February 16, 2016

2016 budget contains N668.8bn frivolous expenditures, CSJ alleges Olufemi Adeosun and George Opara

Buhari

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non-gover nmental organisation, Centre for Social Justice, CSJ, has queried

some items in the 2016 budget, adding that the fiscal document contained N668.8 billion expenditures that are “frivolous, inappropriate, unclear and wasteful.”

How Suswan laundered N1bn –EFCC

The budget, which has drawn flaks from some Nigerians, was presented to the 8th Assembly some weeks ago by President Muhammadu Buhari.

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Buhari sacks 26 DGs, MDs of agencies

•NTA, FRCN, NAN, NBC, NOA, NAFDAC, BPE, PPPRA, TEFFUND top list ...mobilises military to secure oil facilities Rotimi Fadeyi and Joel Ajayi

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday approved the sack of chief executives and heads of 26 Federal Government agencies.

This was disclosed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, in a statement in Abuja.

The latest sack came barely 48 hours after vice chancellors of 13 universities were relieved of Continued on Page 2>>

Portion of road affected by erosion at Ojoo-Moniya in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

S’Court gives reasons for affirming A’Ibom, Rivers, Delta, others’ elections Tariff: Court warns FG, DISCOs against disobeying orders

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Pilots of crashed Bristow helicopters declared May Day twice –AIB

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Kwara uncovers ghost workers in civil service

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Buhari sacks 26 DGs, MDs of agencies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

their appointments.

Those affected are the Nigeria Railways Corporation, NRC; Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP; Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA; Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON; National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC; Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, NIPC; Bank of Industry, BoI and National Centre for Women Development, NCWD. Others are National Orientation Agency, NOA; Industrial Training Fund, ITF; Nigerian Export-Import Bank; National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic In Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP. Nigerian Television Authority, NTA; Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN; Voice of Nigeria, VON; News Agency of Nigeria, NAN; National Broadcasting Commission, NBC and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF are also affected.

The list also include New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD; Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF; Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB; Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN; Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund); National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and the Petroleum Equalization Fund.

The president also approved that the most senior officers in the parastatals, agencies and councils oversee the activities of the organisations pending the appointment of substantive Chief Executive Officers.

“Mr. President, however, thanked them for their invaluable services to the nation and wishes them well in their future endeavours,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr. Tijjani Mohammed Abdullahi as Director-General (Budget).

A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Ad-

esina, said Abdullahi, a fellow of the Certified National Accountants of Nigeria, and a banker of repute with experience in managing public finance, would replace the current Director-General, Mr. Yahaya Gusau.

The new Director-General is expected to work with the Minister of Budget and National Planning to efficiently deliver on the mandates of the Budget Office of the Federation.

According to the statement, Buhari has also approved the appointment of Mr. Ben Ifeanyi Akabueze as Special Adviser on Planning.

He will work with Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma.

Akabueze, who is the immediate past Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State, has worked in senior management positions in Citi Bank, Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa, NAL Merchant Bank, Sterling Bank and BIA Consulting Limited, among others.

He is Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers; Fellow, Institute of Credit Administrators and Honorary Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Also in a related development, former a member of the House of Representatives, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been appointed as Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

L-R: Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Amb. Roberto Azevedo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Adviser to DG of WTO, Amb. Garcia Andresen, after a meeting with the President in Abuja, yesterday.

...mobilises military to secure oil facilities, stop kidnapping Rotimi Fadeyi

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said the Federal Government has begun mobilising the military and task forces to stop sabotage of oil facilities and kidnapping for ransom in the coastal areas of the country.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said Buhari spoke at a meet-

ing with a delegation from the United States Institute of Peace.

The President also said his administration is giving the highest priority to the resettlement of displaced persons and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the north east.

He assured the delegation that his administration’s ongoing war against corruption would be fought within the ambit of the law and that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure respect for hu-

man rights in the fight against terrorism.

“We attach great importance to human rights. If there are breaches, they will be investigated and dealt with,” he said.

Buhari welcomed the growing international support, especially from the United States and Europe for Nigeria’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

He also expressed happiness with the support of Nigerians for the cardinal programmes of his government, the

security of the country, the war against corruption and revival of the economy, which, he said, would continue to be vigorously pursued.

Ms. Nancy Lindborg, who led the Institute’s delegation, applauded the progress being made by the Buhari Administration in ensuring greater security in Nigeria.

She promised the continued assistance of the Institute for the reconstruction and development work going on in the country.

2016 budget contains N668.8bn frivolous expenditure, CSJ alleges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The group stated this in Abuja yesterday while unveiling a report that analyses the 2016 budget.

Lead Director, CSJ, Eze Onyekpere, who presented the report under Citizens Earth Platform, CEP, insisted that the budget should be reviewed in order to remove all expenditures that are of no value to the generality of Nigerians.

He said it had become a tradition among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to allocate huge sums of money for expenditures that are unclear in the budget.

Some of the frivolous items the group uncovered are purchase of vehicles, welfare packages, software,

computers, uniforms and clothing, refreshment and meals and subscription to professional bodies.

Others are maintenance of office building/residential quarters, budget preparation, residential rents, and absence of price database, among others For instance, Onyekpere said N3.91 billion was allocated for annual reporting maintenance of villa facilities, while N618.6 million was budgeted for installation of electrical fittings.

Other expenses that the group considered wasteful are N272 million for upgrade of mechanical power line, N322.4 million for linking of cable to drivers’ restroom at the villa and N213.8 million for linking of cable from guest house to genera-

tor house.

He said: “Despite provision for the maintenance of villa facilities, this huge sum is being considered for the same location.

“The villa guest house and facilities has already taken so much. There seems to be a play on words around electricity for the sum of N1.83 billion.

“These cannot be priorities for Nigeria in these lean times. This is incredible and should be reduced by 70 per cent.”

On the huge amount budgeted for vehicles, the group in the report, urged the National Assembly to demand an inventory of all existing vehicles in MDAs before considering such requests.

The report said: “Pur-

chase of vehicles is a common request across many MDAs. How do we determine genuine from frivolous requests?

“Should NASS demand an inventory of existing vehicles? There is need for justification before every approval. The demand for vehicles is even specifically tied to some foreign brands.

“This is wrong under the Public Procurement Act as only the functional specification of a product should be in the budget.”

The group said rather than spend these funds for the procurement of these items; it should be re-channeled to other productive sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, budget defence of the Office of the Surveyor General of the

Federation, OSGOF, was yesterday stalled at the House of Representatives Committee on Works due to conflicting documents about what the Agency and the Law had.

Drama started when the Toby Okechuwku-led Committee faulted the 2016 budget proposals of OSGOF, saying it was not in tandem with what President Muhammadu Buhari laid before the National Assembly.

Director General of OSGOF, Ebisintei Awudu, blamed the budget office for the discrepancies, explaining that they prepared the budget based on the templates given.

He said when they appeared before the Senate Committee on Works, they Continued on Page 5>>

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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L-R: Chief Risk Officer, Access Bank Plc, Greg Jobome; Financial Secretary, Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), Omotayo Adeola; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe and President, RIMAN, Jude Monye, during a courtesy visit to management of Access Bank by RIMAN in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Marketing Manager, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mr. Bolade Oyekanmi; Slot Brand Ambassador and Ace Entertainer, Dbanj; Head of Marketing, Slot Systems Limited, Mr. Jonathan Uzomba and Sales Manager, Organised Retail, Lenovo Technologies West Africa, Mr. Dayo Odusote at the final draw of Lenovo National Promo in Lagos. The event took place on Saturday.

L-R; General Manager, UBER, Ebi Atawodi; MTN Executives, Amina Oyagbola; General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard lweanoge and Marketing Manager, UBER, Margaret Odunukwe, during the announcement of UBER/MTN Yelloride Partnership in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar N. Onyema, OON; Hussein Al-Shorafa; Simran Jidal; Elena Tarasenko and President, NSE, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CON, during the Closing Gong Ceremony of TRIUM Global Executive MBA, at the Exchange, yesterday.

National News

How Suswan laundered N1bn –EFCC Marcus Fatunmole Abuja

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rial of former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswan, continued yesterday in Abuja, with a witness brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, explaining how he diverted N1bn belonging to the state.

A statement by Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the former governor was being tried alongside his Commissioner for Finance, Okolobia Okpanachi.

The statement said prosecuting witness, Brijid Shiedie, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, told Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, how the sum was allegedly paid to Elixir Security Limited, after a meeting with the former commissioner.

Suswan and Okpanachi are facing a nine-count charge bordering on diversion of N3.1bn during their tenure as leaders of the state.

Uwujaren said, “At the resumed hearing today (yesterday), Shiedu, who was led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, further told the court that Elixir was invited by the

state government to carry out a check of where the state’s shares were domiciled and consolidate them in one stockbroking firm.

“She added that the state government consequently needed BIPCL, as custodian of the shares, to sign, in order to enable Elixir achieve the mandate of consolidating the shares.

“She also told the court that both Suswan and Okpanachi directed BIPCL to pay Elixir the proceeds of Benue State shares, into two accounts, provided by the Ministry of Finance letter head.

However, she added that no specific amount was indicated in the correspondence.

“The court had earlier admitted in evidence, the certified copy of Certificate of Incorporation of BIPCL from the Corporate Affairs Commission.”

Defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, asked for an adjournment to enable him cross-examine the witness, saying she was crucial to the case.

The case was adjourned till today.

In another development, the arraignment of Provost, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Jos, Dr. Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudo, and four others by EFCC, could not go on as planned yesterday.

Dr Etukudo was to be prosecuted

alongside Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, FSMLT; Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Board; Goodluck Echewa, and Hon. Esio Udoh, both contractors of FSMLT, before Justice Y.G. Dakwak of the Plateau State High Court, Jos, for offences bordering on conspiracy and diversion of funds to the tune of N359m.

When the case was called and the appearances of counsel announced, the prosecuting counsel, Steve Ehi Odiase, told the court that although the four accused persons were present, they could not take their plea because the 3rd accused was absent on grounds of ill health.

The 3rd accused was at National Hospital, Abuja for a kidney related ailment and was undergoing dialysis.

EFCC however vowed to further investigate the severity of his ailment as well as the duration of his treatment and amend the charge to enable continuation of trial.

Consequently, Justice Dakwak adjourned the matter to May 2, 2016 for arraignment, the release stated.

Meanwhile, EFCC has alerted the public about on the activities of unscrupulous elements, who it said were cashing in on the plan by the commission to recruit more personnel to defraud unsuspecting job seekers.

Uwujaren in a statement yesterday said in recent weeks, some unscrupulous online portals had featured advertisements supposedly from EFCC, inviting applications for employment.

“One of such advertisements appeared in Forum Nigeria, with the link, http://forumng.com/ng/forum/279564/ nigeria-efcc-recruitment- informing job seekers that ‘application form is out’, and advising them to contact a GSM number, for further information and registration guideline.

“The Commission wishes to dissociate itself from these advertorials. For the avoidance of doubt, there is no recruitment currently going on in the EFCC. “The announcement by the Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, that EFCC intends to recruit more staff remain a proposal which is yet to be approved.

“The Commission therefore advises job seekers to be wary of any vacancy announcement online and report any solicitation for money in exchange of job placement in EFCC, to the nearest police station. “Vacancies in the Commission are normally advertised in major newspapers or on our official website http:// www.efccnigeria.org/ and not through proxy or online portals,” the statement said.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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S’Court gives reasons for affirming A’Ibom, Rivers, others’ elections Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

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upreme Court, yesterday, gave reasons why it affirmed the election of Governors Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) and Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), in the April 11, 2015, governorship elections.

The seven-man panel headed by Justice Walter Onnoghen, while giving reasons for the February 2nd judgment of the apex court, said the appeals against the election of the governors, affirmed earlier, lacked merit.

Giving reasons for setting aside the judgment of the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, in a petition filed by All Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidate, Umana Umana, the court held that the petitioners, who were appellants, could not prove the allegation of criminal acts against the respondents beyond reasonable doubts, as required by law.

The court also stated that allegation of disenfranchisement must be proved polling units by polling units, which the panel of justices said was not done by the petitioners.

The court also held that there was a wrong reliance on the petitioners’ witness number 48 by the lower court to decide that there was disenfranchisement of voters in 18 out of the 32 Local Governments Areas in the state, even though, the witness admitted that he was not at his polling unit at the time of the polls.

Justice Chima Nweze, while speaking further also said the decision of the lower court was a mis-judgment based on only facts and not on the provisions of the laws.

Nweze said the decisions of the lower court swayed the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the use of card readers for the election.

He further held that the lower court denied the governor fair hearing.

“From the study of the evidence brought before us Udom Emmanuel won the highest lawfully cast votes.

“This has placed the court to set aside the judg-

L-R: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara; Senate President Bukola Sakaki and Senator Sam Egwu, during an inspection tour to the permanent site of Nigeria Institute of Legislative Studies in Abuja yesterday. ments of the two lower courts as the other parties challenging his victory could prove otherwise.

“The lower courts were wrong to have cancelled elections in 18 and subsequently the entire 31 Local Government Areas of the state on the basis of noncompliance.

“While we commend the introduction of the card readers, the innovation, however, cannot supersede the voters register.

“The extant laws of the federation provides for the use of voters register but the card reader irrespective of its importance does not have a place in any extant law of the land,” Nweze held.

The judge, therefore, held that the tribunal was wrong to base it judgment on non-compliance with the use of card readers.

On allegation of violence and irregularities during the election, Nweze said Umana Umana and APC failed to prove the allegations.

“The two respondents were not able to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt because they failed to bring witnesses from all the polling units to substantiate their claims,” Nweze said.

He held that to prove non-accreditation, the respondents ought to have tendered the voters register and then demonstrate how it was abused.

“I do align myself to earlier decision of the apex court that the provision of the law recognises the voters register as the only key element to conduct any elections,” he added.

While noting that INEC had power to make subsidiary regulations regarding conduct of election, Nweze held that the regulations must conform to constitutional provisions.

He held that the extant laws did not give room for arbitrary nullification of an election.

“Petitioners have got to prove that there was substantial non-compliance in

all polling units before we could take such allegation serious,’” he said.

In the case of the appeal filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party, challenging Ajimobi’s vic-

tory in Oyo State, the court held that the appeal was dismissed for constituting an abuse of court process and lacking in merit.

The court said Ladoja and his party could not prove the allegation of misconduct and gross violation of Electoral Act, which they claimed marred the election that produced Ajimobi as governor beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

In the case of Yobe, the court held that the appellants failed to prove the criminal allegations levelled against Governor Geidam, adding also that the Yobe State Election Petition Tribunal had no jurisdiction to entertain the criminal allegation.

The apex court’s decision in upholding the election of Governor Okowa include, among others, the inability of the petitioners to prove the allegation of irregularities, malpractices and violations of Electoral Act, which they claimed marred the April 11, 2015.

NNPC assures on gas infrastructure projects Chidi Ugwu Abuja

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igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has expressed its determination to complete ongoing gas projects aimed at linking gas-to-power and gasto-industries to boost the economy.

Group General Manager, Gas Infrastructure Development, Mr. Farouk Said gave the hint while making a presentation during the Senate Committee on Gas oversight visit to NNPC Towers in Abuja yesterday.

Said noted that NNPC is currently undertaking six priority gas projects that would reposition the country for profitability.

He explained that the current gas infrastructure projects being executed are in tandem with the Gas

Master Plan, which was approved by the last Federal Executive Council, adding that the plan would have a spin off effect on the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of the country.

“In line with the mandate of GID, we are currently executing six critical gas infrastructure projects. Four of them are pipeline projects; the others are the Gas Revolution Industrial Park, GRIP, and the Western and Central Processing Plants,” Mr. Said noted.

He stated that the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System II, ELPS, is a 36 inch diameter and 342 kilometer pipeline which traverses Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos states, stressing that the project is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of this year.

Said noted that when completed, the ELPS II

would double the capacity of the existing ELPS, which currently supplies 1.1 trillion standard cubic feet of gas per day, adding that the pipeline would serve as a back bone of power supply as most of the power plants are located along the ELPS axis.

On GRIP, the general manager said: “We have completed concept master plan; we have also done ground breaking ceremony. We have cleared 535 hectares of the land out of the 585 hectares earmarked.

“Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, NEPZA, has also appointed a developer and an alignment meeting has been scheduled for the end of February 2016 where all the stakeholders would get together, including the investor to factor the way forward for the project.”

Earlier, Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the gas infrastructural projects when completed would boost power supply, generate employment and provide a veritable platform for export of petrochemical products from Nigeria.

In his remarks, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Bassey Albert Akpan said the visit was an eye opener, assuring that the National Assembly is prepared to support strategic efforts of NNPC to industrialise Nigeria.

“We encourage the management of NNPC to remain focused on the critical gas infrastructure, the continued display of transparency and accountability in its business module implementation,” Akpan noted.

2016 budget contains N668.8bn frivolous expenditure, CSJ alleges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

had to be turned down because the Committee asked whether OSGOF now construct roads.

Awudu explained that what he was defending before the Committee was what his agency gave as obtained from the Senate Committee.

“At the budget office, there is a template and software given to us. In our documents before the Senate, there was the construction of roads for N200 million.

“We are not here to cause confusion, we only removed what was not ours,” he said.

When asked on the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of OSGOF, the survey-

or general said N1.6 million was remitted into the Federation Account.

However, the committee chairman described the N1.6 million as unreasonable.

“I know how much surveyors make. There has to be some level of creativity.

Our expectation is that you need to be up and doing,” he

said.

Okechuwku directed that discrepancies in the budget should be corrected, while a later date would be approved for its defence.

A breakdown of the agency’s budget shows Overhead cost at N139 million, Personnel N867.5 million, while N1 billion is for capital projects.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bristow crash pilots declared May Day twice –AIB Olusegun Koiki

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ccident Investigation Bureau, AIB, has said pilots of the crashed Sikorsky 76C ++ helicopter with marked 5N-BQJ shouted ‘May Day’ twice before abandoning ship over the Atlantic Ocean.

The bureau said the first cry of ‘May Day’ was declared at 78 nautical miles from Lagos by the crew, who complained of instrument problems.

Immediately after that call, the helicopter descended from 3,000 feet to 1,500 feet.

AIB Commissioner, Dr. Felix Abali, disclosed this to journalists yesterday at the bureau’s headquarters at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, while giving an update on the crash.

Abali further said the captain declared the second ‘May Day’ to the radio operator at the offshore platform, which was relayed to Air Traffic Control, ATC, by two aircraft.

He explained that one of the aircraft was follow-

ing the communication and relayed the ditching, which occurred at 10:20am at 29 nautical miles away from the platform.

Abali added that when the helicopter developed fault mid-air, the Flying Officer, FO, was the Pilot Flying, PF, adding that the captain took control of the chopper expecting to stabilise equipment, but failed.

He said, “The captain took over control expecting to stabilise the helicopter, but the aircraft was not responding to control inputs. She declared the 2nd May Day to the radio operator at the offshore platform, which was relayed to the ATC by two separate aircraft.

“The crew was met on arrival by AIB at the Eko Support Quay where they were transferred to Lagoon Hospital, Lagos Island.”

Abali said the investigators had administered toxicological tests on the crew, which proved negative of any substance abuse while one of the nine passengers onboard was equally interviewed by the bureau.

Work to resume at legislative institute George Opara Abuja

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onstruction work will soon re-commence at the permanent site of National Institute for Legislative Studies, NILS, located at Airport road, Abuja.

This development was disclosed yesterday as governing council of the institution chaired by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and its alternate Chairman, Yakubu Dogara, undertook assessment tour of permanent site of the institute.

The project that was started in 2013, however, was suspended last year largely due to paucity of fund.

Contract sum for the project was N52.03 billion out of which the unpaid sum was said to be N8.7 billion, which indicated that over N40 billion has been paid.

The project was designed to be a world-class

ultra modern facility occupying 80 square metres.

Provisions at the site include a convention centre, administrative building, state-of-the-art library, lecture theatre, hostel, clinic and residences.

It would be recalled that since its establishment in 2011, the national institute for legislative studies has continuously provided capacity development to the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and regional bodies like Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and national parliaments of member countries.

It is hoped that when completed, the institute would be the first legislative knowledge hub of its kind in Africa.

In his remarks, House of Representative president, Dogara said, ‘We hope it will serve as a premier training institute for legislators, not just in Nigeria but across the continent of Africa.”

Senate Committee Chairman on Gas, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (left) with Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, when the Senate Committee paid an oversight visit to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Towers in Abuja, yesterday.‘

Nigeria committed to free trade, Buhari tells WTO Rotimi Fadeyi Abuja

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Nigeria remains fully committed to free international trade despite its present economic situation.

A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Buhari spoke at the Presidential Villa during a session with Director-General of World Trade Organisation, WTO, Ambassador Roberto Azevedo.

The president assured him that Nigeria would remain part of the world market, in spite of dwindling price of oil.

“I am glad you are aware of the position we’ve found ourselves, the state of our economy, our consumption pattern, and many others. Despite it all, we remain committed to the ideals of free international trade championed by the WTO,” the president said.

The WTO boss expressed delight that Nigeria continues to work with multilateral organisations, adding that the trade group would soon start conversations on important issues for the country.

According to him, the issues would include development of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), which he described as biggest employers of labour in developing countries.

“We want to bring the private sector close, so that we can understand the main challenges.

“Nigeria has a big part to play, though the times are difficult.

Prices of oil are unprec-

edentedly low, emerging economies are slowing down, and commodity prices are shrinking.

But majority of WTO members know that there is no gain in blocking goods,” he said.

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NEWS

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

N’Delta Amnesty Programme ends 2018 Obiora Ifoh Abuja

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residential amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region will wind up in 2018.

The programme was approved by former President Umaru Yar’Adua following acceptance of the amnesty offered Niger Delta militants by the Federal Government, which led to cessation of hostilities by the militants five years ago.

Speaking on the matter yesterday in Abuja, special adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh, also disclosed that if its exit programme for 2016 is religiously implemented, over N5.6 billion would be saved on the programme by end of the year.

According to him, government would this year save N2.52 billion from the stipend hitherto paid 3,232 beneficiaries, who have received Set-up Starter Packs after successful training by the office.

This is in addition to the N812.8 million to be saved from 1,042 ex-militants, who are soon to exit from the programme and additional N2.3 billion to be saved on another batch of 2,958 amnesty beneficiaries by end of the year.

“This exercise is a significant step in the fiveyear programme, which had never exited any of the 30,000 beneficiaries and these people have been trained in various fields of endeavour and quite a good number of them are now entrepreneurs.

“So far, the Amnesty Programme has trained 17,322 of the beneficiaries, leaving a balance of 12,678. Additionally, it has embarked on domestication of all its programmes,” Gen. Boroh stated.

He added that five of its 49 training centres are off shore, while it has students in 131 tertiary institutions abroad, adding that with effect from 2015/2016 academic session, 95 per cent of the students’ deployment would be to local institutions.

He said, “Two of the exagitator leaders, Dagogo and Ayila, are now members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This is part of the good thing the amnesty programme has brought. We have to avoid stigmatisation and stereotyping. Can you imagine what it means that two of our members are now lawmakers?

“Also, two of our graduates are now flying in this country and we know that several others are coming in as engineers. We have carried out a lot of empowerment programme and they are doing well.

One of our delegates is a marine officer, qualified in Poland and is operating one of the biggest vessels that is carrying gas today.

“We have over 65 of our delegates working on pipelines across the Niger Delta. We are also pushing with the Forest Department and they are all there. Over 5,000 of our people who have graduated in welding, fabrication and engineering would be useful in the LNG in Brass. These are part of the exit programme.

“We have met with the UN, EU, DFID and other agencies to assist open up the market and see how much of our people can benefit. We have so many on multi-media, photography, film-making, video recording etc.

“The amnesty programme has in the past five years, secured admission and given scholarship to 5,234 beneficiaries in tertiary institutions.

Of this number, 3,082 gained admission in the country, 2,150 abroad, while 272 have graduated,” Boro explained.

He said as a result of protests by some people who claimed to be amnesty beneficiaries abroad, he has concluded arrangements to set up liaison offices in the UK and USA so that problems like that could be sorted out easily and avoid people moving to the streets.

On why he was optimistic that the programme would end in 2018, he explained that it was not designed to remain in perpetuity but to address the problems which arose

in the Niger Delta region, adding that his predecessors did not plan an exit programme and so, “we’re unable to bring the programme to an end.

“With my experiences as the last commanding officer of ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where the Nigerian

military suffered heavily due to unplanned exit programme, I decided to bring such experiences to bare since I assumed office in August, last year which is why we can tell you confidently the exit programme we have mapped out.

“We had serious prob-

lems in Sierra Leone. Nigerian soldiers ran away in disarray and with that terrible experience, we decided to plan an exit strategy for the amnesty programme. So far, so good, it is a successful programme but we need to plan more so we can have value-added to the entire

thing,” he stated.

He applauded the programme, pointing out that it has assisted in the training of experts from among the former militants in every aspect of engineering, aviation, marine transport and engineering as well as under-water engineering.

L-R; Treasurer, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, (ANAN), Prof. Benjamin Osisioma; President ANAN, Mr. Anthony Nzom; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; 1st Vice President, ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Ladan and 2nd Vice President, ANAN, Prof. Muhammed Mainoma, during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Ilorin yesterday

Lagos Assembly summons perm secs, tutors-general in education sector Francis Suberu

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agos State House of Assembly yesterday summoned all permanent secretaries and tutors-general in the education sector to appear before it for failing to honour several invitations by the House Committee on Education.

The House is of the view that the permanent secretaries and tutorsgeneral in the six educational districts have disrespected it by failing to honour invitations of the House committee.

Chairman of the committee, Lanre Ogunyemi, had reported to the House at yesterday’s plenary that his committee had been having a running battle with the senior civil servants since inception.

Ogunyemi said by their acts and conducts, “they have exhibited ut-

ter disdain and disrespect for our committee and by extension, this House. Since inception of our committee, they have not appeared before us.

Not even during budget defence. What they did was to appear by proxy, through their directors.

We are aware that even at the Executive Council where they presented their budget proposals, they were all there and there is no reason they should disrespect this House of Assembly.”

He explained that the officials were invited for a meeting on Tuesday, January 19 after their non-appearance under the claim that they were either on leave during the budget defense or that they travelled out of the country.

“Following that, they wrote a letter requesting for another date, which we gave them. It is on record that on the three

or four times we have invited them, there are always one excuses or the other; some time under the guise that they were either meeting the governor or visiting the deputy governor,” Hon. Ogunyemi said.

House Committee chairman on Budget and Economic Planning, Rotimi Olowo, corroborated Ogunyemi’s allegation, saying the permanent secretaries and tutorsgeneral were never forthcoming during the budget defense sessions.

House Committee chairman on Information, Tunde Buraimoh, was of the view that the officials’ conducts border on “gross dereliction of duty, indolence, ineptitude and gross insubordination to authorities.”

Buraimoh said that the House has it as a duty to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and must raise strong exception to

people that constitute themselves into “uncontrollable albatross” to the functioning of government.

Lawmaker representing Epe I Constituency, Abiodun Tobun, said the toga of merging the offices of permanent secretaries with those of the tutors-general in the districts was apparently making the officials feel larger than life, forgetting that their powers were only derived from the House. He added that it is time the House reviews the laws establishing them to reduce their powers and whims and whip them into line.

In line with the unanimous condemnation of the House, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa ruled that all the permanent secretaries and tutorsgeneral should appear before the House on Thursday to state their side of the allegations.

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Four arrested for attacking, snatching two MOPOL rifles Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

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L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (4th left); Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola (5th left) and Body of Permanent Secretaries in the state, presenting gifts to wife of the governor on the occasion of her 52nd birthday, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

Lagos trains 60 water guards on rescue techniques

Francis Suberu

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orried by increasing rate of boat mishaps in the state, Lagos State government yesterday trained 60 water guards on rescue techniques.

Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Abisola Kamson, who declared the one-day training programme open, said the programme was important to effectively tackle

and stem the tide of boat mishaps in the state.

Kamson encouraged more Lagosians to embrace water transportation, saying the current administration would do everything possible to sanitise the water transportation sector in the state.

She added that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration would ensure safety of life and property always through improved quality of water transportation in the state.

The LASWA boss em-

phasised the importance of the role of water guards in ensuring that water transportation by all standards remains the safest and efficient mode of public transportation.

She added that the programme was aimed at sensitising the water guards on water savvy techniques, adding that the state government remains committed to developing water transportation system in Lagos in line with global best practices.

The training pro-

gramme featured a presentation by Engr. Barry Ipaa, a safety consultant on ‘Water Survival Techniques’ and live demonstrations on how to administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, commonly called CPR. The water guards, at the end of the programme, expressed appreciation to the management of the agency for organising the training as it would further assist them in carrying out their responsibilities effectively.

Court remands professor over forged document Wale Igbintade

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Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered one Professor Joseph Mba, who was alleged to have forged some documents in the name of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria Limited, remanded in prison.

Justice Saliu Saidu ordered that Mba be remanded pending when he would file application for bail.

Special Fraud Unit had arraigned Mba on threecount charges bordering on forgery and perjury.

The defendant was said to have forged a special resolution of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria Limited dated June 12, 2012, wherein he stated that one Samuel Ojo, a lawyer, had been appointed as secretary/ legal adviser of the institu-

tion. The second document was also said to have been signed by one Uwandulu.

Mba was further accused of conspiring with some persons still at large to forge a special resolution of an extraordinary general meeting of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria Limited dated June 14, 2012.

In the document, Mba, with his accomplices, allegedly stated that the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria Limited held its extraordinary general meeting on December 17, 2012, instead of June 14, 2012.

Police stated that the accused had claimed that at the purported meeting some persons were appointed as director of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria Limited.

The alleged fake document was said to have been signed by Mba and Ojo, and

that Ojo had allegedly been parading himself as secretary/legal adviser of the company.

Police prosecutor, Effiong Asuquo, told the court that the accused person’s offence was contrary to, and punish-

able under sections 1(2)(c) and 3(1) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Justice Saidu adjourned the matter till March 21, 2016 for trial.

olice in Ogun State have arrested four suspects who allegedly attacked two mobile policemen, MOPOL, and snatched their rifles in October 2013.

The suspects, who include 35-year-old Sulaiman Lekuti (a.k.a. Epe Sule), Semiu Alaka (a.k.a Ese Sobo), 39; Azeez Gbolahan, 45 (a.k.a. Eniba); and Teslim Adetunji, 43 (a.k.a. Tessy), were arrested in the Agric axis of Ikorodu area of Lagos State by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. This is coming just as men of the state police command also made a breakthrough in the arrest of two suspected leaders of a notorious robbery gang, which had been terrorising residents of Ijoko-Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area for the past seven years.

Parading the suspects yesterday at the command’s headquarters in Eleweeran, Commissioner of Police, Abdul-Majid Ali, said the four suspects (Lekuti, Alaka, Gbolahan and Adetunji) were arrested on January 5 this year after forcefully snatching arms from two mobile policemen three years ago.

“On receipt of some information, policemen attached to SARS, Abeokuta, swung into action and arrested the suspects with the rifles. The case is still under investigation," said the police boss.

He stated that his men have recovered the two stolen arms which include one AK-47 rifle with serial number 348417 with nine rounds of live ammunition; one Type 06 rifle with serial number 07010583 and one

automatic pump action gun with serial number 42716.

Ali also gave the names of the three members of the notorious robbery gang which had been terrorising residents of the Ijoko-Ota as 25-year-old Rasak Ogundairo, Idowu Tijani (45) and Raimi Ogunkunle (25) all of who confessed to belonging to the same robbery gang and the Eye confraternity cult group.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include three single-barrel cut-to-size pistol, two double barrel pistols, one pump action gun, assorted charms and five machetes.

Five other suspected criminals were also paraded; they include four suspects arrested by SARS operatives for allegedly robbing and dispossessing the owner of a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number DBG 652 UZ at gunpoint along Ode-Remo road.

They are 20-year-old Muhammed Ibrahim, Ogunjirin David (19), Muda Yaya (23) and Adebayo Segun (21).

One locally-made cut-tosize gun, one live cartridge, one Bajaj motorcycle with registration number DGB 652 UZ and assorted charms were recovered from the suspected robbers.

The fifth suspect, Oludayo Adekunle, was paraded for alleged car theft and burglary in Ewu Oluwo, Sagamu.

