and with another casualty,” he said. Meanwhile, Governor

Babatunde Fashola yesterday inaugurated a 3-man panel of enquiry to investigate the explosions that rocked Jankara market on Lagos Island, last December. Speaking at the occasion, Fashola said he had received reports on the distressed state of some of the buildings in the area, even as he noted that St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Breadfruit Street must be rebuilt from the foundation to avert disaster. The governor charged members of the panel to unravel how the powerful firecrackers got into residential areas as well as strengthen the capacity of government to stop such occurrences in the future. The panel has Hon. Justice Oladokun Ishola (rtd) as Chairman and Mr. Wasiu Olokunola and Mr. Richard Ahonaruogho as members. “We also expect that members of the public will respond by providing information and submitting memoranda and giving evidence whenever the need arises. We expect

that all the first responders, who played one role or the other on the day; the Fire Service, the Police, the State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, to whom we are very grateful, will be able to shed more light into how we came to that unfortunate incident. “We hope that the report of your enquiry will explain to us what more we should do. Why this kind of substances got into residential areas and why in the very notorious difficulties that are associated with our ports, that lawful items are much more difficult to clear than prohibited items. Because these things came in December, in good time for the purpose and I know quite a few businessmen who have still not got their legitimate goods out. “For the records, this is the second time in 10 years that this kind of thing will happen in Lagos, and clearly we want to ensure that the lessons of these two incidents remain enduring and beneficial for the future,” he said.

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News

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Inflation rate drops to single digit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in its

monthly CPI report released yesterday stated that the relative moderation in the

headline index during the month was exhibited in declines in seven of the 12

Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose, COICOP, divisions and

L-R: Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Ufot Ekaette; Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Osita Chidoka; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; former SGF, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto, during the international conference marking the 25th anniversary of FRSC in Abuja, yesterday.

declines recorded in major food and core sub-indices. The figures were in tandem with analysts’ predictions that inflation figure would drop to single digit in January in line with the target set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which had maintained a tight monetary stance, holding the benchmark monetary policy rate at 12 per cent for almost two years on fears of inflationary pressure due to unbridled government spending. Analysts, however, reiterated calls for a reduction in the benchmark rate based on the decline in inflation rate. In its report, the NBS explained that the relative moderation could be largely attributed to base effects, which were as a result of higher price levels in the previous year.

This implies that the year-on-year changes exhibited this year will be muted. Specifically, the statistical agency noted that the economy exhibited several shocks in the corresponding month of 2012 due to the partial removal of fuel subsidy and the resultant increases in transportation costs as well as secondary effects, as the transportation costs affected both food and nonfood prices. In addition, the bureau also said that there were civil protests which followed and the manmade price gouging during the month, as merchants tried to take advantage of temporary shortages. NBS explained that the resulting base effects – the relative lower rise in yearon-year changes exhibited

if such aspirant has what it takes to deliver on the promise of democracy, and Nigerians are prepared to make judicious use of their democratic rights.” Meanwhile, Buhari is still adamant about contesting the 2015 election. It was learnt that stakeholders in the party had been putting pressure on him to drop his ambition for a younger person. His ambition is considered a major factor in the merger arrangement. A source confided in our correspondent that pressures from outside the merger arrangement were also coming. It was also gathered that former military President Ibrahim Babangida and Vice-President Atiku Abubakar were working to ensure that Buhari “is dissuaded from running for the 2015 presidency.” “Babangida and Atiku are likely going to support a northern presidential candidate on the platform of APC outside Buhari. “So, they are working on the permutations of producing a neutral candidate that the North can rally round. So, they are also interested in who becomes the APC

presidential candidate,” another source in the merger arrangement told National Mirror. Though Atiku still has interest in the Presidency but his getting the PDP ticket is very remote. As such, he may be forced to throw his support elsewhere. The National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told National Mirror that APC was not only out to displace President Jonathan but to enthrone democracy at all levels that would give Nigerians a meaningful life. “It is a comprehensive movement that will ensure that the APC is in control of governance at all levels. It is not only to be in control of the Presidency; we want to also be in charge of the states and National Assembly,” Mohammed said. The ACN spokesman said the APC was not discussing about a presidential candidate for now. “We have a lot of work at hand to do. We need to work on our logo, manifesto, and constitution and consolidate our structures before talking about sharing offices. The issue of candidacy is not on the list of our priorities for now,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9>>

2015: Governors plot against Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

losing or has lost support in two zones that have the highest voting strength – South-West and North West. In the South-West, the PDP structure is in tatters. Peace has eluded the party with the recent dissolution of the zonal executives; a move targeted as decimating Obasanjo’s influence in the party. The ACN is in firm control of the zone. In the North-West, Jonathan lost the zone to the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in the 2011 election. The President’s rating is at the lowest ebb in the zone. Former military Head of State and CPC presidential candidate in the 2011 poll, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is from Katsina; Kwankwaso is from Kano; CPC is strong in Kaduna; Sule is from Jigawa. The Jonathan’s camp is also fighting back. A presidential source said political strategists are working on a number of measures to contain the governors between now and the PDP primaries in late 2014. The first step was carried out recently with the redeployment of police commissioners in 16 states. This action, though seen

as normal in the security circle, is meant to check the influence of governors on the force. Also, the Presidency is considering breaking the ranks of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, by sponsoring a splinter group to create a leadership crisis. This was done under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki as NGF chairman. In the build-up to the 2011 election in which the then Governor Saraki was PDP aspirant, the Jonathan’s camp launched a counter-plot to oust him as the leader of the governors. This led to the emergence of Gbenga Daniel, the then governor of Ogun State, as NGF’s chairman. Daniel was sponsored by the Presidency under Jonathan’s watch. This decision, however, could not stand because Saraki lost the presidential ticket and was let be. Sources said the same treatment would soon be meted to Amaechi, who is seen as enemy number one in Aso Rock. Amaechi at the weekend, however, declined to comment on his alleged presidential ambition during a citizens’ forum in Port Harcourt. He said he was eminently qualified for the presidency. “If the educational

qualification for contesting the presidency is school certificate, then I am qualified because I have a school certificate, I have a first degree and even a master’s.” Amaechi said he had no regrets for his actions as NGF’s chairman. To him, the actions were “done in the interest of Nigerians and the governors.” In another development, the North’s apex socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has called on President Jonathan to honour his one-term agreement with the governors. Speaking on the issue, the ACF spokesman, Mr. Anthony Sani, in a text message to our correspondent said the President should be a man of honour by abiding with the agreement. The statement reads: “The only thing new in Governor Babangida Aliyu’s statement is that President Goodluck Jonathan committed himself in writing in his agreement with the governors that he would do one term. “I said this because the media was awash at that time that President Jonathan had undertaken with the governors that he would do only one term.

“Nigerians also heard President Jonathan say in far away Uganda that only four years were enough for him to make Nigeria experience a change; and that anybody who could not deliver in four years would not be able to achieve anything even if more years are added. “As an embodiment of national ideals and moral values, Mr. President is not expected to swallow his words of honour, of trust and confidence. “What is more, President Jonathan has been dragged to the court challenging his eligibility to contest in 2015 considering he has already taken the oath of office twice, and given that the constitution only allows for maximum of eight years. “This dilemma has made Mr. President to keep his decision on declaration for the contest on hold until 2014 moreso that this time is not for politics but for governance and performance. “But I think this matter is not too much about constitution and signed agreement, but of honour, trust and confidence. 2014 is not too far away. Moreso the President’s declaration does not preclude any aspirant from the contest, especially

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Senate quizzes Onolememen over 3rd Mainland Bridge GEORGE OJI AND OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

inister of Works, Mike Onolememen, yesterday appeared before the Senate Committee on Works to douse anxiety over the alleged imminent collapse of the Third Mainland Bridge. Onolememen’s summon was sequel to a motion moved by Senator Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East Constituency, drawing the attention of the Senate to the imminent collapse of the Third Mainland Bridge. Since the motion was moved, there has been palpable anxiety on the part of the people of Lagos, prompting the Senate to mandate the committee to look into the matter. However, briefing the committee on the state of the bridge and that of other important bridges across the country, Onolememen said those peddling the rumour of the impending collapse of the bridge were acting on false alarm. He said contrary to the widespread rumour, investigations carried out by experts on the state of the bridge did not indicate any threat of imminence collapse. The minister, who admitted that the bridge

•Fear of imminent collapse misplaced, says minister had lacked proper maintenance since it was constructed about 35 years ago, disclosed that it was only in 2010 that major repair work was carried out on it. He said: “Since the bridge was built about 35 years ago, no proper maintenance strategy was put in place. It was not until 2010 that major repair work was carried out. “It was when I came in as the minister that I created Department of Bridge and ensure that the ministry trained some of its staff in Europe to man

the department. “We have done underwater investigations of all the bridges in Lagos, in River Benue and some of other parts of the country. With the department now in place, we are better equipped to deal with issues of bridges in the country.” In order to safeguard the integrity of the bridge, the minister also informed the committee that his ministry had engaged a consultant M/s ICECON Nigeria Limited to urgently carry out investigation on the entire bridge substructure

to determine the extent of maintenance work that would be required. Onolememen added that the report of the consultant, which would enable government begin proper repair, was expected next month. He said: “The outcome of this investigation will then determine the extent of repairs to be carried out on the Third Mainland Bridge.” However, Ashafa said the motion was not borne out of the desire to raise unnecessary alarm, but to point to the urgent need to

repair the bridge to avoid calamity. The lawmaker said he did not raise false alarm on the state of the bridge. The Chairman of the committee, Senator Ayogu Eze, stressed the importance of keeping the bridge in proper shape, arguing that if anything untoward happened to it, every Nigerian would be affected. He urged the minister to avail the committee copies of the various reports on the state of the bridge so that the Senate could also look at them.

Gridlock on Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Abuja owing to road reconstruction in parts of the metropolis, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

N350bn needed yearly to meet water, sanitation targets –Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said that Nigeria required about N350 billion ($1.91 billion) annually to meet water and sanitation targets of its growing population. Speaking at the Presidential Summit on Water at the State House with the theme: “Innovative funding of water sector in Nigeria,” Jonathan disclosed that access to clean water in the rural areas was unacceptable and a great challenge. According to him, in line with the transformation agenda of his government, it has become necessary to implement a more cooperative, more radical programme of action to meet Millennium Devel-

opment Goals, MDGs, in the sector. The President noted that investments had been made to boost various aspects of the sector from the budget and special funds dedicated to ecological matters and natural resources development and also through the repair and rehabilitation of water supply infrastructure. He said: “In 2011, we spent the total sum of N40.94 billion. In 2012, the sum of N43.6billion was spent. “This does not include our expenditure in the following projects; Goronyo Dam - N3.4 billion; Kashimbila Dam - N38 billion; Gurara Dam and irrigation - N36 billion; Ife Dam - N3 billion. “In 2013, we have proposed N39 billion from line budget to be spent

on water related projects. This will be in addition to funds the sector will receive from special intervention funds.” Jonathan charged the summit to identify the major issues militating against optimal water infrastructure development and its sustainability, as well as evolve innovative funding to ameliorate this situation. He also urged the participants to redefine the intervention approaches in the water sector through funding sources diversification and highlight the business potential and existing profitability assets. Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said provision of water was essential and should not be taken as business as

usual. He noted that provision of water should not be left in the hands of politicians, the private sector, civil society and financial institutions, saying that all hands must be on deck to make water available to majority of the people. Obasanjo said solution to water problem was long overdue. According to him, water remains an essential aspect of sanitation as well as in the area of agriculture and transportation. In the same vein, former Ghanaian President, John Kufuor, also said provision of water was important to prevent waterborne diseases which had claimed the lives of many people. In his own remarks, Senate President, David

Mark, expressed sadness that millions of Nigerians who had no access to potable pipe-borne water depended on dirty and contaminated water for domestic use. According to him, millions of people die every year from waterborne diseases. Mark said it was clear that government alone could not meet all the water needs of millions of the people as there was proliferation of private water service providers to serve the people. The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, in her welcome address, emphasised the need to explore alternative sources of funding to scale up the implementation of the road map in the water sector and achieve the MDGs.

Pension probe: Again, Maina fails to stop arrest EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

enewed efforts by the Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, to stop the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, from executing a warrant of arrest issued by the Senate failed again yesterday. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja refused an oral application made by Maina’s counsel, Mr. M. A. Magaji (SAN), to order parties in the suit to maintain the status quo, pending the determination of the substantive suit. Maina’s motion on notice is for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights against possible arrest by the police, in compliance with a February 2 warrant of arrest personally signed by the Senate President, David Mark. The decision to order the PRTT chairman’s arrest was consequent upon his persistent failure to honour several invitations to appear before the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service, States and Local Governments, to give detailed account of the management of pensions of Customs, Immigration and Prisons. In refusing Maina’s application, the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Bello, held that the court was “functus officio,” stressing that granting the prayer would see him sit on appeal over his own decision. Bello said that his ruling of February 15 declining a request via ex parte, urging the court to restrain the police from giving expression to the warrant of arrest and others, could only be upturned by the Court of Appeal. He said: “The very point, which has not been contradicted is that, this court on February 15 refused to grant an ex parte application brought by applicant’s counsel. “On that order, this court is now functus officio... I cannot sit on appeal over my own decision. The case will now be adjourned to another date to hear the enforcement of fundamental rights.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Goldie: ‘Artistes, long distance travellers must have regular leg exercises’ TOBORE OVUORIE

ollowing the death of Nigeria’s famous artiste, Goldie Harvey, artistes who travel long distances, as well as other travellers have been advised to do leg exercises regularly before, during and after embarking on any journey. Speaking in an interview with National Mirror yesterday, National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Physiotherapy Association, NPA, Mr. Chris Okafor, said standing or sitting still for long hours, such as on a long flight or car ride, is one veritable source of developing or aggravating pulmonary embolism, a health condition that was said to be responsible for Goldie’s death. Okafor, however, advised that while on board a plane, bus or even a train, but undergoing a long journey, travellers should

endeavour to make leg exercises a habit in order to prevent blood clots from occurring in their legs as well as arms. “Artistes must adopt regular leg exercises. Long distance travellers as well should endeavour to make legs exercises a part of them before, during and after embarking on any journey in order to loosen the legs and allow free flow of blood. “Sitting in one place almost cropped up, for instance in our buses and economy class flights, is not health-friendly but travellers should also take necessary precautions by exercising. “They can actually do this as well on board the plane by changing their sitting positions or stretching their legs,” he stated. Okafor further warned that people who travel or sit in a position for over four hours are not the only ones at risk. According to

Goldie

him, sedentary lifestyle is another major source of the development and aggravation of such condition. “We have many Nigerians who think sitting before the television set while their house helps do all the walking around is class. Worse still, these people jump from their home to their air-conditioned cars, and are on their seats almost all day long, only to repeat the same cycle when heading home and while at home until they go to bed.

Lawyers sue NBA, others for hike in practising fees K AYODE KETEFE

or increasing the annual practising fees payable by Nigerian lawyers, five lawyers yesterday filed a suit against the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by Mr. Okey Wali, for the alleged increase in practicing fees “without due consultation.” The lawyers who instituted the suit are; Mr. Seth Amaefule, Miss Amaka Aneke, Mr. Celestine Nwankwo, Mr. Charles Ola-Oni and Mr. Tayo Arojo. Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Tunji Gomez, in a motion ex-parte filed on behalf of the plaintiffs, is seeking an order restraining the defendants from collecting the new practicing fees which according to the plaintiffs, is foisted on lawyers by the General Council of the Bar. Those who are joined as defendants in the suit are registered trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association, (General Council of the Bar, Attorney-General

of the Federation, Chairman of the Lagos branch of the NBA, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo and Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the NBA, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani.) In their motion, the plaintiff s claimed that the Legal Practitioners Act created an obligation on every lawyer to pay the Bar practicing fees each year, between January 1 and March 31. They further claimed that the General Council of the Bar had by a circular dated April 6, 2012, made an upward review of the practicing fees payable by lawyers in the country. They stated that prior to the upward review, lawyers with less than five years standing at the bar were liable to pay a practicing fee of N2, 000, while those above five years at the bar but less than 10 years, paid N4, 000. The plaintiffs again aver that lawyers above 10 years but less than 15 years at the Bar paid N7, 500, those above 15 years at the bar paid N10, 000 while Senior Advocates and honourable benchers were liable to a practicing fee of N20, 000. The plaintiffs further

aver that by the circular issued to lawyers in April 2012, the fees have now been outrageously increased. Under the new regime, the plaintiffs stated that those with less than five years at the Bar are now to pay N10, 000; those above five years to pay N20, 000; those above 10 years N35, 000; those above 15 years N50, 000 while Senior Advocates are to pay N100, 000. The plaintiffs contended that these fees were too exorbitant for lawyers as most of them claimed they could not afford the new fees. They further claimed that a number of lawyers would suffer hardship if the defendants were allowed to proceed with the collection of the new practicing fees; they therefore prayed the court to stop the implementation of the new fees. After listening to the submissions of the plaintiff ’s counsel, the Presiding Judge, Mrs. Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, ordered the plaintiffs to put the defendants on notice. The judge later adjourned the matter till March 4, 2013 for hearing.

“This kind of lifestyle though seems classy is not good for the legs and other parts of the body. To prevent coming down with such a condition which creeps in like a thief, we must learn to exercise, walk and live active lives - whether we are long travellers or not,” he added. It will be recalled that Goldie Harvey, on February 14, had returned to the country from Los Angeles - a long distance journey of over 20 hours and developed sudden complications that led to her sudden death. So far, results of the cause of her death revealed that she must have died of pulmonary embolism. Medical experts say this condition usually originates in the veins deep in the muscles and is called Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT. According to Okafor, this condition usually occurs in the legs or pelvic veins; although it could also occur in the arms and if not detected could result in sudden death.

FAAN says Bi-Courtney’s court judgement is deceptive OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he conflict between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and its major concessionaire, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, may be far from over as FAAN claimed yesterday that the purported court judgement obtained by BASL, was not real after all. FAAN insisted that the alleged high court judgement delivered in Abuja last Friday was to mislead the public, stressing that the contentious General Aviation Terminal, GAT, of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, remains the property of the Federal Government. BASL had said yesterday that the Federal High Court, Abuja, struck out the suit filed by the Aviation Ministry and FAAN over the concessioning of GAT to the private terminal operator. The court, presided over by Justice A. R. Mohammed, according to the reports in a judgment delivered on Friday, described the suit by the ministry and FAAN as an abuse of

court process. According to a copy of the ruling, Justice Mohammed had held that the issues canvassed by the plaintiffs (Aviation Ministry and FAAN) had been conclusively determined by Justice J. Chikere of the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CJ/50/2009. The court noted that the decision of Justice Chikere in the previous suit, which was instituted by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, was binding on all agencies of the Federal Government. But FAAN, speaking through its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati, in a statement yesterday,stated that BASL used “a distorted interpretation of a court judgement given as far back as 2007, which appeal is still pending at the Supreme Court. FAAN urged members of the public, especially aviation stakeholders, to regard the news reports as figments of the imagination of BASL, maintaining that it was still the rightful custodian of Domestic Terminal 1 (formerly GAT) on behalf of the Nigerian people.

This Day in African American History

February 19: On this day in 1919—WEB DuBois Organizes First Pan-African Congress! On this day, the first Pan-African Congress, organized by W.E.B. Du Bois, was held in Paris, France in 1919. The Congress was a series of meetings held from 1919-1994 to address issues facing Africa as a result of European colonization. One of the demands of the group was to end colonial rule and racial discrimination. Fifty-seven

delegates from 15 countries attended the first meeting. White representatives from France, Belgium, and Portugal defended their countries’ colonial policies, while the U.S. representative William Walling (an NAACP cofounder) argued that changes to American racial policies were on the horizon. The resolution adopted at the congress tended more toward moderation and gradual reform than anything ap-

proximating a demand for immediate independence. The purpose of the meeting was to unite black leaders worldwide to secure the internationalization of former German colonies in Africa. The Congress adopted resolutions affirming the right of Africans to participate in their own government and charging the League of Nations to protect this right. These resolutions were presented at the Peace Conference.

South West

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rainstorm destroys houses, cars, filling stations, poles in Ibadan KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ate night rain on Sunday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, left in its trail a tale of woes, as it destroyed property estimated at millions of naira. The rain, which started about 11.pm, was accompanied by heavy windstorm. The storm removed roofs of many buildings, destroyed filling stations,

shops and stalls, worship centres and damaged Power Holding of Nigeria, PHCN, poles. The storm also destroyed vehicles parked along the streets by their owners, as it smashed them with roof tops removed from buildings. It also uprooted trees which fell on the roads, thereby causing traffic snarl in some areas. Worst hit areas include Ajegunle, Igodalo, Academy, Omiyale, Olomi, Ol-

unde, Ayegun, Aba-Alfa, Jaloke, Papa-Eleye, Aladi, and Ire-Akari all in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state. Other areas are Osungbade, Odo-Oba, Idi-Aro, Challenge, and Felele, among others. At least five filling stations were badly damaged at Ire-Akari at Olomi/ Academy axis of the city. At Olomi area and its environs, the storm compounded the people’s problem as it destroyed most

of the electric poles put in place by the PHCN for the restoration of electricity to the communities which had been in darkness for over 30 months. At Ayedade area of Olomi, the storm destroyed a house under construction to its foundation. As at the time of filing this report, no casualty had been recorded as a result of the ugly incident. But many of the victims bemoaned their cruel fate.

Some shed tears while others were trying to salvage what remained of their property. A resident of Igodalo, Miss Kafayat Ahmed, who spoke with our correspondent, decried the level destruction witnessed in her area. She said: “Almost all the buildings in this area were damaged by the storm. Its either people had their buildings’ roofs removed, or fences collapsed. “Those whose roofs

were not removed are bailing water out of their rooms in the middle of the night. The fence of my father’s house collapsed during the rain and we had to bail water out of the house. We couldn’t sleep at all. “As you can see many property were destroyed. A newly purchased Sport Utility Vehicle was badly damaged by the storm as it removed a building roof and dropped it on top of the vehicle.”

EFCC fails to stop Ikuforiji’s money laundering trial

Igbobi: I only approved list of contractors ex-CMD tells court

K AYODE KETEFE

WALE IGBINTADE

Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Okechukwu Okeke, yesterday refused to temporarily stop the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji’s trial. Ikuforiji and his personal assistant, Alade Atoyebi, are standing trial for alleged money laundering. Okeke rejected the prayer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to temporarily halt the trial pending the re-assignment of the case to another judge. The anti-graft agency had, through its lawyer, Mr. Godwin Obla, sought to temporarily halt the proceedings pending the response of the Chief Judge, CJ, of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, before whom its application to reassign the case to another judge is pending. EFCC’s reason for seeking to halt the case before Okeke is based on the fact that the judge is due to retire in May. The fear is that if Okeke still handles the mater till he retires, the case may have to start afresh before a new judge and therefore prolong the matter. In his ruling, Okeke held that the letter before the CJ for re-assignment was not an appeal neither did it constitute a stay of proceedings. The judge added that until the court heard from the CJ, it would continue with the matter. The court therefore adjourned further hearing on the case till February 19, 20 and 21, on the grounds that continuation with the case would not amount to injustice against the prosecution.

Inspector Sanni who was injured by the bomb blast.

The body of Mr. Samuel Oladele Apase, killed by bomb explosion under Festac link bridge in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, yesterday.

N125bn fraud: Court grants Atuche’s prayers K AYODE KETEFE

eprieve yesterday came the way of former Managing Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), Francis Atuche, who is standing trial for alleged fraud. Justice Rita Ofilli-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, granted Atuche’s prayers seeking to stay further proceedings in the case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commis-

sion, EFCC. Atuche and former Managing Director of Spring Bank (now Enterprise Bank), Charles Ojo, are facing trial for alleged N125 billion fraud. At yesterday’s proceedings, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN), informed the court that there were pending applications by the accused seeking to quash the charge against them. Atuche’s lawyer, Mr. Ricky Tarfa (SAN), also informed the court of an application before the Lagos Division of

the Court of Appeal, seeking to set aside the ruling of the former trial judge, Justice Akinjide Ajakaiye (now retired). Ajaikaiye had earlier refused Atuche’s application to quash the charge when it was first brought before him. Tarfa argued that it would be in the interest of justice stay proceedings in the matter, pending determination of the case at the appellate court. Ofilli-Ajumogobia later granted the application as prayed to enable the pending

Oyo moves to stave off vendors’ strike

yo State Government said it would meet with newspaper vendors in the state to avert tomorrow’s planned strike by the association. This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo. The association, in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Olalekan Ahmed and Tunde Abimbola, had threatened to begin a

state wide protest tomorrow over harassment by agents of the state government. But explaining its efforts in carrying the vendors along in the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration’s urban renewal programme, Adedayo said the government had appealed to the vendors on several occasions to see the need to comply with the environmental laws of the state. The statement reads in part: “The urban renewal ef-

fort of the state government is aimed at ensuring that anyone who vends his or her wares does not do this by the roadside and this includes newspaper vendors. “However, on several occasions, the commissioner for environment has met with the vendors and agreement was reached that in the process of vending newspapers, vendors should not contravene state environmental laws. “To have them scatter their wares by the roadside

appeal to be heard and determined. Later, Ojo’s lawyer, Mr. Osahon Idemudia, also informed the court of a Motion on Notice dated July 26, 2012, praying for an order to quash the charge made against his client. In that application, Ojo is also seeking court order to strike out his name from the charge. Idemudia argued that the prosecution had not been able to prove before the court that money of whatever type was given to Ojo.

is not in anyone’s interest. Essentially, this poses potential danger to our people in that vehicles could run the vendors and those patronising them over. “On countless times, vehicles had ran off their courses and killed our people by the roadside. We appreciate the work of vendors as they, in partnership with journalists, facilitate the dissemination of the news of the strides of government and its activities to our people.

ormer Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Dr. Gbolahan Adebule, yesterday told a Lagos High Court that he did not award contract to his wife, Funmilayo. Adebule, who is facing a two-count charge bordering on abuse of office and conferring undue advantages on a public officer, filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, said he merely approved the list of contractors presented to him. While being led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr. Bambo Adesanya (SAN), the former CMD told the trial judge, Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, that the Hospitality and Entertainment Committee headed by one Dr. Wahab Yinusa presented the list of contractors to him. Adebule, who said he joined the hospital in 1978, explained that in 2004, the top management of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi brought the idea that the hospital should celebrate the 60th anniversary of its establishment. He added that a letter was sent to the Federal Ministry of Health for approval, which was granted. According to him, following the approval, the management set-up four committees, adding that he was the head of the Planning and Coordinating Committee (to oversee the functions of other committees).

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South West

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

NANS tackles NYSC over mobilisation of graduates ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

L-R: DSP Olasunkanmi Popoola; Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi; Governor Ibikunle Amosun; ADC to the Governor, Mr. Mohammed Yaya Bala and Governor’s Escort Commander, Mr. Oluwarotimi Jeje, shortly after the officers were decorated with their new ranks at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, yesterday.

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to correct the perceived lopsidedness in the mobilisation of graduates in institutions in Ekiti State for the Batch A 2013/14 service year. NANS Chairman, Ekiti Axis, Mr Damilare Bewaji, who urged the NYSC to make the amend in the interest of the students, lamented that graduates of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, and Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, were allegedly shortchanged in the number compiled for mobilisation. In a statement by NANS

yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Bewaji lamented that only 306 graduates were mobilised out of about 3,500 that were supposed to be mobilized, while only 202 graduates of the Polytechnic were mobilised out of the 835 that the institution compiled for the purpose. Consequently, NANS issued a seven-day ultimatum to NYSC Director-General, Brig-Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, to ensure that the graduates presented by the institutions to NYSC for service were fully mobilized. According to the students’ body, failure by the NYSC management to mobilise the prospective corps members at the given time would compel NANS to protest the failure.

Trailer crushes couple to death Olayinkaadvisesgirlsonwomanhood

orkers with the Lagos State Government yesterday mourned the death of their colleagues who died in a road crash at the weekend. The deceased are a couple. The husband, Toyin Olugbuyi, was, until his death, the Public Relations Officer in the state Judicial Commission, while his wife, Toyin Olugbuyi, was the information Officer at the scholarship board. National Mirror learnt that the couple was crushed

to death by a trailer at Ogere area on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, while returning from Ibadan. It was also learnt that one of the tyres of the car driven by Mr. Olugbuyi burst in motion and the car somersaulted to the other side of the road where a fast-moving trailer heading to Ibadan crushed the car and its occupants to death. Their remains were later evacuated from the scene of the accident by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) after which their relatives were contacted.

Continued from page 5 in the month under review – are particularly noticeable in the decline in the core index, which dropped to 11.3 per cent in January from the 13.7 per cent rate exhibited in the preceding month. Food prices were also reported to be slightly lower from levels exhibited in December as the index declined by 0.1 percentage points from the 10.2 per cent recorded in December to 10.1 per cent in January. The bureau also reported that the marginal decline in the food sub-index was as a result of the floods which occurred from July to Mid-October as well as other demand and supply conditions. It added that in January 2013, the composite CPI increased by 0.62 per cent month-on-month from index levels recorded in December 2012. “The urban inflation rate was recorded at 9.2 per cent year-on-year in January, a decrease of 5.2 percent-

age points from the 14.5 per cent recorded in December 2012, while the rural index decreased by 1.1 percentage points to 9.1 per cent on a yearon-year basis in January. On a month-on-month basis, the Urban All-Item Index increased by 0.5 per cent in January from levels recorded in December, while the Rural All-Items Index increased by 0.73 per cent from December. “The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12-month period ending December 2012 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was recorded at 11.9 per cent. “The corresponding 12-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 14.0 per cent, a decline from the 14.6 per cent recorded in December, while the corresponding rural index declined slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 10.4 per cent in January,” the report added.

MURITALA AYINLA

When National Mirror visited the Lagos State Secretariat at Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday morning, workers were seen lamenting the death of the couple. A worker at the secretariat, who did not want her name mentioned, said that the car they were driven had a burst tyre and skidded to the other side of the road where a trailer crushed the vehicle and its occupants. She said: “They have been married for 13 years, but have no children. Rotimi and Toyin are very nice people, that is why many PROs at-

tended their burial.” Rotimi was a community leader in Mowe village and many of those who attended his burial wailed as his body and that of his wife were being lowered to the grave. Rotimi was on Grade Level 13 and Toyin was on Grade Level 10 before the incident occurred. Speaking with National Mirror, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, described the death of the couple as shocking and unfortunate, as he sympathised with their families.

kiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, has urged girls to approach womanhood with caution and dignity so as to be respected by their husbands. Mrs. Olayinka spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, when some girls, under the aegis of Ladies in Rotaract, visited her, saying womanhood is a thing to be proud of especially when attained at the appropriate time after adequate preparation. Decrying the increasing rates of rape and other abuses of women in some states of

the federation and around the globe, she said the manner in which the Ekiti State Government is going about issues of gender empowerment and combating gender-based violence helped to ensure that such vices are a thing of the past in the state. She pointed out that the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi is committed to leaving enduring legacies in the area of education, health, infrastructural development and women empowerment, among other promises he made during his pre-election campaign.

the magic 10 per cent figure, as the Lagos urban index released penultimate Friday had showed a year-on-year decline of 1.08 per cent to 11.3 per cent down, from 12.4 per cent in December 2012. “The moderation in the urban inflation index was mainly due to the base year effect. It was in January 2012 that fuel subsidy was slashed by 49 per cent, pushing the price of petrol up to N97 per litre. “There was a rash of price increases in that month, many of those prices were to fall later due to consumer resistance and a drop in the disposable and discretionary income of workers,” the firm said. It noted that apart from the base year effect, prices moderated also because of the increased supply of goods to the urban centres, after the floods that affected 12 states hampered distribution.

The firm said: “Farmers had complained of goods being stranded at their points of origin during the massive floods. “With the floods over in October, most of the stranded goods reached the markets in December and that helped to reduce prices.” Commenting on the January figure, analysts at DLM Research said that as a result of the decline in inflation, real rate in Nigeria increased to 2.45 per cent from 0.20 per cent last December. “Following a tight monetary policy stance, average yield on Nigeria’s government securities rose to a three-year high of 15.43 per cent in February 2012 – the same month, real rate recorded a one-year high of 3.53 per cent. Prior to this, real rate hit a three-year high of 4.2 per cent in December 2011 after being negative for the most part of 2010 and 2011.

Inflation rate drops to single digit The NBS, however, explained that the January 2013 composite CPI remained the lowest since August 2011 when it rose on year-on-year basis to 9.3 per cent. Since then, efforts by the monetary authorities to achieve some level of moderation in the rate have been largely undermined by fiscal stance of the three tiers of government, amongst other causative factors. The CBN has been adopting a combination of monetary instruments, particularly the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, to contain the potentially dangerous trend in the face of sustained fiscal entrenchment stance of the governments and the attendant excess liquidity implications for the economy. A note released by FSDH Research last week said that the average price of rice decreased by about nine per cent, the price of onions de-

creased by about 49 per cent, tomatoes fell by about 37 per cent and the price of potatoes (Irish) by about 12 per cent in January. The firm explained that the price of garri increased by about 26 per cent and palm oil also rose by about 25 per cent, but the prices of tuber dropped marginally in January. “Meanwhile, the drop in the prices of vegetables can be linked to the seasonality effect of harvest. “Our estimate indicates an increase of 0.61 per cent in the Consumer Composite Index to 142.0 points in January, which will produce an inflation rate of 9.1 per cent, 290 basis points lower than 12.0 per cent recorded in the month of December,” the firm had said. Another research firm, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, said that headline inflation would fall below

South East

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Produce MASSOB members, protesters tell police NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

elatives of the nine missing members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday stormed Onitsha, Anambra State to protest their ordeals in the hands of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. MASSOB had claimed that nine of its members, Basil Ogbu, Michael Ogba, Monday Omogo, Philip Nwamkpa, Ndubuisi Eze, Ebuka Eze, Joseph Udo, Sunday Offor and Obinna Offor, who were arrested on December 7, 2012 at a meeting by a combined team of Army, police and the State Security Service, SSS and handed over to the SARS were among the corpses found floating on Ezu River early this year. The organisation said

the police might have killed them and dumped their bodies in the river. However, in a swift reaction, the state police command denied the allegation, saying that the names mentioned by MASSOB were not even on the list of suspects arrested by the police or in the police custody. But appealing to President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, the United Nations and the human rights organisations to come to their aid, the protesters said as far as they were concerned, the police knew where their missing relations were and as such should be compelled to produce them dead or alive. Addressing journalists in Onitsha yesterday, the relatives of the missing MASSOB members said when they traced their loved ones from the Central Police Station, CPS, Onitsha to Onit-

sha Police Area Command headquarters and finally to the state SARS headquarters, Awkuzu, the SARS operatives drove them away and refused to allow them to see the detainees or give them food and medicine. The protesters, mostly from Ebonyi State, included Michael Ogba’s wife, Susan; Monday Omogo’s wife, Eucharia; Philip Nwankpa’s wife, Ekene; Basil Ogbu’s wife, Uchenna; Basil Ogbu’s elder brother, Solomon Ogbu; Obumneme Eze’s mother, Phebi; Ndubuisi Eze’s younger brother, Chukwuma; Obinna Offor’s elder brother, Chidubem Oguejioforg. They said after chasing them out of SARS headquarters on about four occasions, the operatives finally told them to go home and look after their children and never border to come looking for them again, because looking for them would amount to a

wasteful venture. They said that when they interpreted the SARS word to mean that they might have killed the detainees, some of them contacted their lawyers who went to SARS on their behalf only to be told to go to Abuja to look for the suspects. In the case of Basil Ogbu, the relatives said they had approached the Federal High Court, Awka, which ordered the police to produce him in court but to no avail. MASSOB’s Regional Administrator for Region 5, Onitsha North, Vincent Iloh, who spoke on the development, said apart from the nine missing members who were arrested on December 7, the whereabouts of some other members like Louis Onwe, Obiora Obasi and others who were arrested by security operatives and handed over to the police on different dates and venues, were still unknown.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chime must give account of medical trip –APC chieftain DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has called on Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State to render account of his secret medical trip abroad. The APC stalwart in the state told journalists that it was deceitful for the governor, knowing that he was sick and was predetermined to embark on a medical trip, to hide it from the people whose money he spent to cure himself. According to Nwoye, it is only in a country like Nigeria where one party dominates the political scene that such “primitive behaviour” can take place. He asked Chime to give account of how much state fund was used in his long medical trip and vacation, adding that it was high time people questioned wastage in governance. The politician said it was partly for such reason of ac-

countability that APC was formed. He also lambasted the senator representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Gil Nnaji, for not being active at the National Assembly. Nwoye, who was the Enugu East senatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the 2011 general elections, said that Enugu State was ready for the takeoff of the mega party, APC. He said all the progressives in the state, including those in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, the Conference of Nigeria Political Party, CNPP, followers of Senator Jim Nwobodo in the United Nigeria Peoples Party, UNPP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and other opposition parties had all indicated interest to join APC. Nwoye said APC was determined to lift Enugu State and check fraud in governance, adding that the country was close to achieving a two-party system.