Adekunle, a resident of Sagamu, allegedly broke into the house of one Saka Opeoluwa to steal a Toyota Carina "E" car with registration number LNB 961 BU and N130,000 cash.

He was however, arrested while attempting to sell the car in Akoko, Ondo State.

Osun commends police for foiling bank robbery Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

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sun State Security Council yesterday commended the state’s command of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for thwarting a bank robbery in Ikirun last week.

Speaking with newsmen after the Security Council meeting, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo, disclosed that security agencies in the state deserved com-

mendation for their gallantry and professionalism.

Represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Jesubiyi Taiwo, the police boss stated that the police and other security agencies swiftly responded to the security challenge with superior fire power.

He added that the success was the result of the Armoured Personnel Carriers provided the police by the state government, stressing that four of the robbers were killed while four others were

arrested.

The police boss assured the people of the state of its readiness to protect lives and property, maintain peace and deter any criminal activity in the state.

He said: "Last Friday, armed bandits attacked three commercial banks in Ikirun, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state; these bandits came with sophisticated weapons and explosive devices.

"The police responded swiftly with superior fire

power; four of the robbers were killed while four others have been arrested. Sums of money were also recovered from the robbers. Every effort is being made to apprehend other members of the gang who are in hiding.

"Regrettably, two police officers and two bank officials lost their lives during the operation. The state security council wishes to commend the police and other security agencies that rose to the occasion for their gallantry," the police chief said.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

9

Mobile courts’ll respect citizens' rights –Lagos Francis Suberu

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agos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, has assured residents that the recently inaugurated

mobile court will dispense justice in accordance with the law and also respect the fundamental human rights of defendants charged before the court.

Kazeem, who stated this during the presentation of five vans to inau-

gurate the court, said the court’s introduction was one of the ways through which Governor Akinwumi Ambode aims at enhancing citizens’ access to justice as well as ensure the preservation of civility in the society.

While assuring that the mobile court would be operated in line with the rules of natural justice and fair hearing, Kazeem said the constitutional rights of defendants, being innocent until proven guilty, would be respected

Members of the National Association of Polytechnic Students during a condolence procession to the Governor’s Office over the death of a in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Tariff: Court warns FG, DISCOs against disobeying orders Wale Igbintade

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Federal High Court judge in Lagos, Justice Mohammed Idris, yesterday warned Federal Government and Distribution companies (DISCOs) against flagrant disobedience of court orders.

Justice Idris gave the warning at the ongoing hearing of a suit filed by a lawyer and rights activist, Toluwani Yemi Adebiyi, over the recent hike in electricity tariff.

The court stated that government must not act in a way that shows contempt for the court in a constitutional democracy.

"The point must be made that obedience to the rule of law by all citizens, but more particularly those who publicly take the oath of office to protect and preserve the Constitution, good governance and re-

spect for rule of law.

The judge added, "It is an act of apostasy for government to ignore the provisions of the law and the necessary rules meant to regulate matters. I must say it loud and clear that the government of this country shall be a government of laws and not of men."

Adebiyi filed the suit last year seeking perpetual injunction restraining the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, from implementing any upward review of electricity tariff without significant improvement in power supply for at least 18 hours a day.

Consequently, Justice Idris directed the parties involved to maintain the status quo. But, while the suit was pending, NERC announced the tariff hike.

Yesterday, Adebiyi informed the court that he has initiated contempt proceedings against NERC chair-

man and DISCOs' Managing Directors for disobeying the court's orders.

But NERC's lawyer, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), said he had filed an appeal against the order by Justice Idris.

He said he also had a pending application for stay of proceedings pending determination of the appeal.

Ruling, Justice Idris said after a careful examination of the records of court, there were a number of pending applications to be dispensed with.

Idris said: "I understand it to be the law that contempt proceedings are criminal in nature and should therefore ordinarily in the context of our jurisprudence be first dealt with either by the court trying the case when the alleged contempt took place or by another court.

"The purpose of taking contempt proceedings first is to demonstrate to the public that the court being

the creation of the Constitution to decide cases between all manners of litigants vide Section 6 of the Constitution should protect its dignity and will neither allow a citizen nor any other arm of government to brazenly do an act that will diminish the powers duly invested by the Constitution and the common law in the administration of justice.

"On the other hand, the basis upon which the contempt application is premised, which is the order that parties maintain status quo ante-bellum, is on appeal, and there is a motion for stay of proceedings in this suit pending appeal.”

The judge held that it is in the interest of justice, that the application for stay of proceedings be heard and determined first, adding that until then, no further proceedings should go on.

and upheld.

Besides, the AttorneyGeneral said the prosecution of defendants appearing before the court would be handled by lawyers in the Ministry of Justice, and that he would directly supervise the operation of the prosecuting counsel.

He said there would be lawyers from the Office of the Public Defender, OPD, to defend any defendant who so desires, while defendants can also appoint any lawyer of their choice to defend them.

Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, has lauded the governor and the state judiciary for coming up with the bold initiative, saying the mobile court would discourage people from violating traffic and environmental laws in the state.

"This is the best time for it, when there are so many cases of unmitigated infraction of environmental laws and traffic regulations in

Lagos. I think what the governor and those who head the judiciary have done is to provide a platform that will, by way of trial and punishment, discourage people from engaging in abuse of environmental laws and disobedience of traffic rules.

"I will, however, urge that there should be a synergy between the traffic management agency in Lagos and the police in ensuring that this opportunity becomes effective, and then allowing it to work.

"I will also call on government to see the possibility of engaging environmental and traffic volunteers to volunteer useful information to government so as to boost tracking and the punishment processes," Nwobike said.

A fortnight ago, the state government had inaugurated the Special Offences (Mobile) Court to summarily deal with growing cases of traffic and environmental abuses in the state.

Peace Corps’ duties won’t overlap with police, NSCDC —Commandant Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

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ational Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN, Ambassador Dickson Akoh, has said the duties of the outfit would not overlap those of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the police.

Akoh, who said the duties of the corps were outlined in its bill before the National Assembly that has passed through Second Reading in the Senate, promised to work with other security agencies to rid the country of insurgency and criminality.

The PCN boss, represented by a national officer, Yekini Lukman, spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a visit to Ekiti State Command of the outfit, where he shed more light on the ongoing recruitment into the organisation.

He praised the Senate for rising above partisanship in dealing with the bill target-

ed at recognising the body as a federal security agency and resisting attempt by some interested parties to stall the bill.

Akoh said part of the duties of PCN, if finally recognised as a statutory security agency, would be to “re-orientate youths away from vices and redirect their production energy. This is borne out of our conviction that the mind is subjective to modification during school age.”

According to him, the Peace Corps would partner school managements at both secondary and tertiary levels to rid them of cultism, examination malpractices and other vices, as well as complement the efforts of Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, among others.

He said the corps had been recruiting well-disciplined officers from across the 36 states of the federation, adding: “My officers and men won’t flex muscles or engage in unwarranted competition with other security outfits.”

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Enugu prioritises payment of salaries, emoluments …to streamline multiple taxes, rates

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nugu State government yesterday said it will give priority to payment of salaries, emoluments and entitlement of civil servants as the cardinal way of achieving welfare package in its 2016 budget.

Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, further told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Enugu that the government had resolved to pay its workers on or before 25th of each month.

Udeuhele said Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, whom he described as a responsible family man, feels the pain civil servants, who are breadwinners of families, go through when their salaries are delayed or not paid.

“As far as the governor is concerned, he has no plan to sack any civil servant even when some governors think it is the right thing to do.

“However, he has decided to give civil servants special attention as he knows he needs a well-motivated workforce to achieve his quest to in-

crease the state’s IGR. “To this end, the state government has resolved to pay workers on or before 25th of every month, while pension and other emoluments are looked into. ``The government has made this a cardinal objective of its welfare package in its 2016 budget, since the state is predominantly a civil service state,’’ he noted.

The commissioner also urged residents of the state to give the government maximum cooperation in its programmes and policies. ``This is an administration that is committed to the welfare of Enugu people and had resolved to tell the people the truth on what it does. So, there is no place for propaganda in this administration. ``The governor, being a financial expert by training, is working to keep the state’s financial status healthy to meet all its financial obligations,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Ogbu Nwobodo, yesterday said

the government had begun plans to streamline rates and taxes collected by its agencies.

Nwobodo, at the 2016 budget breakdown of the state in Enugu, said the process would involve relaxation of some enabling legislation.

He said the issues of multiple taxation raised by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, in the state made government to seriously assess the situation.

“Government has taken a firm and clear look into

it and has set up a committee that includes the organised private sector to look into it.

“But what we call multiple taxation is not that government is consciously trying to make you pay double for one item.

“Sometimes it has been misconstrued because multiple agencies come to collect what they are legally entitled to collect.

“However, government is now trying to harmonise the process.

“Once this is cleared, it will deal with the alloca-

tion of whatever is being collected internally so that we minimise the number of agencies that come to you for rates, taxes and all that,” he said.

Nwobodo, however, said this would take the amendment of some enabling legislation by the state House of Assembly and local government areas to achieve the goal.

He said the government appreciates burden and pain felt, adding that until the laws are changed, much would

not be achieved.

“Government is working in collaboration with the state House of Assembly and the local government areas to find a better and seamless way of doing it.

“There will be a change in the approach and appreciable level of streamlining the ways government interfaces with SMEs,” he said.

Nwobodo said some of the agencies may be re-categorised so that the pains of multiple taxes and rates would not be felt.

...secures N2.3bn loan for rice field expansion

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nugu State government has secured N2.3 billion loan from the African Development Bank, ADB, to develop Adani Rice Field in UzoUwani Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Mike Eneh, disclosed this in Enugu on Monday at a briefing on activities of his ministry.

Eneh said the ADB loan facility would be used by government to expand the rice field from 1,320 hectares to over 3,000 hectares.

Eneh said the productivity of farmers in Adani had increased appreciably in recent time due to modern agricultural techniques.

According to the commissioner, the farmers, over the years, produced about 1.5 tonnes per hectare, except last season when they generated three to four tonnes per hectare.

Eneh said the state government had handed over

the responsibilities of procurement and distribution of farm inputs and hiring of equipment to the private sector.

He said the state government was also developing irrigation infrastructure in six locations in the state.

According to him, a lot is being done to generate jobs for citizens of the state through agriculture.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Enugu/Anambra Staple Crop Processing zone is among the six approved by the Federal Government in May 2015.

Ugwuanyi

L-R: Enugu State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Uche Offor; Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Mr Uchenna Ogbodo and Commissioner for Water Resources, Chief Charles Egumgbe, during Enugu State 2016 Budget Breakdown in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Sterling Bank presents highway kits to Ikpeazu

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etermined to sustain commitment to a clean environment through its ‘Sterling Environmental Makeover’ (#STEM) series, staff of Sterling Bank Plc at the weekend embarked on a national cleaning exercise and also presented reflective kits to Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, for street sweepers and highway managers in the state.

The staff of the ‘One Customer’ bank, according to a statement, cleaned major markets, highways, streets and motor parks, among others, in several states of the federation. The exercise, which is one of the corporate social responsibility initia-

tives of the bank, focuses on environmental sustainability and aims at promoting a clean environment and good health among Nigerians.

The bank, in a statement, stressed that arrangements were made in partnership with the waste management authorities in the various states for the exercise.

The bank has won various awards for its environmental sustainability initiatives.

Apart from Lagos where the exercise held in two locations on the Island and Mainland, other locations where the exercise ran simultaneously were Aba, Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Owerri, Oshogbo, Port

Harcourt and Uyo. The bank explained that it came up with the exercise in 2013 in furtherance of its core purpose of enriching lives. It assured that it would continually engage in initiatives that promote a healthy environment, especially those that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. It has executed this commitment over the years through its renowned partnership with various waste management agencies.

It said: “What we are doing is all about making impact that positively alters our environment and society for good. We want to keep on doing the small

things while we plan the big audacious ones. Each time you reach out to a child, mentor a troubled teen or join street sweepers to clean the street, you are part of an unstoppable force to make our world a better place and that is what we want to achieve with this exercise.”

In the last five years, the bank has on yearly basis, donated thousands of reflective kits to Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, for street sweepers and highway managers in Lagos. Other states that have since come on board in the Waste Management partnerships include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Ekiti, Enugu and Abia.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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FG promises to secure N’Delta, rebuild N’East

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ederal Government said it had begun mobilisation of the military to stop vandalism on oil facilities and kidnapping in the Niger Delta and other coastal areas of the country.

President Muhammadu

Buhari stated this in Abuja yesterday at a meeting with a delegation from the United States Institute of Peace.

He also said his administration is giving priority to the resettlement of displaced persons and re-

habilitation of infrastructure in the North East.

The President assured the delegation that his administration’s ongoing war against corruption would be fought within the ambit of the law.

According to him,

mechanisms have been put in place to ensure respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism.

“We attach great importance to human rights. If there are breaches, they will be investigated and

dealt with,” he said.

Buhari welcomed growing international support, especially from the United States and Europe, for Nigeria’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

He also expressed happiness with the support of Nigerians for the cardinal programmes of his government, the security of the country, the war against corruption and revival of the economy.

He said the programmes would continue to be vigorously pursued.

Ms. Nancy Lindborg who led the institute’s delegation, commended the President for the progress being made in ensuring greater security in Nigeria.

Lindborg promised continued assistance of the institute for ongoing reconstruction and development in the country.

igerian Army said its collaboration with the Cameroonian Army is yielding results and has brought “renewed vigour” in the counter-insurgency operation along the countries’ borders.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, in Abuja yesterday.

He said the renewed cooperation had led to several joint operations carried out by troops of both countries at Kirawa junction and Pulka communities in Borno State.

Usman said a recent joint operation by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade and a unit of the Cameroonian forces resulted in the rescue of 112 persons at Kirawa junction.

He added that the cooperation had also helped in the removal of mines along the axis of the troops’ advance.

“Troops of 26 Task

Force Brigade married up with Cameroonian forces for joint operations in Kirawa junction.

“Although they did not meet any of the terrorists in the axis of advance, they rescued eight men, 36 women and 68 children in the area.

“To further consolidate on the cordial relationship, the Commander of Cameroonian 1st Battalion, paid a courtesy call on his counterpart, the Commanding Officer of 121 Task Force Battalion in Pulka.

“The visiting unit assisted with the de-mining of a section of the road between Kirawa Junction to Pulka and handed over two suspected Boko Haram terrorists to the Nigerian unit,” he said.

Usman said the joint operation, however, recorded its first casualty with the killing of a Cameroonian officer, when a vehicle conveying troops ran into a mine along the PulkaNgoshe road.

Cooperation with Cameroon’s forces yielding results –Army N L-R: Director, Mrs. Uduak Amos; Group Managing Director/CEO of Thompson and Grace Investments, Ltd, Dr. Isaac Thompson Amos and Risk Management Consultant for the Thompson and Grace Medical City projects, Armin Huttenlocher, at ground breaking ceremony of the project in Afaha Obong, Abak Local Governement Area of Akwa Ibom State, recently.

Amnesty office not indebted to foreign students, says CESJET Adeola Tukuru, Abuja

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xecutive director of the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, CESJET, Sunday Attah, said the Amnesty Office is not indebted to any foreign students studying under the scheme.

Attah who spoke with reporters yesterday in Abuja said the office has settled all outstanding payments up to date.

He condemned moves by nefarious groups in the country to abuse the ongoing anti-corruption drive as a cover to settle personal scores.

While condemning reports of fraud in the Presidential Amnesty Office, which some reports speculated to be in the range of N48 billion, Attah said those raising such false alarm are desperate to overwhelm the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, thereby derailing them from going after those who genuinely defrauded

the country.

Said Attah: “Our position remains that operatives of anti-corruption agencies are already stretched beyond limits because the crusade against graft has been stepped up.

“We also hold the firm belief that people’s names should not be tarnished to satisfy the selfish end of a few.

“Upon reading reports of the supposed N48 billion, we had swung into action and were already mobilising our members across the country, particularly in the Niger Delta with a view to having the special adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd) tried if he is indicted for the offence.

“However, in line with our process to ensure due diligence, we carried out our own fact finding and discovered that there was no truth in the allegations.

“This discovery was before General Boroh debunked the allegations in the media.

“We discovered that the figures thrown around in

the malicious report were inaccurate as they clearly differ from the reality on ground.

“Contrary to the claims that the school fees of those studying abroad have not been paid, it was also discovered that the fees have been paid up to date.

“As opposed to the picture of ongoing sleaze painted about the Amnesty Office, we rather found that General Boroh has turned the programme around to the extent that new set of re-

pentant militants – as many as 1,500 – were set to turn in their arms.

“We even discovered that the office under the present leadership returned unspent funds from last year into government account.

“Rather than revealing any untoward act, our investigations of the true state of affairs in the Presidential Amnesty Office completely exonerated General Boroh of all wrong doings in the supposed fraud being peddled around him.”

SPDC begins oil spill investigation at Forcados terminal UDEME AKPAN

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hell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, has embarked on an investigation to determine the source oil spill in Forcados, Delta State.

The company indicated in a statement that the crude oil spill was observed on water around the Forcados Terminal on Sunday, February 14, 2016.

It maintained that the initial investigation would

enable the company quickly determine a suitable response.

The company disclosed that SPDC JV and third party production into the terminal is being suspended as a precautionary measure.

It indicated that SPDC has activated its Emergency Response and Oil Response teams to manage the incident, while booms and other oil containment resources are being deployed to the area to try stop the spread of spilled oil.

The company main-

tained that the support of industry group, Clean Nigeria Associates, CAN, has been enlisted for a comprehensive response to the spill.

It disclosed that relevant authorities, including security agencies have been informed of the incident, preparatory to a joint investigation visit which would determine the cause and volume of oil spilled.

In its latest report, the company indicated that crude oil theft, sabotage and

illegal refining are the main sources of pollution in the Niger Delta today and the cause of 75per cent of spill incidents from SPDC Joint Venture, SPDC JV, pipelines in 2014.

It maintained that an average of 37,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day (boe/d) were stolen from the SPDC JV network in 2014, with an additional 110,000 boe/d of production deferred due to illegal interference with pipelines and other illegal activities such as theft of well head equipment.

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Kwara alleges ghost workers in civil service …plans staff auditing WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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wara State government yesterday claimed there were ghost workers in its em-

ploy, even as it indicated it would soon commence auditing of teachers, local government workers and pensioners.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed disclosed this

while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, including leaders and supporters of the party in Ilorin, the state capital.

He also alleged that some workers in the

state were receiving multiple salaries even in the present precarious cash crunch that had forced local government councils and the Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, not to pay salaries regularly.

He said his government was already collaborating with banks to use the Biometric Verification Number, BVN, to detect the culprits.

The governor announced that the new Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, drive was already yielding positive results and assured workers that their outstanding salaries would be cleared before end of March.

On the proposed N20 billion bond, Ahmed said the process had reached advanced stage with the Security and Exchange Commission, Debt Management Office and the Federal Ministry of Finance in order to access the bond for capital proj-

ects.

The governor promised that his government would continue to meet its obligations despite prevailing economic situation in the country.

In his remarks, state Chairman of APC, Ishola Balogun-Fulani, commended the governor for his commitment to improving the living standard of the people despite the current national financial challenge.

Balogun-Fulani appealed to the party supporters to continue to support the present administration and protect public installations across the state against vandalism.

Govt moves to complete Jos Inland Container depot JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

L-R: Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kawuwa Dhaminah; Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu and wife of Bauchi State Governor, Hajia Hadiza Abubakar, during the launching of a Book on Jarawa Language by Prof. Safiya Iliyasu, at Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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hree soldiers accused of various offences ranging from manslaughter, conducts afoul of military discipline, among others, are currently facing trial in Jos, Plateau State capital.

The erring soldiers were members of Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, deployed by the Federal Government to restore peace in the troubled state.

Inaugurating the court martial yesterday at 3 Armored Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, Bassa local council of the state, OPSH Commander, Major General Tagbo Ude,

3 soldiers for court martial in Jos said: “The offences the accused persons are being tried for range from manslaughter, offences in relation to public and service property, as well as conduct prejudicial to military discipline, all punishable under Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

“It is a well-known fact that discipline is the bedrock of the Nigerian military, hence the powers conferred on me by virtue of section 131 Armed Forces Act to convene this General Court Martial to try the said accused persons.”

He explained that the court martial was only

one of the apparatus put in place by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to discipline erring personnel.

“Its establishment is predicated on the fact that the Armed Forces of Nigeria holds its personnel in high esteem, hence the resolve that a thorough investigation be conducted before any suspect can be put on trial.

“Let me at this juncture assure all of us that justice will not only be done on this entire trial, but will be seen to have been done.

“This is not only because the case against each accused was thoroughly investigated, to

ensure that an innocent person is not wrongly accused, as I pointed out earlier, but for the fact that my command has painstakingly selected credible officers from various services of the Armed Forces, who are knowledgeable of military law,” he stressed.

He urged members of the court martial to be “just and fair” in conduct of the trial, by ensuring that each accused person is given a fair trial.

The OPSH Commander maintained that the trial is not just for the guilty to be punished, but also to serve as deterrent to would-be offenders.

Poachers shoot 2 rangers at Yankari Reserve

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wo rangers serving with Yankari Games Reserves, Bauchi State, were shot and wounded at the weekend by unidentified poachers, an official confirmed.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, no fewer than 10 rangers of the reserve have been killed in recent times by poachers.

It was learnt that the

rangers were shot on Saturday at about 10am at Karyo Ranch within the reserve.

A competent source in Yankari told NAN by telephone that the rangers, Umar Mohammed and Yakubu Musa, with eight others, were on routine patrol when they ran into some herdsmen who had encroached on the reserve.

The source said the herdsmen on sighting the patrol team, engaged the rangers in an argument, which later resulted in a fight.

The witness said Musa was shot in the right arm while Mohammed was shot in the face, close to his eye, by the attackers who evaded arrest.

Mohammed was shot in similar circumstance

three years ago on the left leg, according to the source, who stressed that the victims were immediately rushed to Bauchi town for medical treatment.

“Mallam Yau Mohammed, Baban Iya, Husseini Pai and Baba Wuro Yellow had between 1997 and 2015 lost their lives in similar incident while on active service.

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delegation from the Federal Ministry of Transport led by Mr. Ogunleye Ogunsola, Plateau State government officials as well as management of Duncan Group of Companies yesterday met in Jos to discuss how to complete the Jos Inland Container Depot project in the state.

The Jos Inland Container Depot conceived to serve both local and international markets of perishable agricultural produce, was awarded to Duncan Group of Companies since 2006 with a concessionary period of 25 years.

However, the project suffered a major setback in 2012 when the former administration of Governor Jonah Jang demol-

ished structures at the site due to irreconcilable differences.

But a meeting yesterday among delegates from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, state Ministries of Lands and Survey as well as Commerce, among others, raised fresh hopes on the project, which when completed is expected to boost commercial activities, create jobs, empower the youths and curb restiveness in the state.

Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Festus Fuanter, noted that it was necessary for the state government to resuscitate the depot, as doing so was in line with its resolve to create enabling environment for private businesses to thrive and create job opportunities for its citizens.

FCTA won’t compromise Abuja security –Minister

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ederal Capital Territory Minister, Muhammad Bello, on Monday said government of the territory, FCT Administration, would strengthen security by sustaining support to relevant agencies.

Bello stated this while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who was on a working visit to the territory.

He said the security of Abuja was paramount to the FCT Administration and that everything would be done for the protection of lives and property in the territory.

According to him, Abuja is the seat of the Nigerian government and therefore needs more security considering that the city is the window through which the world sees the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

SUPER TUESDAY

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Politics

Senate, now a resting place for corrupt former governors —Esiemokhai

Professor of International Law, Emmanuel Esiemokhai, says former President Goodluck Jonathan’s PhD failed to make any impact in his over six-years administration of the country, and that current Senate President, Bukola Saraki should resign following his imminent trial at the CCT. The widely-travelled legal luminary, septuagenarian and Academic Chancellor, BOSAS International Law called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be stricter in dealing with corruption in the country among other issues in this interview with our reporter, MARCUS FATUNMOLE. Excerpts:

Although he got a PHD, but it is

What type of change would you say Nigerians have experienced since the APC took on leadership of the nation at the centre?

We are seeing movement towards change.

But, because of the short span, there is no change yet. For example, it is good that looters are being probed. But, they damaged the economy and the society so much that without Buhari being in control, by now, Nigeria would have been in different places. Now, what Obasanjo did added to the damage of Nigeria. Because of the third term debacle, he decided to punish the people. And, he punished them very well by appointing Yar’ Adua who he knew was sick and later imposing Jonathan, a man who studied fisheries. Although he got a PhD, but it is totally irrelevant to governance, no Philosophy, no Law, no Economics, no Sociology; how can you run a country without knowledge? That is number one reason why we failed.

Then, Obasanjo and E. K. Clark were in a race to influence Jonathan. Obasanjo would go and tell Jonathan ‘this is what I think should happen.’ E. K. Clark would tell Jonathan ‘this is what I think should be done.’ As a result, there was this total misguidance on both sides. The young man was confused.

And, since he didn’t study the relevant subject that he can use to govern a people. That is where we got into the mess.

But many analysts say the former President, Goodluck Jonathan had passed through major positions of leadership in the country before becoming President?

No, I disagree totally. You see, knowledgebased governance is different from guess work. It is different from advice of advisers. It is different from guessing. What experience did Jonathan has? He finished his PhD. In fact, he studied his primary school in Port Harcourt, secondary school in PortHarcourt; the only time he left his enclave was when he when to Osun state to do his National Youth Service programme. This is very narrow for a man who will rule a big nation like Nigeria. He didn’t have that intellectual outlook. He didn’t have that historical connection. He didn’t travel widely. He didn’t meet people; he is not influential. He was just a small lucky fellow who worked in NDDC, he didn’t make it. He taught at

totally irrelevant to governance,

Philosophy, no Law, no Economics, no Sociology; how no

can you run a country without knowledge?

That

is number one reason why we failed.

Esiemokhai the University of Port- Harcourt. Luckily, he came into politics when Alamiayeseigha appointed him Deputy. And, from there, he was lucky again; he was appointed VicePresident and he eventually became President. As for luck, he had abundance of it.

But, he didn’t have that intellectual capacity to govern Nigeria. He didn’t; and he doesn’t have it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been kicked around like a football by all those political opportunists who surrounded him. I can say that he was not in charge. In one of my articles, I said that those who used him would stand by the wayside the way Jesus was being led to the cross, and they would be watching from afar.

So, if the APC wants to govern Nigeria, its people have to build up political cadre

and adopt the sociocratic ideas which centres governance on social reforms that centres governance on the wishes of the people.

That centres government on honesty, on accountability, and we should discard the old colonial system. Now, if we don’t dispense with the old colonial system, there is no way Nigeria can move forward. Government still holds Wednesday meeting of Ministers.

Contracts are still the main things that are discussed, not ideology. Even those in government who are scholars, how many books have they written? So, we are not guided by knowledge, ambition, rather we are guided by the need for money, crave for power, showmanship.

President Buhari has been accused

by his critics of abusing court orders such as re-arrest of Sambo Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu. Would you say the President’s autocratic nature is still manifesting in him?

Democracy cannot work in Nigeria with Laisser-faire attitude of Nigerians to governance; there must be strict rules. You cannot go and set up a radio station and use it as a psychological instrument of propaganda against the people. You may have a just cause. But, you should be able to pursue it in an intelligent way so that you get a followership, not to preach destruction on the nation. Two, a man who is a National Security Adviser is the soul of a nation. If he is corrupt, that country cannot move. Now, look at the people that have died, simply because, according to the information we have, they went and bought second-hand military wares because of money. They sent young men to go and die in Sambisa forest because they didn’t arm them well. We don’t have an Air Force. We don’t have a Navy. They gave one man money to go and buy warships, now, the National Security Adviser shared that money to at least N100 million to top politicians in Nigeria.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Senate, now a resting place for corrupt former governors’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

That is why Cardinal Okogie said that what they did was a crime against humanity (and against God) Then, how can you have an army that have sworn to defend his people, pocket the money that was meant to buy arms. What is a military without arms?

It means that for the past 16 years, we have been wasting our money on individuals who could have served in other areas; they say they are in the military. So, that is why, you talk about autocracy, this government needs to be firm. I am a Professor of Law. I know what I am talking about. What is failing this country, Buhari said the court, the judges.

Now, if you cannot operate in a society different from the ethos and norms of that society. It was reported that sons and daughters of military men were spending money anyhow. The children of Diezani Allison-Madueke were having parties in the airplanes, crashing cars; what for? When you say a Nigerian has a billion naira in his account, since he was born, what has he been doing?

What work has he been doing if he has been a Minister? The money they stole could have been able to build two hundred factories, two hundred universities. Nigerian youths could have been employed.

Don’t you think these issues will be setting the President on collision courses with the nation’s constitution? And, how long will he continue?

Let me tell you one thing, constitution writing is not an act in essay writing. If you study the constitution of Nigeria from Arthur Richard till present day, you see that there is parched work of the British legal system. I remember when they were drafting the Company Law of 1968; they borrowed from the 1948 British Commercial Law. There is no Nigerian jurisprudence in our legal system. India has done better. We are just brainwashed. Those who studied in Britain from 1950 to 1970 came back with British colonial ideas. For example, Dr Elias who was the Chief Justice at that time could have been Chief Justice of England because his total outlook was to follow the British parchment. He was fond of wearing wig in the hot sun. a President Buhari has been accused of globetrotting by a section of people in the country. Do you agree that the President should reduce his trips?

It is right for the President to mend the image (of the nation) to explain that this is a new dispensation. The President must travel to meet the world and say this is a new Nigeria. I have travelled to the five continents, from 1962. I have travelled a lot, and I have seen a lot. The impression about Nigeria and Nigerians was very bad. No matter who you were, they looked down on you.

The first impression was that ‘this is a crook standing before me.’ So, there was need for the President to travel, meet world leaders.

There were many world leaders who didn’t want to see Jonathan because their intelligence organizations told them that the man didn’t have what it took. Now, many treaties that have been signed by Nigeria have lapsed.

So, you have to go there and renew. Some of these treaties are diplomatic treaties, and there were some visits by foreigners and foreign dignitaries that have not been reciprocated. And, you know in diplomacy, there is

To say that some Nigerians are corrupt is correct. But, to say that all Nigerians are corrupt is not correct. It is a semantic error. Even Anisulowo, a former Minister said Nigerians are corrupt.

reciprocity. Although, I agree that there are certain things the ambassadors, if we have qualified diplomats as ambassadors, not political party touts who happen to lose the ministerial appointments and they are made ambassadors. If you have a cadre, in my book titled Commentary on International Law and Diplomacy, (I speak about some of these things) If you have very qualified ambassadors, you don’t need move around too much. That is why they are there. He needs to travel. But, one thing about travelling is the problem of jetlag. At his age, he should know that jetlag has an effect on the nervous system. When you fly in jet, there is a way you feel when you land. You have to sleep for a long time and drink a lot of water. Otherwise, you will dehydrate, and that can lead to some health problems.

So, he should use the diplomats more.

The ambassadors, the high commissioners; all they do is to send a message through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Now, since Buhari appointed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he has not been performing. He is just the same like Adamu who was our ambassador to China; who was trading. So, you need to have a highly-trained diplomatic cadre to do some of these running around. But, for the first year, I think it is right to repair the damage the damage that has been done.

But, the President has also been accused of referring to citizens of the country as corrupt at international fora.

Would you say he is right?

Yes. To say that some Nigerians are corrupt is correct. But, to say that all Nigerians are corrupt is not correct. It is a semantic error. Even Anisulowo, a former Minister said Nigerians are corrupt. Then, Senate President, Saraki, said ‘we are all guilty’ for what happened. We couldn’t be all guilty for what has happened. In his own particular, he is a medical doctor; he has no knowledge of law.

How can a Senate President of a country not be a lawyer for God sake? Then, the constitution affirms it that he should be the major driver of the constitutional process. But, he doesn’t have idea about what laws are. Even as a professor of International Law, I have to still consult because law is a very technical thing. In this country, the office of Senate President has been one of our major problems. We have Joseph Wayas, who studied Marketing; he became Senate President of this country. I remember when we had case with the Cameroun, he had to send some of his aides to me at Ife to get the article I wrote on the Cameroun and Nigerian border differences. And, we had to explain the nitty-gritty to a Senate President for that matter.

Esiemokhai A Senate President is the highest judiciary office in the land. In other countries, if you don’t have deep knowledge of the law (you cannot be Senate President) If Prof.

Itse Sagay was the Senate President, things would not be this way. We had Prof. Uwais, the former Chief Justice. We are panel-beating constitution. Constitution is supposed to express the will of the nation. A constitution must drive a country, its ethos to gain acceleration in the right direction.

Senator Saraki has been ordered by the Supreme Court to go face his trial at the CCT. There are calls for his resignation as the Senate President. What is your take?

Of course, he should have been suspended. Or, if he had dignity, he should have resigned, because when you commit perjury, you are asking God to witness the false claim. His father, senior Saraki, consulted me. He was a brilliant man. He said to me when I was working at the Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation and I served as his consultant when he was interested in politics. Now, if you commit perjury, you go to jail because you are swearing on oath. And, when you swear, that is the end of the matter; people believe you have sworn. So, one, he is not a lawyer, he is a misfit in that post.

He is a total misfit. Lawan, although I don’t know his credentials, he has been in the Senate for too long. So, you can say that he has that ability. Saraki to be behaving as if nothing matters, he is still talking about how Nigeria should be this or that, but in other

countries, he should have resigned long ago.

And, it will be entered in the history book of Nigeria he never became Senate President because he lied from the very start. They organized a meeting with the President at the International Conference Centre, while a faction went to listen to the President, they carried out a coup. It is a shameful thing. I don’t know whether people living in other countries will be saying ‘what type of country is this?’ And, then, the most shameful thing is that some Senators are backing him. They went to court, they followed him to court; they were sheering.

Let me tell you, when I was helping Anyim as a consultant, I made sure that every time he was to go to Senate, the issues were well thrashed out. Now, more than half of the people in Senate don’t have that intellectual capacity to lead. It is a resting place for governors who were corrupt. When they discover that time has run out, that they have no other place to go, they manipulate themselves and go to Senate. I monitored the sixth and seventh Senate, some of them didn’t even appear.

Many Nigerians are calling for prosecution of looters, even though they agree to return stolen monies. Do you support such calls?

For me, when a crime is committed, it must be redressed by adequate punishment.

Otherwise, there will be a licence to destroy the country. A crime must be punishable. A crime is an act that violates humanity. Like Okogie put it, it is a crime against humanity. It is a crime against God. Now, you know how many soldiers died because of inability to get weapons to fight. You know how many children have left school because of their parents’ inability to sponsor them in school. You know how many traders have gone bankrupt because they don’t have the capital. Yet, a lot of touts were given millions which they never returned. So, this is a country that must succeed.

What is your assessment of President Buhari’s approach to fighting corruption in the country? He has been widely accused of hunting the opposition.

No. one, when you allege, or accuse somebody, you go to the second stage of providing evidence. When you have enough evidence to convict a man, the person has to be convicted. The opposition, so called, was in government yesterday. Why did they do what they did? Why should people get N100 million from money meant to be used to fight insurgency? Let me tell you what insurgency is all about. In a country where you have no sociocratic system that will distribute wealth equally, where a group of people feels marginalized, where they don’t see hope, where they don’t see the way out of their predicament, they are always pushed to the wall. Remember what happened under the Biafranism, remember what the militants were fighting for.

Remember the mistake that was made by Yar ‘Adua was appeasing the militants.

If we had a very solid sociocratic system on ground, everybody would be given fair treatment. But, what happens in Nigeria is that whenever a person from any of the tribes in the country is a head of state, then, he forgets that he is head of state of all Nigerians, not head of state of his own region. That was what happened during Jonathan’s reign.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

15

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Netherlands pledges to support Ogoni clean-up

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he Netherlands’ government to Nigeria on Monday expressed its readiness to support Nigeria in the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-Report for the clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. John Groffen, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that his government was willing to support the implementation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s top priorities. ``We are closely following the implementation of the top priorities of President Buhari in increasing security, enhancing the economy and fighting corruption. ``In particular, the Netherlands will gladly partner with the administration in the implementation of the UNEP-report on the cleanup of Ogoniland,’’ he said.

Groffen also disclosed his government’s plan to support the Federal Government’s effort at addressing the situation in the NigerDelta, as well as the reconstruction and development effort in the North-East.

The envoy said that consultation was already ongoing with the Nigerian government in possible areas Dutch government could offer more support.

Groffen also said that Dutch enterprises were waiting to see Nigeria’s new transportation, infrastructure and other sectors’ policies to enable them to increase their investment in the country. ``We are looking forward to hearing about government policy plans in the fields of transportation, infrastructure and other sectors. ``This will give Dutch enterprises a better idea of where their specific knowhow, experience and technologies can be best used in Nigeria,’’ he said.

L-R: Member of Board of Trustees of Akwa-Ibom Community in Abuja (ACA), Mr George Enyiekpon; ACA Patron, Mr Anthony Ita; Iberedem Ndito Akwa-Ibom I, Obong Edidem Udosen and President-General of ACA in Uyo Federal Constituency, Mr Dominic Mbat, during a familiarisation visit by the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation, Mr Emmanuel Iyang, to ACA-House in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

NLC petitions NBA over lawyer protesting unpaid salaries Sebastine Ebhuomhan

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do State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally written a petition to the President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, seeking to punish a lawyer for staging a oneman protest in Benin City against unpaid salaries of judiciary workers organised under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

In the petition that indirectly queries NLC’s age-long act of picketing, demonstration, protest, rioting or even dialogue on anti-people policy such as non-payment of workers’ salaries by both public and private sectors in Nigeria, Edo State NLC in a letter dated 4th January, 2016, signed by Assistant General Secretary, Comrade S. B. Kadiri, urged the NBA to punish a lawyer, Barrister Olayiwola Afolabi, for staging a protest at Edo State High Court Complex and

Ministry of Justice in Benin City against the non-payment of judiciary workers.

NBA confirmed receiving the petition on 11th January and, in turn, forwarded a memo to Afolabi dated 21st January, signed by its General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe.

It would be recalled that Edo State judiciary workers joined a nationwide strike over first line charge and related issues, an action that led to an industrial dispute after the state government maintained it would not pay the striking workers’ salary with the tax being paid by working staff.

On December 31st, 2015, Afolabi staged a one-man protest at Edo State High Court Complex and Edo State Ministry of Justice to draw the attention of all concerned authorities to the suffering of the families of judiciary workers as a result of the industrial dispute, an action that irked Edo NLC Council and made it to petition NBA. The letter claimed that

Afolabi “embarked on a campaign of calumny and hatred” against the NLC “in his desperation to gain cheap popularity using the media as a propaganda machine in order to advertise his service as a lawyer,” and emphasized that the state labour did not need his voice to speak on the matter.

It particularly stated, “We were miffed by the recent campaign carried by Barr.

Olayiwola Afolabi where he deliberately called the NLC all sorts of vilifying names.

We want to use this medium to call on the Bar to please call him to order and that he should if so worried go to court rather than resulting in street protest and be judgmental on issues he has no knowledge of.

“The congress hold your organisation in a very high esteem and we will not want anyone to bring the Bar to disrepute as is now done

by Barr. Afolabi. We do not want to be dragged into verbal war because there is so much to do in a democracy.

“We want to add that Bar-

rister Afolabi who is a lawyer whose primary assignment is to uphold justice should have known that JUSUN matter of garnishee is currently before a Federal High Court, Abuja and any action as he has done could be seen as subjudice, we thought that by his status he was supposed to educate the public rather than misleading them because of his selfish desire for cheap publicity, thus dragging the integrity of the legal profession in the mud.”

“We sincerely hope and believe that this action of his will be condemned and appropriate sanctions meted out to him,” it concluded.

Meanwhile, Afolabi replied the petition at the weekend with a 25-paragraph statement he deposed to at the High Court Registry and attached with witness statements on oath.

In his reply that the Niger Delta Mirror obtained at the High Court Registry, Afolabi traced his problem to a petition a client diContinued on Page 16>>

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Support Ayade, C’River Speaker urges Obudu people Richard Ndoma

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Sports Festival: Govt sets up committee to monitor C’River

Calabar

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he Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, has urged Obudu people to support their kinsmen in the person, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State while in office.

The Speaker gave the charge during a thanksgiving service of the member representing Obudu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stephen Ukpukpen, at the Roman Catholic Church, Bedia, Obudu L.G.A. Lebo who emphasised that leadership transcended the provision of basic amenities also said that genuine commitment and selflessness towards the drive and vision of sustaining the gains of democracy is evident in the life of Rt. Hon. Ukpukpen.

Reiterating the governor’s commitment to making Obudu a first class city, the Speaker said both Ayade and the Ukpukpen were strategic to the development of the area, hence the need for constituents to pray for them.

Earlier, Ukpukpen thanked God and his constituents for giving him the second opportunity, pointing out that his stewardship would ensure the tarring of Ohong Road and the inclusion for renovation of Bebia Commercial Secondary School in the 2016 budget.

The member who chairs the Public Accounts Committee of the House said that his office was open for all, and pledged to continually represent the interest of his constituents.

Highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of the constituency office and inspection of the abattoir at the mechanic village as part of his constituency projects.

Present at the event were members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Martin Orim, commissioners and other public office holders; PDP stalwarts and supporters amongst others.

Remnants of a farm where crops such as palm trees and pine apples were razed by harmattan fire at Orhua community in Uhunmwode Council Area of Edo, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Richard Ndoma, Calabar

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he National Council on Sports at the weekend said it had set up a sevenman committee to monitor activities of Cross River State with regards to hosting of National Sports Festival scheduled to hold between November 8 and 21 this year.

The committee also said that Cross River State (host of the forth coming 9th edition of the National Sports Festival) will now be under the watch of the National Council of Sports to ascertain if the state is fully prepared to host the proposed tournament.

Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly after the extra ordinary meeting held at the Lake Side Hotel at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort Calabar, chairman of National Council on Sports of Nigeria, Hon. Monday Uko, who spoke on behalf of Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, said that the seven-man committee was formed after the extra ordinary session of the council.

According to him, the committee was not to witch-hunt Cross River State but to assist help it

overcome whatever challenges the state would face.

Uko stated that such a drastic measure would aid the state to work very hard to ensure that the hosting right given to the state come to fruition.

“It will also be the responsibility of the committee to look at areas that they may have challenges and perhaps report to federal government. Council will be left with no option other than give assistance to the state in a manner that can help Cross River State successfully host the tournament,” the chairman said.

The National Council chairman explained that the fact that Cross River State was under watch did not mean that the Sports Council was in doubt over the state’s ability to host the

tournament stressing that such a measure was to enable the state put its house in order to host the event.

“Even though I hail from Akwa Ibom State and as a person who had always known Cross River State, I do know that Cross River State has enormous capacity needed to host the event. I know what Cross River can do and I have no doubt in my mind that they will do it,” he said.

Uko who chaired the exra ordinary session stated that it was not the first time that the state would host such a tournament, stressing that Cross River State had hosted international tournament talkless of hosting a national event that deals with one country alone.

The minister’s representative

averred that the National Council on Sports Committee set up to monitor Cross River State regarding the hosting of the 9th edition of National Sports Festival would not be the only one as he added that they other committees would also be set up.

Also speaking the Director General, DG, of the council, Alhassan Yakmut, averred that one of the decisions taken by council clearly defined the responsibility of the federal government adding that cash would no longer be given to all the atheletes just like it happened in 2012.

He stressed that instead council had only done approval for cash award to be given to winners of first, second and third positions.

resulted in the detention and eventual release of Mr. Ademokun, who was forced to pay N500,000.00 in settlement to the client.

Afolabi further claimed that Ademokun had been threatening to deal with him since then before he latched on to the protest he carried out in favour of his client, JUSUN, in January to write

a petition against him to the NBA. He concluded by accusing Edo NLC Council of lying in a televised statement in December that Edo State government was not owing any civil servant when, in actual fact, it knew very well that the state judiciary workers were being owed salary then and even now .

NLC petitions NBA over lawyer protesting unpaid salaries CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

rected him to write against Edo NLC Council Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, last year after the labour leader illegally removed the roof of the client’s house in her legal possession at the Edo State Civil Service Club.

The illegal action, he said,

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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Commending a reinvigorated Nigerian Army MUSA FOMSON

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nyone who had dismissed those pictures of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, among troops as cheap propaganda stuff should have had a change of heart by now on account of the other realities that we have since witnessed since those pictures first surfaced. The misconception was largely fuelled by what we have been used to – leaders playing lip service while their very actions sabotaged the system. But General Buratai has proven critics wrong as he has successfully turned around the fortunes of our army.

Traditionally, the army exists to protect a country against external aggression, thus safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. But to consign the modern role of the army to this narrow scope will be akin to regressing to a time when wars were limited to hand combats, using swords and shields. The existential threats to nation states have evolved and the failure of the Nigerian Army to similarly evolve in response to trends in the past was responsible for the sorry state it was in before the coming of the incumbent COAS. The greatest threat to Nigeria’s security in recent times has been the insurgency being waged by Boko Haram, whose fighters were running riot, not just around their strongholds in the North East but in other parts of the country. Similar to the erroneous understanding of the role of

the military in modern times, some had wrongly seen Boko Haram as a domestic threat, but we all know better today that the murderous group is as bad as an invading enemy nation considering the external influence around them.

Fortunately, since General Buratai took the reins of affairs, Nigeria has been able to defeat the intellectual and guerrilla tactics of Boko Haram. The terror group has been degraded to a ragtag band that now resorts to hit and run attacks on soft targets. Although, some critics erroneously over blow the terror group’s capacity in view of these sporadic attacks, they omit to recognise that there has been no Boko Haram leadership that openly claimed responsibility for these attacks as was the case in the past. This could only point to a group that has been dislocated to the extent that it can no longer centrally push its propaganda.

Nigerians must also face the realities that terrorists and terrorist organisations do not just dissipate into tiny air when they are defeated. Examples abound worldwide of how long it takes for situation to return close to normal after an insurgency. One should, therefore, give kudos where it is due because in addition to the improvement in the provision of equipment, the leadership style of General Buratai, who leads from the front, has largely motivated our forces to take on the insurgents with greater determination. They find it reassuring to follow the command of a leader who has demonstrated that true discipline comes

SOLDIERS, WHO WERE ONCE RIDICULED, ARE BACK TO BEING THE

REGIMENTAL WARRIORS AND A SOURCE OF ADMIRATION FOR CITIZENS when no one is above the law.

The Army under General Buratai has become proactive to the extent that it has taken charge of the various joint operations, whether locally among other services or in operations that involves multinational forces. The impact of this development on other security crises is obvious. There has been remarkable reduction in the number of incidents between Fulani herdsmen and indigenous population in Plateau State. The same goes for Benue State where tension has been significantly doused.

In the Niger Delta, where ex-militant and other criminal elements were beginning to sabotage national assets, the prompt warning from the army with outreach to influencers has doused the tension. For instance, one is not surprised that the likes of Tompolo and others who had thought they could hold the nation to ransom have since beaten a hasty retreat upon realisation that the country again has an army. Buratai has restored the glory of our officers and men. Soldiers, who were once ridiculed, are back to being the

regimental warriors and a source of admiration for citizens.

One must thus enjoin General Buratai to further revolutionise the army. He should look to creating an army that has research capabilities comparable with its peers in the western countries. This is because the combat capabilities are increasingly becoming remote, using drones and autonomous robots. Nigeria’s experience, when countries refused to sell weapons for fighting Boko Haram, should be an impetus to work for a future where we are less dependent on personnel.

The new direction should also include advancing our cyber capabilities. For instance, the state should be able to disrupt terrorists’ capability to spread their messages online, while it should also be possible for the military to track them down faster whenever they come online.

Furthermore, in the coming years, more aspects of our national infrastructure will be online and thus with potentials for vulnerabilities. We shouldn’t at such point rely on commercial solutions from other countries since the army can grow solutions to fill that requirement.

The COAS has renewed our faith in the Nigerian Army. Discerning minds know by now that they can again take pride in the Army. General, thank you for a job well done, we want more of it.

Bishop Fomson is national spiritual leader of Jos-based Northern Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace.

Lagos and the challenge of flooding ADENIKE ADEMOLA

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ccording to the United Nation’s projection, Lagos would have been the third largest city on this earth planet by 2015, due to its exponential population growth in the city over the years. In the mid 1970s, the state was home to about 2.5 million people, but conservatively now, its population has risen to about 25 million!

The population has grown so astronomically in the past few years that it has taken its toll on infrastructure provision and the general development in the state.

The challenge of governing diverse people of varying backgrounds and cultural orientations is, indeed, intimidating. On a daily basis, thousands of visitors throng the city from all the states of the federation and even beyond. The common parlance, the bigger the head, the bigger the headache, describes the situation of Lagos in terms of provision and maintenance of infrastructure.

As it is with other mega cities like New York, New Delhi, Jakarta and so on, the population growth in Lagos brings with it severe challenges, ranging from environmental to transportation and provision of good road network among others. However, apart from the aforementioned challenges, the state is peculiar as a substantial part of the metropolis is covered by water - a fact which makes the provision of some infrastructure such as road network and means of transportation difficult and expensive.

IN THE STATE, THE BUILDING OF HOUSES NEAR RIVERS AND BEACHES IS FAST BECOMING A FAD AMONG THE ELITES Lagos State is an island surrounded by various sizes of water bodies - from lagoon to different beaches scattered around the city. These natural endowments make the state susceptible to flooding. Although it usually carries a negative connotation, flooding is quite a natural phenomenon; it is simply the response to a natural system (a river system) to the presence of too much water during an interval of time.

However, the common practice of building houses near bodies of water has contributed to the disastrous consequences of floods. In the state, the building of houses near rivers and beaches is fast becoming a fad among the elites.

These edifices usually impede the free flow of water bodies whenever there are heavy downpours. These houses often come with poor drainage channels connecting them to the bigger canals and water channels. Similarly, poor and nonchalant waste disposal habit is a major cause of flooding in the state. It is a common sight to see people empty huge sacks of wastes in the drainage, when-

ever it rains. And when such people are accosted, “the rain will take care of them” is usually the response.

Moreover, commuters in both private and commercial vehicles have formed the habit of throwing sundry wastes through the windows of moving vehicles. This garbage ends up in gutters and other drainage channels. Furthermore, despite the designation of the last Saturday of every month as the general environmental sanitation day in the state, some residents still defy this directive by not utilizing this period appropriately. And to make matters worse, some cart pushers, illegal waste agents patronized by some residents, dump the refuse they have been paid to dispose off in canals and large drainage channels. This act often results in blockage of free flow of waste water, resulting in flooding whenever it rains. If only the perpetrators of these acts are aware of the consequences of their action!

Often times, the effects of flooding on residents are unquantifiable and devastating. The menace of flooding has rendered many people homeless, while not a few landlords have been stripped of their only investments. Invariably, this has contributed immensely to the upsurge in the level of social problems in the society. There is an increase in the army of the homeless, which has resulted in overcrowding in houses, all in attempts to play good neighbours. It is not uncommon nowadays to see some senior citizens, victims of flooding, begging for alms to keep bodies and

souls together.

Many roads have been destroyed by floods and the affected communities cut off from the rest of the state. This has affected economic, academic and social activities in these communities. It is, therefore, important that both state and local government authorities continually enlighten the people about the enormity of the dangers posed by flooding.

The management of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) should equally step up its efforts to extend their services to the nooks and crannies of the state.

This way, no one would have any reason to patronize cart pushers or engage in other environmentally unfriendly activities.

As we prepare for the rainy season, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all human-induced actions that promote flooding are discontinued. Consequently, NGOs, community development associations, the media, civil society organizations and all well meaning individuals and groups in the state should endorse attitudinal change towards the environment.

Ademola, an environmental protection campaigner, wrote in from Lekki, Lagos State.

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.

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

Court drama and Ibadan husband murder

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he drama enacted at the premises of the Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday February 5, 2016, when Yewande Oyediran, who allegedly murdered her husband, Lowo Oyediran, was arraigned for murder, deserves public attention. Yewande, a lawyer and staff of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, allegedly stabbed her husband to death apparently to avenge an extra-marital relationship Lowo kept with another woman in France. The slain husband, according to reports, helped himself to a lady in France, where he was based, through whom he had a baby boy.

The discovery was said to have enraged Yewande, and in a fit of anger, she allegedly stabbed her husband on the shoulder and back with a pair of scissors about 3AM on the night of February 2, 2016. Lowo was said to have been treated at a nearby hospital; and on his return home, reports said the landlord of their apartment pleaded for calm and they all retired to sleep, or so they thought. Eyewitness accounts said the incident happened at the No. 30, Abidi Odan Street, Akobo, Ibadan, rented residence of the couple. They got married

in February, 2013, but were yet to raise any child.

But by 6.10AM, Yewande again allegedly stabbed Lowo on the neck with a knife. Screaming aloud, the distressed, bleeding husband ran to the landlord’s apartment, crying for help. He was rushed to the same nearby hospital he was first treated, but was rejected this time and referred to another facility – Adeoyo State Hospital – where he died shortly after, having lost a lot of blood. Lowo, who had been visiting Nigeria regularly since he got married to Yewande, was into property development and returned to the country in December 2015 to execute a job, according to reports.

When Yewande was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Kehinde Durosaro-Tijani, February 5, on one count charge of murder, the magistrate ordered that Yewande be remanded in Agodi Prison, Ibadan, till February 16 (today). Then the drama, as was widely reported: Photo journalists, among others, that thronged the court to take Yewande’s photographs when she was led out of the magistrate court to mount the ‘Black Maria’ that was supposed to convey her to the prison were reprimanded by prison staff and ‘some of her friends’. Some of her personal belongings were then put in the Black Maria and the vehicle

February 16, 1959 Fidel Castro became the Premier of Cuba after dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown on January 1. Castro, born August 13, 1926, is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976; and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party’s foundation in 1961 until 2011.

IT IS NOT ON RECORD THAT MAGISTRATE DUROSARO-TIJANI ORDERED THAT THE MURDER SUSPECT BE GIVEN A

‘VIP’

TREATMENT zoomed off. It was later discovered that Yewande was smuggled out of the court premises with a smaller vehicle – a bluecoloured Primera car – believed to be owned by a lawyer.

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, led by its immediate past Chairman, Mr. Abimbola Oluwaseun, represented the suspect in court, reports said.

Her colleagues in the profession had also alluded to the strength of her character. We see nothing wrong with lawyers rallying round their embattled colleague.

But their collusion with prison officials to obstruct others (photo journalists particularly) that were in court to perform their official duties is condemnable. It is not on record that Magistrate Durosaro-Tijani ordered that the murder suspect be given a ‘VIP’ treatment. Nor did the court prescribe that Yewande be taken to Agodi prisons in a private car. Indeed, when did it become a tradition that the personal

ON THIS DAY February 16, 1991 Nicaraguan Contras founder and leader, Enrique Bermúdez, was assassinated in Managua. Bermúdez (1932 –1991), commanded the Nicaraguan Contras and eventually became a central global figure in one of the most prominent conflicts of the Cold War. He was the head of the largest Contra army in the war against Nicaragua’s Marxist Sandinista government, which was supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba.

effects of an accused person, a murder suspect for that matter, should be taken to the official vehicle conveying her to prison, while the suspect rides majestically to the prison in a private vehicle? Was Yewande’s life threatened in court to warrant spiriting her away to safety? The impunity with which the prison warders and Yewande’s friends acted is unacceptable, and the least public expectation as the suspect returns to court today is that Magistrate Durosaro-Tijani would censure the lawyers and prison staff alike, that conspired to smuggle the suspect out of the court premises on February 5.

It is trite law that the suspect remains innocent of any crime – in the eyes of the law – until the alleged offences are proven beyond any reasonable doubt.

Nonetheless, extending overzealous sympathy to Yewande, as was clearly demonstrated by the way she was taken out of the court premises on February 5, could send the wrong signal that the law is a respecter of persons.

Not too long ago, reports had it that a cartel comprising some court clerks and prison warders with scant integrity aided 197 convicted drug traffickers to evade serving their prison sentences. Magistrate DurosaroTijani should not allow such unscrupulous people to taint Yewande’s trial.

February 16, 2013 A bomb blast at a market in Hazara Town in Quetta, Pakistan, killed at least 110 people and injured 200 others.

The bomb was hidden in a water tank. It exploded at a market in Hazara Town on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. Most of the victims were members of the predominantly Shia Twelver ethnic Hazara community; and authorities expected the death toll to rise.

Business

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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Assessing impact of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda on forest reserves 24

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Buhari to flag-off Africa dialogue on Habitat III 26

Assessing FG’s non-oil tax drive from real sector, macroeconomic perspectives

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline

Nigeria, as a commodity export-dependent nation, is today confronted with the painful realities of structural economic imbalances and weak fiscal buffers to cope with developmental imperatives. As the whirlwinds of global oil prices continue to sweep through the nation’s economic landscape and exposing its fiscal vulnerabilities, TOLA AKINMUTIMI, in this report analyses how government is trying to manage the crisis by pursuing aggressive non-oil tax revenue drive and the implications for the economy.

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ndeed, it is a painful experience for Nigerians and the President Buhari-led administration to see Nigeria cascading down the alley of fiscal precipice in a short period of turmoil in international oil market, especially for a country that is estimated to have earned over $3 trillion from crude oil exports alone in the last two decades.

More than anything else, the fiscal recklessness of successive administrations has not only put the country

in a very dire situation but has also vitiated the capacity of government to provide basic services on key areas like education, health and other social sectors, thereby compelling the present government to begin to adopt an inward-looking approach to generate revenue required to fix the gradually going comatose economy.

Confronted by the brutal realities of procyclical fiscal challenges occasioned by the prolonged slump in the prices of crude oil, the Federal

A cursory appraisal of the proposed revenueboosting measures by the government shows that individual and corporate tax payers in the country may be over-burdened by sundry taxes in the fiscal year

with the attendant likely negative implications for the economy if the measures are not properly streamlined or harnessed to avoid double or multiple incidents of taxation on taxpayers

Government has revved up its drive to explore into non-oil tax revenue opportunities in its efforts to ensure fiscal and macroeconomic stability as well as sustain economic growth in the years ahead.

A cursory appraisal of the proposed revenue-boosting measures by the government shows that individual and corporate tax payers in the country may be over-burdened by sundry taxes in the fiscal year with the attendant likely negative implications for the economy if the measures are not properly streamlined or harnessed to avoid double or multiple incidents of taxation on taxpayers.

For instance, while the government has consistently maintained it had no plans to jack up the Value Added Tax, VAT, expanding its net to cover a broader more goods and services could accentuate the

challenges of manufacturing companies most of which today are finding it extremely difficult to produce at competitive prices in the face of unbridled importation of products into the domestic market is sustained.

Another fiscal measure that is being proposed is payment of fuel levies and road charges through a Bill now before the National Assembly. The Bill, titled ‘National Road Funds Bill 2015’ if passed into law seeks to make citizens begin to pay some road user-related charges like fuel levies and road licence fees.

Also being mooted by the Federal Government is upward review of insurance covers for vehicles and corporate entities in its aggressive drive to close budget gap and provide socio-economic services to the people.

Insurance industry operators hinted that the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, would inaugurate a committee to review the consolidated rates at which insurance covers in order to rake in more revenue into government coffers.

According to the operators, the recommendations of the committee are expected to be considered by government and subsequently form part of the Executive Bill that will be forwarded to the National Assembly for the amendCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

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

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

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Assessing FG’s non-oil tax drive from real sector, macroeconomic perspectives

Smith

Balogun CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 ment of the NAICOM Act or other legislations that have to do with insurance rates in the country.

Only last week, despite serious opposition by the National Assembly lawmakers as well as electricity consumers against the electricity tariff review by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, a new tariff order came into force on February 1, even when the problems of metering and unreliable power supply persist.

Before now, the government had sometime last year jacked up import duty on certain categories of imported goods, including fairly used ‘Tokunbo’ vehicles which now have 70 per cent duty tag on them. The measure has increased cost of vehicles and invariably, transport fares.

But then, while most financial and other development experts did not see anything wrong in government’s moves to shore up its revenue base in the face of dwindling foreign exchange earnings from crude oil exports, they are however agreed that there was need to consider other fiscal imperatives in the tax drive in order not to undermine the real sector’s growth with the attendant negative implications for job creation and savings potential.

Speaking on government’s efforts to boost non-oil revenue through taxes, a seasoned financial consultant and chartered tax practitioner, Mrs. Bimpe Balogun, believes that the measures hold good prospects for the economy and the 2016 federal budget if effectively implemented since the budget emphasizes plan for cost control measures in government spending as well as extending the limited resources across critical success factors such as infrastructure, power, transport and security.

According to her, it is only logical for Nigeria to explore the promising yet not-fullytapped tax revenue sources as the oil market threats remain and socio-economic development agenda of government must be pur-

sued in order to guarantee the well-being of the economy and the citizenry.

She said: “It is clear that as a nation, we can no longer continue to depend on oil revenues due to dwindling oil prices in the international market. This is why it is imperative to refocus our efforts on generating revenue from other resources such as solid minerals and agricultural products that are equally available in large quantities for domestic and export purposes but previously neglected.

“It is also true that compared to previous budget years, projected oil and gas sector revenue has reduced significantly. Presently, 65 per cent of the tax revenue is expected from the non-oil sector largely through CIT and VAT collections, i.e. N3.2trn out of N4.97trn”, the tax expert added.

Balogun, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, and a chartered accountant, aligns her views with those of some analysts that that with the retention of the VAT rate at 5 per cent in the budget, this implied there was no increase in the current VAT rate. But then, the question she raised is, how will VAT collections be expanded to meet budget provisions?

According to her, the emphasis of the Federal Government through the FIRS is most likely to improve the collection machinery to ensure that the tax base is further expanded thereby increasing the revenue yield while maintaining the current rate.

The seasoned financial and management consultant noted further that increasing the compliance level in a tax system was more

Eyitayo useful for economic development than increasing the rate, adding that an increase in the rate of VAT significantly impacts the real sector of the economy when the incremental revenue is eroded by the negative impact on the resultant purchasing power of consumers and ultimately a reduced gross domestic product value.

Balogun pointed out that in several ways, the government remained on the right track in its effort to plug leakages.

To achieve the broad policy objectives of the new fiscal palliatives, she specifically canvassed the need to build a centralized data-bank of the productive labour force and to generate quality statistics for planning and administrative purposes.

Similarly, she also suggested the need to equip and enable the FIRS workforce to be more efficient and effective in tax administration as well as create employment opportunities and provide an enabling and conducive entrepreneurial environment for the unemployed and the youth to increase contribution towards GDP growth in the long term.

Another financial consultant and management expert, Mr. Ladi Smith, noted that the serious decline in price of oil in recent years had led to a decrease in the funds available for distribution to the Federal and State Governments and also made the need to generate adequate revenue from internal sources a matter of extreme urgency and importance for the tiers of government.

He identified that Value Added Tax, (VAT) as the most important source of revenue to the government, from the point of view of

Governments should work towards involving the general populace on tax formulation as this would ensure their buy-in at the implementation stage and consequently, improvement in revenue to be generated, complicated taxes should be avoided unless there is administrative capability to cope with them

certainty, and consistency of taxation.

Smith, who is also a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Practitioner, explained that VAT had proved to be a realistic economic policy since its introduction in 1994 to replace the former sales tax in spite of public outcry against the tax regime.

According to him, with its estimated generated sum of N 13.677 billion in the first half of 1994, representing about 24 percent above the pro rata revenue of Nil billion projected revenue for the period, the figure obtained from the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) showed that out of the total collection, over N7.791 billion was realized from VAT on 46 import while non-import for the period fetched N5.886 billion.

As one of the options open to government to enhance VAT collections and by implication, raise non-oil tax earnings, Smith, a Partner at SIAO Consulting, advised that “government should shift its focus more to the tax consumption (VAT) which is less prone to tax evasion and it is progressive in nature”.

Noting that the administration of the Value Added Tax (VAT) is greatly hindered by many factors, ranging from inadequate coverage of ‘VATable’ persons to non-remittances of VAT deductions, thereby leading to tax revenue losses, he argued that government can boost its revenue, and further develop its economy by focusing on improving the efficiency and transparency of tax administrations.