Army’ll intensify security patrol in Anambra –Ihejirika NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Azubike Ihejirika, has said that the Army would beef up security in Anambra State to sustain the gains already recorded in the state. Ihejirika made the promise at the weekend in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state during the admission of Major-General David Ndefo (rtd) into the prestigious Ndi Ichie of Obosi community at the palace of the traditional ruler of Obosi Igwe Chidubem Iwaka. The COAS, who spoke through the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major-General Adebayo Olaniyi, was responding to the request by the Obosi monarch for the Army to step up patrol in the state and Obosi in particular to sustain the security gains recorded in the state before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Ihejirika was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Onyeisiagha” (War Lord) of Obosiland, a title which the Obosi monarch explained would take effect

after his retirement from the military service. Also at the event was the Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Taritimiye Gagariga. Ihejirika said the Army was committed to ensuring security all over the country, by working with other security agencies to ensure peace and order, wipe out kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes. Earlier in his address, Iweka had explained that Obosi community which had a geographical peculiarity by virtue of its nearness to Onitsha, traversed by a major expressway, coupled with the liberal and hospitable nature of the people, deserved special security arrangement. He said: “We have a myriad of security problems. We need more frequent Army patrols and assistance in beefing up our security system, strengthening the existing security outfit and duplicating their functions to ensure better protection of the people. “We thank the Army for dismantling the Mammy Market that was once part of the Army barracks in our territory for over two decades.

Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen. Ben Obi (middle) laying the foundation of a civic centre being built by the Awka Ambassadors’ Club in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

APGA: Obi not behind Umeh’s travails –Gov’s aide CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

overnor Peter Obi of Anambra State has no hand in the travails of the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh. The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mike Udah, who said this while speaking with journalists yesterday, also denied the claim that Umeh contributed to Obi’s emergence as

governor. Udah described the allegations against the governor as baseless, unfounded and ridiculous. According to him, Obi, who single-highhandedly made APGA what it is today, has sustained the party in Anambra State and beyond. The CPS, who contended that it was Obi who picked Umeh from obscurity and brought him to limelight, also denied the allegation that the governor influenced the judgement of the Enugu State High Court

which sacked the APGA national chairman. Udah dismissed the insinuation that Obi was destroying APGA to enable him defect to another party. He said: “Governor Obi remains a full and strong member of APGA and has no intention of defecting to any other political party.” Udah, who said the governor had remained resolute in debunking APGA’s involvement in the merger by opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress, APC, advised

Umeh to mind his business and stop insulting Obi. The CPS also disclosed that the present development in APGA would not affect the election of a credible candidate in the coming gubernatorial election in Anambra State. He said Obi was working beyond party sentiments for the collective interest of the citizens of Anambra State, adding that the administration’s collaboration with the Federal Government was yielding a lot of dividends for the people.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Basic education: Minister expresses satisfaction with projects’ execution IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

inister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, yesterday said that the investment of the Federal Government in the education sector are already yielding positive results across the states. Speaking during the flag off of the nationwide

inspection of on-going projects in Rivers State yesterday, Wike said he was impressed by the percentage of the completion of projects visited and the standard of engineering works at the sites. The minister pointed out that the projects when handed over to the states in March this year will boost the quality of education

across the country. His words: “I am beaming with smile because of what I have seen in Rivers State today in terms of project execution. Our girl-child school in Aluu, the Community Secondary School in Rumueipirikom and the libraries in Federal Government College, Port Harcourt and the Federal Government Girls College, Abuluma, are all nearing

completion.” He commended the management of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, for ensuring that funds were released on time to facilitate the execution of the projects which are vital to the improvement of education at the basic level. Wike noted that the libraries in the Federal Unity Colleges were initi-

Akwa Ibom Progressive Forum inaugurated in Ibadan

kwa Ibom Progressive Forum, IPROF, a sociopolitical organisation concerned with the progress and happenings in Akwa Ibom State, was yesterday inaugurated in Ibadan, Oyo State. IPROF, which was inaugurated at the Pees Fun Plaza, Apete-Awotan, Ibadan, would be a platform for Akwa Ibom indigenes in the five states of the South-West excluding Lagos, the forum’s President, Pastor Godspower Umanah, said. According to Umanah, in his inauguration speech, the forum which comprises indigenes of Akwa Ibom in Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun and Osun States, would take active interest in the development, progress and

politics of Akwa Ibom State. “IPROF is a socio-political forum, a machinery that can help support the developmental drives in our home state, a platform to address diverse issues affecting our people at home and abroad. “We will do all within our reach to ensure that ongoing efforts to develop the state by the incumbent governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, are not derailed,” Umanah stated. The members of the executive committee inaugurated are: Pastor Godspower Umanah, President; Mr. Utibe-Abasi Umoren, Secretary; Mr. Udoro Efre, Public Relations Officer (PRO); Pastor Effiong Akpabio, Treasurer; Simeon Ekanem, Financial Secretary and Deaconess Emem Etuk, Women Leader.

Kidnapped Edo lawmaker regains freedom

idnapped Edo State lawmaker, Mr. Victor Edoror, was released on Sunday, even as his driver, Igbinovia, who was kidnapped with him two weeks ago, was yet to breathe the air of freedom. But the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uyigue Igbe, yesterday urged security agents to intensify efforts for the release of the driver. Igbe said the whereabouts of the driver and the car stolen at Esan Central constituency, were still unknown. The speaker said at plenary; “Although we are happy that Edoror regained his freedom from his kidnappers, the whereabouts of his driver, Mr. Igbinovia, and the car are still unknown. “We are using this medium to call on the police and

the SSS to intensify efforts to fish out the kidnappers and the quick release of the driver,” he said. Recalling his ordeal in the hands of his abductors, Edoror said his experience was not one he wished anyone else would have. The lawmaker called on both the state and the Federal Governments to create more jobs for “our teeming unemployed youths in the country. “My interaction with them during my incarceration reinforced the urgent need by government at all levels to create more job opportunities for our youths.” Meanwhile, the assembly deferred the presentation of the report on a bill for a law to prescribe levies that might be collected by local government councils in the state till another day.

ated to support the President’s Bring Back the Book initiative and encourage reading amongst Nigerian children in such schools. He urged contractors and consultants to continue to uphold the highest standard in the execution of the projects, pointing out that the Federal Government will not hesitate to sanction them if they deviated. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala, said the construction of girl-

child schools in selected states will increase access to education for the girlchild in the country. Projects visited by the minister include: GirlChild Junior Secondary School, Aluu; UBEC Community Secondary, Rumueipirikom; the library building at the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, the library project at the Federal Government Girls College, Abuluoma and the Almajiri school at Omerule. The projects are located in four local government areas of the state.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (middle), checking the drainage system on Airport Road during his inspection of projects in Benin City, yesterday.

NEMA recovers four bodies from River Choba

he National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has confirmed that four bodies have been pulled out of a Toyota Camry car that plunged into River Choba, near Port Harcourt on Sunday. Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Mr. Ben Ugwuegbulam, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN,

yesterday in Port Harcourt that the car plunged into the river on Sunday evening. He said the driver of the car swam to safety while the other occupants were trapped. NEMA’s Zonal Coordinator for the South-South, Mr. Umesi Emenike, told NAN that a rescue team, comprising of the police, NEMA, and officials of the Obio/Akpor and Emohua Local Government

Council, pulled the car out of the river. “The rescue team has succeeded in pulling the car out of Choba River. Four bodies, including one infant with his grandmother, were among those recovered. “It was not an easy task. We thank the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government for providing the crane that was used to pull out the car.

“We also thank the chairman of Emohua Local Government for other logistics support,” he said. Emenike said the rescue team would continue with its search to see if other bodies would be found. Meanwhile, Ugwuegbulam said the command had commenced investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident.

Uduaghan warns Fulani herdsmen in Delta

elta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has warned Fulani herdsmen whose animals destroy farm crops to desist from such acts or face dire consequences. Uduaghan, who gave this warning at the 20th annual session of the Delta State Baptist Conference in Oghara, while reacting to complaints from farmers of the massive destruction of their crops, said land owners who rent their lands to Fulani

herdsmen for grazing should desist forthwith or face severe penalty. He noted that the ugly incident, if not checked, could cause hostility between the communities and the herdsmen. The governor assured the people that measures would be taken to deal with the problem, adding that a meeting of the leaders of the herdsmen and the state government would be convened soon to check the ugly trend.

“It is very wrong for the herdsmen to allow their cattle go into people’s farmland to graze and destroy the crops. Those land owners who rent their lands to such herdsmen to graze their cattle should stop it or they will be punished,” he said. Responding, the Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area, Hon. Precious Adjaino, told the governor that he had severally warned the herdsmen to ensure that their cattle stay

clear of people’s farmlands in the area to no avail. He said his effort to stop the herdsmen from allowing their cattle destroy crops was frustrated by some land owners who rented their lands to them. According to him, “I have tried my best to talk with the herdsmen on several occasions on this issue but my effort has being frustrated by landowners who rent their lands to them for grazing their cattle,” he said.

North

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

CPC flays INEC’s comment on Plateau by-election JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he Plateau State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking side with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the senatorial by-election held late last year in the state. The election, conducted in October last year, was won by Senator Gyang Pwajok of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Following a petition by CPC, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the election last December and ordered fresh election, but PDP and its candidate appealed the judgement But in a statement yesterday, CPC particularly flayed the statement credited to INEC’s Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Bencyn Ikpe, in which

he said that the electoral body has appealed the judgment of the Abuja High Court which nullified the election of Senator Gyang Pwajok.. CPC also accused INEC of deliberately refusing to include its logo in the ballot papers as part of the measures to frustrate the party and its candidate in the by-election. The statement, which was signed by CPC’s state Secretary and made available to National Mirror in Jos, reads in part: “INEC has taken sides with the PDP and as a party, we believe in justice and we cannot give room for injustice “We are aware that even the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have frowned at INEC on matters that have to do with the interpretation of the law “INEC has no power to refuse any candidate. We, therefore, urge INEC in the spirit of fairness and justice to obey court order and fix a date for the byelection.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yero orders withdrawal of Yakowa’s N176.4bn budget A ZA M SUE KADUNA

aduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has ordered the withdrawal of the state budget prepared by his predecessor, the late Patrick Ibrahim. The N176.4 billion 2013 proposed budget was submitted to the state House of Assembly last December by the late Yakowa, who died in a navy helicopter crash in Bayelsa State. It was gathered that Yero requested the House of Assembly to allow him to review some

capital projects in the budget tagged: “Budget of Consolidation and Advancement” for possible amendment. Sources told National Mirror that Yero bowed to his kinsmen, who prevailed on him to revise the inherited budget. One of the Kadunabased groups, Youth Initiative for Peaceful Development in Kaduna (YIPDK), which claimed to be pushing the interest of Northern and Central Kaduna, had kicked against the budget, saying it was prepared to favoured the late Yakowa’s Southern zone. The group, in a pro-

test letter earlier obtained by National Mirror, which was addressed to the Kaduna State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week, alleged that the estimated budget submitted by the late governor was full of sentiment as well as marginalisation. The letter, signed by the group’s president, Mallam Magaji Danyaro, and secretary, Umar Yahaya, called on members of the House of Assembly to investigate the alleged imbalance in the budget. Mallam Danyaro, however, alleged that

the constitutional laid down criteria were not followed while preparing the budget. But in a telephone interview with National Mirror, Yero’s Director General on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, said that the House of Assembly should be contacted for comment. Maiyaki said: “The budget is with the state House of Assembly, contact them to know whether it has been withdrawn or not. We don’t have the budget.” Efforts to get the House of Assembly’s officials for comment failed.

‘Why journalists deserve robust welfare package’ PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he Niger State House of Assembly has called on journalists to rise up as a body and demand for special salary package and welfare scheme from their organisations as witnessed in other professions across the country. Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Bello Ahmed, who made the call while answering questions from journalists in Minna, the state capital, said: “If a valid reason is forwarded for the enhanced welfare package, the legislature will throw its weight behind it. “Journalists are like members of any other pressure group. They have the right to ask for better packages as obtained in other professions. “Journalists are the society’s watch dog and they are concerned about what happen to others in the society. “We urge you to rise up and demand for better special packages or salaries, just like other professions. And if you can give us a good reason, we can assent to it.

“Journalism is like a pressure group concern with what happen to others in the society. You too can rise up and ask for yours.” On the petition jointly sent to the House of Assembly by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) against Governor Babangida Aliyus’ administration, Hon. Ahmed, who is representing Agwara Constituency, said the first petition they submitted was kept aside for not following due process. As a result of this, he explained that the opposition parties forwarded another petition through the House Minority Leader and the petition was passed to the Committee on Public Hearing to look into it and report its findings back to the Assembly within a month. Asked if the House was comfortable with the series of petitions it has been received, the lawmaker said: “We are comfortable with the petitions we have received and we will continue to receive more petitions. We must give room for criticisms as long as they are constructive.”

L-R: Representative of Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Dhamina; representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Elisha Kutara and Director, Policy, Planning, Management and Research Department, Miss. Ifeoma Agunwah, at the 74th Joint Consultative Committee on Education Plenary meeting on education for quality service delivery in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Plateau tertiary institutions workers brace up for strike JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

ertiary institutions workers in Plateau State have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from February 22 over what they called unresolved issues with the government. The workers, under the aegis of Joint Unions of Plateau State Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI), are from the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barki Ladi; College of Education, Gindiri; College of Agriculture, Garkawa; College of Health Technology, Pankshin; College of Arts,

Science and Remedial Studies, Kurguwi; and College of Health Technology, Zawan. JUPTI Chairman, Mr. Victor Dawurung, who addressed a press conference yesterday in Jos, the state capital, said that the decision to embark on the strike was arrived at after all efforts to pacify the government to resolve the issue failed. Mr. Dawurung said: “We are therefore calling on the state government to reciprocate the good gesture we have shown in trying to resolve these lingering issues. “We believe that the government has the ca-

pacity and wherewithal to resolve them and we trust that this will be done within the time frame of our agreement. “In the event that government does not grant our demands within this time frame, we will, without any notice, embark on an indefinite strike beginning from 22 February, 2013.’’ According to him, the issues in contention include unpaid salaries for three months, non-implementation 7 per cent peculiar allowances and 2 per cent allowance for nonteaching staff. Others included accumulated arrears of new

salary structure up to 27 months; illegal tampering of the new salary table; centralizstion of salaries; non-implementation of 65 years retirement age as well as merger of College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies in Kurgwi with the Plateau State University, Bokkos, which the union has rejected and described it as a plan by the government to sack workers The chairman alleged that the inability of the government to resolve the issues had impacted negatively in the education sector, leading to mass exodus of the union members for greener pastures.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

SUPER TUESDAY

Politics

It’s too early to discuss Fashola’s successor –Ashafa

Jonathan will face PDP presidential primaries in 2015 –Metuh

14&15

EMMANUEL ONANI asks why Femi Otedola, the giver of the $620,000 bribe for which a member of the House of Representatives, Lawan Farouk, is standing trial, has become the sacred cow?

Trial of Lawan ‘Mr Integrity’: Is Femi Otedola a sacred cow?

s the trial of the chairman of the House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy regime, Farouk Lawan begins, the question agitating the minds of most concerned Nigerians is: Where is Femi Otedola? The poser became necessary against the backdrop of the fact that both Otedola and Lawan are the dramatis personae in the absurd theatre of bribe-giving and taking. Nothing could be farther from this in view of the fact that both men had admitted to have given and taken $620,000 as bribe. While Otedola alleged that he offered the said sum to stave-off pressure (knowing full well that he was not complicit in subsidy fund mismanagement), Lawan on the other hand, said he collected the money to use it as exhibit.

The genesis Perhaps, in response to the allegation of impropriety that characterised importation of fuel, the House of Representatives set up an Ad-hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy regime, with a mandate to among others; identify those oil companies that may have defrauded the Federal Government of billions of naira. Interestingly, the leadership of the lower chamber looked in the direction of Lawan, as chairman of the committee. The choice of Lawan may not be unconnected with a reputation which he had built for himself over the years as a lawmaker. Lawan was once referred to as “Mr. Integrity” by his colleagues. He, through the instrumentality of the Integrity Group, which he led, played a leading role in the removal of Patricia Olubunmi Etteh as Speaker of the House as well as the emergence of Dimeji Bankole as the former’s successor in the last Assembly. It was, therefore, not difficult for the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal-led House to entrust him with the onerous task of probing the disbursements of fuel subsidy funds to importers, with a view to establishing the level of compliance with due process or the absence of it. The embattled lawmaker and his committee members hit the ground running by inviting and demanding documents from relevant agencies of government as well as oil firms that benefited from the subsidy funds. As a matter of fact, the public seemed

Otedola

How the Kuje experience began

Farouk Lawan... during his arraignment before an FCT High court in Abuja for corruption.

TOP STORY

WHILE NIGERIANS WAIT WITH TREPIDATION ON

to have more confidence in the House’s ad-hoc committee then than the panel set up for the same purpose by President Goodluck Jonathan. The initial confidence could be traced partly to the more than passing interest displayed by the Green Chamber, when it sat on a Sunday to denounce moves by the Federal Government to remove subsidy on petrol. But during submission of the committee’s report at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, Lawan had sought for the removal of the name of Zenon Oil and Gas, leaving not a few to wonder aloud why the sudden decision. The much-awaited report had hardly been laid for consideration, when businessman, Otedola, jolted Nigerians with the claim that he was subjected to unbearable pressure from Lawan to part with $620,000, in order to clear his company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from culpability in the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy funds. Otedola had claimed that both the Police and the State Security Service (SSS) were notified of the “transactions”, as a way of demonstrating that he probably parted with the alleged bribe under duress. This development, in security circled, is referred to as “sting operation”. The businessman released some audio and video clips, which he claimed chronicle the entire “episode”, that is obviously one of the many cases of political cor-

WHAT FATE WOULD

BEFALL OTEDOLA... THE BUSINESSMAN CONTINUES TO STRUT THE CORRIDORS OF POWER IN THE

PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ruption in the country. Although, the suspended chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education had refuted Otedola’s allegation. He later admitted, when he claimed that he wanted to also use the money as exhibit. Besides, he said he informed the House Committee Chairman on Drugs and Financial Crimes, Adams Jagaban of the development. Jagaban denied knowledge of it. When he addressed journalists in Abuja, Lawan had this to say: “I categorically deny that I or any member of the committee demanded and received any bribe from anybody in connection with the fuel subsidy probe and I believe that this is evident from the thorough and indepth manner the investigation was carried out. “The present mudslinging is not unexpected in view of the calibre of people whose actions and inactions were found wanting in the report.”

The ding-dong drama continued until February 1, when the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Lawan and the secretary of the ad hoc committee, Emenalo Boniface on a seven-count charge of violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. On January 31, Prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) sought the leave of a Federal Capital Territory High Court to prefer a seven-count charge against Lawan and Emamalo. Answering Awomolo’s prayer, trial Judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi held thus: “Upon careful consideration of the application and attached documents in support of same filed by the Complainant’s Counsel...Leave is hereby granted to the Complainant/Applicant to prefer criminal charge under section 185 (b) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). “The case is fixed for February 1, 2013 for arraignment,” the judge stated.

The charges “That you Hon. Farouk Lawan (M) and Mr. Emenalo Boniface (M) sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this honourable court while acting in the course of your official duties as Chairman and Secretary (respectively) of House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime conspired between yourselves and with each other to corruptly obtain the sum of $3,000,000 for yourselves from Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd as inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jonathan will face PDP presidential Olisa Metuh is the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). To him, the delay in the signing of the 2013 budget by President Goodluck Jonathan has nothing do with the strained relationship between the Presidency and the National Assembly. In this interview with OBIORA IFOH, the former National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the PDP speaks on the budget delay, merger of opposition parties, state of the PDP and other issues. Excerpts: The opposition political parties have just merged into the All Progressive Congress (APC), what challenges do you think this development will pose to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? We are happy with the plans of the opposition parties to merge; we welcome it, we think it is a good development. In a democracy, it would lead to an opportunity for Nigerians to witness a vibrant opposition if they will come together without problems. We wish them the best but we want them to focus solely on issues; no propaganda; no campaign of deceit; no insults, no misinformation to the public. As long as they play according to the rules of the game, Nigerians would be better for it. The idea of democracy is that there should be a party in power; there should be an opposition that should be vibrant but that would tackle the party in power only on issues, policies and programmes. As long as they bring up policies and programmes for us to debate on it, we would very much take them. But a word of caution: in the attempt to be big, they would now understand what it means to run a big party. We would witness their conventions, we would witness their congresses; we would witness their primaries and they would understand that it is not easy to handle a big party the way PDP is doing. They would have their teething problems. We wish them well. We already know that there are inherent problems, we wish them well. As a decent party, we do not want to dwell on it; we do not want to make noise about their own problems. We hope they get it right for the interest of our democracy. Your national chairman said the merger inspires your party; in which area will it actually inspire the PDP? Also, there are insinuations that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party is afraid to call the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting because members could turn the table against the NWC. The National Chairman did not say that the merger would inspire the party to get it right. He said it would inspire the party for us to keep doing it well and get it better. We already have it right and the chairman is correct and the promises of the party upon the conclusion of the merger would enable the PDP elected and appointed officials to continue to work harder for the interest of Nigerians. Because it means that we are going to be challenged on our programmes, our policies, our achievements and that the people in office would have to be accountable fully to Nigerians. On the issue of NEC of the party, we have a few challenges. It happens

in every company, association, political party and even in families. But it is being over- exaggerated by the media; being overplayed by the people. This party is one; we are totally committed to the ideals and programmes of the party under the able leadership of the National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur. We are working committee members, the governors do not have any problem with the party as Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, said and showed in his reception of the National Chairman recently. We would like the public not to focus on our challenges which we have gotten over; but to focus rather on the programmes, the policies of the national chairman. We have seen how vibrant the party has become; we have seen that the national chairman is defining that the party must get involved in governance; we have seen the national chairman stepping up discipline; we have seen his programme of three Rs (Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rebuilding); we have seen that he has embarked on visits to see what elected officials are doing. These are the things we plead that you the media would highlight to show that this NWC is serious about making meaningful impact in the progress of the party. Also on the issue of the NEC, I concede that the constitution stated that we should be meeting four times in a year, but events of the recent past has denied us the opportunity to meet as scheduled. We are supposed to hold this meeting late last year but couldn’t hold on the account of the vacancy in the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairmanship. The BoT has since constituted a committee to handle it and we hope that in the next two to three weeks, we would have a new BoT chairman. Upon the election of the BoT chairman, the party will proceed to have a national caucus and then the NEC meeting. We would have our NEC meeting peacefully and there would not be any problem in the party. The PDP is bigger than any issue and our challenges are behind us. The President got involved in ensuring that there is complete peace amongst the ranks of the party. What constitutional roles does the chairman of the party’s BoT have to play in convening the NEC? With our constitution and convention, before we have the NEC meeting, we usually have a BoT meeting and we have the national caucus. In the last NEC meeting, we did not have any vacancy in the BoT chairmanship. The NEC meeting was to receive the resig-

Metuh

WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE PLANS OF THE OPPOSITION PARTIES

TO MERGE... BUT WE WANT THEM TO FOCUS SOLELY ON ISSUES;

NO PROPAGANDA; NO

CAMPAIGN OF DECEIT; NO INSULTS, NO

MISINFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC nation of the former BoT chairman and we have never had any NEC since then. When the 10 members of the NWC decided to rescind the decision on Adamawa exco and the national chairman said he felt betrayed; did you betray Tukur? Also, is Orji Uzor Kalu a member of the PDP? It is basically improper for me to start mentioning something that happened in the past and something that the party has resolved. But I must state here publicly that as a member of an elected NWC, I was completely loyal to the constitution of the PDP to which I

swore to uphold at the convention. We are completely loyal to the constitution of the party. That is the first obligation that we have. If a matter has been resolved at the highest level of the party, it would be improper for any individual at this time that there is peace to mention or try to bring it up. That matter is gone and I will not wish to comment on it. I think the issue of Kalu is for the local government, state and the zone to handle before it comes to national level. As at today (Monday February 11), we’ve not had any official communication from any organ of the party on this issue. I’m aware that the entire Abia State exco paid a courtesy call to the national chairman and the working committee and stated that they were not ready to receive the former governor back into the party. However, Nigerians are aware that there has been a controversy about one month ago on whether he indeed entered the party or not. I read it in the papers; I would not reach a decision on what I read in the papers and I don’t think the party is being run by what we read in the papers. It is on the official communication we get from the state. And until the NWC receives any official communication on this matter, we cannot jump in because of what we read in the papers. Yes, I can confirm to you publicly that there is peace in the NWC. Yes,

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Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

primaries in 2015 –Metuh UNDER THE

another party would go through same.

CONSTITUTION OF

The National Assembly passed the 2013 budget since December and it has not been signed by the President; we have it on good authority that the NWC would be meeting with the leadership of the NASS on the budget. How true is this? Well, it is not true that the NWC is going to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly on the issue of the budget. It is true that there is a meeting in line with the quarterly meeting that we usually have with the leadership of the National Assembly and the executive to discuss matters affecting the well-being of the country. But we are not meeting on the basis of the budget; we believe as a party, that the National Assembly has the right to pass budget and participate on the issue of bringing the budget about. We believe that having been elected to do this duty, they have taken time and it took them many months to do this programme and that they have come out with a very good budget. But the President has the mandate given to him by the entire country to ensure that whatever budget that comes on board would satisfy the yearnings of the people. He must take time to look at this budget. If there are grey areas, we must allow both sides – the executive and the legislature – opportunities to iron it out without creating tension. The PDP believes strongly that the President and the NASS are completely performing their duties in the ways they have been handling the budget and we hope that within the shortest time, the budget would be signed for implementation. When you have a budget that you worked hard on, it might be possible that in one or two places that the Ts have not been crossed and the Is not dotted. If in the course of going through it, the President notices it, it is imperative upon him to call the attention of the leadership of the National Assembly to it and jointly they would decide what they would do.

THIS PARTY AND THE WAY WE RUN OUR

PROGRAMMES, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE PRIMARIES IN

Tukur is the National Chairman and we are working peacefully with him. We have confidence in him and we know he is taking steps that would ensure that this party progresses. If there were issues in the past, they have been resolved at the highest level of the party. If President Goodluck Jonathan decides to run, does the party consider giving him an automatic ticket? The best thing to say would have been no comment but in our practice of transparency, I can tell you that under the constitution of this party and the way we run our programmes, we are going to have primaries in 2015. We are completely unaware of any move to change the constitution of the party. The constitution that we have that was passed at the last National Convention provides that we must have state and national conventions. At some time, do you consider amending the PDP constitution before 2015? A constitution can be amended at any time if the members decide to do so or when the situation arises. I’m just telling you what the law is as at now. Even the constitution of the country is being amended; the constitution of the party can be amended if they decide to. You will notice that in line with my

2015

avouched commitment to be transparent in enlightening the public about the affairs of the party, especially through this office, I would not want the interview to end by dwelling on the inadequacies of my party, I would like to highlight that this is the only national party we have in this country today that believes in the unity of the country. It is important to say that no single person owns the PDP; the PDP does not belong to any tribe, any religion or any individual. The party is bigger than anybody; it is bigger than any division and differences that exist in the present Nigeria. This is the party that believes in complete unity of Nigeria; that makes Nigeria one and stable for a long time to come; this is the party that has saved our democracy. This party has stabilised the economy of this country amidst global financial meltdown. We have a growth rate of 7-9 per cent of economy; it is commendable; it is among the best in the world. We know that people expected a lot from the PDP government, yes, we have not done as much as we planned to do. The global financial meltdown is part of the reasons. On the issue of corruption, the PDP is the only party in Nigeria addressing corruption. We are the only party that exposed corrupt practices among our members, even our leaders and people that are related or children of our leaders. There is no other party in this country that accepted that there is corruption among their members. Even when people that are in the House of Assembly and their Speaker have something to do with corruption, their party keeps mute and they cover them. Does it mean that it is only the corrupt people that enter the PDP? No. We know that corruption is endemic among the various sectors of this country. However, President Jonathan has decided to increase the bite against corruption by being very transparent at exposing people who are close to him but involved in corruption. We expect other parties, whether they have merged or about to merge to start this fight against corruption. We want people to note that the PDP has been fighting for the unity of this country. This party has enthroned democracy. The President has ensured the conduct of free and fair elections in this country; that is a major achievement. In the next two to four months, if they are lucky and there is another national party, you will have another body to write about their problems. What we have gone through in the past 12 years,

This week would be crucial in deciding the fate of that budget. The President is working hard to ensure that this budget is signed in the shortest possible time to enable various departments of the government to start implementing their programmes. You said you’re not meeting with the National Assembly leadership on the budget, what if the issue of the budget comes up in the course of your interaction? Like I said earlier, let me stress that we are not meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on the budget. It is not part of our meeting. If in the course of our meeting the matter comes up, we will address it but that is not the purpose of the meeting. The PDP has complete confidence in the President as the leader of the party that if there are grey areas, he will be able to resolve it with the National Assembly in the shortest possible time. If the party’s attention is needed, if we have been alerted that there is a problem, then the party will get involved. For now I want you to know on good authority that neither the legislature nor the executive had alerted the party leadership that they are having problems on the issue of the budget. We are completely unaware of such. How prepared is the PDP to prosecute election in Anambra State by 2014? Anambra is PDP; it has always been PDP. It is only the problem of unity amongst the members that we had. The people have been out of power in the state for long time; I believe that stakeholders and members in Anambra are tired of being outside the state government. They are ready to embrace peace and they are now working with each other. Once there is peace in the PDP in Anambra, there is no gang-up of parties, no merger of opposition can stop the PDP from winning the governorship election in Anambra State in 2014. As one of the leaders of the party from Anambra, I quietly engaged in various meetings to ensure that there is peace in Anambra and the leader of the party in Anambra, the Minister of Aviation, has been very matured in handling the affairs of the party in the state.

Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Presidential honour for Super Eagles

ASO ROCK FILE

with

Rotimi FADEYI

Pension fund haunts Maina

he grotesgue drama between the Senate and the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, Abdulrasheed Maina, over management of the pension fund has been going on for some time with accusations and counter-accusations flying around. While Maina is insisting that his hands are clean in relation to the pension fund, the Senate, in exercise of its oversight functions, pressed on with the investigation of the disbursement of the fund and invited Maina to clear some grey areas. The Senate at a point issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Maina by the Inspector General of Police when he failed to appear before the senators to answer some questions, fuelling speculations that President Goodluck Jonathan was backing him against the Senate. But Jonathan came out last week to clear the issue, saying that he was not shielding Maina and he immediately directed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Isa Bello Sali, to commence disciplinary action against the pension boss for absconding from duty. The step by the President was in reaction to the report from the InspectorGeneral of Police of a status report on efforts by the Police to execute the warrant issued by the Senate for the arrest of Maina, which suggests that he was on the run. Jonathan through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati said section 030402 of the Federal Government’s Public Service Rules lists absence from duty without leave as an act of serious misconduct punishable by dismissal. In his directive to the Head of Service, Jonathan noted that the Inspector-General’s report clearly indicated that Maina had absconded from his official duties. The President directed the Head of Service to act expeditiously on the disciplinary proceedings against Maina and report back to him on actions taken. The IGP had stated in his report to Jonathan that after receiving the Senate’s warrant for the arrest of Maina, he had constituted a team of detectives under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector-General of Police to find and arrest him in compliance with the Senate’s directive. Abubakar said that the police has since mounted surveillance at Maina’s home and office but has been unable to arrest him because he has gone into hiding and stayed away from both locations since the warrant was issued, leading to his publicly being declared wanted by the Police. The IGP assured the President that intensive search operations were still ongoing for the arrest of Maina and that the Police would not relent until he is apprehended and produced before the Senate.