Similarly, Smith also considered the strengthening tax policies to broaden the tax base, and compliance laws to combat tax evasion; increasing or widening the tax net through collaboration and cooperation among tax administrators in the areas of exchange of information for tax purposes; and offering of incentives to regular tax payers such as social recognition or tax breaks to companies/individuals that have maintained a high level of compliance over a certain period as crucial to increasing tax revenue for the tiers of government.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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Udoma urges N’Assembly on 30% capital budget retention Tola Akinmutimi

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inister of Budget and National Planning, passionate appeal has been made to the National Assembly to work hard and ensure that 30 per cent of the 2016 budgetary provision is committed to capital projects and avoid the 2015 budgetary mistake of committing only 10 per cent to that component.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma made this appeal when his ministry appeared before the Joint houses of the National Assembly to defend its ministry’s 2016 budget proposals.

While justifying his appeal, the minister said, “we are in a

challenging time, we want to use the 2016 budget as solutions to our economic problems, especially the 30 per cent capital allocation component in the budget, we want to move from the past administration’s faulty traditional ways of managing our economy without development strides” Responding on the fate of 2016 budget in the face of present fall in oil prices, Udoma said, “we are working hard to expand fully the nation’s revenues base away from oil base, government has set achievable targets to all revenues generating agencies, we must collect all revenues that is due and increase tax coverage areas.

We have set Treasury Single Account that is blocking cor-

Promo: CPC orders MTN to pay subscriber N1.85m prize Olufemi Adeosun

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he Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has directed mobile telecommunication giant, MTN Communications Limited to pay N1.85 million to one of the winners of its Ultimate Wonder Promo for lack of due diligence.

The CPC’s order came on the heels of a complaint brought by Mr. Omeje Chukwuma Fidelis against the telecommunications giant that he had been underpaid after he was declared winner of N2 million in the said sales promotion, which was held in 2012.

Narrating the infraction. Omeje said he participated in the promo and was called through MTN line 180 on October 10, 2012 that he had won N2million in the Ultimate Wonder Promo and that on October 12 of the same year he got a text message informing him of the presentation ceremony fixed for October 19 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The complainant asserted that during the said ceremony, he was presented with a dummy cheque of N2million with his name on it, interviewed and paraded before the media and the world as a winner of the said amount.

He recounted further that he was stunned to receive another call from MTN line 180 on November 2, 2012 that his winning was N150,000 and was thereafter given a Verve ATM card for that amount.

According to the CPC’s statement, MTN, in its response to the Council’s intervention, denied the claim of Omeje, saying that he was from the on-set informed that his winning was N150,000 and that the complainant deceitfully presented himself when winners in the

N2million category were called forward on the day of the prize presentation.

The company stated further that Omeje’s antics was discovered at the verification of winners, which was done after the ceremony and he was thereafter contacted through its 180 line on his misrepresentation pursuant to which he apologised.

CPC was said to have demanded for the call data of the communications of the 10th of October 2012 when Omeje was informed of his winnings of N150,000, but that MTN failed, refused and neglected to comply with the request made both in 2012 and 2016.

CPC stated: ,”The CPC, in its Orders, frowned at the consistent refusal of MTN to provide “the call data records evidencing details of communication with the complainant”, declaring that “in the absence of this material evidence which is solely in the possession of the respondent the CPC must resolve the issue in favour of the complainant”.

“It further declared that the “the process of the MTN Ultimate Wonder Promotion whereby the verification exercise was conducted after winners were identified, declared and winnings presented publicly is grossly flawed, lacking in transparency, inequitable and apparently calculated to deceive consumers”.

“CPC, on the strength of these observations, therefore directed MTN to pay within 14 days of receipt of ITS Order, the sum of N1,850,000 “being the unpaid part of the two million Naira prize won by the complainant in the 2012 MTN Ultimate Wonder Promotion”.

ruption loopholes and checking revenue leakages” Making a case also on increase in capital budget allocation, the Minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed further explained that ‘a reasonable and sizeable increase in Capital al-

location for improvement and provision of key infrastructure is required to reflate the economy and help the productive sector to grow our economy, especially the small scale enterprises” Earlier, the Chairman of

the Senate Committee on Budget, Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso assured that his Committee will do justice on the budget and will also ensure that every naira budgeted will be utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians.

L-R: Group Head, Retail & Consumer Bank Sales, Sterling Bank Plc, Fatai Amoo; Executive Director, Retail Banking, Grama Narasinhan; Group Head, Proposition & Products, Adewale Akinrinde, and Head, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Joshua Naggada, at the flag-off of the second season of new Sterling Plus cash reward scheme in Lagos at the weekend

FIRO, NASCO partner on high nutrient biscuits for school feeding Regina Otokpa

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s part of efforts to boost Federal Government’s feeding programme in schools, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has partnered with NASCO foods limited for commercial production of High Nutrient Density (HND) biscuits.

The HND biscuits are one of the products of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIRO), a parastatal under the supervision of the ministry of science and technology.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, the Minister Dr Ogbonnaya Onu,noted that the move was proof of the ministry’s commitment towards enhancing diversification and most importantly, the growth of the economy through local production of goods and services.

According to him, the step undertaken by FIRO was the best way to go as the nation was giving maximum attention towards the utilisation of indigenous technologies as a potent strategy to not only diversify the economy but also provide alternative sources of revenue generation.

He said: “For too long our research findings that has been

developed being taken up to pilot plant level have always decayed in our laboratories , in our workshops and at times even on the shelves of our libraries and book shelves of individuals.

“We have assured Nigerians that from now on the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology will contribute considerably to growth in our economy, creation of jobs and above all, to make sure our nation which is the largest economy in Africa and has the largest market by virtue of having the largest population in Africa and almost half the population of west Africa can diversify our economy and be able to produce many of the things that we import.

“For us as a nation, food security is very important, there is no way Nigeria can be great without being able to feed her citizens and this single step we have taken today is an important one in the journey to make sure that in the nearest possible time, Nigeria will join other nations that are able to feed her citizens.

“We want to assure Nigerians this is but the beginning. From now on our research will be driven by market demand, our research will not end on bookshelves and our research will end up in sending product and services to the market.

Lamenting the rate at which

good productive indigenous ideas were laying wasted, he called on local and foreign investors to focus more attention on commercialising such ideas to further strengthen the economy.

“I call on other industries in Nigeria and investors’ both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria to come into the country and help us in commercialising many of the ideas that we have spent a lot of resources and time to research on and to develop up to a prototype level and even often time unto products but these products need to be mass produced, they need to be commercialised.

“These ideas must be taken to the market place because that is the only time our country can get the full benefits in its domain,” he added

The minister further commended the Director General of FIRO for her ability to mobilise limited funds in conceiving a laudable project saying “even though MOU has been signed between the federal ministry of science and technology and other corporate bodies, this is the very first time a food product will be taken straight into the market place.”

Earlier the Director General of FIRO Dr. Gloria Elemo, explained that the HND biscuit was developed from indigenous crops to address the issues of food and nutrition insecurity.

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Business News

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Leasing ‘ll boost govt’s economic devt agenda –ELAN chairman David Audu

A

gainst the backdrop of plummeting prices with its attendant consequences on Nigerian economy, prompting government to explore other income generating options, a leasing expert has opined that leasing might be another gold mine for the government diversification efforts.

In a statement issued by the chairman, board of director, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria, ELAN, Chuka Onwuchekwa, the leasing expert advised that globally, equipment leasing has been established as a creative financing alternative in facilitating access to capital equipment that supports government development agenda.

He said the importance of leasing cannot be over-emphasized, likewise its strong capacity to drive economic activities in these challenging times given its developmental attributes.

“The paucity of funds requires more creativity in acquiring the needed equipment and that means immense scope for

leasing. However, the industry must also be prepared to exploit the opportunities by addressing the critical issues that will inhibit its full participation” He explained that the whole essence of leasing is to enhance the planning, improvement and development of any economy by building and supporting productive venture.

The ELAN boss said:“As the government and businesses continue to feel the crunch of limited funds, it becomes imperative to seek innovative ways to acquire the capital equipment need to enhance production and achieve the desired economic growth.

“One of such ways is leasing, which can facilitate easy and convenient access to the much needed capital equipment in these challenging times. To a large extent, these present opportunities for the leasing industry, as more businesses and institutions turn to leasing to meet their needs, he stressed.

Harping on the imperative of leasing in growing the economy, Onwuchekwa explained that es-

sentially, leasing is expected to play a major role in the diversification and other developmental agenda of government, noting that the planned huge investment in infrastructure, agriculture, mining and job creation, creates a wider scope for leasing participation in meeting the expected demand for capital equipment.

He however advised that while the opportunities for the leasing industry are real, it is also imperative for the industry to position itself to play actively at these times and urged stakeholders to strengthen the capacity needs of the industry to enable it perform its developmental role effectively.

The leasing expert therefore identified appropriate funding mechanism and regulations as key ingredients to achieve the objectives.

Highlighting the equipment leasing act of 2015 is a major achievement in the area of regulation as he said it laid the foundation that would stimulate leasing, creating sanity, certainty and encouraging more investments.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation unions give NAMA 21-day ultimatum on workers’ demands Olusegun Koiki

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he leading unions in the Nigerian aviation industry have issued the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, 21 days ultimatum to address the several impending welfare issues of its members.

The unions, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Corporations, Civil Service and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, in a petition dated 5th February, 2016 and addressed to the Managing Director, NAMA, described the action of the management as unprofessional.

The petition was signed on behalf of the unions by Comrades Olayinka Abioye, Alhaji M.A. Bello and Omotaje Olawale of NUATE, AUPCTRE and NUATE respectively.

The unions accused the agency’s management of insensitivity to welfare of staff and its refusal to conclude for approval, the implementation of a new Conditions of Service in spite of concerted efforts in that regard.

The insisted that the management had taken for granted the maturity and social responsibility displayed by their members to

ensure that the agency continued to discharge its duties and responsibilities, meeting up with global aviation standards.

They explained that the management had been dithering on the full execution of the reviewed Conditions of Service, which lapsed since 2012.

The petition added, “A review, which ought to take place every two years yet in 2016, management feels comfortable that several workers will be left behind at the same sordid social and economic conditions of 2012, when every sane person knows the global economic downturn, high exchange rate and inflation has eaten deep into the take home pay of workers.

“Within 21 days after receipt of this letter, management should commence full implementation of all the agreed terms in the new Conditions of Service.

“Management should immediately invite the unions to agree on modalities to pay for the arrears of salaries and allowance of staff, which should have accrued to them since the extant Conditions of Service lapsed in 2012.

“If the management failed to accede to these two demands, the unions and its members shall be at liberty to deploy any legitimate arsenal in their custody to compel the management to perform its obligations to workers in tandem with extant laws.”

New Zealand pushing for EU free trade deal

N Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh (left), in a chat with the Kano State Governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje, during a ceremony at the National Council of Agriculture in Kano at the weekend.

Lautech holds Quail, Poultry Conference

T

he Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in collaboration with World’s Poultry Science Association (Nigeria Branch) is holding its 1st International Conference on Quail and Lesser Known Poultry.

The three-day event slated to kick off yesterday, has as its theme ‘’Discovering and Utilizing Untapped Potential of Quail and Lesser Known Poultry (Pigeon, Guinea Fowl, Ostrich,

Turkey, Geese and Ducks)’’, In a release signed by Pastor Mark Debo Taiwo, on behalf of Prof. A.A Odunsi, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Lautech and President, World’s Poultry Sciences Association, Nigeria branch; stated that Prof K.L. Ayorinde, University of Ilorin, Kwara State; Prof G.S. Ojewola, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike; Prof O.M.O Idowu, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Dr. O.W. Gamra, National

Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. Ikire House State, State of Osun are expected to be the lead speakers at the conference.

In addition, Dr O.O. Ojebiyi, Department of Animal Nutritional Biotechnology will serve as the Conference Secretary, while the conference is to be declared open

by Prof A.S Gbadegesin, the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

ew Zealand’s Trade Minister, Todd McClay, is set to travel to Europe for introductory meetings with counterparts in the European Union (EU) and certain Member States, with a focus on progressing a European Union-New Zealand free trade agreement (EU-NZ FTA).

McClay will meet representatives from the Netherlands, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Next, McClay will travel to Stockholm to meet with the Minister for Enterprise and Innovation, Mikael Damberg.

“Both Sweden and the Netherlands are natural partners for New Zealand within the EU. I look forward to meeting with Ministers and business representatives to continue to build the case for an EU-NZ FTA,” McClay said.

The Minister will conclude his trip in Brussels, where he will meet with a number of European Commissioners, including Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, and representatives from

the European Parliament.

“This bilateral visit to Europe, my first as Trade Minister, is an opportunity to strengthen New Zealand’s important relationship with the European Union, building on the successful conclusion of the EU-NZ Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC) and taking forward the decision by the Prime Minster and EU Presidents in 2015 to proceed towards the launch of FTA negotiations,” McClay said.

The EU is New Zealand’s thirdlargest trading partner, with twoway trade totaling over NZD19bn (USD12.6bn). It is also New Zealand’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment, and its largest research and development partner.

On October 29, 2015, Prime Minister John Key, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and European Council President Donald Tusk agreed to start discussions on a comprehensive EU-NZ FTA. (Source – tax-news.com)

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Don’t lay off workers, Ngige urges oil firms Olufemi Adeosun Abuja

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ollowing alleged plan by major oil companies to lay off workers as a result of the continued slide in the price of petroleum product, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has called on the operators in the sector to shelve such plans so as to avoid throwing the nation into a huge social upheaval.

The Minister who stated this in Abuja during a meeting with major oil companies, emphasized that the nation was already facing a lot of social security problems and could afford more to be created through job cuts.

“The oil majors in Nigeria must therefore bend backwards and see what they can plough back from their profits to keep Nigerian workers on their duty posts,”the Minister said.

Speaking further, the minister assured the oil majors that the present economic down turn would not last forever.

He said: Keep the existing jobs as nothing lasts forever. We have a down turn today but you can be sure it will not last forever. If you are not creating new jobs, let us keep the ones we have. That is what this government is pleading and we must emphasize that is what we want”.

He said because oil and gas sector remained the financial back bone of the Nigeria’s economy for now, any threat of industrial unrest therein should be nipped in the bud.

He added that he had received plethora of petitions from unions in the sector, bothering on industrial and employment relations such as casualization, redundancy, threat of retrenchment and unfair labour practices among others.

Speaking on behalf of the International Oil Company present- Agip, Mobil produc-

ing, Chevron Addax and Total, the Director of human resources and medical, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Ihuoma Onyearughe appreciated Federal Government’s efforts at stabilising the economy and ensuring industrial harmony in the sector, while appealing for understanding and collaboration on the part of the government in view of the current challenges facing the industry.

“The issue of laying people off is not a decision that comes lightly. I will not come here to tell you that people are being laid off or not. The situation in the oil company is dire.

We want to ask for more understanding in appreciation of the challenges we face. Nevertheless, we have heard the Hon. Minister and we will take your message back to our various companies,” She said.

She also pleaded with the Minister to protect the oil majors from unnecessary harassment from the labour unions who usually close their eyes to unfair labour practices by

Ngige

the “Employment Contractors” who do not remit workers pension and compensation funds, but harass and turn the heat on the oil companies.

Undergraduates indicate interest in CIS’ professional courses Tola Akinmutimi

T

he Economics students under the aegis of the Economics Students Association of Nigeria have passed a vote of confidence on the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS ) on its dynamic courses in finance, securities and investment , designed to empower youths.

Besides, the students who recently held a conference, hosted by the Economics Department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State expressed optimism that they would ultimately make careers in the financial market.

Speaking at the recent conference which focused on career talk, the Staff Adviser, Economics Department , OAU Chapter, Dr Oluwole Aiyegbusi explained that the economics students have been exposed to the opportunities and challenges that abound in the capital market by virtue of their academic background.

Aiyegbusi announced that economics departments all over the country were already working out modalities by which economics

Ajadi

students can benefit from the array of courses introduced by the CIS to assist the youths in order to make career in the finance and securities market.

Aiyegbusi noted that economics students all over the county would be encouraged to

NIPR honours FAAN MD

T

he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, was last Thursday honoured by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) with the award of “Leader of Service Excellence” award at the institute’s Presidential Dinner and Awards in Abuja.

According to NIPR, the FAAN boss was found worthy for the award because of his enormous contributions to the development of the nation’s aviation sector and for his “outstanding contributions impacting positively on Nigeria’s reputation, including best practices in corporate communication, commendable corporate citizenship and landmark in corporate value delivery”.

Dunoma was appointed MD/CEO of FAAN in 2014 and since then, he has brought

his immense experience in airport management to bear on service delivery at all Nigerian airports managed by FAAN.

become professionals through investment related courses Earlier in his keynote address, the Registrar and Chief Executive, CIS, Mr Adedeji Ajadi congratulated the students on their appreciation of the importance of finance and securities market and their willingness to take advantage of windows of opportunities created by the Institute to empower the youths.

Ajadi who was accompanied by The Head, Marketing, CIS, Mr Olumide Coker explained that the Council of the Institute approved the Diploma in Securities and Investment to enable the youths develop a strong foundation that can launch them into career path in the securities market.

According to him, members of the Institute are leaders across all sectors of the economy worldwide. Ajadi noted that the Professional Diploma In Securities and Investment were introduced to attract the youths into the financial markets .

Ajadi advised the students to explore numerous opportunities that abound in the financial markets and take advantage of the CIS as a platform to become self-actualized.

The Registrar, who sensitized the students , prominent individuals, corporate bodies and other professional Institutes explained that all classes of professionals were available in the financial market, hence, the Institute considers this by creating diverse professional courses that would address the needs of indi-

viduals.

Responding to a question, Mr. Ajadi noted that securities and investment profession gives diverse employment opportunities for CIS members to explore around the World while members also have the opportunity to set up their own business in line with the profession.

He said that CIS as a member of Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA) allows global mobility and opportunities for members of CIS to practice in over 37 countries all over the world.

He enjoined the undergraduate students to take up the opportunity of writing the CIS Diploma in Securities and Investment while in School so as to have an edge during job search,. According to him, the minimum standard for working in the capital market industry requires the diploma The Institute’s Diploma Programme in Securities and Investment is widely gaining currency nationwide as some state governments have indicated interest to sponsor many of their indigent students to write the examination which is in two levels.

The students at the Conference generally commended the Institute’s initiatives creating many ways to enable individuals become self employed. They promised to take advantage of the opportunities while at the school. It’s final Professional Examination is a precondition for becoming a Chartered Stockbroker.

Budget Minister appoints James as Media Adviser

T FAAN MD, Dunoma

he Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, has appointed Mr. Akpandem James as his Media Adviser.

James earned a Bachelor Arts Degree in Communication Arts from University of Uyo with a Master of Business Administration Degree in Leadership from University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (UK) Before his present appointment, he has worked in different capabili-

ties with various newspapers namely; Concord, Assistant Editor Saturday Punch, Group News Editor Punch newspapers, Managing Editor of Independent Newspapers and also served as Chief Executive Officer of Independent newspaper He is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editor and had also served as an Assistant Secretary in charge of media and communication at the 2014 National Conference.

24

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Real Estate & Environment

Assessing impact of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda on forest reserves As Nigeria revs up the drive to diversify her economic base in the face of dwindling oil revenue, environment experts have raised fresh concerns over possible negative effects of the diversification agenda on the nation’s forest reserves.

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE reports.

S

equel to the dwindling economy, the Federal Government has decided to diversify its monolithic economy.

Development analysts believe that the diversification agenda has become necessary, following the drop in global oil prices and more importantly, structural defects in the nation’s economic system According to them, the drive to diversify the economic base of the country remains desirable, however, they have raised serious concerns that the nation’s forest reserves might be altered due to possible commercial activities, which might put pressure on forest reserves.

For instance, experts have disclosed that in the last twenty-five years, the nation has witnessed phenomenal growths in wealth creation, technological advancement as well as reduction in poverty of many countries; however, the externalities of these advancements have left the environment in peril.

Though, diversification of economy is apt at this austere time; however, experts have warned that states and federal governments should be mindful of possible impacts of diversifying the nation’s economy.

According to them, the fear stems from the fact that deforestation was high when the economy has not been

Nigerians to rank among world’s 25% urban slum dwellers

27

diversified, wondering what would be the situation presently when the federal government is planning to diversify, saying, envisaging that the situation might be worse at this particular point in time.

Expressing his concerns, the President, Forestry Association of Nigeria, FAN, Prof. Labode Popoola said, Nigeria is blessed with large expanse of land as well as different vegetations, regretting that this important resource has not been sustainably used or managed.

According to him, the total land area

in the country was 923,678km2 with an estimated population of over 150 million people, disclosing that the forest area has been continuously in decline due to agricultural and commercial activities associated with the forest.

Other factors identified by the expert include, non-forest policies, particularly, energy policies, which have continually posed grievous threats to the forest sector.

He also noted that budget allocations to forestry had dropped to a mere 2 percent of the total annual budget while states still embark on aggressive

There is no doubt that we need to diversify our economy, especially as the oil price has fallen in the global market. However, we should be very careful with our forest reserve to ensure that we protect our environment and also achieve

25 percent

cover in the next few years

revenue generation through uncontrolled logging.

Nigeria’s massive forestation shows no sign of achieving the 25 percent forest cover.

The country used to achieve this percentage in the 70s, even as the country had achieved 30 percent of its land area under forests, but presently, the figure has been as low as 10 percent, thus threatening the 25 percent forest cover by the year 2020.

However, the country can return to its past glory, if it engages in massive forestation as government is spending so much on seedling production, instead of engaging in tree planting.

Also, the President, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, NCF, Chief Philips Asiodu has warned against altering the forest in the course of diversification of the economy.

Asiodu has noted that, adequate care must be taken to protect the nation’s environment, expressing doubt that if the advise was not taken, the country’s target of achieving 25 percent forest cover might be a ruse.

“There is no doubt that we need to diversify our economy, especially as the CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Monetary policy regime may slowdown property businessInvestigation 26

Lagos may overtake Johannesburg as property haven 27

Real Estate & Environment

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

25

Assessing impact of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda on forest reserves

CONTINUED FROM 25

oil price has fallen in the global market. However, we should be very careful with our forest reserve to ensure that we protect our environment and also achieve 25 percent cover in the next few years”, he stated.

The NCF boss also said the foundation has concluded plans to pursue strategic actions, aimed at returning the country’s vegetation to 25 per cent cover with a five-year strategic plan to engage all stakeholders to achieve the objective.

Already, investigation has shown that the transformation of forests into agricultural lands has reduced the biodiversity.

Agri-business is responsible for massive rainforest destruction as forests are burned to make way for cattle ranches, or cleared for palm oil or soya plantations.

In this way, irreplaceable rainforests are converted into products that are used to make toothpaste, chocolate and animal feed.

Industrial logging for timber, pulp and paper has also devastated much of the world’s rainforests.

Not only are ancient trees cut down on a vast scale, but unplanned and inefficient practices lead to enormous additional wastage.

And, by building roads into pristine rainforests, the logging industry opens them up to secondary effects like human settlement, hunting, fuel-wood gathering and agriculture.

Experts said deforestation contributes to climate change, accounting for one-fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is why Indonesia is the world’s third largest greenhouse gas emitter and Brazil the fourth as the climate change itself threatens forests on a terrifying scale.

Extraordinary amount of evolution-

Enelama

Ogbeh

Buhari

ary history is sustained in diversified farming systems, which outlines a strategy for balancing agricultural activities as well as conservation efforts.

Many of the most threatened and endangered animals live in forests and millions of people rely on the benefits forests can offer, including food, fresh water, clothing, traditional medicine and shelter. Forests are under threat from deforestation, thus jeopardizing these benefits.

Deforestation, experts noted, comes in many forms, including fires, clearcutting for agriculture, ranching and development, unsustainable logging for timber, and degradation due to climate change. This no doubt, impacts people’s livelihoods and threatens a wide range of plant and animal species.

Data shows that 46-58, 000square miles of forests, equivalent to 48 football fields, are lost annually.

It must be noted that forests play critical roles in mitigating climate change because they act as a carbon sink, soaking up carbon dioxide that would otherwise be free in the atmosphere and contribute to ongoing changes in climate patterns. It however undermines this important carbon sink function,

as it is estimated that 15 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions have been as a result of deforestation.

Deforestation is a particular concern in tropical rainforests because these forests are too much of the world’s biodiversity.

Already, thousands of non-native invasive plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and disease-causing pathogens are infesting millions of acres of lands and waters across the nation.

These invaders cause massive disruptions in ecosystem function, reducing biodiversity, and degrade ecosystem health in our nation’s forests, prairies, mountains, wetlands, rivers, and oceans.

Invasive species affect the health of not only the nation’s forests and rangelands, but also the health and survival of wildlife, livestock, fish, and humans.

Around the world, lush tropical forests are being logged for timber and pulp, cleared to grow food, and destroyed by the impacts of climate change.

Four fifths of the forest that covered almost half of the Earth’s land surface eight thousand years ago have

Deforestation is a particular concern in tropical rainforests because these forests are too much

of the world’s biodiversity.

Already,

thousands of non-native invasive

plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and disease-causing pathogens are infesting millions of acres of lands and waters across the nation

already been irreplaceably degraded or destroyed.

Diversification through non-oil exports remains the new and only avenue for developing the economy and achieving prosperity – as oil has become unreliable.

It is in pursuit of this goal that the Federal Government has now marked out 13 National Strategic Export Products that are meant to replace oil and shore up the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

This is part of the spirited moves by the government towards reviving the dwindling national economy with emphasis on rapid growth of the non-oil sector for exports.

In this regards, 13 National Strategic Export Products in three categories are now in focus. These include agro industrials such as oil palm, cocoa, cashew, sugar and rice; mining-related products including cement, iron ore and metals, auto parts and cars, aluminium and oil and gas. The third categories include industrial products such as petroleum products, fertiliser and urea, petrochemical and methanol.

Nigeria needs to join the league of other successful nations. But investment in development of the sector is germane. For instance, the upswing in the United Arab Emirate’s economy and its transformation has been made possible by the government investing revenues derived from oil in other sectors of the economy.

Already, the activities deemed as being critical for successful diversification are at their various stages of implementation.

These activities are macro-economic stability, addressing of supply side constraints, the provision of adequate pre and post-export incentives, revitalisation and provision of export processing zones, export production facilities, and industrial parks and clusters targeted at export manufacture.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

26

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Real Estate & Environment

Buhari to flag-off Africa dialogue on Habitat III

MORTGAGE NOTES with Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja

Olufemi Adeosun,

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

Abuja

P PENCOM and its Long Term Investment Policies

M

y column this week addresses a very interesting issue in the Nigerian financial system. A few days ago, the Honourable Minister for Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), revealed some information and statistics at a retreat organized by the Pension Commission of Nigeria (PENCOM), including the fact that PENCOM is not allowed to invest in long term projects like infrastructure and real estate. I remember learning this from a colleague who heads a Pension fund in the Nigerian industry a while back, and believing he had to be kidding me. I asked him how and why such an odd law was passed, and he was of the opinion that it was due to a lack of confidence that the funds would be properly allocated to viable investments if the private market was allowed to control funds placement without strict government regulation. I shook my head in sheer disbelief, and asked if the policy makers understood the vast possibilities of national development that could be achieved through the investment of such long term, low interest funds into projects like real estate and infrastructure. I had to conclude that the fear of mismanagement has so crippled the investment decision making policies of PENCOM, that it is allowing investing pretty much only in “mega-safe” assets like the Federal Government bonds, and that is not just a disservice to the nation, but to the contributors to the funds themselves.

Pension funds, by their very nature, are vast pools of liquid funds, and in fact, PENCON has stated that the funds being managed on behalf Nigerian contributors, is over $5 trillion. So, what does PENCOM do with the money? It should be clearly understood that workers are not just contributing their hard earned money into pension funds for safe keeping or as piggy banks. They are doing so in the expectation that, upon retirement, they will receive a monthly stipend of a minimum amount supposed to be sufficient for their needs. Their funds are supposed to be “managed” being administered by ex-

perts to ensure growth and safety, for which the administrators receive compensation.

What exactly is an administrator receiving compensation for, if all they are doing is investing in government bonds and/or bank treasury accounts? Is the contributor not able to access these investment vehicles themselves? It seems that certain laws are enacted without a thorough understanding of their true effects, and unfortunately this might be one of them. The Pension Fund Administrators are supposed to be licensed to have the expert judgement to diversify their pension fund portfolio into a healthy mix of high risk/ high return; moderate risk/moderate return and low risk/low return investments.

The funds have to increase enough to provide a cushion for inflation in the future, as well as the increase in cost of living that the contributor will face at that time. Government, rather than enacting laws, should be licensing the practitioners and disciplining those who commit offences in the industry. The industry should be allowed to operate as a private marketplace without active government participation (again because I don’t believe government should be a business entity or a helicopter over the heads of the industry and its participants).

In most countries in the world, the pension industry is one of the largest drivers of economic growth, simply because they have access to such large funds. They are usually the largest investors in commercial (and residential) real estate), infrastructure development (especially revenue generating projects like toll roads, power plants etc, on a massive scale), and any other long term opportunity. For a country to

limit their investing options is a big mistake. If a real estate investment will deliver a net yield of 25%, and I can put in place guidelines to mitigate my risk exposure, why should I as an expert, then be forced to place the funds in a lower yield product like Government Bonds at 13%, while still assuring my contributor of my highest fiduciary actions on their behalf ?

The simple truth is that if we do not see or utilize such lucrative investment opportunities, of course someone from elsewhere with more vision will do so. Enter South Africa…

The Honourable Minister went on to give some statistics which I just have to quote verbatim…. “….the most prolific of the pension funds in Africa, which is the South African Public Investment Corporation (PIC), had over $150 Billion assets under management.”In Nigeria alone, he said, “they have $289 million in Dangote Cement , $98million approved but yet to be drawn for Notore Fertilizer, $230million in MTN Nigeria, $270million in Erin Energy (formerly CAMAC) and $150million in Mainstream Energy Solutions (in the power sector of Nigeria). By contrast, the question to ask is what is the ‘home based’ pension fund doing? If as I have shown, the ‘visiting’ pension fund from South Africa has a total of $897million in our economy….”

Please let us get it right!

All comments/questions on the above article are very welcome. Please follow me on Twitter @NikeFinancePro and connect with me on LinkedIn. Thank you for letting me has an opinion in this matter, and I urge you all to go out and make it a great week.

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

resident Muhammadu Buhari will next week lead deliberations that will chart a sustainable path for Africa’s urban future.

A statement from the ministry in Abuja stated that Ministers for Housing and Urban Development on the continent gather are also expected at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) due to take place at the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The Habitat III conference, scheduled to hold in Quito, Ecuador in October this year, will be next in the 20-year cycle of global summits convened to address the growing challenges arising from unprecedented urbanisation, notably in Africa and other developing regions of the world.

The Abuja Regional Preparatory Conference will be the second in the series of regional summits expected to harvest regional priorities that will ultimately form the new global urban agenda.

According to the statement, the Habitat 111 Asia-Pacific Regional meeting, which is the first in the series of regional summit, was held in October last year in Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia.

Today, half of the world’s population is living in cities, compared with less than five percent a century ago, with projections indicating that by 2050 as many as 6.4 billion people, or 70% of the world’s total population will be living in urban centres.

With 95% of this expansion expected to take place in developing countries - mostly in Asia and Africa - there has emerged a leadership imperative to address the challenges of rapid urbanization in a sustainable way.

The statement reckoned that while Africa is the least urbanized region today with an urban population of just under 40%, it is the fastest urbanizing with a 4.5% rate.

It is projected that in less than eight years, the urban population of Africa will be larger than the total population of Europe and larger than the urban population of Latin America and the Caribbean combined.

According to the UN, between 2010 and 2050, the number of Africa’s urban dwellers will increase from 400 million to 1.26 billion – greater than the current total population of the continent and nearly a quarter of the world’s projected urban population.

In order to ensure an effective African representation in the evolving urban agenda, the Federal Government had supported the articulation of a credible Africa Common Position (CAP) by funding the Africa Urban Agenda (AUA) Programme in UN-Habitat, which was inaugurated in 2014, to the tune of $3million. The AUP was conceived as a means of enhancing engagement between state and non-state actors and building consensus around identified housing and urban development priorities towards amplifying Africa’s voice at the global level towards HABITAT III.