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Shortly before Jonathan issued the directive to the Head of Service to discipline the Chairman of the Pension Task Force, Abati explained that the Senate has constitutional right to summon anybody since nobody is above the law. He said the President, being a man that believes in the rule of law, believed the laid down procedure should be followed in addressing issues. “The Senate has constitutional power to summon anybody. If such person failed to appear before them, the lawmakers are also empowered to issue warrant of arrest against the person. “The President has not in anyway stood in the way of the Senate in inviting Maina. You will recall that the police even declared him wanted. “Maina is a civil servant. If he has done something that amount to a breach of civil service rule, the appropriate office should do the right thing and ensure that due process is followed in the office of the Head of Service of the Federation,” Abati said.

nly few gave the national football team, the Super Eagles, the chance of recording victory in the just-concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition in South Africa after 19 years that the trophy has eluded the country. But against all odds, the team won the trophy. Expectedly, the victory was celebrated all over the country and the climax was the Presidential reception dinner in their honour at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa with President Goodluck Jonathan leading the celebration. Shortly before the semi-final match of the competition, Jonathan had boosted their morale when he held an audio visual teleconference with members of the team, encouraging them to go all out to win the trophy. Now that the trophy had been won, the members of the team and their coaches were celebrated as heroes and were rewarded with cash gifts, national honours and plots of land in Abuja. At the special presidential reception, Jonathan rewarded the head coach, Stephen Keshi with N10 million, assistant coaches and each of the players got N5 million each while each of the technical assistants are to receive N2 million. Keshi also bagged the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) while each of the three Assistant Coaches got Offi-

cer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Captain Joseph Yobo also bagged OON while the rest of the team members got Member of the Order of the Niger(MON). While congratulating members of the Super Eagles for the inspiring victory in Johannesburg, the South African capital, Jonathan assured the Super Eagles of his support, saying that with the victory of the team, the process of rebuilding the sports sector has begun. He stated that his administration would continue to give sports a place of pride. Jonathan thanked Keshi and all members of the team who have worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition. The President expressed the hope that having conquered Africa, the new Super Eagles can go on to achieve even greater glory at the World Cup in Brazil next year. He assured the team that it would receive every necessary support and encouragement from the Federal Government for that next national assignment While expressing his happiness over the victory of the Super Eagles, Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdulahi, said that winning the trophy is a milestone, saying that the ultimate aim is to be African Champion not only in football but in other sporting events.

Presidential Villa’s visitors 1.

Senate President, David Mark

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo

Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

Governor Gabriel Suswan

Governor Peter Obi

10. Governor Rochas Okorocha 11. Governor Murtala Nyako 12. Governor Tanko Al-Makura

Senate President, Senator David Mark with Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi and Captain, Joseph Yobo, President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal during the reception for the Super Eagles at the State House.

Ghost workers, their collaborators and N100bn wage bill

he Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama made startling revelations last week when he said that a total of 45,000 ghost workers were discovered on the payroll of the Federal Government and that a total of N100 billion had been paid to the ghost workers before it was discovered. But what Ngama failed to mention are the collaborators of the ghost workers in the system, the top government functionaries, including the accountant and auditors, who approve payment of salaries to ghost workers in government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He said the discovery followed the commencement of the Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPS) in 215 (MDAs). “We have registered over 153,000 Federal Government workers. But compared

to the total number of staff that used to get salaries in these MDAs, we have seen a gap of 45,000 people missing. So, we have already declared that they are ghost workers,” he said. Ngama stressed that further staff audit would still be conducted in 320 MDAs that are yet to be captured in the bio-data exercise. “We have about 320 MDAs that we have not covered and when we cover this, we may actually discover more and reduce the total payroll cost to the country,” Ngama added. He said the Federal Government was fast tracking the exercise to make appreciable progress by the end of 2013. Also last week, President Jonathan ordered inventory of Nigeria’s assets abroad with a view to ensure proper evaluation and protection of the assets in the interest of the nation.

Already, an inter- ministerial committee to go round the world has been set up to ensure that the assets are protected as huge sum of money was spent over the years to acquire them, saying that the President believes that every kobo of the country was accounted for. The committee is made up of the Ministry of Finance, Foreign Affairs as well as Housing, Land and Urban Development while other agencies of government on the committee include the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) as well as the Special Adviser to the President on Performance Evaluation and Monitoring, Professor Sylvester Monye.

MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-43

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

FRSC at 25: The journey so far JONAS AGWU Continued from last Friday

he world was fast going digital, road networks had increased, vehicular traffic had also escalated. The drivers’ licence was not only going to the highest bidder, but the highest bidder could very well not even have an inkling of how to turn the steering wheel. The Corps manpower could barely contend with the situation, more so as its operational vehicles and equipment were either non-existent, non-functional and battered, its data management was totally manual and unreliable. In 2007, at his inaugural speech as the newly appointed Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka, vowed to lay a solid foundation that will enable the Corps “restore the integrity of the driver’s licence”. He further harped on his intention to transform FRSC into a world class, technology driven organisation. He has accomplished his agenda. To lend credence to this, the Corps has invested heavily on technology with 345 VSAT installed to ensure interconnectivity in its daily activities, while creating a database of drivers, vehicles, road crashes and an on-line offenders’ register. The FRSC data base is holding over 10 mil-

THE FRSC DATA BASE IS HOLDING OVER 10 MILLION RECORDS AND IS FULLY MANNED.

THE FRSC PRESENCE HAS BEEN FELT LIKE NEVER BEFORE,

WITH INCREASE IN STAFF STRENGTH AND LOGISTIC/ OPERATIONAL MATERIALS LIKE

PATROL VEHICLES, AMBULANCES AND TOW TRUCKS lion records and is fully manned. The FRSC presence has been felt like never before, with increase in staff strength and logistic/operational materials like patrol vehicles, ambulances and tow trucks. As a fall-out of this, acquisition of the drivers’ licence today is no more an allcomers affair as it used to be. There must

be concrete evidence of driver’s training, and this is where the driving school standardisation scheme comes in. About 534 of them are presently certified to train drivers and recommend/present them for issuance of driver’s licence. The one-stop shop for drivers’ licence, as well as the online application, makes the process stress free. Today, the revamped number plate (vehicle registration) is tied to the driver for better data management and owner identification. Admittedly, this innovation suffered a temporary setback with the suspension and eventual lifting of the exercise by the National Assembly. The FRSC data center is a master piece that has been acclaimed, not just in Nigeria, but globally. Amongst others, it has helped in reducing emergency response time from five to 30minutes. Perhaps what could be seen as confirmation of the pace being set by the organisation would be in the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in 2008, the World Bank rating of FRSC as best example of a lead agency in sub-Saharan Africa, the conferment on the Corps with the National Productivity Award in 2012, as well as the fact that the Corps has become a model for road safety consciousness in sub-Saharan Africa, like Ghana, Sierra Leone and Mali. These are in addition to the numerous awards from the media for service delivery over the years.

But more still needed to be done, if the Corps wishes to actualise the Accra Declaration of 2015 and UN Decade of Action of 2020. With the twin evil of over-speeding and dangerous driving rearing their ugly heads, the Corps must brace up to its responsibility in the area of legislation, public enlightenment, enforcement, inter-agency collaboration, as well as stakeholder engagement, while government must strengthen the Corps capacity through increased funding. This is where we are now. Where we are going? In the words of Osita Chidoka: “.....the next 25 years will be critical as the world confronts the millennium development goals, climate change, population growth and urbanisation. In Nigeria, FRSC would focus on improving on driver’s training, increasing capacity for vehicle inspection, ensuring adequate road furniture on our roads......as we seek to reduce death in line with the Accra Declaration of 2015 and the UN Decade of Action of 2020...... As we celebrate a glorious and chequered past, we are today standing on the solid foundation of our founding fathers to internalise our core principles and deliver safer roads and fuller lives.” Concluded Agwu, jonasagwu65@yahoo.com, is Corps Public Education Officer at FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja

A new dawn is here HANNATU MUSAWA Continued from last Friday

he APC should be a party entrenched with solid ideals; the ideals of integrity, impartiality, unity, honesty and development. And it should also be a party equipped with the valour to welcome new ideas required to make those standards a reality for Nigerians; a party of practical process in pursuit of a gallant cause and the solemn obligation to act accountably, transparently, and impartially. These should be at the core of APC’s intention for Nigeria. True democracy has never been a concrete box that isolates the political leadership from the people. And if it’s true democracy we are interested in, then the party leadership must embrace that fact. Leaders of APC have the obligation to use their positions of power to earn the people’s trust because that is what will primarily impact the public’s confidence in the party. As the governors and leaders of the opposition gathered in front of the residence of the Lagos State Governor to announce the merger, they must know all too well the enormous responsibility that they have undertaken and the great trust that the Nigerian people may be willing to place in them. More than anyone, the leaders of the APC know well the change that Nigeria desperately needs. They know that this country is anxious to step away from its past, desperate to get those things done that need doing for the future.

No less important, the parties that have come together to form the APC must each individually get their acts together. The ongoing internal wranglings and court cases that litter the corridors of most of the opposition parties have to stop with immediate effect. If the APC is to have a chance of success and have a chance of being inclusive and nonpartisan in its internal decision making, then the different entities that form it must find a way of letting bygones be bygones, cooperating and actively seeking consensus through compromise and dialogue. Each of these parties is responsible for cooperating fully with the ideal and unity necessary to establish and promote the APC. Let me state a simple truth: public faith in the political process is extremely low. Many people are still pessimistic, especially given the fact that a number of the strong players in the new coalition were once part of past governments. Part of the APC’s challenge is to earn the trust of the people by avoiding political trickery, standing up to the PDP, abstaining from inflammatory behavior, working together and convincing the public that the party really is ready to be the fresh new change Nigeria needs despite some of the personalities that make up the party. If managed well, the APC has the ability to bring Nigeria together once again, to unite people as one nation in which our hopes for Nigeria corresponds with a sense of consideration, decorum and responsibility. Let us be hopeful and optimistic about this chance. One can only shape the opposition and make it what they need it to be

AS NIGERIA PREPARES TO EMBARK ON THIS NEW CHAPTER IN ITS POLITICAL

LIFE, ONE ELEMENT OF CHANGE SEEMS TO RISE ABOVE ALL OTHERS IN TERMS OF IMPORTANCE:

SPECIFICALLY THE NEED FOR OUR POLITICIANS TO SHOW

NIGERIA. LOVE FOR NIGERIA

LOVE FOR

MEANS PUTTING PUBLIC INTERESTS ABOVE PERSONAL INTERESTS when they participate in the process. As Nigeria prepares to embark on this new chapter in its political life, one element of change seems to rise above all others in terms of importance: specifically the need for our politicians to show love for Nigeria. Love for Nigeria means putting public in-

terests above personal interests. It means doing everything possible to keep partisan politics fair and clean. Love for Nigeria is not about the words that politicians speak but about their actions. It’s about putting nation building above everything else. Leaders of APC must display their love for Nigeria. With 2015 approaching, we have a chance to start a new chapter, to put aside individual and party interests, to insist on accountability from the political class. More than anything, we should all accept individual responsibility for making this happen because only individual Nigerians putting Nigeria’s interests first can build the just, democratic society that will make present and future generations of Nigerians justifiably proud. As this new dawn breaks, the APC is giving Nigerians a platform to do just that. February 6, 2013 truly was a magnificent day for Nigeria and as we keep our eye on the making sure the APC does right by us, let us also keep our fingers crossed for the success of our Eagles in the African Cup of Nations. Concluded Musawa, a lawyer, lecturer, columnist and human and woman rights activist, lives in London 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, February 19, 2013

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

Merger of opposition parties

emocracy in Nigeria recently received a boost when four political parties, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), took the first step to dissolving into one big political party. The product of that intent is All Progressive Congress (APC). The merging political parties said they were driven by the commitment to arrest the current drift in the country and rescue Nigerians from “despair and hopelessness”. Political alignment and realignment are normal in politics; and given that politics is all about the quest for political power through which the authoritative allocation of resources is possible and legitimate, the political terrain in a liberal democracy is fluid and dynamic enough to allow for cross fertilization of ideas among the politicians. If there is anything about the current democratic dispensation in which Nigerians have consensus, it is the fact that the ruling PDP has become a political behemoth and seemingly impregnable. This is not helped by the fragility of the opposition political parties. So, the small political parties dissolving into a bigger platform, is a most sensible thing to do if giving the PDP

a very big fight in subsequent elections is the desired objective. We welcome the merger with a mix of enthusiasm and foreboding. Though Nigeria is a democracy, it is one elitist democracy where the interest of the people appears subsumed in the self aggrandizing proclivity of the political elite. The ruling PDP is expected to set the example of good conduct and purposeful governance in the polity, but we have not seen that demonstrated sufficiently. What is apparent is that the nation is mired in profound social and moral crises, a development supported by International Transparency’s Corruption Perception Index on the country – Nigeria is currently adjudged the 35th most corrupt country in the world by the global anti-corruption agency. Mind boggling serial corruption scandals (open stealing of pension funds and oil subsidy payment scam, for example), have been our lot. The growing and worrisome impunity among members of the ruling class is attributed to the nonchalance of the PDP, an attitude believed to be spawned by its seemingly unassailable position of a party that is too big and strong to be challenged and defeated. The prevailing socio-political and economic order of motion without movement in the nation is a fallout

IF THERE IS ANYTHING ABOUT THE CURRENT DEMOCRATIC DISPENSATION IN

NIGERIANS HAVE CONSENSUS,

WHICH

IT IS THE FACT THAT THE RULING

PDP HAS

BECOME A POLITICAL BEHEMOTH AND THUS IMPREGNABLE of this ugly development. How can the emergence of a mega party be the solution to all this? It could help because its mere existence could make the ruling PDP approach the governance of the country more seriously. Elections are around the corner, the prospect of a defeat could ginger the PDP to behave more responsibly. There is also the possibility of upstaging the ruling party in the 2015 general elections. The examples of Kenya and Zambia in early 1990s where the ruling parties lost the elections to the opposition parties are instructive. However, it is easier said than done. The likely rooting of the PDP in the 2015 general elections

is only true to the extent that the leaders of APC put their acts together and come up with more realistic alternative Plan of Action that would win the support of the people. And if democracy is about self expression and respect for popular choice, the new political party must submit to internal democracy. Some members of the partners in the merger are notoriously steeped in the culture of imposition. When relevant choices are made in the closets of some political mandarins and by only a few party chieftains, there is invitation for crisis. It is clear that the path to the emergence of a successful mega party will be bumpy. Presently, the pro merger partners are nothing but strange bed fellows in terms of political ideologies and nuances. The incentives to blend must be provided through robust engagement of all the stakeholders. If indeed the larger interest of Nigeria is the reason for the push for a mega party, this must be demonstrated in words and deeds in the days ahead. All past political alliances floundered because of the refusal of individuals to subsume their personal ambitions to the larger national interest. This is a pitfall that must be avoided if the new party is to live up to the expectation of Nigerians.

ON THIS DAY February 19, 2009 The Nobel prize-winning Archbishop Desmond Tutu in London warned President Barack Obama that he risked squandering the goodwill his election generated if he failed to apologise to Iraqis for the USA invasion of their country. He called on Obama to be tough on African dictators, adding that the U.K’s standing in the world had suffered because of its cooperation with the U.S. in the “war on terror.”

February 19, 2008 The ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro ste pped down 49 years after taking power in an ar med revolution. This signaled the end of the Cold War fracas that made him an icon to leftists and a tyrant to his foes. Castro, 81, who had not appeared in public since undergoing stomach surgery, said he would not seek a new ter m as leader of Cuba.

February 19, 1933 A major debate is raging on both sides of the Atlantic concer ning the money loaned to Great Britain for the First World War effort. At the end of the war, she had agreed on a lower interest rate with France and a higher one with the USA only to tur n round to say it would pay equal rates on all the debts owed. This led to a rift between the two for mer allies.

Maintenance hangar: Akwa Ibom blazes the trail, faces challenges

NAICOM targets Takaful, others to deepen insurance penetration 37

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Uneven playing field in Bond market charges

s part of efforts to allow investors have access to the bond market, the Nigerian Stock Exchange on February 1, this year, provided a trading platform that allows debt markets participants to trade debt instruments issued by the Federal, state governments and the corporations. A bond is a debt security (loan) issued by a government, governmental agency, or a corporation. It is basically an IOU issued by one party to another. The bondholders (or investors) are the lenders, and the issuer is the borrower. The borrower promises to make periodic interest payments (coupon) as well as repay the original loan (principal) to bond holder on a stipulated date in the future referred to as the maturity date. The amount of income a bond generates each year is fixed and will not change for any reason - that is why bonds are called fixed income securities. Until now, the bond market was mainly accessible to the institutional, corporate and high net worth individuals through the Over The Counter (OTC) market. With the introduction of the fixed income market making, investors now have access to the bond market through their broker/ dealer via the Exchange automated trading platform. The annual listing cost for all Federal Government Bond (FGN) bought through the primary market window attracts a fee of N20million irrespective of the number of bonds listed by the Debt Management Office of the Federal Government.

ADVERT HOTLINES: For advert bookings and information, please contact the following:

LAGOS: 01-8446073, 08094331171, 08023133084, 08034019884 ABUJA: 08033020395, 08036321014

Various economic indicators will determine the calculations of some investors more than others, in the new fixed income retail market introduced by the Nigerian Stock Exchange. JOHNSON OKANLAWON writes.

Arik Air Lag-Abj:07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 13.05, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50,18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun). Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40,10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15,17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun)Lag-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) AbvBeni:08.00, 12.10 (Mon-Fri/ Sat)08.56, 12.10(Sun)

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) LagBenin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (MonFri/Sat/Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat)

IRS Nigerian Stock Exchangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trading floor

The annual listing fees on new issues on both State, Local government and corporate bonds is from a minimum of N189, 000 for issues whose value is not more than N50million to a maximum of N4.2million for issues valued at not less than N200billion. Issues up to N2billion attracts application levy of 0.15 per cent, while issues above N2bn attracts 0.1 per cent fee for the NSE, while that of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) stands at 0.0125 per cent. Also, when investors sell or buy securities worth N1m on Federal Government Bonds in the secondary market, the Exchange and the CSCS charges N1.00 each, stockbrokers

charges N5.00 and there is no payment for Value Added Tax, stamp duties, withholding tax on coupon and zero charge from the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. On the secondary market for both state, local government and Corporate Bonds, the NSE would charge N5 per million of underlying traded on sell side only, while CSCS and stock brokers would each collect N10 per million of the underlying traded for both sell and buy sides, stockbrokers will take N10 as brokerage fee for same volume of transaction, while there is no charge relating to VAT, stamp duties, and withholding tax on coupon. At the London Stock Ex-

change, LSE, listing fees are competitive and they do not charge an annual fee for listing debt, significantly reducing the cost of capital raised via the markets. According to Communication Consultants, Primary Markets, India, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Mohan Bhuyan the maximum charge for corporate bonds with a maturity date of more than one year is six pounds at the LSE, while the gilt-edged securities (government bonds) with a maturity date of more than five years attracts six pounds. Also, government securities with a maturity date of up to five years

Lagos-Abuja 7.30 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 Lagos-Kano 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.30 15.40 18.15 19.30 Los-Maid&Yola (Mon-Thur) 09.30 11.30 Fri- Sun 10.30 12.30 Kano-Lagos 07.30 08.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 Kano-Abj 10.45 11.30 Abj-Lagos 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

LCCI expresses worry over delay in passage of PIB

Maintaining industrial peace and harmony, a joint responsibility

Intrigues over state of Third Mainland Bridge

Business & Finance

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Uneven playing field in Bond market charges

DG, SEC, Arumah Oteh

CONTINUED FROM 19 attracts 2.50 pounds, while corporate bonds with a maturity date of up to one year attracts 2.50 pounds. But stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market are against the disparity in the transaction charges on Federal Government Bonds and state, local governments and Corporate Bonds by the NSE. They argued that the FGN Bonds should have attracted higher transaction charges, compared to the State, Local Governments and the Corporate Bonds that enjoys less patronage from investors. “The Federal Government Bonds are enjoying investors’ patronage even at the OTC market, but the state and corporate bonds are not. Why the different in the transaction charges? To stimulate the bonds (state/local governments and corporate), there is need to take another look at the transaction charges and reduce that of the State or corporate”, an operator with Vetiva Securities Limited, Mr. Biodun Adeniran said. It was learnt that bonds issued by the Federal Government are usually regarded as risk free investments and always attract high patronage, while corporate/state bonds issues, are not regarded as risk free and usually attract an acceptable risk premium on risk free FGN bonds. By implication, if an FGN bond has a yield or return of 12 per cent, a corporate bond is expected to have a higher acceptable yield because companies are regarded riskier investments than the Federal Government. “For a state to issue a bond, it has to write a letter to the Accountant General of the Federation on irrevocable standing payment order. But we discovered that there are some state governments that manipulate the letter. So, the risk is higher,” said the Managing Director of Keystone Investment Limited, Mr. Sunny Obazea. According to him, the charges on FGN Bonds should be higher to encourage corporate companies. “One of the ways to encourage investors is to

DG, DMO, Abraham Nwakwo

Finance-Minister, Ngozi-Okonjo-Iwela

FOR A STATE TO ISSUE A BOND, IT HAS TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION ON IRREVOCABLE STANDING PAYMENT ORDER. BUT WE DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE SOME STATE

GOVERNMENTS THAT MANIPULATE THE LETTER.

SO, THE RISK IS HIGHER

ensure that those who buy state/ corporate bonds pay lower fee than the FGN bonds. We have to develop people interest in state/corporate bonds,” he added. Another operator from City Securities Limited, Mr. Michael Okoro argued that what will be the fate of the creative sector of the economy when the government bonds are being encouraged. “The starting point should be how to encourage the corporate bonds in the market, not to introduce a policy that will crowd them out,” he said. Okoro stressed that the most riskless asset an investors can have is FGN Bonds. “How does the Exchange really encourage the corporate companies to issue bonds when the transaction charge is higher?” he asked. In his reaction, Head of Product Management at the NSE, Mr. Dipo Omotosho, told National Mirror that the transaction fee structure was arrived at by all stakeholders, saying that it was not a unilateral decision by the Exchange. “However, it is subject to review in the near future. Besides, the fees are minimal compared to the volume of transactions,” he said. To enhance active trading of Federal Government bond on the NSE, as well as mobilise participation of retail investors, the Debt Management Office appointed Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers as managers to the bond. The Director General of the DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, said that as a government stockbroker to its bonds, retail investors can access the bond through the secondary market.

According to him, since 2003, the government has been trying to develop the sovereign bond market in the country and have been taking various steps to do that. Recently, JP Morgan included the Nigerian Bond market in its index. “That shows that in their independent assessment, our bonds market is growing, though we still have some challenges to deal with, but it is appreciated all over the world that we are doing the best to develop the bond market.” Continuing, he said, “So going forward, we felt we need a bond broker so that the FGN bond could be actively traded on the Exchange. What we have done by appointing Stanbic Stockbrokers as the FGN stockbroker is to ensure that the FGN bond is actively traded on the Exchange. That will ensure that retail investors are mobilised to participate. This will make development inclusive”. He said this was line with the transformation agenda of the government, adding that as the government tries to transform the economy, the capital market is an integral part, and as such, it is part of government’s effort at developing the capital market. He added that trading the bond on the NSE and OTC will make the transactions more balanced and boost market liquidity. The DMO’s Director, Market Operations, Mrs. Patience Oniha, said, “For instance, some retail investors have bought, but because they bought in small volume, they could not sell easily. So, what we are trying to provide on the NSE is what is technically referred

to as liquidity. “Now, the retail investor can buy from both the primary and secondary market, but more importantly, when he wants to dispose it off, he can do it more easily through the NSE in the same way he sells equity, and not necessarily going to the bank. This is the purpose of having a government stockbroker.” On the trading activities in the FGN bond market since the appointment, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, Mr. Dele Sotubo, told National Mirror that more retail investors have been participating in the FGN Bond market in the last few weeks. He described the situation as an improvement over what was obtainable before the Debt Management Office appointed Stanbic IBTC as stockbroker to the Federal Government on FGN Bonds. He explained that since the appointment, retail investors on the Exchange had actively traded on the FGN bonds, adding that investors who had been trying to sell the bonds were also presented the opportunity to do so. On the transaction charges, Sotubo pointed out that the fees are not that expensive when compared to other markets, adding that there is reviewing going on to compare Nigerian market to others. “The bottom line is that there is not much difference as the market in West Africa is moving towards a system where the volume of trades will determine the charges. The longer the volume, the better opportunity for investors to negotiate,” he said. The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, had said during the commencement of bond trading that the secondary bond market is not going to have a negative impact on the OTC, but to complement it. According to him, retail investors are looking beyond traditional equities to other assets classes in search of higher yields. He added that the Exchange provides a two way quote platform that enables bond trader to transact on government bond on transparent pattern. Onyema explained that government bonds were the first securities that traded on the Exchange in 1961 and bonds continued to play a key role in the market for more than two decades until the Federal Government pulled out of bond issuance in 1987. “Since the first reissuance of Bonds in 2003, the DMO has raised trillions of naira for the financing of public projects and the revival of the FGN bond market has spurred State Governments to raise funds via Bond Issuance. “The bonds market capitalisation which stood atN3.74trn ($24.6bn) in 2011 grew by 55.6 per cent in 2012 to N5.82trn ($37.4bn). This figure is likely to grow even further because of the nation’s dire need for new and revamped infrastructure,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

LCCI expresses worry over delay in passage of PIB STANLEY IHEDIGBO

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have expressed concern over the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). It alleged that the process of passing the bill is being obstructed by forces seeking to promote other interests over national interest. The delay, according to the statement signed by the President of the chamber, Mr. Goodie Ibru, “is a cause for serious concern having regard to the imperative and urgency of reforms in the oil and gas sector which is currently plagued by gross sub optimality, policy uncertainty, inefficiency and corruption.” “The PIB offers the framework to overhaul the petroleum industry for optimal value for the Nigerian economy and its people. Regrettably the process of passing the bill is being obstructed by forces seeking to promote other interests over national interest,” he stated. Ibru urged the National Assembly to accelerate the

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, during the Facts Behind the Figures in Lagos, yesterday.

process of consideration of the bill in the larger interest of the Nigerian economy and its people, adding that the economy is well positioned to leverage on an efficient and competitive oil and gas sector to achieve the much desired transformation. “We need to unlock the huge potential for job cre-

Telecoms firms scramble for 2.3 GHz frequency slots KUNLE A ZEEZ

hree major telecommunications companies in Nigeria are currently sctrabling for the 2.3 GHz frequency band (TDD), which the Nigerian Communications intends to auction any moment from now. The Commission licensed part of the 2.3 GHz frequency band (TDD) in slots of 20 Mhz per operator in the year 2009. The band now has three operators with 20 MHz each, out of the planned five slots of 20 Mhz each. This makes two slots of 20 MHz, nationwide, available for licensing. Meanwhile, The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, has said on consideration to license the two remaining slots, the Commission had received memoranda from the three existing operators, requesting the Commission to issue the slots to them instead of putting it out for public licensing. The operators had attributed their request to mutual interference experienced between them. However, Juwah has said to facilitate the Commission’s decision, and in line with its policy

of participatory regulation, it plans a stakeholder engagement forum. Speaking on the forum, Juwah said: “This forum will hold on March 4, 2013 and will discuss the options available for lice3sning the remaining slots.The major option for consideration amongst others that stakeholders may propose is to publicly auction 1x30 Mhz to one new operator and use the remaining 10 Mhz as Guard Band between adjacent slots and at the edges of the band.” He stressed that already, “A call for memos on proposed licensing options, which should be technically justified, is canvassed. This should not however exclude further views which stakeholders believe are relevant. Stakeholders interested in submitting inputs have until February, 28, 2013 to respond this call for input.” Currently, the telecom regulator is conducting an audit of all spectra within its jurisdiction. Juwah had recently discloed the planned auction, saying “Constrained to auction some of the slots that are remaining in the 2.3 gigahertz. We have a plan about the Digital Dividend where maybe some of the incumbents that are there now will gain.”

ation, backward integration, robust investments in refineries, investments in distribution and marketing of petroleum products, development

of petrochemical industries and numerous multiplier effects that would be generated for the economy. “There will be huge sav-

SON to begin e-products registration STANLEY IHEDIGBO

he Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu, has said that the introduction of e-products registration scheme by his agency is in line with the quest to ensure success of the Zero Tolerance initiative. He spoke against the background of the upcoming stakeholders meeting on e-products registration scheduled in Lagos on Wednesday. SON DG implored stakeholders from the Nigerian business sector, including manufacturers, importers and other entrepreneurs to be present at the

meeting so that they could make their contributions. According to him, the essence of the e-products registration scheme is to ensure a hassle-free registration by operators adding that it would mark another important step in the effort to rid the country of substandard products. “The introduction of e-registration has become very necessary given both our desire to reduce substandard products in the country, and the difficulty usually faced by those who desire to properly register their products. It would make it possible for entrepreneurs to register their products without having to physically visit SON offices. “The essence of the stake-

ings in foreign exchange that would result from self sufficiency in petroleum products production as investments in refineries become attractive to investors. Resources currently being committed to importation of petroleum products are horrendous and clearly not sustainable,” he added. He stressed that the PIB passage is critical to “salvaging the economy from the cavity of corruption which currently plagues the sector and poses a profound systemic risk to the entire economy.” “The Lagos Chamber looks forward to the urgent passage of a PIB that would ensure transparency in the oil and gas sector and driven by technocrats so that the economy and the citizens could get optimal value. It is critical as well that the sector be insulated from all forms of interference by bureaucrats and the political leadership,” he added. holders’ forum is to bring together members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) as well as other stakeholders like merchants, importers, dealers, warehouse operators as well as representatives of the consuming public to dialogue about the latest initiative. It would therefore seek to trouble-shoot the e-registration process and help the SON to prepare beforehand, for envisaged challenges”, Odumodu said. According to him, the theme of the programme is “e-Registration: Convenient fast-track to the Zero Tolerance initiative’, with representations expected from the Organised Private Sector (OPS) including the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

NIMET predicts favourable weather for aviation industry OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), at the weekend predicted that air transport sector may not experience significant negative impact during the harmattan season of 2013, but observed that there will be minor delays in flights due to reduced horizontal visibility in dust haze in some airports in the country. The Director General, NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, who presented the 2013 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction to the media in Abuja, advised airline operators to regularly obtain meteo-

rological reports regularly in compliance with International Aviation organisation standard and recommended practices. Dr Anuforom, warned pilots that during the onset and cessation periods of the rainy season when thunderstorms will be prevalent and severe with associated turbulence to exercise great caution and heed the weather advisories provided by the agency. The NIMET boss explained that there would be above normal rainfall in four states of the federation in comparison with 2012. Auforom explained that Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and

its environs were likely to have above normal rainfall and advised relevant authorities to always use NIMET’s updates to control possible adverse impact. He explained that normal rainfall over large areas of the country with enough water in lakes, dams and rivers for both hydroelectric power generations as well as for irrigation. According to the NIMET boss, the expected changes in the predicted annual rainfall were below normal in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital and above normal over in Ibadan and Yelwa, adding that generally, a near normal rainfall amount would be witnessed this year.

Business & Finance

ALSCON: BFIG accuses BPE of aiding illegality in take-over bid TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he preferred bidder of the multi-billion naira IkotAbasi based Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), the BFI Group, at the weekend accused the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) of surreptitious working in a manner that may undermine its efforts to take over the plant in line with the terms Supreme Court judgement. The BFI Group described the BPE’s stance as worrisome and likened it to a deliberate attempt to frustrate its efforts aimed at timely singing the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the Federal Government and taking possession of the plant as ordered by the apex court. The company therefore appealed to the Presidency to stop the BPE from condoning what it

termed ‘illegality in the sale and transfer processes’. Briefing journalists in Abuja on efforts by the group to fulfil its own side of the bargain as ordered by the court, the Chairman of BFI Group, Dr. Reuben Jaja, said the BPE had refused to allow for a fair enforcement of the Supreme Court order on how the plant should be acquired by it. According to him, rather than allowing AC Rusal to continue its hold on the plant for over six months after the judgment, the Federal Government should have ensured that the judgment was enforced by getting UC out of the plant and constituting an interim management to oversee the plant pending the final signing of the SPA and its taking over by the preferred bidder. He explained:“We are not doing this to blackmail government, but they have denied us fair hearing and rather gave us a

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 document to execute and return payment. This is causing our national asset to rot and could have put thousands to work, empowered the people and reduce environmental issues among others. “The offer they gave was for Aluminium Shelter Company of Nigeria which we never bided for and are not interested in buying that company. Also by the use of the word offer, it negates the Supreme Court declaration which states that the contract has come to be since June 2004. “For BPE to now say they are offering us a share is an insult. There is no need to talk about offer but a call to come and execute. We are ready to take on anyone who would not like to respect the judgement of the highest court in the land. “If we claim to subscribe to the tenets of the rule of law as a country, then justice must be manifestly seen to be done in the ALSCON matter”, Jaja said. He disclosed that BFI Group had last Wednesday delivered its SPA to the BPE and expected that it would be signed and returned within the next few days.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ATSSSAN, NAAPE at war over ‘unprofessional comments’ OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), has castigated the leadership of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) over what it termed unprofessional comments from the latter on issues affecting the country’s aviation sector. The President, ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu condemned what he called the “lazily and ill-researched assertions to the various positions canvassed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in its response to the referenced report of the Dana and Allied Air crashes in Lagos and Accra respectively. Okewu said that ATSSSAN as a responsible stakeholder in the aviation industry

Benin Airport ready for commissioning – FAAN boss OLUSEGUN KOIKI

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Ethel Ventures Limited, Mr. Ethel Odimegwu; Chief Executive Officer, Westgate Technologies Limited, Mr. Kizito Omonukwue; Head, Information Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Folasade Oyelayo; Managing Director, Amazing Grace Computers, Mr. Tunji Agboola and Product Manager Display & Printing Solutions, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Bennett Nwogu, at the Samsung IT C.E.O Forum in Lagos recently.

Expatriates bio metric registration to begin this quarter MESHACK IDEHEN

n a move aimed at capturing the details of foreigners living and working in the country, all expatriates in Nigeria are to undertake compulsory biometric registration this first quarter of the year. With the focal point being those in the oil and gas industry the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), said the exercise would also form part of conditions to secure expatriate quota approvals. Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, in a statement said foreigners working for all operating and service companies in Nigeria on the electronic platform, the Nigerian Content Joint Qualification System, (NO-

JICJQS), would also have to be registered bio metrically. He explained that the registration will help the board to evaluate the skills of the expatriates and confirm that such skills are not available locally in the industry, adding the move will also assist the Board to electronically track the numbers of expatriates in the industry and in the country.. According to him, the bio metric registration of expatriates will also help track their length of stay, compliance with provided succession plans and expected date of exit. “At the completion of the biometric registration, each expatriate will get a unique card, which he or she will produce whenever the monitoring team from the Board comes around for periodic verification.

“It would be recalled that Section 33 of the NOGICD Act mandates operators and companies to apply and receive the approval of the board before making any application for expatriate quota to the Ministry of Internal Affairs or any other agency of the Federal Government,” “Among other conditions, the board requires companies seeking to get expatriate quota approvals for their operations in the oil and gas industry to first advertise the positions to Nigerians through national and international media outfits”,he added. He explained that the Nigerian Content implementation model is focused on growing and utilizing in-country capacity, while also acknowledging progress on the quantum of contracts awarded to Nigerians.

would not fold its arms and allow gullible individuals in the industry to hide under the umbrella of professional associations to accentuate personal and nest-interest to destroy and balkanise the aviation industry in Nigeria. On the propriety of the investigation conducted by the Joint Committee of the National Assembly into the Dana and Allied Air crashes, Okewu stated that ATSSSAN vehemently disagreed with NAAPE’s ceaseless attempts to robe the investigation with the garment of legality. He added that ATSSSAN was embarrassed by the claim by NAAPE that the National Assembly has the power to investigate air accidents as part of its oversight responsibility and that NAAPE supported the investigation because professionals were involved.

he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. George Uriesi said that the ongoing remodelling of work at the Benin Airport will soon come to an end. Uriesi assured that the project, which commenced in late 2011, was ready for commissioning with the level of work done so far by the contractors. He made the observation at the weekend while inspecting the level of work done at the airport in company of FAAN directors and other senior officials. The inspection tour also took the team to three

other airports namely; Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the Port Harcourt International Airport. An online statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati stated that Uriesi addressed the contractors of the different projects on site and noted that ongoing remodelling project was long overdue. He urged airport users to bear with the government concerning the inconveniences they had to go through during the project execution, saying that such hassles normally accompany repairs of an existing facility while operations continue.