Monetary policy regime may slowdown property business-Investigation SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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igeria’s property market could deteriorate this fiscal year due to expected hike in the interest rate as well as harsh monetary policy of the government, according to investigation.

Investigation shows that last year witnessed low property business, compared to 2014 with high return on investments in the sector.

House buying and selling activities are expected to deteriorate this year due to a number of factors, including high interest rate, harsh monetary policy, exchange rate and cash squeeze among others.

An Economic analyst, Funso Odeyemi said the biggest impact would come from high interest rate, which would negatively affect mortgage affordability while the economic downturn would limit salary increases as well as new employment across the board.

Reduced affordability of both existing homeowners paying higher mortgage amounts and first-time home buyers would translate into a buy-down in the market, according to Adeyemi.

The buying pyramid, he said would see more activities towards more affordable lower part of the market.

At the same time, mortgage lenders are expected to tighten their lending criteria to accommodate the high percent per annum in interest rates.

This is expected to reduce the number of home sales and transfers and also reflect a drop in actual home prices.

At the same time, the falling Naira would make Nigeria’s property prices very attractive to foreign buyers, if they have the confidence to invest in the country.

In all, homeowners would have to adjust their expectations when pricing their homes for sale or buy due to more expensive mortgage finances.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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NERC seeks NESREA’s support on sustainable energy efficiency Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

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he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sought the cooperation of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on a coordinated inter-

Agency approach to achieve a sustainable energy drive and efficiency in Nigeria.

The Acting Chief Executive of the Commission, Dr Anthony Akahmade, made the plea during a courtesy visit to the DirectorGeneral/CEO of NESREA, Dr Lawrence Anukam at the Agen-

cy’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting attended by Senior Management officers from both sides, the Acting Chief Executive, admitted that NESREA has a key role to play in the overall drive for energy efficiency especially in the area of environmental safety, compliance

L-R; Head LPG, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr. Ganiyu Azeez; Head, Oando Foundation, Mrs Adekanla Adegoke; Social Welfare Officer, Children Centre, Mr. Shitta lsmael; Matron-in-Charge, Children Centre, Mrs. Silifat Giwa and Chief Operating Officer, Oando Marketing, Mrs Olaposi Williams, during the Valentine Orphanage visit to Lagos State Children Centre, ldi-Araba by Oando Marketing Plc Management in Lagos at the weekend.

monitoring and enforcement, sensitization and public awareness.

Dr Anthony Akah disclosed that the cooperation with NESREA was vital because environmental safety was key to an enduring power generation, distribution and efficiency, adding that they were aware that NESREA has made giant strides in inter-Agency collaboration and delivery of mandate, for which they were ready to benefit from.

Responding, Dr Lawrence Anukam, the Director-General/CEO of NESREA assured the Commission that NESREA was ready to cooperate and collaborate to attain the desired goals and objectives.

Dr Anukam stated that the vision of NESREA is to ensure that the environment is cleaner and healthier for all Nigerians, and that all necessary environmental considerations must be factored into ensuring sustainable power generation and distribution in Nigeria.

He told his visitors that for that to happen, it was necessary for all Stakeholders to adhere to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure, and that by so doing environmental problems can

forestalled and nipped in the bud.

“The whole idea is to headtowards green economy and become ecofriendly”, he said.

He pointed out that there are extant environmental laws and regulations that would assist in ensuring environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement in the sector.

He said that NESREA was already involved in several collaborations among which include: the Alliance on Sustainable Consumption and Production and the National DumpWatch Committee.

The NESREA boss explained that NESREA, in collaboration with the public and private sector, was implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme to allow manufacturers take responsibilities of the end of life of the products they push into the market to enhance waste minimization and recycling.

A imam disclosed that no effort would be spared in protecting theenvironment and human health through compliance monitoring and enforcement including ensuring environmental safety clearance for some equipment imported into Nigeria.

Nigerians to rank among world’s Lagos may overtake Johannesburg 25% urban slum dwellers as property haven

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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igeria ranks high in the 25 percent world’s population, expected to live in urban slums by the year 2030.

According to a report released by a global assessment firm, Builders of Hope, the challenge would be due to housing shortage for middle- and lowincome individuals in emerging market cities. ‘’The most extreme example is Nigeria, where a 17-million unit housing gap exists, growing at a rate of 780,000 units annually. Enormous back logs also exist across Africa to include Kenya, which has a shortfall of over 2 million housing units’’, the report read in part.

Under the leadership of Arch. Ronald Omyonga, a Kenyan, the Builders of Hope said it is taking its experience to bear in African continent, aimed at addressing the noticeable shortfalls. ‘’We are employing our tool bag strategy of innovative public/private partnerships, energy efficient, sustainable, building techniques and new technologies and applications to address housing issues in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the rest of Africa’’, Omyonga stated.

He said, his firm had begun to expand its operations in Africa to close the housing gap on the continent.

Former staff of Habitat Community, Omyonga developed an innovative solution for waste management, clean water and localized habitat innovations as well as initiator of iBUILD mobile application. ‘’We have already begun five programmes and established formal relationships with Kenyan National Construction Authority, the Kenyan National Housing Corporation, MasterCard Innovation Lab, IBM On-

Demand Community, as well as Shelter Afrique among others. ‘’By creating balanced affordable housing development projects for families in this demographic group, we believe we can better scale and enable market forces to manage future development. Most importantly, we view ourselves as a catalyst for establishing new market dynamics that pivot trends in income inequality and allow for the scaling of safe affordable housing that provides the opportunity for families to drastically improve the quality of their live’’, he added.

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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SA witnesses high property costs amid economic lull

agos may overtake Johannesburg as Africa’s property pearl of the future, according to Africa Property News.com.

Disclosing this, the Media Director of the online publication, Mr Ortneil Kutama said, ‘’Lagos may be the pearl of the future for property investment while Johannesburg is a competitive centre’’.

Already, Nigeria is Africa’s biggest economy on the continent while South Africa is regarded as a business centre city.

Though, Johannesburg is still ahead in terms of current property development projects as well as

outh Africa house prices South Africa’s house prices are now raising again, after six lacklustre years.

The house price index for medium-sized houses rose by 8.8% during the year to November 2014, according to ABSA. However when adjusted for inflation, the average house price increased only 2.8%. Yet this was an improvement on the 3.2% y-o-y rise in house prices (-2% decline in real terms) during the same period last year.

The house price index for small-sized houses rose by 11.4% (5.3% in real terms) y-o-

The expectation is for house prices to rise by a nominal 7.5% in 2015, with real price growth to come in at about 2%,” says ABSA. Foreigners can own immovable property in South Africa without restriction. However, all foreign funds remitted to the country must be declared and documented. The property must also be endorsed ‘non-resident’, as a condition for repatriation of funds.

Non-resident investors have to pay Capital Gains Tax when they later sell their properties.

S

y in November 2014. The largesized houses index increased 6.2% (0.4% in real terms).

During the housing boom (from 2000 to 2006), house prices rose by an average of 20% annually. Riding on the back of an empowered middle class, house price rises peaked in October 2004 with 35.7% annual growth (32.5% in real terms). However in Q1 2008 the boom ground to a halt, following the global financial crisis.

“In view of the…house price growth in the first eleven months of the year, nominal price growth of around 9% is forecast for the full year.”

number and quality of properties, when compared with Lagos, however, the indices on ground shows that Lagos may overtake Johannesburg in the near future.

According to Kutama, Nigeria has a gross domestic product of $1 trillion, according to 2014 estimates by the CIA World Factbook with South Africa’s gross domestic product put at $707 billion.

Lagos, he said, is a much longer term player than the city of Johannesburg in terms of projects for developers; however, the red tape in Nigeria is not easy to navigate. ‘’ Johannesburg remains the powerhouse city of Africa and some property funds are thinking ahead and investing in Lagos nonetheless’’.

Lagos has a population of nearly 5.2-million people and many of them are aged between 18 and 40.

The middle class is growing rapidly, yet there are very few conventional American style shopping malls in the entire city.

Some of the property investment companies listed on South Africa’s JSE that have invested in Nigeria, include Resilient Africa, Attacq and Hyprop Investments.

Of all, Resilient Africa stands out as a fund, which has investments in Lagos as opposed to other investors, which are working in other cities.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Aviation

Appraising operational odds against Nigerian airlines’ survival, competitiveness Analysts in the Nigeria aviation industry say poor planning and misplaced priorities are largely responsible for high rate of airlines’ collapse in the country. In this analysis, OLUSEGUN KOIKI captures the views of the experts, especially on what should be done to reverse the ugly trend.

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t takes a minimum of 24 months of an intensive exercise and gathering of necessary papers and equipment for an impending new Nigerian airline to acquire Air Operators’ Certificate, AOC, from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, but, it also takes an average of seven years of epileptic operations for such a carrier to close shop.

In Europe and America, most of their legacy carriers would in a couple of years celebrates a century of flight operations. Airlines like Delta, United, British Airways, Lufthansa and several others have continually remained in the sky for decades and are not showing any sign of fatigue yet, rather, they still spread their wings to new destinations annually, but, the reverse is the case with the country’s airlines.

In the past 10 years, at least 10 indigenous carriers have sprung up and shut operations due to recapitalisation exercise, inability to pay compensations to the families of air crashes, unavailability of right equipment for operations, mismanagement and misplace of priority on the part of some of the Chief Executive Officers, CEOs. The airline operators under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, have consistently bemoaned what they described as “non-conducive environment for the airlines sub-sector in the country, inappropriate charges from government agencies an companies and inconsistent government’s policies over the years,” but stakeholders say misappropriation of funds and the intentional closure of their books to the public are some of their major challenges they confront.

For instance in 2009, the Federal Government gave out a bailout fund of N300 billion for both energy and aviation industries in which majority of the operators accessed.

Some airlines like Arik Air got bailout fund of N15bn, the troubled Aero; N20bn, Kabo Air; N6.6bn, now liquidated Chanchangi Airlines; N3.4bn, Dana Air; N618m, Caverton Helicopters; N1.348bnOverland Airways; N805m, FirstNation Airways; N271m and another liquidated carrier IRS received N600 from the government from the fund with less than 3 per cent interest, spread over 10 years.

However, despite this fund, the nation’s carriers are still plagued with myriad of challenges inhibiting their stability and growth while some of them still seek government intervention today and might close shop earlier than expected if such interventions do not come from the government.

Nigeria Airways aircraft, one of the country’s airlines

that have clsoed shop

If AMCON wants to continue to operate Aero Contractor through an asset management company to recover the government intervention funds, it

must also ensure that it pays debts owed

insurance companies, major maintenance and aircraft vendors, ground service providers…

The immediate past Secretary General of Aviation Round Table, ART, Grp. Capt.

John Ojikutu, rtd, observed that the average lifespan of Nigerian carriers are always between five to 10 years.

He attributed their problems to single ownership, poor management structures and excesses of operators in the diversion and divestment of revenue derivatives to private uses and to other investments.

Ojikutu specifically noted that the problem of the airline started when the British major operators exited the company and ownership and taken over by the Nigerians some few years ago, adding that some of the professionals in the sector had predicted that the once vibrant airline would run into murky water soon.

He insisted that the takeover of the airline by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, was not unexpected with the alleged diversion of funds meant for the growth of the airline by the management.

The aviation analyst explained that the impending AMCON forensic audit of the airline’s account should not only focus on recovering the aviation intervention funds, but should also recover all the debts owed by the airline to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,

FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and several others.

He added, “If AMCON wants to continue to operate Aero Contractor through an asset management company to recover the government intervention funds, it must also ensure that it pays debts owed insurance companies, major maintenance and aircraft vendors, ground service providers like the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, fuel marketers, catering providers And others.

“Any of these individually or collectively can ground the airline. That could hasten the going under of the once vibrant airline like the Kabos, Okadas, ADCs, Bellviews and Chanchangis among others. Also, indebtedness on many months of arrears in staff salaries should also be addressed.”

The Chairman of Discovery Air, Engr.

Babatunde Babalola said that the nation’s carriers close shops earlier than their counterparts in Europe and other developed aviation countries because of underutilisation of their fleets.

Babalola declared that most Nigerian carriers die from improper utilisation of their fleets, maintaining that with proper planning of fleet by airline owners, most

of the companies that die prematurely would still have been in operation till date.

He said, “One of the challenges Nigerians are having is the utilisation of our machines. You can have 50 machines and if they are not properly utilised, you won’t achieve anything. How many machines did Air Nigeria have when they were going to all routes? They had about 12 and they were all over the place. It indicated that somebody somewhere was planning the utilisation properly. “ Babalola explained further that most Nigerian airports operate visual flights, a situation, which he pointed out made the airplanes to be on ground for about 12 hours daily, positing that aircraft are manufactured to be in the air.

Also, the Director of Operations with the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, Capt. Dele Ore believed that the policies in the aviation industry were not enduring.

He said that the government does not allow the managers in the industry to do their job as they should.

“Since independent, we have had over 30 ministers in the aviation industry and if we want to do a little bit of mathematics, it is merely one minister for every 18 months. What kind of policy can you put in place that could be enduring, it cannot endure and that is the bane of the industry. The industry would have been doing much better, but we don’t allow managers to do their job.”

Ore further said the biggest disservice that the government did to aviation was the liquidation of Nigerian Airways, pointing out that since then it has all been motion without movement.

According to him, since the liquidation of Nigerian Airways, which was in the first generation of airlines in the country, airlines in the private sector had been coming up and dying one after the other, even up to the present third generation where we had about 28 airlines, but they all dwindled to about seven functional airlines at the moment.

“The first and most disastrous disservice that we did to aviation was the liquidation of Nigerian Airways; aviation has not been the same since then. So that was the beginning of problem for aviation because by the time you killed Nigerian Airways, so many other things died with it.

“That was when training also stopped, developing manpower stopped and if you don’t have a continuous stream of man power to replace aging ones, that is a source of problem.’’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

We’ve submitted unions’ letter to Ministry – NAMA Stories: Olusegun Koiki

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he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has confirmed the receipt of a letter on Condition of Service jointly signed by three leading unions in the country’s aviation industry.

The agency’s management however said that the letter has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Aviation to commence the necessary required approval processes.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona said this in a statement issued in Lagos.

The unions; Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Corporations, Civil Service and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, in a petition dated 5th February, 2016

and addressed to the Managing Director, NAMA, issued NAMA 21 days ultimatum to address the several impending welfare issues of its members.

The unions had accused the agency’s management of insensitivity to welfare of staff and its refusal to conclude for approval, the implementation of a new Conditions of Service in spite of concerted efforts in that regard.

They insisted that the management had taken for granted the maturity and social responsibility displayed by their members to ensure that the agency continued to discharge its duties and responsibilities, meeting up with global aviation standards.

But, Adetona in her statement hinted that NAMA’s management had acknowledged receipt of the letter in writing and would in due course agree a date to meet with the unions to review and follow up on the required approval stages lead-

A

shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Short-changing FAAN on revenue generation by other means

S MD NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam

ing to the implementation of the Condition of Service.

She said, “The unions are requesting to meet with the management of the agency to review the approval stages required towards implementation of the reviewed Condition of Service, CoS, document, which were collectively worked on by the unions and the agency (CoS Committee), particularly on the review of Professional Allowances.

“The CoS document had been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Aviation to commence the necessary required approval processes.”

NGO, unions seek support for IDPs

Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Finum Aviation Services and leading unions in the Nigerian aviation industry are seeking support fort the Internationally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in every part of the country.

The parties said that there are at least three million Nigerians scattered across the various IDP camps in the country, noting that as responsible organisations, it was pertinent for them to raise assistance for them.

The unions are National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, and the Air Transport Senior Staff Service Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN. Statement issued in Lagos by the Coordinator of Finum Avia-

Airside

tion Services, Engr. Sheri Kyari hinted that the four organisations had set up a joint committee to realise it dream of assisting the IDPs. Kyari informed that the committee had chosen Saturday, February 27 2016, for the launch of its assistances to the displaced people, stressing that items realised would be forwarded to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, for onward transfer to the IDPs in the camps.

He further called on industry leaders and staff of agencies to lend support to the project.

Kyari decried that with the huge population of IDPs in the country, Nigeria ranked top among countries with the highest number of persons displaced from their homes as a result of conflicts.

Kyari declared that the Minis-

ter of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika is being carried along in the project and had approved the decision of the bodies to raise financial and material supports for Nigerians who are unfortunately caught in the Boko Haram crossfire.

The statement added, “It is most unfortunate that a section of Nigeria find itself in such disturbing situation that has produce the highest number of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, the aviation industry is sadden with the situation and the Minister of State has graciously approved the plans.

“We will raise these assistance for the internally displaced persons on an industry level, that is to say everybody in the sector should kindly help with one item or the other, with money that can be used in buying food items that will be channel to NEMA to be given to the IDPs.”

ome of the revenue generating points of government agencies in the Nigerian aviation industry is handed over to concessionaires, private investors or business organisations to drive revenue, but unfortunately, some of them are actually working against their principals.

For instance, at the international wing of the Lagos Airport, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, have several clients including eateries and other business organisations that take over some of the available space at the terminal.

However, in a bid to ensure that these companies do not defraud the agency, Avitech Nigeria Limited was appointed by FAAN to ensure collection of five per cent of the total sales of these companies, which the organization, as the Airside gathered, has been doing well.

To know what a five per cent total sales is, there is a machine installed at each of the eateries, which prints out receipts to customers who purchase items from the companies, but some of these restaurants have device a mean

of defrauding FAAN by claiming that their machines have broken down.

For instance, Airside was in one of the restaurants last week and was surprised that he was not issued a receipt as required. When Airside insisted on a receipt, the attendant simply replied that the machine was faulty.

Information gathered by Airside later revealed that the machine had been in that position for over six months, which means the expected 5 per cent revenue that should accrue to FAAN would not be challenged to the purse of the agency.

The question now is how does company know how much that is daily generated by some of these clients of FAAN with consistent break down of their machines?

Also, how does FAAN collect its own 5 per cent from such companies?

Airside insists these companies are intentionally defrauding the agency if possible with the collaboration of some people in the system.Airside says such business entities at the airport should be sent packing.

Who is in charge of navigational aids?

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ost of the aviation agencies’ helmsmen spent most parts of last week defending the 2016 budget for their parastatals in the joint at 5he National Assembly, but one of the major revelations was the budgets for procurement of navigational aids by three of the agencies.

For instance, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, proposed acquisition of navigational aids to the tune of N768, 301,081 in the 2016 budget, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, proposed the sum of N294, 325,000 for the same purpose while the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, budgeted the huge sum of N1, 425,666,839 for the same purpose.

Airside says acquisition and installation of navigational facilities is in the purview and the sole responsibility of NAMA and wondered why agencies like NIMET and NCAA proposed same in their 2016 budgets to the Assembly.

Airside opines that for transparency and accuracy purposes, the entire budget for the sector should be reviewed and critically scrutinised by the National Assembly. The era of wadding budgets together to confuse the public and the National Assembly should have been over with the past government.

If the National Assembly can’t do the needful, Airside and other interested stakeholders will continually expose the hidden fats.

WestJet to defer Bombardier, Boeing deliveries

W Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier, Mr. Alain Dugas; Board Chairman, Air Cote D’Ivoire, General Abdoulaye Coulibaly; Minister of Transport, Hon. Gaoussou Toure; Minister of Tourism, Hon. Roger Kacou; Canadian Ambassaor to Cote D’Ivoire, Mrs. Patricia Mc Cullagh; and Director, Sales, Africa & Middle East, Bombardier, Mr. Sameer Adam at the unveiling of new aircraft acquired by the company recently.

estJet (WS, Calgary) CEO Gregg Saretsky says his airline has held talks with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O’Hare) and Bombardier (BBA, Montréal Trudeau) concerning the proposed revised delivery of new aircraft.

The carrier suffered a fourth quarter slump on the back of a slowing Alberta economy, hit hard by falling oil prices.

Approximately 25% of the air-

line’s business originates from the region.

Speaking to the Financial Post, Saretsky said talks with Bombardier had focussed on slowing the delivery of Dash 8-400 aircraft destined for its WestJet Encore (WR, Calgary) unit. Currently, ten Q400s are due this year with an additional two due next year.

Talks with Boeing centred on deferring delivery of three

new B737-800s.

Saretsky added that plans are also afoot to return nine leased aircraft to their owners by 2017, the first time in the airline’s history it has not renewed leases.

WestJet currently operates thirteen B737-600s, fifty-nine B737-700s, thirty-two B737-800s, four B767-300(ER)s with twenty-three Q400s in service with WestJet Encore.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Insurance

NAICOM to implement insurance code of corporate governance “The board of insurance companies would have the responsibility of determining the risk capital for their companies which would be supported by the appropriate capital. This is new in Nigeria. Just like the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS), we are transiting to this new initiative and NAICOM is taking us through it so that we can move our capital structure to this base.

“We also discussed the corporate governance code which was introduced by NAICOM in 2009, but for some reasons we have not been so firm on it, we were told that from April 1st NAICOM is going to enforce the code.

NAICOM has agreed that since the Financial

Isaac Asabor

T

he National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has concluded plans to implement the insurance industry’s code which was introduced since 2009 by the regulator.

The Chairman Sub-Committee, Publicity and Communications of the Insurers Committee, Oye-Hassan Odukale, who is also the Managing Director of Leadway Assurance Limited, stressed that operators were given up to the end of March, 2016, to comply with the stipulation of the code.

He explained that operators and the regulatory body had also agreed to adopt risk based supervision that would enable operators to shore-up their capital to align with the Policies they want to underwrite.

He said: “We had a lecture from NAICOM on risk based supervision, which is where we are transiting to. With risk based supervision,

Commissiioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari

there would not be common capital base for insurance companies again, companies have to determine their capital in line with the business they do.

Obama tax plan targets reinsurers

A

merican President Barack Obama yesterday put forward a plan in his final national budget proposal that would raise the US tax burden on some Ber-

Delta establishes agency for Health Insurance Isaac Asabor

D

elta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, has signed into law a bill for the state’s Contributory Health Commission.

Speaking on the development, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mr. Femi Akingbade, commended the governor for taking the initiative aimed at enabling his government to provide the people easy access to efficient, effective, affordable and quality healthcare without being limited by financial constraints.

Akingbade specifically expressed delight at the speed with which the bill was processed by the state House of Assembly, saying it is a demonstration of a responsible legislative posture that expresses commitment to the welfare and socio-economic progress of the people of the state, urging other state legislatures in the country to borrow a leaf from

Delta.

The NHIS boss said that he was satisfied with the partnership between NHIS and Delta state, especially in terms of the technical and financial support of the Scheme to the state towards the establishment of a health insurance agency in the state, which has now proven to be a worthy exercise.

He recalled the commitment Governor to the emergence of the National Health Act during his successful watch as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, describing the establishment of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission as a strategic implementation of the Act in the state.

Akingbade however reminded the people of Delta that the establishment of the Commission was only a first step in the right direction, as the main challenge lies ahead, being the effective implementation of the Contributory Healthcare Scheme, created by the new law.

Reporting Council (FRC) is coming up with a new code, we would allow the FRC code when is it out to supersede the present code. We are giving up to April to make sure we comply with the 2009 code”, Odukale added In order to ensure that all stakeholders in the industry are carried along, NAICOM’s Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, George Onekhena, said the parties had resolved to co-opt representatives of insurance companies and the commission to look into some issues and challenges that insurers have been facing in the course of their relationships with the commission and deliberate on how to solve such challenges.

As contained in his statement, health insurance is the best form of health care financing in the world, with special reference to meeting the healthcare needs of the poor, the vulnerable and the socially excluded. He expressed confidence that the programme will thrive under Governor Okowa.

In his response, the governor stressed that the only way to achieve Universal Health Coverage in the country was for states to buy immediately into health insurance, which was certain to provide support for the majority poor to access health care without financial burden.

Governor Okowa said that it was a testimony to his confidence in health insurance as a veritable bridge between the people and effective health care, that he had the bill for this law prepared well ahead of the inauguration of his government in May 2015.

He also acknowledge the support of the NHIS, whose technical and funding support he credited

with the success so far recorded, while assuring the people of the state of his administration’s determination to sustain the programme for the benefit of all.

The governor also stressed the need for aggressive advocacy across the state, to assist citizens understand the process and benefits of the programme, as well as achieve massive patronage by the people, promising to ensure that this is done through all available communication channels.

NHIS is currently driving a nationwide advocacy to the leadership of state governments to sell the concept of its State Social Health Insurance Programme (SSHIP), which seeks to encourage state governments to establish health insurance agencies of their own, backed with appropriate laws which make health insurance mandatory.

Some of the supports offered by the Scheme include assistance for capacity building, technical support and counterpart funding.

muda reinsurers.

It was the seventh year in succession that President Obama included the measure in his budget and it has never yet come close to being passed into law by the US Congress.

The proposal would impose a tax on reinsurance premiums paid to non-US affiliates of a US insurer. It would impact several groups that have insurance companies based in the US and a reinsurer based in Bermuda.

Several such groups, including XL Catlin, Arch Capital Argo Group and Chubb, formerly known as Ace, as well as the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, were among the 31 insurance firms, industry bodies and consumer groups that were signatories to a letter sent yesterday to leading members of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee and the US Senate Finance Committee from the Coalition for Competitive Insurance Rates.

Mr Obama’s forecast sees the measure raising $411 million in 2017 and nearly $7.7 billion over the next ten years. It is a very small part of the president’s plan to raise $2.6 trillion over the next decade through tax changes.

However, the administration’s proposal is all but certain of being rejected by the Republican-controlled Congress.

The CCIR letter described Mr Obama’s proposal as “isolationist”, highlighted the importance of foreign reinsurance capital to the US and added that measure’s implementation would result in US consumers paying more for insurance coverage. (Source - royalgazette. com)

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Improving Nigeria’s payment system through collaborative strategies Udo Onyeka

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he world over, central banks play the leading role in formulating and implementing strategies for the advancement of the National Payments System.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, by virtue of the CBN Act 2007, is charged with the responsibilities of promoting a sound financial system in Nigeria, and this includes the effectiveness, efficiency and systemic safety of the Payments System.

This means it has the responsibility to promote and facilitate the development of efficient and effective systems for the settlement of transactions, including the development of electronic payment systems, prescribe rules and regulations for the efficient operation of all clearing and settlement systems.

According to Director, Banking and Payments System Department, CBN, Dipo Fatokun, the apex bank in line with its mandate to promote the Payments System, under the Payments System Vision2020, and in collaboration with key stakeholders, has been implementing several initiatives, aimed at modernizing or transforming the National Payments System ,NPS. Fatokun who spoke at the 21st Finance Correspondents and Business Editors FICAN Conference held in Ibadan last week, noted the payments space in Nigeria had witnessed unprecedented strides with the measures put in place by financial institutions.

Some of these measures include; the Bank Verification Number, BVN, Fraud Prevention Strategies, Mobile Money Scheme and AgentBanking. Others are Treasury Single Account, TSA, and E-dividend Project with the Securities & Exchange Commission, SEC. It has been proven that industry collaboration has always been a valued business strategy for the overall system efficiency. In this regard, the CBN has been engaging other key stakeholders in order to move the payments system to the next level.

Many analysts have said that the before the introduction of BVN, absence of a unique identifier in the Nigerian banking industry has been a major challenge, inhibiting the effectiveness of the Know Your Customer ,KYC, principle, with negative consequences on the growth of credit cards and other credit-related products.

The BVN which is a centralised biometric identification system for the banking industry was launched by the Bankers’ Committee, to complement the existing means of customer identification, which include: the driver’s license; the International Passport; the National Identity Card; and the Permanent Voter’s Card.

The CBN in a circular on the BVN said it is a number that enables a bank customer have a single identity in the banking system, irrespective of the number of accounts, and number of banks.

“It is also an initiative aimed at protecting bank customers, by addressing issues of identity theft and fraud exposure, thus strengthening the Nigerian banking system.

“It is expected to address the absence of

BCAN President, Dr. Uju Ogubunka

CBN Gov. Emefiele

As at February 7, 2016, a total of 23, 345,964 customers had enrolled for the BVN, while over 28,303,332 customers’ BVN, out of the existing 55,316,040 customers in all the banks had been linked to bank accounts unique identifier across the Nigerian Banking Industry, thereby enhancing the banking industry chances of being able to fish out blacklisted customers”, adding that in the near future, the BVN will be capable of authenticating transactions without the use of PIN, using only biometric features.

NIBSS has also developed a Portal for receiving BVN, Account Registration, from customers who enrolled in other Banks as recommended by the CBN and enrolment of banks’ customers in diaspora is ongoing, an extension has just been granted till end of June 2016.

So far, as at February 7, 2016, a total of 23, 345,964 customers had enrolled for the BVN, while over 28,303,332 customers’ BVN, out of the existing 55,316,040 customers in all the banks had been linked to bank accounts.

Fatokun said it has been proven that the initiative is already yielding the desired effects, with the detection and elimination of ghost workers at the Federal Government level.

The introduction of mobile money in Nigeria has had some impact on the economy, especially in the area of financial inclusion.

A survey conducted by the EFInA in 2012, revealed that the efforts on financial inclusion are yielding modest results.

For instance, the adult exclusion rate in Nigeria declined from 46.3 per cent in 2010 to 39.7 per cent in 2012. In 2014, the rate further dropped, though marginally, from 39.7 per cent to 39.5 per cent.

Financial analysts have that the most interesting aspect of the survey is that all the geopolitical zones across the country recorded improvements, as there were declines across board in the financial exclusion levels.

Mobile Money is one of the initiatives of

the CBN to drive financial inclusion, by bringing in the unbanked segment of the society to the formal financial system.

Financial Inclusion enables the underserved people and communities to have access to financial services that would: enhance their economic opportunities; boost productivity in various sectors and contribute to economic development.

With the release of the Framework on Mobile Money in 2009, the stage was set to license the Mobile Money Operators. To date, 21 Mobile Money Operators, MMOs, have been fully licensed, and are in operation in Nigeria, while a few others are at various stages of pilot.

Today, the average value of transactions the MMOs carry out is in the neighborhood of over N3.0bn per month (inter-scheme), with about 100,000 agents scattered all over the country.

According to the CBN the figure for January 2016, was over N4bn.

The 21 licensed MMOs engaged hundreds of workers, Over 100,000 Agents, Printers, and Advertising Agencies.

Through the use of mobile money, the farmers have been able to access cheaper farm inputs, especially fertiliser, through the Growth Enhancement Support, GES, programme of the Federal Ministry of Agric. With the diversification of the economy, more of this service will be felt.

Disbursement of Social Transfers: World Health Organisation, WHO, currently using mobile money to pay field health workers on immunisation.

The above accomplishments notwithstanding, the rate of adoption of the service in the country is needs improvement, and the apex

bank is collaborating with other stakeholders in the ecosystem to ratchet up the value and volume.

Agent banking refers to the provision of financial services through a third party contracted by a financial institution to offer services on its behalf, especially in locations not covered by the Financial Institution’s branch network.

Banking agents can be pharmacies, supermarkets, post offices, kiosks, etc. The best suited are however, businesses that have built good customer relations and gathered experience in handling cash floats.

Financial services that can be delivered by agents include: payments, deposits, withdrawals, loan repayments, settlements of utility bills, taxes and even individual transfers.

Result of several researches conducted on financial exclusion rates, indicated amongst others, that distance to financial institutions and cost of services have been identified as reasons.

Findings from EFInA in 2012 show that 80 per cent of those currently banked take public transport, most often, to their banks, 38 per cent of the above, indicated that it takes an average of 15 minutes to get to the bank and 25 per cent spend over N100 on a one way trip to the bank.

The benefits derivable from Agent banking cut across the Customers, Agents, Financial Institutions and the Government.

Although, much of this initiative has not been seen, it is expected that very soon, it will be embraced. The framework for licensing of super agents was released sometime in April 2015, and some organisations, including the major telecommunication companies in Nigeria have applied. Before the end of Q1, some licences would be issued.

The E-dividend project by Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, also brought an improvement in the country’s payments system.

E-Dividend refers to the e-payment of dividends due to a shareholder, through a direct credit into his/her nominated bank account, rather than issuance of paper based instrument – dividend warrant. It is a convenient, secure and time saving.