World Bank boss warns consequences of climate change DAYO AYEYEMI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

he President of the World Bank, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, has told leading finance ministers that climate change is not a distant threat, but a threat that has real economic consequences today. He said that global warming is a real risk to the planet and is already affecting the world’s economy. Speaking to the G20 finance ministers at their meeting in Moscow at the weekend, Kim urged governments to “tackle the serious challenges presented by climate change. These are not just risks. They represent real consequences.”

Kim said failing to tackle these challenges risked “serious consequences for the economic outlook... “Damages and losses from natural disasters have more than tripled over the past 30 years,” he said. “Years of development efforts are often wiped out in days or even minutes,” and climate change was “a very real and present danger”. The World Bank boss said issues around climate change “do not typically come before finance ministers and central bank governors. This, I firmly believe, is a mistake. And to underscore my point, we need to look no farther than what is happening in our host country.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Maintaining industrial peace and harmony, a joint responsibility NUPENG, PENGASSAN and several other strategic unions are in Port Harcourt. You will also recall that Port Harcourt is the industrial nerve centre of Nigeria and Niger Delta. If the TUC Rivers State Council alone embarks on strike, the economy of Nigeria will be crippled, power supply will be severely affected across the country as there will be shortage of gas, LNG supplies will be affected, even the plastic manufacturing industries in Nigeria will also be affected as they get over 90 per cent of their major inputs from Indorama Eleme Petrochemical in Rivers State, oil and gas production and sales will also be affected. Even the international community will feel the heat as oil prices will go up. What we have done is to make use of our strategic position as a state council for the struggle for social justice for the Nigerian people and the improvement in the welfare of the Nigerian workers and peoples. The truth is that the TUC Rivers State Council is one state council of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria that has the capacity to cripple the economy of Nigeria in an industrial action. It is also one state council that can be modelled to show the benefits of true labour- management-government partnership. We have chosen to be true partners and we hope that all parties to industrial relations in Rivers State and Nigeria will be committed to the genuine partnership approach.

The National Industrial Relations Officer of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN), Comrade Hyginus Chika Onuegbu, says the establishment of numerous industrial courts may not solve challenges in the nation ’s industrial sector. Onuegbu, who is also the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in Rivers State, said in this interview with MESHACK IDEHEN, that partnership can provide a framework within which a more positive working relationship can develop. As the leader of TUC and workers in Rivers State, how would you respond to speculations that the state council has become a signpost for vibrant and effective articulation of worker ’s rights and privileges within the labour movement? The TUC in Rivers State has in the past years championed the struggle for social justice and improvement in the welfare and living conditions of not just people in Rivers State but Nigerians generally. We have exhibited great courage, tenacity and persistence in this struggle. We have leveraged on the great support given to the Council by the National leadership of TUC led by Comrade Peter Esele to raise the standard of the game. We now see ourselves not just as a state council, but as a strategic partner for vibrant and effective articulation and projection of workers ’ and people ’s rights and privileges within the labour movement in Nigeria. Also, the presence in Rivers State of senior comrades like Chief Milton Dabibi, Frank Addo etc is a source of great motivation. You will recall that it was the struggle of great union leaders like Chief Milton Dabibi with their civil society partners in the face of intimidating circumstances and unrestrained exhibition of awesome instruments of terror during the dark days of military dictatorship that truncated the military rule and gave rise to the present democracy .Also, the contributions of comrades like Professor Claude Ake, Professor Ikenna Nzimiro, Professor Mark Anikpo, Ken Sarowiwa, Isaac Adaka Boro is another source of motivation. Recall that these social crusaders effectively made Rivers State the epicentre of the struggle for social justice for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria generally. What we have done in TUC Rivers State is to make some attempts at replicating the efforts of these great Comrades and Social Crusaders in our struggle for social justice and improvement in the welfare and living standard of Nigerians. Do you think the establishment of several industrial courts across the country will address challenges associated with industrial dispute in Nigeria? Theoretically, the answer is yes. Practically, it depends on whether the National Industrial Court (NIC) will be just and fair in their decisions. If the NIC delivers their judgment on time and fair, then the answer is yes. However recently, many labour, leaders including the President General of TUC Comrade Peter Esele have expressed worries about the quality of judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court (NIC). This concern is not just about the NIC, it is also about Judiciary in Nigeria. It does appear that the Judiciary in Nigeria has been heavily compromised and has since ceased to be the last hope of the common man. The Chief Justice of the Federation must act fast, otherwise, nobody will obey the judgments of the Nigerian courts and the result will be anarchy on a scale never witnessed in modern history. Even the recent Judgment on the Police Pension fraud confirms this fact. Justice is now for sale in Nigeria and the result is the impunity that has now become the culture of the ruling elites.

Onuegbu

A HARMONIOUS WORKPLACE ENHANCES PRODUCTIVITY, INCREASES PROFITABILITY, ATTRACTS MORE INVESTMENTS INTO THE INDUSTRY What is your opinion on the emerging trend of shifting from adversarial labour-management relationship to partnership-driven labour-management relationship? Partnership can provide a framework within which a more positive working relationship can develop. It has been known to improve communication and co-operative relationship between employer and labour unions, thereby enhancing mutual trust and perceptions of fairness. Underlying the notion of partnership is the idea of social partnership. Social partnership reflects the stakeholder ethos which underpins certain models of employee relations where employer and employee groups and government are considered social partners charged with considering the needs of all parties in determining social and economic policies thereby leading to industrial harmony. Industrial harmony brings about greater cooperation between workers, management and government which ultimate result is better production that leads to the economic progress and prosperity of the country. However enthroning and maintaining an atmosphere of industrial peace and harmony is a joint responsibility of all the parties to industrial relations. It is a function of the actions and inactions of all the parties and therefore requires the determination, commitment, collaboration and mutual understanding of the key parties (i.e. labour unions, employers, government and her agencies). Expectedly, recent research is unravelling the potential for greater cooperation between workers, employers and government. It has also been argued that the main function of industrial relations is shifting from protection and regulation of labour ’s position to the support of national economies in international competition, and those national interests will drive a move towards cooperation among the social partners. The TUC Rivers State has, therefore, chosen the partnership industrial relations because we believe that it is the best way to achieve what our members tell us they want. The alternative to that is adversarial industrial relations which will hurt all parties and the Nigerian economy. I am sure you know that the TUC Rivers State is a very strategic state council. The zonal offices of

In what ways do you think the nation ’s workers can contribute to industrial harmony and national security? Harmonious industrial relations is at the core of every trade union movement and constitute the major desire of every Nigerian worker. This we have pursued through engaging the other social partners – (employers and the government) through constant dialogue to settle grievances that would have snowballed into crises. We pursue the strict adherence to agreements governing workplace relations to avoid impunity in the workplace that may lead to Industrial unrest. As workers, we engage in constant sensitisation of our members and management on the need to understand their rights, privileges and prerogatives in the workplace. A proper understanding of these, defines workplace standards, dos and don ’ts and as this consciousness is built in our members and the Management, everyone understands his place and respects that of the other party which reduces friction in the workplace. Amongst others, our pursuit of a just and fair wages including equitable conditions of service in the workplace creates a motivated workforce that is less volatile resulting in a more stable industrial climate. A harmonious workplace enhances productivity, increases profitability, attracts more investments into the industry, generates greater employment, reducing poverty and engages the youth that would have otherwise become willing tools in the hands of individuals or groups seeking to destabilize the nation. We say that when Nigerians are secured in their jobs, security becomes more guaranteed for everybody. The question of adequate Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) has remained controversial and divisive in the country. How do you think more organisations can buy in, and see HSE as an integral part of the operational survival? Health, Safety and Environment issues are at the heart of the drive for the sustainability of life. If organisations understand that in the long run, if we do not factor in the environment, health and safety in our calculations, we shall all experience a collective loss that may make life and living on earth very tenuous. The price to pay for neglecting these issues is heavy and its incidence is on everybody, no individual or group has the capacity to avoid it. If they therefore hope to continue as a surviving entity into the future, they must therefore ensure that the environment is not destroyed in their mad rush for profitability.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Constitution review: NLC warns against truncating people ’s will MESHACK IDEHEN

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said signals coming from the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is quite disturbing. The congress is recalled that a public session was to hold on Thursday, January 31, which was abruptly postponed by the Speaker of the House after members of the public had waited for about two hours for the session to commence. President of the NLC, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, said in a statement that the National Assembly is not yielding to pressure from some quarters, particularly the Governors Forum who has been against some popular proposals on critical sections of the constitution most Nigerians advocated should be included in the new constitution, adding the congress

is reiterating its earlier position that the new constitution provides for full local government autonomy as expected in a federation. Omar said the local governments are closer to the mass of our people and it ’s only when they are fully independent that the Nigerian people can enjoy the benefits of democracy.

Tips for commencing job search

ndividual job search strategy needs to be tailored to individual situations. The following tips from (www.career.vt.edu/jobsearch) apply to everyone, whether seeking an internship, co-op or permanent position, an undergraduate or graduate student. Have focus and do research to get there -Understand the types of jobs that would be fit for your skills and qualifications and interests and the settings and industries where you can find those jobs. Even if you are pursuing multiple options, keep your job search efforts targeted. If you are seeking any job, with any type of employer, doing anything, you will not be successful, because employers are seeking focus. Don ’t put all your eggs in one basket -If you limit your job search to just one method (e.g. just looking online on one web site; just looking at one organisation, etc.), you will limit your options. Use a mix of methods and sources. No one job search method will reveal all of the jobs out there-Not every kind of job or industry is represented in every job search method. If you want to maximise your options, you will need to use pros and cons of the ways to look for jobs. Start early-That means at the beginning of your final year if you ’re completing your degree, and it means in fall if you ’re looking for a summer internship. Some employers look for hires and recruit many months in advance of the anticipated workstart date. If you don ’t start early, you can still find opportunity, but you may miss out on some of the options.

Deputy Senate President and Chairman Constitutional Review Committee, Ike Ekweremadu

Omar

Learn how others pursuing your career field or industry have been successful-Notice the plural on “others. ” Don ’t limit yourself to one source. Talk to faculty in your department. Talk to students who will graduate (or have graduated) ahead of you. Talk to members of your professional associations and student chapters of professional organisations. Find and introduce yourself to alumni networking contacts. Learn to think beyond major-Some of you have a major that equals a job title. Most of you don ’t. Learn to think about occupations, career fields, industries, and kinds of employers, including businesses, non-profits, and government agencies.

pening jobs and career for the week from (www. jobberman.com) are positions of Field Content Personnel in Lagos with the salary range of between N420,000.00 to N600,000.00 per annum The required minimum qualification is an OND and required experience of between one and three years. Some of the responsibilities for this position are collation of property briefs, analysing and giving reports on area data and analysing real estate proposals to determine their suitability for investment. Other duties may include evaluation of the developer, the specific site, area demographics, and economic conditions, create rappour with estate agents and handle transactions

According to the statement by the NLC president, “Rather than continue to tie the local governments to the whims and caprices of state governments, the constitution should ensure funds meant for local governments go directly to them and all funds and other resources generated by the local governments should be managed by the local governments and not

the state governments ”. The NLC warned the National Assembly not to allow itself to be used to impose tenure elongation for any political office, including the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, office of governor etc, as Nigerians have consistently opposed this since it was fraudulently introduced to public dis-

course and legislative attention during the Obasanjo administration. “We remain opposed to it and will resist any attempt to smuggle it into the report because Nigerians have consistently been opposed to it. We took interest in the proceedings of the people ’s public sessions because we believed the leadership of the House who promised the Nigerian people that our shared views and presentations would not be supplanted with views and interests of a few politicians who wish that the resources and political direction of the country remain their exclusive preserve. “The National Assembly, particularly, the House of Representatives should not allow itself to be held hostage by any political group or interest to mutilate the views and collective interests of the Nigerian people in the final report of the sessions held nationwide on the constitution amendment.

Nigeria, Canada partner on youths ’ capacity building MESHACK IDEHEN

n order to aid the capacity building of Nigerian youths through an international learning network, Canada ’s Minister of International Trade, Mr. Ed Fast, has reiterated the commitment of his country by establishing a Nigeria-Canadian relationship for pre-university students. Fast made this known during a visit to the inaugural class of the Canadian pre-university programme in Lagos, organised by the International Learning Network (ILN) programme in collaboration with Morgan Con-

sultancy service. According to him, “Canada is one of the top leading countries that have the highest rate of educational system, and this prompted the introduction of a pre-university programme that will facilitate learning in an online environment, utilising powerful information technologies to deliver personalised instruction through partnerships with educational organisations in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Ontario ”. The programme is delivered in Nigeria through partnership arrangements with Golden Hills School Division in Alberta, Canada and Virtual High School,

Ontario, Canada. The Executive Director of the institution, Abiola Anyakwo, noted that the visit would present an opportunity to demonstrate some of the achievements of the relationship between the two countries. “Through the partnership, Canadian institutions will expand the international services to include offshore studentsmany whom will later choose to study in Canada at secondary and post secondary levels. In many ways, the ILN would provide excellent preparation for the transition to a Canadian school, college, or university ”, she noted.

Job vacancies with prospective clients. Other requirements are that candidates must be a male, must be proactive, should have worked with target oriented assignment, must have a good oral and handwritten command of English language and must have a good knowledge of Lagos. Also from (www.jobberman. com) are openings for Client Service/Brand Development Executive in a firm in Lagos, with salary range of between N1,800,000.00 to N2,160,000.00 per annum Specialising in the marketing, advertising, branding and sales and business development sector, the minimum qualification required is a degree and required experience is between 3 - 5 years The responsibilities for the po-

sition are to design, implement, and facilitate annual marketing strategy plan for the unit, organise and implement client relations scheme and responsible for key areas, which are bringing in new business, brand development, customer experience, and brand research. Other functions of the jobs are to manage client relationships, overseeing all clients brand development and execution initiatives and representing the company at all client touch points, and to develop and lead implementation of strategies which shape future business delivery and provide the best possible business. Apart from a first degree in marketing or other relevant courses, a masters degree will

be a strong advantage, alongside an excellent communication and presentation skills, strong leadership and team building skills and Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work and lead teams. The position of a Chief Financial Officer is also on offer from www.findjobafrica. com the position to be based in Abuja. The job description for the position is amongst others, reporting to the managing director. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a member of the senior executive team and directly responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization and coordinating the warehouse, logistics, IT, and contracts function of the company.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

Intrigues over state of Third Mainland Bridge

Engineers call for technical report, not physical assessment

Third Mainland bridge, Lagos

Three months after the rehabilitation of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge and repair of eight of its expansion joints were completed; Nigerians were jolted last week by a report of probable collapse of the longest bridge connecting Lagos Island to the rest of the country. In this report, civil and structural engineers who spoke with DAYO AYEYEMI, declared the bridge safe, adding that assessment of the bridge is beyond physical, but technical.

hen the Federal Government announced planned closure of Lagos ’ Third Mainland Bridge, mid last year, to give room for its rehabilitation, everybody received the news with joy, being the first time in 30 years after its construction that such major routine maintenance would be carried out on the bridge. Few weeks later, the government made real its plan by partially closing the bridge to motorists for a period of four months for the rehabilitation of the bridge and its eight expansion joints on both sides carried out by Messrs Borini Prono, one of the contractors that constructed the bridge at the original state, lasted. On October 30, 2012, the bridge after certified fit by the Federal Government and experts, was declared open to traffic in a small ceremony chaired by the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolomemen. The repair of Third Mainland Bridge including eight expansion joints gulped N1.5 billion. However, three months after the re-

pair of the bridge, many people, including travelling public plying the bridge to their workplaces on daily basis received a shock penultimate Wednesday when Senator Gbenga Ashafa, from Lagos East, raised a point of order at the plenary session of the Senate to bring to the attention of the Senate the precarious state of the just repaired Third Mainland Bridge, adding that he would want an urgent remedial measures to be taken. Ashafa claimed that private consul-

tant who carried out the post-assessment of the repair works of the bridge discovered that the repair work on its foundation was not properly done, adding that the bridge could collapse any moment. Since this claimed by Ashafa, many Lagosians have been expressing fear over the state of the bridge, anticipating the major national disaster it would cause if allowed to collapse. Meawhile, the Federal Government through Onolememen, stated that the

THE BRIDGE HAS JUST BEEN REPAIRED, SO IT CAN NOT BE DISTRESSED. IF THERE IS NO TECHNICAL REPORT BY STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS TO SHOW THE STATE OF THE BRIDGE, IT IS

DIFFICULT TO CLAIM THAT IT IS UNDER THREAT.

AND IF THERE IS A PROBLEM, PEOPLE WHO DID THE REPAIR WILL LOOK AT IT AND DO IT. IT IS BEYOND PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT, BUT TECHNICAL DOCUMENTARY

speculations about the bridge were based on mere perception as there was no civil engineering test to justify the statement, adding that the ministry is progressing in ensuring routine maintenance. He assured members of the public that the Federal Government is taking proactive steps in line with its mandate to ensure that the bridge is kept in an acceptable service condition. The minister dismissed Senator Ashafa ’s claims, pointing out that though serious steel casing corrosion was noticeable, but that the steel casing has no structural function regarding the pile bearing capacity of the bridge, saying it only served as form-works to the piles. The minister advised the general public to ignore the claim as the Third Mainland Bridge is not in any way defective; and assured that he drove on the bridge twice last week on different days, asking “Lagosians to continue using the bridge. ” When asked on the origin of the story, the minister said that the report being quoted originated from the ministry which was for under water inspection. He maintained that the structural integrity of the bridge was not in any doubt as further tests by reputable engineering companies had confirmed the adequacy of pile concrete quality, adding that based on their advice, the ministry is ensuring continuous routine mainteCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Minister woos states on GGW implementation OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

he Federal Government has urged the governments of the eleven frontline states to integrate the Great Grew Wall project into their development programmes to achieve its full implementation. Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, who gave the charge in Abuja at a meeting with the Commissioners of Environment in the affected states, explained that being one of the principal implementing agents, their cooperation is vital to the success of the programme. The frontline states which are constantly under the menace of deforestation are Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Borno. The GGW programme is intended to create awareness campaign and extension services, development of community nurseries in 40 Local Government Areas in 11 frontline states, establishment of 500km plantation in the affected states amongst other. She urged them to map out strategies which would help in massive sensitisation of the people at the grassroots, stressing that it was through this that the programme could achieve its rightful purpose. “As one of the principal implementing agents of the GGW, you as Commissioners of Environment in your various states, have major roles to play towards the success of the programme. These include among others, integration of the GGW into your states ’ development programmes, massive sensitization up to the grassroots level, provision of land; community mobilization, financial, technical and other resources as well as

L-R: Managing Director, Propertymart Real Estate Investment Limited, Mr. Adesope Adeyinka; Founder/CEO of Benola Limited, AVM Femi Gbadebo; Adeyinka ’s wife, Mrs. Adenike Adesope; newly inducted estate valuer and staff of Propertymart Limited, Mr. Damiro Oluwasegun; and Associate Director, Executive Programmes, LBSPan African University, Mr. Henry Andoh, during Oluwasegun ’s induction ceremony by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), in Lagos... recently

ensuring ownership and sustainability, ” she said. Mailafia also reiterated the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to the full implementation of the GGW programme in Nigeria, explaining that the president had directed that the programme takes off immediately. She stated, “Therefore we must tackle this national assignment with all seriousness and diligence. The Vice President has shown exemplary leadership in championing efforts towards the realization of the GGW programme and has devoted valuable time and resources to support the activities of the council. We cannot therefore afford to let the presi-

dent, vice president, and the people of the affected community down. ” The environment minister also added that in order to fast tract concrete actions on the project, Vice President Namadi Sambo had directed that a road map for implementation of the programme be prepared for consideration by the council within the next two weeks. She added, “Accordingly the secretariat has been directed to prepare draft work plan, updated map showing all contiguous local government area long the GGW, awareness and sensitisation master plan for our deliberation. ” In his presentation Director Drought and Desert Amelioration of the Ministry

Dr. Bukar Hassan, noted that the GGW programme was designed to reduce the impacts of desertification on the economic growth of Africa, particularly Nigeria and the affected states. He explained that while a robust institutional framework for the implementation of the programme at the regional and national levels had been put in place, it was imperative that similar institutions are replicated in all the eleven frontline states. According to him, “the responsibilities of the institutions include political and technical guidance, financial mobilisation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation. ”

Intrigues over state of Third Mainland Bridge CONTINUED FROM 25 nance works. Reacting to the claim by both government and Ashafa, former president of the Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers, Dr. Victor Oyenuga, said since the bridge had just been repaired, it is difficult to believe that it is in a state of distress. To determine the fitness of the bridge, Oyenuga said, it is beyond physical assessment, pointing out that unless technical report is carried out; it is difficult to believe Ashafa ’s claim about the bridge. He said, ”The bridge has just been repaired, so it can not be distressed. If there is no technical report by structural engineers to show the state of the bridge, it is difficult to claim that it is under threat. “And if there is a problem, people who did the repair will look at it and do it. It is beyond physical assessment but technical documentary. ” National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Mr. Saliu Lawal, stated that Lagos ’ Third Mainland Bridge is safe. According to him, the expansion joints which were bad before now had been fixed, explaining that the bridge ’s construction technique gave room for contraction and expansion. Under the bridge, he said what one would see is the case pipe, which is the

Ashafa

Onolememeh

formwork for its pile foundation. Immediate past chairman, Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr. Olatunde Jaiyesimi, warned both parties to be careful about the issue and cautioned members of the public to be wary in following opinion when it comes to topic pertaining to Federal and Lagos State governments because of the politic involved. Before Lagos State government carried out its investigation, he said one would have expected that the two sides would come together and look at the mat-

ter since it has to do with engineering work. He said, “The issue to be looked at is that of technical report. I expect Federal Government to ask Lagos State government to come with their engineers before forming opinion. “But as it is now, the Nigerian Society of Engineers should be allowed to come in and carry out an engineering test. In this country, issues are being politicised and I know, NSE will not want to do that except Federal Government invites the association. ”

The Third Mainland Bridge, measured 11.8 km and connected the Mainland to Lagos Island, was commissioned by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in 1990. The first section, from Lagos Island to Ebute Metta (Adeniji Adele Interchange –Adekunle Interchange), which has a box girder arrangement cantilevered from the pier to the mid-span, was completed in 1979 by PGH, a consortium made up of Messrs Borini Prono, Messrs Girola and Messrs Hiconi. The second section from Ebute Metta to Oworonshoki, which was later completed in 1990 by Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is a multi-span structure. The Third Mainland Bridge is a vital artery of the network of Federal Highways and commands high patronage in Lagos Municipal Area. While speaking on the reports of the safety of the bridge, which is widely believed to be the busiest in West Africa, the Director of Highway Design (Bridges), Federal Ministry of Works, Aniete Effiong, said, “the ministry has taken proactive steps, in line with its mandate to ensure that the Third Mainland Bridge, a very important infrastructure investment of government, is protected and kept in an acceptable service state. ”

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

AFN sets trial standards

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

There is no big deal about the Confederation Cup. I think the main deal is the World Cup 2014 ticket - NFF Technical Committee member, Paul Bassey

Keshi’s data missing ing from alma mater …We’re waiting for him – Head Teacher YEMI OLUS

e is currently one of the most popular Nigerians, having ended the country’s 19-year wait for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy over a week ago, but Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi’s complete records are not available at his alma mater, St Paul’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Students and staff of the school like other well-meaning Nigerians jubilated over Nigeria’s AFCON 2013 victory and are very proud of Keshi’s achievements as a player and coach. However, during a visit to the school at the weekend, National Mirror found it difficult to get young Keshi’s record from the management of the primary school, such that even the former Super Eagles’ captain’s year of passing out was not documented in the school’s academic records. Though it is believed that the coach must have graduated in the early or mid seventies, the exact year could not be verified due to poor documentation of students’ data prior to the early nineties. In spite of this snag, it is clear that Keshi has continued to identify with the institution as pictures of his last visit in 2012 conspicuously adorned the office wall of the Head Teacher, Mrs. Grace Omowun-

30 called to Flying Eagles’ AYC camp

igeria’s under-20 male football team, the Flying Eagles, yesterday in Abuja named a 30-man provisional squad for the African Youth Championship (AYC) which holds next month in Algeria. The list was contained in a statement signed by the team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

mi Jalekun, who was posted to the school in 2009. Mrs. Jalekun stated that alongside Keshi, other fellow alumni like Paul Okoku a former junior international, and Godwin Odiye, an-ex international, bought computers last year for the school’s use. She said, “When Paul Okoku visited Nigeria in 2011 he came and asked us what we wanted him to give us and so we told him we wanted computers because our pupils used to go to Ladi Lak at Alagomeji so he said okay and left. We did our Inter House Sports in 2011 and he gave us some money to buy trophies which we did. He and Keshi came last year to present us with five computers, one lap top and a copier machine so we were very happy. “We were highly impressed because we didn’t expect it. Apart from making the country proud, he has been doing things for us. After the donation of the computers, he single handedly bought a generator worth about N325, 000 to power the school. He is a nice person who has the pupils in mind and wants them to achieve great things. “The children were very happy about the computers so they followed the AFCON finals from the time it kicked off in January. They started praying for Keshi every day during assembly and were so happy when Nigeria won that they jubilated the morning after.

Keshi (left) and Paul Okoku when they visited their alma mater last year

The staff and students are still waiting for him because they want to jubilate with him. We are impressed and want to associate with an achiever.” Some of the pupils National Mirror spoke to said they want to emulate Keshi when they grow up. A Primary 6 student, Akin-

Defenders: Chizoba Amaefule, Shehu Abdullahi, Ikechukwu Okorie, Kingsley Madu, Hassan Abubakar, Ekoh Oke, Aliyu Mohammed and Aigbe Oliha. Midfielders: Chidi Osuchukwu, Abduljeleel Ajagun, Uche Agbo, Ibrahim Aliyu, Nzube Anaezemba, Moses Orkuma, Ovbokha Agboyi, Oluwaseun Taro, Okechukwu Azubuike, Saliu Sodiq and Mikel Agu. Strikers: Alhaji Gero, Umar Aminu, Christian Pyagbara, Harrison Egbune, Bright Ejike, Edafe Egbedi, Yahaya Adamu and Bright Osagie.

ally tried because he helped us win the cup. I love football very much and wants to be like Victor Moses. I was one of the players who played the last time he came around and I was very happy that he watched me play. I love him very much and I feel great that he attended my school.”

Sat Guru set to host Super Eagles

The List: Goalkeepers: Emmanuel Daniel, Jonah Usman and Samuel Okani.

tunde Olabintan, said, “I know Keshi is Nigeria’s coach and he won the AFCON trophy so I want to be like him when I grow up. I like him because he is good in coaching players and he loves children because he bought computers for us.” Bidemi Ogunlade, who is in Primary 5 said, “Keshi re-

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

piritual Leader of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, yesterday expressed his intention to organise a civic reception for the Super Eagles for their victory at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations held in South Africa. Maharaj Ji, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also made a strong case for insur-

ance covers for all footballers in Nigeria, saying that this is highly desirable to further encourage the players to put in their best at all engagements. “It is high time we did everything possible to ensure that footballers in Nigeria are not made to suffer unduly any longer,” he said. He emphasised the need for the Eagles to continue winning laurels with particular focus on the forthcoming Confederation Cup billed for June this year and the

2014 World Cup scheduled to hold in Brazil. He then charged sports authorities in the country to discountenance the agitations from some quarters that foreign coaches be appointed to manage the affairs of the Super Eagles, stressing that all issues of divisive tendencies should be jettisoned forthwith. He added, “Whoever is talking of foreign coach for Nigeria’s Super Eagles must be a Boko Haram because charity begins at home.”

Sport

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tit bits...

Suker

Wilshere seeks Chelsea inspiration

here and a good team atmosphere. That will help us. We have a good bunch of lads in the dressing room. “We know what Bayern are capable of as they have a great team. But we have beaten big European teams here before so now we need to do it again.” Captain Thomas Vermaelen is also confident ahead of this clash, despite Arsenal’s shock FA Cup Schweinsteiger defeat to Blackburn at the weekend. “It’s normal the fans are disappointed but we need their support 100 per ayern Munich midfielder, Bascent tomorrow (today),” tian Schweinsteiger, says the the Beligium international German club is hungry to win said, adding, “Anything can the UEFA Champions League and behappen in the Champions lieves the side has improved since last League.” season. Bayern was beaten by Chelsea in Today’s fixtures the 2012 final but has bounced back impressively this term and is among Porto vs Malaga the favourites to claim European glory Arsenal vs Bayern ahead of tonight’s clash with Arsenal in the last 16. “We are hungry to win the Champions League,” he said yesterday. ing to play for a London team “This team have been to the final in the final of the Champions twice and didn’t win. We have more League at Wembley,” Podolski experience and we’re moving towards said yesterday. our aim. Compared to the final against “Bayern is in the past. Now I Chelsea, we are stronger. We have am at Arsenal and looking for- more good players and we are stronger ward to achieving things here. on the bench. This is a crucial point. I feel it is not productive when “We are eager to win, we have beyou talk about what did or come a better team and again we are didn’t work. all working towards a return to the “If I am being honest, it final. would be more difficult if Ar“Five or six teams in Europe are senal were playing Cologne. candidates to win the Champions They are my team. Emotionally, League and we are one of them. I know it would have been far more in- most of European teams do not want tense. to play against Bayern Munich. “I was there from the age “We have gained a lot of respect of 10, joined Bayern, and went during the last four or five years, but back there before playing for we have to win against Arsenal before Arsenal.” we start to think about this.”

rsenal midfielder, Jack Wilshere, believes the club can only look back at Chelsea’s Champions League triumph last year as the Gunners prepare to meet Bayern Munich at the Emirates tonight. The German giant, soon be tinkered by former Barcelona Coach, Pep Guardiola, is tipped favourite in this encounter. But Wilshere believes Arsenal is capable of emulating Chelsea’s unlikely success when the Blues beat Bayern on penalties in the final. “Chelsea are an inspiration for everyone after they showed character last year against Bayern,” Wilshere said yesterday. “We certainly need to repeat that success against Bayern,” he added. “We have good leaders

Wilshere

Schweinsteiger eyes Emirates upset

I’m focused for this tie–Podolski

Podolski

rsenal forward, Lukas Podolski, remains proud of his time at Bayern Munich but is focused on achieving success with the London club ahead of the UEFA Champions League tie against his former club tonight. Podolski joined Bayern from Cologne in 2006 before returning to his boyhood club three years later and then making the move to North London last summer. The fact that this season’s Champions League final will be staged at Wembley provides Podolski with an added incentive to try and go all the way. “It would be something amaz-

Smalling craves treble chase

anchester United defender, Chris Smalling, has called on his mates to step up their quest for the treble in the ongoing season. United, who is already 12 points clear in the Premier League and in a strong position in the Champions League following the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw in the first leg of their tie with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, faces Reading in the FA Cup on Monday night and a victory would set up a quarter-final clash with either Chelsea or Middlesbrough. “The manager has

stressed that he expects to go to the end in all three competitions,” Smalling said. “The FA Cup is notoriously unpredictable. Luton reached the fifth round this year, which shows that anything can happen so there is no point looking too far ahead. “But our home form has been good and another victory can give us the impetus to kick on and get to another final.” United’s last final appearance was in 2007, the first to be played at the new Wembley, when the club was beaten in extra time by Chelsea.

Real Madrid legend, Davor Suker, is confident the club will win at Manchester United next week to progress in the Champions League. United appears to have the advantage after the Red Devils’ first-leg 1-1 result against Madrid in Spain. “I don’t have any doubts that Madrid will progress because they were strong in the first leg and got away without being beaten,” Suker said yesterday, adding, “It’s a good stadium to play and win at.”

Henry

Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, says he could find a role for club legend Thierry Henry. The New York Red Bulls striker has declared he wants to return to the Gunners in an off-field capacity. Wenger, who has variously welcomed the prospect, says it is however unlikely that the former Barcelona star would return to the Emirates as a player, stressing, “He has to decide what he wants to do.”

Capello

Russia coach, Fabio Capello, says Juventus will win the Scudetto, despite opposition and admitting that he’s surprised by AS Roma’s struggles this season. “Juve are the favourites for the Scudetto, but in the summer I had promised Roma would be one of their main rivals,” Capello said. “They introduced many interesting young players to an already competitive group after the Luis Enrique experiment and we still have to wait to see how things go,” he added.

Wright

Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, has slammed what e terms as the arrogance of manager Arsene Wenger after the Emirates defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday. “You have to blame the manager for not putting enough into the competition,” Wright said. “The manager has made it clear that the FA Cup is something he’s not bothered about but what he is missing is that the FA Cup is something that is worth winning,” he stressed.

McManaman

Smalling celebrating a goal with his team mate, Chicharito

Liverpool legend, Steve McManaman, says Manchester City has suffered this season without quality wingers. McManaman, who ended up at City after a stellar career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and England, thinks Mancini needs to broaden his thinking to give his team an extra option.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The highs and lows of SA 2013 AFCON Nigeria’s Super Eagles won their third Africa Cup of Nations trophy in South Africa recently. ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI who attended the finals of the 29th AFCON writes that Nigeria got massive support from South Africans despite their xenophobic tendencies towards nationals of the African champions.

he 29th Africa Cup of Nations hosted by South Africa ended at the National Stadium aka Calabash Stadium, in Johannesburg, one of the greatest stadia in the world on Sunday, February 10, after 23 days of the continent’s showpiece with pomp and ceremony. It was a presentation of soccer talent and advertisement of the rising profile of African football with its great display of fair play but lackluster and incoherent officiating. But the SA 2013 AFCON tournament cannot be forgotten in a hurry as it showed how far the host’s football had developed in terms of support for local league, fan base and government’s willingness to develop the round leather game in the country. With Nigeria becoming the new undisputed champion of African football after beating the hard-fighting Burkina Faso, 1-0 in a tension-soaked 90minutes tactical match and lifting her third Unity Cup trophy, visitors to the tournament from all around the continent and beyond, cannot forget the thrills and frills of AFCON 2013. A sports commentator of the South African newspaper, The Star, Nkareng Matshe, said, “With just a single-goal win, Nigeria managed to end years of underachievement, settle an old score and perhaps, mark the start of a rejuvenation that made them such a feared force in the mid-90s.” But far from the winning spirit of the Super Eagles despite an uninspiring start at the group stage, the team in an uncommon resurgence, stunned the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, 2-1 and spelt Mali with goals. After the mauling of the Malian Eagles, South African fans put aside Xenophobia towards Nigerians, buried the hatchets and trooped out to the stadium to support the Super Eagles. Right from the Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto where Nelson Mandela and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Bishop Desmond Tutu, live, every South African of any colour on the streets, tipped Nigeria to win the trophy. To many, the support was expected because Nigeria beat Mali, a team that killed the Bafana Bafana dream of lifting the trophy as the hosts. But apart from South Africans, Congolese, Zimbabweans and citizens of most African countries resident or tourists in SA, raised the Nigerian flag inside the Calabash Stadium and painted their faces in “green, white, green.”

Our correspondent waving the national flag inside the stadium

Nigerians outside the Calabash stadium

Nigerian supporters.

A South African child painted his face in Nigerian colours.

Spotting the Nigerian jersey, these fans took Nigerian flag from a GUINNESS team who had gone to watch the final match live as the official sponsor of the Super Eagles with 200 customers who were rewarded in the GUINNESS FLY WITH THE EAGLES PROMO. Some of them who wore Orlando Pirates’ jersey or other clubs’ jerseys also supported Nigeria, cheering the Super Eagles as the match proceeded. One of those who spoke with National Mirror on the streets of Soweto is a highlife musician, Rapulani bert Dabra. He said, “I support Bafana Bafana of South Africa, but the people close to me are Nigerians. I go for the Eagles to lift the trophy. I will play music for the Nigerian team today. We South Africans will be glad to see the trophy move from our stadium to the street of Lagos,” Also, other South Africans who spoke with our correspon-

dent at the stadium in their highly accented English shouted in support of the Eagles, while booing the Burkinabes anytime they advanced towards the Eagles’ goal area. Speaking on the lucky 200 customers, Marketing Manager of Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Obinna Anyamelechi, said the brewery giant had been with Super Eagles for long despite the down time. He explained, “The Guinness brand is made of more; the company believe the team was made of more to win the trophy. That is why we invested in bringing about 170 million Nigerians to support the team with the unveiling of the largest jersey at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.” Also, the company’s Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, said Guinness had to sponsor 200 customers to South Africa to watch the matches live despite the uninspiring perfor-

Another South African supporter

mance of the team from the group stage which he said was a mark of a corporate socially responsible company. The Senior Brand Manager of Guinness, Uche Onwudiwe, affirmed that he was impressed with the support the team enjoyed among South Africans. Meanwhile, about three hours to the stadium, the roads leading to the South African National Stadium were in gridlock like the Lagos traffic. Though well organised traffic control, the motorists obeyed traffic lights from all directions, but visitors were not happy with the ticketing process which they had to buy in black market that turned out to be fakes. Many spectators could not get their tickets passed through the scanner, thus denying them opportunity to watch matches they had paid for. Publisher of Football for Thought, Mr. Owen Mundalamo, lamented, “I am flabbergasted and disappointed by the ridicu-

lous outcome of my weekend visit to purchase bulk tickets for Africa Cup of Nations 2013 to watch games in and out Gauteng. To cut my story short, I came back empty handed without tickets. Let me reveal some serious chaos associated with AFCON 2013, especially on ticket related matters.” He added, “It is very important to consider an effective ticket selling model for tickets to fly off the shelves with the speed of light. LOC for 2013 AFCON shocked many soccer fans by deviating from the famous ticketing process of Checkers, Shoprite and Computickets. Many Spar outlets selecteds by LOC are inconvenience to many fans due to geographical distance.” Also, some spectators were stranded outside the stadium as they had their tickets rejected because they were found to be fakes. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament was also criticized for favouring some companies in giving out the mandate to sell tickets. “Brown envelope tendency is the biggest syndrome affecting South Africa’s service delivery. It was obvious that the decision to limit ticket selling points to selected Spar outlets ahead of Shoprite, Checkers and Computickets was based on subjective and pathetic brown envelope tendency. I am not certain if the tender process to award the ticket selling points took place. It is unfair to soccer fans to snub other famous and proven ticket selling retailers,” said Mundalamo. But despite the little flaws, the closing ceremony, the tension-soaked final match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso inside the jam-packed stadium and thunderous fireworks made up for the frustrations of hundreds of fans who could not enter the stadium until the second half of the game.

Sport

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

On the track with

YEMI OLUS danyella172003@yahoo.com

Pistorius: Police weigh ‘drug factor’

Omaka

Omaka extends honeymoon

till basking in marital bliss, sprinter Josephine Omaka has opted to attend to domestic affairs, saying she will not compete in the 2013 season. The Abia-based reigning Youth Olympics Games 100m champion, who walked down the aisle last month, said she desired adequate rest before competing again. “I’m not going off track permanently and my husband doesn’t have an issue with my career,” Omaka explained, adding, “I will commence my build-up for 2014 by the end of this year even as I try to get in shape for next season.” Omaka competed in the Golden League last year where she dominated most of the events and was also part of Nigeria’s contingent to the World Youth Championships which took place in Barcelona, Spain. She however failed to compete in the 100m as the team arrived after the event had been run as a result of late issuance of visa by the Spanish embassy, although she took part in the 4x100m relay where Nigeria placed fourth in the final. “I was in blistering from at that time and ready to put up an impressive performance only for us to get there late. It was a painful experience but I have put it behind.” The athletes said she has targeted an appearance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where she hopes to make a debut at the quadrennial event. “Rio is my major target even though the Commonwealth Games is coming up next year. I do not know what the programmes of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) would be like next year but I want to be in Brazil,” she said.

L-R: Blessing Okagbare, Damola Osayomi, Gloria Asumnu and Agnes Osazuwa will have to meet up with new standards set by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria

AFN sets trial standards

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria has put forward stringent measures for the senior athletes aiming to qualify for the World Championships holding in Moscow, Russia in August. According to the AFN President, Solomon Ogba, sprinters will be required to have run a time of 10.6 and 11.20 respectively in the men and women’s 100m event to participate in the All-Nigeria/Cross River State Athletics Championships holding in July where the final team to Russia will be selected. “The targets for the seniors this year will be very strict,” Ogba told National Mirror yesterday. “We have set high standards for qualification for the national trials. The men will have

to run at least 10.6 in the 100m while that of women will be 11.85. They have time to meet the standards in the Golden League which will take place here or they can run in any competition in the world. “We want to run a proper system back home. The period of qualification is from January 1 to June 30, 2013. The technical committee will also review such athlete’s performance to ensure that he has been quite consistent in his achievements.” Ogba also revealed that foreign-based athletes would not get automatic tickets until they have met certain standards in order that such athletes do not exit the World Championships in the preliminary stages. “For those abroad, the minimum standards they must run

to be given a ticket to come for the trials is 10.15 and that of the women is 11.20 as this will give us the confidence that they will not go out in the first round of the World Championships. “We have reviewed the issue of training grant and only athletes who are among the top 10 in the world will benefit because it means they will need a top coach, physiotherapist and so on. “We will support those who make the IAAF ‘A Standard but any one not in this category will have to buy a ticket to come for the trials. We have seen people run times that they never achieved before in the national trials and then falter in subsequent competitions and we don’t want anyone to raise our hopes unnecessarily and then dash it when we don’t expect.”

olice are investigating if amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius may have shot dead his girlfriend in a fit of so-called ‘steroid rage’, an explosion of aggression caused by performance-boosting steroids. Officers who searched the 26-year-old’s home after Reeva Steenkamp was killed are reported to have found steroids, according to reports. Miss Steenkamp, 29, was shot four times early last Thursday at Pistorius’s luxury home in a secure housing estate on the outskirts of Pretoria. The South African Police Service yesterday refused to respond to the claim, but sources close to investigation had previously told a local paper that the steroid rage was one line of enquiry and that the star’s blood was being tested for drugs. Police have rubbished speculation that Pistorius, who is known to have kept a pistol by his bed and a machine gun at his bedroom window, may have mistaken his girlfriend of three months for an intruder. Reeva Steenkamp will be buried today, the same day Pistorius appears before Pretoria chief magistrate Desmond Nair for the start of what is expected to be a two-day-long bail application. South African police believe Pistorius may have beaten his girlfriend with a cricket bat before shooting her after detectives are reported to have recovered a bloodied bat from the Paralympic champion’s bedroom on Sunday and establishing that model Reeva Steenkamp’s skull had been ‘crushed’.

Federation to train athletes in steeplechase

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Monday said the country would feature for the first time in the steeplechase event at the maiden edition of the African Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC). AYAC, which would feature athletes from 24 African countries, is scheduled for Warri in April. AFN’s Technical Director, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

Lagos that the event would be experimented at various national trials in March. The All Nigeria Relays Challenge will hold from March 15 to March 16 at Ijebu-Ode, while the second leg holds from March 22 to March 23 in Warri, Delta State. “For the first time in Nigeria, we are going to have the steeplechase for boys and girls. I do not think we have had the event before. And we are trying to make sure that

we have it during these trials that are lined up. “It involves the construction of barriers because there are different heights for the boys and girls. We have to do it now and expose the athletes in the main competition. Even if we dodge it now, we will still compete in the event in the next three or four weeks, so it is better we expose our athletes to it now”, he said. He said the AFN would

have in its programme, the half marathon and all the different relays would also be started, to ensure Nigeria got back to its glory days. “We want to go back to the glory days. We have our areas of strength, so that is why we have included different types of relays in our programme, this year. We want to see how we can qualify early for the different international meets and avoid a last-minute approach”, he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Real Estate & Environment

Improper planning, inputs are responsible for building collapse - Expert What is your assessment of consulting services in the country? The consulting services in the country formerly were in comatose, but with the civilian administration, the services have returned. Mind you, consulting service is a key and driver upon which projects will be realised and monitored to ensure proper execution. It is a kind of mirror that will announced to you that this project certainly have a goal. And because every project has a goal and objectives, again there must be a strategy; there must be a planning and at the end of the day, actions are delivered. It is in consulting services we outlined what we called the gospel principal, because if we continue with consulting, we will be looking at the projects at the finish stage. And you can say this is certainly where I am going, this is what is going to take me to go. This is what the cost effect is, this is the number of people you will require to use in order to achieve and realise a particular project. It is in consulting system that things are realised. In recent time, the consulting service has been given its right position in various activities in the government and private projects. In any project you look into, you will be able to know the time line, the cost effect and what is needed to execute the project. Also, it helps in transparency and accountability in various government projects in the country. I think if we continue to drive our project through consulting service, it will be better for the nation, and is a very good economy approach in realising projects. Although, most of the time the private sector do shy way because of the cost effect. And in the area of construction, that is why you see building collapsing as a result of improper planning and inputs that are not required for such a project. So, consulting has come to stay and it must be encouraged. In the area of building collapsing, what is your view, even when government prop-

DAYO AYEYEMI

aking advantage of the hospitality segment of the real estate sector, which promises good returns on investment, a property developer, Mr. Paul Ogum, at the weekend, unveiled a new hotel in Warewa, Arepo, Magboro and Ibafo axis of Ogun State. Christened “White Sands ” the hotel is strategically located in Magboro Town with modern-art facility, presenting attractive special offers for would be holiday makers. The hotel is in a serene and secured environment with exquisite lodging, close circuit television for enhanced security, uninterrupted power supply, courteous and friendly staff with standard laundry and meal services, all at affordable rates. Speaking to journalists, Ogum, the developer of the hotel, said the facility cost him N50million, explaining that he was motivated to launch into the hotel business as a response to the growing

Chief Richard Ekpe, Chief Executive Officer of Leoaris Konsult, a consulting firm, in this interview, spoke with STANLEY IHEDIGBO on the development of consulting services in the country and challenges facing the sector.

Ekpe

erties are involved? It is the situation in the country where anybody is employed by government to carry out certain projects or development without knowing the experience and capability of the person, who claimed to be a consultant. Building is not something you toy with because if you get it right, houses or structures last for many years. But it is worrisome that government that has what it takes to get the best consultant services do otherwise. Government estates, shopping malls that are collapsing is an embarrassment to the nation in general. Again, on the private or individual side, it is the responsibilities of various governments to make sure that their projects are supervised thoroughly. Other area, I will like the authorities to look into is the quality

of materials been used in these buildings. Because, in this country, we have companies that produced quality and lasting materials that can be used in our buildings and should used encouraged. What are the challenges in the industry? The challenges in the industry for now are that, contractors and clients are not properly addressing the cost inputs of the services of consulting. They are not properly addressed in the sense that if you look at the consultants, they are not doing the actually work rather it is done to a limited stage because of the cost effect. Although related various professional bodies are doing something to correct the development and by the time they get it right, everything will be better

to the benefit of the nation. What roles can government play to support the consulting services in the country? What the consulting firms require now from government is to give the various regulatory bodies a backup; because there are qualifications that are needed before one can become a consultant. You don ’t allow any body to claim to be a consultant. The government should work in line with the bodies for the enforcement of the regulatory law and policies. What is your view on the issue of lack of infrastructure in the country and how it is affecting the consulting services? The current infrastructure decayed in the entire nation is affecting the development and growth of private sector. The fact that there are no roads is a very big challenge; energy that is life blood of every nation is totally under zero. Absence of infrastructure has prevented the country from many foreign investors, which would have brought in their monies for the growth of the economy. That is while country like Ghana is making waves; just because of stably power supply, even Nigerian investors are rushing there to set up their businesses and used Nigeria as their warehousing and market. Although, I believe that with the present administration ’s assurances and promises, things will get better. What advice do you have for people going to consulting services? My advice is that, the person must have the experience, qualifications, expertise and the technical knowhow of the area he or she is interested in consulting . And government should as well promote the activities of consulting services by making sure that every projects approved by them should be monitored by a recognised consulting firm to avoid future occurrence.

Developer unveils N50m White Sands Hotel demand for standard hospitality services in the axis, and for those who want to escape the hectic Lagos life. He said, “In recent times, several corporate organisations have moved their offices, factories and warehouses out of the hustle and bustle of Lagos, to the relative peace and serenity that the Magboro axis provides. The hotel is, therefore, an attempt to meet the need of the growing business world in and around the area. ” Ogum, who is also the Chairman of Lorge Gate Limited and Bosmac Building Enterprises, assured that even though the cost of standard accommodation in the area has risen drastically due to rising cost of investment, White Sands Hotel would give affordable prices to its clientele, especially those who attended or sent representatives to the opening. “The 18-room hotel comprises standard, deluxe and super-sleeper rooms, and is a follow-up investment to the White Sands Resort (Club and Lounge),

L-R: Chairman, White Sands Hotel, Mr. Paul Ogum, wife of Baale of Magboro, Olori Oluyemi Shofolarin, and an estate agent , Alhaji Moshood Hamed, during the opening of the hotel in Magboro, Ogun State at the weekend.

which was opened in October 2012, ” he said. Ogum, who boasts of close to two

decades of property experience, is an expert in building technology management.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Beautify, personalise your home ofce Chances are that your home office is one of the least aesthetically pleasing rooms in your home. If you are like most homeowners, you probably spent as much time decorating your home office as your utility room. As a matter of fact, Angela Todd on www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com said most people ’s utility rooms and home offices have a lot in common. Below are some design tips to get you started. • Clean up your clutter and get organised: If you can ’t do it yourself, stop feeling frustrated about it! Call an expert who will customize an organisational plan that is personalized to you and your workflow. You don ’t have to be great at everything; you just need to know who to call. • Establish a floor plan that addresses function and flow: A home office floor plan gives you quick, easy access to items you need on a daily basis. A good floor plan is also compatible with your type of business. For example, my home studio includes a work area to layout floor plans, fabrics and surface materials. What is unique about your business and workflow? Your home office should

address these needs. Here is a great, free tool for laying out your home office floor plan. • Start your home office interior design with something that inspires you: Begin with a piece of artwork, an area rug, a lamp, an accessory or an upholstered chair that speaks to you. Then build the room ’s style and palette based on what you love and what you already have. Blues are said to be imaginative and progressive ; yellow is cheerful and stimulating; red is powerful and daring ; orange is adventurous and unique ; green is soothing and is said to help you think , purple is ambitious and associated with royalty

Culled from: www.divinecaroline.com

Choosing wall colours for a home office : Please trust this experienced opinion: It is easier to find a wall colour to match an item than find items to match a wall colour. Pick your inspiration piece and general style before you paint the walls! Next, follow these tips for selecting a great wall colour. Just because they place a colour on a swatch doesn ’t mean it should ever be on a wall. If you want something in your office to “pop ”, don ’t match the walls to that item. Use a tint, tone or shade of a colour in your palette, instead of an exact match. Unless you are experienced with

START YOUR HOME OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN WITH SOMETHING THAT

INSPIRES YOU:

BEGIN

WITH A PIECE OF ARTWORK,

wall colours, know that colours are more intense than they seem on a small colour chip. You might want to move down the colour card a shade or two lighter than your first choice. Complex neutrals with a touch of colour are very vogue these days and are here to stay for some time. A room can be interesting without the walls screaming colour. It will also have longer staying power before you grow tired of it. Although painting is inexpensive, it is time consuming and painful to re-do! If you aren ’t sure of your choice, hire a designer for a colour consultation. 5. Establish a focal point for your home office: A focal point is the first thing you see when you enter a space. It is necessary in all design, and many home offices don ’t have a natural focal point like a fireplace, or a large bank of windows with a view. If your focal point is your desk (most of the time it is), give it visual impact by hanging grouped artwork, placing a bookshelf behind it, or installing a specialized wall treatment made of wallpaper, fabric or a decorative mural. You can also add an area rug or drop a chandelier to ground the space.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Real Estate & Environment

Land tussle stalls installation of PHCN substations in Epe DAYO AYEYEMI

ussle over ownership of land has stalled the installation of high power electrification project in Epe Township of Lagos State and the adjoining communities. For the past three years, these communities have been in darkness, no thanks to the controversy that has been dogging a suitable site where Power Holdings of Nigeria (PHCN), could install the sub-station. The project is under the Federal Government Rural Electrification project, designed to serve the entire local government area, including Agbowa, Imota in the old Ikorodu Local Government and part of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government areas. At the initial stage, a site, located at “TJunction”, an outskirt of Epe Township was marked for the installation of the equipment, until a developing firm, Rivbond Nigeria Limited, purportedly aborted the plan, claiming that the land was acquired 34 years ago, with the necessary processes of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), commenced in 2009. In a briefing addressed by the Head of the firm, former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Chief Lanre Rasaq, said what caused the delay in the commencement of the housing project, was “minor representation about the site”. According to him, PHCN officials had visited the alternative site offered in Temu, another settlement close to Epe, for the installation of the equipment. While Rasaq claimed that he had written letter to Governor Babatunde Fashola on the status of the land, said the housing project, when completed, would be of “immense benefits to the people.” However, in reaction to his claim, a

L-R: President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr Agele Alufohai; Executive Director, Nigerite Limited, Mr. Toyin Gbede; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Lagos State, Mrs Sola Oworu; and National President Nigerian Institute of Building, Mr. Chucks Omeife; at the unveiling of Skillup by Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) and MCS Consulting Limited held in Lagos last week.

group, under the aegis of Epe Infrastructure Development Association (EIDA), while querying the age of Chief Lanre Rasaq, 34 years ago, said the land in question has been revoked by the Lagos State government. According to the revocation order made available to journalists, dated October 14, 2011, signed by the governor, it reads in part thus: “In the matter of all that parcel of land (with any improvement thereon) measuring 4,1444,820 square metres situate and lying along Ikorodu-Itoikin-Epe/Epe Ajah Express Road, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State of Nigeria;

Whereas, the Governor of Lagos State of Nigeria requires all land belonging to Messrs Rivbond Nigeria Limited with C of O dated 6th Day of August 2009, and registered No. 30/30/2009Q specified in the Schedule attached to this notice for overriding public interest (construction of 132/33kv substation). It reads further: “The said parcel of land being situate and lying at that place specified above in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State containing the area described in the schedule hereto and more particularly delineated in the plan at office of the Director of Land Services, Land

Implementation of planning regulations vital to meaningful development of cities - Experts

here is need to ensure full implementation of planning regulations by all tiers of government for cities growth. This was the position of built environment experts that converged during the workshop on “Land Administration and Management in the Emerging Lagos Megacity,” by the Faculty of Land Administration and Land Information System of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIEVS), Lagos State branch. Former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Francisco Bolaji Abosede and two university teachers, Prof Modupe Omirin of University of Lagos; and Prof Bioye Aluko of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; agreed that full implementation of planning regulations by all tiers of government was the only way to meaningful development of cities. In his presentation, Abosede said indiscriminate physical development and land acquisition acquisition by government without following due process through which people could buy land and develop in compliance led to the springing up of illegal structures and

encroachment of open spaces in Lagos. He said as urbanisation and development continue to increase, demand for land for physcal development got hotter. This, he said made new and more promising uses for land to replace original and older ones. Land went to the highest bidders as their demand for different uses lead to changes in their capacities, he added. He defined zoning as, “ the reservation of certain specific areas within a community for specific use with buildings and structures for certain reasons, limited in height, plot coverage and other stipulated requirements,” adding that it is a preconceived instrument for arranging the use and allocation of land for competing uses to attain optimal and efficient use for the community. He cited the rezoning of public facilities to residential plots as being done in Ilupeju Estate, an estate planned in the 60s by Ikeja Area Planning Authority as a self-sufficient industrial/residential estate. He stated that overtime, the central commercial area at Coker Road was rezoned into residential plots by the government, saying that as development hot up almost 50 years later, there is a

need for commercial zone in the estate. For this reason, he said residential houses in the area are being reconverted to offices, shops and even schools. Another example, according to Abosede, is Ikoyi Park, which for decades served the recreational needs of residents of Lagos Island and Ikoyi. But suddenly, the state government subdivided it into high-income residential plots and it became Park View Estate. Omirin said Lagos as an emerging mega city lacks infrastructure provision against other mega cities in the world. In her speech on, “ Contemporary Urban Economic Challenges in the Emerging Lagos Megacity”, she said like other cities, Lagos is experiencing serious infrastructure and amenity deficit, such as poor roads, inadequate access to electricity, potable water and sanitation. Omirin blamed the magnitude of the problems in mega cities on planners and urban managers who failed to respond quickly to the needs for planning and development control. She said responsible agencies atimes, lack the necessary tools, manpower and finance to keep up the necessary services.

Bureau, Governor’s Office, the Secretariat, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. The revocation document was categorical on the status of the land. It read thus: “Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred on me pursuant to section 28 of the Land Use Act CAP 202, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, I Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the Executive Governor of Lagos State hereby revoke the existing right of occupancy in the said land with immediate effect from seven days of the service of this notice for the reason given above;

Air pollution claims 620,000 lives in India

ir pollution is the fifth largest killer in India taking 6.2 lakh lives per year and Delhi is among one of the five most critically polluted regions in the country, said a study by a U.S.-based health institute. According To the report from Siliconindia, the other four most critically polluted regions in the country were noted to be Ghaziabad, Gwalior, West Singbhum district in Jharkhand and Raipur, according to the study. The study has claimed that 6.2 lakh premature deaths in India occur due to air pollution-related diseases, a six-fold increase as compared to that in the year 2000. It said air pollution had also turned out to be the fifth leading cause of death in the country, after high blood pressure, indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking and poor nutrition. Global Burden of Disease (GDB) report by U.S.-based Health Effect Institute has ranked air pollution as one of the top ten killers in the world, and sixth most dangerous killer in South Asia. Sunita Narain, Director General CSE, said “6.20 lakh premature deaths occur in India from air pollution-related diseases. This is a shocking and deeply disturbing news. This calls for urgent and aggressive action to protect public health.”

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

RICS launches commission to address UK housing crisis

UK property

he Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched a commission to recommend ways of addressing the UK housing crisis. It says that a year since the govern-

ment announced its housing strategy, house building is still well behind required levels and the UK needs new homes to buy and rent more than ever. The commission will look at ways of delivering the right homes, in the right

Mortgage brokers in the UK grow in condence as availability improves

ntermediaries are currently more confident about mortgage market conditions in the UK than at any point in the last 12 months but they are not quite as optimistic as lenders, a new survey shows. Over a third of broker firms, some 37 per cent, believe market conditions are currently improving, compared to 28 per cent in July 2012 and 14 per cent in January 2012, according to the latest intermediary survey from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA). Mortgage availability is also much improved from the early part of last year. While 80 per cent of firms were unable to secure a mortgage for one or more standard borrowers in the three months leading up to January 2012, and 79 per cent in July, only 63 per cent reported the same issue in January 2013. However, brokers ’ expectations for gross lending in 2013 remain more conservative than the wider industry. IMLA members, representing over 80% of lending to the intermediary market, anticipate a total of £150 billion, while intermediaries made a more cautious estimate of £139 billion. Both are below the Council of Mortgage Lenders estimate of £156 billion. Mortgage advisers are most confident about remortgages being a source of new business, with 51% predicting volumes will grow compared with 35% in January 2012. While expectations of more buy to let business have fallen back from 56% in July, some 48% still see po-

tential for growth in this area. The biggest change of emphasis over the last year is in relation to first time buyers. Almost twice as many brokers, 40%, expect to see business volumes increase in this area, compared with January 2012 when it was 21%. They believe that first time buyers will be helped by the anticipated stability of UK house prices, which intermediaries expect to be approximately £162,500 in June 2013, little more than £1,000 higher than the Land Registry figure for October 2012 which was £161,605. ‘The economic outlook remains challenging but the future is looking up for the mortgage market. The survey results show growing optimism, especially regarding opportunities for first time buyers, and intermediaries are going to play an essential role in achieving this. The likelihood of new products appearing and strong competition between lenders means high quality, professional advice will be invaluable for the many people looking to buy a property or remortgage an existing home in 2013, ’ said Peter Williams, IMLA executive director. ‘It is extremely encouraging that brokers are experiencing fewer barriers to finding a suitable product for standard consumers. Perhaps the strongest sign of renewed confidence is the fact that more than half of brokers expect the intermediary market to account for 60% or more of all mortgages sold this year, ’ he explained.

tenure, in the right places. It is calling on RICS members and the property sector to submit written evidence of practical examples of initiatives that would help boost the number of homes across the country. The commission, according to Property Wire ’s report, will also be taking oral evidence from the sector and invites suggestions the property profession, the not for profit housing sector, investors, developers, stakeholders and public interest bodies. RICS believes that the breadth of knowledge across all aspects of the sector gives the commission a unique opportunity to consider housing delivery from a holistic perspective and truly understand how each part of the sector impacts on the other. Issues to be addressed include affordable housing, improving stock quality, regulation, land availability, and investment in the rental sector. The commission will be chaired by Michael Newey, RICS president elect and aims to publish its recommendations in June of this year. ‘Since the recession first began there has been a great deal of discussion as

to what should and shouldn ’t be done to get housing supply moving again. With the country well and truly in the grips of an economic downturn it is vital that the market is kept as buoyant and active as possible. This begins with boosting housing supply across the country in areas where it ’s needed, ’ said Newey. ‘We are looking for input and from our members and those in the wider property sector to contribute and offer their thoughts and advice on initiatives and proposals that can help boost housing supply across the UK. We ’re also interested in hearing from those in the not for profit housing sector, investors, developers, stakeholders and public interest bodies, ’ he added. The report will be delivered to the UK Housing Minister and the Shadow Housing Minister to help formulate policies to address the country ’s housing crisis in the short term and manifesto commitments ahead of the 2015 election. Oral evidence sessions will take place from Monday, March 4. Sessions are open to both RICS members and non-members.

UAE mortgage limits on hold for six months, ofcials conrm

roposals to limit mortgages for foreign buyers in the United Arab Emirates have been put on hold while further discussions get underway. At the end of last year, according to report from Property Wire, the UAE Central Bank issued a circular announcing its intention to limit mortgage loans for foreigners to a maximum of 50% of the property ’s value and to cap loans at 70% for UAE citizens. Under the proposals loans would have also been capped at 40% for foreign buyers of a second home and at 60% for citizens. But there was so much criticism of the plan that it wasn ’t actually put in place last month and now the Bank ’s Governor has confirmed that the proposed caps are on hold as a consultation with lenders is now underway. The bank says it wants to put curbs in place to reduce the real estate market over heating as it did in 2008. Since then some markets have lost up to 60% of their value and there have been the first repossessions and court cases over loan defaults. It may now be six to nine months before the outcome of the consultation is known and a final decision made. The Emirati Banks Association (EBA) is pushing for the caps to be relaxed, suggesting expats should be able to borrow up to 75% and domestic buyers 80%. The EBA is also considering

proposing a limit on the total value of an individual mortgage to AED25 million, although this would affect only 2% of the UAE mortgage market. Other rules and regulations are also up for discussion including the length of mortgages and there are suggestions these may be limited to 25 years. With cash buyers responsible for around 70% of purchases in the Emirate some analysts question both how effective the move will be in controlling the resurgent market and whether in fact the Bank is targeting the wrong type of purchaser. According to Helen Tatham, Knight Frank ’s director of residential in Dubai, foreigner buyers will always be interested in the emirate because it is a strategic location between east and west and a hub for international business. She expects the

Dubai Property

real estate market to continue to strengthen this year. Richard Paul, residential valuations at Cluttons in Dubai, said that a strong rebound in property prices last year has led to concerns that it could all go badly wrong again as it did in 2008. ‘After witnessing the collapse of the Dubai property market in 2008/2009, it is clear that the UAE government is reluctant to relive the bubble to burst property effect again. By reducing LTV levels for expats and nationals, the Central Bank is looking to regain some control from the hands of the local and international lenders, who to date, have battled it out for market share offering more attractive terms, thus potentially boosting property prices beyond sustainable levels, ’ he explained.

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Aviation

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Maintenance hangar:

Akwa Ibom blazes the trail, faces challenges The effort of the Akwa Ibom State Government to build a befitting Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for the Nigerian carriers is facing a tough challenge as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to collaborate with the state as agreed from the beginning. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

Oduah

ince the demise of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways Limited, the country’s aviation industry and airlines have been suffering and activities in the sector have remained stagnant in some aspects. Nigerian carriers lose billions of naira annually on maintenance checks of their aircraft as they regularly carry out that aspect of maintenance either in Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Europe and the United States of America (USA) among others. Before its untimely death, the maintenance hangar of the airline, which now housed Arik Air office at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos could carry out all forms of checks of small, medium and wide body aircraft ranging from A, B, C and D. But since its death, the Nigerian economy annually loses no fewer than N50bn in capital flight to the countries above as a result of checks carried out in those countries by the Nigerian airlines, but in a bid to redress the situation, the Akwa Ibom State Government is presently constructing a massive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at the Ibom International Airport Company. The MRO facilities, which has so far reached a 70 per cent completion stage is to catre for all forms of aircraft either Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, CRJ aircraft and others with the set aside of N14bn for the total project. On completion, the airlines in the country and even in the continent are expected to carry out their checks in the hangar at cheaper, faster rate and even in a more convenient environment, but the dream of the carriers to do this in the country may be a tall dream after all as the project may be stalled because of paucity of funds caused by lack of expected cooperation from the Federal Government. Taking aviation journalists round the facility last week, the Executive Governor of the State, Chief Godswill Akpabio noted that the state before the commencement of construction work had an agreement with the Federal Government on making the facility a national hangar where carriers can carry out their checks regularly. Akpabio explained that in a bid to make the facilities functional and useful to operators, the state government is collaborating with several aircraft manufacturers for certification. He informed the aircraft manufacturers had visited the MRO facilities, supervised the construction while the government also trained aircraft engineers who will handle the checks on the aircraft in the USA and Ethiopia. He said, “They were in the USA for training, they came back and we attached them to some of the airlines and some have gone back to Ethiopia and they spent 14 months there again to make sure that their licenses are up-to-date. They are just waiting for the MRO to be ready. Those that are on avionics,

Akpabio

AT A POINT, WE WROTE LETTERS AND REQUESTED FOR WAIVERS FOR SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE IMPORT,

BUT IT WAS NOT ACCEPTED.

EVERYTHING THAT WE IMPORTED FROM ABROAD, WE

HAVE HAD TO PAY FULL DUTIES, BUT WE ARE HOPING THAT THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL STILL COME IN AND ASSIST, EVEN IF NOT TO TAKE OVER THE PROJECT

power plant and others also joined the engineers that are working with some of the experts to maintain the airfield facilities and all that. “So, the operators will give us people at the supervisory level, then, eventually, our people will grow so that they can be in a position to release aircraft and completely take over in the future. By that time, customers will have been used to the facilities we have in here. They have shown a lot of respect to what we have here because if you go to Europe, you have to wait before you can be attended to, which at times is too long, but if you have the same operator that is maintaining aircraft in Europe and is working here, you will be glad to bring your aircraft here.” On its collaboration with Federal Government, Akpabio emphasised that the former Minister of Aviation, Alhaji Yisa Yuguda indicated the readiness of the Federal Government to make the hangar a national facility for the country and also signed for the government, but decried that up till now, not a penny of Federal Government had gone into the project despite efforts of the state government to lure the Federal Government into it. “At a point, we wrote letters and requested for waivers for some of the things that we import, but it was not accepted. Everything that we imported from abroad, we have had to pay full duties, but we are hoping that the Federal Government will still come in and assist, even if not to take over the project. If they take over, that will be fine, but where we are

now, if they don’t come in quickly, we want to operate this airport as a private sector driven. “Federal Government has its limitations and challenges, this is the same with the state governments, but if it is private sector driven, we will have a return on investments for the state. I believe with the level of consultations we’ve had with some of the private investors who are willing to partner with us, there will be standards, but all the same, I will be glad if the Federal Government comes in knowing fully well that the project is not just for Akwa Ibom, but it improves the image of Nigeria aviation,” he said. But the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation said it was not aware of any letter from the State Government to the ministry for collaboration on the facility. Speaking to National Mirror on phone, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella oduah, Mr. Joe Obi said that the ministry was ready to collaborate with any individual and State Government on their plans to propel the sector forward. He said, “I’m not aware of any letter from the State Government. I know the ministry is ready to partner with any individual and State Government who want to build maintenance hangar and other infrastructure in the industry. I’m not saying the State Government did not write any letter to the government, but what I’m saying is that I’m not aware of it.” Also, speaking on the issue, the Group General Manager, Chanchangi Airlines, Mr. John Disley lamented that absence of maintenance hangar in the country increases operating cost to the airlines by 40 per cent. To carry out a C-Check on a Boeing 737 aircraft, Disley said cost the airlines between $500,000 and $1.5m depending on the level of C-Check an operator wants to carry out on its aircraft. He said that with the availability of this in the country, such funds could be diverted for training of personnel and upgrade of facilities for the airlines. He said, “If we have maintenance facilities in Nigeria, it will be cheaper to carry out maintenance in the country and this will go a long way in reducing the money we spend on maintenance. As at present, to do a C-Check on a Boeing 737 start from $500, 000 and above. The cost largely depends on the level of C-Check an operator wants to do, but if we are doing this in Nigeria, the cost would have reduced by 40 per cent because we pay for a lot of things abroad.” Besides, the former Director, Flight Operations, Nigeria Airways and the President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Capt. Dele Ore, lamented the government’s failure to actualise its plan to build the maintenance facility several years ago. He said if the project was executed, Nigeria would have saved the country’s airlines from expending huge revenue on aircraft maintenance overseas. He said half of the amount was used in ferrying the airplanes abroad, crew accommodation, allowances, over flier charges, landing and parking in the country of repair and other sundry charges. Maintenance checks on airplanes are a very important aspect of ensuring safe and secured flight operations anywhere in the world. An aircraft is subject to a C Check every 15 to 18 months. This type of aircraft maintenance is a comprehensive inspection that covers hidden parts so that any damage or cracks in the internal parts of the aircraft can be detected. For Boeing 737-300 and 737-500, the C Check is conducted after 4,000 flight hours, while for Boeing 737-400 and Boeing 747-400 it is conducted after 4,500 and 6,400 flight hours respectively. In the case of Airbus A-330-341 this check is done every 21 months. The most detailed inspection is the D Check. This inspection is generally an overhaul. For Boeing 737-300, 737-400 and 737-500, this inspection is conducted after 24,000 flight hours. Boeing 747-400 requires a D Check after 28,000 flight hours while for Airbus A-330-341, after six years. Apart from the cost of carrying out checks on the aircraft outside the country, which is put between $1m and $2m, depending on the check and aircraft type, the operators still take care of the crew that will fly the aircraft and engineers that will supervise the checks on the aircraft in the maintenance hangar.