This is a fall out of concerted collaborative efforts between the CBN NIBSS and SEC, with other key stakeholders, aimed at improving the efficiency of the e-dividend payment.

The main objective of the project is to encourage the adoption of e-dividend payments, and reduce the volume of unclaimed dividends.

The above developments, notwithstanding the level of adoption rate and successful implementation of some initiatives, come with numerous challenges, which hinder the adoption of some of the initiatives, by the members of the public.

Notable among these challenges: Basic infrastructural challenges – power, telecommunications network, quality of IT, low level of broadband technology penetration among others.

32

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Capital Market

FG should wave stamp duties on transactions – CIS boss The President of Chattered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, speaks on the state of collective investment scheme in the Nigerian capital market and why the Federal Government should wave stamp duties on transactions and the need to encourage more companies to list their shares on the stock market in this interview with JOHNSON OKANLAWON. Excerpts: What is your assessment of collective investment scheme since its reintroduction into the capital market, particularly for retail investors?

It has been on even before the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, started the recent initiatives. It is just that the initial experience. You would recall that Unit Trust and Mutual Funds became usually promoted in the late 80s and early 90s, they were embraced but along the line, investors had not so good experience. Some of them backed out, but you will also see that the bulk of those funds have performed well.

Now with the recent initiatives of the authority, putting a lot of control in place, watching the managers of these funds, what we have seen is that the funds are safer. The managers are much more responsive and much more responsible even with the management of the funds.

The improvement we have seen is just like the improvement we have seen in general investment. If people are not investing in the market as they should even as direct investors, they are not likely to invest as they should do in collective investment scheme because it is still a matter of confidence in the market in general. It is when you have decided to invest that you will now decide how and through which vehicle you are going to invest. I think the key issue is, we will start seeing improvement when the investors’ confidences return to the market.

What are the implications of stamp duties on investors?

We understand why government came up with this; it is going to make very little from its usual source, which is oil. So, they are making taxes, duties and dues and that is why they came up with this.

However, it has impacts on various aspects of the market and economy in general. The impact on the capital market is that it is going to dissuade people from investing in the market because it is an additional cost. Every transaction will lead to one payment or the other. People will pay from their account to brokers, to buy stocks and when they sell these products, the broker will need to pay them. You can

The overall objectives as a nation should be to drive a lot of our companies,

particularly those on the

key sector of our economy.

When you drive them to

the formal sector like the capital market, then you have more control and you are able to see their earnings and they become more transparent

Olushekun

see you are paying stamp duties twice on one circle of transaction because you are buying and you are selling. At a time that returns are low in the market, the market is bearish, and now you have to pay more money. I think government will do well to consider waving this cost on investment activities. Just like a date to Value Added Tax, it was strongly considered that and it was waved. What the government will say they will be losing in the market; they can gain it in several ways. When government waived VAT, they gained in another way; I think they should wave it.

What is your comment on the notion that 60 per cent of companies that pay tax are listed companies?

The overall objectives as a nation should be to

drive a lot of our companies, particularly those on the key sector of our economy. When you drive them to the formal sector like the capital market, then you have more control and you are able to see their earnings and they become more transparent. Therefore, we can generate enough taxes from them. Even as individual, government collects taxes from people that are working through PAYEE. It is when people get into a formal channel that government can see all sides of their income and charge them accordingly. The same too apply to the companies. If they are quoted on the stock market, it will be easy for government to look at their earnings and charge them accordingly. The objective of the government should be to drive the companies to the market. Nigerians will also co-own the companies and get benefits.

Is it true that stock brokers are more discipline in the market than the fund managers?

I will not get involved in the debate. Brokers will say they are better and fund managers will say they are better. They are all members of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS. In every profession, we have people who are indiscipline.

Global shares climb as Chinese yuan eases deflation fears

W

orld stocks rose sharply on Monday, this week as China’s central bank fixed the yuan at a much stronger rate and oil cemented recent gains, easing fears of global deflation.

The rally belied a string of poor economic data from Beijing and Tokyo as demand for safe-haven assets waned, yet investors remained on edge due to lingering concerns about growth and the health of the financial sector.

According to Reuters, European stocks rose three per cent, having shed nearly 10 percent over the last fortnight, mirroring a bounce in Asia. Futures pointed to notional gains of 1.6 per cent on Wall Street ESc1 but U.S. markets will be closed for a holiday.

The Japanese yen lost ground against the U.S. dollar, top-rated German bond yields

edged away from nine-month lows and gold slipped two per cent after its strongest week in four years.

“We had a very strong statement from the Chinese authorities signaling they are committed to a stable currency and that’s helped sentiment ... safe-haven flows have unwound somewhat,” said RIA Capital Markets strategist Nick Stamenkovic.

In China, spot yuan jumped more than one per cent to 6.4934 per dollar - its firmest this year - after the People’s Bank of China set its daily midpoint 0.3 per cent stronger and the head of the bank was quoted as saying speculators should not be allowed to dominate market sentiment.

A stronger yuan reduces the risk that China will export deflation to the world, while worries about consumer price growth have also been helped by bounce back in the oil

price.

Brent LCOc1 and U.S. crude futures CLc1 edged up on Monday adding to Friday’s 10 per cent surge on speculation that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) might finally agree to cut output to reduce a world glut.

Euro zone long-term inflation expectations also rebounded from record lows on Monday even as Germany’s Bundesbank cut its forecast for consumer price growth in the bloc’s biggest economy.

China’s weak exports and imports in January, down 11.2 per cent and 18.8 per cent yearon-year respectively, seemed not to disturb markets.

The resulting jump in the country’s trade surplus to $63 billion for the month might have helped, as that may offer support to the yuan.

The disconnect between markets and economics was perhaps starkest in Japan, where the Nikkei .N225 jumped more than seven per cent, putting its worst week since the depths of the global financial crisis in 2008 quickly behind it.

This came despite data showing the economy contracted by an annualized 1.4 per cent in the last three months of 2015, more than expected.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 2.3 per cent .MIAPJ0000PUS, after losing 10 per cent of its value so far this year.

European shares followed in their wake, led by a four per cent rebound in banking stocks .SX7P on news that the European Central Bank (ECB) is in talks to buy bundles of Italian bad bank loans as part of its asset-purchase program.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

33

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

NIMC gets website to enable enrollees verify status Richard Ndoma Calabar

T

he National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said it has created a special website to enable enrollees verify their status with regards to their National Identity Number (NIN) Identity Cards.

Head of Cross River Office of NIMC, Mr. Godwin Odey, made the remark while speaking with journalists in Calabar.

Odey pointed out that the website would help enrollees who were yet to receive text messages to ascertain whether their cards had been printed or not. ``Those who have enrolled but have not received any text message can check through the website - ``touch.nimc.gov. ng.’’ ``Once you log onto this email address, it will ask you to proceed, and then you first name; last name; and six digits of your NIN numbers. ``Thereafter, it will confirm whether your card has been printed and where you will go to collect it or whether it has not been printed. You will get all the information therein, ‘’ he said.

The National Identity card boss in Cross River State maintained that NIMC had become worried that many enrollees whose cards were ready for collection were yet come forward to collect them despite several text messages sent to them. ``It is a major challenge that we are facing here; we even go extra miles by putting calls across to them to ensure that they come to collect their cards, ‘’ he said.

Odey said that the NIN card contains several security features which made it unique, adding that, it could also be used as ATM and the best payment system anywhere in the world.

He urged those who were yet get text messages for their cards to be patient as all those that had registered would get their cards in due course. ``Our priority is that everybody who has registered will be issued with the card, ‘’ the NIMC boss added.

Odey maintained that the Cross River office had set up several special centers in Calabar and would soon move to senatorial zones to ensure that everybody in the state was captured.

Students of Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls Secondary School, Elelenwo, during a youth programme in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

PHOTO: NAN

Wike recalls suspended Commissioner, Accountant-General

G

overnor Nyesom Wike of River State has recalled the Commissioner for Finance and Accountant- General of the state suspended last week.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt by Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media.

It said the Commissioner, Dr. Fred Kpakol, and the Accountant-General, Sir Abere Dagogo`s suspension was lifted following interventions by different political leaders.

The statement quoted Wike as urging political appointees to differentiate between friendship and governance in the discharge of their functions.

“Governance is a serious business. It is not friendship. When it comes to governance I won’t know friendship.

“I will lift the suspension on the Finance Commissioner and the Accountant-General, but they must henceforth take their functions seriously. ``Next time, I will not take

into consideration the pleas of political stakeholders,” Wike said.

The statement said the governor advised all political appointees to take their responsibilities seriously to enable government succeed in the delivery of projects contained in his administration`s development blueprint.

Critics of S’Court judgement over A’Ibom, Rivers elections should be prosecuted –Cleric Richard Ndoma Calabar

A

Calabar based clergy man and General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) ( a.k.a Faith World Mansion), Bishop Emma Isong, yesterday charged the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Muhammed, to commence arrest and prosecution of politicians who make statements against Supreme Court judgments on Rivers and Akwa Ibom states for contempt of court.

Isong made the call while fielding questions from journalists, describing the ruling as ‘fantastic’.

The Supreme Court judgments upheld the election victory for governorship candidates

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the two states.

The Calabar based clergyman maintained that in view of the judgment, the Supreme Court had indeed redeemed the image of the judiciary.

“I hope you know its contempt of court to make a comment on a judgment that had been passed.

I hereby call on the Chief Judge of Nigeria to arrest and prosecute any politician making any sarcastic comment on the last judgment of the Supreme Court for contempt of court. ‘’The Supreme Court judgment was fantastic and whether those that got the judgment were deserving or not it is not my business only that the judgment has saved the image of the judiciary.

“Did PDP criticise Appeal

Court judgments? There is a system in this country where unless judgment is in favour of the ruling government it is a mockery of the judiciary. By the last judgment of the Supreme Court the judiciary has tactically and successfully redeemed its image,” Isong said.

Isong condemned in entirety calls made recently by the ruling All Progressives Congress for the probe of the Supreme Court judgments stressing that, “Since the PDP did not set up a panel to probe Appeal Court so the APC should not set up a panel to probe Supreme Court.”

The statement came just as some supporters of the opposition PDP frowned at the poor handling and presentation of the 2016 budget by the federal government, stressing that the

discrepancies that emanated in the budget were a sign that there was a big gap between the executive and the legislative arm of government and as such needed urgent steps to address the issue.

The financial expert turn preacher of the gospel averred that if the budget, which is a viable instrument for national planning was not properly handled it would impact negatively on the socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians. ‘’The APC was not ready for governance going by the half hazard preparation of the budget. We are talking about an instrument for national planning and where the pendulum swings in the budget is where the destiny of Nigerians will swing,” Isong added.

Capital Market

34

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Equities as at February 15, 2016

Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

Daily Summary (Equities) No Of Deals Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

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

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 11 6 17

Current Price 29.00 34.00

Quantity Traded 53,000 15,548 68,548

Value Traded 1,587,546.44 537,270.00 2,124,816.44

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 1.30

Quantity Traded 1,558,033 1,558,033

Value Traded 1,985,266.03 1,985,266.03

1,626,581

4,110,082.47

37

Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016

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

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT Daily Summary SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

Symbol JBERGER

Symbol UAC-PROP

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016

CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING CONSUMER GOODS COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC UNION DICON SALT PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Daily

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Summary as of 15/02/2016Totals

Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.EQTY Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS CONSUMER GOODS Totals Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Banking Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC ActivitySTERLING SummaryBANK on Board PLC. EQTY UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Banking UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC TRUST ASSURANCE Published bySTANDARD The Stock Exchange © PLC Daily Summary asNigerian of 15/02/2016 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks Activity Summary on Board EQTY FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance Banks Totals Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC HOMES SAVINGS AND Published by UNION The Nigerian Stock Exchange © LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Printed FINANCIAL 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. HEALTHCARE Medical Supplies Totals Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock ExchangePHARMACEUTICALS © NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB Daily Summary PREMBREW

Symbol 7UP Symbol DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MANDRID NASCON NNFM TIGERBRANDS UNIONDICON UTC

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Symbol VITAFOAM

102 No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 41.50

13,584,141 Quantity Traded 44,975 44,975 Page

14 1 1,952,532.65 of

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 5.40

Quantity Traded 108,848 108,848

Value Traded 572,491.65 572,491.65

153,823

2,525,024.30

Symbol RESORTSAL UNHOMES

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UCAP

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Quantity Traded 30,654 30,654

Value Traded 15,327.00 15,327.00

No. of Deals 9 15 5 109 (Equities) 1 139

Current Price 3.00 118.72 19.14 97.20 2.95

Quantity Traded 63,407 42,060 139,026 2,130,496 50 2,375,039

Value Traded 184,823.60 4,999,634.40 2,660,957.64 207,004,388.14 140.50 214,849,944.28

No. of Deals 12 12 No. of Deals

Current Price 174.50

Quantity Traded 9,272 9,272 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 1,556,506.30 1,556,506.30 Value Traded

14 48 13 1 19 1 19 1 1 117

Current Price 5.53 19.50 1.43 5.35 7.10 7.35 1.14 11.84 0.50

No. of Deals 30 78 108

Current Price 17.86 670.00

No. of Deals 16 16 No. of Deals 13 35 48

117,158 338,326 Page 440,700 20 679,198 20 473,978 10 200 2,049,610

No Of Deals

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 5 2.79 30,010 15 20.89 48,170 11 0.80 855,585 1 0.78 10,000 1 4.91 2,733 1 2.14 50 Quotation(N) Quantity Traded 34 946,548

Value Traded 4,282,951.98 248,403,935.65 252,686,887.63

Current Price 4.69

Quantity Traded 236,275 236,275

Value Traded 1,073,159.80 1,073,159.80

Current Price 21.90 29.45

Quantity Traded 106,358 194,058 300,416

Value Traded 2,346,839.28 5,715,976.28 8,062,815.56

5,610,556

491,500,064.85

No. of Deals 2 3 7 1 31 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 63 (Equities)

Symbol Daily Summary UNIONDAC

Symbol MORISON Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

Quantity Traded 9,297,321 3,108,409 511,614 21,364,783 23,187,836 894,739 758,475 15,280,442 24,250 Quantity Traded 2,036,515 597,688 77,062,072

3

of

No. of Deals 44 13 149 1 20 24 251

Quantity Traded 2,307,647 1,217,000 11,753,968 200 123,536 1,605,165 17,007,516

Value Traded 5,799,996.72 4,844,870.00 10,622,815.13 100.00 1,732,562.95 2,167,108.92 25,167,453.72

104,676,135

544,492,973.55

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

Quantity Traded 3,513 3,513 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 5,796.45 Value5,796.45 Traded

Current Price 2.79 20.89 0.80 0.78 4.91 2.14

36

30,010 48,170 855,585 Page 10,000

81,427.00 1,049,675.24 686,067.00 14 6 of 7,500.00

2,733 50 946,548

12,763.11 112.00 1,837,544.35

950,261

1,843,440.80

Symbol TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.69

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 161.00 161.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.10

Quantity Traded 1 1

Value Traded 3.10 3.10

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.10

Quantity Traded 1 1

Value Traded 3.10 3.10

101

164.10

Daily Summary (Equities)

2

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

Quantity Traded 13,780 Quantity Traded 17,199 30,395 80,001 Page Quantity116,000 Traded

Value Traded 330,862.20 Value Traded 154,791.10 1,106,874.00 692,808.66 7 of 14 58,000.00 Value Traded

1 1 24 57

3.74 10.93 80.00

200 10 54,870 312,455

746.00 103.90 4,429,682.05 6,773,867.91

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.51

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 75,500.00 75,500.00

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

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 50.00

Quantity Traded 151 151

Value Traded 7,402.40 7,402.40

362,606

6,856,770.31

Current Price 3.79

Quantity Traded 4,500 4,500

Value Traded 16,245.00 16,245.00

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

Quantity Traded 80 80

Value Traded 748.00 748.00

Page Quantity Traded 1,025 Quantity Traded 1,025 Page

14 8 of Value Traded 594.50 Value Traded 594.50 9 of 14

OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. Daily Summary as ofOIL 15/02/2016 FORTE PLC. Printed 15/02/2016 MOBIL14:36:53.053 OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

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

Value Traded 108.00 126,950.00 127,058.00 Value Traded 100.00 5 of85.60 14 185.60

5 15 11 1 1 1 34

Symbol ETRANZACT

PORTPAINT PREMPAINTS WAPCO

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Activity Summary on Board EQTY Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 20 125,000 125,020 Quantity Traded 200 20 Page 220

Current Price 1.73

Value Traded 161.00 161.00

60

Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 3 3

ALEX

1 1

Symbol THOMASWY Symbol

Courier/Freight/Delivery Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC Hospitality Totals Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Summary on Board TOURIST COMPANY OF EQTY NIGERIA PLC. PrintedActivity 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC SERVICES Hotels/Lodging Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Printing/Publishing NIGERIAN HANDLING COMPANY PLC ACADEMY AVIATION PRESS PLC. Transport-Related Services Totals LEARN AFRICA PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. Support and Logistics UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. SERVICES CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services C & I LEASING PLC. AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Support and Logistics Totals NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Published by The Nigerian Exchange © SERVICES Totals Stock Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Printed 15/02/2016 Support 14:36:53.053 and Logistics

EQTYCAVERTON Board Totals OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC C & I LEASING PLC. Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Activity Summary SERVICES Totals on Board ASeM Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM CONSUMER GOODS EQTY Board Totals Food Products

FINANCIAL SERVICES MCNICHOLS PLC Banking Food Products Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Activity Summary onTotals Board ASeM Banking Totals CONSUMER GOODS

6

CONSUMER GOODS Other Financial Institutions

Banking MCNICHOLS Other FinancialPLC Institutions Totals ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC Food Products Totals Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals Other Financial Institutions INDUSTRIAL GOODS FBN HOLDINGS Building Materials PLC ASeM Board TotalsInstitutions Totals Other Financial DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

Current Price 3.76

Quantity Traded 2,888,105 2,888,105

Value Traded 10,845,315.40 10,845,315.40

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 14 1 53 9 2 25 104

Current Price 17.42 1.83 342.00 159.60 49.66 140.00

Quantity Traded 154,204 1,166 79,357 13,210 7,001 43,896 298,834

Value Traded 2,689,295.91 2,028.84 25,926,570.23 2,021,958.72 330,307.18 6,143,934.90 37,114,095.78

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 261.31

Quantity Traded 83,046 83,046

Value Traded 21,681,513.11 21,681,513.11

3,269,985 Quantity Traded 200 200

69,640,924.29 Value Traded 100.00 100.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol SEPLAT

Symbol RTBRISCOE

216 No. of Deals 1 1

PREMIUM Board Totals

Exchange Traded Fund

Name HALAL EQUITY ETF LOTUS NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Published bySTANBIC The Nigerian © IBTCStock ETF Exchange 30 VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF PublishedExchange

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Traded Fund Totals ©

Exchange Traded Fund

Current Price 0.50

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 2 2 4

Current Price 3.80 1.21

Quantity Traded Page 38,275 27,600 65,875

Symbol TANTALIZER

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

Current Price 2.89 3.51 5.51

Quantity Traded 6,001 50 51 6,102 Quantity Traded Quantity554,461 Traded 209,352 18,200 763,813 62,220

Value Traded 16,502.82 184.00 294.78 16,981.60 Value Traded 1,163,868.10 Value Traded 771,226.75 9,702.00 1,935,094.85 53,577.20

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 3 1 2 6 Symbol No. of Deals AIRSERVICE 4 Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities) NAHCO 244 ACADEMY 284 LEARNAFRCA STUDPRESS 1 Symbol No. of Deals2 UPL CAVERTON 16 11 Symbol No. of Deals CILEASING 2 AIRSERVICE 4 18 NAHCO 24 28 69 Symbol CAVERTON CILEASING Daily Summary

No. of Deals 2,069 16 2 (Equities) 18

Current Price 2.19 Current Price 3.53 0.55 0.86 2.19 Current Price 5.70 1.85 Current Price 0.50 2.19 3.53

Value Traded 10 of 14 152,717.25 33,122.00 185,839.25

50 Quantity Traded 220 344,146 80,690 Quantity Traded 100,000 554,461 444,146 209,352 Page 763,813 1,361,026

104.50 Value1,192.40 Traded 633,148.64 64,576.10 Value Traded 50,000.00 1,163,868.10 683,148.64 771,226.75 14 111,935,094.85 of 2,885,840.44

Current Price 1.85 0.50

Quantity Traded 131,600,820 344,146 100,000 444,146

69

1,361,026

2,885,840.44

No. of 2,069 Deals

Current Price

131,600,820 Quantity Traded

1,140,820,237.82 Value Traded

MCNICHOLS 1 1.18 Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) 1

4,900 Quantity Traded 4,900 140,800,956 140,800,956 4,900

5,831.00 Value Traded 5,831.00 1,637,924,093.84 1,637,924,093.84 5,831.00

Quantity Traded 4,900 Quantity Traded 10,417,443 Quantity Traded 4,900 10,417,443 140,800,956 Page 4,900 140,800,956 151,218,399 4,900 Quantity Traded 10,417,443 Quantity Traded 4,900 10,417,443 696,998

Value Traded 5,831.00 Value Traded 40,420,970.19 Value Traded 5,831.00 40,420,970.19 1,637,924,093.84 12 of 14 5,831.00 1,637,924,093.84 1,678,345,064.03 5,831.00 Value Traded 40,420,970.19 Value Traded 5,831.00 40,420,970.19 103,962,977.86

696,998 Page 151,218,399

103,962,977.86 14 12 of 1,678,345,064.03

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol ZENITHBANK

609 609 1

Symbol Symbol FBNH Symbol MCNICHOLS ZENITHBANK

Symbol FBNH Symbol DANGCEM

11.60

No. of Deals Current Price 1 Current Price No. of Deals 259 3.77 No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.18 259 609 11.60 1 609 868 1 No. of Deals Current Price 259 Current Price 3.77 No. of Deals 1 259 92 151.99 92 868 92

Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 92 960 92

Current Price 151.99

3,030

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Exchange Traded Fund Equity Activity Totals Name

17,587.50

No. of Deals 94 94

Materials Published byBuilding The Nigerian StockTotals Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials PREMIUM BoardCEMENT Totals PLC DANGOTE Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Building Materials Totals Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 Equity Activity Totals

5,605

Symbol OANDO

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM

FINANCIAL SERVICES ASeM Board Totals PLC Food Products FBN HOLDINGS

9.84

No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.61 No. of Deals Current Price 2

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 1 5.15 7 1.03 8 No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1 4.50 2

No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals

Quantity Traded 100 100

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 68,121.80 168,331.00 2,000,000.00 500.00 2,297,542.80 2,670,916.97 100.00 100.00 4 of 14 100.00 500.00 100.00 670,332.00 1,500.00 7,878,144.57

Current Price 0.50

Current Price 1.69

PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Paper/Forest Products NATURAL RESOURCES THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. Paper/Forest Products Paper/Forest Products Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Quantity Traded 80,140 171,950 4,000,000 1,000 1,111,440 3,771,313 200 200 Page 200 1,000 200 1,340,664 3,000 10,481,307

No. of Deals (Equities) 1 1

No. of Deals 1 1

25.00 Current Price 9.30 35.78 9.11 0.50 Current Price

Metals ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. Metals Totals

14

1,843,440.80

5 No. of Deals 5 10 5 6 No. of Deals

B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

Value Traded 37,610,033.38 5,152,396.58 7,500,561.50 26,327,323.13 385,860,787.53 995,327.62 1,316,627.25 44,476,989.57 129,260.09 Value Traded 1,359,380.27 591,444.74 511,320,131.66

950,261

Symbol TRIPPLEG

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 0.85 0.98 0.50 0.50 2.15 0.71 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Current Price 2.58 3.99 0.90 0.50 14.00 1.34

36

Value Traded 81,427.00 1,049,675.24 686,067.00 7,500.00 12,763.11 112.00 Value 1,837,544.35 of Shares(N)

ASHAKACEM Symbol BERGER CAP CCNN IPWA Symbol

Daily Summary as RESOURCES of 15/02/2016 NATURAL Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 Chemicals

651,687.59 2 6,536,889.97 of 14 630,145.28 101.80 4,895,911.42 139.80 540,335.92 112.50 100.00 13,255,424.28

Quantity Traded 240,143 369,147 609,290

1,083

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Current Price 0.50

Page

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

16,947,365.21 Value Traded 1,952,532.65

No. of Deals 1 1

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ACCESS 128 4.08 DIAMONDBNK 32 1.66 ETI 36 14.66 FIDELITYBK 51 1.27 Daily Summary (Equities) GUARANTY 239 16.67 SKYEBANK 36 1.14 STERLNBANK 14 1.75 UBA 167 2.95 UBN 13 5.30 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price UNITYBNK 16 0.65 WEMABANK 27 0.99 759

Daily Summary

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Activity Summary on Board EQTY Building Materials INDUSTRIAL ASHAKAGOODS CEM PLC Building Materials BERGER PAINTS PLC EQTY Activity Summary on Board CAP PLC CEMENTGOODS CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC INDUSTRIAL Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © IPWA PLC Building Materials

Value Traded 3,840.00 2,877.84 188.50 15,387,645.46 1,552,813.41 16,947,365.21

441

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD NEM PRESTIGE REGALINS STACO STDINSURE UNIC UNITYKAP WAPIC

ICT Totals

Quantity Traded 5,120 3,426 50 13,497,790 77,755 13,584,141

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol PZ UNILEVER

Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016 Processing Systems Totals Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053

Current Price 0.75 0.88 3.96 1.13 19.50

17

Symbol DUNLOP

ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals Daily Summary as of 15/02/2016

No. of Deals 2 1 (Equities) 1 85 13 102

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Sector

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals

AGRICULTURE Totals

CONGLOMERATES Printed 15/02/2016 14:36:53.053 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UA C N PLC.on Board EQTY Activity Summary Diversified Industries Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONGLOMERATES Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Company name Pharmaceuticals Totals

50,000.00 683,148.64

696,998

103,962,977.86

Quantity Traded 151,915,397 696,998 696,998

103,962,977.86 1,782,308,041.89

696,998

103,962,977.86

92

Daily Summary (ETP) Daily Summary (ETP)

Value Traded

1,140,820,237.82 633,148.64

960

Symbol No.3,030 of Deals Current Price Symbol No. of Deals LOTUSHAL15 1 Current Price 8.00 NEWGOLD 2 2,086.00 DailySTANBICETF30 Summary (ETP) 1 75.00 VETBANK 1 2.31 VETGOODS 1 5.91 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price VETGRIF30 3 10.93 LOTUSHAL15 1 8.00 VETINDETF 1 18.44 10

Value Traded 103,962,977.86

283,521,117

2,923,134,110.71

151,915,397

1,782,308,041.89

283,521,117 Quantity Traded 2,923,134,110.71 Value Traded Quantity Traded Value Traded 5 40.00 6 13,691.00 14 Page 13 129,375.00 of 1,725 10 185 Quantity Traded 929 5 35 Page 2,895

23.10 1,093.35 Value Traded 10,227.49 40.00 645.40 13 155,095.34 of 14

ETF Board Totals

10

2,895

155,095.34

ETP Activity Totals

10

2,895

155,095.34

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Lagos APC rates Ambode high Damola Yusuff

T

he Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC did an eight-month appraisal of the Governor Akinwun-

mi Ambode administration in Lagos and said the government was on track.

According to the party, the performance of the government since inception has so far justified the confidence reposed in the APC by

Ministry of Commerce hosts Corporate Assembly

T

he Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives will host the 5th Lagos Corporate Assembly tagged “A+ Meets Business” in Lagos.

According to a release signed by the Ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Olubunmi Olowu –Adekoya, the event will hold on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the banquet Hall, State House, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye explained that Corporate Assembly is a forum for public and private sectors engagement which provides a platform for feedback and regular interaction between the Lagos State Government and members of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) in the State.

According to him, the assembly would provide the opportunity for captains of

industries, chief executive officers, managing directors and other stakeholders in the business world to discuss with Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on factors militating against doing business in the state amongst other issues.

At the event, both the private sector and government would have the opportunity to evaluate the actions taken on the issues that arose at the last Corporate Assembly and measure the success of policies and decisions put in place to further create a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive in the State.

This 5th Lagos Corporate Assembly is the first to be held by the Governor Ambode’s administration.

The maiden edition of the Assembly was held on 22nd March, 2012 at Lekki Free Trade Zone while the last one was held on 16th September, 2014 also at Ibeju-Lekki

Lagosians.

“Governor Ambode has shown good reasons why the people of Lagos reposed implicit confidence in him during the election and the period following his swearing in when some people launched a ferocious campaign to distract him,” the APC said in statement signed by its spokesman, Joe Igbokwe.

The party specifically listed the provision of security, public infrastructure and electrification of major highways, as areas where

the government has recorded landmarks.

It encouraged the governor to continue in the tradition of good governance which had been the landmarks of the progressive party in the Centre of Excellence since 1999.

The statement reads: “Governor Ambode must continue in giving the best to Lagos so as to deepen the rich credentials of governance in Lagos in the past 16 years.

“We recall that while he

was barely two months in power, there were orchestrated campaigns to distract him from the task he has set for himself to give the best to Lagos and excel in the enviable status he met on ground.

“We recall that knowing our candidate in the last election and his capacity, we did say that we are confident that the Ambode regime will give superlative services to the state.

“We are happy that eight months in power, the present regime is giving Lagosians

Politics

35

value for their support. We note the fast rate at which state roads are being constructed in all nooks and crannies of the state especially in the rural parts of Lagos in fulfillment of the party’s manifesto and the governor’s electoral promise.

“We note the frenetic lighting of all parts of Lagos in efforts to realise the governor’s plan to restore the hitherto enviable Lagos nightlife and drive hoodlums and criminals out of Lagos.

National Vice Chairman of APC Adalci Group, Comrade Nuhu Salihu (left) addressing victims of Koh communal clash during the presentation of relief materials by the group in Koh village of Girei LGA of Adamawa State, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Group commends Lagos on light-up project Damola Yusuff

A

group of community based organisations under the auspices of Lagos Observers Group in its first quarterly meeting eulogise the Lagos State Government on the laudable Light-up-Lagos project that is illuminating the major roads such as Lagos-Ibadan Express road; 3rd Mainland bridge; Maryland; Ikorodu road; Apapa Oshodi; Egbeda- Iyana-Ipaja and recently Badagry roads in Lagos State.

In a statement issued Monday and signed by Coordinator, Mr Moriyole Olukunle and Publicity Secreatry, Comrade Babalola Medayedupin , the group said the light-up –Lagos project will make the state to be in the same pedestal with cities like New York in

the United States of America and London in the United Kingdom after completion.

“We view this project as a manifestation of prompt and good intention of Governor Akinwumi Ambode and his team, most especially the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Hon. Olawale Oluwo

in making sure this project is sustainably realizable.

“Going by the project with the security investment in the state so far, and its mental effect of safe environment for living and business thriving, there is no doubt that a robust and sustainable development of Lagos state is in the heart of this present

administration”, the group said.

While applauding the expeditious intervention of the State Government on the replacement of electric transformers in some communities (Ijegun, Alapere and Palm Groove estate) with new ones, the group equally encourage the La-

gos state government to key into the ‘Power Africa Policy’ bill of President Barrack Obama of the United States of America presently before USA National Assembly on his commitment to provide sustainable power supply to the African continent as canvassed by the chairman and CEO of Heirs Holdings,

Chief Tony Elumelu.

It said it declared its maximum support to Lagos State Government and “we are equally calling on all well-meaning Lagosians to join hands and support this government to successfully deliver the dividend of democracy to us all and taking Lagos to the greater height.

Orji assures qualitative representation, speaks on face-off with Apugo Ayo Esan

S

enator Theodore Orji has assured the people of Abia Central Senatorial District of qualitative representation saying his aim is to ensure the presence of federal projects as well as attract international organisations to areas of need through his foundation.

Orji spoke through his

Media Adviser, Mr. Don Norman Obinna in Lagos on Sunday at the backdrop of recent media attack against him by Abia State All Progressive Congress, APC, chieftain, Chief Benjamin Apugo.

The former governor who recently awarded scholarship to indigent students in his constituency said the criticism against him by Apugo was borne out of bitterness because

he refused to “accede to his greedy demands while serving as Abia State governor”.