Aviation

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

NAMA commences area radar control

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Disgraceful acts of MMIA security officers

he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) last week said it has put in place the necessary logistics to commence area radar control in the country to further boost air navigation services and safety. Area radar control is air traffic control service, provided for airplanes flying within the Flight Information Region (FIR). The Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Nnamdi Udoh told airline pilots that a considerable number of air traffic controllers have been trained to handle this operation at both Kano and Lagos area control centres for flight operations within the nation’s airspace. He told the pilots at a parley in Lagos, this Friday has been slated for the test run with the operating airlines while Friday, April 12, 2013 would be the implementation day. While asking for the co operation of the pilots, the NAMA boss said the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is being carried along to give approval for the immediate implementation of this air traffic service to airlines. He listed benefits to be derived from the area radar control to include; increased air-

I The Managing Director of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCoaviance), Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo, MD, Bluesea Consulting and Business Services Ltd, Mr. Sola Alle and GM, Human Resources, NAHCo Plc, Mr. Umar Birmah, at the recently held 2013 management retreat for management staff in Lagos.

space capacity, improved safety, reduced fuel consumption, reduced flight time and efficient flow of air traffic. Udoh disclosed that other steps taken by NAMA to enhance air safety in the country are in the area of uninterrupted power supply to navigational aids at the nation’s airports, maintenance as well as rapid training and retraining of staff. He maintained that the essence of the parley was “to create a no-holds-barred forum with airline pilots’’ where all problems and challenges arising from their flight operations could be x-rayed and possible solutions proffered even as NAMA, is poised to provide a world class service with minimal incident and zero accident record. In his response on behalf

of other airline pilots, the Managing Director, Overland Airlines, Capt. Edward Boyo congratulated NAMA for the unprecedented transformation going on in the agency like the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project and the recent airfield lighting at runway 18 left at the Lagos Airport, saying ‘’That Nigerian pilots are happy to be associated with the dynamism of the management and the massive development going on at airports across the country.” Earlier in his address, an industry expert, Capt. John Obakpolor (rtd) affirmed that NAMA has made tremendous improvement in service delivery under the leadership of Udoh, adding that NAMA has moved away from analogue era to digital service delivery.

Etihad increases frequencies to Lagos Airport

tihad Airways, which commenced flight operations to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on July 1, 2012, has indicated its readiness to increase its operations to Lagos to twice daily from the initial six times a week. The airline said this is necessary in a bid to meet the growing demand from passengers travelling to and from Nigeria to Abu Dhabi city and beyond. An online statement signed by the airline’s media consultant in Nigeria during the week, stated that the new service will be introduced on March 31 and this will coinciding with the start of the airline’s new summer schedule. The statement stated that this will significantly improve connections between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, and beyond to key destinations across the airline’s network in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, India, Malaysia and China. The airline’s General Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, Maurice Phohleli said, “We

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Phohleli

have received a very positive response from the Nigerian market since launching our service six months ago. Clearly, the people of Nigeria appreciate the superior product and service of the world’s leading airline and we are proud to serve them. “Our passenger loads are strong and we are confident that this route will continue to support the growing flow of business and leisure travellers who fly from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates, and on-

wards over the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi to key commercial and tourism destinations in the GCC, North and Southeast Asia and markets in the Indian Subcontinent.” The service, comprising a mix of morning and evening departures, is operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured to carry 22 Pearl Business class and 240 Coral Economy class passengers. Etihad Airways recognises the importance of the West African region and is committed to expanding its footprint across the continent. In November 2012, Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, re-introduced a weekly freighter service between Abu Dhabi and Lagos, which was complemented with the addition of 16 new interline destinations across West Africa. Etihad Airways currently flies to eight destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean including: Johannesburg, Khartoum, Casablanca, Cairo, Nairobi, Lagos, Tripoli and Mahé in the Seychelles.

t is sad that the various arms of security personnel attached to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos are painting the image of the country in bad light. Most culpable in this unholy act are those stationed at the entrance to departure hall of the terminal. The officers comprise the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence Corps, Aviation Security and the military. Although, most of these officers, about seven in each entrance are armed to the teeth and are supposed to frisk at random those gaining entrance into the terminal, but they do this to enrich their private pockets. As usual, Airside was at the terminal last week and was ashamed at the disgraceful act of these officers who use their weapons to harass and frighten those who want to access the air-

port terminal, most especially the first time travellers or those who are not frequent flyers. For instance, before someone could be allowed to gain entrance into the terminal proper, the personnel will get on their ‘prey,’ ask series of unnecessary questions all in an attempt to get a token from the ‘prey.’ Although, they are stern looking, but the moment their palms are greased by their ‘preys’, their faces dissolve and will warmly welcome you into the terminal. Airside observes that when their supposed prey give one of them some token, the money moves from the first person to their ‘treasurer’ who keeps Airside appeals to the respective authorities to caution their personnel attached to the terminal as they have abdicated their primary job of securing the airport to enriching their pockets.

Tissue paper scarcity at Lagos Airport toilets

he plan of the Federal Government is to make the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos a hub in the sub-region. However, for any airport to be recognised as such, some minute, but major facilities and equipment should be up to date in such environment. While the Minister of Aviation and the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Stella Oduah and Mr. George Uriesi respectively are daily sensitising the public to remodelling plans and commissioning of some, some little issues are being left undone. Airside was at the international wing the Lagos airport last week to make use the convenience, but was amazed that despite the fact that the facilities are still new, one integral ingredient – toilet tissues were lacking in the conveniences!

At the MMIA, Patovilki Services is in charge of the cleaning of the toilet facilities and the terminal as a whole, but unfortunately, the users of the convenience no matter their status can not make use of toilet tissues, which were supposed to be displayed conspicuously inside the toilets. Airside observes that for a user to get the tissues for use, such a pressed passenger will have to go cap in hand before the personnel of the company who take pride in concealing the tissues from the users. Airside charges the managements of the company and FAAN to shelve this disgraceful attitude, which has continued to embarrass Nigerians before foreigners. Other airports even in the continent, minute issues of toilet tissues are not handled with highhandedness. Hope someone is reading this?

SAHCOL boss gets recognition award

he managing Director of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Mr. Oluropo Owolabi was last week honoured with “Fellow,” and “Distinguished Merit Award in Transport.” The award was given in Lagos by the Institute of Transport Administration, Nigeria (IOTA), “in recognition of his immense contribution to the growth and development of the transport industry in Nigeria over the years.” An online statement signed by the ground handling company’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Basil Agboarumi stated that at the award ceremony, which was graced by personali-

ties in the Government, private and transport Industry in Nigeria, Owolabi was presented with a certificate and plague. Owolabi, in his chosen field has acquired knowledge and experience that span through states, nations and continents. He has also excelled in his chosen field of endeavor and has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Aviation Sector. He said that Owolabi, has in the past received honours and awards for his sheer resilience, astute business acumen, innovative skills, corporate excellence and innovative approach to corporate turnaround.

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Insurance

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

NAICOM targets Takaful, others to deepen insurance penetration As National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) seeks insurance penetration through planned introduction of micro finance insurance and the Takaful, analysts say the products are capable of filling the huge gap in the insurance sub sector TOLA AKINMUTIMI reports

or Nigeria ’s insurance industry whose huge potentials life-changing benefits had remained largely untapped for decades, the ongoing reforms by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), through a well integrated capacity-building policy and innovative products development initiatives into the underserved but potentially big insurance market may be described as a timely prescriptive remedy for an economy that has over decades been lacking in financial inclusion capacities. The Commission had a few days ago unveiled a new component of its market development agenda with the planned introduction of micro finance insurance and the Takaful, two products which industry analysts have described as capable of filling the huge gap in the informal sub-sector share of the insurance market. To most of the largely financially excluded economic players, particularly those in the grassroots who may not have appreciated the immeasurable benefits of insurance to their economic and social well-being, the new products are expected to be handy financial tools for wealth creation and a shield that can insulate them from the ravaging impact of lifethreatening risks to their survival and threats to their investments. Packaged as the operational components of the already well articulated Market Development and Research Initiative (MDRI) medium term plan, the new products by the NAICOM to radically transform the industry and remarkably enhance its contributions to the nation ’s Gross Domestic Product has continued to send new signals suggestive of an industry that is ready to bloom after years of lethargic under-performance. Speaking on NAICOM ’s vision for the insurance sector and how micro insurance could serve as a strong component of the market development agenda, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, at a forum organised for Finance/ Business Editors in Ilorin, Kwara State penultimate week, pointed out that micro insurance would complement the industry reforms which were targeted at deepening insurance penetration and making the industry amongst the preferred choice amongst other emerging markets in terms of capacity, safety, transparency and efficiency. While noting that the sundry challenges, including limited public awareness and the prescriptive orientation of the Insurance Act 2003, continue to hamper the development potentials of the insurance industry with only about one per cent of adult population subscribing

Daniel

TO MOST OF THE LARGELY FINANCIALLY EXCLUDED ECONOMIC PLAYERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE GRASSROOTS WHO MAY NOT HAVE APPRECIATED THE IMMEASURABLE BENEFITS OF INSURANCE TO THEIR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

WELL-BEING, THE NEW PRODUCTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE HANDY FINANCIAL TOOLS to insurance policy, Daniel said the Commission believed that incorporating micro insurance and Takaful into the market would serve as important vehicles for deepening the market. According to the industry chief, the Commission had last year collaborated with GIZ of Germany and other development agencies, to conduct a Country-wide Diagnosis study on the viability of micro insurance in the country. The NAICOM boss disclosed that the result clearly indicated that there still existed huge potentials among the low income groups that the vehicle of micro insurance could be used to explore. Daniel said: “One of our goals was to generate at the end of the exercise, a document that will enable us take evidencebased decision on the issue of microinsurance in Nigeria and also to serve as a public resource in its own right. Indeed, the report of the study reveals huge potentials among the low income groups and has consequently been adopted by NAICOM as a working document for the development of micro insurance framework in Nigeria. “To this end, the Commission is at the final stages of developing a reliable micro insurance framework with clear rules for investments and an inherent flexibility with a view to give insurance providers the needed clarity and freedom to use innovative means to reach this large but underserved segment of the market. “Similarly, NAICOM has recently exposed the Draft Takaful Guidelines to stakeholders for input and now is ready for implementation.

Preparatory to the commencement of the Takaful Guidelines, the Commission has embarked on series of capacity building programmes of its Management and Technical staff in order to position the Commission to effectively implement and supervise Takaful operation in Nigeria ”, he added. On the Takaful product, the industry chieftain disclosed that the Commission had recently exposed the Draft Takaful Guidelines to stakeholders for their input and that the efforts were being intensified, through series of capacity building programmes facilitated by the management and technical staff, to ensure the implementation of the guidelines and launching of the product. Reacting to the NAICOM ’s initiatives, a seasoned financial expert, Dr Samuel Nzekwe, noted that the micro insurance drive was desirable for the projected growth of the industry but that other issues must be put in proper perspectives in order to transform the Commission ’s dream into a huge success. Nzekwe, a former president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), while pointing out that micro insurance can help in expanding the scope of the national financial inclusion strategy believes that fiscal and monetary policies that can help in building real sector capacity and grow the non-oil sector, particularly agro-allied industries, would be needed to catalyse the moves and ensure broad-based growth of the economy. “I think the NAICOM ’s initiative is a welcomed development despite the fact

that we have not really gotten the financial inclusion strategy implementation right. What we have now is a dis-jointed financial services delivery system. The financial system should be well integrated to achieve the goals of financial inclusion. Currently, we are contending with high level of unemployment and low productivity especially in the rural areas. “But then, the micro insurance agenda is well conceived but there is need for the federal and state governments to do more in areas of job creation in order to create market for micro insurance. If there is no job, where do you generate the income to buy micro insurance products or services and pay the premium? “I think getting to the destination of boosting insurance penetration at the grassroots goes beyond mere designing of frameworks. It requires full commitment of the governments to issues of capacity building at the manufacturing, MSMEs and agro-allied sectors through which the jobs created will boost demand for micro insurance products ”, Nzekwe said. Appraising the micro insurance project from advocacy perspective, a leading civil society member, Mallam Y. Z. Ya ’u, said the first step towards the realisation of the goal by NAICOM is to embark on massive sensitisation campaigns at the grassroots in order to create awareness about the product since only very few Nigerians appreciate the socio-economic roles insurance could play in their efforts to improve their lives. To achieve this, Ya ’u, who is also the Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), advocated a strategic communication approach which would enable the Commission to get to the right audience namely, farmers, commodity traders, artisans and other groups who engage in economic activities that are prone to risks and natural disaster havocs as was witnessed during the flooding crisis recently. The CITAD boss said: “I think the first thing to do is sensitisation and creating awareness in the grassroots about the need for insurance. As it is now, the generality of the people don ’t understand what insurance is all about. It is mainly known to the educated elite, most of who only buy car insurance policy for their vehicles, buildings and other assets in the urban areas. “This implies that in order to get micro insurance accepted, the commission needs to do a lot in terms of publicity to raise the consciousness of the people and make them realise how important insurance is to their well being. You know that in Nigeria about 60 per cent of the population engages in farming and other related economic activities and insurance of their crops or produce is very crucial, even for those commodity traders. So, agriculture and agro-allied businesses and trading should be one of the primary focuses of micro insurance and I think NAICOM will do well in its new initiatives aimed at getting Takaful and micro insurance products into the market ”, the Ya ’u added.

Insurance

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Compulsory insurance can be made attractive to Nigerians STORIES: MESHACK IDEHEN

he Managing Director of Royal Exchange Prudential Life, Mr. Wale Banmore, said strict enforcement of compulsory insurance by regulators though challenging, is one way to make Nigerians accept the policy. Speaking with journalists recently, he said one of the biggest problems confronting the insurance industry in the country is the lack of enforcement, adding that it is through enforcement that people will know insurance and appreciate it when they see its benefits. According to him, “When you make a law that any employer with at least five workers must have a group life policy for the workers so that if something happens their family members are not stranded, you must enforce it to make it work. “In Nigeria, most employers with more than five workers refuse to obey the law because they know nothing will happen to them since the government is not enforcing the law, ” Banmore explained. He said if an employer knows that if his staff member dies and there is no group policy coverage and the wife or a family member of the deceased cries to

GMD Royal Exchange Assurace, Chike Mokunye

the Ministry of Labour or Nigeria labour Congress secretariat, or any such identified government agency to make a report, such employers will sit up, but unfortunately, enforcement is lacking. Banmore said if the employer or business owner knows that he will be punished if he disobeys the law, he will obey it. “What happens in most cases is that after the death of a

staff member, the business owner, or employer will give to the widow, or the family of the deceased, may be N50,000 and everything ends there. ‘ ’But if he knows that the government will stand up for the bereaved and he may be asked to pay to the bereaved up to N5 million to N10 million, apart from other stringent punishments, which might include a prison sentence, the employer will pay the insur-

ance cover to insure his workers instead of taking the punishment. ‘ ’In most instances the world over, those who insure do so because they do not want to offend the law and face the punishment. This is the situation worldwide, but where there is no enforcement, the situation gets worse as it is in Nigeria. “Nobody pays insurance for the fun of it, they pay because they don ’t want to go against the law and, subsequently, face the penalty which is usually very heavy, ’ ’ he said. The Royal Exchange Prudential managing director in further decrying the lack of enforcement said that is why insurance penetration is still shallow, adding the world over, that people pay for insurance because in those places, the law is strict. He also identified lack of adequate publicity as another problem the insurance industry is grappling with, saying though that the NATIONAL Insurance Commission, (NAICOM) has been trying to let people know the benefits of insurance. According to him, the government is the greatest problem in the industry because it cannot enforce the policy.

98% of federal pensioners are unpaid — FCP

bout 98 per cent of federal pensioners have been denied monthly stipends for three months, said The Lagos State Coordinator, Federal Concerned Pensioners, Mr. David Adodo. The affected pensioners, according to him, had either been underpaid, or totally denied their pensions since November 2012.

Speaking with journalists over the weekend, Adodo said this development is coming barely a week after about 50 federal pensioners protested against the “ unholy manner ” with which some government agencies was interfering in their pensions. According to Adodo, “Since November, 98 per cent of our members are either seriously

underpaid, or totally denied their pensions, ” while also urging the Federal Government to establish an independent competent body to handle the pensions. “The president should stop the Head of Civil Service of the Federation from further interfering in pensioners ’ money. We were denied our pensions in November and December 2012.

We did the Christmas and New Year in hunger. Many of us can ’t eat well or pay for our medications. ” He said further that the Federal Government should institutionalise the pension reform, take the gains and database of the PRT and provide a civilian pension board or Ministry of Pension Affairs, to solve the problem.

Get more training, insurers urged

he Director-General of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Adegboyega Adepegba has urged insurance practitioners to get adequate training in order to remain relevant in the industry, Adepegba said that the institute has been given statutory powers to train and retrain insurance professionals in Nigeria, noting also that CIIN is doing its best to ensure that professionals are well-trained before they are certified. He said for anybody to become a professional insurer, he must have passed the institute ’s

exams, adding that the examinations are in three parts, which are the certificate, diploma and advanced diploma. According to him, the institute provides many services which enable the students to be prepared for the exams, explaining further that with the mode of operation adopted, CIIN also have a college that trains those who would take the examinations and those that will come in for refresher courses. He said the institute also has some exam programmes that it conducts regularly, annually and others at intervals, such as conferences, seminars, in-house

programmes and the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD). According to him, insurance education has improved, noting that members of the institute are getting the best training. He added that education is not something one gets from one source, advising students and members of the profession to develop and re-develop themselves. According to him, the MCDP programme ensures that students write, carry out research and attend programmes that can broaden their knowledge about the practice of insurance.

Adepegba

Ways to reduce small business health insurance costs

usiness health insurance is a major cost of doing business, especially for small companies and mom-and-pop firms. With premiums soaring, many small business owners are asking their employees to shoulder more of the financial burden or cutting benefits entirely. Keep employees healthyPrevention makes common Cents. Motorola Inc., for example, has instituted a comprehensive wellness program that includes disease management for afflictions such as asthma and diabetes, as well as offering flu shots, cancer screenings, smoking-cessation sessions and a round-the-clock phone line staffed by nurses. The company found that for every dollar it invested, it saved $3.93, according to a 2003 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report, ” Likewise, heavy machinery manufacturer Caterpillar estimates that its wellness program will save the company $700 million by 2015. Reduce coverage- Cutting coverage or asking your employees to contribute more to the plan is a logical step to reducing small business health insurance costs. The downside of this strategy is that it will likely prove unpopular with workers. Consider health savings accounts- Health savings accounts are an increasingly popular option for owners of small businesses. These tax-exempt accounts, which are used to pay for certain medical expenses, could reduce your small business health insurance costs while giving your employees tax breaks. Join a group- Small group health insurance plans cover between two and 50 employees, although there are “group of one ” insurance plans for the self-employed that offer similar benefits. The larger your group, the lower your premiums will be. Shop around- Health insurance is a huge business, so shopping around for different providers could reduce your small business health insurance costs. Start by searching the Internet and also ask other owners of small businesses what they pay for health insurance. Insurance agents will charge fees, but you ’ll save time and they can investigate health insurance plans for you. Source: sbinformation. about.com

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Capital Market

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Oteh calls for strengthening of risk-based supervision ... Equities slid further by 0.02% STORIES: JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Chairperson, Africa and Middle East Regional Conference (AMERC) of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission Arunma Oteh, has called on securities market regulators across Africa and the Middle east to accelerate adoption and institutionalization of risk – based securities market regulation model. Oteh made the call yesterday at the Annual General Meeting of AMERC at Dubai, that the risk-based model is

necessary to consolidate the current growth being experienced in markets in the region and avoiding instability. She recalled the rationale for the adoption of risk – based model as residing in the weaknesses in the compliance –based supervision approach of old, which (weaknesses) were highlighted by the recent market meltdown. According to her, the momentum of recovery appears slow in some jurisdictions, most markets in the Africa and Middle East Region had recorded considerable and sustained recovery. Tracing the market trends which threw up the urgent imperative of adopting risk based model of market oversight and regulation, Oteh observed that the global mar-

kets had in the two decades before the financial meltdown, recorded significant growth and dynamism. Meanwhile, trading in equities continued on bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took profit from the previous gains. Specifically, the All Share Index shed 0.02 per cent to close at 33,251.51 points, compared to the decline by 0.25 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 33,258.45 points. Market capitalisation dropped by N2bn to close at N10.640trn, lower than the dip of N25bn recorded on Friday to close at N10.642trn. Badgo Manufacturing Company led the gainers ’ table with 20 kobo or 7.84 per cent to close at N2.75 per share, followed by Fidelity Bank Plc with 17 kobo or 5.31 per cent to close at N3.37 per

share. Wapic Insurance Plc gained seven kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N1.48 per share, while BOC Gas Plc rose by 32 kobo or 4.89 per cent to close at N6.87 per share. Portland Paints Plc appreciated by 23 kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N4.98 per share. On the flip side, Royal Exchange Plc dropped by 12 kobo or 10 per cent to close at N1.08 per share, while Wema Bank Plc lost 15 kobo or 9.80 per cent to close at N1.38 per share. Unity Bank Plc fell by nine kobo or 9.47 per cent to close at 86 kobo per share, while Julius Berger Plc lost N5.00 or 7.58 per cent to close at N61.00 per share. Law Union Plc dipped by three kobo or five per cent to close at 57 kobo per share. A total of 535.3 million shares valued at N4.16bn were traded in 6,758 deals.

2013: Oando forecast improvement on returns

ando Nigeria Plc has said that there will be a substantial improvement in the next annual financial year of the company considering its huge current investment in midstream and upstream sectors. The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Wale Tinubu disclosed this yesterday to investors during the presentation of facts behind the figure at the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The company is issuing N4.548bn shares at N12 per share by way of Rights Issue offer to existing shareholders, to re-finance acquisitions made in the upstream sector

of the country ’s oil and gas industry, as well as strengthening its balance sheet. Tinubu noted that considering the Nigerian economy which is largely oil-dependent, with 95 per cent of foreign exchange earnings and about 80 per cent of budgetary revenues emanating from the sector alone, the ongoing Right Issue represents an opportunity for a low cost route into the company. Explaining the reason for the undervalue of the company ’s share, he said that it suffers from the hullabaloo of delay in fuel subsidy payment and the capital projects took larger part of the

company capital than it was anticipated. He said, “We suffer from the value of shareholders fund erosion, as big institutional investors dumped their holdings in the company without substitute from the local shareholders. ” According to him, the margin profit dropped from 10 per cent to 1.5 or three per cent due to panic selling by investors. The company has in recent times steadily increased investments in the high margin sectors of the industry. Its investment in natural gas distribution has seen the company in-

creased its footprint from its Lagos franchise to other South-South states of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and River and supplying over 130 leading manufacturing firms. In the upstream division, Oando ’s drilling services unit is the largest indigenous rigs provider in the country. The company recently completed a reverse takeover of an exploration and production firm, Canada ’s Exile Resources, which culminated in the listing of the resultant company – Oando Energy Resources - on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Enterprice bank unveils growth strategies

nterprise Bank Limited will not engage in the ‘game or war of size ’ but will remain efficient and increase its Information Technology platforms to transact its business and reduce the number of people coming to the banking hall, the bank ’s Managing Director, Mr. Ahmed Kuru has said. To aid this, he said the bank has invested in modern Information and Communication Technology solutions that would make it convenient for people to carry out banking operations in the comfort of their homes and officers, as well as through their mobile telephones.

Kuru, who disclosed this in Lagos yesterday said that the bank will still continue to a medium-size bank. He said: “We are still a medium-sized bank. If you look at the unverified figures that I gave you in absolute terms, you will see that if I grow by 20 per cent of N200bn or N40bn, and another bank, for example, grows by one per cent of say N5.0trn, in terms of size, I am still a mediumsized bank and I want to be a medium-sized bank. “Like I said in December 2011, we are not here for any size game or size war. We want to be an efficient bank and that is our strategy, ”

Commenting on the three bridged banks Mainstreet Bank Limited, Keystone Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited, he said they have been restructured and are back to profitability. He justified the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria in these institutions, saying that the three banks are strong enough to compete with their peers in the industry, He said, “When we came on board, our mandate was to run the banks profitably with strong financials. I can categorically say that the three banks are strong enough to compete with others. ”

Kuru said that the bank has been able to grow its deposits by over 27 per cent, while the industry average is 15 per cent, loan book by 200 per cent, with average industry rate being 16 per cent; and asset base by 26 per cent and return on investment by 20 per cent, which is over seven per cent above industry average. On the cash-less initiative, whose pilot is running in Lagos, he said it was the ultimate, but added that the country needed to enforce the law on dud cheque issuance in such a way that issuers should be sent to jail within three weeks.

Source: NSE

Source: FMDA

Market indicators Market indicators

All-Share Index 10,640.3 points All-Share Index 22,191.14 points Market capitalisation 33.3 trillion Market capitalisation 7,084 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

BAGCO

2.55

2.75

0.20

7.84

FIDELITYBK

3.20

3.37

0.17

5.31

WAPIC

1.41

1.48

0.07

4.96

BOCGAS

6.55

6.87

0.32

4.89

PORTPAINT

4.75

4.98

0.23

4.84

JOHNHOLT

1.27

1.33

0.06

4.72

DANGSUGAR

8.41

8.80

0.39

4.64

PRESTIGE

0.91

0.95

0.04

4.40

LIVESTOCK

2.13

2.22

0.09

4.23

NEM

0.95

0.99

0.04

4.21

CHANGE

% CHANGE -10.00

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

ROYALEX

1.20

1.08

0.12

WEMABANK

1.53

1.38

0.15

-9.80

UNITYBNK

0.95

0.86

0.09

-9.47

JBERGER

66.00

61.00

5.00

-7.58

LAWUNION

0.60

0.57

0.03

-5.00

MANSARD

2.60

2.47

0.13

-5.00

GLAXOSMITH

55.09

52.34

2.75

-4.99

AFRIPRUD

1.86

1.77

0.09

-4.84

NEIMETH

1.25

1.19

0.06

-4.80

RTBRISCOE

2.30

2.19

0.11

-4.78

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N ’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Days

30,647.81

12.40

21-Feb-13

182-Days

20,000.00

15.08

21-Feb-13

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N ’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

358-Days

15,764.00

15.55

21-Feb-13

332-Days

33,948.62

15.37

21-Feb-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$120m

N/A

$120m

18-Feb-13

$120m

N/A

$120m

13-Feb-13

Capital Market

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at February 18, 2013 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)

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Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Trial of Lawan ‘Mr Integrity’: Is Femi Otedola a sacred cow? CONTINUED FROM 13 Regime’s Report and did cause the House of Representatives to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the said list and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) (c) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8 (1) the same Act. “That you Hon. Farouk Lawan (M) while being a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did, acting in the course of your official duty corruptly asked for the sum of $3,000,000 for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd on account of intention to afterwards show favour to the said Mr. Femi Otedola by removing the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the report of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8 (1) of the same Act. “That you Hon. Farouk Lawan (M) while being a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did, acting in the course of your official duty corruptly agreed to accept the sum of $3,000,000 USD for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd as an inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the report of the Ad-Hoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same Act. “That you Hon. Farouk Lawan (M) while being a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of Ad hoc committee on Monitoring of fuel subsidy regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this honourable court did while acting in the course of your official duty corruptly obtained the sum of $500,000 for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd as an inducement to remove the name of Zenon petroleum gas ltd from the report of the House of Representatives Adihoc committee on Monitoring of fuel subsidy regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 17 (1) of the Corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 17 (1) of the same Act.”

Bail arguments After pleading “not guilty” to the charges, lead counsel for the accused, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN) moved the bail application, which he said was brought

THE FACT THAT THE ACCUSED PERSONS NEVER FAILED TO REPORT TO THE

POLICE IN THE COURSE OF INVESTIGATION... COUPLED WITH THEIR NUMEROUS TRIPS

ABROAD AND BACK, WERE ELOQUENT TESTIMONIES THAT THEY WILL NOT JUMP BAIL Tukur

pursuant to Sections 95 and 96 (5) of the constitution of Nigeria (as amended), as well as sections 340 and 341 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). Supported by a 26-paragraph affidavit, the motion prayed the court to grant the accused persons bail on “self-recognition”, even as it reminded the court that Lawan has been a member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly since 1999. According to Tarfa, the fact that the accused persons never failed to report to the Police in the course of investigation into the criminal offence, coupled with their numerous trips abroad and back, were eloquent testimonies that they will not jump bail. Tarfa concluded by reminding the court that grant of bail was the sole discretion of the judge and that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to show why bail should not be granted. “The burden is on the prosecution to show how the accused persons will not be able to appear to stand trial...We urge your lordship to grant the accused persons bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognition,” Tarfa submitted. In opposition to the bail application, however, Awomolo argued that the offences which the accused persons were charged for “are not ordinarily bailable,” stressing that sections 10, 17 and 23 of the corrupt practices and other related offences act 2000, prescribes two to seven years prison terms, as punishment. Awomolo reasoned that, “An application for bail is an application for equity, which requires your Lordship to exercise your discretion judicially and judiciously.” The prosecutor further submitted that the accused persons, in their affidavits, did not make an undertaking that, if allowed to go back to the House and to head committee, they will not ask for another bribe sum, or even higher than the one with which they were standing trial. “What prompted them to demand for $3 million bribe may still prompt them to demand for $10 million bribe... The right of liberty given to Nigerian citizens by section 35 of the constitution is not absolute. I urge your lordship to refuse the accused bail,” Awomolo emphasised. The presiding judge ordered that La-

wan and Emenalo be remanded in Kuje prison. Expectedly, many members of the House paid solidarity visits to Lawan while in Kuje prison.

Bail granted After spending a week in Kuje prison, Oniyangi, on Friday February 8, admitted Lawan and his co-accused to bail “in the sum of N10 million and two sureties each in like sum”. Also, the judge ordered that the accused “deposit their international passports with the Registrar of the court and shall not travel out of the territorial boundaries of this court without permission.” Oniyangi noted that the offence upon which Lawan was charged was “ordinarily bailable”, moreso that “the discretion of the court to grant bail must be exercised judicially and judiciously, upon presentation of material facts.” Justice Oniyangi further held that, “Judicial discretion is not exercised by mere figment of facts..., it will be granted upon circumstances necessitating it. “When facts deposed to in an affidavit have not been contradicted, such facts must be taken as true,” Oniyangi stated. While noting that the prosecuting counsel, Awomolo, did not file any counter- affidavit to the accused/applicants’ averments, Oniyangi maintained that, “The averments satisfy the requirements for grant of bail”. “Consequentially, therefore, I have come to the conclusion, after considering the facts, that this is a proper circumstance where the court can exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously. “Finally, I hold that the application succeeds and I therefore overrule the objection by the prosecution,” the judge concluded. However, while Lawan’s trial on a seven-count charge begins in April, mum is the word from the Federal Government or any of its anti-graft agencies (at least for now) on the fate of Otedola, who confessed to offering the contentious money as bribe. Clearly, the position of the law is that, both the “giver” and the “receiver” of bribe are culpable. In the face of this, however, it appears that the law gives the Attorney General of the Federation, who is the Chief Law

Officer of the country, by virtue of section 150 of the 1999 Constitution, the sole discretion on who to try, in the event of a criminal offence. The AGF, in the circumstance, also reserves the right to use an accomplice as Prosecution Witness (PW) against an accused person. In any case, many Nigerians are asking why it took close to a year for the government to arraign the embattled lawmaker. They suspect that Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo’s letter to the AGF, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), seeking leave to commence private prosecution, may have been the catalyst for the ongoing trial. Demanding fiat to begin prosecution, Keyamo had written: “Last week, I gave a seven-day ultimatum to the Police to commence prosecution of one Farouk Lawan, a member of the House of Representatives and his accomplice, one Boniface Emenalo, for agreeing to and actually accepting gratification from one Femi Otedola in order to doctor the report of the House ad hoc Committee on fuel subsidy. “From reports I read in the media after issuing my ultimatum, the Police have passed the buck over to your office for the inaction so far, claiming it has finished the investigation and that your office has just refused to file charges for reasons unknown to the public. “It is for the above reasons I have prepared a charge (attached herewith) for the purpose of private prosecution.” Could it be a coincidence that Lawan was arraigned just a day after Keyamo’s one week ultimatum elapsed? It is apparent that such seeming lukewarm attitude is casting a slur on government’s fight against corruption. As such, commitment to the anti-graft war must be manifestly seen and felt. That way, critics will no longer conceive it in the framework of rhetoric. Apart from Lawan, Herman Hembe and Ifeanyi Azubuogu (suspended Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the House’s Committee on Capital Market) are also facing trial before a Federal High Court, over allegation that they “misapplied” estacodes provided for them to travel to Dominican Republic for a conference by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Director General of the SEC, Ms Aruma Oteh, made the claim. All said and done, the public wait with understandable interest for the commencement and conclusion of the trial of the Kano-born lawmaker, while also expecting the Federal Government to make public its stand on Otedola. But while Nigerians wait with trepidation on what fate would befall Otedola, the giver of the $620,000 bribe, the businessman continues to strut the corridors of power in the Presidential Villa as he continues to participate in the Economic Management Team meetings and other meetings strategic to the economy of the country. Stakeholders and analysts argue that in other climes, if he was not relieved of his roles, Otedola would have honourably resigned pending when he clears his name in the bribery saga. But then, this is Nigeria, where everything goes.

Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

It’s too early to discuss Fashola’s successor –Ashafa THE

PARLIAMENT

Olugbenga Ashafa is the senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. In this interview with MURITALA AYINLA, he clears the air on the successor of Governor Babatunde Fashola, his agitation for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge by the Federal Government and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

It is reported in the media that you are one of the likely candidates being groomed to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola come 2015, how true is this? As for me, I think it is too early to discuss who will emerge the next governor. The incumbent governor has just spent five of the eight years expected of his two terms. We should, for now, rally round him to ensure his success. There is no doubt about the fact that he is doing and he has done creditably well. The governor is also planning to introduce cable transportation to further ease the transportation logjam in the state. The only place we have that in Nigeria is in Tinapa, in Cross River State, which is meant for tourists. Also, the first phase of the light rail project will hopefully commence operation this year. These are the kind of infrastructural development we need in Lagos. The governor has demonstrated that he is a man of the people. Why are we all talking about who is going to be the next governor now when the present governor is doing wonderfully well? At least, everybody can testify to that. Only God knows the next governor of Lagos State. But if you are called upon by the people of Lagos and the leaders of your party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), to serve as the next governor, would you be interested? Well, according to your question, there is a big “if ”. That is a different case, if I am called upon, well, we shall let you know. But for now, I think is too early to discuss that. Let’s pray for the success of the man who is there for now. The ACN and other opposition parties recently formed the All Progressive Congress (APC) to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); do you think the merger can truly rescue Nigeria as claimed by the opposition parties’ leaders? Sincerely, Nigeria is gradually becoming a failed state and we in the opposition parties cannot fold our arms and see things go wrong at all time. The merger has already embarked on a rescue mission to save Nigerians from the shackles of the ruling party. The reason for the merger is not to share political positions but to bring hope to an average Nigerian. This is why, for the first time, both the South and the North are coming together to govern and not to oppress. Some quarters were claiming that the merger will fail, but I am telling you today, the merger is here to stay for the betterment of our people. Our plan is to bring governance to the people.

Ashafa

NIGERIA IS GRADUALLY BECOMING A FAILED STATE AND WE IN THE OPPOSITION PARTIES CANNOT FOLD OUR ARMS AND SEE THINGS GO WRONG AT ALL TIME Recently, you moved a motion for the thorough investigation of the Third Mainland Bridge with a view to charge the Federal Government to carry out another comprehensive renovation exercise. Why are you calling for this barely three months after the bridge underwent a major repair? Everybody was happy when the Federal Government attempted to renovate it sometime last year. During that period, everybody made the sacrifice to use other routes, after it was reopened, everyone assumed that the bridge was safe, but about a week ago, a petition was written to the Senate concerning the current condition of the bridge. Going through this petition, we discovered that the consultant that did the pre- assessment detail as corrective measures to put the bridge back to shape and submitted the details of what to be done.

But after the bridge was reopened, he went back there to assess not only the surface of the bridge that we can see alone, he went as far as beneath the water to crosscheck the result given to him with what he has seen under the water. After the investigation, it was revealed that the bridge may collapse soon. So, if the Federal Government disagrees with this, I think they can go ahead and counter the claim. But what if your alarm is perceived as political? How can we be political to the detriment of the lives of the people? Nothing is political about it; it is a matter of saying it as it is and if the Federal Government is calling it a false alarm, they should also carry out their own investigation and counter the report of Prof. JHT Kim, the consultant. I repeat, nobody is sounding a false alarm; something has to

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be done to salvage this calamity. A very good example is the Dana aircraft that crashed recently. If somebody had raised alarm like this earlier about that plane, may be a lot of lives would have been saved in the process. Recently, I heard from some quarters that I am been political about the issue. What exactly is the detail of the report by the expert? Professor Kim, Head of The Concrete Structural Engineering Laboratory, Yousei University, Seoul South Korea, came on research in December 2012 and conducted an underwater examination of the structures holding the bridge and reported that the damages to the structure was worse than what he had been briefed. A report of the underwater surveys indicated that the underwater metal casing, housing the concrete piles on which the bridge stands have rusted and this accounts for the vibration earlier experience in some portions of the bridge. The report indicated that there was progressive steel caisson deterioration in about 1,318 foundation piles and that there was extensive reinforcement bar deterioration in eight piles. The implication is that Adeniji Adele, Adekunle and Oworonshoki ends of the bridge could collapse and therefore require comprehensive works to be carried out on the foundation immediately. The danger in such abandonment could lead to the collapse of the bridge as in the case of the bridge over Mississippi River at Minneapolis, United States of America (USA) on August 1, 2007 and Sungsu Bridge, Seoul, Korea on October 21, 1994 among several others. The bridge is so important that I don’t want the government to toy with the lives of the people. Take for instance; at least 70,000 vehicles ply the bridge daily with at least five occupants in each vehicle. Notwithstanding that there could even be over 70 passengers in some vehicles. What is your assessment of the present National Assembly, especially, the Senate? The Seventh National Assembly has not done badly at all. It would be recalled that several issues of national interest have been deliberated upon and concrete steps have been taken to make sure that sensitive issues that affect the common man in the society are not swept under carpet. Among such issues include: probe of the fuel subsidy, probe into the deteriorating state of GSM networks, and probe into the Police pension fund, among others. Putting all these into consideration, I hope you will believe that the Seventh Senate is out there to make a difference. What then can be done to address the issue of unemployment? One viable way to go about this is to create an enabling environment which can make individuals self-employed. This can be done by adding skills acquisition programmes to school curriculum. Also, the Small and Medium Enterprise Schemes (SMES) must be strengthened to function well. Also of assistance is our Micro-Finance Banks (MFBs) to grant small loans to the petty traders among others.

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Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Ihedioha’s ruling and ripple effects THE

PARLIAMENT The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha may do well to see the protest by his colleagues against his ruling, last week Thursday on a bill, as a harbinger of a more sinister move, TORDUE SALEM writes.

egislative business has its tricky parts. But to maintain some sanity, the presiding officer of any of the hallowed chambers must work their hands to the bone at all times, to stay on the side of the majority. Many presiding officers from Ghali “The Tiger” Na’Abba (1999-2003) to Dimeji Bankole (2007-2011) acknowledged this, and where they failed, regretted the backlashes that followed. In a chamber of 360 members representing diverse constituencies with different interests, varying lifestyles and legislative priorities, the presiding officer, who values success, must not necessarily be a man of the people, but a man for the people. While his principal, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal carefully honing a reputation as a man for the people, his deputy, Ihedioha appears to be romancing with the flip side. This marked difference starts with the rulings on legislative items in plenary sessions. While Tambuwal skilfully weighs the general or more wider implication of intervening on legislative items on the floor, his deputy, most often sticks with the particular, the specific or the individual implication, which sometimes can be worrisomely narrowed to personal or provincial interest. For this view of legislative business, the Deputy Speaker escaped a physical assault by his angry colleagues by the whiskers last week Thursday. His traducers railed against him for being “dictatorial” in his ruling on a bill. The accusers drew from a general impression of haughtiness and aloofness. The lawmakers, who accused the Deputy Speaker of “dictatorship”, had mobbed him at the close of legislative business, wringing clenched fists in his face, before the man was moved away to safety by a retinue of security men. It all began on the floor of the House after the Speaker stepped out and left the rest of the business of the day for Ihedioha to provide over the piqued lawmakers accused Ihedioha of making “a skewed and dictatorial, ruling on a “Bill to amend the Industrial Training Fund Act of 1971”. The lawmakers, who considered his favourable ruling on the bill which

Ihedioha

NOBODY WAS ELECTED AS PRESIDING OFFICER FROM HIS

CONSTITUENCY; THEY WERE ALL VOTED HERE ON THE FLOOR was twice rejected by a voice vote, had stormed out of the chambers, laying siege for him by the main exit door where they gave him a stern reprimand. The contentious bill, sponsored by Chudi Uwazuruike (PDP-Imo) sought to amend the Industrial Training Fund for the purpose of empowering the fund to design, set up and operate guidelines for the training, certification at state, local government and ward levels and to establish area registries for maintaining up to date registers of certified artisans and technicians in all fields and in all parts of the federation. The sponsor of the bill argued that if passed into law, the bill will set standards for artisans so as to expand the scope of industries, but as soon as the sponsor rested his case, majority of the members began to oppose the bill. The opponents argued that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was already doing what the bill sought to do and therefore it was unnecessary and a waste of the parliament’s time to consider its referral to the committee for a public hearing

and third reading. The Deputy Speaker called twice for voice votes on the bill after an exhaustive debate, but the opponents of the bill were in the majority. He however, gave it to the minority, provoking a tumult that spilled over. First to fire the salvo was Ali Madaki (PDP- Kano), who raised a point of order, reminding the Deputy Speaker that according to the House Standing Rules, in a situation like that the presiding officer should have divided the chamber. The plea however fell on deaf ears, as Ihedioha went ahead and ruled that “this bill has been referred to the committee on industries.” To worsen matters, the Imo Stateborn principal officer called the bluff of the irate protesters and called for the adjournment of the House session against the wish of his colleagues who were mainly from the Northern part of the country. Tijjani Abdullahi Jobe (PDP-Kano) who led the irate lawmakers, charged at Ihedioha saying: “You cannot continue this type of attitude in this House. You have to respect our opinion because we are all representatives of the people”. The lawmakers who supported the bill, such as Friday Itulah (PDP-Edo), Patrick Ikhariale (PDP-Edo), Sekonte Davies (PDP- Rivers) and the sponsor, Uwazuruike (PDP-Imo) tried to intervene, but Aisha Ahmed (PDP-Adamawa), who also opposed the bill on the floor said: “We cannot seat here all day

and our opinion will not be taken into consideration by the presiding officer. Nobody was elected as presiding officer from his constituency; they were all voted here on the floor. This is bad and it has to stop.” The Deputy Speaker had breezed past his colleagues, but as he was leaving the main building, otherwise known as “White House” for his office in the new building, he was once more accosted by his angry colleagues, who told him to his face that they were not satisfied with his handling of the bill on the floor. But the principal officer dismissed the lawmakers as a pack of irritants, who were too fault-finding, shouting at them to: “keep shut! keep shut!”, as he added that “you (they) input motives into everything we (presiding officers) do on the floor of the House. We don’t have any interest in this bill.” But the lawmaker replied: “The way things are done in this House is wrong, you cannot continue to treat us this way.” At this point, the Deputy Speaker who was still fuming in anger shouted again: “Don’t portray us in the way we are not.” But besides the ruling and the person of the principal officer in question, there were other underlying reasons for the protest: The lawmakers, most of whom are members of the Northern caucus, read a jingoist or ethnic signal in Ihedioha’s insistence on the passage of the bill for a third reading. Some members, who later spoke with National Mirror, thought the Deputy Speaker, who has his eyes on the governorship of Imo State was unduly securing a favour for a kinsman, Uwazuruike (PDP-Imo) who holds a few aces in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) political equation in the state. Majority of the dissenters, it could be understood from the voting history of the House, also thought of the bill as anti-North, for its emphasis on vetting artisans or seeking an arrangement that would certify the basic artisans before they ply their trade. The Northern lawmakers feared that with such undue vetting in place, some categories of artisans, most of whom are from the Northern part of the country would stand no chance of survival. But weighing the politics of a majority and his own ambition, the Deputy Speaker opted for the latter with a backlash that took him by surprise. But it was a mere case of a cup running over. It may not be over yet. Matters may get to a head today, as a member may likely raise an order of privilege concerning the “faulty” ruling on the bill. The case of a constitution review exercise gone awry under Ihedioha’s watch, could also be thrown into the mix, if not properly managed by the Deputy Speaker. So, the ball swirls feverishly in the Deputy Speaker’s court, and the Office of the Speaker may not help much. It has its hands full with its own problems as well.

Politics

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ACN slams Presidency over First Lady’s revelation OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday slammed the Presidency over its handling of the First Lady’s illness saga, saying it has lost whatever is left of its credibility. The party wondered why the government Nigerians elected into office chose to lie to them that the First Lady was holidaying abroad when indeed she was gravely ill in a foreign hospital. The party in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, however, congratulated Mrs Patience Jonathan for her

miraculous return from the dead. ‘’While we felicitate with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on her recovery from whatever illness it was that afflicted her, we will be remiss if we fail to recollect how the Presidency denied ‘rumours’ of the First Lady’s illness and poured scorn on the media and the imaginary enemies of the government for fuelling the ‘satanic rumours’. “We will also like to remind the Presidency that its denial, instead of full disclosure that would have elicited nothing more than fervent prayers from Nigerians, fuelled the rumours that the First Lady suffered from

sundry afflictions or the consequences of tummy tuck!” ACN said. The party called for full disclosure of health status of public office holders. It stated: “It is sad that despite what we and many Nigerian groups and individuals have said on this issue, the Goodluck Jonathan administration took its script directly from the Umaru Yar’Adua group’s book of deceit when the late President was ill and flown abroad. Now, Governors Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Danbaba Suntai of Taraba and Liyel Imoke of Cross River States are all playing according to the Jonathan script. “We are therefore renewing our call for openness and full disclosure

on the state of health of public officials. Life itself is transient, not to talk of positions. And as a spiritual leader of the calibre of Pope Benedict has shown recently, no office is more important that life itself.” The party noted that while it may be argued, though not conceded, that the First Lady is not a public official by virtue of her position, she is a public official by virtue of her being a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State. The party said the revelation by the First Lady on the extent of her illness, especially the fact that she passed out for seven days before she said God miraculously brought her back to life, cannot but

L-R: Member, House of Representatives’ Committee on Millennium Development Goals, Nkoyo Toyo; Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor and Director, Macro Economic Analysis, National Planning Commission, Mr. Tunde Lawal, PHOTO: NAN at the technical session of the National Consultations on the Post 2015 Development Agenda in Abuja, yesterday.

Umeh, Shinkafi denounce Okwu-led APGA GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he cracks in the All Nigeria Progressive Party (APGA) has continued to widen as the ousted National Chairman of the party, Victor Umeh and National Secretary, Sanni Shinkafi yesterday denounced the Governor Peter Obi appointed interim leadership for the party. The national caucus of the party, which was convened by Obi at the weekend in Abuja announced Maxi Okwu as the interim National Chairman and Shinkafi as National Secretary of APGA. The constitution of the interim leadership of the party followed the sacking of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of APGA by an Enugu State High Court. Even though Shinkafi

was elected as interim National Secretary by the national caucus of the party, he came out yesterday to distance himself from the election, maintaining that the action of the caucus was an illegality. “On principles and conviction, I will not submit myself to illegality. I remain the substantive National Secretary of the party. I cannot submit myself as substantive National Secretary to become an interim National Secretary,” Sanni said at a press conference yesterday. On his part, Umeh cautioned Okwu and other officials appointed by the caucus not to parade themselves as officials of the party, stressing that according to the constitution of APGA they were not duly and legally elected. The embattled chairman stated that as a law-abiding citizen who has respect for

the nation’s judiciary, he would challenge the election of the said interim executives of the party. He stated that the National Caucus is composed of the National Chairman, Secretary, members of the party in top government officials. Umeh stressed that in the constitution of the party, Governor Obi is not a member of National Caucus of APGA. Meanwhile, Senator Chris Anyanwu has extolled the virtues of the current merger being advanced by five opposition parties in the country. Anyanwu, who fielded questions from newsmen at the National Assembly yesterday, said the merger will offer Nigerians alternative option to choose good leadership, check abuse of majority party in governance, ensure accountability in office and put the ruling government in check. According to Anyanwu,

a party system in which there is a narrower majority or no absolute majority will work well for Nigeria because everybody will sit up, adding that it will ensure a need for coalition building, a need for those that have slim majority to include others, while there will be more inclusiveness and a higher sense of belonging and people will have higher stake in success of the system. She said: “A coalition will be like a fire war to check and balance the system and you are likely to have a higher accountability from the executive in a situation like this. What is going on now is not all together bad, if it works out in such a way that we will have all these elements that I have talked about, I think that will stabilise the system, ensure economic development and give Nigerians a good life that democracy promises.”

elicit joy among Nigerians, irrespective of their political leanings. The party said that in one of the many rebuttals, the First Lady’s spokesperson, Ayo Osinlu, that was quoted to have said that she (Mrs Jonathan) travelled abroad to take a ‘moment’s rest’, given that she had not taken a rest since President Jonathan’s election. Osinlu had told Nigerians in the heat of the illness saga: “If you look at her itinerary in August (2012), you will be wondering how she was able to accomplish that. In the course of this week, she will be back home. But remember, it all depends on her plans.’’ The ACN also recalled that the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, dismissed Mrs. Jonathan’s reported illness as a rumour, saying ‘’there is nothing like that.’’ It said that amid all the denials, the President himself maintained a stoic mien and carried on with his duties as if all was well, thereby lending credibility to the lies and

deceit. “The issue here is simple. If the presidency can so shamefacedly lie on an issue of such public interest as the health of the First Lady, why should we not believe it can lie on any other issue, whether it is economy, politics, social development or any other matter? For how long has this presidency been misleading Nigerians on critical issues, since we now have reason to doubt its credibility? Does it occur to this presidency that it has turned Nigeria to a laughing stock by its now routine denials of the truth? ‘’Like we have said time and again, any government needs to be credible to win the trust of the citizens, without which it cannot govern effectively. With the revelation by our back-from-the-dead First Lady, it is clear that the Jonathan Presidency has egg on its face, and must apologise to Nigerians for lying to them. Also, the spokesmen for this government have lost total credibility, hence their words will henceforth be taken with a pinch of salt,” the party said.

Opposition members defect to PDP in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

undreds of members of opposition parties have defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State. Their defection followed allegation of unequal treatment and relegation to the background by the opposition parties they belonged to. Some of the parties they defected from include the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) among others. Speaking at the state’s central stadium where they were received into the PDP, the state Deputy Governor, Abdullahi Faskari, said their defection was evidence of the fairness and equality present in the PDP-led government. Faskari said they would not be relegated to the background as opposition

parties had done to them, but would be made to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of state and party. Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo said the action of the opposition members has further strengthened and swelled the number of PDP supporters. Gwajo-Gwajo, however, called on PDP members to receive them with open arms and ensure they do not have reason to want to go back to their former parties. State PDP chairman, Gambo Bakori, said the decampees were formally PDP members who left to opposition parties at one time or the other. Bakori said their return further confirmed the PDP as the greatest party in Nigeria and in Africa, and that members were always given due recognition which is lacking in other parties.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “I am not Lazarus but my experience was similar to his. My doctors said all hope was lost.”

Prophet, another held for possession 46 of human parts

DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN

Robbery suspects arrested for rape

Saraki embarks on road rehabilitation

OJO OYEWAMIDE

WOLE ADEDEJI

AKURE

nti -Robbery detectives attached to ‘’B’’ Division Police Station at Owo, Ondo State have arrested two suspected armed robbers alleged to have raped two women during a robbery operation at No. 8 Atuluse Ora quarters recently . The suspected armed robbers were alleged to have, on

January 27, 2013, invaded the residence of the two middle aged women with dangerous weapons It was gathered that the robbers entered into the women’s apartments and ordered them to give up their mobile phones at gun point. Police First Information Report, FIR, said that after collecting the handsets and some money, the robbery suspects proceeded to rape them. The Police Officer- in-

Charge of ‘’B’’ Division, Mr. Suleiman Oyibo, a Superintendent of Police, said on receiving the information, the police launched a massive manhunt for the robbers. It was, however, learnt that luck ran out of the hoodlums when one of the rape victims saw one of the suspects and quickly alerted the police who then arrested them. It was also gathered that the suspects, who had since confessed to the crime, have

been transferred to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, at Akure for further interrogations. Confirming the report ,the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Wale Ogodo, said efforts are on to arrest other robbery suspects now at large, even as he disclosed that the women were dispossessed of N37,700,one Asha handset valued at N13,000, breakable plates and other items.

ILORIN

he lawmaker representing Kwara Central District at the National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki, has embarked on rehabilitation of rural roads in the constituency. The lawmaker and former governor said this is to ensure that all the feeder roads in the district are motorable all year round. Saraki said, he is dedicating two graders free of charge to communities in the constituency that need them for road works. The programme was flagged off at Joro, Oko- Erin ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area,even as the state Governor, AbdulFatai Ahmed assured people of the district that any rehabilitated feeder road would be immediately asphalted by the government. He, therefore, praised Senator Saraki for the initiative which he described as novel in the history of the state.

Lawmaker donates borehole to church JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

T Fulani herdsmen migrating with their cattle along Makurdi Road.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State Police Command has launched man-hunt for an Abeokuta based herbalist for allegedly administering “spiritual water” on a 38 year old man which led to his death. The herbalist, said to be an “Agira” specialist was alleged to have administered the water on the man simply identified as “Baba Islamiyat” last Friday. “Agira’’ water is purported to have some spiritual powers and usually administered by traditional religious worshippers and herbalists on persons suspected to be involved in robbery incidents to confirm

their culpability. Following the inability of the police to arrest the herbalist at his Oke-Ago Owu residence, the Command then launched a manhunt to arrest him. Investigations by Community Mirror however, revealed that “Baba Islamiayat” died yesterday, few days after he allegedly drank the “Agira” water at Oke Sokori Area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The late 38-year-old blacksmith was said to have been taken to the “Agira’’ specialist where he, along others drank the fetish liquid. The deceased and friends who are butchers resolved to visit the ‘’Agira’’ herbalist following suspicion

that one of them knew the circumstances surrounding the theft of a car in the area. The investigations further revealed that Baba Islamiyat had barely taken the water when he lost consciousness, thereby lending credence to the suspicion that he knew all surrounding the missing car. Following this, the herbalist requested for N50, 000 to neutralise effects of the “spiritual water” administered on Baba Islamiyat. It was further learnt that the family of the deceased raised only N30, 000 and a goat to appease the spirit of “Agira” which was rejected by the herbalist. Following the mysterious death, the herbalist was

said to have instructed one of his apprentices to drop the body in front of a bungalow at Oke-Sokoro Area of Abeokuta. In the process of dropping off the body, some neighbours were said to have raised the alarm while apprehending and handing over the apprentice to the police. Members of the deceased family, including friends and relations were seen weeping as homicide detectives from the Adigbe Police Station took the corpse away for autopsy. Speaking on the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said the police are investigating the matter.

he Chief Whip of Plateau State House of Assembly and member representing Kanke State Constituency, Hon. Timothy Golu has donated an electric powered bore hole to the Church of Christ in Nigeria, COCIN, in Jos, the state capital Speaking while commissioning the project, the state deputy Governor, Ambassador Ignatius Longjan, described the lawmaker as a vibrant, dynamic, visionary and focused leader who is committed to alleviating the sufferings of the people. He also challenged other lawmakers as well as individuals to emulate the gesture by providing succour to their immediate communities, adding that access to clean water and hygiene will improve the health condition of the people. Similarly, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mallam Idi Waziri also commended the lawmaker for the initiative,saying it would go a long way towards helping the state achieve the target of the Millenium Development Goals for water by 2015. Speaking, the Chief Whip said aside providing water for the church; he has sunk other bore holes in several communities, noting that “if you give spiritually it will reflect significantly, as charity begins at home”. He added that it was his token contribution to appreciate God for all he has done for him and his family.

Community Mirror

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prophet, another held for possession of human parts FRANCIS SUBERU

wo persons, including a prophet with the Cherubim and Seraphim church, have been arrested by the Police in Lagos for allegedly having in their possession, some fresh human parts. The suspects who are cur-

rently being detained at the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Panti Street, Yaba, were reportedly arrested at the weekend. It was gathered that while on patrol, policemen attached to Ikotun Division, accosted two men in possession of a “Ghana-mustgo bag”. On interrogation, one of the

men reportedly took to his heels, an action that aroused some suspicion, as the policemen insisted on knowing the contents of the bag. To the astonishment of all, fresh human parts, including blood filled plastic bottles were found in the bag. Also found were five fingers, human heart, liver, kidney and

intestines, all concealed in a plastic bottle filled with water. The human parts were said to have been hidden in separate polythene bags, apparently to avoid the salt and two bathroom slippers from mixing with them. On interrogation, the suspect identified as Kunle Olaide, claimed the bag was given to him by the accomplice who escaped.

Investigations revealed that Kunle and his partner at large, passed the night in a church as he confessed to be coming from the worship house at Egbe area before they were accosted by the police. Following the confessional statement, the church prophet was arrested, as he is now helping the police in their investigations.

Committee rehabilitates Ariaria Market roads GEORGE OPARA ABIA

People queueing at a filling station as kerosene scarcity bites harder in Abuja

EFCC arraigns businessman for fraud KENNY ODUNUKAN

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of His Grace Integrated Solution (HGIS) , Henry Akinduro before an Ikeja High Court for fraudulently issuing a dud cheque of N2.8million. Akinduro, was alleged to have committed financial fraud by purchasing a generator from Gold Electronics Limited and fraudulently issuing a dud cheque drawn on First Bank of Nigeria Plc. The prosecution further alleged that the bank dishonoured the cheque, after it was presented and subsequently the defendant was arrested. The charge preferred against him read “that you Henry Akinduro and His Grace Integrated Solution, on or about 20th September,2010, at Ojo,Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud, knowingly and fraudulently issued a First Bank

Plc cheque No. HC 653736ib of 30th september,2010 in the sum of N2,710,000 (Two million ,seven hundred and ten thousand naira only) payable to House of Gold Electronics Llimited, as part of payment that was dishonoured on the grounds that no sufficient fund were standing to the credit of the account operated and marked by Bataday Industries Limited, CAKA Maxi forms with the said bank.” The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the charge. While arguing the bail plea, defence counsel, Mr Olawale Oke, urged the court to grant the defendant lighter bail conditions, adding that the he had already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. He submitted that the defendant had been honouring the commission’s bail conditions and would not jump bail if he was granted by the court. The EFCC Counsel, Mr. Muhammed Bawa, however did not oppose the bail application,even as he urged

the court to give conditions that would enable the defendant to always avail himself for trial. Ruling, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with a surety. The Judge said the surety must be resident in Lagos and be gainfully employed. The court ruled that the

defendant should present his proof of residency to the High Court Registrar. Justice Onigbanjo, also ruled that the defendant should submit his International Passport to the EFCC and all required documents to the Registrar of High Court for verification,as he adjourned the matter till June 19,2013 for trial.

Concern over cult activities in Port Harcourt CHRIS NEWMAN PORT HARCOURT

ult related activities with an offshoot of killings and sporadic shootings have resurfaced in Port Harcourt sending panic among the residents. Two rival cult groups known as “Icelanders” and “Germans” has been fingered to be responsible for the unwholesome activities that have adversely affected social activities in the city. Investigations revealed that in January, three persons were allegedly murdered on Bonny and Niger streets and among those

killed was a fashion designer. Also, sporadic shootings erupted on Victoria and Bende streets, even as two persons were also allegedly murdered on Abuloma and Amadi-Ama roads. Two men, residing on Bonny Street were allegedly murdered at Okirika Water front by unknown cultists,as residents are now constantly harassed. The development has caused panic among city residents, as concerned citizens have appealed to the Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa to put a check on the nefarious activities of cultists in Port Harcourt.

he Secretary of Ariaria International Market interim management committee, Mr. Ejike Unah, said that N220 million has been spent on rehabilitation and asphalting of five roads in the market. Speaking on activities of the committee, Unah explained that two more roads are undergoing rehabilitation. He said the project was being funded from the market’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of N130 million and the state government’s intervention fund of N100 million. According to him, the contract was awarded at a cost of N360 million, saying that N140 million was still outstanding, even as part of the committee’s terms of reference at inauguration in January 2012, was to rehabilitate roads in the market. Unah, said that roads in the market were deplorable, adding that the situation has resulted in street trading within the market. ‘’Traders had difficulties getting to the market and had to relocate to the streets,’’ he said. He noted that the rehabilitation work would help check street trading.. He disclosed that the committee had also achieved significant improvement on sanitation and security even as the market operated without interference from the government, contrary to speculations. Unah, stated that the screening and appointment of three banks for collection of IGR in the market, was done by the committee,as he denied that he was a front for the government. He denied insinuations that he is related to the Commissioner for Commerce, Chief Sampson Orji, pointing out that the latter never demanded gratification from the committee

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Ecuador’s President wins third term

“Obama will be recognised for his unique and significant contribution to strengthening the State of Israel and the security of its citizens.” - Israeli President Shimon Peres

Somalia offers $50,000 for info on journalists’ killers

WORLD BULLETIN

At least 13 injured in South African mine fight

he Somali government is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the convictions of those killing journalists, the country’s prime minister said. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said over the weekend that the reward will help ensure that such killers are brought to justice. Somalia is one of the world’s most dangerous countries in which to practice journalism, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Last year 18 Somali journalists were killed, but no arrests were made. So far this year one reporter has been killed, bringing to 45 the total number of journalists killed here since 2007. The National Union of Somali Journalists said last year that impunity is a fundamental problem in Somalia. It said no one has been convicted for the deaths of the journalists. Judicial reform is at the heart of the government’s efforts to ensure killers of journalists are brought to justice, Shirdon said during a meeting with journalists on Saturday. The prime minister called the meeting to discuss the government’s relationship with the media and listen to journalists’ concerns, following the killing of journalist on January 18 and two recent arrests of reporters, according to a statement from his office. “I respect the important work you do in Somalia in what are often extremely difficult circumstances and I understand your concern,” the prime minister said. “One journalist killed is one journalist too many. We don’t want any to be killed.” He said that nobody in Somalia is above the law, including government officials. The decision to establish the Independent Task Force on Human Rights, which was launched on February 5, had been taken in large part to address concerns about the human rights abuses against Somali journalists, as well as to investigate violence against women, he said.

French soldiers taking position outside Bourem, northern Mali, on Sunday.

Photo: Reuters

US lawmakers in Mali on fact-finding mission PAUL ARHEWE,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

delegation of U.S. lawmakers met with military officials in Mali’s capital yesterday, and urged caution as the Frenchled military intervention to wrest back control of the country’s north from the alQaida fighters entered its fifth week. French President Francois Hollande unilaterally launched the intervention last month after the extremist groups began a push south. They later reached out to allies for logistical help. The United States is providing C-17 transport planes and in-air refuelling, as well as help with intelligence gathering, but has

ruled out sending troops. The four lawmakers are led by Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee that oversees Africa issues. After meeting with French military officials as well as their Malian counterparts, Coons told The Associated Press by telephone: “My initial impression is that the French are very confident that their military intervention has been swift, decisive and effective in driving the jihadists completely out of towns in the north.” But he added: “My concern ... is that there are longstanding internal tensions in Mali that reflect development challenges, and political fractures

and ethnic tension that may be dramatically worsened by how the French and their allies ... and the Malians conduct themselves in the field in the next few weeks.” Among the worrying signs are the recent back-to-back terrorist attacks in the newlyfreed city of Gao in the north. Columns of French forces have had to double back to Gao to reinforce the town, even as a different unit of French troops continues to push northward. The suicide attacks, he said “suggest a level of jihadist militancy that doesn’t reflect the confidence that I heard from the French — that the jihadists are not from here, are not supported here, and have been driven away.”

South African activist forms party to take on ANC

amphela Ramphele, an anti-apartheid activist and co-founder of South Africa’s Black Conscious Movement, has announced the formation of a new political party to take on the 101-year-old African National Congress of Nelson Mandela. The 65-year-old medical doctor and social anthropologist told a news conference on Monday that her party will serve millions of

South Africans who want a new beginning. “Join me in building the South Africa of our dreams” she said. She accused the governing party of undermining democracy, abusing power, and corruption. “The dream has faded for the many living in poverty and destitution in our increasingly unequal society,” Ramphele, a former World Bank managing director, said.

Ramphele

“And perhaps worst of all, my generation has to confess to the young people of our country: we

have failed you.” Ramphele said her party, called Agang in the Sesotho language meaning “Build”, will be funded by South Africans at home and abroad. She told a news conference that her party will contest 2014 elections, campaign “from village to village” and serve millions of South Africans “who have confirmed a hunger for a new beginning”.

At least 13 workers were wounded by rubber bullets or machetes in fighting at a mine in South Africa yesterday in the first major mine violence this year after deadly strife in the sector in 2012. Police said the bloodshed at the Anglo American Platinum mine was provoked by a dispute between the established National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the growing Association for Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) over access to a mine office. The membership turf war between the rival unions has rocked the country, which has the world’s largest known reserves of platinum. It has dented investor confidence and slowed growth as production has fallen. Police said the violence started when four likely NUM workers on special leave tried to occupy the union office at the mine in the Rustenburg region, about 120 km (70 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. About 1,000 suspected AMCU workers gathered to force them out. “The alleged NUM members survived by running for their lives,” police spokesman Thulani Ngubane said in a statement.

Tunisia to resume talks to create new govt Talks are due to resume on the creation of a new Tunisian government, despite opposition from the ruling party. The country has been in political crisis since the killing of opposition politician Chokri Belaid on 6 February triggered mass protests. This led to resignations from the coalition government. PM Hamadi Jebali wants to form an administration of technocrats, but the idea is opposed by the leader of his Islamic Ennahda party. Jebali has threatened to resign if Ennahda blocks his solution to the political crisis sparked by the assassination of Mr Belaid. Speaking at a march in Tunis on Saturday, Ennahda’s leader Rached Ghannouchi said he rejected the formation of a government of technocrats. He called on the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) to “complete the constitution as soon as possible and thus pave the way for free and fair elections.” However, on Friday, Mr Jebali spoke of “encouraging results” from talks with party leaders on the formation of a new government. He stressed that it was important “to find a solution for the people and for the revolution.” Tunisian media on Sunday expressed deep concern over the ongoing uncertainty.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Armenian president set to win re-election –Exit poll Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan will secure a new fiveyear term in a election yesterday, an exit poll showed after a vote overshadowed by a lack of serious opposition and an attempt to kill a minor candidate. The exit poll by Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization, reported by Armenian television, put Sarksyan on 58 percent of votes cast. His nearest rival, U.S.born Raffi Hovannisian, trailed on 32 percent. Sarksyan, 58, has vowed to sustain economic recovery in his landlocked South Caucasus country and said before the vote he would ensure stability after years of war and upheaval. The continued peace of a region where pipelines take Caspian oil and natural gas to Europe is a concern for foreign investors and neighbours, especially as relations are fraught with fellow former Soviet republic Azerbaijan.

Time to refer Syrian war crimes to ICC, UN –Probe United Nations investigators said on Monday that Syrian leaders they had identified as suspected war criminals should face the International Criminal Court (ICC). The investigators urged the U.N. Security Council to “act urgently to ensure accountability” for violations, including murder and torture, committed by both sides in a conflict that has killed an estimated 70,000 people since a revolt against President Bashar al-Assad began in March, 2011. “Now really it’s time...We have a permanent court, the International Criminal Court, who would be ready to take this case,” Carla del Ponte, a former ICC chief prosecutor who joined the U.N. team in September, told a news briefing in Geneva.