He said contrary to what Apugo alleged, his face- off with him started in 2007 immediately after his swearing-in as governor and escalated thereafter when he (Apugo) resisted the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN from building its branch in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Ochendo as Orji is popularly referred to by his admirers further said that he least expected Apugo’s criticism because aside tolerating his whims and caprices to ensure peace, he also gave lifeline to his children saying that, he made one a lawmaker and another ASEPA General Manager.

On how he intends to achieve his developmental objectives to his people, Orji said the projects will come

in different phases, but insisted that much would not be let out yet until at the point of materialisation.

“Presently we have concluded plans to tour the six local governments that made up my constituency to identify the areas of need and how to solve them. We will also consolidate on our scholarship scheme as well as programmes for the elderly and the less privileged,” he said

Mail Mirror

36

Politics

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

THE HOUSE OF REPS with

Ubong UKPONG

I

08036017966, email: ubongpong@yahoo.com

f the outburst by the minority in the House of Representatives over President Muhammadu Buhari’s N6.08 trillion budget was anything to go by, one would agree no less with the revelations so far that it has truly not demonstrated to be a budget of change as claimed.

When the President approached the House of Representatives with his Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF document, he must have had good intentions to bring prosperity to Nigerians.

However, one thing that he may not have been privy to or have control over, is the intention and sincerity of the drivers of the process.

Therefore, when the document came, it was the Reps’ minority, led by its leader, Rt Hon. Leo Ogor, that shouted that the document was faulty and breaching the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, but they were ignored and dismissed as enemies of progress.

After presenting the budget to the joint session of the National Assembly in December 2015, it was widely criticised as being faulty and bogus, but rather than honourably retrieving to rework it, the budget ran into a controversy of been missing, yet the President didn’t own up to withdrawing it, as afterwards, he came back with a new version.

The President in his letter to the Speaker, Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said that the N6.08trillion figure was still intact, that he only effected necessary corrections.

Upon opening debate on the general principle of the 2016 appropriation bill, the same minority spoke out strongly against the allocations that led to the bogus figure of N6.08 trillion, which was prided as the highest figure ever budgeted in Nigeria and coming from a new party in power, calling it “budget of hope”, according to the Majority Leader, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla in his lead debate.

As the debate progressed, the minority, largely of opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were unanimous and unequivocal that the budget was very sick and needed a cure, but were almost muzzled to concur and let it pass second reading so that Nigerian people would not be held ransom.

It was Ogor, who said that the bill should be allowed to proceed to committees level, because at that level, its level of faults would surely become very unhidden .

Now, this has come to pass. The majority members have now fully understand what the minorities were saying and like I said in last week’s edition, they are expressing serious annoyance at the committees, even though those in majority tend to exhibit some restraints, at a point, they can’t just hold it.

But one thing that is giving cause for worry is the insistence that the total budget figure of N6.08trillion must remain, in spite of the padding, double allocations and other inconsistencies that were uncovered.

In addition to those uncovered during budget defence by some ministries like Ed-

Ogor ucation and Interior, more revelations came up during last week’s sessions.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, met with the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation for its budget defence, where the committee uncovered N180million double allocation in the 2016 budget of the agency.

The committee also discovered that the agency was gathering revenues in dollars and remitting to government in naira, without actually disclosing how much of the dollars it earned and at what exchange rate it remitted to government.

The committee had questioned why the agency proposed a capital allocation of N85million in Federal Government budget and then N95million in Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, under the same sub-head in the 2016 budget.

Responding on behalf of the agency, the Director of Finance and Admin, Rueben Jiya said: “If we make allocation for capital in FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) budget and it doesn’t come, the double provision in IGR would have taken care of it without letting it suffer”.

Asked what happens when the federal government approves and releases the sum allocated, he simply claimed that there would be reconciliation.

However, how such reconciliation is done and what happens to the surplus, the agency couldn’t explain.

The committee therefore insisted that the projects must be fully situated, cost and sent back with appropriate figures assigned to FGN budget with the remainder taken to the IGR for funding, otherwise, the proposal would be rejected.

The Committee on Aviation also received the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, which was discovered to be collecting budget allocation from government and not remitting its Internally Generated Revenues, IGRs at all to the government.

House Committee on Capital Markets and other institutions also held an interactive session with the Investment and Securities Tribunal, IST, and lamented that the 2016 budget proposal for IST, was a duplicate of the 2015 budget proposal.‬

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reps minority’s outbursts over Buhari’s N6.08trn budget

House Committee on Basic Education discontinued the consideration of the 2016 budget defence for Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies including Universal Basic Education, over 30 Federal universities, Colleges of Education, among others.

According to the Committee Chairman, Zakare Mohammed, the budget presented by the Ministry was in total variance to the budget proposal presented to the National Assembly.

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, led the team from his ministry to defend the budget last week in the House of Reps, but it became a very rowdy session at the joint committee on Transport, as those in APC prevented the committee from asking the minister critical questions in his budget, which was believed could expose more flaws.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, appeared before the committee on Financial Crimes and Foreign Affairs Ministry before the committee on Foreign Relations, but the stories were not too different from what was trending in the budget defence.

Consequently, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and that of Budget & National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, would face the Senate and House of Representatives’ joint Committees on Appropriations to clarify issues on the controversies trailing the 2016 budget pro-

posal.

In spite of all these issues with over bloated figures, Namdas said that the total budget figure of N6.08trillion will not be changed by Reps.

Given this, one would ask, after clarifying the errors and discrepancies, dropping double allocations, what would keep the figure constant?

House back in plenary today Today, the House reverts back to plenary. All lawmakers are expected back in chamber, even though the committee works would continue.

However, some would not return because they have been sacked finally by the Appeal court, and new faces too would take position to be sworn-in to resume work .

The minority too, it is expected are coming back to plenary prepared with motions of urgent national importance, that would address a lot of issues in the polity.

As usual, one expects to hear the strong voices of the likes of Leo Ogor, Ossai Nicholas Ossai, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, amongst a host of others, who have been vibrant on the floor from the side of the minority, as well as the irresistible and discretionary voice of Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as that of Herman Hembe amongst others who speak on the side of the majority.

REP’S SCORE CARD

Ossai Ossai sets out to make name

H

on. Ossai Nicholas Ossai is consciously building up his dossier to make a name for himself in the 8th House of Reps.

Permit me to say that he would never be mentioned among ‘bench-warmers’ in the House, having surrendered to the will of hardwork and dedication to parliamentary duties.

Born in 1963 at Owa Ekei, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State,by Chief and Mrs. John Ossai Uzorka, Ossai represents, the good people of Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency of Delta Sate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In just eight months, this eloquent and very meticulous parliamentarian has shown course for his constituents’ trust and vote that granted him the rare privilege of being a legislator.

He has also demonstrated that he belongs to the elites club of legislators within the House, who have so many bills and motions already to their credits.

While some other legislators are lamenting that it is too early to assess them, having nothing to show, the case is different with Ossai.

He has already sponsored about 34 bills and several motions.

I have heard Ossai leading debates in his bills and motions, contribute to debates on other members’ motions and came up with sustainable points of order, and I could not but conclude that he is good and focused in parliament.

A Chartered Mediator and Member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria, ICMC. Fifteen out of about 34 bills Ossai brought to the 8th House have already passed second reading.

He said many of them have been read for the first time and are being scheduled for second reading.

Ossa, whose legislative interests include legislative drafting and strategic management, also targets to build national consensus for the betterment of Nigerian masses said that he is passionate about his bills and motions because of the inherent benefits for his constituents and all Nigerians.

Some of the bills coming in the name of Ossai Nicholas Ossai include : Robbery and Firearms special provision Act (Amendment) bill 2015, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act (amendment) bill 2015, Hire Purchase Act (amendment ) bill 2015, Criminal justice (Release from custody) (Special Provision) Act (amendment) bill 2015 and Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (amendment) bill 2015.

Also, National Institute for Cultural Orientation Act (amendment) Bill 2015, Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act (amendment) bill 2015, Water Resources Act (amendment) bill 2015, River Basins Development Authourities Act (amendment) bill 2015 andStudents Union (Control and Regulation) Act (amendment) bill 2015, amongst numerous others.

The Ethics and Privileges House committee Chairman has also brought a few motions which he said would impact his constituents.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

FG, States join forces on border community issues

ASO ROCK FILE with Rotimi FADEYI

As Buhari resumes after vacation in London P resident Muhammadu Buhari last Thursday resumed work at the Presidential Villa after a six-day vacation in Britain.

The Presidency through the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina had described the six-day vacation as a short one.

Buhari who arrived the country on Wednesday night was received on arrival by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who acted as President during the period of the vacation.

The next day, Buhari immediately settled down for work and his first official assignment was when he received the German President, Joachim Gauck at the Presidential Villa.

Both leaders later held bilateral talk behind closed door after which they addressed a joint press conference to speak about the details of their discussion.

Later in the evening, Buhari hosted the German President to a state banquet organised in his honour.

The banquet was also attended by Osinba-

37

jo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and other top government officials.

On Saturday, Buhari was at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja where he attended the Murtala Mohammed 40th Memorial lecture.

At the occasion, Buhari challenged Nigerians to always demonstrate the virtues of loyalty, honesty and determination to make Nigeria better as demonstrated by the former late Head of State According to him, the former Head of State, Murtala Mohammed before his death was on his way to putting Nigeria back to the path of order and discipline, after years of drift, corruption and near despair.

He noted that Murtala’s motto was to get the job done as quickly as possible, saying that no one could doubt his inspirational qualities or call into question his love and dedication in the service of Nigeria.

“On assuming the role of Head of State in 1975, Murtala set out with a single-minded determination seldom seen in Nigerian leadership. Decisions were on fast-track”, the President said.

I

n a country like Nigeria which is considered as the most populous country in Africa, the issues of border dispute and the deplorable conditions of the border communities have been a source of concern to the government.

However, the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is making effort to ensure that the issues are addressed to ensure peace, progress and stability of the country.

In view of this development, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that one of the measures the Federal Government would undertake to address the deplorable conditions of border communities in the country was to engage state governments in tackling the challenges.

Speaking when he received the Senate Committee on States and Local Governments at the Presidential Villa, Osinbajo said “border communities are places where you need to ensure are stable.”

He, however, disclosed that the issues and problems in the border areas would be addressed in phases considering to government’s lean resources.

The Vice - President said border communities are in a state of despair and government needed to pay the needed attention to

ensure security.

He explained that roads, markets, schools and other social basic infrastructure must be provided at the border communities, to avoid intrusion by foreigners.

Osinbajo noted that without the states, the federal government would not be able to achieve much either with the border communities or the boundary commission.

The Vice - President said he would make presentation to the state governors at the National Economic Council, NEC, in order to highlight the enormity of the challenges.

Earlier, the Chairman, Senate Committee on State and Local Government, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, told the Vice- President that they were at the State House to brief him on the result of their oversight conducted on some of the border communities with the finding that facilities at the border communities are in the state of disrepair.

The Director- General, National Boundary Commission, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed and Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency, Numoipre Wills who were also at the meeting also made contributions and suggested possible ways to ensure that the issues and problems affecting border communities are solved

No territory under control of Boko Haram

F

or those that may want to believe that Boko Haram still have control of any part of the country, they should have another thing to think about as President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated that the group has been dislodged by the military.

Though there were earlier claim by Senator Baba Kaka Gabai representing Borno Central that the Boko Haram sect was still holding half of Borno State, Buhari last week said no local government area in the country was under the control of the group.

Speaking when he hosted the German President, Joachim Gauck at the Presidential Villa, Buhari said the Boko- Haram sect who were in control of 14 out of the 774 local governments in the country when he took over power in May last year had been degraded.

“I have attempted to explain in so many fora that Boko- Haram is not what it used to be. While they are firmly holding 14 out of 774 local governments when we came in, they are not holding any local government now.

“What they have resorted to is using improvised explosive devices to cause maximum casualties on soft targets as they did yesterday, doing what they are capable of doing now.

“But for them to organize conventional attacks on military, police installations and take hold towns, I think they are not able to do that. They send groups to go and kill vulnerable targets”, Buhari said According to him, his administration has redoubled efforts to make sure that the people in Internally Displaced Camps, IDPs, especially children are rehabilitated.

He explained that more than 60 per cent of the 2million people in IDPs are women and children while 60 per cent of the children are orphans.

“Some of them don’t know where they are from, they don’t know their parents, this is a pathetic situation the leadership of this government is facing because the least we should do is to quickly resettle those children, if possible try and identify their neighborhoods”, the President said.

Buhari commended the German government for its assistance and support to ensure the success of the last election in the country

President Muhammadu Buhari with Germany President, Joachim Gauck, during his visit to the Presidential Villa.

Managing resources with transparency, accountability

W

ith the dwindling economy and the fall in the price of oil in the global market, it is important for the country to manage its resources by ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance.

For the present government, the need for transparency especially in the extractive industry was a critical pillar to ensure that the country is on the path of progress.

Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo who spoke when he met with a delegation of the global body-Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI explained that the issue of transparency was very important to the country.

Osinbajo said, “One of the objectives that we have set for ourselves is to ensure that we are transparent and able to handle our

resources well” “If we had handled our resources better, with transparency, and good governance, we would not find ourselves where we are now”, he added.

He said as a nation, we have learnt our lesson, stressing that going forward the government would work in a transparent manner and generate more revenues.

The Vice President stated that as a government, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was determined to work with NEITI to ensure good governance and ways of generating more revenues and keep proper accounts.

On the issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, Osinbajo assured that government was working with the National Assembly to get the PIB passed into law.

“We want to see what will come out of the bill because this will give some regulatory direction and we are working very closely to get that done”, he said.

Last week Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. German President, Joachim Gauck 2. Equatorial Guinea Special Envoy, Mr. Juan Antonio Bibang Nchuchuma 3. Executive Director, UNAIDS, Mr. Michel Sidibe 4. Senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume 5. Central Bank Deputy Governor, Mrs Sarah Alade.

6. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Okey Enelamah 7. Director General, National Boundary Commission, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed 8. Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency, Numoipre Wills 9. Chairman, Senate Committee on States and Local Governments, Senator Abdullahi Gumel 10. Senator Olorunnibe Mamora

38

E

Features

ducation which is supposed to be one of the top priorities of every government for decades has suffered lack of adequate attention despite efforts to reposition the sector. Different views have been expressed by observers on why the educational system in the country is weak and backward. Some have identified inadequate funding and massive corruption as some of the factors responsible for the poor state while others blamed the problem on lack of quality and professional teachers.

After sixteen years of democratic governance, the sector is still begging for attention as dilapidated structures, poor manpower among other issues remain the hallmark in the system even though billions of naira is spent on a yearly basis to tackle the numerous problems.

In Kaduna, Governor Nasir Elrufai, sensing the poor state of education had first declared a state of emergency to fix the sector. Elrufai took the decision amidst the challenge of scarce resources due to declining oil revenue.

Analysts are of the opinion that El-rufai’s free primary and junior secondary school education, coupled with the recently launched free feeding programme have encouraged street begging among children to reduce as they now find their way to schools.

National MirrorI’s investigations revealed that the school free feeding scheme in the state has attracted many out of school children to rush for admission. The school are, today, filled to capacity.

Whlie launching the free school feeding programme for pupils of primary schools at the Aliyu Makama Road Primary School, Barnawa, Kaduna, Governor El-rufai said the Kaduna State Government would be providing a meal for 1.5 million pupils in fulfilling his campaign promises and implementing one of his party’s manifestos.

El-rufai said the school feeding programme directly created 17,000 jobs for catering vendors, each of whom will need to employ workers to help them deliver.

The governor urged stakeholders involved in the programme to discharge their responsibilities with the utmost sense of commitment, transparency and accountability, adding that monitoring mechanism must be rigorous: “We invite the school-based management committees and ParentTeacher Associations to review and provide us their observations on the implementation of the programme at the school level.”

El-rufai said: “Today is a special day in the unfolding of the change agenda the APC was elected to implement. I am moved by the responsibility to implement the school feeding programme for primary school pupils. It marks the beginning of a different phase of the Kaduna State Government’s project to expand access to education.

“We launch the programme today as a direct intervention in the health of our children, situat-

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Revamping Kaduna public schools through free feeding, education The sorrowful state of education, especially primary and secondary schools in Nigeria has continued to remain a recurrent decimal in the mind of stakeholders.

Presently, in Kaduna State, Governor Nasir El-rufai began the journey to revamp public schools through free feeding programme in public primary schools and free education from primary to junior secondary schools. AZA MSUE writes on the programme and how it is taking children off the streets.

Kaduna State governor, Mallam Rufai el-Rufai

A cross section of pupils feeding at a primary school in Kaduna ing our schools as places to promote education and nutrition.

Every school day from today, the Kaduna State Government will be providing a meal for 1.5 million pupils. It is an unprecedented undertaking in this state, but one that we solemnly pledged to do when we were campaigning. It is a challenge in terms of its scale, cost and the logistics required to deliver the meals everyday.

“But our children deserve this, and more. We are conscious that it would save parents break-time money, empower the women within the community who have been selected as the catering vendors and expand the market for farm products. Thus there is something for everyone in the School Feeding Programme. In seeking to take care of our children, we are creating jobs, boosting demand and exposing our people to new skills and hygiene standards and providing extra income. We will not be surprised to hear about teething problems, but we expect these problems to be swiftly addressed within a governing ethos of continuous improvement.”

El-rufai stressed: “As pragmatic people, we understand that in executing policy we must not let the perfect be a restraint on the

doable. It is in the process of actually feeding our school children that we can refine and perfect the programme. As I noted earlier, school feeding is a separate plank of our initiative to expand access to education, to ensure that every child can have nine years of free, decent basic education, no matter the income level of their parents.”

The governor noted: “Parents have responded with enthusiasm, and at the beginning of this session enrolment in public schools rose by 64%. We began our education programme with the recruitment of teachers for core subject areas, conducted a needs-assessment to identify how we can strengthen the capacity of current teachers and then announce the removal of all bureaucratic impediments to the career advancement and sense of fulfillment of professional teachers in the public school system.

We made it clear that a professional teacher can rise to Grade Level 17, without having to stop being a teacher.”

El-rufai continued: “Having taken steps to raise the morale and capacity of teachers as the frontline workers in delivering quality education, the govern-

We are conscious that it would save parents break-time money, empower the women within the community who have been selected as the catering vendors and expand the market for farm products.

ment began addressing the question of the physical condition of the theatre in which they work: the schools. We inherited a baleful legacy of dilapidated schools, inadequate classrooms, and no furniture for 50% of the pupils.

The schools also often lacked water and toilet facilities.

“The APC government of Kaduna State responded by launching a school rehabilitation programme. It is a massive commitment to fix the more than 4000 public primary schools in the state and transform them into conducive places for the delivery of quality education. We will strive to complete the rehabilitation within our term of office.”

He said : “Permit me to register our gratitude to the Kaduna State House of Assembly for supporting our vision, and passing the 2016 Budget swiftly with such massive provision for Education and the Social Sector in general. We are also grateful to the Federal Government which has, through the Office of the VicePresident, provided technical support and has committed to reimburse the Kaduna State Government up to 60% of the cost of the School Feeding Programme.

“There is still so much work ahead. I assure you that we shall never be lacking in the commitment, determination and courage to do as we promised. We will appreciate your feedback and suggestions so that we can do better in serving you, the citizens of Kaduna State,” El-rufai said.

On his part, Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Shehu Usman Adamu, called on the parents and school authorities to assist the satisfactory delivery of the programme.

According to him, “The past few months have been a busy time for the Kaduna State Ministry of Education. During this time, the government has begun a programme of school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment and training needs assessment for current teachers. Each of these initiatives has recorded tremendous progress, and these priority areas will continue to command the attention of the government in the current session and beyond.

“As you are aware, the 2016 Budget makes ample provision for this government’s School Feeding programme. This intervention in improving the nutrition of our young pupils commences this term, from the very first day that school resumes.

This intervention reinforces our thrust to expand access to education.”

Adamu added: “The school feeding programme is a major undertaking. Through this initiative, the government is enhancing the health of our children while investing in their future by providing decent education. The programme is designed to boost the economy at the grassroots by involving people at the community level as the vendors. It will also expand the market for our farmers even as it brings more of our people into the formal economy.”

“It is an initiative for which we must have the flexibility for continuous improvement. We expect that every day will surpass the preceding day in terms of delivery. For this reason, we will be announcing more feedback channels to enable our people to provide comments and suggestions, and expose shortcomings or wrongdoing. For us every effort strained for our children is justified. Join us to make it a success,” Adamu noted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

39

Adopting measures for maintaining healthy eyes

O

pticians observe that eyes are very important organs in the body which care people must pay attention to.

They observe that lack of care for the eyes has caused many people to lose their sight unconsciously to many eye diseases.

According to them, apart from routine medical check-up on the eyes, people should encourage balanced diets for a sound vision. ``Intake of nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E can help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, Miss Yemisi Olowookere, a nutritionist with Garki Hospital, Abuja, said.

She also recommended regular eating of green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, collards salmon as well as oily fish, eggs, nuts, beans; other non-meat protein sources and citrus fruits or juices to guarantee healthy eye. ``Good intake of okro, which is a good source of Vitamin A and beta carotene are essential nutrients for maintaining good eyesight. ``Vitamin A promotes good eye health and protects against age related eye disorders,’’ Olowookere said.

Ophthalmologists note that blindness is prevalent because the public lack adequate sensitisation to what the care for the eyes ought to be.

They note that due to silent progression of an eye disease called glaucoma, most of those affected in the developed countries, are not aware of the disease.

Dr. Martin Chukwukaodinaka, an ophthalmologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, described glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve.

He said that most types of glaucoma progressed without warning or obvious symptoms to the patient, except the patient engaged in regular check-up.

He advised Nigerians on the need for regular medical check-up on the eyes to ensure early detection and effective management of glaucoma and other eye defects. ``Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside the eye and increased pressure which is also called Intraocular Pressure (IOP) could damage the optic nerve which transmits images to the brain. ``If the eye pressure continued due to the damage to the optic nerve, overtime, glaucoma could cause loss of vision which could not be reversed. ``It is also established that some people with normal IOP may still have glaucoma, therefore, the diagnosis of glaucoma is not just based on IOP alone, other factors are considered,’’ he said.

He said incidence of glaucoma was higher from the age of 40 years and above, observing that it usually occurred in both eyes.

He said glaucoma had no early symptoms or pain from increased pressure, noting that prevention was very important through regular eye screening.

A child being treated for eye problem

A boy with an eye problem He said the diseases could be diagnosed and managed before long-term visual loss, adding that in some critical cases, medication could be administered to manage the condition.

Chukwukaodinaka said the risk factors associated with glaucoma could be inherited in the family which posed a greater chance of contracting the diseases.

He urged the public to take a preventive measure by engaging in regular eye screening as early diagnosis of glaucoma would help in managing the condition.

In the same vein, an optometrist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Dr. Iguodala

Other signs of poor vision in children include complaints that the child is not seeing the chalk board or he likes copying notes from friends and not the board.

Wilfred, advised people with eye defects to monitor the situation to ensure they did not mistake such defects for glaucoma. ``One way of early detection of glaucoma is the narrowing of the side views of the eyes. In any normal sight; when you look straight; you will view things by the side of your eyes. ``Any time the scope of your side-view starts narrowing gradually, something is wrong and the cause could be glaucoma; people with such experience are advised to go for eye check-up immediately. ``If the situation degenerates, the person affected will notice that he or she can only see things straight but not side views. ``We call it tunnel vision. The next stage will be for the person to become blind, once it is a case of glaucoma. ``Glaucoma is a gradual silent killer that can cause irreversible blindness because the nerves of the eyes are affected,’’ he said.

According to him, regular eye check-up, even by those who do not feel any sign of

ailment, is important.

He also recommended the use of dark spectacles or sunshade at the appropriate time to protect the eye. ``If the sun is too high, the rays affect the eyes. Under this circumstance, the wearing of dark spectacles will give cover to the eyes,’’ he said.

Expressing concern for children, a consultant ophthalmologist, Dr. Tarela Sarimiye, Medical Director, Ancilla Hospital Eye Centre, Lagos, said that early diagnosis and treatment were critical to maintaining a child’s vision.

He observed that the commonest eye conditions among Nigerian children were poor vision, conjunctivitis, cornea, scarring and eye injuries. ``These are few of the common eye conditions in childhood and for which care is needed; a child with poor vision can be suspected of such when he or she seats close to the television screen to watch programmes. ``Other signs of poor vision in children include complaints that the child is not seeing the chalk board or he likes copying notes from friends and not the board. ``If this poor vision is not addressed on time, it may result in a less functionally developed eye due to reduced stimulus for the eye development; and which is much difficult to treat,’’ he said.

Sarimiye urged parents to ensure that their children did not play with harmful objects that could lead to eye injuries which were commonly seen in some children visiting ophthalmologists.

He urged parents and teachers to educate children on the importance of the eyes in order for them to be more careful when they played at home or school. ``Children are very vulnerable when it comes to play at home or in school and as such, they need to be taught what they should not play with to prevent eye injuries,’’ he warned.

He advised the public to see eye doctor regularly, get enough sleep and give eyes regular breaks while using a computer.

However, ophthalmologists insist that it is important to take care of the eyes appropriately because they are the windows to the world.

40

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Equities up 0.64% as Stanbic IBTC holds investors’ conference Stories: Johnson Okanlawon

T

rading in equities continued on a positive note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as the All Share Index appreciated by 0.56 per cent to close at 24,827.50 basis points, compared with the 0.10 per cent increase recorded on Friday.

Also, Market Capitalisation appreciated by N47.4 billion to close at N8.54 trillion, from N8.49 trillion recorded at the close of trading on Friday.

Market breadth however closed negative as Cutix Plc led 13 gainers against 25 losers topped by Tiger Branded Consumers Plc, an improved performance when compared with previous outlook.

Market turnover closes negative as volume declined by 9.01 per cent against 24.80 per cent decline recorded in the previous session.

At the end of trading for the day, investors traded 131.60

million shares worth N1.14 billion in 2,069 deals.

Investment analysts at United Capital noted that with the earnings season on the horizon, the recent equity momentum hints at plausible dividend play by investors.

“Baring short bursts of profit taking, we expect cherry picking of strong dividend stocks by investors will sustain on-going pattern in the near term,” the firm said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, has said that population, abundance of talents and natural resources, vast consumer market and a vibrant labour force are key pillars to drive the country’s economic renaissance.

Speaking on the forthcoming 7th Standard Bank West Africa Investors’ Conference, themed ‘Unlock-

ing Nigeria’s Potential… growth through diversification,’ slated for Lagos, from February 23 to 25, said major domestic and global investors as well as fund managers will have access to information on the key economic issues which would enable them make well-informed investment decisions about the country.

The focus of the event, according to David-Borha, who was represented by Yinka Sanni, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, is to highlight growth opportunities in critical areas such as power, agriculture, SME, manufacturing and energy, among others.

The Conference, which is built on the successes recorded in the previous editions, will also avail policy makers a platform to unpack Nigeria’s economic direction with a view to deciphering how to move the

AMCON seeks to sell Keystone Bank

T

he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, yesterday said it was seeking prospective investors to buy Keystone Bank, the last of the nationalised banks yet to be sold.

The AMCON said in a public notice it had decided to divest its 100 per cent interest in the bank and ask prospective buyers to submit their bids by March 4.

AMCON appointed Ci-

tibank’s local unit and FBN Capital as financial advisers to manage the process, asking prospective investors to submit bids, showing evidence of credibility and eligibility for the transaction.

Nigeria nationalised three lenders, Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB in 2011, while AMCON then recapitalised them and changed their names to Mainstreet Bank, Enterprise Bank and Keystone Bank. Two of the

banks have since been sold.

Based on audited account as of June last year, Keystone bank has total assets of about N317.6 billion, equity of M18.9 billion and a loan portfolio of about N98.2 billion.

By December 31, the bank had 156 branches across the country with four subsidiaries, of which two are international, AMCON said in the notice.

Sterling Bank told Reuters on Friday it was aiming to

Naira hits record low of N345 to a dollar

N

aira weakened to a record N345 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday, increasing pressure on the government to devalue the official exchange rate to narrow the gap and spare Nigerians from huge bills for imported goods.

The local currency eased 1.47 per cent from Friday’s close of N340 to the dollar, while the official rate remained at N197.50 to the dollar at the close of trading on Monday.

Traders said the black market rate had slipped as Nigerians with school and medical bills to pay abroad anticipated the central bank would stop

allocating currency for such payments. The bank has not denied or confirmed any such plans.

Tumbling global oil prices have battered the economy with foreign exchange reserves down to an 11-year low at $27.85 billion by February 11, 2016.

The government is concerned that further depreciation will hurt poor Nigerians, but the bank’s refusal to revise the pegged exchange rate has widened a chasm between official rates and the parallel market.

“In my own view, the central bank should address the supply side of the market by allowing

oil companies and banks to sell dollar to bureau de change operators as an immediate measure to reduce pressure on the naira,” said Aminu Gwadabe, head of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria.

Last month, the Cenral Bank of Nigeria, CBN, halted dollar sales to non-bank foreign exchange operators and allowed commercial banks to accept dollar deposits, in a failed effort to shore up dwindling foreign reserves.

Nigeria earns around 90 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings from crude oil exports, but

economy forward.

According to her, key insights on various economic issues would be provided by headline speakers from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigerian Stock Exchange, National Pension Commission and Debt Management Office.

The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan, identified oil and gas, agriculture, power and macro-economic stability as some of the issues for discussion at the event, which is expected to attract institutional investors from across the globe who will meet with most of the top rated corporate companies in West Africa.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 24,827.50points Market capitalisation 8.54trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

VITAFOAM

4.54

4.69

0.40

9.32

CUTIX

1.44

1.51

0.07

4.86

AFRIPRUD

2.47

2.58

0.11

4.45

NPFMCRFBK

0.99

1.03

0.04

4.04

DANGCEM

146.50

151.99

5.49

3.75

SEPLAT

252.11

261.31

9.20

3.65

FIDELITYBK

1.23

1.27

0.04

3.25

AIICO

0.83

0.85

0.02

2.41

SKYEBANK

1.12

1.14

0.02

1.79

UBA

2.91

2.95

0.04

1.37

LOSERS COMPANY

buy one or two mid-sized commercial lenders as sharp falls in the value of the naira and increased regulatory pressure are forcing banks to recapitalise.

AMCON was set up in 2010 to absorb non-performing loans in exchange for government bonds, after the central bank injected $4 billion to rescue nine lenders from collapse seven years ago.

mismanagement of its refineries means it must also import expensive refined fuel, eating deep into its reserves.

OPENING

TIGERBRANDS

1.20

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

1.14

CHANGE

% CHANGE

-0.06

-5.00

INTBREW

20.14

19.14

-1.00

-4.97

CONOIL

18.33

17.42

-0.91

-4.96

ZENITHBANK

12.20

11.60

-0.60

-4.92

LEARNAFRCA

0.90

0.86

-0.04

-4.44

UNITYBNK

0.68

0.65

-0.03

-4.41

FBNH

3.93

3.77

-0.16

-4.07

HONYFLOUR

1.49

1.43

-0.06

-4.03

NESTLE

695.00

670.00

-25.00

-3.60

DANGSUGAR

5.70

5.53

-0.17

-2.98

FGN Bonds Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.20

105.40

10.16

106.40

9.29

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.37

113.82

10.97

114.82

10.64

15.54 13-FEB-2020

3.99

110.99

12.00

111.99

11.70

16.39 27-JAN-2022

5.95

118.40

11.97

119.40

11.76

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.07

110.91

12.05

111.91

11.86

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.43 85.22

12.20

86.22

12.03

Rate (%) Inflation

CLOSING

Closing Market Prices of February 15, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

26-May-16

3.94

3.98

18-Aug-16

7.33

7.61

2-Feb-17

8.53

9.29

Exchange

Rates (N)

WAUA

270

USD

196.95

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

0.9083

1M

7.9656

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

9.6942

SDR

273

6M

11.2644

NIBOR

CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

41

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

World News I am my own man in this race and I intend to sustain my effort till the very end while hoping for success.

–US REPUBLICAN PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL, JEB BUSH

Syria conflict: Fresh air strikes target hospitals, kill 10 AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

wo hospitals were yesterday hit in new air strikes in northern Syria, causing a number of deaths and injuries, according to medics and witnesses.

In Azaz on the Turkish border, at least 10 people reportedly died, including several in one hospital building.

Medecins Sans Frontieres said eight staff members were missing after another attack in Maarat al-Numan.

The strikes came days after Russia and other world powers agreed to a limited cessation of hostilities in Syria.

It was unclear who carried out the latest attacks. MSF did not identify who was responsible for the Maarat al-Numan strikes.

However, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said a Russian ballistic missile had hit buildings in Azaz, with children among the dead.

One medic, Juma Rahal, said: “We have been moving scores of screaming children from the hospital.”

A father rushing his daughter to safety after yesterday’s bomb attack at on the Maarat al-Numan hospital Russia has been carrying out air strikes in Syria since September in support of President Bashar al-Assad and against what it terms terrorists.

Azaz and Tal Rifaat are on the corridor stretching from the Turkish border to the city of Aleppo. This is the supply route, the lifeline for the anti-Assad rebels in the area, as it serves as a land bridge to Turkey.

The route faces threats from

various sides. To the east, the so-called Islamic State group, to the west the Syrian Kurds and to the south the Assad forces.

Syria said the Turkish shelling was a violation of its sovereignty and has called on the UN Security Council to act.

MSF said four rockets had hit the hospital in Maarat alNuman, a rebel-held town about 30km (20 miles) south of

the city of Idlib, within minutes of each other yesterday.

The 30-bed hospital, which MSF had been supporting since September 2015, had 54 staff, two operating theatres, an outpatients department an emergency room.

Almost five years of civil war in Syria have led to the deaths of more than 250, 000 people.

More than 11 million people have been displaced.

Election: Police bar Ugandan Besigye

O

ne of Uganda’s main opposition candidates, Kizza Besigye, was briefly detained yesterday by police ahead of presidential elections on Thursday.

Besigye has been arrested on many occasions in the past but this is the first time during this campaign.

He has in the past lost

three disputed elections against long-time leader Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 30 years and is running for a fifth ter m in office.

Reports said Besigye’s car was driving along one of the main highways in the capital, escorted by hundreds of supporters before he was arrested

Cameron okays post-EU summit cabinet

B

British PM David Cameron

ritish Prime Minister, David Cameron, is to hold a post-EU summit cabinet meeting on Friday following pressure from ministers who want to quit the EU, according to reports yesterday.

But it would take place if EU leaders, who meet on Thursday and Friday, agree a deal on the UK’s renegotiation.

Sources said Cameron was told that waiting until Monday would give the “Remain” campaign an unfair advantage, as 10 Downing Street has said minis-

as police fired teargas to disperse the crowd.

Police however said they took Besigye to the station because he was disrupting traffic.

Besigye used to be Museveni’s personal doctor, but he went on to become his political opponent and has referred to him as a dictator. ters cannot speak out until the cabinet has met to agree a government position.

It was thought any meeting of the cabinet would not take place until the week after the summit, prompting EU out campaigners to complain that ministers who want to leave the EU could be silenced for 48 hours.

But it is understood Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and other cabinet minister urged Cameron to hold the cabinet as soon as the EU summit was over.

The PM was also warned

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye against a meeting on Saturday because it would like lie an emergency or a “war cabinet”.

Meanwhile, Cameron was due to discuss the UK’s EU renegotiation with French President Francois Hollande in Paris at press time yesterday, ahead of this week’s crunch summit.

The French government is said to be concerned about UK calls for protection for non-eurozone countries, but Britain said the French had shown willingness to find a solution.

WORLD BULLETIN

Al-Shabab claims plane attack Somalia’s Islamist militant group al-Shabab says it carried out a bomb attack on a plane that blew a huge hole in its fuselage earlier this month.

In an emailed statement, al-Shabab said the attack was revenge for Western intelligence operations in Somalia.

The Daallo Airlines Airbus 321 with 74 passengers on board made an emergency landing in the capital Mogadishu after the explosion shortly after take-off.

One person, said to be the bomber, was reportedly blown out of the plane.

The explosion happened about 15 minutes into the flight, when the plane was only at around 11, 000ft (3,350m) and the cabin was not yet pressurised.

Most of the passengers had originally been booked on a Turkish Airlines flight but the flight was cancelled due to bad weather a few hours before take-off, Turkish Airlines said.

Weapons: South, North trade blames South Korea has claimed the North has used 70 per cent of wages earned by workers at a jointly-run industrial complex for its weapons programme and luxury goods for the elite.

Last week, Seoul suspended its operations at Kaesong following the North’s recent rocket and nuclear tests to cut off the money supply.

The North has called the shutdown “a declaration of war”.

Kaesong was one of the last points of co-operation between the two Koreas.

The North reacted to the shutdown by expelling all South Koreans from the complex and freezing the assets of South Korean firms. It has also vowed to cut key communication hotlines with the South.

Violence trails ‘sedition’ arrest

Violence has been reported at a court where a student leader from a top Indian university is to be produced after being charged with “sedition”.

Kanhaiya Kumar from Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was arrested after a rally against the 2013 hanging of Mohammed Afzal Guru at which anti-India slogans were allegedly raised.

Afzal Guru, who was convicted over a 2001 plot to attack India’s parliament, had always denied plotting the attack, which was carried out by Kashmiri militants and left 14 people dead.

Reports from the Patiala House Court in the capital, Delhi, said that a group of men claiming to be lawyers had attacked some JNU students who had come to the court to support Kumar. Some journalists were also assaulted and injured.

National Mirror National Mirror Tuesday, 4, February 16, 2016 47 Tuesday, February 2014 www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

42

Community Mirror I am calling on all APC members to accept this judgement and join me, so that we can work together for the socio-economic development of our dear state.

– Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku

Dare Akogun

F

amily of victims mur¬dered by cultists in Isale-Eko area of Lagos has tasked the Lagos State Police Command and Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, on proper investiga¬tion and prosecution of killers of their son.

According to the families, they are still shocked after the sense¬less attack carried out by the cult gang, who has been terror¬izing the area for some time now.

In a peaceful protest led Mrs Ola Williams ‘Iron Lady’, the families appealed to the Lagos State government to ensure justice was served in the ongoing trial of the suspects, she also added that the prosecution should expedite action as there are rumours that some powerful members of the public was working to secure the suspects’ release.

The victims, Akeem Ajanaku and Thomas Rilwan, were both allegedly murdered by cultists, who have been terrorizing Isale Eko area of Lagos Island for some time now.

Ajanaku was allegedly murdered by the gang, who had gone on rampage in the area and accosted his grandmother, a 79-year-old, for speaking to the police about their activi¬ties, which led to the arrest of their

Cult killings: Family tasks police, DPP

Families of victims of cult clashes in Lagos Island in a peaceful protest, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to book.

Photo: Dare Akogun members.

The other victim, Thomas Rilwan, a LAWMA official working with Mrs Ola Williams ‘Iron Lady’, was attacked at Dosumu market Lagos Island office with a knife that pierced his head and face and was stuck in his

eye, both victims died on their way to hospital.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Police command paraded some suspects linked to the attack, who also attacked one Mrs. Ola Williams popular¬ly known as Iron Lady.

Customs empowers officers’ wives

Dare Akogun

C

ustoms Officers Wives (COWA) Western Marine Command recently organised a two-week training programme for its members.

Chairperson/Coordinator of the Command, Hajiya Maryam Yusuf, said this at the presentation of certificates of participation to its members at the premises of Western Marine Command in Apapa, Lagos She said the programmes, which enables members to be trained in different skills acquisition, was undertaken in partnership with Stella Yetty Enterprises, an affiliate of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). She noted that 18 of its members came out as trainees, while three came as trainers at the end of

the two weeks programme.

Giving thanks to Comptroller Umar Yusuf whom she said provided an office accommodation for members, a situation that facilitated the regular meeting of members to discuss issues with ease, she

revealed that the command on the April 30, 2015 successfully empowered 16 members of COWA after completing their training at the command’s headquarters, and that 14 of those who trained in cake-baking were empowered with fully

The police, however, assured the family of the victims that the five sus¬pects connected to the attack would be charged to court along with others after comple¬tion of investigation while ef¬forts were on to arrest other members of the gang.

equipped gas oven each, while those who acquired skills in hat and beads were also empowered.

“We are here today to officially present certificates to all participants at the training,” Hajiya Yusuf said.

Police nab kidnappers of DELSUTH staff

D

elta State Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr. Alkali Baba Usman, has said detectives in Asaba, Delta State capital, have arrested no fewer than 17 kidnap suspects in the state over the last one month.

The CP made this known in Asaba during an interactive session with journalists.

According to him, the hoodlums, who had been responsible for the kidnap of some employees of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, in recent times, confessed to the crime upon interrogation.

“The suspects were arrested with the help of various vigilance groups.

“In the process of our investigation, we found out that idle youths in Oghara aid and abet kidnap suspects to execute their evil acts.

“For instance, over 20 staff of DELSUTH were kidnapped and released in the last one month, and the suspects confessed that idle youths in Oghara assisted them.”

Usman noted that the suspects would be charged to court when investigations are completed.

Lagos Heineken House returns for UEFA Champions League

H

eineken, world’s international premium beer returns for its 11th UEFA Champions League sponsorship with the Heineken House.

In its tradition, the Heineken House presents a VVIP UCL experience in a world class Heineken atmosphere where fans can watch their favourite clubs compete while enjoying the beer, good food and great company.

As matches of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 continue across prominent sta-

dia in Europe tonight, football fans and invited guests to the upscale Heineken House Lagos will be thrilled to their satisfaction. Fans can get invited to the Heineken House by visiting any of the local bars where Heineken hostesses are activating.

Heineken redefines the premium match viewing experience with a fortress of drinks, games, gear, and strategically positioned screens to catch the action. Located in Ikoyi, the House features a Football Arena Room complete with real sta-

dium seats, Heineken and UEFA Champions League museum atrium, and Heineken served extra cold bars with draught beer.

The last edition of the Heineken House was attended by high flyers such as popular musician, Tuface Idibia; football legend, Victor Ikpeba, among others.

Local Heineken bars across the country would also be activated for UCL viewing, bringing the UEFA Champions League experience closer to more consumers.

Mikel

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North 43

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Borno relocates first batch of 602 IDPs from schools to camp INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

B

Some of the first batch of 602 family of Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) being relocated from Government Girls Secondary School, Yerwa in Maiduguri to Dalori camp to enable government reopen the school closed down two years ago. PHOTO:INUSA NDAHI.

Police intercept 33 bags of Indian hemp, hard drugs A ZA M SUE KADUNA

K

aduna State Police Command yesterday intercepted 33 bags of Indian hemp and 34 baskets of hard drugs in Kaduna.

Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu, who displayed the drugs, said police arrested over 150 suspects, who are currently being prosecuted in courts.

The commissioner

added that the police also recovered 10 bags of Indian hemp in ‘Bagco bags’, 10 cartons of hard drugs and 17 jerry cans of liquid toxicant acid.

Shehu, who thanked Governor Nasir el-Rufai for steering the campaign against illicit drugs said: “As you can see, we recorded this achievement in Kaduna town. We will continue to do our best in containing this menace in view of the negative conse-

quences of drugs in the society.

“Hard drugs are a strong motivation to crime, rape and other vices and we will continue to do our best.

“As you know, the government of Kaduna State, under the leadership of Governor el-Rufai, has been supportive and we are grateful.”

Shehu added that the command would hand over the intercepted drugs to the National

Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. Gover nor El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, who represented the state gover nment, said: “Kaduna State gover nment, under the leadership of Gover nor El-Rufai, will continue to support security agencies in the campaign against hard drugs and other acts under mining law and order in the state.”

Bello orders perm secs, admin heads to proceed on compulsory leave WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

K

ogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has directed all permanent secretaries and heads of administration in all ministries and agencies in the state to go

on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement signed by chief press secretary to state governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja yesterday.

The statement said the only exemptions are people on acting capacity and the

permanent secretary, Government House.

The statement also disclosed that the accountant general has been relieved of his position, while his deputy would also proceed on compulsory 30 days leave.

“At the local government level, the DLGs, treasurers,

education secretaries and cashiers are also to proceed on compulsory leave. The decision is geared towards ensuring a more efficient and productive civil service,” the statement added.

The directive takes effect from today, February 16, 2016.

Kano records 3 confirmed cases of Lassa fever –Commissioner

K

ano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kabir Getso, said in Kano yesterday that the state has recorded three confirmed cases of Lassa fever since December 2015.

Getso, who spoke while addressing newsmen, said two of the confirmed cases were recorded in Garun-Malam Local Government Area of the state.

He said the patients died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, on December 2, 2015.

He also said the third

confirmed case, a young businessman from Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, came to Kano from Benue State last week.

The commissioner said all the contacts were identified and followed up.

According to him, more than 70 per cent of them have either completed their 21 days follow-up or tested negative.

He, however, said another two suspected cases were currently on admission at a designated isolation and treatment centre in Yar’gaya Hospital.

Getso said the state’s

Ministry of Health has taken several control measures to check the outbreak of the disease.

“The measures include the setting up of a rapid response team, establishment of a Lassa fever Emergency Operation Centre and the setting up of the State Committee on the Control of Lassa fever,” he said.

Getso said the state government has provided personal protective kits and other logistics in the isolation centre for the management and control

of the disease.

The commissioner commended the World Health Organisation for donating some materials for the treatment of the disease.

Gov Granduje

orno State government yesterday commenced relocations of first batch of 602 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, at Government Girls Secondary School, GGSS, Yerwa, to Dalori resettlement camp so that public schools shut over the Boko Haram insurgency in Maiduguri metropolis could be reopened.

The planned relocation of displaced persons, according to Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Musa Inuwa Kubo, has however, been postponed four times.

Addressing journalists at a news conference yesterday at the premises of GGSS, Kubo disclosed that relocation of the first phase of IDPs, consisting of 602 displaced persons, along with their family members in other camps, could have started last year, but for logistics and security reasons.

On the view that some

donor agencies like the UNICEF were not present during the relocation, the commissioner warned that the ideal situation might not have been obtained, but the basic things needed for the relocation exercise are on ground to “commence and complete” the schools-tocamps’ relocation of IDPs in the state.

He said the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has built enough family size tents for the reunifications of IDPs with their other family members who had been living separately in different camps in the metropolis for over two years.

He said much as the state government has appreciated the contributions of donor agencies in the resettlement and relocations of displaced persons, “it is not to say that without the donor agencies’ contributions, we cannot do the relocation of the IDPs.” He said the state government has the capacity to stand on its own.

300,000 persons with disabilities affected by Boko Haram hostilities WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

N

o fewer than 300,000 persons with disabilities are said to be affected and uncared for as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East of Nigeria.

National president of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, NAB, Isiyaku Adamu Gombe, who gave the staggering figure in a release, also faulted Federal Government’s non-inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Presidential Committee to rehabilitate infrastructure and resettle internally displaced persons in the North East.

According him, a report on disabilities by the World Health Organisation, WHO, estimates that 15 per cent of people in developing countries have disabilities, adding that if Boko Haram created two million IDPs, at least 300,000 of them would have a disability.

He said if this large number of people with disabilities could be negatively affected by insurgency, it therefore “justifies the

need for an inclusive rehabilitation and resettlement process.” The association therefore, expressed great disappointment in the President’s declaration that only women and children are the worst victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

He said it was in this light that they are calling on the Buhari Federal Government to immediately order the inclusion of representatives of persons with disabilities in the Presidential Committee to rehabilitate infrastructure and resettle internally displaced persons in the North East in line with the popular saying that “nothing for us without us.”

According to Adamu, who quoted President Buhari’s statement thus: “in the North East, what I saw for myself and on those clips is a source of concern for people with conscience.

They are mostly women and children who are orphaned. Some of them don’t even know where they come from. This is a pathetic situation in which the country has found itself…”

44

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

45

Sport

It should not have surprised anyone that Ben Johnson was using steroids. You don’t go from 10.17 (seconds) to 9.83 on unleaded gas.

Rio 2016 will be worst Olympics for Nigeria

47

–Jamie Astaphan (1989)

Chukwueze

Charity Cup

Enyimba, Akwa United clash

N

igerian champions, Enyimba FC are in battle again, few days after they drew the short end against Ugandan champions, Vipers FC, in a first round, first leg CAF Champions League encounter in Kampala.

This time, the People’s Elephant are up against Federation Cup winners, Akwa United, of Uyo in the annual Charity Cup match, in what is billed to be a titanic session at the National Stadium, Abuja tomorrow.

The Charity Cup traditionally opens the football season.

Akwa United are brimming with immense con-

fidence following a run of marvelous results, including beating better –fancied Lobi Stars to win the Federation Cup and conquering fellow continental campaigners (Enyimba FC, Warri Wolves and Nasarawa in two rounds of the Super Four organised by the League Management Company.

Last Saturday, the boys from the Land of Promise boldly promised more, by beating more experienced Vita Club Mokanda of Congo 1-0 in Pointe Noir in a CAF Confederation Cup first round, first leg match.

In Abuja tomorrow, Ubong Moses Ekpai,

whose goal in Pointe Noir has made the return leg against Vita Club Mokanda an easier session, will seek more goals, with goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode, former junior international Samuel Okon, Namso Edo, Ubong Friday, Kufre Ebong and U-23 star Godspower Igudia also set to impress.

Enyimba FC have returned from Uganda feeling a sting, and it is the right time to let off steam and regain confidence ahead of the return leg against Vipers FC. Enyimba boast three of the best goalkeepers in the land, namely Olufemi Thomas, Moses Ocheje and

Theophilus Afelokhai.

Afelokhai was in action in Kampala, but any of the three can do a great job any day. They also have on their books Super Eagles’ aces Chima Akas, Kalu Orji and Ezekiel Bassey, as well as other decent names like Chinedu Udoji, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, Christian Pyagbara, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, Daniel Etor, Mfon Udoh, Andrew Abalogu, Oladapo Olufemi and Nzube Anaezemba.

Tomorrow’s match is also the perfect tune-up for both teams as the new Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) kicks-off this weekend.

Chukwueze arrives at Arsenal

N

igeria U-17 star, Samuel Chukwueze, has landed in the United Kingdom to join Arsenal, having travelled last night.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 adidas Bronze Ball winner flew to London aboard British Airways to sort out his future at the Gunners.

The 16-year-old forward was issued his British entry visa last week and was accompanied on the trip by his mum, Mrs. Chinyere Serah Chukwueze, according to africanFootball. com.

He will team up with his compatriot Kelechi Nwakali, who earlier left for London a fortnight ago.

Both players will have to wait until their 18th birthday to be handed professional contracts at Arsenal, but are expected to sign

long-term deals with the club imminently.

“My trip to London is on Monday night (last night),” Chukwueze told africanFootball.com “I’m happy that everything is going well and I will do my best when I get there by the grace of God.” The lad had earlier hinted about the prospect of joining the English Premiership side: “Arsenal as you well know are a very good club and it will be good for my career since I will be able to learn many new things.

“I like Arsenal because they are a club who give young players the opportunity to showcase their talents and I believe I would be given the chance to play too.”

Chukwueze scored three goals at Chile 2015, where Nigeria won the global cadet championship for a record fifth time.

46

Sports

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Terry

Champions League

PSG wary of Chelsea’s threat

P

aris Saint-Germain (PSG) Coach, Laurent Blanc, knows his side’s awesome domestic form counts for nothing now as they host Chelsea tonight in the Champions League for the third season running.

PSG are in the midst of a record-breaking run of 35 games unbeaten in France’s top flight and have not been beaten domestically since March last year.

Their only defeats in that time have come against Barcelona in last season’s Champions League quarterfinals and away to Real Madrid in this season’s group stage.

That shows they still have progress to make to become a genuine contender for European glory, and Blanc admits he will not be judged favourably if Paris fall to the Premier League side in the last 16.

“Coming into the season with PSG you know that your season will be judged on what you do in the Champions League,” Blanc said at a press conference at the Parc des Princes on the eve of the first leg against Chelsea.

With a touch of sarcasm, he added: “There’s hardly any point in even playing in the league because apparently you’ve won it before it has even begun. Here we

are up against a club in the same category as PSG, if not even stronger.”

The teams renew their rivalry with recent history suggesting there is very little between them – Chelsea triumphed on away goals in the quarterfinals in 2014 but PSG took revenge as

they won in the same fashion in the last 16 a year ago.

When December’s draw, with a sense of inevitability, paired the sides together again, PSG appeared the undisputed favourites.

Meanwhile, PSG rightback, Serge Aurier, will miss the game following his

indefinite suspension after appearing to use homophobic language to insult coach Blanc.

The Ivorian, 23, was also shown calling teammate, Angel di Maria, a “clown” as he answered questions from fans on social media app Periscope.

challenge in the first half.

Chelsea say the 35-yearold may have a small muscular injury to his hamstring and will undergo a scan on Sunday.

Blues boss, Guss Hiddink, said, “We have just two days to recover and it is

something to think about in the future as two days of recovery is not enough.”

Fellow central defender Kurt Zouma was ruled out for six months after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament against Manchester United last Sunday.

...Terry an injury doubt

C

helsea skipper, John Terry, is a doubt for tonight’s Champions League last 16 trip to Paris St-Germain after limping off in the 5-1 win over Newcastle.

Terry hurt himself on landing after an aerial

Cameroun’s Matip to join Liverpool

S

Matip

chalke 04 defender, Joel Matip, will join Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season, the Bundesliga club said yesterday.

The German-born Cameroun international has played 181 league games and scored 17 goals for the club he joined as a nineyear-old.

“I have always said that I would only bid goodbye to Schalke to experience something fundamentally new,” the 24-year-old told Schalke’s website. “That’s

why I never considered a switch within the (German) league.

“Even though the decision was definitely not easy, I am convinced that now is the time to make the next step.”

Liverpool failed in their attempts to sign Matip during the January transfer window but the defender will now get a chance to work under former Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp when he moves to Anfield on July 1

Today’s Fixtures Benfica PSG

vs Zenith St. P vs Chelsea

Benfica: No shaking for Zenit

Z

enit St Petersburg will be playing their first competitive game for two months when they visit Benfica today, but are confident Russian football’s winter hibernation could be a help rather than a hindrance.

The Champions League last 16 first leg at the Stadium of Light will also be something of a reunion for Benfica, who face three of their former players, plus an old rival in visiting coach Andre Villas-Boas.

Russian champions Zenit, lying a modest sixth this season, have not played since they lost 2-1 to Ghent in their final group stage outing on December 9 and have spent the winter break in Qatar,

Villas-Boas

Portugal and Spain.

“The long winter break is not a problem,” said their Portuguese coach, Andre Villas-Boas, who has faced Benfica three times in charge of Academica Coimbra and four-times with their arch-rivals Porto.

“We had enough games during our training camps. We made sure that we would approach the Benfica match in the best possible physical shape.”

The two sides also met at the same stage of the competition four years ago when Benfica won the second leg 2-0 for a 4-3 aggregate win, the last time the 1961 and 1962 European Cup winners reached the quarterfinals.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

47

World bits…

Doping scandal: Coe, Russian federation chart way forward

I

Mercyjacob_26@yahoo.com Tel: 08063056537

AAF president, Sebastian Coe, has met with the new head of the Russian Athletics Federation, which was banned from

Nigerian athletes

world track and field last November following doping allegations.

The Russian federation says Coe and Dmitry Shlyakhtin discussed Russian athletics and “the way to lead it out of the crisis.”

Shlyakhtin briefed Coe on reforms in Russian track and field, saying they are “an issue that can’t be solved in one day and which requires systematic and painstaking work,” according to the Russian federation.

Russia was suspended from competition, including summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janiero, after a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) commission accused them of operating a systematic and state-sponsored program of drug use by star athletes.

Anti-doping chief dies

N Obajimi

Obajimi Bomshell!

Rio 2016 will be worst Olympics for Nigeria

G

oing down memory lane of the interview he granted four years ago, in which he declared that he could not put his money on any of the athletes for the London 2012 Olympics, former International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Technical Committee member, Rotimi Obajimi, is insisting that nothing has changed, as such Nigerians should not be hopeful for any medals at this year’s Rio Olympics.

According to Obajimi, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has failed in the time past to accept wise advice from

experts and has continued in its own wrong way of doing things, predicting that this year’s Rio Games may be the worst.

“Sincerely speaking, Rio 2016 is nothing to talk about because I believe Nigeria is not ready for it. This is not the first time we are experiencing such non-preparation of the athletes for the games; it is in our blood.

For me nothing has changed and AFN on their own have not helped matters in ensuring that these athletes are prepared,” Obajimi sad.

He added, “The necessary things they ought to have done to ensure we groomed new ath-

letes are left undone; it would be suicidal for anybody to put his money on any of these athletes.

“If AFN cannot boldly tell us this is what they have been able to achieve so far in preparing the athletes for the Olympics there is no need of wasting the tax payers’ resources to embark on the Olympics.

“Other countries are already declaring the number of medals they are going to win based on their preparations, but over here nothing has been done.

“As things stand today, all the high performance centres

Star Quote…

Whenever the competition is sleeping is when I shine.

–Kim Collins

in Port Harcourt and Abuja meets organised by the AFN, for me did not yield any fruit if they cannot openly tell the nation what they have achieved so far.

“To tell you the truth, we are about embarking on another jamboree. I said it before during the last Olympics, they wanted to crucify me for saying the truth and at the end, everything I said came to pass. Now everybody is shouting ‘Okagbare, Okagbare’ the same way we did two, four years ago. By now, we are supposed to have developed an athlete that will challenge her and bring out her best in terms of competition but sadly, she has no rival. Are we moving forward or backward? I cannot put my money on any of these athletes.

“We have a very bad structure and that has been affecting our performance in most of the competitions.

“It is true that Okagbare is doing well but when you weigh her among the top athletes coming for the competition, you will see that our chances are slim”

ikita Kamaev, the former head of Russia’s antidoping agency, has died, according to reports in Russia.

Kamaev resigned from his position at RUSADA last December following the doping scandal which has engulfed athletics in the country.

Russia was suspended from international athletics in November after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accused RUSADA of “statesponsored” doping and corruption.

Ramil Khabriev, the agency’s former director general, told Russian news agency Tass that Kamaev’s death appeared to be caused by a heart attack.

Kiplagat breaks own world record

C

ompeting in the same race in which she broke the world record last year, Florence Kiplagat improved on her own half-marathon mark at the Mitja Marató de Barcelona yesterday.

Her winning time of 1:05:09 shaved three seconds off her previous world record set 12 months ago. She also set world records for 15km and 20km en route to her winning performance.

In contrast to the wind and rain battering much of the rest of Spain, Kiplagat’s bid to improve her record on the fast and flat course in the Catalan city benefited hugely by almost perfect conditions, with slightly overcast skies and temperatures hovering about 10 degrees Celsius.

Helped by male pacemakers Marc Roig and her compatriot Ezekiel Kipchirchir, she passed through 5km in 15:38 and 10km in 31:02, seven seconds up on her pace from last year.

WORLD RECORD

Largestdribbling dessert pizza Fastest marathon two basketballs The largest dessert pizza has a total surface area of 14.28 m² (153.71 ft²) and was prepared by the Record Pizza Men team

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1308 Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Celebrating a super achieving Bennet Omalu

I

did not know about a film called ‘Concussion’ until a few evenings ago, when my wife and I decided to go and watch a movie, as we usually do most Sunday evenings to vary our lifestyle. So we searched online for what movie to go and watch. As usual, after I browsed through the reviews, I came across ‘Concussion’, a movie about a US-based Nigerian forensic pathologist.

Our curiosity was aroused and we decided to take in the movie. It was, perhaps, the best decision I had ever made concerning watching a movie.

‘Concussion’ is a 2015 American biographical sports medical drama film directed and written by Peter Landesman. This film is based on the 2009 GQ exposé Game

Guest Columnist

Akintokunbo A. Adejumo

Brain by Jeanne Marie Laskas, starring Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian forensic pathologist, who fought against efforts by the National Football League to suppress his research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) (brain damage) suffered by professional football players. The film, released on December 25, 2015 by Columbia Pictures, also stars Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Albert Brooks.

Relying on Wikipedia (no use in re-inventing the wheel), the film is summarized thus.

In 2002, former Pittsburgh Steelers centre, Mike Webster was found dead in his pickup truck. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist with the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coroner’s Office, discovered Webster had severe brain damage after he performed the autopsy. His conclusion was Webster died as a result of the long term effects of repeated blows to the head (CTE). With the help of former Steelers team doctor, Julian Bailes, fellow neurologist Steven T. DeKosky and county coroner Cyril Wecht, Omalu published a paper on his findings, which was initially dismissed by the NFL. Over the next few years, Omalu discovered that three other deceased former NFL players, Terry Long, Justin Strzelczyk and Andre Waters, had symptoms very similar to Webster’s. He finally persuaded newly appointed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to present his findings before a committee on player safety. However, the NFL did not take Omalu seriously, forcing Bailes to give it for him.

Omalu was subjected to considerable pressure to back down from his efforts; Wecht to a politically motivated prosecu-

WATCHING THAT MOVIE BROUGHT TEARS INTO MY EYES, AND ALSO A GREAT FEELING OF PRIDE IN

NIGERIA

tion on corruption charges, and Omalu’s wife, Prema, suffered a miscarriage after being stalked. Eventually, the Omalus were forced to leave their Pittsburgh dream home and moved to Lodi, California, where Omalu took a job with the San Joaquin County coroner’s office.

However, he was vindicated when former NFL Players Association executive Dave Duerson committed suicide due to growing cognitive problems. In his suicide note, Duerson admitted that Omalu was right. Omalu was allowed to address an NFLPA conference on concussions and CTE. Amidst growing scrutiny from the US Congress, the NFL was forced to take the concussion issue more seriously. Omalu was offered a job as chief medical examiner for the District of Columbia, but turned it down in order to continue working hands-on with autopsies.

Dr. Omalu’s efforts to study and publicize CTE in the face of NFL opposition were reported in a GQ magazine article in 2009 by Jeanne Marie Laskas. The article was later expanded by Laskas into a book, ‘Concussion’, and a film of the same name, where Dr. Omalu is the central character. The movie production led to the creation of a foundation named after Omalu to advance CTE and concussion research.

Dr. Bennet Ifeakandu Omalu, a Nigerian American physician, forensic pathologist, and neuropathologist, was born in September 1968 in Nnokwa, Idemili South, Anambra State. He had his M.B, B.S from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1990 after which he travelled to the USA. In 2008 he bagged an MBA in 2008 from the Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and followed it up with MPH (Epidemiology) at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

He was the first to publish findings of CTE in American football players, while working at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office in Pittsburgh. He later became chief medical examiner of San Joaquin County, California, and is currently a professor in the Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis. The family name, Omalu, is a shortened form of the surname, Onyemalukwube, which translates to ‘he (she) who knows, speak’.

Watching that movie brought tears into my eyes, and also a great feeling of pride in Nigeria. Of course, Nigerians have been doing great and greater things than this in all areas of endeavour globally. Many great Nigerians have been awarded genuine, prestigious international prizes and awards.

Yet, it seems the mediocre and charlatans always have the upper hand in determining the fate of this country.

Dr Omalu was threatened with deportation, had his wife stalked, nearly lost his job and was intimidated by official authorities (FBI) in the US to suppress his findings, yet he did not bend. And of significant note is the fact that Dr Omalu, who had experienced the Biafran Civil War, never referred to himself as an Igbo man, but rather that he is a Nigerian. His bosses, subordinates, allies and foes knew him as a Nigerian, not an Igbo man. He expressed, promoted and dignified Nigeria, not Igbo.

Adejumo wrote from Ibadan via akinadejum@aol.com

Sport Extra

T

he fallen head of European football, Michel Platini, appeared at FIFAs headquarters yesterday to appeal against his eight-year ban from the sport over ethics violations.

“I am not fighting for

Platini vows to fight for his future my future, but against injustice,” the former French star told journalists outside the Zurich headquarters of world football’s governing body.

FIFA judges last Decem-

ber banned Platini from all football activities for eight years over a 2 million Swiss franc payment ($2 million, 1.8 million euros) he received from FIFA’s disgraced president, Sepp

Blatter, in 2011.

Platini boycotted a hearing, claiming judgement against him had been predetermined, but he appeared yesterday, vowing that if the evidence against

him had been credible, he would have stayed away.

“If I had anything to feel guilty about, I would be in Siberia, hiding in shame,” the ex-Juventus great added.

Platini

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