Round-the-world UK cyclists killed in Thailand A British couple’s round-theworld cycling odyssey ended in tragedy when both of them were killed in a road accident in Thailand. Peter Root and Mary Thompson, who had been chronicling their journey in a blog, died Wednesday when they were hit by a pickup truck in a province east of Bangkok, Thai police said yesterday. The couple, both 34 and from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, left Britain in July 2011 and had cycled through Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and China. The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the couple, who met in art school and spent six years saving money and planning their journey, Peter’s father Jerry Root told the Associated Press in an interview. “They were both inspirational,” Jerry Root said. “They didn’t just talk about it, they did it. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

cuadorean President Rafael Correa has been re-elected to a third term in office allowing him to deepen his socialist revolution even as he seeks to woo foreign investment in the resource-wealthy Andean nation. “We will be present wherever we can be useful, wherever we can best serve our fellow citizens and our Latin American brothers,” Correa told supporters who gathered in front of the presidential palace in Quito yesterday. The 49-year-old economist defeated his nearest rival by more than 30 percentage points, according to results ratified by the National Electoral Council. Correa’s resounding victory could set him up to become Latin America’s most outspoken critic of Washington, as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is locked in a battle with cancer and may be unable to stay in power. Correa’s closest challenger, former banker Guillermo Lasso has conceded defeat, congratulating Correa for “a victory deserving respect”. The Leftist leaders’ social and economic programmes have made him a popular leader, with an approval rating of nearly 85 percent. Earlier, Correa told reporters his goal is to now further reduce poverty, which the United Nations says dropped from 37 percent to 32 percent since he first took office in 2007, as he deepens what he terms his “citizens’ revolution”. Correa has brought political stability to the oil-exporting nation of 14.6 million people that cycled through seven presidents in the decade before he first took office. He won re-election in April

L-R: Vice presidential candidate Jorge Glass and Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa, celebrating their victory. Photo: CBS News

Ecuador’s President wins third term 2009 after voters approved a constitutional rewrite that mandated a new ballot, and he would be legally barred from running again following a victory. The opposition’s inability to unite behind a single candidate in Sunday’s vote helped give Correa a comfortable lead. Former President Lucio Gutierrez won 5.9 percent. The rest of the vote was divided among five other candidates. A self-declared foe of neo-liberal economics, Correa has taken on big business and media groups, imposing new contracts on oil companies and renegotiating the country’s debt.

Foreign investment will be key to boosting oil output that has been stagnant for five years and to expanding a mining industry that has barely begun to tap the country’s gold and copper reserves. “We can’t be beggars sitting on a sack of gold,” is a catch phrase Correa has used in recent months to argue that Ecuador needs to better exploit its natural resources despite opposition from rural communities to some projects. In that vein, Correa appears to be cautiously willing to cut deals and soften his image as an anticapitalist crusader. “The advantages of our country for foreign investment are

EU approves tighter sanctions on North Korea

Chavez returns to Venezuela after cancer treatment in Cuba

enezuelan President Hugo Chavez has returned to the country after receiving treatment for cancer in Cuba. In three messages posted on Twitter, Chavez, 58, thanked Cuban President and ex-leader Raul and Fidel Castro. He also thanked Venezuelans for their support and said he would continue treatment in his home country. He has been president for 14 years and was re-elected for another six-year term in October 2012, but his swearing-in was delayed because of his illness. Chavez went to Havana for surgery on 11 December, his fourth operation in an 18-month period for cancer first diagnosed in mid-2011. Last week the first images of him since the operation were

political stability, a strong macroeconomic performance...and important stimulus to new private investment,” he said last week while hosting the emir of gas-rich Qatar. Foreign direct investment has generally been less than $1bn a year since Correa took office in 2007. By comparison, neighbouring Peru and Colombia last year received $7.7bn and $13bn, respectively. Correa’s government is also in talks with China to secure funding for the $12.5bn Pacifico refinery, which would allow Ecuador to save up to $5b a year in fuel imports.

Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez gather at Plaza Bolivar in Caracas, yesterday Photo: Reuters

broadcast by Venezuela’s government. He was pictured smiling as he lay in bed reading a newspaper, with his two daughters by his side. Chavez announced his return to Venezuela to his 3.9 million Twitter followers in a series of tweets that were bombastic in tone, but short on detail. “We have arrived back in the land of Venezuela. Thank you

Lord!! Thanks to my beloved people!! We will continue our treatment here.” There was no information about when or why he returned, and no details about whether he would actively take up the duties of office. Instead, he thanked Cuba’s leaders and people and said he had confidence in his doctors. “Onwards to victory!! We will live and we will overcome!!!” he wrote in his final tweet.

uropean Union governments agreed yesterday to tighten sanctions against North Korea, restricting the country’s ability to trade following last week’s nuclear test. The sanctions expand those approved by the U.N. Security Council in January, adding measures preventing trading in North Korean government bonds, gold, precious metals, and diamonds, EU diplomats said. “We have pushed for enhancing the sanctions. This is the answer to a nuclear programme which endangers not only the region but the whole security architecture worldwide,” Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said during a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels. The new sanctions ban components that could be used in ballistic missiles such as “certain types of aluminium used in ballistic missile-related systems”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Mecca crash: Thousands mourn with toddler’s family

toddler who was the only survivor of a car crash that killed five members of his family on a pilgrimage to Mecca has attended a memorial service held in their honour, a report from Daily Mail has revealed. One-year-old Mohammed Eisa Daniel was hailed a ‘miracle baby’ after surviving the taxi crash on February 8 on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He lost his parents, grandparents and aunt in the crash that happened when their cab reportedly hit a concrete bridge, somersaulted off the road, and ended up in a ditch. Shaukat Ali Hayat, 56, his wife Abida, 47, eldest son Mohammed Isshaq, 33, his heavily pregnant wife, Bilques, and daughter Saira Zenub from Newport, South Wales, all died in the accident. On Sunday more than 1,000 mourners attended a memorial service for the five victims at a mosque in their home town. The family had been in Saudi Arabia as part of the Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca by Muslims at any time of the year. Only Mohammed Eisa Danial Hayat , who will be two this week, survived. He was found cradled in his dead grandfather’s arms and suffered just a broken arm in the crash thanks to his grandfather protecting him from the impact. Shaukat’s brother, Shazda, said: ‘He is traumatised, he will need lots of counselling. ‘When something happens like this always in life be prepared - you don’t know what tomorrow has in store.’

MPs Jessica Morden, Paul Flynn, AMs Rosemary Butler and John Griffiths, Newport mayor John Guy and council leader The toddler’s grandparents Shaukat Bob Bright joined the service to Ali Hayat, 56, and Abida Hayat, 47 pay tribute to the family, who had (below) strong links to the local Labour Party. Ms Morden described Newport as ‘one family that grieves together’, while Mrs Butler said everyone in Wales felt ‘the sadness that we feel today’. Mr Flynn said inspiration could be taken from the fact a The child’s great uncle Shazda Hayat addresses the mourners at the memorial young child was spared. service for the family who died Mohammed’s aunt Saira Zenub Hayat, 29, who also died in the crash, had been due to get married last weekend. Moments before the smash, she sent a relative a text message to say she was worried about how fast the taxi was going. The Hayat family were wellknown in their home town of Newport, where Miss Zenub Hayat worked as a pharmacist and her brother Mohammad, the father of the surviving baby, was hoping to do a PhD in neurosciMohammed parents Mohammed Isshaq, 33 and pregnant Bilques Hayat, 30 (below) ence. Mohammed’s mother Bilques Hayat was seven months pregnant when she died as the family made what should have been a four-hour trip to the city of Jeddah to meet relatives. All of the victims were buried in a cemetery in Medina shortly after the accident. The Hayat family had made the 3,000-mile trip to Saudi Arabia because Miss Zenub Hayat was due to be married there. While they were there, they decided to make the Umrah pilEngaged: Saira Zenub Hayat, 29, was due to be married last grimage.

Mohammed Eisa Daniel and uncle Omar Hayat outside the memorial service for five members of his family Photos: Caters News Agency

weekend

The Hayat family were well-known around Newport, in UK. Mourners turned out in large number

Cocktail

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (98)

“Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t.” –Richard Bach *** You Are Here For A Reason! The fact that you are alive today is a proof that your best is yet to come. Oh yes, you have been beaten and battered by the experiences of life. Oh yes, people have betrayed you and let you down on many occasions. But the good news is that you’re alive today to witness your lifting tomorrow. You are a person of destiny. You are not in this world by accident. The world needs something that only you can contribute. The world is not complete without your voice. Never for once believe that you are not relevant to beauty of the universe. The pattern of the universe is never complete without your own colour. I want you to celebrate your life! You are one of the privileged survivors. You survive daily for a reason. Never rest or sleep till you discover while you were born and then get busy and go to work. We need your VOICE! PLEASE!!! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Man inherits $362K from dad he never knew

n out-of-work truck driver in Australia is inheriting a $362,425 estate from the father he never knew, thanks to a Supreme Court ruling. The man, identified in court papers only as AMH, was named the sole heir of his father by the court following a DNA test that proved the deceased man, a businessman and member of the ancient Rosicrusianism

secret society, was his true father, the Brisbane CourierMail reported Friday. The court was told the man believed he had another father for 50 years until his mother, identified as Mrs. H, learned of his biological father’s death and told him the truth. The deceased man’s niece had attempted to dispute AMH’s claims in court, but the court sided with the man after the DNA test.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Couple, ages 87 and 79, marry in pharmacy

alentine’s Day in Madison, Miss., included the wedding of a bride and groom, ages 87 and 79, at the cash register of a supermarket pharmacy. Osler Moore and Billie Small, who intended to tie the knot Sunday in a Heflin, Miss., church, decided to move the ceremony up when the romantic in Moore suggested, “It’s Valentine’s Day. Why not get married?” The ClarionLedger newspaper in Jackson, Miss., reported Friday. After mentioning to Kroger supermarket manager John Bell Crosby that Moore and his bride would be married at the Madison County Justice Court that day, Crosby half-jokingly suggested that, in his capacity as a county supervisor, he could officiate at the wedding. Moore, a retired pharmacist, responded, “Can we do it in your pharmacy?” An audience of Kroger employees and customers

watched Moore and Small exchange vows in a speedy ceremony at the pharmacy checkout counter, done with cut-and-pasted notes Crosby assembled after a Google search, the newspaper said. When it came time to affirm the vows, Moore

joked, “I thought about it. I do.” Small gave the same response when it was her turn. The bride had a previous marriage of 56 years, ending with her husband’s death 14 years ago. The groom’s first wife of 60 years died six months

before Small’s husband. Moore and Small met 60 years ago and were reunited last May, when Moore, looking at old school yearbooks, saw her picture and called her, the newspaper said. “I remembered him instantly,” Small said.

Banana Joe the Affenpinscher standing near the championship trophy after winning Best in Show at the 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, recently. PHOTO: UPI

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

One dies as students clash with hoodlums DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

remedial student of the Gombe State University, Joseph Richard, lost his life at the weekend when hoodlums clashed with students at the matriculation ceremo-

ny of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe. Richard, who met his death when he visited his friends to celebrate with them on their matriculation at the FCE was reported dead when miscreants appeared from nowhere

and disrupted the ceremony that led to a clash between the students and the hoodlums where two other students sustained serious injuries. According to the Provost of the College, Dr. Abbas A Gimba, “some miscreants came to our college and beat

up our students which led to the death of a remedial student of the Gombe State University by name Joseph Richard and two of our students also sustained injuries. “The injured students are currently receiving treatment at the college clinic, one of them will be

discharged today,” he said. Gimba added that the incident did not disrupt academic activities as normalcy has been restored. He, however, appreciated the cooperation of the security agencies and the state government for their prompt response whenever

the school has any security challenge. When contacted, the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Sule, confirmed the incident but said the details were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report.

Aliyu appoints new SSG, others

LG poll: No confusion in Bassa council, says group

PRISCILLA DENNIS

OYEWALE IBRAHIM

MINNA

iger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has appointed the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Idris Saidu Ndako, as the new Secretary to the State Government, SSG. Ndako was born in January 1965, and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Bayero University, Kano. Until his appointment, the SSGdesignate was the Commissioner for Planning and Deputy Chairman, Niger State Planning Commission. The governor also appointed the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Law Reform Commission, Abbas Bello, as the new head of the state’s civil service, while the Director-General in charge of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, in the state, Mr. Joshua Bawa, is the new Chief of Staff, COS, Government House. This was contained in a press statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo. The governor also approved the appointment of a former member of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Saba Usman, as the deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office. The statement reads in part; “The changes were in furtherance to the ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the Governor Aliyu-led PDP government for enhanced service delivery and the attainment of Vision 20:2020.” According to the statement, the new appointees would be sworn in later this week.

LOKOJA

L-R: Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Al-Makura; his Deputy, Mr. Dameshi Luka; House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed and state Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Umaru-Dikko, at the submission of Agyragu Crisis Report in Lafia, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Nasarawa commences demolition of illegal structures IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

he Nasarawa State government has commenced the demolition of illegal structures in the state. This followed an order from the state governor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura, that all illegal structures be removed while he also ordered for the eviction of roadside traders along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Equipment of the Special Task Force, STF, set up by the governor on development control yesterday moved in as early as 6.30 am, pulling down the structures even as some traders and shop owners were seen

packing their wares and belongings from the debris. Speaking with journalists at Maraba Junction, where the exercise started, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Press Affairs, Sani Musa Mairiga, said the commencement of the demolition exercise followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum earlier issued to people with such structures. He said the state government also gave a week of grace to groups and individuals who built structures along the highway without observing the mandatory 30 to 45 metres setback from the middle of the road to evacuate. According to Mairiga;

“The exercise would checkmate traffic gridlock along the ever busy Abuja-Keffi Expressway and sanitise the environment. It is not Maraba alone that would be affected as other towns and villages that fall within the Greater Karu Area would also be involved in the ongoing exercise. The senior special assistant denied that affected traders and shop owners were not informed before the current exercise, saying; “I want to categorically debunk insinuations that the traders were not informed before this exercise begins. “The state government served them two weeks quit notices and a grace period of one week was given to

Al-Makura swears in new Chief Judge IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday sworn in Justice Suleiman Umaru Dikko, as the chief judge of the state. While swearing in the new chief judge in Lafia, Governor Al-Makura noted that the appointment of Justice Dikko has come as part of his administration’s effort at consolidating the

•Receives report on Agyaragu crisis

gains of the dispensation of justice in the state. His words: “The swift confirmation of Dikko’s appointment by the state House of Assembly is a clear demonstration of the spirit of cooperation and partnership that exists between the executive arm of government and the legislature in the state. “Therefore, I expressed confidence that this unity

of purpose will increase from strength to strength in the desire to take the state to lofty heights.” The governor urged the new chief judge to make himself an epitome of fairness, equity, justice and objectivity in course of discharging his duties.” Also yesterday, the governor received the report of the commission of enquiry into the Agyaragu crisis in

them to evacuate their belongings, but they failed to heed the order. “We are doing this to sanitise The Greater Karu Area and reduce shanties and makeshift shops along the highway to also allow for free movement of vehicles.” Some of the traders spoken to said they were given quit notices but did not take the government seriously, as according to Mallam Hamisu Shehu, who owns a makeshift shop; “We were given eviction notice and also heard the announcement on radio some weeks ago, but we thought the government was just doing that to scare us, until when their equipment moved in this morning.”

Jenkwe Development Area of the state that led to the loss of many lives and property. He expressed gratitude to the members of the commission for handling the assignment with all seriousness. He promised that his government will study the report carefully with a view to implementing its recommendations for a lasting solution to the mayhem in order to prevent a reoccurrence in the future.

head of the May 4, 2013 local government election in Kogi State, a socio-political group, Mosum Democratic Congress, MDC, in Bassa Local Government Area of the state has said that there was no confusion in the zoning arrangement of political offices in the area as claimed by some mischief makers. In a statement signed by the President of the group, Muhammed Katanga, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the group said the claim that BassaNge, which is one of the three districts, was maginalised was far from the truth. He explained that since the creation of the council area in 1976, Bassa-Nge and Bassa-Kwomu have produced nine council chairmen each, while EgbiraMosum has produced only three and that was why the leaders agreed to zone the chairmanship slot to the district. Katanga said the leaders of Bassa local government have always ensured equitable distribution of political offices and the resources of the council, adding that this arrangement was responsible for the peaceful co-existence of the people. “The truth of the matter is that Bassa Local Government comprises of three districts - Bassa-Nge, BassaKwomu and Egbira-Mosum. The leaders try to distribute resources as equitably as possible, which is responsible for the peace noticed among us,” he noted. Katanga added that the same arrangement was maintained by the people in the present dispensation, noting that those who are kicking against it were speaking from an uninformed position.

News

MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

bout18 million Nigerians representing 12 percent of the nation’s 150 million population require medical attention on mentalrelated ailments, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Snapse Services, Dr Vincent Udenze, has said. Udenze spoke yesterday at a one-day interactive session on improving the role of the family in mental health care held in Abuja. He, however, said there could have been a drastic decline in the figure but for lateness in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Udenze listed possible causes of mental disease to include addiction to drug and alcohol

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

18 million Nigerians are mentally sick –Expert and excessive depression, noting that families of affected persons have basic roles to play in ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment for people living with the disorder. While calling on private investors to come into the rescue in the country, he expressed displeasure with public attitude towards the patients, saying: “Those with diabetics go on the street, we don’t stigmatise them. Those with high blood pressure go to work, we don’t stigmatise them. We talk about those people with mental disorder badly when they are actually someone dear to us; when they are actually mem-

bers of some particular families. “Unfortunately, when we say mental illness, most of us jump into conclusion and think of the man on the street, the person we call the mad man; we stigmatize him. That is a lady or gentleman who had been unfortunately let down by the society because he is ill, no one cares for him or her; she is left there on the street. In some cultures, they even get abused, raped. There is thinking that if you sleep with a mad woman, you can make some money. So, society abuses them. All of us as Nigerians, what are we doing about this?”

He added that families are often stigmatized along with the patients after a cure is achieved, and that such stigmatization could last for generations. According to him, mental disorder did not mean that the person on the street could not be healed. Udenze said that services of professionals should be sought to save the patients from the disease. Mental illness, he said, is manageable like diabetics and hypertension, among others, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment was the best way to treating the disease.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Violence: 147 police officers deployed to Mali OMEIZA AJAYI

he Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has authorized the deployment of seven Investigative Police Officers (IPOs) and One Formed Police Unit (FPU) comprising 140 personnel to Mali in support of the African-led International Assistance Mission to Mali (AFISMA) operations aimed at restoring peace and security to the war-ravaged country. According to the police, the FPU, which will be “selfsustaining and self-supportive, will be made up of highly trained and seasoned police personnel skilled in counterterrorism and crime detection techniques.” Deputy Force Public Re-

Judge fails to deliver judgement on govs’ security votes

Demuren hails AIB’s reports on air crashes OLUSEGUN KOIKI

EMMANUEL ONANI

he Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, has hailed last weekend’s release of reports on past air crashes in the country by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). AIB had on Saturday uploaded on its websites the reports of its findings involving Bellview, ADC, Sosoliso and five other crashes, which happened in the past. Speaking with National Mirror on telephone, Demuren recalled that the reports of the accidents uploaded by the agency never happened under his leadership as the helmsman in the agency. He explained that if the accidents had happened under his leadership, the country would not have attained the Federal Airports Administration (FAA) Category One Status of the United States. The status guarantees Nigerian registered carriers to fly to the United States. Demuren said: “Also, the country would not have passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit confirming that the civil aviation in Nigeria is complying with the international regulatory body’s laid down regulations.” He added that the NCAA had put in place reforms that enhanced safety and security of airlines and passengers.

lations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said the peacekeepers were expected to support the capacity development of the Malian law enforcement agencies. Mba said: “This is in fulfillment of the pledge of the Federal Government to continue to work with relevant development partners at defeating terrorism both at national and international levels thereby strengthening law and order in Mali and in the entire ECOWAS sub-region.” Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Commission has on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Subair Olusola Kamar, as the Deputy Police Commissioner in charge of the African-led International Assistance Mission to Mali (AFISMA).

ABUJA

A flooded Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos, yesterday.

Subsidy: Court quashes reports indicting Capital Oil MD

•Ubah gets N10m damages against IGP KAYODE KETEFE

ustice Chukwujekwu Aneke of Federal High Court sitting Lagos yesterday quashed two major “indicting” reports against the Managing Director of Capital Oil & Gas Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah. The reports were compiled by the Presidential Committee on Verification of Fuel Subsidy Payments and Nigerian Police Interim Report made by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU). The court said those re-

ports stood nullified as they affects Capital Oil &Gas Limited on the grounds that the evidence had shown they were biased against Ubah and that he had been given a fair hearing. Consequently, the court restrained the police from prosecuting Ubah on the basis of the reports. Justice Aneke also awarded N10 million damages in favour of Ubah in a suit he instituted against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Abubakar, and three others. Ubah had filed the suit,

claiming N10 billion damages for his detention for 10 days in connection with alleged N43 billion oil subsidy fraud. The three others he had joined as co-respondents in the suit are Commissioner of Police in charge of Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Mr. Ayotunde Ogunsakin; Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje AigImokhuede, and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Motors, Cosmas Maduka. Justice Aneke also granted an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the police, either acting by them-

selves or their privies from harassing, detaining or infringing on the fundamental rights of Ubah Giving reasons for the decision, Justice Aneke said nobody is above the law and that public officers are subjects to overriding powers of the nation’s constitution, which is superior to any other law, including the Police Act. Justice Aneke held that the court had a duty to regulate public officers in the discharge of their duties especially where such duties are not discharged in accordance with the law and where the personal liberties of individuals were at stake.

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday failed to deliver judgement in a suit seeking to declare as illegal, deduction of funds by governors of the 36 states of the federation as security votes. No reason was given for the development, even as the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Bello, presided over some cases listed on the “cause list”. A lawyer, Chief Nkereuwem Akpan, had dragged the governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to court, challenging the governors’ deductions from their states’ allocations for their security. The plaintiff prayed the court for an order compelling the governors and the FCT minister to return to the Federal Government funds so far deducted as security votes. He also prayed for an order compelling EFCC to investigate and recover all the monies that have accrued from the deductions.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Features

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Katsina: How Kankia Local Council is solving its water need

The old water reservoir

The issue of potable water supply to the ever increasing urban and rural population has been a source of concern to various governments in the country. This problem has been compounded by lack of funds to build enough dams and reservoirs. But JAMES DANJUMA reports that the Kankia Local Government in Katsina State is making efforts to find more creative ways of solving the water shortage in the area.

he people of Badole, a small rural community in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State have for long been depending on locally dug wells for their source of water supply. These wells which are located in several compounds and at strategic public places posed only limited challenge, until a peculiar problem surfaced some years ago. Much of the community’s underground soil has ubiquitous presence of igneous rocks, and as years of water pressure lapped at loose soil holding the rocks together, many of the wells collapsed and left large craters. The gaping holes which are also found in other communities now pose a danger to the people, while their main water source is gradually being threatened by the problem. But the council’s authorities however decided to build a borehole, but not after several days of having to search for a ‘right spot’ to drill for water. According to the 2006 census, the population of Kankia Council Area is approximately 151, 395, with land size over 864 km2. For some time now, the area has been faced with the challenge of potable water supply due to presence of the underground rocks, which had often made it difficult for machines to drill for water. While the council is blessed with the Rimaye and Sukuntuni dams, the two water bodies are however yet to be fully harnessed to provide potable water, hence the reliance on underground source. Speaking on the issue, the council’s caretaker chairman, Abubakar Lawal said in one of the communities, efforts have been on in the last four months to get suitable spots to drill for water, and that such has been the challenge in several parts of the area.

The new water tanks

Lawal, however said the federal and state governments have begun working on the water bodies that would ensure future water supply for multiple purposes, including potable water. Underground rocks notwithstanding, some years ago, the council managed to locate a non rocky area in Rafin Shanu, on the town’s outskirt, where it drilled several boreholes and linked them to a single big tank. He said the tank is able to hold up to 50, 000 gallons of water with a diesel generator on stand-by, and that clean water is being pumped on daily basis to many homes in the area even as he revealed that some rehabilitation work is being carried out at the site to ensure maximum utilisation, and that adequate budgetary allocation had been made to achieve this goal. However, the 50, 000 capacity source is becoming exhausted due to age and usage, and there is need to find another alternative in order not to exhaust water from the boreholes. This led to the award of a multi-million naira contract by the state government for the creation of a new site, located some 500 metres from the old one. The new site has two huge tanks, with an overhead expected to hold 100, 000 gallons, while a lower one is expected to hold 22, 000 gallons. Lawal said, the project is about 98 percent completed, while reticulation pipes are being laid to link the council area to the new water source. It was learnt that a total of 16 boreholes would be linked to the new tanks, while the old and new sites will be able to supply 172, 000 gallons of potable water when completed. According to the United Nations Organisation, UNO, more than a billion people worldwide lack access to potable water with 80 percent said to be living in the developing countries of the world. The UN also suggests that each person needs 20 to 50 litres of water a day to ensure the basic needs for drinking, cooking and cleaning.

AT MAXIMUM USE OF 50 LITRES OR 10.99 GALLONS DAILY PER PERSON, 151, 395 PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO USE APPROXIMATELY

1, 663, 831

GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY

Putting this into perspective, it means that a litre of water amounts to 0.21 gallons, while 20 litres is 4.39 gallons of water per day. Multiplying this by 151, 395 people would give an approximate 664, 624 gallons of water per day. At maximum use of 50 litres or 10.99 gallons daily per person, 151, 395 people would be able to use approximately 1, 663, 831 gallons of water per day. Whether at 20 or 50 litres per person, the above information shows that there would still be shortfall, even after the new Kankia water site is completed and put to use. This is in addition to the fact that the population of the area may have increased considerably after 2006, when the last population count was held. But some government officials are of the opinion that it is not meeting entire water need of the area’s population that matters, but the making of potable water constantly available, even if at limited quantity. They said the responsibility of meeting water needs, especially as stipulated by the UN, rests more on both the federal and state governments than those of local governments. As way of augmenting the water needs of the area however, the council area says it has been up and doing in construction of boreholes and repair of others across the area’s 10 wards. According to the caretaker chairman, a total of 20 boreholes have so far been constructed since the inception of his administration, with 160 others to be constructed within coming months. Lawal said 265 existing boreholes were flushed and rehabilitated with several of such boreholes being non functional for years before rehabilitation work was carried out. He added that construction work and repair of existing boreholes would consume N50 million and that the amount had been reflected in the council’s 2013 budget. He said most boreholes were usually requested for by communities, and at present N17 million is being expended for drilling works, and N10 million for purchase of new submersibles. He said the state government had bought two additional boosters for water source as way of increasing its capacity, adding that the source had one booster but increased to three, after it was requested for from the government. Lawal said the council hopes to judiciously utilise its existing water bodies to provide potable water, and that would be possible after work has been carried out to harness the water sources in the area.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Fulani herdsmen are known to travel hundreds of kilometres in search of pastures for their livestock. Unfortunately, global warming and desertification have accentuated this migration and thereby putting them in constant conflict with their host communities. HENRY IYORKHASE writes that the search for greener pastures has now pitted these herdsmen with the Idoma people in Benue State, resulting in a refugee crisis.

Sule Isah

hile most of the ethnic tribes in Nigeria are farmers, the Fulani people of northern Nigeria are mostly nomads who drive their flocks from place to place in search of pastures to graze their cattle. But due to the activities of man on natural habitats through the felling of trees and the drastic change in global weather, the Sahara Desert in North Africa has continued to encroach into the hinterland, thereby forcing the Fulani nomads to move their cattle further south of the country, where they can find grazing fields to feed their cows. And because of this, the cattle Fulani have continued to seek for grassland away from their dry lands, in order to keep their livestock alive which has encouraged them to develop mutual friendships with several other ethnic groups in the south of the country and sometimes, even settle and intermarry with their host communities as the case may be. Even though mutual understanding, culture and economic ties have continued to exist between the Fulani and other tribes, in recent times, there has been increasing hostilities, arising from the view point of religious and ethnic differences and above all, matters that could have been amicably resolved are allowed to escalate into violence and even seeking redress in the law court. So on January 26 2013, a crisis erupted between Fulani herdsmen and some group of Idoma farmers in Amla and Emichi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, leaving three persons dead in its wake. Prior to the crisis and eventual loss of lives and destruction of properties, there were reported cases of Fulani herdsmen with their livestock allegedly encroaching on farm lands belonging to the host communities. Investigations further revealed that the quarrel was said to have started when some cows allegedly trespassed into a farm and destroyed harvested yams, beans, and cassava, while the communities only source of water was constantly being polluted by the livestock, which after grazing were herded to drink from the same streams and ponds which are the only sources of water for the inhabitants, making it difficult for them to have access to clean water for domestic use. The destruction of farm produce coupled with several complaints to the authorities, thus triggered spontaneous reaction re-

Some of the relief materials at the camp.

THE DESTRUCTION OF FARM PRODUCE COUPLED WITH SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO THE AUTHORITIES, THUS TRIGGERED SPONTANEOUS REACTION RESULTING IN VIOLENCE BETWEEN THE YOUTHS AND HERDSMEN sulting in violence between the youths and herdsmen with their cows that led to displacement of more than 500 nomadic Fulani. On receiving the report, the council chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Dr. Innocent Onuh sprang into action and converted the local government secretariat as temporary shelters for displaced persons before relocating them to other rehabilitation centres in the town. He explained further that on the fateful day, the youths were on hunting expedition when the crises erupted as several efforts were made to nip the problem in the bud, even as he sued for peace between the Fulani nomads and their host communities. Dr. Onuh, also noted with dismay that more than 500 Fulani nomads are rehabilitated at the instance of his council and made passionate plea to the federal and state governments to come to aid of the victims by assisting them with relief materials to complement the council’s efforts. However, during a visit to the refugee

Camp for displaced persons.

camps provided at different locations at the instance of Otukpo Local Government for the Fulani nomads, women and children were seen who queueing for foodstuff like millet, rice as well as yams and other relief materials, while about 20 nursing mothers were seen strapping babies on their backs. Speaking, in an emotion laden voice, the ‘Hardo’ Fulani (leader of Fulani) in Otukpo Local Government, Alhaji Sule Isah, said he woke up on that day not anticipating any crisis. But suddenly, quarrels erupted,especially when his 15 year old son (names withheld) was alleged to have been killed in the bloody clash. Alhaji Isah, also disclosed that another 80 year old man and a woman were also killed in the process and since, “we have been here over the years, our relationship with the natives had been very cordial

and no one expected the sudden twist of events”. Thereafter, Alhaji isah praised the council chairman and security agents, whom he lauded for their prompt intervention and rehabilitation of his people in the wake of the crisis and therefore regretted that even when no one prayed for loss of life but when the inevitable happens, there is nothing anyone can do. Apparently reacting to the development, the Och’Otukpo, Chief John Eimonye, said he was yet to get over the shock after receiving the report saying, that “we have cohabited with the Fulani in Idoma land for a long time and I wonder who might have caused such mayhem. No matter how long, justice must in the end triumph over evil deeds.” He therefore urged the residents to remain calm and eschew any bitterness and rancour towards one another.

WORLD RECORD

Largest demolition derby

Vol. 03 No. 560

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Pension: The battle with Maina

he drama played out last week when the Senate President finally signed a warrant of arrest ordering the Inspector General of Police to get the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, PRTF, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, arrested . The order was a signal that the game was over for the man who has been controversial in his confrontation with the members of the Senate. Until the final word came last week, not many had taken the lawmakers serious, given the series of altercations that had taken place during the period of investigating the activities of the PRTF by the lawmakers. The sincerity of the senators in this

N150

The largest ever demolition derby had 123 participants and took place at Todd & Pollock Speedway, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, on 16 March 2002. It took 47 minutes before the winner, the last mobile car, emerged.

istory was made yesterday as American Serena Williams was officially confirmed as the new world number one. The 31-year-old Williams, is the oldest player to hold the position, beating the previous record held by Chris Evert who was 30 years and 11 months when she was top

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

matter was not helped by the messy affairs in which lawmakers have been involved in the process of executing their oversight functions. There was, no doubt, that going by Maina’s dispositions and pronouncement while the task force was being probed by the lawmakers, he created an impression that he was under pressure from some individuals to ‘settle’. Quite unfortunate that the issue has come on to this stage where the Senators have asked him to name names and damn the consequences. The game seems to have come to a dead end when the Presidency also had to clear the air that the embattled chairman was being officially protected by some powerful individuals in government. Until the declaration from the Presidency, the impression had been created by the leadership of the Legislative chamber that it is only the President that could discipline the task force chairman. While the Maina issue is still before the court of competent jurisdiction, it must be noted that unbridled looting of pension fund is an issue that should be visited with outright condemnation. Just recently, the cabal that messed up the police pension fund was paraded and the judgement handed down to a major kingpin in that scam did not portray us as a people serious enough in the fight against corruption. There are people

THE WORLD IS WATCHING THE WAY AND MANNER ISSUES BORDERING ON FRAUD ARE BEING HANDLED AND WILL RATE US, BASED ON THEIR PERCEPTION OF OUR SERIOUSNESS AS A PEOPLE TO FIGHT CORRUPTION who were supposed to benefit from the stolen fund, most of whom may have died out of lack of care and neglect by the country which they had spent their productive years to serve. The judgement did not reflect the spirit of the lyrics of the National Anthem which emphasizes that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain. For them not to have laboured in vain, explains the reason why government agencies in charge of the welfare of the heros should have taken up this matter such that the culprits are not allowed to

escape without the maximum penalty for their crime against human dignity. The way and manner the Senate handled the issue of the task force chairman does not also show the decisiveness of the lawmakers in matter of this nature. Rather than refer the matter to the executive and the Presidency, why were the lawmakers shying away from enforcing the decision to call the man to order? The Senate leadership would have done well by condemning and stand by the decision to ensure that the embattled chairman respects the distinguished senators. There was no need to refer the matter to the Presidency in the first instance which conveyed the impression that the man’s deliberate confrontation with the lawmakers was premeditated and was being sponsored by the executive arm to spite the senators. Going by similar cases where the hunters eventually became the hunted in the Oteh versus House committee saga and the one involving Farouk Lawan and Femi Otedola, one would not have believed that the embattled chairman had good grounds against some of the lawmakers. It is, however, interesting that the same man has approached the court for protection from arrest and subsequent trial. This, without any doubt, has set the stage for a thorough examination of the matter and at the end, the truth will surely be unveiled. Two wrongs don’t make a right. If the truth of the matter has not been told since the investigations started, it is expected that the facts of the case will be released to the courts to update Nigerians. In all of these developments, one thing that remains constant is that the world is watching the way and manner issues bordering on fraud are being handled and will rate us, based on their perception of our seriousness as a people to fight corruption indeed and in truth.

Sport Extra

Tennis: Williams defies age, gets world crown of the rankings in November 1985, returned to the top for the first time in two-and-a-half years. She was usurped by Caroline Wozniacki in October 2010 but her victory over Petra Kvitova at the Qatar Open in Doha on Fri-

day ensured she took over from Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka, who won the Australian Open and the Qatar Open beating Williams in the final, drops to number two. “Her main goal is to win many

Grand Slams as she feels that she still can,” Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said yesterday. “I don’t think it’s hard, but she needs a few things. She needs to stay healthy first, before any other thing,” Mouratoglou added.

Serena Williams

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